INCORPORATING Western Property | The Experts | Relax & Unwind
IT’S JUST BETTER MILESTONE FOR BETTER BUILT HOMES | SEE PAGE 48 Western Property
The Experts
Relax & Unwind
OWN A SLICE OF GLENBROOK CHARM
THE SECRET TO STRESS-FREE MEAL TIMES
GET TO WORK IN THE KITCHEN THIS WEEKEND!
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FEATURE STORY Western Property
A BETTER WAY TO WIN WITH BETTER BUILT HOMES 1
5 years ago, Better Built Homes began with a simple idea: there had to be a better way to build a home and with that became the foundation of Better Built Homes. What started in 2010 with Aaron Gampe and Jayden Saundercock has grown into a team of more than 50 employees, 250+ trusted tradespeople and six display homes across NSW. But despite that growth, Better Built Homes has never lost its connection to where it all began. Western Sydney still remains at the heart of the business, with its head office based in Cranebrook and a strong focus on the community that have supported Better Built for the past 15 years.
As Better Built Homes prepares to celebrate 15 years in business, 2026 has been one of the company’s most significant years yet. Earlier this year, Better Built Homes was recognised for the second consecutive year as Australia’s Most Professional Medium Builder 2026 by the Housing Industry Association. The company has also continued to expand its display home net work, opening five new display h o m e s across four NSW locations this year. Including two at Watagan
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Park, a new display at Figtree Hill and an impressive acreage design in Moss Vale and now, rounding out the portfolio, a distinctive split-level home in the Hawkesbury. This month, Better Built Homes is rounding out the portfolio with the opening of its newest display home right in its own backyard in the Hawkesbury. On Saturday, October 24, Better Built Homes will open the doors to its brand-new Stonegate 47 display home at Redbank for an exciting grand opening.
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the western weekender » Thursday, October 8, 2026
Homes is inviting the community to celebrate with them. To mark this special milestone for the business, Better Built Homes is giving one lucky visitor $15,000 to spend their way either on a family holiday or towards their new home. To enter, simply visit one of Better Built Homes’ six display homes across NSW during October, meet the team and experience the Better Way to Build for yourself. It’s a small way for Better Built Homes to say thank you to the families and communities who have supported the business since it began in Cranebrook 15 years ago. Learn more about Better Built Homes $15K for 15 Years at https:// betterbuilthomes.com. a u /15 k-f o r15-years. Good luck!
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Families are invited to come along, enjoy gelato and face painting, and be among the first to step inside one of Sydney’s few split-level display homes. Spanning three levels, the Stonegate 47 showcases how thoughtful design can make the most of a challenging or sloping block, while giving visitors the chance to explore the home’s features and explore how Better Built Homes has evolved over the past 15 years. 15 years of building homes is something worth celebrating and Better Built
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BUY OF THE WEEK Western Property
CHARM OF GLENBROOK What is so great about this property? It stands out for its exceptional attention to detail, generous living spaces and beautiful outdoor setting, offering a homethatfeelsbothluxuriousand practical for family living. Who does this property suit? Ideal for families seeking a forever home that combines luxury, space
and privacy with an exceptional indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Tell us about the suburb the property is in? Glenbrook offers a beautiful balance of village charm andnaturalsurroundings,featuring a strong family-friendly community, leafy streets, local cafés and shops, and easy access to the Blue Mountains and Sydney.
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the western weekender » Thursday, October 8, 2026
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You can choose from an exceptional selection of architecturally designed townhomes located near all the town’s popular amenities and most loved attractions. Ideal for growing families, downsizers and couples, these distinctive residences offer excellent value-for-money. • • • • • • •
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25 SYD CCC Parra News_259x375_Oct_WW_080326_v2.indd 1
the western weekender » Thursday, October 8, 2026
30/09/2026 4:21:24 PM
PET HEALTH The Experts
IT’S TIME TO SHED THAT WINTER COAT I
f your home has suddenly developed a new layer of fur, you’re not alone! As spring arrives and the days become warmer, many dogs begin shedding their winter coats in preparation for the hotter months ahead. For owners of German Shep-
KELLIE TICKNER Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027
herds, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Corgis and other doublecoated breeds, this seasonal change can sometimes feel less like shedding and more like a full-blown fur explosion! Shedding is a completely natural part of the hair growth cycle. Dogs lose old, damaged or dead hair to make way for a new coat, with increased daylight and changing temperatures contributing to seasonal shedding. For double-coated breeds, this can result in a ‘blow out’, where large amounts of the dense winter undercoat are released. Regular grooming during this period can help remove that loose hair before it ends up throughout your home. But grooming is about much more than keeping your furniture fur-free. Regular brushing helps prevent the coat from becoming
tangled or matted and allows you to check your pet’s skin for anything unusual. As you brush, look for redness, lumps, bumps, parasites, flaky skin or areas of irritation that might otherwise be hidden beneath a thick coat. It is also important to remember that shaving your dog is not necessarily the answer to keeping them cool. A dog’s coat provides protection from the sun and plays an important role in temperature regulation. Double-coated breeds have a protective outer coat and an insulating undercoat, so removing or excessively thinning this coat can interfere with its natural function. Instead, spring grooming should focus on removing loose and dead undercoat through appropriate brushing and de-shedding. The best tools and techniques will depend on your pet’s individual coat, and some dogs may benefit from professional grooming to safely remove the excess undercoat.
While increased shedding is normal, excessive hair loss is not something to simply put down to the change of season. Bald patches, significant thinning, persistent scratching, redness, sores or changes to the skin should be checked by your veterinarian. Allergies, parasites, skin infections and some hormonal conditions can all contribute to abnormal hair loss. For pet owners, now is the perfect time to establish a regular grooming routine before our hot summer weather arrives. So, while you’re spring-cleaning your house, don’t forget your four-legged family member. A good brush, a little extra grooming and a professional de-shed when needed can help keep their coat healthy, their skin comfortable and your home just a little less furry! For more information about keeping your pet comfortable during the spring – summer seasons, contact the team at Orchard Hills vet on 4736 2027.
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LOAN LOWDOWN The Experts
SHOULD YOU FIX YOUR HOME LOAN RIGHT NOW? W
STEVEN KORNER The Finance Korner thefinancekorner.com.au
here rates stand The Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate to 4.60 per cent on September 29 2026. It was the fourth rise this year, taking rates a full percentage point above where they started in January. The RBA has said further increases remain possible, and its next decision is due on 3 November. With repayments climbing, many borrowers are asking whether now is the time to lock in. For context, each 0.25 per cent rise adds roughly $100 a month to repayments on a $600,000, 30-year principal-and-interest loan.
The case against fixing • You may pay a premium. Lenders price fixed rates on where they expect rates to head. When markets expect more hikes, fixed rates often sit above variable rates from day one. • You miss out if rates fall. CBA expects cuts could begin as early as August 2027. Variable borrowers would benefit straight away; fixed borrowers wait out their term. • Break costs. Selling, refinancing or paying the loan out early can trigger break fees, sometimes running into thousands
of dollars. • Less flexibility. Fixed loans often cap extra repayments and may not offer an offset account. • Revert risk. When the term ends, the loan rolls to the lender’s standard variable rate, which may not be competitive. A middle path: split your loan A split loan fixes part of the balance and leaves the rest variable. You gain some certainty, keep an offset or extra repayments on the variable portion, and limit the damage if rates move against you either way. A 50/50 split is common, but the ratio can be tailored to your budget and plans. Who fixing suits Fixing tends to suit borrowers who value certainty, have little buffer for higher repayments and plan to keep the loan for the full term. Variable tends to suit those who make extra repayments, rely on an offset account, or may sell or refinance soon.
Questions to ask before you fix • Is there a fee to lock in the advertised rate until settlement? • How are break costs calculated if I sell or refinance early? • How much can I repay each year without penalty? • Is an offset account available on the fixed portion? • W hat rate will the loan revert to when the term ends, and how does it compare with the market?
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The case for fixing • Repayment certainty. Your rate and repayments stay the same for the fixed term, typically one to five years, whatever the RBA does next. • Protection if rates keep rising. The RBA has kept the door open to more hikes, and CBA economists see the risks tilted towards further rises.
A fixed rate shields you from that. • Easier budgeting. Households and small business owners with tight cash flow can plan with confidence while living costs stay high. • Peace of mind. After four rises in one year, removing one moving part from the budget has real value.
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the western weekender » Thursday, October 8, 2026
THOSE MEALTIME STRUGGLES Instead of focusing on every bite, focus on the overall mealtime experience. Aim to eat together as a family whenever possible, keep the television and other screens switched off, and enjoy conversation that isn’t centred on food. When children see parents and siblings eating a variety of foods in a relaxed setting, they’re more likely to become curious and willing to try new things themselves. It’s also important to take the pressure off. Avoid encouraging “just one more bite” or using dessert as a reward for eating vegetables. These strategies can make children feel anxious around food and may reduce their willingness to listen to their own hunger and fullness cues. Remember, trying a new food is a learning process. Your child may need to see the same food many times before they’re ready to taste it. That’s perfectly normal. Keep offering a variety of
TALKING TECH
The Experts
The Experts
L SARAH BONNICI One Point Health 4732 5188 foods without pressure, and celebrate small steps, whether it’s touching, smelling, licking, or eventually tasting something new. One of my favourite reminders for parents is this: “You decide what, when, and where food is offered. Your child decides whether to eat and how much.” When everyone understands their role, mealtimes become calmer and less stressful.
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Call Mike 0400 675 315 michel.legoff@icloud.com Planning a garage sale? Planning to downsize or move? Planning to sell your home?
ast week I introduced you to Microsoft PC Manager. We looked at several features, including PC Boost, Startup Management, and process, file, and network management. This week, we’ll continue exploring the features in this fantastic free tool. Health Check – Of all the features in PC Manager, Health Check is often one of the most useful because it consolidates several Windows maintenance tasks into a single scan. It opens a separate Health Check box. Instead of manually checking Disk Cleanup, Startup Apps, Storage Sense, and other settings, Health Check gives you a simple list of recommendations. It checks for space you can free up, reviews startup apps, and recommends security improvements and apps you can uninstall. Clicking Optimise now automatically performs all the recommendations. One task you must do manually is clean up usage traces; these tracking codes
let websites monitor what you do and show relevant ads. Scrolling down through the health check shows information about your PC, your network performance, your space utilisation, and the results of the application and security checks. Disk Cleanup, which scans and removes temporary files, junk data, and outdated system logs, freeing up valuable storage space. This is also performed as part of the health check AI Toolbox – Microsoft have collated and centralised the following useful tools, all available from the menu • Circles to Act – This is a very powerful tool that lets you draw around anything on your screen. It then extracts data from images, PDFs, websites, tables, videos and apps. It can trigger additional actions such as translations. This is activated by Ctrl-Shift-A. • OCR Text and Table Recognition – Reads text from screenshots
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and images. Converts text into editable text you can copy and paste. Supports printed and, in some cases, handwritten content. It basically turns a picture into editable text. • Translate - Translates text captured from the screen. It works directly on extracted OCR content. Avoids opening a browser translator. • Captions – converts any audio into text in real time. • Quick Launcher Tools – Launch buttons for Notepad, Calculator, Screen recorder, Currency Conversion, weather and image search.
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Thursday, October 8, 2026 « the western weekender
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oes this sound familiar? You’ve cooked dinner, everyone sits down at the table, and within minutes your child is refusing to eat, asking for something different, or declaring they’re “not hungry.” What was meant to be family time quickly turns into a battle. As a dietitian, I want you to know you’re not alone. Mealtime struggles are incredibly common, especially in toddlers and young children. The good news is that mealtimes don’t have to be stressful. Small changes can help create a positive environment where your child feels comfortable learning about food. Children are born knowing how much food their bodies need. Their appetite naturally changes from day to day depending on growth, activity levels, and even how much they ate the day before. While it’s natural to worry when they eat very little, pressuring them to eat often has the opposite effect.
HEALTH
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HOROSCOPES Relax & Unwind
AMANDA JANE Clairvoyant Medium amandajane-xo.com revivalretreats.com.au
AQUARIUS
PISCES
ARIES
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
You’re craving something different this week – new scenery, new ideas or simply a break from routine. Follow your curiosity. A conversation or piece of information could shift your perspective in an important way. This is also a powerful time for learning, planning travel or exploring something you’ve been drawn to spiritually or creatively.
Trust yourself. You don’t need external confirmation for every intuitive feeling you have. Relationships may move into deeper territory, encouraging honesty about vulnerability, intimacy or shared expectations. Financial matters may also require attention. By the weekend, you’ll feel lighter after releasing something you were never meant to keep carrying.
This week invites you to slow down just enough to hear what your intuition has been trying to tell you. You may feel pulled between pushing forward and allowing things to unfold naturally. Trust that not everything needs an immediate answer. Relationships benefit from honest conversations, particularly where expectations have been unclear.
TAURUS
GEMINI
CANCER
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
There is a beautiful opportunity this week to reassess what truly makes you feel secure, fulfilled and grounded. You may realise you’ve been holding onto something simply because it’s familiar rather than because it still feels right. Give yourself permission to change direction. Financial or work matters begin to feel clearer, while your personal life asks for more softness.
Your mind is busy this week, but not every thought requires your attention. Be selective about where you place your energy. Conversations could bring an unexpected revelation, particularly around a relationship or situation you’ve been questioning. Instead of overanalysing what someone means, listen to what they’re actually showing you. Creatively, this is a strong week.
Your emotional world takes centre stage this week, Cancer, and you’re being encouraged to honour what you need rather than continually accommodating everyone else. Something you’ve been carrying emotionally may finally begin to lift. Home, family or relationships could require an important conversation, but speaking from the heart brings relief.
@ amandajaneclairvoyant
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
You’re stepping back into your confidence this week after a period of questioning yourself or your direction. Something that previously felt uncertain may suddenly make much more sense. This is a powerful time to speak up, share an idea or put yourself forward for an opportunity. In relationships, remember that vulnerability doesn’t diminish your strength.
You may feel an urge to organise, fix and make sense of everything this week, but some situations need space rather than solutions. Focus on what is actually within your control. Work or financial matters may require practical attention, and your natural eye for detail will serve you well. Emotionally, you’re learning that boundaries don’t have to come with explanations.
You’re being reminded that your desires matter too. A decision you’ve been avoiding could become easier once you stop considering what will keep everyone else happy. Relationships may feel particularly significant, with opportunities for greater honesty and emotional closeness. It’s also a wonderful week for refreshing your appearance, environment or goals.
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
There is a quieter, more reflective energy surrounding you this week. You may feel called to withdraw slightly from noise, drama or people who drain you. Pay attention to dreams, intuitive nudges and repeating signs, your subconscious has something to say. An old emotional pattern could resurface, not to pull you backwards but to show you how differently you respond now.
Connection and community are highlighted this week. A conversation, introduction or spontaneous invitation could open a door you weren’t expecting. Say yes to opportunities that genuinely excite you, even if they’re outside your usual plans. Friendships may also shift, helping you recognise who truly supports the person you are becoming.
Career, purpose and your longer-term direction come into focus this week. You may receive recognition, feedback or an opportunity that reminds you how far you’ve come. However, success doesn’t require you to carry everything alone. Delegate where possible and be mindful of overcommitting. In your personal life, someone may need more of your emotional presence.
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Amanda Jane is an internationally recognised Clairvoyant Medium, spiritual teacher, retreat facilitator, and founder of Revival Retreats Australia. With a gift for connecting to the spirit world and over a decade of experience supporting people through healing, transformation, and personal growth, Amanda has built a reputation for delivering heartfelt, accurate, and compassionate guidance.
Thursday, October 8, 2026 « the western weekender
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Crossword
Easy
7
7
© 2026 Syndicated Puzzles
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4 5 1 2 7 3 2 3 4 5 6 9 Last 1week’s solution 2 3 4 6 5 3 4 8 7 1 2 7 8 9
r8ts.com
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6 8 7 9 3
8 7 5 6 4
Sudoku brought to you by The Western Weekender westernweekender.com.au/digi-subscribe
SUDOKU No. 814
Tough
5 9 4 8 9 6 4 6 2 6 9 7 9 1 8 5 7 9 3 2 4 2 6 8
Previous solution - Medium
1 2 4 6 8 7 3 5 9
1 2 9 3
How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.
the western weekender » Thursday, October 8, 2026
© 2026 Syndicated Puzzles
ACROSS DOWN 1. Be aware of or understand 1. Retained or continued to possess 4. Community of people living together 2. Female reproductive organ 8. Solemn promise 3. Past tense of ‘is’ 11. Worth or importance 4. Prefix meaning half or partly 13. Narcotic historically derived from poppies 5. Artificial waterways 15. Distinct stage in a process 6. One or the other of two 17. Word used to make a 7. Belonging to you statement negative 8. Belonging to us 18. Percussion instruments 9. Entertain or make struck with sticks someone laugh 20. Dark substance used in 10. Person who receives road surfacing guests 21. French exclamation 12.Degree, height or stage meaning ‘there it is’ 14. Thoughts or concepts 24. Large animal commonly 16. Strongly disliked ridden 19. Lesser in importance or 27. Take a seat size 28. Common male given name 22. Point or place where 30. More advanced in age something begins 31. Carried away; or accepted 23. Greater in length 33. Beings from another world 25. US state south of 34. Rest or state of calm Washington 35. US spelling of a smell 26. Shops; or keeps for future use 36. Outdoor area beside a house 29. For the most part 39. Moved smoothly and 32. Device used to open a lock quietly 35. Run or control machinery 42. Fighter who competes with 37. Raised structure used in gloves worship 44. Average; or intend 38. Grow or cause to progress 45. Got up or increased 40. Devices that produce light 46. Religious group with 41. Ate an evening meal distinctive beliefs 42. Started or commenced 48. Kingdom or sphere of 43. Drive back or cause activity disgust 49. Particular location 44. Plural surname associated 50. Kind or category with several public figures 52. Happen again 47. Male given name and 54. Large mammal; or tolerate surname 55. Rescued or kept from 51. Without difficulty harm 52. Go or come back 56. Almost, but not quite 53. Treatment that corrects a 57. Compass direction of problem sunrise 54. Skin discolouration after 60. Device or situation an impact designed to catch 58. Fruit that may be Granny 62. Extremely unpleasant or Smith repulsive 61. Concerning or 65. Country south of the approximately United States 63. Capital territory of India 67. Flat section or group of 64. Breathed out audibly experts 65. Reflective surface 69. Stiff and not flexible 66. Small wheeled vehicles for 70. Italian and Spanish word carrying goods meaning ‘saint’ 68. Surname of US presidents 72. Not young John and John Quincy 73. Not telling the truth; or 71. Plural of ‘this’ reclining 72. Russian city near the Ural 75. Common surname; also a region transport company name 74. To the inside of 77. Small simple shelter 76. Responsibility or obligation 79. Extend as far as; or arrive 78. Word used to identify a at specific thing 81. Belonging to a female 80. Small portable bed person Previous solution83. - Abbreviation Mediummeaning ‘and 82. Hard structures used for so on’ biting 8 9 6 7 5 1 2 84. Slightly wet 6 7 or8trials5 3 2 4 85. Examinations 86. Final;9or continue 8 7 3 4 1 2 87. Neat, organised and well 7 6 2 1 4 5 3 arranged 88. One hundredth of a dollar
6 8 9 5 3 2 7 4 1
3 5 7 4 9 1 2 8 6
9 4 3 7 6 5 1 2 8
8 1 5 3 2 4 6 9 7
7 6 2 9 1 8 4 3 5
5 3 8 1 4 6 9 7 2
2 9 1 8 7 3 5 6 4
4 7 6 2 5 9 8 1 3
NEVER MISS AN EDITION
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.
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Word Search Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.
THEME: AIRPORTS & FLYING AIRPORT AEROPLANE RUNWAY TERMINAL BOARDING PASSPORT LUGGAGE DEPARTURE ARRIVAL PILOT CABIN CREW COCKPIT TAKEOFF LANDING TURBULENCE BOARDING PASS BAGGAGE CLAIM CONTROL TOWER SECURITY FLIGHT Last week’s solution
Test your knowledge about Ancient Egypt quiz in this week’s special trivia quiz...
1. What is the Duat? 2. Who was the youngest pharaoh to rule Egypt? 3. What ancient Egyptian writing called? 4. What organ did Egyptians believe was the centre of intelligence and emotion? 5. Which of these is not an Egyptian god: Osiris, Zeus,
Horus, and Ra? 6. How many pyramids make up the Great Pyramids of Giza? 7. Egyptian god Anubis is depicted is depicted with the head of which animal? 8. Who governs the Duat? 9. Who is the god of the sun? 10. What is the capital of Egypt?
ANSWERS 1. The underworld 2. Tutankhamun 3. Hieroglyphics 4. Heart 5. Zeus 6. Three 7. A jackal 8. Osiris 9. Ra 10. Cairo
Trivia Quiz
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TEST YOUR BRAIN STR8TS SUDOKU Easy
8 6 9 7
9 7 8 6 4 2 3 1 2 5 1
8 3 2 1 4 9 6 3 2 1 8 1 4 8 3 5 6 4 2 7 5 4 6 7
No. 814
Previous solution - Medium
© 2026 Syndicated Puzzles
Str8ts
No. 814
You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com
6 7 8 5 7 3 2 1 5 1 2 4 5 3 4 3 4 2 7 8
5 1 2 3 2 4 4 1 2 4 5 3 7 3 6 8 6 9 8 7 6 7 5 8 7 9 6 9 3 4
1 2 9 3 6
How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be p see how ‘straights’ are formed.
8 9 3 2 6
Name the Movie
Hexwords
If you can’t tell from the photo, drop the letters from the list below into the circles. We’ve given you a head start.
RLYESDA 2 8
Who Am I?
30 Second Challenge
200
x9
www.30secondchallenge.com
50% of IT 2/7 of IT
ansWeR
½ % 66 /3% 800% Plus 2½% -900 62 of ThIs of ThIs of ThIs
ansWeR
of IT
douBle IT 5/6 of ThIs Plus 10%
ansWeR
of ThIs
of IT 2/3 of ThIs
TIMes By ITself 2
Last week’s answer: MERYL STREEP
Last week’s answer: 30-second challenge ansWeRs To 171 - BEGINNER - 49, INTERMEDIATE - 70, ADVANCED - 18. 30-second challenge ansWeRs To 172- BEGINNER -10 , INTERMEDIATE - 28, ADVANCED - 8200.
Plus 15% ThIs +240 -110 of87½% -40 Plus 12½% 20% of ThIs ÷11
2000 9/10 of IT +1600 50% of IT -900 /5 of ThIs 25% of ThIs x5 2
InTeRMedIaTe
+15 ¼ of ThIs ÷6
x9
douBle IT
7/10 of IT
¼ of ThIs
+6 ÷7 x9 -5
ansWeR ansWeR
the western weekender » Thursday, October 8, 2026
www.30secondchallenge.com
60
33
adVanced
TIMes By ITself
-1 ÷5 x8 ¼
adVanced
13
-8
douBle IT
1. I’m a clumsy alien who doesn’t always think before I act. 2. I have very long, floppy ears and a long neck. 3. I became involved in some pretty important events across the galaxy. 4. I come from an underwater city on Naboo. 5. “Meesa always getting into trouble!”
intermediates have to complete their own challenge AND the beginners’ challenge, and advanced players have to complete their own AND the intermediate. You can try to improve on your times each day.
12½% of ThIs
23
x2 +9 ÷3 -25 5/12 x7 5%
HINTS
6000
your brain sharp in just 30 seconds. Start on the 30-second Keep left with the number given and follow the instructions as you go across. Within the 30-second time limit, challenge beginners have to complete their own challenge,
InTeRMedIaTe
T
Previous solution: CITY OF GOD
Previous solution:
BegInneR
A
COLOUR ME PENRITH!
Every week, we encourage your kids to give some colour to an iconic Penrith landmark. Let their creativity shine with The Western Weekender!
LISTEN NOW ON
WW57667
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC Thursday, October 8, 2026 « the western weekender
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Maddie’s Meals
Olive & Cream Cheese Buns The decadence of the Cream Cheese and the saltiness of the Olives combines to make a perfect treat! What You’ll Need:
Filling:
– 2 x large bowls – Large baking tray
– 250g Cream Cheese – Mixed Olives – Grated Cheese – 1 egg (for egg wash)
Ingredients: Dough: – 2, 3/4 cups Plain Flour – 3 Tbsp Caster Sugar – 1 packet Instant Yeast – 2 tsp salt – 3 Tbsp butter, melted then cooled – 1 egg – 1/2 cup milk (warm) – Roughly 100g grated Cheddar Cheese – Roughly 100g grated Cheese (whatever you like, Parmesan, Red Leicester - up to you!)
Method: 1. Add the flour, salt, sugar, yeast, and grated cheeses to a bowl. Mix everything together. 2. Next, add the link, egg and melted butter. Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes a smooth ball. 3. Transfer the dough to a clean, oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for 2 hours. 4. After 2 hours, punch
down the dough and divide into 8 equal balls. Place them on a large baking tray and cover, rising for another hour. 5. Preheat oven to 180° and create a small well in the centre of each bun. Brush each bun with the egg wash and fill the wells with cream cheese. Top with olives and sprinkle with more grated cheese if desired. 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. When done, top with flaky salt and fresh cracked pepper, serve.
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK EVERY EVER EV ERY ER Y WE WEDN WEDNESDAY DNES DN ESDA ES DAY DA Y Quizmasters Trivia from 7pm EVER EV EVERY ERY ER Y TH THUR THURSDAY UR RSD SDAY AY
Weekly Meat Raffle from 6pm Cornhole Comp from 7:30pm FRIDAY FRID FR IDAY AY - SUNDAY SUN NDA AY Live & Local Music
4/137 COREEN AVE, PENRITH NSW 2750
WW58821
Follow us on socials @rustypennybrewing www.rustypennybrewing.com.au
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the western weekender » Thursday, October 8, 2026
AUTO EXPERTS
SP O N S O RED CO NTENT
AUTO CENTRE ORTRANTO P/L
Your local go-to: Muffler Mart & Tyre
Dro
p Home Service
☎ 4721 2500
MOBILE ONE AUTO REPAIRS
As members of a classic car club, the team at Muffler Mart & Tyre understand what your classic or modified car means to you and can perform the work as you desire. If you’re after somewhere reliable and experienced to have your car serviced, Muffler Mart & Tyre is the place to go. The team carry out vehicle logbook servicing as well as rego inspections, mechanical repairs, supply and fit tow bars, balance wheels and tyres, window tinting, cold air induction systems, Holley carburetor overhauls, bull bars and much more. Give Muffler Mart & Tyre a call today and let them assist you in keeping your pride and joy running perfectly and, most importantly, looking and sounding just the way you want it. Muffler Mart & Tyre is located at 7/33 York Road, Jamisontown. Call 4731 6311 or visit www.mufflermartandtyre.com.au.
• All Mechanical Repairs (award-winning service) • Brake Repairs • LPG Rego Inspections • New Car Servicing (your Warranty is protected) HOLIDAY • Latest Diagnostic Scanner CAR • Auto Services • Timing Belts
ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED
SERVICES WW58754
M
uffler Mart & Tyre specialise in supplying you with quality exhaust systems and exhaust repairs as well as the latest design custom wheels and tyres for your car. Located on York Road in Jamisontown for the past 35 years, Muffler Mart & Tyre manufacture and supply custom exhaust systems for road cars as well as competition cars. Whether you want a new love heart exhaust tip or a complete system including hi flow catalytic converter and hi flow exhaust system in either mild steel or stainless steel, the experienced team at Muffler Mart & Tyre are there to help. Their regular work involves the latest cars and older models right through to classic and historic vehicles, street cars and hot-rods. They also do exhausts for boats and motorcycles.
Pink & Blue Slips Logbook Service Full Servicing All Work Guaranteed Warranty Safe
WW58756
FULL MECHANICAL WORKSHOP REGO CHECKS LPG & SERVICE
Lic No 20505
MVRL Lic. No. 032795
Fully equipped workshop at Unit 6/176 Forrester Rd, St Marys
9833 7995
Lic. No. MVRL55954
• Competitive prices • European car specialist • All mechanical repairs • New car servicing • We also service ‘hybrid’ cars • Loan car available • Open Saturdays • Tyre fitting
At Penrith Muffler Mart & Tyre we specialise in:
air conditionin www.indyperformance.com.au servic g e& r e p a ir s Unit 1/11 Smith St
Over 30 years of industry experience
58758
• Towbars • Tyres and Wheels • Brake Repairs • Pink and Blue Slip insp.
Emu Plains
4735 2697
Ready to grow your business? Let’s have a conversation. WW59659
• Budget Mufflers • Exhaust Systems • Car Servicing • Mechanical Repairs
Computer scanning for all makes and models
Scan the QR code to find the best Weekender representative to help your business.
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE: 4731 6311 | 7/33 York Rd, Jamisontown Thursday, October 8, 2026 « the western weekender
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WW59533
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the western weekender » Thursday, October 8, 2026