RENOVATE OR MOVE?
With the rising costs of buying and selling, limited new home supply, and changing lifestyle needs, more Australians are choosing to stay in their family homes and renovate rather than relocate. Renovations are surging with spending booming over the last five years, and is now seen as the smarter, more cost-effective way to create a dream home that truly fits their lives, in a community they have a connection with.
This shift isn’t just about style; practical realities are also driving homeowners to rethink how they live.
“The biggest trigger is lack of space – older homes, particularly those built before the 1990s, often have just one bathroom, causing chaos as families grow,” said Simone Mathews, interior designer and director of SOUL Home.
“For many of our clients it’s the arrival of children, teenagers needing more privacy, or multi-generational living with elderly parents that can all spark a need for a renovation. Combined with the rise of working from home, many homeowners are also looking at extensions for dedicated home offices and quiet zones.”
When an extension is part of the renovation plan – whether it’s a ground floor addition or a new upper level – it often becomes the catalyst for refreshing the entire exterior.
A consistent façade ties the old and new together while adding significant value.
Here, Simone Mathews, from SOUL Home offers four tips to help create your own style when renovating:
Connect the exterior with the interior
“Access to nature and the outdoors is key to the Australian lifestyle. As a result, home design is maximising indoor/outdoor spaces, verandahs and balconies, courtyard gardens and a greater incorporation of greenspace into home design and landscaping,” said Mathews.
“MANY HOMEOWNERS
To achieve a seamless transition between internal and external spaces, try to carry elements between both areas such as textures, colours and materials. For example, lightweight exterior cladding such as timber-look Balmoral Weatherboards by Cemintel, not only create a coastal look for the façade, they can be a great backdrop to an outdoor room. Bricks work just as well inside as they do outside. A feature wall or fireplace can bring warmth and character.
Use colour to unite different materials
Cohesion is one of the most important aspects of any renovation and with mixed-material façades enjoying popularity for the depth and variety they bring, it’s the colours that tie them together. When combining different textures, a consistent colour palette ensures the design feels intentional, as well as adding personality and helping define your home style.
Curated palettes like bold black, easy neutrals or fresh greys make it easier to achieve a cohesive result across bricks, cladding and roofing. Bold, monochrome colours accentuate facades and create a strong contemporary feel, which is perfect for the clean lines of the Modernist look. Whereas, using crisp white is perfect for a relaxed lifestyle, well suited to the
Coastal look, and soft neutrals and greys can be used for a timeless Classic home style.
Texture is key
Texture has the power to instantly update an older home adding depth, individuality and interest to the home aesthetic. Mixing building materials such as brick, cladding and stone breaks up large surfaces and can create an architectural feel.
A smooth render creates a clean, modern base, allowing complementary material, such as cladding with its linear texture to stand out. Stone offers a natural, tactile features and used around an entryway or front door can provide a focal point that feels both inviting and enduring.
When expanding an existing home, whether through an extension or an upper level, there’s an opportunity to introduce texture by creating a complementary design statement that enhances both the aesthetic appeal and liveability of the property. When mixing modern and traditional, use consistencies across colour palates, window treatments or material choices to tie back to the specific style.
Don’t forget comfort
Acoustic insulation, like Soundscreen, helps create a quieter home by reducing noise transfer between rooms and blocking out external sounds.
Thermal performance is equally important. High-quality insulation, double-glazed windows and energy-efficient walling systems stabilise indoor temperatures, reducing reliance on heating and cooling. The result is a home that feels more comfortable year-round, while also saving on energy costs and supporting sustainability.
Whether you’re a young couple modernising, a growing family needing more space, or downsizers seeking ease and comfort, the goal should always be to renovate to elevate.
CSR’s Style Guide is a free resource designed to inspire, with advice on design styles, colour palettes and material combinations across bricks, cladding, roofing, insulation and interiors – helping homeowners bring your renovation vision to life.
For more information visit CSR’s Style Guide at https://dwelling.csr.com.au/csr-styleguide.
What
Brand-new
Discover exclusive townhome
living in Oran Pa rk .
Inviting you to enjoy the best of both worlds, Oran Park townhomes combine the space of a house with a back yard and the low-maintenance qualities of apar tment living
You can choose from an exceptional selection of architecturally designed townhomes located near all the town’s popular amenities and most loved at tractions.
Ideal for growing families, downsizers and couples, these distinctive residences of fer excellent value-for-money.
• Spacious, designer interiors
• Landscaped grounds
• Two to five-bedroom layouts
• Private porches and cour tyards
• Family-friendly living areas
• Premium finishes and inclusions
• Tranquil locations
Ready for you to move in, these elegant townhomes are curated for comfor t and practicality. A beautiful lifest yle in one of Au stralia’s fastest growing suburbs awaits.
Arena - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes
The Circuit - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes
Civic Collection - Typical example of Oran Park townhomesB anksia - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes
The ResidencesTypical example of Oran Park townhomes
opportunity, for sale is a brandnew house with an approved granny at. The main house, just off the press and never lived in, is perfect for those seeking moder n living in a sought-after area. The added bene t of ented granny at makes this a fantastic investment with immediate retu
A beautifully maintained residence built in 2005 by Beechwood Homes and proudly offered to the market for the very rst time. Perfectly positioned in a highly sought-after, family-friendly location, this exceptional home offers the ideal combination of comfort, space, and future potential. Set on a generous 650sqm block, the home showcases multiple living and entertaining areas, providing excellent exibility for families of all sizes.
This well-designed three-bedroom townhouse fers a perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and convenience. Boasting a contemporary kitchen, a generous living area bathed in natural light, and ducted air conditioning throughout, secure gated complex, the residence provides the perfect environment for year-round comfort. Perfect for rst home buyers or investors, this home combines comfort, convenience, and potential, making it an ideal entry point into a sought-after location.
THE POWER OF CORE STRENGTH IN PERFORMANCE
When most people hear “core strength”, they think of sit-ups or visible abs. But the core is much more than that, it keeps the body stable, balanced and strong during movement. For athletes, this makes a huge difference in how they move, perform and stay injury-free.
A strong core underpins all athletic movement. It helps maintain balance when changing direction, supports control during jumps or landings and allows athletes to generate power efficiently.
When the core is weak, other muscles step in to compensate, often leading to reduced power, inefficient movement patterns, and a greater risk of injury.
Core strength also plays a key role in protecting the spine and joints. When athletes can stabilise their trunk under load, it reduces stress on the lower back, hips and knees, helping them move more efficiently and with less fatigue.
Think of core stability as the ability to move your arms and legs without your spine or pelvis shifting unnecessarily. This control allows force to transfer smoothly from the ground up. When that stability breaks down, ‘energy leaks’ occur where small losses of power happen when joints can’t hold position under pressure. These leaks often start around the hips or lower back. Training the core isn’t about endless crunches, it’s about
developing strength and control through different positions and movement patterns. Exercises like planks, bridges, quadruped holds, dead bugs and anti-rotation drills challenge the core to resist movement, building stability and control through the trunk and hips. Bridges and quadruped movements in particular, improve glute strength and trunk stability by keeping the spine still while the core resists motion. In contrast, exercises such as
crunches or reverse crunches involve spinal movement and are better classified as core strength exercises.
In simple terms: if your spine stays still, you’re training stability if it moves, you’re training strength.
A strong core isn’t about how it looks, it’s about how it performs. Build it well, and you’ll move efficiently, generate more power and withstand the demands of sport and activity.
The popularity of tooth whitening has skyrocketed in recent times through the exposure of social media. Whilst there are many avenues with which it can be conducted, the industry is tightly regulated by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) as to what treatment can be provided and by who.
The concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide will be limited depending on whether provided by a dentist (up to 35 per cent carbamide peroxide) or if it is sold over the counter/provided by a non-professional (limited to six per cent hydrogen peroxide). The strength of the gel does relate to an increase in efficiency and whitening.
My personal preference over the years of offering whitening has been to provide take home kits with custom made trays that the patient applies gel with daily. The results will take longer than using an in-chair method, however real life experience has proven a much more stable result and far less discomfort.
Whitening is a safe, non invasive way to improve your smile. It requires no drilling or injections, and often has little to no side effects when done under the guidance of a dental professional. It is paramount to ensure that all other health factors such as gum
disease, dental decay, and the presence of tartar (calculus) are removed prior to whitening as the gel does not react favourably to diseased tissue.
Despite its advantages whitening isn’t without its limitations. Staining will still occur with unhealthy dietary decisions and poor oral hygiene. Refraining from drinks such as red wine, tea and coffee will limit discolouration and excellent brushing and
flossing habits will ensure your new pearly white smile is maintained.
When done under the guidance of your dental professional tooth whitening is an excellent choice to boost your smile and confidence. You will have access to stronger concentrations of whitening solutions all the while remaining safe and comfortable. Seek advice from your dentist if whitening interests you to ensure it is suitable for your situation.
The Experts
WHY DESEXING YOUR FEMALE DOG IS IMPORTANT
Desexing your female dog isn’t just a matter of responsible pet ownership; it’s a crucial step in ensuring their well-being and preventing numerous potential health issues. While some may hesitate due to misconceptions or concerns, the benefits far outweigh any perceived drawbacks.
Most importantly, desexing eliminates the risk of unwanted pregnancies. The consequences of unplanned litters extend beyond mere inconvenience; they contribute to the overpopulation crisis, leading to countless homeless animals facing euthanasia in shelters. By desexing your female dog, you are actively participating in the solution to this heartbreaking problem.
Additionally, desexing prevents a host of medical conditions that can affect entire female dogs. One such ailment is pyometra, a potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus. Without prompt treatment, pyometra can result in severe illness or death. Desexing eliminates this risk entirely, sparing your pet unnecessary suffering and you the potential financial burden associated with emergency procedures.
False pregnancy, though less dire, can still be distressing for both dog and owner. Desexing mitigates the hormonal fluctuations that
cause this phenomenon, ensuring your pet’s psychological well-being remains intact.
Did you know that desexing significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer, particularly if performed before the first heat cycle?
Mammary tumours are one of the most common malignancies in female dogs, and prevention is key in safeguarding your pet’s health and longevity.
While some may voice concerns about potential drawbacks, such as changes in temperament or weight gain, research consistently disproves these concepts. Desexing does not alter a dog’s fundamental personality or intelligence. Weight gain, if it occurs, is typically due to overfeeding and can be managed through proper diet and exercise.
As for timing, desexing around six months of age, before the first heat cycle, is ideal. Not only does this prevent the onset of reproductive-related health issues, but it also aligns with requirements for pet registration, offering potential cost savings. By taking the proactive step to desex your dog, you’re not only enhancing your dog’s quality of life but also contributing to the greater welfare of animals everywhere.
To book your female dog in for desexing, call our experienced team on 4736 2027.
Relax & Unwind
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
On Tuesday, plan to be proactive at work. On Wednesday and Thursday, unpredictable Uranus (your ruling planet) opposes Mercury (planet of communication) which could lead to hasty words and impulsive actions. So slow down and think (carefully) before you speak and act, especially involving children, teenagers and friends. Friday’s fabulous Mercury/Pluto connection favours a personal passion project and intense communication with your peers.
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
With Venus visiting your wellbeing zone, find a fitness routine that keeps you motivated and choose healthy food options that you actually enjoy eating! Attached Taurus – are you stuck in a relationship rut? Mars encourages you to communicate with your partner in creative, proactive ways. Unhappily single? Don’t be seduced by good looks, powerful pecs or a bulging bank balance. Look for lasting love with someone who has similar goals and values.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
The Sun, Mercury and Mars light up your family zone, so try to get the balance right between professional progress and domestic peace. And – if you have to choose – lean slightly towards harmony at home with housemates, family members and close neighbours. Monday is the best day to start a big DIY project. Your motto for the moment comes from actress Julia Roberts (who turns 58 on Tuesday), “My life at home gives me absolute joy.”
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Many Scorpions love the spectacle of Halloween celebrations, as Scorpio (ruled by Pluto – God of the Underworld) is the sign that rules the dark, mysterious parts of life. So, finding a suitably dramatic, gothic costume (for you or your kids) is essential. Friday’s Mercury/Pluto link will help you get into an intense and imaginative mood. Your weekly motto comes from birthday great, poet Sylvia Plath, “Love life day by day, colour by colour, touch by touch.”
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
The Sun, Mars and Jupiter activate your adventure zone. Many Pisceans are keen to travel, and the best time to take a heavenly holiday is between now and November 8 (or between Dec 1-28). So start planning, booking or packing ASAP. But avoid blurting out something inappropriate, especially midweek. Coupled Pisces – love and lust are in the air. Single Fish – with Venus visiting your intimacy zone, look for someone who is trustworthy and kind.
GEMINI
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
It’s a good week for completing work projects and making future plans. However, on Wednesday and Thursday, restless Uranus opposes Mercury (your patron planet) and you could feel extra impatient and skip over important details along the way. Be extra careful you don’t blurt out an inappropriate comment to the wrong person at the wrong time. Then Friday’s positive Mercury/Pluto link encourages close connections and intense communication.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
This week the Sun, Mercury and Mars encourage vigorous communication Virgo, as you expand your influence (especially via social media). Being confident is paramount but avoid the tendency to jump to conclusions. Venus suggests an increase in cash flow but be careful you don’t cancel that out by indulging in a spontaneous spending spree! On Friday you’re super perceptive, as you solve a problem by paying close attention to important details.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
The positive, proactive Mars/Jupiter trine increases your enthusiasm for assisting those who are sick or in need. You’ll find the more you lend a hand to others, the better you’ll feel and the more friends you’ll make. With Venus in your peer group zone, your motto is from writer Robert Louis Stevenson (who had Sun in Scorpio and Venus in Sagittarius), “A friend is a gift you give yourself.’ It’s also a fabulous week to have fun exploring places close to home.
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Venus is visiting your relationship zone which favours close friendships, joint ventures and lashings of romance. And encourages you to empathise with a loved one or work colleague who is experiencing difficulties. When dealing with others, being kind of heart and offering positive advice is a winning double. Tuesday’s Mars/Jupiter trine helps you motivate a friend or relative to be more adventurous. Strive to be the positive role model they are looking for.
CANCER
JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
You’re in the mood for fun, action and entertainment! But, in order to capitalise on the Mars-Jupiter energy surge, some forethought and planning are required. There’s just no substitute for thorough research and paying close attention to details as perceptive Pluto helps you think deeply, and Mercury helps you multi-task. So don’t waste the opportunity to be mega-organised and super productive, as you power through projects with extra focus and finesse.
LIBRA
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
It’s time to replace confrontation with cooperation! Venus (your ruling planet) is transiting through Libra (until November 6), so the more you focus on the needs of loved ones, the happier everyone will be. And the more proactive you are about finding win-win solutions to partnership problems (whether romantic or platonic) the more harmonious life will be. When it comes to communication, think things through before you speak, text and post online.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
The mid-week Mars/Saturn trine is terrific for putting plenty of energy into a challenging, long-term project. Passion, enthusiasm, patience and perseverance will get you there in the end. By the time the weekend rolls around, you’ll feel like winding down and looking within as you meditate, contemplate, relax and ruminate. If you slow down and take the time to listen to the wisdom of your inner voice, then your intuition will point you in the right direction.
Straightforward
12. Physicist, ... Newton
14. Danger
16. Assistants
19. Irritating complainers
22. Squabble
23. Preoccupy
25. Alters (text)
26. Engage
29. Misappropriation
32. Journey stage
35. Alerts (4,3)
37. Real estate broker
38. Expensive & exclusive (4-3)
40. Secludes
41. Regatta entrant
42. Simpleton
43. Female horses
44. Oodles
47. Pasta meal
51. System
52. Formal-wear jacket
53. Evolved into
54. Metal-fusing tradesman
58. Uselessly, to no ...
59. Margarine container
61. Chasm
63. Poke
64. Home-grown
65. Clogged (up)
66. Turn inside out
68. Peru beast
71. Tatters
72. Non-coms (1,1,2)
74. Thank goodness!
76. Recounted
78. Toot
80. Catch (thief)
83. Voice publicly
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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: ANNIVERSARIES
ANNUAL
BIRTHDAY
CELEBRATION
CENTENNIAL
COMMEMORATE
CRYSTAL
DATE
EMPLOYMENT
GOLD
HISTORICAL
MILLENNIAL
NATIONAL OFFICIAL
PAST PLATINUM
RUBY SAPPHIRE
SEPTENNIAL
SILVER SPECIAL DAY
TRIENNIAL
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about the late Diane Keaton in this week’s special trivia quiz... 1. How old was Keaton when she died? 2. What is Keaton’s first credited film role? 3. For what film did Keaton win an Academy award for
she adopted her two children?
6. What is the name of Keaton’s first autobiography?
7. How many siblings does
Eight.
In her 50s.
Then Again.
Godfather.
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 see how ‘straights’ are formed.
Blaxland
McDonalds
C addens
C addens News (C addens Corner)
Woolworths
C ambridge Gardens
Coles
McDonald's
Overlander Hotel
C ambridge Park
C ambridge Park Newsagency
Cellarbations
Friendly Grocer
C astlereagh
Ampol Ser vice Station
Claremont Meadows
Iga Claremont Meadows
Coly ton
Coly ton Centre Pharmacy
Coly ton Friendly Grocer
Coly ton Hotel
Coly ton Newsagency
Dan Murphy's
Hewitt Street Takeaway
Cranebrook
Aldi Cranebrook
Cranebrook Community Health
Cranebrook Village
McDonald's
Mother Earth Nurser y Plus Pharmacy
Woolworths Cranebrook
Emu Plains
Chambers Cellars
Lennox Centre Newsagency
McDonald's
Penrith Regional Galler y
Woolworths Lennox Village
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)
Emu Height s
Super Save Compounding Chemis t
Erskine Park
Ashcroft’s Iga
Erskine Park Ctc
G lenbrook
Glenbrook Newsagency
G lenmore Park
Coles
Mags News
McDonald's
Medi Advice Pharmacy
Woolworths
J amisontown
Abcoe
Atmosphere
Fitness Signature Gym
B att Street Take Away
Grey Gums Hotel
Har vey Norman
New On York Takeaway
Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen
(Penrith Homemaker)
Patt y’s Place
S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)
S hell Ser vice Station
The Coffee Club Nepean River
Three Sugars C afé
We stern Weekender
York Takeaway
Zoo Fitness
7/ 11 Jamisontow n
Jordan Springs
Brooks Tavern
Jordan Springs Newsagency
Woolworths
Kemps Creek
C altex Ser vice Station
Kemps Creek Bowling Club
Kingswood
B arista Bar Coff ee Shop
(Nepean Private Hospital)
Countr y Brewer
Hallani’s
Kingswood Hotel
Kingswood Newsagency
Kingswood Sports Club
Penrith Gaels Club
Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital
7/ 11 Kingswood
Leonay
Emu Sports Club
Grow C afé (formerly Willow Tree C afé)
Llandilo
IGA
Londonderr y Londonderr y Liquor Store
S hell X Roads
Luddenham
Au stralia Pos t
IGA Luddenham
Minchinbur y McDonald's
Minchinbur y Fruit Market
Mulgoa
Glenmore Heritage Golf Club
Mulgoa Newsagency
Mulgoa Pharmacy
Nor th St Mar ys
Boronia House (Retirement Community)
Little Bottler
MFC Food Stores
Old Mt Druitt
RM Newsagency
Orchard Hills
Flower Power
Oxley Park
Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy
Penrith
Aldi
Astina
Atmosphere Gym
Au stralian Arms
Ca fé Fre d
Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)
Coles ( We stfield Penrith)
Crescent Mini Mar t
High Street Pies
Hogs Bre ath C afe
Hoyt s Westfield
Joan Sutherland Arts Centre
Liquor Stax Pe achtree
McDonald's High Street
McDonald's Panthers Le agues
McDonald's Pe achtree
Mercure Hotel
Museum Of Fire
Nepean Aquatic Centre
Nepean Motor Group C afé
Nepean Rowing Club
Nepean Village Coffee Club
Nepean Village Newsagency
Nextra Westfield
O ffice of Karen McKeown MP
One Point Health
Panthers Le agues Club
Pe achtree Hotel
Penrith Bowling Club
Penrith CBD Corporation
Penrith City Council
Penrith City Librar y
Penrith Hotel
Penrith Paceway
Penrith RSL
Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre
Pioneer Tavern
RE/MAX
Sittano s Restaurant
Ta s tify
Tattersalls Hotel
The Heritage Terrace C afé
The Log C abin
We stfield
World Gym
7/ 11 Henr y Street
Regentville
7/ 11 Regentville
Ropes Crossing
Coles
Ropes Crossing Newsagency
Silverdale
CHOICE Pharmacy
Mobil Ser vice Station
S outh Penrith
Budget Ser vice Station
Fish Fish
Friendly Grocer
Grose’s Pharmacy
Southlands Newsagency
Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)
Lemongrove Community Health Centre
South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre
Woolworths
St Clair Blue C attle Dog Hotel
Foodworks
St Clair Librar y
St Clair Shopping Centre
7/ 11 St Clair
St Mar ys All Good Newsagency
Andrew s Corner Store
Ampol Foodar y
Astley Pharmacy
C assand ra’s On Queen
Cr ystal C afé
Guido s Hair C are
Jayam Supermarket
Monfar ville Corner Store
Queen St Newsagency
St Mar ys Band Club
St . Mar ys Diggers
McDonald's St Mar ys South
