Home & Lifestyle April 9 2026

A WIN FOR BUILDING OWNERS AND TENANTS

Commercial and residential landlords across Australia are discovering a new way to increase property returns, by turning their buildings into energy providers.

As energy costs rise and tenants seek ways to reduce bills, building owners are increasingly installing solar panels and battery systems and supplying power back into the grid and directly to building occupants, creating an additional income stream alongside rent.

According to Jack Kapoor, founder and managing director of Agile Energy, energy-as-aservice is quietly transforming how property owners generate revenue from their assets.

“For decades, landlords relied

almost entirely on rent to generate returns,” Kapoor said.

“Now buildings can generate income in two ways, from tenants paying rent and from the energy the building produces.”

Large rooftops on commercial buildings, warehouses, apartment blocks and shopping centres are particularly well suited to solar installations.

Instead of leaving that space unused, building owners can install solar systems and supply electricity directly to tenants.

“Your roof can effectively become a power station. Tenants receive cheaper and cleaner electricity while the building owner earns revenue from the energy produced,” Kapoor said.

In many cases, landlords can sell electricity to tenants at a rate lower than grid prices while still generating a margin.

“That means tenants win through lower power bills and owners gain a new revenue stream,” Kapoor said.

The model is becoming increasingly attractive as property owners look for ways to improve yields in a high-interest-rate environment.

Energy costs are now one of the largest operational expenses for many businesses and households, creating strong demand for cheaper on-site power.

“For landlords, energy is becoming a second income stream,” Kapoor said.

“Instead of treating electricity as a cost, buildings are being designed to produce and sell energy.”

Commercial properties with large daytime energy demand such as shopping centres, office buildings, medical facilities and logistics sites are particularly suited to the model.

“YOUR ROOF CAN EFFECTIVELY BECOME A POWER STATION”

Apartment buildings and multi-tenant residential developments are also beginning to adopt similar systems.

Adding battery storage to solar installations allows building owners to store energy during the day and supply it when demand and prices are higher.

“Solar generates power during daylight hours, but batteries allow that energy to be used or sold later,” Kapoor said.

“This means building owners can maximise the value of the electricity their property produces.”

Battery systems can also allow buildings to participate in emerging energy markets.

Kapoor believes energy-as-aservice will become a defining trend in the Australian property market over the coming decade.

“As energy prices rise and buildings become more technologically advanced, property owners will increasingly generate income not just from rent but from energy,” he said.

“The landlords who recognise that early will have a major advantage.”

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When injury strikes, the first instinct for many people is simple: stop everything and rest. While rest is an important part of early recovery, relying on it alone can actually slow your progress and, in some cases, make things worse.

In the initial phase of an injury, short-term rest helps reduce pain, swelling, and further damage. However, the body is designed to move, and prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and reduced overall function. This often creates a cycle where the injury feels just as limiting weeks later as it did on day one.

Modern rehabilitation takes a different approach – one which focuses on active recovery. This doesn’t mean pushing through pain or returning to full activity too soon. Instead, it involves carefully prescribed, gradual movement designed to restore strength, range of motion, and confidence.

• Improve joint mobility

• Promote circulation and tissue healing

• Restore functional movement patterns

Just as importantly, staying active during recovery can have significant mental health benefits. Injuries often bring frustration, stress, and a loss of routine. Structured exercise can help individuals regain a sense of control and progress.

• Maintain and rebuild muscle strength

For example, after a back injury, complete rest can lead to deconditioning of the muscles that support the spine. Without rebuilding this strength, the risk of ongoing pain or reinjury increases. Similarly, after an acute or chronic knee injury, avoiding movement altogether can reduce joint stability and delay return to normal activities like walking, climbing stairs, or working. Guided exercise plays a key role in recovery. Targeted programs help:

The key is finding the right balance. Too much rest can lead to decline, while too much activity too soon can aggravate the injury. This is where professional guidance is essential. An exercise physiologist can tailor a program to your specific condition, ensuring you progress safely and effectively.

Injury recovery isn’t about doing nothing, it’s about doing the right things at the right time. By moving beyond rest and embracing active rehabilitation, you give your body the best chance to heal, rebuild, and return stronger.

The Experts

RINGWORM EXPLAINED: INFO YOU MUST KNOW

Ringworm is one of those conditions that immediately worries pet owners, and understandably so. Despite the name, it’s not caused by worms at all, but by a fungal infection that can affect both pets and people. You might hear it called dermatophytosis, but most of us know it as those distinctive round patches on the skin that can cause hair loss, redness and irritation.

What makes ringworm particularly tricky is how easily it spreads. The fungus can live in soil, on surfaces, and on infected animals or people. It’s also zoonotic, meaning it can pass between animals and humans. Spores can linger on things like bedding, towels, brushes and furniture, so even indirect contact can lead to infection. That’s why it can sometimes feel like it appears out of nowhere and moves quickly through a household, especially where pets share spaces or bedding. In pets, ringworm often shows

up as circular areas of hair loss with flaky or scaly skin. You might notice broken hairs, small bald patches, or areas that look a little red and inflamed. Some pets are itchy, while others seem completely unbothered, which can make it easy to miss in the early stages. In multi-pet households, it can quietly spread before anyone realises what’s going on. If you notice any changes to your pet’s skin or coat, it’s always worth getting it checked. Diagnosis isn’t always straightforward and can take a bit of detective work. Your veterinarian may use

a combination of tools, including examining hairs under a microscope or performing specific tests to confirm ringworm and rule out other skin conditions that can look very similar. When it comes to treatment, patience is key. Ringworm doesn’t resolve overnight, and consistency is important. Most pets need a combination of treatments, such as medicated washes and, in some cases, oral antifungal medications to fully clear the infection. Just as important is managing the environment – washing bedding regularly, vacuuming thoroughly,

and disinfecting surfaces to remove any lingering spores.

Because its zoonotic, good hygiene plays a big role in protecting your household. Washing your hands after handling your pet, avoiding sharing bedding, and limiting close contact while your pet is being treated can all help reduce the risk.

While ringworm is usually mild in healthy adults, it can be more of a concern for young children, older adults or anyone with a weakened immune system. The good news is that ringworm is very manageable with the right approach.

Early detection, consistent treatment and a bit of extra care at home can make all the difference in stopping it in its tracks.

If you’re ever unsure, or something doesn’t look quite right with your pet’s skin, the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital is always here to help, offering practical advice and supportive care for both you and your pet.

DON’T RISK GOING OUTSIDE OF PLATFORMS

Online services and gig platforms make it easy to post a task and get bids from people who want the job. Some examples are Airtasker, ServiceSeeking, Freelancer, TaskRabbit, and Upwork.

I have been using these over the years and, for the most part, have been very happy with the services. The way these companies generally work is that they charge you a listing fee and take between 15 per cent and 25 per cent of the amount paid.

These platforms are helpful because they quickly connect you with people ready to work, so you don’t have to spend time making calls or searching online. You often get several offers, but it can cost more than hiring someone directly. The convenience also means that workers pay high fees to the platform, and sometimes they might try to work with you outside the platform.

Recently, I posted a job looking for old pool tiles along with installation. After months of

waiting, someone contacted me and said he had exactly what I needed. After we spoke on the phone, he convinced me to skip the platform for a better price. We agreed on a deposit, a date and I shared my address.

I sent a deposit through Oska, but my bank held the money for 24 hours since he was a new payee. Right away, problems started. I got more than 25 abusive texts demanding payment. The messages began with personal

complaints and soon turned into threats. One of the messages indicated he was on his way over to my house to sort me out. He also called me over eight times, but I ignored the calls. This is intimidating behaviour and did spook my wife. Thank fully we do have a surveillance system, and my wife will not answer the door for the next few weeks.

Looking back, I didn’t do my usual checks because I was just relieved to find someone with the right tiles. I agreed to work outside the platform and gave him my address. Only later did I look at his profile more carefully and saw it was new, with no references or past work. A quick Google reverse image search showed he had used stolen project photos. Basically the profile was set up to target me. This experience taught me a hard lesson. Now, someone who threatened me has my address. I reported him, but he still has my information. Next time, I’ll pay extra to make sure I use the platform’s protections.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2026

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

This week is all about communication, education and travel – especially within your immediate environment. Perhaps you’ll do some volunteer work at a school, pair up with a neighbour and go on an adventure or become involved in a local community project. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, actor and writer Emma Thompson, “Any problem, big or small, always seems to start with bad communication. Someone isn’t listening.”

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

On Monday, a lucky opportunity could come your way, as Jupiter links up with Venus (your patron planet). Six planets are transiting through your spirituality zone, so this week is all about spending quiet time on your own, listening to your inner voice and following your intuition. Your motto for the moment is from actress and feminist Emma Watson (who turns 36 on Wednesday), “All I can do is follow my instincts, because I’ll never please everyone.”

LEO

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

On Monday, a friend or acquaintance in your local community could send a lucky opportunity your way, so make the most of it. For the rest of the week the focus is on inner and outer security, involving financial matters and self-esteem. Don’t sacrifice your core values and beliefs in the pursuit of something (or someone) that is shallow and lacking in substance. And don’t settle for second best. Make sure you set your sights and standards high.

GEMINI

22 TO JUNE 21

With six planets (including the New Moon) transiting through your hopes and wishes zone, it’s time to dream big dreams and take adventurous steps to make them come true. No sitting on the sidelines! Your motto is from Victoria Beckham (who turns 52 on Friday), “If you can get your head around your dream, it means your dream isn’t big enough.” On Friday, your ruler Mercury pairs up with Neptune, so think compassionately and speak kindly.

VIRGO

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Calling all red-hot Rams! This week, no less than six planets are transiting through your sign – the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Saturn and Neptune. So you’ll be at your fiery, passionate, courageous best … and your feisty, impatient, combative worst. If you can sometimes morph from a raging ram into a gentle lamb, then life will be less bumpy. Friday’s New Moon in Aries signals a fresh approach to love, relationships, friendships, life – everything!

CANCER

22 TO JULY 22

The Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Saturn and Neptune are all in Aries, charging through your career zone. So it’s time for cautious Crabs to be bold and brave. Which will give you the confidence and courage to be the authentic you, showcase your professional strengths, and pursue your wildest dreams. Your motto is from birthday great, actress and activist Emma Watson, “I don’t want other people to decide who I am. I want to decide that for myself.”

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23 LIBRA

Lions are feeling frisky and Cats are feeling courageous as no less than six planets transit though fellow fire sign, Aries. So you’re full of feisty, restless energy that needs a positive outlet, via vigorous physical activity or a challenging creative project. And with Friday’s New Moon activating your adventure and travel zone, you’re also in the mood to organize a weekend getaway or an overdue holiday – somewhere flamboyant, indulgent and fun!

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

It’s time to cool down and calm down Scorpio! Aim to do plenty of physical activity this week, as you channel your intense energy in pleasant and productive ways. But being overly proprietorial about a person or situation will only lead to a fraction too much friction. So strive to be less stubborn about relationships, possessions and work. Friday’s fiery New Moon signals a fresh start involving a health matter, your daily routine or a professional project.

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Six planets are transiting through your intrigue, research and partnership zones. So it’s a good week to investigate something thoroughly (with your Virgo x-ray vision), read a detective story, uncover a secret, solve a puzzling problem or get to the bottom of an intriguing mystery. But the more you try to control others, the more they are likely to resist. So, if you want to avoid ongoing power struggles, learn to diplomatically let go and move on.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Six planets light up your good fortune zone and there’s a fabulous link between the two lucky planets Venus and Jupiter (your ruler). So a combination of self-belief, sudden opportunities and good

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Monday is the luckiest day of the week, especially involving professional matters and/or joint finances. Don’t waste energy worrying, especially at work. It’s a good week to re-connect with loved ones, tell them what’s on your mind and keep them up-to-date with your plans. The New Moon encourages you to look at a troubled relationship in a perceptive and diplomatic new light as you re-set boundaries and road-test some creative new strategies.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

No less than eight planets fire up your family, friendship and neighbourhood zones as you express more love, compassion and understanding towards loved ones. Family and friends are the ones

Relax & Unwind

DESTINATION

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

WORDS

Emily Chate

Chate

PACKED SCHEDULE IN

Many times I’ve thought about jumping in the car and heading off for a weekend away. I recently did just that and found the ideal place to escape to –the Southern Highlands – but there is a twist: my car sat at home the whole time I was gone.

Let me introduce you to Turo. A car rental marketplace that connects car owners with travellers looking for a car for their next trip. Think of it sort of like Airbnb for cars. I used the app to find a car near me, and when it happened to be a Mercedes, I will say a smile crossed my face. The car’s owner Linh was utterly gracious and easy to communicate with! She dropped the car to my house at 8am one morning and then came to pick it up three days later.

I must say the ideal part of using Turo was that you can make sure you get the exact car you’re after, not the usual “something similar” that is usually heard from typical car rental places. If you want a car with a surfboard rack, then the app will deliver it. The same goes if you are like me and looking for something a bit sleeker than your normal ride. But it doesn’t have to always be a luxury number, the options on Turo are endless!

My rented Mercedes and I decided to take the scenic route to the Southern Highlands with stops along the coast first. A quick stop at the Bald Hill Lookout at Stanwell Tops was the first glimpse of the magic I was in for during my trip. The next stop was at Robertson Pie Shop, a must stop for any road trip down south! My tip: the apple pie with fresh cream! The next stop was a bit kooky but worth every second. I stopped and did a tour of a mushroom farm inside a Victorian era railway in Mittagong – the site is full of WWII history (perfect for this history nerd!). Led by Mycologist farmers Leonie and Peter, I have truly never seen someone so dedicated to the mushroom.

Following the mushroom tunnel tour, it was time to check into my home for the weekend: Peppers Manor House. The manor has been re-purposed from its original homestead into charming accommodation perfect for a getaway, a conference or a wedding. In my opinion

you don’t even need to leave the grounds to have a varied itinerary! From a dip in the pool to a spot of badminton guests at Pepper’s Manor House will never be bored. My favourite part though was the chance to rest with a book in a cosy armchair by the roaring fire in the Great Hall.

“THE VIEW OF THE SPRAWLING ESTATE FELT LIKE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FRAMED”

My room – in the Garden Wing – was effortlessly glamorous. The view of the sprawling grounds of the estate felt like it should have been framed and the room was big enough to feel more like a suite! It had everything this weary traveller needed (including a large bathtub).

I didn’t rest in my quarters for long because

I had a gin blending experience booked on the grounds with Nathan from Millsheds Distillery in Bowral. Nathan was so full of energy and gave so many interesting insights into how gin is made. Nathan soon let the group loose to taste a range of different botanicals to find the flavours that would make our own special blend. A simple touch during the experience that truly elevated it was the onsite printing of a label with the name you chose for your gin. It’s the small things!

The next stop was Peppers’ onsite restaurant Kater’s. The restaurant is dimly lit giving the perfect ambience for a decadent dinner. The group I was with chose to try the sharing menu which has a 1.2kg red gum tomahawk steak and a whole Tumut region rainbow trout. The food was expertly prepared leaving it to simply melt in your mouth. You can’t visit Peppers Manor House without a stop here. The next day, I enjoyed a lazy morning lounging exploring the manor’s garden (I even saw a few bunnies hopping around), before heading into Berrima. The historic town is full of charm, and after a stop at a bakery I wandered through the various shops – all full to the brim with care.

THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

Lunch was preceded by a wine tasting at Bendooley Estate. The 200-acre property is perfect for a casual lunch or a glitzy wedding. The sommelier led me through a wine tasting of some of the wines produced from the estate. Her knowledge and charm only highlighted the experience, leaving me no choice but to buy a bottle or two.

The afternoon saw me back at Peppers Manor

House I went to relax (and snooze off the wine) before heading back into Berrima for dinner.

We went to Eschalot, a fine dining restaurant inside a heritage listed stone cottage where we were seated in a private room and delivered the chef’s ‘feed me’ menu – which is driven by the produce of the day. This is a must do.

My last morning at Peppers Manor House saw me wake with both excitement and

nerves because I had an activity booked that I never thought I would do: beekeeping. On site at Peppers Manor House are beehives tended to by Bowral Honey Farm and groups can book a beekeeping experience without having to leave the grounds. Hamish, the lead beekeeper, clad in a yellow and black striped t-shirt was so full of life and passion that I could not have been more invested in

the experience. This is a must do for anyone staying at Peppers Manor House. Afterwards I got to taste test some of the honey Hamish had extracted from the bees – a truly magical experience.

If you are looking for a weekend getaway my pick is Peppers Manor House in the Southern Highlands – do it in style with a hire car from Turo.

76.

Word Search

JOHNNY

COWBOY

HONKY

LUKE

ZACH

LAINEY

JELLY ROLL

Last

Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or

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.

Maddie’s Meals

Cheat’s Fettuccine

Carbonara

What You’ll Need:

– Large Pan

– Pot for boiling pasta

– Colander

Ingredients:

– Fettuccine (I prefer fresh egg pasta, but you can use whatever you like)

– 400g bacon

– Approx 300g Mushrooms

– 300mL Thickened Cream

– 2 eggs

– Spices (I use salt, black pepper, white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder paprika and chilli flakes-optional)

Method:

1. Fill the pot with water on medium to high heat, adding pasta once boiling.

2. Slice bacon and mushrooms, adding

to a pan on medium heat. Add spices and stir through, cooking until bacon is slightly crispy.

3. Create a well in the centre of the pan, and crack the eggs in. After letting cook for roughly 30 seconds, scramble the egg and stir through the bacon and mushrooms.

4. Add cream to the pan and stir through the mixture. Reduce heat until pasta is boiled.

5. Once boiled, drain pasta water, saving a cup to add to the pan later. Empty pasta into the pan and coat pasta with cream mixture, adding small amounts of pasta water as well.

6. Let the pasta sit for 5-10 minutes once combined, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce is thick, it’s ready to serve!