Home & Lifestyle June 11 2026

DOWNSIZE WITHOUT COMPROMISE!

Kingfisher Grove in Jordan Springs is changing expectations of what retirement can look like. Set beside the greenery of Wianamatta Regional Park, this is not a place defined by slowing down. It is a community already full of life offering a collection of new apartments ready for new community residents.

While the apartments are new, the village itself is well established. New residents are not arriving to an empty development, they are stepping into a community that is already active, social and connected, with regular events, activities and shared spaces that are used every day.

Daily life has a natural rhythm. Walks through the surrounding parklands, a swim in the heated indoor pool, or time spent in the clubhouse catching up with neighbours are all part of the experience.

There are hobby groups, social gatherings and relaxed moments woven into the week, along with movie screenings and informal get-togethers. This established sense of community is one of Kingfisher Grove’s greatest strengths. It creates an immediate feeling of belonging, supported by a calendar of activities and a network of residents who are already engaged and connected.

The apartments themselves

reflect a contemporary approach to living. Positioned within a collection of low-rise buildings, they offer generous space, modern finishes and a low-maintenance lifestyle. Thoughtful design has also addressed one of the most common concerns – downsizing without compromise. The cleverly designed apartments focus on storage options within as well as a storage cage for the less frequently used items. The shared facilities including a substantial toolshed and a clubhouse bookable for private entertaining mean residents can choose how much they bring with them, knowing everything they need is still within reach.

Location adds another layer of appeal. Just seven kilometres from Penrith, Kingfisher Grove places everything close at hand. The Jordan Springs Shopping Centre sits directly opposite, and Nepean Hospital is only a short drive away.

Everyday convenience is built into the location, along with easy access to familiar services and social connections.

“DEMAND FOR THIS STYLE OF RETIREMENT LIVING CONTINUES TO GROW”

Demand for this style of retirement living continues to grow, and Kingfisher Grove reflects that shift. People are choosing homes that simplify their lives while keeping them connected to the things that matter most. For many, it is about making a smart transition into a home that suits how they live now, with room to host family and friends without the burden of ongoing upkeep. The opportunity to move into an already thriving community, combined with modern residences, is proving highly appealing. Interest has been strong, with more than 70 per cent of apartments already sold.

Kingfisher Grove is not just about securing a new apartment. It is about becoming part of a community that is already living well, where connection, activity and convenience come together in a meaningful way.

To find out more about the apartments selling at Kingfisher Grove visit www.kingfishergrove. com.au or call 1800 550 550.

Western Property

SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME

What is so great about this property? A well-presented family home on a generous 632sqm (approx.) block, featuring four bedrooms, split system air conditioning, a covered entertaining deck and a spacious backyard perfect for families.

Who does this property suit? Growing families, first home buyers and investors looking for a comfortable home in a convenient, family-friendly location.

Tell us about the suburb the property is in?

Cranebrook is a popular family-focused suburb offering easy access and walking distance to schools, childcare centres,

shopping centres, parks and major transport routes. These accessibilities makes everyday living simple and convenient.

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

One of the most common questions we receive in the clinic is, “What exactly is dry needling?” Many people have heard of it from friends, family members, or other healthcare professionals, but are unsure what it involves or whether it may be appropriate for them.

Dry needling is a treatment technique used by physiotherapists to assist in the management of pain, muscle tension, and movement restrictions. It involves the use of very fine, sterile needles inserted into muscles and soft tissues to target areas of tension, sensitivity, or dysfunction. Physiotherapists use dry needling as part of a broader assessment and treatment approach based on anatomy, biomechanics, and the underlying cause of a person’s symptoms.

Many painful conditions can result in muscles becoming tight, overactive, or sensitive. Dry needling may help reduce muscle tension, improve blood

flow, decrease pain, and restore normal movement patterns. It is commonly used for conditions such as neck pain, back pain, headaches, jaw pain, shoulder injuries, sporting injuries, and persistent muscle tightness. However, one of the most

important things to understand is that dry needling is not a magic fix and is rarely a complete treatment on its own. While some people experience short-term improvements in pain or movement following treatment, these changes are often best viewed as

an opportunity to make meaningful progress through other aspects of rehabilitation.

At our clinic, dry needling is used as an adjunct to physiotherapy treatment rather than a standalone solution. It may help reduce pain or muscle guarding, allowing patients to move more comfortably, participate in exercise, improve strength, and address the factors contributing to their condition. Long-term improvement is typically achieved through a combination of education, targeted exercise, movement retraining, activity modification, and self-management strategies.

If you have been curious about dry needling, are experiencing ongoing pain or muscle tightness, or would like to learn whether it could complement your rehabilitation, book in with our team. We can assess your condition, discuss your goals, and determine whether dry needling may be an appropriate addition to your treatment plan.

The Experts

SOCIALISATION MATTERS THROUGH A DOG’S LIFE

When people hear the word “socialisation” they often think of puppies attending puppy preschool, meeting new people, and learning how to interact with other dogs. While early socialisation is incredibly important, many pet owners don’t realise that socialisation is something dogs need throughout their entire lives.

Just like people, dogs are social creatures. Their experiences with the world around them help shape their behaviour, confidence, and emotional wellbeing. Socialisation isn’t simply about playing with other dogs – it involves exposing your pet to a variety of people, animals, environments, sounds, sights, and situations in a positive and controlled way.

The critical socialisation period for puppies occurs during the first few months of life, which is why puppy preschool and early positive experiences are strongly recommended. Puppies that are introduced to different environments and experiences during this time are often more confident and adaptable as adults.

However, socialisation doesn’t stop once a puppy graduates from preschool. Dogs that are rarely exposed to new situations can become fearful, anxious, or reactive over time. A dog that was once comfortable

around visitors, children, or other animals may become uncertain if those interactions suddenly disappear from its life. Regular exposure helps maintain the social skills and confidence that dogs develop during puppyhood.

Ongoing socialisation can take many forms. Daily walks in different locations, visits to pet-friendly cafés, trips to the park, meeting friendly dogs, and positive interactions with a variety of people all contribute to a dog’s mental enrichment. Even simple activities such as accompanying you on errands or sitting quietly while watching the world go by can provide valuable experiences. Socialisation is particularly important following major life changes. Moving house, welcoming a new baby, introducing another pet, or even periods of illness and reduced activity can impact a dog’s confidence.

Gradually reintroducing positive social experiences can help dogs adapt to these changes more successfully.

Senior dogs also benefit enormously from continued social interaction. While older dogs may not have the same energy levels as younger pets, they still require mental stimulation and engagement. Gentle outings, meeting familiar friends, and participating in low-impact activities can help keep ageing dogs mentally sharp and emotionally fulfilled.

One of the most common misconceptions is that socialisation means forcing a dog to interact with everyone and everything. Effective socialisation is about creating positive experiences and allowing dogs to feel safe and comfortable. Every dog is different, and some may prefer calm interactions over busy environments.

At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we regularly see the positive impact that lifelong socialisation has on a dog’s health and wellbeing. Confident, well-socialised dogs often cope better with veterinary visits, grooming appointments, travel, and changes in their environment.

Socialisation isn’t just a puppy project, it’s a lifelong investment in your dog’s happiness, confidence, and quality of life.

INTERNET ON THE OPEN ROAD IN NT AND WA

Ijust finished a one-month road trip in a campervan from Darwin to Perth. Often driving eight hours in remote areas, mobile coverage disappeared quickly. But one thing stood out: many travellers had their own satellite internet, mostly Starlink. I was one of them. Whilst driving, I had it sit on the dashboard. When camped, I had it sitting on a table

Starlink is a satellite broadband service that uses low Earth orbit satellites to provide fast internet. Traditional satellites rely on distant satellites and often have high latency, but Starlink’s network is much closer to Earth, offering faster speeds and lower latency. The main draw for me was that I got reliable internet if I had a clear view of the sky.

In caravan parks, Starlink dishes are everywhere: on picnic tables, van roofs, and portable stands. When my phone had no reception, Starlink usually gave download speeds over 100 Mbps, which was plenty for streaming and working remotely. I got it mainly for safety, since Wi-Fi calling lets you make calls, send messages, and use apps just like you would in a city, even if you’re hundreds of kilometres from the nearest tower. It also allowed me to keep up with the goings on in my business. Configuring it was easy: I plugged in the dish, aligned it, and was online within minutes.

There are some downsides, though. The upfront cost is high, especially if you’re just an occasional traveller. Starlink also uses a lot of power, so it can drain your campervan battery if remote camping. Weather and trees can get in the way, too. Heavy rain or thick trees might weaken the signal, and it’s sometimes tough to find a clear view of the sky in bushland or crowded caravan parks.

Starlink really changes what it’s like to travel. I met grey nomads running businesses from remote camps, families watching

movies under the stars, and digital consultants holding meetings out in the bush. The line between being ‘off-grid’ and ‘online’ is starting to blur. I’m writing this using Starlink right now.

In Western Australia, where distances are huge, Starlink and similar technologies are more than just a convenience. They’re changing what people expect from internet access in remote places. Now, being disconnected on the road is a choice, not something you’re forced into.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2026

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

This week, as the sparky New Moon lights up your creativity and romance zone, you’re in the mood for avant-garde adventures, bohemian friendships or falling in love very fast! But slow down (just a little) and remember there’s a very fine line between being spontaneously successful and being hastily foolhardy. When it comes to a close partnership, what you want might clash with what the other person needs. Cooperation and compromise are the keys.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

The New Moon (on Monday) signals a fresh approach to money, financial planning and business. But many Bulls will feel rather edgy this week, as Mars and Uranus activate your restless gene. So it’s a suitable time to ditch your usual routine and go travelling for fun or work (especially interstate). Plus plan plenty of mental challenges and physical activities, to prevent yourself from being bored. When it comes to love, jump out of your comfort zone.

LEO

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Monday’s New Moon highlights your home zone, so it’s a good week to spruce up your living space via cleaning, tidying and de-cluttering. You could also get a shaky relationship (with a relative, friend or work colleague) back on track. On Tuesday, don’t let a charmingly persuasive person lead you astray – or let self-doubt stymie your confidence and derail your dreams. Wednesday is wonderful for creative projects and spiritual pursuits.

GEMINI

22 TO JUNE 21

This week’s New Moon is in Gemini (on Monday) so it’s the perfect time for an updated look, a different hairstyle, a hot new outfit, a positive new belief or an adventurous new attitude. Expect the unexpected! Tuesday and Wednesday favour communication, conversation, education, creative projects and networking. Your motto is from birthday great Nicole Kidman “Life has got all those twists and turns. You’ve got to hold on tight and off you go.”

VIRGO

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Monday’s sparky New Moon highlights a fresh start involving travel or education, plus talk of an exciting new project in your local community. Then the Sun transits into your home zone on Sunday, when it’s a good time to focus on home and hearth, domestic matters, and your blood relatives or family of choice. Whatever projects you tackle this week, make sure you complete tasks properly (and patiently) before embarking on exciting new ventures.

22 TO JULY 22

Monday’s New Moon puts you in a reflective mood that suits meditating, contemplating and daydreaming. A professional matter, volunteer project or work relationship is taking up a lot of your time and attention. If you are patient then it will pay off in the long run, but there are no quick fixes to finding the right job (or business partner) for you. On the weekend the Sun, Mercury and Jupiter encourage you to maintain enthusiasm, curiosity and momentum.

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23 LIBRA

Venus in Leo highlights love, romance, companionship, consultation and creative joint ventures. And the New Moon lights up your peer group zone – which favours socialising and networking. But try to avoid getting into a power struggle mid-week. Then it’s the Solstice on Sunday – the shortest day of the year (in the southern hemisphere) and the longest day (in the northern hemisphere). So spend quality time sharing the day with someone special.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Monday’s New Moon lights up your mystery and manifestation zone, so it’s the perfect time to dream, imagine, contemplate and create. But be careful with secrets from the past and issues involving trust. Especially on Wednesday and Thursday, when the Venus/Pluto opposition could stir up old resentments and new jealousies. Smart Scorpios will obsess less and forgive more. It’s a good weekend for a local adventure or an interstate getaway.

Shopping Let’s go

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Uranus and the New Moon rev up your reputation zone so don’t hide your versatile Virgo talents! Show the world what you are truly capable of. And is a friend or colleague testing your mettle and your patience? Habitual thinking and old solutions won’t help. The stars encourage you to change your attitude and look at the situation from a fresh perspective. It may take a few false starts but (with a positive and persistent approach) you’ll get there in the end.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

It’s not all about you this week Sagittarius! Monday’s New Moon stimulates your partnership zone, so the focus is firmly on relationships of the romantic, platonic and business variety. It’s time to walk around in the shoes of others for a while as you reach out and help family, friends and/or work colleagues. If you put other people first, then you’ll be rewarded in satisfying ways. Wednesday is wonderful for creative projects and international connections.

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

The sparky New Moon (on Monday) activates your adventure zone, so don’t sit on the sidelines being meek and mild. Librans are clever and capable but are you confident (and adventurous) enough for big time success? The Sun joins Mercury and Jupiter in your career zone on Sunday. So prepare to step up and assume a leadership role as you network with your extended peer group and mix business with plenty of pleasure. Fortune favours the brave.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Have you been feeling like a listless, grumpy Goat? The focus is on your physical and mental health this week, as Monday’s New Moon stimulates your well-being zone. It’s time to shake up your daily routine, improve your diet, plus find fun ways to boost your fitness levels and relax your worried mind. Dial up the romance with your partner on Wednesday. Unhappily single? You could meet your sweetheart via study, travel or on an online dating site.

Relax & Unwind

DESTINATION

Mauritius

WORDS

Maddie Dantier

IMAGES

Maddie Dantier

MORE INFO

A SURPRISE DESTINATION

Usually when I say my family is from Mauritius, people don’t know where I’m talking about. To be fair, Mauritius is a tiny tropical island off the coast of Madagascar, with a population of roughly 1.2 million people.

So, when my dad (who left to live in Australia when he was four) planned a trip to go back I jumped at the chance. If you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway, consider this your go-toguide for exploring this beautifully unique country.

A little bit of history

Mauritius’ documented history begins in the 16th century when Portuguese explorers discovered and named Mauritius, as well as the surrounding islands of Reunion and Rodrigues. However, its first settlement wasn’t until the late 1500s by the Dutch. Only staying for a short time, the island was then inhabited by French settlers who brought over African slaves to work the Sugarcane fields. This was also short lived, as British merchant ships were sent to capture the island during the Napoleonic Wars. The British arrived, overpowering the French and took ownership of Mauritius, keeping the language, customs and traditions of the French settlement. This is why the main languages in Mauritius are French, English, and a French-based Mauritian language known as Creole.

Where to go

For the entirety of my stay, we were housed in a villa in Flic En Flac, one of Mauritius’ most popular beaches and tourist areas. Long stretches of crystal clear water lap at the coastline – but be sure to bring your water shoes! The coral is sharp and plentiful. If beaches are your thing, another one you can’t miss is Le Morne. Nestled under a huge mountain, Le Morne is an amazing swimming spot, treating locals and tourists alike to warm water and beautiful sunsets.

Another must see place is Port Louis. Mauritius’ capital, Port Louis is home to the bulk of the population and is a hotspot for tourist activities. Featuring a local parks, a shopping

centre, a fruit and vegetable market, boutique shops and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Last but not least, Grand Baie is another tourist hotspot to check off your list. Similar to Port Louis, Grand Baie also boasts the calm turquoise bay it’s named for.

Where to eat

Mauritius is not lacking in amazing food options. Showcasing a combination of French and Indian cuisine, most eateries serve traditional Creole meals, which are a curry featuring fresh seafood or chicken, in a rich, fragrant sauce. You will find the occasional pizza or hot chips if you’re not feeling too adventurous, but the seafood is what’s really worth visiting for. Sweets are also something that Mauritius does well. Many a sweet treat was had on my trip, including my favourite, the Puits d’amour (meaning Well of Love) – a shortcrust pastry tart filled with buttercream and topped with coconut and a dollop of guava jam – yum!

“MAURITIUS IS NOT LACKING IN AMAZING FOOD OPTIONS”

What to do

With Mauritius’ main economic booster being tourism, there is plenty to do. If you’re like me and trying to soak up as much as possible, here’s a shortlist of the best activities to do on the island.

– Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark: Mauritius’ first geopark, the landscape was shaped through millions of years of volcanoes and waterfalls, and the 7 Coloured Earths were formed by Iron and Aluminium oxidising the clay, creating the seven beautiful colours. This park also features a Tortoise Park, housing eight fully

grown Tortoises, as well as many babies, and a viewing platform for the Chamarel Waterfalls.

– Port Louis Street Eats and City Highlights Walking Tour: This tour takes the guess work out of bustling Port Louis and allows you to try a wide range of dishes that make up Mauritius’ cultural scene. From Chinatown eats to bakery sweets, this tour combines history with adventure, taking you all around the city.

– Blue Bay Marine Park: Located off the Southeast coast, the Blue Bay Marine Park is a snorkeller’s dream! This trip was my first time snorkelling, and being an anxious person, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Putting my head underwater for the first time was the most amazing feel-

FULL OF DISCOVERY

ing I think I’ve ever felt. Thanks to the clear and shallow waters surrounding Mauritius, an underwater world was brought to life before my eyes. Countless types of fish and coral lay just below my feet. At one point, I swam through a school of fish and felt them brush against me – a truly unique and exhilarating feeling. This tour features a glass bottom boat and two snorkelling spots, as well as a

Creole lunch on a private island. Although not always on everyone’s radar, Mauritius is an amazing place to visit. With breathtaking sights and deep culture, make this your next travel destination!

38.

40.

65. Growls

66. Hog’s grunts

68. Bloodier (steak)

71. Wading

74. Verbal

76. Knocks

78.

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: TEA AND COFFEE

BARISTA

ESPRESSO

ICE COFFEE

BLACK TEA

PLUNGER

TEA BAGS

SAUCER

CAPPUCCINO

LONG BLACK

TEA POT

HERBAL

KETTLE

Last week’s solution

1. The Knicks have won two NBA Championships, in what years did they win them?

2. Who is the all-time leading scorer in Knicks history?

5. What are the two primary colours the Knicks wear?

6. Which Oscar-winning movie director is a Knicks superfan?

Test your knowledge about New York Knicks in this week’s special trivia quiz...

3. Which player holds the record for the most points scored in a single game?

4. What is the name of the arena where the Knicks play their home games?

7. Who is the Knicks current point guard and team captain?

8. What 90’s sitcom often had its characters in Knicks merchandise?

9. When was the last time, before 2026, the Knicks were in the NBA Finals?

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.