Home & Lifestyle May 21 2026

ELITE OFFICE FOR AN ELITE REAL ESTATE TEAM

Real estate agency R&W has expanded and rebranded, using the new St Marys office as a catalyst to unite the four western Sydney offices under one banner: R&W Elite Group.

In addition to the St Marys office, the agency has an office in Rooty Hill, St Clair and Westfield Mt Druitt.

“The reason we’ve expanded to St Marys is because of the infrastructure that’s coming to the area, including the St Marys Metro that goes directly to Western Sydney International Airport,” said David Frendo, who is the Principal Partner at the St Marys office alongside Managing Director Roy Amery.

R&W Elite Group’s footstep in western Sydney began in 2002 when Roy Amery opened the Rooty Hill office.

“We then bought out an existing office in St Clair in 2019, and then we opened an office at Westfield in 2021,” Amery recounted.

“Now with the airport coming, and the fact that we’ve always done a lot of work in the pocket from St Marys up to Penrith, we’re looking to expand into the greater western region.”

“WE

There are future plans to open an office in Penrith.

“There are going to be a lot of new developments in the St Marys to Penrith region,” Amery explained.

“There will be more units and townhouses as the population increases and as land gets scarcer. We believe it’s an area that is really going to grow.

“We would like to have a bigger footprint there and build a bigger rent roll in the area and service clients in that region.”

For now, the team is proud of the St Marys expansion.

“We have over 40 staff, and although we have four separate offices, we work as one team. We have a lot of experience, so we want to bring it all under one umbrella,” Amery said.

“We love helping people buy their first home and we love helping investors manage their investments right so they can go and buy their second or third property.

“We just want to help everybody on their property journey.”

Visit the new St Marys office at 2/343 Great Western Highway.

A BEAUTY IN BLAXLAND

What is so great about this property?

61 Great Western Highway, Blaxland, showcases beautifully renovated interiors, a practical single-level layout, and lightfilled living spaces that create a relaxed, low-maintenance lifestyle. Designed with everyday

living in mind, the home also offers great indoor and outdoor spaces for entertaining family and friends.

Who does this property suit? First home buyers, young families or downsizers. Tell us about the suburb the property is in?

Blaxland is a popular lower Blue Mountains suburb known for its strong sense of community and relaxed lifestyle surrounded by bushland. With good schools,

local cafés, parks and convenient transport options into Sydney, it’s a great spot for families looking for both convenience and a quieter pace of life.

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

GIZZELLE

LET’S RENOVATE

With property prices remaining strong across western Sydney, many Penrith homeowners are choosing to renovate rather than relocate. Whether it’s updating a tired kitchen, creating more space for a growing family or adding value before selling, a well-planned renovation can completely transform a home and lifestyle.

Before picking up the tools or calling a builder, experts say careful planning is the key to a successful renovation. Start by identifying what you want to achieve. Are you renovating to improve functionality, modernise the look of your home, or increase resale value? Having clear goals will help guide every decision throughout the process.

Budgeting is another crucial step. Renovation costs can quickly escalate, so it’s important to set a realistic budget and allow extra for unexpected expenses. Industry professionals often recommend keeping a contingency fund of around 10 to 20 per cent for surprises that may arise once work begins.

It’s also worth considering which renovations deliver the best return on investment. Kitchens and bathrooms remain among the most valuable upgrades, while outdoor entertaining areas continue to be popular with Australian families.

Improving energy efficiency through better insulation, lighting and windows can also reduce long-term household costs.

Choosing the right tradespeople can make or break a renovation project. Homeowners should seek recommendations, check licences and insurance, and obtain multiple quotes before committing. Good communication with builders and contractors is essential to avoid misunderstandings and delays.

For larger renovations, checking local council requirements is important before work starts. Certain projects may require development approval or complying development certificates, particularly if structural changes are involved.

Finally, think about how the renovation will fit into your long-term plans. A renovation designed around your future needs can provide comfort and practicality for years to come.

While renovating can feel overwhelming at times, a thoughtful approach and quality workmanship can turn an ordinary house into a dream home – and potentially add significant value along the way.

This special Let’s Renovate feature introduces you to fantastic builders and services that can guide you through your renovation.

LET’S RENOVATE

to the kitchen rip-out, the new flooring, the bathroom overhaul, and then someone asks: where is all your stuff going to go?

For most western Sydney families, the answer has been an uncomfortable mix of renting a storage cage somewhere industrial, stacking boxes at a parent’s place, or living around the chaos.

None of it is ideal. Most of it is expensive. And when the renovation runs long – as renovations often do – the costs and the headaches compound.

There’s now a better option sitting right in the heart of the region, and it’s one most people haven’t thought of yet.

Astina Space, the new business and storage community at 1 David Road, Emu Plains, was built for small businesses – but it’s proving equally useful for local families mid-renovation. Units

start from just 29 square metres, with an optional mezzanine level above, and are available to rent rather than buy. That means you’re not locked in. You take a unit for the duration of your reno, you move your furniture, your appliances, your valuables in safely, and you move them back out when the dust settles.

What makes it different from a standard storage cage is everything that surrounds it. Astina Space is a professionally managed, 24/7 accessible community – not a padlock-and-hope facility.

There’s on-site security, keyless entry, a concierge who handles deliveries, and a café courtesy of Finn & Co

and box trucks, is available to members, which means you’re not hiring a removalist every time you need to shift something.

The complex was developed by the Schrumpf family, a well-known Penrith family whose Astina Group has been building for and investing in the local community for years.

Renovating homeowners are exactly the kind of members the space suits.

The units are clean, dry, and secure. It’s the kind of environment you’d actually trust with your grandmother’s dining table or your new appliances still in the box. Access is around the clock, which matters when you’re juggling tradies, school pickups and a household running at reduced capacity.

Astina Space is open now at 1 David Road, Emu Plains. Contact the team on 1300 193 301 or visit the website www.astinaspace.com.au.

Before You Buy or Renovate

people live and work.

Across Sydney, more families and businesses are choosing to renovate, extend or rebuild rather than relocate, and the demand for experienced, trustworthy builders has never been greater.

Diamond Building Group specialises in high quality home renovations and extensions, second storey additions, custom new builds, commercial fitouts, and complete design and planning services. Whether it’s transforming an outdated home into a modern family space or constructing a brand-new dream home from the ground up, the team focuses on delivering a seamless experience from concept to completion.

Building or renovating is one of the biggest investments a family can make, which is why communication, transparency and quality workmanship sit at the heart of every project. From the initial consultation through to selections, approvals and construction, clients are guided through every stage with confidence and care.

Now, Diamond Building Group is also bringing that same level of expertise into the commercial sector. With experience delivering premium fitouts across fitness and wellness centres, retail spaces, offices and medical facilities, the company offers tailored solutions designed for modern businesses and growing brands.

The philosophy is simple: build homes, build trust, and create spaces that stand the test of time.

Diamond Building Group is a local Emu Plains business. For more information, visit www.diamondbuildinggroup.com.au or call 4711 5137.

MAKE ROOM for your renovation.

Astina Space offers flexible, affordable micro-industrial suites in Western Sydney — a completed 256-unit complex designed for tradies, small businesses, investors and SMSFs seeking secure, low-maintenance industrial space.

Dunn & Farrugia pride themselves on being a trusted name in fencing, with a reputation built on quality, reliability and local expertise.

Based right here in Penrith, their expansive seven-acre manufacturing facility is the heart of their operation – where they design, assemble, manufacture and powder coat kilometres of fencing every single day.

Their local presence means you’re not dealing with a middleman – they manufacture and install directly for you. This ensures not only a faster turnaround but also

a higher standard of quality control from start to finish.

Whether you’re undertaking a small residential project or a large-scale commercial development, Dunn & Farrugia has the management capability and production capacity to deliver on time and with professionalism.

The majority of their fencing products are made right here in Penrith, supporting local jobs and industry. In addition to their in-house manufacturing, they also offer select imported products to give you an even wider range of choices.

From a simple in-store

consultation to a comprehensive free onsite measure and quote, their team is equipped to guide you through every stage of your project.

With decades of experience and a strong local footprint, Dunn & Farrugia offers the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing power.

When you choose them, you choose a company that stands by its products, its people, and its promise to deliver quality fencing solutions every time.

Visit Dunn & Farrugia at 44 Preston Street, Jamisontown.

leading providers of Australian-made residential lifts.

Driven by a passion for helping Australians maintain their mobility and independence at home, the Garrett brothers built the business on a foundation of innovation, reliability and genuine customer care. A decade later, those values continue to shape every project Velocity Home Lifts undertakes.

Specialising in the design, manufacture and installation of high-quality home lifts, Velocity Home Lifts offers tailored solutions to suit a wide range of homes and lifestyles.

Whether it’s helping older Australians comfortably age in place, assisting families building multi-storey homes, or working alongside architects and builders to create accessible living spaces, the team prides itself on delivering practical and stylish lift solutions without compromising on quality.

What sets Velocity Home Lifts apart is its commitment to Australian-made products and personalised service. Every lift is carefully crafted with safety, functionality and reliability front of mind, while customers benefit from working directly with an experienced and responsive local team that understands the importance of trust and communication throughout the process.

From the initial consultation through to installation and ongoing support, Velocity

Home Lifts takes a hands-on approach to ensure every customer feels confident and supported.

As demand for accessible and future-proof homes continues to grow, Velocity Home Lifts remains focused on helping Australians enjoy greater freedom and independence in the homes they love.

With 10 years of industry experience and a reputation built on professionalism and traditional customer service, Velocity Home Lifts continues to elevate homes – and lives – across Sydney and beyond.

Find out more at www.velocityhomelifts. com.au.

display shows lift state and assist with troubleshooting. In Cabin phone.

One touch control panel. No need to hold button down for lift to travel. In Cabin Self Rescue.

2x External removes supplied with each Iconic lift.

Family owned and operated since 1964, O’Mara Constructions are custom home builders, not project home builders. This means the owner has freedom of choice of everything from design, materials and suppliers. O’Mara builds everything the project guys don’t. Any design on any site, bushfire area, sloping or narrow block. They also build home additions or can renovate your existing home with kitchen and bathroom renovations, re-roofing, new windows or internal wall removal to open up your living area.

However, as land prices rise in western Sydney, the biggest growth area is second storey extensions. Lots of people like the area, the kids attend the local school, but the house is just too small. This is where a second storey addition solves the problem and it’s cheaper than moving. Owners can still live in the home during construction. NO yard

space is lost when adding up and the house can be safer, take advantage of any possible views and improve privacy or winter sun.

“Undoubtedly, second storey extensions are the best value for money home renovation, but only when designed correctly and some builders stuff it up,” Luke O’Mara said.

There are NO real estate fees, NO stamp duty, NO moving costs and it’s less disruptive than a ground floor extension.

Builders enter the extension by the roof, not the front door. There is NO need to move out during construction. Council approval is simpler also.

Contact Luke O’Mara direct and find out how to change a small house (three bed, one bath) into a large open plan home (five bed, two bath and study) with an obligation free site appraisal (even over the phone!).

O’Mara has been doing this type of work in western Sydney for over 60 years.

Sydney Prestige Metal Roofing, a family-run business based in western Sydney, has built a reputation for excellence in re-roofing, pergolas, carports and new builds.

Whether a roof is leaking, showing its age, or a homeowner simply wishes to increase their property’s value, this fully licensed, HBCF approved and insured team provides a premium solution using genuine Colorbond products.

While ageing tiled roofs may appear functional, years of western Sydney’s intense heat and unpredictable storms often cause tiles to shift, crack and leak.

Sydney Prestige Metal Roofing specialises in transforming these vulnerable roofs, ensuring old tiles are recycled and replaced with high-quality Colorbond steel. The result is a structure that is lighter, tougher, and virtually maintenance-free.

Beyond durability, the steel roofing offers superior thermal regulation – keeping interiors warmer through

cold winters and noticeably cooler during Penrith’s scorching summers.

The team manages the entire process, from the initial free quote to the final completion of the project. Their commitment to quality is reflected in their consistent five-star reviews and a standout industry offering: a seven-year workmanship repair Guarantee.

If their workmanship fails to meet expectations, Sydney Prestige Metal Roofing returns to fix the problem at no charge.

Sydney Prestige Metal Roofing are winners of the Penrith City 2025 Local Business awards, taking out the Service and Trade Award. For residents in Penrith and surrounding suburbs ready to retire their tired tile roofs, Sydney Prestige Metal Roofing offers expert service and total peace of mind. Call the friendly team at 0415 968 897 or get a quote online at https://sydneyprestigemetalroofing.com. au.

The Experts

IS JAW PAIN HOLDING YOU BACK?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain is something many people experience, yet very few know where to seek help. For some, it may feel like clicking or crunching in the jaw. For others, it can present as headaches, ear pain, facial tension, neck pain, or difficulty chewing and opening the mouth. Despite how common these symptoms are, TMJ disorders are often misunderstood or overlooked.

The TMJ is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull and plays a role in almost everything we do throughout the day talking, eating, yawning and even breathing. Like any other joint in the body, it can become irritated, overloaded or dysfunctional.

What many people do not realise is that jaw pain is rarely caused by a single issue.

Stress, clenching, grinding teeth, poor sleep, neck tension, posture, previous injuries and even lifestyle factors can all contribute.

In some cases, people have been

living with symptoms for years without understanding why.

As physiotherapists, our role is not to replace dental or medical management, but to work alongside other healthcare professionals to help address the musculoskeletal side of TMJ pain.

This may involve improving jaw and neck movement, reducing muscle tension, addressing strength and control deficits, and helping patients better understand aggravating factors.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that jaw pain means

people should completely avoid movement or stop using the jaw altogether.

In reality, education, gradual loading and improving confidence with movement can often play an important role in recovery much like rehabilitation for other joints in the body.

TMJ disorders can have a significant impact on quality of life, affecting sleep, eating, concentration and mental wellbeing. The encouraging part is that many people can experience meaningful relief with the right guidance and a multidisciplinary approach.

Jaw pain may be common, but living with ongoing pain, tension or headaches should not simply be accepted as “normal.” If you have been struggling with TMJ pain, headaches, jaw clicking or facial tension, book an assessment with one of our physiotherapists today to discuss whether physiotherapy may help provide relief and get you back to feeling your best.

PENRITHNEWS.AU

Experts

MY DOG IS SHAKING ITS HEAD AGAIN!

“ My dog is shaking its head again!” It’s one of the most common phrases heard at a veterinary hospital, especially during periods of wet weather and high humidity. While an occasional ear scratch

may not seem alarming, repeated head shaking, scratching, rubbing on the carpet, or a sudden unpleasant smell from the ears can all point to an ear problem that needs attention.

Dogs’ ears create the perfect environment for trouble when moisture and humidity rise. Warm, damp ear canals encourage the overgrowth of yeast and bacteria, particularly in breeds with floppy ears, narrow ear canals, or dogs that love swimming. Spaniels, Labradors, Bulldogs, Retrievers, and poodle crosses are common sufferers, but any dog can develop ear issues.

Ear infections can quickly become painful and frustrating for pets. Many owners first notice their dog shaking their head excessively, tilting their head to one side, or crying when the ears are touched. Some dogs may develop red, inflamed ears with a dark waxy discharge or a strong odour. Others simply become quieter than normal or reluctant to be patted around the head.

The challenge is that ear problems are often more than “just an infection.” Allergies are one of the leading causes of recurring ear disease in dogs. Environmental allergies, grass pollens, dust mites, and even certain foods can trigger inflammation inside the ear canal. Once the ear becomes inflamed, yeast

and bacteria take advantage of the moist environment and secondary infections develop. Unfortunately, delaying treatment can lead to chronic ear disease. Repeated infections may cause thickening and narrowing of the ear canals, making future infections harder to manage. In severe cases, untreated infections can spread deeper into the ear and affect balance or hearing.

The good news is that early treatment usually provides fast relief. Veterinary examinations often include looking deep into the ear canal with an otoscope and examining samples under the microscope to identify yeast, bacteria, or ear mites. Treatment may involve professional ear cleaning, medicated drops, and management of underlying allergies if needed.

Pet owners should avoid using cotton buds or home remedies unless advised by their veterinarian, as this can push debris further down the ear canal or worsen irritation.

As the wet weather continues, it is worth paying close attention to your dog’s ears. If your dog is shaking its head again, scratching excessively, or developing smelly ears, it may be more than a passing irritation. For more information, contact the friendly team at Orchard Hills veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

STRATEGY FOR COUPLES WITH AN AGE GAP

When Centrelink assesses a couple for the Age Pension, both members of the couple are generally assessed together. This means the couple’s combined assets and combined income are measured against the Centrelink couples thresholds for the assets test and income test.

For couples where one partner has reached Age Pension age and the other has not, there may be a planning opportunity. Superannuation held in the name of a person who is under Age Pension age is generally not counted by Centrelink, provided it remains in accumulation phase.

This can provide an opportunity commonly known as a Centrelink sheltering strategy.

For example, where the older partner is eligible for the Age Pension and the younger partner is not yet Age Pension age, it may be possible to invest suitable assets into the younger partner’s superannuation accumulation account. This may reduce the

couple’s assessable assets and deemed income, which could potentially increase the older partner’s Age Pension entitlement.

The important point is that the funds need to remain in accu-

mulation phase. If the funds are moved into pension phase, they generally become assessable by Centrelink as an income stream. This means the strategy may stop providing the same Centrelink benefit.

There is also a tax trade-off to consider. Investment earnings in pension phase are generally tax free, while earnings in accumulation phase are usually taxed inside superannuation. Therefore, the potential increase in Age Pension needs to be weighed against the possible tax cost of keeping the money in accumulation phase.

This is why the strategy should not be considered in isolation. Contribution caps, access to the funds, preservation rules, tax, estate planning, and future changes in circumstances all need to be taken into account.

Centrelink sheltering can be a very useful strategy for the right couple, particularly where there is a meaningful age gap. However, it needs to be carefully assessed to ensure the Centrelink benefit is greater than any tax or flexibility cost.

As always, couples should seek personal financial advice before making changes to their superannuation or retirement income.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2026

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

The fiery Full Moon activates your bohemian side plus the Sun, Mercury and Uranus stimulate your self-expression zone. So don’t play it too safe – it’s time to do your own thing, in your own highly individual way! Forge your own path and follow your unique dreams. The more adventurous and inventive you are, the luckier you’ll be! Draw inspiration from birthday great, Stevie Nicks (who turns 78 on Tuesday), “I believe in magic and I believe in myself.”

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Expect a relationship hiccup or a financial challenge this week, as Saturn squares Venus (your patron planet). With mighty Mars transiting through Taurus (until June 28) it’s nothing you can’t handle as you bolster your Bullish, proactive side. Passionate persistence is the key! Draw inspiration from birthday great Stevie Nicks (who turns 78 on Tuesday), “My life is a testament to believing that if you want something, you can make it happen.”

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

During the first half of the week, the Sun (your patron planet) forms fabulous aspects with Neptune and Pluto. So you’re keen to talk about your grandiose goals, divine dreams and spectacular schemes for the future. But don’t get lost in a quagmire of possibilities. Make sure you walk your talk and put those abstract plans into productive action. Then on Sunday, the fiery Full Moon activates your self-expression zone. So fortune favours proactive, creative Cats.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Tuesday’s tricky Mars/Pluto square could stir up friction with your partner or a relative, so try to avoid doing anything that inflames an already volatile situation. Then the terrific Sun/Pluto trine brings the opportunity for healing and transformation, especially at home. Sunday’s Full Moon fires up your finance zone, which could bring money matters to a head. So the essential qualities you need to get through the week are plenty of patience and diplomacy!

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Is your professional life progressing well? Are you overdue to retrain or keen to apply for voluntary work? Is it time to take on a second job or even change vocation? Avoid resting on your lovely laurels. With the fiery Full Moon energising your career zone, look for practical ways to streamline tasks and manage stress levels. Your mantra is from birthday great, Stevie Nicks, “Dreams do come true, but not without hard work, determination and a little bit of magic.”

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

With the Sun, Mercury and Uranus visiting your sign, you’re primed to be the most creative and inventive Gemini you can be. Monday is the best day to dream a big dream. Then the Full Moon revs up your relationship zone, so it’s a good weekend to go on a first date, fall in love, do something special with your sweetheart or party with your best friends. Be inspired by Gemini birthday great Stevie Nicks, “I live in the realm of romantic possibility.”

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

The Sun, Mercury (your ruling planet) and Uranus are moving through your career zone. So the focus is on creativity, communication and innovation at work, especially from Monday through until Wednesday. Then the Full Moon lights up your domestic zone on Sunday, when there could be some domestic dramas when a housemate or family member gets fired up and over-emotional. Keep things in perspective and try to maintain your earthy Virgo equilibrium.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

It’s a big week for bold and boisterous Sagittarians! Mid-week look fabulous as the creative Sun links up with powerful Pluto. So make sure you are ready, willing and able to capitalise on Lady Luck and Good Karma when they come along, especially in your local community. Then the Full Moon (in your sign) promises a positive, passionate and action-packed weekend. Motivation and energy levels are set on high … and so is your hot-headed impatience.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Sunday’s Full Moon encourages you to be more adventurous, as it activates your travel and exploration zone. With ambitious Saturn and intuitive Neptune transiting through your sign, it’s imperative to listen to your inner voice and pursue opportunities when they appear. Be inspired by music pioneer (and fellow Aries) Diana Ross, “You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.”

CANCER

22 TO JULY 22

Venus and Jupiter are both jumping through Cancer, so you’re feeling more fortunate and buoyant than usual. However – with Saturn and Neptune transiting through your career and life direction zone – there will still be challenges and disappointments along the way. Don’t give up – keep going! Be inspired by birthday great Kylie Minogue (who’s had a successful career for over 40 years), “I didn’t want to fizzle out. I had to keep going, like a little Shetland pony.”

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Classy Librans are the diplomatic Divas of the zodiac. And this week – with Venus and Jupiter jumping through your career zone - it’s time to dazzle colleagues, clients and/or customers with your effortless charm, creative talent and natural enthusiasm. If you encounter major hurdles or minor hiccups, use tact and consultation to soothe tempers and build bridges. As birthday great Stevie Nicks observes, “If you are gracious, you have won the game.”

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Your ruler Saturn squares Venus (on Friday) and then the Full Moon stimulates your solitude zone (on Sunday). So self-doubt and your vocal inner critic could cause some frustration and loneliness this week, especially involving a romantic relationship or a family member. Remember – you are loveable for who you are, not what you do. And no one can make you feel bad about yourself without your consent. A double dose of self-belief will see you through.

Summons

8. Japanese currency

9. Foreign 10. Eat

Juliet’s

Neglect

25. Onto terra firma

26. Nevertheless (4,2)

29. Called on phone

32. It is (2’1)

35. Tastier

37. Magnified map section

38. Unprepared

40. Sanctuaries

41. Spanish Mr

42. Last

43. Vietnam’s capital

44. Say “cheese”

47. Pistol

51. Surgical thread

52. Slightest

53. Abseil

54. Gambol

58. Surpass

59. Drink like dog

61. Director, Woody ...

63. Celebrity detox unit, ... Ford Clinic

64. Stratagem

65. Level (2,1,3)

66. Ground (electrical circuit)

68. Similar

71. Rough paper

72. Jam pastry

74. Large deer

76. Arranged, ... up

78. Inflated promotion

80. Army commando regiment (1,1,1)

83. Moray ...

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: GARDENING

PRUNING

COMPOSTING FLOWERS

WEEDS

BUSH TREES

GLOVES

MULCHING

PERENNIALS

SOIL

DIRT

WHEELBARROW

LANDSCAPING

GREENHOUSE

HEDGE

FERTILIZER

SEEDS

POTS

ROOTS

STEM

LEAVES BUDS

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies in this week’s special trivia quiz...

1. How many ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies are there?

2. What is the name of Captain Jack Sparrow’s iconic ship?

3. What drink does Captain Jack Sparrow enjoy drinking?

4. What is Captain Jack Sparrow’s catchphrase?

5. Which actor portrays Will Turner? 6. What is the name of Will Turner’s dad?

7. Whose heart is in the chest in ‘Dead Man’s Chest’?

8. Which Australian actress is developing a new ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie?

9. Which actor portrays Captain Jack Sparrow?

10. Where is the beloved ‘Pirates of the Carribbean’ ride located?

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.

COLOUR ME PENRITH!

Maddie’s Meals

Chilli Oil Linguine

What You’ll Need:

– Large pan

– Spatula or tongs for stirring

– Pot for pasta

– Colander

Ingredients:

– Linguine

– 1 Spanish Onion

– Handful of Cherry Tomatoes

– Handful of Rocket

– Garlic Paste

– Chilli Oil

– Olive Oil

– Spices (I use salt, white pepper, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder)

Optional:

– Olives

– Prawns

– Halloumi

– Prosciutto

Method:

1. Boil water in a pot for pasta and heat olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Add garlic paste to the pan and stir through oil while heating.

2. Cut onion into thin rings and add to the pan. While this cooks, chop tomatoes and rocket (roughly).

3. While pasta is cooking, add in tomatoes to the pan. If adding any additional ingredients, add now, as well as chilli oil and seasonings. Add more olive oil if needed and stir through.

4. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add to the pan, stirring everything to gether (tongs may come in handy here). Add rocket, and stir through again, adding more spices/oils if needed.

5. Turn off heat to the pan and let the pasta sit for 5 minutes. Stir once more and enjoy!