Home & Lifestyle September 24 2026 by Western Sydney Publishing Group

INCORPORATING Western Property | The Experts | Relax & Unwind

FIRST IMPRESSIONS A FACADE IS YOUR HOUSE’S HANDSHAKE | SEE PAGE 60 Western Property

The Experts

Relax & Unwind

BEAUTIFUL HOME IN RICHMOND

TAKING ONE STEP AT A TIME

A WEEKEND AWAY YOU WON’T FORGET

SEE PAGE 61

SEE PAGE 64

SEE PAGES 68-69

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FEATURE STORY Western Property

FIRST IMPRESSIONS STILL COUNT: MAKE IT MATTER F

rom weatherboard to minimalist panels, the façade is one of the most influential design decisions in any new build or renovation. As the first thing people see, it shapes how a home is perceived long before anyone steps through the front door. Material, profile, colour and the way light and shadow play across the surface all determine whether a house reads as coastal and relaxed, sharp and contemporary, or something in between. Australians are increasingly investing in street appeal, making façade choices more important than ever. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 70 per cent of detached homes built in the past decade fall into three dominant architectural styles – contemporary coastal, modern minimalist and heritage – influenced weatherboard, each requiring its own cladding cues to bring the desired look to life. Yet with dozens of materials

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and profiles on the market, many homeowners struggle to balance aesthetics with long term performance. Architect Julian Brenchley of Group Architects, known to many as the architect behind ‘The Block’, said most homeowners underestimate how much the façade influences and is a critical component of the overall architectural language of a home. “The façade is the handshake of the house – it can tell you immediately the design style of the home and is the clearest expression of your personal style and vision. The biggest mistake people make is choosing a cladding profile that doesn’t deliver on the overall design and style they want,” Brenchley said. Vertical lines can elongate a narrow block, wide boards can create a relaxed coastal feel, and smooth modern panels can deliver a sculptural, architectural look. But beyond aesthetics, the right cladding choice can improve durability, reduce main-

tenance and enhance the home’s overall value. Paintable fibre cement cladding has long been a staple of Australian residential design thanks to its durability and resistance to rot, termites and moisture. But its design versatility has expanded dramatically. Cemintel’s StreetStyle collection now includes weatherboards, planks, vertical cladding, smooth panels and renderlook sheets, all designed for Australian conditions.

“THE FACADE IS THE HANDSHAKE OF THE HOUSE”

For homeowners drawn to the warmth of a traditional weatherboard facade, StreetStyle’s weatherboard and plank products replicate the layered, horizontal lines that define some of Australia’s most-loved home styles. Painted in crisp white or soft grey, the effect is a classic Hamptons frontage with deep shadow lines between each board. In a heritage colour palette of sage greens, cream, muted blue, the same profile delivers the charm of a period cottage or coastal Queenslander. The boards arrive pre-primed and ready to paint, and unlike timber weatherboards, they won’t rot, swell or attract termites which means less time and money spent on upkeep over the years. At the other end of the spectrum, vertical cladding has become a defining feature of modern Australian homes, particularly in coastal and inner-suburban builds. Where horizontal weatherboard suggests tradition, vertical lines draw the eye upward,

giving a facade a taller, leaner proportion that suits double-storey homes and narrow-block designs. StreetStyle’s vertical joint options are available in a range of groove widths: a wide groove creates a bold, rhythmic pattern with pronounced shadow lines, while a narrow groove produces a more subtle, seamless surface. Paired with a contemporary colour such as matte black, slate grey or a deep navy, the result is a home that reads as modern and architectural. For the growing number of homeowners chasing a paredback, minimalist aesthetic, the range also includes smooth panels and render-look sheets. These products achieve the clean, unbroken surfaces associated with high-end contemporary architecture – the kind of facade where the material almost disappears and the home’s form does the talking. A render-look finish in a warm white or stone tone gives a home a solid, sculptural quality, while smooth panels paired with fibre cement trims can create a Board and Batten effect that adds texture and depth to an otherwise flat facade. A trend that has become increasingly popular in Australia is to mix cladding styles on the home façade to create an architectural feel. This Mixed Cladding look can add depth and individuality to the home aesthetic, and can easily be achieved by combining a number of fibre cement exterior products. Combining a contemporary cladding such as Streetstyle Barestone with StreetStyle Edge cladding known for its deep vertical shadow lines, creates an interesting façade and streetscape. Choose a low-sheen paint that works with the texture to give your choice of colour a contemporary matte look. Visit www.cemintel.com.au.

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 24, 2026

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Thursday, September 24, 2026 « the western weekender

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Thursday, September 24, 2026 « the western weekender

HEALTH The Experts

WHEN EVERYTHING FEELS HEAVY: HERE TO HELP M

AMANDA DUGGAN OnePointHealth 4732 5188

ost people have days when things feel grey. The alarm goes off and the motivation doesn’t arrive with it. Life keeps going, but you’re going through the motions. These moments are normal. But when the grey stretches into weeks, when getting out of bed feels like an Olympic sport, and when the things you used to enjoy lose their colour, that’s when we need to pay attention. Low mood is not a character flaw. It’s not laziness, weakness, or something you can “just snap out of”. It’s a signal from your brain and body that something needs care. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. It usually makes it louder. One of the cruel traps of low mood is that it tells you to withdraw. It whispers that you’re a burden, that no one wants to hear from you, that resting alone is the safest option. But withdrawal feeds the cycle. The less we do, the worse we feel. The worse we feel, the less we do. Here’s what actually helps. 1. Start impossibly small. Not “go to the gym”. Just walk to the letterbox. Not “catch up with a friend”. Just reply to one message. Action comes before motivation, not after. When you wait for motivation, you’ll wait forever.

the western weekender » Thursday, September 24, 2026

2. Move your body! Movement is one of the most powerful mood regulators we have. A walk around the block. A stretch in the living room. Do it before your brain talks you out of it. 3. Keep a rhythm. Wake and sleep around the same time every day. Eat something. Step outside for daylight. Routine is a quiet but powerful antidepressant.

4. Talk to one person. It doesn’t need to be a big conversation. A text, a coffee, a walk with a neighbour. Connection is medicine. 5. Drop the self-criticism. Would you speak to a friend the way you speak to yourself when you’re low? Start there. If low mood is affecting your sleep, appetite, concentration, relationships, or sense of who you are, talk to your GP.

PET HEALTH The Experts

WHO’S LOOKING AFTER YOUR PET AT CHRISTMAS? T

KELLIE TICKNER Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027

here are less than 95 days until Christmas! You’ve booked the flights, organised the accommodation and probably started planning the family holiday. But there’s one important member of the family who may still need a holiday plan of their own — your pet. Christmas and the summer holiday period are some of the busiest times of the year for boarding kennels, catteries and professional pet sitters. Places fill months in advance, so now is the time to make arrangements rather than leaving it until the last minute. At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we know that leaving your pet behind while you head away can be stressful. Finding a boarding facility or pet sitter that you feel comfortable with – and that understands your pet’s individual needs – can make all the difference. Start by asking friends, family and your local veterinarian for recommendations. Personal

experiences can be particularly helpful, especially if their pets have similar personalities, ages or medical needs to yours. Once you have a shortlist, take the time to visit the facility yourself.

for their guests. There are also a few practical things to organise before your pet checks in. Most boarding facilities require pets to have current vaccinations, so check their

A visit allows you to meet the people who will be caring for your pet, see where they will stay and get a feel for how the animals are treated. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about exercise, feeding, supervision, sleeping arrangements and what happens if your pet becomes unwell. A reputable facility should be happy to explain how they care

requirements well in advance. If your pet needs a vaccination, remember that it may need to be given at least two weeks before boarding. It is also worth checking that your pet’s flea, tick and parasite prevention is up to date and that their microchip registration and contact details are current. If your pet takes medication, has

a special diet or has any ongoing health conditions, discuss this with the boarding facility before booking. Provide clear instructions and make sure they have your contact details, an emergency contact and the details of your regular veterinarian. When the big day arrives, try to keep the goodbye calm and positive. While it can be difficult to walk away, a long and emotional farewell can increase your pet’s anxiety. A confident goodbye can help reassure them that everything is okay. And remember, your cat doesn’t have to miss out on a holiday just because you’re going away! At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we offer comfortable cat boarding, allowing your feline family members to enjoy their own safe and relaxing getaway while you enjoy yours. If you need to check your pet’s vaccination requirements or discuss their boarding needs, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

GET THE CARE YOUR PET DESERVES AT ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL!

PRESENTS

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Thursday, September 24, 2026 « the western weekender

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LOAN LOWDOWN The Experts

WHY REFINANCING COULD PAY OFF A

Who stands to benefit most Borrowers who took out their loan several years ago are often the biggest winners, as lenders tend to offer sharper rates to new customers than to existing ones. Those whose property has risen in value may also have moved into a lower loan-to-value bracket, unlocking better pricing. Coming off a fixed term is another natural trigger, since expiring fixed loans usually roll onto a higher revert rate unless the borrower acts.

ustralian homeowners who haven’t reviewed their mortgage recently may be surprised by what’s on offer. Some lenders are now advertising home loan rates from 5.99 per cent, and for many borrowers that sits well below what they’re currently paying.

STEVEN KORNER The Finance Korner thefinancekorner.com.au

How 5.99 per cent compares The lowest owner-occupier fixed offer in a recent 80 per cent LVR market comparison carried a 5.99 per cent headline rate, with a 6.31 per cent comparison rate. Variable rates start from 5.94 per cent, although sub-six per cent variable deals remain rare, with the typical rate across lenders closer to 6.29 per cent. By contrast, the average variable rate across the market sits at 6.90 per cent, meaning many existing borrowers are paying close to a full percentage point more than the best available deals.

after switching to a lower rate means more goes toward principal, helping you pay the loan off sooner and saving tens of thousands in interest. Better features. Refinancing is a chance to access an offset account, redraw facility or more flexible repayment options that your current loan may lack. Repayment certainty. With a rate rise possible, some borrowers may prefer to fix. Fixing locks your repayment for the term, though revert rates, break costs and extra-repayment limits vary between products.

Why now The cash rate currently sits at 4.35 per cent, and NAB, CBA and Westpac all expect a 25 basis point hike at the Reserve Bank’s September 29 meeting. If rates rise, today’s sharpest offers may be repriced quickly. Speak to The Finance Korner We compare loans across our lender panel and run the numbers for your situation, including switching costs, so you know whether refinancing genuinely stacks up.

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The benefits of refinancing Lower repayments. On a $600,000 loan over 30 years, moving from 6.90 per cent to 5.99 per cent reduces repayments by roughly $360 a month, or about $4,300 a year. Less interest over the life of the loan. Keeping repayments at your current level

What to check first Always compare the comparison rate rather than the headline rate, and factor in switching costs such as discharge fees, application fees and any break costs on a fixed loan.

the western weekender » Thursday, September 24, 2026

HOROSCOPES Relax & Unwind

AMANDA JANE Clairvoyant Medium amandajane-xo.com revivalretreats.com.au

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Travel, education, spirituality or simply experiencing something outside your normal routine could provide the inspiration you’ve been missing. Stay curious and avoid dismissing ideas simply because they challenge what you’ve always believed. Someone may offer a completely different perspective this week. You don’t have to agree with it, but it could still teach you something.

A deeper emotional shift is taking place, encouraging you to release something you’ve carried for too long. Forgiveness doesn’t mean approving of what happened; sometimes it simply means deciding you no longer want the experience controlling your present. Money involving shared commitments may also require attention. Trust yourself to handle what arises.

Something that has felt uncertain may begin to settle this week, giving you a clearer idea of what comes next. Resist the urge to force an answer before it naturally arrives. Relationships may require a little patience, particularly if emotions are running high. Choose understanding over winning the argument. By the end of the week, you could feel far more confident.

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

You’re being reminded that your energy is valuable, so be selective about where you spend it. If you’ve been saying yes when you really mean no, this week offers an opportunity to reset those boundaries. Work and everyday responsibilities may feel demanding, making rest equally important. A small change to your routine could have a surprisingly positive effect.

There’s a playful energy around you this week, encouraging you to step away from seriousness and reconnect with what brings you joy. Creativity, romance and socialising are all highlighted. An unexpected invitation could lead to a memorable experience, so try not to overthink everything. Someone may also remind you of a dream or passion you’ve neglected.

Your emotional world takes priority. You may find yourself reflecting on family, home or where you truly feel you belong. If something has been bothering you beneath the surface, an honest conversation could bring much-needed relief. You don’t have to keep the peace at the expense of your own feelings. The people who love you should also have space for your truth.

@ amandajaneclairvoyant

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Whether you’re negotiating, sharing an idea or finally saying something you’ve held back, speak clearly and confidently. Just remember to leave room for the other person’s perspective too. An unexpected message or piece of information could change your plans, but what initially feels inconvenient may ultimately work beautifully in your favour.

You may be considering whether your current situation truly reflects what you bring to the table. Don’t undervalue your time or talents simply because something feels comfortable or familiar. A practical financial decision could bring greater stability. Remember, abundance isn’t only about earning more; it’s also about recognising when you already have enough.

There’s a sense of renewal surrounding you, and you may feel ready to make yourself a priority again. Whether you’re changing your appearance, starting something new or setting stronger boundaries, trust the desire for a fresh beginning. You don’t need everyone to understand the choices you make. This chapter is about becoming more comfortable with who you are.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Your intuition could be especially strong this week, so pay attention to the feelings you can’t quite explain. Something happening behind the scenes may soon become clearer. Rather than searching for answers, allow them to reveal themselves naturally. You may also need more rest or solitude than usual. Protecting your energy now will help you feel far more prepared.

The people around you could play an important role in opening your next door. A friend, colleague or new connection may introduce an idea you hadn’t previously considered. Be open to collaboration and accept support when it’s offered. There’s also renewed energy around a goal. Something you once thought was too ambitious may suddenly feel much more possible.

You may find yourself thinking about your career or the legacy you want to create. If your current path no longer excites you, don’t ignore that feeling. You don’t need to make a dramatic change, but you can begin exploring alternatives. Recognition could also come your way this week. Allow yourself to enjoy it instead of immediately focusing on the next achievement.

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Amanda Jane is an internationally recognised Clairvoyant Medium, spiritual teacher, retreat facilitator, and founder of Revival Retreats Australia. With a gift for connecting to the spirit world and over a decade of experience supporting people through healing, transformation, and personal growth, Amanda has built a reputation for delivering heartfelt, accurate, and compassionate guidance.

Thursday, September 24, 2026 « the western weekender

Relax & Unwind DESTINATION VELA Spa & Bathhouse

WORDS

Nathan Taylor

IMAGES Supplied

MORE INFO

ULTIMATE ESCAPE - AND T

his is a Public Service Announcement to the men of western Sydney – you DESERVE to be pampered too! Our mums, wives, girlfriends, sisters, daughters and female colleagues know their stuff when it comes to a bit of tender, loving care. Whether it’s visiting a beautician for a facial, getting a relaxing massage, or taking care of their mind, body and soul at a wellness spa or fancy rainforest retreat, women are the experts in looking after themselves. But I recently discovered that us men can also get in on the fun. While some fellas out there might think it’s not very manly to be wearing a white oversized bathrobe and soft slippers while strutting around a spa or bathhouse, I’m here to tell that it’s completely normal! It’s time to screw what other insecure men may think and start putting yourself first. As we continue to age in this taxing world that we live in, it’s never been more important for men (and women too) to start looking after their health and wellbeing. Last weekend, my wife and I were lucky enough to road test the state’s first luxury bathhouse destination, just down the road in the beautiful Hawkesbury Valley.

Outdoor barrel sauna and cold plunge.

VELA Spa & Bathhouse in Windsor.

Located 25 minutes from Penrith, VELA Spa & Bathhouse at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley brings Australia’s bathhouse boom to its natural home in the valley. Now officially open to the public, guests can experience the first luxury bathhouse destination in New South Wales to combine a complete contrast therapy and bathhouse circuit, float therapy, luxury spa treatments, wellness dining, and an interactive retail environment with a full resort stay. My wife and I both got to enjoy the spoils of this amazing place recently, but between you and me, I think I was a tad more excited than she was having never done anything like this before in my life.

“IT’S TIME TO SCREW WHAT OTHER INSECURE MEN MAY THINK AND START PUTTING YOURSELF FIRST”

This week’s launch of VELA Spa & Bathhouse in the Hawkesbury comes amid a surge in wellness travel demand across Australia. The Global Wellness Institute’s 2025 Wellness Survey named Australia the world’s most desirable wellness tourism destination, with an estimated $29 billion spent annually on wellness travel nationally. More than half of Aussies say they plan to take a wellness-focused break in the next 12 months, and bathing rituals – bathhouses, thermal springs, wild swimming and ice plunges – have emerged as the country’s

The indoor heated mineral pool.

Fire & Ice at VELA.

the western weekender » Thursday, September 24, 2026

The stunning Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley.

fastest-growing wellness trend, embraced by 54 per cent surveyed. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer something new to this sector in NSW, contrast therapy and a luxury spa alongside a full resort stay and the local experiences of the Hawkesbury Valley,” General Manager, Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, Stephen Wills said. “On September 22, this all becomes real for our guests and our local community. We’ve built VELA so that rest and recovery are within reach, not reserved for special occasions. “Whether someone wants a spa day, a single restorative night or immersive escape, there’s now a considered way to experience VELA.” Wills said the vision behind VELA was to create a spacious premium wellness destination that blends nature, relaxation and luxury in an immersive setting. “We wanted VELA to be somewhere every part of the experience works together – the bathhouse, the spa, the dining, the stay, so guests can move through it at their own pace, rather than ticking off one thing at a time,” he said. For more than 25 years, the site was home to Villa Thalgo Day Spa, a well-loved fixture of the Hawkesbury wellness scene. After

Nathan enjoying the steam room.

TRAVEL

IT’S NOT JUST FOR THE LADIES! guests who want a little joy alongside their restoration. I must say that the 90-minute couples massage and facial my wife and I received during our experience at VELA was truly out of this world special and relaxing. We can’t thank the ladies enough for their care! So, if you’ve ever been thinking of treating yourself – or your loved one – to something that will make you feel good both inside and out, a stay at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley and a visit to VELA Spa & Bathhouse is a must! VELA’s relaxation lounge and champagne bar.

the region’s repeated flood events impacted the facility, Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley made the decision to reimagine the space entirely rather than simply restore what had been lost. That transformation is reflected in the destination’s name. VELA means ‘sails’ – a tribute to the boats that once travelled the Hawkesbury River, and to the mist that moves through the valley each morning. The ‘V’ also carries a quiet nod back to Villa Thalgo and its 25-year history on the site. As for my experience at this ultimate wellness palace, I just couldn’t get enough!

VELA’s bathhouse circuit featured mineral pools, an outdoor cold plunge and barrel sauna, a traditional Nordic sauna, steam room, and a fire and ice room that included infrared sauna and cold plunge contrast therapy, alongside indoor and outdoor relaxation zones. It was definitely a unique experience for this near 40-year-old bloke from Penrith, but one I really embraced. I almost forgot to mention, VELA also has dedicated float rooms featuring two inbuilt float pools beneath a ceiling of stars plus spa treatments are delivered in partnership with Spanish skincare brand Skeyndor, and the on-site champagne bar is for

“IT WAS DEFINITELY A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE” Offered exclusively through Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, bookings are now open for VELA Signature Escapes – a new collection of overnight wellness retreat packages for stays from Thursday, October 1. For full package details and bookings, visit www.cphawkesburyvalley. com.au/offers/vela-signature-escapes.

Float pool under a ceiling of stars.

Personally hosted by Scotty McRae

Thursday, September 24, 2026 « the western weekender

Have a story to share? Send us your news, community stories and photos from across Western Sydney.

Crossword

Tough

4 6 8 7 5 3 2 9 Last week’s solution 5 6 7 9 8 4 2 1 4 3 2 8 6 9 7 5 3 2 1 9 6 7 8

Sudoku brought to you by The Western Weekender westernweekender.com.au/digi-subscribe

SUDOKU No. 812

1 9

Easy

2 8

r8ts.com

9 1 4 6 7 5 3 8 2

1 4

1 9 5

1 6

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.

Previous solution - Very Hard

the western weekender » Thursday, September 24, 2026

9 5

2 4

ACROSS DOWN 1. Place for a soak 1. The two together 4. Forward from a particular 2. Ordinal after ninth point 3. Belonging to him 8. Story, often imaginative 4. Surname of lift inventor 11. Number after seven Elisha ___ 13. Keen or enthusiastic 5. Sherlock Holmes’s companion, Dr ___ 15. Nervous or tightly stretched 6. Preferably; instead 17. Small songbird 7. Exchange for money 18. Tracks for trains 8. Hot drink made from leaves 20. Head covering 9. Get up; emerge 21. Gets up 10. Not difficult 24. Old-fashioned spelling of hello 12. Male given name, often short for Gerald 27. Speak or utter 14. Increases in size 28. Ordinal after second 16. Consumed as food 30. Measured quantities of medicine 19. Heavily loaded 31. Possessed 22. Standards of perfection 33. Fatty substance insulating 23. Person who prepares nerve fibres material for publication 34. Decline to accept 25. Serving a practical purpose 35. Common female given name 26. More noisy 36. Quality or pitch of sound 29. Form a mental picture 39. Fast four-beat horse gait 32. Mesh used to catch fish 42. Cylindrical containers 35. Continent containing Canada and Brazil 44. Sweet fruits with many tiny collectively, in a broad seeds geographic name 45. Competitor or opponent 37.Unlocks or begins 46. Increase; or get up 38. Gradual wearing away of 48. Major European river soil or rock flowing through Germany 40. Representative acting for 49. Intellects; or objects to another 50. Give temporarily 41. Stacks; or haemorrhoids 52. Troubled or surrounded 42. Stories 54. Units equal to 1,000 43. First name of Australian kilograms tennis great Lleyton’s 55. Drops from the eyes when father? No - a common crying male name 56. Planting seed 44. Placed documents in a 57. Puts together; increases folder 60. Russian male given name 47. Making music with the 62. Male given name; voice Shakespeare’s King Lear 51. Considered or judged has an Earl of ___ 52. Part growing from a tree 65. Surname of former trunk Australian tennis champion 53. Members of Britain’s Mark ___ Conservative Party 67. Conscious of; informed 54. Group of similar cells in 69. Distinctive Australian call the body used to attract attention 58. Pipe or channel carrying 70.Strongly encouraged away liquid 72.Evergreen conifer 59. Large body of salt water 73. US state known for 61. Assistants or helpers potatoes 63. Beverage; or consume 75. Remains after burning liquid 77. Abbreviation of Latin 64. Certain to fail or suffer ‘aetatis’, meaning ‘at the disaster age of’ 65. Instrument used to attack 79. Joining together; also an or defend organised workers’ body 81. Diagram showing locations 66. Belarusian city on the Dnieper basin 82. Severe or unpleasant 68. Formal written legal orders 84. Symbol or small sign of 71. Third planet from the Sun something Previous solution72. - Pool Medium of money set aside 85. Area of land; or short for a purpose written work 1 or 3 a short 4 5 74. P7arent’s 6 sister 86. Run suddenly; coverings horizontal 5 mark4 2 3 76. H6ead 8 7 78. Comparison word: greater 87. News or information, often 9 8 3 4 2 5 6 ___ welcome 80. Exclamation 88. Having little thickness 8 9 7 5 2 4 3 1 of surprise 83. Perform; or a division of a 7 5 6 3 play 2 4 8

2 8 3 9 1 4 7 6 5

7 5 6 2 3 8 4 1 9

4 9 1 5 6 2 8 7 3

6 3 8 7 4 9 5 2 1

5 2 7 1 8 3 9 4 6

3 6 9 4 2 7 1 5 8

1 7 5 8 9 6 2 3 4

8 4 2 3 5 1 6 9 7

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To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

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Word Search Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

THEME: HERBS AND SPICES BASIL OREGANO THYME PARSLEY ROSEMARY BLACK PEPPER CINNAMON TURMERIC CUMIN CLOVES GARLIC POWDER PAPRIKA BAY LEAVES GINGER CORIANDER SEEDS CARDAMOM NUTMEG GROUND CHILI MUSTARD POWDER SEA SALT ANISE Last week’s solution

Test your knowledge about Australian birds in this week’s special trivia quiz...

1. What Australian bird makes a laughing sound? 2. Which bird is on the Australian Coat of Arms with the Red Kangaroo? 3. What is the bony structure on top of a Cassowary’s head called? 4. How did the Rosella get its English name?

5. Which Australian bird is known to remember faces? 6. What is the Lyrebird known for? 7. What is the Australian White Ibis also known as? 8. How many species of native birds does Australia have? 9. What colour is the head of a Rainbow Lorikeet?

ANSWERS 1. The Laughing Kookaburra 2. Emu 3. Casque 4. It was first seen in Sydney’s Rose Hill 5. Magpies 6. Vocal miming 7. Bin Chicken 8. Over 850 9. Blue

Trivia Quiz

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC Thursday, September 24, 2026 « the western weekender

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TEST YOUR BRAIN STR8TS SUDOKU No. 812

Tough

9 8

Str8ts

9 9

5 4 3

1 4

1 5 8 9 7 4 6 3 2

3 4 5 4 2 3 3 4 7 5 2 5 6 6 8 7 7 9 2 8 1 9 6

2 4 3 5 8 6 7

7 6 6 8 7 5 6 3 1 2 4 8 3 2 4 2 1 9 7 5 8

1 9

2 4

3 9

6 8 4

No. 812

Previous solution - Medium

You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

Name the Movie

Hexwords

If you can’t tell from the photo, drop the letters from the list below into the circles. We’ve given you a head start.

RTGRCIHAOGHOCEINIDNGEN U

R , D

Previous solution:

Previous solution: THE BOURNE SUPREMACY

Who Am I?

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Last week’s answer: GARFIELD

30-second challenge ansWeRs To 170- BEGINNER - 11, INTERMEDIATE -6400 , ADVANCED - 62 ½.

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62½% of ThIs

intermediates have to complete their own challenge AND the beginners’ challenge, and advanced players have to complete their own AND the intermediate. You can try to improve on your times each day.

120

your brain sharp in just 30 seconds. Start on the 30-second Keep left with the number given and follow the instructions as you go across. Within the 30-second time limit, challenge beginners have to complete their own challenge,

InTeRMedIaTe

COLOUR ME PENRITH!

Every week, we encourage your kids to give some colour to an iconic Penrith landmark. Let their creativity shine with The Western Weekender!

Thursday, September 24, 2026 « the western weekender

Maddie’s Meals

Mac and Cheese There’s no better comfort food than Mac and Cheese!

What You’ll Need: – Large pot x 2 – Oven safe dish – Whisk

Ingredients: – 1 pack of Macaroni – 2 cups each of Mozzarella, Red Cheddar and normal Cheddar (you can buy these shredded/ combined) – 3 Tbsp Butter – 3 Tbsp Plain Flour – 1 Can Evaporated Milk – 600mL Thickened Cream – 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard – Spices (I use Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Onion Powder and Garlic Powder)

Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180° and bring the pasta to boil in salted water. Once cooked, drain completely. If using blocks of cheese,

grate and set aside. 2. M elt the butter in a large pot on medium heat. Once melted, add in your preferred amount of seasonings, stirring. Add flour and whisk constantly until combined. 3. S lowly pour in the evaporated milk while whisking. Next, add the cream, mustard and more seasonings., whisking constantly so there are no lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, whisking occasionally. 4. A dd half of the cheese and stir in slowly on low heat. Let each handful melt into the sauce before adding more. 5. S tir in the drained pasta, coating in the sauce. Once mixed, transfer to baking dish and top with remaining cheese. 6. B ake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley if desired, and serve!

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TROY DODDS

enrith’s greatest ever period of success has delivered the once struggling club a second straight Premiership and confirmed the Panthers rugby league juggernaut.are an unstoppable It is impossible to argue with James Fisher-Harris’ cheeky claim that this is Penrith team of all-time. They are the best an unpreceden delivering ted sustained period of success and have lost just 10 games three seasons, in the past breaking countless along the way. records Coach Ivan Cleary Nathan have also and his co-captain son entered Panthers tality, creating immorall sorts of history in what one of the greatest Premiership defences was game has ever seen. the Ivan is now the only won dual Premiership Penrith coach to have s with the club, just 24 Nathan while at is on club’s greatest ever his way to becoming the player. But Cleary was overshadowed Final night by on Grand a stunning performanc fullback Dylan e from Edwards, who claimed the Clive Churchill Medal as player of the match. Penrith players and fans partied and hard into long the night after Sunday’s 28-12 demolition of Parramatta. It was a definitive game of this incredible Penrith era and proved the club’s dominance of over the past three the competition seasons. It was billed as the the West in history greatest Battle of but kick-off it was obvious almost from the Parramatta were little chance of stopping a switched Penrith. on Eels fans were barely in their seats by time it was obvious the trophy was stayingthe the foot of the Mountains. at Penrith has emerged from an 18-year drought and near title collapse to now more Grand Final have two wins, and show slowing down. no sign of The scenes at Panthers Leagues Club after the game and at a fan Bet Stadium prove day on Monday at Bluethis over the community Penrith team has won . From Bathurst to cially own the west Blacktown, Penrith offi– the result of hard taking a chance and a playing group work, taken the NRL by that has storm.

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