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Spring 2026 · Out now Spring 2026 · Out now cover
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Inside this issue

Hello Spring!

  • Home Reset your home - Refresh your life.
  • Wellbeing The Hypnosis effect - Inside your mind.
  • Health Women who golf - Why we're hooked.
  • Travel Escape this spring - Discover country charm.
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Latest articles and stories

First time renovating? The rules that can save you thousands
Home

First time renovating? The rules that can save you thousands

by Glen James and Rachelle Kroon Renovations test both patience and creativity. But with planning, clear communication and emotional awareness, the process can be much smoother and more enjoyable. There are three main reasons you may choose to renovate: To add value. Increasing the valuation of your property gives you instant equity and allows you to utilise the equity you’ve built. You may use this to release a family or government guarantee, buy an investment property, or simply for peace of mind that your loan is now lower in comparison to the value of your property. To make it your own. Renovations allow you to create the space you want to live in and tailor the property to your lifestyle and preferences. To get into a better area. Fixing up a lower grade property in an area you’re happy with for now may give you the boost you need to move to the next property you want to live in longer term. Knowing your ‘why’ when you choose to renovate will help guide how you go about it and what you choose to improve. Understanding the costs Before starting any renovation, it’s crucial to understand the full costs involved. Factor in materials, approvals, labour, project management, time, bad weather and unexpected issues that may arise. Knowing the total cost upfront helps you avoid surprises and ensures your renovation adds value rather than becoming a financial burden. This is where planning is key! Financing a renovation Many property owners use the equity in their home to fund renovations. This allows you to access funds without needing to save the entire amount upfront. Consider the end value of the property after renovations: will the improvements give you enough equity or value increase to justify the cost? Add value in a way that actually adds value. How handy are you? If you’re handy and undertaking some work yourself, this can reduce costs. However, ensure you’re realistic about your skills and the time required. There’s nothing worse than burning out trying to save cash – sometimes it’s best just to pay a professional! Poor DIY work can also reduce the value added or create costly fixes later, so ensure your skills are up to the task. When do I need council approval? Some renovations require council approval, especially structural changes, extensions or alterations to the property’s exterior. Approval rules vary greatly by location, so it’s essential to check with your local council before starting any work. Even minor renovations can trigger requirements depending on zoning, heritage overlays or building codes. Always confirm early to avoid fines, delays or costly modifications. Planning and project management Good planning is key. Create a timeline, set a budget and consider hiring a project manager if the renovation is complex. Keep track of contractors, deliveries and permits to avoid delays and unexpected costs. The emotional side of renovations Renovating a home can be exciting, but it’s also stressful. Even small projects can uncover unexpected issues: unplanned wet weather days, structural surprises or trades that cost you more than you expected. It’s easy to get frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed when things don’t go perfectly according to plan. Practical tips to ease the emotional challenge include: Set realistic expectations. Prepare yourself mentally for delays, extra costs or minor hiccups. These are annoying, but normal. Anticipating bumps in the road helps reduce stress when they happen. Plan and budget carefully. Realistic budgets with buffers and timelines make surprises easier to handle. These also help you conceptualise what’s coming next. Include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Break the process into stages. Determine what steps come in what order. You don’t have to do everything at once and naturally there’ll be steps that have to come before others. Communicate clearly with your builder or contractor. Pick a builder you communicate well with and encourage regular updates to help avoid misunderstandings and keep the project on track. Keep your ‘why’ front of mind. Remember why you’re renovating, whether it’s for value, lifestyle or future flexibility. Focusing on the end goal helps you ride out temporary frustrations. Take breaks and step back. Go and do something fun every once in a while! Renovations can become all-consuming and it’s easy to lose perspective. Adding value Here are our top five value-add renovation ideas: Kitchens: Upgrading benchtops, cabinets, appliances and lighting gives the biggest bang for your buck and modernises the heart of the home. Bathrooms: Even small improvements like new taps, showers, vanities or tiles can significantly increase appeal and value. Fresh paint: Neutral colours throughout the home brighten the space and make it feel well maintained. Flooring: New carpets in bedrooms or modern timber/laminate floors in living areas lift the overall look and feel. Curb appeal and outdoor spaces: Tidy gardens, lawns and pathways, or adding a deck/patio, create a strong first impression and improve lifestyle appeal. Edited extract from ‘The quick-start guide to your first property’ by Glen James and Rachelle Kroon

The Career Conversation Parents Are Struggling to Have
Family

The Career Conversation Parents Are Struggling to Have

Parents have always worried about their children’s futures. But as technology rapidly changes the way we live and work, knowing what advice to give has become increasingly complicated. New Australian research commissioned by educator and careers mentor Dr Jo Winchester found one in three parents considers knowing how to guide their child towards the right career path their biggest parenting challenge. And perhaps that’s understandable. The traditional advice many parents grew up with – get a degree, find a stable job and follow a clear career path – doesn’t necessarily fit the working world their children are entering. A single mother of three and educator of more than 25 years, Dr Jo understands the uncertainty. “I know the silent panic that can sit behind these conversations,” she says. “You want to give your children the right advice, protect them from making the wrong choices and help them build a secure future, but they’re growing up in a world that looks completely different from the one we entered.” Why career conversations feel so difficult It’s not just parents feeling the pressure. The research found more than one in four young people considered asking their parents for career advice particularly daunting. Dr Jo believes these conversations have become emotionally loaded because they’re about much more than simply choosing a job. Young people are questioning whether they’ll be financially secure, find meaningful work and whether the adults advising them truly understand the world they’re stepping into. Parents, meanwhile, can worry that outdated advice may do more harm than good. But uncertainty shouldn’t be mistaken for a lack of ambition. “They’re simply overwhelmed, and the cost of getting it wrong feels incredibly high,” Dr Jo says. So how can parents help when none of us really knows what the workforce will look like in another decade? Start with curiosity Rather than immediately directing your child towards a particular career, start by listening. Ask what excites them, what worries them, what they believe they’re good at and what they’d like to explore. Young people are more likely to talk openly when they feel heard rather than judged or steered towards a predetermined outcome. Talk about skills, not dream jobs The pressure to choose one ‘perfect’ career can be overwhelming – and it may no longer reflect the reality of modern working life. Instead, help your child recognise the skills they enjoy using and the environments in which they thrive. Part-time jobs, volunteering, work experience, hobbies and personal interests can all provide valuable clues about what they enjoy – and what they don’t – before making bigger decisions about study or work. Remind them they don’t need all the answers Perhaps one of the most valuable things parents can do is take some of the pressure off. Careers are rarely linear. People change jobs, industries and directions throughout their working lives. The path someone chooses at 18 doesn’t have to be the one they follow at 28 or 48. Rather than expecting young people to map out their entire future, encourage them to focus on the next useful step. Ultimately, parents don’t need to predict the jobs of the future. What young people may need most is someone who can help them develop confidence, self-awareness and the ability to adapt – while reminding them that changing their mind along the way is perfectly okay.

Visceral Fat: The Fat You Can’t See – and Why It Matters
Health and Wellness

Visceral Fat: The Fat You Can’t See – and Why It Matters

We tend to think of body fat as the soft layer we can see or pinch around our stomach, hips or thighs. But there’s another type of fat that deserves our attention – visceral fat. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which sits just beneath the skin, visceral fat is stored deep inside the abdomen, surrounding organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines. You can’t see or pinch it and, perhaps surprisingly, you can carry higher levels even if you appear relatively slim. Why does visceral fat matter? Visceral fat isn’t simply stored energy. It is metabolically active, releasing hormones and inflammatory compounds that can affect how the body functions. Higher levels have been linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, fatty liver and metabolic syndrome. For women, age and hormonal changes can also play a role. As oestrogen levels fall through menopause, the body has a greater tendency to store fat around the abdomen – which may explain why your waistline can begin to change even when your lifestyle hasn’t dramatically altered. The encouraging news is that visceral fat responds well to relatively simple lifestyle changes and is often among the first fat to reduce when overall body fat decreases. Do you have too much? You don’t necessarily need a special scan to get an indication. Waist measurement is a useful and simple starting point. For women, a waist measurement over 80cm suggests an increased health risk, while over 88cm suggests a higher risk. Another easy guide is your waist-to-height ratio – ideally, your waist should measure less than half your height. These measurements are general guides rather than a diagnosis, so speak to your GP if you have concerns. Why does it build up? There’s rarely one single cause. Visceral fat can increase through a combination of consuming more energy than the body uses, highly processed foods, sugary drinks and alcohol, low physical activity, ageing, hormonal changes, poor sleep, chronic stress and genetics. While we can’t control every factor, there is plenty we can influence. How to reduce visceral fat Forget endless sit-ups – unfortunately, we can’t choose where our body loses fat. Instead, focus on reducing overall body fat and building healthier habits. Eat well: Base meals around vegetables, lean protein, fibre-rich carbohydrates and healthy fats, while reducing highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates and sugary snacks. Combine strength and cardio: Brisk walking, cycling, jogging or interval training can help burn energy, while strength training builds and maintains muscle and supports metabolism. Cut back on alcohol: Alcohol can add significant extra energy and is associated with fat storage around the middle. Prioritise sleep: Aim for around seven to nine hours. Poor sleep can disrupt hormones involved in appetite and fat storage. Manage stress: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can encourage abdominal fat storage and increase cravings. Walking, time outdoors, gentle exercise and simply making time to unwind can all help. Small changes count Reducing visceral fat doesn’t require extreme diets or punishing workouts. Consistency is far more important. Eating well, moving regularly, including strength training, getting enough sleep, managing stress and moderating alcohol can all make a difference – not simply to your waistline, but to your long-term health. And that makes visceral fat worth paying attention to, even if you can’t see it.

Moving House? Don’t Trust Your Treasures to Just Anyone
Home

Moving House? Don’t Trust Your Treasures to Just Anyone

Moving house is stressful enough without watching someone casually balance your grandmother’s antique cabinet on the edge of a trolley. While price will always play a part when choosing a removalist, there’s a big difference between hiring someone who can move furniture and engaging professionals who understand how to protect, transport and deliver the things that matter to you. So, before you hand over the keys – and your treasured belongings – here’s what to look for. 1. They ask questions before moving day A professional removalist should want to understand exactly what they’re moving. Ideally, this includes an onsite consultation or detailed assessment of your home, access points, larger pieces and anything particularly valuable, fragile or difficult to transport. It allows the right vehicle, equipment, packing materials and number of people to be allocated to the job – and reduces unwelcome surprises on moving day. 2. Packing is taken seriously There’s a reason professional packing looks different from throwing everything into boxes and hoping for the best. Quality removalists use appropriate, heavy-duty packing materials and know how to protect furniture, artwork, televisions, mirrors and sentimental or valuable pieces. Companies such as SECURIER offer professional packing as part of their moving service, as well as unpacking and installation at the destination. If you’re packing yourself, ask how this may affect responsibility for damage and whether additional insurance is recommended. 3. They have experience with the difficult stuff Grand pianos, artwork, antiques, oversized furniture and delicate pieces require more than muscle. They need experience, specialised equipment and careful planning. Ask your removalist how they handle high-value or unusual items and what systems they use to protect them during loading and transport. 4. The quote is clear The cheapest hourly rate isn’t necessarily the cheapest move. Ask exactly what your quote includes: travel time, number of removalists, vehicle size, packing, dismantling and reassembly, stairs, tolls, storage and any potential additional charges. A professional operator should be comfortable explaining costs upfront rather than surprising you with extras later. 5. Ask about insurance Never assume your belongings are automatically covered if something goes wrong. Ask what insurance applies during the move, what isn’t covered and whether additional transport insurance is available. It’s also worth reading the company’s terms and conditions before booking – particularly when moving expensive or irreplaceable items. The real benefit? Peace of mind. SECURIER’s approach is a good example of what a premium moving service can look like: onsite consultation and inventory, professional packing, scheduled communication, secure transport, unpacking and installation, followed by removal of packaging and rubbish. Because ultimately, you’re not simply paying someone to carry boxes. You’re trusting them with pieces of your life – and that’s one move worth getting right.

Women who golf
Health and Wellness

Women who golf

Golf might once have had a reputation as a sport for retirees with plenty of time on their hands, but those days are well and truly behind us. Women of all ages are discovering that a round of golf delivers much more than a little friendly competition. In fact, golf has quietly become part of the health and wellbeing conversation, combining exercise, fresh air, mental stimulation and social connection – without necessarily feeling like exercise at all. At Southport Golf Club, that growing interest is easy to see. The club has welcomed 84 new women members over the past two years, all of whom have continued their membership, joining an existing community of around 170 women. Exercise Without the Gym An 18-hole round can clock up more than 10,000 steps and burn around 900 calories. But unlike pounding away on a treadmill, you’re usually far too busy thinking about your next shot, chatting with your playing partners and enjoying the surroundings to notice just how active you’ve been. Walking the course also helps strengthen and tone muscles, while providing regular moderate exercise that can contribute to better cardiovascular health. Good for the Mind, Too There’s something to be said for spending a few hours outdoors. Fresh air, green spaces and physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood and boost self-esteem, while the release of endorphins can leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and even sleeping better. Regular physical activity can also help reduce the risk of conditions including heart disease, high cholesterol and dementia, supporting our health as we age. Keep Learning Golf is one of those wonderful games you never completely master – which might occasionally be infuriating, but it’s also part of the appeal. Learning new skills, setting goals and challenging yourself keeps the brain engaged and provides a real sense of achievement. Friends, Fun and Connection Perhaps one of golf’s greatest benefits is its social side. It creates opportunities to meet new people, strengthen friendships and enjoy time with family – with plenty of conversation along the way. And you don’t need to be super fit, young or particularly sporty to start. The handicap system allows different abilities to play together, while choosing between nine or 18 holes means golf can fit into busy lives. Exercise, friendship, fresh air and a little healthy competition? Perhaps golf really is onto something.

Forget Spring Cleaning: The Spring Reset Your Home Really Needs
Home

Forget Spring Cleaning: The Spring Reset Your Home Really Needs

Spring is a time to peel back the layers, feel the warmth of the sun on our faces and embrace the colour and freshness of a new season. For many of us, it’s also time to roll up our sleeves, throw back the curtains and start scrubbing. I have strong memories of my mum on a ladder, bucket of soapy water at hand, furiously washing the walls. But what if, instead of cleaning our homes from top to bottom, we used spring as an opportunity to reset them? Reset your space Look around your home and, rather than asking, ‘What needs cleaning?’, ask, ‘What’s no longer working?’ Is there an armchair in your bedroom that has become a dumping ground for clothes? Is the hallway permanently cluttered with shoes? Or perhaps you have a room whose only purpose seems to be displaying dusty books and old school trophies. You don’t need new furniture or a renovation. It’s about editing, rearranging and making more intentional choices about the way you use your space. Move that armchair from the bedroom and place it near a sunny window to create a reading corner. Clear a neglected surface. Give an underused area a new purpose. Tip: Choose one room and remove three things you no longer love. Then rearrange what remains before deciding whether you need to buy anything new. Reset your routines Our homes are shaped by our habits just as much as they are by our furniture. While routines can make life easier, a new season is a good opportunity to reconsider the ones that have started to feel more like ruts. Could mornings be calmer with a dedicated coffee station? Would evenings feel more relaxing if devices stayed outside the bedroom? Could a forgotten corner become a space for meditation, journaling or simply sitting quietly? A home should support the life you want to live, not just the one you’ve fallen into by habit. Sometimes changing how you use a room is more transformative than changing the room itself. Tip: Introduce one new ritual this spring – breakfast in the garden on weekends, fresh flowers every Friday or winding down with a book by lamplight each night. Reset your colours Spring naturally inspires us to lighten and refresh our homes. While a coat of paint can transform a room relatively quickly and economically, there are plenty of ways to embrace the new season without picking up a paintbrush. Pack away heavy winter throws and darker accessories and bring in lighter linens, soft greens, warm whites and gentle botanical tones. Fresh flowers, leafy branches or a bowl of colourful fruit can instantly breathe life into a space. Think of your home’s colour palette as something that can evolve with the seasons, rather than something fixed. Tip: Refresh one room using only what you already own. Swapping cushions, artwork and decorative pieces between rooms can create an entirely new look without spending a cent. Reset your outdoor living As the days grow longer and the weather warms, our living spaces naturally begin to extend outdoors. You don’t need a sprawling backyard to make the most of the season. A balcony, courtyard or even a sunny windowsill can become an inviting retreat. Wash down outdoor furniture, pot a few herbs, add some cushions or string lights, or simply create a comfortable spot to enjoy your morning coffee. Spring is the perfect reminder to make the most of Australia’s beautiful weather and reconnect with outdoor living. Tip: Create one outdoor destination – even if it’s simply a chair, a small table and a pot of herbs where you can enjoy your first coffee of the day. Reset your mindset Perhaps the most important reset has nothing to do with your home at all. For years, we’ve been told our homes should look a certain way: minimalist, perfectly styled and free from clutter. But a truly welcoming home isn’t about perfection. It’s about reflecting the people who live there. Rather than aiming for magazine-worthy rooms, focus on creating spaces that support your wellbeing, reflect your personality and make everyday life a little easier. Keep the artwork that makes you smile. Display the travel souvenirs that bring back memories. Let your home tell your story. Tip: Instead of asking, ‘What should I get rid of?’, ask yourself, ‘How do I want my home to feel this spring?’ Then let that answer guide the changes you make. Spring has always been associated with fresh starts, but perhaps the best refresh isn’t found in a bucket of soapy water and a scrubbing brush. It’s about creating a home that works for the life you’re living now. This season, forget striving for spotless perfection. Reset your space, your routines and your mindset – and you might find a few thoughtful changes make a much bigger difference than the deepest spring clean. Happy styling!

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