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Apply from 08/09/23 & settle within 120 days. Max LVR 80%. Min loan size $250k Refinancing? We’ve got your back ... $2k cash back. BOQ Oxenford Matthew Wilksch, Owner-Manager 0481 124 276 matthew.wilksch@boq.com.au Matt Batcheldor, Branch Manager 0407 555 048 Matt.Batcheldor@boq.com.au Credit provided by Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 (BOQ) Australian Credit Licence Number 244616. Fees and charges payable. BOQ’s standard credit assessment criteria apply. Full terms and conditions at any BOQ branch. # Special limited time $2,000 cashback offer only available for new refinance applications received from 8 September 2023 that settle within 120 days of the loan application date. This offer is open to Australian residents aged 18 and over who are personal customers taking out a new home loan with BOQ, refinanced from another financial institution. Offer available on BOQ’s Clear Path, Economy, or Fixed Rate home lo an products only. Minimum total new lending of at least $250,000. Maximum loan-to-value ratio (LVR) of 80%. Not available for the refinance, restructure or switches of home loans within BOQ Group, which includes BOQ, BOQ Specialist, ME Bank and Virgin Money (Australia). An applicant will be eligible for a maximum of one refinance cashback payment, regardless of the number of loan applications they are party to, provided the total amount drawn at settlement across all loans is at least $250,000. Customers who have received a refinance cashback payment from within the BOQ Group within the 12 months prior to their loan application date will be ineligible for this offer. The cashback will be paid to the applicant’s BOQ transaction account within 30 days of the settlement date. For multiple home loan applicants the BOQ account needs to be in the name of at least one of the home loan applicants and the cashback will be paid only once to Apply from 08/09/23 & settle within 120 days. Max LVR 80%. Min loan size $250k Refinancing? We’ve got your back ... $2k cash back. BOQ Oxenford Matthew Wilksch, Owner-Manager 0481 124 276 matthew.wilksch@boq.com.au Matt Batcheldor, Branch Manager 0407 555 048 Matt.Batcheldor@boq.com.au Credit provided by Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 (BOQ) Australian Credit Licence Number 244616. Fees and charges payable. BOQ’s standard credit assessment criteria apply. Full terms and conditions at any BOQ branch. # Special limited time $2,000 cashback offer only available for new refinance applications received from 8 September 2023 that settle within 120 days of the loan application date. This offer is open to Australian residents aged 18 and over who are personal customers taking out a new home loan with BOQ, refinanced from another financial institution. Offer available on BOQ’s Clear Path, Economy, or Fixed Rate home lo an products only. Minimum total new lending of at least $250,000. Maximum loan-to-value ratio (LVR) of 80%. Not available for the refinance, restructure or switches of home loans within BOQ Group, which includes BOQ, BOQ Specialist, ME Bank and Virgin Money (Australia). An applicant will be eligible for a maximum of one refinance cashback payment, regardless of the number of loan applications they are party to, provided the total amount drawn at settlement across all loans is at least $250,000. Customers who have received a refinance cashback payment from within the BOQ Group within the 12 months prior to their loan application date will be ineligible for this offer. The cashback will be paid to the applicant’s BOQ transaction account within 30 days of the settlement date. For multiple home loan applicants the BOQ account needs to be in the name of at least one of the home loan applicants and the cashback will be paid only once to the applicants jointly. If you do not already have one, an eligible BOQ transaction account is required to be established. Offer current as at 08/09/2023. Applicants should seek their own tax advice in relation to the receipt of a cashback on settlement. Fees and charges payable. BOQ’s standard credit assessment criteria apply. Full home loan terms and conditions are available at any BOQ branch. Apply from 08/09/23 & settle within 120 days. Max LVR 80%. Min loan size $250k Refinancing? We’ve got your back ... $2k cash back. BOQ Oxenford Matthew Wilksch, Owner-Manager 0481 124 276 matthew.wilksch@boq.com.au Matt Batcheldor, Branch Manager 0407 555 048 Matt.Batcheldor@boq.com.au Credit provided by Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 (BOQ) Australian Credit Licence Number 244616. Fees and charges payable. BOQ’s standard credit assessment criteria apply. Full terms and conditions at any BOQ branch. # Special limited time $2,000 cashback offer only available for new refinance applications received from 8 September 2023 that settle within 120 days of the loan application date. This offer is open to Australian residents aged 18 and over who are personal customers taking out a new home loan with BOQ, refinanced from another financial institution. Offer available on BOQ’s Clear Path, Economy, or Fixed Rate home lo an products only. Minimum total new lending of at least $250,000. Maximum loan-to-value ratio (LVR) of 80%. Not available for the refinance, restructure or switches of home loans within BOQ Group, which includes BOQ, BOQ Specialist, ME Bank and Virgin Money (Australia). An applicant will be eligible for a maximum of one refinance cashback payment, regardless of the number of loan applications they are party to, provided the total amount drawn at settlement across all loans is at least $250,000. Customers who have received a refinance cashback payment from within the BOQ Group within the 12 months prior to their loan application date will be ineligible for this offer. The cashback will be paid to the applicant’s BOQ transaction account within 30 days of the settlement date. For multiple home loan applicants the BOQ account needs to be in the name of at least one of the home loan applicants and the cashback will be paid only once to the applicants jointly. If you do not already have one, an eligible BOQ transaction account is required to be established. Offer current as at 08/09/2023. Applicants should seek their own tax advice in relation to the receipt of a cashback on settlement. Fees and charges payable. BOQ’s standard credit assessment criteria apply. Full home loan terms and conditions are available at any BOQ branch. Helensvale, Oxenford, Hope Island, Santa Barbara, Monterey Keys & Oyster Cove & surrounds (Div 2) JANUARY 2024 Est. 1989 Your Local Newsletter Win... Gift Card! Book Giveaway! P: (07) 5527 0314 M: 0411 134 507 info@localnewsletters.com | read online: www.localnewsletters.com Open 24/7-365 Days www.helensvalelaundromat.com.au 1300 528 628 4/13 Sir John Overall Drive Helensvale Square see editorial P2 Opposite Coles FREE Parking FREE WI-FI Pay by Coins-Cards-Phones 14kg Pet Laundry Washer FREE Soap-Softener-Sanitiser Large Doonas No Problem 8 x 9kg to 27kg Washers NEW 2 x 23kg Dryers Airbnb Pickup & Drop-off service Hot washes are included FREE! “There’s always a solution” Deal directly with the accountant for all your tax & accounting matters & benefit from a realistic fee structure. Anne Hunter MIPA, Registered Tax Agent P 5668 5476 • 0428 422 799 e: sbtaqld@hotmail.com w: www.ahunteraccountant.com.au Shop 18, Oxenford Square 100 Old Pacific Hwy, Oxenford SOLUTION BASED TAX & ACCOUNTING Saturday Morning by Appointment FIRST APPOINTMENT FREE *Up to 1 hour. Mention ad to redeem This space available for your advert! 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2 RIVERMOUNT COLLEGE Join our community in 2024 Rivermount College provides an ideal learning environment where all students from Kindergarten to Year 12 are encouraged to realise their full potential. Our students belong to a vibrant, supportive and inclusive community that fosters a genuine love of learning through an innovative and dynamic curriculum. Our academic program is complemented by a myriad of cocurricular opportunities designed to extend learning beyond the classroom. Students are able to participate in a range of traditional and specialist subjects including music, sport, and our creative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) curriculum designed to inspire students to embrace emerging technologies and prepare for an exciting future. As a non-denominational, co-educational Christian College, we offer a values-based education that builds a solid and holistic foundation for our students through a balance of academic, sporting, cultural and social opportunities. Our students are encouraged to develop into creative and flexible learners with a strong sense of respect and responsibility for themselves, others and their environment. Located on the banks of the picturesque Albert River at Yatala, Rivermount College provides students with a truly unique and beautiful learning environment. Our modern learning facilities are nestled amidst a natural landscape that offers a tranquil space for students to pursue their educational and recreational interests. Our Kindy to Year 12 campus is also conveniently located halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with transport available from surrounding suburbs. To truly experience the spirit of Rivermount, we invite you to visit our beautiful campus and discover the many wonderful opportunities available for your family. To register for one of our tours, please visit: https://www. rivermount.net/enrolments/campus-tours Limited places for admission in 2024 are still available. For enrolment enquiries and to learn more about Rivermount College, we invite you to visit our website at www.rivermount.net or email our Admissions team at enrolments@rivermount.qld.edu.au see advert front page • Groceries •Fruit & Vegetables • Meat • Hot Coffee • Hot Chickens • Pastries & Hot Pies • Sandwiches & Rolls • Phone Cards • ATM • Newspapers 4/26 Michigan Drive OXENFORD Ph. 5665 9896 YOUR LOCAL CONVENIENCE STORE OPEN 7 DAYS 7AM - 7PM ONLINE STORE NOW OPEN SPAREXPRESSOXENFORD.COM.AU Helensvale Laundromat self-service is open 24/7 for your convenience. We wish all our customers a Happy New Year and a speedy recovery after the massive storm we had in Helensvale and surrounding suburbs. Helensvale Laundromat stayed open 24/7 as usual and we thank the many customers who assisted each other during this crisis. With high demand and no card readers it was fortunate our machines accept $1 and $2 coins. Many of you helped others by providing change so their neighbours could do their laundry as quickly as possible. Some had not used a laundromat in years and the assistance given by others was fantastic to see. Thank you for your help, patience and understanding. Best wishes, Derek and Debbie. Please phone 1300 528 628 for any assistance. See advert front page Hot washes are included FREE! OPEN 24/7

3 Playgroups Returning in 2024 Village Kids: Wednesday 9:30-11am (0-5 yrs) Play & Learn: Wednesday 11:30-12:30pm (under 15 months) All Smiles: Monday 10-11am (at Arcare Helensvale) Studio Village Community Centre In conjunction with Communities for Children PlaySteps Circle of SecurityParenting Seasons for Growth NEW GROUP Commencing Thursday 1 February, Bookings Essential Play-based parenting program, for families with a child 0-3 years old A grief & loss program for children, facilitated at William Duncan State School Coming Soon to Studio Village: Infant Massage 87 Village Way, Oxenford 07) 5529 8253 family@studiovillage.com.au Parenting program to help parents understand the emotional needs of their children Presents: VCS Inc. partner with Northern Gold Coast Communities for Children to deliver PlaySteps, Circle of Security-Parenting, and Seasons for Growth. Communities for Children is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services FREE FREE FREE Bookings Essential *Groups Return Week Starting 22 January* PlaySteps and Seasons for Growth Facilitator Melissa Helou Welcome to our new Circle of Security - Parenting Facilitator Cliff Worthing

4 Rebond, Refresh, Restore: Revolutionise Your Tiles with TRIM WHAT IS TRIM? – Tile Reglue Injection Method is an innovative approach that repairs loose and debonded tiles without removal. The TRIM method saves tiled surfaces from costly replacement by localising the problem areas and avoiding damage to surrounding tiles, utilising a specialised injection adhesive. Loose Floor Tiles: Looking for loose floor tile repair services?? Your floors will feel like new in just hours with floor tile TRIM! We as a leading tile restoration company has an advanced Tile Reglue Injection Method or tile injection repair that positively refixes your loose tiles without removal, whether your tiles are inside or outside. Loose Wall Tiles: Don’t let loose wall tiles in your bathroom or splash-back ruin your home. Floor tile TRIM is the economical, mess-free, permanent loose title repair alternative to tile replacement, saving time and money without stress. Repair Chipped Tiles: Tiled floors being blemished by unsightly chips and cracks? Our cracked tiles repair or replacing cracked tiles process can colour match your existing tiles and have them look like new, even when no spares are available. Repair Peaking Tiles: Save your tiled surfaces without the need for costly replacement. Our TRIM tile repair system provides the perfect solution by relieving built-up pressure around peaked and tented tiles. We then level out and refix through injection. If you would like to know more about TRIM and how it can help save you time and money, please call the team at DRN Projects on 1300 291 217 or 0414 446 579. AACTA Festival 2024: A Cinematic Extravaganza on the Gold Coast The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) is set to illuminate the Gold Coast with the inaugural AACTA Festival from February 8-11, 2024. Offering over 70 diverse events encompassing film, television, music, gaming, pop culture, and family activities, this four-day celebration promises an immersive experience for all. Hosted at the Home of the Arts (HOTA), the festival caters to industry professionals, film enthusiasts, families, and aspiring creatives. Free-to-attend events include panels, meet-and-greets, screenings, and activities, providing an opportunity to delve behind the scenes, discover industry trends, meet stars, network with practitioners, and explore the world of Australian film, TV, gaming, and music. The AACTA Industry Awards Ceremony on February 8 marks the festival’s beginning, followed by a day of industry events and discussions. The AACTA Awards Ceremony on February 10 features a star-studded red carpet, culminating on February 11 with screenings, live music, kids’ events, acting workshops, meet-and-greets, and the Screen Careers Expo. Cinematic highlights include a behind-the-scenes look at The Matrix, an animation deconstruction of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, a Mad Max: Fury Road stunt work showcase, and a preview of the BINGE Original series High Country starring Leah Purcell. Exclusive insights from Michael Gracey and producer Paul Currie on their upcoming film Better Man, featuring Robbie Williams, add to the festival’s allure. Literary enthusiasts will appreciate the presence of Queensland’s top writers, including Trent Dalton and Holly Ringland, along with panel discussions featuring renowned directors Danny and Michael Philippou, Warwick Thornton, and creators of The Newsreader. For families, a Play School LIVE event, kids’ acting workshops, face painting, live music, and a special appearance by Bluey promise entertainment. The AACTA Screen Careers Expo on Sunday provides invaluable insights for those aspiring to enter the industry. AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella expressed excitement, emphasizing the festival’s inclusivity, covering film, television, music, gaming, art, and pop culture. Foxtel Group’s Amanda Laing highlighted the festival’s role in showcasing Australian storytelling, while Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate recognized the city’s prominence in the screen sector. Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney welcomed the festival to the prolific Gold Coast, a hub for production and screen talent. With a call to plan a visit, pack popcorn, and enjoy the show, the AACTA Festival promises an unforgettable celebration of Australia’s screen sector on the picturesque Gold Coast. For ticket information, visit aactafestival.com.

5 Since its establishment in 2005, Paris Miki Optical has proudly served the eyewear needs of the Helensvale community and its surrounding areas. With a wealth of experience, Store Manager Michael brings over 29 years of expertise as a qualified Optical technician, having dedicated 23 years of service to the local region. At Paris Miki Optical, we prioritise efficiency and customer convenience. Our onsite workshop ensures prompt spectacle production, minimising the time you have to be without your frames. Whether we are fitting new lenses into your existing frames or handling repairs, our onsite services guarantee same-day results for instore stock lenses. Our mission at Paris Miki is to provide personalised eyewear solutions, delivering optimal vision tailored to each individual’s lifestyle. Whether you require reading, distance, bifocal, or progressive lenses, our comprehensive services cater to the entire family, spanning from children to Veteran’s affairs. Explore our diverse range of contact lenses, including multifocal, toric, 1-day, and lenses with varying replacement schedules from fortnightly to monthly. Michael’s expertise extends to customizing lens shapes for rimless and semirimless frames, ensuring a perfect fit for customers with unique preferences. Additionally, we offer the creation of prescription polarized sunglasses compatible with most sunglasses frames. Recognising the importance of regular eye testing for early detection of health issues such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, and Pterygiums, we strongly advocate for yearly checkups. Paris Miki makes it easy for you with bulk-billed eye testing, including retinal photography. On-the-spot health fund claiming is available for most funds, streamlining the process for our valued customers. Onsite Workshop at Paris Miki Optical *Excludes Maui Jim, Zeal and Oakley Sun RX 3 Bulk Billed Eye Tests 3 Most Health Funds Accepted 3 External Prescriptions Welcome $150 OFF PARIS MIKI OPTICAL Shop 18, 12 Sir John Overall Drive Helensvale Plaza, Helensvale Phone 5580 5010 | www.paris-miki.com.au COMPLETE PAIR New Year, New Health Fund Most health fund annual limits reset each year on January 1st. Start the year right and make an appointment to see the friendly staff at Paris-Miki Helensvale for all your eye and glasses needs. Tired of Broken Vertical Blinds? Blinds Don’t Open? Fabric Blades Faded? CALL RON 0438 724 834 No Call Out Fee or Minimum Charge SPECIAL PRICES FOR SENIORS We can fix them or replace Tracks only, New Blockout Blades or complete NEW Verticals with simple Wand Controls

6 HOTA, Home of the Arts is gearing up for another bumper year as the Gold Coast’s arts and culture hub unveils a sneak peek into its 2024 program. HOTA Unveils ‘Sneak Peek’ Of 2024 Program The 2024 program promises another year filled with captivating exhibits, contemporary art, breathtaking performances both indoors and out, and family-fun experiences. With a bill of shows and exhibitions already locked in on the 2024 calendar, Gold Coast audiences can expect the following program highlights. Prepare to be transported back in time and witness the magic and music of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll when musical extravaganza, Elvis: A Musical Revolution, takes to the stage for a mammoth season from 22 June 2024. Award-winning dance and theatre collective, The Farm, brings Stunt Double, an action-packed piece of storytelling and incredible compelling choreography to HOTA on 8 and 9 March. Cultural enthusiasts will not want to miss Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, direct from New Zealand. This moving production is for one night only on 6 April and is a collection of poetry developed into a stage play by Tusiata Avia currently touring the world. For lovers of music and storytelling, The Gospel According to Paul, offers a night of thought-provoking and entertaining performance when it graces the stage on 25 May. Get ready for a suspenseful and intriguing evening in the world of Agatha Christie’s iconic mystery play, when the standout production The Mousetrap is showcased at HOTA from 28 May to 2 June. Wayfinder by Dance North, is set to enthral audiences when the captivating contemporary dance performance hits the stage on 26 July. With something for all ages, families can enjoy a theatrical showing of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach on 21 and 22 September. A delightful and educational experience for young audiences, Waru, a story by Bangarra, follows the journey of the green turtle. Featuring inspiring dance and storytelling, this production will be showcased on 23 October. Featuring timeless hits set to resonate with all generations, Queensland Symphony Orchestra: Classic Favourites graces HOTA’s Outdoor Stage for onenight only in a special performance on 26 October. Queensland Ballet returns to HOTA in 2024, when love and mayhem collide in the airy, light-hearted ballet with Australian flair, Coppélia, taking to the stage on 1 and 2 November. Told through captivating and graceful ballet performance, this show tells the classical story of a mechanical doll who is so lifelike she is able to fool the villagers into believing she is alive. In the HOTA Children’s Gallery, multidisciplinary artist Abdul Abdullah’s Kingdom of Kindness will open on 9 March, offering an enriching experience that extends to the youngest art enthusiasts. From 29 March to 4 August, HOTA Gallery will feature its next major exhibition for the year, the immersive Italian Renaissance Alive by Grande Experiences. This unique and sensory arts experience will offer exploration of the Italian Renaissance. Set to be a visual and intellectual delight for visitors, the exhibition will take audiences on a journey through history and art. To celebrate the 2024 program release, HOTA is offering Early Bird Tickets this November to members and the general public. HOTA’s program sneak peek is just a taste of what’s on offer in 2024, with more shows, programs and exhibitions to be announced at the Gold Coast’s arts and cultural precinct over the coming months. For more information on HOTA and the 2024 program, www.hota.com.au Bookings: www.javeenbah.org.au Phone 0417 004 466 • Email info@javeenbah.org.au CNR STEVENS & FERRY STREETS, NERANG Book now 5539 4255 or online www.spotlighttheatre.com.au 185 - 187 Ashmore Road, Benowa HELP SAVE A LIFE & ADOPT TODAY.

7 Oxenford Neighbourhood Watch Happy New Year from the Oxenford NHW team – we look forward to a stimulating time. Our attention is drawn to the impact of the tornado and those violent storms. Great the way the community came together to help. We are a District of volunteers, benefiting from the considerable assistance of the Council, the SES and Energex, all working together to clean up the mess and help those less fortunate. Lots of memories of good deeds, the tireless neighbours armed with chainsaws, the need to help those without power providing thermos flasks of hot tea and bags of ice for other refreshments. Thank you to everyone, we can be proud of the way we worked together. So, what happened to bone-dry El Niño that was expected to bring on an early fire season? While it made a temporary showing in the Spring, it has not been too noticeable since then. We now know there are several weather systems in operation powered by our three neighbouring oceans. It is almost impossible to model the changing conditions in advance, given the confusion of warmer than usual influences. Rather than blame BOM we need to become better prepared. We now have a clearer register of those who are more vulnerable; first step is to ensure that they are safe. Everyone should have a survival kit, if nothing else, bottled water and a working torch are essential. Can the Firees stand down? Answer is we are likely to experience more grass fires rather than the traditional forest fires. These can be just as damaging and perhaps less expected. Remember it only takes a day or two for long grass to dry, so better to be prepared and keep lawns in manageable proportions. Another manifestation of our community spirit is the increasing time we are spending outdoors. Great to meet more people on our favourite walks, Damian Leeding Memorial Park being increasingly popular during the school holidays – thank you Div 2 for restoring the recreational area in record time. Keeping moderately fit should be a New Year’s resolution. As mentioned below, a key focus over the next month will be Cybercrime. Those of you keen on employment will note that the top executive skill is now cyber-protection as scammers move from big businesses to smaller and more vulnerable operations. Worth mentioning once again the ‘Little Black Book of Scams (BBoS),’ which and can be ordered online and addresses many of the increasingly sophisticate scams that are becoming prevalent. Next time you apply for a job, take the BBoS with you, it might be the winning ticket! Please remember that if you experience a scam, report it to the ACCC via Scamwatch – visit www.scamwatch.gov.au. Important to mention that the opportunistic youth has not gone away, remember to ‘lock it or lose it.’ The other worrying statistic is the prevalence of domestic violence, the high cost of living being a factor. Please watch out and protect those who may be more vulnerable. Our next NHW event will be on the 13th of February 2024 with a 7.00 pm start, location at the Meeting Place (aka the Oxenford and Coomera Community Youth Centre), 25 Leo Graham Way, Oxenford QLD. A keynote speaker from the OFT will address the critical issue of scams and the implications for our community. We will also welcome our community Police Officer, our local Counsellor, and our State member for Parliament. As always, we will close with a raffle and light refreshment to ensure a stimulating evening. We Look forward to welcoming you. Martin Mankowski, Area Coordinator Oxenford Neighbourhood Watch My Police Bulletin Flood affected areas on high alert for contractor scams Police are urging the community to be wary of potential scammers trying to take advantage of flood-affected areas as communities begin to recover. People posing as tradesmen, treeloppers or electricians are known to approach people during times of hardship and offer to get their premises restored or repaired, or trees cleared for exorbitant prices. Scammers may use email, text message or social media to try and trick online uses into revealing account information or financial details. The most common online scams involve fake websites to try and get the victim to pay for nonexistent products and services, asking for personal and financial information and installing malicious software on devices. If approached by any person offering services or a tradesperson offering to help, ask for their business card or to see their General Construction Induction Card (White Card) Worksafe Queensland If offered electrical help, check the provider’s electrical licence online - Electrical Licence Register. If you are unsure about an electrician, decline their services and find a licenced electrical contractor yourself either online or through Master Electricians Australia on 1300 889 198. If you witness any suspicious activity in your area as recovery efforts continue, report it immediately to police. To check if your contractor is licenced, visit Electrical License Search. To learn more about scams: www. scamwatch.gov.au. If you have been the victim of a cybercrime, you can report this online at ReportCyber. If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/ reporting. Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au

8 WE HAVE 2 X $50 GIFT CARDS TO GIVE AWAY! WIN A $50 GIFT CARD (Coles Supermarkets, Coles Central, Coles Express, Myer, including Myer.com.au, Target, Kmart, Officeworks, Liquorland, Vintage Cellars and First Choice Liquor.) Simply complete the Crossword and/or the Sudoku puzzle and post to JANUARY CROSSWORD COMPETITION or JANUARY SUDOKU COMPETITION PO Box 3302, Burleigh Town City Q. 4220 Write your name and address on the back of an envelope. First correct crossword and first correct sudoku entry drawn will win. Entries close 10.02.2024 Winner notified by post. CROSSWORD 178 by Mona Elliott ACROSS 1. Gems 8. Menace 9. Tree 10. Doubt 11. Endeavour 12. Part of church 13. Loitered 16. Cleaved 19. Song 21. Climbs 22. Dribbles 23. Decrees 24. Instructors 25. Inscribed pillars DOWN 2. Aroused 3. Repose 4. Flower part 5. Snuggles 6. A pastry 7. Trice 13. Copy 14. Musical 15. Covers over 17. Pacify 18. Lethargy 20. Appraise Answer next month 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 20 21 23 1 8 10 14 19 22 24 25 SU DO KU Instructions: The numbers 1 to 9 must appear in each row, column and 3 x 3 box. Numbers can not be duplicated. No. 178 7 5 2 9 5 9 1 4 2 8 6 1 4 5 3 2 9 7 3 4 1 6 3 Answer next month 1. A man pushes his car to a hotel and tells the owner he’s bankrupt. Why? 2. A man stands on one side of a river, his dog on the other. The man calls his dog, who immediately crosses the river without getting wet and without using a bridge or a boat. How did the dog do it? 3. Your parents have six sons including you and each son has one sister. How many people are in the family? 4. Fourteen of the kids in the class are girls. Eight of the kids wear blue shirts. Two of the kids are neither girls or wear a blue shirt. If five of the kids are girls who wear blue shirts, how many kids are in the class? 5. The water level in a reservoir is low, but doubles every day. It takes 60 days to fill the reservoir. How long does it take for the reservoir to become half full? 6. A man describes his daughters, saying, “They are all blonde, but two; all brunette but two; and all redheaded but two.” How many daughters does he have? Answers page 11 BRAIN RIDDLES k n h e l a c o a WordWheel 48 The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel. Answers P 11

9 Comedy Chaos Returns to the GC The Gold Coast’s premier comedy extravaganza, GC Laughs Festival, is back – bigger, bolder and funnier than ever before with a whopping line-up of 40 shows to have you doubled over in laughter when it returns to HOTA, Home of the Arts this year. crowd-favourite, the GC Laughs Comedy Gala on Friday 15 March. Set to showcase a ‘chocolate box’ of surprise acts to delight audiences and provide a taste of what’s to come during the festival line-up. Festival highlights include the return of radio legend Tommy Little, with his eponymous show Tommy Has a Small Deck. Tommy’s razor-sharp wit, wild stories and infectious energy are guaranteed to deliver an hour that will leave you in stitches. Saturday 16 March will see awardwinning comedian Geraldine Hickey, TV personality and funny-man Dave Hughes making a GC Laughs comeback with his brand-new show Fully Furnished, He Huang and Heath Franklin(aka. Chopper) also take to the stage. Everyone’s favourite online ‘mum’ Mel Buttle will make her festival debut, as part of a national tour for her show called Not Here to Put Socks on Centipedes, where she promises to let loose on life and all its awkward moments. Network 10’s The Project co-host Sam Taunton is bringing his show How to Promising two weeks of laugh-outloud hilarity, the GC Laughs Festival 2024 will boast a staggering bill of the best in comedy from March 15-23. From home-grown Aussie heroes to some of the biggest international comedic sensations to grace the stage, audiences can expect absurd stories, lewd humour, complete nonsense and ridiculous skits, all wrapped up in one epic celebration of comedy on the Gold Coast. In its sixth year, Festival Director Josh Armstrong promised the Gold Coast’s only comedy festival would be more outrageous than ever before. “It’s unbelievable that we kicked off our first festival at HOTA back in 2019 and it’s clear that Gold Coast audiences love a laugh, with every year we keep adding to our line up and GC Laughs keeps getting better,” Mr Armstrong said. “We’ve been able to bring some of the biggest Australian and international names in comedy to the Coast, and in 2024 we have 37 acts already locked in with plenty more to be revealed so stay tuned for more!” Kicking off the festival antics is Tie a Tie. Brace yourself – it’s literally about why he couldn’t tie a tie, and how if he did ever wear one, he looks like a teenager on his way to court. Ray O’Leary, best known for his plain yet iconic grey suit and deadpan humour, will leave you in stitches with his show Your Laughter Is Only Making Me Stronger. A star on the up-and-coming Australian version of TV show, The Office, Felicity Ward is on home turf for the first time in five years with an hour-long show, I’m Exhausting! Hailing all the way from Scotland, Fern Brady is back in Australia to showcase a brand-new show, I Gave You Milk to Drink on Thursday 21 March. With a stacked calendar of events by the best in comedy and more to be announced, the GC Laughs Festival 2024 will have audiences in stitches as it delivers a healthy dose of kneeslapping hysterics set to have you giggling for nights on end. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased www.gclaughs.com.au or via the HOTA Box Office – (07) 5588 4000. 5556 0402 3/145 Old Pacific Hwy - OXENFORD RED DEVIL RADIATORS  Car Radiators  Truck Radiators  Cooling System Servicing  New Unit Who else would you see about your overheating problems? & Airconditioning Service • Repair • Installation • Regassing • Free Quotes! Specialising in all mechanical repairs from basic log book servicing to major mechanical issues & faults The hot weather is here... does your air conditioning need regassing? MENTION THIS AD FOR 10%DISCOUNT HELICONIA SPECIALIST 2 MARKET STREET, CARRARA Ph: 0415 323 815 DELIVERY AVAILABLE One of our most popular plants - Heliconias. This is a great example of how well they work as a screener. If you’re trying to hide your fence or the neighbours these will do the job. Choose from: Kawauchi, Rauliniana, Black Cherry, Jacquinii or Hot Rio Nites. plus many other plants to choose from. SCREENING HELICONIAS Do something special. Give blood. Call 13 14 95 download the app or donateblood.com.au

10 Community Notices FREE FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT, SPORTING & COMMUNITY GROUPS email your notice to info@localnewsletters.com • Deadline 06 February for next issue Congratulations November Winners! $50 GIFT CARD SUDOKU: V. Colwell, Nerang CROSSWORD: J. Ranatunga, Helensvale NEVER EVER FOREVER BOOK COMPETITION W. Adams, Jacobs Well | S. Elliott, Coomera K. McDonald, Ormeau | S. Mann, Pimpama J. Connor, Nerang HEALTHY DOG BOOK COMPETITION J. Pratt, Oxenford | C. Cooper, Tamborine D. Coomes, Labrador | H. Morrison, Hope Island P. Smith, Ormeau Congratulations to our winners! We receive hundreds of entries for our competitions each month so keep on entering, you might be the next lucky winner! TO ENTER write your name, address & phone on the back of an envelope and post to: 1: DARKNESS RUNS DEEP or 2: A LIFE OF HER OWN PO Box 3302, Burleigh Town 4220 • Entries close 10.02.2024. DARKNESS RUNS DEEP By Claire McNeel In the darkest hour, a blood-soaked teenager flees the rural Gerandaroo football oval. Eight months later, Bess, a young teacher, returns home to Gerandaroo. A childhood game of dare with her former best friend forces Bess to form a women’s footy team to play against Denby, a rival town. Bess reluctantly recruits players, but the team has to contend with hostile locals - including Bess’s own father. Will this help the small community to come back together - or will it be the final thing that blows everything apart? As tensions in the town boil over, so too do resentments and secrets and violence that have been previously held tight and close. Fiercely told and breathlessly compelling, Darkness Runs Deep is a striking new Australian crime novel about the best and worst of who we are. ISBN: 9781761268212 | Format: Trade Paperback | Pub Date: 30/01/2024 Imprint: Macmillan Australia | Pages: 350 | Price: $34.99 A LIFE OF HER OWN by Ellen Feldman When life doesn’t give you a happily ever after ... New York City, 1945. The war is over, the men are coming home and life can go back to normal for young Fanny Fabricant. But when she loses her rosy future in a single instant, she is forced to reinvent her life and raise her daughter alone by sheer will and courage. Brought up to be a ‘nice girl’, to never step out of bounds, and educated for a career as a wife and mother, Fanny quickly learns that the real world isn’t so straightforward. When Fanny gets a job working for the queen of radio dramas, she finally has a sense of control over her destiny - until two very different men enter her life, giving Fanny an impossible choice. Will she play it safe, or do what she knows is right? Ellen Feldman, the international bestselling author of Paris Never Leaves You, presents a gripping tale of ethics, love and self-determination in a vivid historical setting - a story of heart, history and impossible choices. ISBN: 9781761268571 | Format: Trade Paperback | Pub Date: 13/02/2024 Imprint: Macmillan Australia | Pages: 352 | Price: $34.99 Winners book prize will be couriered so please provide a phone number. You may put phone number inside envelope if you are worried about scams... thankyou! BOOK GIVEAWAY Enter To Win HELENSVALE PROBUS CLUB is a mixed club of friendly retirees. We meet at Helensvale Seniors Club, 37 Discovery Drive, Helensvale, at 10am on the second Friday of each month (except December and January).Visitors are welcome to join us at our meetings or on our outings and activities. Contact us by email at helensvaleprobusclub@gmail. com or our Secretary Marion by phone on 0413 247 469. Check our website at www.probussouthpacific.org/micrisites/ helensvale A.R.A.G.C. CAR CLUB - We welcome all new members, we are a friendly light minded, small group of classic car lovers. We do monthly weekend runs to various points of interest, monthly mid-weekday lunches and meet most Saturdays at Expresso25, 1 Boat works Drive Coomera about 7.00am also a yearly weekend away. Christmas Party in December. We hold bi monthly meetings last Monday of the month at 6pm to 8pm at Nerang PCYC. We get together to attend various Classic and Vintage car events. Phone Terry 0413875737 or Peter 0493092341. AA MEETING – Ormeau Women’s Living Sober (OWLS) – New meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous every Thursday at 5pm–6pm at the Ormeau Community Centre, 3 Curthbert Drive Ormeau. A safe space for women to learn that there is a solution to living a happy, joyous and free sober life. Doors open from 4:30pm. You are not alone. HELENSVALE SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB INC. is open Tuesday to Friday and welcomes people over 50 who would like to join in our various activities or simply come in for a cuppa and a chat. We offer a full programme of activities including Pool, Table Tennis, Tai Chi, Mah Jong and various card and board games as well as bus trips and outings to places of interest. Shirley 04480 030 359. QCWA - COOMERA BRANCH - The Queensland Country Women’s Association (qcwa.org.au) is for women of all ages, from all walks of life and with different life experiences. We enjoy getting together monthly on the 2nd Wednesday for friendship, sharing and developing skills in healthy cookery, knitting & crochet, public speaking, photography, floral art as well as fundraising for local community, state and international causes. Check us out on Facebook (qcwa Coomera), come to our Craft day on the 3rd Wednesday monthly, or call 0456625776. Children Welcome. PROBUS CLUB HOPE ISLAND meets every second Wednesday of the month at 9.30am at Club Helensvale, Discovery Drive, Helensvale for fun and fellowship in retirement. We are a friendly, mixed club and welcome visitors to join us for the range of activities we provide. Contact Barbara on barbara@idlebowl.net. THE PROBUS CLUB OF COOMERA VALLEY is a popular club for retirees with its stimulating meetings, wide variety of interest groups and many outings. Meets on 2nd Wednesday of month at 10am, Holy Rood Church Hall, Old Tamborine Rd, Oxenford. Paula Clohesy 0408 313 083 OXENFORD COOMERA VIEW CLUB - Raising Funds for The Smith Family Learning for Life Students. Meetings held on the 3rd Friday of the month at the Oxenford Tavern with Lunch and interesting speakers. Social Events are held on the 1st Friday of the month. Call Meryl on 0409694835. THE OXENFORD BOSOM BUDDIES BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets the first Thursday of every month at 10am at the Oxenford/Coomera Community and Youth Centre, 25 Leo Graham Way Road, Oxenford. A group for breast cancer people, their family, friends and supporters, everyone welcome. A morning tea is supplied by the Oxenford Bakers Delight. Lee 0439 754 180. SIP N SUP CLUB – GOLD COAST Meets every three weeks at a great restaurant around the Gold Coast. All men welcome for beer, wine and food. We critique restaurants, have guest speakers but most of all we have a lot of fun. Generally Thursday afternoons, however, some evening events, 16 meetings per year. Facebook and search for @sipnsupgc and/or phone Michel on 0412 757 535 or email michel_44@bigpond.com ATTENTION MEN! Guys need an outlet to get together ‘shoot the breeze’, talk a bit of BS, and make new mates? Whether you’re 40 or 80 this group is for you. It’s a small friendly informal group that catches up weekly to give men an opportunity to get out of the house. This is not a business networking group. There is no business or church behind it. It’s about social engagement. Wednesday catch up - Paradise Point Bowls club @ 9:30 am. Friday catch up - Boutique Cafe @ 9:30am. Salacia Waters cafe precinct Paradise Point. Anthony 0413 806 179. GOLD COAST DISTRICT ORCHID SOCIETY meets on the last Sunday of every month (excl. December) from 1:30pm till 4:00pm/5:00pm at the Nerang Senior Citizens Hall, Cnr. Ferry St. and Mylor St. Nerang. Orchid benching display, also a sales table is available for orchid purchases. Visitors welcome, $3 hall hire fee pp. Enquiries Ph 0487648307, e: GCOS22@outlook.com THE HINTERLAND COMMUNITY BAND - Mudgeeraba. If you play an instrument and are interested in playing in a concert band, please contact us. We are seeking- all woodwinds, brass, and percussion players, all ages from teens to retirees. We rehearse every Thursday evening between 6-30 and 8-30, and we perform several concerts each year. Hall Hire- our hall and tearoom is also available for hire to other community groups at very reasonable rates. Contact Michael on 0414 323 997. GOLD COAST CARAVAN CLUB - Prospective new members are invited to attend three rallies as a Visitor, after which they may proceed with their “Application for Membership”. We hold 11 rallies each year at various locations within approx. 200km from Gold Coast. To become a member, you must own an R.V. and be over 18 years of age. Current membership is made up of mostly mature couples who enjoy travelling our country and seeing different places. Contact Secretary, Estelle James Email: goldcoastcaravanclub@ gmail.com - Ph 0409 632 085.

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