OCT/NOV 2026 Local Newsletter Your WIN! BOOK GIVEAWAY & GIFT CARD See inside for details Est. 1989 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 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 2 x 23kg Dryers 8 X 13kg Dryers Hot washes are included FREE! see editorial P2 SOLUTION BASED TAX & ACCOUNTING “There’s always a solution” FIRST APPOINTMENT FREE *Up to 1 hour. Mention ad to redeem 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 Saturday Morning by Appointment Helensvale, Oxenford, Hope Island, Santa Barbara, Monterey Keys & Oyster Cove & surrounds (Div 2) Homeworld Helensvale 5502 7227 Runaway Bay Mall 0491 923 693 Tweed Mall 0414 570 839 Logan Hyperdome 0438 997 250 UP TO 50% OFF STOREWIDE www.bedsrus.com.au including Adjustable Beds, Beds, Mattresses and Bedroom Furniture We are the Adjustable Bed Specialists! F F F F F *Conditions apply. Limited time. Pictures for illustration only. Finance terms available AUTHORISED DEALER
2 We are proud to offer only semi-private classes of three. We specialise in swimming lessons only and supply semi-private swimming lessons with only three children per class, ensuring each child receives more one-on-one attention with their teacher. And by having a maximum of just two classes in the pool per time slot, we reduce distractions and noise, making for a more focused lesson time. Our friendly and highly experienced manager Belinda, along with our swimming teachers are all committed to making you and your child’s learn-to-swim experience the best one possible. The pool is heated to 32 degrees celsius year-round, change rooms and toilets are located pool-side. Parents can choose to view a lesson in air-conditioned comfort, or go poolside whilst siblings can play in our large well equipped secure play area. All our instructors are Industry qualified (e.g. AUSTSWIM, ASCTA, and Blue Card holders. Shapland Swim Schools Gold Coast is a Swim Australia registered facility. This facility is a purpose Learn-to-Swim pool with 8 Why choose Shapland Swim School to teach your child to swim? - The learn to swim experts since 1947 - different depth levels to accommodate the student from beginner to advanced swimmer. The pool design incorporates over seven decades of experience in teaching children to swim, as well as optimal building and poolside facilities. Located in Gaven, not far from Westfield Helensvale the school is very central and easily accessed being just off the M1. Call one of the team at Shapland Swim School on 5502 3066 and let’s get your child learning how to swim the right way! You will find us at 23 Glade Drive, Pacific Pines. (See advertisement back cover) Easy-to-Use Machines - Our washing and drying machines are designed for simplicity. To get started, simply tap your card or phone on the reader, select your preferred wash or dry temperature, and press start. Open 24/7 All Year Round - There’s no need to worry about bringing your own cleaning products—top quality laundry chemicals are included. Emergency Stop Button - All our washers have an emergency stop button. If you see water running out of the machine it’s usually something stuck in the door. Simply press and hold the stop button for 3 seconds and when the buzzer stops you can open the door and pop the item back in the washer. Push the start button and it will restart the cycle. For pet owners - We also offer a dedicated 14kg Pet Laundry washing machine, perfect for keeping your furry friends’ bedding and accessories clean. Convenient Location and Parking - Parking is free and easy, right outside our premises. We are conveniently located just across the road from the Coles Supermarket, making it simple to run errands while your laundry is being done. Contact Us - If you need any assistance, please call us on 1300 528 628. We’re here to help! See advert front cover. Hot washes are included FREE! PETS OF THE MONTH Bobby Animal ID:152461 | Irish Wolfhound Male | 4Y 3M | Large | Brindle & White Bobby is a lovable Irish Wolfhound x who is ready to find his forever family! This big-hearted boy absolutely loves a good scratch and will happily soak up all the attention you have to give. Bobby is a friendly giant who loves a good play with other doggy friends who can match his energy. He will never turn down a treat and is always motivated to learn something new or enjoy some food enrichment games! If you’re looking for a new friend with a love for people and plenty of cuddles to share, Bobby could be your perfect match! Mela Animal ID:131862 | Domestic Short Hair | Female | 4 Yr 7M | Medium | Brown Tabby Mela is a confident, affectionate cat who knows exactly what she wants – and that’s plenty of love and attention from her humans! She absolutely adores affection and will happily soak up all the cuddles, pats, and one-on-one time she can get. Mela would prefer to be the only cat in the home, where she can be the queen of her castle and have her people all to herself. In return, she’ll reward you with her sweet personality and lots of love. Mela would be suited best in a single cat household where she can get all of your attention and affection. If you’re looking for a confident companion who wants to be your one-and-only feline friend, Mela could be the perfect match. Bobby, Mela and more wonderful pets are waiting to meet you at AWL Coombabah on Shelter Road, Coombabah. For more visit www.awlq.org.au or phone 5509 9000
3 Why the School Holidays Are the Smartest Time to Learn to Drive For most teenagers, getting a driver's licence sits somewhere between exciting and terrifying — and for parents, it's often just terrifying. But there is one window of the year that makes the whole process noticeably easier: the school holidays. During term time, driving lessons compete with homework, sport, part-time jobs and everything else in a teenager's schedule. A lesson squeezed between school pick-up and dinner is rarely anyone's best work. In the holidays, that pressure disappears. Students arrive relaxed, focused and ready to actually absorb what they're learning — and with nothing else competing for their attention, skills tend to stick faster. The holidays also allow for something term time rarely does: momentum. Skills like hill starts, merging and roundabout judgement are built through repetition within short timeframes. Spreading five lessons across five school weeks means re-learning each time. Fitting them across a single fortnight means each lesson builds directly on the last, and the gap between learner and confident driver shrinks dramatically. It's not just for teenagers, either. Plenty of adults return to driving after years away, or prepare for an aged driving assessment. The holiday period offers the same advantage: calmer roads during the day, more flexible availability, and time to rebuild confidence properly rather than in fragments. There are practical considerations, of course. Queensland requires 100 logged hours of supervised driving before a learner can sit their practical test, and the holidays are an ideal time to start banking those hours with a professional instructor before adding family supervised sessions on top. Driving is one of life's most useful skills, and one of its most confidencebuilding. Giving learners the time and headspace to do it properly is an investment that pays off every single day afterwards — for them, and for the parents doing the supervising. Spotto Driving School offers manual and automatic lessons across the Gold Coast, including night lessons and pick-up from home. Call 0417 855 512 for a chat.
4 Taking control: Why SMSFs are entering a new Golden Age The Australian financial landscape has shifted dramatically. With tax advantages outside superannuation shrinking, many Australians are reconsidering how they build, manage, and protect family wealth. Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) are entering a new golden age. This resurgence isn’t just about tax effectiveness - it’s about control. A well-structured SMSF provides unprecedented flexibility for estate planning, strategic asset allocation, property investment, and intergenerational wealth protection. It is also no longer just a vehicle for retirees. Generation X professionals, business owners, and Millennials with growing super balances are increasingly asking: “Could I manage this better myself?” However, strategy will always beat products. Establishing an SMSF isn’t simply about chasing high returns or choosing investment products; it requires robust governance, strategic tax planning, and a longterm roadmap tailored to your family’s unique goals. For couples, the super system still allows significant wealth accumulation - up to $6 million combined before highertier tax settings apply - making it one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available today. Is an SMSF Right for You? As a proud finalist for SMSF Specialist Accountant of the Year in SMSF Adviser’s annual SMSF Awards, SK Financial Group provides trusted, holistic guidance to help you navigate complex superannuation laws, mitigate risk, and design an SMSF strategy that truly serves your future. Whether you are looking to establish a new fund or optimise an existing one, taking an active, strategic approach to your super today ensures financial clarity for tomorrow. Contact SK Financial Group today to book a free discovery meeting with our advice team and discover how a tailored SMSF strategy can transform your financial future. see advertisement front cover Horoscopes November 2026 ARIES - November encourages you to get out and about and make the most of the warmer weather. A casual invitation could turn into a memorable day, so don’t be too quick to say no. Someone may also surprise you with a compliment that puts a spring in your step. TAURUS - You’re happiest when life feels comfortable and predictable, but November may encourage you to shake things up a little. Try somewhere new, accept that invitation or simply change your usual routine. A little spontaneity could be just what you need. GEMINI - Your social side is shining this month. There could be plenty of conversations, catch-ups and invitations competing for your attention. An old friend may reappear with an interesting story — and you’ll have plenty of your own to share! CANCER - November is a good month to spend quality time with the people who make you feel at home. A family gathering or relaxed lunch could provide plenty of laughs. You may also finally find the motivation to finish a job around the house that has been waiting patiently. LEO - You’re ready for a little fun, Leo, and November won’t disappoint. Accept an invitation, enjoy a day trip or organise a catch-up with friends. Someone may ask for your opinion on an important matter — and you certainly won’t be short of one! VIRGO - You may start the month with plans, lists and good intentions, but remember to leave some room for doing absolutely nothing. A slower pace could help you notice an opportunity that might otherwise pass you by. LIBRA - November brings opportunities to socialise and reconnect. You could find yourself enjoying a conversation with someone you haven’t seen for ages. A small decision you’ve been putting off may also become surprisingly easy once you stop overthinking it. SCORPIO - It’s your birthday season, Scorpio, and you may be feeling particularly confident about what you want. November is a good time to start something you’ve been considering for a while. Just remember — not every decision requires extensive research! SAGITTARIUS - Adventure is definitely on your November agenda. It doesn’t have to involve a plane ticket — a new restaurant, local attraction or spontaneous day trip could be enough. Keep your calendar flexible and your sense of adventure ready. CAPRICORN - November encourages you to take a break from being the person everyone relies on. Let somebody else organise things for a change! A financial or household decision may also work out better than expected, giving you one less thing to worry about. AQUARIUS - You could find yourself drawn towards something completely different this month. A new hobby, group or activity may catch your attention. Give it a try — you never know where a little curiosity might lead. PISCES - November brings a more relaxed and optimistic mood. Spending time outdoors, enjoying the garden or simply sitting somewhere pleasant with a cuppa could do wonders. Someone close may also share some news that gives you plenty to smile about.
5 Choosing Comfortable Eyeglasses Choosing the most comfortable eyeglasses is essential, given the amount of time we wear them each day. Glasses are like an extension of our body, and a perfect fit can make a world of difference. Here’s a guide to help you choose the most comfortable eyeglasses. Determine the Type of Eyeglasses You Need The first step is ensuring your eyeglasses improve your vision. Start with an accurate, up-to-date prescription. Then, think about the type of lenses that suit your lifestyle and visual needs. Some options include: • Single-vision lenses: For nearsightedness or farsightedness. • Multifocals: For those who need multiple focal points. • Reading glasses: For presbyopia. • Prism lenses: To correct disorders like double vision. • Plano lenses: For changing your look without prescription correction. • Prescription sunglasses: Offering both UV protection and vision correction. Consider lens coatings and add-ons like anti-glare or blue light filters, especially if you spend time in front of digital screens. These can enhance comfort and protect your eyes. Match Your Eyeglasses to Your Face Shape Next, consider your face shape. Selecting frames that suit your face helps distribute the weight evenly, avoiding pressure points on your nose, temples, or cheekbones. The goal is to find glasses that feel like a natural part of your face—lightweight and barely noticeable. Know Your Measurements Accurate measurements are key to a comfortable fit. Important dimensions include frame width, lens width, temple length, and bridge width. The bridge, the horizontal distance between the lenses, plays a significant role in weight distribution on your nose. Here are a few tips: • The bridge should not feel tight on your nose. • A slight gap between the glasses and your nose is acceptable. • If the bridge is too wide, your glasses will slide down. • If too narrow, they will create pressure on your sinuses. Consider Your Lifestyle and Personality Your lifestyle also influences the comfort of your eyeglasses. If you have an active lifestyle—whether in sports or outdoor activities—look for durable, flexible materials like polycarbonate. These are impact-resistant and lighter than traditional plastics, reducing strain on your nose and ears. For those who spend hours in front of screens, lenses with blue light filters can reduce eye strain. On the other hand, if style is your priority, lightweight materials such as acetate can offer both fashion and comfort. Choosing comfortable eyeglasses requires careful consideration of your vision needs, face shape, measurements, and lifestyle. Paris Miki Optical’s Store Manager Michael has over 33 year’s experience as a qualified Optical technician and has been working in the area for over 25 years. There is an onsite workshop for quicker spectacle making, so you don’t have to be without your own frames for weeks if using your own frame for new lenses; repairs can be done onsite and same day service is available on in store stock lenses. To make an appointment call 5580 5010. PARIS MIKI OPTICAL Shop 18, 12 Sir John Overall Drive, Helensvale Plaza Phone 5580 5010 | www.paris-miki.com.au $150 OFF COMPLETE PAIR *Excludes Maui Jim, Zeal and Oakley Sun RX & Meta Range See the world with clarity! With stylish frames to suit everyone, we ensure your vision is crystal clear. Experience exceptional service and precise prescriptions at Paris Miki. 3 Bulk Billed Eye Tests 3 Most Health Funds Accepted 3 External Prescriptions Welcome Don’t forget to use your Optical Benefit before 31st December
6 When you hear the word Sailability, what springs to mind — sunshine on the water, the wind in your hair, or simply the ability to sail? In reality, Sailability is something far more meaningful. It’s a community built on inclusion, independence, and the simple joy of being out on the water, regardless of physical ability. Sailability Gold Coast is a volunteer run, not for profit organisation dedicated to giving people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy on water activities. Our fleet includes twelve 303 class skippered dinghies, three keelboats with crew, and a fully accessible pontoon boat designed to accommodate wheelchairs and carers. No sailing experience is required — just a desire to enjoy time on the water. Our on shore facilities include dockside hoists for easy boat access, lifejackets, slings, and supportive seating pods. And after a morning on the water, there’s even the traditional sausage sizzle to refuel and share a chat. We operate every Tuesday from 9am to 1pm at the Southport Yacht Club, Hollywell Sailing Squadron in Marina Crescent, Hollywell. Visitors, carers, and newcomers are welcome at any time. If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, we would love to have you join us. Sailing skills aren’t necessary — there are many roles both on and off the water, and we’ll teach you everything you need to know. Most importantly, you’ll become part of a fun, supportive community. For more information, visit www.sailabilitygc.org. A bit of background - Sailability began in the UK in the early 1980s, thanks to the vision of Ian Harrison MBE. It has since grown into a global network operating in 23 countries, with 178 clubs in the UK alone. Queensland is home to 15 clubs, stretching from the far north to the state border — a testament to what passion, community spirit, and a shared love of the water can achieve. Here on the Gold Coast, that legacy is thriving. It lives on through dedicated volunteers, embraced by participants, and celebrated every time someone heads out on the water and enjoys whatever the day brings. SAILABILITY GOLD COAST “Do you have the AI hearing aids?” We are asked this most weeks now, and it deserves a better answer than yes or no. One of the things Louai and I hear most often is: “I can hear people talking. I just can’t always understand what they’re saying — especially in groups, restaurants or family gatherings.” That is exactly the problem some of the newest hearing aids are getting much better at solving. Modern AI-driven hearing aids can recognise different listening environments, identify speech and noise, adjust microphone focus and change settings automatically as your surroundings change. All of that is useful. But perhaps the biggest improvement is in one of the oldest hearing-aid problems of all: helping you follow the conversation you want when other people and noise are around you. Think about a family lunch. Someone opposite you is talking, your daughter joins in from the side, a waiter asks a question, chairs scrape, glasses clink and another table is laughing behind you. New AI systems can now do something hearing-aid engineers have been trying to achieve for decades: become much better at recognising people’s voices within all that competing sound. They are trained using enormous numbers of real-world examples of speech mixed with everyday noise. This teaches the system to recognise patterns that belong to speech and distinguish them from the other sounds happening around you — even when the person speaking is not directly in front of you. That is a big change from the older approach. Hearing aids previously relied much more heavily on fixed rules and directionality: sound from the front is probably important; steady sound is probably noise; sound from behind can probably be reduced. Those systems can work well, but conversations do not follow rules. People move, interrupt each other and speak from different directions. AI gives the hearing aid much more information to work with than simply “where is the sound coming from?” In simple terms, it can help lift voices out of the background. The room does not suddenly become silent, and the hearing aid cannot magically know exactly who you want to listen to. But for the right person, speech can stand out more clearly and listening can feel less exhausting. There is one thing the technology cannot do, though: fit itself properly. A sophisticated hearing aid is only as useful as the way it has been programmed for your hearing. That is why we measure what it is actually delivering inside your ear canal and adjust it specifically for you, rather than relying on how it sounds in a quiet clinic room. If your current hearing aids serve you well, there is no need to change just because something says “AI” on the box. But if restaurants, family gatherings and group conversations remain your hardest places to hear, newer technology may be worth exploring. Because we are independent and not tied to one manufacturer, we start with the situations you want to improve — not a product on the shelf. We have also written a two-part blog on AI in hearing aids, with more real-life examples and a closer look at how the technology differs between brands. You can find it on our website. Book online or call 07 5619 3007. No pressure, just a clearer picture. Article supplied by Holistic Hearing Solutions, 2/1 Bell Place Mudgeeraba. AI Hearing Aids: What They Really Do and Who May Benefit
7 Phone 0422 757 163 Benchtop Coating Specialists l Faux marble or stone finish l Anti bacterial, seamless l 3 year warranty l Cabinet painting l Quarter replacement cost ATHENIC The first question people ask when enquiring about the MarblecoteTM benchtop restoration system is “how does it compare to a brand new factory produced laminate or socalled ‘stone’ benchtop?” The MarblecoteTM system first developed here on the Gold Coast over 10 year ago, has been refined and improved to where we are today. MarblecoteTM is completely seamless (there are no joins). A brand new factory made ‘stone’ or laminated benchtop will have joins sometimes only one or two, often three or four. KITCHEN MAKEOVER MAGIC Introducing MarblecoteTM – Your Durable, Handcrafted Benchtop Solution doorknobs - is the kitchen benchtop. And no matter how tight those joins appear to be, to bacteria they are like the Grand Canyon... party central! MarblecoteTM is stain, heat and scratch resistant. Whilst very resilient (finished with three coats acrylic cross-linking polymer), it is not bulletproof. So if someone drops a brick on it (yes, we’ve had that happen!) damage will occur. Unlike other benchtops, damage like that can be repaired in around one hour and the repair won’t be visible. MarblecoteTM is handcrafted so that each benchtop is unique and there’s a three year warranty. Once warranty expires...we also offer a ‘re-fresh’ (light sand plus 2 coats benchtop clear $200) which includes extended warranty for a further three years Cost comparison - the MarblecoteTM System is one quarter to one fifth the cost of a new replacement bench. For contact details and website, please see advert below. BEFORE AFTER THE VILLAGE - HERITAGE B&B - INDULGENT HIGH TEA or CASUAL LUNCH or COFFEE & CAKE all homemade on site Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm 65 Railway St, Mudgeeraba www.thevillagebnb.com.au For more information and bookings please contact us Liz 0448 722 233 or Rich 0410 210 858 heritagehightea thevillagebnb Catering Available We also cater for groups, baby showers & family events (available 7 days if pre booked). 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 FRONT 4 Does this difference really matter? Well, yes, it does, especially if you want your benchtop to be hygienically superior. A quick question... how many bacteria can fit on a pinhead? Answer... (fun fact) six million. Bacteria includes e-coli, staph, salmonella, Covid and many more. The second most popular place for bacteria to dwell and thrive in the home - after
8 Odd One Out Can you spot the word that doesn’t belong in each group? Take your time — the differences are subtle and may require careful thinking. Answers P. 11 1. Telescope – Microscope – Periscope – Kaleidoscope – Stethoscope 2. Venus – Mars – Jupiter – Saturn – Neptune 3. Cobalt – Nickel – Chromium – Manganese – Aluminium 4. Sonnet – Ode – Elegy – Epic – Fable 5. Mercator – Richter – Celsius – Beaufort – Kelvin 6. Pyramid – Prism – Cylinder – Cone – Pentagon 7. Bach – Handel – Mozart – Beethoven – Vivaldi 8. Quartz – Feldspar – Mica – Calcite – Gypsum CROSSWORD 211 by Mona Elliott ACROSS 1. STRESS 7. MEANT 8. OLD COIN 9. ANIMAL 10. REFEREE 11. FRAGRANT 14. BULLFIGHTER 18. AMERICAN NATIVE 2 3 4 9 11 12 13 15 16 20 21 23 19. COMMANDED 21. FROZEN DROPS 22. KINSMAN 23. HAILS DOWN 1. WEALTHY 2. INSECT 3. POTTERED 4. AMAZE answer Nov issue 5. INVOLVE 6. FAME 12. SCORNING 13. PEALS 15. CONSIDERED 16. ENSNARE 17. COUNSEL 20. PARE 1 8 10 14 22 5 6 7 17 18 19 BABE BAZZA BLANCO BLONDIE BLOSSOM BLUEY BOB BONES BUFFY WORD SEARCH - Find the mystery answer NICKNAMES ... ANSWER P. 11 BUGSY BUSTER CHALKY CHERRY CHIPPY CHUCKLES COLONEL COOKIE DIGGER DODGER DUMPLING DUSTY GINGER GUNNER HIPPIE HONEY KITTEN LAMBSHOP MUFFIN NORM PIP POMMY PRINCESS RED SHINER SHORTY SHRIMP SMILEY SPARKY STRETCH SUNSHINE SWEETIE TREASURE TWIGGY WE HAVE 2 X $75 GIFT CARDS TO GIVE AWAY! WIN A $75 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 OCTOBER CROSSWORD COMPETITION or OCTOBER 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 10.11.2026 Winner notified by post. 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. 211 5 2 7 6 2 1 9 6 1 4 5 7 4 9 2 5 4 1 9 1 3 8 8 2 3 Answer November issue
9 Congrats August Winners! $75 GIFT CARD SUDOKU 209: F. Veitch, Pimpama CROSSWORD 209: L. Peterson, Hollywell HOLLOW BONES BOOK COMPETITION V. Andrews, Helensvale | D. Saron Ormeau K. Richards, Runaway Bay | J. Bell, Pimpama M. Turner, Helensvale 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! TWO WAYS TO ENTER ... EITHER POST OR EMAIL... POST: Write your name, address & phone on the back of an envelope and post to: 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! Enter To Win ORLANDO PO Box 3302, Burleigh Town 4220 OR EMAIL: info@localnewsletters.com with ORLANDO in the SUBJECT LINE. Please include your name, address and phone number in the email • Entries close 10.11.2026 BOOK GIVEAWAY ORLANDO by Harry Whittaker A sweeping, atmospheric novel about love, authorship, and the quiet rebellions that change the world. Readers can expect exciting appearances from beloved Seven Sisters characters, and will discover how their lives have been shaped during the last twenty years. This is Orlando’s story . . ` Author Information Lucinda Riley was born in Ireland, and after an early career as an actress in film, theatre and television, wrote her first book aged twenty-four. Her books have been translated into thirty-seven languages and sold forty million copies worldwide, and she was a No.1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller. Lucinda died in the summer of 2021. Harry Whittaker grew up in the 1990s and spent the first few years of his life on the rural west coast of Ireland, with a poor TV signal (and certainly no iPad). It was therefore left to his mother to entertain him, which she did through telling him stories. As a result, Harry has become a storyteller himself, as an awardwinning radio presenter for the BBC and a member of one of the UK’s most renowned improv troupes, who perform all over the UK. ISBN: 9781037405556 | Format: Trade Paperback | Pub Date: 10/11/2026 Category: Adult & Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Myth & Legend Told As Fiction, FICTION / General, FICTION / Romance / Contemporary, FICTION / Romance / Historical / 20th Century, FICTION / Family Life / Siblings, Modern and Contemporary romance, Historical romance, Historical fiction, Family life fiction | Imprint: Macmillan | Price: $34.99 | Pages: 500 • Canola oil spray • 2 cups self raising flour • 1 teaspoon bicarb soda • 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice • ½ cup brown sugar • 1 cup reduced fat milk • 2 eggs • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (see Tip) • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 1. Preheat oven 190°C (170°C fan-forced). Grease a 13.5cm x 24cm (base measurement) loaf pan with cooking spray and line with baking paper. 2. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda and spice into a large bowl. Stir in the brown sugar. Combine the milk, eggs and banana in a bowl then gently stir into the flour mixture until just combined. 3. Spoon into loaf pan, scatter over the blueberries and gently poke them into the batter with your fingertips, smooth the surface. 4. Bake for 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Stand for 10 minutes in the pan before lifting onto a wire rack. Serve warm, toasted or at room temperature. Tip: 2 large ripe bananas should yield 1 cup of mashed banana. Recipe: www.heartfoundation.org.au/recipes Banana Blueberry Loaf Saturday 14th November from 8am to 3pm
10 Community Notices FREE FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT, SPORTING & COMMUNITY GROUPS email your notice to info@localnewsletters.com • Deadline 23 October for next issue HELICONIA SPECIALIST 2 MARKET STREET, CARRARA Ph: 0415 323 815 DELIVERY AVAILABLE | OPEN 7 DAYS SCREENING HELICONIAS HUGE VARIETY OF TROPICAL GARDEN PLANTS INC. PALMS, GINGERS, CORDYLINES & COSTUS 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. JUSTICE OF THE PEACE IN THE COMMUNITY PROGRAM A Justice of the Peace is available to sign your legal documents at: PIMPAMA CITY SHOPPING CENTRE Tuesday & Wednesday 10am - 1pm & Thursday 10am-1pm & 5-7pm UPPER COOMERA COMMUNITY CENTRE Tuesday & Thursday 4.30-6.30pm WESTFIELD COOMERA Wednesday & Friday 10am-2pm WESTFIELD HELENSVALE Tuesday & Thursday 10am-2pm HELENSVALE PLAZA Wednesday 10am - 2pm ARUNDEL PLAZA Thursday 4-6pm For other JP Centre locations in the Community Program please refer to: www.justice.qld.gov.au/jps/centres.htm or Ph: The Department of Justice 13 74 68 iSPEAK KIDNEY SUPPORT GROUP - We are an informal group for people with kidney disease that meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month between 9.15am - 11.30am. 17 Nov. Guest speaker that presents on a topic of interest. Venue: GCUH, Pathology & Education Building (PEd), location E on map, Option to join online meetings as well. Contact CKD Nurses Cheri & Steph on 0436673433/0436861222, email: gch_ckd_service@ health.qld.gov.au GOLD COAST SUCCULENT & BROMELIAD SOCIETY - meet 4th Saturday of every month, Helensvale Community Centre, South Hall, 31-33 Discovery Dr, Helensvale. Doors open at 11:30am for Plant Sales, meeting begins at 12:30. We’re a fun non-profit dedicated to all things Succulents and Bromeliads! We bring people together with monthly meetings featuring awesome guest speakers. Learn about growing and caring for these fascinating plants. Join us for plant displays, sales, nursery visits, bus trips, and garden tours. We also welcome new membership applications. Info www.gcsbs.au, and a FB group page at www.facebook.com/groups/GCSBS/. GOLD COAST STAMP AND COIN CLUB INC meets he second Saturday of each month, noon to 4pm, at Helensvale Community Centre (South Hall), 31 Discovery Drive, Helensvale. Everyone is welcome - including experienced and new collectors. Each month we have dealers, bargain tables, sales by tender, exchange books and some exhibits or talks, finishing with afternoon tea. Enquiries please phone 0409 765 060 or 0417 987 441. 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 Dec and Jan). Visitors are welcome to join us at our meetings or on our outings and activities. Contact email: helensvaleprobusclub@gmail.com or Kay 0478 095 802. Check our website at www.probussouthpacific.org/ microsites/helensvale SOUTHERN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY is a local community space and astronomy group that meets monthly to explore the night sky. Our gatherings align with significant celestial events such as full moons, meteor showers and eclipses. All levels of experience: no equipment required, just curiosity and a love of space. Join SAS to connect, learn and share awe-inspiring moments under the stars. Find us on FB Southern Astronomical Society HEART SUPPORT GROUP - If you have undergone a heart/cardiac event this is a chance to chat with someone who has been through the same or similar circumstances. This will help you break down the feeling of loneliness and isolation. It also helps you come to terms with the loss, grief and changes resulting from this illness. We meet monthly at Club Helensvale, 6pm to 8pm. Text Ross on 0419 024 053 or email ross.preston@bigpond.com for information. Or see www.heartsupport.org.au 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. More info on Facebook and search for @sipnsupgc and/or phone Ron, our Club President on 0435 366 168. E: sipnsupgc@gmail.com HELENSVALE BRIDGE CLUB INC. meet in the North Hall Helensvale Community Centre, 31 Discovery Drive, Helensvale on Mondays and Wednesdays weekly. Arrival times are: Monday 10.45am play commencing at 11.15am; Wednesday 10.45am play commencing at 11am. Call Denise 0413 068 440 or Daphne 0477 005 074 http://helensvale.bridgeaustralia.org HELENSVALE LIONS CLUB – meetings on 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the Month at Club Helensvale (28 Discovery Dr, Helensvale), with friendly members supporting the local community. Visitors are welcome to come to a dinner meeting on 1st Tuesday of the Month to meet our members. PH 0416877545/helensvale.qld@lions.org.au 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. Ros 0418 1651 75. SOUTH COAST RESTORATION SOCIETY OPEN DAY: Our Vintage Display is open second Sunday of the month. Come and step back in time and experience the technology of yesteryear on display at South Coast Restoration Society Living Museum. Many sheds with various collections from a bygone era. ie stationary engines, water pumps, antiques, old tractors and heritage vehicles including a fire engine, fully restored steam roller, Heritage Print machines. Our engine shed runs a variety of engines on the day. Food and refreshments available. Directions: Exit 49 of the M1. Take Rifle Range Road, Entry is via the Pimpama Sports Hub entrance at the traffic lights. First left then follow the road up to the top of the hill. A great family day out. Free entry. GOLD COAST CITY JAZZ CLUB at Southport Bowls Club, 2 Marine Parade Southport. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7pm. Featuring well known Jazz musicians. Bistro and bar available. Information at http://www. gccityjazzclub.com.au or e: gccityjazzclub@gmail.com SEW CRAZY QUILTERS INC. Meet every Thursday morning from 9.30am to 1.00pm at the Community Centre Discovery Drive, Helensvale. Wide variety of sewing interests among our members, including Quilting, Patchwork, embroidery, machine embroidery and art quilts. Come along and meet like minded crafters, feel free to bring either handwork or your machine. You can work on your own projects, or get involved in some Charity Sewing. There’s always something interesting going on. Please call our President Lynne for more info. 0407 941711 PROBUS CLUB HOPE ISLAND meets every third 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. Enquiries: secretaryhopeislandprobus@gmail.com 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 FB (qcwa Coomera), come to our Craft day on the 3rd Wednesday monthly, or call 0456625776. Children Welcome.
11 - BLINDS - AWNINGS - SHUTTERS - 0411 134 507 Give us a call today! CONSULT THE PROFESSIONALS TO ADVERTISE Call Geoff 0411 134 507 LOOK! This space now available for your ad! CEMENT RENDERING / REPAIRS VENETIAN / MICROCEMENT FINISHES Over 30 year’s experience. Repair and Renovation expert. SMALL JOB SPECIALIST Call Mark - 0418 199 424 Gold Coast / Brisbane Area l SMALL RENDER & PAINT JOBS l STRUCTURAL CRACK REPAIRS & STITCHING l CEMENT RENDER & TEXTURE l PATCH JOBS l RENDER FIXES / CHIP & CRACK REPAIRS l RELIABLE + QUALITY WORKMANSHIP QBCC LIC NO.1165927 CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIED RATES: E: info@localnewsletters.com $20 for first two lines and $5 for each extra line PICKUP & DELIVERY SERVICE Have you bought something online or from a shop? Caged Box Trailer 10x 5ft Call for quote. 0417 792 600. ANTENNAS/SECURITY Signal problems, TV Mounts, Wifi Issues. Security alarms/cameras. Coastal Antennas 0435 273 900. AT HOME COMPUTER HELP Problem solving or tuition on your computer, tablet or smartphone. Windows, Apple or Android. $50ph. Call Gabriel 0429 176 909. VERTICAL BLIND REPAIRS IN HOME SERVICE TO VERTICAL BLINDS. No Service Fee. Seniors Discount. New Blinds Supplied and Installed. Phone Ron 0438 724 834. AIR CONDITIONING DEEP CLEAN AIR CON CLEANING $79EA. Discounts for multiple units, pensioners & seniors. Fully insured tech. PH: 0452 258 009. Answer #209 from Aug 2026 Answer #209 from Aug 2026 PLASTERER Gyprock, small jobs, stipple. Exp. Tradesman. Rod 0417 784 458. PAINTING Internal & External. Pressure Cleaning. Licensed. Police cleared, seniors discount. PH: 0427 003 704. DRESSMAKING Dressmaking/pattern making classes $40 per lesson. Create your own clothes. Roz 0410 544 585. Robina. SILICONE MOULDY? We replace mouldy/damaged silicone in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry & exterior. All tile repairs. Trade Qualified tiler/waterproofer. PH: 0468 928 015. PAPER CRAFTING Card Making and Scrapbooking. All levels welcomed Loretta 0433 409 419 gold.dolphin@iinet.net.au 1. Stethoscope – The others use a system of mirrors, lenses or optical surfaces to alter or direct an image. A stethoscope is used to transmit sound. 2. Venus – The others rotate on their axes in the opposite direction to most planets in the Solar System. Venus rotates retrograde, while the other four listed rotate prograde. 3. Aluminium – The other four are transition metals. Aluminium belongs to the post-transition metals. 4. Fable – The others are established forms of poetry or long-form verse. A fable is a short narrative, usually conveying a moral. 5. Mercator – The others are associated with scales used to measure or describe physical quantities or conditions. Mercator is a type of map projection. 6. Pentagon – The others are three-dimensional geometric solids. A pentagon is a two-dimensional polygon. 7. Beethoven – The others were all born in the Baroque period. Beethoven was a Classical/Romantic-era composer. 8. Calcite – The others are common constituents of igneous rocks. Calcite is primarily associated with sedimentary and metamorphic environments. Odd One Out Answers from P. 8 Wordsearch - TEDDY BEAR CUPCAKE Advertise with your Local Newsletter www.localnewsletters.com For info call Geoff 0411 134 507 / 5527 0314 Wendy 0414 770 102 Email: info@localnewsletters.com P.O. Box 3302, Burleigh Town 4220 Contributions do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Your Local Newsletters Distributed to homes in Helensvale, Oxenford, Hope Island, Santa Barbara, Monterey Keys or pick up a copy from Helensvale Plaza, Helensvale Spar, Oxenford Square, Maudsland Supermarket, Studio Village Community Centre, Oxenford Community Centre, Oxenford Pharmacy, Westfield Helensvale.... 3 5 8 4 6 1 7 9 2 2 4 6 3 7 9 1 5 8 7 9 1 8 2 5 3 6 4 4 3 2 9 5 7 6 8 1 5 6 9 1 3 8 4 2 7 8 1 7 6 4 2 9 3 5 6 2 3 5 1 4 8 7 9 9 7 4 2 8 3 5 1 6 1 8 5 7 9 6 2 4 3 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 S O L A C E U C S U G S N A P S H O T S T R A I T S A I C I E S O T E R I C L O U N G E A G K M S M U N G E E B E R T H E I D E R E E A R C H N L Q S M U N T O L D U N C O M M O N R I E U E G R U M P Y S T E E R A G E D S T D S R E E V E S
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