2 Congrats April Winners! $75 GIFT CARD SUDOKU 205: A. Davies, Upper Coomera CROSSWORD 205: D. Soster, Oxenford DISSECTION OF A MURDER BOOK COMP V. Peterson, Helensvale | J. Anton, Coomera G. McJannett, Paradise Point | F. Cannons, Runaway Bay J. Lucas, Paradise Point 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! BOOK GIVEAWAY 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 RED LAKE by Jason Summers RED LAKE PO Box 3302, Burleigh Town 4220 OR EMAIL: info@localnewsletters.com with RED LAKE in the SUBJECT LINE. Please include your name, address and phone number in the email • Entries close 10.07.2026 Sergeant Harper Quinn has returned to her sleepy hometown of Koorinda in search of a quieter life. Until she learns that the town’s once glittering waterpark is being reopened, on the shores of its famous Red Lake: the place her little brother vanished into thin air 30 years ago. And then Harper receives a call: a body has been found at the park. Once again, Harper finds her family at the centre of a shocking criminal investigation. This time, she is determined to find her own answers. But when secrets run this deep, the truth can drag you under . . .Red Lake is a thrilling and propulsive novel by the bestselling author of the Nick Vada series, Jason Summers. Author Information: Jason Summers is the Australian author of the Nick Vada thriller series, known for its gripping plots, rich characters, and vivid depictions of the Australian outback. Born and raised in Deniliquin, a rural town in New South Wales, Jason draws on his deep connection to the bush to bring authenticity and atmosphere to his writing. When he’s not crafting thrilling crime fiction, Jason works full-time as a construction manager, balancing the demands of building projects with his passion for storytelling. A father of three girls, they keep him on his toes just as much as his characters do. ISBN: 9781761778117 | Format: Trade Paperback | Pub Date: 30/06/2026 | Category: Modern & Contemporary Fiction (Post C 1945), Thriller / Suspense, Crime & Mystery, FICTION / General, FICTION / Crime, FICTION / Mystery & Detective / General, FICTION / Thrillers / Suspense | Imprint: Macmillan Australia | Price: $34.99 | Pages: 368 Top Tips for First Home Buyers: A Pathway to Your Dream Home Purchasing your first home can be an exciting but daunting experience. The real estate market can be complex and overwhelming, especially for those venturing into homeownership for the first time. To assist first home buyers in making informed decisions, Joe Farr from Farr Real Estate shares a list of essential tips to guide you on your journey towards acquiring your dream home. Set a realistic budget: Before embarking on your homebuying journey, determine your budget by considering your income, expenses, and financial goals. Evaluate your affordability and consult a mortgage broker to understand your borrowing capacity. Setting a realistic budget will help narrow down your options and prevent disappointment. Save for a deposit: This is a crucial step in buying your first home. Lenders typically require between 5%-20% of the property's value as a down payment. Start saving early and consider setting up a dedicated savings account specifically for your down payment. Explore government assistance programs or grants that may be available for first-time home buyers to aid in your savings goals with lower deposits and shared equity. Research the market: Familiarise yourself with the local real estate market. Study trends, property prices, and neighbourhoods to gain insight into the areas that align with your preferences and budget. Attend open houses, talk to local real estate agents, and use online resources to gather information. Being well-informed will help you make better decisions and negotiate effectively. Obtain pre-approval: Before beginning your property search, seek pre-approval for a mortgage loan. This step demonstrates your credibility to sellers and agents, giving you a competitive edge. Pre-approval also provides clarity on the loan amount you can secure, enabling you to focus your search on properties within your financial capacity. Consider additional costs: Beyond the purchase price, remember to factor in additional expenses associated with homeownership. These may include stamp duty, legal fees, building inspections, and ongoing maintenance costs. By accounting for these expenses in your budget, you can avoid unexpected financial strain after purchasing your first home. Inspect and research properties thoroughly: When inspecting potential properties, pay attention to both the visible and hidden aspects. Engage professional building inspectors to thoroughly evaluate the condition of the property and identify any potential issues. Research the history of the property, including its sale price and any previous renovations or repairs. Stay patient and be flexible: Buying your first home is a significant milestone, but it may take time to find the right property. Stay patient, be flexible with your preferences, and keep an open mind. With persistence and perseverance, you will find the right home that meets your needs and budget. Purchasing your first home should be an exciting and fulfilling experience. Joe Farr & the Farr Real Estate team sell entry-level homes across the northern Gold Coast & Southern Brisbane and are just a phone call away to help you get into your first home. Call 55 007 007 for advice from your local experts. See advert front cover
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