Table of contents for May 2022 in Readers Digest Australia

THIS MONTH, MY FAVOURITE ARTICLE, ‘Mama, This Story Is For You’ (page 54), beautifully captures the way an elderly mother shows her love through gift-giving. The nurturing she offers her family through random acts of decluttering (disguised as gift-giving) will ring true to many of us. While a pleasure to read, this tale is easy to relate to with our own mothers. Intermittent fasting, the 5:2 diet, alternate day fasting … call it what you will, this dieting approach has received a lot of attention in recent years. While it sounds extreme, don’t be turned off by the fasting element because this diet is all about controlling when you eat, not necessarily eliminating the food you enjoy to eat. As Rozalynn S. Frazier reports in our health feature, ‘The Promise…

DOGS ARE SOCIAL ANIMALS who enjoy spending time with us, and training is a wonderful way to create quality moments together. Teaching tricks not only provides a great mental workout for your dog, it also improves your relationship and trust. Teaching your dog tricks should always be fun and rewarding for you both. It’s entertaining and lets you show friends just how clever your canine pal is. Here veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren shares her expert tips to help you get underway. Start the moment you bring your puppy home. Most puppies are very enthusiastic and eager to learn, and you will be amazed at what you can achieve together if you commit to regular training. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Older dogs will also benefit from the mental…

TAI CHI TRIMS BELLY FAT If walking on a treadmill seems monotonous, consider tai chi, which offers a more fluid and graceful way to stay fit. A Hong Kong study found that this centuries-old form of exercise – often described as ‘meditation in motion’ – trims abdominal fat as effectively as conventional exercise. In fact, older adults who did tai chi three times a week for 12 weeks reduced their waistlines as much as those who did regular aerobic exercise and strength training, while also boosting their HDL, or good cholesterol. WHY YOU NEED A SUPPORTIVE LISTENER You can get by with a little help from your friends, as the Beatles song goes, but it turns out that support might also keep your brain in better shape, too. A JAMA…

1 THE PILLOW THAT ADAPTS A good pillow will give your head, neck and shoulders the right support. Consider investing in an adjustable pillow. Removable foam cubes let you customise the pillow to the perfect height and firmness for you. 2 THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE A white-noise machine has always been a must-have to assist troubled sleepers, but now you can also pump ambient sounds directly into your ears to drown out unwelcome noise. Try the Bose Sleepbuds II, which are surprisingly comfortable earbuds that allow you to choose from a bunch of instrumental tracks that are specifically designed to mask the low-frequency disruptions – like snoring and noisy neighbours – that are the most common sleep disturbances. 3 THE BLANKET THAT KEEPS YOU COSY Over the last few years, weighted blankets have…

Fateful Name My son and I were walking in the cemetery when we came upon an ornate mausoleum. New to reading and interested in words, my son pointed to the name carved at the top and asked, “What does that say?” I told him the family name: “Eaton.” Now horrified, he responded, “By what?” SUBMITTED BY AUDREY MALDONADO Blow-Out My mother is seven years older than my father, and he never lets her forget it. It was her birthday recently and he put just one candle on her cake. She seemed puzzled, and he told her, “Well, I didn’t want to put a strain on your lungs.” SUBMITTED BY JOANNE AITCHISON Downing Tools A few years ago, my father-in-law set about a task in the kitchen that his wife required…

• Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, add 2 tbls extra virgin olive oil and 110g diced pancetta.• Cook, stirring often, until most of the pancetta has lightly browned and most of its fat has rendered, about 7 minutes.• Add 1 minced small brown onion; cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, until the onion is softened, about 4 minutes.• Stir in 500g frozen peas, followed by 3 cups water and a large pinch of salt.• Bring to a boil, then add 500g pasta. Cook, stirring and scraping, until pasta is al dente, adding more boiling water, 1/2 cup at a time, as needed to keep the pasta just submerged.• Remove from heat, then season with salt and stir in about 15 torn mint leaves followed…

FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES WHEN THE WORLD went into lockdown, for the monks of Chartreuse it was simply another tick on their 938-year record of self-imposed isolation. The Chartreux brothers, also known as Carthusians, embrace a deeply ascetic existence near Grenoble in the western French Alps, observing customs that have barely changed since their Christian order was founded. The monks pass the days alone, praying for humanity and listening for God in the silence that surrounds them. Frugal meals of bread, cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish arrive through a cubbyhole in their individual quarters. With few exceptions, the monks do not enter one another’s quarters, and they rarely interact – save for midnight and daytime church services, where no musical instruments are allowed. And once a week,…

• At my preliminary visit for my first teaching practice, I was sent to an English class. After finishing my discussion with the teacher, I got up and turned round to leave the room. As I opened the door and closed it behind me, the class burst out laughing – I was in a dark cupboard, which did not have a door handle on the inside. When the teacher let me out, he said, “Everyone makes that mistake.” He showed me out through an identical door next to the cupboard door. SUBMITTED BY VICTOR FLUTE • First corporate job. We had these large metal coffee urns in the break room. You put the grounds in the cup thing and hit a button because they were piped into the water line.…

OSA, an athletic 28-kilogram German shepherd with a long fluffy tail and a fondness for red bandannas, seems to be an unlikely superhero. She chews on the couch when she’s bored and isn’t above making a scene to get attention. On a recent day when her foster mother and trainer Annemarie DeAngelo stepped outside their home while chatting with a visitor, Osa bounded up and barked for attention; when that failed, she leaped onto the patio table, stuck her snout in DeAngelo’s face, and began whining. “You are unbelievable,” DeAngelo growled before cracking a smile. But if Osa wants to play the diva, she’s entitled. After all, how many six-year-old dogs do you know who have mastered the art of sniffing out cancerous tumours and are involved in a research project…

Burning Questions Margaret Atwood PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE Fans of Margaret Atwood, the creator of The Handmaid’s Tale and more than 50 other works of fiction, poetry and essays, will be interested in her collection of essays and occasional pieces from 2004-21. Full of wit and wisdom, Atwood tackles subjects such as the climate crisis, freedom, debt, tech, the rise of Trump and a pandemic. Other topics include: When to dispense advice to the young? (only when asked); So what if beauty is only skin deep?; and What do zombies have to do with authoritarianism? Here Goes Nothing Steve Toltz PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE If you like your fiction left-of-centre, then this book’s for you. Angus Mooney struggles for most of his life, until he meets his wife, marriage celebrant Gracie (whose…

FROM THE CONVERSATION The term binge-watch was a contender for the 2013 word of the year in the Oxford English Dictionary. Although it didn’t win (‘selfie’ ultimately took the crown), this pointed to the rise of what was becoming a popular activity of watching multiple episodes of a TV show in a single sitting. Today, millions of us – including me – regularly consume our favourite series in this way. The proliferation of streaming services over recent years has made it easy to do. Unsurprisingly, during COVID-19 lockdowns, research shows many of us spent more time binge-watching than usual. But can binge-watching become problematic or addictive? And if you can’t tear yourself away, what can you do? Problematic binge-watching isn’t defined by the number of episodes watched (although most researchers…

1. pharaoh – A: ancient grain. B: small boat. C: Egyptian king. 2. jubilee – A: 50th anniversary. B: candied fruit. C: lucky charm. 3. cabal – A: secretive group. B: prayer shawl. C: city-state. 4. golem – A: set of rules. B: artificial human. C: poached fish. 5. hosanna – A: mountaintop. B: shout of praise. C: eldest daughter. 6. babel – A: noisy confusion. B: skyscraper. C: naughty child. 7. matzo – A: flatbread. B: ceremony. C: card game. 8. scapegoat – A: one who swears. B: herdsman. C: one unfairly blamed. 9. philistine – A: allergic. B: uncultured. C: foreign. 10. maven – A: expert. B: matchmaker. C: rebel. 11. messiah – A: follower. B: saviour. C: traitor. 12. jezebel – A: hoopskirt. B: immoral woman. C:…

Bunnings Warehouse has once again been voted Australia’s Most Trusted Iconic Brand. If there was one positive for Australians spending more time at home during the pandemic, it was being able to revitalise and improve their homes and gardens. Across the country, Australians undertook projects to turn their surroundings into spaces to enjoy. They tackled tasks on that ‘To Do’ list – fixing, painting, gardening and building those things they’d previously not had time to do. Bunnings transformed its operations during the pandemic, maintaining strict COVID-19 measures to protect its staff and customers, and making buying easier with contactless collection of online orders from its carparks. Helping its customers stay busy doing their DIY projects also served to ease the boredom and support mental wellbeing during long periods at home.…

TO BE AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE AIR® means more than simply being a leading air conditioning brand; it means being the best air conditioning company to deal with. Committed to creating a holistic customer-care experience, Fujitsu General ensures they are there for the entire customer journey. Fujitsu General Assist, the brand’s comprehensive service network, deploys Fujitsu-trained technicians to all Australia’s major capital cities and provides access to dedicated Service Agents in other parts of the country. With over 100 models of air conditioners on offer across wall mounted, cassette, ducted and floor and ceiling consoles, Australian consumers are spoilt for choice. However, customers may not realise that to ensure products are developed to suit Australia’s range of climates and conditions, the local Fujitsu General team works closely with the Japanese R&D department, and…

LAUNCHING IN AUSTRALIA IN 1965, BUDGET founder Bob Ansett decided to shake up the 1960s car rental market by focussing on a personal approach and customer service. With the industry dominated by government contracts and airport locations, this set Budget apart from the rest. In 1979 it won a tender for airport car rentals and has gone from strength to strength. Today, Budget is one of the leading car rental companies across the globe, with over 250 locations in Australia alone. To stay at the top of the rental industry, Budget evolves with the times by monitoring market trends, looking for new, innovative ideas, and getting feedback from customers on improvements it can make. Each touchpoint allows customers to provide their thoughts pre-or post-rental. One such change was Digital Check-In, launched…

“EVERYONE AT THE RSPCA IS THRILLED that our beloved charity has once again been honoured as Highly Commended among Readers’ Digest’s most Trusted Brands in 2022,” says Richard Mussell, CEO of RSPCA Australia. “The RSPCA has just celebrated 150 years of caring for and protecting animals across Australia, so it’s a great privilege to remain as one of Australia’s most loved, trusted and respected not-for-profit organisations.” Every year in Australia, the RSPCA cares for more than 120,000 animals in need through its nationwide networks of animal shelters. In addition, RSPCA Inspectors investigate over 65,000 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect. The RSPCA also does an enormous amount of important work in prevention and advocacy; as well as educating the community about responsible pet care and animal ownership. These efforts are always…

WITH 2022 THE YEAR OF TRAVEL, Australians are looking forward to escaping on the high seas with the nation’s favourite homegrown cruise line. Operating for nearly 90 years, P&O Cruises has pioneered South Pacific Island cruising as well as delivering a huge variety of domestic and event-based cruises that explore the magic of the Aussie backyard and our ‘love’ of a good holiday. After a voluntary extended pause in operations, the transformation of the P&O fleet and its return to cruising is the top priority. P&O Cruises are welcoming two grand-class ships, Pacific Adventure® and Pacific Encounter®, joining the ever-popular Pacific Explorer®. Both additional ships are fitted with a huge range of well-loved P&O signature features as well as a host of exciting new ones. Other improvements include enhanced health…

FISHER & PAYKEL BEGAN ITS JOURNEY into the home appliance business when Olive Paykel asked her husband to import a refrigerator she’d seen in a 1934 edition of American Ladies’ Home Journal. Others in New Zealand also wanted the latest model fridge, and so began a fast-growing appliance importing business. When the New Zealand government banned imports of manufactured products a few years later, Fisher and Paykel responded by designing their own home appliances. Since then, Fisher & Paykel has made it their mission to improve people’s lives with their products, just like its latest design of dishwasher – the DishDrawer™ Dishwasher. Beautifully designed to complement your kitchen appliances or blend seamlessly into the kitchen cabinetry, DishDrawer™ Dishwasher gives you the freedom to design your kitchen the way you live.…

LAUNCHED IN 1998 to meet the needs of the often neglected over 50s market, Australian Seniors have since helped countless Australians protect the most important things in life – whether it’s their family’s future, valuable assets, or their longplanned retirement activities. Australian Seniors pride themselves on carefully selecting underwriters that share their vision of providing insurance that’s simple, easy to understand, and cost-effective. They also offer exclusive discounts to Australians over 50, providing added value and a sense of community. Australian Seniors are always thinking of ways they can support the over 50s. For example, their Supporting Seniors initiative highlights causes important to the seniors community and provides funding to relevant groups. Australian Seniors’ quality products and awardwinning customer service team have been recognised by both clients and the insurance industry.…

SCOTTS OSMOCOTE IS A LONG-ESTABLISHED BRAND of garden care products that are trusted by professional growers and home gardeners alike. At Scotts Osmocote, we’re plant people. We create products that are easy to use and take all the guesswork out of growing so that you can achieve the results you deserve. Our philosophy is simple: when you start with the best, you’ll bring out the best in all that you grow. Scotts Osmocote has the right products for every growing occasion, whether you are growing show-stopping roses, juicy citrus or an indoor plant jungle. Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mixes contain sustainably sourced materials, 50 years of horticultural expertise and just the right amount of nutrients for your plants, while Scotts Osmocote Controlled Release Fertiliser is still the most advanced on the…

SINCE LAUNCHING ITS AUDIOLOGY DIVISION IN 2018, Specsavers Audiology has seen exponential growth. Considered to be one of the fastest-growing audiology businesses in the country, to date more than one million Australians have had their hearing screened at one of the more than 250 Specsavers Audiology stores. As with its optical stores, Specsavers Audiology likes to keep things simple by providing what we’ve come to expect from Specsavers: great customer service, exceptional product quality, and an affordable and a transparent pricing model. Since all its audiology businesses are located within a Specsavers optical store, Specsavers Audiology has been able to introduce its hearing services to a brand-new audience – existing Specsavers customers who’ve never before encountered audiology. In stores that offer both optometry and audiology services, every optometry customer over the…

Every sale has five basic obstacles: no need, no money, no hurry, no desire, no trust.ZIG ZIGLAR, AUTHOR Trust starts with trustworthy leadership. It must be built into the corporate culture.BARBARA KIMMEL BROOKS, CEO, PRODUCT DEVELOPER AND AUTHOR What clients are really interested in is honesty, plus a baseline of competence.PATRICK LENCIONI, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT EXPERT INTEGRITY has no need of rules.ALBERT CAMUS, PHILOSOPHER Loyalty is what makes us trust, trust is what makes us stay, staying is what makes us love, and love is what gives us hope.GLENN VAN DEKKEN, SCIENTIST THE ONE WHO DOES NOT TRUST ENOUGH, WILL NOT BE TRUSTED.LAO TZU, PHILOSOPHER…

AS A THIRD-GENERATION FAMILY BUSINESS with a 70-plus year heritage, Smeg has a global reputation for creating innovative solutions to improve day-to-day living with an eternal ‘Made in Italy’ style. In addition, Smeg is known for outstanding service with a professional customer service team available to assist consumers in a timely and efficient manner. Over the years, Smeg has celebrated many technology and design world firsts including Elisabeth, the world’s first programmable freestanding cooker; the Niagara dishwasher; the blade flame cooktop; and the domestic blast chiller. Its FAB fridge, launched 25 years ago, is an iconic statement of modern design and has been used as a canvas by many artists and brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Disney and Coca Cola. Smeg introduced small appliances seven years ago. Since then, the…

THIS YEAR AUSTRALIAN ICON VICTA celebrates its 70th year anniversary. To commemorate this special occasion a limited edition Victa gift will be included in selected mowers in the range. Victa will also release special anniversary lawn mowers to help mark this occasion. Throughout the 70 years, Victa has been a strong advocate for Australians to rediscover their lawn and garden and the joys associated with their outdoor space. And this means having the right tool for the right job to keep those spaces looking great. Victa’s Australian Design Centre is continually developing and adding innovations across its petrol and lithium ranges, finding new technologies and products for homeowners who want powerful, dependable products made tough for Australian conditions. The recently launched twin 18V mowers in dealers and Bunnings, which are…

EVER SINCE THE FIRST SPECSAVERS STORE opened in Australia in 2008, the optometry company has remained focused on providing the very best outcomes for patients and customers. From an eye care perspective that means supplementing the full range of optometrist eye tests with appropriate technology, including a no-cost OCT 3D eye scan for every patient for identifying a variety of eye conditions. And from a prescription eyewear perspective, it means offering the broadest possible choice of high-quality, great-value frames, prescription lenses, contact lenses and sunglasses. Now Specsavers has added another layer of service within its stores with the recently launched Specsavers Audiology to bring that same mix of high-quality expertise and unbeatable value to those with hearing care needs. Now in its fifth year since entering the market, Specsavers Audiology continues…

BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM offers a range of advanced preventative animal health-care products to protect animals against disease and keep them in optimal health. As a Boehringer Ingelheim brand, NexGard® helps champion its belief in a future where no animal suffers from preventable diseases. Launching in 2015, NexGard® was the first of a new generation of highly effective flea and tick control treatments to be available in Australia. Since the launch of this new generation of isoxazoline products, such as NexGard® and NexGard Spectra®, the number of cases of tick paralysis in dogs presenting to veterinary clinics in Australia has reduced by more than half.* This has had a positive impact on the wellbeing of many dogs, who haven’t had to suffer the serious and sometimes fatal effects of tick paralysis. Parasite protection…

BAND-AID® BRAND ADHESIVE BANDAGES IS PROUD of its long-standing heritage of supporting families to get back up after a fall. Band-Aid’s innovative wound technology and comfortable designs have helped Aussies heal small cuts and scrapes, and get us back up on our feet for more than 100 years. Band-Aid’s long history started in 1920, when Josephine and Earle Dickson were newly married, and Josephine had difficulty bandaging the minor cuts and burns she often succumbed to. Unable to dress the wounds herself, her husband Earle created a way for her to tend to her wounds: Band-Aid, a bandage sticky enough to hold still over the wound, but not so sticky that it interfered with her mobility in the kitchen. Since then BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages have continually evolved to offer products…

‘IF IT’S SELLEYS, IT WORKS’ is the motto the brand has lived by since its founder opened up shop in Sydney in 1939. For more than 80 years, Selleys has been offering high-quality, innovative products that help ordinary Australians achieve results that deliver pride and a feeling of achievement in their home decorating and renovation projects. As a result of COVID-19, hardware stores across the country saw an influx of everyday Australians trying their hand at DIY for the first time. The success and satisfaction of completing a job is what every DIYer strives towards, but all too often novices end up feeling overwhelmed with their lack of skills and confidence. Selleys aims to create even easier ways to tackle DIY tasks, like it did with the brand-new waterproof tape…

FOR A JOB WELL DONE, you can trust White King. “Our fundamental values are our points of difference,” said Justin Butterfield, Head of Marketing. “Unlike most competitor brands, White King prides itself on manufacturing Australian-made products for Aussie households.” White King has been supporting Australian communities and creating local jobs for over 40 years. Recently it invested in new capital and equipment to bring more manufacturing to our shores, allowing White King Fabric Stain Lift to become proudly Australian-made, with the same formula the brand’s customers know and trust. No matter how big the cleaning job, generations of Australians turn to White King because they’ve found it works the first time and every time. In return, White King enjoys extensive loyalty from consumers and its name has become synonymous with quality.…

Very Best Of Friends Two wombats are better than one thanks to Anna Culliton (‘Best Of Buddies’, March). These lovable marsupials now have a fighting chance of survival due to this carer’s dedication and love. Anna’s endearing nature means that the natural world will always endure. MICHAEL WOUTERS Rescued From The Cave When news broke of the successful rescue of the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach from deep inside a flooded Thai cave, there were shock waves of disbelief and joy around the world (‘The Boys In The Cave’, February). After more than two weeks lost to the outside world, and with no food and little water, few would have expected this story to have a happy ending. Their incredible and perilous rescue by real life heroes will…

YOU CAN’T GET TO SLEEP, STAY ASLEEP OR WAKE UP TOO EARLY These symptoms all fall under insomnia and are usually caused by stress, irregular sleep schedules or excessive use of electronic devices in the evening. Dr Randhawa suggests three basic strategies: 1. Lower your arousal level before bed with relaxation techniques or soothing rituals and routines, such as reading a book or listening to a meditation app. 2. Re-establish the bedroom as a calm place to sleep by going to bed only when you’re sleepy and getting out of bed when you can’t sleep. Keep electronic devices out of the bedroom. 3. Although it may sound counterintuitive, spend less time in bed. Go to bed later, which increases the pressure on your body to sleep, and then wake up…

Sleep meditation apps, like Calm or Headspace, offer guided meditations and breathing exercises to help you fall asleep. And a recent study showed that they really work if you stick with them – people with insomnia who used Calm for eight weeks improved their sleep quality and reduced their daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Your body naturally produces the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin in response to darkness. But since people can become melatonin deficient, supplements may help. There’s also emerging evidence that magnesium can assist with sleep, as it relaxes the muscles and has anti-anxiety properties. The calming effects of chamomile tea may be due to an antioxidant called apigenin that binds to brain receptors that may reduce anxiety and initiate sleep. Artificial light at night sends the wrong signal to your brain…

If you see a clock with 11:11 on it, make a wish. @FARKASVILKASRH When at a large staff meeting, event or any occasion that involves a round of applause, I always get the last clap. If I have to, I will keep going. Don’t test me. You will lose. @ABBYTRIBBLE I keep a broom by the door because I was told the ghosts will have to stop to count the broom straws and forget why they were coming to haunt us. @DONNETTA_W When I was little, I noticed that movie vampires only ever bit their victims on the right side of their neck. I didn’t sleep on my left side until I was 30. Just in case. @MIKECHEQ123…

FROM THE OREGONIAN There is a country – I read about it once – where the local custom is that if you go to a house and praise some small possession, the owners feel obliged to offer it to you as a gift. I don’t remember the name of the country; the only other place I know of with such a custom is my mother’s apartment. Knowing Mama, I have always been careful with my compliments, but that doesn’t stop her. Mama senses admiration far more subtly than what’s spoken. If she catches me staring at anything small enough to put in a shopping bag, she hands it to me as I leave. It does no good to protest. “I was merely staring at that photograph of Mount Hood because…

FROM THE CONVERSATION A few more brushstrokes and the student gasped with excitement. There in the dirt was a small, bronze statue of a calf, revealed for the first time in 3000 years. Places on archaeological digs are not confined to university students. If you are interested, there are opportunities to become involved in the fascinating world of archaeology both locally and abroad. Archaeologists in popular imagination are like Indiana Jones and Lara Croft – seeking powerful lost artefacts and unimaginable wealth. You don’t need me to tell you this is the stuff of fantasy. Gone too are the days when real archaeologists just wanted to find palaces and temples and significant objects to stuff in museums. The reality is more absorbing and less dangerous. The questions that interest us…

Your image isn’t your character. Character is what you are as a person.DEREK JETER, BASEBALL PLAYER You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.DR. SEUSS, CHILDREN’S AUTHOR Just as you think you know someone, it turns out you actually have no idea who a person really is until you’ve travelled with them.GABRIELLE UNION, ACTRESS THE BEGINNING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE WORK.PLATO, PHILOSOPHER WHEN WE RECOGNISE THE VIRTUES, THE TALENT, THE BEAUTY OF MOTHER EARTH, SOMETHING IS BORN IN US, SOME KIND OF CONNECTION, LOVE IS BORN.THICH NHAT HANH, CLERGYMAN Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.RALPH WALDO EMERSON, POET…

QUESTIONS 1 Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, disappeared from the Louvre Museum in Paris on August 21, 1911. The painting vanished without a trace for two years. Even Pablo Picasso came to be involved in this case. What role did the famous painter play? a) The thief offered to sell him the painting b) He was asked to make a copy of the painting c) He was suspected of stealing the painting d) He made a public appeal for the safe return of the painting 2 In 2003, a band of criminals spent 27 months working on their intricate master plan, staking out their target and emptying the vaults of the Antwerp Diamond Centre. The loot was worth at least 100 million euros (A$150 million). What set the police on…

Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness Superhero If you’re partial to a Marvel superhero comic, then this movie will be a no-brainer. But it’s also got another thing going for it – Benedict Cumberbatch. You may have seen him in the first Dr Strange movie, or as the mathematical genius Alan Turing in Imitation Games, Sherlock Holmes in the TV drama Sherlock, or more recently in Jane Campion’s The Power Of The Dog. Wherever you’ve seen him, you will know that he brings distinguished prowess to every role he plays. In the second instalment of this franchise, we see Dr Strange cast a forbidden spell that opens the door to the multiverse, including an alternate version of himself. The combined forces of Dr Strange and his allies Wong (Benedict…

Unforgettable Christy Brown Born with cerebral palsy, Irish writer and painter Christy Brown is well known for his autobiography My Left Foot. This is a moving exploration of how he wished to be remembered not for his human frailties but for achieving his dreams and living his life. Huberman Lab Hosted by neuroscientist Dr Andrew Huberman, the podcast examines how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body controls our perceptions, behaviours and health. There is a good selection of science-backed topics with useful advice and tools for everyday life to browse through. British Scandal One thing the British seem to do well is scandals. Scandals that bring down governments and shatter the gilded lives of the rich and powerful. This series gets to the heart of…

LEISURE Make the most of your free time Overscheduled? Here’s how to make activities more gratifying and enjoyable when you find yourself with leisure time. HEALTH + HOME 15 common items with hidden health risks Check our list of household items that can be hazardous if not used correctly or secured properly. MONEY Shrewd personal finance tips Our money section has plenty of money-saving and wealthcreating tips to help you get your finances in order. ReadersDigestAustralia PLUS SIGN UP TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER FOR MORE HOT OFFERS, TOP STORIES AND PRIZES!…

FOUR-TIMES WINNER Anglicare Southern Queensland is one of the state’s most experienced, and trusted not-for-profit organisations, with a proud 150-year history of caring for Queenslanders. Committed to those in need through key values of love, care, hope and humility, Anglicare Southern Queensland has a proven reputation of delivering an exceptional standard of service to senior members of the community and their family. Its person-centred care models ensure best-practice care across all its in-home, retirement and aged care services. Staff focus on every individual’s specific needs, goals, interests and passions, supporting them to live the life they want. By providing this individualised care to enrich quality of life, and through being engaged in an ongoing process for continuous improvement, the organisation continually strives to enhance its service delivery. It regularly monitors feedback…

THE CUSTOMER IS EVERYTHING AT WEBER. And ensuring customers create the most incredible meals on their Weber barbecue is just one of the ways the barbecue kings focus their time and energy. Weber recently released a new range of products to help guide consumers to make the barbecuing process simple and mouth-watering. Weber Connect Smart Barbecue Hub is a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled cooking assistant that provides step-by-step instructions. From prep to set-up, when to flip and when to serve are all dished up on your smartphone or tablet via the Weber Connect app, giving Aussies the confidence to make delicious meals simply. Weber Connect is also embedded into some Weber barbecues, transforming the barbecue device into an outdoor guided cooking masterpiece and helping ensure incredible results every time! The Weber…

FORMED BY THE REVEREND JOHN FLYNN IN 1928 with the aim of extending the ‘mantle of safety’ to those who live, work and travel in the bush, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has been there for people in rural and remote Australia ever since, because it believes that where you live should not determine your health status and life expectancy. By providing ongoing primary health and emergency medical services to those who live in the outback for the past 94 years, the RFDS has been reducing this disparity in health outcomes. As a national health charity, the RFDS works closely with local communities to tailor health services, such as GP and nurse clinics, dental services, telehealth for chronic-disease management, mental health services, allied health services and emergency medical care,…

IN 1922, BRITISH BROTHERS RICHARD AND GEORGE CADBURY, sons of founder John, selected Tasmania as the home for the first Australian Cadbury factory after discovering the cool-climate town of Claremont offered high-quality milk. This year marks 100 years of making chocolate at the iconic Tasmanian factory, and Cadbury is celebrating its century by launching a range of ten Cadbury Dairy Milk centennial packs which highlight the past ten decades of iconic moments that brought Australians together. The centennial packaging on Cadbury Dairy Milk blocks reflects stories of progress, challenge and inspiration – moments that Cadbury is proud to be a part of. John Cadbury believed chocolate could make the world a better place and built his company on its generous, visionary and pioneering values. Cadbury today still embraces these values and…

WITH 15 SHIPS SAILING TO 330 DESTINATIONS, a Princess cruise is more than just a holiday, it is the stuff dreams are made of and will provide lasting happy memories. Unique onboard experiences include a wide variety of entertainment, dining and relaxation options. Princess also caters for those wanting something a little different, such as its Local Connections shore excursions and onboard cultural immersion programs in certain regions. And through its Local Partnerships program, Princess’s guests are supporting community-based activities that focus on conserving natural heritage and celebrating culture. Princess has partnered with community organisations in the Bay of Islands. The focus is on conservation activities to encourage the return of native wildlife. To make your experience even more effortless, the cruise operator created its MedallionClassTM. This wearable device replaces…

AT THE HEART OF BOSCH is a long history of innovation that is inspired by improving the lives of the people who use its products, be it the simple design of its best-selling IXO screwdriver, or the local development of a sustainable wastewater system that saves 165 tonnes of industrial waste every year. As the winner of Reader’s Digest Most Trusted DIY Power Tools Brand nine years running, Bosch is committed to providing DIYers with tools of the highest quality, empowering people to make, build and create the projects they set their minds to. Bosch DIY also offers an extensive 18V battery ‘Power for All’ cordless tool range that allows DIYers to effortlessly switch between any building, cleaning or gardening task with a single long-lasting power source (18V batteries range…

ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED GARDENING TOOLS that are light and compact is a top priority for Trusted Brands Garden Power Tools winner Bosch. And with its extensive DIY 18V battery ‘Power for All’ cordless tool range, you can effortlessly switch between gardening tasks with a single longlasting power source to easily complete gardening jobs without interruption. A great example of this is its hedgecutting range. The Bosch-designed Anti-Blocking System built into each tool changes the running direction of the blades when met with resistance to provide excellent conditions for clean, powerful and continuous cuts without frustrating setbacks such as stalling. This year, Bosch has expanded its 18V cordless range of power tools for an even broader application of tasks, including grass and hedge shears. And in the 36V cordless category, Bosch has launched…

FOR MORE THAN 80 YEARS, SELLEYS has been providing innovative, world-leading glues and construction adhesive products – such as Selleys Liquid Nails, Hold Up, Power Grip, Aquadhere, Araldite, Kwik Grip and more – that help people achieve lasting results and deliver pride and satisfaction in a job well done. Absolute customer satisfaction is what drives Selleys forward and is what ensures that ‘If It’s Selleys It Works’. That ‘cando’ spirit and commitment to quality that Selleys embodies today were the hallmark of the company’s founder, Martin Selley, who immigrated to Australia from Germany in 1939 and quickly set up a factory in Sydney where he gained a reputation for making superior quality putty and adhesives. Selleys was established with a focus on invention and creativity, and today, Selleys is the leading…

THE PEOPLE AT MĀNUKA HEALTH never take quality for granted. Their honey comes from the pristine wilderness of New Zealand and every batch is triple tested to be sure of its purity, quality and MGO potency. It is also independently certified for quality and authenticity by the UMF Honey Association and the New Zealand Government Ministry for Primary Industries. Unlike many Mānuka honey companies, Mānuka Health owns its whole honey-making process – from hive to jar – and includes 25,000 beehives, a highly skilled beekeeping team, and careful processing and packing all in its own purpose-built facilities. Mānuka Health is very conscious of the environment and see themselves as guardians of the land. “We are committed to planting one million Mānuka trees by 2025 to help regenerate marginal farmland back to…

THERE’S NO DENYING THAT INCONTINENCE is one of the biggest health taboos in today’s society. It shouldn’t be. Whether it’s a small leak or a heavier flow, incontinence doesn’t have to stop you from living your best life. Continence expert TENA isn’t afraid to address the ins and outs of incontinence. For more than 50 years, TENA has been breaking taboos and empowering women to feel confident by positively changing the narrative around bladder weakness. TENA has continually led the way in product innovation, offering a full range of solutions that not only provide superior performance and secure protection, but are also discreet and feminine. The result? Enabling consumers to live life to the fullest, with more confidence and more control. As men are anatomically different from women, incontinence also affects…

DELIVERING STATE-OF-THE-ART appliances since 1934, and originating in New Zealand, Fisher & Paykel has since grown into a global company, selling home appliances in more than 50 countries. Today, through a culture of innovation and curiosity, Fisher & Paykel produces high-quality products that enrich people’s lives, such as the Steam Care function in selected washers and dryers launched last year. Steam Care brings exceptional levels of fabric care and convenience to daily laundry routines, while saving water and reducing wear on your favourite garments compared to a full wash cycle. Steam Refresh, a quick, stand-alone 20-minute cycle, brings lightly worn clothes back to life by deodorising and dewrinkling garments, leaving them clean, smelling fresh and ready to wear in minutes. Because steam care uses lower temperatures and minimal water, it is…

FOR MORE THAN 95 YEARS, STIHL has offered some of the highest quality outdoor power equipment on the market to home and professional gardeners. A global market leader, and the No.1 chainsaw selling brand worldwide, STIHL is renowned for a broad array of quality products across their petrol and battery ranges. In the 50 years that STIHL has been sold in Australia, we have grown to trust and rely on the brand for their personal and ongoing service across their wide-stretching 600-strong network of privately owned STIHL dealerships. These smaller individual and family-owned businesses are able to build close local connections with customers who can turn to the specialists for advice, service, care and maintenance of their trusted STIHL lawn mowers and outdoor power equipment. In the business of innovating…

AT BOSCH, its mission is to improve the quality of life at home with its appliances. Everything that is designed in Bosch ovens is aimed at making life in the kitchen wonderfully simple while providing the tools to achieve amazing cooking results, no matter what your skill level in the kitchen. All of Bosch’s ovens combine cutting-edge technology, timeless design and remarkable ease of use, reducing the workload for customers and consistently delivering perfect results. Every detail of a Bosch oven has been carefully designed, produced and tested by its engineers to fully satisfy the highest standards in quality, performance and convenience. With advanced sensor technology found in the Series 8 ovens such as PerfectBake™ and PerfectRoast™, the appliances are capable of modifying the cooking process from start to finish…

RECOGNISED AS AUSTRALIA’S MOST TRUSTED PET INSURANCE BRAND for the second year, RSPCA Pet Insurance aims to provide financial protection for dog and cat Pet Insurance owners, giving them peace of mind knowing their furry friends will receive the care they deserve, should they need it. With four levels of cover to choose from, RSPCA Pet Insurance allows you to claim up to 80% of your eligible vet bills to a maximum of $20,000 per year^, with no excess to pay and the freedom to use any registered vet in Australia. Plus, their customers are happy knowing that a portion of first-year premiums help support the RSPCA, so they can continue their great work of helping animals in need. With a customer-first culture and an aim of establishing lasting relationships, RSPCA…

STARTING IN 1902 AS ONE AUCTIONEER AND ONE SMALL OFFICE in regional Queensland, Ray White has expanded exponentially over the years. Today, the family-owned and led business is Australia’s number one choice for property and proudly helps more Australians buy and sell homes than any other group. Ray White has over 1,000 offices in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East. With industry-leading technology and data insights, as well as a commitment to exceptional service, Ray White agents help customers to make informed decisions and reach their real estate goals. And with the largest database of buyers in the country, Ray White connects sellers with more buyers and achieves the highest possible price when selling their property. Ray White seeks to be proud of every transaction and is incredibly…

CELEBRATED for preparing decorative surfaces, Poly is a trusted brand of choice amongst everyday Australians and trade professionals alike. The premium quality, tailored range of sealants and fillers are ready to use and make it easy to fill fine surface imperfections, offering a DIY solution for all painting preparation tasks. With a continued focus on innovation that makes paint preparation simple and easy, you can rely on Poly to help you achieve a great finish every time. Prep with one of Poly’s range of premium products for a quality finish you will be proud of. Unsure of how to prep a wall for painting? Or how to fill a large crack or hole? Don’t panic, Poly provides handy guides and videos to these questions and more on its website. “Works…

For quality products, book sales and more, call 1300 300 030 or head to Readersdigest.com.au/shop CONTRIBUTE READERSDIGESTAUSTRALIA Anecdotes and Jokes $50–$100 Send in your real-life laugh for Life’s Like That or All In A Day’s Work. Got a joke? Send it in for Laughter Is the Best Medicine! Smart Animals Up to $100 Share antics of unique pets or wildlife in up to 300 words. My Story $400 Got an inspiring or life-changing tale? Submissions must be true, original, unpublished and 800–1000 words. Letters to the Editor and Reader Submissions Online Follow the ‘Contribute’ link at readersdigest.com.au Email editor@readersdigest.com.au Mail Reader’s Digest Magazine, PO Box 6458, Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086 Please include your name, address, phone number and email. Letters: We may edit letters and use them in all print…

FROM: BEST HEALTH FOR GRAZES, MINOR BURNS AND CUTS Slather some medicalgrade honey, then cover the wound with clean gauze. Change the dressing two or three times a day. FOR SORE THROATS AND TICKLY COUGHS Honey is known as a demulcent, which means it coats the throat as it is swallowed and so eases irritation. The sweetness of the honey also encourages salivation, so easing a dry throat and encouraging expulsion of phlegm. Steep 2 tablespoons (40 ml) of grated ginger root in 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water for ten minutes. Add 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of honey and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of lemon juice. Drink before bed. FOR DRY SKIN AND ACNE Bathe the face in warm water to open the pores, then apply a layer of honey to…

Worries about work, health and finances, as well as stressful life events, such as job loss, divorce, major illness or the death of a loved one, are all common causes of insomnia. This happens because, even if your body is ready for rest, stress causes your brain to go on high alert. That, in turn, triggers the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol and increases your blood pressure and heart rate. “It doesn’t matter how tired you are,” says Dr Randhawa. “If you are in a room with a tiger, you won’t fall asleep.” Thankfully, the physiology of how stress disrupts sleep points to effective, non-pharmaceutical antidotes. TIME TO REFLECT For starters, you can try writing down a list of pressing problems and worries before going to bed. Give…

The sleepless princess in Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea, was far from the only aristocrat to fuss over a pea. In 16th- and 17th century France, the vogue vegetable sent the nobility into a tizz. So great was the craze around eating these bright green mini-treats in the springtime that Madame de Maintenon, the second wife of King Louis XIV, wrote one season: “The question of peas continues. The anticipation of eating them, the pleasure of having eaten them, and the joy of eating them again are the three subjects that our princes have been discussing for four days … It has become a fashion – indeed, a passion.” Peas are among the oldest crops in human history, though exactly what constitutes a pea is…

Like many people who put on extra weight, Jerico C. was surprised when it happened to him. He loved walking, he used to be able to eat whatever he wanted whenever he wanted and stay relatively thin. But then life happened. A new advertising sales job meant more driving and less walking, and required company dinners and later nights. Two kids left little time to think about healthy eating, and get-togethers with his extended Filipino family meant lots of big meals. “When you welcome anyone into your home, it’s an automatic feast,” he says. When Jerico turned 40, he found 90 kilograms on his 1.82-metre frame. “Given my family history of heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes, I didn’t want to create any additional risks,” he says. It was around…

• Subway is definitely the healthiest fast food available because they make you get out of the car. • I’ve never once been able to explain my car trouble to a mechanic without resorting to sound effects. • Two dogs are walking along a street. They are passed by a third dog driving a truck load of logs. One turns to the other and says: “He started fetching a stick and built up the business from there.” • I didn’t realise how bad of a driver I was until my sat nav said, “In 400 metres, do a slight right, stop, and let me out.” Seen on the internet…

To truly appreciate just how different the gyms of yesteryear were, one must first understand that the word ‘gymnasium’ derives from the Greek word for nudity (gymnos). Yes, back in the day, activities at these allmale venues were undertaken in the nude. Feel free to wince. The earliest known examples date back as far as the sixth century BCE, although back then they were little more than a shady area of packed earth next to a river. They were thought to have originated as a way for young Greek men to improve their fitness in readiness for warfare. But the fact that it turned them into Greek Gods wasn’t at all unwelcome either – the body beautiful was as important then as it is now. With time, Gymnasia were housed…

Mafioso Colin McLaren HACHETTE Depicted in books and on the screen, the Mafia remains a subject of fascination. Australian detective and author Colin McLaren spent three years undercover in the Mafia in Australia gathering information to shut down a cell of criminals. Following death threats, he travelled to Italy on a mission to understand the Mafia’s treacherous hold on criminal activity. Mafioso tells that story: how the earliest Mafia aided politicians, how billions were stolen from the mints and banks, and how the New York Godfathers conquered territories on both sides of the Atlantic. Rebel Talk Jane Hutcheon BRIO BOOKS Journalist, author and former foreign correspondent Jane Hutcheon knows a thing or two about conversations, and in Rebel Talk she draws on her rich experience in the art of guided…

Discover Audio Books On Spotify Streaming and music service Spotify has a selection of audiobooks. Young adults can listen to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. For science-fiction lovers, titles include Sandworms of Dune by Frank Herbert and Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five. HOW TO GET PODCASTS To listen on the web: In a search engine, look up ‘British Scandal’, for example, and click on the play button. To download: Download an app such as Podcatchers or iTunes on your phone or tablet and simply search by title. TO LISTEN TO RD TALKS GO TO www.readersdigest.com.au/podcasts and click on the play button.…

1. What famous international fashion designer was born in Penang, Malaysia? 1 point 2. With 85 characters, Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu is the longest place name in the world. What country does it belong to? 1 point 3. Nintendo didn’t always make video games. What did it originally manufacture? 2 points 4. According to Finnish lore, what natural phenomenon is caused by the tail of a mythical firefox? 1 point 5. The majority of adults can’t fully and comfortably digest lactose, which is found in dairy products. True or false? 1 point 6. Who reigned the longest, Queen Elizabeth II (so far) or Queen Victoria? 1 point 7. What colour are the attractive but poisonous berries of the plant known as…

It’s a well-known fact in business that consumers don’t buy a particular product or service just because they like the brand – they choose one brand over another because they also trust that brand. That trust exists thanks to a brand’s solid performance in the market, performance that is well known as being reliable, consistent and good value for money. Despite technology making it easier for consumers to make purchasing decisions, the need for trust remains constant. The challenge for brands is to build and maintain trust in the e-commerce environment where the face-to-face sales pitch is less prevalent. Marketing experts now point to ‘trust signals’ as the tools that give customers insights and confidence to determine whether investing their trust in a brand is worthwhile. Trust signals are badges,…

ESTABLISHED IN 1840, Australian Unity was the country’s first memberowned wellbeing company, delivering health, wealth and care services. Being a member-governed company (or mutual) gives Australian Unity the freedom to invest money back into the services and solutions that matter most to its members. Starting out as a provider of retirement living through the acquisition of existing retirement communities, Australian Unity has grown to become a developer of new retirement communities throughout New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, as well as a provider of aged care, home and disability services. Beverly Smith, Executive General Manager of Residential Communities, said community connectedness is one of the seven pillars of Australian Unity’s Wellbeing Index and is a guiding principle of their holistic model of care called Better Together®. “This model of care creates…

FOR THE TENTH YEAR IN A ROW, Australians have declared Sanitarium Weet-Bix™ their Most Trusted Breakfast Food. Australians young and old have long been proud to call themselves Weet-Bix kids. In fact, more than 90 years after Sanitarium launched its now-iconic wholegrain cereal, you’ll find Weet-Bix in almost half of all Australian homes – and it still represents simple, honest nutrition that the whole family will love. Alongside the classic ‘two with milk’ approach, Aussies love piling them high with fruits, nuts and seeds, smashing them into smoothies, smothering them with spreads and even dipping them in yoghurt. But of course the age-old battle lines remain drawn – do you do them crunchy or soggy? In response to changing tastes and health needs, there’s now a wide range of Weet-Bix…

Stella was born with a rare eye condition called Achromatopsia, which means she can only see black, white and grey and has trouble with her vision in bright light. Despite this, Stella has big dreams to become an artist or a vet when she grows up. Stella uses a white cane and is currently learning Braille. She also loves dogs and is very excited at the thought that one day she might have her very own Guide Dog. Stella has been on a mission to increase awareness for Achromatopsia in her local community and, over the last two years, has raised more than $16,000 for Guide Dogs through her ‘Rainbow Days’. To recognise Stella’s amazing efforts, a generous Guide Dogs supporter recently gifted tickets for Stella and her family to…

CRUISE TO UNFORGETTABLE DESTINATIONS with Royal Caribbean. Committed to creating memorable family holidays, the 2022 Trusted Brand winner will be back in our waters at the end of the year with its world-class, technologically-advanced ships. With sailings on Ovation of the Seas® departing from Sydney and Quantum of the Seas® departing from Brisbane in summer 2022/23 offering a huge variety of brand-new experiences and returning favourites, there’s no time like the present to be planning your next holiday. Boasting modern accommodation, delicious dining, including Tuscaninspired cuisine at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, and Only On Royal activities, such as the North Star® observation capsule, sky-diving simulators, bumper cars and surfing on the FlowRider®, a Royal Caribbean family holiday is the best value around. Royal Caribbean ships also bring with them impressive…

BRAND TRUST IS SOMETHING BOSCH CONTINUOUSLY STRIVES FOR. It understands the importance of building confidence in the minds of its customers so that they can rest assured that their Bosch dishwasher will not only meet, but exceed expectations. Bosch’s German heritage has a strong foundation in precision engineering and exceptional quality, with the ultimate goal of making life in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable. “Our products are always designed with the customer in mind,” says Jessica Deuscher, Marketing Manager at Bosch. “Our expertise in home appliances shines through with our user-friendly yet aesthetically pleasing designs, and our commitment to continually developing new innovations in the kitchen, such as the Home Connect app.” This innovative feature enables you to start, stop and monitor the status of your dishwasher – even when…

WHILE LAUNDRY DETERGENTS ‘take out’ the dirt from your clothes, Comfort Fabric Conditioners ‘add back’ the softness, helping to make them more comfortable to wear as well as smelling fresh all day long. Comfort’s Fragrance Collection has been created by worldrenowned fragrance houses to give your clothes an exquisite luxurious all-day scent, with choices such as Amber and Rose, Vanilla Orchid or Rainforest Fresh. Its luxurious softness smooths fabric fibres to prevent stiffness, making your clothes, towels and bedsheets soft and gentle to touch. New on the market is Comfort’s revolutionary Inwash Scent Booster Beads. Using scent-lock technology, the Booster Beads infuse clothes with luxurious freshness for up to 12 weeks from wash to wear and come in warm notes of Magnolia and Bergamot made from 100 per cent pure…

VICTA HAS BEEN TRANSFORMING AUSSIE BACKYARDS SINCE 1952. This year marks Victa’s 70th anniversary and to celebrate, this iconic Australian brand is further transforming gardening with its expanding range of innovative battery and petrol powered garden tools. As well as its trusty lawnmowers, trimmers, hedge trimmers and blowers, last year Victa’s versatile Combi-Tool™ system hit the stores, offering greater flexibility to do more gardening jobs. With two powerheads to choose from – a 2-stroke petrol engine or an 18V Lithium battery – gardeners then pick from a range of attachments to help them edge lawns, trim or shape hedges or prune trees. Victa is continuing to provide a vast range of products to ensure Australians have the right products that help them get those gardening jobs done quickly and easily. With…

2022 MARKS THE 75TH YEAR that Hearing Australia has helped the community to stay connected to the sounds they love. Hearing Australia has 170 permanent clinics, plus it provides mobile, tele-audiology and online services. It is also the nation’s largest provider of government-funded hearing services for children, young adults under 26, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, pensioners and veterans. Hearing Australia’s dedicated team of clinicians understands that managing your hearing can improve your quality of life, and that choosing a hearing aid is a personal decision and not something that should be rushed. To help you find the right solution, clients are now able to ‘try before you buy’ on any of its range of hearing devices for 14 days*. This means you can take your device home and test…

SINCE ITS HUMBLE BEGINNINGS IN 1935, when Dettol Antiseptic Liquid was used as a post-surgery antiseptic skin wash in hospitals, Dettol has evolved to become the trusted brand in germ protection around the home. Since then Dettol’s germ protection heritage has expanded across a growing portfolio of antibacterial hand wash, household cleaning and hand sanitiser products, to laundry sanitisers. This year, Dettol will continue to focus on the expansion of its range in areas where germ protection is important and relevant, such as in the laundry or protection from germs when you are out of the house. Dettol has also made a sustainability pledge* which includes making 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable and to include at least 25% recycled plastic content in its packaging by 2025 where safety…

A DESTINATION FOR DIAMONDS and fine jewellery in Australia for more than 35 years, Michael Hill’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality has been at the core of the business since it was founded in 1979 by Sir Michael and Lady Christine Hill. Today, the prestige jewellery brand continues to create new and diverse collections for customers to love and treasure, with a focus on high quality, responsibility and authenticity, while its stores are defined by a modern, welcoming approach and customer service. Customers are always a focus and Michael Hill is proud to have over one million Brilliance loyalty members and counting. Michael Hill is committed to being the ‘Jeweller That Cares’ and strives to have a consistent and positive impact on everything it does by supporting the environment, the global…

ACTIVE OUTDOOR PLAY IS CRUCIAL FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, which can result in messy stains on clothing. But OMO believes that every stain is a proud mark of a life fully lived and advocates outdoor play and learning, which benefits children in mental, physical and social development. OMO provides laundry detergents that have delivered amazing stain removal every time for over 64 years. OMO offers a wide variety of products: OMO Ultimate, with its ability to treat 48-hour dried in stains; OMO Sensitive, which is tough on stains but gentle on skin; and OMO 3-in-1 Capsules, which provide a deep clean and fabric care with a long-lasting fragrance. Recommended by leading machine manufacturers, the capsules have been designed to be thrown directly into the machine drum and work on…

DULUXGROUP’S ORIGINS DATE BACK TO 1918, with its original heritage in decorative paint. Today, DuluxGroup is a leading marketer and manufacturer of premium products that protect, maintain and enhance the spaces and places in which we live and work. This includes retail paints, stains and varnishes, commercial construction chemicals, garage doors and electronic openers, and seeds and fertilisers. The pandemic has encouraged Dulux to take a bolder approach to innovation as customers became more open to new experiences and expressions after seeing how organisations had to adapt quickly in a constrained environment. “This gives us more freedom to experiment with new digital channels to market and new digital offerings for customers,” says Eglantine Etiemble, Executive General Manager, IT and Digital at DuluxGroup. Each year, the Dulux Colour Awards showcase projects…

AS A BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM BRAND, Frontline® believes in a future where no animal suffers from preventable diseases. As such, Boehringer Ingelheim offers a range of advanced, preventative animal healthcare products, like vaccines, pharmaceuticals and parasiticides, to protect animals against disease and keep them in optimal health. For Australian pet owners, FRONTLINE PLUS® for Dogs provides protection against fleas and ticks, including paralysis ticks. FRONTLINE PLUS® not only gets rid of adult fleas, the easy spot-on treatment kills all four stages of the flea life cycle, preventing infestations that may lead to infections and skin sores. The product’s tough active ingredients are fipronil, to kill adult fleas and ticks, and (S)-methoprene, which treats the other life stages such as eggs and larvae. For more information on how to best care for your…

COLES HAS ALWAYS BEEN COMMITTED to providing great value for all Australians and there is no exception when it comes to your four-legged bundles of joy. In partnership with Guild Insurance, which is supported by the Australian Vet Association, Coles Pet Insurance provides high-quality and competitivelypriced cover, helping Australians to keep their beloved pets healthy. Since launching in 2020 we’ve been continually seeking feedback from our customers who have told us there was too big a gap between our Basic and Premium Cover, and that flexible co-insurance options and routine care were important. As a result, in 2021 we launched our Comprehensive Cover to fill the gap between Basic and Premium Cover. We also added an 80% Benefit Limit option on top of the existing 100% option^ and introduced two…

FOR MORE THAN 160 YEARS, AnglicareSA has taken care of South Australians in need. That tradition continues today with services including aged care and support delivered with compassion, respect, and clinical excellence to older South Australians, enabling them to live with dignity and maintain independence. The importance of trust in the provision of essential care and support services has never been more important, said AnglicareSA Executive General Manager of Aged Care Services, Graydn Spinks. “Our service to others with compassion and dignity is an important part of how we work every day with people experiencing some of the most difficult times of their lives and often when they are feeling most vulnerable,” he said. As one of the state’s most trusted aged care providers, AnglicareSA operates six residential aged care…

THE FUNDAMENTAL GOAL OF SUKIN is to make sustainable, natural choices affordable and attainable for everyday Australians. The homegrown skin, hair and beauty products company thoughtfully selects a perfect blend of natural ingredients while standing true to its sustainable values. As part of its clean promise, Sukin was one of the first cruelty-free, vegan and carbon-neutral beauty brands in the country. Sukin has been at the forefront of Australia’s health and wellness movement since it was launched in 2007. Its range provides all Australians with fairly priced beauty products that are natural and sustainable. On the environment front, Sukin is always looking to advance and improve and has committed to using 100% recyclable, refillable, reusable or compostable containers and packaging by the end of 2025. Sukin’s commitments to the environment…