Table of contents for October 2025 / November 2025 in Readers Digest Australia

FORGET FOMO, the fear of missing out. We can’t do it all, and often we don’t want to! There’s a certain pleasure in opting out of social obligations, and that pleasure is called the joy of missing out—JOMO for short. A form of self-care, the point is to prioritize what you want to do, even if that means just chilling out at home. If you need help nipping the knee-jerk guilt, remember: We need downtime for our mental health. Getting rest lowers our stress and leads to better decision-making, freeing us up to give 110%—when we choose to, that is.…

1. arduous adj. ('ar-joo-uhs) A productive B de tail-oriented C difficult 2. billet n. ('bih-luht) A staff handbook B paid position C tax bracket 3. stevedore n. ('stee-vuh-dohr) A dockworker B hatmaker C chimney sweep 4. delegate v. ('deh-lih-gayt) A elect to a board B assign to someone C fire suddenly 5. pooh-bah n. ('poo-bah) A important person B group discussion C naysayer 6. per diem adj. (puhr 'dee-uhm) A paid by the hour B paid by the word C paid by the day 7. confrere n. ('kahn-frayr) A video call B colleague C contract 8. furlough v. ('fuhr-loh) A lay off temporarily B join a union C log in remotely 9. collier n. ('kahl-yuhr) A tailor B coal miner C dog trainer 10. lucubration n. (loo-kyuh-'bray-shun) A happy hour B overtime pay C intense study 11. assiduous adj. (uh-'sid-joo-uhs) A…

SINCE LAUNCHING IN 1998, Australian Seniors has helped protect the financial future, valuable assets, and long-planned retirement of older Aussies from all walks of life. Meeting their vision of providing easy-to-understand insurance for the over 50s market, Australian Seniors’ high-quality products, award-winning customer service team, and customer first approach, have been recognised by both their customers and the wider industry. Australian Seniors understand that customers expect a high level of service, which is why their dedicated sales, support and claims specialists are based in Australia, so customers can be confident they will always be able to speak with someone who can understand their needs. All new team members undergo a dedicated training programme and are supported so they are confident in delivering positive customer outcomes. By providing multiple channels for…

FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS, the proudly Australian-founded company Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has been committed to curating and delivering exceptional handcrafted land touring journeys. Its itineraries are designed for travellers who seek immersive and enriching travel experiences and luxury service. Travelling in luxury, guests can discover moments of wonder on journeys in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South East Asia, Europe, Egypt, Jordan and Africa. An unparalleled guest experience is at the heart of everything Scenic does. Guests can enjoy a truly personalised journey, setting their own pace and pursuing their interests from a wide selection of all-inclusive Scenic Freechoice activities and exclusive Scenic Enrich events. With Scenic, it’s more than standard excursions – it’s captivating private tours of fairytale castles and enthralling museums led by cultural experts, after-hours and…

FOR MORE THAN 160 YEARS, ANGLICARESA has supported South Australians in need. As one of South Australia’s quality service providers, AnglicareSA offers a broad range of home and community services – set alongside six residential aged-care homes and retirement-living properties across Adelaide. With close to 350 Community Aged Care employees supporting in excess of 2,900 older South Australians, AnglicareSA’s Home Care services are delivered with compassion, respect, and clinical excellence to help people to continue to live the life they choose, whether it is staying active and healthy, keeping up social activities with friends, or exploring new and different opportunities. AnglicareSA Head of Community Aged Care, Sam Laubsch, said quality was the enabler of people being able to remain living in their own homes and connected to their communities. “AnglicareSA…

CONFIDENCE AND TRUST SEE BRIDGESTONE SELECT TYRE & AUTO CLAIM GOLD FOR INDEPENDENT CAR SERVICING AND SILVER FOR TYRE SERVICING CENTRES. Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto continues to go from strength-to-strength as a convenient, and trusted mechanical provider with its latest accolade, Gold in Reader’s Digest’s Quality Service Award for Independent Car Servicing. The network of more than 200 Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto stores throughout Australia continues to build on the strength of Australia’s most trusted tyre brand, Bridgestone, with transparency initiatives like Bridgestone Tech Check. It sees customers receive a 60-second video via SMS directly from the technician working on their car, showing them an expert’s viewpoint on what needs repairing now, and what can wait. As a trusted one-stop shop for all mechanical and tyre needs, Australians…

THE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE of Hobart, New York, is home to just 400 people. Yet there are many characters to meet on Main Street, inside the town’s seven independent bookstores. Each stocks different types of titles, making them all worth a visit. Known as the Book Village of the Catskills, Hobart hosts the annual Festival of Women Writers. But bibliophiles flock to it year-round: “They like to feel like they’re in a place where books matter,” bookseller Barbara Balliet told CBS News. “So when they come here, they’re just so happy.”…

For over 60 years, Guide Dogs Australia has been transforming the lives of people with low vision or blindness. To achieve this, trust must be at the heart of everything we do; from the trust our Clients place in us to provide the support and care they need, to the trust between a Guide Dog Handler and their Guide Dog. This trust also extends to the community whose generosity and faith in the work we do is helping to transforming lives every day. We are proud to be one of Australia’s Highly Commended Charity Brands.…

A man is standing on the curb, ready to cross the street. As he steps down and starts to cross, a car comes screaming around the corner and heads straight at him. The man picks up speed, but so does the car. The man turns back, but the car changes lanes and keeps coming at him. The man freezes with fear in the middle of the intersection. The car is inches away—then swerves and screeches to a halt. The driver rolls down the window. Behind the wheel is a squirrel. “See!” it yells. “Not as easy as it looks, is it?” —leonardslines.com What do you call a person without a body or a nose? Nobody Knows.—Submitted by CHRISTOPHER CRUZ, Chicago, IL So That’s How You Spell It! If GH is…

He’s sung for A-listers such as Queen Elizabeth and Oprah Winfrey, and shared the international stage with John Mayer, Taylor Swift and Alicia Keys. Yet this man with a mission has also quietly created a kids’ charity, The Sebastian Foundation, with his wife, Jules, to help Australian children face a happier future. Guy Sebastian was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2019 for significant service to music and charity. So, the singer/songwriter’s platinum debut single, “Angels Brought Me Here,” has set the remarkable tone for his whole career since his dramatic debut in 2003, when he became the first winner of the TV show Australian Idol. His soulful music has earned him over 1.3 billion streams, sold more than seven million units globally, including six #1…

David Jones sat glued to his television set as meteorologists gave updates on Hurricane Helene. The storm, packing 140 mph winds, was expected to hit Florida late on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, before moving inland toward four other southern states. One target was Boiling Springs, South Carolina. David, 65, and his second wife, Debbie Jones, had just moved there from Johnson City, Tennessee. Debbie’s 84-year-old mother hadn’t been doing well, so they bought a house in her hometown and moved the matriarch in with them. And now he sat, hoping he’d still have a house there come morning. But David had more on his mind than the storm. On Saturday, his oldest daughter, Elizabeth, 33, would be married in Johnson City. David, who by his own admission has a casual…

I can sometimes over-egg an omelet. … I’m a solutions person, but often rush to find the answer, rather than sitting on a situation.—Geri Halliwell-Horner, SINGER, IN THE GUARDIAN Just because someone sends you guilt doesn’t mean you have to accept delivery.—Lori Gottlieb, PSYCHOTHERAPIST, IN THE NEW YORK TIMES Everybody sees the 2,000 points, but nobody sees the 2,000 days of hard work.—Paige Bueckers, BASKETBALL PLAYER, TO SPORTSNET NEW YORK I want AI to do my laundry and dishes so that I can do art and writing, not for AI to do my art and writing so that I can do my laundry and dishes.—Joanna Maciejewska, AUTHOR, ON X I have lost the desire to change how I am in the presence of everyone to make them feel comfortable, because…

BRAIN GAMES (pages 123-124) Step by Step 5. You could: 1) go up one step at a time; 2) take two single steps, then skip a step; 3) take a single step, then skip a step, then take another single step; 4) skip a step, then take two single steps; or 5) take two skipping steps. Make It Count 3. The numbers represent how many letters are in the words for each number from one (3) through nine (4). The next number is ten, which has 3 letters. Brave the Elements Yes, by rotating a middle section (shaded in green) 180 degrees. Times Square Other Plans Frank is moving. Casey is running a marathon. Veronica is seeing a play. And Caroline is having oral surgery (so you might want to…

AUSTR ALIA’S LEADING TAX AGENTS SINCE 1971 For over five decades, H&R Block has been helping Australians navigate the complexities of tax with confidence and ease. As the country’s leading tax preparation firm, they’ve built a reputation for expert advice, reliable service, and a genuine commitment to client care. Whether you’re an individual, small business owner, property investor, student, or senior, H&R Block offers tailored solutions to suit every stage of life. Their team of highly trained consultants undergo extensive pre-season and monthly training to stay up to date with the latest tax laws and industry developments—ensuring staff are seen as the reputable ‘Tax Experts’ and quality service is maintained for clients. H&R Block’s services go beyond tax time. With year-round support and a maximum refund guarantee, clients can rely on…

WE’RE ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST ENERGY RETAILERS, GENERATORS AND DEVELOPERS, supplying energy to Australians for 30 years. In the last decade we’ve grown from being the largest residential gas retailer in Western Australia, to the preferred electricity and gas provider for more than 1 million homes and businesses Australia-wide. Our goal is to provide customers with the information they need to make better informed decisions about their energy. And we aim to keep energy as reliable, affordable and sustainable as possible while we move towards a renewable future. We call this True Power™. Our long history of embracing innovation has led to achievements like developing Australia’s first grid-forming battery, building the Yandin Wind Farm - one of Western Australia’s largest and most efficient wind farms - and creating one of the…

CHOOSING BLUECARE FOR SUPPORT AT HOME At BlueCare, we offer care that grows with you. From a helping hand at home to specialised nursing, allied health (and when its time residential aged care) our services cover the full care journey — so as your needs change, you can count on us to be right there with you. BlueCare offers a wide range of in-home and community services, with a strong focus on nursing and clinical care to support your health, recovery and ongoing wellbeing and independence. CLINICAL HEALTH CARE Building on our trusted Blue Nursing legacy, we offer expert clinical care, personalised care planning and a full range of allied health services to support your health — both now and as your needs progress. Comprehensive nursing care Our compassionate nurses…

MERCY HEALTH HOME CARE: TRUSTED, AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING For nearly two decades, Mercy Health Home Care has been a trusted name in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to older Australians. With a legacy built on respect, dignity, and personalised support, Mercy Health empowers individuals to live independently in the comfort of their own homes. Backed by decades of experience and a proactive, client-first approach, Mercy Health Home Care has earned national recognition — including the prestigious Trusted Brands and Quality Service Awards. These accolades reflect the organisation’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its reputation for going above and beyond. “At Mercy Health Home Care, we don’t just deliver services — we walk alongside our clients with compassion, respect, and unwavering dedication,” says General Manager Home Care Karlie Keck. “Every care…

TYREPOWER’S VISION is to make every client feel special and valued, and this drives results through its retail members. Formed in 1977 by ten independent operators, today Tyrepower has stores right around the country. Tyrepower’s customer service strategy revolves around personalised care and exceptional expertise. Every member is empowered to meet customer needs dynamically, offering a range of quality products without being tied to one brand. This flexibility ensures that Tyrepower provides the safest, best value solutions. By actively increasing its service offerings, Tyrepower ensures that the high standard of care at one store is replicated across its national network, turning satisfied customers into loyal followers. Tyrepower has a positive workplace culture that attracts talent and positions as an employer of choice – both in the industry and broader community.…

WITH ALLIANZ LIFE INSURANCE, HELP IS THERE AT EVERY STEP Allianz Life Insurance is designed to be as clear and straightforward as possible. You can apply online or over the phone and get a quote in minutes – with no medical exam required. And if the unexpected should happen, Allianz Life’s claims team is there to deliver empathetic support, providing care you can count on, when you need it most. Allianz Life Insurance has been recognised by Australians in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards, for delivering trusted, quality service. Allianz Life is part of Allianz Group which has more than 100 years of global insurance experience. Our lives are full of milestones – from buying a home, to raising a family, to building a career and everything in…

NAVIGATING LIFE WITHOUT GOOD GLASSES is a daily adventure of decoding street signs and mistaking strangers for old friends. That’s where Specsavers steps in. The optical retailer knows that quality glasses aren’t just a fashion statement; they’re a passport to a world where clarity reigns and mishaps take a backseat. Specsavers is committed to changing lives through better sight, that’s why it selects only the most qualified and experienced optometrists to join the business, and in-store team members who prioritise customer wellbeing and satisfaction above all else. Specsavers is committed to providing local, friendly service to every visitor to its stores and is constantly listening to customer feedback and evolving the customer experience to ensure it is not only efficient, but enjoyable and exceptional. Right from their first day on the…

DRAWING FROM OVER 16 YEARS of experience cruising the waterways of Europe and South East Asia, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours delivers exceptional all-inclusive ultra-luxury river cruises. The proudly Australian founded company is dedicated to curating journeys designed for guests seeking immersive and enriching travel experiences and Nth Degree service. From the historic waterways of Europe to the mighty Mekong River in South East Asia Scenic’s spacious 5-star Space-Ships are an ultraluxury haven on the water during truly all-inclusive cruises along spectacular rivers from Central Europe, France, Portugal and Vietnam. An unparalleled experience is at the heart of everything Scenic does. Guests can enjoy a truly personalised journey, setting their own pace and pursuing their passions from a wide selection of all-inclusive Scenic Freechoice activities and exclusive Scenic Enrich events.…

FORMED BY TEN INDEPENDENT RETAILERS IN 1977, today the Tyrepower Group is the largest independent tyre retailer in Australasia. Powered by retail members who retain control over their own business, Tyrepower stores offer customers flexibility, savings and value for money while providing first-class product knowledge and friendly customer service. Examples of Tyrepower’s great customer service are many, but one standout example of a Tyrepower store quickly resolving a customer’s unique tyre issue not only got a family on the road in time for their scheduled road trip, it lead to free promotion of the brand. “Impressed with the swift and effective service, the customer shared their experience in a detailed Facebook post, praising the staff’s expertise and empathy,” says Dale Klompmaker, General Manager Tyrepower Marketing (WA). “This post was widely shared…

“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”–Bill Gates, FOUNDER OF MICROSOFT "The customer’s perception is your reality."–Kate Zabriskie, PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS TRAINING WORKS. “We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It’s our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better.”–Jeff Bezos, FOUNDER OF AMAZON “A customer is the most important visitor on our premises, he is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work. He is the purpose of it.”–Mahatma Gandhi, INDIAN ACTIVIST AND PHILOSOPHER. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”–Maya Angelou AMERICAN POET AND CIVIL…

IT WAS JUST past noon on a sunny Saturday last August when longtime fishing buddies Jacob Bell and Craig McDonald decided to call it a day. Since 6:30 that morning, they’d been fishing from Bell’s 18-foot aluminum runabout on Texas’s Lake Waxahachie, about a half hour south of Dallas. Trolling for bass and lazily drifting from Bell’s vintage boat, they’d landed a half dozen keepers. “Not a bad day’s work,” Bell told McDonald as he steered the runabout to the boat ramp where Bell’s truck and boat trailer were parked. As he dropped off McDonald, Bell heard screaming coming from the lake, some 50 yards offshore. He sped in his boat toward the scene, where he saw a girl, had to be around 13, hollering and waving an arm. She…

WHAT IF THERE was a kind of food that tasted delicious, came in thousands of varieties, could be eaten raw or cooked in an endless number of ways, and helped prevent most of the major diseases killing Australians? Well, this kind of food does exist—it’s fruits and vegetables! Given these facts, the real question is, why are only 6 out of every 100 Australians eating the recommended daily amounts of these natural wonders? Plenty of people have grown up never eating healthy foods, says Marion Nestle, PhD, who is an author, nutritionist and molecular biologist, who specialises in food studies. Or they may not know how much to aim for. The Australian Dietary Guidelines currently recommend two servings of fruit and at least three servings of vegetables each day. A…

The ORBISCULATE Challenge EASY How many words can you find within the 11-letter word below? Words must be at least three letters long and appear in the dictionary (we use Merriam-Webster) to count toward your score. YOUR SCORE: BONUS The longest word we found within PERAMBULATE is 10 letters long. Can you find it? (See answer below.) What’s With This Game’s Crazy Name? We first published “Warning: This Fruit May Orbisculate,” about a family’s made-up word, in our December 2021/January 2022 issue. Orbisculate means “when you dig your spoon into a grapefruit (or another fruit or vegetable), and it squirts juice directly in your eye.” Soon after, reader Sue Mollineaux of Torrington, Connecticut, wrote us to say that residents of her senior community had put their heads together and found…

 www.qualityserviceawards.com.au Survey Methodology We commissioned independent market research agency Catalyst Consultancy & Research to survey a representative sample of 2500 Australians. To build a brand list reflective of today’s market, an initial survey was conducted with a representative sample of 500 Australians who were asked which companies they have had recent experience with across 52 categories. In the second survey, completed by over 2000 Australians, data was captured on which of those companies across the 52 categories had provided the highest levels of customer service over the past 12 months, rating each organisation from one to ten across five key pillars of customer service: ◼ PERSONALISATION: How well was the company able to provide the consumer with an individualised customer experience? ◼ UNDERSTANDING: How effectively was the company able to…

In 2025, Australia’s pharmacy landscape shifted as Sigma Healthcare and Chemist Warehouse officially merged, creating a pharmacy and retail powerhouse operating more than 900 outlets nationwide. The union married Chemist Warehouse’s retail firepower and iconic, customer-focused in-store experience with Sigma’s extensive logistical muscle, creating a seamless experience from warehouse to checkout and delivering affordable health, wellness, and beauty solutions to millions more Australians across the country. Today, Chemist Warehouse has over 580 stores across Australia and has opened its doors in New Zealand, Ireland, Dubai and China, employing over 21,000 people globally. The collaboration means customers enjoy not only extensive product choice and unbeatable prices but also confidence in consistent availability – no matter where they shop. Staff are armed with top-tier training and cutting-edge digital tools which, combined with…

AT SPECSAVERS AUDIOLOGY, the mission is clear: to change customers’ lives for the better. This commitment is realised by offering affordable hearing care tailored to individual needs. Central to their approach is a dedication to exceptional clinical care and a product range that delivers remarkable value. By integrating hearing screenings into the pre-test journey for optometry, Specsavers is making significant strides in raising awareness about hearing health. This initiative ensures that Australians have convenient access to hearing care at an earlier stage. “Identifying hearing loss early can lead to a substantial increase in the number of people who take action, ultimately reducing feelings of isolation, stigma and the mental health challenges associated with undiagnosed hearing loss,” explains Nick Taylor, Chief Audiologist at Specsavers. Specsavers offers customers a free 15-minute Hearing…

CELEBRATING ITS 90TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2025, Resthaven is proud to be enriching the lives of older people in South Australia. Established in 1935, Resthaven is one of a select few providers to offer the full range of services, from retirement living, basic support to complex care at home, respite, wellness and residential aged care. ‘We are proud to offer personcentred care, where the individual is at the heart of everything we do,’ Darren Birbeck, Resthaven CEO, says. ‘Our vision is to work together to deliver exceptional care, accommodation and services that evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs and aspirations of older people. Our core values of trust, dignity and respect are on display every day, and we advocate for older people to help them achieve optimal wellbeing.’ Resthaven…

AS AUSTRALIA’S FIRST WELLBEING COMPANY, AUSTRALIAN UNITY is dedicated to enhancing our members’ quality of life. Our purpose is to positively impact the wellbeing of millions, reinvesting profits to deliver home health services for our members. Australian Unity has been providing trusted, compassionate care for more than 180 years. Today, our team of over 4,000 professionals support older Australians to live comfortably at home. You’ll be supported by a caring team that understands your goals and delivers care that fits your life. From preventative health programs, to tailored recovery support after a hospital stay, or ongoing everyday assistance our in-home health and care services are designed to help you stay active, independent and flexible to accommodate your changing support needs. Peter, a home care services customer, says, “I would think…

MULTI-AWARD-WINNING INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER Aussie Broadband has been keeping Australians connected since 2008. Led by the ethos of being ‘The Telco People Love’, Aussie Broadband’s values are tied to being good to people, and going above and beyond for its customers. With Australian-based customer service, Aussie Broadband empowers staff to fix issues with customers on the first call. “If a customer has an internet issue we will go above and beyond to resolve it and we do not just stop at internet,” says Nikki Kovacevic, General Manager Residential Customer Service. “We believe connectivity covers everything at the premises and will support with third party equipment where others won’t. We empower our staff to go the extra mile for every customer. The telco focuses on high quality and great value using…

DISCOVER THE PRINCESS CRUISES DIFFERENCE There’s a timeless feeling when you embark on a journey with Princess® cruises, where exceptional customer service and unparalleled experiences await you both onboard and through its dedicated contact centre. These are the days - the ones that linger in your heart long after the journey ends. A Princess® cruise offers an unforgettable respite, where life at sea is filled with wonder and relaxation. Yet it’s the days ashore, rich with discovery and unforgettable moments, that truly shape your story. And when the adventures pause, your ship is always there, a warm and familiar haven welcoming you back on board. Enjoy personalised service through the innovative MedallionClass® experience, whether it’s arranging a special dining experience, booking an exclusive shore excursion, or ensuring your stateroom is perfect.…

REAL INSURANCE STRIVES TO DELIVER A RANGE OF INNOVATIVE INSURANCE PRODUCTS that help protect and enhance the lives and wellbeing of everyday Australians and their furry friends. Real Pet Insurance is designed to help Australian dog and cat owners give their pets the care they deserve if they need veterinary treatment at some stage in their life. Real Pet Insurance offers a range of cover options, so you can select the cover that best suits the needs of your pets. At the heart of Real Insurance is a strong customer-first culture and an aim of establishing lasting relationships. The Real Pet Insurance team help make sure every interaction with a customer is honest, fair, transparent and respectful. “At the heart of Real Insurance is a strong customer-first culture” As an award-winning…

TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE – ALLIANZ AUSTRALIA IS HERE TO ENSURE YOU HAVE SUPPORT AND CARE At Allianz Australia, we offer global travel insurance solutions. Our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech products with a human touch. We know that travel is more than just flights and hotels - it’s about creating memories, connecting with loved ones, and exploring the world with confidence. But sometimes, the unexpected happens. A medical emergency overseas, a lost passport, or a trip suddenly cut short can feel overwhelming. Our team is here 24/7, ready to assist during some of the most difficult moments of your journey. Whether it’s coordinating emergency medical care, arranging safe transportation home, or simply offering a reassuring voice when you need one most, we’re dedicated to providing…