Editors Picks
09 October 2025
RETIREMEMT LIVING A MORE AFFORDABLE OPTION
NEW research shows retirement living is becoming a more affordable option, due to soaring house prices and rents, while freeing up much needed housing for the wider community.
StewartBrown’s latest Retirement Living Performance Survey Report shows the median entry costs for a two-bedroom retirement living unit is equivalent to just 53 per cent of the median house price in the surrounding suburb, rising to 66 per cent for three-bedroom units.
The lower entry cost allows retirees to stay in the same community, close to family and friends, while freeing up equity from their homes to boost savings and reduce financial stress.
Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said the results add to findings from last year’s Catalyst Research Report showing people in retirement living consistently report higher rates of happiness and wellbeing than all older Australians.
According to the report, those in a Retirement Community scored significantly higher on the Catalyst Wellness Index (77.5) compared with the average for all older Australians (71.3).
“As property prices rise, more older people are realising that retirement communities aren’t just convenient they’re a smart, positive financial choice for living well later in life,” Mr Symondson said.
“More than downsizing it’s about upgrading to a lifestyle that offers freedom, community and long-term affordability,” he said.
“It also frees up much needed housing for the growing families of the future.”
Featured
05 October 2025
FIRE DESTROYS HISTORIC LOXLEY ON BELLBIRD HILL
Iconic wedding venue loved by many
A DEVASTAING fire has gutted one of the Hawkesbury’s most beloved heritage venues, Loxley on Bellbird Hill at Kurrajong.
A DEVASTAING fire has gutted one of the Hawkesbury’s most beloved heritage venues, Loxley on Bellbird Hill at Kurrajong.
Featured
03 October 2025
GRAND FINAL TRANSPORT TACTICS
Fans urged to plan trip to Accor Stadium
A CROWD of up to 80,000 footy fans is expected to converge on Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park this Sunday, October 5 to back their teams in the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals.
01 October 2025
RURAL DOCTORS FINALY RECOGNISED
RURAL Generalists (RGs) have been formally recognised as a distinct medical specialty in Australia, marking a milestone for rural healthcare. This recognition, announced by Minister Mark Butler, follows decades of advocacy by ACRRM, RACGP, and the RG Recognition Taskforce. RGs provide comprehensive care across clinics, hospitals, and emergency settings, particularly in rural, remote, and First Nations communities. The move boosts visibility, remuneration, and training opportunities, ensuring equitable, high-quality healthcare for all Australians regardless of location.
01 October 2025
GOVT SEEKS EOI FOR HOUSING PROGRAM
THE NSW Government has opened Expressions of Interest for its Pre-sale Finance Guarantee (PFG) program to accelerate housing construction in NSW. The five-year initiative will commit up to $1B billion in pre-sales by purchasing up to 50% of off-the-plan homes in eligible projects, valued at up to $2M each. Designed to address finance hurdles and delays, the program reduces risk for lenders and developers, boosts housing supply, and ensures quality through NSW Building Commissioner oversight. Developers ready to build within six months are encouraged to apply.
01 October 2025
TIPS TO DETECT A POSSIBLE STROKE EVENT
MORE than 110 Australians suffer a stroke daily, with one in four linked to atrial fibrillation (AF). AF affects over 500,000 Australians, often undiagnosed, and doubles stroke risk and mortality. During Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week (22–28 September), Hearts4heart director Dr Geoff Lester, himself a heart surgery survivor, has urged Australians of all ages to learn simple pulse checks to detect AF early. Cardiologists stress early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can prevent debilitating AF-related strokes, reducing costs and saving lives.
01 October 2025
MONEY TO RESEARCH BRAIN CANCERS
A NEWCASTLE-led research team, led by Professor Matt Dun, has secured an $18.7M Australian Government grant to develop next-generation therapies for high grade gliomas (HGG), the deadliest brain cancers. Backed by global experts, the team is creating brain-penetrant drugs to overcome the blood-brain barrier and improve survival when combined with radiotherapy. With clinical trials targeted within five years, the research offers new hope for patients and families facing DIPG and glioblastoma, cancers that currently have no effective treatment.
