We wish you a safe and happy holiday season. In our last edition for 2025, solar battery scheme extends; how to recycle Christmas lights; and some last minute tips for a festive home
The article in the SMH on May 24 called ‘Emotion runs high as an era ends’ shows just how easy it is for bidders to get carried away with the auction day hype. The article says the successful buyers bid $35,000 dollars above their pre-auction maximum bid...
More households will be able to invest in solar battery systems in 2026 with proposed changes to the Cheaper Home Batteries Program announced this week by the Australian Government.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the program will be lifted to an estimated $7.2 billion over four years, an increase from the initial $2.3 billion.
Each year, more neighbourhoods across Australia are celebrating the Christmas season with extravagant light shows. Hardware stores, supermarkets and specialty stores sell indoor and outdoor products ranging from simple strings to full-on displays.
It is easy to buy Christmas lights, but how should we dispose of them when they inevitably break or fail to suit the purpose any longer?
A recovery in new home building is gaining momentum, according to a monthly survey of Australia’s home builders.
The latest HIA New Home Sales report shows that the volume of new homes sold in Australia fell by 16 per cent in November 2025 yet remains significantly stronger than at the start of the year.
This is such a busy time of the year and with work, play and Christmas shopping, it’s easy to let things slip under the radar. If you love to get into the spirit of the season by decorating your house but just haven’t found the time this year, here are some simple tips for creating the mood at the last minute – without breaking the budget.
- Drape strings of lights around the mirror in bathrooms, over doorways and along railings around the house. When purchasing lights, look for ones that burn cool instead of hot and work through battery power – even solar, if you’re going to use them outside.
- Dress up dolls and teddy bears with ribbons and holiday fabrics to bring a festive feel to your home. Group them under the tree, on mantels and on windowsills.
- Start wrapping presents now and put them out in full view to create that Christmas morning excitement every time you enter a room.
- Place a few glass balls, some Christmas baubles and a candle or two in a bowl and embellish with a few sprigs of greenery or some leftover ribbon.
- Give furniture some seasonal style with red and green slipcovers and throw pillows in gold silk fabrics or fabric with Christmas designs.