Author: Antoinette Manning

Consulting Resources > Articles by: Antoinette Manning
Looking for a Great Suburb to Live in Melbourne? Check out Deanside

Looking for a Great Suburb to Live in Melbourne? Check out Deanside

Deanside is a vibrant and picturesque suburb located 15 km from Melbourne that has something for everyone. From its unique shops and restaurants to the abundance of outdoor activities in the area, Deanside is truly an idyllic destination for anyone looking to live close to the city but still experience all that nature has to offer.

Deanside Amenities

The suburb itself is also full of amenities for residents. Deanside offers plenty of educational opportunities for families looking to move there. It is home to two primary schools, a secondary school and is near to a campus of La Trobe University. The local council also runs several community education classes throughout the year. 

The area also benefits from an abundance of recreational activities. Multiple sporting facilities such as football grounds, cricket pitches and netball courts are scattered throughout the suburb so residents can stay active. There are also several parks including Point Cook Reserve which feature playgrounds, walking trails and picnic areas for those wanting to enjoy some fresh air outdoors. 

Additionally, there is a public library which provides access to books and other resources as well as hosting regular events such as story time for children and book clubs. 

Public Transportation

Access to public transport is also excellent in Deanside. There are regular bus services that can take you into the city, as well as train and tram services for those who want to travel further afield. For drivers, there is easy access to surrounding suburbs via the M1 freeway which runs nearby. 

Deanside Community

Deanside also has an active community spirit with plenty of events taking place in the area throughout the year. These include farmers markets, music festivals, theatre performances and more – so there’s always something going on no matter what time of year it is! 

Additionally, there are a range of clubs and organisations available for residents such as book clubs or parent support groups. This makes it easy to meet new people and get involved in the local community. 

Are You Ready to Move to Deanside?

Overall, Deanside is an excellent place to live due to its great location, wide range of amenities and strong sense of community spirit. There are beautiful homes available or land for sale in Deanside if you want to build your own dream home.

It’s close enough to Melbourne for easy access to all the city has to offer, but also offers plenty of options for activities as well as a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. For those looking for a suburb with it all, Deanside may just be the perfect choice.

Easy Ways To Prevent Heartburn

Easy Ways To Prevent Heartburn

Unfortunately, acid reflux and heartburn are common ailments caused when acid leaks into the oesophagus. This burning sensation in the upper abdomen in the chest is experienced by adults the world over. Thankfully, with the right information, you can avoid heartburn in the future and know how to effectively manage it. There are three main factors that contribute to acid reflux: the poor emptying of food or acid from the oesophagus, excess acid in the stomach, and a delay in stomach emptying.

 

Eat Smaller Meals

When you overeat, there is added pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter. This is the valve that closes your oesophagus off from your stomach. When there is pressure here, acid can leak into your oesophagus from your stomach. Small meals help you to avoid adding pressure to your LES. 

 

Add Fibre To Your Diet

Fibre-rich foods, such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables, can help prevent heartburn in a number of ways. First, fibre-rich foods cause food to move faster through your digestive system. When food spends too much time in your stomach, acid builds up. In addition, fibre also helps to absorb acid and make you feel full sooner.

 

Stay Upright After Eating

As tempting as it may be to lay down and relax after a satisfying meal, in order to avoid heartburn, you should try to stay upright. The stomach has the highest concentration of acid immediately following a meal. By standing or propping yourself up, you can work with gravity to keep the acid out of your oesophagus. 

 

Sleep On The Left

Due to the shape of the stomach, when you lay down on your left side you help to keep the acid out of your oesophagus. This is helpful for those times where it’s unavoidable to lay down or take a nap after eating. 

 

Avoid Food & Drinks That Cause Heartburn

The primary foods that are associated with heartburn include chocolate, garlic, onions, spicy food, fatty food, and acidic foods such as citrus and tomatoes. Drinks such as soda, coffee, and alcohol are all culprits known to cause heartburn as well. Avoiding these foods and drinks can help stave off heartburn.

 

Quit Smoking

In addition to causing heartburn, smoking also causes a number of gastrointestinal cancers among the many other health risks.

 

Achieve A Healthy Weight

Being overweight tends to lead to more frequent heartburn and even the development of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Thankfully, many of the foods that contribute to heartburn and acid reflux also lead to weight gain, so by avoiding these foods, you’re also developing healthier eating habits. Taking a walk following a meal can help the digestive process as well and further reduce acid reflux. 

If you’ve exhausted all of these tips to prevent heartburn and still can’t seem to avoid it, heartburn tablets in Australia are widely available at pharmacies without a prescription. These are generally the most effective treatment for heartburn in the short term. See a doctor if you have heartburn more than three times per week.

Comparing Different Types of Dog Food

Comparing Different Types of Dog Food

There are a number of different types of dog food out there to consider when deciding what to feed your furry friend. The options can be overwhelming, so how do you know what to decide? We’ve broken down the different types and included some pros and cons of each, so that you can make the best decision based on your pet’s nutritional needs

With any dog food, regardless of the type, it’s important to remember to read the labels and know what it contains to make the best choices for your dog. You should trust the brand and do the required research to ensure your pet is being fed a proper diet.

It’s also important to consider the individual needs of your dog. Dog food is not one-size-fits-all. Take into consideration your dog’s age, size, and activity levels to select the right dog food.

 

Kibble (Dry Dog Food)

Most people tend to give their dogs kibble. It’s usually the most cost-effective way to ensure your pup is getting all of his vitamins and nutrients, as well as staying full and happy. Kibble stores well and you can easily take it with you when travelling with your pet. Most kibbles contain all the necessary nutrients for your pet, so you won’t have to worry about nutritional deficiencies. They’re available in varying flavours and require virtually no preparation, making it a convenient option if you have an otherwise busy lifestyle.

On the downside, kibble often contains ingredients that are of poor quality, such as preservatives and byproducts of meat. It’s very important to read the labels and understand what makes a dog food good. Kibble is typically rich in carbohydrates, which could cause weight problems for some dogs.

 

Canned Dog Food (Wet Dog Food)

Wet dog food is generally more appealing to dogs than kibble. The majority of canned dog food uses either fresh or frozen meat instead of rendered meat, which is more processed. This is definitely a benefit of feeding your dog wet dog food. There are also less carbohydrates in wet dog food, so dogs who eat canned food usually aren’t as prone to weight gain. Similar to kibble, canned dog food contains a full spectrum of nutrients, so you also don’t have to worry about deficiencies.

Some of the cons of canned dog food are that it’s generally more expensive than kibble, it’s got an odour that is a bit offensive to people, it can be messy to prepare, and it often contains more fat than necessary.

 

Homemade Dog Food

If you’re worried about byproducts, preservatives, or other chemicals in your dog’s food, creating a homemade diet may be the right option for you. Creating your dog’s diet allows you to be in control, know exactly what products he is consuming, and choose fresh and healthy ingredients. Your dog will probably also prefer the taste of homemade dog food, since it’s closer to what you’re eating!

However, homemade dog food requires a lot of planning and diligence. It’s very time-consuming and you have to be well-versed in canine nutrition as well as your dog’s individual needs. You will probably need to use supplements in order to ensure your dog is getting his full spectrum of nutrients. It’s also far more expensive to make your own dog food.

There are other types of dog food out there as well – commercial raw dog food, dehydrated dog food, and freeze-dried dog food are all worth taking a look at if the normal types of dog food aren’t working for your pet. Most Australian made dog food has a guarantee of nutritional completeness, but you should always check the labels.

 

Struggling with Business Inventory? Read This Guide

Struggling with Business Inventory? Read This Guide

Good inventory is at the heart of every efficient operation, but it’s also one of the more difficult tasks to master for most entrepreneurs. Although excel sheets and DIY trackers can prove to be efficient, good inventory management has evolved into more complex processes that your business needs to adapt to be more efficient in running your operations.

 

Here are some things to consider:

 

  • Warehouse. Depending on the size of your operations, you need a warehouse to keep your stocks and do inventory management easily. Your warehouse should be spacious enough and well laid out, with proper entrance and exit gates to make deliveries fast and more efficient. It should also contain storage areas for each of your products with their appropriate labels, so it’s easier for your team to organise, maintain and restock products, and avoid clutter that will make it harder to keep up with your inventory.

 

  • Process management. If you’re working with a large inventory, it will benefit your business to have dedicated inventory software Australia that will give you full control of your stocks. No matter how huge your inventory is, the system will allow for proper costing of your stocks and can handle your warehouse more efficiently, even with less manpower. 

 

Aside from software, it also helps to have a dedicated barcode for every product you have in your repertoire to ensure that everything is accounted for.

 

  • Safety. Of course, every business owner should put safety in mind. For starters, your warehouse should be maintained adequately with proper cleaning, disinfection, and pest control on a quarterly or annual basis. Make sure that you have a supplier that can deliver services to keep your warehouse safe and clean. You also need to inspect your warehouse and logistics facilities regularly to ensure that everything is stocked properly and is safe for your team to work in. 

 

  • Quality control. Good quality control is one of the most important aspects of successful inventory management. Aside from proper labelling, choosing the right inventory software, and hiring the right team to manage your stocks, putting strict quality control standards in place is another aspect to consider. Ensure that everything is done right to protect your products. See to it that nothing is wasted inside your warehouse.

 

Although these tips are basic for anyone managing an inventory, they are often neglected by entrepreneurs–until they suffer from a lack of organisation and are losing money from poor inventory management. 

 

Since business is very competitive, you need to make sure that you cover all aspects of your business, especially your inventory. Remember, it is your products, and you need to keep them protected to gain profit.

 

So, if you haven’t embraced good inventory management in your system yet, this is the right time to do so. Make sure you will commit to following these steps to succeed with your goals. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting or you’re already fully grown. Good inventory management can make a big difference to your business.

Choosing the Right Neighbourhood: Five Factors to Look Into

Choosing the Right Neighbourhood: Five Factors to Look Into

You heard this advice before—location, location, location. While a lot of people are in a rush to buy a property these days because of the real estate boom, only those who chose the right neighbourhood get to see the value of their purchase once all the hype is over. 

 

So, if you’re thinking about investing in a property, here are five factors to look into when choosing the right neighbourhood for your future home:

 

  1. The lifestyle. Your choice of property will depend a lot on your lifestyle. If you’re a couple starting a family, you’d want amenities like parks, schools, open spaces and proximity to retail shops. But if you’re an empty nester, you might want a more secluded place where you get to enjoy the peace that you’ve been looking forward to.

 

  1. The development. You’ll have no shortage of real estate developments in the country today, but only a few can provide you with the right community to live in. For instance, property developers like Avid Corporate are considered one of the most sustainable residential and industrial communities being developed today, with amenities perfect for the Australian climate and lifestyle.

 

  1. The crime rates. Safety is crucial in making sure that you get to live a good life once you move into your house. It also dictates the value of your property if you choose to sell it in the future. Choose a neighbourhood with a low crime rate and avoid areas with a lot of traffic and noise.

 

  1. The lot location. Aside from the development itself, you also need to think about where the actual lot is located. Chances are, if your light is near the highway or a busy road, you’ll get it for a much cheaper price, but you’ll also need to deal with the noise every day. On the other hand, being in a quiet lot with a wonderful view would be more expensive, but it will also have a higher chance of increasing in value in the future.

 

  1. The neighbours. Of course, you can’t miss out on looking at who your future neighbours will be. Different developments attract different types of buyers, and you need to choose one that fits your preferences just right. If you’re planning on buying a property in an area where there are already other houses, you can ask around to see what it feels like to be in that community. Remember that you’ll be living in this place for a long time, so you have to choose one that’s easy to blend in with. Well-maintained properties are a good sign that you’re going to live in a community with neighbours who care about the place they live in.

 

Buying a property takes a lot of considerations, especially when it comes to choosing the right neighbourhood to live in. Think about these five important factors to make the right decision about your investment. After all, you’re going to spend a good amount of your hard-earned money on this property, so you have to make it worth it.

Is It Time to Buy a House? Here Are the Signs

Is It Time to Buy a House? Here Are the Signs

Buying a house is a huge financial decision, but it is necessary at some point in your life. In Australia, more than 67% of the 8.3 million households are already homeowners. Now, if you’ve been putting off this decision for a while now, here are some telltale signs that now is the right time to take that leap of faith and buy your own house:

You already have enough savings.

Buying your first home is a huge financial commitment, and one of the best ways to prove to lenders that you are capable of repaying a loan is your ability to save money. A good sign that you have enough savings for a down payment is if you have at least 10% or ideally 20% of the home’s total value. The more money you put towards your down payment, the lesser your mortgage—and its interest—will be. It’s also easier for you to get approved for a loan if you have more money in your savings, plus it’s important to have the extra funds for the additional costs you would incur during the homebuying process.

You have decent credit.

We all incur some credit at some point, but it’s also healthy to work on getting a good credit score because this is one of the first things that lenders will look at when evaluating your loan application. Having a good credit score also has its perks, including a lower interest rate from lenders and easier approval. So, if you’ve already paid off most of your debt and you are doing well with your credit score, then it may be time to invest in your own house.

You are paying expensive rent.

If you think about it, some rental rates are almost the same with mortgage yet you’re still not the owner of that house you’re living in. A lot of first-time homebuyers are hesitant because of the high upfront cost. But if you think about it, those high rental fees could be put towards investing in your own home. If you have enough savings in the bank to take care of the down payment, then it’s time to start finding properties within your budget through AVID.

You are ready for commitment.

More than anything, buying a house is a long-term commitment because you’re spending a good chunk of your hard-earned money on it, and you’re also going to live in the same house for the years to come. You might even start building your family and share memories with the most important people in your life in that house. Owning a house is also a huge responsibility because you need to think about upkeep, improvements, and a lot of other things. But if you feel like you’re ready for commitment, then it’s time to start looking for options depending on the house that you need and what you can afford at the moment. It’s all about taking that leap of faith, after all, and committing yourself to be a homeowner.

Thinking Of Moving to Maitland? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!

Thinking Of Moving to Maitland? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!

Maitland is a city with rich culture and history, and it seems to be increasingly popular with people from all over Australia. Moreover, it offers plenty of amenities, and fits into most people’s ideas of the perfect place to live in.

Curious to know what exactly Maitland has to offer, and whether it would be a good place for you? Keep reading to find out!

 

Maitland 101

Maitland sits on the Hunter River and is situated 166km from Sydney and 35km from Newcastle. The city was primarily populated by the Wonnarua People but has seen an incredible increase in population, spanning back from the early 1800s. 

As of 2016, almost 80,000 people were calling Maitland home, and that number has likely increased even more in recent years. 

The city is also somewhat sporty, as it’s home to the Maitland FC, as well as several rugby clubs.

 

Amenities

Maitland has everything you could ever need, as well as the amenities of other large NSW cities nearby. What draws a lot of people to the area is the abundance of shopping precincts such as the Centro Maitland Hunter Mall, Stockland Green Hills, Rutherford etc.

Maitland  is also equipped with great schools, across all levels of education, both publicly and privately owned. Perhaps most notably, it’s home to a TAFE campus, as well as the Hunter Valley Training Company. Thus the residents can send their children to good schools and enjoy the educational buffet for themselves if they choose to.

 

The Real Estate Market

To accommodate the needs of old and new residents, Maitland’s real estate market has had to grow and adapt many times over. As a result, the city is now able to house a lot of people, but that hasn’t left a lot of vacant land for sale Maitland.

 

Instead, we’re seeing a new trend where people are turning to suburbs near the city. They do so to be able to find more affordable housing and live in quieter, safer areas. 

Not to mention, Maitland’s suburbs are incredibly welcoming and offer a good way to live a more balanced life. Here, you’re able to enjoy the perks of living in smaller, tight-knit communities, while being close to all of the city’s amenities. 

Rutherford, Chisholm and Aberglasslyn are the most popular suburbs, while Waterford is one of the more sought-out neighbourhoods. 

 

The Community

Throughout Maitland’s history, it has become known as a place that’s very open to newcomers. Moreover, with the increases in population, the residents have become accustomed to meeting and welcoming new people, which is what draws a lot of people to the area. 

Whether you choose to live in the city or one of its many suburbs, you’ll surely feel welcome and at home straight away.

 

Final Thoughts

As you can hopefully tell by now, Maitland truly is a wonderful place to live in. The city has so much to offer, including a great connection to the entire NSW region. Thus, it’s perfect for working professionals, as well as families who are looking for an affordable place to put down their roots and raise their children.

3 Most Popular & Affordable Melbourne Suburbs, Which One Is Perfect For You?

3 Most Popular & Affordable Melbourne Suburbs, Which One Is Perfect For You?

Living in Melbourne is full of fun and exciting opportunities. But the real estate market can feel like a kick in the gut for those looking to take advantage of all the city has to offer. However, if you’re willing to step outside of the city bounds, you could find that the surrounding suburbs have a lot to offer as well.

To help you out, we’ve created a list of the top three Melbourne suburbs that can fit into anyone’s idea of the perfect place to live in. 

 

#1. St Kilda

There are several reasons why St Kilda is at the very top of our list of most popular Melbourne suburbs. First of all, it’s only 6km from the Melbourne CBD, allowing you a quick and easy commute into the city. Thus, a lot of people who are looking for a better work-life balance are attracted to the area.

Some of the more popular amenities available to residents and tourists are the Astor Theatre, Palais Theatre, as well as the historic Luna Park. Additionally, the suburb is home to St Kilda Beach, which is incredibly popular with both sunbathers and swimmers alike.

Not to mention, the suburb features a lot of great real estate, which is quite affordable and fits into most people’s budgets.

 

#2. Werribee

Werribee sits slightly off the beaten Melbourne path, as it’s located around 32km away from the CBD. That being said, with over 40,000 residents, it’s still one of the go-to locations for both travelers and would-be permanent residents. 

Some attractions include the Werribee National Equestrian Centre, Open Range Zoo, Werribee Park, as well as the scenic Victoria State Rose Garden. 

Werribee is also incredibly well-connected, with an extensive network of trains and busses connecting residents to the neighboring suburbs and larger cities.

Werribee is constantly going through development and growth and making way for new people within its neighborhoods. Not to mention, the real estate market is quite stable, with plenty of available properties for both rent and sale. 

Pro tip: Look into house and land packages Werribee, as they allow you to move into prosperous areas, at a fraction of the time and costs. 

 

#3. Richmond

This multicultural suburb is thought of as the go-to area to find entertainment in Melbourne. Additionally, Richmond is famous for shopping and football and is located a mere 3km away from the CBD. 

Another great advantage of Richmond is that it allows you to be one with nature, as there is plenty of greenery, as well as well-kept parks around. 

There are also a lot of local shops, cafes, and restaurants, so you likely won’t ever feel the need to go into the city. If you do, you’ll easily be able to access it, as well as other nearby suburbs through a number of train and bus lines.

Another great perk of living in Richmond is that the housing market is incredibly diverse as well. You can choose between picturesque Victorian homes and modern apartments, and you’ll easily be able to find something that fits into your budget.

 

Final Thoughts

You won’t have to sacrifice anything in order to live in these amazing Melbourne suburbs. What’s more, they’ll allow you to live a quieter, calmer life, while staying in an affordable, friendly neighborhood.

Homeowner’s Guide to Officer — Everything You Need to Know

Homeowner’s Guide to Officer — Everything You Need to Know

Officer is the hub of a lot of development and moving activity in the Victoria area. And, when considering everything the suburb has to offer, we can’t say we’re surprised.

However, if you’re still on the fence and want to know if Officer really lives up to its reputation— keep reading. In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about Officer, from its history to available activities and real estate.

 

About Officer

Officer is a quiet little suburb in Melbourne, Australia. It’s located 48 km from Melbourne and 8 km from Berwick. It consists of multiple beautifully designed and well-kept residential communities and provides a homey feel. There are also plenty of house and land packages Officer that allow homeowners to move into gorgeous, well-designed homes quickly.

A lot of the land here is still developing creating medium density housing areas, giving you ample room to live and grow. Also, there’s a diverse community of people living here, coming from all sorts of backgrounds and family structures. So, needless to say, Officer is a suburb that attracts a lot of people and keeps them there with its charm.

 

History

Officer, named after early settlers, is situated in a traditional Aboriginal county, whose presence and history can still be felt to this day. During the late 1800s, it was also home to the timber, and then the brickmaking industry. The city would soon garner so many residents, that it got its own postal office. In recent history, Officer even became the home to the Council seat, located in Officer’s Town Centre.

 

Activities

Depending on your interests and lifestyle, there are plenty of fun things to do in Officer. For families with children, there are many recreational parks and playgrounds. For the adults, there are two AFL sporting grounds, where you can even play Cricket. On the other hand, you can always go to the Arena Shopping Centre to get your shopping done or kill a few hours.

 

Community

As we mentioned, Officer comes with a very diverse community. However, if there’s one thing that all residents have in common, it’s their sense of community and togetherness. Here, people know their neighbours, and everyone looks out for each other.

Because there’s a great selection of schools and parks, Officer is also very popular with families with children. You can often see people walking their kids to school, and having amazing adventures with their friends and family.

 

Purchasing a Home in Officer

Thanks to the ongoing development in Officer, there are plenty of great opportunities for people looking to move here. This also means that purchasing and renting prices are still realistic for most.

Additionally, purchasing house and land packages Officer is a very affordable, quick and easy way for people to move here. By getting a joint package, homeowners are able to move to Officer at a fraction of the cost (and time).

 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you now know all that Officer has to offer, and are ready to make a decision about whether you should move there or not. If you’re still unsure, we recommend visiting the area on a trip. This way, you’ll be able to see first-hand, whether or not it’s worth setting your roots in.

Buderim 101 — Everything You Need to Know Before Making the Move

Buderim 101 — Everything You Need to Know Before Making the Move

Buderim is, without a doubt, one of the most popular suburbs in the Sunshine Coast Region. Moreover, even though it has a bigger population than most of its neighbours, Buderim is still attracting a lot of new people.

Curious to find out if Buderim is really worth it? You’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about the suburb before you make a decision on moving there.

 

About Buderim

Buderim’s name is believed to come from the Yugambeh word “budherahm”, which translate to “spiritual” or “sacred”. This definition can be used to describe the suburb to this day, as many people describe it as calm, tranquil and low-key.

That being said, Buderim is one of the bigger suburbs in the Sunshine Coast Region, both size, and population-wise. The suburb sits the centre of Buderim (the city) and has around 30,000 residents.

Additionally, this suburb offers a gorgeous blend of history, tradition, and arts, which is what draws so many people to it. It’s a great place to raise a family, retire in, or use as your home base while commuting to work.

 

Location

Buderim sits on a mountain and overlooks many of the communities in the Sunshine Coast. It’s also close to the beach, allowing all residents to go in for a dip, whenever they feel like it.

Buderim is located 8km from Maroochydore, and 20km from Caloundra, putting residents in close proximity to the city hustle and bustle. Because of its location, many people choose to move to Buderim and then commute to the bigger cities. This provides them with a better work-life balance and allows them to have the best of both worlds.

 

The Housing Market

The suburb is mostly composed of standalone homes, with 4 or more bedrooms. Some neighbourhoods also feature semi-detached houses, with apartment units being the least dominant on the market. Additionally, the median weekly rent is well above the national median.

The housing market in Buderim is also quite affordable, and this is shown in the fact that a third of the homes are owned outright. Another great thing is that there’s plenty of land for sale in Buderim, allowing new homeowners to build their dream houses from scratch.

 

The Community

Somewhere along the way, Buderim got the repudiation of being a retiree community. However, in recent years, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Now, the population mostly consists of modern professionals, as well as families with or without children.

This is due to great schooling options, parks, amenities and greens spaces. It can also be attributed to the fact that the community is very open, friendly, and overall supportive. So, Buderim attracts people who are looking for a fresh start or a better place to raise their children.

Additionally, there are many great shops, cafes, and fun activities for all residents in Buderim.

 

Final Thoughts

Despite being one of the biggest suburbs in the Sunshine Coast Region, Buderim still comes with a strong feeling of a close-knit community. Additionally, with plenty of land for sale in Buderim, you’ll be able to live in a quiet, peaceful community for an affordable price.