HEALTH & WELLBEING
New year, new smile
Every January, millions of people vow to become better versions of themselves – healthier, fitter, more organized, maybe even capable of folding a fitted sheet. But while the gyms fill up one area of selfimprovement rarely gets the spotlight it deserves – dental health.
Let’ s begin with the standard dental New Year’ s Resolutions – simple, noble and guaranteed to last 8 days:
1) I will floss every day. Ah yes, the classic lie we lovingly tell ourselves, yet by 9th January, the floss is quietly fossilizing next to the travel-sized mouthwash you bought in 2019.
2) I’ ll cut down on sugar This usually works until someone brings in leftover Christmas chocolates on 5th January
3) I’ ll stop using my teeth as tools. A good goal … until you try opening a stubborn packet of chips with your incisors“ just this once”. Spoiler alert: it’ s never just once.
Dental New Year’ s resolutions should be less about perfection and more about progress, so how about trying simple things like upgrading your toothbrush to an electric one or scheduling this year’ s check-ups early before the year sweeps you into chaos.
So this year, resolve to treat your teeth with love, respect and occasional minty enthusiasm. Your smile and your dentist will thank you for it.
Welcome to the friendliest dental practice in the Hills District.
Experience, efficiency and a gentle hand.
Come and meet Dr. Olivia and her team today.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Family & Children’ s Dentistry
Mouthguards Teeth Whitening Cosmetic Injectables And more!
Open Monday to Friday
Dr. Olivia Ignatiou
Suite 1, 524 Old Northern Road DURAL( 02) 9651 1806 www. roundcornerdental. com. au
Seniors take the leap from Australia’ s tallest retirement village
GRAND OPENING PROVES THAT LIFE IN RETIREMENT CAN BE EXCEPTIONAL
Local politicians and Epping residents were left stunned this week as retirement living provider Levande demonstrated that there is plenty of life still to be lived in retirement. What began as a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony was upended when a group of seniors abseiled down the exterior of the company’ s newest vertical retirement village, The Cambridge, officially opened today.
At 28 storeys, The Cambridge is Australia’ s tallest retirement village and the first development of its kind: an inter-generational precinct combining retirement living, residential aged care, a heritagelisted church and a primary school, all within a single integrated site in the heart of Epping.
“ From the very beginning, our vision for The Cambridge was to create something more than just a building. We wanted a community that would change the way people think about retirement living— and that’ s what we’ re showcasing today with this daring abseil. Life doesn’ t stop in retirement,” said Kevin McCoy, CEO of Levande.
Designed by Architectus and shaped by changing consumer expectations, The Cambridge offers 158 architectdesigned independent living apartments from level five upwards, with one, two and three-bedroom configurations. The residences are packed with luxury inclusions and are within walking distance of Epping’ s transport hub, Metro station and local dining.
Residents have access to a fitness centre, heated indoor pool, resident-only clubhouse and bar, rooftop entertainment spaces, library, Gold Class-style cinema, hair salon, vegetable garden and a workshed.
“ The Cambridge is a beautiful place to live, but it’ s also much more than that. It’ s a place where residents can thrive, make new friends and experience genuine connection, with different generations interacting across the village, parish, school and wider community. We can’ t wait to see that flourish,” McCoy added.
The grand opening was attended by government representatives, Levande
David Gonski and Kevin McCoy cut ribbon.
Board members including Chairman David Gonski, the executive team, investor partner EQT, and the first residents to call The Cambridge home.
The milestone reflects Levande’ s commitment to its brand platform, Everyday Exceptional, which challenges outdated perceptions of retirement living and highlights the positive shift towards freedom, connection and meaningful living later in life.
For more information, visit www. levande. com. au / community / thecambridge /
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 127 // JANUARY 2026 17