June 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to our latest newsletter

As we step into the first month of winter, it’s also the time of year when we enter the home stretch of preparing for the end of financial year.

And with that, our first article outlines a number of superannuation strategies you can use to top up your super before 30 June.

Whether you invest your money in Australian or global markets often comes down to your level of risk and financial goals, as well as share market performance. We explain more in this article.

Volatile markets are reshaping retirement income decisions, prompting many Australians to rethink how flexibility, certainty, and sustainability can work together over the long term. We’ve outlined a few different retirement income options in this article.

“Finfluencers” are becoming more prominent across social media. Content from finfluencers and even artificial intelligence tools can sound convincing, but it is not always accurate. We’ll explore why you need to be cautious and check for red flags before making any financial moves.

Finally, we provide a few tips to help you enjoy the change in season and thrive during the cooler months. 

Your 30 June superannuation checklist

Five easy ways to get more into your super fund before the end of the financial year

With the end of the current financial year fast approaching, time is running out if you’re planning to boost your superannuation balance before 30 June.

Even depositing a small amount of extra money into your super account before 30 June this year could make a big difference to your overall retirement balance over the longer term, thanks to compounding investment returns.

Below are five ways you could be able to add more into your super fund account before 30 June, subject to various conditions. 

Concessional (before-tax) contributions

You’re able to have up to $30,000 in concessional (pre-tax) contributions deposited into your super account each financial year, which include compulsory Superannuation Guarantee payments made by your employer and any personal contributions you choose to make. From 1 July 2026, for the next financial year, this concessional cap will increase to $32,500.

Concessional contributions are taxed at 15%, instead of your marginal tax rate.

If you’re currently below the annual limit you could take the opportunity to add personal contributions into your super account before 30 June. This can be done either from your pre-tax salary via an existing salary-sacrifice arrangement through your employer, or by using after-tax money to deposit funds directly into your account.

If you deposit after-tax money into your fund, you may be able to claim a tax deduction in your next tax return given that concessional contributions are taxed at 15%.

However, to claim a deduction, you must complete an Australian Tax Office (ATO) form advising your super fund. You must also receive an acknowledgement from your super fund. And both these things will need to happen before you lodge your next tax return.

Keep in mind that this is usually a busy time of the year for super funds, so there could be processing delays. Many super funds have a June cut-off date for processing personal super contributions, which can be one to two weeks before the end of the financial year.

Be aware that if you exceed the total annual limit of $30,000 at 30 June the ATO may require you to pay additional tax. 

To avoid exceeding the annual limit it’s important to add up your employer contributions during the financial year plus any extra contributions you’ve already made and then calculate the concessional contributions balance that’s left.

Carry forward (catch-up) concessional contributions

You may have another option available that will enable you to get more concessional contributions into your super account before 30 June.

That depends on your superannuation balance and whether you’ve used up your maximum concessional contributions amount this financial year (that is, you’ve already contributed $30,000).

Individuals with a total superannuation balance below $500,000 as at 30 June of the previous financial year can carry forward and apply their unused concessional contributions for up to five financial years. Unused concessional contributions expire after five financial years, so it’s important to check which amounts are still available before contributing.

For example, if $15,000 in employer and personal concessional contributions were made into your super account in 2021-22, you may be able to take advantage of your unused $12,500 gap from that financial year (the maximum concessional contributions limit was $27,500 in 2021-22) and roll it over into this financial year’s contributions.

This $12,500 would be in addition to the maximum $30,000 in allowable concessional contributions that can be made this financial year (allowing you to contribute up to $42,500 in this example).

For many Australians the unused portion of concessional contributions available from previous financial years may add up to tens of thousands of dollars.

You can view and manage your concessional contributions and carry-forward concessional contributions by accessing the ATO’s online services by logging in to your myGov website account.

Non-concessional (after-tax) contributions

Non-concessional contributions are after-tax personal contributions you may be able to make into your super fund, which can’t be claimed as a tax deduction.

They’re separate from your annual concessional contributions and are subject to their own annual limits.

The main advantage of making non-concessional contributions is to accumulate more of your money inside the super system.

Earnings from any investments inside your super account before age 60 are taxed at 15%. After age 60, if you have stopped work and access your super as a pension income stream, your investment earnings and the payments you receive are tax free.

Typically, non-concessional contributions are made using the proceeds from larger asset sales. But there’s no minimum non-concessional contribution amount.

The non-concessional contributions maximum limit is currently $120,000 this financial year. However, under what’s known as the “three-year bring-forward rule”, you may be able to make a $360,000 non-concessional contribution this financial year. Eligibility depends on your total super balance as at 30 June of the previous financial year.

You’re then unable to make further non-concessional contributions for the next three financial years.

If you have more than $360,000 to contribute, you could use the current $120,000 annual limit before 30 June. From 1 July, the non-concessional cap increases to $130,000, allowing eligible individuals to use the three-year bring-forward rule to contribute up to $390,000, provided the bring-forward has not already been triggered before 30 June.

Speak to us if needed as there are circumstances where the “bring-forward” rule does not apply. 

Home downsizer contributions

Although this option isn’t strictly tied to the financial year end, you may be able to contribute up to $300,000 into your super fund using proceeds from selling your principal place of residence if you’re aged 55 or older. Couples can contribute up to $300,000 into their super each.

A downsizer contribution forms part of the tax-free component in your super fund. It can be made in addition to non-concessional super contributions and doesn’t count towards the annual contributions cap.

Ultimately, however, any downsizer contribution you make will count towards your transfer balance cap when you eventually move your super into pension phase.

There are a range of conditions around downsizer contributions, and it’s prudent to check these on the ATO website.

You or your spouse must have owned your home for 10 years or more prior to the sale, with your ownership calculated from the date of settlement when you bought your home.

There’s also a strict definition of what constitutes a home. It must be in Australia and can’t be a caravan, houseboat, or a mobile home.

You’re unable to use the downsizer scheme to deposit funds from the sale of an investment property. These can only be done through a non-concessional (after-tax) super contribution.

A downsizer super contribution must be made within 90 days after you receive the proceeds of your home sale. The ATO will allow for a longer period due to circumstances beyond your control.

It’s prudent to check all the conditions and your eligibility on the ATO website or speak to us for help. 

Spouse contributions

The ATO allows couples to split their annual employer concessional contributions, as well as additional salary sacrifice and personal super contributions.

There are two ways of contributing to your spouse’s super:

  • You may be able to split contributions you have already made to your own super, by rolling them over to your spouse’s super – known as a contributions-splitting super benefit.

  • You can make a super contribution directly to your spouse’s super, treated as their non-concessional contribution, which may entitle you to a tax offset.

Any splitting of contributions must be done after the end of the financial year in which the super contributions were made.

Super splitting can be done at any age, but a spouse must be either less than age 60, or between age 60 and 65 years and not retired.

Couples wanting to split their super contributions first need to check whether their super fund allows it.

The full guidelines around contributions splitting, including eligibility and the application form that needs to be completed, are available on the ATO’s website

Contact us

Super and retirement planning is a complex area. 

Take care to understand the contributions types and limits carefully as there are significant tax penalties for exceeding the applicable contributions caps.

There are also aged-based limits on contributing into super.

Before making any additional contributions to your super, it’s important to consider whether this is appropriate for your personal circumstances. Super is a long-term investment, and in most cases you won’t be able to access these funds until you meet a condition of release (such as reaching preservation age and retiring).

If you’re unsure about your super options before June 30 and need some advice, contact us for more information.

Important information and general advice warning

Vanguard Super Pty Ltd (ABN 73 643 614 386 / AFS Licence 526270) (the Trustee) is the trustee of Vanguard Super (ABN 27923449966) and the issuer of Vanguard Super products. The Trustee has contracted Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd (ABN 72 072 881 086 / AFS Licence 227263) (VIA) to provide some services to members of Vanguard Super. Any general advice is provided by VIA. The Trustee and VIA are both wholly owned subsidiaries of The Vanguard Group, Inc. (collectively, “Vanguard”). The retirement savings tips provided above are general in nature and don’t take into account your personal financial objectives, situation or needs. You should consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before making any decision about Vanguard Super. The PDS and TMD can also be accessed free of charge by calling 1300 655 101. Before you make any financial decision regarding Vanguard Super, you may wish to seek professional advice from a suitably qualified adviser. Any past performance information is given for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon as, and is not, an indication of future performance. The information above is current as at time of publication and was prepared in good faith and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions. ©2026 Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd. All rights reserved.

Australian vs international shares – finding the right balance

Balancing Australian and global shares means weighing growth, income & currency risk

Getting investment exposure to global companies through share markets makes sense, but weighing up risks such as currency fluctuations is important.

Many Australians have a justified love affair with the domestic share market.

The Australian share market has delivered solid long‑term returns for investors, underpinned by strong performance across sectors such as financials and resources. However as part of a diversified portfolio and to minimise risk, investors could also look to global shares.

Yes, the ASX offers a strong mix of well-established companies, but international shares open the door to world-leading businesses that are not represented locally. By holding diversified, index‑based portfolios that include both Australian and international shares, investors can participate in the growth of global markets without needing to pick winners.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie

First, let’s consider the strengths of Australian shares. Many investors value Australia’s dividend imputation system, which provides eligible investors with franking credits and can potentially improve tax efficiency.

Another major benefit of investing through the ASX is income generation, with Australian companies having a strong history of paying dividends. For investors seeking regular income, including retirees, this can be a real plus.

On the flip side, the ASX’s heavy focus on mining and commodities can mean that your portfolio is top heavy in the resources sector, creating potential volatility. It is worth remembering, too, that Australian-listed companies by total market capitalisation represent only about 2% by value of the global equities market. 

Global bang for buck

International shares can complement your Australian investments, providing exposure to the big tech, consumer and healthcare giants. 

For example, markets such as the S&P 500 in the United States feature tech stocks such as Apple, Nvidia and Amazon, global leaders that have served investors well in the past decade or so. 

One of the key benefits of getting a mix of Australian and international shares is diversification. Spreading your investments across multiple regions, industries and companies can mitigate risks associated with reliance on any single market or economy.

There is no single ‘right’ mix

What percentage of Australian shares should you have versus global stocks? That is a discussion for you and us, and any decision should be based on your risk profile and long-term investment goals.

In practice, many diversified portfolios include exposure to both Australian and international shares. For example, Vanguard’s Diversified All Growth Index ETF allocates around 60% to international shares and 40% to Australian shares, illustrating how diversified investment options can spread exposure across global and domestic markets. Other investors may choose to hold different allocations depending on their individual circumstances.

Managing currency risk

You will have to navigate some specific risks with international investments, such as currency fluctuations. The value of overseas investments can rise or fall due to exchange rate movements, regardless of the underlying investment performance. While a weakening Australian dollar can boost overseas returns, a stronger dollar can erode them. 

Some investors choose currency-hedged investment options to manage this risk. Currency hedging involves using financial contracts to reduce the impact of exchange‑rate movements on international investments. 

Hedged options typically come with slightly higher costs, reflecting the additional management involved, but they can help smooth returns. Whether hedging is appropriate depends on your risk tolerance, time horizon and overall portfolio — something many investors choose to consider when they meet with us to discuss their portfolio.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.
Actual results could differ materially from those referred to in the article statements. In particular, distributions and capital growth are not guaranteed. An investment in shares is subject to investment and other known and unknown risks, some of which are beyond the control of Vanguard, including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and principal invested. Neither Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd (ABN 72 072 881 086 AFSL 227263) nor its related entities, directors or officers give any guarantee as to the success of investments, amount or timing of distributions, capital growth or taxation consequences of investing in equities.
Source: Vanguard

This article has been reprinted with the permission of Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd. Copyright Smart Investing™

GENERAL ADVICE WARNING
Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd (ABN 72 072 881 086 / AFS Licence 227263) (VIA) is the product issuer and operator of Vanguard Personal Investor. Vanguard Super Pty Ltd (ABN 73 643 614 386 / AFS Licence 526270) (the Trustee) is the trustee and product issuer of Vanguard Super (ABN 27 923 449 966).
The Trustee has contracted with VIA to provide some services for Vanguard Super. Any general advice is provided by VIA. The Trustee and VIA are both wholly owned subsidiaries of The Vanguard Group, Inc (collectively, “Vanguard”).
We have not taken your or your clients’ objectives, financial situation or needs into account when preparing our website content so it may not be applicable to the particular situation you are considering. You should consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and the disclosure documents for the product before making any investment decision. Before you make any financial decision regarding the product, you should seek professional advice from a suitably qualified adviser. A copy of the Target Market Determinations (TMD) for Vanguard’s financial products can be obtained on our website free of charge, which includes a description of who the financial product is appropriate for. You should refer to the TMD of the product before making any investment decisions. You can access our Investor Directed Portfolio Service (IDPS) Guide, Product Disclosure Statements (PDS), Prospectus and TMD at vanguard.com.au and Vanguard Super SaveSmart and TMD at vanguard.com.au/super or by calling 1300 655 101. Past performance information is given for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon as, and is not, an indication of future performance. This website was prepared in good faith and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions.
Important Legal Notice – Offer not to persons outside Australia
The PDS, IDPS Guide or Prospectus does not constitute an offer or invitation in any jurisdiction other than in Australia. Applications from outside Australia will not be accepted. For the avoidance of doubt, these products are not intended to be sold to US Persons as defined under Regulation S of the US federal securities laws.
© 2026 Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd. All rights reserved.

Retirement income options when markets are volatile

The income assumptions many have carried into retirement are being tested in the current economic climate.

Markets have lurched from one direction to another; interest rates have lifted faster than expected, with the possibility of more increases in the months ahead, and there’s no end in sight to the global uncertainty.

While the market shocks are interspersed with periods of relative calm, The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) warns that the disruption could pose challenges to our financial stability.i

Nonetheless, the RBA says Australia is “well placed” to handle the uncertain times.

For those heading into retirement and focused on income security rather than speculation, having a clear view of the different retirement income options can help.

Account-based pensions

One of the most common retirement income options is an account-based pension, often started using superannuation savings. Your money stays invested, and you draw a regular income from the account, choosing the payment amount (subject to minimum annual withdrawals set by law) and the investment mix.ii

The appeal here is flexibility. You can adjust payments and investment options, and the remaining balances can be left to beneficiaries in your will.

On the other hand, account-based pensions are directly exposed to market movements. So, when markets fall, your account balance may be affected. That could reduce your future income particularly if you continue withdrawals during a market downturn.

The risk is most significant in the early years of retirement. Losses combined with regular withdrawals can permanently reduce how long savings last, a challenge known as sequencing risk. Understandably, many retirees respond by spending less than they could afford, even when markets recover, simply to avoid the fear of running out of money later in life.iii

Lifetime annuities

Annuities offer a different approach. In return for a lump sum investment, annuities pay a guaranteed income either for a fixed period or for the rest of your life. Because the payments are not linked to daily market values, they could deliver a strong sense of certainty, particularly when it comes to covering essential living costs.iv

Some annuities provide fixed payments, some increase with inflation and others offer income linked partly to investment markets while still guaranteeing payments for life. These alternative styles of annuities aim to balance stability with the potential for higher long‑term income.

Combining income streams

Rather than choosing between flexibility and certainty, retirees may benefit from using more than one income stream. This approach combines a guaranteed income source with a more flexible one.

For example, a lifetime annuity might be used to cover the basics such as housing, food and utilities, while an account‑based pension funds discretionary spending, travel or unexpected expenses. Research suggests this could lead to more stable income and greater confidence to spend, even when investment markets are volatile.v

By making sure that your essential expenses are met regardless of market conditions, you may be less likely to panic or reduce spending during downturns.

The Age Pension

The Age Pension is an important part of the retirement income picture for many. It provides a government backed, inflation‑linked income that is not affected by market performance. For eligible retirees, it can act as a valuable safety net later in life, particularly if personal savings decline.

Some lifetime income products receive concessional treatment under the Age Pension assets test, which can improve eligibility or payment levels. Understanding how different income streams interact with Centrelink rules can affect retirement outcomes.vi

Retirement income is about what fits, not forecasts

There is no single best retirement income option. Each comes with trade‑offs between flexibility, risk, growth potential and control. What matters most is how well an income strategy matches your spending needs, risk tolerance and desire for certainty.

The right structure, could help to reduce stress and support more confident spending in retirement. Uncertainty doesn’t have to mean insecurity.

Talk with us about structuring a retirement income approach that fits your priorities and your circumstances.

i The Global Macro-financial Environment | Financial Stability Review, March 2026 | RBA

ii Income streams | Australian Taxation Office

iii Which super funds offer income for life? | SuperGuide

iv, vi Income streams – Age Pension | Services Australia

v How product layering can support retirement outcomes | ASFA

What is a finfluencer

Your favourite finfluencer’s content might sound good, but you should still run some checks before you commit your money.

What is a finfluencer?

Financial influencers (aka ‘finfluencers’) discuss financial products and services online through social media platforms and/or a website. Their content tends to be highly relatable, with personal stories relating to their finances paired with curated imagery of their lives. Some finfluencers are hobbyists; for some it’s their career.

Finfluencers can be engaging and easy to access – for example, nearly two-thirds of Gen Z use social media to make decisions about their financial future. But popularity doesn’t equal credibility. Content may oversimplify risks, exaggerate potential returns, or simply not be right for your situation.

So, before you believe all the information, or follow advice you see and hear on social media, podcasts and online forums, it’s important to critically assess what you’re seeing. Ask the right questions to decide whether the information is credible and right for you — or whether to ignore it. 

Is it information or advice?

When you’re planning your finances and investments, it’s important to recognise whether you’re being given information or financial advice. A lot of finfluencers provide financial information – but some also provide advice. And some may encourage you to join a private trading channel (for example, on Telegram) to provide advice away from the public eye.

  • Financial information is useful facts about products, services and financial strategies. It’s usually free and available from many places. A licence isn’t needed to provide factual information.

  • Financial advice is a recommendation or opinion about a financial product or type of financial product. People who give financial advice must hold an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence.

If a finfluencer isn’t licensed, an authorised representative or exempt, it is unlawful for them to provide financial advice in Australia. You can check out a finfluencer’s credentials by using ASIC’s professional registers search.

If you know of a finfluencer who is providing advice and their name doesn’t appear on the register, report them to ASIC.

What do finfluencers talk about?

It can be anything from rewards point hacks to risky investments!

Recent surveillance by ASIC found that financial products like shares, exchange traded funds (ETFs) and leveraged derivatives were popular topics of choice by the finfluencers being tracked. Others discuss personal finance more generally, covering financial products such as bank accounts, superannuation and insurance.

Some finfluencers might position themselves as “trading experts”, promoting trading in high-risk, complex products such as CFDs and FX, or investing in crypto-assets. Sometimes, social media content that uses images of lavish lifestyles, sportscars and other luxury goods to promote a financial product or trading strategies contained misleading or deceptive representations about the prospects of success. If it sounds too good, to be true, it probably is.

A finfluencer fact-check

If you’re considering investing in something everyone is talking about, do your own checks first. Make sure you invest in facts. If a finfluencer is promoting specific shares, crypto, financial strategies or other financial products, ask yourself the following questions.

Checklist

Do I understand how the investment/investment strategy works?

  • Can I explain how this investment makes money?

  • Can I explain the main risks of this investment?

  • Have I read the prospectus or product disclosure statement, if there is one?

If you don’t understand it, don’t invest yet.

Have I checked that it’s legitimate?

  • Is the finfluencer licensed by ASIC to advise on or offer an investment?

  • Have I checked ASIC’s Professional Registers Search for details of their AFS licence?

Only use reputable financial information. If there’s no AFS licence, or the details don’t match, don’t invest.

Is the finfluencer being paid to promote this investment?

  • Is this a sponsored post?

  • Does the finfluencer earn commission or other benefit if I sign up?

Always ask: what’s in it for them?

Have I looked for independent information?

  • Have I searched for critical reviews?

  • Are there regulator warnings?

  • Have I searched the investor alert list?

  • Is there balanced media coverage?

If there’s no reputable independent information, that’s a warning sign.

Can I afford to lose this money?

Be honest with yourself:

  • If I lose money on this investment, can I still pay my rent, mortgage and/ or bills?

  • Am I using savings I need soon?

  • Am I borrowing to invest?

Be extra cautious with money you cannot afford to lose.

Am I investing based on logic?

Ask yourself:

  • Would I still invest if no one else was talking about it?

  • Does this fit my long-term goals?

  • Or am I just scared of being left behind?

Slow and steady investing is normal. Most wealth builds over time, not overnight.

Remember: Finfluencers might make it sound like a great idea to invest, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If you’re unsure, speak to us first or use trusted resources like Moneysmart to help you make informed decisions. 

Source: MoneySmart
Reproduced with the permission of ASIC’s MoneySmart Team. This article was originally published at https://moneysmart.gov.au/online-safety/what-is-a-finfluencer
Important note: This provides general information and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account.  It’s important to consider your particular circumstances before deciding what’s right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, we do not accept any liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person. 
Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns. Important Any information provided by the author detailed above is separate and external to our business and our Licensee. Neither our business nor our Licensee takes any responsibility for any action or any service provided by the author. Any links have been provided with permission for information purposes only and will take you to external websites, which are not connected to our company in any way. Note: Our company does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the contents/information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.

The art of leaning into winter

As the days grow shorter and the mornings a little crisper, winter is quietly making its entrance. In some places it brings frosty weather and extra layers, while in others it is a gentle shift with cooler evenings and a respite from the heat. Either way, the change in season often brings a noticeable difference in mood, energy, and overall health.

If you are already feeling a bit flat, tired, or more prone to the sniffles, you are not imagining it. The combination of less daylight, cooler weather, and more time indoors can have a real impact so let’s look at some ways to make winter a little more bearable.

Responding to the change

Our bodies are more in tune with the seasons than we often realise. Shorter days affect our internal clock and can lead to lower energy or a dip in mood. Around one in three people report feeling more down or low during winter, and many notice reduced energy and enjoyment in daily life.i

Lifestyle changes add to the effect. Nearly half of people say they become less social as winter begins, quietly deepening the sense of disconnection.ii Even cravings shift, with many leaning toward comfort foods like carbs and sweets. These habits are common and natural, reflecting how our bodies respond to the changing season.

Keeping healthy and dodging the lurgies

Starting winter with a few simple habits can help you feel your best.

Colds and viruses are more prevalent in cooler months so stay on top of hygiene by washing your hands regularly, covering coughs, and taking care when unwell.

Eat nourishing, warming food. Soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and slow-cooked meals are ideal. While many people say they reach for comfort foods more often in winter, balancing them with fresh produce supports both mood and immunity.

Keep moving even when it is tempting to slow down. Regular movement helps counter winter sluggishness and supports overall physical and mental health.

Prioritise rest. The longer nights invite more sleep, but maintaining a steady routine with good-quality rest helps keep energy levels and immunity up.

Lifting your mood

If your energy dips or your mood feels a little off, gentle adjustments can help.

Catch the daylight whenever you can. Even a short walk outdoors during daylight hours helps regulate your mood and energy.

Stay connected. Social energy naturally dips for many, with over forty per cent of people saying they pull back from social interactions in winter.iii However, making the effort to check in with friends or family can brighten your day and even small gestures matter.

Leaning into winter

If you really want to lean into the cooler weather, you can seek out experiences that celebrate the season. Winter festivals turn the long nights into something to celebrate. Events such as Vivid Sydney fill the evenings with vibrant light, music, and art, while the more edgy Dark Mofo in Tasmania is an arts and culture festival that celebrates darkness.

Seasonal food celebrations add another layer of enjoyment. Yulefest in the Blue Mountains brings ‘Christmas in July’ to life with roaring fires and hearty feasts. Truffle season in Margaret River invites indulgence with truffle-based cuisine paired with exquisite local wines. If you want to keep it close to home, check out what’s on in your neighbourhood. You might find a winter market to explore or eat at a restaurant that’s featuring fantastic seasonal produce.

The winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year, also serves as a gentle reminder that longer, brighter days are on the way. Pausing to reflect or creating a small tradition, like lighting a candle or sharing a meal or some mulled wine, can bring a sense of warmth and celebration to chilly days.

You don’t have to go to too much effort. There is something special about enjoying simple comforts, whether it is snuggling on the couch with a cosy blanket, relaxing in front of a crackling fire, or putting your feet up with a warm drink.

Winter has its own quiet charm if you let it. By employing a little self-care and being open to the quieter pleasures of the season, it can be a time to savour.

i https://www.mhfa.org.au/understanding-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad
ii,iii https://mccrindle.com.au/article/winter-blues-having-real-impact-in-australia/