A year and a bit after they completely renovated the shop, things are going from strength to strength! In addition to their trademark fresh fish and yummy all beef (no sausage mince, no! never!) hamburgers, they now have a rotisserie so have added fresh barbecued chicken to their menu. Also on offer is an array of fresh salads, desserts, freshly brewed coffee and of course fresh seafood. The shop is open seven days a week and is rarely seen without customers queueing up. They have also recently installed a big TV screen to take the boredom out of waiting (not that anyone has to wait too long, the service is quick, efficient, and professional, as it has always been). And I have to add something pretty interesting: while the shop was closed for renovation, there was a lady customer in a wheelchair who appeared to be quite in a state and who accosted me while I was walking to the station. She wailed, “Why are they closed? Are they opening again???!” Only when I said they were going to open as soon as renovations were done that she calmed down. Wow, I did miss my hamburgers and fish and chips but didn't know some people just couldn't live without them!!!!!!

TV went on the blink so yesterday so consulted the local Pink Pages. Chose at random and rang a company called Clearview, who said someone would ring back. Waited for some time, so rang Betterview instead. Paul from Betterview came out within two hours, looked into our TV, gave expert advice and friendly service, and even offered us a discount (without our even asking) if we had a Senior or Pensioner card , which we did. Some time after he left, guess who rang! Yes, Clearview! Well, told them sorry, the job was done, and thanked them for calling back (certainly took some time, didn't they?) You bet we'll stick to Betterview from now on, and will definitely recommend them to all our friends! I believe they also do microwave ovens and sound systems.

I chose this funeral parlour only because of its proximity to our house but it came out to be the right choice as they were really very helpful to me in my time of need. When my mother died, I couldn't take her ashes back overseas for burial with the rest of her family and they kept her ashes for me for a month (no charge!) until I was ready to do so. Then my father died and they kept his ashes for me for almost six months (still no charge!!!) until I could take them back overseas. These are people who don't take advantage of people's confusion and sorrow during vulnerable times. That they are also an Australian company, and family owned, only make them more outstanding.

Dr. Barini is such an amiable optometrist. He's really easy to talk to, and my prescription glasses are always finished on time. I tore my retina in 2002, and since I stopped seeing the specialist, he has taken it upon himself to monitor my eye. All his receptionists are professional and efficient, and he also has a big jar in the outside waiting room where you can deposit used eyeglasses for charity.

I used to really hate going to the hairdresser because I always found it such a drudge, but this is unreal! It's found in the Revesby Workers Club, so after having my hair done, I usually indulge in the club's many offerings! But seriously now: I tried them out only after my hairdresser 'retired' (had a baby) and haven't looked back since. I trust them so much I let them do whatever they want with my hair (just so long as I know about it beforehand) and I'm never disappointed with the result. A year or so ago they said they'd cut my hair shorter and take advantage of my natural waves, and the end result was so amazing I've had it done that way ever since!!!! They charge reasonable prices, and always give the best service ever. I've also noticed that they treat each other like family, and that's something I like in a workplace: that sense of belonging. It's also very relaxing for the customers.

I go to them to have my watch batteries replaced, and have always found them to be polite and professional. I don't think they've changed their price in years! They also have very reasonably priced jewellery. I also like the fact that they donate stock for charitable causes (I saw them do that one day --- it was for some raffle of some women's club).

We always use them because they do things quickly and efficiently and don't charge for preparing preliminary itineraries like some travel agencies do (what hide!) They always try their best to help. Once we wanted to get on a certain flight because the date, time, price were all right but all seats were taken. Thanks to them, they had tricks of the trade that got us on that flight (after several tense minutes)! Very clever indeed! We like people who don't give up easily, and who know their job inside out! They are also members of Fly Buys so we always get points when we book through them.

Now here's one place where just about everyone will agree is the best fish and chips shop in the area! (Try going there on Friday nights --- join the crowd!!!) Everything is always fresh, service is great, and they've even diversified and opened a small outside eating area, with a small coffee shop service! They also make the best hamburgers --- not hamburger mince, but real steak mince! My father-in-law goes straight there like a homing pigeon whenever he comes to visit us from Newcastle. He loves their Tasmanian scallops, and the wonderful thing is that they remember him and his favourite every time!!!! To think that he doesn't visit us often! When I pass by their shop on the way to the train station they always shout a greeting! They call me “Nana” because they reckon I look like Nana Moskouri with my glasses (I think they're the ones who need glasses!) but it's alright, I like it, it's fun!

Enter the shop and you'd think you had a personal fashion consultant! Dennis takes care of you like you were his only customer and his taste in fashion is impeccable (very handy for my partner as he doesn't quite have that talent, and neither do I). My partner doesn't have to do anything but turn up, get sussed out by Dennis, try on whatever Dennis thinks will suit him, pull out his wallet, and walk out confident in the knowledge that what he's got will suit whatever occasion Dennis has chosen it for. If the jeans have to be taken up, don't worry, Dennis will take care of it for a small price (saves me from having to take out my sewing basket). I never have to worry my partner's not looking smart, because Dennis takes care of him! The quality of merchandise is high, and prices extremely reasonable. I'd even say very cheap, considering the personal attention and advice you get with it! P. S. I've never seen Dennis without a smile on his face!

Dr. Yap has been my GP since we moved to Revesby more than ten years ago. He is extremely popular with his patients and his waiting room's always full (amazing considering he doesn't bulk bill and he sees patients only by appointment). I owe him heaps as he diagnosed my colon cancer in its early stages. I had bleeding with explosive diarrhoea and, although I had a history of piles, he performed an endoscopy on me, where he found pre-cancerous polyps. He told me to have a colonoscopy, and that was when I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Had he not been so conscientious, he could have dismissed the bleeding as due to piles and not ordered more testing to be done. He also referred me to an excellent surgeon, Dr. Christophe Berney, who finally operated on me. Dr. Berney considers him “outstanding” and I agree with him 100%. I probably owe Dr. Yap my life, as my cancer was removed early and so far I don't have to have chemo or radiotherapy.