Families Magazine - Brisbane Issue 42 Oct/Nov 2020 - Toddlers, Childcare & Family Travel

TM

Brisbane

Issue 42: October / November 2020 www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au

From North Lakes and Samford in the north to the Redlands and Logan in the south and out through the western suburbs of Brisbane

, S R E L D D O T & E R A C D L I CH L E V A R T Y FAMIL

FINISHING YEAR 6 MOTHER’S MENTAL LOAD LEARN TO SWIM EXPLORE THE NOOSA BIOSPHERE

Check out our Instagram Stories

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The Clever Resource for Thinking Parents

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The BEST 50 PLACES to go SWIMMING in SE Queensland

THE BEST

PLACES TO GOE SWIMMING IN S QUEENSLAND BEST 50 places to go COPY TO COME! Here are THE d. swimming in SE Queenslan

DREAMWORLD

LITTLE COVE, NOOSA

REDCLIFFE

SETTLEMENT COVE Get your FREE e-book here: https://bit.ly/2zXltFO

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Contents 4-5

Find out about local news for families

Welcome to our Toddlers, Childcare & Family Travel!

Finally, a chance to see the state we are in, metaphorically and literally!

The weather is still cool enough to go inland so you can inhale the fresh pungent aroma of real manure in an outback setting. Worried your homeschool set up wasn’t stimulating enough? Try a fun bushwalking game called ‘I spy… a snake!’. Is it a brown one? Yes! Awesome, it’s time for PE - let’s run!

I deserve a break after this long stretch of sitting and Zooming and testing the tensile strength of the elastic on all my pants. Facebook is outright trolling me with pictures of holidays from years ago. Now I’m enjoying adventures to the Southside to discover the delights of a Gumtree bargain. Mumbled mask negotiations really add an edge to the experience - like learning a new language!

If you have a toddler on your hands then congratulations, every day is an exhausting travel adventure full of wonder! Top tip: collect moving boxes. You can set them up as playhouses or if truly desperate, sit inside one yourself for a short time out. Maybe pop a postcard of somewhere you would like to go in front of you and pretend you are flying there in your cramped economy seat.

As part of our latest art activity, I’m moving the couch. It’s like Christmas under these and the kids can spend all day drawing in the inch of dust which has collected. Hopefully, we’ll see the floorboards by the end of Term 4.

Yours in biscuit bra crumbs and crushing responsibility!

Simone Eclair

Follow her on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram (simone.eclair) if you are inclined or enjoy her blog and videos at www.simoneeclair.com Families Magazine, PO Box 1018, Brighton 4017

0437 866 869

Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au

6 - 10

Education Is Cursive Writing Disappearing 30 Things Every Year 6 Parent Knows

11 - 15 Family Health Mother’s Mental Load Learn to Swim

16 - 20 Childcare & Toddlers Managing Transitions FREE Things to do in Brisbane with Toddlers

20 - 21 Families Travel Escape to the Noosa Biosphere

22 - 25 Clubs, Classes &

Activities

Find a local Club, Class or Activity

26 - 30 Families Fun Circle the family events you plan to do during October & November

Cover Photo: Courtesy of McDermott Family – South Ripley

Simone Eclair insists she is a Brisbane comedian (but you can decide for yourself).

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Families News

www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au

Credit: Little Finch Photography Next issue December 2020 / January 2021 Deadline by 5pm on Friday 30 Oct 2020 Focus on Summer Days Out and Clubs, Classes & Activities Brisbane readership over 80,000 every issue.

Published 6 times a year. Local magazines for families in Brisbane, Ipswich, Redlands, Logan and the Moreton Region. © Families Magazine 2020

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Families News

LOCAL FAMILIES NEWS

Looking for the latest local news and views? We've got it covered!

CURIOCITY BRISBANE 2021

AEIOU WANTS YOUR IDEAS! FOUNDATION Schools, classes or individual students are invited to submit ideas to be created as installations for Curiocity Brisbane and World Science Festival 2021. Six physical or digital design ideas will be selected and created by professionals, showcasing your school to thousands of visitors from 12-18 March, 2021.

Afterwards, your school gets to keep the installation!

Entries close 5pm November 18.

Find out more at curiocitybrisbane.com/qld-schools-challenge

CELEBRATES 15 YEARS!

The AEIOU Foundation for children with autism opened its first centre in Moorooka in 2005, dedicated solely to an intensive early intervention learning program for children with an autism diagnosis.

Today, AEIOU operates from nine locations across Queensland, including four in Brisbane.

The warm, friendly team specialises in helping families navigate the NDIS, so they can help you even if you’re not sure which kind of therapy you’d like to explore for your child.

If you have a child with an autism diagnosis, find out how AEIOU can help you! www.familiesmagazine.com.au/aeiou-fundation

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Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Families News

WIN! FABULOUS WAHU POOL TOYS

IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS! Cool off this summer with a fabulous pool toy prize pack from Aussie favourite, Wahu!

Bop your mates as they pop up with Wahu Pool Bopper, or go for a rocking wild water ride with Hot Rocker. There’s a waterproof soccer ball and footy too for beach fun!

We have two full sets to giveaway, each valued at $158.

Enter at www.familiesmagazine.com.au/competitions

MAORI INSPIRED PRODUCTS, RIGHT HERE IN BRISBANE!

Kia ora! Mymozi.co is a new Maori/Kiwi whanau (family) business based in Logan.

Mymozi.co saw an opportunity during the Covid 19 lockdown to create products and bilingual resources for tamariki (children), mokopuna (grandchildren) and extended families.

Their great range consists of: • Educational Bilingual Resources

• Caps

• Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s Apparel, in sizes up to 3XL

• Thongs

• Phone Cases • Jewellery • Linen

More products are being added all the time, and there’s FREE shipping worldwide – an easy way to get your Christmas shopping done!

Check out www.mymozi.co for the full range.

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

5

Education

IS

Cursive Writing DISAPPEARING?

Cursive is a style of writing in which all the letters in a word are connected. Cursive comes from the past participle of the Latin word currere, which means “to run.” In cursive handwriting, the letters all run into one another and the hand runs across the page, never lifting between letters. www.vocabulary.com

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Handwriting, like any manual task we undertake, is very much dictated by the purpose for which it is required. We write to communicate, and most of us want to communicate in the most appropriate and effective method possible.

Hence, moving into the 3rd decade of the 21st century with countless numbers of communication methods, tools and devices at our finger-tips, cursive is not likely to be the first writing style we use, just as ‘older English’ would not be our first choice of sentence structure or vocabulary.

As beautiful as cursive might be, the fact remains that it is impractical as a modern means of quick and speedy communication. Is cursive (or in fact handwriting) disappearing from our modern world? I would say not, and I do not believe it will disappear in the near future.

First and foremost, handwriting is and has always been a precious art-form through which

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

artisans and artists have been able to express their knowledge of all human-kind, including our questions, investigations, history, philosophy and beliefs. Just as penmanship was originally a specialised discipline, primarily used by Christian monks from the 5thcentury, its existence was not diminished by the invention of the printing press in the 15th century but rather, its use was altered from being the communication tool of the elite and learned, to being accessible to anyone who could read and write; hence cursive writing went from being a means of archiving academic and political records to the everyday social exchange of family and community life, as propagated through the personal writing of letters, diaries or journals.

Some may argue the practicalities of cursive writing may be questioned in the 21st century.

With computers in every classroom in the

Education

country and in every workplace, is cursive writing the first form of communication we turn to?

From a teaching perspective, here is Australia, cursive writing is explicitly taught in primary school, however by the time a student reaches high school, it is presumed students are competent, which often is not the case.

In comparison, in the United States there are over 40 states that have adopted the Common Core State Standards for English, which omits cursive writing from the curriculum, deeming it outdated, where focus should be placed on digital tools.

Despite the fact it is a taught skill, teachers find illegibility and the physical demands of writing by hand for any period of time are some of the factors driving students to put down the pen and pick up a keyboard.

There is much to be said not for the best or neatest handwriting, but for the handwriting itself. Looking back over past diary entries, letters and manuscripts I realise that the heart beats faster and my emotions are heightened when I recognise the handwriting of the owner, who cared enough to write it. For example, my Father spends all week reading newspapers, magazines etc and on coming across articles in regards to education, literature, my political persuasion, his political persuasion and more, he cuts them out, places them in neatly folded piles and last but not least, scribes my name across the article that happens to lie on the top, in his unique cursive style. I’m always intrigued and challenged by the items he procures just for me … but it’s my name, written in his hand that makes any little scrap of paper a precious artefact that will always bring me joy and remind me of his love.

As well as providing order of thought and improving cognitive capacity, cursive writing also has the benefits of: • Costs next to nothing • Requires simply a paper and pencil/pen • Can be written in the sand • Doesn’t require charging • Can be replicated on any digital device • Takes little effort • Is personal

Outside of the classroom however, the writing of journals and personal reflections are seeming to gain momentum with premium on-trend stationery shops doing big business supplying all the tools required for writing and storytelling.

So many reasons for us to ensure cursive writing doesn’t disappear and become another skill of the past.

The continued personal use of cursive writing is the very factor that will save it from extinction in our future. Putting pen to paper to compose a letter, write an inscription on a card, scribble a note or jot down a list, will keep cursive handwriting alive.

By Catherine Lunney, Primary Learning Leader. Southern Cross Catholic College Scarborough Primary Campus. sccc.qld.edu.au

• Can tug at the heartstrings.

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/is-cursive-writing-disappearing

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Education

FINISHING PRIMARY SCHOOL

30 THINGS EVERY YEAR 6 PARENT KNOWS It might seem like only yesterday that you were buying your child’s first-ever pair of school shoes, but now the end of their primary-school journey is approaching. Before you know it, they’ll be making the big move to secondary school, and your life will enter a whole new phase.

HERE ARE THE TRUTHS YOU DISCOVER DURING YOUR CHILD’S LAST YEAR OF PRIMARY SCHOOL - How many have you experienced so far? -

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4 5 3

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7 8 9 8

hoosing your child’s primary school was a walk in the park C compared to picking the right secondary school. Not only do you have to consider things like Year 12 results and university destinations, but now your child has an opinion – argh! etting your child walk to school by themselves for the first L time is nothing short of terrifying. Can you trust them to look both ways before they cross the road? And would they ever forgive you if you followed behind them at 50 paces? egulation school uniform gets stricter and your daughters R are likely to be forced into a dress or skirt. s for name tapes, you haven’t sewn one on in years. Life’s A too short when a Sharpie works just as well.

I f you thought homework was a struggle before, think again… You know that the questions are getting harder and don’t look foward to high school homework ‘help’. he final year of school is blinkin’ expensive. Seniors shirts.

T Excursions. Incursions. Leaving dinners and events. Why did no one warn you that Year 6 camps cost as much as a family holiday? ou realise how much of your social life revolves around your Y child’s school. Chats in the playground, mums’ nights out, babysitting circle, book clubs… How will you cope when you’re not seeing the mums at the school gate every morning? ou rummage the lost property one last time and then Y wonder WHY you are actually doing that? ou simply can’t get used to the idea of your child being one Y of the eldest in the school. Wasn’t it only yesterday that they were walking into the playground for their first day in Prep, all shiny shoes and pristine uniform?

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ou have regular moments of panic about how your child is Y going to survive at secondary school. How on earth are they going to manage to keep on top of their homework, find their way around the site and get to the bus on time when you still have to remind them to get dressed in the morning?

11 You struggle with gifting their uniform on to the uniform shop or keeping it for a bit longer for… nostalgia.

The whole year is full of lasts. The last parents’ evening, the 12 last sports day, the last school disco, the last assembly…

How are you going to cope when it’s their actual last day?

You realise how much energy you wasted on worrying about 13 things that really didn’t matter. Why did you get so worked up when you found out your child was three reading levels behind their friend in Year 1? Everyone told you it’d be okay in the end – and they were right.

Now you’re the voice of reason and authority trying to calm 14 the fears of younger children’s parents – even though you know it won’t make any difference.

You debate taking out a second mortgage to pay for all the 15 stuff your child needs for secondary school. Formal uniform, sports uniform, scientific calculator, shin pads, technology…

Is there any way they won’t lose it all in the first week?

16 It might be years since you bought any school memorabilia, but this year, you have to get the whole lot – from the school photo to your child’s Christmas cards to the illustrated tea towel. It’s your last chance, after all.

Facebook keeps showing your ‘memories’ and taking you 17 back to your child’s first year of school, and you get a lump in your throat every single time.

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Education

18 You spend the whole year reassuring your child that their primary school test results don’t really matter for high school, that they’re all for the school’s benefit and that they just need to try their best.

Your child is so proud to be one of the biggest in the school 19 that you think they might burst. How are they going to manage at the end of January next year when they’re one of the youngest again?

The rumours that circulate about secondary school haven’t 20 changed since you were a kid. Has anyone actually ever had their head flushed down the toilet by a Year 10, you wonder…

Your child’s ‘Senior’s shirt’ becomes their most treasured 21 possession. You despair of ever persuading them to take it off for long enough to put it in the wash.

You’re strictly forbidden from kissing your child goodbye 22 within a 500-metre radius of the school gate. What if one of their friends saw? The shame!

You vow that you’ll hold it together at your child’s leavers’ 23 assembly, but as soon as they walk into the hall, you dissolve into a soggy, mascara-streaked mess. How did your baby get so big?

The vast majority of the year is about school trips, discos, 24 secondary school induction days… It seems like your child hardly ever does any actual school work any more.

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our final mums’ night out ends with everyone in floods of Y prosecco-fuelled tears, vowing to keep in touch once your kids have left school.

Seeing all the Year 6 kids coming out of school on their last 26 day with their shirts signed takes you right back to your last day of primary school. Surely you’re not old enough to have an almost-teenager…?

27 Even though you’ve been a primary school parent long enough to know it’s not the done thing, it’s still SO HARD not to brag about your child’s last-ever report or their Academic Achievement Award on Facebook. Must. Sit. On. Hands.

You realise how many people have played a part in turning 28 your child into the person they are today – not just their teachers, but the support staff, the tuckshop team, the music teachers, the PE teachers, their friends…

You never thought you’d say it, but you actually feel quite 29 nostalgic for the days of phonics, number lines and ABC Reading Eggs. At least back then you felt qualified to help with your child’s homework.

30 Whether you’re feeling sad about your child leaving primary school or looking forward to the next stage of their education, there’s no disputing that their last day marks the end of an era.

Over the past seven years, you’ve seen them grow from a shy, baby-faced five (ish)-year-old who could barely write their own name to a mature, confident young person who can do algebra, speak a foreign language and tell a fronted adverbial from an adjectival clause.

They’ve made lifelong friendships, found where their talents lie and become more responsible and grown up by the day.

Proud doesn’t even come close. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/things-every-year-6-parent-knows

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Education BRISBANE AND IPSWICH’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE

PULL OUT AND KEEP!

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS & PARENTS

To promote Your School Open Day in our Back to School issue (Feb/Mar 2021) contact our Editor. Email: Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Tel: 0437 866 869. Please check the details of the events listed before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

All Hallows School (Fortitude Valley) Catholic Girl’s Yr 5-12 Virtual tour online. Personal tours throughout the year. www.ahs.qld.edu.au Anglican Church Grammar School (East Brisbane) Anglican Boys’ R-Yr 12 Personalised tours throughout the year and interactive tour online. www.churchie.com.au Brisbane Boys’ College (Toowong) Prep-Yr 12, boarding Yr 4-12 Junior School Tours: Wed 11 Nov 8:20-10am. Middle & Senior School Tours: Thu 19 Nov 8.40am. Personal tours by request. www.bbc.qld.edu.au Brisbane Grammar School (Spring Hill) Indep Boys’ Yr 5-12 Virtual tour online. School tours throughout the year. www.brisbanegrammar.com Clayfield College (Clayfield) Indep Co-ed Pre-Prep-Yr 6, Girls’ Pre-prep-Yr 12 Head of Primary Tours: Fri 16 Oct, Tue 3 Nov 9am.

Principal Tours: Fri 9 Oct, Weds 28 Oct & 4 Nov 9am. www.clayfield.qld.edu.au Faith Lutheran College (Victoria Point & Thornlands Indep Co-ed K-Yr 12 Visit website to arrange a personal tour. www.faithlutheran.qld.edu.au Grace Lutheran College (Caboolture & Rothwell) Indep Co-ed Yr 7-12 Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code to take a virtual tour of the school now www.glc.qld.edu.au IES College (Spring Hill) Indep Co-ed Yr 11-12 Visit website to arrange your personal tour. enquiries.iescollege.com John Paul College (Daisy Hill) Co-ed Early Yrs-Yr 12 Primary Open Morning: Thu 8 Oct 9-11am. Secondary Open Morning: Thu 22 Oct 9-11am. www.johnpaulcollege.com.au King’s Christian College (Logan Village) Indep Co-ed K-Yr 3 Open Day: Tue 10 Nov 6pm. Personal tours by appointment. www.kingscollege.qld.edu.au Loreto College (Coorparoo) Catholic Girls’ Yr 7-12 College Tour: Wed 14 Oct at 9am. www.loreto.qld.edu.au Lourdes Hill College (Hawthorne) Catholic Girls’ Yr 7-12 Open Day: Fri 9 Oct 3:30–7pm. www.lhc.qld.edu.au Mary MacKillop College (Nundah) Indep Girls’ Yr 7-12 Combined Gala event, Open Evening, Arts Showcase & Orientation: Fri 9 Oct. www.mmc.qld.edu.au

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Mount Alvernia College (Kedron) Catholic Girls’ Yr 7-12 Private tours by request. www.mta.qld.edu.au Ormiston College (Ormiston) Indep Co-ed Prep-Yr 12 with Early Learning Centre. Headmaster’s Tours: Thu 22 Oct (Snr School).

Personal tours may be arranged. www.ormistoncollege.com.au Our Lady’s College Catholic (Annerley) Indep Girls’ Yr 7-12 Information Evening: Wed 7 Oct 7pm. College Tour: Fri 9 Oct, 6 Nov 8am. Personal tours by appointment. www.ourladyscollege.qld.edu.au Prince of Peace Lutheran College (Everton Hills) Co-ed K-Yr 12 Junior Campus Open Days: 22 Oct 8:45-10:15am. Personal tours by request. www.princeofpeace.qld.edu.au Queensland Academies (Kelvin Grove, Gold Coast) Indep Co-ed Yr 10-12 (Toowong) Indep Co-ed Yr 7-12 Visit website for details. qa.eq.edu.au Somerville House (South Brisbane) Indep Co-ed Pre-Prep, Girls’ Prep-Yr 12, Boarding Yr 6-12 Tour online 24/7 via the website. www.somerville.qld.edu.au Southern Cross Catholic College (Scarborough) Catholic Co-ed Prep-Yr 12. Head of Secondary Tour: Tue 27 Oct 9am. www.sccc.qld.edu.au St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School (Corinda) Prep-Yr 12 with Co-ed Kindy Open Day: Thu 26 Nov 9-11am. www.staidans.qld.edu.au St John Fisher College (Bracken Ridge) Catholic Girls’ Yr 7-12 Tours of the College take place 2nd Friday every month during term. www.sjfc.qld.edu.au St Laurence’s College (South Brisbane) Catholic Boys’ Yr 5-12 Principal’s Tour: Thu 15 Oct 4-5.30pm. Bookings essential. www.slc.qld.edu.au St Peters Lutheran College (Indooroopilly) Indep Co-ed Prep–Yr 12 Virtual tour online 24/7. Personal Tours on request. www.stpeters.qld.edu.au Stretton State College (Stretton) Co-ed Prep-Yr 12 Tour and Talk: Tue 3 Nov 9am. www. strettonsc.eq.edu.au Stuartholme School (Toowong) Catholic Girls’ Yr 7-12 School in Action Tour: Mon 12 Oct, register to attend. Self-guided interactive tour online. www.stuartholme.com The Lakes College (North Lakes) Indep Co-ed Prep-Yr 12 Open Day: Tue 20 Oct 8:45-10:30am. www.thelakescollege.com.au The Springfield Anglican College (Springfield) Co-ed K-Yr 12 Virtual tour online. Personal tours by request. www.tsac.qld.edu.au

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Family Health

p a c i t l u M g n i r e w o p m E h t i w e l p o e p disability

Empowering people with disability to live lives rich with possibility and opportunity is what drives disability support provider Multicap to deliver innovative and creative services every single day.

Customers can develop their skills in communication and participation in the community through their Self-Advocacy Network. Customers can also find a new job and career through supported employment services in the creative arts; hospitality; and assembly, packaging and finishing sectors.

As part of their creative arts program, their Monte Lupo Arts studio has become renowned for its vibrant and joyful ceramic and textile products and artworks, and in providing employment and entrepreneurial pathways for artists with disability.

The Multicap story

Established in 1962 as a small group by five families who could not find suitable support for their children with multiple disabilities, Multicap has since grown to be one of the leading high needs disability support providers in Queensland and northern New South Wales.

With almost 60 years’ experience, Multicap specialises in delivering creative and sustainable support for people with disability who have complex needs, and they are dedicated to working with each customer to find individualised support options for them.

Their skilled and committed team is dedicated to ensuring their customers have the right support to make the most of opportunities available to them and is passionate about celebrating their customers’ achievements.

Today, Multicap offers customers an extensive range of services, from one-on-one personal support, independent accommodation options and social experiences, to employment and career development.

Since its early days, Multicap’s ethos has been to work with customers and their support networks to find tailored services and programs that assist them to reach their goals and enhance each customer’s quality of life.

Multicap has programs and support services for all ages, with a focus on providing customers opportunities and abilities to discover and develop new passions and skills. People with disability can meet new friends through a fun day out with Avegates Social Experience Network and School Holiday Programs, learn a new creative hobby with the Centre of Creative Arts, or enjoy leisure activities and skill building at one of Multicap’s Community Hubs.

Increasing independence

Many of Multicap’s support services focus on empowering their customers to increase their independence, and they facilitate this through a variety of ways. For many of their customers, moving out of the family home is a significant goal, so they provide Supported Independent Living houses across Queensland and northern New South Wales to assist in achieving this goal.

Get in touch

With services available from Mackay to Murwillumbah, Multicap is dedicated to supporting people with disability to get the most out of life in all ways, always.

Find out more about Multicap and its support services by visiting www.multicap.org.au or calling 1300 135 886.

Read more at www.familiesmagazine.com.au/multicap

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Family Health

5 WAYS TO R E D U C E YO U R

Mental Load DR RACHELL KINGSBURY, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST AT MIND WISE PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES SHARES HER EXPERIENCE AND ADVICE ON HOW TO REDUCE MOTHERS’ MENTAL LOAD. AS THE STORY GOES….

It was a hot day in the summer of December 2018 when we’d found a brief moment to sit together for a farewell coffee before my Editor headed off for a year-long, overseas adventure with home-school ‘tween in tow, when the request: “can you please write an article on the mental load of mothers” was first made. In recollection, I could swear I heard something in my brain snap and likely I responded with a slightly too high-pitched laugh.

At that time my first kid was about to start Prep, and in preparation I’d spent 18-months researching school commencement, which school he’d attend inclusive of feeder school criteria for his future high school, and of course, monitored his socioemotional and academic readiness. No less, I’d researched lunch box types more than the family home we’d bought. And of course, I’d done this in addition to my side hustle, which featured: paid employment, raising another kid, navigating a separation, forming a new relationship, managing new pets, buying a house, moving house, career progression, small business management, attempting to be a good friend and family member, attempting to lose my baby weight (my ‘baby’ is 5-years old), supporting my spouse, running a household, and clearly - because I felt I needed something else – developing an urban farm? (don’t ask).

Imagine the surprise (and the frustrations of said Editor), 18-months, one resignation, a Kindy change, a Prep graduation, a small business launch, five million extracurricular runs, a stint of home schooling, endless dress-ups, birthday parties hosted, cake maker extraordinaire attempts, generally keeping everyone alive, and a first wave and a second wave pandemic, isolating, not isolating, supporting retired neighbours, teaching my kids (#neveragain) and a garden – I’m struggling to write an article on the mental load of mothers!!! (**Read in a pitch so high that only your neglected dog can hear).

Mic-drop equivalent: Pens down. If that doesn’t write the article by itself, I don’t know what can?

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I don’t even need the consensus validation to know that all I’ve done so far is describe your life. Maybe the demands are different, but right now, the one thing I’m confident of is: the mental loads of mothers have never been greater.

RECIPE FOR AN INCREASING MENTAL LOAD We don’t need proof, but for funsake’ let’s look at some of the data: • Over the past 4-years the percentage of mothers entering the workforce has increased from 46.1% to 53.4% • The number of mothers that are employers or self-employed during that time has also doubled • More families now include two parents working full time • Despite this … (any surprises?), full-time employed mums appear to continue to manage most of the household and child raising

I could go on, but we all get the point.

HOW HAS COVID-19 IMPACTED MOTHERS’ MENTAL LOAD? IN SUM: OVERWHELMINGLY. Whether you isolated, self-isolated, essential worked, home schooled, focussed on survival – the impact of a pandemic escalated mothers’ toppling mental load to a critical allostatic load. Allostatic load refers to the physiological burnout when the demands on our internal resources (such as decision making, responsibility, caregiving, energy, sleep, etc.,) exceed our physical capacity, with obvious increasing stressors and impacts on mental health needs of all mums (trying to achieve pregnancy, pregnant mums, birthing mums, new mums, single mums, FIFO mums, mums of one, mums of many, all of the mums!).

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Family Health WHAT CAN BE DONE TO EASE MENTAL LOAD

3. PRACTICE SAYING ‘NO’

So it is important to real talk about how we can manage this.

1. REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS Importantly, it is just not possible to do everything, to perfectionist levels, all of the time. This unrealistic self-expectation often forms the background of others’ expectations on us and is a recipe for burnout.

Instead: Try this at home: Draw up two columns that look like the example below:

My Priorities GREAT

My Values {FILL IN THE BLANK}

GOOD GOOD ENOUGH NEED HELP

No surprises, easier said than said! At some point during childbirth, I apparently gave birth to a ‘yes’ machine that would work to exhaustion to please everyone including my kids, forever more.

We can lose perspective in the constant ‘yes’ and become really stressed trying to achieve this. For example, honestly, schools – do we need this many dress-up days? No, we don’t. In the big scheme, will my kid’s academic picture change if he doesn’t dress up for ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day” – no, it won’t.

But also, true friends understand the ‘no’ – While it’s really hard to say: “I know I said we’d be there, but we really can’t make it”, your friends will understand.

Establish a family ‘No Quota’, which relates to the amount of “no’s” that you give yourself permission to make every week.

4. OUTSOURCE AND DELEGATE Is there anything in your current mental load that someone - anyone - else could do for you?

Here’s something interesting; during my role as a guidance counsellor I became aware of two competing statistics – more mums are becoming primary earners, more mums are become single mums, yet approximately 98% of all mums listed themselves as ‘Primary Contacts’ on the enrolment forms. Essentially, all these working mothers had ticked a box to say (to the effect of) “on top of everything else I have to do today, please make sure you increase my mental load by calling me first at work if I happen to have forgotten Emily’s lunch, or if Jack shoves Levi in the playground, because I will really appreciate that enhanced feeling of parental failure.”

Research also shows that mums (yep, mums) by far, make all the decisions about their kid’s schooling (Janine – can you grab this reference from a past article?). We likely also make all the medical decision related to our kids.

FORGET ABOUT IT! For example, at the moment my priorities, based on my personal values, are to be a ‘great’ mum, cook, and gardener (don’t ask!), a ‘good’ partner, a ‘good enough’ employee, I clearly ‘need help’ with my editorials! (Thank you, patient Editor) and at the moment I’m a below average exerciser, and I’m not doing any major house cleaning – so forget about that.

However, that is just an example.

For this activity, your values are not the values of others and I refuse to let others’ value shame you! Your values are also likely to change across time and circumstance, so it is important that you complete this based on your unique self and circumstance. At times, our jobs demand more, or our partners need us, or our babies are young and require more. And remember; every Attachment Therapist will remind you that you only need to be a ‘good enough’ parent 50% of the time to raise great, secure, happy kids – something I’ve quoted a thousand times in therapy. Lastly, if you have a supportive other (partner, spouse, friend, parents, sibling, etc.), doing this together can help to bring balance to expectations and roles within families.

2. THE MYTH OF MOTHERHOOD Instead of pretending we can do everything all of the time, let’s help to bust the Motherhood Myths (there are hundreds). This might include talking openly about the parts we are struggling with, or acknowledging our children in the workplace, or knowing and accessing our rights and entitlements – like Feeding Leave (I’m never calling ‘Paid Lactation Leave’ by the way; all mum’s have the right to feed their child if they want to), or making space for ourselves. This might also include a change in narrative to our daughter away from “you can be anything you want to be” to “you can be anything you want to be, but not all at the once.”

I know myself that by Friday night, I suffer what I refer to as: ‘Decision fatigue’ - if I have to make one more decision this week, I start screaming. So I’ve learnt to switch out “what would you like for dinner” to a stern “you organise dinner, I don’t care what it is.”

For some of us (i.e., based on the 2% divorce rate in Australia; Hi! I’m in this statistic too, or those who choose to parent solo), we have limited choice but to be the Everything Mum, but hopefully some within this statistic have supportive family or friends.

But for many mums, we continue to position ourselves as primary decision maker within our families. Can we hand the reins over for some things? Presumably, for those who remain in relationship – we married our spouses because at a baseline, we considered them also competent?

In either case – is there anything that you can delegate out from your mental load? An hour of paid cleaning? A meal service? Meal exchange with friends? Car-pooling for drop offs? Shared soccer runs? Anything?

5. D ON’T FORGET HOW IMPORTANT YOU ARE The old metaphor ‘remember to fit your oxygen mask before helping others’ is more important now than ever. Mums, you can’t keep giving without replenishing yourself. Whatever that is (call me crazy, mine has become gardening – I needed to grow something positive this year), make it a priority: A walk, a coffee, a chat, a bath, a hot meal, a reprieve, a decision making vacation - I look forward to hearing your ideas on how to manage your mental load.

Read the full article online (including professional citations) at www.familiesmagazine.com.au/reduce-your-mental-load Supplied by Mind Wise Psychology; mindwisepsychologyservices.com.au

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Family Health

LEARN TO SWIM Swimming is an excellent activity for fun and fitness. It exercises the whole body and provides a gateway to a huge range of water-based activities.

Not only that, learning to swim can save lives!

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WHAT AGE SHOULD YOU START? There is no age limit to learning to swim, but starting young can lead to a lifetime of healthy habits.

Babies are surrounded by water in the womb, and warm gentle baths are an excellent way to maintain a baby’s affinity with water in the early months before swimming lessons can begin. Most babies find the buoyancy and movement of water soothing - and many parents agree that a calm bath before bedtime can help their baby sleep.

In Australia, babies can begin swimming lessons in some programs from around 4 months of age. Classes are small and a parent or guardian must be in the water in full supervision of their child throughout.

From around 3-4 years of age, children can begin formal swimming lessons without their parent/guardian in the water with them.

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Family Health WHAT WILL MY BABY/TODDLER LEARN? Babies and toddlers will begin by learning water confidence.

This includes: • controlling breathing

CHOOSING A SWIMMING SCHOOL Choose a swim school with a great reputation and friendly staff.

Reviews and word-of-mouth are a good place to start.

• floating without ingesting water • turning unaided

The pool should be well maintained with clean, safe facilities and a comfortable water and air temperature.

• independent propulsion Water confidence and the cross-lateral movements associated with swimming have the following added benefits too: • improved muscle tone

Don’t be shy to ask about qualifications. Are the staff well qualified and experienced? Do they hold Blue Cards? Do the instructors hold a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification?

Swimming lessons shouldn’t be stressful. A school with a childcentred philosophy recognises that every child is different, and that some may need more time and encouragement than others. Think about your own child’s needs, their social confidence, and ability to focus when deciding on the right swim school for your family.

• increased cognitive ability • improved coordination and balance • better sleep and appetite

FORMAL SWIMMING LESSONS Once your child has gained sufficient water confidence and mastered the above basic skills, formal lessons can begin.

Formal lessons will teach your child a variety of swimming strokes and different breathing techniques. Lessons are designed to be fun, and can lead to squad training if your child wants to focus on the advanced skills of competitive swimming.

WHEN SHOULD SWIMMING LESSONS STOP? Accidents around water can happen in any season and at any age, and taking a break from lessons over winter can lead to a loss in water confidence and skill. Maintaining lessons all year round ensures your child retains and reinforces their swimming ability, and with all the other social and fitness benefits of swimming lessons, why would you ever want to stop?

LEARNING TO SWIM AS AN ADULT If you are an adult lacking in water confidence, swimming lessons are available for you too. Swimming is ideal for building muscle tone and improving aerobic ability. As a non-weight-bearing exercise, it’s perfect for those recovering from injury or with bone and joint problems.

Getting into the pool with your child, or splashing at the beach, is great way to play and bond – and learning to swim means you can join in with confidence! www.familiesmagazine.com.au/learn-to-swim Compiled by Joanne Crane | Co-Editor, Families Magazine - Brisbane

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

15

Childcare

Little BIG steps Helping children navigate transitions At this time of the year many families are anticipating changes for their child’s learning and care with mixed feelings of excitement and uncertainty. Perhaps your child is starting school or kindergarten next year or attending childcare for the first time.

Here are some tips for guiding and preparing your child for new transitions.

HOME ROUTINES

MAKE CONNECTIONS

✱ Consider your child’s current schedules – bed times, waking times, meal times. If you need to make an earlier start to the day for getting to school, kindy or child care, help your child to make small and steady adjustments to their routines. For example, going to bed 10-15 minutes earlier, waking up 10-15 minutes earlier, and gradually extending the time to get into the early start routine.

✱ Connect with the school or service’s digital communication to keep informed about transition programs and the curriculum.

✱ At night, practice getting ready for the next day - packing bags, having clothes ready, finding your hat, etc.

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✱ Drive or walk past the school or service to help familiarise your child and chat positively about what you see. ✱ Check the parent handbook for processes to help with a smooth transition, including orientation procedures, dropping off children, lunches, etc.

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Childcare ✱ If possible, stay a little longer for the first few days for you and your child to connect with the teachers, other children and the play environment. ✱ Settle your child with a teacher or at an activity before saying goodbye.

BACK AT HOME ✱ Help your child to be SunSmart. Pack a wide-brimmed sun hat and sunscreen every day.

EMOTIONS AND ANXIETY ✱ Chat positively with your child about going to school, kindy or childcare.

Reassure them about familiar activities they will do and playing with their friends.

WHAT TO BRING? ✱ Does your child have a special item they are attached to that is practical to take with them? Comfort items help children feel connected to home and can help to reduce anxiety. Let your child’s teachers know about the item so they can support your child’s emotional wellbeing. ✱ For younger children pack some extra clothes for changing into after any messy play or toileting practice.

✱ Often children take what we say quite literally. They can become worried in the lead up to Christmas when we talk about school starting after Christmas. Actually term 1 starts 5-6 weeks after Christmas, so keep conversations relaxed, talk about holidays, family activities. Gradually build up to discussing school start days. ✱ Expect that your child might need extra time to settle into their new routine.

Drop-off time is also a separation time, so it is natural for some children to feel nervous or upset.

✱ After a big day of learning and playing your child will enjoy extra attention from you to feel a closer connection after being apart all day. Plan special moments together like reading a story, watching a favourite TV program or helping with dinner preparation. ✱ Gentle prompts will help your child talk about how they are feeling and tell you about their day. ✱ Developing evening rituals such as getting clothes and bags ready for the next day can support your child’s understanding of the daily schedule and assist in feeling organised.

Sharing transition strategies with your child’s school or service will support a consistent approach and contribute to a successful transition for your child.

Written by Sabina Klepp, Education Practice Partner.

Story House Early Learning. www.shel.edu.au

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Toddlers

FREE THINGS to do in BRISBANE with TODDLERS We are LUCKY in Brisbane to have many amazing FREE community-funded spaces that offer FUN and ACTIVITY for toddlers. Whatever the weather, there’s always SOMEWHERE to go and SOMETHING to do to keep active TODDLERS busy.

INDOOR FUN If it’s raining outside and you don’t fancy jumping in puddles, or if you need to escape the summer heat, find fun indoors for curious toddlers who love to be inspired.

QUEENSLAND MUSEUM It is hard to believe this fabulous venue is absolutely FREE to enter!

If your toddler loves dinosaurs they can meet some of Queensland’s long-lost inhabitants from millions of years ago in the static and interactive exhibits. Upstairs, there is heaps more to discover in the Discovery Centre, where your child will find insect and taxidermy displays, live snakes, stick insects and cockroaches, and lots of fossils and cultural items hidden in drawers and cases. Head to the Queensland Museum website for information: qm.qld.gov.au

OUTDOOR FUN If your toddler loves to run and explore in the great outdoors, try one of these great outdoor venues in the city.

ROMA STREET PARKLANDS For toddlers this is a great spot where they can run their little hearts out. There’s a huge flat lawn bordered by a path that’s great for riding bikes or scooters. They can also enjoy the two playgrounds located in the parklands or explore the gardens, which will blow their growing minds with the range of colours, textures, and smells.

Be aware that there are areas of the parklands where toddlers can easily gain access to waterfalls and other water features, but it’s more than manageable and mostly fenced. Read our review at www.familiesmagazine.com.au/roma-street-parkland-review

GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) The QAGOMA Children’s Art Centre works with artists to create interactive installations and exciting activities for kids and families.

We really love how hands-on GOMA is for toddlers - who doesn’t love not having to say ‘no, don’t touch that’ for the thousandth time in a day!

There is always something to make, touch or play with at GOMA, and the displays and activities change regularly so you can always find something new to do there. Read our full review at www.familiesmagazine.com.au/goma-for-kids

SOUTH BANK PARKLANDS When you’re looking for things to do with toddlers in Brisbane, South Bank has to be on your list! There are multiple playgrounds, water play at the Aquativity area, rolling green lawns for picnics, and a patrolled beach and lagoon.

Brisbane City Council hosts free activities just for toddlers and preschoolers – Kids Collective – on Thursday mornings.

See our full review for more details: www.familiesmagazine.com.au/southbank-playground

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Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Toddlers

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

WATER PLAY FUN

There really is nothing sweeter than watching your toddler’s face light up in awe when they spot an animal. The squeals of excitement and cries of “look, look” can make you feel like the best parent in the world. The good news is we know where you can take your child to get close to – or even cuddle – animals for free, which is without a doubt one of the best activities in Brisbane for toddlers.

IPSWICH NATURE CENTRE The Ipswich Nature Centre (otherwise known as Ipswich Zoo) is the perfect place to take animal-loving toddlers. Nestled in historic Queen’s Park in Ipswich, the Ipswich Nature Centre boasts free entry with a gold coin donation. Australian wildlife is housed inside exhibits that are exactly like their local habitats. There is full accessibility for both wheelchairs and prams as ramps and footpaths gently wind their way around the exhibits so everyone can have a close look at the animals, which include bilbies, various farm animals, and reptiles. When you ask families with toddlers where to go to see animals with little ones this is always top of the list! Find out more at www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ ipswich-nature-centre-ipswich-zoo

Queensland’s long hot summers offer the perfect temptation to play in water all day. The challenge is finding somewhere that has options where toddlers can explore water without being completely submerged - and if it has shade, then bonus! Here’s our pick of our favourite water play venues in Brisbane for toddlers.

ROCKS RIVERSIDE PARK, SEVENTEEN MILE ROCKS Rocks Riverside Park features water play that is perfect for younger kids. Water flows between shallow rock pools, and for those slightly more active kids, there is an area of pop up fountains where they can run around to their heart’s content. There is also a paddling pool (0.3m depth) so they can really get wet! It also has a fully fenced toddler park shaded under gorgeous old trees! Read our full review at www.familiesmagazine.com.au/rocks-riverside-parkseventeen-miles-rocks

DAISY HILL KOALA CENTRE Daisy Hill Koala Centre is a great choice for families looking for an inexpensive, fun, and easy day out. There is a long walkway (suitable for prams and wheelchairs) that meanders through the enclosure.

On our last visit, there were four koalas in residence, much to the delight of our toddlers. We also enjoyed exploring the large bushland area which surrounds the main building, enjoying a picnic before heading off for a short bushwalk ideal for little legs. Find out more at www.familiesmagazine.com.au/daisy-hill-koala-centre

WYNNUM WHALE PARK Built for water play with fountains and whales that spray water, Wynnum Whale Park is perfect fun for toddlers on a hot day. Canals and water blocks have been built into the ground to allow the water to flow and be blocked off by budding engineers. There is an epic park co-located, and plenty of picnic space nearby.

THE LIFESTYLE CENTRE, SAMFORD VALLEY Based in the tranquil Samford Valley, the Lifestyle Centre has a nursery, homewares, café, lakeside walk, and adorable farm animals! Ducks, chickens, goats, and even sheep can all be found at the Lifestyle Centre, and love interacting with guests. Your toddler can say hello to the latest additions to Lifestyle – two female Donkeys! Enjoy a peaceful stroll around the Lake located on the property and be on the lookout for ducks and geese. The Lakeside walk is approx. 15 minutes and includes resting areas along the way.

Find it at 225 Mt Glorious Road, Samford.

TRANSPORT FUN

DARLINGTON PARKLANDS, YARRABILBA

Head out for a FREE bus, train, or ferry ride with your toddler!

One of the things we love most about toddlers is their ability to remind us to find joy in the simplest of things. That’s why we highly recommend taking your little one for a spin on a free bus, train, or ferry ride around Brisbane. Travel on the TransLink network is free for children aged 4 years and under. You can find out more on the Translink website. We recommend taking a trip on the City Cat. There are lots of fun stops to explore along the way. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/brisbane-river-citycat-with-kids

The water is just over ankle-deep, making it perfect for toddlers to splash and play. The water play area and playground at the Parklands have lots of seating and grassed areas available for picnics with shade. Read our full review at www.familiesmagazine. com.au/darlington-park-yarrabilba There are lots more wonderful things to do in and around Brisbane with toddlers. Read the full article online at www.familiesmagazine.com.au/free-toddler-activities-brisbane for more inspiration

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Families Travel

Escape with the Kids to the

Noosa Biosphere Did you know, Noosa was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2007? Biosphere Reserves are internationally designated and protected areas that demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature. Anyone who has been to Noosa knows that it is something special in terms of its natural environment. It is green and lush, and its waterways are pristine. It is a perfect family friendly destination with sunny, warm year-round weather.

We visited again recently and reckon we know all the best places to take the kids to enjoy the best of Noosa.

Noosa National Park Noosa National Park offers families a great opportunity to get some bushwalking done in an easy-to-navigate setting on the coastline. You will be surrounded by wildlife and serenity (until the kids start squealing, obviously).

There is plenty of opportunity for bird watching and peaceful reflection while you get those kilometres in. And you might just spot a natural beauty, like the Noosa Fairy Ponds.

Little Cove Shhh. Little Cove is a secret.

This peaceful inlet is away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger beaches and the always-packed Hastings St. This beach suits all family types; little kids will love the sand play and waters edge, older kids will love the waves for bodyboarding.

WHY WE LOVE IT There are a range of bushwalking options at different grades of difficulty so make sure you check in and plan accordingly. Take your swimmers just in case you feel like a dip!

It’s a great spot for surfing, fishing and swimming and has that ‘old school charm.’ Please note, though, that Little Cove is unpatrolled.

GETTING THERE Follow the coastal boardwalk from Noosa Main Beach to the park entrance.

As the name suggests, it is a quiet little cove just away from the Noosa main beach. It is perfect for all family types.

Tewantin National Park and the Wooroi Trails

GETTING THERE

The Tewantin National Park encompasses Mt Tinbeerwah and the Wooroi Trails. The Park is home to protected areas of rainforest, open eucalypt forest and remnants of wallum heath that provide refuge for native wildlife including echidnas and koalas. The Park can be found west of the Noosa region and offers the opportunity to see the world from a different angle. Mount Tinbeerwah Lookout provides a spectacular view of the entire region and is well worth the trip.

WHY WE LOVE IT Birdwatchers will hear the calls of countless species including the characteristic eastern whip bird and vulnerable glossy black cockatoo. This is the perfect outdoor gym and so close to Noosa!

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GETTING THERE Follow Cooroy-Noosa Road to Tewantin to the base of the Tewantin National Park.

WHY WE LOVE IT

Little Cove is easy to access now that the boardwalk has been built. You need to walk away from the main beach towards the Noosa National Park. Walk along the boardwalk then head down the stairs.

Noosa North Shore A 5-minute journey across the Noosa River via the car ferry at Tewantin takes you to Noosa North Shore – more than 80km of unspoilt open beaches, golden sands and forest wilderness.

It’s popular for camping, fishing, beach horse-riding, surfing, 4 wheel driving and more (permits required for most camping and driving – read more at visitnoosa.com.au). It’s also the gateway to

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Families Travel the Cooloola Great Walk through the Great Sandy National Park, and to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island (K’Gari). If you are looking for luxury accommodation here, we recommend Beach Road Holiday Homes.

WHY WE LOVE IT The pristine landscape surrounded by beach, lakes and national parks is just beautiful.

GETTING THERE Take the car ferry to the North Shore but don’t forget to contact Queensland Government Parks & Wildlife Service for vehicle access and camping permits before you head over.

The ancient waterways of the Noosa Everglades Discover the upper reaches of the Noosa River as it extends into the Noosa Everglades. Known as the River of Mirrors because of the amazing reflections in the water, the Noosa Everglades is a 60km stretch of pristine waters, magnificent flora and fauna and narrow waterways. One of only two everglade systems in the world, the Everglades stretches across two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, the Noosa and Great Sandy, and is safe to swim in. If you are looking for a kayaking adventure here, we recommend Kanu Kapers who offer fully escorted or self-guided tours.

WHY WE LOVE IT This unique environment is relatively untouched and is one of Australia’s most diverse ecosystems. It’s a photographer’s dream, a bird watcher’s paradise and a nature lover’s perfect escape.

GETTING THERE Although it’s one of Noosa’s hidden spots, it’s easy to get to, can take as little as half a day to explore (or stay longer) and is only about 40 minutes from Noosa Heads.

Investigate the Noosa River The Noosa River, and its many and varied winding tributaries, offer a fabulous chance to try kayaking, paddle boarding and/or snorkelling. There are a number of places you can hire equipment along the river, so you don’t need to bring your own. If you really want to push the boat out… hire a boat from one of the many locations along the river!

Some Biosphere facts:

Noosa is home to

1365 711

44%

species of plants and

of all Australian bird species are found in Noosa

species of native fauna

35% of Noosa’s land is protected

60

distinct ecosystems can be found in Noosa

Bike riding Bike riding is a fabulous way to see any new place and we love Ecotekk Electric Bike Hire. They’re a Noosa business who will deliver your bike hire choice to you for use! There are lots of options for the whole family (mountain bikes, urban bikes, folding bikes) and as they are electric you’ll be able to go further faster and have way more fun! Woohoo!

WHY WE LOVE IT Noosa and surrounds are quite flat, so a ride is a great way to get the kids out and about and seeing more of the area than you could by walking. A cycle along the Noosa River is a must do family experience.

GETTING THERE You can have the bikes brought to you almost anywhere in Noosa.

Eumundi Markets The Eumundi Markets is our pick of Sunshine coast markets for families.

Eumundi Markets are an eclectic mix of art, jewellery, fashion, produce and coffee! Fabulous for an early morning sojourn, a family trip or some time by yourself. Saturday mornings are our favourite time.

WHY WE LOVE IT These markets are on twice a week – Wednesdays and Saturdays - and always lively and fun. Your leashed dog is welcome here too!

GETTING THERE Find the markets at 80 Memorial Dr, Eumundi. A mere 15 minutes from Noosa.

WHY WE LOVE IT

This is just the tip of the iceberg of things to do in Noosa with kids.

Find the rest of our hot tips and see more gorgeous photos here: www.familiesmagazine.com.au/things-to-do-in-noosa-with-kids

Taking children out on the water is a sure fire way to inspire their creativity, connect them with nature and absolutely exhaust them.

Written by Janine Mergler

GETTING THERE There are many places to access the Noosa River. Just drive along Gympie Terrace and park up when you find a place that looks right for your family.

Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code to watch our video of a walk through we took of some beautiful family friendly accommodation on the Noosa Northshore.

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Local Clubs & Classes Directory

Clubs, Classes & Activities around Greater Brisbane for adults and children aged 0 - 17.

If you would like a listing for your club, class or activity in our next issue’s inclusive directory, contact us now!

Email: Listings@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Compiled by Natalie Turner NS = Northside SS = Southside

CLASSES FOR ADULTS 2Ballerinas (NS) They welcome people of all ages, and all levels of experience to Queensland’s first ballet school for adults. They offer classes in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tango, Tap, Stretch and Fit Barre.

Combining their wealth of knowledge and experience in the art form of ballet and contemporary dance, they have designed the adult dance classes to give you strength, flexibility and fitness in a fun and supportive environment.

0428 672 920 www.2ballerinas.com Brisbane Painting Classes (NS) Housed in a large, light-filled warehouse in Albion, Brisbane Painting Classes offers a wide range of courses and workshops across a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolour, drawing, charcoal and pastel, at a range of levels from absolute beginners through to those seeking to refine and extend their practice.

3262 1808 www.brisbanepaintingclasses.com Code9 Parent (online) Code9 Parent is an online service for parents who want, or need, to have an active role in managing and supporting their children using social media and online gaming platforms. By becoming a Code9 Parent, you will learn what your kids already know, what kids don’t want you to know, and how to stay one step ahead, keeping your children safe. www.code9parent.com.au Groove Therapy (SS) So what exactly is Groove Therapy? They have three main divisions – a beginner dance class series, a talent/performance agency and a community programme series. Each class follows the same premise – non-dance studio vibes, with dim lights, no mirrors and a community feel. www.groovetherapy101.com Men’s Shed (NS & SS) An organisation that is

accessible to all men and whose primary activity is the provision of a safe and friendly environment where men are able to work on meaningful projects at their own pace in their own time in the company of other men. A major objective is to advance the well-being and health of their male members.

1300 550 009 www.mensshed.org

Orchard’s Dance Studio (NS) Ballroom dancing will

touch your mind, body and soul. Age is no barrier and there has never been a student that couldn’t be taught!

Their twenty years’ experience includes seven years of high-level international competition and education under the finest dance gurus in the world.

0422 967 267 www.orchardsdance.com

Paediatric First Aid Courses BLS First Aid Training (NS) BLS First Aid Courses may be one of the most important courses you will take in your life. You never know when someone who may be close to you will need First Aid. They will teach you how to administer confident first aid in the event of an emergency until experienced medical help arrives. Your help may save a life.

0433 604 041 www.blsfirstaid.com.au Brisbane First Aid Courses (NS & SS) Brisbane

First Aid offers nationally accredited first aid courses to provide, renew, refresh, or upgrade participants’ qualifications as providers of first aid. www.brisbanefirstaidcourses.com.au

CPR Kids (SS) So much more than first aid! Let their

expert critical care paediatric nurses and midwives, who are also mums and dads, empower you with the knowledge and skills of CPR, First Aid and recognition of the sick child, that could save the life of a child.

1300 543 727 www.cprkids.com.au

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Kids First Aid (NS & SS) Kids First Aid offers the only

first aid courses delivered exclusively by experienced paramedics, designed to teach parents and caregivers how to respond calmly and confidently to 10 of the most common first aid emergencies situations.

1300 138 133 www.kidsfirstaid.com.au/brisbane

Queensland First Aid (NS & SS) Since 1975,

Queensland First Aid has been serving individuals and corporations in a professional, efficient and friendly manner. Whether you or members of your organisation need to undertake a First Aid Course or you need to purchase a First Aid Kit for your home or office, they have you covered for all your First Aid requirements. www.qldfirstaid.com

St John Qld (NS & SS) Their mission is to enhance

the lives of Queenslanders and their families through community services & charitable programs, comprehensive education & training, and quality first aid supplies. While they offer a wide range of first aid training across Qld, their 1-day Caring for Kids course is highly suitable for parents, guardians & grandparents who want to better understand and manage emergencies or childhood illnesses, and want to learn safety awareness around the house. You can trust St John Qld – “we’re here for life.”

1300 785 646 www.stjohn.org.au

CLASSES FOR CHILDREN Arts & Craft Art Shed Brisbane (SS) They help students achieve their artistic goals by guidance in the acquisition of sound knowledge of the visual world and the practical skills to convey these phenomena.

3846 1330 www.artshedbrisbane.com.au/learn/art-class Raw Art (SS) Whether you are a teacher or a parent,

RAW Art has a fantastic range of workshops on offer for you and your kids! They have an extensive Primary school and kindy program, and their in-house studio program in West End runs awesome after-school and holiday programs.

3844 4296 www.rawart.com.au

STEM CLASSES Fox Blocks (NS) is a unique and innovative engineering and construction program for kids.

Developed by Flying Fox Studios educators, and run in Brisbane since 2009, Fox Blocks is one of Brisbane’s longest running STEM focused kids extracurricular activities. Fox Blocks classes combine STEM concepts in a fun and creative way, with weekly classes for children from 3.5 years of age to Grade 7. The Fox Blocks program is so much more than one single branch of the STEM tree. Whether it be learning about physics by building a theme park, discovering historical engineering with the wonders of the world, or coding an arduino powered traffic light, Fox Blocks is unique in 3855 1528 every way. www.flyingfoxstudios.com.au

LANGUAGE & BABY DEVELOPMENT Baby Massage By Design (NS & SS) Baby Massage

by Design offers a unique, tailored service to help parents learn and understand the scientific reasons behind their instincts, giving you the confidence to respond appropriately and positively to your baby’s

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needs while improving their overall health, wellbeing and happiness.

0405 463 899 www.babymassagebydesign.com.au

Baby Sensory (NS & SS) Specifically designed from

birth, to aid your child’s development, the classes are packed with an incredible variety of sounds, smells, sights, textures, music, dance, singing and more - plus you’ll never experience the same class twice. www.babysensory.com.au

Beer & Bubs (NS) Beer and Bubs is a one–night session at the pub where expectant dads learn how to support their partner through the birth of their baby.

Childbirth is daunting for men too and this session prepares fathers for an active, caring role. www.beerandbubs.com.au Hush Little Baby Music (SS) Hush Little Baby Early

Childhood Music Classes are based in Brisbane and provide music classes for children aged 0-5 and their caregivers, as well as childcare centre music programs, consultancy and professional development. www.hushlittlebabymusic.com

ACTIVITY CENTRES BOUNCE Inc (SS) BOUNCE Tingalpa is a massive

indoor adventure playground in Brisbane that provides an adrenaline rush for all ages. Imagine more than 50 interconnected trampolines with the Big Bag, Slam Dunk and Dodgeball courts rolled in. It’s also home to the famous BOUNCE X-Park obstacle course so you can get your ninja on! www.bounceinc.com.au/venue-tingalpa-qld

Chipmunks Playland & Café (NS & SS) Visit

Chipmunks for unlimited play for kids aged 0 – 11 years old and relax over a coffee or lunch with friends and family at their café in one of their 3 Brisbane locations.

They feature state of the art equipment and are fully air-conditioned, clean and comfortable. They also have party facilities. www.chipmunks.com.au

Crocs Playcentre (NS) Crocs Playcentre is one of a

chain of playcentres across Australia that is bringing airconditioned, indoor playcentre fun to a new generation of families with small children. www.crocsplaycentre.com.au

Flip Out Strathpine (NS) Get the kids away from

screens and using energy in a fun and healthy way! The air-conditioned arena is fully supervised and contains trampolines, foam pits, basketball slam-time, running walls, a separate area for under 10s, and a cafe area for refreshments. Jump sessions start every half hour, with 1 and 2 hour options available, which can be extended if more jump-time is needed! Grip-socks must be worn for fun and safety. Bring your own or grab a pair for $3.50. Keep an eye out for our great specials! Book online to avoid disappointment at www.flipout.net.au/locations/qld/strathpine

Inflatable World Oz (NS & SS) It’s all about

having fun, so takethe whole family and bounce on in to Inflatable World. It’s not just for the kids – they encourage the parents to have fun with their children.

Sessions are for two hours per single entry fee – you will be tired by then anyway! www.inflatableworldoz.com.au

Laserzone Lawnton (NS) BBrisbane’s No 1 multilevel laser tag arena, arcades, prize counter and rides will blow your mind! Laserzone offers the best value family entertainment on Brisbane’s north with a variety

Local Clubs & Classes Directory of packages to suit most ages and abilities. Laser tag is a camouflaged sport, perfect for getting kids away from their screen-based games and into an active game scenario with real people. Points are accumulated by tagging opponents, bases and targets throughout a tri-level futuristic maze. Arcades and rides are played between missions, adding even more excitement and variety to your visit. Laserzone is perfect for all 3205 4141 occasions especially birthday parties. www.brisbane.laserzone.com.au

Lollipops Playland & Cafés (NS & SS) are great

kids party venues or giving kids a treat while parents relax over a cup of coffee and a treat from their quality cafe. Their indoor play centres are safe and secure where kids can have hours of fun climbing, sliding, jumping and spinning. 3 Brisbane locations. www.lollipopsplayland.com.au

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park (SS) Sky Zone Macgregor isn’t just any indoor trampoline park. It’s hundreds of trampolines, connected to form a single massive trampoline that literally allows you to jump off the walls. If that’s not enough excitement for you, Sky Zone Macgregor now has Sky Climb! Over 20 different climbing obstacles for you to reach new heights on... but wait...there’s more...Skyland Laser is a 3-storey laser tag arena that holds up to 40 players battling it out in a cloud-filled wonderland. That’s right, you read correctly.

A Trampoline park with a climbing arena and laser tag!

13 75 99 So, what are you waiting for? www.skyzone.com.au Tiddlywinks Dance & Play Café (NS) Tiddlywinks Dance and Play Cafe is a family owned and operated entertainment venue, providing a unique dance and play experience for children up to 11 years old. They also have dance programmes and party facilities 3266 8484 www.tiddlywinks.com.au Urban Xtreme (NS) in Hendra is making active adventure sports accessible, achievable and affordable for all. Their unique mix of activities is suitable for all ages & abilities. Simulated skiing & snowboard, laser tag, jump, playland and fun climb is now open with more activities to come! They do birthday parties too!

1300 [URBANX] 872 269 www.urban-xtreme.com.au

MUSIC Brisbane Music Studio (SS) BMS are passionate

about teaching. They believe that everyone can learn music and that, with practice and great training, everyone can grow in skills and confidence, and they would love to be a part of that journey with you. Lastly, and importantly, they believe that your lessons should be fun!

0410 489 559 www.brisbanemusicstudio.com.au

Do-re-mi Music for Children (NS & SS) Do re mi classes are run by highly qualified, trained teachers who use their extensive knowledge of child development and music education to design programs specific to the needs of the children in each music class. www.do-re-mi.com.au Forte School of Music (NS & SS) Their multi-sensory

approach is one of a kind and you child will learn music as the language that it is. Forte kids develop an amazing range of musical skills from improvising to composing, music reading and playing, theory, memorising, playing by ear, concert performance skills and more! www.fortemusic.com.au

Kids Music Beat (NS & SS) is Brisbane’s original and

longest running Music Early Learning Program. Their program nurtures development, fosters a love of music and helps you to use music in the home. Having fun through musical play and taking joy in your child’s musical expression is central to their program. All music is played live and is voice led. This is because research supports the use of live voice-led music with children under 5 years of age. Term One 2020 starts from Tuesday 28 January. Come learn how making music supports your child’s social, cognitive, physical, emotional, and musical development. To book visit To book visit www.musicbeat.com.au

Young Musicians Academy (NS & SS) Your children will be in great hands, learning with one of their qualified music teachers. All their teachers hold a blue card and have had working with children checks.

They are all great with children and attend professional development training sessions every 3 months.

0437 170 260 www.ymacademy.com.au Queensland Show Choir (NS & SS) With programs

for babies up to adults, QSC provides quality music education and choral experiences for the whole family.

The benefits of early childhood music can be seen in many areas from language development to social skills, not to mention it’s great fun!

3257 4905 www.queenslandshowchoir.com.au

SPORTS & EXERCISE Ants in your Pants (NS) multisports program offers the opportunity for children to explore the wonderful world of sport in a fun and entertaining way. Offering 9 different sports on a 4 week rotation and presented in playful programs, the classes are designed specifically for 2 year old through to prep age children. Parents are always amazed at the amount of skills and life lessons their children are learning whilst laughing and playing in the great outdoors 0449 146 272 www.antsinyourpants.com.au Capoeira Beribazu Australia (SS) Their kids’

classes for 5-7 and 8-12 years old focus on age appropriate activities to develop kids in the martial arts, musicality, rhythm and acrobatics aspects of Capoeira.

Physical activities, playing music instruments, singing and interacting with one another are all part of the class.

0414 433 083 www.beribazuaustralia.com

Cheeky Monkeyz (NS & SS) The goal is to teach the kids all skills involve with the sport, classes provide a lot of fun and help kids socialise with other kids their own age and make friends. It’s designed to build the kids self-confidence and co-ordination and most of all its FUN! Learn a different sport every month, and only pay per sport so you’re not tied down for a whole term.

0421 251 002 www.cheekymonkeyz.com.au/sport-classes CrossFit Kids (NS) CrossFit Kids emphasises good

movement throughout childhood and adolescence.

Consistency and good mechanics translate to physical literacy, enhanced sports performance and fewer sports injuries for kids. www.crossfitmitchelton.com.au/crossfit-kids

Flipside Circus (NS) offers a wide range of classes from beginners to experienced from ages 18 months -100 years. There is something fun and suitable for every age and every ability. The classes are fast moving and full of action - never a moment to spare. Go and learn all the skills circus can offer including: tissu, trapeze, lyra, juggling, hoops, acro balance, tumbling and more. Join the circus, Flipside offers a free trial pass for your first class.

3352 7233 www.flipsidecircus.org.au Gecko Sports (NS & SS) Gecko Sports offer kids a fun

and interactive start to sport and fitness for life. They give children the inspiration and confidence to be more physically active and try their hand at playing different sports through their scientifically designed programs.

1300 432 565 www.geckosports.com.au

GOALS Soccer (NS & SS) Brisbane offers sought after

soccer coaching for Brisbane kids aged 4 – 12 years.

Whether your child is new to the world of soccer or an experienced player, the coaching offered at GOALS will take their performance to the next level. Our group soccer sessions put a strong focus on quality of coaching and learning over quantity of kids per class, this helps us get maximum benefit from our time coaching your kids and for those that require a more personalised approach. It’s important to us that parents and kids get the most out of the program so the first session is offered as a trial to let parents see how a session works and let the coach see how comfortable your child is with the practices involved class structure.

Get in touch now to reserve a trial spot, numbers are very limited! We seriously help kids play better!

0405 905 595 www.goalssoccer.com.au

Go Sports (NS & SS) Go Sports provides a range

of children’s sports activities and children’s sports coaching classes to primary school children in over 60 public and private schools throughout Brisbane and surrounds.

0417 614 509 www.gosports.com.au

Infinity Martial Arts (NS) Pine Rivers is the largest and first female owned and operated martial arts academy. This modern, family friendly facility is located in Petrie and teaches classes for kids (aged 2 and up) and adults. It offers classes suitable for people of all skills levels in: • Brazilian Jiujitsu • MMA • Kickboxing • Boxing • Women only BJJ classes • Yoga • Pilates FIRST CLASS FREE. Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount off each membership.

0431 081 072 infinitymartialarts.com.au Kelly Mini Sports (NS & SS) Their fun and energetic approach delivered by expert coaches in a safe and fun environment, allow children aged 1-5 years old to discover sport while developing their fundamental motor skills, confidence and social skills. www.kellyminisports.com.au Golf @ Victoria Park (NS) Learn to play golf for kids at Victoria Park with their junior programs during school term and school holidays. Their classes are fun and interactive for kids aged 4 – 14, no experience required.

The kids will take part in exciting games and challenges along with making new friends. Classes run daily from Monday – Thursday for 2hrs in the school holidays, and their school term classes are an 8 week program offered on weekdays and weekends. For more information and bookings contact Victoria Park.

3252 9891 victoriapark.com.au Gymnastics Queensland (NS & SS) Gymnastics is one of the most fundamental and exciting of all physical activities. Basic gymnastic skills develop attributes that are perfect stepping stones for other sports, activities and life in general.

3036 5600 www.gymqld.org.au Hockey Queensland (NS & SS) Hockey is a team sport, children learn the value of working with others. They figure out how to rely on teammates and understand that cooperation is key to success.

3399 6577 www.hockeyqld.com.au Iceworld (NS) There’s no better way to cool down this summer holidays than a visit to one of Brisbane’s IceWorld Olympic Ice Rinks, located in both Acacia Ridge and Boondall. Never experienced the thrill of ice skating? IceWorld is the place to be! Extensive public session times available during school holidays (refer to the website for times) and they offer fantastic value for hours of cool ‘sun safe’ fun and exercise! Pricing per person includes skate hire. Enquire about their fantastic birthday and function options. Fully stocked cafés for public use at both venues. www.iceworld.com.au Little Athletics Queensland (NS & SS) A uniquely Australian sport for children 5-16 years. Based upon the sport of athletics (track & field) the events are specially modified to suit the ages and abilities of children. A wide range of running, jumping, throwing and walking events is conducted.

3255 9436 www.laq.org.au

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Local Clubs & Classes Directory My First Gym (NS & SS) MyFirstGym is a destination for kids to fall in love with movement and fitness, a place that supports skill development and inspires kids to move their bodies through their most important developmental years. www.myfirstgym.com.au

Netball Queensland (NS & SS) For young

children interested in playing netball for the first time, there is NetSetGo! This program is for children (girls and boys) aged 5-10 and is designed for teaching the basics of netball while fostering fun and friendship in a team environment. 34269500 www.qld.netball.com.au

Park Run (SS) Stocklands Pallara invites locals

to participate in a weekly 5km parkrun, which will take place each Saturday morning at 7am as a social opportunity for community residents to run, jog or even walk the dog around the neighbourhood’s green spaces. Meet opposite the Pallara Sales and Information Centre. Register your interest online. www.parkrun.com.au/pallara

PCYC

As Queensland’s largest gymnastics provider PCYC Queensland’s fully accredited coaches provide fun and inclusive opportunities to experience gymnastics at any age and any level. Their programs encourage fundamental movement for life, build the foundations of a healthy and active lifestyle and improve fitness, strength, balance and flexibility. Experience gymnastics at PCYC Queensland through Trampolining, Tumbling, Junior Ninja, KinderGym, Recreational Gymnastics, Performance Gymnastics, Fitter for Life and more!

Caboolture 5495 7143; Deception Bay 3293 0166; Redcliffe 3385 1900; Sandgate 3269 5358 gymnastics.pcyc.org.au Pocket Rocket Sports (SS) Book your trial now!

Designed to improve the health and happiness of tomorrow’s little men and women with sports and fun!

See your child’s confidence, skills and knowledge grow, while they enjoy all the benefits that sport has to offer.

Understanding good sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play is what Pocket Rocket Sports is all about!

No Membership Fees! No Admin Fees! No Long Term Contracts! Owned and operated by experienced children’s sports coach Neil Fairley! Get a taste of a range of different sports every 4 weeks including AFL, Basketball, Cricket, Hockey, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Athletics and more! Classes are restricted in numbers to ensure your child gets the proper attention 0434 606 516 www.PocketRocketSports.com.au Tawa Yoga (SS) Bringing the joy of YOGA to Children and Teens! Yoga encourages healthy active habits whilst reminding them that it is just as important to relax and pause. Helping children recognise the balance of mind, body and spirit equips them with the tools to develop into kind, responsible and confident adults. Family friendly yoga studio on Metroplex Avenue, Murarrie that offers classes for EVERYBODY from Pre-natal, to Children, Teens, Seniors and everyone in-between!

0488 110 298 www.tawayoga.com.au QLD Cheer Elite (NS) Their classes are a mix of gymnastics, dancing and acrobatics - rolled into one.

Combine this with music, performing and costumes and it’s a mix that kids absolutely love. In cheerleading, every student in the team is important and everyone’s strengths are celebrated. Athletes of all shapes and

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sizes are embraced and everyone has a role to play.

Cheer is about teamwork, encouragement, trust and commitment and it allows everyone the chance to shine. To find out more about our free trial classes for ages 4+ www.queenslandcheerelite.com.au

Horseriding Riverside Equestrian Centre (SS) Riverside Equestrian Centre is located at Moggill in a park-like setting on the banks of the Brisbane River. It is a short drive from Brisbane City. They offer lessons for groups and single riders from junior to senior riders. Each lesson runs for 2 hours instead of the normal 45mins.

3202 6641 www.riversideequestriancentre.com.au Wattle Creek Riding School (NS) At Wattle Creek, they specialise in one on one lessons. This gives 100% of the Coach’s attention to the rider. This allows the experienced and inexperienced to work at their optimum pace. No riding experience is needed to start as they teach from the first riding lesson to the highly 3300 6422 experienced rider. www.wattlecreekridingschool.com.au

SWIMMING Aqualogan Laurie Laurence Swim School

offers world-leading teaching methods proven over 50 years. FREE swim assessments for all learn to swim levels; Kids Alive program with 5 FREE lessons; and Paddle Splash program offers 4 FREE introductory lessons for 3mths-3 yrs last 4 weeks of term. School holiday swim clinics and intensives. Squad training from junior to professional athlete level. Centres at Beenleigh and Logan North with indoor heated pools for year-round swimming. Each is equipped with access for people with disability and offer Adaptive Aquatics programs. Private lessons also available.

Beenleigh 3412 4910, Logan North 3412 5645 www.loganleisurecentres.com.au/swim

Kingswim (NS & SS) Kingswim offers programs for babies from 12 weeks, right through to graduate level swimmers. Children are progressed as they’re ready, not as terms change to ensure children develop at their own pace. Plus, there’s no lock in contract for mum and dad! Contact Kingswim Carindale, Robina or Lutwyche today for a free introductory lesson. www.kingswim.com.au Nudgee College Swimming (NS) welcomes both

girls and boys, and is based at St Joseph’s Nudgee College, Boondall. With both their 25m and 50m pools being heated, it allows them to operate all year round.

They have an extensive Learn to Swim Program from 10 months old. This program then filters through to their high-level squads ranging from Junior Development to Age Nationals. They also run an Aqua Fitness program, which includes deep water running, aqua aerobics and adult swimfit. The talent of swimmers is maximised by their quality environment where all swimmers can achieve the many benefits of this sport such as health, self-discipline, fitness and fun.

3865 0516 www.ncswimmingclub.com

Shapland Swim Schools (NS & SS) Learn-to-swim with only 3 per class. Shaplands have been teaching swimming for 3 generations and through that time have trialled many class sizes and found a class of 3 is the most successful for a child to learn their aquatic skills. A class size of 3 allows each child to receive more individual attention and accelerates their learning through less time wasted waiting for their turn to perform a skill and more time spent with the teacher.

Shaplands offers a semi-private class where students can progress quickly through the Shapland unique Swim-in-Five program. www.shapland.com.au Superfish (SS) Free swimming assessment & Free

trial lesson - No obligation! All levels & ages. Under 3’s also includes - free 45Min orientation lesson. Under 6-month bubs also includes – free water familiarisation lessons. 25m heated, indoor pools. Specialist Drowning Prevention Program - babies, toddlers & under 5’s. School age stroke correction program - small, structured classes. Children’s squads. Free pool entry

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

for Superfish families, 6 days/week, once booked in lessons! Sunnybank 3323 3188 www.superfish.com.au

FILM & TV, THEATRE & PERFORMING ARTS Brisbane Arts Theatre (NS) Every Saturday

morning, children aged 8 to 16 from all over Brisbane attend Brisbane Arts Theatre’s Performing Arts’ Workshop from 9am – 11am at the Lavalla Centre in Paddington. At each class, there are three specialist instructors teaching singing, acting and dancing in rotation. The children are taught introductory stagecraft, acting techniques, improvisation, singing (solo and chorus) and movement (mime and dancing).

Saturday mornings during school term time. Cost $600 per year or $350 for two school terms. Intakes at the beginning of Terms One and Three.

3369 2344 www.artstheatre.com.au/childrensworkshops

Brisbane Junior Theatre (NS) Brisbane Junior

Theatre is a youth based not-for-profit theatre company producing Broadway Musicals acted by young performers. Supported by a great team of people who understand performance and production, everything we do aims at producing significant quality productions at an affordable price with the best motives, skills and processes possible. www.brisbanejuniortheatre.com.au

Brisbane Youth Theatre (NS) Brisbane Youth

Theatre classes, for ages 7 - 17 are adventurous and playful and provides an exciting and supportive environment for creating theatre and enhancing learning for your children.

0447 467 724 www.brisbaneyouththeatre.com.au

Genesis Drama Academy (NS) TThe objective of their Drama Classes is to develop confidence and skills in Speech and Drama through positive and stimulating classes, within a Christian environment. Regardless of the individual student’s experience or goals, they aim to provide a fun atmosphere that creatively engages their young students’ imaginations.

0418 443 220 www.genesisdramaacademy.com.au

Perform Australia (NS & SS) Acting and drama classes right around Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Learn acting technique for stage and screen and participate in performances and film shoots throughout the year. Their mission is to launch passion-driven actors, and to help each student find their story within.

Build self-confidence, creativity and social skills in their fun and friendly classes. Different classes are available for each age group. Just enrol online, no audition needed. Perform Australia was formerly known as Australian School for Performing Arts, Film and Television (ASPAFTV).

1300 908 905 www.perform.edu.au The Theatre Factory (SS) The Theatre Factory

offers a variety of Dance, Drama and Singing classes to students of all ages including: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Speech, Drama, Acting, Musical Theatre Performance, Group Singing, Part Singing, Solo Singing, 0416 247 220 Voice Production, Staging etc. www.thetheatrefactory.com.au

DANCE Balance Dance School (NS) Balance is a family

orientated dance school run by industry professionals.

They are committed to empowering children by

Local Clubs & Classes Directory nurturing creativity and inspiring a love of dance. They specialise in early childhood dance and classical ballet.

Offering quality, affordable and expert tuition.

0415 729 030 www.balancedanceschool.com.au

Brisbane Dance Centre (NS) Brisbane Dance Centre is the place to be if you wish to learn how to participate in the art of “Classical Ballet”. Brisbane Dance Centre also offers many other genres in order to give our dancers an overall dance and performance education.

They cater for those who are just starting off their dancing journey to those who are on the doorstep of a professional career. From tiny tots to adults.

3262 2277 www.brisbanedancecentre.com.au Bubs n Beats offers a unique experience and caters

to families with children from 10months to 5yrs. Our ‘Dance Adventures’ combine elements of dance, drama and singing to an eclectic mix of songs from throwback hits to the popular music of today. Join Sammie & Frankie as they take you on an exciting adventure that captivates the imagination of the young and young at heart bubsnbeats@gmail.com www.bubsnbeats.com

Kick Dance (SS) in Bulimba provides classes in Ballet,

Hip Hop, Jazz, Acrobatics, Contemporary, Tap and Irish and caters for all ages and abilities from toddler to adult. Kick Arts provides classes in Singing and Acting as well as producing biannual musicals. Kick provides a fun and enjoyable class environment that also caters for students wishing to excel in exams, eisteddfods, musicals and concert performances. They are very proud of their students’ national successes and they are recipients of many Eisteddfod titles including Classical Ballet, Jazz and Tap Championships and aggregates.

Whether you are keen to have fun or ‘Kick’ start your dance career, Kick Dance and Arts have classes to suit.

0414 308 248 www.kickdance.com.au

KJ Dance & Cheer (NS) Their teaching philosophy is

for students to have fun while gaining self-esteem and learning valuable life skills. They provide exciting multiskilled classes at affordable rates. Your child could be learning ballet, jazz, tap, drama, singing, acrobatics and 1300 522 624 hip hop, all in the one class. www.karenjacobidance.com.au

Mega Jam (NS) The concept of Mega Jam is to learn Hip Hop dance styles and other styles of commercial street dancing, in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. www.megajam.com.au Perry’s Dance Academy (NS) Perry’s Dance Academy has something for everyone offering the best in dancing lessons in Brisbane. They offer ballroom & latin group classes for both adults and children, medal classes, private lessons, wedding dance preparation at their air-conditioned dance school in Stafford. www.perrysdance.com Promenade Dance Studio (NS) Promenade Dance

Studio was established in 1989 and has since grown to become a well-respected and renowned provider of quality dance education on the northside of Brisbane.

They offer a diverse and well-rounded dance curriculum for students from 2 ½ years to young professional, including ballet (RAD Graded and Vocational), tap, jazz, contemporary, singing, musical theatre, acrobatics and 3733 0900 hip hop. www.promenadedance.com.au

QLD Performers Academy (SS) Why Choose QPA?

Their students enjoy a fun learning environment that encourages team work, collaboration and achievement.

Every child from 2 years onwards is invited to be part of a supportive and caring community that encourages and fosters individuality and sets students on the journey to personal success. QPA Director Miss Grace Willett believes dance plays an important part in the education and development of children and as such pursues furthering her own knowledge in fields of dance, education, psychology and sports science. Her team of dedicated and qualified teachers share this passion and together strive to make dance a positive and important part of their students’ lives.

0435 355 781 www.qpacademy.com.au

S.H.A.K.E Dance Studio (NS) S.H.A.K.E. has been

established for nineteen years and specialises in fun classes for the individual. They have classes available in Jazz, Tap, Classical Ballet, Musical Theatre, Acrobatics and Contemporary for all ages.

0417 193 379 www.shakedance.com.au

Superstars (SS) Your child will experience learning the joy of dance and, alongside the health benefits, will thrive with improved self-confidence, co-ordination, skills in teamwork and ability to focus. That is the SUPERSTARS difference. This is where everyone gets to shine. www.superstars.net.au

HEALTH, WELLBEING AND SCHOOL SUPPORT 10/10 Educational Services (NS & SS) 10/10

Tutoring implement a variety of effective, explicit teaching practices and strategies in order to match the individual student’s unique profile and needs.

Considerations such as the individual’s preferred multiple intelligence, dominant learning style and their current interests and motivations make up the underlying approach to their programs.

0421 114 342 www.1010tutoring.com

AEIOU Foundation Supporting families in the

early years of an autism journey. Has your child recently received an autism diagnosis? Perhaps you suspect they may be on the spectrum and are seeking advice. The early years of an autism journey can be challenging, but you’re not alone. AEIOU Foundation can help. Evidence-based early intervention can make an enormous difference to a child’s development, encouraging independence, communication and confidence. AEIOU provides individualised therapy and care to children aged 2-6 years, within a long daycare group setting. Across nine Queensland centres, speech pathologists, educators, occupational and behaviour therapists work collaboratively to help children thrive.

The team also work with you one-on-one to navigate the NDIS funding process. AEIOU provides the most affordable and effective autism early intervention program in Australia. If you’d like to learn more about their service, and how they can help, get in touch.

1300 273 435 www.aeiou.org.au

Get Grit (NS) Get GRIT empowers kids with the knowledge and skills to maintain a healthy mind and a positive well-being. The program teaches children how to manage their emotions, how to enjoy healthy and positive relationships, how to develop a growth mindset, how to be resilient and persistent, how to tackle life’s challenges with grit and how to reach their 0413 245 531 true potential. www.getgritprogram.com Hope Tutoring (NS) Hope Tutoring is for children and adults with learning difficulties or disabilities and/ or those seeking help with home-schooling. Justin is a qualified teacher experienced in tutoring adults and 0407 407 223 children at all levels and abilities. www.hopetutoring.com.au Kip McGrath Education Centres (NS) provides

professional tuition in English and maths to primary and secondary school children in Albany Creek and surrounding areas. They cater for students of all abilities in a relaxed, friendly and motivating learning environment. At Kip McGrath, students follow their own individual learning program designed specifically for their needs. This targeted help allows them to learn at their own pace, make real progress and gain the confidence they need to move forwards with their education. All Kip McGrath tutors are fully qualified and experienced teachers. Call or visit the website for a free 3325 0025 assessment for your child. www.kipmcgrath.com/albany-creek

Northside Tuition is a personalised tutoring and education advisory service, supporting children and families on Brisbane’s northside. It is run by Kylie Fedrick, an experienced special education teacher with

expertise in teaching primary and lower high-school students with disabilities, learning difficulties and/or giftedness. The motto of Northside Tuition is ‘it takes a village to educate a child’ so let Kylie work with you to support your child’s learning needs through offering advice, advocacy and support in areas such as navigating the school system, motivation and help with homework, social skills and managing complex 3269 5859 behaviours. www.northsidetuition.com.au

Pathways to Resilience (NS) Their programs have been developed by their highly skilled team of educators and other professionals based on their work over several years in schools and community settings.

The programs are well researched with themes of resilience and wellbeing that are both grounding and empowering. www.pathwaystoresilience.org Saver Plus (NS & SS) Saver Plus is a free program delivered by The Smith Family that assists people with a Health Care Card or Pension Card develop a savings habit. Participants receive up to $500 to assist with school, educational or extracurricular expenses.

1300 610 355 www.bsl.org.au/services/ money-matters/saver-plus

Scribble Ink Writing Classes Brisbane’s Most Dynamic Holiday Writing Course for Students @ Griffith University EVERY SCHOOL HOLIDAY! “My daughter’s writing improved tenfold. She came home beaming!

Thankyou!” P. O’Callaghan. “OMG! Went from a B+ to an A+ and TOPPED MY GRADE. Used all your techniques!” Yr 12 student Lourdes Hill College. “I got the best mark in school for the ICAS writing test!” Year 7 Scribbler MSHS. “Best student short story I have ever read.”

English HOD BGS. Our Scribblers course and Saturday and Monday Masterclasses will take your child’s writing to the next level.... guaranteed! Online courses available. Using advanced techniques mastered over 30 years of teaching experience, allow the passionate Mister C and his experienced team to take your child on a journey of writing enrichment.

It’s fantastic! Find them on Facebook or go to www.scribbleink.com.au Social Activities Group for Everyone – including children. (SS) Free activities – volunteer

leaders share their experience and support in different recreational activities, from arts and crafts to table games such as mah-jong and cards, and more active pursuits such as tennis and table tennis. Make friends while keeping mind and body active.

0468 930 050 www.stmarksuniting.org.au

Yoga & Self-Defence (SS) Stocklands Pallara is

running free yoga and self-defence lessons for children as part of its Link And Learn healthy lifestyle program.

The free classes, held Saturday mornings during term time, will provide an opportunity for Pallara residents to mingle with neighbouring families in Acacia Ridge, Algester, Sunnybank and Sunnybank Hills while staying active and learning new skills. Register your interest www.stockland.com.au/residential/qld/ online pallara/news-and-events If you would like a listing for your club, class or activity in our next issue’s inclusive directory, contact us now!

Email: Listings@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Compiled by Natalie Turner

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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FAMILIES FUN

Listings for everyone in every family!

To promote your local family friendly event including school fetes and fairs, community groups, get-togethers and local festivals in the next ‘Families Fun’ listings (Dec 20/Jan 21) send your entry by 5pm on Friday 30 October 2020.

Email Natalie – Listings@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check the details of the events listed before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

WHAT’S ON IN THE CITY?

- OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 BRISBANE Due to the ongoing challenges with managing COVID-19 and community events we strongly encourage you to check in with each venue for the most up to date information.

SOUTH BANK PARKLANDS Kids Collective Thursdays are once again taken care of, thanks to Kids Collective at South Bank Parklands. The program boasts a series of specially curated FREE activities for children up to five years of age from musical play, to interactive drama, engaging craft workshops and more! There are four 1-hour sessions every Thursday and bookings are required. Until 29 Oct 2020.

Mums & Bubs Classes From 9.15am every Wednesday morning this free class will bring bubs and mums together for some outdoor fitness. Bring bubs along for this specialised post-natal class to help rebuild strength, which is part of the Medibank Feel Good Program, a series of free fitness classes held at South Bank Parklands. We recommend bringing along a water bottle and towel, and a yoga mat if you have one. Until 25 Nov 2020.

Energy, Bollywood Dancing, Boot Camp, Zumba, Ballroom Dancing and Aqua classes without having to pay. There’s something for all fitness levels and tastes with most sessions held at the Rainforest Green and dancing classes at the South Bank Piazza. Until 28 Nov 2020. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ south-bank

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Discovery Centre Showcasing more than 1300 objects, discover, play and have fun in this exciting FREE space. Specialist staff are on hand to answer questions and identify objects – from archaeology to palaeontology, cultural history to earth sciences and of course, questions about insects, reptiles, arachnids and mammals. See live snakes, stick insects and giant cockroaches – along with the Meet the Curator sessions.

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ queensland-museum

QUEENSLAND MUSEUM

The Sound Society Tune into the smooth vocals and unique sounds of Brisbane’s most celebrated up and coming artists, surrounded by panoramic parkland views every Friday and Saturday at The Sound Society.

FREE Fitness Classes There’s no better way to get the heart pumping than with a Free fitness class outdoors! The Medibank Feel Good Program is a series of free fitness classes held at South Bank Parklands. From 28 Sept - 28 Nov, you can join a range of workouts including Yoga, Barre, Pilates, Latin Fitness, Tai Chi,

significant fossil finds, including the famous Muttaburrasaurus reconstruction and new 3D modelling of Queensland dinosaurs, this is a larger than life FREE exhibition you won’t want to miss!

Sea Monsters Be one of the first in Queensland to experience Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators at Queensland Museum. While dinosaurs may have ruled the land, giant marine reptiles hunted the depths of the sea. See some of the largest, fiercest and most successful predators ever that lived in Earth’s oceans. The Sea Monsters exhibition combines real fossils from millions of years ago, gigantic replicas including a 13m long Elasmosaurus and 9m Prognathdon, 180-degree immersive video that puts you right inside the action, hands-on interactives and much more. What can their fossilised bones tell us about how they lived? How do they compare to today’s top ocean predators?

Discover the secrets of these monsters of the deep in this new exhibition that will delight all ages! Bookings required.

20 Nov 2020 - 3 May 2021 Lost Creatures Get up close to some of Queensland’s long-lost inhabitants, including dinosaurs, giant marine reptiles and megafauna. Featuring some of the most

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

QPAC QPAC - Art Online Even though they can’t welcome you to QPAC at the moment, they can still bring together some of the most amazing art and artists from around the world. In almost every country artists and creatives are singing, reading, drawing and chatting with audiences direct from their homes. They have collated videos of extraordinary live and on-demand performances from around the world for you to enjoy from the comfort of your home. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/qpac

MUSEUM OF BRISBANE The Storytellers Ever wondered what it would be like to spend a night in Boggo Road Gaol, what Kangaroo Point has to do with kangaroos, or what went on at your Nan’s place during the Second World War? Step into an immersive story book landscape of Brisbane and relax around the kitchen table or take a seat at the tram stop to discover the personal, funny, inspiring and darker stories of Brisbane told by some of the city’s greatest

#FamiliesMagFun wordsmiths. Bookings are required for this FREE exhibition.

outer space to visit Mercury, Saturn and beyond.

City Hall Clock Tower Tours This is a ‘must-do’ for anyone and everyone in Brisbane! Step into the original 1930s hand-operated lift, travel past the Art Deco-styled clock face to arrive at the final, 64m-high platform for a bird’s-eye view of the city. There is a reason this has been a time-honoured tradition for Brisbane families for almost 90 years. This is a FREE experience. Bookings are required.

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/organiser/ sciencentre/

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/organiser/ museum-of-brisbane

QUEENSLAND GALLERY OF MODERN ART

BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

the gallery’s workshop restoring and carving frames found they were living there and decided to make them a special little front door. Take the family on an adventure to find Roy and Matilda’s carved door enlivening the imagination of little visitors, this is a perfect way for young children to be introduced to fine art. Permanent activity.

Pregnancy Babies & Children’s Expo Chat face-to-face with a wide range of Exhibitors to gain up-to-date, expert advice on the early years of parenting. See, touch, try and buy the products and services that best suit your needs. Discover all you need to know for you, your pregnancy or young child. With hundreds of brands, be assured you will experience the very best in market! Sat 28 Nov - Sun 29 Nov. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ brisbane-convention-exhibition-centre

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ queensland-gallery-of-modern-art/

SPARKLAB SCIENCENTRE

The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire This world-exclusive exhibition, only in Brisbane, will showcase the art, design and history of one of the most iconic objects of the last 150 years, the motorcycle. Featuring more than 100 innovative and influential motorcycles from the 1860s to present day, it will consider the iconic vehicle from the perspective of social history, popular culture, design and technology. Highlights of the exhibition include an 1871 Perreaux, the first steampowered velocipede and oldest known motorcycle in the world and the earliest Australian-designed and built machines, including a Spencer produced in Brisbane in 1906. Bookings are essential. From 28 Nov 2020 - 26 April 2021.

NOW IS THE TIME Raquel Ormella invites children to speak up about climate change and the environment in her exhibition at the Children’s Art Centre. In the exhibition space, children can design a protest t-shirt and watch their message come to life in an animated scene, while listening to a playlist of moving protest music. Raquel highlights Australia’s long history of environmental activism with a timeline featuring historical photos and posters. The exhibition also includes two videos made in collaboration with Junction Park State School students. In these videos, the students perform protest songs and share their views about climate action with the artist. Until 26 Jan 2021.

Kids Trail - Australian Art Collection From the earliest rock paintings to contemporary works, animals have featured in art for thousands of years. For many artists, animals are subjects that allow them to share ideas and experiences. In this trail activity, you can discover a wild and wonderful menagerie of animals hiding in the Australian Art Collection.

Permanent activity.

Roy and Matilda - Australian Art Collection Roy and Matilda are two mice who love art galleries. One day, a man who worked in

Science Bar What would a marshmallow look like in the vacuum of outer space?

Get up close with live science experiments and demonstrations where you get to ask questions, predict outcomes and direct part of the investigation. Science Bar is included as part of your SparkLab ticket. Daily session times are 10am, 1pm and 3pm.

QUT THE CUBE Robot Factory Calling all budding robot builders! QUT’s FREE Robot Factory is open for business and they need as many workers as possible. Build your own unique robot using spare parts from the factory: there are millions of combinations to explore! Then, launch your robot into space and watch as it floats into zero gravity – can you spot yours?

Bookings required.

Maker Space Imagine and design solutions to challenging questions posed at the Maker Space. Make your creation from a range of materials provided and test out your design.

Share your thinking with others and build on each other’s ideas.

Code-A-Bot Code-A-Bot is a FREE interactive digital game putting you in charge of programming robot workers to collect and sort rubbish, improving the overall efficiency of a waste recycling plant. Using The Cube’s digital touch screens, robots can be coded to move, sense, and collect or distribute rubbish around the facility and into the correct bins.

The Living Reef A digital marine ecosystem, The Living Reef is a FREE immersive underwater interactive experience of the Great Barrier Reef. The Living Reef features interactive on-screen activities. Turtle Tangle allows visitors to cut away ghost nets to help to free a turtle and Reef Ranger allows visitors to navigate RangerBot – an underwater vehicle developed by QUT’s Professor Matthew Dunbabin. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/qutthe-cube

Science on a Sphere Science on a Sphere is a huge 1.8m diameter sphere suspended in the centre of SparkLab. It uses the latest digital technology to project global, environmental and planetary data (known as datasets) onto its surface. Watch real-time clouds move across our planet and spot the moment when a cyclone begins to form. Then blast-off to

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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#FamiliesMagFun october 2020

exhibition will feature work from renowned local sculptors, reflecting the landmarks, flora and fauna, unique history and present uses of the Brisbane River through a spectacular display.

Plus don’t miss the family-friendly interactive sculpture hunt with the opportunity to create your own piece of art and contribute to the community sculpture on-site. Northshore, Hamilton. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/sculpture-by-the-riverhamilton Thurs 1 Oct - Fri Oct 2 Kids Dig It - Viking Family Fun | Caboolture Vikings are invading the Abbey Museum… but only to have fun! Your family can join in on the excitement and learn archery, dig for Viking artefacts, paint a Viking shield, learn the art of lucet weaving and much more. Each day will be comprised of a 2-hour workshop (four x 30-minute rotations at each activity) with three time slots per day.

Bookings are required. Abbey Museum of Art & Archaeology. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/viking-family-funcaboolture

Until 18 Oct Disney+ Drive-In | Hamilton Open-air cinemas are back in Brisbane with a magical new event, Disney+ Drive-In! Northshore Riverfront Event Space, next to the Brisbane Cruise Terminal, will be transformed into an exciting cinema under the stars, lighting up the big screen weekly with films from the vast Disney+ streaming collection on Marvel Monday, Star Wars Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, Disney Super Fan Friday, Sing-a-long Saturday, and Pixar Sunday. Northshore Riverfront Event Space. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/disney-drive-in-hamilton

Thurs 1 Oct - Sun 4 Oct The Inflatable Factory | Sandstone Point From 9 am – 4 pm daily, Australia’s biggest inflatable theme park will be on the shores of Sandstone Point Hotel. Take on the mechanical bull, wipe-out ride, bubble soccer and so much more! Buy your tickets on the day or pre-purchase online. Sandstone Point Hotel. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/the-inflatable-factorysandstone-point

Throughout Oct Sleeping Beauty - The Musical| Petrie Terrace A modern musical take on a classic tale, in a new Australian script.

When the Bad Fairy becomes aware that she wasn’t invited to Princess Crystal’s christening, she casts a nasty spell-in-waiting to greet the princess on her 16th birthday. A rest of one hundred years may soon be the fate of the entire kingdom. Meanwhile, Prince Goodheart of Fingleshire and his loyal servant Simon are on a quest for true love. Will the two families of neighbouring kingdoms cross paths? Brisbane Arts Theatre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/sleeping-beauty-petrieterrace Throughout Oct Perfect Little Planet | Mt Coot-tha Children will love this tour of the solar system through the eyes of a family of aliens on vacation from another star system, discovering rings, ice cliffs and moons. The show runs for approximately 40 minutes, inclusive of night sky tour presented in the Cosmic Skydome - a 12.5-metre-diameter projection dome. Recommended for children from 5 years. Bookings required. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/perfect-little-planet-mtcoot-tha Throughout Oct/Nov Minibeasts | Redcliffe Minibeasts at the Redcliffe Museum is a FREE interactive exhibit highlighting the spectacular realm of insects and celebrating all things that creep, crawl, wriggle, squirm, buzz and flutter! Enjoy a myriad of fun interactive activities including examining and classifying specimens using magnifying glasses, contributing to a collaborative beehive, and observing a live insect display. Redcliffe Museum. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/minibeasts-redcliffe Throughout Oct/Nov Wind Tubes | Ipswich Wind Tubes is a FREE hands-on exhibition that challenges you to make a flying creation out of everyday materials and launch it into large, clear vertical tubes of moving air. It’s a playful way to explore the effect that moving air has on objects. The challenge is to harness the power of the moving air and discover the design that will keep your creation air-born for the longest time. Can your design overcome turbulence, drag, air resistance, and gravity? Bookings required. Ipswich Art Gallery. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/wind-tubes-ipswich Sat 3 Oct - Sun 6 Dec Sculpture by the River 2020 | Hamilton Sculptors Queensland presents Sculpture by the River at Northshore – an indoor and outdoor sculptural exhibition celebrating 200 years of the Brisbane River’s rich and significant history. Running from Saturday 3 October to Sunday 6 December 2020, this year’s

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Fri Oct 2 - Sun 4 Oct Drive-thru Dessert Festival | Hamilton The creative team at Eat Street Northshore has announced they are launching the KombiAlley Drive-thru Dessert Festival. You can swing by their Northsore Hamilton location to pick up delicious cannoli, cronuts, doughnut fries, loaded shakes, and take-away tubs of icecream, and while you wait there will be DJ music and videos showing on the Sky Theatre. Eat Street Northshore. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/drive-thru-dessert-festival Fri 2 Oct Animal Encounter Tour | Ipswich Learn wonderful new facts about animals and meet new furry and feathered friends on this special VIP walking tour of the Ipswich Nature Centre and its cute residents. You’ll find out more about the important work the Centre continues to do to support Bilbies; discover what goes into caring for local wildlife; meet lovable barnyard animals; see the keepers doing their rounds, and get to know all the local residents. 9am and 11am sessions available. Ipswich Nature Centre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/animal-encounters-touripswich Fri 2 Oct - Mon 5 Oct Field Days | Southbank Roll up, Roll up! Field Days is transforming South Bank Parklands for a long weekend of family-friendly fun. Reconnect with family, friends and South Bank Parkland at this FREE community event, complete with colour, revelry and activities for the young and young at heart. Set up camp for the day in Rainforest Green, surrounded by towering trees, festive ambience and kid’s entertainment in abundance. Stretch out with morning yoga for kids at the resident children’s stage; stay and play all day with circus acts, hula hoop classes and garden games. South Bank Parklands. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/field-days-southbank

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

#FamiliesMagFun entertainment. Live stage shows, activities, workshops, roving performers, food trucks, market stalls and more! Whatever your child’s passion, the Moreton Kids Festival guarantees to have them bursting with excitement with five amazing worlds! Learn, discover, play and smile all day long at Moreton Kids Festival 2020. Children 2 and under are free. Pine Rivers Park. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/moreton-kids-festivalstrathpine

Sat 3 Oct Circa Tiny Tumblers | New Farm Do you have a little one jumping off the couch, balancing on top of things, or rolling around like a mini acrobat? Circa have the class for you! Each week they take a narrative adventure and explore it through circus in the air and on the ground. You can choose to sign up for a 4 or 6-week program or try your luck getting in on a casual basis. Brisbane Powerhouse.

(Photo credit - Darren White) www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/circa-tiny-tumblersclasses-brisbane

Fri 23 Oct The LUMINOUS Lantern Parade |South Brisbane The LUMINOUS Lantern Parade invites all of us to say a heartfelt Welcome to all people who are choosing to call Queensland home.

The spectacular parade historically celebrates Queensland’s birthday and features over 400 lanterns lighting up South Bank. The parade is followed by a World music concert in the South Bank Piazza. The event is likely to undergo some adjustments in response to COVID-19 so be sure to check for updates. South Brisbane. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/luminous-lantern-paradesouth-bank

Sat 3 & Sun 4 Oct Engines Alive | Caloundra The Queensland Air Museum has the largest, and most diverse heritage aviation display in Australia with 100 historically significant aircraft and aviation related displays. At Engines Alive experience vintage aviation engines in action from 11am & 1pm across the weekend. Kids will receive a free colouring-in book and get the chance to meet some of the legends who made aviation history! Queensland Air Museum. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/engines-alive-caloundra Fri 9 Oct & Sat 10 Oct MAYO Arts Festival | Ascot The MAYO Arts Festival is a vibrant and inspiring two-day arts spectacular. Officially launching on Friday, 9th October the festival opens with a ticketed cocktail party and art exhibition. On Saturday, a family friendly art-themed festival will be held with a range of free and ticketed activities, rides and workshops run by talented creatives as well as artisan market stalls, food trucks and entertainment. St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/mayo-arts-festival-ascot Sat 17 Oct The Oyster & Seafood Festival | Sandstone Point Enjoy an ocean of things to see and do from 11 am at The Oyster & Seafood Festival! Sandstone Point Hotel’s waterfront will come alive with fresh seafood stalls including mussels, calamari, prawns, freshly shucked oysters, hilarious oyster-eating competitions, oyster shucking demonstrations, seafood cooking demonstrations with celebrity chef Sally Jenyns, kids rides, entertainment, live music & MORE! Plus, a special visit from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Tickets on sale now. Sandstone Point Hotel www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/the-oyster-seafoodfestival-sandstone-point

Sat 24 Oct Gigs & Picnics | Brisbane. You’ll find food trucks and live music at this FREE event held on the last Saturday of the month.

If food trucks aren’t your thing, pre-order a picnic basket from The Gardens Club or choose from three delicious picnic hampers from The Westin. Think mellow jazz sounds, modern reggae & dub vibes, gypsy swing, and more, against a beautiful backdrop of the City Botanic Gardens! Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/gigs-picnics-brisbane Sun 25 Oct Revive Second-hand Fashion Festival | New Farm Feast on fashion … and food trucks! Don’t miss this fun and FREE, fashion-focused program of activities featuring markets, runway shows, workshops, live entertainment as well as delicious bites from some of Brisbane’s best food trucks. Textile waste is a growing problem, with 6000kgs of unwanted clothing being sent to landfill every 10 minutes in Australia. Learn how to upcycle a pair of leggings, scarf or fabric into cute hair accessories, use simple techniques to transform a tablecloth into a circle skirt, and make your old jeans “pop” with patches. These fun, hands on workshops will all be part of the fun at Revive Second-hand Fashion Festival.

Brisbane Powerhouse. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/revive-second-handfashion-festival-brisbane Sat 31 Oct 5th Annual Rodeo | Sandstone Point Yeehaww! Ya’ll don’t want to miss all the action with bull rides, saddle rides, kids rides, whip cracking, and live entertainment! Wet your whistle at the cattleman’s bar or enjoy some good eatin’ with plenty of food trucks to choose from & more! Whether you’re country folk or a city slicker, you’ll have a hoot at the 5th Annual Rodeo! www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/5th-annual-rodeosandstone-point-hotel

Sun 18 Oct Moreton Kids Festival |Strathpine The Moreton Kids Festival returns in 2020 to celebrate the wide-eyed wonderment and enthusiasm of youth with a program full of family-friendly

Due to the ongoing challenges with managing COVID-19 and community events we strongly encourage you to check in with each venue for the most up to date information.

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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#FamiliesMagFun November 2020 Sun 1 Nov Redlands Bonsai Society Annual Show | Cleveland Calling all Bonsai lovers! When it comes to local Bonsai experts you can’t go past the Redlands Bonsai Society. The club brings together enthusiasts and practitioners of bonsai to share, enjoy, learn and celebrate the ancient art of bonsai. Their Annual Show is considered to be one of the biggest one-day bonsai shows in South East Queensland. There will be a variety of mature bonsai trees on display as well as a vast sales area of trees, pots and tools to introduce you to this fascinating hobby. Kids enter for FREE. Donald Simpson Centre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/redlands-bonsai-societyannual-show-cleveland Sat 7 Nov - Tues 10 Nov The Gruffalo’s Child | Brisbane If you loved The Gruffalo, don’t miss the sequel, which returns following previous sell-out Australian tours – now in a new West End production! Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in this magical musical adaptation of the much-loved picture book.

The Gruffalo’s Child, brings together physical theatre, music and puppetry to deliver songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up, and their adults! QUT Gardens Theatre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/the-gruffalos-child-brisbane Sat 7 Nov & Sun 8 Nov Magic Beach | New Farm Every year, an everyday family go on a beach holiday. This isn’t just any beach, it’s Magic Beach, where everything you can imagine becomes real. But this year is different. As the eldest child begins to grow up, does she have to leave the magic behind? Alison Lester AM’s classic book comes to life on stage in this 55 -minute performance, a wonderful world of text, song, light, shadow and movement for children aged 3-8 and their adults. From the team behind The Gruffalo and The Treehouses series, this new Australian adaptation from multi-awardwinning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer is a celebration of the power of the imagination and the differences that make every child special. Brisbane Powerhouse. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/magic-beach-brisbanepowerhouse

Sun 8 Nov Steam Train Ride | Ipswich All Aboard! Grab the kids for a step back in time on a historical Ipswich steam train hosted by The Workshops Railway Museum. Enjoy the interactive exhibitions at the Museum before traveling by heritage bus to the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway at Swanbank for a short steam train ride. You will then return to the Museum to continue exploring for as long as you like. Make a day of it! Bring along a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, or grab a bite at the Trackside Cafe. Your ticket includes entry into The Workshops Railway Museum from 9:30am to 4pm with your choice of two departure times available. Booking required. The Workshops Railway Museum. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/steam-train-ride-ipswich Sun 8 Nov LEGO Pop-Up Sale | Carindale LEGO fanatics, rejoice!

There’s a BrickResales event on the way and you’re invited to come along and join in for a morning of brick-hunting fun! If you’ve got a LEGO nerd at your place they will love getting their hands into the dozens and dozens of huge tubs of preloved LEGO to find those much-needed bricks and parts. Bring your parts lists or simply head along and see what they have for sale. You simply pay for your LEGO by weight (just $5 per 100g). Give your kids a budget and let them go

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crazy, picking their own selection of parts. It’s a gold coin to enter per person. Belmont State School. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/lego-pop-up-sale-carindale Thurs 12 Nov - Sun 15 Nov The 91-Storey Treehouse | Brisbane The 91-Storey Treehouse, live on stage is back! Adapted from the book by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton, this 60-minute show brings the characters to life for a special theatre performance. The performance is recommended for children 6+. Bookings essential.

QUT Gardens Theatre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/the-91-storey-treehousebrisbane Until 22 November Become a Secret Soldier | Bribie Island Become a secret soldier is a great educational experience for children interested in history. It’s been 75 years since the end of World War II, when American and Australian troops were based on Bribie Island training and developing their skills. What was it like?

What did they eat? How did they communicate? Kids visiting the museum can become a secret soldier and take home a Top Secret Mission Kit to learn about the life of soldiers and medical personnel during WWII. Learn Morse code, whip up your own soldier rations from the ration recipes file, and become a master at recognising friendly planes from enemy ones. This is a FREE event and no bookings are required. Bribie Island Seaside Museum. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/become-a-secret-soldierbribie-island 27 Nov - 29 Nov Boho Luxe Market | Bowen Hills This event is guaranteed to bring the ‘Byron Bay’ vibe to Brisbane with amazing shopping, free creative workshops and boho inspired chill out zones.

Dabble in a FREE creative workshop, chill out to the sound of live music and feel the grass under your toes in the bohemian inspired outdoor dining area. Allow plenty of time to indulge in a FREE massage or wellbeing therapy. Then grab a drink, some gelato from the Gelatoagogovan and enjoy the local creative talents. Kids 12 and under are FREE. The Old Museum. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/boho-luxe-market-bowenhills Sat 28 Nov Gigs & Picnics | Brisbane Gigs & Picnics is back! Grab a blanket, picnic basket, and your family to enjoy an afternoon of Gigs & Picnics at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. You’ll find food trucks and live music at this FREE event held on the last Saturday of the month. If food trucks aren’t your thing, pre-order a picnic basket from The Gardens Club or choose from three delicious picnic hampers from The Westin. Think mellow jazz sounds, modern reggae & dub vibes, gypsy swing, and more, against a beautiful backdrop.

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/gigs-picnics-brisbane Sat 28 Nov BrisStyle Twilight Christmas Market | Brisbane Head to King George Square from 4pm - 9pm to experience the one and only Brisbane-based marketplace selling 100% handmade goods, featuring over 80 local designers! Admire artisanal hand-crafted goods underneath the gorgeous glow of City Hall and the twinkling lights of the Brisbane Solar Christmas Tree. Expect unique ranges of summer clothing, inspiring artworks to adorn your walls, cleverly crafted ceramics and so much more! It’s the perfect place to get your Christmas shopping done in one swoop! There will be food trucks with yummy treats alongside live musical entertainment. There’s even a craft workshop where kids can make their very own creation.

King George Square. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/brisstyle-twilightchristmas-market

Your Local Families Magazine August / September 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Families Online

Have You Seen…?

Families Magazine has literally thousands of informative and entertaining articles on our website, and we bet you’ve only just scratched the surface of them! Go on a journey of discovery today and find out what’s under the tab!

The stunning jacaranda trees are out in bloom. Find out where you can picnic under the purple flowering trees under the Things To Do – FREE Things To Do tab. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/purpleflowering-trees

What is the best way to treat bites and stings?

Find preventions and first aid advice under the Activities, Clubs & Classes – First Aid tab. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/midge-bites

There doesn’t need to be a birthday for toddlers to have fun with these best toddler party games. Find them under the Parties – DIY Party Planning Ideas tab.

Grab the pipe cleaners and wool and get ready to create your own Halloween pompom spiders! Find out how under the Holidays – Halloween tab.

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/partygames-for-toddlers

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/halloweencraft-pom-pom-tarantula

How do you go from habitually stockpiling the playroom to reducing and rotating toys? Find out under the Health & Parenting – Toys & Learning Aids tab.

Navigate your way to fun when you follow our map of family attractions around Brisbane.

Find it under the Things To Do – Days Out tab.

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ rotating-toys

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/brisbanemaps-of-family-attractions

Are you newly accepting a child’s special needs diagnosis? Maybe this parent’s perspective will help. Find it under the Schools & Education – Special Needs Support tab.

Grandparents Day is the last Sunday in October. What makes grandparents so special?

Find out under the Health & Parenting – Family Health & Development tab.

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ accepting-special-needs-diagnosis

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ grandparents-day

UPCOMING ISSUES

Families Magazine is made with love by...

Janine Mergler – Editor Joanne Crane – Co-Editor Natalie Turner – Listings Editor, Online Content Manager

December 2020 / January 2021

SUMMER DAYS OUT & CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES Advertising deadline: Friday 30 October 2020

Suzie Porter – Designer

February / March 2021

Stephen Monteith – IT Systems and Support

Advertising deadline: Friday 8 January 2021

The information contained in this publication and on our website and social media forums is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Families Magazine and its contributors as detailed on individual articles. While we endeavour to publish information that is up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related images contained in print, on our website or in our social media forums for any purpose. Information received via our publication or online should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal or financial decisions. You should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice tailored to your need and situation.

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Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2020 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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