Families Magazine - Brisbane Issue 48 Oct/Nov 2021

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Brisbane

Issue 48: October / November 2021 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

TODDLERS & PREP READINESS

TRANSITION FROM KINDY TO PREP START THEM SWIMMING YOUNG HALLOWEEN IN BRISBANE WHAT’S ON - FAMILY FUN!

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The Clever Resource for Thinking Parents

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021

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Welcome to our toddlers & prep readiness issue!

I have just completed a Master of Education and I can confidently advise you on the most essential things to know when transitioning a child from Kindy to Prep.

Firstly: can your child locate and place a hat on their head? No? That’s ok, not many can.

Secondly, can they get through an entire day with both shoes remaining on their feet? Also no? It’s ok, that’s a big ask and there is a sandpit to play in so that’s on us.

Thirdly, can they open and close their own lunchbox and containers? With some assistance? Oh dear, that poor little cherub will likely starve as there is a maximum of two adult hands and upwards of 60 yoghurt pouches and snack pots at first and second break. Teach them how to forage! Once they can wrestle a pack of tiny teddies from an ibis there is nothing they can’t do!

If this is your first child and you are sending them to Big School I am so happy for you! Remember, the name you choose for your first child is the name on all the uniforms for the rest of them. We’ve solved this problem with a handy name stamp that says “This item was lost by a <surname> child” and my phone number. Now, no matter which child loses the shoe/ backpack/lunchbox, they are all responsible.

Another option is to not label any of their items and join the unspoken communist collective of the lost and found movement. If you don’t label items and there are unlabelled items in the lost and found tub, then they are part of the free trade agreement. Keep an eye on hats though, nits are scalp refugees caught up in the system.

Families News Find out about local news for families

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Families Health Water Babies – start swimming young

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Education Managing the transition from childcare to prep

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Families Fun Circle the family events you plan to do during October and November

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Halloween Spooktacular events around Brisbane

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Clubs, Classes & Activities Find a local Club, Class or Activity for 2021

Yours in stationary lists and socks which will never, ever match.

Simone Eclair

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

Cover photo: Chen Family - Rochedale Image credit: Qian Photography Studio

Next issue December 2021/January 2022 Deadline by 5pm Friday 29 October 2021 Focus on Summer Days Out and Clubs, Classes & Activities

Families Magazine, PO Box 1018, Brighton 4017

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0437 866 869

Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au

www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au

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 2021

Families News

LOCAL FAMILIES NEWS

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

IF YOUR CHILD CAN WIN A FAMILY PASS WALK, THEY CAN JUMP TO ICEWORLD™!

ON A TRAMPOLINE! At Flip Out Strathpine there is no minimum age requirement for children to attend their trampoline arena, and their mandatory grip socks come in extra small to accommodate the littlest of feet for safety while they play! There is an Under 10s area with a small foam pit and 13 small junior trampolines for little ones to enjoy.

PLAYGROUP FOR UNDER 5YRS Playgroup sessions run Monday to Friday during term time. Parents can chat while children enjoy the tunnels, parachutes, soft throwing games, hoops, rollers, ladders and other fun activities, with music and bubble chasing time as well!

www.flipout.net.au/programs/play-group

TRAMPOLINE CLASSES FOR UNDER 5YRS

Get ready to chill out with the family at Iceworld™ Boondall & Acacia Ridge!

We’re giving TWO lucky winners a family pass (admit 5) to your preferred Iceworld™ venue. Your prize includes • Skate hire • Food and drink combo for each person (choose from dagwood dog, chicken nuggets or pie served with chips and a drink) • Heaps of cool family fun on an Olympic sized rink!

Iceworld™ Olympic Ice Rinks have been part of the Brisbane landscape for over 30 years. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert Iceworld™ will soon be your favourite entertainment venue!

For details of terms & conditions and to enter, go to www.familiesmagazine.com.au/competitions.

Competition closes Tuesday November 30.

Mini Ninjas trampoline classes occur weekly during the school day and don’t include flipping moves. Classes focus on spatial awareness, balance, motor skills and supervised free play time. Mini-Ninjas can progress into big kids Ninja trampoline classes once they reach school age.

www.flipout.net.au/programs/minininjas If you are interested in visiting outside of junior class times with your little one, give Flip Out Strathpine a call on 3205 9994 for advice about quieter session times to ensure everyone can make the most of their visit!

QSUPER BIGGEST THANK YOU!

World Teachers’ Day Queensland is on Friday 29 October, and this year you can help create the BIGGEST Thank You to all the teachers of Queensland.

Your students’ messages of thanks will join thousands of others, incorporated into a huge public artwork created by artist, designer and author, Rachel Burke.

It only takes a few minutes to add a message and every entry will go into a draw to win a prize pack for your school!

To send your message of thanks, go to qsuper.qld.gov. au/biggestthankyou. Entries close October 21.

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Family Health

WATER BABIES The importance of learning to swim from an early age.

Do you have a water baby? Children are naturally drawn to water.

It sparkles prettily in sunshine, feels good on the skin, and is fun to splash and play with. We all want our children to feel confident and safe around water, and introducing your little one to the pool from an early age can have many lasting benefits.

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Some swim schools offer water familiarisation classes from 3 months of age, where your baby can enjoy the feeling of buoyancy and gliding through water with you. These are an ideal introduction to the swimming environment, or you might prefer to wait until your child is a few months older and more confident. There are no hard and fast rules, but the good news is your child is never too old to learn to swim.

Benefits of learning to swim from an early age include…

Why start young?

Cognitive development

Your baby may love a soothing swish around in the bath tub, and you can take your cues from them about the right time to transition from the tub to swimming lessons.

Just like when learning to crawl, the bilateral movement associated with swimming can help your baby’s brain grow. Cross-over movements build neurons in the brain that develop communication

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Family Health from one side of the brain to the other, improving the capacity for language development, reading skills and spatial awareness.

right back to improved confidence and self-esteem – swimming is the developmental gift that keeps on giving!

Quality sleep The physical demands of swimming require a lot of energy. Blood flow is boosted to all major muscle groups and the brain to keep the body warm and moving. The body and brain work hard while swimming, and all that hard work requires a good rest.

Improved confidence The bonding element of skin-to-skin contact with the parent or caregiver builds trust and self-esteem. This trust is reinforced as you help your child feel confident in their swimming environment and newly emerging water skills.

Strenuous physical activity encourages the body to release endorphins – the feel-good hormone that reduces perception of pain and triggers positive feelings – and serotonin, a hormone that improves sleep and mood.

If you want your child to sleep soundly through the night, swimming can make your dream come true!

Confidence in water is reflected in everyday situations, and your child may show more comfort in social situations and greater selfcontrol.

Continuing swimming

Strong bodies Staying safe in water requires core strength, head and neck control, and strong limbs. A parent or caregiver should always be in the pool with very young children and children who have not yet developed the required strength.

As your child grows and progresses to learning swimming strokes and proper technique, they will be required to use all the major muscle groups in their body, including limbs, core and shoulders.

Being buoyant and developing the strength to surge through the natural resistance of water also improves joint mobility.

We all want our children to be the best version of themselves they can be. The benefits of swimming from an early age can continue into high school and beyond, with improved cognitive, physical, and emotional development leading to a better academic outcome and healthier lifestyle habits.

Plus, with our coastal living and home swimming pools, it’s important that children and confident around water and respectful of its dangers. Developing correct swimming techniques can help your child enjoy being in the water safely, and give you peace of mind.

Better coordination

With all these healthy and long-term benefits for your child, why would you want to delay swimming lessons for your child any longer? The best time to book your child in for their first swimming lesson is right now!

With continued swimming lessons, your child will develop strength with physical symmetry. Using both sides of the body equally in the water leads to better balance and coordination on land. This loops

Find more articles about water safety for children and places to swim around Brisbane here: www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ brisbane/swimming

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Education

10 THINGS Parents Need to Know ABOUT STARTING PREP

Is your child eligible to start prep next year? It’s a huge milestone for you and your child, so we’ve gathered together all the things you need to know to help you and your child manage the transition from kindy to prep.

1 IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR PREP? That’s the million-dollar question! There are a few signs of readiness that will help you determine the right time to start prep.

Having physical readiness will help alleviate any frustrations your child may experience from challenging new tasks. Signs of physical readiness include managing activities such as getting dressed and toileting independently; being able to hold and use scissors and pencils correctly, and open and close their own lunchbox and drink

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bottle; and ability to run, jump, skip, and climb steps.

If your child regularly interacts with children of a similar age, they will have already been putting their social skills into practice. With good social readiness and communication skills such as talking in sentences, playing well and taking turns, and appropriately expressing feelings and needs, your child will be ready to make new friends.

Your child doesn’t need to be a genius before they start prep - after all, the purpose of attending school is to learn and expand on their knowledge! Having the academic readiness to be able to say, “I know

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Education

that!” about a few basic bits of knowledge – like recognising shapes, colours, and body parts - can give them a confidence boost and spur them on in their learning.

Of course, every child is different with their own strengths and limitations, so being unable to do some of the things mentioned above doesn’t mean that they AREN’T ready for prep. Your child’s current day care provider will be able to discuss with you if they think your child is ready to make the transition or would benefit from an extra year of kindy.

2 HAVE YOU VISITED THE PREP CLASSROOMS? It’s always a good idea to allow your child to visit the prep classrooms before the first day to familiarise themselves with the new environment. Meeting teachers and seeing a prep class in action can help reduce any concern your child may be feeling and make their first day less scary. It can help alleviate your anxieties too!

3 POSITIVE TALK ABOUT STARTING SCHOOL Make moving from day care to ‘big school’ something to look forward to with lots of positive talk about the new things they will learn and friends they will make. Relate it back to your own childhood and how excited you were about your own first day (and if that’s not strictly true, put a positive spin on it and pretend!).

4 ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINE Practice for any changes in routine in advance. This can include changes to bed time and wake-up time, being ready to leave the house at a certain time, eating lunch from a lunchbox, and building time into their day for play and learning.

Ask your school for an example timetable or ‘run sheet’ of the prep day, and try to stick to that schedule at home.

5 SLEEP AND PREPPIES The first days and weeks of prep are exhausting! Your child will be adjusting to a new environment, new peers, new learning, new expectations – and you can expect them to be a little overwhelmed by it all.

Getting plenty of sleep can help your child adjust and regulate their emotions. Try to stick to a proper bedtime routine and avoid allowing your child to nap after school as this may disrupt their night-time rest.

6 FOOD AND PREPPIES

Your child will be expending a lot of physical and emotional energy during the first weeks of prep, and that will require a lot of refuelling! Your child will either be ravenous, or so caught-up in all

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Education the busyness and excitement of prep that they forget to eat or fail to recognise that they are hungry.

Help your child consume enough of the food they need by letting them choose what foods go in their lunchbox from a variety of healthy and nutritious options, providing lots smaller items rather than one or two big things, and making sure they can easily open/ unwrap packaging and containers themselves.

7 WHAT WILL MY CHILD LEARN IN PREP? Learning in prep is through interactions with others, experimentation, practice and play. Priority is given to literacy and numeracy as these are the foundations for further learning, but your child will also learn about health, science, and humanities.

Your child will begin to learn to read, write, count and recognise numbers, learn about different cultures and places, investigate weather and the world around them, and explore dance, drama, music and art.

8 WHAT ABOUT SIBLINGS? In all the excitement of your child starting prep, the effect on younger siblings can often be forgotten. A younger child, suddenly bereft of their daily playmate, may need help to adjust too!

No matter how you may be feeling, don’t sneak away. A firm and cheerful “goodbye” and “see you soon” is better for your child than letting them come to the sudden realisation that you have disappeared.

10 WHERE TO GET SUPPORT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Your child’s current day care provider or kindy teacher is an excellent first go-to for support and further information, as is the school your child will be attending. They can offer you guidance on getting your child ready for prep, and information on the Australian Curriculum and your child’s school routine.

We also recommend these excellent articles on our website, written by mums, childcare providers, and early childhood professionals, to guide you and your child through the transition from childcare to prep: www.familiesmagazine.com.au/prep-school-prep

You can help with their transition by planning special weekend activities together, encouraging your younger child to wonder and talk about what their sibling might be doing at school, and making time for play during the school day.

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/prep-checklist-forstarting-school

9 SAYING GOODBYE ON THE FIRST DAY

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/expect-first-fortnightprep-guide-parents

The first day will be fraught with emotions for both of you, but good preparation (points 3 and 4 above!) can ease the transition.

Remember, your child will be taking their cues from you, so don’t let your own nerves or anxieties show. Instead, use positive

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affirmations, show interest in the classroom and what your child may do that day, and reassure your child that you will be waiting for them at pick-up time – and don’t be late!

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/is-everyone-ready-for-prep

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/prep-curriculumqueensland

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Education

A hive of activity at Churchie Churchie’s newest learning facility, the Prep School Arts and Year 3 Building, has been abuzz with excitement and activity since it opened in Term 2 this year.

This new building is home to The Hive, a new specialist teaching area for all Prep School students, from Reception to Year 6, focused on learning through technology and creativity. The room is equipped with the latest technologies to enthuse and engage our students, including 3D printers, electronics, construction and building materials and a green-screen space.

Jade Frewin, Year 3 teacher and head of learning for The Hive, has introduced students to the stimulating world of robotics, programming, film and television, 3D printing and design.

Pictured here is a Year 3 student being creative with electricity, experimenting with conductive materials and circuits to trigger digital percussion sounds and create unique soundscapes and rhythms.

Year 4 students have been making use of the space to discover how creative designs solve problems, which will result in the design of their own tiny house. Here they are pictured exploring the different

properties of a variety of sample materials that could be used in the construction of their tiny house. The students will then be using Minecraft Education to turn their tiny house designs into virtual models.

Following Churchie’s approach to developing lifelong learners, The Hive places students at the centre of their learning, developing and refining creative and technical skills that will prepare them for an ever-changing future.

In addition to The Hive, the Prep School Arts and Year 3 Building houses two dedicated, spacious and well-appointed visual art studios, three Year 3 classrooms and a general learning plaza.

To explore this exciting new learning space and find out more about a Churchie education for your son, register for a personal tour with Registrar Scott Huntington.

Visit www.churchie.com.au or phone 3896 2200.

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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#FamiliesMagFun

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 2021/Jan 2022) send your entry by 5pm on Sunday 31 October 2021. 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 2021 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.

ROMA STREET PARKLANDS Kids Collective This FREE school holiday program will give kids the opportunity to create and take home their very own mini worm farm with Brian the Worm Man or take part in a high-energy musical performance by Lucas Proudfoot that will have kids jumping, laughing and dancing in no time. Kids Collective is suitable for all ages 5-12. Book online to attend. 1 Oct.

BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS Finders Keepers Market Explore a wonderful multi-day shopping event that features independent art, design and food stalls! Join the conscious shopping revolution, meet makers, and invest back into your community by shopping small and local. Bookings required. 15-17 Oct. Etsy Made Local Christmas Market The Winter market had to be rescheduled so organisers have super-sized their Christmas market into three huge days. Think of all the amazing presents you can buy (for yourself, of course). 12-14 Nov. Brisbane Big Boys Toys Expo Adventure seekers, prepare yourself! Boats, camping, fishing, cars, 4x4, caravans, jet-skis, sports, trucks, hobbies, classic cars, plus everything man cave will be on show at this year’s event!

Expect heaps of gear, heaps of entertainment and fun for the whole family. 27-28 Nov.

Mosaic Multicultural Festival 2021 Be a part of the picture! The Mosaic Multicultural Festival is a FREE event celebrating the rich cultural contributions all of us bring to our multicultural Queensland through dance, music, spoken word poetry and storytelling, visual arts and crafts, children’s and family activities and delectable foods and cooking demonstrations! 10 Oct. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ roma-street-parkland

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ brisbane-showgrounds

KING GEORGE SQUARE Brisstyle Twilight Market Head to King George Square from 4-9pm to experience the one and only Brisbane-based marketplace selling 100% locally handmade goods, featuring over 60 local designers. Uncover all kinds of treasures to satisfy your Christmas shopping needs at this unique event. 27 Nov. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ king-george-square

MUSEUM OF BRISBANE City in the Sun As Queensland’s gateway to the tropics, Brisbane has adopted imagery of all things subtropical over the last century, from frangipanis to pineapples and bikiniclad leisure-lovers. City in the Sun showcases large-scale new contemporary artworks alongside historical imagery. The colourful FREE exhibition invites you to peek behind the sun-drenched façade of the tourist brochures

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Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

and question if these images still represent who we are as a city… if they ever did.

Climb the Clock Tower An absolute ‘must-do’ for anyone in Brisbane, get whizzed to the top of City Hall’s famous Clock Tower through an original hand operated lift from the 1930s.

Get a bird’s eye view of the city and find out about the amazing history of this Brisbane icon. Then, take a peek behind the scenes of City Hall with a FREE tour of one of Brisbane’s most beautiful buildings. Bookings required. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ museum-of-brisbane

QUEENSLAND GALLERY OF MODERN ART European Masterpieces Spanning 500 years, ‘European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York’ offers a breathtaking journey from the 1420s and emerging Renaissance to conclude at the height of early twentieth century post-impressionism. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will allow you to experience works by painters such as Fra Angelico, Titian, Raphael, Rembrandt, Turner, Van Gogh and Monet, direct from The Met’s collection. The majority of which rarely leave permanent display in New York. Tickets on sale now. Until 17 Oct. The Gifting Tree ‘The Gifting Tree’ brings together the work of Sonia Chitrakar, Archana Kumari and Kamta Tahed, three contemporary Indian artists who use bright colours, pattern and storytelling in different ways. Children can reflect on their own experiences of trees through two handson activities in this FREE exhibit. Taking inspiration from the artists’ work, they can draw a picture about the importance of planting trees and add their response to a display in the exhibition space or make a drawing of a problem-solving fantasy tree.

Until 17 Oct.

#FamiliesMagFun Outdoor Dance Classes Never been to a dance class but always wanted to? This class is for you! Skip the sweaty, mirror-filled studio for the great outdoors and dance in Brisbane’s arts precinct out the front of GOMA. The Bring A Plate Inclusive Dance Company facilitator will be there to settle any pre-class jitters or nerves. Until 29 Aug 2022. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ queensland-gallery-of-modern-art

STATE LIBRARY OF QUEENSLAND Deadly Threads Experience this showcase examining Indigenous shirts – born from protests in the 1970s and evolving as permanent mainstays in wardrobes across Australia. In Deadly Threads, see over 190 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designed singlets, t-shirts, polo shirts, and jerseys.

From colourful sporting jerseys to protest and artists’ shirts, Deadly Threads looks at how the shirts have helped people freely express views, support community, show allegiances and champion causes. Until 10 Oct. Entwined: Plants and People In this exhibition, you can explore our relationship with plants through photography, illustrations, immersive projections, and historical objects. Entwined displays the works of award-winning creatives as they document and reinterpret plant life in modern Australia. The exhibition also digs into the State Library’s rare botanical collections, exploring historical and contemporary stories in the process.

Until 14 Nov.

place if home is underwater? Discover more than 200 objects and images, interwoven with Islander perspectives and stories, along with a number of works from well-known artists. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ queensland-museum

SPARKLAB SCIENCENTRE Ignite your imagination in SparkLab, an interactive Sciencentre experience where you’ll be free to follow your curiosity and bring out your inner scientist as you question, investigate and wonder about the world around you. Explore 40 interactive exhibits across three zones and discover how science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) affect your everyday world. Bookings required.

QPAC Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl’s beloved tale has come to Brisbane… for the first time EVER! A delectable musical treat, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features songs from the original film, alongside a brand new, toe-tapping and ear-tickling score.

Now’s your chance to experience the wonders of Wonka! Get ready for the Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, costumes, sets and more at this everlasting showstopper!

Bookings required. Until 3 Oct.

Global Fiesta Purchase a one-way ticket to Global Fiesta, and be transported to a melting pot of cuisine, culture, and carnival!

Revel in roving entertainment, immersive performances, and a colourful street party; delight in cooking demonstrations and a vibrant marketplace, showcasing cuisine and craft, celebrated across the globe. Take a spice tour through South Bank’s Epicurious Garden and discover otherworldly flavours or dine in one of South Bank’s renowned restaurants at an exclusive signature event.

Bookings required. 16-17 Oct. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ south-bank

BRISBANE CONVENTION CENTRE

QUEENSLAND MUSEUM

Island Futures: What lies ahead for Zenadth Kes? Torres Strait Islanders rich and enduring cultures and languages are linked to the place they call ‘home’. Now with the threat of rising sea levels, how do Torres Strait Islanders maintain their strong sense of identity and

Medibank Feel Good Program Take part in a series of FREE fitness classes to suit all fitness levels held at South Bank. There’s a variety of classes to choose from - shimmy at dance fitness classes, get zen at twice-weekly yoga, bust a move at Zumba® or break a sweat in our weekly energy classes. 4 Oct – 4 Dec.

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ sparklab-sciencentre-south-brisbane

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ state-library-of-queensland-2

Brickman® Wonders of the World Get ready to travel around the world without leaving Brisbane! Thanks to Ryan ‘The Brickman” McNaught you can explore a world of epic LEGO® masterpieces, where some of humanity’s most amazing achievements from all over the globe come together in a world first, fully interactive experience, with no passport required! More than 50 aweinspiring models are on display at the newly expanded “Wonders of the World” exhibition at Queensland Museum, including, for the first time ever, the 4m tall LEGO Masters Australia Space Shuttle! Bookings required.

Until 30 Jan 2022.

SOUTH BANK

Green Jam Gather your family, pull up a chair or lay down a blanket, and relax into twinkling vibes under the stars. This spring, Green Jam is partnering with Multicultural Australia bringing sounds from around the world to the Melbourne Street Green each Friday night.

This is a FREE event. Until 8 Oct. Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe Adapted from the smash hit novel that was inspired by Brisbane author Trent Dalton’s own childhood this performance is an exhilarating story of magic and madness, of beauty and brutality, of joy and heartbreak, and of the power of love to triumph over the darkest of circumstances. This show is best suited to older children. Bookings required.

Until 9 Oct. The Gruffalo After sell-out seasons across the world, including London’s West End and Broadway, The Gruffalo returns to Australia!

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Bookings required. 12-16 Oct. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/qpac

Supanova Experience Australia’s premier pop culture event, where fandom comes to life! Celebrate the worlds of film and television, fantasy, comic books, anime, sci-fi, cartoons, books, gaming and collectables.

Head along to Supanova for a massive weekend of Supa-Star celebrities, cosplay, fan clubs, musical performances, creative master classes, celebrity Q&As, tournaments and competitions, and a hall full of shopping possibilities. It’s a family event and there’s something for everyone! 5-7 Nov. Source Kids Disability Expo This expo is focused on children, youth, and young adults up to the age of 25 who have different abilities. This two-day event will bring together the latest disability products, services and technology all under one roof. This event is FREE to attend but bookings are required.

13-14 Nov. Australia Zoo Steve Irwin Gala Dinner Each year, friends of the Irwin family and Australia Zoo gather to remember what Steve was all about: passion, enthusiasm, family and fun! The dinner is full of entertainment with a grand live auction, decadent food and heartwarming memories. As the major fundraising event for Widlife Warriors, your attendance will help continue the conservation work Steve was so passionate about. Bookings required. 27 Nov. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ brisbane-convention-exhibition-centre

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#FamiliesMagFun OCTOBER 2021 Throughout Oct/Nov Brain Child | Redcliffe Fun for the whole family, Brain Child is a FREE exhibition celebrating the world of inventions. Pull the lever and witness a Rube Goldberg machine in action! A giant marble maze also awaits. Can you put your lateral thinking hat on to create wild solutions to tricky problems? Explore the tinker trays for inspiration and then invent the solution! No need to book. Entry is available during regular museum hours.

Redcliffe Museum. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/brain-child-redcliffe Until 3 Oct The Inflatable Factory | Mount Gravatt From 9 am – 4 pm daily, a HUGE inflatable theme park will be bringing the fun to Brisbane’s Southside. Brace yourself for plenty of thrills on the GIANT 12m Superman Slide, Mechanical Bull, Zorb Balls, Mechanical Wipe Out Ride and Bubble Soccer. There’s no set session times or bookings required, just show up on the day!

Mount Gravatt Showgrounds. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/the-inflatable-factory Until 31 Oct LightPlay | Ipswich Enter the dazzling world of LightPlay where children can explore their artistic potential in an interactive space created especially for them! Play with overhead projectors and illuminated light boxes and discover what happens when light is cast on different materials. Explore transparency, reflection and shadow as well as other properties of light. See the Children’s Gallery transform into a constantly evolving light scape before your very eyes at this FREE exhibit. Booking required for weekends and school holiday sessions. Ipswich Art Gallery. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/lightplay-ipswich Fri 1 Oct Outdoor Cinema | Heathwood Pack your picnic blanket and join in the fun for this FREE outdoor screening of the old classic made new again - Tom and Jerry! Rotary Club of Forest Lake will be running the BBQ, there will be popcorn, a coffee van and Algester

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Girl Guides will be selling glow sticks to add to the fun of the festivities. Heathwood Park. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/outdoor-cinema-heathwood Sat 2 Oct A Picnic at Pemberley | Caboolture Mr Darcy and Miss Bennet cordially invite you to A Picnic at Pemberley. Escape back to Regency England in the 1800’s for a decadent afternoon tea at the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology. Enjoy a fun day out dressed in your finest Jane Austen style attire with artisan teas, an array of delicious delicacies, games, and entertainment. Bookings required. Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/a-picnic-at-pemberley Sat 2 – Mon 4 Oct 2021 BrisBricks LEGO Fan Expo | Chandler If your family loves their LEGO, then be sure to head along to the 2021 BrisBricks Expo on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. There will be heaps of awesome displays built by some of Queensland’s best builders including a gigantic mosaic 65 million years in the making. The expo also includes a massive train layout, and retailers with new and used LEGO for sale. Online tickets only and bookings required. Chandler Arena, Sleeman Sports Complex. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/brisbricks-lego-fan-show Fri 8 Oct By A Thread – One Fell Swoop Circus | Cleveland We bet in your wildest dreams you will not be able to imagine the stunts One Fell Swoop Circus will perform simply with a rope and their immense skill. By a Thread, showcases aerial acrobatics

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

#FamiliesMagFun happened to be there too! This is a tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world, Puffs is an inventive must-see performance for certain-boy-wizard fans! Bookings required.

Brisbane Arts Theatre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/puffs-petrie-terrace

from some of Australia’s best circus artists. With intense training in a heap of contemporary circus disciplines, the performers have pooled their knowledge and skills to create a performance that will have you gripping the edge of your seat. Bookings required. Redland Performing Arts Centre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/by-a-thread-one-fellswoop-circus-cleveland Sat 9 Oct Big Little Fest | Coorparoo You’re invited to bring the family for a day filled with delicious eats, entertainment, shopping and games. Meet Minions Stuart & Bob, have a bounce on the jumping castle, and take in the FREE kids shows. Watch the day turn into night and settle in for sunset drinks, dinner and DJ tunes. Bring a picnic rug, your four-legged friend and your family and enjoy a fun-filled day out! Coorparoo Square. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/big-little-fest-coorparoo Sun 10 Oct Walk For Awareness | Kangaroo Point The 11th annual Walk For Awareness presented by Tessa Group will be extended an extra kilometre this year, to reflect the rising suicide rate with an average of nine lives in Australia lost each day to suicide. As the first major event to kick off Queensland Mental Health Week (9-17 October 2021), you can attend the physical walk in Brisbane or register to “walk anywhere” and attend virtually from the comfort of your own neighbourhood. Captain Burke Park. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/walk-for-awarenessbrisbane Thu 14 Oct Wilbur the Optical Whale | Cleveland Set in an underwater world, with themes of bullying and acceptance, this is a fully immersive, interactive and accessible performance designed to celebrate difference. Wilbur is brought to life by indelabilityarts, an artist-led, disability arts company from Brisbane, in collaboration with Flipside Circus. Incorporating stunning circus tricks, digital and visual imagery, tactile sensory play, integrated Auslan, music, and spoken word, Wilbur will engage, excite and captivate young minds. Suitable for ages 3-8. Bookings required.

Redland Performing Arts Centre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/wilbur-the-optical-whalecleveland Sat 16 Oct The Oyster & Seafood Festival | Sandstone Point Enjoy an ocean of things to see and do at The Oyster & Seafood Festival! Sandstone Point Hotel’s waterfront will come alive with a fresh seafood market including prawns, bugs, sand crabs, calamari and more to indulge in! Hilarious oyster eating competitions, prawn peeling competitions, celebrity chef demonstrations with Sally Jenyns, entertainment, live music, fireworks, and more! Bookings required. Sandstone Point Hotel. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/the-oyster-seafoodfestival-sandstone-point

Fri 19 Nov – Sun 13 Feb Play | Bribie Island Remember the fun of playing quoits, skittles, dominoes or even Hula Hoops and Twister?

These summer holidays, Bribie Island Seaside Museum will be a fun filled hands-on game space for all ages. Put the screens away - accept the challenge, test your skills, and reconnect. Playing the games of childhoods past, there’s always something for everyone.

Laughter guaranteed. Bribie Island Seaside Museum. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/play-bribie-island Sun 21 Nov Love Me Again Market | Paddington Brisbane’s BEST pre-loved fashion market provides the opportunity for fashion lovers to set up a stall, earn some cash and give your pre-loved outfits a new home. Nothing to sell? This boutique market is the perfect place for fashionistas to shop for FREE and get their next unique look at a fraction of the retail price. Pick up a coffee from the on-site baristas and then head inside to shop the best pre-loved fashion and designer labels Brisbane has to offer!

Paddington Hall. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/love-me-again-market Fri 26 Nov – Sun 6 Mar The 80s | Redcliffe Pop a tape in the boombox and revisit the fun and fabulousness of the 80s. The 80s were filled with bright fashion, major events and stunning growth for the Sunshine State. At this gnarly FREE exhibition, try your skills playing classic video games, dress up in the fashion of the time, test your trivia knowledge and share your best 80s memories.

Redcliffe Museum. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/the-80’s-redcliffe Sat 27 Nov Griffin Christmas Carnival | Griffin The Griffin community has endless Christmas spirit and they want to share it with you! With many market stalls at this event, you can easily knock over a heap of present shopping, the kids will be happy with loads of rides, and there will be plenty of live entertainment from locals. All communities are invited to share in the Christmas cheer.

It’s an event for everyone! Griffin State School. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/griffin-christmas-carnival Sun 28 Nov Triathlon Pink | Chandler Head along to the Sleeman Sports Complex for a fun morning of swim/bike/run or walk action!

The pool swim and closed road course make this the perfect event to challenge yourself to do a triathlon for the first time – or maybe try a new distance if you’ve done it before. If you don’t want to get wet, they have 6km, 3km and 1km Fun Run options for the whole family. Register now! Sleeman Sports Complex. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/traithlon-pink-chandler Sun 28 Nov Christmas Craft Markets | Ormiston Enjoy a fantastic day with crafty gifts to browse while you wander the gardens, watch the bay views, and even indulge in a Devonshire Tea or sandwich on the verandah! You can do your Christmas shopping before relaxing against the beautiful heritage backdrop - what a great afternoon! Gates open at 11am and the stalls will be available until 3pm. Historic Ormiston House. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/christmas-craft-marketsormiston

NOVEMBER 2021 Sun 7 Nov Logan Regional Market | Logan Village This FREE to enter market is held on the Logan Village Green, set amongst heritage buildings. The event features small and micro businesses that make, craft, or produce gifts, jewellery, condiments, treats, and homewares. There are some really creative businesses in Logan – so we encourage you to check out the Logan Regional Market to experience and explore what Logan has to offer. Logan Village Green. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/logan-regional-market Sat 13 Nov – Sat 18 Dec Puffs! (Two Act Edition) | Petrie Terrace You know the story of a certain-boy-wizard at a certain Wizard School… but have you heard the story of the Puffs? They just Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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#FamiliesMagFun

Halloween Putt Putt Victoria Park Golf Complex

Throughout October Halloween Putt Putt at Victoria Park | Herston Victoria Park has your Halloween plans sorted with their eeriesistable Halloween-themed Putt Putt course.

Open until 31 October, take a swing at some of the fang-tastic feature holes including Freaky Forest, Skeleton’s Graveyard, Witch’s Way and Pumpkin Patch. Bookings essential.

Victoria Park Golf Complex. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ halloween-putt-putt-at-victoria-park Throughout October Happy Halloween | Coomera Dreamworld is about to become frightfully fun, as Happy Halloween returns on selected nights this October! Get the family into the not-so-scary spirit and enjoy all your favourite rides at night, plus trick-or-treating and a whole lot of eerie entertainment as you celebrate the spooky season. Bookings essential. Dreamworld. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ happy-halloween-coomera Throughout October Ghost Tours | Brisbane Brisbane Ghost Tours run regular adventures to awesome ghost tracking locations including Boggo Road Gaol, Toowong Cemetery, and South Brisbane Cemetery. Numbers are limited and places fill fast for each tour, so get your booking |in quickly to avoid disappointment! www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ halloween-ghost-tours-brisbane Until 30 Oct The Witches | Petrie Terrace Hot off the release of the 2020 film adaptation, The Witches is a classic Roald

Dahl tale not to be missed! These Witches are nothing like the ones who wear pointed hats and fly on broomsticks – they look very much like ordinary women, which helps their deception. See this terrifyingly good film brought to life on the stage in the lead up to Halloween. Bookings required. Brisbane Arts Theatre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ the-witches-petrie-terrace Fri 29 Oct Hocus Pocus Halloween Spooktacular | Bulimba Bulimba’s annual Halloween bash is back! This family friendly festival is designed for groovy ghouls and spooky funksters who like to get down to sick zombie beats. You can enjoy FREE rides and lots of family friendly entertainment.

Sink your fangs into delicious food truck fare and fill your crypt with gems from the markets. Bulimba Memorial Park. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ hocus-pocus-bulimba Sat 30 Oct Halloween at North Lakes By Night | North Lakes Head along to North Lakes By Night for their spooky Halloween market! There will be prizes for best dressed, a DJ pumping out some deadly tunes, dance competitions, international food trucks, kids amusements, and market stalls. Westfield North Lakes. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ halloween-north-lakes-by-night Sat 30 Oct Spooktacular Movie Night | Ipswich Trick or treat your family to

Sat 30 Oct Sandgate Spooktacular | Sandgate The Sandgate Spooktacular is being coordinated by an 11-year-old boy with a big heart! This is a charity event raising funds for Starlight Foundation, with the focus on having a central location of spooky fun for the whole family that is easily accessible for all. There will be Halloween displays, a haunted maze, food trucks, trick or treat, face painting, a pumpkin carving competition, costume parade, and a movie in the park. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ sandgate-spooktacular Sun 31 Oct Heroes and Villains | Fortitude Valley Join the Brisbane Concert Orchestra as it performs an afternoon of music evoking the images of legendary heroes and sinister villains. Under the baton of Musical Director Matthew Schwarz, the orchestra will perform epic soundtracks from films including Star Wars, the Lord of the Rings, and Man of Steel. Bookings required. The Old Museum. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ heroes-and-villains

UPCOMING ISSUES

Families Magazine is made with love by...

December 2021/January 2022

Janine Mergler – Editor

SUMMER DAYS OUT AND CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

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

Advertising deadline Friday 29 October 2021

Suzie Porter – Designer

February/March 2022

Stephen Monteith – IT Systems and Support

Advertising deadline Friday 7 January 2022

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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a spooktacular movie night with the adventures of Dracula, Ericka and Van Helsing in Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation. A movie the whole family can shriek to! Dress as your frightening best character for a spooky fun night from 6pm-8pm. Nicholas Street Precinct. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ spooktacular-movie-night-ipswich

BACK TO SCHOOL We do not endorse contents or advertisers in our publication or on our web pages and will not be responsible for any content of any linked site or any link contained in the link site. In no event shall we be liable for direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, consequential damages or any damages whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with the use of or performance of information, products, services or reliance on the contents of the advertisements.

All material including, but not limited to adverts, editorial, images and part thereof sent to Families Magazine remain the property of Families Magazine. All materials and personal details will be handled appropriately with respect to data protection laws. No material published by Families Magazine in print or online may be reproduce whatsoever without prior written consent.

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Local Clubs & Classes Directory Kip McGrath

Albany Creek Individual learning programs in maths & English with qualified teachers – book a free assessment today!

0417 864 285 www.kipmcgrath.com.au/albany-creek

Superfish

Flip Out Strathpine

Get the kids having active, indoor fun in a supervised, CovidSafe environment!

Trampolines, foam pits, basketball slam-time, running walls, and a separate area for under-10s and fully air conditioned. Café on site too! Keep an eye out for specials and book in advance. www.flipout.net.au/locations/qld/qldstrathpine/strathpine

FREE swimming assessment and FREE trial lesson – no obligation! All levels & ages, small structured classes. NEW Redland Bay school now open!!

Sunnybank 3323 3188; Redland Bay 3086 0131 www.superfish.com.au

Aqualogan

Bounce Tingalpa

Laserzone Lawnton

Aqualogan Laurie Laurence Swim School offers world-leading teaching methods proven over 50 years. FREE swim assessments for all learn-toswim levels. School holiday swim clinics, squads, adaptives and private lessons.

Brisbane’s No. 1 multi-level Laser Tag arena, Arcade and Bumper Cars will blow your mind!

Offering the best family entertainment with a variety of packages to suit all ages and abilities.

Book your family fun or birthday party now!

www.loganleisurecentres.com.au/aquatics

BOUNCE Tingalpa has more than 50 interconnected trampolines, the Big Bag, Slam Dunk and Dodgeball all rolled into one - the perfect playground to develop and practice your skills. Whether you’re trying to master your first flip or learn how to run The Wall, it’s the ultimate in Freestyle fun! www.bounceinc.com.au/venue-tingalpa-qld

Kick Dance

Conroy Dance Centre

Victoria Park

Does your child love to dance? Our qualified and welcoming teachers make learning to dance so much fun through our age-specific programs!

Classes include jazz, ballet, tap and even singing!

ENQUIRE TODAY and Join Brisbane’s biggest dance family in Brendale!

Learn to play golf for kids at Victoria Park with their school holiday kids golf activities. Their classes are fun and interactive for kids aged 4 – 14, no experience required. Play exciting games, learn great sports skills, all while making new friends.

Beenleigh 2803 4102; Logan North 3541 6151

Classes in Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Acrobatics, Contemporary, Tap and Irish dancing, as well as singing and acting. Whether you are keen to have fun or ‘Kick’ start your dance career, Kick Dance caters for all ages and abilities from toddler to adult!

0414 308 248 www.kickdance.com.au

Perform Australia

Acting and drama classes around Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Learn acting technique for stage and screen and participate in performances and film shoots. Build selfconfidence, creativity and social skills in fun friendly classes. Enrol online, no audition needed!

1300 908 905

www.perform.edu.au

3205 7717 admin@conroydance.com.au

3205 4141 brisbane.laserzone.com.au

www. victoriapark.com.au/whats-on/

school-holiday-kids-golf-clinics/

Saurabh Cricket

Saurabh Cricket Coaching offers 1-2-1 coaching and runs holiday clinics for boys and girls (aged 5 -18 years) each holiday. We offer a trial session too! Take action and get your budding Cricket soul registered today. Registrations can be done online at saurabhcricketcoaching.com or call 0422 397 838 to book your spot.

IceWorld There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than a visit to one of Brisbane’s IceWorld Olympic Ice Rinks – the coolest place to be in the school holiday!

Public session times available daily, offering hours of ‘sun safe’ fun & exercise!

Online Bookings Essential.

Acacia Ridge Boondall

Pricing includes skate hire.

Fully stocked cafés on site.

www.iceworld.com.au

Your Local Families Magazine October / November 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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