PAKMAG Townsville - April 2011

EzEine FMRaga

issue 05

a p r 2011

Easter

Holiday fun

Camping with Kids Preparing for success

WIN RIO

Tickets!

Cover photo courtesy of Insight Creative

Comp details on page 3

Returning to work after kids Check out the full story pg8 Tackling Teens Column Playground Politics Learning Disorders

Kids

MINI MAG Inside

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35 welcome note Hi everyone and welcome to our 5th edition of PakMag, our Easter Holiday Eggstravaganza! We hope you are all ready for a fun-filled holiday edition to give you inspiration and to keep the kids busy for our first break for the year!

(Where did the time go?)

We hope to see you all at our Easter Egg Hunt at Northshore on the 2 April and the winners the following day at our exclusive preview screening of HOP. Easter always brings back fond memories for me as a child, as Dad would always have some sort of camping adventure planned. We would end up in the middle of nowhere with lots of activities like bushwalking and waterholes to uncover along our way.

Then at night we’d sit around the fire and just talk about anything and everything.

Of course all the chocolate was another highlight and the only time we don’t feel guilty about having just one more!!!

Until next time, Happy Easter and happy reading, don’t forget to tell everyone you read it in PakMag.

Debbie

contents parents

Publisher: Bree James Editor: Elaine Seager Publication Manager: Debbie Stewart What’s On/MiniMag: Trent Stievano Client Manager: Angelina Mortley Design & Layout: Trina Jensen Articles: Elaine Seager, Diane Clarke, Amanda Cranston and submitted writers Phone: 4034 3331 Fax: 4034 3342 Email: info@pakmag.com.au Address: Level 2, 68 Abbott Street Virginia House, Cairns QLD 4870 Postal: PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812 Disclaimer: No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may br reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advsied to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within PakMagazine are not neccessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

kids

02 What’s new

17

Kid’s MiniMag

04 Playground politics

18

Colour it in & win

07 Catholic Education 08 Returning to work after kids 11 PakHealth

babies & toddlers

14 Green tips 15 Pakfood 16

Out & About photos

17

Mini Mag

19

What’s On

25 Out & about photos 27 PakBaby 31 Autism disorders

pakmag

pakmag : for parents of beans to teens

32 Tackling teens

27 PakBaby

things to win 02 WIN Rio tickets 12

WIN a jar of My First Vegemite

15

WIN a double movie pass

18

WIN a mystery prize

33 Learning disorders

23 4 mystery prizes to WIN

34 Fav Pets/Competition Winners

28 WIN a Sun Sheet

35 Happy camping

29 WIN Sophie the Giraffe

36 Treasure trove of fun

40 WIN a mystery prize

37

4TO Column/Creative Kids

38 Fishing with kids 39 Movie of the Month 40 Time for a Break

cover shot Model: Violet Kersh Photographer: A big thanks to the team at Insight Creative

Find us exclusively in your local:

www.pakmag.com.au

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what’s new april

what’s new april Zookini

Movie Releases

HOP (TBA) In cinemas April 7

egg-cellent fun Zookini is the 2011 Xstrata Annual

Never Say Never -

Gallery. It centres around the vibrant and

In cinemas April 7

charismatic works of renowned ceramicist and illustrator Jenny Orchard. The exhibition is complemented by artworks from the

Paul (TBA)

interactive activities, and an activity booklet

Play School is coming to Townsville with a

program, everything in the concerts is

for children that all engage with Orchard’s

brand new live show on Wednesday 4 May.

carefully paced especially for children. There

exotic and multi-species creatures, allowing

Prince Big Ted has a royal crown and a royal

are songs to move to, as well as quiet times

Released on 7 April, RIO is a 3-D animation

children to explore their vivid imaginations.

cloak but doesn’t have a royal castle so he

to just watch and listen. The familiarity of the

feature from the makers of the “Ice Age” films.

School tours (bookings essential) enable

sets off to find one with his friends Humpty,

material and the presenters combined, totally

children to learn more about the artwork,

Jemima and Little Ted.

engage the young audience and there is lots

WIN RIO tickets!

In cinemas April 14

Set in Rio de Janeiro and the lush rainforest of Brazil, this comedy-adventure centres on Blu,

and ties into the Education Queensland curriculum. The exhibition runs from 15

and parents alike. The concert features songs,

performing at the Townsville Civic Theatre on

that she’s a she – he leaves the comforts of his

games and stories, presented by two Play

Wednesday 4 May 2011. Tickets are on sale

cage in small town Minnesota and heads to

School presenters, along with the real stars

through the Ticketshop. For more information

of the show the toys. As with the television

phone 4727 9797.

(TBA) In cinemas April 14

kind. When Blu discovers there’s another – and

Fast & Furious 5 (TBA)

Rio. But it’s far from love at first sight between

In cinemas April 21

the domesticated and flight-challenged Blu

April until 10 July.

and the fiercely independent, high-flying

Undara Blues

female, Jewel. Unexpectedly thrown together,

Red Dog (TBA) In cinemas April 21

they embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

In Cinemas 7 april 2011

WIN movie tickets!

For your chance to win RIO tickets from Birch Carroll & Coyle email us at

www.birch.com.au

pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au & tell us who voices the character of Jewel in RIO?

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of audience participation.

Play School live in Concert will be

a rare macaw who thinks he is the last of his

In cinemas April 21

These popular Play School live shows are specially designed to delight pre-schoolers

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2

Arthur (TBA)

Play School is coming!

City of Townsville Art Collection, a range of

In cinemas April 14

Mars Needs Moms (TBA)

Looking for ways to celebrate the arrival of the Easter Bunny?

Children’s Exhibition at the Perc Tucker

Justin Bieber (TBA)

Water-Skiing In the world of water skiiing Townsville will be the focus of attention during April. Townsville is hosting both the state and national championships at Loam Island and Riverway:

creative kids

• 2 April – PakMag’s early Easter Egg Hunt at The Living Display Centre Park at North Shore (3-4pm). Thanks to Cadbury’s we’ll be giving away literally thousands of FREE chocolate Easter eggs and tickets to a special preview screening of HOP on Sunday morning (3 April).

• School holidays – Polly’s Crafts will be doing a Sand Art Eggstravaganza at Annandale Central on Sat 16 April and 18-21 April (10am-3pm daily).

• Easter Weekend – Castletown’s Easter Bunny will be in residence handing out Easter eggs between 11.30am-12.30pm.

• Stockland will also have a free jumping castle in the centre court during the school holidays.

facebook fans

Undara is about to explode with the Outback

Join up to become a fan of our PakMag

Country Rock & Blues weekend on 15-17

Townsville page to receive additional news

April. Local and international artists will

and event updates during the month.

be performing at this event at one of the region’s most unique locations. It’s popularity is growing, especially with camping groups.

All roads are sealed from Townsville. Cost is $115 for a 3-day adult pass, kids (4-14) $57.50.

Check out the activities being run at the

tell us your news

Creative Kids Play Centre this month: • 4-10 April - Egg Carton Animals

If you’ve got an event coming up or some

• 11-17 April - Paperplate Easter Bonnets

news you wish to publicise to families in the

15-17 April – State Championships

Bookings are essential, call 1800 990 992 or

• 18-24 April - Easter Baskets

Townsville region please email them to us at

21-25 April – National Championships

email res@undara.com.au

• 25-30 April - Handprint Flowers

pakinfo@pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

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Friendship politics Story thanks to Amanda Cranston

playground politics

Playground politics is part of school life and can be a little daunting for parents too, writes Amanda Cranston As the mother of a first-time prep student, I have

troubles or is being left out? One local teacher

bullying behaviour if its being done covertly but

already discovered that school friendships can

says concerned parents should always talk to

its important to deal with it as early as possible

be tricky business. Friendships change on a daily

their child’s teacher, as the teacher will normally

to avoid the potential long lasting emotional

basis, best friends are made and discarded, some

have observed the social interaction between

and psychological from being victimised. Most

days no-one wants to play with your little one

all students. If the teacher believes there is an

schools have a zero tolerance policy and anti-

and other days they are the most popular kid in

issue they will sit down with the child and coach

bullying processes in place.

class. This is all fairly normal behaviour I’m told as

them on ways to make friends and encourage

kids are still discovering who they are and how

friendships. Teachers, especially in Prep, play an

to interact socially, as well as trying to establish

important role in showing students social skills

friendship groups.

in making friends, cooperating, fitting in and

A local experienced school administrator says

be aware of who they play with and what they are doing at school. Friendships are developed through trust and getting to know each other

Some children struggle to fit in and make

and, whilst not all kids will get along with each

for some children to adapt to. “It’s a brand new

friends, instead becoming the victim of teasing

other, they need to learn to tolerate each other.

culture for them because not only are they trying

and bullying which can be very difficult for the

to make friends but they are also learning school

child and the parents. By definition, teasing is

language and behaviour,” she says. “Adapting is

persistently irritating or making fun of someone

a skill that children learn at school because the

which provokes anger and frustration, while

classroom environment can change daily just by

bullying is intimidating or coercing someone

having one child absent. This means when kids

through persistently aggressive or violent

with stronger personalities are away other kids

behaviour.

This constant change can be hard for parents too as no-one wants to think their child is being left out. So what can parents do if they are concerned their child may be having friendship

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communication open with your children and

the constant change of dynamics can be hard

are able to step up and have a more active role.”

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respecting others.

As a parent you need to keep the lines of

Parents are advised to discuss concerns with the teacher rather than approaching others themselves. As one local prep teacher says it can get “prickly between parents” if they decide to handle the situation directly. Research also suggests that children should be left to fight their own battles as long as they’re not in danger or

Bullying takes many forms from pushing

overly upset. As parents we need to support our

or tripping to verbal aggression and social

children by helping them learn problem solving

alienation. If your child has experienced any of

skills and tolerance, as well as by supporting

these then you should definitely talk with your

different friendships as they come and go.

child’s teacher. Teachers are not always aware of

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07

Do the Rhyme to WIN Big Time!

WIN famIly VIP TIckeTs To The ToWNsVIlle Rhymes fesTIVal 26 JuNe Plus loaDs moRe! Simply send us a 30 second video entry performing your favourite Rhyme and you could win. Judges will select the top 5, and it will be put to a vote in June. So get your cameras ready and submit your entry today!

For all terms, conditions & comp criteria go to: www.pakmag.com.au

Catholic Education Check out the latest with Catholic Education

project: compassion Students in Catholic schools across the Townsville Diocese celebrated the local launch of ‘Project Compassion’ by flipping pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, the day before the start of the Lenten season.

Project Compassion is an annual awareness and

parishes, aimed at broadening the way our

Bishop Michael Putney and local Caritas Australia

fundraising campaign coordinated by Caritas

students view the world. Each week during Lent,

representatives attended the Diocesan launch at

Australia, the Catholic Church’s international aid

students learn of various communities where

St Anthony’s Catholic College in Deeragun.

and development agency.

Caritas aid programs are helping to transform

Project Compassion began in 1966 and is now

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PHOTO: Tianna Killoran (St Anthony’s Catholic College), Zane Jones (Ryan Catholic College),

the largest humanitarian fundraising effort in

Townsville Catholic Education Director, Dr Cathy

Tarla Dwyer (St Anthony’s Catholic College),

Australia. Catholic schools and parishes across

Day says social justice is one of the cornerstones

Sarah Kassulke (St Clare’s Catholic School),

Australia take part in this campaign each year. In

of a Catholic education. “Our students are actively

Ebonie Emanuel (Southern Cross Catholic School)

2011, Caritas Australia hopes to raise $9.7 million

encouraged to support those less fortunate

and Oscar Carter (St Josephs School, The Strand)

to work toward building a better world for the

in our world and we proudly support Project

with Bishop Michael Putney and local Caritas

poor and oppressed in more than 200 countries

Compassion each year as a way of learning

representative, Marie Radford at the Diocesan

and territories. As Project Compassion falls

and spreading awareness throughout our

launch of PROJECT COMPASSION.

across the six weeks of Lent, Caritas distributes

communities,” Dr Day said.

educational materials to Catholic schools and

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lives, families and communities.

Source: www.caritas.org.au

www.pakmag.com.au

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Back to Work Feature story thanks to Diane Clarke

returning to work after kids Finding a job can be hard work for anyone but returning to work after months or even years as a stay-at-home parent can sometimes seem like an impossible challenge As the CEO of a training company I see

employer and your family is over-committing

hundreds of people wanting to update their

and not fulfilling your responsibilities at work

skills to help them to find work. Some have

or at home. Many parents find returning to

been retrenched, others are looking for a

work part-time is more manageable at first.

career change, but the largest group by far is

Once the family has settled into new routines

mums trying to return to work.

and child care is stabilised you may then

I have listened over seemingly endless cups of tea as capable and talented women tell tales of the abject terror, loss of direction and lack of confidence all keeping them from fulfilling their career potential. As I pour the tea, they pour over their résumés figuring out how to plug the glaring gaps left by maternity leave (which, by the way, you don’t have to do because it’s perfectly ok to say you took time out to raise your family).

As with any major project, success is much more likely if you put some time in to creating a well thought out plan. Before you even start printing off your old résumés and dry cleaning your interview suit, stop. Much time, frustration and rejection will be saved by thinking through your plan, getting some retraining if necessary and working out how you will juggle your new work and family life.

Answer the following questions to form the basis of your plan.

[1] How much time do you have to offer?

Before you became a parent you may have worked full-time and jumped at any opportunity to work overtime, but as a working parent, childcare is your biggest consideration so you need to be realistic about what time you can physically commit to an employer. The worse outcome for you, your

8

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choose to take on more hours.

[2] What job do you want to do?

If having a baby has changed your life, it would be reasonable to assume that the kind of work you find satisfying and rewarding may have also changed. Or, the time and

[3] Are your skills and qualifications current?

Whether you’re changing direction or seeking to get back into your old profession an employer will need to see that you are up to date with skills and qualifications in your chosen field. Taking a training course will not only give you the certificate to prove you have what it takes it will also do wonders for your confidence in your own abilities. And remember, training doesn’t have to be in a classroom, many courses are offered on-line making learning more flexible.

energy you have available means you can no longer work 38 hours a week in a competitive atmosphere where the boss expects you to be constantly available.

Think about the type of work that would make you happy. Do you need something that stimulates your brain and gives you interaction with adults, or would you prefer something that requires little thought and gives you a break from responsibility?

A career change is common for women

Tips to remember DON’T feel you have to fill the gaps on your resume left by maternity leave.

DON’T spend the entire interview talking about your kids.

DON’T turn up to an interview wearing anything other than smart, clean clothes.

returning to work. Many consider their previous career too demanding to balance

DON’T take your children to an interview.

with family life and prefer to look for something more flexible. Others may have

DO consider the new skills you’ve

developed new interests since becoming a

developed as a parent.

parent or they may not have liked what they were doing before and see this time as an

DO remember that no job is more difficult

opportunity to make a change and finally

than looking after small children every day!

pursue their real passions. In these cases it may be a good idea to consider some part-

DO be confident, smile and remember that

time study or re-training while on maternity

you can do anything!

leave.

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PakHealth feature Story thanks to Elaine Seager

Need help cleaning your world? eating disorders: warning signs Bulimia and anorexia are serious health problems that have been diagnosed in as young as eight but usually starts in adolescence. Signs that your child’s relationship with food and eating needs some urgent attention include:

• Total cleaning solutions • Fast Vacuum repairs • Dust sensitive, Asthma and Allergy Products • Full commercial product range

[1] Definition of normal

[3] Dental health

One of the most obvious warning signs is when

Make sure your daughter goes to the dentist

your daughter disagrees with what is considered

every six months for checkups. Frequent

a normal weight for someone her size especially

vomiting or starving will show up in her mouth.

if they also have a LOVE of ultra-thin models or a

Take advantage of our

fANTASTic PricES!!!

Check out Godfreys great product range at our Duckworth Street store!

distaste for plus-size and healthy looking people.

[2] Eating Skipping meals apart from a small salad for dinner every night is not normal, nor is being obsessed with the calorie content of food.

to conceal her body in clothes that are too big?

[5] Menstruation

[6] Exercise Beware of over-exercising. Creating ridiculous training programmes for themselves is another symptom to watch out for.

Adopt healthy habits of eating yourself, and your chances of influencing your daughter to do the same will increase dramatically.

Track her menstrual cycle by making a note in

A recent study discovered that 25% of teenage

papillomavirus) which is sexually transmitted

girls are not having the cervical cancer vaccine,

and causes 70 per cent of cervical cancer.

and many of them seemed to have a lack of knowledge about what it was for. This vaccine

143 Duckworth St (opp Harvey Norman) • PHONE: 4779 6664 • OPEN 7 DAYS: 8.30am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, 8.30am-4pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun 10 www.pakmag.com.au

Look at the clothes she is wearing – is she trying

stops for three months or more.

cancer vaccine

despite it being free of charge at school,

Godfreys Domain Superstore - The Vacuum & Cleaning Specialists

[4] Clothing choices

your diary or calendar and take note if her period

protects against two types of HPV (human

A new website has been launched to help provide further education. For more info go to: www.cervicalcancervaccine.org.au

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PakHealth snippets Main story thanks to Dr Julia Driscoll

pakhealth molluscum contagiosum

Easter Egg Hunt!

3pm-4pm Saturday 2 April at North Shore Bring your Easter bonnet for a parade, plus a small basket to collect your Cadbury Easter Eggs.

thanks to Dr Julia Driscoll

WiN tickEtS to SEE our ExcluSivE PrEviEW of HoP oN APril 3!

PlEASE NotE: There will be a hunt area for under 5’s & 6-12 year olds. There will be a limit on the amount of tokens your kids can collect on

(Moll-us-cum Con-taj-i-os-um) It sounds impressive doesn’t it? I can almost imagine myself stirring a witch’s cauldron and casting that spell upon you.

Well, in fact it is a common, harmless

can be itchy and heal without scarring. Non-

treatments cited have minimal evidence to

skin condition. As the name suggests it is

immune people can get the infection when the

support them and may cause scarring.

contagious and can be spread to different areas

virus enters a small break in the skin’s surface.

on the same person or from person to person.

The spots can last a few weeks to about

Theoretically, anyone can catch it though

eighteen months.

children are most commonly affected.

Children with molluscum can go to school

• Ensure lesions are adequately covered by clothing or by band aids.

and play with other children. The risk of

• Don’t share washers and towels.

in our hot, humid climate. It produces red

transmission through warm bath water and

• Towel dry lesions last.

lumps that become pearly in colour and have

swimming pools is rare. Watchful waiting may

a central indentation. They are painless but

still be the best curative option. Many of the

• Most importantly, wash hands after

wonderful water

Vegemite has been a staple of most Australian

When you’re choosing what to drink you might not consider it’s ph level. But just as your pool water needs to be a certain ph level, so too does your body. A value of one is very high acid and a value of 14 is very high alkaline. For optimum health your body prefers a neutral ph level of around 7 which makes water your best choice. Here’s the ph of a few other drink options:

However, Kraft Foods have now introduced ‘My First Vegemite’ which is designed with a milder taste for younger palettes with extra vitamins and added iron. Importantly it also has half the amount of sodium (salt).

It is suitable for kids over the age of one and available in all stores.

WIN a jar of my first vegemite!

We have some jars of My First Vegemite to giveaway.

For your chance to win email us at pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au and tell us how many years Vegemite has been made in Austalia?

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touching the lesions.

my first vegemite

every four homes owning a jar.

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To minimise the spread of the virus:

It is caused by a virus (MCV) which thrives

children’s diets for decades with three out of

the day to redeem for eggs and HOP tickets to make it equitable for all entrants. HOP tickets are only redeemable for the preview on April 3.

• Water – 7 • Beer – 4.5 • Coffee – 4.0 • Orange juice – 3.7 • Apple Juice – 3.4 • Lipton Iced Tea – 2.8 Unfortunately our kidneys were not designed to filter the acid waste accumulating through poor diet and if they don’t work properly toxins build up and poison the blood.

Damaged kidneys can’t be regenerated so it’s best to take care of them by choosing water and alkaline foods like veggies, fruit and salad.

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green tips with Karen Keynes Where do fruit & veg come from?

Would you be surprised to know that the

vegetable distribution. With the flooding in

• Support a local distribution centre - Get

majority of our local supermarkets obtain their

the South East corner of the State and the

in touch with your local State parliament

fruit and vegetable stocks from the South East

subsequent cyclone, fruit and vegetables

member and tell them you support the

corner? Growers send their produce into the

along with other grocery items were in short

establishment of a North Queensland fresh

Rocklea Markets in Brisbane where buyers

supply due to road closures.

produce distribution centre.

So what can we do to improve this situation for ourselves?

And of course, the other thing you can do is to

• Support local farmers - Purchase direct from

the back yard, or a homemade lemonade fresh

growers at our local markets or from local

from your very own lemon tree!

then go and purchase their requirements.

Whilst this makes sense if the growers are in and around Brisbane, it makes much less sense when the growers are sending produce from North Queensland, only to have it transported back again to supply our local supermarkets – imagine the transport costs and associated carbon emissions!

North Queenslanders also recently experienced another downside of our reliance on the South East corner for our fruit and

grocers who stock locally grown product... there are at least 3 in town that I am aware of.

• Say NO to imported produce - not only for

simply grow your own! Nothing beats a home grown lettuce fresh from the veggie patch in

Karen Keynes is the owner of

Easter Egg Caramel Slice • 1 & 1/2 cups plain flour • 1/3 cup caster sugar • 80g butter, chopped • 1 egg yolk • 500g mini solid Easter eggs • 1 cup shredded coconut

for the eco-conscious.

• 395g can sweetened condensed milk

the sake of supporting Australian farmers,

parents in the pantry Best Ever Lunchbox Brownies • 250gm packet choc chips (preferably milk choc but your preference!)

• 1 cup flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 can condensed milk • 2 tbsp melted butter • 2 large tblsp cocoa

but any imported produce is sprayed with pesticide to prevent harmful insects.

Method

HIRE & SALES ExpEriEncE A hOME away frOM hOME cAmping AdvEnturE

• Childrens, Teens & Adults Party Packages • Specialists for fundraising/corporate/social events • Full catering & licensed bar available • Amusement rides for all ages for hire on site

Kings Road, West End (opp Showgrounds) PHONE: 4771 3999 OPEN: 7 days 9am-9pm www.pakmag.com.au

kids in the kitchen

www.greenurlife.com.au, kitchenware

Camper Trailer

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pakfood

AnnuAl Stock SAle on now!

Only 5 top range camper trailers available!

Built in Australia for our conditions. All ex-hire stock, 18 months old or less, starting from $8,000-$15,000 (On sale from 27 April 2011) Call Penny on 0449 769 916 to arrange an inspection

Exclusive stockists of CGear Camping Mats!

On salE until 30 aPril 2011!

Call penny & russ teale on 0449 769 916 for info

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Method

Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 3cm-deep, 16.5cm x 26cm slab

Preheat oven to 180°C. Mix all ingredients until well combined.

pan. Line with baking paper, allowing a 2cm overhang.

Spread the brownie mixture into a bakewrapped brownie tin

Combine flour, sugar and butter in a food processor. Process until

and bake in a moderate fan forced oven for about 20 mins. Cut

mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add egg yolk and 2 tblsp cold

the slice into pieces and then allow to rest. This recipe is a big hit

water. Process until mixture almost comes together. Press mixture

with the kids and favourite lunchbox treat.

into pan. Bake for 15 mins or until light golden. Set aside to cool.

Unwrap Easter eggs & place over slice base to cover. Sprinkle with coconut. Drizzle condensed milk over the slice. Bake for 28-30 mins or until edges are deep golden.

Allow slice to cool completely in pan before cutting into pieces.

WIN a double movie pass!

Send in a recipe to pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au for your chance to win! Entries close: 18/04/2011

IntroducIng townsvIlle’s new MaG for parents of “beans to teens” 3 reasons to use pakmag: [1] pakmag prints 10,000 copies every month [2] pakmag is the only family mag in townsville that can distribute to every Mcdonalds & coles from Ayr to Ingham [3] pakmag targets parents of ‘beans to teens’ 39,989 families consisting of: 3382 babies, 16347 one-five yr olds & 18176 five-fourteen yr olds

check out what we can do for your business Call us now on 4034 3331 or email sales@pakmag.com.au to see how we can help your biz in the family market - FREE opportunities exist

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LL U T P OU

out & about

submit your photos

email to: photos@pakmag.com.au

kids

mag

nd

Jye, Maddsen, Emily and DJ at the Stra

Tahlia and Gemma at the Strand

Douglas having fun on the Strand

Fiona bike riding on the Strand

Rhylee cooling down at the Strand

Tayjarn having fun on the Strand

Out & About photos thanks to the team at insight creative > www.insightcreative.com.au

1 1 0 2 l i r p A ld win! u o c u o y & Colour it in ds! r o w n e d d i Find the h res! u t c i p & s d or Match the w

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In Cinemas 7 April 2011 www.pakmag.com.au

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pakmag

what’s on april

pink = family

Dancenorth 7.OOpm 1 April at Dancenorth Studio For more information: (07) 4772 2549

DATE

18

To enter this great competition just colour-it-in and mail to:

Name:

PAKMAG, Colour-it-in April 2011

Parent/Guardian:

PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812

Address:

and you could WIN a mystery prize!

Phone:

Closing Date: 18 April 2011

Email:

www.pakmag.com.au

VENUE

green = kids

Jimeoin Live

7.OOpm 2 April at Riverway Art Centre For more info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

E E M G T D U RI P F N O

Colour-it-in & win

blue = adults

PakMag’s Mega Easter Egg Hunt 2 April at Northshore For more information: (07) 4034 3331

FOR MORE INFO

COST

1/04/11

Saunders Beach

1/04/11

The Womens Centre

Craft Group @ the Womens Centre

1:00 PM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au

1/04/11

Dancenorth Studio

Dancenorth: Double Bill

7:00 PM

4772 2549

Cost

1/04/11

Aitkenvale Library

Storytime for Preschoolers

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

Northern Beaches Mobile Playgroup

10:00 AM

4151 6511

2/04/11

Townsville Civic Theatre

The Creole Choir of Cuba - The Latin Soweto

7:30 PM

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

$15-$45

2/04/11

Riverway Arts Centre

Jimeoin - Something Smells Funny tour

7:00 PM

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

$35/$40

2/04/11

Ignatius Park College Hall

Ignatius School Disco

7:00 PM

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

$10

2/04/11

Cultural Centre, Flinders Street

Cultural Centre Markets

8:30 AM

www.cctownsville.com.au

Free

2/04/11

Centrals Townsville

Townsville Centrals Little Athletics - ages 6-17

1:45 PM

www.qlaa.asn.au

Free

2/04/11

The Living Display Centre Park

PAKMAG's MEGA EASTER EGG HUNT

3:00 PM

(07) 4721 3915

Free

www.jcu.edu.au/soca/gallery Free

4/04/11

Creative Arts Complex, JCU

Exhibition: honours - School of Creative Arts - Launch Day

8:30 AM

4/04/11

The Womens Centre

Playgroup

9:30 AM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

4/04/11

Mercure Inn, Woolcock Street

Townsville Toastmasters Meetings

6:30 PM

4778 4179

4/04/11

The Womens Centre

Free Yoga Class

12:00 PM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

4/04/11

Aitkenvale Library

Baby Rhyme Time

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

4/04/11

Aitkenvale Library

Baby Rhyme Time

11:00 AM

4773 8818

Free Free

5/04/11

Upper Ross Community Centre

TimeOut Group - Cuppa and a Chat

9:00 AM

4774 0144

5/04/11

The Womens Centre

Garden group

10:00 AM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

5/04/11

PCYC Aitkenvale

Iaijutsu at the PCYC

6:30 PM

www.komei-juku.com

Cost

5/04/11

Flinders Street Library

Storytime for Preschoolers

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

6/04/11

The Womens Centre

Playgroup

9:30 AM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

6/04/11

The Womens Centre

Tai Chi Classes - FREE

1:00 PM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

6/04/11

Thuringowa Library

Storytime for Preschoolers

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

7/04/11

Riverway Salvos

Thursday Night Church

5:00 PM

0414 401 461

Free

4778 4179

7/04/11

Carville Seniors Meeting Room

Speechcraft Course

7:00 PM

7/04/11

Thuringowa Library

Baby Rhyme Time

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

7/04/11

Thuringowa Library

Baby Rhyme Time

11:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

8/04/11

Reid Park, Boundary Street

Youth Fest

4:00 PM

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Free

8/04/11

Townsville PCYC, Aitkenvale

Townsville PCYC Morning Melodies

10:30 AM

4781 9100

$10

Age:

www.pakmag.com.au

19

what’s on april

pink = family

RhymeTime

11 April at 1Oam at Aitkenvale Library

20

VENUE

blue = adults

Adam Harvey

RugbyLeague

For more info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au

For more information phone: 132 849

9 April at 8.OOpm Tville Civic Theatre

For more information: (07) 4773 8818

DATE

green = kids

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

what’s on april

WaterSkiing Championships

Cowboys Vs Knights 19 Mar @ 8.3Opm

FOR MORE INFO

8/04/11

Dairy Farmers Stadium

NRL: NQ Cowboys Vs Gold Coast Titans

7:30 PM

www.ticketek.com.au

8/04/11

Saunders Beach

Northern Beaches Mobile Playgroup

10:00 AM

4151 6511

8/04/11

Dancenorth Studio

Dancenorth: Double Bill

7:00 PM

4772 2549

8/04/11

Aitkenvale Library

Storytime for Preschoolers

10:00 AM

COST

pink = family

15April all day event

VENUE

blue = adults

Playgroup

Free YOGA

For more information: (07) 4771 4000

For info: www.thewomenscentre.org.au

2O April @ 9.3Oam The Womens Centre

For more information: 0409 267 553

DATE

green = kids

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

25 April at 12pm at The Womens Centre

FOR MORE INFO

COST

18/04/11 The Womens Centre

Playgroup

9:30 AM

18/04/11 The Womens Centre

Free Yoga Class

12:00 PM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

Cost

18/04/11 Dancenorth Studio

Basic Movement Classes for People with Disabilities (Dance)

9:30 AM

www.kithandkin.com.au

Free

4773 8818

Free

18/04/11 Aitkenvale Library

Baby Rhyme Time

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

Cost

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

9/04/11

Townsville Civic Theatre

Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole - The Rematch Tour

8:00 PM

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

$15-$42

18/04/11 Aitkenvale Library

Baby Rhyme Time

11:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

9/04/11

Tony Ireland Stadium

Xstrata Cyclone Relief Concert NQ

2:00 PM

www.cyclonereliefconcertnq.com.au

Cost

19/04/11 Upper Ross Community Centre

TimeOut Group - Cuppa and a Chat

9:00 AM

4774 0144

Free

9/04/11

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island Adventurethon Festival

8:00 AM

0447 496 489

19/04/11 PCYC Aitkenvale

Iaijutsu at the PCYC

6:30 PM

www.komei-juku.com

Cost

9/04/11

Deeragun Community Centre

BINGO

2:00 PM

4751 6511

Cost

19/04/11 Flinders Street Library

Storytime for Preschoolers

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

9/04/11

Aitkenvale Library

Free

19/04/11 Thuringowa Library

Storytime for Preschoolers

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

20/04/11 Townsville Civic Theatre

The Saltwater Band

8:00 PM

4727 9797

$23/$28

20/04/11 The Womens Centre

Playgroup

9:30 AM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

20/04/11 The Womens Centre

Tai Chi Classes - FREE

1:00 PM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

21/04/11 Loam Island & Riverway

2011 National Waterski Shampionships

All Day

0409 267 553

12:00 PM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

21/04/11 Thuringowa Library

iRead Book and Movie Club - MOVIE NIGHT - Bookings Essential

6:00 PM

4773 8819

10:00 AM

4773 8818

22/04/11 Loam Island & Riverway

2011 National Waterski Shampionships

All Day

0409 267 553

All Day

Manga Art with David Lovegrove

9:00 AM

4773 8818

10/04/11 Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island Adventurethon Festival

8:00 AM

0447 496 489

10/04/11 65 Ross River Road

Townsville & Thuringowa Country Music Fun Day

2:00 PM

4725 4756

10/04/11 Aitkenvale Library

Manga Art with David Lovegrove

9:00 AM

4773 8818

11/04/11 The Womens Centre

Playgroup

9:30 AM

11/04/11 The Womens Centre

Free Yoga Class

11/04/11 Aitkenvale Library

Baby Rhyme Time

Free

Free

11/04/11 Aitkenvale Library

Baby Rhyme Time

11:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

22/04/11 Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

Townsville Young Artists Awards Exhibition - Launch Day

12/04/11 Townsville Civic Theatre

Morning Melodies - 'The Look of Love' with Jackie Love

11:00 AM

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

$12

22/04/11 Charters Towers

Ten Days in the Towers - Launch Day

Free

22/04/11 Saunders Beach

Northern Beaches Mobile Playgroup

10:00 AM

4151 6511

23/04/11 Loam Island & Riverway

2011 National Waterski Shampionships

All Day

0409 267 553

12/04/11 Upper Ross Community Centre

TimeOut Group - Cuppa and a Chat

9:00 AM

4774 0144

12/04/11 Creative Kids Play Centre

Australian Breastfeeding Association

9:30 AM

www.breastfeeding.asn.au

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Free

4761 5515

12/04/11 PCYC Aitkenvale

Iaijutsu at the PCYC

6:30 PM

www.komei-juku.com

Cost

23/04/11 Deeragun Community Centre

BINGO

2:00 PM

4751 6511

12/04/11 Flinders Street Library

Storytime for Preschoolers

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

24/04/11 Loam Island & Riverway

2011 National Waterski Shampionships

All Day

0409 267 553 0409 267 553

Cost

12/04/11 Thuringowa Library

Storytime for Preschoolers

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

25/04/11 Loam Island & Riverway

2011 National Waterski Shampionships

All Day

13/04/11 Townsville Civic Theatre

Morning Melodies - 'The Look of Love' with Jackie Love

11:00 AM

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

$12

25/04/11 Anzac Park Cenotaph

ANZAC Day Services

Morning

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Free

13/04/11 The Womens Centre

Playgroup

9:30 AM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

25/04/11 Thuringowa Cenotaph

ANZAC Day Services

Morning

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Free

13/04/11 The Womens Centre

Tai Chi Classes - FREE

1:00 PM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

25/04/11 The Womens Centre

Playgroup

9:30 AM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

13/04/11 Thuringowa Library

The Loud Lounge - Workshops, Talks Performances

3:30 PM

4773 8818

Free

25/04/11 The Womens Centre

Free Yoga Class

12:00 PM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

14/04/11 Jupiters Townsville

The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal - Official Opening

6:45 PM

0414 403 988

Donation

26/04/11 Upper Ross Community Centre

TimeOut Group - Cuppa and a Chat

9:00 AM

4774 0144

Free

14/04/11 Warrina Cineplex

Townsville Cinema Group presents: Food Inc & The Brothers Bloom

7:15 PM

www.cinemagroup.org.au

26/04/11 PCYC Aitkenvale

Iaijutsu at the PCYC

6:30 PM

www.komei-juku.com

Cost

14/04/11 Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club

Townsville Music & Performance Arts Space: Patrick Levi & Fiji Bill

7:00 PM

4724 4211

Free

26/04/11 Flinders Street Library

Storytime for Preschoolers

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

14/04/11 Thuringowa Library

Baby Rhyme Time

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

26/04/11 Thuringowa Library

Storytime for Preschoolers

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

Free

27/04/11 The Womens Centre

Playgroup

9:30 AM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

27/04/11 The Womens Centre

Tai Chi Classes - FREE

1:00 PM

www.thewomenscentre.org.au Free

14/04/11 Thuringowa Library

Baby Rhyme Time

11:00 AM

4773 8818

15/04/11 Loam Island & Riverway

State Waterski Championships

All Day

0409 267 553

15/04/11 Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

Zookini - Xstrata Annual Children's Exhibition - Launch Day

All Day

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Free

28/04/11 eMerge Media Space, JCU

Exhibition: School of Creative Arts -Staff Show - Launch Day

All Day

4781 3142

Free

15/04/11 Umbrella Studio

Art Exhibition: Pigs & Reindeer and a lot of Wasted Youth

9:00 AM

4772 7109

Free

28/04/11 Thuringowa Library

Baby Rhyme Time

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

15/04/11 Umbrella Studio

Art Exhibition: Necromancing - Harry Hummerston

9:00 AM

4772 7109

Free

28/04/11 Thuringowa Library

Baby Rhyme Time

11:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

15/04/11 Umbrella Studio

Art Exhibition: Paradoxymoron -James Ellis

9:00 AM

4772 7109

Free

29/04/11 Jupiters Townsville

Family Law & Lore Symposium

9:00 AM

0439 030 191

Cost

Cost

15/04/11 Dairy Farmers Stadium

NRL: NQ Cowboys Vs Canberra Raiders

7:00 PM

www.ticketek.com.au

15/04/11 Saunders Beach

Northern Beaches Mobile Playgroup

10:00 AM

4151 6511

29/04/11 Dairy Farmers Stadium

NRL: NQ Cowboys Vs Manly Sea Eagles

7:00 PM

www.ticketek.com.au

Cost

29/04/11 Charters Towers Showgrounds

2011 Charters Towers Country Music Festival

All Day

1800 44 99 77

Cost

15/04/11 Dancenorth Studio

Dancenorth: Double Bill

7:00 PM

4772 2549

Cost

29/04/11 Saunders Beach

Northern Beaches Mobile Playgroup

10:00 AM

4151 6511

15/04/11 Aitkenvale Library

Storytime for Preschoolers

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

29/04/11 Dancenorth Studio

Dancenorth: Double Bill

7:00 PM

4772 2549

Cost

16/04/11 Loam Island & Riverway

State Waterski Championships

All Day

0409 267 553

29/04/11 Aitkenvale Library

Storytime for Preschoolers

10:00 AM

4773 8818

Free

16/04/11 Pinnacles Gallery

Murris in Ink - Launch Day

All Day

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Free

30/04/11 Charters Towers Showgrounds

2011 Charters Towers Country Music Festival

All Day

1800 44 99 77

Cost

16/04/11 Deeragun Community Centre

BINGO

2:00 PM

4751 6511

Cost

30/04/11 The Strand Park

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day

9:30 AM

0412 576 507

Free

17/04/11 Loam Island & Riverway

State Waterski Championships

All Day

0409 267 553

30/04/11 Deeragun Community Centre

BINGO

2:00 PM

4751 6511

Cost

17/04/11 Pioneer Park (Start)

Townsville Podiatry Centre Fun Run (10km)

7:00 AM

0419 299 801

30/04/11 Riverway Salvos

Memory Makers - Scrapbooking Workshop

9:00 AM

0414 401 461

$15

18/04/11 Gregory Street Amphitheatre

Full Moon Drum Circle

6:00 PM

0414 803 666

www.pakmag.com.au

submit your entries for free to pakinfo@pakmag.com.au by the 15th of the month

Free

www.pakmag.com.au

submit your entries for free to pakinfo@pakmag.com.au by the 15th of the month

21

what’s on april

pink = family

green = kids

blue = adults

regular weekly events Riverways Lagoon Fri 10 Dec to Wed 26 Jan (excluding Fri 31 Dec) Friday 31 December Monday to Sunday – 9am to 9pm For more info visit: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Townsville Rockpark The Water Park is closed every Tue and Wed for cleaning and maintenance (except it is open daily on Queensland Public Holidays, and during Queensland and New South Wales State School Holidays). For more info call 4727 9000 Operating hours: April & May: 10am to 6pm June to August: 10am to 5pm September to November: 10am to 6pm December to March: 10am to 8pm” Northern Beaches Leisure Centre (1 Dec 2010 to 31 Jan 2011) Monday to Friday - 6am to 8pm Saturday - 7am to 7pm Sunday - 7am to 6pm Community TimeOut Community Time Out is an informal opportunity for you to visit your local community centre. Have fun, share your skills and interests with others, get new ideas and info, meet new friends, or just have a cuppa. For more info 4727 9050

Oonoonba Community Centre - Every Wed 9am-12noon Wulguru Community Centre - Every Fri 1.30pm-4.30pm Strand Presents: Entertainment on the Strand Free Live Entertainment on the Strand - see www.townsville. qld.gov.au/community/events/Pages/strandpresents.aspx For more info 4727 9000 North Queensland Jazz Club Regular Jazz Night (more info call 0413 456 542 Marie Gibson) Venue: Townsville PCYC, Wellington Street, Aitkenvale Time: Every 2nd & 4th Sunday 5.30pm - 9pm Cost: $10 members & $15 non-members We feature a range of very talented local bands playing great jazz music in a relaxed, friendly environment. The regular jazz night always has a sit-in bracket and visiting musicians are encouraged to come up and play. Dancers are most welcome!

Townsville Mini Golf Fun Park - For info 4771 3999 Traffic Light Tuesday: 7pm to 9pm. A meet and greet event for 18+ patrons, including half price Mini Golf. Wear the Traffic Light colours to show your relationship status: (Green - single, Yellow – nothing certain, and Red – unavailable.) Make new friends or maybe even find your perfect match. A fun filled night is guaranteed.

Wet Wednesday: 5pm to 9pm. All ages welcome. Each Weds evening in December, January, February and March. Summer nights are HOT!! So lets turn the sprinklers on and cool off.

Cool summer night fun with Wet Wednesday Mini Golf. Come prepared to get wet and also prepared for fun. Licensed Bar will be operating to cool off even more.

Thursday Social Competition: Come to win or just for fun.

Chances are you may do both!! All ages welcome. $10 per competitor for 18 holes of challenging Mini Golf. Register singularly or in pairs between 6pm and 6.45pm. Tee off at 7pm. Winning prize $50. 1st and 2nd runners up receive free pass to try again the following week. Bar operating throughout the evening.

Friday: (fortnightly) Youth Disco, Rides and Mini Golf. 6.30 to 9.30pm. Alcohol and Drug free event for High School Age patrons. $20 per person for Safe, supervised fun for teenagers. (Current High School ID essential) Friday: (fortnightly) Drive in Movie. Yes, Drive in Movies at Townsville Mini Golf. Relive the fun days of the Drive In era.

Space is limited so booking is essential. $35 per car (limit 8 seats) for Movie and Mini Golf. Food, Bar, and refreshments available. Mini golf from 6pm to 7.30pm and Movie screening from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Seating areas also available if you wish not to bring the car.

regular markets COTTERS MARKETS 8.30am-1pm every Sun at Flinders Mall STRAND NIGHT MARKETS 5-9pm 1st Fri of the month (May-Dec) at Strand Park SHOWGROUND MARKETS 6.30am-1pm every Sun at Townsville Showgrounds WILLOWS MARKETS 8am-12.30pm every Sun at Willows Shopping Centre SUNDAY MARKETS – CASTLE HILL PCYC

BALGAL BEACH MARKET 3.30pm-7pm 1st Sat of the month Fisherman’s Landing Café

CHARTERS TOWERS STOCK EXCHANGE MARKETS 8am-12.00 noon 1st & 3rd Sun every month on Mosman Street

MOUNT VIEW PLAZA MARKETS 8am-2pm every Saturday

CHARTERS TOWERS SHOWGROUND MARKETS 7.30am-11.30am 2nd Sun every month

THURINGOWA COMMUNITY MARKETS 8am-1pm 1st Sunday of each month

INGHAM MARKETS 3rd Sun every month at Rotary Park

HORSESHOE BAY MARKETS (MAGGIE ISLAND) 9.30am-1.30pm last Sun of every month at Horseshoe Bay Foreshore

AYR MARKETS 8.30am-12.00 noon 1st & 3rd Sun every month at Plantation Park

mini mag prize page Easter word scramble

Easter dot to dot

Unscramble these words and you could win!!!

Join the dots, name the item & win a great prize!

[1] liapr

_____

[2] tkseab

______

[3] nnybu

_____

[4] slndace

_______

[5] sgeg

____

[6] hlccooeta

_________

[7] tho ssroc sunb _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [8] ylodiah

_______

[9] hhrccu

______

[10] dogo yafidr

____ ______

Simply email us the words at the end and you could win a prize! Send to: pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au

Simply email us the words at the end and you could win a prize! Send to: pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au

Easter word search

Match the words & pictures

Find all of the words and when complete circle the remaining letters left to right, top to bottom to learn an interesting Easter fact and you could win a great prize!!!

WORDS April Basket Bunny Candles Celebration Chocolate Christian Church Colored Eggs Crucifixion Easter Sunday Egg Hunt Good Friday Holiday Hot Cross Buns Lily Long Weekend March Resurrection Spring

Simply email us the words at the end and you could win a prize! Send to: pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au 22

www.pakmag.com.au

Competitions close: 18 April 2011

Match the word with the right picture and win!!!

Tennis Ball Balloons Rattle Beach Toys Blocks Teddy Bear Send in your entry and you could win a mystery prize!

Send to: Competitions, PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812 Name:

Phone: www.pakmag.com.au

23

out & about

Jarvis, Lorelai and Ethan enjoying the

submit your photos

email to: photos@pakmag.com.au

sun on the Strand Rachel and Sarah cooling down on

the Strand

24

oz easter bunny

Ranger Report Animal facts thanks to Ranger Dan

What animal is cute, soft, grey, has long ears?

If you guessed Bilby you would be correct!

The Bilby looks a little bit like a rabbit, and in fact it is sometimes called a rabbit-eared bandicoot, but it is not related to a rabbit

feral cats and dogs • And competition from the introduced European rabbit

Australia.

But you can help the Bilby!

pockets in Queensland, Western Australia, and The Northern Territory. In fact, there may be only 1,000 bilbies left in the wild. So Bilbies are very ENDANGERED. The biggest threats to Bilbies are:

24

• Getting eaten by introduced animals like

(pouched mammal) that is found in

but now they are only found in small

www.pakmag.com.au

n on the Strand

• Habitat destruction

at all. The Bilby is a cute little marsupial

Bilbies used to be found ALL over Australia,

Lochland having fu

This Easter instead of buying a chocolate bunny go ahead and buy a chocolate Bilby! If you would like to find out more about saving the Bilby please visit www. handsonwildlife.com.au or www.

d Tatsuki, Torana an

Allan on the Strand

Zamia-lee, Ginerva-ella and Saxon enjoying time on the Strand

savethebilbyfund.com

Out & About photos thanks to the team at insight creative > www.insightcreative.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

25

27

PakBaby feature Feature story thanks to Jenny Davis

beyond blue The birth of a child is a major life changing event that also brings with it an array of personal and social expectations. One of these expectations may be that it is going to be one of the happiest moments of your life.

For many women this is not the case and they struggle with feelings of guilt, disappointment

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and inadequacy. Adjusting to the day to day stress of caring for a new baby can be very difficult and most women will at times feel stressed or overwhelmed.

Many women report feeling teary or down a few days after the birth of a baby. This is commonly referred to as the “baby blues”. The baby blues occurs between three to ten days after giving

Your place or ours! For more inFormation call 1300 555 879

26

www.pakmag.com.au

• Increased irritability and frustration • Unable to cope with day to day activities • Having negative thoughts about yourself and/or your baby • Reduced libido – not having any sex-drive • Changes in sleeping and eating patterns

family or friends can be very helpful. It is also important to let your doctor or child health nurse know how you are feeling. Your doctor may also suggest that you see a psychologist who can provide you with support, education and therapy to help with your negative thoughts and feelings.

If you are experiencing depression it may also be helpful to exercise in moderation by going out for a walk each day, rest when your baby is asleep, take time out for yourself to do an

birth and is relatively common affecting up to

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

80% of women. The baby blues usually disappear

• Feeling anxious and insecure

your commitments. The most important thing

• Wondering if you are a bad mother

depression is treatable.

within a few days and don’t require any specialist treatment. Being surrounded by understanding family and friends can usually help during this time.

Incorporating Tiggers Jumping Castle Hire

• Unsure about your ability to be a mother

experience some of these feelings some of the time. It’s quite normal to not feel like cleaning up

to feel down for a lot longer and will experience

or cooking after having dealt with the demands

Post Natal Depression (PND). PND is the name

of a newborn all day, or to not feel like socialising

given to depression that develops between

or being intimate with your partner when you

one month and up to one year after the birth

feel exhausted or have had a baby being sick on

of a baby. Symptoms can begin suddenly or

you! For those women who have PND though,

develop gradually. It is a serious condition and it’s

they are likely to feel depressed most of the time,

important to get support and treatment as early

even when they have had a good day and their

as possible.

baby is settled.

Common signs and symptoms of PND:

Recognising the signs and symptoms and

• Crying frequently & becoming upset easily

is to realise you’re not alone and that post natal

After having a baby most women are going to

Around one in every six women will continue

• Moodiness that’s out of character

activity that you used to enjoy and reducing

acknowledging that there is a problem is often

PND Support Services • Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline – a 24/7 free helpline. Ph: 1800 882 436 • PANDA (Post and Ante Natal Depression Association) – an Australia wide helpline operating Mon- Fri. Ph: 1300 726 306 • Beyond Blue Info Line – a free helpline providing information to

the most important step towards recovery.

people experiencing depression and

Talking about your feelings with your partner,

anxiety. Ph: 1300 224 636

www.pakmag.com.au

27

pakbaby

pakbaby

Sophie the Giraffe What do Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, Nicole Richie and Kate Hudson all have in common?

Sophie the Giraffe! This cute little toy has been around since 1961 and

muminspired grants

is the current musthave baby product. It is the only 100% natural

Huggies recently undertook a survey

rubber teething toy

amongst over 1000 Australian mums with

in the world and was

young kids and found that:

dressing identically?

Multiples Expert Verity Hoyle shares her tips The question of whether to dress multiples

or perhaps at their own party), but don’t feel

identically is a big one. On one hand, research

the need to do it on a day-to-day basis.

has shown that it may help foster and nurture the special bond that multiples have. On the other hand, research has also shown that it may hinder the development of the emerging personalities of young multiples.

When it comes to dressing your babies identically, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

You may find it fun to do occasionally (for example, if they are going to a party together

One important factor to consider for higher order multiples (triplets or more) is whether you have some identical babies and others not. In this case, you may find identical dressing to be emotionally detrimental to the non-identical babies.

2009. Why are they so

business idea since becoming a mum

popular? Babies love

· 33% want to pursue a business idea to

them because they’re

have more variety in the day-to-day life of

fun to look at, easy to

being a mum

hold, they squeak and

· 97% saw the benefits of self employment · 50% want to pursue a business idea to provide a second income for the family Limited access to finance (62%) was one of the main reasons for mums not turning business ideas into reality. Consequently Huggies is launching a MumInspired Grants Program, whereby mums can submit a business idea for a child-related product with

As always, see what works best for both you

the potential to receive one of four grants of

and your babies.

$20,000. One will receive $30,000.

Mums can submit their application of a baby-related business idea online at

sun protection

www.huggies com.au/muminspired from 15 March through to 1 May.

mighty fit by my side, then I would just sit her on my

months old, I finally decided it was time to try

towel and do my exercises while she watched

and get my pre-baby fitness back. As I was still

me. Sometimes I even carried her to make

relatively new to Townsville at the time, I had

exercises more challenging! As she got a little

limited family or friend networks close to me

older she was more than happy to sit and play

that I could trust to take care of my baby. And,

with the nanny and other children while I got

as a stay at home Mum keeping to a regular

to focus on myself and my workout.

schedule was difficult so I couldn’t justify paying for a gym membership or team sport.

After doing some research on the internet, I came across Mighty Mums Fitness on Facebook. Mighty Mums is a group fitness class that actually lets you bring your children

variety of products to protect your littlies from

threaded through and attached to the pram

the harsh NQ sun. For babies, they make sun

to prevent the wind blowing it away. They

babes in arms

along with you. They even have a nanny to

protection shade sheets from UPF 45 & 50+

come in a variety of colours and sizes, so they

polyester microfiber material that is soft, cool

can be used as versatile covers over prams or

This month’s Babes in Arms movie sessions

The classes were just perfect for me. If Grace

and comfortable. They are ideal as a pram

baby capsules. Go to www.facebook.com/

sun protection cover while walking. The tabs

Rudiessunwear for more information.

APRIL 6 - Just Go With It (Comedy with

WIN a large Pink sun sheet!!!

We have a large pink sun sheet to give away to one lucky reader. For your chance to win simply email us at pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au and tell us the name of the owner of Rudies Sun Wear?

www.pakmag.com.au

Don’t forget, it’s not just for babies, all noisy under 5 year olds are welcome too. Kids under 5 go free.

Importantly for parents,

When my daughter Grace was around eight

are sewn into the reverse side, so a tie can be

at Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinemas are:

are nice to chew on.

Michelle Jones shares her mighty fit story

Local business Rudies Sun Wear makes a

Jennifer Aniston & Adam Sandler)

28

voted best kids toy for

· 70% have thought more about pursuing a

it’s a non-toxic teething toy.

Sophie the Giraffes are available from www.sophiethegiraffe.com.au

WIN sophie giraffe!

For your chance to win your very own Sophie the Giraffe simply email us at pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au and tell us where Sophie was born?

If you want to find out more you can find Mighty Mums on Facebook or email mightymumsfitness@gmail.com

newborn drop in

Michelle Jones is mum to baby Grace with number 2 on the way. She is also the owner of www.motherlink.com.au

mind the kids at no extra cost.

was having a bad day and needed to stay The Family and Newborn Drop In Service

early daze

at the Early Years Information Service

The Australian Breastfeeding Association will be talking about ‘Surviving the First Six Weeks’

2pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 12noon.

on 12 April (9.30-11.30am) for those who still feel in a daze! It will be held at the Creative Kids Play Centre in Woolcock Street, Currajong.

operates every Tuesday in April from 9am to No need to book just drop in, 1/12 Fulham Road, Gulliver.

www.pakmag.com.au

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31

autism disorders

Autism feature Story thanks to Elaine Seager

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of neuro-developmental disorders which affect 1 in 160 people, with a male/female ratio of 4:1. People who have ASD have difficulties with social interactions and communication as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. They may also have sensory processing difficulties including under or over sensitivity to touch, light, movement, sound and taste.

ASD’s include:

of language, social interaction, play gross/fine motor and/or bowel or bladder control.

• Autism – children have impairments in social interaction, communication and imaginative play and have stereotyped behaviours interests and activities.

unwind or calm down) If you have concerns about your child, see

• Rhett’s Syndrome - This affects mostly

your GP who can assist you with a referral to a

girls and is characterised by normal early

Paediatrician or Psychiatrist. They will be able to

development which is then followed by a

make a diagnosis and sometimes refer to other

slowing of development, loss of purposeful

health professionals, like a Speech Pathologist

• Aspergers Syndrome - children have

use of the hands, distinctive hand movements,

(SP) or Occupational Therapist (OT), who can

impairments in social behaviour and restricted

slowed brain and head growth, problems

deliver early intervention to help children with

interests and activities but no significant

with walking, communication, seizures, and

ASD lead a functional, fulfilling life.

language delays and will have average to

intellectual disability.

above average range of intelligence.

In Townsville, Cootharinga North Queensland

The signs that a child may be affected by an

is an approved provider under the Australian

• Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not

ASD include difficulties with communication,

Government’s Helping Children with Autism

Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) - often

difficulties with social behaviour (trouble

Initiative. This is a program which offers families

described as a mild autism, these children

with playing with other children, limited eye

up to $14,000 funding and is available for eligible

show difficulties in social communication,

contact, nil understanding of emotions of

children under the age of six to access therapy

language, and/or cognition (thinking skills),

others, appears to not hear you when you call

services. Medicare rebates are also available for

and behaviors and emotions, but they don’t fit

their name), repetitive or restricted behaviours

older children who have had a formal diagnosis

the diagnostic criteria for autism.

and interests (odd mannerisms or movements,

and are referred by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist.

preoccupations with unusual things, intense

If you would like more info regarding Autism

routines and compulsions, always moving) and

Spectrum Disorder, Early Intervention, and

sensory processing difficulties (a child can be

Funding please contact Nicole Brown (Senior

oversensitive to touch, noise or light or unable to

Occupational Therapist) on 4759 2040.

• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder - These children have normal development until at least age two and then a loss of skills in areas

E

VEday SAver y

There’s a store near you Aitkenvale - 290 Ross River Road PHONE: 4725 5244 Kirwan - 36 Thuringowa Drive PHONE: 4773 4224 Woodlands - Woodlands Shopping Centre PHONE: 4751 6286

OPEN 7 DAYS • www.calannapharmacy.com.au FEEL ALIVE 30

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31

tackling teens

33

Columnist Denise Bewert answers your questions about handling challenges with today’s teenagers.

READER QUESTION: My 15 year old

will stay safe such as having her mobile phone

daughter lies all the time. I never know

on, charged and with credit available so that

where she is and have discovered that she’s

she can contact you if she needs to.

out late at night when she’s meant to be having sleep-overs.

Learning disorders Story thanks to Jutta Dempsey

responsibility and self discipline.

Note: Lying can be a coping mechanism for young people who feel they have to protect

It may also be a good idea to get to know her

themselves from irrational or impulsive

friends and their parents. Suggest that she

consequences. If your teenager is lying

You may need to work on re- establishing a

take a responsible ‘buddy’ with her so they

to you, reassure them that there are clear,

relationship of mutual trust with your daughter.

can look after each other on outings. Remind

consistent and predictable consequences for

There is no point in re-hashing all the previous

your daughter that you believe in open and

problem behaviours. To be effective, these

incidents where you feel your daughter has lied

honest communication. Explain to her that

consequences may need to be negotiated with

to you. Choose the most recent incident and

you are accepting that what she tells you is

your teenager.

say you were concerned for her safety when

the truth. Clearly negotiate with her what

you realised she was not where she said she

the consequences will be if you find she is

would be. Ask her why she felt the need to lie

lying to you. If you do catch her out in more

to you about this. Reassure her that your main

lies, follow through with the consequences.

concern is her well-being. Together decide on

When she does do the right thing, praise her

some strategies that can reassure you that she

behaviour and tell her you admire her sense of

“I hate school”

Denise Bewert is a Guidance Officer, mother of two and author of two books, Tackling Teens and Troubled Teens. If you would like to ask Denise a question about your teenager send an email to: denise.bewert@bigpond.com

What not to wear?

Or what to wear?

We can ansWer your question!

Hidden learning disorders can often be the cause of problems and a lack of enthusiasm at school, writes Jutta Dempsey It’s only been a few weeks since your kids eagerly

information. Children with learning disorders

Jutta Dempsey is a child and family psychologist

tried on new shoes and uniforms for the new

are not “dumb” or “lazy”. In fact they usually have

and principal of Directions Learning & Behaviour

school year. They were excited about meeting a

above average intelligence. Albert Einstein,

Guidance. For more info call 4721 5859 or go to

new teacher and forming new friendship groups,

Winston Churchill, Tom Cruise are just some

www.directionspsych.com.au

some may even have been looking forward to

of the very bright and talented people with a

the lessons.

learning disorder.

And now, as the Easter School Holidays rapidly

With the right diagnosis and the right support,

approach, is your child still eager, or has the

children with learning disorders can and do

whole school routine become their dread?

learn successfully. Their brains just process

Over 10% of children have a learning disorder.

These children generally do not like school and develop adjustment difficulties because of their learning disorder. By adolescence they are showing signs of depression, anxiety, social and/ or behavioural problems.

Learning disorders vary from person to person.

One child with a learning disorder will not have the same kind of learning problems as another

32

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a new web-based program, My Private stylist, is transforming lives and wardrobes everywhere. stylist and image consultant Gerlinda aras said the program makes fashion recommendations for women, based upon their personal measurements. “the program tells you what clothing you should wear for your body shape, age and measurements. no matter if you require clothing for business or pleasure, My Private stylist makes recommendations for your clothing, hairstyle, shoes, eyewear and accessories,” Ms aras said. “

child. Some children will find reading difficult

To find out more about the My Private stylist program, go to website www.mirrorimageconsultations.myprivatestylist.com/

recommend how a child will be best able to learn.

while others struggle to write, do maths or follow instructions. There are many types of Learning

information differently. When they receive the correct learning support, they feel better

• Feels dumb, has poor self-esteem

about themselves, do better at school and

• Is easily frustrated or emotional

avoid many of the pitfalls of a hidden learning

• Labelled lazy, careless, immature, not

disorder. The child with an unrecognised learning

trying hard enough

disorder will not only have difficulty in the school years, but throughout life both in their working environments and their interpersonal relationships.

Parents are usually the first ones to suspect a learning disorder as it will often be missed at school because the child is “doing alright”.

Disorders with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Central

The earlier the diagnosis the less the negative

Auditory Processing Disorder, being just a few.

impact on your child’s longer term learning,

A psychometric assessment by an educational

emotional and behavioural development.

psychologist is required to identify them and

Signs of learning disorders: Is your child showing two or more of the following?

It is not a dream to have your child eager to

• Behaviour problems such as being the class clown, attention seeking • “Zones out” or daydreams • Homework takes excessive time and is avoided • Poor spelling, hand writing and doesn’t read for pleasure • Poor organisation and time management • Talented in art, drama, sports, or building • Too quiet and withdrawn

start Term 2, Term 3 and Term 4 with the same

• Poor social relationships

Learning disorders are caused by differences in

enthusiasm as Term 1. They may actually enjoy

• Seems bright but just average in class

how a person’s brain works and how it processes

the challenge and even do the homework!

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35

Children’s Activities

fav pet shots

Story thanks to Penny Teale

Fav pet shot of the month wins a mystery prize to the value of $30!

this month’s entries

Archie loved by Cebella

Elle loved by Josh

happy camping Camping happily with kids is all about preparation, writes Penny Teale

March winner

Jack loved by Christopher

Guinea Pig loved by Ethan

Email your photo, name/s & address to: pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au • Deadline is 18 April 2011 for the May edition of Pakmag.

Time spent camping in the Australian bush,

television might seem fantastic but there

I made all of our food for the day before we left

enjoying nature, star-gazing and toasting

will be times when a portable DVD player is

so we could just pull up and eat which is handy

marshmellows on the campfire is a great way for

a lifesaver, especially for long road trips and

when you have a grumpy kid in back.

families to spend some quality time together, but

when you’re setting up camp each night. And,

the reality is not always so idyllic.

whilst the Australian bush has plenty of natural

A friend of mine recently took her two young children (aged three and one) and husband camping for the first time. She thought she was

prize winners

Congratulations to our March prize winners!

well organised with two small tents and heaps of food including the all-important marshmellows.

However she didn’t take a change in weather in to account. It bucketed down, the kids got sick,

To claim your prize drop into the 4TO/HOTFM office, 9 Martinez Ave The Lakes, Hyde Park, between 9-5pm Mon to Fri & collect your prize from reception.

and the whole family had one revolting night in one tent with zero sleep. They’ve been sworn off

entertainment, it pays to take some books, colouring-in and games for the car. Bikes and trikes are a bit bulky but we found our son’s scooter to be invaluable for letting steam off at

[4] Itinerary Make sure you plan your road trips so that stops are included where the kids can play or have a swim along the way.

the end of each day.

[5] Clothes

[2] Sleeping

Forget about them! We always take far too much;

Someone told me to take some portable battery powered LED lights - we took some Xmas blue stars which were great and made our son feel

my family could have happily survived in one set of clothes for days if I had let them. We washed them in rivers and sometimes even got lucky with

Colour in to Win

Word Search

Handy Manny

camping ever since.

• Matilda Stone, Kirwan

• Maewyn Binnie, Mt Louisa

• Simone Roberts, Townsville

The key to avoiding these kinds of camping

what they’re going to sleep in and get it out

• Amelia Armstrong, Kirwin

horror stories is preparation. We recently

beforehand and tell them how exciting it is going

Camping trips with kids can be a great experience

• Bianca Harrison, Giru

managed a 6 week trip on the Savannah Way

to be.

but don’t forget kids love routine even when on

• Shayna Kerr, Cranbrook • Cherono Kemei, Douglas

HOP Tickets

• Rebecca Ellis, Kirwan

• Toni McElligott, Riverside Gardens

• Thomas Kitchener, Ayr

from Darwin with our almost two year old, and I

• Brad Minehan, Kirwan

• Rebecca Dainer, Townsville

• Farrah Jones, Ingham

have to say it was the most fantastic camping trip

Word MAtch • Joshua Cullen, Bushland Beach

Word Scramble • Corey O’Shea Burdell

• Rachel Dodd, Currajong • Megan Elmazis

Little Innocents • Rejane Favias, Townsville

Cold Seat • Kim Walker, Kirwan

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Calanna Quiz • Julie Boxsell, Aitkenvale

we have ever been on because we were totally prepared for everything that could come our way.

My tips for a great camping trip are:

[1] Entertainment The idea of getting your kids away from the

safe. Also make sure you prepare the kids for

[3] Food Take lots of healthy snacks, especially for car journeys. A few special holiday lollies may be fine but too many and the behavior outbursts are not fun. We took plenty of non spill yoghurts

a real washing machine. Believe it or not, it was all part of the fun.

holidays. Start your holiday routine on day one, prepare a checklist for everything you could possibly need and you really will have the family holiday of a lifetime.

Happy Camping!

and tinned fruit and stocked up on fresh veggies

Penny & Russ Teale are the owners of Johnno’s

whenever we could (cut up carrots, snow peas

Camper Trailers. Mention PakMag to receive a

and mini tomatoes made up for our vege intake).

15% discount when you hire a camper trailer.

www.pakmag.com.au

35

treasure trove of fun

creative kids

with Karen Keynes

By Creative Kids Play Centre

Where in Townsville can you take a walk through the enchanted rainforest; load and fire a canon; explore a Great Barrier Reef Shipwreck; experience wall to wall interactive science exhibits; and discover significant rock and mineral deposits of North Queensland from inside a virtual space station?

It’s all in one place, at our local Museum of

Much more than just a host of displays, MTQ has

Tropical Queensland...and it’s FREE for locals!

many interactive exhibits which the kids love,

The present museum opened in 2000 on the site of an earlier, smaller building. Its new and

allowing them to better understand events from the past.

it is providing additional benefits.

The kneading of playdough aids muscle development in the hands and fingers and cutting and shaping develops fine motors

are always tables of craft set up for the kids to

from pre-historic times to the modern era.

MindZone, a fun interactive science centre

over a cuppa. You’ll also find some great quality

The star attraction is the HMS Pandora gallery

where the kids (& adults) get to play with whacky

educational gifts and products in the MTQ shop

incorporating hundreds of amazing artefacts that

science displays. This is closely followed in

on the way out.

have been recovered from the wreck.

popularity by the enchanted rainforest slippery

exhibitions during the school holidays which in

and as parents you can be assured

when the clan get hungry or thirsty and there take part in, while the adults take a breather

of Tropical Queensland also hosts special

love the feel of it in their hands

The museum boasts a cafe with a view for

The most popular area for kids has to be the

interesting permanent exhibitions, the Museum

Playdough is great for kids, they

of topics and they are usually free to attend.

modern displays explore life in the tropics

Aside from having a range of varied and

Playdough Hedgehogs:

skills. Best of all it can be used again and again.

What you need:

So get exploring these school holidays...you’ll be

slide, the hunt for items in a shipwreck, the Rock Rangers Space Lab and, of course, Beau the Butterfly (one of MTQ’s mascots) who makes a regular appearance during the school holidays.

amazed at what you’ll find at our local museum!

Here’s a no cook playdough recipe that the kids can help make:

For more info, visit www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au/

• 1 cup flour • 1/2 cup salt • 1 tbsp cooking oil • 1 tbsp cream of tartare

Karen Keynes is the owner of

• 1 cup boiling water • 2 drops of desired food colouring

the past have included “Creepy Crawlies Alive”,

Throughout the year, MTQ also host a range of

www.greenurlife.com.au,

“Dino Discoveries” and “Dress like a Pirate Day”.

“Discover More Talks” on a wide and varied range

kitchenware for the eco-conscious.

Time for Easter Wow, it’s April and already time for Easter. Mind you the Easter eggs and hot cross buns have been in the supermarkets for months! Did you know that Easter was originally a pagan festival?

Mix all the ingredients in bowl until combined and then knead by hand until smooth dough has formed. Now it’s time for some FUN! A favourite of our centre is to use eyes and matchsticks to create hedgehogs.

For the Hedgehogs you will need: • Playdough • Google eyes • Coloured matchsticks

It was co-opted by Christian missionaries starting in the second century apparently. The story goes that as the Christians were in

Firstly, knead the dough or clay into body parts for your hedgehog with a

the process of indoctrinating the pagans they decided to merge

body and a head. Then put eyes on the head and finally insert the matchsticks

the pagan festival of Easter with the Christian observance of the

all over the body area for spikes.

Resurrection of Chris since they occurred at the same time of year.

Surprisingly, the pagans were also the original inspiration for

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the Easter Bunny. Far from being a gimmick invented by modern chocolate companies, the pagans worshipped the rabbit as the symbol of the goddess Eastre (not a typo, that’s where the name came from too).

Tips: • If you don’t have matchsticks, you can use thin spaghetti • Store playdough in an airtight container • Use baking paper or plastic on your table to help tidy up faster

And, whilst chocolate Easter Eggs are a relatively new thing, the

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cultures and it has been a Christian custom for many centuries to exchange eggs in the springtime. They were often wrapped in gold leaf or, if you were a peasant, coloured brightly by boiling them with the leaves or petals of certain flowers.

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symbolic use of eggs is not. Eggs are a symbol of birth in many

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As for hot cross buns, well, they are traditionally eaten on Good Friday with the cross representing the crucifixion of Christ.

Queen Elizabeth I is believed to have banned the production of these buns except on Good Friday, owing to its close proximity to religion. Anyway, having said all that, I’m off to gorge on chocolate Easter eggs with the kids...YUMMMMM Glenn “Minty” Mintern

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38

Children’s Activities Story thanks to Dion Forman

fishing with kids The Easter holidays are here and what a great time to get outdoors with the kids and do some fishing. With a small amount of preparation, fishing as a family can be great fun and the kids will remember it forever.

When starting out it is important to get your

Now you’re all set up, it’s time to go fishing. The

little angler set up with the right gear as this

best times to go fishing are sunrise, sunset and

will make a big difference to their overall fishing

two hours either side of the high and low tide.

experience. Choose a light-weight fishing rod

The days leading up to Saturday 16th April and

around 6ft long and a reel that is suitable for

leading up to Saturday 30th April are particularly

4-6kg line as this will make it easy for them to

good as the morning high tide coincides with

cast and feel the bites. It will also give them a

sunrise.

better chance of holding on if they hook a big fish.

All the best as you fish together with the family these holidays. Just remember to have fun and

• Put sun cream on before you go • Take plenty of food and drink.

• Choose spots near parks and playgrounds so there are other things to do.

• Be croc safe and keep them out of the water, even along the beaches.

• Take plenty of photos

There are many rod options and your local

enjoy spending time together – catching fish is

fishing tackle store will be able to help you find

a bonus!

Top Family Fishing Spots

Tips for Fishing with Kids

Pallarenda Beach, Saunders Beach,

• Keep fishing trips short to prevent boredom.

Species: whiting, bream, flathead, grunter

something to suit your needs and budget. And, crazy as this sounds, don’t underestimate the importance of colour. It is amazing how a hot pink or army camouflaged rod can boost a child’s enthusiasm for going fishing.

You will also need a selection of hooks, sinkers and small swivels. Size 4-6 Long Shank hooks and No.1-3 Ball sinkers are all you need to get started.

When it comes to bait, grab a packet of frozen prawns to take with you. Throwing a cast net for fresh bait and pumping yabbies is another great way to entertain the kids. Also remember to take

• Use small hooks because catching small fish is better than catching no fish.

• Rig your rods at home, so the kids can start fishing immediately.

• Use PVC rod holders to keep your rods and reels out of the sand.

a bucket, fish measuring ruler and a copy of your

• Tie on a soft plastic lure for those littlies that

tide times that also has a list of fish legal sizes on

won’t leave their bait in long enough for a

the back.

fish to find it.

Balgal Beach Bait: prawns and yabbies The Lakes (near Castletown) Species: bream, barra, mangrove jack, tarpon Bait: prawns, live herring Bivouac Junction (Burdekin River) Species: sooty grunter Bait: prawns, lures Dion Forman is the Managing Editor of About Fishing NQ. For more information get a copy from newsagents, tackle stores or online at www.aboutfishingnq.com

38

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39

time for a break jokes Being a parent changes everything. But being a parent also changes with each baby. Here are some of the ways having a second and third child is different from having your first.

Your Clothes

Preparing for the birth

1st Baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.

1st Baby: You practice your breathing religiously.

2nd Baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.

2nd Baby: You don’t bother practicing because you remember that last time, breathing didn’t do a thing.

3rd Baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.

3rd Baby: You ask for an epidural in your 8th month.

Mini Crossword

DOWN (1) Biblical boat (2) Neckwear (3) Lyric poem (4) Noisy fight (5) Bound (6) Exclude (7) Entomb (13) Fruit (14) In addition (15) Cogwheel (16) Ill-mannered (19) Simian (20) Irritate (21) Insect

ACROSS (1) Particle (5) Tennis stroke (8) Travel by horse (9) Flightless bird (10) Part of a hull (11) Atmosphere (12) Vacant (14) Concur (17) Romanian currency (18) Molten rock (22) Lamentable (23) Overt (24) Metal-bearing mineral (25) Adjacent

PRIZE!

WIN a fantastic mystery prize!

EVERY mum has had a time when their child has said or done something that they describe as an “open the ground and swallow me” moment!! As part of our special Mother’s Day edition, we will be including a segment on the funny and embarrassing things our children say and do! To enter email elaine@pakmag.com.au by 15 April and the top entries will be printed in our May edition and win a mystery prize, and our favourite will win a Fantastic mystery prize!

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