PakMag Cairns - December 2013 by Grand Publishing

pakmag DEC 2013

Cairns

EzEine FMRaga

ISSUE 78

magazine of choice for local families

Girl Wise

Navigating Friendships

Christmas

TIME Decorating, Craft & Cooking Ideas

Kids

MINI MAG Inside

Event

Guide

Guide to Christmas

Cover photo: Cheeky Monkey Photography

Events & Activities

win a Family Daytrip to the Frankland Islands

Details page 52

publisher

Contents

notes

Hello and welcome to our special festive edition! The Christmas trees and lights are out, the kids are on their best behaviour (otherwise they'll be getting potatoes for Christmas) and it’s time to relax with friends and family - don’t you just love December?! We're excitedly getting into the spirit of Christmas this month by co-hosting a special Christmas Carols event on 15 December with Santa. There will be lots of activities and prizes too so come along and join us for some Christmassy fun. Also check out our 12 Deers of December promotion where you can go into the draw to win a new mobile phone from Telstra and other prizes. It has been a huge year for PakMag so I would like to thank everyone who has supported us. I hope Santa brings you all something nice and until 2014, remember to tell everyone you read it in PakMag. Merry Christmas everyone!

Bree

pakmag

DEC

parents 02 What’s New 05 Show & Tell 09 Real Lives 10

The Most Precious Gift

Performance Jitters

Free Brekkies

Girl Wise

Little Diggers

21 Tiny Tots Funday

kids 31 Kids MiniMag

babies 39 Baby News: Hidden Dangers

things to win

23 PakHealth 24 Nutrition 27

PakRecipes

05 WIN a Vanilla Mozi Candle & Cream 06 WIN the latest Kids DVD's

29 What’s On

06 WIN Kid's Old Fashioned Games

31 Mini Mag

32 WIN movie tickets

39 PakBaby

40 WIN a $50 Voucher

43 Ages & Stages

41 WIN a Pregnancy Book

44 HOME: Outdoors

53 WIN a daytrip to Frankland Islands

Publisher: Bree James Editor: Elaine Seager What’s On/MiniMag: Robyn Christensen Sales & Biz Development: Angelina Mortley Design & Layout: Trina Jensen Articles: Elaine Seager, Amanda Cranston & submitted writers

49 Kid's Artworks

59 Make Your Own Christmas Stocking

Model: Holly Ross

Phone: 4053 3331 Fax: 4053 3350 Email: info@pakmag.com.au Address: Level 2, 68 Abbott Street Virginia House, Cairns QLD 4870 Postal: PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

60 Out & About

Photography: Thanks to Cheeky Monkey Photography

Disclaimer: No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be 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 advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

51 TRAVEL: Winter Wonderland 55 Driving Holidays 57

Crafty Christmas Decorations

62 Fav Pets / Prize Winners

cover

63 Cairns Vet Clinics 64 Top 5 Kids Activities

Find PakMag exclusively in:

www.pakmag.com.au

inBRIEF Christmas PakClub

Cairns Community Events

December what’s new

Plan, Pack, Listen

8 December (4pm-8pm) 21 December (5pm-10pm)

b Mummy Central Clu

Coffee & Cake

Local event company, Einstein Events, is

Voucher

celebrating the festive season with two Christmas community events. The first of the two events will be a Community Fair at Norman Park, Gordonvale on 8 December featuring carnival rides, stalls, live entertainment, face painting, Cairns Junior Choral Society and an

MUMMY CENTRAL CLUB MEMBERS

appearance by Santa with giveaways. Entry is free.

15 December (6pm-8pm)

Then, on Saturday 21 December (5-10pm), Taylor Henderson from the X Factor will be performing at the Cairns Community Christmas FINALE at Fogarty Park. This is a fun filled ticketed event for the whole family with carnival rides, stalls, fireworks and local

Get Cyclone Ready

Present this voucher and your Mummy Central

entertainment as well as performances from Taylor Henderson and Tommy Franklin. For more information go to www.einsteinevents.com.au

Great Value Package

FREE coffee & cake voucher

37-39 Robb Road, Redlynch

Come along and join us as Santa arrives for an evening of carol singing. We will be

Card at Eating in at Perrottas, Level 1 Myer between

If you haven’t already done so this is the time to make

turning the Christmas lights on and having lots of fun with the kids. Come dressed in

9am-10am on 10 December to redeem your FREE

sure your cyclone kit is ready before you get totally

your best Christmas gear to win prizes. For those who wish to make a donation we

coffee and cake (valued at $9.95)

immersed in Christmas. Every household should have

will be raising money for Ronald McDonald House Palm Cove. Proudly brought to you by

adequate supplies of food, water, medication, toiletries

Queensland Country Credit Union, PakMag, McDonalds, and Sea FM.

Offer is for Mummy Central Club members only.

and other essential items to last a minimum of three days – longer for homes in areas that are subject to isolation through flooding. AAA FNQ Battery Wholesalers opposite Cairns Central stock generators, LED torches, portable solar panels and lots more useful products for cyclones. Go to Council’s website to find out if you live in a storm tide zone at www.cairns.qld.gov.au

S.W.A.T!

If you are not yet a member it is very simple to

Operation Rudolph

join. All you need to do is fill out an application form from the Customer Service Desk or sign up online at www.cairnscentral.com.au

21 December (3pm-7.45pm)

Check out the Exclusive offers & discounts from various Cairns Central retailers. See www.cairnscentral.com.au for this month’s offers.

Operation Rudolf is back this month to raise money for the Salvation Army and Duchenne Foundation. The convoy of Emergency Vehicles will weave their way from Cairns City to Palm Cove, with stops along the way to allow the public to inspect the vehicles and show their appreciation by donating towards this year’s causes. The convoy will muster at 2.30pm and begin at 3pm from

pakmag

Cairns Council Chambers. It is expected to arrive at approximately 7.45pm at Palm Cove.

pakclub

Special OFFER If you want to make doubly sure that mozzies don’t

for parents & kids

ruin your outside Christmas celebrations this year,

chRiStmaS light night • Come & watch the lights being turned on • Santa Claus visit • Real live reindeer • Prizes for best dressed Christmas theme

S.W.A.T Mosquito Unit may have the answer. They are dedicated to controlling mozzies and their service Heading to Townsville over the holidays? Holiday Inn Townsville is offering a Christmas school

can reduce mozzie numbers by 95% for up to three

holidays package that includes up to 20% off the best flexible rate, complimentary

months. For more information call 04 8880 SWAT

breakfast, $25 hotel credit, plus Kids Stay and Eat for free with a full paying adult! See

and if you mention PakMag you’ll be entitled to a

page 49 for more info. For bookings call 4729 2011 or visit www.holidayinn.com/townsville

40% discount.

www.pakmag.com.au

Sunday 15 dec 6pm-8pm 37-39 Robb Road, Redlynch

For more information call 4053 3331

Help us to support

Ronald McDonald House by giving a gold coin donation

Cairns Brass

Quartet

www.pakmag.com.au

Show &Tell

Product NEW

Vanilla Mozi

The latest news, products and tips in the world of families and kids Get to Know

If you’re looking for an alternative to the toxic mozzie sprays on the market, check out natural insect repellent Vanilla Mozi. Made from natural plant oils, beeswax, shea butter and essential oils, it was developed by an Australian mum and is now being distributed locally by Sam Hannah. The Vanilla Mozi range includes skin cream and candles. To find out more call Sam on 0405 000162 or go to the Vanilla Mozi Cairns facebook page.

WIN

For your chance to WIN a Vanilla Mozi spa candle and cream simply go to our website and tell us the name of a mosquito-borne disease?

NEW Books Later this month local artist and Visual Arts teacher Josie Lowerson will be showcasing her first fun-filled interactive children’s exhibition at Cairns Regional Gallery. [1] Tell us a bit about the art you create?

[3] Is this your first exhibition at the

I am a sculptor. Originally I intended to be

Gallery? I have had two exhibitions of my

a photographer and painter but by chance

sculptures at the Gallery but this is my first

I discovered I had an affinity with working

interactive exhibition for young children. It

with wood whilst at University. This was

has a series of exciting huts and activities

fairly unusual for girls at the time but it is

that encourage participation. It is very

the ideal material for my sculptures.

brightly coloured and tactile with lots of

[2] What is the inspiration behind

materials to explore.

Perfect books for the holidays – full of activities,

‘The Great Art Hunt’? As a teacher I have noticed a decline in students ability to be innovative and experimental so my focus for this exhibition is to encourage them to “think outside the square”.

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Terry Denton’s Bumper Book of Holiday Stuff To Do and Bumper Book of Silly Stuff To Do

The Great Art Hunt will be appearing at the Cairns Regional Gallery

maps, lists and silly games to entertain kids for hours on end. Penguin Books, RRP $16.95 each.

28 December 2013 – 25 January 2014. www.pakmag.com.au

Show &Tell

New DVD's

Got something to share or shout about? Email us at elaine@pakmag.com.au

On Trend

Littlest Pet Shop

Gift Idea

This brand new animated series features a girl called Blythe as she embarks on an unexpected adventure. After moving to a new city she discovers that she can talk to the animals in the Pet Shop underneath her new apartment. Littlest Pet Shop: Blythe’s Big Adventure and Littlest Pet Shop: Sweetest Pets is available on DVD and iTunes. RRP $19.95

Transformers Rescue Bots Created for pre-school boys, Transformers Rescue Bots follows the adventures of four young Transformers and their human counterparts and teaches kids about the importance

Gift Idea Old-fashioned toys that you might remember as a kid are making a comeback and luring kids away

of teamwork and friendship. Transformers Rescue Bots: Hot Shots and Transformers Rescue Bots: Cody on Patrol are available on DVD and iTunes. RRP $19.95

WIN

For you chance to win copies of these DVD’s simply go to our website (www.pakmag.com.au) and tell us the name of Santa’s reindeers?

from screen games. Elastics, a favourite playground game with girls is back (www.daju.com.au ) and Pocket Cricket a dice game developed by a local Cairns business is also proving popular (www.pocketcricket. com.au). Wondering about Rubik’s Cube and Slinky’s? You can get those at Australian Geographic.

Spreading Goodwill Since it’s the season of goodwill this month, spare a thought for those children in our community who are homeless. The 2006 Census recorded that over 44,500 Australian children and young people are homeless, including over 12,000 who are under 12 years

WIN

For your chance to WIN Elastics or Pocket Cricket games for your kids simply go to www.pakmag.com.au and tell us the name of the reindeer who guides Santa’s sleigh?

www.pakmag.com.au

of age. Street Level Youth Care, operated by Roy and Suzanne Edwards, provides free food Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights to over 30 homeless and disadvantaged children/ youths in White Rock, Bentley Park and Edmonton. They are also in Munroe Martin Park seven nights a week. They expect to be feeding over 100 on Christmas Day. If you would like to support them email them on roy.suzedwards@bigpond.com. Donations can be dropped to the Cairns Baptist Church at 138-142 Lake Street on Wednesday-Friday (10am –2pm).

www.pakmag.com.au

By Amanda Cranston

Christmas Spirit Each year the Cavalcade of Lights is a joyous celebration as many homes transform into a Christmas Wonderland of sparkling fairy lights and giant Christmas decorations. The Swain Family have been counting down all year. Christmas is a magical time of year for the Swain

wonderful neighbours who never complain

their display and Tammy says it’s fantastic to

family and they love nothing more than to share

about the stream of cars that drive past during

share in the spirit of Christmas. “To be honest

their good cheer with the people of Cairns every

December to admire the Christmas lights. “We

I am sad to turn the lights off each night and

December. Jody, Tammy and their six children

always loved driving around as a family looking

especially on the final night of the 26th,” Tammy

love to decorate their home, affectionately

at people’s homes at Christmas every year to

says. “I miss them because they make our

known as their Gingerbread House, with fairy

see their lovely lights and how they decorated

house brighter on the inside and out. It makes

lights, rope and laser lights in the trees, a

their homes for Christmas and now it’s our turn

Christmas feel truly magical.”

Christmas nativity scene, a sideshow alley with

to share the joy,” she says. While the decorations

inflatable decorations, a life-size reindeer called

don’t start going up until the end of November,

Prancer and a giant sleigh. Tammy says the sleigh

Tammy spends all year thinking about how they

is her favourite decoration as Santa visits their

can create something bigger and better than last

home a few times in December and kids of all

year. “We will usually spend seven solid days and

ages love to sit in there with Santa and have their

nights putting up the decorations with the help

photo taken with him. “This year we will have

of some wonderful friends and then we will turn

You can also join PakMag at the Swain’s house

Santa visit us again, a real deer called Bambi and

all our lights on from 7 December,” Tammy says.

on Sunday 15 December (6-8pm) when we will

Cairns Brass Quartet on a few of the nights, as well as Christmas music every night,” Tammy says. “We are also raising money for Ronald McDonald House this year for those who would like to give

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years old, aren’t quite old enough to help

from 7-26 Dec (6.30-11pm each night). Family nights with Santa, Bambi and a Cairns Brass Quartet will be on Sat 14 and 21 Dec (7-9pm).

be having lots of extra fun to help the Swain’s raise money for Ronald McDonald House.

with the decorating, Tammy says the kids love running around handing out lollies to the visitors

Cavalcade of Lights is on 18 December.

who come each night to enjoy the Christmas

For more information visit Facebook page

Tammy says this is now their fifth year decorating

extravaganza they have created. Visitors come

Christmas Lights Around Cairns.

their home and they are lucky to have such

from all over Cairns to see their lights and enjoy

a gold coin donation.”

While their children, aged 11 months to eight

Visitors are welcome to view the Swain Family’s Christmas display at 37-39 Robb Road, Redlynch

www.pakmag.com.au

By Jutta Dempsey

The Most Can you remember the presents that you received as a child for Christmas? What most of us remember are the traditions, the feasts eaten together and the games played with family and friends. The greatest gift that we can give children is positive and loving relationships, writes psychologist Jutta Dempsey.

Tips for those co-parenting following a separation:

says, “I care” can be the starting point if you

• Try to be flexible about arrangements and

• Siblings can often become disconnected

keep your child’s happiness as the central

through judgemental communication. It is

consideration of any change. They will notice

important to remember that common history,

this and remember when they are older.

values and genetics form a bond that is unique.

conflict and poor communication cause stress in

• Your ex-partner’s parenting style may be

• Reach understandings rather than agree with

family relationships.

different to yours. Children can adapt to these

everything – people perceive events in different

differences, so if you can’t agree with, adapt to

ways and family can just support rather

the difference.

than judge.

we include de facto relationships), Christmas

• Be prepared for some negative feelings and

• Avoid gossip because it will always be

festivities and traditions often become strained.

put on a positive face for the children. You are

misconstrued and it puts a barrier up for

Sometimes Christmas is the only time the

teaching them good thought processes in a

meaningful communication.

family get together and being with people

difficult situation – a ‘glass half full rather than

you don't see often, especially when there are

half empty’ is a great attitude for resilience.

hildren are often the focus of Christmas festivities - we watch as their excitement builds in anticipation

of Santa arriving and we share their joy as they open new and special gifts. But just as they may be important in many get-togethers, they are usually hapless observers when underlying

With between 43% and 50% of all marriages ending in divorce in Australia (more when

undercurrents of disharmony, can be stressful. Children want and need positive, loving relationships with parents and extended family. The quality of those relationships is ten times more powerful in explaining levels of wellbeing than the nature of the family structure. If the family is separated by distance or circumstance, children’s wellbeing is not affected. However, if the family is in conflict, it affects their social and emotional growth. In a survey in the UK,

straight”. Good communication comes from

• Make new traditions if your old ones have been

understanding where the other person is and

disrupted due to visitation arrangements.

how they can move forward. Insights need to

• If you had an aggressive relationship with your

be communicated well.

ex-partner, prepare well in advance and keep

• Develop the skills to make your family stronger

contact to a minimal. Now is the time to change

by reading or doing a course.

communication patterns and let the conflict go. You are connected through your child, so it is better to have a positive relationship for the next 20 or so years than to ‘win’.

Stepping back from the need to “be right”, “have the last word” and “winning“ is the greatest gift of all to give your children this Christmas. A harmonious gathering of family around a

• There is some excellent help available for co

Christmas feast, with many old tales, games and

well together had a wellbeing score of 8 out of

parenting so if you’re not able to sit together

companionship will be remembered forever and

10 compared with 5 out of 10 for those who did

and discuss what is in the best interests of your

form part of who they are.

not agree.

child, it’s time to get some assistance.

Children are very sensitive to poor

Tips for those with family disharmony:

make a change and give the gift of positive communication and relationships. www.pakmag.com.au

• Listen rather than feeling the need to “tell it

children who agreed that their family got along

communication in the family so this Christmas

have lost contact.

• Involve extended family as much as you can – a simple Christmas card or special little gift that

Jutta Dempsey has worked with families and children for over 30 years and is the principal psychologist at Directions Learning

www.pakmag.com.au

By Robert Gronbeck

Performance Jitters As the end of the school year nears Robert Gronbeck looks at ways in which parents can help their children overcome anxiety over end of year performance situations It is perfectly normal for children to experience fearfulness and anxiety about performance situations such as sports games, dance performances or school tests. Whilst it can be uncomfortable watching our children deal with nerves, these are great opportunities for them to learn important coping skills that will help them in life. As a parent though you may feel unsure about the best way to support them. In the early nineties a field experiment was conducted whereby two groups of baseball coaches attempted to reduce competition anxiety in their youth sports people. One group had been trained in Coaching Effectiveness Training, which uses the Mastery Approach to Coaching, while the other group used their own individual approaches. In the end both groups has the same win-loss record but the teams being coached by the MAC trained coaches showed much lower levels of anxiety and reported having more fun. This research highlighted four ways in which parents and coaches can reduce the level of preperformance nerves in children:

[1] Be empathetic It has been proven that social support reduces anxiety. Being empathetic, willing to listen and

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prepared to give your children the time for some kind attention can really help allay their fears. The key is to take their concerns seriously and to simply listen rather than trying to ‘fix’ it for them or give them advice.

[2] Encourage personal effort The human mind can only pay attention to so many things at once so it can really help if you can occupy or divert your child’s minds away from thoughts that make them feel anxious. One especially useful strategy is to get them to focus their attention on areas where they have some personal control, for example, on the personal effort they put in rather than on winning. The more you do this the less mental space there will be for fearful thoughts that cause them to feel anxious.

[3] Highlight personal progress When children give greater attention and effort to their own progress and skill development rather than on winning they will soon come to rival their competitors because hard work does always pay off. Being focused on selfimprovement rather than the ‘result’ also reduces their fear of failure and improves their confidence.

[4] Emphasise fun When children are simply trying new things, discovering what their bodies can do, imagining new moves or plays and trying them out with friends, a sense of timelessness occurs. This is commonly referred to by sportspeople as being in the zone. When this happens, athletes report feeling the love of the game, being focused on the present moment only, having almost no thoughts, and being able to perform effortlessly. When your child is focused on enjoying the moment, stress melts away. Even children who are seemingly self-confident and enjoy the limelight can experience preperformance anxiety and jitters so for those who are more naturally timid in temperament it can cause nervous tears and stage fright. Ultimately the best thing you can do for your children is to redefine what it means to win – it’s not about who has the trophy at the end but how much individual effort was put in. Robert Gronbeck is a Sports Psychology Consultant at Masterful Performances. For information on the Mastery Approach to Coaching, individual peak performance psychology consultations, or workshops call him on 0405 245 608 or go to www. masterfulperformances.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

By Michelle Dryburgh

Free Brekkies Children behave and learn much better at school when they are fed nutritious food but many children in the Far North don’t even have breakfast before turning up at school. Most of us sit down to a bowl of cereal, grab

staggering 75 per cent of students listed hunger

Rock Impact is now an official recipient of the

some toast on the run or at least have a cup of

as their single greatest concern.

‘Food Rescue Program’, providing free breakfasts

coffee before starting our day. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for the large number of children in Far North Queensland who go to school hungry.

the breakfast program,” Cathy said. “Due to financial constraints we only had enough

are prepared by volunteers from the local community, residents of the Sheridan Gardens Aged Care facility and Woolworths staff.

fundraising for one morning a week but we

Cathy said breakfasts could be supplied to more

providing free breakfasts to students at four local

spoke about the possibility of getting help

school children if additional supermarkets and

schools. And with a Cairns supermarket now on

from supermarkets although that had been

volunteers partnered with the program. “If we

board, the group hopes to roll out the program

unsuccessful in the past due to food safety

can get enough volunteers, I don’t see why we

to schools right across the region.

regulations, but I said I would try again.”

can’t have every child having access to free

Rock Impact, the community service branch of

On her way to talk to supermarket managers,

the Rock Church, began providing a free weekly

Cathy had a chance meeting with an old friend,

“The breakfasts not only improve the children’s

breakfast at Bentley Park College four years ago.

and newly elected Councillor John Schilling.

behaviour and attention during class time, it also

School two years ago, and most recently began at Isabella and Innisfail State Schools. Coordinator Cathy Zeiger said the program stepped up another a notch following the alarming findings of a survey at the White Rock

She said she told him of her frustration and he offered to approach supermarket executives at the opening of the new Mount Sheridan Woolworths – the very next day.

breakfasts at school,” she said.

improves attendance rates at school, as often parents keep their kids home when they have no food for them. The food itself also serves as an incentive for those children to come to school."

“Well, he did, and gave me a contact in head office,” Cathy said. “After a few months

Any suppliers or volunteers interested

of emailing, they got in touch with the

in supporting the free breakfasts in schools

Mount Sheridan manager Peter Mills and he

program can contact Rock Impact at cathy@

Among the responses were problems at home,

immediately offered us two cartons of free fresh

rockimpact.com.au or phone 4054 3900.

fighting with siblings and being tired – but a

fruit every week.”

State School, which asked students for their number one cause of stress in the classroom.

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about the results she asked if we could increase

at the schools three times a week. The breakfasts

But one charity is aiming to change that,

The program was extended to White Rock State

“The principal Susette Birchley was so distressed

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As our daughters grow and develop, so do their friendships. In the early years, many friendships are developed through manufactured situations and groups we are involved in as parents. Mother’s groups, ante natal birthing classes and playgroups often become the first opportunities that our children have to play and develop these early skills of relating to their peers. It is during these early toddler years that we can safely observe and guide our children’s play time. We

[4] Hurt Feelings We can’t protect our daughters from being hurt in friendships but we can teach them how to respond. Use these situations as teachable moments since they are an opportunity to learn how NOT to treat others and to be mindful of other people’s feelings. [6] Most friendships won’t last forever

can help them deal with minor disputes and

To our daughters, their friendships seem

teach our child to play fairly, share and take

‘lifelong’ and permanent but the reality is,

turns.

most of our early friendships don’t continue

As our daughters enter their early Primary School years, these friendships develop more out of our earshot but there is a lot we can do to help guide our daughters through these years of critical relationship building. Indeed there will be days and weeks fraught with angst as girls encounter the reality of having numerous friends, differing personalities and misunderstandings. Developing the strategies to deal with friendship conflicts, tricky situations and issues of bullying are lifelong skills that will stand them in good stead for the years ahead.

Parenting Tips: [1] Talk about what makes a good friend

on forever and this is a good point to teach our daughters. [7] Be Friendly! It is important that our daughters learn to be friendly, even to those who are unkind or cause conflict. There will always be people who annoy us or speak rudely to us for no apparent reason but we are not always privy to what is going on in their life so demonstrate some grace and act with kindness. [8] Be a good friend If your daughter complains that they have no real friends, or they are not popular at school, this is a timely reminder that they need to

Talk to your daughter from an early age, about

practice being a good friend. The more you

what qualities make a good friend and teach

practice being friendly and being interested in

them to display these qualities themselves

others, the more people will be drawn to you.

so they attract these same qualities in their friendships. I have asked hundreds of girls what makes a good friend over the last two decades and the same qualities are always mentioned: honest, trustworthy, friendly, dependable, kind, humorous and forgiving.

Friendships will always be a lifelong learning opportunity. Hopefully, as we navigate and manage our own friendships as women, we can model to our own daughters how to best take this journey through life.

[2] Lead by example Whether we like it or not, our children are observing us all the time. They watch how we

Navigating

friendships Friendships are an important

friendships. Demonstrate that a friendship is a two way street by phoning your friend occasionally, sending an encouraging note or card or making a meal for them if they are unwell. When we do these things naturally in our own relationships, we are teaching our children how supportive real friendships can be.

aspect of all of our lives but

[3] Dealing with Tricky Friends

perhaps even more so for girls

Inevitably some friendships can become a little

as they navigate the often-

complex or tricky at times and girls will find this

complex years of growing up,

how to cope by setting our own boundaries

writes Sharon Witt. 16

speak, act and conduct ourselves in our own

very difficult when it occurs. We can role model with people who are difficult or tricky. For example, leaving if a friend is being negative or

Sharon Witt is an author, educator and parenting expert. Girlwise, her new series of books is written especially for girls aged 7-12. Girlwise: A Guide to being YOU! and Girlwise: A guide to FRIENDS! (RRP $12.95 each) are now available from all good book stores. For more info visit www.sharonwitt.com.au

unkind. www.pakmag.com.au

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By Elaine Seager

Little Diggers New to Cairns and looking for a friendly and welcoming playgroup to join? Little Diggers might just be what you’re looking for. Inside an innocuous looking building opposite

The thing that really makes Little Diggers

feel more connected which makes coping during

Piccones Shopping Centre is an orange building

stand out from other Playgroups it that it is

her husband’s absences much easier. Arriving

behind a gated fence. It’s owned by the Defence

effectively ‘hosted’. Sigred, an ex-childcare

in Cairns heavily pregnant with her fourth child

Community Organisation, so unless you are a

worker, coordinates extra education-based

in the humidity of the wet season last year, she

Defence family, it’s quite possible that you never

activities for the kids so it feels very much like a

wondered what sort of place she was being left

even knew it existed.

daycare centre, except that parents get to stay

in! Thankfully Little Diggers has made her feel a

and be involved too. The centre also organises

part of our community.

However, inside is the Little Diggers Community Centre, a Defence sponsored community group with a Playgroup and other facilities that are open to all families in Cairns, not just Defence

visitors about topics such as cyclone preparation.

The Little Diggers Community Centre welcomes ADF and non-Defence families from all over Cairns. It is located at 3 Jensen Street, Manoora. Family

There are approximately 400 Defence Force

membership is $12 per year and most events cost

to the area with small children because it is

families living in Cairns away from their extended

$3. They run a regular Bellies & Bubs mornings on

coordinated and supervised by Sigred who

families, but as a very international community,

Mondays for new and expecting parents and a

goes out of her way to make you feel welcome

there are many other mums in Cairns who would

Playgroup for under five year olds on Wednesday

and connected.

benefit from joining Little Diggers. Having a

and Friday mornings (9.30-11.30am).

to be a childcare centre so it’s very child friendly with indoor and outdoor play areas, a fully equipped kitchen, baby change facilities and a

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and invites local services to come and speak to

families. It is especially good for new families

The premises where Little Diggers is based used

extra courses and workshops for the parents

support network is vital for all mums with young children so if you’re feeling isolated, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends in a welcoming environment.

Little Diggers will be hosting a Family Fun Day on 1 December with lots of fun including Zoo To You and Flip Ripley for entertainment.

lounge area (all air-conditioned). There is also a

Belinda Reilly has been living in Cairns for

Anyone is welcome to attend. For more

fantastic undercover outdoor play area with a

12 months but as the wife of a Patrol Boat

information call 4053 9305 or go to

sandpit and play equipment that provide year-

Commanding Officer who is relocated every two

www.littlediggerscairns.com.au

round fun for the kids.

years or so she says Little Diggers has helped her www.pakmag.com.au

By Elaine Seager

Tiny TotsFunday Looking for a fun Friday morning activity that gets your toddler running around? The Tiny Tots sessions at Cairns Indoor Sports will get them ready for a nice long nap. Friday mornings at Cairns Indoor Sports are a hive

surprisingly they take to the Tiny Tots sessions like

of activity as mums roll up with their toddlers and

ducks to water.

pre-schoolers for the weekly Tiny Tots session. In fact, this activity has become so popular that they have recently extended their hours – it now runs for three hours starting from 9am.

to start learning some basic sports skills and “If

The National Association for Sport and

they can walk they are ready to join in” with their

Physical Education (NASPE) offers these

Tiny Tots sessions. He says that after four to five

activity guidelines:

sessions they begin to notice an improvement in

play area with jumping castles and toy shapes to

the children’s skill levels and at this age they are

climb as well as gym mats, tunnels and hoops to

easy to teach because they listen to instructions

play with. Meanwhile on the opposite side is the

and copy everything.

Toddler = 1½ hours

For parents these sessions are also a good

30 mins planned physical activity & 60 mins

opportunity to get out of the house and socialise.

unstructured physical activity (free play)

races and lots of sporting activities like throwing, catching and kicking balls.

There is coffee and cake available for $3 too so

Lachlan Farquharson, the manager of the centre,

while the children are being supervised in the

says its all about getting small children active and

sports activities you have a few moments to relax.

teaching them early sports skills so they “won’t be scared about trying sports later because they will already know the basics”.

Cairns Indoor Sports is located at 164 Mayers

Infant = No specific requirements Activity should encourage motor development

Preschooler = 2 hours 60 mins planned physical activity & 60 mins unstructured physical activity (free play)

Street, Manunda. Tiny Tots sessions run on Friday

School age = 1 hour or more

mornings (9am-12noon). It is run on a casual basis

Break up into bouts of 15 mins or more

The National Association for Sport and Physical

so you can either turn up for the whole time or just

Education (NASPE) recommends that all kids over

part of it. Cost: $7 per child (parents and sibling

two years of age should get at least 60 minutes

babies go free). This is also a popular venue for

of moderate to vigorous exercise on most,

children’s birthday parties. For more information

preferably all, days of the week. Children’s brains

call them on 4032 2844.

are hardwired to enjoy being physical so not www.pakmag.com.au

Activity Guidelines

So what’s on offer? On one side there is a large

‘sports’ area where the staff supervise running

According to Lachlan children are never too young

Infants and young children should not be inactive for prolonged periods of time — no more than one hour unless they're sleeping. And school-age children should not be inactive for periods longer than two hours www.pakmag.com.au

Health pak

Mozzie Repellents

news

Are You Ok this Christmas? The hype of the silly season can put an additional strain on those struggling with mental illness so this is a good time to check in on those you know may be struggling.

It was recently announced that researchers believe they have discovered four natural mosquito repellents that could take over from DEET as the primary insect repellent.

Heightened loneliness, social isolation, financial stress, and other stressors associated with Christmas often result in a higher use of crisis and support services such as Lifeline. Support services report that suicide and self-harm rates are also typically high over the Christmas period. Signs of mental illness to look out for include: • Complaints of continued poor sleep • Observations that a person is easily overwhelmed

DEET was first used in World War II but

overseas. Dengue mozzies live around

it has serious limitations – it needs to be

homes/buildings and bite during the day.

applied frequently to be effective, it’s expensive (and therefore of no use in third world malarial countries) and it is so toxic that it dissolves plastics, synthetic fabrics and painted surfaces. Mosquitoes are also starting to show some resistance to it. There are several mosquito-borne viruses

sensations. The best way to avoid them is to avoid being bitten in the first place by: • Covering up (especially in peak hours)

• Using insect repellent • Using deterrents such as coils

• Increased or unreasonable irritability

HPV Update Australia’s HPV vaccination programme is already causing the rates of genital warts to

time can be prolonged in some people

• Emptying pools of water to remove

but those infected develop lifelong

potential breeding sites

immunity.

If, in the event of a dengue outbreak, you

and throat cancers. It was recently expanded to

• Barmah Forest Virus - similar to

want to ensure greater protection, call

include school-age boys – the first and only country

Ross River Virus but the illness is usually

S.W.A.T Mosquito Unit to spray your yard

in the world to do so.

shorter lived.

(they reduce mozzie numbers by 95%

Dengue outbreaks in NQ when someone brings back the virus to our resident www.pakmag.com.au

• Startling easily and declining invitations for social engagements

and joints, headaches and fever or chilly

• Ross River Virus - spread by a variety

• Dengue - Most years there are localised

• Problems performing at work

are flu-like and include pain in the muscles

• Using mozzie nets

but mostly February-May. The recovery

• A pattern of withdrawing from family and friends

The symptoms of mosquito-borne viruses

but most common in Australia and FNQ are:

of mosquito species throughout the year

• Use of drugs or alcohol

dengue mosquito population from

for up to three months). If you are unwell see your GP immediately. The only way to confirm whether your illness is caused by a mosquito-borne virus is via a blood test.

decrease according to new data and is expected to also slash rates of cervical and other genital

The ongoing programme offers free vaccination to girls aged 12-13 years in schools. The vaccine has now been offered to boys aged 12-13 years, with a catch-up program that includes boys aged 14-15. www.pakmag.com.au

Nutrition pak

Product news

Broccoli Feeding for Fertility

by Rebecca McKenna

Whatever age you are, if you’re planning to conceive nutrition is an important factor to consider. There is no magic pill, food or nutrient that will ensure conception, but ensuring your body is in good physical health is a vital factor. Be a healthy weight If you are too thin or carrying a bit too much weight, your chances of falling pregnant and then carrying to full term may be reduced. Ideally you should aim for your body fat percentage to be between 20% and 40% to maintain regular menstruation and an increased chance of conception. If you are carrying a little extra weight, even losing a small amount will improve your chances. Start with 10% and work to maintain this while trying to fall pregnant. Fertility Nutrients When it comes to fertility, each and every vitamin and mineral is as important as each other, for both women and men. Being deficient in any nutrient can decrease your

fertility but the following nutrients have specific roles: • Female fertility depends on having good quality eggs so women need a diet that is adequate in vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, iron, calcium, zinc, iodine, magnesium, arginine, chromium, vitamin E, monounsaturated fats and omega 3 fats. • For men, healthy sperm production, development and protection depends on a diet that is sufficient in protein, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, CoQ10 and monounsaturated and omega 3 fats. And, did you know that men who regularly eat processed meat have a lower sperm count than men who eat fish regularly. So get off the bacon and into the salmon!

Poor old broccoli is a super healthy food, but unfortunately it doesn’t have a very glamorous image. There are lots of “hip” green vegies out there that we love to knock back by the bucket load in smoothies, but we often forget that some simple steamed broccoli can be just as good. Broccoli is chock-a-block full of vitamin C and other nutrients, which can help repair DNA in cells, and in some cases, reduce the risk of cancer. It is available all year round and is a great ingredient in stir-fries, soups, frittatas and of course simply steamed with a side of lean protein.

Rebecca McKenna is an Accredited Practising Dietitian at Health Management Cairns (www.healthmanagement.com.au) You can connect with Health Management and ask Rebecca questions on Facebook.

e supplement, fall pregnant and am taking a folat READER QUESTION: I am trying to high in folate? but was wondering what foods are uate intake of stages of pregnancy as having an adeq Folate is very important in the early e can be consumed cts. On top of supplementation, folat folate can prevent neural tube defe coli, Brussels ‘organic’ bread), asparagus, bran, broc in the diet through bread (except for folate. There of ces These are all excellent food sour sprouts, legumes, lentils and spinach. cereals. ces such as fruit juices and breakfast are also many folate fortified food sour

www.pakmag.com.au

Q&A

nutritionadvice

Food

review

www.pakmag.com.au

Pakmag Team

Mini Christmas pUddings By Angelina Mortley (Sales/Biz Development Manager) Ingredients: • 100g Milk Chocolate 'Melts' • 50g White Chocolate 'Melts' • 350g Fruit Cake (crumbled) • 2 Tablespoons of Orange Juice

pakmag

TEAM recipe

• Petit Four Cases • Lollies to decorate (Spearmint Leaves and Jaffas)

[1] Mix crumbled fruit cake and the orange juice together.

Ange's Fave "We published this recipe from one of our readers several years ago and I've been making it ever since. They're easy to make and delicious!"

[2] Melt milk chocolate 'Melts' as per pack instructions and then mix in with the cake and juice mixture. [3] Place in the fridge until cool. [4] Take a tablespoon of chilled mixture, roll into ball and place in petit four case. Repeat until all mixture is used. [5] Melt white chocolate 'Melts' and spoon a little on top of each pudding to resemble brandy sauce. [6] Chill for 30 minutes and decorate - you may need to chop the lollies into smaller pieces to fit on top of puddings. [7] For extra decadence, melt extra milk chocolate 'Melts', dip balls into chocolate, chill to set and then decorate.

www.pakmag.com.au

Dutchy'S PICK

"Book your kids into one of the Christmas art and craft classes on offer this month."

DECember 2013 DATE

Be the difference… 10am SundayS St Mary’s School, HOB Hall 52 Anderson Rd, Woree • • • •

FREE

Morning Tea every Sunday after the service

Exciting kids program • Weekly Friday night Teen Program Boost Academy after school programs for 8 years to 12 years Free School Breakfast Programs • Pets In The Park Rock Impact Inc – Local & abroad community development programs

1/12/13 1/12/13 1/12/13 1/12/13 1/12/13 2/12/13 2/12/13 3/12/13 3/12/13 3/12/13 3/12/13 3/12/13 3/12/13 3/12/13 4/12/13 4/12/13 4/12/13 4/12/13 4/12/13 5/12/13 5/12/13 5/12/13 5/12/13 5/12/13 6/12/13 6/12/13 6/12/13 6/12/13 6/12/13 6/12/13 7/12/13

VENUE Little Diggers Community Centre Community Centre, Yorkeys Knob Brothers Leagues Club Babinda Munro Theatre Brothers Leagues Club Smithfield Library Edmonton Community Hall Craft n Sewing Studio Gordonvale Library East Ifail State School Old Preschool Earlville Library Manunda Library Brothers Leagues Club Lil Scribblers Lil Scribblers Craft n Sewing Studio Cairns Early Years Centre Manunda Library Lil Scribblers East Ifail State School Old Preschool Cairns Early Years Centre Edmonton Library Mossman Library Craft n Sewing Studio Cairns Indoor Sports Brothers Leagues Club Cairns Esplanade Anglican Church Hall Gordonvale Babinda Munro Theatre Lil Scribblers Cairns Regional Gallery

pink = family ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

Family Fun Day Carols by Candlelight Live Music 'Fingerprint' Grown Ups 2 Kids Club Disco Afterschool Reading Group with Bodhi the Dog Mondaze play and grow Christmas Crafts Storytime Playgroup Baby Rhyme Time Classroom Canines - Reading Confidence Program Live Music 'Big Jim' Art Class 6-8 year olds Art Class 2-5 year olds Christmas Crafts Play and Grow Storytime Art Class 9-12 year olds Playgroup Play Time Playgroup Storytime Storytime and Baby Rhyme Time Under 8's Christmas Crafts Tiny Tots Live Music 'Fingerprint' Music Under The Christmas Tree Infant Massage Gravity Art Class 2-5 year olds Free Entry Saturday

eventGUIDE green = kids TIME 9.00am 4.00pm 5.45pm 7.30pm 3.30pm 3.30pm 1.00pm 3.30pm 10.30am 9.00am 10.30am 4.00pm 9.30am 3.30pm 10.00am 3.30pm 9.30am 10.30am 3.30pm 9.00am 9.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.00am 9.00am 9.00pm 5.00pm 10.00am 7.30pm 10.00am 10.00am

blue = adults FOR MORE INFO 4053 9305 0412 321 148 www.brotherscairns.com.au 4067 1438 www.brotherscairns.com.au 4044 3711

COST

4053 4421 4056 1365 4078 0111 4044 3766 4044 3785 www.brotherscairns.com.au lilscribblers@gmail.com lilscribblers@gmail.com 4053 4421 4091 6397 4044 3779 lilscribblers@gmail.com 4078 0111 4091 6397 4044 3735 4099 9496 4053 4421 4032 2844 www.brotherscairns.com.au 4044 3560 4091 6397 4067 1438 lilscribblers@gmail.com

Free Free Free $8 Free Free Cost Cost Free Cost Free Free Free Cost Cost Cost Cost Free Cost Cost Cost Free Free Cost $7 Free Free Cost $8 Cost

shop@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

Free

& 4054 3900 • www.rockchurch.com.au • www.rockimpact.com.au

School holiday ProgramS 3 hour Sessions plus 1 & 2 day riding camps

• Group/Private Riding Lessons for Children and Adults (beginners to advanced) • Pony Rides for Children under 5 years of age

BookingS eSSential CALL 4039 3143 Lot 626 Intake Rd, Redlynch • www.crystalcascadeshorsepark.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

MARK'S PICK

"Check out the new Cairns Community Christmas Fairs 8 and 21 December."

DECember 2013 DATE 7/12/13 7/12/13 7/12/13 7/12/13 7/12/13 7/12/13 8/12/13 8/12/13 8/12/13 8/12/13 8/12/13 9/12/13 9/12/13 9/12/13 10/12/13 10/12/13 10/12/13 10/12/13 10/12/13 10/12/13 10/12/13 11/12/13 11/12/13 11/12/13 11/12/13 11/12/13 11/12/13 12/12/13 12/12/13 12/12/13 12/12/13

VENUE Earlville Library Babinda Munro Theatre Brothers Leagues Club Ravenshoe Primary School George Davis Park Craft n Sewing Studio

pink = family ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

green = kids TIME

Norman Park, Gordonvale Fogarty Park Babinda Munro Theatre The Pier Shopping Centre Edmonton Community Hall Smithfield Library The Young Company

Board Games all ages with Cairns Boardgamers Gravity Live Music 'Cool Flavez' Arts & Crafts Auction Christmas in the Park Christmas Crafts SANDS Support Group Cairns Community Christmas Fair Cairns Regional Council - Carols by Candlelight Gravity Kids Crafts Mondaze play and grow Afterschool Reading Group with Bodhi the Dog Summer Drama School

4.00pm 5.00pm 7.30pm 9.30am 1.00pm 3.30pm 9.00am

Cairns Central Craft n Sewing Studio East Ifail State School Old Preschool Stratford Library Manunda Library Lil Scribblers Lil Scribblers Cairns Early Years Centre Ravizza Park Edmonton City Library Craft n Sewing Studio Lil Scribblers Lil Scribblers East Ifail state School Old Preschool Cairns Early Years Centre Smithfield Library Mossman Library

Mummy Central Christmas Crafts Playgroup Storytime Classroom Canines - Reading Confidence Program Art Class 2-5 year olds Art Class 6-8 year olds Play and Grow Carols By Candlelight Storytime Christmas Crafts Art Class 2-5 year olds Art Class 9-12 year olds Playgroup Play Time Playgroup Baby Rhyme Time Storytime and Baby Rhyme Time

9.00am 3.30pm 9.00am 10.30am 4.00pm 10.00am 3.30pm 9.30am 6.00pm 10.30am 3.30pm 10.00am 3.30pm 9.00am 9.30am 10.30am 10.30am

Brinsmead Bella Vista Community Hall

9.00am 7.30pm 8.00pm 11.00am 9.00am 10.00am

blue = adults FOR MORE INFO 4044 3766 4067 1438 www.brotherscairns.com.au 4097 7609 4053 4421 4098 3089 Facebook - Einstein Events 4044 3044 4067 1438

4044 3711 www.theyoungcompany.com.au

4053 4421 4078 0111 4044 3733 4044 3785 lilscribblers@gmail.com lilscribblers@gmail.com 4091 6397 0407 695 981 4044 3720 4053 4421 lilscribblers@gmail.com lilscribblers@gmail.com 4078 0111 4091 6397 4044 3711 4099 9496

Kids

COST Free $8 Free Free Free Cost Free Free Free $8 Free Cost Free

MINI MAG Dec2013

$200 Free Cost Cost Free Free Cost Cost Cost Free Free Cost Cost Cost Cost Cost Free Free

in cinemas Jan 1

December

FUN Activities Colour in and you could WIN movie Tickets

www.pakmag.com.au

WIN

Fun activities & prizes to win www.pakmag.com.au

colour IN & Win! Colour in and you could

Mini MAG FUN

WIN movie Tickets

Activities

SPOT THE Difference Spot the 5 differences and you could win a great prize! Email your answers to: competitions@pakmag.com.au

maze

FUN

To enter colour-it-in & mail to:

Name: Age:

PAKMAG, Colour-it-in December 2013

Parent/Guardian:

PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870 & you could WIN tickets to Walking with Dinosaurs the Movie (Comp Closes: 15/12/13)

www.pakmag.com.au

Solve the maze to find out which animal character catches which item of food and you could win a prize! Email your answer to: competitions@pakmag.com.au

Address: Phone: Email:

www.pakmag.com.au Competitions close 15 December 33 2013

makE & Do

See it on youtube

If you would like to see Oli's tutorial on how to make a candy cane head to the PakMag Cairns youtube channel.

"Help the PakMag team raise money for Ronald McDonald House on 15 Dec."

y d n a C e n A C

DATE

n o i t a r o c e D Christmas

Story Thanks to: Oliver Standen

You Will Need: • Plasticine or Modelling clay (You can get modelling clay from BigW for $2. Playdough is too heavy and squishy for this.) • Christmas spirit and 4-5 minutes of your time

[1] You’ll need two strips of your clay or plasticine. Two different colours, any colours.

and wrap it around like a ribbon wrapping around a pole starting with a little at the top.

but not for too long, you still want it to be hard enough to bend and hold at the top.

[2] Pinch a small bit off one end on one colour to make it a bit smaller than the other one.

[7] Gently press it in as you go. Once you’ve got the first bit wrapped around put it back down on a flat surface and roll it.

[10] Then once it has all come together, pick it up curve and bend over the top just like the top of a Candy cane and you have a candy cane to hang on your tree. If it is a bit soft from all the rolling – don’t worry it gets harder overnight so just lay it out somewhere for tomorrow.

[3] Roll your main colour out onto a flat surface to make it a bit softer. [4] Now roll the other shorter colour in the same way. [5] Hold the shorter one up against your main colour and if it is still a bit too long just pinch some more off and roll again. [6] Bring the shorter colour together with the longer colour

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CHRIS'S PICK

[8] Now bring it back up and keep taking the rest of the strip round and round. [9] Just keep squishing when you go around. It doesn’t have to be perfect just try your best. [9] Once you have it wrapped all to the bottom put it down and roll it out again. Pressing down and rolling to bring it together

Remember you can have a go at doing different ones too with dots or stripes as well just ask your parents for some help.

Have a Merry Christmas

VENUE

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

eventGUIDE TIME

FOR MORE INFO

12/12/13 13/12/13 13/12/13 13/12/13 13/12/13 13/12/13 14/12/13 14/12/13 14/12/13

Craft n Sewing Studio Anglican Church Hall Gordonvale Babinda Munro Theatre Cairns Esplanade Cairns Indoor Sports Innisfail Craft n Sewing Studio Bunnings Warehouse Cairns Regional Gallery

Under 8's Christmas Crafts Infant Massage The Hunger Games Catching Fire Music Under The Christmas Tree Tiny Tots Carols by Candlelight Christmas Crafts Christmas Gift Workshop Sweet Revenge - Edible Art Workshop for Kids

10.00am 11.00am 10.00am

14/12/13 14/12/13 14/12/13 15/12/13 15/12/13 15/12/13 16/12/13 16/12/13 16/12/13 17/12/13 17/12/13 17/12/13 17/12/13 17/12/13 17/12/13 17/12/13 18/12/13 18/12/13

Babinda Munro Theatre Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre Earlville Library Bunnings Warehouse Babinda Munro Theatre 37-39 Robb Road, Redlynch Cairns Regional Gallery Crystal Cascades Horse Park Cairns Potters Club Cairns Regional Gallery Smithfield Library Manunda Library Craft n Sewing Studio Craft n Sewing Studio Lil Scribblers Stockland Cairns Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Regional Gallery

The Hunger Games Catching Fire Botanical Christmas Lanterns Board Games all ages with Cairns Boardgamers Christmas Gift Workshop The Hunger Games Catching Fire PakClub Family Christmas Beyond the Paintbrush - School Holiday Workshop Riding lessons, 1 day camp, 3 day camp Ceramic Christmas Decorations Monoprinting & Stamp making - School Holiday Activity Storytime Classroom Canines - Reading Confidence Program Under 8's Christmas Crafts Under 8's Christmas Crafts Christmas Craft Jams Santa's Breakfast MultiSport Madness Funky Gift Boxes - School Holiday Activity

7.30pm 10.00am 9.00am 11.00am 7.30pm 6.00pm 10.00am 9.00am 10.00am 10.00am 10.30am 4.00pm 10.00am 2.00pm 10.00am 9.00am 1.00pm 10.00am

18/12/13 18/12/13 18/12/13 19/12/13 19/12/13 19/12/13 19/12/13

Smithfield Library Babinda Library Lil Scribblers Craft n Sewing Studio Craft n Sewing Studio Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Regional Gallery

Cheeky Monkey's Christmas Wish Show Storytime Christmas Craft Jams Christmas Crafts Christmas Crafts MultiSport Madness Textile Christmas Trees - School Holiday Activity

10.30am 10.30am 10.00am 9.30am 2.00pm 1.00pm 10.00am

4044 3711 4067 1112 lilscribblers@gmail.com 4053 4421 4053 4421 4032 2844

Baby Rhyme Time

10.30am

4044 3733

19/12/13 Stratford Library

10.00am 10.00am 7.30pm 5.00pm 9.00am

COST

4053 4421 4091 6397 4067 1438 4044 3560 4032 2844 4055 9698 4053 4421 4052 0300

Cost Cost $8 Free $7 Free Cost Cost

programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

Cost $8 Cost Free Cost $8 Free Cost Cost Cost Cost Free Free Cost Cost Cost Free $7

4067 1438 programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

4044 3766 4052 0300 4067 1438 programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au erin@crystalcascadeshorsepark.com.au programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

4044 3711 4044 3785 4053 4421 4053 4421 lilscribblers@gmail.com 4032 2844 programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

Cost Free Free Cost Cost Cost $7 Cost Free

FREE CHILD MINDING GYM + FITNESS

FREE CHILD MINDING NOW AVAILABLE Monday to Friday 9am - 11.00am Ph: 4053 1532 Web: cairnspcyc.org

Affordable gym memberships

$35.80/MONTH

NO LOCK IN CONTRACTS www.pakmag.com.au

JUANITA'S PICK

"Presents, turkey and a glass of bubbles at 'Your Place' on 25 December!"

December 2013 DATE 19/12/13 19/12/13 20/12/13 20/12/13 20/12/13 20/12/13 20/12/13 20/12/13 20/12/13 20/12/13 21/12/13 21/12/13 21/12/13 21/12/13 21/12/13 22/12/13 22/12/13 23/12/13 24/12/13 24/12/13 27/12/13 28/12/13 28/12/13

VENUE Mossman Library Lil Scribblers Cairns Esplanade Babinda Munro Theatre Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Regional Gallery Craft n Sewing Studio Craft n Sewing Studio Lil Scribblers Fogarty Park, Esplanade Bunnings Warehouse Babinda Munro Theatre Earlville Library Lil Scribblers Bunnings Warehouse Babinda Munro Theatre Lil Scribblers Manunda Library Lil Scribblers Cairns Esplanade Cairns Esplanade Lagoon Cairns Regional Gallery

31/12/13 Cairns Esplanade Lagoon 31/12/13 Brothers Leagues Club 31/12/13 Fitzroy Island

pink = family ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

eventGUIDE green = kids TIME

Storytime and Baby Rhyme Time Christmas Craft Jams Music Under The Christmas Tree Turbo Tiny Tots MultiSport Madness Christmas Lanterns Christmas Crafts Christmas Crafts Christmas Craft Jams Cairns Community Christmas Fair Finale Christmas Gift Workshop Turbo Board Games all ages with Cairns Boardgamers Christmas Craft Jams Christmas Gift Workshop Turbo Christmas Craft Jams Baby Rhyme Time Christmas Craft Jams Music Under The Christmas Tree Esplanade Markets @ the Lagoon Opening Day: The Great Art Hunt Kids Exhibition

10.30am 10.00am 5.00pm 7.30pm 9.00am 1.00pm 10.00am 9.30am 2.00pm 10.00am 5.00pm 11.00am 7.30pm 9.00am 10.00am 11.00am 7.30pm 10.00am 10.30am 10.00am 5.00pm 8.00am 10.00am

NYE Celebrations and Fireworks NYE - Julian Marley & Blue King Brown New Years Eve Party

9.00am 8.00pm 6.15pm

blue = adults FOR MORE INFO 4099 9496 lilscribblers@gmail.com 4044 3560 4067 1438 4032 2844 4032 2844 programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

4053 4421 4053 4421 lilscribblers@gmail.com Facebook - Einstein Events 4052 0300 4067 1438 4044 3766 lilscribblers@gmail.com 4052 0300 4067 1438 lilscribblers@gmail.com 4044 3779 lilscribblers@gmail.com 4044 3560 shop@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

4044 3560 www.brotherscairns.com.au info@visitcairns.com.au

COST Free Cost Free $8 $7 $7 Cost Cost Cost Cost Cost Cost $8 Free Cost Cost $8 Cost Free Cost Free Free Cost Free $77 $85

Go to pakmag.com.au for more events and market info

www.pakmag.com.au

By Shannon du Plessis

HiddenDangers Is your home safe for a mobile tot? Here are some tips on protecting your

MErry

Christmas Kids on Cove wishes you a safe & happy Christmas!

Our BrandS

’s y a d n u S n o a t n Meet Sa the kids! be giving away treats to ll wi a nt Sa . ve Co on ds in december at Ki

tOS and XMaS GEt your Santa PhO thE onE day in ShOPPing donE all of! and undEr thE onE ro

-12pm nd december from 10am

datES: 8th, 15th, 22 Bring your camera so you

can take photos of your

children with Santa!

Shop 3, 41 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove Phone: 0428 734 545 Email: phyllis-82@hotmail.com Website: www.kidsoncove.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

children from potential dangers in the home, reports Shannon du Plessis

alk into most homes with young children, and you’ll often see gates of various sizes, padded corners on coffee tables and kitchen cupboards that need a degree in engineering in order to open them. This is a great sign of not only “child-proofing” your house, but also protecting your children from potential dangers. Children are curious creatures and when they start becoming more mobile, they find more joy in pulling out Tupperware from your cupboards than many of the toys you have bought for them. It’s a good idea to “get down on all fours” to search the house for potential hazards. You’ll be surprised at what you might find when seeing the world from your child’s perspective. There are many risks associated with products in the home, particularly since children have a higher chance of having a reaction to a substance because they are still growing. Their bodies consume more air, food and liquids per kilo of body weight than adults, so their organs and developing immune systems are not as able to combat hazardous substances as adults. Common household products such as bleach, washing powder, dishwashing liquid, bug spray,

flea collars, garden/weed pesticides, cigarette smoke, oven, toilet and drain cleaners, and paint products can contain toxic chemicals. Air pollution, such as dust and tobacco smoke, is also harmful to children.

Tips for child-proofing your house: • Use covers on electrical outlets and hide electrical cords behind furniture. • Use childproof latches on kitchen and bathroom cabinets. • Set the temperature of your hot water system to 50oC. •

Prevent poisoning by keeping household cleaners, chemicals and medicines out of reach and always store them in their original container. Know the Poisons Hotline number – 131 126. Also, buy and use products with child-resistant caps.

•

Make sure that used or hand-me-down equipment, such as car seats, strollers, toys and cribs haven’t been recalled for safety reasons. Phone Product Recalls Australia on 1300 302 502 or visit www.recalls.gov.au

• Use stair gates. • Make sure your child’s toys have no buttons, eyes, beads, ribbons, or other pieces your child could pull off and choke on. • Install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and a fire blanket in the house and use flame retardant sleepware. • Tie cords of blinds, curtains and appliances up out of reach. • Do not carry hot liquids or food near your child and do not allow your child near stoves, heaters or other hot appliances. • Empty all water from bathtubs and nappy pails. Never leave a child unattended in the bath. • Secure furniture that can topple (bookcases, chests of drawers and TV’s) to the walls. • Remove the hood and neck drawstrings from your child’s jackets and other clothing, as they can get caught in school bus doors, handrails and playground equipment. • Consider enrolling in an first aid course.

www.pakmag.com.au

Baby

Car Seat Guidelines

December 2013

Baby books

review

Christmas Swimmers

Gift

idea NEW

book Our awareness of safe car travel for children has improved over the years so current laws state that children must travel in a child restraint until they are seven years old.

Exercising Brains

In Australia there is a widespread problem with women gaining too much weight during pregnancy. It is estimated that as much as 74 per cent of women gain more than the recommended guidelines. Obese mothers have double the chance of miscarriage and stillbirth, double the risk of their baby having a birth defect, triple the risk of

It seems as though exercise is not just good for mums during pregnancy since a new study recently found that mums who exercised regularly through their pregnancy had newborns who showed higher levels of brain activity that those who didn’t.

While obstetricians used to tell mothers to avoid exerting themselves too much during

If you’re looking for some cute new swimmers for Christmas check out these from NQ business Angelfish Dragonfly. There are some classic red and white spotty swim pants for

However new guidelines released by Kidsafe

[4] Is the lap belt sitting low across the hips

pre-eclampsia and a higher risk of caesarean birth.

and Neuroscience Research Australia are

Many experts now consider excessive weight

recommending that children stay in booster seats until at least 8-10 years of age or even older unless they meet ALL requirements of this Five-Step Test:

one-piece swimmers for girls aged 2+. Perfect for Christmas

[1] Can your child sit with their back against

day. For more info go to www.angelfishdragonfly.com.au

the vehicle seat back?

the whole trip?

each category of child restraint for as long as they fit, rather than transition them as soon as they reach the age requirements by law.

[2] Do their knees bend in front of the

mother and the baby's health. A lack of exercise can lead to more complications during

[5] Can your child stay seated like this for

They are urging parents to keep children in

baby girls ($36.99) and a selection of pretty red and white

pregnancy, experts now know that inactivity may be more detrimental to both the

touching the thighs?

spend with Angelfish Dragonfly simply go to our

[3] Does the sash (shoulder) belt sit across

manufacturer’s instructions. To find out

before starting an exercise program and focus on low impact activities such as walking

website (www.pakmag.com.au) and tell us two

the middle of the shoulder, not on the

more go to Kidsafe.com.au

and swimming.

brands stocked by this online boutique?

neck or out near the arm?

and easier postpartum recovery for the mother. Speak to your healthcare professional

WIN

edge of the seat?

Dietitian and weight management expert Melanie McGrice has just published a new book called The Pregnancy Weight Plan which includes easy eating plans and recipes to help pregnancy women gain the right amount of weight safely. It is available in all good book stores for $29.99.

The best way to make sure your child is

For your chance to WIN a $50 VOUCHER to

pregnancy, while staying active has been linked to a lower risk of obesity for the child

gain to be as damaging as smoking and drinking.

safe in their car seat is to follow all the

WIN

For you chance to win a copy of this book simply go to our website and tell us the name of the author of this book?

Redlynch

KINDY

CCB Approved • EnroL today • 3-5 yeAr olds

VotEd “Best Childcare Centre” in PakMag’s Best of Cairns awards

Learning through Play each & every day

For more information visit www.redlynchkindy.com.au or call 4055 1814 or email redlynchkindy@bigpond.com

www.pakmag.com.au

Ages &

SAFE Viewing

by Megan Colahan

Stages New Books MOB RULE: Lessons Learned by a Mother of Boys By Hannah Evans A very funny read for all the MOBs (Mothers of Boys) out there who can relate to a world

Films, TV shows and games are classified for a reason. They are developed in consultation with professionals who have a good understanding of children and what is and isn’t appropriate for them to be viewing. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of parents to decide what their children can watch as they grow.

consumed by Lego,

Research indicates that viewing violent

and characters all the time think about

marbles, cars, mud,

material can lead to an increase in

whether you want your child repeating

boisterous competitiveness,

aggressive behaviour. A lot of parents

what they see and hear at school?

farting, burping and more. RRP $29.99

make comments such as “Well I watched that stuff when I was a kid and I turned out okay” or “He is fine when he watches it, he

Who Runs Your House: The Kids or You? By Karen Phillips Very easy to read, this

isn’t scared” or “Kids are used to that stuff these days”. The question is, do you really want your child to become desensitised to violence and swearing and for them to think it’s normal? Given that children mimic adults

There are so many games, movies and TV shows available these days that are childappropriate that I would recommend you stick with them! Megan Colahan is the principal psychologist at Colahan Psychology (37 O’Keefe Street, Cairns North). For more information call 4053 1122 or email megan@colahan-psychology.com.au

book is all about helping parents set boundaries and expectations and managing behaviour

Regress vs Progress

by Denise Bewert

for a more harmonious home life. RRP $29.99

The Modern Family Survival Guide By Nigel Latta Modern family life can get messy with step-parents, single parents, blended families,

• Remind them to concentrate on doing

to acting and thinking like young children

one thing at a time

rather than as young adults. They may be less able to control their emotions, cry more often than usual, find previously simple tasks more difficult, lose track of time and overall feel unable to cope. Our teenagers need us more than ever in

and everything in

the often difficult and complex time of

between. Parenting guru Latta

going through puberty. A few practical tips:

sense solutions. A good read. RRP $34.95 www.pakmag.com.au

It is very common for teenagers to revert

same-sex parents

explores common problems and suggests common

Sometimes parents get very concerned when their teenagers seem disorganised, forgetful and irresponsible but these are common behavioural changes that are associated with becoming a teenager.

• Encourage your teenager to write things down they need to remember

Be reassured that these changes will pass as they mature. Denise Bewert is Group Educator for CentaCare, 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@ centacarecairns.org www.pakmag.com.au

Home edition

Outdoor

DEC 2013

TREND Consider vintage benches and aged timber that help to create textures

Design Tips

reminiscent of nature.

outdoortips

Outdoor R oom s Story thanks to BOLD Interiors Outdoor living is an essential part of the Australian lifestyle and a well-

from Bold Interiors The Man Standing Zone (aka The ‘BBQ’) A BBQ area is obviously a core part of any outdoor design. These days, outdoor kitchens with built-in barbeques, are very

seat is great for concealing everything from kid’s toys to eskys. • Consider vintage benches and aged

plenty of options around if you can’t afford

timber that help to create textures

the luxury of a fully kitted outdoor kitchen.

reminiscent of nature.

Tips for Furniture Selection • Furniture, colour and texture help create a cosy and comfortable space. • Select hardwearing furniture such as stainless steel and natural timbers,

to the enjoyment of your home.

elements. Check out VIP Furniture.

www.pakmag.com.au

into furniture pieces. The humble bench

popular. They can be costly but there are

designed outdoor space always adds

• Integrate functional storage solutions

especially if they’re exposed to the

• A fireplace/pit is a great addition for the colder months. Otherwise choose soft cushions and patterned throws • Create texture underfoot with sisal rugs. They are hardwearing and add warmth in winter.

Design

Ideas

Shading You may need to consider shading depending on your aspect and exposure to the elements. There are a multitude of options available from large umbrellas, outdoor blinds, shading cloth and exterior curtaining. They may not always be practical but flowing curtains cordoning off a private terrace look stylish and romantic. Greenery Making a connection with nature is vital in an outdoor space. Whether it’s hanging fern pots or vertical gardens, greenery helps create a relaxed and harmonious outdoor area. A fragrant herb garden will impress your guests and it can be used in the cooking too. www.pakmag.com.au

Home edition

DEC 2013

Design Tips

Quirky Christmas diyhome

By Sofie Buchholz

Whether you’re a fan of tinsel

Quality built with pride

or singing Santa’s, why not

Recycled Materials

think ‘out of the box’ this year and make your own Christmas tree with recycled decorations. By thinking beyond the traditional green tree and the red and green colours of Christmas, your decorated

• 16 years local building industry experience • FREE QuotEs to the Cairns and FNQ region Call 4056 3089 or visit www.ashleejoneshomes.com.au

Christmas tree can become an artistic talking piece for your home during the festive season – a tree which could be themed to complement your existing décor. Recyclable materials such as timber offcuts, tree branches and newspaper will add a rustic feel to your tree as well as being very cost effective. Timber offcuts and other quirky tree building supplies can be sourced at the salvage yards or local tip shop. A ladder shelved with timber off cuts of increasing lengths abstractly resembles the triangular shape of a tree. Alternatively, if you don’t have an old ladder, timber offcuts could be attached to a central timber piece, like a tree trunk.

if it needs painting, we have the paint.

Numerous examples of paper decorations can be found on the internet and many are easy enough for the kids to make too so the whole family can get involved. To add a splash of colour, you could also use old shopping catalogues or coloured paper instead of newspapers. You can also add more traditional decorations and lights

automotive, house, industrial, marine, texture Coatings, timber Finishes, trade Paint & sign suPPlies markets See us, the paint experts, before you buy paint anywhere else. (note: Men – please bring your wifes permission slip to purchase paint without her being present.)

to the tree. We chose silver and gold to complement the look of recycled timber and the grey of the newspaper decorations.

Presents

oPening hours monday to Friday 7am-5pm • saturday 8am-1pm

Wholesale Paint Cairns

80 Aumuller St • Phone 4035 2000 • Email sales@cwp.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

Kids

Artwork By Amanda Cranston

Wondering what to do with all those paintings your kids make for you? Here’s 10 ways to put them on display!

Once kindy begins most parents find themselves inundated with paintings and collage creations of all kinds. No matter what they have made, kids love to see their artwork on display. Even as kids get older they get a thrill out of seeing their paintings, sketches and masterpieces on show so here are a few different ways to put them to good use.

[1] Frame it

[4] Scrapbook it

[8] Make party bon-bons

Frames come in all sizes and colours and you can get some simple ones for minimal cost these days so why not mount and frame your child’s artwork and hang them around the house. It shows your child how proud you are of them and looks more stylish.

A memory scrapbook is a wonderful way of documenting your child’s life incorporating photos, funny things they say and do, award certificates and lots of your kid’s artwork.

Use paintings to make fun bon-bons for a special party or event. Fill the bon-bons with lollies, marbles or a little trinket and tie the ends with pretty ribbon. Add little name tags to each bon-bon for the final touch.

[2] Exhibit it

Use your child’s paintings as gift wrapping for birthdays and Christmas presents, adding string or ribbons for extra embellishments.

If you find you have acquired a rather large collection of your child’s artwork then why not put on an art exhibition at home for family and close friends. Mount and frame a range of your child’s favourite pieces, send out invites and then provide morning or afternoon tea.

[3] Make Bookmarks Cut your child’s artwork into strips and laminate them, turning their artwork into beautiful bookmarks the whole family can use. You can also thread ribbon through the end to make them fancier so you can give them as gifts to grandparents.

www.pakmag.com.au

[5] Make gift wrapping

[6] Make placemats Artwork on A4 size paper can be laminated to make placemats and the more colourful the better. Get your kids to design paintings for each table setting, cut and paste pictures or sketch a portrait of each family member and laminate them, turning them into placemats.

[7] Make gift cards Your kid’s artwork can be made into beautiful handmade gift cards of all sizes, then use letter stamps to add a personal message to the card.

[9] Cover books with artwork Covering school books, journals or other special books in artwork is a great way to personalise your child’s books. First cover the book with the painting, add a name label and then cover in clear contact.

[10] Photograph it For all those collage creations your kids bring home made out of cereal boxes, plastic bottle lids and toilet rolls, keep their artwork on display at home for a few weeks and then photograph it before you bin it. Explain you can’t keep everything and then make up a journal to paste photos of all the lovely collage things they have created. www.pakmag.com.au

Travel December 2013 guide

Wonderland Winter

Travel

ideas

By Kylie Stokes (Travel Managers)

For a magical family holiday that’s guaranteed to get everyone into the Christmas spirit, a trip to Lapland to visit Santa is the trip of a lifetime. There is nothing more traditionally ‘Christmassy’ than a trip to Finland in winter. Coming from the tropics, its enough to see snow, ice and the Northern Lights for the first time but you can also arrange to be welcomed at the airport by Santa’s elves, visit Christmas markets, take a reindeer sleigh ride and meet Santa in his hometown of Rovaniemi. Winter in Finland has all the ingredients for a truly unforgettable family holiday. Trips to Lapland over the busy Christmas holiday period need to be booked early, so now is the perfect time to start thinking about next year. For a stress-free, relaxing trip it’s a good idea to book a package that includes everything from flights, accommodation, transfers and activities. Winter clothing can even be organized for the duration of your holiday so you don’t have to worry about finding snow gear in Cairns. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect from a white Christmas in Finland:

Kylie Stokes

• Santa Claus Village – Meet Santa every day of the year.

Personal Travel Manager T: 1300 724 199 E: kylie.stokes@travelmanagers.com.au www.my.travelmanager.com.au/KylieStokes

• Santa Park - Decorate gingerbread with Mrs. Claus, see the Ice Princess Ice Gallery, giant snow globe and more.

Specialising in family holidays worldwide

• Joulukka Elf School - An absolute must and if you’re on your best behavior you may even get a chance to see Santa’s Secret Command Centre.

License No: QLD: 3168806 ACN: 113 085 626 Member: IATA, AFTA, ICCA Accredited Consultant

• Arctic Winter Wonderland – Enjoy the icy ambience of an Arctic igloo with stunning ice carvings. • Private Santa Visit - Set off on your family’s own search for Santa on a snowmobile by following the elves bright shining lanterns • Visit a husky farm - Adults can mush their own team while children are taken in the local guides sleigh. • reindeer sleigh ride through a wintery wonderland • Try ice fishing or walk through the snowy wilderness snowshoes or cross-country skis • Stay in a glass igloo - The place to view the Aurora

Call 4031 6300 or visit www.franklandislands.com.au Visit: www.my.travelmanager.com.au/KylieStokes

www.pakmag.com.au

Daytrip

Frankland Islands

WIN

December 2013 special

For your chance to win a daytrip for a family of four to the Frankland Islands simply go to www.pakmag.com.au and tell us the name of the specific island that Frankland Island Cruises takes visitors to? (Hint: Go to their website to find out) This pass will be vaild for six months for two adults and two kids and includes lunch and snorkeling gear. It does not include transfers to the jetty at Deeral.

Snorkeling

Beach

Treasure

Island Story thanks to Angelina Mortley Frankland Island Cruises' new Pirates Kids Club is running every day in the holidays so parents can chill out under a shade or take a romantic stroll around a pristine deserted island while your little pirates hunt for treasure. The Frankland Island Cruises day trip to the deserted paradise of Normanby Island has many positives in its favour for families. It starts with the shortest open water crossing to the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland –

www.pakmag.com.au

for crocodile spotting; and then another quick

and showing off their share of the bounty

trip (25 minutes again) across to the Frankland

from the treasure chest! This was definitely the

Islands to arrive at destination paradise.

highlight of their day.

Once there you can do as little or as much as

While we enjoyed a sumptuous buffet lunch of

you wish – we started the day with a guided

prawns, ham, satay chicken legs, Asian noodle

snorkelling tour with a Marine Biologist. As well

salad (yum!), potato and pasta salads, green salad

as giant clams, beautiful coral formations and

and tropical fruit platter and breads, the kids re-

their resident fish families, we got up close (very

joined their ‘pirate crew’ and ate from their own

close) and personal with a couple of the local

specially prepared lunch box.

sea turtles – one popped up right alongside, so close I could have put my arm out and given him a hug!

In the afternoon we took a trip on the glass bottom boat to see the underwater wonders further out before the kids headed straight

The kids then embarked on their pirate escapade.

back to the rock pools. They were completely

After getting into theme with some pirate dress

mesmerised by all the sea life amongst the rocks

up and a copy of their “I Spy Treasure Map”, they

and couldn’t get enough of it.

were off, exploring some of the most amazing rock pools I’ve seen, full of all sorts of remarkable sea creatures, before they trekked off to explore the island’s continental side in the hunt for the elusive treasure chest.

Since the Frankland Island Cruises boat takes a maximum of 100 guests and they are the only operator allowed to visit this uninhabited island, this feels like a very personal tour. Everything needed for the trip is taken onto the island by the

perfect for those prone to sea sickness. Departing from

Two hours later, after some much appreciated

crew and then taken off again at the end of the

Deeral landing, the journey starts with a short river cruise

couple time, the kids returned with oh-so-many

day so no footprints are left behind. It truly feels

(approx. 25 minutes) down the Mulgrave River, allowing

stories of their great adventure, their discoveries,

like an escape to paradise.

SPECIal Offer During the school holidays, Frankland Island Cruises is offering PakMag readers a special family rate. For $297 for two adults and two kids (a saving of $80) you receive morning and afternoon tea on the boat, lunch, snorkelling gear and guided snorkelling tour, shade huts and guided island walk. The cost of the Pirates Kids Club is $10 per child which includes a semisubmersible tour, colouring book, treasure bag and special lunch, prizes, gifts and two hours of fun on the professionally supervised program. The semi-submersible costs $10 per person for adults and for kids not already taking part in the Kids Club – this cost can be paid on the day of travel. Stinger suits are available free of charge. Most locals prefer to self-drive the 40 minutes to Deeral, but for $16 per person you can also book a return transfer on one of the coaches that pick up from designated locations. To book, call 4031 6300 or you can email res@franklands.com.au and mention PAKMAG to get your special PakMag rate. For more info: www.franklandislands.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

By Elaine Seager

12 Deers

Of December

Get into the Christmas spirit & WIN!

Want to WIN a new Telstra Mobile Phone for Christmas? It’s as easy as follow your nose!

DrivingHolidays

We have placed 12 Deers at various family locations around town. Each Deer has a code word on it. All you need to do to enter the

Travelling to Townsville during the Christmas holidays? Holiday Inn Townsville ticks all the boxes for families.

competition is to find the Deers by following our clues, make a note of the 12 code words and then submit the code words via our website at www.pakmag.com.au to go into the draw to win. It’s as easy as that!

Decipher these clues to guide your way to the 12 Deers:

greaT PrIZeS

[1]

The village in the rainforest, up the hill. I can give you information on visiting the area.

[2]

Learn to swim like a little snapper on the northside.

[3]

Learning how to ride a horse is crystal clear.

[4]

Home of the big Marlin. Find it at Customer Care.

[5]

Tee up for a game of mini-golf in Paradise.

[6]

I would head here if I wanted to play sport inside. Look for the shark logo and I mayer or not have a butcher next door.

[7]

Central place in Cairns for all your shopping needs. Find the clue at Customer Care.

[8]

A great recreation place for the kids and the boys in blue will look after you.

[9]

In Woree I would go and see this pharmacy for my medical needs and I might see a horse race or two across the road.

[10] It’s party time! This is the place for all my balloons etc for a kids party. [11] It’s a strike! Grab your bowling shoes and ball and head in here to book a lane. [12] Ring Ring! Pick up the phone! Get into Stockland Cairns across from Coles!

THE WInnER WILL WIN a SoNy XPerIa Z1 PhoNe THAnkS To TELSTRA. THE RunnERS-uP WITH THE CoRRECT AnSWERS WILL Go InTo A SEConD DRAW To WIN a faMIly PaSS To SugarWorlD. How to enter: [1] 12 different locations each with a deer. [2] Each deer has a code word. [3] Deers are not to be collected. [4] Code words need to be obtained. [5] Fill in the code words at www.pakmag.com.au [6] Entries need to be submitted to our website by 24 Dec at 3pm. [7] Winners will be drawn from correct entries by 5pm on 24 Dec and advised on 24 Dec. [8] Additional clues will be posted on facebook in the last week leading up to Christmas. [9] Check venues for opening times.

54 PRouDLy SPonSoRED by: www.pakmag.com.au

More and more families are choosing the

breakfast is spectacular, offering an extensive

Holiday Inn Townsville are offering a Great Value

convenience of driving to a holiday destination

range of options, which is popular with guests.

Package at the moment for the school holidays,

rather than enduring the hassle and expense of flying. However, the increase in families wanting more local holidays can make it difficult finding family friendly, affordable accommodation during the Christmas period. Holiday Inn Townsville is only a four-hour drive from Cairns, and conveniently located right in the heart of Townsville's vibrant CBD. Known as the "sugar shaker," this beautiful hotel is an iconic landmark and staff welcome families through its doors with open arms.

In the evening families can enjoy a meal, drink and a game of pool in the Brand New Sports Bar. There is even the Inn-2 Coffee café located onsite where guests can sample some of the best

which includes up to 20% off the best flexible rate, complimentary breakfast and a $25.00 hotel credit, plus Kids Stay and Eat for free when dining with a full paying adult!

coffee, tea and hot chocolate in town.

To Book a Great Value Package during the

If guests want to dine out further afield, the

Christmas & Summer Holidays call 4729 2011

hotel is within close walking distance to the

or visit www.holidayinn.com/townsville

Palmer Street dining precinct, with family friendly restaurants like Cactus Jacks, Outback Jacks, Ribs and Rumps and Benny's Hotwok. With a 4.5 star rating, the 76 metre tower is an

The hotel is within walking distance to popular

iconic landmark, and rooms offer fantastic views

family hotspots, including the very popular

across Magnetic Island, Castle Hill and the greater

Strand Water Park, Reef HQ Aquarium and the

Townsville region. All the rooms are large and

Museum of Tropical Queensland. On Sunday

have recently undergone a renovation, with new,

mornings the colourful Sunday markets bustle

modern amenities, comfortable beds and trendy

on the hotel's doorstep, with a range of activities

interiors. For larger families adjoining rooms can

and rides for the kids.

be arranged for ease and convenience.

One of the best features about the Holiday Inn

A swim in the rooftop pool is also something not

is that kids stay and eat free when dining with

to be missed. It offers spectacular views over the

adults, and accommodation is very affordable

city, and it's a great opportunity to have a BBQ by

ranging from $120-$170 a night. The buffet

the pool (facilities provided at a nominal charge).

Things to DO while staying at the Holiday Inn Townsville: • Take a swim in the rooftop pool at sunset followed by a BBQ • Go shopping on the doorstep in Flinders Street • Indulge in a buffet breakfast - be sure to try the yummy Pancakes and Eggs Benedict! • Visit the Reef HQ Aquarium and Museum of Tropical Queensland • Splash about at the Strand Water Park www.pakmag.com.au

Crafty

Decorations Need something to keep the kids entertained during the holidays? Why not give these Christmas decorations a go.

It’s Party

Time! Book your child’s next Birthday Party at Cairns Indoor Sports They can choose from Cricket, Netball, Soccer, Beach Volleyball & Dodgeball. Come & relax while your children have a blast!

Multi-Sport

Madness Every school holidays:

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 1pm to 3pm Cost is only $7 per child per session. All ages catered for. ComE & Play Indoor CrICkET, nETBall, SoCCEr, BEaCh VollEyBall & dodgEBall.

[1] Find a large, medium and small size

[6] Glue part ‘A’ together with part ‘B’ for all

circle from around the house (dinner plate,

three semi-circles. This will make your cone

bowl and CD)

shape for your Christmas Tree

[2] Trace around each of the circles on card

[7] When the glue has dried, paint each of

• 3 circles to trace (different sizes –

paper so you end up with 3 circles

the cones and allow to dry

dinner plate, bowl, CD)

[3] Using safety scissors, cut each of the

[8] Using PVA glue, decorate your cones

• Paint (choose your own colours!)

circles out

using sparkles, string/wool, sequins etc

• Paint brushes

[4] Fold each circle in half and then cut along

• Water pot

the fold. You now have two half circles of

• Glue

each size (as you only need one of each size

What you need

• Scissors • Craft materials for decorating

164 Mayers St, Manunda Phone: 4032 2844 web: www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

(sequins, string/wool, tinsel, etc)

you can share the others with a friend!) [5] Put a dot half way along the straight edge. This is where the point of the Christmas Tree will be. Mark one side of the dot ‘A’ and

For more info: 4033 0685 or 0400 646 327

the other side of the edge ‘B’.

or visit www.lilscribblers.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

BIZDirectory

BIZDirectory ads from ONLY $60/MONTH!

Services

entertainment

Ready for the next step in Music Education? or Beginner Lessons?

Piano Lessons

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timmycanning@gmail.com

The Christmas stocking is a wonderful tradition for those small gifts from Santa. So why not make one yourself? Designed and constructed by Sofie Buchholz, this stocking is fun and simple to make.

PH: 4032 2844

164 MAYERS STREET MANUNDA

Bike Party hire

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Backyard Magic Show

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[1] Begin by drawing your stocking shape on

[7] Clip around the curve of your Christmas

some paper or use a pattern from the Internet

stocking and lining pieces. This will help the

as a template. Add a 1.5cm seam allowance

shape to turn through and sit better.

to your template and cut out to create your pattern.

www.tropicalbeauty.com.au & 0402 482 025

clowns

Manunda EarlvillE WorEE EsplanadE CEntral rEdlynCh sMithfiEld City GordonvalE innisfail

Christmas Stocking

BMus, GDipMus, MTAQ (Prof)

IT’S PARTY TIME!

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Make your own

childcare Services

• Stocking template (many websites have free PDF patterns)

[2] Pin your pattern down on your chosen

• 40-50 cm of Christmas fabric for stocking (depending on stocking size)

(making sure they are opposite to each other).

• 40-50 cm of coordinating fabric for stocking lining • Ribbon

fabric and cut out two stocking shapes

[8] To the right side of your Christmas stocking add any decorative trims or fabric cuff. [9] To finish your stocking, place it right side facing out, inside your wrong side facing out lining piece. Match the top edge together

[3] Repeat this cutting out process for your

and pin along the top edge. Sew around the

lining fabric and interfacing (optional).

top edge, joining your lining to the stocking

[4] If using interfacing, iron it onto the reverse side of your Christmas fabric.

using a 1.5cm seam allowance leaving a 5cm opening.

• Bigger ShowS • Themed CharaCTerS • Jumping CaSTle • Balloon SCulpTing • Juggling • uniCyCling • mini-golf • ComiC Singing TelegramS

• Thread

& 0410 510 095 www.flipripley.com.au

• Scissors

side seam at the back of your stocking place

[11] Top stitch along the top of your stocking,

• Sewing machine

a looped ribbon 2-2.5 cm down from the top

ensuring that the raw edge left from the 5cm

raw edge. This will provide a loop so you can

opening is folded inwards.

• Pins

• Iron and ironing board • Beads, lace or buttons for decoration

• Face Painting • Puppets • Balloons • Games • Music • Other costumes available 4057 8019 or 0408 183 032 www.nikkitheclown.com

• 50cm of medium weigh iron-on interfacing (optional)

[5] With right sides together, pin together the two fabric stocking pieces. In between the

hang it up. [6] Stitch around all sides of the stocking, leaving the short top side open. Repeat with lining.

[10] Pull your Christmas stocking and lining through the opening.

Your Christmas stocking is ready for Santa! HINT: If adding a fabric cuff to your stocking, insert the handing ribbon into the seam of the cuff rather than the main part of the stocking. www.pakmag.com.au

out&about

submit your photos

email to: photos@pakmag.com.au

ing

Frances & Fauziah at Baby Welcom

Tiny Tot fun at Cairns Indoor Sports

Cairns Regional Council Baby Welcom

Tiny Tot fun at Cairns Indoor Sports

ing Ceremony

Olivia & Tascha

Markita & Quido

Kerry & Kesha

Dean & Aila

Email your photo, name/s & location to: photos@pakmag.com.au â&#x20AC;˘ Deadline for photos is 15 December for the January 2014 edition of Pakmag

Cairns Indoor Sports

Photos on this page thanks to Veronica at Blueclick Photography for more information call 0414 815 286 or www.blueclickphotography.com

100% edible

Handmade decorations

for your cakes

Our icingbits turn your cakes into works of art! For info call 0410 107 722 or visit www.icingbits.com

www.pakmag.com.au

Pets fav

Fav Pet Shot of the month will WIN a bag of Hill’s Pet Food donated by Hill’s and sponsored by Cairns Veterinary Clinic

Cairns Veterinary Clinic

December entries

Oscar loved by Jake

Boof loved by Joanne

As you and your family sit around the table this Christmas, you may be tempted to share all the yummy goodies with your pet because you hate to see them missing out. Don’t!

Giving inappropriate foods and overfeeding are

• Nuts - Macadamia nuts, moldy pecans and

obese. Feeding your pet too much food can also

common causes of health problems seen by

walnuts can cause seizures, vomiting and

lead to stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.

veterinarians over the festive period. To keep your

neurological issues.

pets happy and healthy over the Christmas period follow these tips: [1] Many foods are harmful to pets and some can

PRIZE winner

even cause death. Avoid feeding the following Ambo loved by Matthew

Basil loved by Kasey

foods AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR: • Chocolate – toxic to the heart and nervous system.

Email your photo, name/s & address to: photos@pakmag.com.au • Deadline for photos is 15 December for the January 2014 edition of Pakmag.

• Grapes, Raisins and Sultanas – can cause acute kidney failure. • Garlic and Onions – may cause blood cell

Winners

cause tummy upsets and central nervous system damage. • Alcohol – may cause intoxication, coma and death. • Dairy foods – can cause stomach upsets such as diarrhoea. • Fatty Foods such as sausages, ham bones etc – may cause pancreatitis.

new collar and lead or a new comfy bed. [6] Treat them with extra love and attention rather than food - take them for walks, throw that ball and enjoy cuddles on the couch.

Give a dog a dinner or make a cats Christmas Each year many animals spend a lonely Christmas in shelters. Some of these pet’s have been lost, abandoned, mistreated by their previous

[2] “Just a little treat is okay.” Think again – one

owners or just never had a family to love them.

piece of bacon (or ham) given to your dog is

Traditionally the influx of animals into shelters

• Avocado – may cause stomach upsets

equivalent to a human eating thirteen pieces

becomes worse during January as many pets are

such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

of bacon.

given as Christmas presents and then become

• Coffee and tea – may cause stomach upsets.

[3] Feed your pet a high quality, nutritionally

Caffeine is toxic to the heart and nervous

balanced pet food, such as Hills Vet Essentials, to

system.

ensure they are getting the nourishment they

damage and anaemia.

prize

• Sage (a seasoning used in stuffing) can

[5] Give your pet non-food treats such as toys, a

• Xylitol (found in gum, lollies etc) – can lead to liver failure. • Cooked bones – may cause stomach lacerations, punctures and can easily become stuck in the throat.

need (some supermarket brands contain fillers that add bulk rather than nutrition). [4] Don’t give your pet more food than usual, particularly if they’re not exercising as much - just an extra kilo or two can make a small cat or dog

unwanted when the responsibility of pet ownership becomes a reality. Let’s show them we care. Give an unwanted animal a Christmas dinner this year by donating pet food for Cairns shelter animals at any of our three convenient locations.

Cairns Veterinary Clinic wishes you and your pets a very merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 2014.

To claim your prize drop into our office on Level 2, 68 Abott Street between 9-5pm Monday to Friday and collect your prize from reception.

Colour in & Win:

Maze Fun:

• Chelsey Mills

• Isabella Graham

• Zac Bliss • Tara Santiago • Luca Davidson

Spot The Difference • Violet West

Tjapukai FAmily Pass • Bonita – Riso Lahtinen

www.pakmag.com.au

5 p to ies Kids Activit in December

The Young Company

Cairns Regional Gallery

TYC will be running two programs

Hayley Gillespie is teaming up with local

Craft n Sewing Studio at Piccones

before Christmas. Classic Splash to Oz

pastry artist Melanie Day to present a

Shopping Centre on Pease St will be

(9-13 December) and Seusstastic

one-day edible exhibition called Sweet

running Christmas craft activities from

Christmas (17-20 December). These

Revenge on 14 December. For more

the beginning of December. Cost: From

4-day programs are suitable for kids

information call 4046 4800. The Gallery

$12. Call Glenette on 4053 4421 for

aged 6+. Call 4041 4066 to book or to

is also running a number of Christmas

more information.

find out about their January programs.

workshops during the holidays – refer to our What’s On Guide for more info.

Lil Scribblers

Wonky Duck

Lil Scribblers will be running Christmas

Join Abbie at Wonky Duck to paint

craft jams for various age groups during

some pottery Christmas presents or

the December holidays in addition to

Christmas tree decorations. She will be

their art classes. Refer to our What’s On

at Plan B Café in Edmonton on Monday

Guide for details on days and times or

2 & 9 December and Clifton Beach

for more information call 4033 0685 or

playground on Wednesday 4 December.

email lilscribblers@gmail.com

For more information call 0400 782 304 or go to www.wonkyduck.com.au

Craft n Sewing Studio