PakMag Cairns - January 2022 Issue 175 by Grand Publishing

Parents and Kids Magazine

TIME, 5MONEY

ISSUE: JAN 2022

175

CAIRNS

Tips for Saving

FREE

& SANITY in the Laundry

Milestones – Is My Baby on Track? Turning Everyday Moments into Learning Adventures

Recipes: School Holiday Baking Fun Are Smartphones Making Us Dumb?

WIN Awesome Back to School Prizes

Summer School Holiday Guide Inside 5 Tips to Connect with Your Adolescent

More than

100

Family-Friendly How to Get Your Family Financially Fit in 2022

EVENTS

The Thing Is

Check It Out

How to Get Financially Fit in 2022

It’s got to be better than the last one… right?! Not that I want to jinx us - we said the same thing about 2021 after the treatment 2020 gave us all… it’s no coincidence that 2021 sounds exactly the same as “2020 WON”.

10 Botany 101 13 Are Smartphones Making Us Dumb? 16 Extracurricular Activity Guide 21 Ready for School: Turning Everyday Moments into Learning Adventures 25 All Things Health 29 Milestones Is My Baby on Track? 30 Bump, Bub and Beyond 32 Parent’s Puzzle 33 Mini Mag 36 Back to School Giveaway 39 Kids in the Kitchen 41 Are You Tired of Being a Negative Nellly? 42 5 Tips for Connecting with Your Adolescent 45 FNQ Dance Academy Celebrating 10 Years 47 School Holiday Guide 57 Daddy Diary

All jokes aside, we can all acknowledge there have been lots of challenges over the last couple of years, that yes, have really forced us to dig deep. But they have also provided as a result; the chance to find out who we are, how we respond to hardship, and helped us grow and develop greater resilience. We would have loved to learn these things without the lesson, but alas, unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Think about a garden; fertiliser (the crap) - helps it grow. I hope this year is a chance for us all to flourish like a well fertilised garden. With that in mind; this edition was designed to help you set up your year for success – at school, work and in life. Connection is key to lead a thriving life. Connecting to yourself, others and your purpose – helps improve your relationships and quality of life. To help you connect we are also starting The Energy Club and Nurture Nation – find out more by heading to www.pakmag.com.au/nurturenation and www.myvisionbook.com.au/energyclub We want the best for you and your family, and send you all of the good vibes and wishes for the year ahead. Until next time, happy reading and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

Bree and Bec

61 What’s On

Contact Us: p 4053 3331 e admin@m2f.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 www.pakcairns.com.au • www.pakmag.com.au • www.m2f.com.au

PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

Sales and Business Development Tracy Couper

59 Community Notice Board

Graphic Designer Sara Williams

Content & Marketing Team Leader Bec Dent

Videographer & Podcast Producer Monique Saggers

Creative Team Leader & Graphic Designer Clare Winter

Content Creators Annamarie Booysen Sasha Rozhkova

Marketing and Events Coordinator Alyssa Marino

Accounts Trent Stievano

Our North Queensland Channels PakMag Cairns Parents of North Queensland pakmag_nq Parents and Kids of North Queensland Our Global Parenting Channels PakMag Online pakmag_national PakMag The Give It A Go Group For Parents The PakMag Parents Podcast PakMag TV

PakMag would like to acknowledge the First Nations people of the Yirrganydji, Djabugay, Buluwai, Yidinji, Gunggandji, Muluridji, Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal, Wanyurr Majay, Ngadjon-ji (Choorechillum), Mamu, Djiru and Gulngay clans of Far North Queensland; the first storytellers and Traditional Custodians of all the lands on which we work, live and enjoy. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. 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 ideas expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers. We have done our best to ensure all events and information was correct at the time of going to print. Please check with individual businesses and authorities during these uncertain times. Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000. Most recent CAB Publisher Statement Conducted September 2019. We encourage recycling. Please keep this issue for future reference, pass onto your friends and family, use for craft projects or place into the recycling bin.

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The Thing Is

The Thing Is with Bree James For over twenty years I’ve been self-employed and have had the freedom to utilise all my skills and play my part in making the world a better place. But it has come at a cost. I’ve had many years of working so much that I seriously neglected myself. Achieving, striving, pushing to do my best - has been my way of life as a business owner for over two decades. The thing is, I was so obsessed with helping others that it fuelled me to create multiple companies that could help as many people in as many ways as possible. I was operating in so many different roles that one moment I was sending a magazine to print, the next; having a strategy session with a coaching client, writing stories, presenting to camera for a travel blog, then singing or presenting on stage. Not to mention making dinner and all of the other mundane life admin tasks we have to fit into our days. I loved how much variety I could squeeze into a day. I literally wore pants most days because I didn’t have time to shave my legs. I was overdue for medical check-ups, and to top it off - I didn’t have time to see my hairdresser and keep my hair in check (which is kind of an essential for on-camera work). So, my team and I thought the best strategy would be to buy a wig for filming, thinking I could pop it on and have perfect studio-ready hair. The wig arrived, and I did some filming with it - thinking that it wasn’t too noticeable. I look back now and realise how ridiculous I looked. I was too busy at the time to realise how out of control my life had gotten. I never sat still - I was always doing, or asleep. If I stopped, I literally fell asleep. I was running on adrenaline and felt uncomfortable not maximising every minute of my day. I was working 10 to 20 hour days, trying to grow multiple businesses, create a great place for my team, whilst trying my best to be a great mum, wife, daughter and friend. Some days I did a great job, others I felt like an absolute failure, and my family certainly got what was left of me, not the best of me.

Then Covid hit. I thought I was going to lose everything I had worked so hard to achieve. During those lockdown months I was forced to slow down, and a range of health issues reared their head (that’s for another day) the world has a funny way of delivering messages to us. During this time of reflection, I realised that although work is important, having time at home with my kids, husband, and friends, and room for spontaneity was actually very liberating. I decided that things needed to change, I needed to change, my businesses needed to change. It’s taken me two years to make and implement massive changes to my life. It hasn’t been easy. It’s been a time where I have judged, doubted, and challenged myself more than any other period in my life (and of course I’ve had others judge, doubt, and challenge me too). It’s like being a caterpillar in a cocoon, hiding away whilst I morph into my next phase of my life. Thanks to all of those in my life that have patiently waited for me to re-emerge, and held my hand throughout the journey. I am truly grateful for my family, my friends, and my ever-supportive team. Wigs and unshaved legs are now replaced with walks, talks, and being ok with not having to be all things to all people - I can be me, and live my best life, and you can too.

Bree www.breejames.com www.myvisionbook.com.au

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Entertainment

Check it Out Cairns Taipans When: 8, 11, 15, 23 and 29 January Where: Cairns Convention Centre More info: www.taipans.com

School Savvy FNQ – Helping Our Community Head Back-To-School More info:

The Cairns Taipans are hitting the court in the new year with a bevy of games against some of Australia’s best. The first game of the new year kicks off 8 January against the South East Melbourne Phoenix. It’s the perfect way to get the whole family out and support the local team. You can also grab yourself a membership, and have access all season long.

School Savvy FNQ

School Savvy FNQ is an annual back-to-school initiative helping children and families who are in need of assistance in our community. Centacare FNQ set up pop-up stores that have preloved uniforms, school shoes, backpacks and stationery supplies available to purchase at very little cost, and offer other services such as cooking classes with Modern Pantry and free kids haircuts as well. Check their Facebook page for details. The pop-up stores will be open 10.00am – 2.00pm (weekdays) at: Raintrees Shopping Centre, January 10 – 25. Kids cooking classes will run on the 17th and 18th. Other services include: The Smith Family, UnitingCare and QSTARS. Innisfail Shire Hall, January 19 and 20. Kids cooking classes will run on the 19th. Other services include: MAMU Health. Marlin Coast Community Centre*, January 13. *Please note this is a mini pop up shop with book packs, pencil cases and lunch boxes available. Donations of preloved school uniforms, school supplies and money are welcome to support this initiative. Donations can be made at the Centacare FNQ offices: 22-34 Aplin Street or 212 McCormack Street, at Vinnies stores across Cairns and Pacific Toyota. Centacare FNQ would like to thank all of their supporters for 2022 who have made School Savvy possible.

Australia Day Celebrations When: 26 January More info: www.cairns.qld.gov.au Tobruk Memorial Pool 9.00am - 12.00pm / G - Family event Embrace the wet or escape from the January heat with Cairns Regional Council's pool party at Tobruk Memorial Pool. Tobruk will open their doors for free to all patrons to enjoy water games, a free sausage sizzle, face painters and more! Vasey Esplanade, Trinity Beach 7.00am - 11.00am / G - Family event Start your Australia Day celebrations off at Trinity Beach from 7.00am for a free sausage sizzle, live entertainment on stage, face painters, beach activities for the kids and much more.

Cairns Summer Sounds When: From 4 February Where: Cairns Performing Arts Centre More info: www.cairnsperformingartscentre.com.au Cairns Summer Sounds is back and will bring us a month-long series of events featuring high profile music artists. Kicking the month off is Ocean Alley on 4 and 5 February, followed by Vera Blue on Friday 11 February and RocKwiz LIVE! on 26 February. Book your tickets early to experience the unforgettable Cairns Summer Sounds.

6 January 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Cairns Choral Society Presents Monty Python’s SPAMALOT When: 14 - 29 January Where: Cairns Performing Arts Centre More info: www.ticketlink.com.au Written by Eric Idle with music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle, SPAMALOT is a musical comedy adapted from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As with anything Monty Python, you’ll be entertained by memorable characters, beautiful dancers, and toe-tapping numbers. This is definitely a show not to be missed, so grab your tickets stat! They make for the perfect gift too.

Cairns Active Living Program When: Begins 17 January Where: Cairns More info: Cairns Active Living Program The Cairns Active Living Program is back for 2022 with classes happening again from 17 January all over Cairns. Classes are free and accommodate most ages and skill levels so make sure to check their facebook page for descriptions, schedules, and locations. Classes include Skating, Pilates, Aqua Aerobics, Zumba, and so much more.

Chinese New Year Celebrations When: From 1 February Where: Cairns More info: www.cadcai.org.au It’s the year of the Tiger and the Cairns & District Chinese Association is hosting a bonanza of events to celebrate. Beginning with the Lion Dance Parade on new year's day (1 February) 5.30pm - 7.30pm, February will be filled with workshops, banquets, fireworks, and plenty of food!

Feature

How to Get Financially Fit in 2022 STORY Phoebe Blamey, Author, Happy Money Journey As the clock strikes midnight on 31st December, many of us have a list of things that we want to change, do or achieve in the new year to bring in the new you. Getting better with money is high on the list but it fills many of us with dread and fear. Getting financially fit can be life changing but means changing habits. Our habits are what keep us where we are or change us. Habits end up playing a huge role in our everyday lives. As parents, our habits and routines are constantly being moved, and interrupted by the needs and wants of our family. Of course, we are going to prioritise family, but we also need to remember that unless we are taking care of ourselves – we are useless to others. Investing in your own mental, physical, and financial ‘fitness’ will reap rewards not just for you, but your family too – with a happy, healthier and more financially savvy parent and partner. It is possible to learn how to change our ways, and little by little - we will get the results we want – a healthier relationship with money and healthier bank account. This is where we need to start.

Mindset Start with your mindset… sometimes we must trick our mind into changing. This can be the smallest step with the best results. Language is important. Start by simply listening to yourself when you talk about money. What do you say? Is your language letting money control you rather than the other way around? This can be difficult particularly when you may not actually feel in control of your money because we have chosen to stay home, or you are deep in debt, or you are out of work.

8 January 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Some quick tricks to change your mind:

1. What is one thing that makes you feel wealthy? Fresh cut flowers? Clean house? Fancy dinner? Dressing up to do something? A glass of wine with your friends at a local bar? Find that one thing and do it!

2. Listen to your talk and self-talk. Correct yourself when you hear a negative comment. Life can get hard when money is short and it’s easy to shame spiral and be mean to yourself. Even if the best you can do is say “this too shall pass”, say it to yourself.

Talk About Money The biggest money mistake I ever made was not talking to my boyfriend about money. If I had done this, I would have noticed a whole lot of red flags a lot sooner. We all make mistakes sometimes; however, I did learn that fights about money are not really about money, they are about the disconnect in goals, dreams and values. They are a sign, we; as our part of a couple are off track and out of sync. One of the very best pieces of advice the Barefoot Investor, Scott Pape, has is to have a financial date night. You want to be moving in the same direction and be able to make choices TOGETHER. When one person in a couple is overspending and the other is massively saving, it’s time to have that date night. Be gentle in your approach rather than evangelical. Leave blame and shame well out of it – saying “It’s your fault we never have any money you spend too much” is a useless, pointless and directionless argument.

Create Habits It’s time to create some positive money habits. They don’t have to be monumental. Just little tweaks

Feature

can make a huge difference. Suggestions could include: • Bring snacks with you when you go out rather than buying • Automate bill payments from a single account • Organise your spending so you can always cover bills • Create a savings habit What do you do with your savings? Gone are the days of the spare change pot that adds up over time. With less and less people using cash it becomes harder to make these incidental savings with a ‘slush fund’. This is where micro investment apps are a good solution. These apps allow you to save small sums of money that you can’t access easily. Better still, it accumulates without you noticing. The app rounds up your spending and pays your change into investments. You choose how high risk you would like that investment to be (I chose high just to see and then changed to ethical which also did well). For example, when you spend $8.50 on a sandwich and coffee deal, this is rounded up to $9.00 and 50 cents is moved to your micro investing app. If you link multiple accounts this can add up quickly, and along the way you can see your investments grow. Some of them even offer accounts for kids which is great for parents and grandparents.

do this for you. Whatever method you choose to use, don’t guess as you will undoubtedly get it wrong. Generally, when people do this the biggest spending regret they have is normally the drive thrus, takeaways meals and coffees that pile up over time to end up as thousands of dollars every year. Frightening stuff! These deep dives are a game changer when it comes to financial fitness. It means you know exactly where you are spending and can help you become more money savvy.

Understand Your Investments Like it or not you are already an investor so you need to understand your current investments and what they are. Look at your super, use the new Government app to review it www.yoursuper.gov.au and you see how your fund performs. Understand the rules around Super. How much you can add, what happens to your balance when you are on parental leave and payments stop, or the balance gets low? Also know where your money is invested, does it match your values? Most funds now have a greater degree of choice in how you, as a member, want to invest. This is one of your biggest investments.

This method is called invisible savings and it can give your mindset a bit of a boost too; seeing the balance climb, dividends paid and capital growth of your investment all on the app.

Another is your home. Understand its worth, the growth of property in your area, how much equity you have (that is the difference between what you owe and what your house is worth). How much are your repayments, what is your rate, when will it be paid off?

Know Where Your Money Goes

This all helps you on your way.

It’s time to take a deep dive into your spending. This is the money equivalent of a food diary.

Understanding your money, being curious and taking a little bit of time to get and to stay in control is how you will get financially fit in 2022.

Start by downloading all your statements into an Excel document. Go through each statement and look at where your money goes. There are apps that can also

What are you waiting for? It’s time to make friends with money in 2022.

Phoebe Blamey is the author of the Happy Money Journey - a guide to helping women become unshakeable with their money! It is friendly, fearless personal advice to help you make good money decisions and live life on your own terms. The Happy Money Journey was born from Phoebe’s years of experience in learning about money and seeing how different people approach it. She also lived through her own happy money journey, from being drowned in credit card debt to now owning her own business and spreading her amazing energy and knowledge. Phoebe is a top mortgage broker, business owner, has 20-years’ experience in the financial industry and more importantly, is an incredible single mother. www.cloverfinancial.com.au/make-good-money-decisions

WIN The Happy Money Bundle $31.30 - www.cloverfinancial.com.au/shop - Live life on your own terms without stressing about money. The Happy Money Bundle is your all-in-one guide on how to change your beliefs. Includes The Happy Money Journey, My Happy Money Journey workbook and The Happy Money Journey pen, all in a branded Happy Money Journey bag. Head to www.pakmag.com.au/WIN for your chance to WIN The Happy Money Bundle.

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 9

STEAM

Botany 101 STORY Sasha Rozhkova, Botanist Living in the tropics we can sometimes forget just how unique and biodiverse of an ecosystem it is. We are surrounded by draping fig trees, iridescent butterflies, giant birds (and bugs), and crazy cool plants. We use plants every day, we eat them, we wear them, we write on them, we live in them, we use them as medicine - but how much do we know about them? We thought we’d share a little insight into just how interesting and complex plants are, and how you can grow your own in your backyard.

Keywords • Photosynthesis - A chemical reaction that uses carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight, converting it into oxygen and glucose (a sugar) for energy and respiration. • Respiration - A chemical reaction that utilises glucose for energy (we do this too). • Stomata - Pore like structures on the underside of leaves that control gas exchange, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. • Pollination - The process of pollen being moved from the anther to the stigma. • Chloroplast - An organelle (small organ) where photosynthesis happens. • Eukaryote (pronounced you - carry - oat) What all multi-cellular organisms are called. Prokaryotes are unicellular (one cell).

Once seeds are spread and find themselves in the perfect spot with the perfect climate, they will germinate. The first root that comes out (fancy name: “radicle”) grows downwards, and knows to do that because plants can sense gravity (gravitropism). The radicle anchors the plant to the soil. Then the shoot (plumule) starts growing, as quickly as possible towards the light (phototropism) to begin photosynthesising.

10 January 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

It’s not just plants that can photosynthesise, there are other prokaryotes and seaweeds that create oxygen for all of us to breath. Because photosynthesis needs sunlight, at night when there is no light, another reaction called respiration occurs. For most plants, once they are mature, they will flower then fruit through pollination and fertilisation. There can be male plants, female plants, plants that are both, or none, and a few other mixes. Some plants don’t need help to move their pollen between others, but many do - that’s where ‘pollinators’ come in. When animals and insects eat the nectar from a flower, they get pollen on them that they then transfer to other flowers and plants – making them pollinators and an important part of the ecosystem. Once pollen grains get into the correct flower, they help fertilize it, which then creates seeds. The reason we love fruit so much is because it’s so tasty… well seed dispersers think so too. When they eat fruit, the seeds don’t get digested and eventually come out the other end. This tends to happen further away from the parent plant. A great example of this is bird poop, next time take a closer look and you’ll likely see little seeds in it. Dispersal can happen from animals carrying fruit too, next time you hear a giant mango thud on your roof, you’ll know it’s seed dispersal in action.

Facts • Fungi, such as mushrooms and yeast, aren’t plants, they are part of the Fungi kingdom. • Rainforests are the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. • There are over 600 carnivorous plants in the world, and Australia has over 250 of them! • Plant cells have cell membranes and walls, animal cells (like us) only have membranes. • Fruit is actually the swollen ovary of the flower, and the seeds are the ovules (eggs).

Gardening 101 A lot goes into a successful garden, and that’s because plants are living just like us. So just like you and I, plants need the right amount and type of energy, nutrients, and water. Since we’re in the wet season and it’s too wet to sow seeds, now is the time to start working on the soil – to make sure it’s full of nutrients. Compost and mulch are a great way to achieve this. Once it begins to get a little drier, start planning what you’d like to grow – consider what you enjoy, and what you often eat at home, and do they come with seeds. Pawpaw is a great option. Once you’ve picked your species, you’ll need to do some research to make sure they get the right food and energy. There can be too much of a good thing, so be mindful of where you grow your plants and how much light and water they get. Some plants, such as tomatoes, can be too tasty for other animals to pass up. Since we’re wanting to eat our fruit and not share it with dispersers, this is the perfect opportunity to get crafty and make scarecrows or get bird netting for protection. Please remember: a healthy garden always needs insects, bugs, critters, creepy crawlies… whatever you call them they all play an important role in pollination.

Parenting

Are Smartphones Making Us Dumb? STORY Dr Mark Williams More than 80 percent of adults say they get anxious when they don’t have their smartphone close by. And of course, that is what the tech companies want. In fact, it’s their business model: ‘return to service’. The mobile phones, tablets, laptops and all the apps you run on them are designed to be user-friendly and addictive. How many times have you heard someone say “I can’t live without it”? Of course, you can live without your device, but it is designed to make you feel like you can’t.

What About the Benefits? You might be thinking “Sure, but this new tech is making our lives better so it doesn’t really matter, does it?” But it does. Are those people sitting at the beach looking at their devices really better off than the ones watching their kids play or chatting to their friends? I don’t think so. In truth, simply being ‘on’ a device increases our stress levels. Research shows that even having a device close to us subconsciously attracts our attention. Is increased stress and reduced ability to attune to the real world really better?

Our Intelligence is Dropping! Even more concerning, these smart phones are making us less intelligent! Our brains constantly change and adapt. It is called neuroplasticity. Your brain today is ever so slightly different to the brain you had yesterday. Some connections have been made stronger and unused connections have been weakened. This happens constantly - based on what we are doing both mentally and physically. It is how we learn. On the flip side, it is also how we forget. Ever heard the phrase “use it or lose it”? It is important for the brain as well as our bodies. The problem is smart phones are now doing a lot of things we used to do for ourselves. When was the last time you navigated to a new location without using your smartphone, or

calculated something in your head, or remembered a meeting without your online calender, or just sat and contemplated life? If you don’t use it, you will lose it!

Old School is Best To give you an example, London Taxi drivers are required to memorise the road map of London and the best way to get from A to B. It’s called ‘doing the knowledge’. In 2002, tests showed that the area of the brain involved in memory of places and locations (the parahippocampus) is larger in London Taxi Drivers than in a control group. This study showed that using this skill changed their brains. Fast forward to today and there’s a problem. We no longer navigate anywhere. We use wayfinder apps on our smart phones. These apps tell us when to turn right or left and when we have arrived. Our navigational abilities – and the relevant area of our brains is diminishing.

Time to Get Social Other areas of concern are the social areas of our brain. We are social animals. We have evolved to seek out and be supported by our friends and relatives. In the days when the world was much more dangerous, this was important. We had to worry about warring tribes and hungry animals. Being part of a large group was essential for survival. Our brains still require that contact and connection. But our addiction to devices means that even when we are sitting in groups we are often no longer interacting. Social media means we have thousands of virtual ‘friends’ and hardly any real ones! We are no longer using many of these important social areas of our brains. As with all other under-used areas, neuroplasticity means these faculties are steadily diminishing. It has been shown that by the end of the first year of life, babies whose carers regularly use smartphones have poorer facial expression perception abilities. Even more concerning is that primary school children show a significant decrease in their facial expression perception

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 13

Parenting

when they use screens regularly compared to those who don’t. And children who learn to read on screens have significantly less white matter tracts (important connections between brain areas) than children who learn from real books.

Attention is the Big Loser The effect of devices like smartphones on our attention is really significant. Attention is essential for maintaining our focus, processing, understanding, and learning. And those notifications that you get on your devices from email, Facebook, Messenger, Linkedin, Instagram etc. negatively impact your attention. They are very cleverly designed to force your attention to the device and away from the real world. Turning off all these notifications is an easy step towards getting back control of your attention, your time, your productivity and decrease your stress levels! What is really concerning is that many studies have shown a relationship between screen use and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). The earlier a child has access to a smartphone, the more likely they are to be diagnosed with ADHD, and the longer they spend on the device the more likely they will have symptoms associated with ADHD.

Decrease in Drugs/Increase in Depression An interesting bi-product of our current device addiction is that drug-taking amongst teens is at its lowest since the 70s. Although some of this might be due to good drug education, research suggests it is also because many teenagers now prefer to be on social media than out in the real world. The sad consequence is depression is at an all-time high. Since smartphones and social media appeared, depression and anxiety in teenagers has increased dramatically. There is also a strong correlation between the hours spent on social media and likelihood of suicide.

Future-Proofing Your Kids I often hear from parents that kids need to have access to devices because they need to learn how to use them

responsibly. Such an argument doesn’t really work! Using devices sensibly and understanding the dangers can be taught without giving them access - we restrict access to sugar, alcohol, gambling, drugs, cigarettes, and driving. Nobody argues that 12-year-olds should be allowed to go to the pub so we can teach them responsible drinking! Smartphones are addictive, they increase the likelihood of depression, ADHD, stress, anxiety, and suicide. They negatively impact on brain development, and they enable potential access for bullies, trolls, scammers, paedophiles, and radicalisation. There are far more dangers on their smartphone than down at the local skate park, yet many parents give their kids unlimited access to their device.

What Should Kids be Doing? Did you know that Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are reported to have raised their kids “technology free”! And schools that limit technology are in demand in Silicon Valley. Why? Because people in the Tech Industry realise that the next big invention or leap forward won’t come from somebody who is great at coding or taking selfies. It will come from someone who is curious, inquisitive, adaptive, resilient, and social. And the jobs of the future will need people with these qualities. They won’t be learnt on a smartphone. They will be learnt by playing sport, climbing trees, learning a musical instrument, playing imaginative games with their friends and interacting in the real world.

Where to Next? Now consider the many things that your smartphone is doing for you. Where will this end if we don’t take back control? A small brain that is able to search the internet and respond to pings from a ‘smart’ device but not able to think, to remember, to show empathy or socialise with friends?! Take back control and foster real relationships today.

Dr Mark Williams is a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Macquarie University with more than 20 years’ experience in research and teaching, and 70+ publications. Mark has studied how we interact with each other, how we learn and how we think. Mark was working as a Research Scientist at MIT in the McGovern Institute for Brain Research (USA) when the first Smartphone was released. He has watched in both fascination and apprehension at the rise of technology in our education systems. In addition to his teaching and research work at Macquarie University, Mark now runs programs for schools, parents, businesses and individuals to address the many problems that technologies (like smartphones) are creating. Find out more at www.drmarkwilliams.com

For more on this topic with Mark, tune into Episode 119 of the PakMag Parents Podcast at www.pakmag.com.au

Check out our Back to School Giveaway for your chance to win a Lockabox One. Lockabox One will help you manage screen time at your house. It’s a place to keep children's devices (or your own) away from restless fingers, so you can get off those phones and spend a little more family time together. www.lockabox.com - Enter the competition at www.pakmag.com.au/WIN

14 January 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Extracurricular

Extracurricular Activity Guide Helping your child find ‘their thing’ starts with knowing what’s out there to try. Our Extracurricular Guide has a variety of local organisations providing activities and opportunities for your children to explore. Whether they’re into sports, arts, or want to learn, there’s plenty of options to keep them entertained, active, developing new skills and making friends.

PCYC

Kumon Maths and English

The Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) offers a variety of fun programs and activities for all ages and levels throughout the school term, including Judo, Basketball, Fitness, KinderPlay, recreational gymnastics, gym sports, competitive gymnastics programs and more!

Kumon’s Maths and English programs are proven to develop maths and english skills and maximize their potential. If your child needs a bit of extra help after school, they want to get ahead, or if they just need a challenge, then Kumon is right for them.

PCYC Cairns A 91 - 97 MacNamara Street, Manunda P 4053 1532 PCYC Cairns

Cost: $100.00 initial enrollment fee. Classes: $140.00 per month (per student, per subject)

PCYC Edmonton A 10 - 10 Walker Road, Edmonton P 4045 6540 PCYC Edmonton www.pcyc.org.au

Painting pARTy Host your own painting party or join in on others, there’s a multitude of options for both you and your little ones. The newly launched Youth Tribe offers classes for children aged 7 - 16 that parents can even get involved in. They also offer 6 month children’s memberships for $240.00. Check online as they will be hosting 2 classes monthly for children at a cost of $55.00 per class. A 21 Johnston Street, Stratford P 0448 930 223 www.paintingparty.com.au

Cairns Hockey Association Cairns Hockey will be running a big sign on event on 18 February, 4.30pm - 6.30pm. The event will include sign-on opportunities for various clubs in Cairns that cater to everyone of all abilities and skill levels. Make a night of it and bring the whole family down, there will be food trucks, drinks, a canteen, and games going - all showcasing the fantastic culture of Cairns Hockey. A 365 Lake Street, North Cairns P 4053 2308 E info@cairnshockey.com.au www.cairnshockey.com.au

16 January 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

P 0414 957 844 Cairns North E instructor@kumoncairnsnorth.com P 0409 903 105 Raintrees E kumonraintrees@gmail.com au.kumonglobal.com

FNQ Dance Academy The Academy offers a diverse range of dance classes including Ballet, Jazz, and Acrobatics. Classes are suitable for anyone 2 years through to adults. They also offer a dedicated Under 5’s program, boys only classes, and recreational or exam/comp stream classes. Visit the website for more information. There are two convenient locations in Portsmith and Woree. P 4051 4888 E admin@fnqdanceacademy.com.au www.fnqdanceacademy.com.au

UMA Australia Learn how to maximise the body’s force-producing capabilities through easy to learn martial arts movements. UMA Australia is not designed for sport competition but rather for individuals to learn practical self-defence skills. There are classes catering for children as young as four, that will help develop strength, confidence, coordination, and fitness. Check online for more information. A 1/21 Donaldson St, Manunda P 0414 782 189 www.umacairns.com

Little Pearls Swim School Swimming is a skill for life and at Little Pearls your child can receive ongoing swimming and water safety lessons, no matter their age, all year round. Facilities include an indoor heated pool with ozone treated water, change tables, hot showers, a small play space and more. They offer classes for babies and toddlers, through to adult lessons. A 1 Cumberland Avenue, Smithfield P 4038 1241 www.littlepearlsswimschool.com.au

Cairns Indoor Sports Rain, hail or shine, it’s game on! Kids can get involved in cricket, netball and soccer by joining a team based on their age group. There are even lots of options for older children and adults too, so why not get the whole family involved? Check online for season dates and enrollment fees. A 164 Mayers St, Manunda P 4032 2844 cairnsindoorsports.com.au

AFL Cairns Does your child love footy and want to get more involved in the sport? AFL Cairns is home to roughly 2,500 players from nine different clubs situated throughout the Far North Queensland Region. They can have fun, get fit and healthy, socialise and develop teamwork and technical skills with AFL Cairns Juniors. Teams begin with U8 all the way up to U18, for girls and boys. www.aflcairns.com.au

Cairns Art Gallery The Cairns Art Gallery Art School offers exciting classes and workshops throughout the year encouraging imagination, developing cognitive skills, artistic prowess, and versatility by working with a variety of media and tools. Check in online for schedules. A 40 Abbott St, Cairns City P 4046 4800 www.cairnsartgallery.com.au

The Young Company Theatre Have you got a drama-driven little one on your hands? Then come and tread the boards at The Young Company Theatre with classes in acting, drama, musical theatre, film and tv, improv, creative writing, panto, and much more! Your young performer will discover their creative abilities, grow their confidence, and supercharge their imagination. A 169 Bunda St, Cairns City P 4041 4066 www.theyoungcompany.com.au

Edu-Kingdom College Edu-Kingdom specialise in tutoring services for students from Year 1 to 12 for a large range of subjects, from calculus to power writing. The professional tutors have years of experience as well as a range of teaching styles, ensuring your child will leave prepared for school and a life of learning. A 343 Sheridan St, Cairns North P 0439 897 776 www.edukingdom.com.au

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Extracurricular

Abacus by Wallis Discover an easy and fun approach to mathematics calculations with Abacus. Studying using an abacus helps build up impressive and speedy mathematical skills and eliminates the need or reliance on calculators. You can start them early too, classes are suitable for ages five and up. A Shop 8, 116 Hoare St, Manunda P 0437 600 229 www.abacusbywallis.com

Turning Pointe Dance Studio Turning Pointe Dance Studios offers classes for children as young as 3 years, aiming to inspire them through movement. With awesome state of the art purpose-built premises, it’s the perfect place for your child to learn about the amazing world of dance. They offer classes in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, musical theatre and acrobatics. For the younger bunch, they also offer specialised classes such as Mummy and Me and Prep Dance for children aged five and under. A 240 Hartley St, Bungalow P 4031 3390 www.turningpointe.com.au

Blitz Tennis Blitz Tennis by coach Guy Thomas offers after school coaching for all ages and abilities at the Edmonton Tennis Club at Down Park and the Gordonvale Tennis Club at Norman Park. He also runs clinics during the school holidays for children at all skill levels. P 0417 648 597 BLITZTennis

Learn 2 Learn Tutoring Learn 2 Learn Tutoring uses a combination of computerbased activities and paper-based tasks with face-toface teaching. Tuition can be conducted individually for students or in groups, from preschool age through to tertiary. An assessment is conducted prior to enrolment to ensure that the tutoring program targets the individual needs of the child. Their registered and accredited staff design custom specialised programs for each child to ensure maximum improvement. A 154 Buchan Street, Bungalow P 0438 886 771 www.learn2learn.com.au

Saints Soccer Club Saints are a local community based junior soccer club that is family friendly. Catering for children aged 5 – 15 years old, teams aren’t graded on skill but instead focus on creating positive and encouraging experiences to promote participation and teamwork. Visit their website to register your interest and for more info on enrollment and season dates. A Endeavour Park, Mayers St, Manunda E saintssoccercairns@gmail.com www.saintssoccercairns.com.au

Table Tennis Cairns Table Tennis Cairns is a not-for-profit club that promotes the sports’ values of fairness and inclusion. They offer

18 January 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

annual memberships for social players, as well as coaching for the skilled and elite. A 99 Sheridan St, Cairns City Table Tennis Cairns www.tabletenniscairns.com.au

South Cairns Gymnastics Develop coordination, balance, strength, and flexibility, as well as self-esteem, trust, and confidence in movement with South Cairns Gymnastics. They cater to children from 12 months through to adulthood. A 93-99 Robert Rd South Cairns Gymnastics Club www.gymsportsfnq.com.au

Little Ballet Company (LBC) Dance Studio The LBC aims to create a positive and creative dance environment that fosters a confident dancer and creator of movement. The studio offers classes in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, and Hip Hop, all which cater to various ages and skill levels. Book your free trial class today! A Freshwater CWA Hall, Redlynch Community Hall P 0430 626 454 www.littleballetcompany.com

Ready Set Swim At Home Lessons Ready Set Swim are an AUSTSWIM Registered Swim School providing swimming lessons in your own pool with a qualified swimming instructor. Your child will learn in an environment they are familiar with, whether it’s for 30, 45 or 60 minutes. Lessons can be private or shared between family members! If you don’t have a pool then the option of meeting at a public pool is also available. P 0405 622 175 www.readysetswim.com.au

DanceScapes The June Vale Dancers DanceScapes offers Kindy dance classes from 3 years old through to junior and senior students. They are passionate about helping every student learn to dance and reach their potential in a positive, inspiring and structured environment. Students have the option to learn Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Tap and Acrobatics. Get in touch for enrollment and schedules. A Barr Street Markets P 0412 576 272 Dancescapes The June Vale Dancers Cairns Australia

Nukzu Muay Thai This small family-run gym teaches a variety of classes for ages 5 years and up, at any fitness level. Classes include Muay Thai based fitness, circuit based HIIT, yoga, resist, stretch, fight and much more. They aim to make you fit, fast, and can help fighters improve their techniques or learn more about the art of Muay Thai itself. Book online for an introduction session to discuss training, membership options, and receive a gym tour. A Shed 4, 39 Cannon St P 0415 331 262 www.nukzu.com

Education

Ready for School: Turning Everyday Moments into Learning Adventures STORY Dr Rosemarie Truglio, Senior Vice President of Curriculum and Content at Sesame Workshop Your child’s preschool years are a time of wonder, imagination, curiosity, experimentation, relationships, challenges, and most importantly, joy – both in your life and in your child’s. Today’s families however, are often stressed and super busy balancing a myriad of demands. These demands on our time mean that there has been a decline in children’s play and families playing together. This decline is a concern, because it is through play that children learn a range of important school-readiness skills. When children are engaged in play that is meaningful, joyful and socially interactive, they are learning a range of academic skills, physical skills, social skills (such as communication and conflict resolution), emotional skills (like empathy and self-confidence) and creativity. The great news is that there are some simple ways to turn every day moments into learning adventures.

Everyday Adventures with Words Strong language skills help children to understand the world around them and express what they know, which is important for school achievement, but also critical for managing their emotions and building relationships.

Start by encouraging your child, regardless of their age, to look at all of the things and actions in their environment and name them. This can include simple things when getting dressed (‘shirt’, ‘zipper’, ‘button’, elastic’); taking a bath (‘hot water’, ‘cold water’, ‘bubbles’, ‘soap’, ‘face washer’); cooking (‘mixing bowl’, ‘chop’, ‘peel’, ‘measuring cups’, labelling ingredients), and laundry (sort clothes by colour, size or types of clothes). Point out various objects and label them. For example, when you’re out walking or riding in your car with your child, indicate familiar things in your neighbourhood: trees, birds, flowers, dogs, bicycles, buses, trains, trucks, the school, the supermarket, or things your child sees frequently. Also ask questions like ‘What colour is the bus?’, ‘I see two birds. How many do you see?’

Everyday Adventures with Numbers Supporting early maths skills can be as easy as involving children in everyday ‘maths moments’ such as measuring ingredients for a recipe, setting the table for a family dinner, or choosing the biggest watermelon for a large family gathering.

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Education

Discussing maths at home also need not be intimidating or anxiety provoking. You can find plenty of places and situations around the home where mathematics skills can be introduced, such as: • In the kitchen: Give everyone at the table a few pieces of food, such as crackers or carrots. Ask each child to count the items in their pile. Ask ‘Did everyone get an equal, or the same amount? If not, how many pieces do you need to add to each pile to make them all the same?’ • In the bathroom: Use different sizes and shapes of plastic cups and measuring cups to play with in the bath and to compare amounts. With younger children, simply explore the concepts of ‘full’ and ‘empty’ by filling up the cups and pouring them out together. Challenge older children to predict which cup will hold the most water, and which one will hold the least.

ants, leaves or flowers. Together, check out and count how many different types of birds you see or how many shapes of leaves you see on the trees. For birds, observe how they fly and where they fly to. Do you see a nest? If you see leaves on the ground, try to identify which tree they dropped from. • A wonderful way to introduce young children to weather is to talk about the fascinating aspects of wind, especially in reference to the senses. For example, we can see the wind as it creates ripples across the water. We can hear the wind in the rustling of the leaves through the trees. We can feel the wind when a soft breeze caresses our cheeks. When talking to your child about the wind, ask them to come up with ways they can see, hear, touch, smell – and even taste the wind, and see what they come up with!

Even Meltdowns Can Be Learning Moments

• In the bedroom: As kids lie in bed, play ‘I Spy’ together, using spatial relational words like ‘under’, ‘over’, ‘next to’, and ‘behind’. Clue each other in as to what you spy by describing where an object is. For example, you might say ‘I spy something under the clock’, or ‘I spy something next to the bookshelf.’

How parents react to stress has a big impact on little ones. Model calmness by using self-talk and feeling words – “Oh no, I burned the pizza! I feel so frustrated… I could really use a hug.”— in front of your child. Seeing self-regulating strategies in action at home will help them learn to manage their own feelings in school and beyond.

Everyday Adventures with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

When it comes to your child, and playful learning, remember these three core principles:

When your child is at play, notice how they figure out how things work and investigate the world around them. They are an engineer when building a garage for a toy car; a mathematician when measuring the width and height of the toy garage; a technician when using tools to build a ramp to get the cars in and out of the garage; and a scientist when noticing the different cars go down the ramp at different speeds! Through the lens of science, children build their understanding of the world.

Parents are essential to school readiness – you know your child best, and that makes you uniquely equipped to nurture in your child a lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the world.

Here are some simple ways to foster your child’s interest in scientific discovery and investigation: • When you’re outside with your child, encourage him or her to look closely at living things such as birds,

Opportunities for learning are everywhere – at the kitchen table, on the bus, or in the supermarket, children develop skills and build their understanding of the world through everyday moments and daily routines. Learning through play is critically important – with the right support and encouragement, all parents can engage in playful activities to help their children get ready for school and for a happy, healthy and successful life!

Dr Rosemarie Truglio Ph.D. has been a vital presence at Sesame Workshop for more than two decades. She is the Senior Vice President of Curriculum and Content at Sesame Workshop, overseeing content development across media platforms and product distribution and is an authority on child development. www.sesameworkshop.org

Dr Truglio is author of “Ready for School! A parent’s guide to playful learning for children ages 2 to 5” where you’ll find further tips and resources for creating everyday learning adventures for your child. For your chance to WIN a copy head to www.pakmag.com.au/win. For more information on the book and to purchase a copy head Amazon, Booktopia or other book retailers.

22 January 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Health

All Things Health Interesting Facts About the Heart

Jana Gorski Naturopath - Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy

Your heart will beat around 100,000 times per day, adding up to around three billion beats in an average lifetime.

Dear Jana, Do I need a referral to see a Naturopath?

The beating sound your heart makes is caused by the valves opening and closing.

The average human heart is the size of a fist. Blue whales have the largest hearts at the size of a piano, while the fairy fly (a type of wasp) has the smallest. There are 96,000km of blood vessels in your body. Some capillaries in your body are ten times smaller than a human hair, meaning blood cells travel singlefile through them.

You don’t need a referral but you may wish to research your Naturopath first and possibly speak to them before booking an appointment to find out if they’re the right practitioner for you. The right Naturopath for you will be one that is appropriately educated, registered and knowledgeable about your condition. There is much to be said for the therapeutic relationship also, so make sure your Naturopath is one that you feel comfortable with. Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy www.calannapharmacy.com.au

Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium supports the management of muscular cramps and mild spasms. A combination of a highly absorbable form of magnesium plus all the nutrients your body needs to use it means you’ll get the most benefit from this essential mineral. Magnesium supplements may also provide relief during times of stress, from symptoms of PMS and menstrual cramps, as well as promote efficient energy production. If you think magnesium is right for you, pick up your Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium from your nearest Calanna Pharmacy today.

Consult your local health practitioner, doctor or pharmacist for advice on these topics first to ensure the best health outcomes.

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Health

All Things Health Dr Bobby Griffin

Dr Liz Jackson

Sunbird Orthodontics

Dear Dr Liz,

Birds of Paradise

Dear Dr Bobby,

What Impact has the Covid-19 pandemic had on fertility rates?

When do kids start losing teeth? Typically, parents can expect the following: 6 months: First tooth appears. 2.5 years: All 20 baby teeth are through – 10 at the top, 10 at the bottom 5.5 years: First baby tooth falls out – usually a lower front tooth. 9 years: All adult teeth are visible on an Xray. 12-13 years: All baby teeth have fallen out, and all adult teeth through except wisdom teeth. 16-25 years: Wisdom teeth come through.

Despite low Covid infection rates, in Australia there has been a decline in fertility rates from 1.66 to 1.59 births per woman. This is due to reasons such as employment and access to healthcare. What impact do Covid-19 vaccines have on fertility?

Of course, these figures are averages and there can be large variations between children. If you are ever concerned about your child’s teeth be sure to see a dental health professional to put your mind at ease.

There is no correlation between Covid-19 vaccinations and a reduction in fertility rates. Covid vaccines are considered safe for women considering pregnancy and those already pregnant. In contrast, Covid-19 infection in pregnancy can be very dangerous to both mother and baby. Vaccination is recommended pre-pregnancy and in pregnancy.

4038 1036

4041 5081

www.sunbirdorthodontics.com.au

www.birdsofparadise.clinic

Have You Got Rushing Woman’s Syndrome? What is it, and How Can I Help my Body and Mind Keep up with Being a Busy Mum? STORY James Jensen, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Australian Nutrition Centre Feeling like you're constantly running against the clock? Rushing Woman's Syndrome is the term coined to describe the cascade of hormonal changes that happen when we feel stressed for extended periods. It evolved from women’s health being drastically affected by the constant rush many women live in. It can manifest in the form of unexplained weight gain, fatigue, mood swings and of course, stress. Whilst recommendations include meditating and practising relaxation, the reality is that many women don’t have the luxury of ‘slowing down.’ Instead, you can start by assessing where things are breaking down, and support the body accordingly. For instance, if your digestion is out of order, it is probably affecting your skin, sleep and menstrual cycle. It’s all a flow-on effect. Start by changing things in your diet, supporting your gut with healing herbs and using adaptogen herbs and vitamins for your adrenal system. This will help improve sleeping habits, and balance hormones. For more advice on nutritional and hormonal support, talk to your health practitioner or book a consultation at www.australiannutritioncentre.com.au.

26 January 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Consult your local health practitioner, doctor or pharmacist for advice on these topics first to ensure the best health outcomes.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Milestones – Is My Baby on Track? Social & Emotional Development in the First Two Years STORY Dr Adele Heyer, Consultant Paediatrician, Townsville Paediatrics Early childhood development provides the foundation for success later in life. The development of strong social skills has a significant impact on academic and career success in later life and is also associated with better physical and mental health outcomes. The main goals of early social and emotional development are to form attachments, acquire selfregulation skills, develop communication and learning skills and to learn how to relate to peers. Babies are born with the desire to connect to those around them and start to develop relationships with other people from when they are born. Newborn babies will respond positively to touch and will settle when comfort is provided or when they are picked up. Babies should start smiling, listening to voices and show pleasure in social interactions by the time they are 1 - 2 months old. Between 3 - 6 months of age, they will start recognising familiar faces, laugh, show their excitement by waving their arms and legs, show interest in other people, and will start responding to their name. By 9 months, they can understand and show a few different emotions, respond to some gestures and will differentiate between familiar people and strangers. They will enjoy games like peek-a-boo and will cry or show displeasure when a parent leaves the room or a favourite toy is moved out of sight. By one year old - your baby should be able to differentiate strangers from family, show affection and love, respond to their name, and show fear in new situations. They should understand simple commands

such as “no,” imitate a few actions such as shaking their head “no” or waving “bye-bye,” say a few words such as “mama” and “dada”, and should be able to try and copy what you say. At this age they are becoming more curious and should explore their surrounds, shake, bang and throw things, look for a hidden toy, start using things the right way, and be able to follow a simple instruction. By the time they are two, they should be excited when they see other children, will mostly play beside other children but will start to include them in games. A twoyear-old should be able to talk in two-to-four-word sentences, follow simple instructions, know names of familiar people and point to body parts or pictures. They should be able to build a tower with a few blocks and will start sorting colours and shapes. Some social developmental red flags include babies who are not smiling, not interested in others, not sharing enjoyment, not looking at people, not making eye contact or using facial expressions. It is important to recognise these red flags early to enable a timely assessment and provide additional support to minimise delays. A parent’s instinct is normally right, if you are concerned that your baby is not meeting their milestones, please book an appointment with a child health professional to discuss this further. The Queensland Children’s Hospital has a very useful Red Flag Identification Guide which can be accessed at www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/wp-content/ uploads/PDF/red-flags.pdf

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Bump, Bub and Beyond

Bump, Bub and Beyond Featured products, reviews and prizes. Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

Soka Tub $77.90 www.sokaaustralia.com.au The Soka Tub is an Australian made water saving laundry soaking system that allows you to separately soak soiled, delicate and colours all in the one unit using different laundry solutions whilst still having access to the sink and tap. One stylish and compact product saving water, time, space, laundry detergent, money and sanity! #lifestooshorttobeinthelaundry

VTech Play & Chase Puppy $49.95 - www.target.com.au Get playtime on a roll with the interactive Play & Chase Puppy. Learn about numbers and counting with floor play, then get up and dance with this puppy that turns and rolls along on its hoverboard. Keep the giggles and gross motor skills growing with a game of follow the leader. Motion sensors let the puppy avoid obstacles and keep it moving forward when someone is following it. Ready to rest? Pick up the pup, it’s time to slow down. Press a light-up heart and interactive paw button to learn about numbers, counting, music, feelings and to hear encouraging phrases.

30 January 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Baby Shusher $34.99USD - babyshusher.com Soothe your fussy baby with Baby Shusher, the sound machine that soothes babies to sleep with a real human voice. The machine uses a rhythmic "Shhh" sound to break baby's crying spell. The Baby Shusher is wireless and portable, so it goes anywhere baby goes. Each device comes with a handy wrist strap making it easier to carry or tether to the carseat. The sound can be set for 15 or 30 minutes, depending on your baby's needs. Simply twist the top section to select the time you want.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

The Top 5 Tips to Save Time, Money and Sanity in the Laundry

time and energy and is better for maintaining the integrity of fabrics and the shape of clothes.

Pressed for Time

My Famous DIY Combination Stain Removal Spray

Easily remove burnt residue off your iron plate by using a regular Panadol tablet. Turn iron on (hot setting) and rub the Panadol over the black residue by using tweezers to hold the tablet. Make sure the Panadol doesn’t have a plastic coating! The burnt build up will melt then you can easily wipe clean with a damp cloth.

• 1 cup double strength vinegar

Multitask in the Laundry Sink

• ¾ cup clear dishwashing liquid (Palmolive Eco or similar)

Increase the usability of your laundry sink with the Soka Tub – a compartmentalised laundry soaking system that allows you to soak multiple items separately to avoid cross contamination whilst saving water, detergent and time. It also eliminates the risk of children drowning. www.sokaaustralia.com.au

STORY Nicole Gibson; stain removal expert and Founder of Soka Australia

Heat initially in Microwave for 1 minute or warm on stove top to bind ingredients. Swirl before use Check out @sokaaustralia stain removal story highlights

Use Less Detergent To avoid the stiff and crunchy feeling of clean clothes simply cut back on the amount of laundry detergent you are using, switch to a low suds option and avoid fabric softeners. Use this simple formula to help. Front loader – use 1/8 recommended laundry detergent + 2 tbs bicarb soda Top loader – use ¼ recommended laundry detergent + 2 tbs bicarb soda

Did You Know? • Only about 4 percent of women actually give birth on their due date.

Quick Wash Setting Choosing a quick wash is the perfect cycle setting for those visually clean items that may have been worn a couple of times. A quick wash uses less water, detergent, saves

• Just after birth, a baby only sees in black and white. By around 4 months, they will have developed their colour vision. • Babies have more taste buds than adults. • Statistics state that on average, parents lose an average of 6 months’ sleep in the first two years of their child’s life!

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Adult Colouring

WIN a Copy of Lost & Found by Kathryn Schulz Eighteen months before Kathryn Schulz’s beloved father died, she met the woman she would marry. In Lost & Found, she weaves the stories of those relationships into a brilliant exploration of how all our lives are shaped by loss and discovery - from the maddening disappearance of everyday objects to the sweeping devastations of war, pandemic, and natural disaster; from finding new planets to falling in love. A staff writer at the New Yorker and winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Kathryn Schulz writes with curiosity, tenderness, erudition, and wit about our finite yet infinitely complicated lives. Crafted with the emotional clarity of C. S. Lewis and the intellectual force of Susan Sontag, Lost & Found is an uncommon book about common experiences. $34.99 - www.panmacmillan.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 28/02/2022. No need to submit colouring to enter.

32 January 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Pull-out kids activity mag!

AddamsFamily2

M eetTheAddams

Distributed Through United Artists Releasing. © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. The Addams Family™ Tee and Charles Addams Foundation. All Rights Reserved. Distributed Through United Artists Releasing. © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. The Addams Family™ Tee and Charles Addams Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

For your chance to WIN a family pass to The Addams Family 2, enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win. Competition closes 10/01/2022. No need to submit activity to enter.

Use the numbered images as clues to complete the cossword. Then, colour me in!

Find 10 Differences

WIN a Wahu Mega Slide! $50.00 - www.wahu.com.au - Kids will love racing each other down this massive 7.5m Super Slide. The continuous water spray means you’ll be zooming down the slide and into the splash bumper in no time! This is the ultimate backyard toy! For Ages 6+. Available from all leading retailers. Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 31/01/2022. No need to submit activities to enter.

BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY!

Head to www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to WIN!

2 3

1. Crayola Back-To-School Prize Pack - $60.00 - www.crayola.com.au - Get your kids excited to go back to school with this creative prize pack from Crayola! Products include a 24 pack Colors of the World Crayons, a 120-piece Inspiration Art Case and 64 pack of Washable Sidewalk Chalk. The Colors of the World crayon pack consist of 24 speciallyformulated colours representing people of the world. The Inspiration Art Case has over 100 tools for junior artists to get creative at home or on the go. And children can let their imagination run wild and create vibrant artwork on the sidewalk or in the driveaway with the Washable Sidewalk Chalk pack. 2. Rolla Bottle Twin Pack - $66.00 www.rollabottle.com.au - Rolla Bottle is the original roll small water bottle. It stands tall and functions as a regular water bottle when in use and rolls super small when empty. Designed for functionality and convenience, compact Rolla Bottle is everything you want in a water bottle rolled pocket size! 3. Lockabox One Crystal - $59.99 - www.lockabox. com - A Lockabox One is somewhere to keep children’s devices (or your own) away from restless fingers, so you can get off those phones and spend a little more family time together. With one of their lightweight, portable secure boxes you don’t need to worry about setting up screen time controls on complicated devices or hiding phones or console controllers around the house. Once it’s in that box, it’s not coming out (until you say so). Shop now with 10 percent off using code pak10. 4. The Bumper Treehouse Fun Book by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton - $19.99 - www.panmacmillan.com.au - The Bumper Treehouse Fun Book is packed with over 300 pages of treehouse-inspired fun! With the FUNNEST activities from the Treehouse Fun Books and a whole heap of brand new ones, there are pictures to draw, stories to write, codes to crack, sudokus to solve, colour-ins, dot-to-dots, mazes, crosswords, word searches, spot-the-differences and some activities that we don’t even have a name for! So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pen, pencil,

36 January 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

crayon or spooncil and come on in! 5. Modibodi RED Period Kit with Hipster Bikini - $50.00 - www.modibodi.com - The Modibodi RED Period Kit is the perfect period introduction to help tweens (and let’s face it, parents too) navigate changing bodies. Each item in the kit has been designed to help you inject some fun, feel special and most of all, secure during your period. Simply add the Period Kit to your bundle, followed by your choice of either one pair of our Hipster Bikini or one pair of our Hipster Boyshort in the desired size and you’re good to go! 6. Munch Back to School Pack - $200.00 - www.munchcupboard.com - Get back to school and help the planet with these eco friendly lunch products from Munch. The prize pack includes Litterless Lunch Bag, Stainless Steel Drink Bottle, Bento Box and Containers, Roll Down Lunch bag, Beeswax food covers and eco friendly Ice Pops. The perfect alternative that’s fun to boot! 7. School Zone Back to School Pack Valued at $300.00 - Prices start from $4.99 RRP, available at all major retailers or www.hinkler.com.au - Start the year off on the right foot and open the door to the extraordinary with School Zone from Hinkler! In a class of its own, each School Zone book is age-appropriate, teacher-approved and designed to make home learning fun whilst maintaining resilience and motivation for learning. The Back to School Prize Pack includes new Learning Kits, Pack and Play Satchels, Puffy Sticker Learning Books, Write and Wipe Kits and a new Tracing Activity Book all specifically designed around the Australian educational curriculum. 8. Thermos® FUNtainer® Drink Bottle and Stainless Steel Food Jar Set - $29.99 - Available from Big W, Officeworks and Myer - The ultimate back to school set-up, this matching set includes the Thermos® FUNtainer® 355ml Vacuum Insulated Drink Bottle and Thermos® FUNtainer® 290ml Stainless Steel Food Jar. Perfect for keeping kids lunches hot for up to 5 hours, cold for up to 7 hours, and water cool for 12 hours.

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 37

Kids in the Kitchen School Holiday Baking Fun STORY Lou Duggan aka Baker Girl Lou

Rainbow Sprinkle Fish Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Serves: 12 What You Need: • • • • • •

65g Unsalted Butter 1 Large Egg 120g Caster Sugar 90g Self-Raising Flour 1 Tsp Vanilla Essence 250g Icing Mixture

• • • • • •

90g Unsalted Butter 1 Tbsp Of Milk 1 Tsp Of Blue Food Colouring 1 Milk Chocolate Melt 60g Rainbow Sprinkles 250g Ready to Roll White Icing

Ice-Cream Cone Cupcakes Gather the kids and ask them to imagine what their dream cone would look like, then head to the supermarket to gather your favourite toppings. The decorations below are the ones I used to make my dream ice-cream cone. Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Makes: 6 ice-cream stacks What You Need: • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

125g Unsalted Butter Cubed 2 Large Eggs 235g Caster Sugar 180g Self-Raising Flour 1 Tsp Vanilla Essence 12 Large Cupcake Cases 500g Icing Mixture

160g Unsalted Butter 1-2 Tbsp Of Milk Food Colouring 2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder 6 Waffle Cones Sprinkles

Method: Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C, grease a 20cm round tin with butter and flour, and line with baking paper. Place the butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until soft. Add the eggs, milk and vanilla essence, mix to combine, then sift in the flour and beat for 1 minute. Pour into the greased tin and cook for 30 - 35 minutes. Leave to cool completely before removing the cake from the tin. Cut a triangular wedge out of the cake to make the mouth opening, and place as the tail. To make the icing, place the butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until soft. Add half of the icing mixture and the milk, then add the remaining icing mixture, beat until combined, then add some blue food colouring.

To make the icing, place the butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until soft. Add half of the icing mixture and the milk, then add the remaining icing mixture and continue to beat until fully combined. Split the icing between the colours you have chosen and add food colouring drop by drop. If any colour needs a little more milk, add ½ a teaspoon at a time until a thick but easily spreadable consistency is achieved. Ice each cupcake with a thick layer, and make it look like a ball of ice cream. Decorate the cupcakes with your chosen topping, and place your waffle cone on the board. Push the first cupcake just inside the cone, and the second cupcake against the first. If you want to add a chocolate topping, you can use melted chocolate or a squeezy bottle of fudge sauce.

Lou Duggan is the founder of Cake 2 The Rescue, an award-winning DIY cake kit company which has helped more than 40,000 Australian families pour their love into a homemade cake. www.cake2therescue.com.au

re d i t : J u d e K a l

Ice the cake, then decorate and add stripes using sprinkles. Cut a circle of white icing for the eye, place a chocolate melt for the pupil, and roll a white ball for the glare. Cut out a white icing heart to make the fin, adding 4 lines to the top using the back of a knife. Then complete by rolling out some icing for the mouth and tail.

Preheat the oven to 180°C, and place 12 cupcake cases into a tin. Place the butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until soft, then add the eggs, milk, vanilla essence and combine. Sift in the flour and beat for 1 minute. Pour the batter evenly into the cupcake cases, making sure to not overfill beyond half way, then bake for 20 - 30 minutes.

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 39

Self-Care

Are You Tired of Being a Negative Nelly? STORY Bree James Have you ever found yourself fixating on a mistake, or running an argument through your mind over and over again thinking of the things you should have said, or dwelling on an insult or incident that happened?

to detect bad news, that means that two-thirds of your motivation regulator is designed to focus on negativity… no wonder we have a lot of people on our planet struggling with motivation!

Negativity can take a toll on your mental health and can cause you to hurt your relationship with yourself and others, make it difficult for you to maintain an optimistic outlook on life, and generally make you feel pretty darn miserable.

So how can we combat our caveman brain and be more positive? Well, we do need negativity. Life without a little scepticism, a little self-doubt, even a little negativity means we may never find the need to work harder or differently.

Our ancestors have been described as living in a world of carrots and sticks. Carrots are rewards (food, sex, shelter), and sticks are punishment (predators, disease, injury). Over hundreds of millions of years, it was a matter of life and death to pay extra attention to sticks, react to them intensely, remember them well, and over time become even more sensitive to them. Our brains have been hardwired to look for the negative, and it’s no wonder many of us are struggling with our mental health or becoming desensitised and withdrawn with the amount of negative messaging we receive in our daily lives.

So how can we find the balance?

Our brains might process everything our eyes see, but if we are always looking for the negative, that is what we will see and we can totally miss all of the positives around us. Research has found that when making decisions, people consistently place greater weight on negative aspects of an event or person than they do on positive ones. People are more likely to make decisions based not on achieving something good, but on avoiding something bad. That’s why most people have a stronger negative reaction to losing $20.00 than the positive feelings they have from gaining $20.00. The amygdala - the brain region that regulates emotion and motivation - uses about two-thirds of its neurons

1. Reduce Negative Self-Talk Picture your thoughts and feelings as healthy food and junk food. If your self-talk is healthy, you will be healthy. If your self-talk is like eating copious amounts of junk food all day, you are going to feel pretty crappy. Don’t be a victim of negative self-talk, remember you’re listening. You need to be your own best friend and speak to yourself with kindness and positivity.

2. Awareness is the First Step Knowing that your brain works this way helps you to cut yourself a little slack. Be aware when you feel yourself drawn to negativity. Tell yourself you’re smarter than your brain thinks you are. Develop a mantra. Try this: “I am not a caveman, and this is not a tiger.” or “Is this mine or is this someone else's?”, or “I am safe and loved''. Repeat it in your head a few times.

3. Relax and Forgive Yourself Remember you are human; a great tactic is to stop these thoughts whenever they begin. Instead of fixating on past mistakes that cannot be changed, consider what you have learned and how you might apply that in the future.

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 41

All Things Tweens and Teens

5 Tips for Connecting with Your Adolescent STORY Julia Nowland, Relationship Therapist and Founder of Whole Heart Relationships Rituals of connection aren’t just for couples. Creating connection is something for the whole family. It’s a chance to create something important to hold onto through what can be an awesome, fun, messy and sometimes agonising ride of adolescence. Adolescence is the time in which we explore who we are, and with whom we belong. So much exploration and discovery, so many feelings. There’s a sense of ownership over our own world, we no longer need our parents and yet at the same time, we do need them. It’s all a normal part of growing up. Here are five ways to connect with your Tween/Teen during this time:

1. Listen Listen in a way that you haven’t before. They’re going to start saying things that you might disagree with and the next thing you know, you’re down a rabbit hole of telling them right from wrong. “My teacher is such an idiot.”

teen is going through and then letting them know you understand will be great for them to feel that you’re a safe person to talk with about the hard stuff.

3. Create Rituals Find little things that you can both do together that creates a warmth in your relationship. It can be as simple as cooking dinner together on Wednesdays or having smoothies after swimming. They still need two things from you; boundaries and warmth. The more positivity and warmth you put into the relationship, the more the bond can handle the times of tension.

4. Have One-on-One Time This follows on from above too; sometimes family life can get crazy and you need to make room for one-onone time. Try connecting without any devices, put your phone down, encourage them to put their iPad down and find something they enjoy or are interested in that you can find interest in too - that’s not on a device.

5. Show Some Appreciation

2. Validate Their Feelings

There is a term called “scaffolding;” the idea is the older your child gets, the more you need to let go of your guidance and direction as they start to gain skill and mastery. While they still need parents to maintain authority, by showing your appreciation for your child’s growing maturity and skill, you’re showing them that you respect their ability to navigate this world. Verbalise your appreciation, fondness, and admiration.

This follows on from the above. Try to understand where they’re coming from. Notice I said understand rather than agree. You’re also not their friend, so you don’t have to agree with them about Mr Young, I’m sure he’s lovely. However, trying to understand what your

These rituals of connection can help us work through our feelings as we move through life’s transitions and stay connected, even when there’s conflict and tension. Doing these five things means you’re turning towards your child and securing your connection.

Instead of telling them off for being disrespectful, roll with it first. “Why is Mr Young an idiot?” Then after you’ve shown to them that you’ve listened, you can end with “let’s not call people idiots”.

Julia Nowland is the founder of Whole Heart Relationships. She specialises in helping parents of young children prioritise their relationship and strengthen their love. www.wholeheartrelationships.com

42 January 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Advertorial

FNQ Dance Academy Celebrating 10 Years FNQ Dance Academy (FNQDA) kicked off their 10 year anniversary celebrations with a sell-out concert spectacular ‘Decades of Dance’ at Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) late last year. This was a sentimental moment for owner Sarah Thorne, as the show featured 10 graduating year 12 students with most of these dancers being foundation students who had been with the school since it was established 10 years ago. According to Sarah, FNQDA was born in 2011 after spotting a gap in the market for a performance-based school that specialised in providing foundational learning for dancers under five years of age. Combining her experience as a physiotherapist with a special interest in paediatric development, and a long dance and teaching career; Sarah’s dream of opening a school that not only ticked the boxes of tuition and performance - but focused on the physiology and personality of each individual, was quickly embraced by Cairns and Far North Queensland’s dance community. It is now one of the largest dance schools in Cairns with over 400 enrolled students from ages two through to adults. “I believe what sets us apart is our transitional programs from ‘babies’ and ‘tiny tots’ to adults,

while incorporating both syllabus and recreational based curriculums. “FNQDA really is three schools in one. We have our tiny ‘stars of the future’ developing their gross motor skills, recreational dancers who dance for fun and fitness, and finally those dedicated to the craft, who undertake graded exams, and compete nationally with aspirations of a future career in the dance industry. “Be it a serious commitment or just for fun, there are so many positives of dance training from promoting discipline and good posture, to resilience, selfregulation, coordination, teamwork and confidence. Spanning all dance genres from classical ballet en pointe to lyrical, jazz, tap, musical theatre, contemporary, and hip-hop, FNQDA has something for everyone, from ages two through to adulthood. “The academy has come so far in the last 10 years, I cannot wait to see where our journey takes us in the next decade!”. To express your interest in receiving an enrolment information package for 2022, visit the website www.fnqdanceacademy.com.au or email your enquiry to admin@fnqdanceacademy.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 45

School Holiday Guide

School Holiday Guide Raintree Shopping Centre

Mount Sheridan Plaza

Raintrees Shopping Centre is holding free school holiday fun. Balloon Art and Face Painting will be held 4 - 6 January, and Zoo To You will be in Centre 11 - 13 January, both running 11.00am - 2.00pm. Don’t miss the fun!

Mount Sheridan Plaza will be hosting a Mobile Planetarium and Mini Golf for the kids these school holidays. Step into the 3D dome and be transported into space! The planetarium will be running 10 - 14 January with various session times between 10.00am and 1.30pm. Plaza Putt Putt Mini Golf will be on 17 - 21 January, 10.00am - 2.00pm at the Centre Court.

A Cnr Alfred Street and Koch Street, Manunda www.raintrees.net.au

Games Station If you’re looking for a go-to to keep the kids entertained, Games Station has you sorted. With Laser Tag, VR Rides, Prizes, and a range of Games, there’s hours of entertainment to be had. Plus, if you’ve got a little one who just can’t get enough, Games Station offers Birthday Packages so they can share in all the fun on their special day. A Earlville Shopping Centre Games Station www.gamesstation.com.au

Northsite Contemporary Arts Northsite Kids is kicking this year off with Free Art Workshops! Running from 17 - 22 January, it’ll be just what the kids need before heading back to another year of school. Get them creating, and taking in what the Bulmba-ja Arts Centre has to offer. A Bulmba-ja Arts Centre P 4050 9494 northsite.org.au

A Mount Sheridan Plaza, 106 Barnard Dr P 4036 3150 Mt Sheridan Plaza mtsheridanplaza.com.au

Cairns Museum The Cairns Museum, along with its usual attractions, runs holiday programs, workshops, kids tours, and other family fun activities. Bookings are required so check online for times and prices, to make sure you and your little ones don’t miss out. Standard entry fees are $15.00 for adults, $12.00 concession, $6.00 for children, and a family pass is $30.00. A Cnr Lake and Shields Streets P 4051 5582 E info@cairnsmuseum.org.au www.cairnsmuseum.org.au

We have done our best to ensure all events and information was correct at the time of going to print. Please check with individual businesses and authorities during these uncertain times.

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 47

School Holiday Guide

Hook-a-Barra Fishing Adventures Located just north of Port Douglas, Hook-a-Barra offers a range of activities for the whole family. You can get amongst the Saltwater Barramundi Farm, check out the gourmet tour, learn to lure and land one of Queensland’s most prized fish, and if you’re lucky – even take home your catch. Cost: $56.00 adults and $46.00 children, with non-fishing admission just $5.00 - $10.00. A Lot 3 Vixes Rd, Wonga Beach P 4098 7117 www.hookabarra.com

The Young Company Theatre The Young Company Theatre will be running special 4 day summer programs throughout January. Programs run from 9.00am - 3.00pm and are suitable for children 5 - 12 years. Cost: $290.00, $260.00 early bird (7 days prior to start date), $250.00 sibling discount. Let’s Go Pikachu – Pursuit of Legendary Pokémon: 4 – 7 January. Bring in the new year with a hunt for legendary Pokémon and defeat the nefarious Team Rocket. The Descendants - Heirs to the Throne: 11 – 14 January. Gather your heroic forces and save Auradon. Marvel vs DC – Multiverse of Madness: 18 – 21 January. Discover your inner hero and choose a side. A 169 Bunda St, Cairns City P 07 4041 4066 www.theyoungcompany.com.au

Cairns Aquarium The adventure begins at Cairns Aquarium. As the only aquarium in the world exclusively dedicated to the

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habitats and species of Tropical North Queensland, visiting is a great way to keep the kids learning during these school holidays. Locals receive a 20 percent discount year-round on general admission prices! Cost: $29.00 child admission, $44.00 adult admission and $132.00 family admission (2A + 2C). Annual passes (valid 12 months) available from $93.00. You can also take a tour of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre located at the Aquarium and support the work of this volunteer organisation protecting our Sea Turtles. A 5 Florence St, Cairns City P 4044 7300 Cairns Aquarium www.cairnsaquarium.com.au

PCYC The Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) is a provider of youth and community programs, facilities and more. They provide a large number of children with Outside School Hours Care which includes quality leisure-based experiences focusing on the emotional, social and physical development of young people. They also offer programs throughout the school term, so visit their website for more info and to find your nearest branch. PCYC Cairns A 91 - 97 MacNamara Street, Manunda P 4053 1532 PCYC Cairns PCYC Edmonton A 10 - 10 Walker Road, Edmonton P 4045 6540 PCYC Edmonton www.pcyc.org.au

School Holiday Guide

Child’s World Early Learning Centre Child’s World Early Learning Centres not only accommodate children from the age of 6 weeks old (Nursery) to Kindergarten/Preschool, they also do vacation care for children up to the age of 12. School Holiday Vacation Care includes cooked, nutritious meals, fun excursions, a home bus service on request and more, starting from just $13.00 a day. Limited spaces available so enrol your child soon! A Bentley Park (two centres), Mount Sheridan (two centres) and Manoora P 4045 4045 www.childsworld.com.au

Meldrum’s Bakery Cafe Meldrum’s newest store on Reservoir Road is opening 15 January with a NEW drive through! Refuel with their famous shakes, pancakes or pies, then head next door to Cairns Car Wash Cafe and tidy your ride from all those holiday activities. There will be a special 2 for 1 megashakes and pancakes offer running from 15 - 23 January at the new store, celebrating its opening. Get in to enjoy the deliciousness! A 27 Reservoir Road, Cairns A 97 Grafton Street, Cairns City Meldrum’s Bakery Cafe www.meldrumscairns.com.au

DFO Cairns The DFO will be hosting Back To School workshops leading up to school from 10 - 16 January, daily at 10.00am - 1.00pm. From DIY pencil cases, to designing your very own lunchbox and hat, this is the perfect opportunity to get the little ones excited and prepped for school. The following week 17 - 23 January; there will be cooking classes to help get Kids In The Kitchen making healthy and delicious treats all by themselves. A DFO, 274 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt P 4051 7444 DFO Cairns www.dfocairns.com.au

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offer great family fun activities for everyone to enjoy. They are open from 8.30am to 5.00pm daily, with presentations starting from as early as 9.00am. These include the Crocodile Farm Tour, amazing Crocodile Attack Show and Snake Show. The ‘Slither and Slides’ Adventure playground is also open for children to have a blast on. Cost: $43.00

Adults, $21.50 Children, $107.50 Family, or get yourself an annual pass for unlimited entry. They also have Wildcard passes that get you into Hartley’s, Kuranda Koala Gardens, and Birdworld Kuranda. A Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – Captain Cook Hwy, Wangetti P 4055 3576 Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures www.crocodileadventures.com

Cairns Art Gallery The Cairns Art Gallery often runs school holiday workshops with a range of mediums including paints, textiles, digital workshops, and more. There will be Holiday Art Classes running 10 - 18 January such as Still Life in Acrylic, with Hayley Gillespie. Check the website for updated class descriptions and costs. P 4046 4800 Cairns Art Gallery www.cairnsartgallery.com.au

Cairns Night Markets There’s something for the whole family at Cairns Night Markets, with a huge variety of stalls offering souvenirs, clothing, arts, crafts, homewares, skincare products, jewellery and so much more. Enjoy the markets after dinner as they’re open late or go there for dinner – they always have delicious food and desserts on offer. Open daily from 4.30pm – 11.00pm (food courts open daily at 11.00am). A 71 – 575 The Esplanade, Cairns P 4051 7666 Night Markets www.nightmarkets.com.au

Cairns Wake Park Kids Club kneeboarding and wakeboarding sessions are specifically designed to be an easy learning environment for younger kids. With a target age group of 7 to 12-year old’s, their professional coaches can easily ensure that all kids have a fun time while being introduced to the Wake Park in the friendliest way. Equipment must be hired, starting at $10.00 for Wakeskate and $20.00 for Pro Wakeboard. They also now have an Aqua Park, offering fully supervised floating fun for kids 6 years up! A Skyrail Drive, Lot 5, Captain Cook Highway P 0740 381 304 Cairns Wake Park www.cairnswakepark.com

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School Holiday Guide

The CaPTA Group The CaPTA Group Annual Pass allows you to have 12 months unlimited admission to the beautiful Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, Rainforestation Nature Park and Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas. Locals get 20 percent off. Cost: $325.00 for a family, $130.00 for an Adult, $65.00 for a child. Come face to face with crocs, explore the tropical rainforest, and marvel at the wildlife of the Far North! Visit the website for terms and conditions. P 4035 3555 www.capta.com.au

Inflatable Kingdom Experience two hours of action-packed fun on TEN massive jumping castles, inflatable obstacle courses and games. Use the sports court to get out all your child’s energy for the day - they’ll have the absolute best time! Open every day from 9.00am – 4.30pm during school holidays and weekends. Cost: $10.00 for children five and under and $17.00 for children six and over. Online bookings will save 10 percent off entry price. Don’t forget your socks! A 164 Mayers St, Manunda P 4032 2844 Inflatable Kingdom www.inflatablekingdom.com.au

Tobruk Memorial Pool Keep cool these school holidays and put your board riding skills to the test on the Tobruk FlowRider, experience endless surfing and bodyboarding fun! Or, take a dip in one of the multiple pools available, including a toddler’s pool. Casual Swimming is $4.40 - $6.10, children under 3 are FREE. Check online for opening and operating hours.

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A 370 Sheridan St, Cairns North P 4051 2604 Tobruk Memorial Pool www.tobrukmemorialpool.com.au

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Be surrounded by 1500 colourful butterflies in the magical Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda Village. Enjoy a guided tour, see butterflies in all life stages in the laboratory and explore the fairy garden! Cost: Adults $20.00, Children $10.00, Family $50.00. Suitable for all ages. Locals receive 20 percent off with code BUTTERFLYLOCAL. Open daily from 10.00am - 3.00pm. P 4093 7575 A 8 Rob Veivers Dr, Kuranda QLD 4881 Australian Butterfly Sanctuary www.australianbutterflies.com

Rainforestation Nature Park Pamagirri Mini Mob Rainforestation Nature Park is an award-winning attraction on the edge of the beautiful Kuranda Rainforest. Explore the rainforest on the Army Duck Rainforest tour on both land and water, learn about Indigenous Culture on the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and view our iconic Aussie animals up close at The Koala and Wildlife Park. Open every day from 9.00am - 3.00pm excluding Wednesdays. Locals receive 20 percent off with the code RFSLCOAL A 1030 Kennedy Hwy, Kuranda QLD 4881 P 4085 5008 Rainforestation www.rainforest.com.au

School Holiday Guide

Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome

CYCAS Circus

Enjoy the ultimate experience of a high ropes course and wildlife park combined! Are you brave enough to finish off the course with a zipline ride over a giant crocodile? Walk outside the roof of the Dome and enjoy 360 degree views of Cairns on the Dome Climb and enjoy an adrenaline rush on their 13m Power Jump! Cost: From $12.50 (child general admission) to $100.00 (Zoom extreme package + entry for adults). Open 7 days 9.00am - 5.00pm. Locals receive 20 percent off with the code ZOOMLOCAL

Their trainers are skilled in a wide range of circus activities, so students can choose to learn to unicycle, walk the tightrope, hula hooping, lyra, aerial silks, poi, juggling, stilts - anything they have in the studio, you can learn to use! School holiday pass cost: $110.00 for 5 classes, $200.00 for 10 classes.

A The Reef Hotel Casino, 35-41 Wharf Street, Cairns City P 40317250 Cairns ZOOM www.cairnszoom.com.au

Laserfun Get your adrenaline pumping in Cairns ultimate indoor laser tag arena with the Special School Holiday Sessions, each 90 minutes of pure energy, strategy and fun! Sessions will be running four times a day during the holidays at 10.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 4.00pm. Cost: $25.00/player with up to 20 players per game. Book online and get ready to win. A T1, DFO Shopping Centre, 274 Mulgrave Rd P 4031 9865 Laserfun Cairns www.laserfun.com.au

Lake Tinaroo Come visit Lake Tinaroo and get cosy in a cabin, glamp in a camper trailer, motorhome or caravan, or go full outback in a tent. Your days can be spent exploring Lake Tinaroo by boat, on skis or in a kayak, canoe or on a stand-up paddle board. At the park there are beautiful nature walks, a jumping pillow, and a swimming pool. You’ll get convenient access to the picturesque Tinaroo Foreshore with its playgrounds, barbecues and picnic areas. The family will never get bored! A 4-28 Tinaroo Falls Dam Road, Tinaroo P 4095 8232 Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park www.laketinarooholidaypark.com

A 5/74 Telford St Earlville P 1800 464 995 CYCAS Circus www.cycascircus.com.au

Junior Keeper Program At Wildlife Habitat Animal crazy? The Junior Keepers experience is perfect for you! It will be running 4, 5, 11, and 12 January, 11.00am – 3.00pm and is suitable for children aged 8 – 14 years old. Cost is $55.00 including lunch and afternoon tea. Wildlife Habitat is Australia’s leading wildlife experience, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe and interact with a huge range of Wet Tropics wildlife up close. They have five distinct habitats - including the revamped Rainforest Habitat with the all new Licuala Tower and Birdseye Bridge. Open daily from 8.00am – 4.00pm excluding Christmas Day. Locals enjoy a 20 percent discount all year round with the code HABITATLOCAL. P 4099 3235 A Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877 Port Douglas Wildlife www.wildlifehabitat.com.au

Join the Summer Reading Club The Summer Reading Club is a fun, free program delivered annually by the State Library of Queensland online and in public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres across Queensland. Join the Club and participate in challenges, share book reviews, artwork and comment on other club member posts. www.summerreadingclub.slq.qld.gov.au

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Daddy Diary

Daddy Diary I like to think of myself as a pretty strong-stomached kind of guy. The sight of blood, dead things and the “Saw” movies never really phased me. Which is good when you have kids. Gross body stuff happens on a daily basis once kidletts are in the mix. But recently something in me has changed and a dreaded transformation has occurred. I, dear readers, have recently discovered that I am now a ‘sympathy spewer’. Gross. If you are not familiar with the sympathy spew it’s a simple concept. It’s a person who spews at the sight of another person’s spew. Not a good quality to possess when your two-year-old randomly wakes you at midnight on a Saturday, crying that he has a sore stomach. But little was I to know this was just the start of a sickly few days featuring Mr 2 (our little boy Charlie).

The following day was a nightmare. Trying to get a walk-in appointment at your GP on a Sunday is a bit like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow; it’s a nice idea but really hard to actually pull off. Once we were in - the doc was totally amazing. He gave Charlie a really solid once over before prescribing him fluids, rest (he is two years old, not gonna happen) and the old Panadol/ Nurofen every three hours trick. It took a good few days (and sleepless nights) before Charlie was back to his bouncing, bubbly self. But jeez, they are tough days aren’t they? I remember my mother warning me when my eldest child Matilda was a newborn - of the pitfalls of sick kids. It’s just the worst. The helplessness of not being able to ease their pain is heartbreaking. You would take the sickness off them and onto yourself in a heartbeat if you could. But unfortunately, that is not a skill I possess. The only sickness skill in my repertoire seems to be the sympathy spew. Not a desirable one. I love you so much Charlie boy, midnight spews and all… Cliffo Hit 103.5

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Community Noticeb o ard

Safer Internet Day 2022 What is The MaraWay? Mara means ‘hands’ in the Djabugay language, and MaraWay is all about lending a hand to help people help themselves. MaraWay is a not-for-profit organisation with a Community Hub that supports 5000 individuals and families each year to move forward with productive, fulfilling lives – providing access to a wide range of training and support services. Find out more at www.themaraway.org.au or pop into the hub on Anderson Street.

Tuesday February 8 is Safer Internet Day; a global initiative celebrated in 170 countries that encourages people across the world to make the internet a safer, more positive place. This year’s theme is #PlayitFairOnline. There is no place for online abuse. We can all help to make life online enjoyable by being kind and respectful to each other. eSafety provides resources and support to all Australians to help them to stay safe online, find out more and sign up to support #SID2022 at www.esafety.gov.au/sid

Local Legend – Grant “Scooter” Patterson Grant “Scooter” Patterson took the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics by storm with his larger-than-life personality, winning hearts across the globe and a silver in the 50m Breaststroke (SB2) and bronze in the 150m Individual Medley (SM3)! His achievements in and out of the pool made him a very deserving recipient to the Keys to the City as well as receiving the award for Athlete with a Disability Sportstar of the Year at the North Queensland Sportstar Awards. Grant has an incredible mindset and outlook on life, which helped him achieve his goals, along with hard work, the support of his family and the assistance of his coach Herbie Howard, and trainer Korina Jones. Scooter, loves to inspire others to achieve their dreams. Connect with him: www.cameo.com/scooterboy2021 Scooter

Get Involved! We’d love to hear from you! Head to www.pakcairns.com.au/community to submit community news or a notice, and also view the full community noticeboard online.

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What’s On SATURDAY 1 JANUARY Happy New Year! Nurture Nation Memberships Open Runs until 31 January A place for parents to unite and ignite. $99.00 / For parents www.pakmag.com.au/ nurturenation Deadly Threads Exhibition Runs until 23 January Cairns Art Gallery 10.00am - 5.00pm / FREE / G www.cairnsartgallery.com.au Peter Thompson – Ceramics and the Source of Self Exhibition Runs until 6 March Cairns Art Gallery 9.00am - 5.00pm / FREE / G www.cairnscalendar.com.au Northsite Art Market Print Edition Runs until 29 January Bulmba-ja Arts Centre 10.00am - 5.00pm / G www.northsite.org.au Cairns Catholic Education Teaching Scholarship Applications Open Runs until 31 January For year 12 students graduating from Catholic Colleges within the Diocese of Cairns who are applying to study a Bachelor of Education. www.cns.catholic.edu.au/ Y12teachingscholarships MONDAY 3 JANUARY Additional public holiday for New Year’s Day Laughing Heart Stand Up Comedy Runs every Monday night Paramour Cabaret Theatre 7.00pm - 9.00pm / $8.00 / MA 15 + Laughing Heart Comedy Beading and Arts Class with Sveta Participate in a range of different craft activities including painting to drawing. Runs weekly Mossman Community Centre

With HIT 103.5’s Cliffo & Gabi

9.00am - 12.00pm / G All-ages www.mossmansupport services.org.au Colouring In Competition Collect your sheet from Museum Reception then head to the kids table on the verandah to create your masterpiece. Enter to win a prize pack. Cairns Museum Runs until 22 January / Free with entry / G www.cairnsmuseum.org.au Yoga with Smile Yoga Runs every Monday Stan Moses Hall 5.30pm - 6.30pm / $15.00 / G www.smileyoga.com.au TUESDAY 4 JANUARY Cairns Libraries Programs There are many free programs run at your local library on a weekly basis including Storytime, Baby Rhyme Time, Move & Groove with First 5 Forever, Talk, Read Play and Sing. Check out their website for more details and find a program that suits your family’s needs. www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library/ whats-on Cool cameras and Amazing Animation Runs until 6 January. Make your own pinhole camera and fun animation devices. Cairns Museum 10.30am - 11.30am / $10.00 $15.00 / 5 - 12 years www.cairnsmuseum.org.au The Young Company Theatre Summer Program 3, LET’S GO PIKACHU! Runs until 7 January The Young Company Theatre 9.00am - 3.00pm / $250.00 $290.00 / 5 - 12 years www.theyoungcompany.com.au Minecraft 4-Day Workshop Advanced Scale Build Runs until 7 January. Advanced workshop for experienced Minecraft builders to showcase young people’s ideas on the future of the Cairns Gallery

Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.

Precinct. The Court House 10.00am - 2.00pm daily / $90.00 / 12 years + The Court House P: 4032 6650 Junior Keeper Program Also runs 5, 11, 12 January Wildlife Habitat 11.00am - 3.00pm / $55.00 / 8 14 years www.wildlifehabitat.com.au Balloon Art and Face Painting Runs until 6 January Raintrees Shopping Centre 11.00am - 2.00pm / FREE / G www.raintrees.net.au School Holiday Circus Classes at CYCAS Circus Runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until 20 January 4.30pm - 5.30pm / $25.00 per class, or save with a 5 or 10 visit pass CYCAS Circus Suncorp Bank Colouring Competition Closes 4.00pm, Drawn at 4.30pm, 7 January. Smithfield Shopping Centre Children 15 years and under www.smithfieldcentre.com.au

essential / G Pippi the Fairy Family Friendly Guided Tours of the Cairns Museum Tours run every Friday and Saturday Cairns Museum 10.30am - 11.30am / FREE with Entry / G - 5 years + www.cairnsmuseum.org.au Interactive Activity: Build a Lego City Runs until 29 January Herberton Library Pop into the Library anytime during opening hours to help build a Lego city! Tablelands Libraries Craft Fridays Runs weekly on Fridays Herberton Library 3.30pm / G Tablelands Libraries SATURDAY 8 JANUARY Taipans vs SE Melbourne Phoenix Cairns Convention Centre 7.00pm / $25.00 - $71.00 / G www.taipans.com Painting Party Youth Tribe 21 Johnston Street, Stratford 9.30am - 11.30am / $55.00 / 7 - 16 years www.paintingparty.com.au

WEDNESDAY 5 JANUARY Summer Holiday Fairy Party Also runs 12, 19 January. Trinity Beach Community Hall 10.30am / $15.00, bookings essential / G Pippi the Fairy

Boredom Busting Crafts Also runs 11 - 15 and 18 - 22 January Herberton Library Drop in during opening hours / FREE / G Tablelands Libraries

Guided tour of the Gardens Runs every Friday and Monday Friends House within Flecker Gardens 10.00am / FREE / G www.cairns.qld.gov.au/whatson

MONDAY 10 JANUARY

FRIDAY 7 JANUARY STEAM Explorer Stations Earlville LIbrary 10.00am - 11.30am / FREE / Ages 5+ www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library Summer Holiday Fairy Party Also runs 14, 21 January Kewarra Beach Community Hall 10.30am / $15.00, booking

School Holiday Workshop Still Life in Acrylic, with Hayley Gillespie Cairns Art Gallery 1.00pm - 3.00pm / $21.00 $26.00 / 10 - 13 years www.cairnsartgallery.com.au Mobile Planetarium Runs until 14 January Mount Sheridan Plaza Various session times / FREE / G www.mtsheridanplaza.com.au

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What’s On MONDAY 10 JANUARY JCU STAR: School Tuition and Revision Workshops Yr 12 Chemistry Runs until 12 January JCU Nguma-bada Campus, Smithfield 1.00pm - 5.00pm / $325.00 www.eventbrite.com.au School Savvy FNQ Pop-Up Store Cairns Runs weekdays until 25 January Raintrees Shopping Centre (old Lincraft site) 10.00am - 2.00pm / FREE minimal cost / G School Savvy FNQ Back To School Workshops Runs until 16 Janaury DFO Cairns 10.00am - 2.00pm / FREE / G DFO Cairns TUESDAY 11 JANUARY The Young Company Theatre - Summer Program 4, The Descendants Runs until 14 January The Young Company Theatre 9.00am - 3.00pm / $250.00 $290.00 / 5 - 12 years www.theyoungcompany.com.au Taipans vs Brisbane Bullets Cairns Convention Centre 6.30pm / $25.00 - $71.00 / G www.taipans.com Cairns Carer Support Group Runs monthly on every second Tuesday Coast Roast Coffee Shop, Cairns Central 1.30pm - 3.30pm / FREE www.arafmi.com.au/event

Torres Strait Islander Cultural Workshop Lead by cultural facilitators, this wonderful hands-on workshop includes activities based around language, instruments, songs, weaving and more. Runs until 13 January Cairns Museum 10.30am - 11.30am / $10.00 $15.00 / 5 - 12 years www.cairnsmuseum.org.au Zoo To You Runs until 13 January Raintrees Shopping Centre 11.00am - 2.00pm / FREE / G www.raintrees.net.au Lego® Spy Mania Create your own secret agent hideout, build a secret fort, sonic jet or spy car out of LEGO, then write a story about your creation! City Library 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE / G, Children and Youth www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library School Holiday Workshop Dramatic Still Life Drawing with Hayley Gillespie Cairns Art Gallery 10.00am - 11.30am / $18.00 $21.00 / 5 - 9 years www.cairnsartgallery.com.au School Holiday Workshop - Monochromatic Acrylic Painting with Hayley Gillespie Cairns Art Gallery 1.00pm - 3.00pm / $21.00 $26.00 / 10 - 13 years www.cairnsartgallery.com.au ChatterPlay Also runs 18 and 25 January Atherton Library 10.00am - 11.30am / FREE / G Tablelands Libraries

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WEDNESDAY 12 JANUARY JCU STAR: School Tuition and Revision Workshops Yr 12 Chemistry Runs until 14 January JCU Nguma-bada Campus, Smithfield 1.00pm - 5.00pm / $325.00 www.eventbrite.com.au STEAM Explorer Stations Gordonvale LIbrary 3.00pm - 5.00pm / FREE / 5 years + www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library Lego® Spy Mania Smithfield Library 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE / G www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library School Holiday Workshop Character Creation with Amber Grossman Cairns Art Gallery 10.00am - 11.30am (5 - 9 years), 1.00pm - 3.00pm (9 - 13 years)/ $18.00 - $26.00 www.cairnsartgallery.com.au THURSDAY 13 JANUARY School Savvy FNQ Mini Pop-Up Store Marlin Coast Community Centre 10.00am - 2.00pm / G School Savvy FNQ Kids Workshop: Decorate a Library Bag Atherton Library 10.30am / FREE (bookings essential) / 3 - 18 years Tablelands Libraries FRIDAY 14 JANUARY Hollow Coves Tanks Art Centre 6.30pm - 8.30pm / $28.25 / PG www.tanksartscentre.com

STEAM Explorer Stations Stratford LIbrary 10.00am - 11.30am / FREE / 5 years + www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library Cairns Choral Society presents Monty Python’s SPAMALOT Runs until 29 January CPAC Theatre $56.50 - $61.50 / PG www.ticketlink.com.au SATURDAY 15 JANUARY Taipans vs Melbourne United Cairns Convention Centre 7.00pm / $25.00 - $71.00 / G www.taipans.com Cinnamon Sun Single Launch Tanks Art Centre 7.30pm - 10.00pm / $18.00 / 18 + www.tanksartscentre.com Mind Music from PolyMantra Elixir Music Bar 7.30pm - 11.45pm / 18 + PolyMantra New Meldrum’s Bakery Cafe Opening 2 for 1 Megashakes and Pancakes. Runs until 23 January 27 Reservoir Road 7.00am - 8.00pm / G www.meldrumscairns.com.au Beddy Rays - Sunshine State Tour Edge Hill Tavern 8.00pm / $34.70 / 18 + Beddy Rays SUNDAY 16 JANUARY Clifton Beach Race/Run Series 3 Race 2 of 2 Deadmans Gully Environmental Reserve 6.00am - 8.00am / G Cairns Dynamic Running

Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.

MONDAY 17 JANUARY Mental Health First Aid A 2-day course providing participants with the skills and confidence to recognize and cope with a range of mental health issues. Runs until 18 January 11 Sheridan St 9.00am - 4.30pm / $214.00 / M www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ mental-health-first-aid Northsite KIDS Art Workshops Runs until 22 January Bulmba-ja Arts Centre FREE / G www.northsite.org.au Plaza Putt Putt Mini Golf Runs until 21 January Mount Sheridan Plaza 10.00am - 2.00pm / FREE / G www.mtsheridanplaza.com.au Seniors Fitness Runs weekly excluding public holidays Fogarty Park 9.30am / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Zumba Runs weekly excluding public holidays Loridan Drive Park 5.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Bouldering Runs weekly excluding public holidays Esplanade Bouldering Park 5.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Kids In The Kitchen Runs until 23 Janaury DFO Cairns 10.00am - 2.00pm / FREE / G DFO Cairns

Raft Guide Training Course A six-week white water rafting training course for adventurous people wanting to work in the white-water industry. Cairns Adventure Group Applications close on 3 January / 18 + E: employment@ cairnsadventuregroup.com.au School Holiday Workshop Wearable Assemblage with Hayley Gillespie Cairns Art Gallery 10.00am - 11.30am / $18.00 $21.00 / 5 - 9 years www.cairnsartgallery.com.au School Holiday Workshop Monochromatic Sculpture with Hayley Gillespie Cairns Art Gallery 1.00pm - 3.00pm / $21.00 $26.00 / 10 - 13 years www.cairnsartgallery.com.au TUESDAY 18 JANUARY The Young Company Theatre - Summer Program 5 Marvel vs DC Runs until 21 January The Young Company Theatre 9.00am - 3.00pm / $250.00 $290.00 / 5 - 12 years www.theyoungcompany.com.au Responsible Management of Licensed Venues Course Cairns RSL 8.30am - 6.00pm / $375.00 its.qld.edu.au/event Qigong Runs weekly excluding public holidays Zhangiang Friendship Garden, Greenslopes Street 4.30pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program

Seniors Fitness Runs weekly excluding public holidays Vasey Esplanade 9.00am / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Beach Volleyball Runs weekly excluding public holidays Esplanade Volleyball Courts 5.30pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Zumba Runs weekly excluding public holidays Fogarty Park 5.30pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program World Storywaters Michael Quinn Michael Quinn works his magic bringing alive ancient tales from a variety of places and cultures. Cairns City Library 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE / G Children’s event www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library STEAM Explorer Stations Babinda Library 10.00am - 11.30am / FREE / 5 years + www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library FNQ Science Runs until 20 January Cairns Museum 10.30am - 11.30am / $10.00 $15.00 / 5 - 12 years www.cairnsmuseum.org.au School Holiday Workshop - Pet Portraits with Amber Grossman Cairns Art Gallery 10.00am - 11.30am (5 - 9 years), 1.00pm - 3.00pm (9 - 13 years) / $18.00 - $26.00 www.cairnsartgallery.com.au

Minecraft: Mini Game Design Workshop Runs 18 - 19 January and 20 - 21 January Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre 10.00am - 2.00pm daily / $60.00 / 8 years + www.cairnsminecraft.com WEDNESDAY 19 JANUARY Painting Party Youth Tribe 21 Johnston Street, Stratford 9.30am - 11.30am / $55.00 / Ages 7 - 16 www.paintingparty.com.au School Savvy FNQ Pop-Up Store Innisfail Runs until 20 January Innisfail Shire Hall 10.00am - 2.00pm / FREE minimal cost / G School Savvy FNQ Lego® Spy Mania Earlville Library 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE / G - Children and Youth www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library Zoo To You Get up close and personal with wild animals at Smithfield library with Zoo to You! Adults and children alike will enjoy an entertaining and educational experience. Smithfield Library 9.30am - 10.30am / FREE / 5 years + www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library Zoo To You Smithfield Library 11.00am - 12.00pm / FREE / 5 years + www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library

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What’s On WEDNESDAY 19 JANUARY Qigong Runs weekly excluding public holidays Fogarty Park 5.30pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Seniors Fitness Runs weekly excluding public holidays Sims Esplanade 9.00am / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Fitness For All Runs weekly excluding public holidays Harald Falge Park 5.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Skate class Runs weekly excluding public holidays Todd Park 4.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Aqua Zumba Runs weekly excluding public holidays Esplanade Lagoon 5.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program THURSDAY 20 JANUARY Ruby Fields Gilligan’s Hotel and Resort 7.00pm / $ 30.00 / 18 + www.rubyfields.com STEAM Explorer Stations Manunda LIbrary 10.00am - 11.30am / FREE / 5 years + www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library/ Skate Class Runs weekly excluding public holidays Coastwatcher Park 4.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Fitness For All Runs weekly excluding public holidays Sims Esplanade 5.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program

With Triple M’s Elliott

Zumba Runs weekly excluding public holidays Norman Park 5.30pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program

Lion Tales Exhibition Runs until 12 February Cairns Courthouse Gallery 10.00am - 4.00pm (Monday Saturday) / FREE / G www.cadcai.org.au

Pilates Runs weekly excluding public holidays Fogarty Park 6.30pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program

SATURDAY 22 JANUARY

Alpha Wolf On Tour With Justice For The Damned + More Edge Hill Tavern 7.30pm / $30.00 / 18 years + www.alphawolfcvlt.com FRIDAY 21 JANUARY Reading For Life Research and practice to suggest ready-to-use techniques for teaching reading. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort 8.00am - 3.00pm / $319.00 www.qassp.org.au Fitness For All Runs weekly excluding public holidays Vasey Esplanade 9.00am / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Fitness For All Runs weekly excluding public holidays Ravizza Park 9.30am / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Zumba Runs weekly excluding public holidays Esplanade Lagoon 5.30pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Zumba Runs weekly excluding public holidays Ravizza Park 5.30pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program STEAM Explorer Stations Manunda LIbrary 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE / Ages 5 + www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library

Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.

Australia Day Celebrations Free sausage sizzle and kids entertainment Babinda Creek 7.00am - 11.00am / G, Family event www.cairns.qld.gov.au Australia Day Celebrations Free sausage sizzle, live entertainment, and beach games Vasey Esplanade, Trinity Beach 7.00am - 11.00am / G, Family event www.cairns.qld.gov.au

Disko Disko featuring Golden Sound, DJ Jeremy J and DJ Cam Kennedy Tanks Art Centre 6.30pm - 10.00pm / $25.00 / 18 years + www.tanksartscentre.com Sahaja Meditation Runs weekly excluding public holidays Western Events Lawn, Esplanade 7.30am / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Aqua Aerobics Runs weekly excluding public holidays Esplanade Lagoon 9.00am / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program SUNDAY 23 JANUARY Taipans vs Brisbane Bullets Cairns Convention Centre 2.00pm / $25.00 - $71.00 / G www.taipans.com MONDAY 24 JANUARY School Term 1 Begins International Day of Education en.unesco.org/ commemorations/educationday Botanical Drawing and Painting with Julie McEnerny Runs weekly until 14 February Cairns Art Gallery 5.30pm - 7.30pm / $130.00 $150.00 / 16 years + www.cairnsartgallery.com.au WEDNESDAY 26 JANUARY Australia Day Celebrations Free sausage sizzle, movie, and opportunity to try paddle boarding and water polo. Tobruk Memorial Pool 9.00am - 12.00pm / G, Family www.cairns.qld.gov.au

FRIDAY 28 JANUARY Opening Event - FNQ Contemporaries Exhibition Cairns Art Gallery 5.30pm / FREE RSVP’s essential www.cairnsartgallery.com.au SATURDAY 29 JANUARY FNQ Contemporaries Exhibition Runs until 6 March Cairns Art Gallery 9.00am - 5.00pm (Monday - Friday), 10.00am - 5.00pm (Saturday, 10.00am - 2.00pm (Sunday) / FREE / G www.cairnsartgallery.com.au Taipans vs South East Melbourne Phoenix Cairns Convention Centre 7.00pm / $25.00 - $71.00 / G www.taipans.com Bliss n Eso - The Sun Tour Gilligans 7.00pm / $69.90 / 18 + www.blissneso.com Amanda Emmett New Works Exhibition Runs until 13 March Cairns Art Gallery 9.00am - 5.00pm (Monday - Friday), 10.00am - 5.00pm (Saturday, 10.00am - 2.00pm (Sunday) / FREE / G www.cairnsartgallery.com.au Year of the Tiger Banquet 6.30pm - see website for booking details www.cadcai.org.au

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What’s On TUESDAY 1 FEBRUARY

SATURDAY 5 FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 11 FEBRUARY

New Years Day Lion Dance Parade 5.30pm - 7.30pm / FREE / G www.cadcai.org.au

The Wiggles - Fruit Salad TV Big Show Tour Cairns Convention Centre 10.00am and 1.00pm / $39.90 - $42.00 / G www.thewiggles.com

Cairns Summer Sounds Vera Blue CPAC See website for details and tickets www.cairns.qld.gov.au/CPAC

Summer Sounds Ocean Alley Also runs 5 February CPAC 7.30pm / $80.00 / PG www.cairns.qld.gov.au

Chinese New Year at The Pier Cairns The Pier Cairns 9.30am - 2.00pm / FREE Entry / G www.cadcai.org.au

Chinese New Year Lantern Festival and Fireworks Esplanade Lagoon - Western Events Lawn 5.30pm - 7.30pm / G www.cadcai.org.au

SUNDAY 20 FEBRUARY

Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Runs until 20 February www.olympics.com

TUESDAY 8 FEBRUARY

SUNDAY 13 FEBRUARY

SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY

Safer Internet Day www.esafety.gov.au/sid

Year of the Tiger Yum Cha Golden Boat Restaurant, Lake Street 11.30am / see website for menu

Summer Sounds - RocKwiz LIVE! CPAC 6.30pm / $80.50 / PG www.cairns.qld.gov.au/CPAC

Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Holloways Beachfront

Location: Bruce Jones Market Grounds

Time: 4.30pm - 10.30pm Location: 71 - 75 The Esplanade

Mount Sheridan Plaza Markets

Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets

Port Douglas Markets

Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 9.00am - 3.00pm Location: Mount Sheridan Plaza

Date: Open every day excluding Tuesday and Wednesday Time: 9.30am - 3.00pm Location: 7/13 Therwine St

FRIDAY 4 FEBRUARY

Regular Markets Rusty's Markets Date: Every Friday and Saturday Time: 5.00am - 6.00pm Date: Every Sunday Time: 5.00am - 3.00pm Location: 57 - 89 Grafton St, City

The Market Place Date: 3rd Sunday of the month Time: 9.00am - 2.00pm Location: The Pier Cairns

Malanda Markets Date: 3rd Saturday of the month Time: 7.00am - 12.30pm Location: Malanda Showgrounds

Mossman Community Markets Date: Every Saturday Time: 7.00am - 1.00pm Location: 3 - 5 Foxton Ave, Mossman

Holloways Beach Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month

The Ravenshoe Lions Archer Creek Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 7.00am - 12 noon Location: Archers Creek Rest Area, Kennedy Highway

Atherton Lions Club Indoor Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the Month Time: 7.00am - 12 noon Location: Merriland Hall (Robert St)

Yungaburra Markets Date: 4th Saturday of the month Time: 7.30am - 12.30pm

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SATURDAY 12 FEBRUARY

Kuranda Heritage Markets Date: Open Thursday to Sunday Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm Location: 2 Rob Veivers Dr

Tolga Markets Date: 1st Sunday of the month Time: 7.30am - 12 noon Location: Morrow Park Racecourse

Herberton Markets Date: 3rd Sunday of the month Time: 7.00am - 12 noon Location: Wondecla Showgrounds

Night Markets Date: Open every day

and booking details www.cadcai.org.au FRIDAY 18 FEBRUARY Cairns Hockey Big Sign On Cairns Hockey Grounds 4.30pm - 6.30pm / FREE entry /G www.cairnshockey.com.au

AFL Cairns Juniors Sign-On Day At your local club www.aflcairns.com.au

Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.30am - 1.30pm Location: Market Park

Woree Markets Date: 3rd Sunday of every month Time: 8.00am – 1.00pm Location: Cannon Park Racecourse Car Park

Mareeba Markets Date: Every 2nd and 5th Saturday of the month Time: 7.30am – 12.30pm Location: Mareeba Centenary Park, Byrnes St

Tumoulin Country Markets Date: 4th Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am – 12.00pm Location: Tumoulin Railway Station, Tumoulin Rd

Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.