Parents and Kids Magazine
ISSUE: Dec 2021
174
CAIRNS
Why the Best Gift is a
PRESENT PARENT
FREE
17 Ideas for “Sneaky” Holiday Learning Fun How to Turn Parenting Lemons into Lemonade
WIN
WITH THE
Check Out our HUGE School Holiday Guide
PakMag Mega
XMAS GIVEAWAY 6 Ways to Make Baby’s First Christmases Memorable
THIS 6CHRISTMAS Activities to Bring You Closer
Don’t Sweat the Crumbs in the Icing Summer Reading the Kids will LOVE
100
+
LOCAL EVENTS to Check Out
Welcome 5 7 10 13 15 19 21 25 27 29 30 32 33 36 38 40 41 44 46 49 57 58 61
The Thing Is The Best Christmas Gift is a Present Parent Fun with Paper Mâché Don’t Sweat the Crumbs in the Icing How to Turn Parenting Lemons into Lemonade Three Ways Kumon has Supported Cairns Families for 25 Years Holiday Learning Six Activities to Bring You Closer This Christmas All Things Health Making Your Child’s First Christmases Memorable Bump, Bub and Beyond Parent’s Puzzle Mini Mag Christmas Giveaway DIY Christmas Gifts Christmas... Again? A New Way to Kegel Sit and Relax All Things Tweens and Teens Summer Reading the Kids Will Love School Holiday Guide Daddy Diary Check It Out What’s On
PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James
Hi again, you magnificent creature… here we are at the end of a looong year and as we countdown to a new year, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for being part of our PakMag community and send your family our best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season, filled with love and laughter. It’s always a hectic month for families, so we want to remind you to be gentle on yourself, and that it’s not what’s under the tree that matters… “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” – Burton Hills We hope you share many beautiful moments together and make lasting memories. We’ve packed this edition with loads of ideas and expert advice to help you make the most of this time together. Take care of yourself and each other. We’ll see you just around the corner in 2022, in the meantime happy reading and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag. P.S. Oh and you can also catch our special Christmas Party at HIT 103.5’s Cavalcade of Lights on the 10th of this month at the Cairns Showgrounds. Gates open from 4.00pm, we’ll be hitting the stage from 5.00pm, and there’ll be a special visit from Santa! Find all the details in our Check It Out and What’s On Guides. We’re excited to see you all again, and looking forward to celebrating the season with you.
Bree and Bec 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
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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.
families www.pakmag.com.au | December 2021 3
The Thing Is
The Thing Is with Bree James This time of year brings up a lot of feelings for many of us. Feelings of connection, and feelings of disconnection. Feelings of possibility, and feelings of impossibility. Feelings of abundance, and feelings of lacking. Feelings of happiness, and feelings of sadness, and so many other emotions that swing both ends of the spectrum. The thing is, we need to have both sides. Everything in the universe has an opposite. Could you know happiness without sadness? Is there love without pain? Dark, without light? Polarity allows us to experience both sides of life, which enables us to truly appreciate when things are going well for us. Newton’s Third Law of Motion explains the law of polarity perfectly “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” We are living in a very polarising time, where opposing thoughts and feelings are being brought to our attention stronger than ever before. It’s very challenging for many of us seeing people we love going in the opposite way to where we think they should. A sign that you are polarised around an issue is when it triggers an emotional response where you feel compelled to argue one side or the other. Being aware of this can really help you stay more neutral and see both sides for what they are. The world would be a much more peaceful place if we embraced the fact that there has to be two opposing views, and that both are ok.
It astounds me that I have two children with the same gene pool and household, but they can be totally opposite to each other. The organised versus disorganised, the clean versus the untidy, the calm versus the crazy, and that goes for their parents too! It’s enough to drive you mad when someone has an opposite way of “being” in your life. I am an early riser who likes to get stuff done, my husband is a night owl that loves to chill out. Sure, having things in common helps make relationships work, but what makes a relationship passionate - is the differences and embracing them. Just like the two sides of a magnet; if the two energies that are the same try to merge, they repel, when the opposite energies try to merge - they attract to each other. As they say- opposites attract, so it’s interesting that we fall into the trap of wanting people to think, feel, and be the same as us. So, as much as the people in your world may have opposing views, beliefs, standards and personalities to you, these people are important to have in our life. They are the spice to an otherwise vanilla life. We can’t have a positive without a negative, and as much as many of us want to avoid pain, fear, and sadness - we need these times so we can experience pleasure, hope and joy. Without rain nothing grows. The life of this world is nothing but the harmony of opposites, and as much as it drives me nuts sometimes, I wouldn’t have it any other way. As we close off this year, it’s normal to feel excited and hesitant for 2022. I am feeling both optimistic and pessimistic, and that is a good thing, I hope you feel that way too.
Parenting certainly brings us many polarising moments. From absolute joy and laughter, to despair and tears; parenting is filled with opposites that keep us on our toes. Like the “I hate you mum” moments… there is nothing quite as hurtful, yet hilarious, when your child throws this one at you. It’s kind of like you’ve graduated as a parent, but you can’t help having a moment where you feel like you may be failing at this whole parenting gig when these words slip out of your child’s mouth.
Bree
Then there’s the opposite ways we parent to our partner, and the opposite ways our children behave.
www.breejames.com www.myvisionbook.com.au
www.pakmag.com.au | December 2021 5
Parenting
The Best Christmas Gift is a Present Parent STORY Dr Vanessa Lapointe The holiday season can be one of long to-do lists and jam-packed calendars. During the holiday season, I often receive messages from parents sharing their feelings of overwhelm about commitments that they have taken on in December. Not surprisingly, our children feel these pressures as well. And when there is a tantrum at the Christmas parade, or an unexpected reaction to a gift or a special outing, parents may not understand why their child just isn’t happy. After all, isn’t the holiday season and all its trimmings designed to make children HAPPY?!? The truth is that in our busy, chaotic world, kids are starved for our presence. This feeling is amplified during the holiday season. Our children and their sensitive nervous systems become highly stimulated by the crowds, bright lights, tables full of rich food, and chatter from family and friends. Top these off with late nights and high expectations, and our children are often
teetering on the edge of Meltdown City. But how do we bring them back down from this unsettled place? How can we get grounded during the holiday hubbub?
1. Sloooooooooooow it Down Christmastime can feel like a race. I don’t know how it is where you live, but in the suburbs of Vancouver, holiday events and light shows can book up very quickly. In a society with constant FOMO (fear of missing out), this can result in a family being booked up for nearly every holiday weekend. In an attempt to give our child the ‘Best Holiday Ever’, we can end up creating a perfect storm of too-much-of-everything. Our children need an opportunity to feel grounded in order to rest. Ensuring that you have evenings of togetherness with low-stakes activities, such as board games, cookie decorating, movie watching, etc, can help to take off that pressure while fostering connection at the same time.
www.pakmag.com.au | December 2021 7
Parenting
4. Consider Editing What’s Under the Tree
2. Prioritise Being in the Present Our children are all too aware of when our attention is divided. When we stop mid-conversation when our phone beeps or because we “just have to take care of this work thing”, it not only interrupts the moment, but it also interrupts the relationship. Set aside time every evening to be with your child without the distractions of electronics or your to-do list. Listen to your child’s stories, ask open-ended questions, and let those notifications go. Make it a habit to check in with your child and have them know that you are 100 percent focused on them. The world will not end if that text or email is answered 15 minutes later. I promise.
3. Create a Countdown / Advent of Togetherness A fun family tradition can be an advent calendar, and one way to foster relationships over the holidays is by creating an ‘advent calendar of togetherness’. You can get your child involved in the planning, and activities do not have to be big, expensive productions. Plan for an evening walk, cookie baking, having hot chocolate, or driving around to see Christmas lights. These simple, but meaningful activities allow the family to enjoy one another without the stress of being “on” for others.
The packages under the tree can also be a source of pressure and big expectations. I have heard so many stories of parents feeling as though their child is ungrateful or rude on Christmas morning. One mother described to me that her child seemingly became “numb” after opening six or seven gifts on Christmas morning. She explained that her daughter was almost unable to process what she was opening after the first few presents. I’ve recently heard of the 5 Gift Rule, where parents buy their children something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, and then something do to. By setting some guidelines to work within, you and your child can set some reasonable expectations (and avoid accidentally going overboard on the Christmas spending), to ensure that gifts are both meaningful and not too over-the-top.
5. Read the Room You are the expert on your child, and you will be able to tell when things are becoming too much. If your child isn’t excited about going out, has weary eyes, or is emotionally overflowing – don’t be afraid to say no. Cut the evening short, cancel the light tour, switch it up, order in pizza and watch a movie under a blanket fort. Take it down a notch and let your child exhale. It is very easy to be swept up into the magic of Christmas, but when it starts to become more of an obligation or a source of upset, it’s time for you to step in and make choices that serve you and your family first. I love Christmas and all the joy it brings – especially the opportunities for quality time with the family. I also know all too well how challenging it can be to set limits in a time of more, more, more. Once you become more conscious of your time and spending, the easier these edits will be. Let your child be your guide and follow their lead. Slow it down. Focus on less production, and more connection, and your holiday season can be full of both merriment and calm - the best of both worlds.
Dr. Vanessa Lapointe is a mum, registered psychologist, parenting educator, bestselling author, international speaker, and a regularly invited media guest. Founder and director of The Wishing Star Lapointe Developmental Clinic, she has been supporting families and children for almost 20 years, and has previous experience in community mental health and the school system. Dr. Vanessa is known for bringing a sense of nurturing, understanding, and humanity to all of her work. Her passion is in walking alongside parents, teachers, care providers, and other big people to really see the world through the child’s eyes. She believes that if we can do this, we are beautifully positioned to grow our children in the best possible way. www.drvanessalapointe.com
8 December 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au
STEAM
Fun with Paper Mâché
colouring, this is our acidic mixture. Using a funnel, pour the acidic mixture into the volcano crater. When you’re ready for the show, quickly add the baking soda mix and WATCH OUT! Tip: Place your volcano on a tray big enough to catch the spill from the eruption. It’ll help with clean up.
www.handmadecharlotte.com
www.supersimple.com
Paper mâché is the ultimate medium for kids to learn, craft, and create. Over the holidays and festive season, we’ve picked a few of our favourites to celebrate the season and entertain the kids for hours! They’ll love making a volcano then watching it erupt, or creating personalised Christmas decorations and finger puppets. Once you’ve got the basics down, use them to create your own designs and let your imagination run wild - the paper mâché possibilities are endless! You can find more paper mâché ideas at www.pakmag.com.au. If you’d like share your creations or your own idea, please tag pakmag_nq on Instagram, or PakMag Cairns on Facebook. Have fun and happy holidays!
Erupting Volcano What You Need • • • • • • • •
2L plastic soft drink bottle Cardboard 4 bottle lids Scissors Craft glue and glue gun Aluminium foil 4 paper towel roll tubes Masking tape
• • • • • • • •
Paint and brushes Newspaper Paper mâché paste 10ml Dish soap Water 400ml white vinegar ½ Cup baking soda Red food colouring
Method Using a dinner plate as your guide, trace a round shape on your cardboard. This will be the base of your volcano. Cut it out, then wrap the bottom side of your base with Aluminium Foil and tape down with masking tape. Using your glue gun, gluing the bottle lids onto the foil side (like table legs). This will help keep your cardboard dry, when your volcano erupts so you can use it over and over again! Glue your plastic bottle to the middle of your cardboard base using your glue gun. After cutting your paper towel tubes in half, tape them to the base and bottle, creating a volcano shape. It’s time to paper mâché this shape – leaving the opening of the soft drink bottle uncovered, this is the volcano crater. Using a brush, cover the entire structure in paste one final time, then let dry. Once ready, you can finally get painting – and decorating. You can add rocks, grass, even fake trees or small dinosaurs to set the scene. To make your volcano erupt we’re going to initiate a classic neutralisation reaction. Combine half a cup of water with baking soda to create a slurry, this is our alkali / base. In a different container, combine the vinegar, 400ml of water, dish soap, and some food
10 December 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au
Finger Puppets What You Need • Twisting balloons (the kind you make balloon animals out of) • Balloon pump • Felt • Newspaper • Scissors
• • • • •
Craft glue Paint and brushes Toothpicks Paper mâché paste Pipe cleaners
Method Begin with deciding what animal you’d like to create, use your imagination. Blow up the balloon until its width is a little bigger than two of your fingers, and its length is slightly more than your finger length. You can use a toilet paper roll if you can’t get your hands on any balloons. Now grab your newspaper and paste, and get mâchéing. Make sure to develop the body with multiple layers of paper mâché. Once your creature is fully dry, gently deflate the balloon, and let the painting begin! Be as creative and otherworldly as you like. We like to use a toothpick to dip in some black paint for painting the finer details like faces. A pipe cleaner makes a great tail, and felt makes for great ears. Simply cut to the size and length you want and glue on with your craft glue. Once dry - it’s time to put on a puppet show!
www.mollymoocrafts.com
Santa Christmas Decoration What You Need • Plastic egg or water balloons (and balloon pump) • Vaseline • Newspaper
• • • •
Craft glue Masking tape Paint and Brushes Paper maché paste
Method Blow up your water balloon with your balloon pump or if you’re using a plastic Easter egg, cover the surface in Vaseline first – to make removing the dried paper mâché easier. With your paste and newspaper strips – start paper mâchéing around the top half of your egg or balloon. After a few layers, let it dry then gently deflate and remove the balloon (or egg) while retaining the shape. Trim of the excess paper at the bottom, so it’s a clean semi spherical shape. You can now draw and paint yourself a little Santa. If you’d like to add legs, super glue some decorative rope with beads into the inside of the shell. You can also add string through the top and hang it from your tree. Using the same method, try making other Christmassy characters to decorate your tree with.
Paper Mâché Recipe What You Need • • • •
1 Cup Flour 1 Cup Water Bowl Whisk / spoon
Method Create the paste using a 1:1 water to flour ratio. Whisk the mixture in a bowl until gluggy, then mâché away. The paste will last refrigerated for up to a week, but it’s best used within 2-3 days. Tip: stir in a few tablespoons of salt to the combined mixture to help prevent mold. How to Paper Mâché? Simply cut newspaper into strips and then place a strip in your paste. Lift up and use two fingers to squeeze off the excess paste before use. It’s that simple.
Parenting
Don’t Sweat the Crumbs in the Icing STORY Lou Duggan aka Baker Girl Lou If you’re looking for a perfect example of the terror that is parenting, look no further than a homemade birthday cake. It encapsulates all our biggest parenting fears in one. After all, a cake fail means letting down your child, looking silly in front of your friends and providing further proof that you’re just not cut out for this parenting gig, right? While most parents dream of making homemade cakes for their kids, they just aren’t willing to risk it. I launched DIY cake kit company Cake 2 The Rescue ten years ago, because I wanted to make it easy for busy parents to make homemade cakes for their kids. 50,000 cake kit sales later and, in honesty, what I really do is help parents overcome their fear of not being enough. Not enough for their kids, their friends, social media trolls and most of all, themselves. When my kids were little, I used to worry about not being good enough all the time. Fast forward 15 years and the pressure to be perfect seems to have increased ten-fold. Instagram is flooded with profiles of model mums, the ones who only seem to buy outfits and homewares in brown, orange, blush, and ivory. They post photos of amazing parties that cost more than my first car and of course, there’s always a jaw-dropping birthday cake. When I opened our cake kit support group on Facebook, the plan was to provide tips and tricks for decorating your cake. But it quickly became obvious that what parents really needed was a safe space where they could take a risk and bake the cake. We began fostering
a community where parents raise each other up and throw perfection out of the window. We call it “the kindest place on Facebook” and it’s full of families living out their dream of making homemade birthday cakes for their kids. Having spent seven years running our beautiful group, I’ve seen first-hand the power of embracing imperfection and championing others. I’ve learned that so many of us are our own worst critics, and that trying to meet some impossible standard is holding us back from realising that we are enough and always were. So, I’d like to offer you this… What I know for sure (thanks Oprah!) is that kids only need two things: your love, and your time. Kids don’t see crumbs in the icing. They couldn’t care less whether their cake is a three-tiered masterpiece and their party Insta-worthy. All they truly see is you pouring your love into a homemade cake just for them. I can’t tell you how many of my customers share cake posts that start with “it’s not perfect but…” and always end with “my kids thought it was the best cake ever!” So please just take the plunge and make the cake because here’s the truth bomb. It’s not really about the cake itself at all. It’s about the way you feel about yourself when you’re making the cake. It’s about making memories with your kids that last a lifetime. It’s about learning to see yourself through your child’s eyes and in turn showing your kids that they don’t have to be perfect either. That’s where the magic truly lies. Happy Baking!
Ju
de
Kalm
an
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. With a background in engineering and design, Lou has spent the last ten years building Cake 2 The Rescue into a thriving ecommerce business, with more than 250 cake kit designs, and a loyal online audience of 60,000+ cake fans. As a talented creative entrepreneur, Lou is a big believer in the power of vulnerability in business, and loves empowering other women to ditch perfectionism and embrace entrepreneurship. www.louduggan.com.au c re Image
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www.pakmag.com.au | December 2021 13
Parenting
How to Turn Parenting Lemons into Lemonade STORY Hannah Davison, author and co-founder of My Big Moments
What Does it Mean to Turn Parenting Lemons into Lemonade?
afraid of being rejected, or losing your love and approval just because they’ve made a mistake.
Turning parenting lemons into lemonade is all about taking accountability for the times you blow your cover as a parent. Those times you lose your temper, react without thinking, say something you later regret, let them down, or, generally make a mistake. The lemon is the rupture you create in your relationship that requires you to make a repair. The beauty of making a repair is that you turn that parenting ‘lemon’ into ‘lemonade’.
When there are ruptures in our relationships, there can easily be repairs, and moving on doesn’t need to be a big deal. When kids don’t feel safe to make mistakes, they’ll cease trying, because to try and fail, could mean to feel rejected and abandoned in your love — to feel shamed, insecure, and inferior to the standards they think you expect. Mistakes become too risky. To cease trying means they’ll survive, but not thrive.
The thing is, ruptures are okay, so long as there is a repair. That can actually factor towards greater resilience in your kids, not take away from it. It’s very easy for us, as parents or caregivers, to feel guilty, and beat ourselves up about making mistakes in our relationships with our kids. We need to flip this mindset. We can show our kids that it’s normal to make mistakes. Mistakes aren’t failures, they’re opportunities to make different choices. As fallible humans, we all need permission to make mistakes.
We are all going to make mistakes, and that’s okay, we are only human. It’s unreasonable to expect otherwise from ourselves or from our kids. Probably, all of us have a pretty harsh self-critic in our heads, and that was instilled in childhood. Just imagine how freeing it would be for our kids, if they can go through their lives without being held back by that?
Making a mistake is simply that – a mis-take – an indication we need to make a course correction. Seeing mistakes as failures can grind us to a halt, but seeing them as course corrections keeps us looking and moving forward. Having the ability to apply a growth mindset to mistakes, and continue to see a way forward is an important trait of resilience. That’s a trait we want to pass down to our kids.
What Happens in Our Relationships with Our Kids if We Don't Repair the Ruptures? Sometimes, the fear as a parent can be, that if our kids see us making mistakes, they’ll lose respect for our authority, there’ll be full-on mutiny, and the whole system will descend into chaos. In fact, the opposite is true. If we’re not being authentic, kids pick it from a mile off. You can’t cover for making mistakes and pretend it hasn’t happened – they can smell it. It happens, and it’s more than fine, it can be a good thing. Mucking up gives us an opportunity to teach our kids that we are always redeemable. They don’t have to be
There’s a great quote from Steve Biddulph that I love, "Our kids make mistakes, and they know they make mistakes. If we're not making them as well, in a very explicit way, they will have a deep sense of inferiority – that there's something wrong with them."
On a Practical Level, What Does it Sound Like for Parents to Repair their Ruptures? Here’s a recent example from my house; one afternoon my son said, “Mum, I don’t think you got enough sleep last night. You need an early night.” That was a gentle way of saying, ‘you’re being too grumpy and horrible today.’ He was right. I was glad he pulled me up on it. It gave me a chance to take a pull on the reins and regroup. It wasn’t fair for the kids to bear the brunt of my irritable mood, and I really was being unreasonable. Getting that gentle ‘performance review’ gave me the opportunity to say, “I’m sorry, I’m being too grumpy, aren’t I? I’m just not feeling that great today. It’s not your fault and I shouldn’t make you feel like it is. You’re not doing anything wrong. I think I might have a bath and get an early night. That will help me feel better and do better tomorrow. I’m really sorry, mate.”
www.pakmag.com.au | December 2021 15
Parenting
Just like that, we all moved on. I redeemed myself and the kids didn’t have to go to bed thinking they’d done anything wrong, in fact, they helped me action a repair, both for them and for me.
How Does Repairing Ruptures Count Towards a Child's Resiliency? Children don’t learn from what we tell them, they learn from what we show them. We all know people that are incapable of saying sorry or taking accountability for their actions; it’s really destructive for our relationships. If we can demonstrate how to make reparations when there’s been a breakdown in a relationship, our kids’ ability to communicate, resolve conflict, and move forward is going to serve them throughout their lives. To instil this quality in our children we can simply teach them by demonstrating the kind of behaviour and language they’ll need through our own actions. We can also demonstrate tools and strategies that they can use when they need to regain control of their emotions if they’re feeling out of control. This might look like taking a few deep breaths, doing some exercise, taking a bath, talking to a friend, or having a cuddle. An example of that language can sound like this: “I’m sorry that I got angry and yelled at you to get in the car. That wasn’t very grown-up of me. I was feeling frustrated because we’re going to be late. That’s not your fault. I’m going to take three deep breaths right now to calm down before we start driving.” When we take accountability for our behaviour, we show our kids: • It’s okay to make mistakes and own them.
• We have practical tools to help ourselves, and others feel better. We’re not just giving them dialogue around how to turn lemons into lemonade, we’re also showing them how we use a strategy to get back on track.
What Does Resiliency Look Like in Children? A child in the process of developing traits of resiliency is one who, most of the time, but not always: • Feels safe and secure in their home environment. • Feels seen and heard. They know it’s safe to express their thoughts and feelings. • Has a strong, bonded relationship with their parent or caregiver and knows they can go to them to ask for help. • Can show some empathy and consideration to others, and can be gentle with thoughts and feelings about themselves. • Can participate and persevere during activities, along with developing some problem-solving abilities. • Can solve boredom with their own creativity and feels confident to engage in free-play activities that may involve appropriate risk-taking. • Feels free to use words and behaviour to communicate when they need help and support. Whether or not a child becomes resilient is determined by what influences they are surrounded by in their environment, not what attributes they may be born with. It is determined by who we are and what we do as parents and caregivers, as we raise and nurture our children – their future is literally in our hands.
• It’s okay to say ‘sorry’ and ask for forgiveness.
WIN a copy of That's Not the Plan. www.mybigmoments.com - $36.00 - Visit www.pakmag.com.au/WIN to enter. Backed by research and expert consultation, My Big Moments book, 'That’s Not the Plan' helps kids build a toolbox for resilience through proven language, ideas, activities and strategies. My Big Moments works with a team of experts in child development, neuroscience, play therapy and psychology to create a range of books to help little people through big moments. For ages 2 - 7 years. See the full range and create custom-made, personalised copies at mybigmoments.com
Hannah Davison is the author and co-founder of the award-winning children’s book initiative, My Big Moments – personalised picture books, backed by research and expert consultation, to help little people through big moments. The range covers the topics of starting school, building resilience, getting a new sibling, grief and loss, and going to hospital. Join 'the village' on Instagram at @mybigmoments to access free practical help and support for parents and caregivers.
Podcast: For more on this topic with Hannah, tune into Episode 117 of the PakMag Parents Podcast at www.pakmag.com.au
16 December 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au
Advertorial
Three Ways Kumon has Supported Cairns Families for 25 Years For 25 years, Kumon Mathematics and English has helped the children of Cairns to excel in the classroom and beyond. There are two Kumon centres in Cairns, located at Raintrees and Cairns North, led by Instructors Maki Walker and Cheryl Ling. They explain that Kumon has many benefits for students and families.
1. Kumon Mathematics and English Aims for Students to Study Ahead One of the aims of Kumon is for students to comfortably study mathematics and English material at a level that is ahead of their current school grade. There are many benefits to advanced study for kids, including persistence and motivation. Maki has nurtured many advanced Kumon students. “In my experience, students who can study high school material in primary become quite motivated because they want to keep challenging themselves”, Maki explains. “By high school, they work quickly, and put more effort into other subjects. They have more choices for university and their careers”. “For example, one of my former students is currently studying dentistry at James Cook University. Another former student is doing an art course in Sydney, and others are studying engineering and medicine”.
2. Kumon Students are Confident in the Classroom Kumon students come to see challenges, mistakes and the need to exert effort as opportunities. They are not afraid to have a go. As Maki says, Kumon students are confident because they are ahead of their class. “This gives, especially for children in primary school, lots of confidence because they’re good at maths or English”, Maki says.
3. Kumon is Flexible and Can be Tailored for Each Family’s Needs Kumon Mathematics and English are individualised programmes, meaning students learn at a level defined by their ability not age. Kumon can also be adapted to continue throughout uncertain circumstances like COVID-19, as Cheryl explains. “I have been fortunate enough to be supported by wonderful Kumon families who have persisted with their children’s programme”, Cheryl says. “At times it wasn’t easy for some families, but then we worked together to provide manageable alternatives. Thank you for your dedication. Your efforts have led to solid, smooth progress for your children”.
Kumon Mathematics and English is available in Raintrees and Cairns North. To enrol or to learn more please contact: Kumon Raintrees – Instructor Maki Walker, 0409 903 105, kumonraintrees@gmail.com Kumon Cairns North – Instructor Cheryl Ling, 0414 957 844, instructor@kumoncairnsnorth.com
www.pakmag.com.au | December 2021 19
Education
Holiday Learning: Creativity, Imagination and a Sense of Adventure Required School is finished, bags have been discarded and uniforms thrown in the back of the cupboard ready for their reluctant retrieval in January.
creating “sneaky” learning experiences through fun activities, as well as in everyday tasks - all it takes is some imagination.
The end of year holidays is a stretch of time that presents an ongoing juggle for most families. The delight at having a break from uniforms, lunch boxes and homework is replaced with the question of how to occupy and entertain children throughout these weeks of summer days.
The Great Outdoors
The concept of play-based learning may be familiar, particularly to parents of pre-school aged children. This concept focuses on how children learn through being actively engaged in activities that require imagination, creativity, social skills and language. The world of play sets a foundation for developing curious learners and creative thinkers. This same concept applies when it comes to entertaining children during school holiday breaks. There are many ways of
Fresh air and sunshine... finding ways to entertain children outside in the garden, at the park or at the beach is fantastic for wellbeing and physical activity, in a sun-safe manner. • Sand Castles – Take a range of plastic containers of different shapes and sizes to the beach and build crazy sand castles. • Herbalicious - Plant herbs, in pots or in a garden bed, and discover the different varieties and how they are used, particularly in cooking. Make creative labels for each herb pot.
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Education
• Picnic Party – Plan a picnic together, write a list of things you’ll need, prepare and pack for the picnic and scout for a location. • Go Old-School - Get some chalk and mark out a hopscotch game on the driveway. Elastics and jump rope are some other easy ways to be active and to learn skills such as counting and rhyming, and social skills such as taking turns and cheering on others. • Fairy Garden – Fairy gardens are tiny gardens built of tiny plants and accessories designed to attract fairies. Build you own fairy garden and keep watch for evidence of fairies visiting. • Scavenger Hunt – Think of a theme for a scavenger hunt in the garden or the local park. Create a list of items to search for in a certain time.
The Great Indoors • Games Cupboard - Board games and card games can while away the hours with a lot of fun and learning involved. • Craft Corner - Set up a table or an area with colouring in books or downloadable patterns, posters, arts and craft activities. A google search will reveal many excellent craft ideas for making decorations for the season.
physically. Local Museums may also offer holiday activities, and are simply great places to visit.
Every-Day Activities Everyday activities such as grocery shopping can also be full of opportunities for young children to learn numeracy skills. Counting items, adding up prices and comparing price differences are all fantastic ways of turning shopping into a subtle learning opportunity.
Mindfulness
• Cubby House – Construct a secret haven out of sheets, pillows, cushions and other household items.
Whilst being active is very important, it is also beneficial to find ways to entertain children that help them to develop a sense of calm and mindfulness. Below is a list of games and activities that can help children develop their sense of awareness of the world around them.
• Reading Nook – Create a reading nook with cushions and throws, stacks of books, lights and other creative tweaks to appeal to young readers.
• Cloud-watching – Lie on your back on the lawn and watch the clouds drift into different shapes – can you see a horse, an angel, a person?
Local Services
• Little Surprises – Look out the window as you are driving in the car and spot the little surprises – the small things that you’ve never noticed before – it might be a colourful flower that’s appeared on a footpath. The more you look, the more you see!
• Library Activities - Visit the local library and discover the many resources and activities available, other than borrowing books - which is always a very excellent idea! • Toy Library – Just like a normal library, but with Toys instead of books! You can check out a variety of toys for the kids to enjoy for a reasonable membership fee. The Cairns Toy Library is located at 208 Pease St, Manoora. • School Holiday Guides - Check out PakMag’s extensive School Holiday Guide and the local Council’s holiday activities on offer, many of which are free of charge. These are fantastic ways of entertaining and developing learning across a range of areas – academically, emotionally, socially and
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• Rainbow Walk – Go for a walk along the street or in the park and spot one thing that matches each colour of the rainbow - ROYGBIV. Every family is busy and school holiday entertainment is naturally dependent on a range of variables such as transport, accessibility, affordability and the availability of time. The above ideas are great conversation-starters with your children to plan some quality time together having fun, with a sneaky side of learning. Creativity, imagination, a sense of adventure and patience required!
Six Activities to Bring You Closer This Christmas STORY Bec Dent Christmas provides an opportunity for families to reset and focus on what they treasure most – each other. To help fill your homes with that special magic that comes with the season, aka the Spirit of Christmas, we have six great activities you can participate in as a family to increase connection, love and laughter.
Personalised Cards Ask everyone to make their own personalised cards for every member of the family, writing a heartfelt message inside about why you love them and are grateful for them. Once finished, hide all the cards in the branches of the tree, to be found, opened and bring in tons of love on Christmas Day.
Start the Tradition of ChristmasThemed Game Night The internet is full of fun Christmasthemed game ideas to build a fun family night around including; Christmas Would You Rather, Christmas Song Pictionary or Charades, Minute to Win It Christmas Games, Celebrity Heads – Christmas Edition, Pin the Heart on The Grinch, Build A Snowman Race (making a human snowman from toilet paper and other props), and you could even make a Christmas Piñata.
Check Out Your Local Christmas Lights
Christmas Cooking and Crafting! Spending time together baking or creating makes great memories and tasty treats! There’s so many great ideas and recipes to try, but here’s a few of our faves: • Try making a gingerbread house, either from scratch or a kit. You can do it all together, or make a fun competition out of it. • Make your own Christmas tree ornaments and Christmas wreath. • DIY snow globes with mason jars. • Bake Christmas cookies. You could even bake them for neighbours and friends and do a surprise drop off at their door, bringing some extra Christmas cheer into their lives.
Taking a drive to look at the Christmas Lights is a magical experience for the whole family. It’s also nice to bring treats with you to share with the families who put lots of effort into their displays. You may even want to vote as a family for your favourite display and go back to their house with a fun trophy you’ve made, for example, “The Smith Family’s Annual Best Christmas Light Display Award 2021’. You could also have a box of chocolates to give them. I guarantee it will make their day.
Hold a Christmas Movie Marathon Night We all know how much kids love to stay up late… why not host a family slumber party in the lounge room, bringing out the mattresses, the popcorn and the Christmas movies for a fun night in? There are so many great movies to choose from, but my favourites for the family include: Elf, The Grinch, Home Alone, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Do Something Charitable This gives your family an opportunity to make someone else’s Christmas special. We all know it’s better to give than receive, and making charitable acts part of your Christmas experience will only increase the joy in your lives and homes. You could pick out a gift for an annual Toy Drive such as the Salvation Army or Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, donate to a charity (for humans or animals) or even volunteer. It’s an opportunity to teach your children about charity and service and bring the spirit of Christmas into your lives and the lives of others.
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Health
All Things Health Jana Gorski
Dr Bobby Griffin
Naturopath - Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy
Sunbird Orthodontics
Dear Jana,
Dear Dr Bobby, My child has braces, how can I ensure they are taking care of them? Poor dental hygiene before braces is a major predictor that your child will struggle to keep their braces clean. Prior to wearing braces your child will be shown how to care for their braces. The most obvious sign your child is struggling with dental hygiene is red, bleeding gums. The gums may also appear swollen and even grow over the top of the braces. Broken brackets are also a sign that they are neglecting their braces. The best thing for parents to do is to try and keep your child motivated, and focus on the end result. Orthodontic treatment leads to the best possible smile, which will give them a lifetime of healthy teeth and beautiful confidence.
4038 1036 www.sunbirdorthodontics.com.au
What are the benefits / uses of Essential Oils? Essential oils contain a variety of compounds with a variety of actions on multiple systems. Some essential oils can be applied to the skin to improve joint pain and mobility (such as ginger oil) while others might have a soothing or antimicrobial effect. Some oils assist with opening the airways (such as eucalyptus) and yet others are best used in a diffuser and inhaled for their soothing effect on our nervous system via the limbic system in the brain. Some oils in controlled doses can be ingested for a variety of conditions but it’s best to get advice on this from a health professional as essential oils can be toxic when taken in this way. Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy www.calannapharmacy.com.au
Can You Smell Christmas? Looking to spread the Christmas spirit? Create a warm and welcoming environment at your home this festive season with Mario’s Range Christmas blend. This beautiful festive blend will help create a jolly and joyful scent. The Christmas blend is made up of 100 percent essential oils including cinnamon, frankincense and sweet orange. For optimal results, simply add two to four drops to your diffuser. Find out more about Mario’s Range at www.calannapharmacy.com.au or drop by a Calanna Pharmacy today. Tip – Use this blend to create a spray to use on your Christmas tree and wreaths to create a magical Christmas experience.
Consult your local health practitioner, doctor or pharmacist for advice on these topics first to ensure the best health outcomes.
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Bump, Bub and Beyond
Making Your Child's First Christmases Memorable STORY Jenna Galley As a child, Christmas was the best. But you know what’s better than Christmas as a child? Christmas as a parent – watching your own kids experience the magic that is Christmas through their innocent little eyes. There are so many different ways to make Christmas special and every family will have various traditions to add an extra dash of magic to the day. While your baby may not be able to fully understand Christmas or appreciate the wonder of it all, it’s never too early to start on the Christmas traditions! Here are a few easy ways to make your child’s first Christmases memorable each and every year.
Christmas Prop Photo Shoot Use a simple Christmas prop (such as a stocking, snowman plush toy or Santa sack) and position your little one in (or beside it) for a Christmas themed photoshoot. Repeat a similar set-up every year and see how quickly your little one grows next to your prop of choice.
Holiday Hand Prints Another cute way to track just how little they once were is with annual holiday hand prints. You can get hand and foot print kits or simply use salt dough and paint. Have a look online for inspiration. Repeat the hand print every year to compare!
Special Ornament Most families will decorate the Christmas tree together but perhaps each year you could also add a special
ornament to the tree commemorating the year? As your little ones gets older, they may want to pick out the ornament. Another option for crafty parents is to make one every year.
The Countdown Chocolate advent calendars are great and provide your tot with a small treat every day but you can also add to this tradition by making a Christmas Activity Advent Calendar where every day (or weekly if daily is too much) you do a different Christmas activity – make Christmas cookies, do a different Christmas craft, go for a walk to see the lights, watch a Christmas movie, etc.
The Night Before Christmas Most families will set out milk and cookies for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph but there are plenty of other great Christmas Eve traditions to try too. Why not start a Christmas Eve box for your child to open every Christmas Eve? Fill it with a special mug for hot chocolate, a Christmas biscuit or bedtime treat, new Christmas PJs and a special Christmas book to read before bed.
The Gift of Giving Another tradition you can incorporate into Christmas, even at a young age is giving a gift to someone who isn’t as lucky. The Kmart Wishing Tree is a good place to start. Let your child pick the gift, help you wrap it and bring it to your charity of choice. This may become one of their favourite traditions as they get older, and hopefully one they continue with their own children.
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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!
VTech Learn & Grow Farm
Bobux Party Bear Shoe
$59.95 - www.kmart.com.au
$45.00 - www.bobux.com.au
Rise and shine for playtime with the Learn & Grow Farm. Set up your farm with a barn, fences, tractor, animals and more. Be the farmer, drive the tractor and cart to pick up hay and wood, then drop them into the silo. Encourage imaginative play with an interactive farm. Place the animals on two talking points to hear playful responses and fun facts. Three light-up learning buttons introduce daily routines and time of day as they encourage nurture and care.
Bobux is celebrating 30 wonderful years with a dedicated birthday edit which features seasonal favourites made with luxurious leathers, unique textures, and metallic colourways. At the head of the collection is the Party Bear shoe featuring the beloved Bobux Bear (perfect for 2 years and under) which is yours to win!
Zipboom Pack $129.00 - www.zipboom.com.au Zipboom was created out of a passion for teaching and the need to engage and immerse children in activities that are non-tech based, educational and fun. Early Childhood teacher and mother of two Melissa, established the business based on her love of family and travel. Find her educational games, journal (with optional subscriptions) and a nifty travel tote / table rest on the website. What a fabulous way to keep your child entertained and engaged on your next trip in the car, coffee shop, aeroplane or while camping.
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30 years since the adventure began, the brand has developed and grown – just like the little feet it supports. From industry-leading inventions including custom-created children’s shoe lasts, and waterproof SplashTex® technology, it’s no wonder Bobux is a podiatrist favourite.
Bump, Bub and Beyond
Screen-Free Travelling Fun for Kids STORY Melissa MacDonald, Early Childhood Teacher and Creator of Zipboom Many of us have spent countless hours in the car with our children travelling from A to B. This time together is invaluable for rich discussions and learning with your family. Sometimes, coming up with ideas to fill the time can be hard, so I’d love to share some simple games and ideas with you to engage, laugh and create memories with your loved ones the next time you are all in the car. Here are some of my fail proof ideas:
1. Music and Songs - Music really does calm the savage beast. It is a great tool to use to learn language and develop brain stimulation. Rhyme and repetition are a fantastic way to help young minds develop listening, speaking and early reading skills.
2. Play Games - I Spy and Memory are great for young children. Use this opportunity to incorporate initial sounds, colours and shapes.
3. Categories - a great game to help develop early language and turn taking skills. Each person picks a category and the players must name as many things as they can in that category. Then the next person gets a turn to pick the category and you continue on until all players have had a turn.
4. Alphabet - Starting with the letter A each player must say something they see that starts with that letter and then move onto to B and name something, then C and so on.
5. Going on a Picnic - A great game to help develop memory recognition. The first player begins by saying “I’m going on a picnic and I’m going to bring…” you must list all the things the player before you said, and add your own, and continue adding one item at a time. The list continues to grow. If you forget any items, you are out and the next person must recall the items until all players are out.
6. Pens and Paper - are a great way to encourage imagination and creativity. It can be used to play games such as tic tac toe and hangman or simply just to draw what they see out of the window. With these games under you belt, your next car trip will hopefully be filled with screeches of laughter and memories to last a lifetime.
Help Your Child Put Their Best Foot Forward with Bobux Beloved children’s footwear brand Bobux turned 30 this year and is celebrating by putting its party shoes on – and your little one’s can join in the ‘fun, feet-festivities’ with a special collection of shoes released for the occasion. If you haven’t heard of Bobux, it’s a pretty big deal in the world of children’s footwear. It’s co-founder Chris Bennett was looking for shoes for their baby daughter Chloe, but nothing on the market would do. So, he took some leather, suede and a couple of rubber bands into his garage and came out with the world’s first pair of Soft Soled shoes - giving his daughter’s little feet the chance to move naturally. After taking the local markets by storm, it took off across the world including right here in Australia. Kids need shoes that can keep up and grow up with them… that’s why Bobux expanded their products beyond soft soles to accommodate children’s unique footwear needs from birth though to 7 - 8 years. Podiatrist’s love the award-winning Bobux brand. “Bobux creates well-fitted shoes suitable for each stage of development, allowing children to explore their environment and develop their walking skills” - podiatrist Antoni Caserta. Going back to where it all started, the hero of the new collection is the Bobux bear, who’s gorgeous face adorned the very first pair of shoes they created all those years ago. Find out more about Bobux and the perfect pair of shoes for your child today at www.bobux.com.au Head to www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win a pair of Bubux Party Bear Shoes!
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Parent's Puzzles Sudoku - Each of the nine blocks must contain all the numbers 1-9 within its squares. Each number can only appear once in a row, column or box.
WIN a Chromatic Puzzle by Cloudberries $24.99 - www.cloudberries.co.uk Get lost in a frenzy of colors by diving deep into this 1000-piece puzzle called CHROMATIC! Made in Europe by the jigsaw puzzle company Cloudberries, this design is both the perfect aesthetic addition to your collectibles and is a great bonding activity for friends and family. For every purchase of one of their high-quality puzzles, a tree is planted, so both you and the planet win with each purchase. There is no doubt that you should check this out and see for yourself just how much fun you can have! Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 31/12/2021. No need to submit answers to enter. Sudoku answers can be found at www.pakmag.com.au/answers
Find the mirrored copy for every picture below
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Pull-out kids activity mag! WHERE WILL YOUR DREAMS TAKE YOU?
ONLY IN CINEMAS BOXING DAY
BUSTER MOON’S WORD SEARCH Help Buster Moon find all 15 hidden words by searching forwards, backwards, up, down, and diagonally!
IS IN CINEMAS BOXING DAY
C P MM E E N A M S O Z E U B G R Q P NMB A I O I E N D U DAR I USCT S ACL AQS L BCA I ZRAS SHU L T T Y L L A T S Y R C Y MM I J E L Y Z C A S HUR LME KRR Y U N P S F HMA G X V U NM Q E N OO S H YWL UO S A O DGJ ROX V S LGFRAYO I P S S F B K F Y U C O NMN WJOHNNYA F NHKNTO CRYA I NHYE THAE SN Y I F CAA ECCE PRD JO BG I NNASHSROS I TA C L A Y C A L L OWA Y C S A WORDS TO FIND BUSTER MOON ASH JOHNNY MISS CRAWLY GUNTER ROSITA MEENA PORSHA
For your chance to WIN a family pass to Sing 2 enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win. Competition closes 15/12/2021. No need to submit activity to enter.
CLAY CALLOWAY NOOSHY JIMMY CRYSTAL DARIUS SUKI LANE NANA ALFONSO
BU AS JO M G RO M PO CL NO JI DA SU NA AL
ONLY IN CINEMAS DEC 2
For your chance to WIN a family pass to Disney’s ‘Encanto’ enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win. Competition closes 09/12/2021. No need to submit activity to enter.
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1. Windy Knickers Game - $25.00 - www.goliathgames.com - Don’t let Granny get her knickers in a twist! Can you help Granny put out her washing? Roll the dice... if it’s a sunny day, hang your washing on the line. Roll a cloud and you must miss a go. Roll a rain cloud and you have to take your washing in. Roll a storm and the washing line spins in the tornado and granny loses her clothes! Can you be the first to hang out all of your washing to win? 2. Lük Beautifood - Luxe Lip Trio Kissmas Set - $59.90 - www.lukbeautifood.com - Consciously curated, the Luxe Lip Trio by natural cosmetics house, Lük Beautifood, contains two of the brand’s award-winning Lip Nourish lipsticks, a nourishing food-grade formula with moisturising ingredients and vibrant pigment pay-off, and their newest release, a demi-matte Lipstick Crayon, designed to line lips and provide a convenient, full-coverage creamy look. Made in Australia, Lük Beautifood is 100% natural, cruelty-free and eco-friendly. 3. Chilly Towel Family Pack - $165.00 - www.chillytowel.com.au Made from a unique hyper-evaporative fibre, the Chilly Towel is Australia’s leading cooling solution! Ideal for hot flushes, sport stress, overheating, headaches and travel, the innovative material cools to 30° below average body temperature and stays chilled for hours. Reusable and dry to the touch, the pack contains 3 adult sized towels, and 1 smaller towel for bubs and children. 4. Marble Rush Launch Pad - $49.95 - www.vtech.com.au - This exciting colour-coded playset features all the pieces you need to create a space-themed Marble Rush voyage full of jumps, stunts and even an electronic spaceship. The electronic spaceship module triggers a cool light show and sound effects when marbles run through it, enhancing your outer space-themed adventure. With 10 marbles included and 79 building pieces to assemble, there is plenty of fun to be had. Includes easy to follow assembly instructions and is compatible with other VTech Marble Rush items. Marble Rush Launch Pad is suitable for children from 4 years, and available from Kmart, Big W, Myer, Target, good toy stores and online retailers. 5. Mindful Me Hinkler Book Prize Pack - $250 - www.hinkler.com.au - Whether it’s a virtual hug, writing in a gratitude journal, sending positive vibes, or just saying ‘hello I’m happy’, these super colourful Mindful Me activity packs from Hinkler are the perfect way for kids to have fun and be in a mindful moment. Each kit comes with positive affirmations and loads of activities to keep young minds busy and mindful. 6. LeapFrog’s Musical Rainbow Tea Party Deluxe - $59.99 - www.leapfrog.com.au - This 25-piece set includes everything needed for a tea party for four including a teapot, teacups, forks, plates, cake and cupcakes. Choose a tea flavour and pretend to pour while the teapot magically empties. Press the heart button to 36 | www.pakmag.com.au brewDecember a new pot of2021 tea and explore colours, counting and sharing. Introduces manners and sharing with friends, plus a range of learning activities featuring colours, counting and fruit.
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Head to www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to
WIN!
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For Infants/Toddlers from 12 months, the Musical Rainbow Tea Party Deluxe is available now from Target, good toy stores and online retailers. 7. Nextbase 322GW Dash Cam $279.00 - Available at Repco and JB HiFi - The Nextbase 322GW is from the world’s first range of dash cams that provide Emergency SOS. This revolutionary new feature will alert emergency services to your location in the event of an accident, providing additional safety for you and your family. A 2.5” HD IPS touch screen provides easy menu selection and playback. Bluetooth 4.2 and Quick Link Wi-Fi will automatically sync crash footage to your Bluetooth enabled phone. This allows for a quicker connection, so you can easily share footage using the MyNextbase Connect app (Android 5+ & IoS 12.1 or above). 8. VTech Play & Go Puppy Salon - $49.95 - www.vtech.com.au - Open up the pet carrier to groom your pup with the built-in salon. Lights and sound effects enrich playtime as you pretend to wash, comb, dry and clip this soft pup. Learn about colours and puppy grooming as you play. The pet salon features three styling stations. Place the puppy in the swivel seat or use the shampoo, hair dryer and shower to activate songs, lights and phrases. It’s puppy pampering time! All play pieces store inside the carrier. Play & Go Puppy Salon is suitable for pre-schoolers from 2 to 5 years, and available from Kmart, good toy stores and online retailers. 9. LeapFrog’s Count-Along Basket & Scanner - $59.95 - www.leapfrog.com.au - Let’s shop with the Count-Along Basket & Scanner featuring play food, shopping lists, and an interactive scanner that recognises each food piece. Carry the shopping basket or expand it into a rolling shopping trolley. Shop the rainbow with eight play foods in a variety of food groups, colours, shapes and numbers. The fish, carrots, strawberries, cake, bread, cheese, broccoli and grapes show off their silly personalities with music and unique phrases when scanned. Scan foods on the shopping lists to play activities like Food Group Feast and Shapes of the Day to hear encouraging phrases and songs. Three interactive play modes reinforce learning. For Pre-Schoolers from 2 to 5 years, the Count-Along Basket & Scanner is available from Big W, Target, good toy stores and online retailers. 10. PAW Patrol: The Movie™ Ultimate City Tower™ - $249.99 - Available all major retailers - Introducing the all-new PAW Patrol: The Movie™ Ultimate City Tower™. This 90cm-tall playset brings the pups’ Adventure City headquarters from the big screen to life. Jam-packed with amazing features including a transforming light-up rescue ramp, command centre, vehicle lift, www.pakmag.com.au | December 2021 37 and pup elevator! With Chase’s cruiser, a clip-on backpack, and all six PAW Patrol figures included, the fun starts right out of the box.
Craft
DIY Christmas Gifts
Candycane Sled Gift Boxes What You Need • • • • • •
Small cardboard / jewellery box Candy canes Christmas lollies for filling Double-sided tape Glue gun and glue sticks Wrapping paper / Christmas ribbon
Method Find a small box (about 8 – 10 cm long) to act as your body of the sled / treat holder. The length will be determined by the size of your candy cane and the hook on top. See the images for how you want the box to be positioned on your candy canes to give you an idea for the size you will need. You may want to measure this length with a ruler first to find a box that fits perfectly. Then, completely cover your box in wrapping paper or ribbon (or both) using double-sided tape. Now using your glue gun (with a parent’s help), attach your candy canes under the two longest sides of your box, with the hooks facing up. Remember to keep your candy canes wrapped in their plastic. You can add some ‘handles’ to the back of the sled, by cutting the stem of a candy cane into two parts and then gluing to the box (as pictured). This step is optional. Now fill with candy and other goodies you’d like to gift. There you have it – a simple DIY Christmas gift for everyone in the family.
38 December 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au
organizeyourstuffnow.com
www.countryliving.com
If you’re after a few ways to keep the kids entertained this festive season, check out our crafty ideas for DIY Christmas Gifts – a functional and fun way to bring some cheer this year!
Reindeer Chocolate Jars What You Need • Glass jars • Maltesers / other chocolate coated lollies • Jaffas
• • • •
Googly eyes Medium red pom poms Gold pipe cleaners Glue gun and glue sticks
Method Fill your jars with the Maltesers and other chocolate coated lollies – don’t forget to mix in a few Jaffas to add a pop of colour. Seal the jar with the lid. The next step is making your reindeer’s face. Using your hot glue (this step requires parental supervision or help for younger crafters), glue your googly eyes onto the jar about a third of the way down from the top. Then, glue your reindeer’s nose on - we’ve chosen red pom poms to make ‘Rudolph’. Glue on the googly eyes, and the red pom pom as Rudolph’s nose. To make the antlers, grab two pipe cleaners and cut them in half. Now lie one piece over the other, in the shape of a cross. You will then twist the horizontal pipe cleaner around the vertical one a few times to secure it, before bending the ends up to look like antlers. Repeat this till you’ve got two antlers for each jar. To secure your antlers to the jar; grab another pipe cleaner – wrap it around the top of your jar and add an extra 3cms before cutting the pipe cleaner to size. Now, add your antlers – by wrapping the bottom of the stem around the ends of the new pipe cleaner (leaving about 2cm from each end). Finally, wrap the pipe cleaner with the antlers attached around the rim of your choccyfilled jar, overlapping the two ends at the back. Twist these ends together to secure it in place. Then simply fold the ends back, so you have no bits poking out.
onelittleproject.com
Pinecone Bird Feeders What You Need • • • • •
Large open pinecones Twine Peanut butter and butter knife Birdseed Bowl
Method This is a nice gift for local wildlife. Next time you head up to the Tablelands, have a scout around for some pinecones, they make perfect little feeders for our tropical birdlife. Start with tying some twine around the top of the pinecone, ensuring you’ve got plenty to spare when it comes to hanging it up. You want to do this step first, or your hands will get super sticky after coating your birdfeeder in peanut butter and birdseed. Now’s the messy part, grab your peanut butter and start spreading it onto the top of the pinecone’s scales. Do this until you have peanut butter on every open scale. Fill a bowl large enough to fit the pinecone in comfortably with birdseed. Dip the pinecone into the birdseed, making sure all the peanut butter gets covered and there’s plenty of treats for the birds. Find a good spot to hang it; it can be on the deck or in a tree, but make sure it’s out of the reach of any pets. Then enjoy watching as it attracts the local flocks.
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Advertorial
Christmas... Again? Another year nearly gone… and time to think about Christmas and the school holidays. Separated parents have a lot to think about this time of year. When making arrangements for time spent with your children - do you each have half the school holidays, or a weekly arrangement throughout the break? What do you do about Christmas day? What suits every family is different, but what is a very common arrangement is for one parent to have the children for the first half (which always includes Christmas day and New Year’s Eve) in one year and then it swaps the following year. This wouldn’t be suitable for very young children however. Some parents agree that the Christmas day period, which is commonly considered to run from Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day, will stay with the parent who has the children for the first half of the holidays; which means you only spend Christmas with the children every second year. The other way to do it is to split up the Christmas period so each parent sees the children on Christmas
40 December 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au
day. Whatever arrangements you make, it’s good to remember that Christmas is about the children not the parents. I am yet to meet a child who didn’t love having two Christmases! What about holidays? Do you have to get the consent of the other parent if you want to take the kids on holidays during the Christmas period? I believe each parent should be able to have a holiday without the other parent being able to veto it by withholding consent, however, you must always let the other parent know of your plans; as you too would want to know. It would be great to start working this out with the other parent as soon as you can. Whatever your arrangements, here at Collier Family Law we wish you the very best for the Christmas season.If you still find yourself in dispute with the other parent about children or property then we can help you. Book in for our very popular free 15 minute no obligation chat to find out more.
Advertorial
A New Way to Kegel – Sit and Relax Pelvic floor muscle training, also known as Kegel exercises, is designed to strengthen our pelvic floor muscles. A strong pelvic floor is crucial in supporting our pelvic organs, allowing us to control our bowel and bladder, and promote higher sexual satisfaction. Despite its importance, most women and men overlook these exercises. Often, the barriers to consistent Kegel exercises are a lack of motivation, fatigue, and time constraints. However, mastering Kegel exercises is also not as easy as it sounds, as many do not understand the exercise, or are performing them incorrectly. It is therefore highly valuable to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist, as they are able to assess, recommend, and monitor the exercise process progression. This is similar to having a personal trainer at the gym. Like the fitness industry, technology has been incorporated into pelvic floor muscle training to enhance performance. The EMSELLA Chair is FDA and TGA approved for the treatment of urinary incontinence. It uses HIFEM (High-Intensity Focused Electro-Magnetic) technology to deeply stimulate the entire pelvic floor. It bypasses the brains’ limitation to recruit 100 percent of the muscle fibres, contracting them at intensities not
achievable during normal exercises. Each 28 minute session is equivalent to doing 11,200 Kegel exercises. As it is completely non-invasive with no down time, and simply requires the patient sit on the chair, the EMSELLA Chair is often referred to as the ‘Kegel Throne’. The technology may be especially useful for people who have difficulty activating their pelvic floor muscles to effectively perform Kegel exercises. It is also suitable for those who find it challenging to make Kegel exercises a habit, or those who would just like to achieve the results in a shorter timeframe. Scientific research shows that 95% of treated patients with urinary incontinence have reported significant improvement in their quality of life after a course of EMSELLA chair treatments. A stronger pelvic floor has a multitude of positive implications, including helping facilitate stronger orgasms. This is achieved through increased blood flow and intensity of contractions. At Dr Phoebe Hong – Obstetric and Gynaecology, we offer EMSELLA Chair treatments to help you train and improve your pelvic floor. Located in the heart of Cairns, contact us to find out if it’s right for you. P 07 4230 0030 E phoebehong@drphoebehong.com.au
www.pakmag.com.au | December 2021 41
All Things Tweens and Teens
All Things Tweens & Teens Inspiration Corner
WIN a Rubik’s Puzzle Pack
STORY Bec Dent I know it can be hard to see how amazing you are, when you are told you aren’t. I know how easy it can be for your sparkle to be dulled, by someone who can’t handle how brightly you shine. I know you can be told a million times how much you are loved, how talented you are and how many amazing qualities you have, but your self-confidence can be shattered by one person, who barely knows you. I know… because I have been there. And I can tell you from experience, I wish I listened to the voices of those that knew me best, that saw my worth, over the one person who didn’t. But most importantly, I wish I saw my own value, so their opinion didn’t matter in the first place. But I have since learned, and you can too. Paraphrasing Anaïs Nin, “people see the world, not as it is, but as they are”. It doesn’t make what they say okay, you don’t deserve the negativity directed at you at all, but it definitely says more about how they feel about themselves, than how they feel about you. It also helps you to remember not to buy into or believe what they are saying. But most importantly I want you to remember: you don’t need anyone’s approval to be happy or worthy. You just need to give yourself approval. It’s your opinion of yourself that matters. That’s your self-esteem. How do you see yourself? How do you feel about yourself? The most important relationship you will have in life - is with yourself. You truly need to understand your own value and unconditional lovability. That’s right… UNCONDITIONAL – you don’t need to ‘do’ or ‘be’ anything to be worthy of love and to feel valuable that is every human’s right. You are loveable and worthy, just as you are.
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$44.98 For kids who love a tactile and mental challenge, the Rubik’s Race Metallic Edition and the Rubik’s Perplexus are ideal. The Rubik’s Perplexus unites two mindchallenging puzzles in one, and helps build problem-solving skills through challenging and engaging gameplay. The perfect size for onthe-go fun, both are available at all major retailers nationally. Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!
Holiday Fun
Summer Reading the Kids Will Love The extended school holidays over the summer provide loads of time for activities, but as we all know, living in the tropics can also mean some time indoors with wet season affecting outdoor plans. There’s never a reason to be bored with these amazing books to keep kids entertained and their brains stimulated.
Beach Buddies: A Colouring Book by Kangaroo Beach - RRP $5.99 A 64-page colouringin book featuring your favourite characters, with scenes and adventures from Kangaroo Beach. Providing hours of colouring fun for fans of the show, and everyone who loves the beach and the sea.
For the Younger Children Check out the Kangaroo Beach Series The animated preschool, action-comedy TV show you can watch on ABC Kids and ABC iview - has an incredible series of books that explores the familiar world of water play - on the beach, in the sea, in swimming pools, rivers, and rock pools - with an essential message about water safety in every story. Wannabe-hero joey Pounce, creative koala Frizzy, sports-phobic wombat Neville, and mini-marine biologist platypus Gemma are never far from fun or danger. But under the guidance of grown-up lifeguards Bondi, Sandy and Big Trev, the cadets are on their way to becoming pint-sized heroes of sun, sea and sand.
Kangaroo Beach: Brave in the Waves - RRP $14.99 - Bondi is teaching the cadets how to dive under big waves. Everyone is nervous, especially Pounce. So he pretends he knows exactly what to do already.
Kangaroo Beach: Frizzy's Treasure Hunt RRP $ 14.99 - Frizzy and the other cadets are learning how to be diving buddies. But Frizzy is also looking for King Neptune's Trident. Is it buried in the sand? Or maybe it's under the sea?
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Fun in the Sun: A sticker activity book by Kangaroo Beach - RRP $5.99 - A 16page sticker activity book with fun and games from Kangaroo Beach. There are stickers to stick, objects to rescue, recipes, and so much more. Hours of fun for fans of the show, and everyone who loves fun in the sun.
Head to www.pakmag.com.au/WIN to enter for your chance to WIN a Kangaroo Beach Prize Pack from Pan Macmillan featuring all four books listed – valued at $41.96
For Children Starting to Read Independently (And Adults Because These Books are so Fun!) The 143-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton - The 143-Storey Treehouse is the 11th book in the number one bestselling Treehouse series. It is
teacher, librarian, parent and kid-approved. These books are imagination and reading confidence-builders with guaranteed laughs. If they don’t love reading now, they will after giving these nuggets of literary gold a whirl! What’s the latest book about? Andy and Terry's treehouse now has 13 new storeys, including a word-o-matic (it knows every word in the whole world!); a recycling depot; a wrecking ball; a complaining room; a spooky graveyard (where it's always midnight, even in the middle of the day); a toffee apple orchard guarded by a kind scarecrow; and a camping ground where you can have a nice, relaxing camping holiday-unless you get caught by hobyahs, put in a bag and poked with a stick, that is... Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up!
Visit www.pakmag.com.au/WIN to enter for your chance to WIN a Copy of The 143Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton RRP $14.99
All-Ages Guinness World Records 2022 - Since 1955, every child (and adult) has enjoyed picking up a copy of Guinness World Records and marvelling at the incredible feats therein. Global pandemics and lockdowns haven't stopped record breakers from achieving spectacular things over the last year: in fact, they have even given many the chance to focus on their ambitions and attain goals beyond their expectations! The kids will be trying to break some records before you know it. That’s one way to keep them busy these school holidays.
Visit www.pakmag.com.au/WIN to enter for your chance to WIN a Copy of Guinness World Records 2022 - RRP $44.99
School Holiday Guide
School Holiday Guide Cairns Art Gallery The Cairns Art Gallery is running school holiday workshops with local Cairns artists. Workshops will run 13 - 17 December and cater to children aged 5 - 14. The schedule includes ‘Imperfect Portraiture’, and ‘Still Life In Watercolour’ with Amber Grossman, ‘Decorative Sun Catcher’ and ‘Woven Wire Earrings’ with Hirani Kydd, and ‘Digital Drawing’ with Beth Cheong. Check online for times, class descriptions, and sign up to get reduced member rates. Stay tuned for January workshops running 10 - 18 January. P 0740464800 E info@cairnsartgallery.com.au Cairns Art Gallery www.cairnsartgallery.com.au
Cairns Aquarium The adventure begins at Cairns Aquarium. As the only aquarium in the world exclusively dedicated to the habitats and species of Tropical North Queensland, visiting is a great way to keep the kids learning during these school holidays in the funnest way possible. Catch Santa Scuba diving from Dec 18 - 24, 11.45am - 12.15pm daily. The best part? Locals receive a 20% discount. Cost: $29.00 child admission, $44.00 adult admission and $132.00 family admission (2A + 2C). Annual passes available from $93.00. A 5 Florence St, Cairns City P 4044 7300 Cairns Aquarium www.cairnsaquarium.com.au
Meet Santa at Cairns Central Say Hi! to Santa and his special helpers at Cairns Central this Christmas. He’ll be there waiting to meet all kids big and small right up until Christmas Eve. Visit the website for more details and to book (required). And don’t forget, Cairns Central has everything to keep the kids entertained, including the latest releases at Event Cinemas and iPlay for endless fun. A 1-21 McLeod St, Cairns P 4041 4111 Cairns Central www.cairnscentral.com.au
Cairns Indoor Sports Head on down to Cairns Indoor Sports for an exciting game of cricket, netball, soccer, beach volleyball or dodgeball. It’s the perfect way to revisit an old sport you
loved or get into a new one, get your body moving and have fun. Bring your friends along and form a team or make new friends along the way. It’s always game on no matter the weather! A 164 Mayers St, Manunda P 4032 2844 Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.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
Childs World Early Learning Centre Childs 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 E info@childsworld.com.au www.childsworld.com.au
Cazalys Kids and Family Fun With Santa Santa will be at Cazalys this year, making it a dream for kids and parents. On 2, 9, and 16 December from 4.30pm - 6.30pm Santa will be making a FREE appearance and making sure everyone’s got time for photos and food. Cazalys also has a kids play centre for little ones to play in once Santa has gone. A 344 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt P 4054 1464 Cazalys Cairns www.cazalys.com.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 | December 2021 49
School Holiday Guide
Christmas at DFO Cairns
Little Pearls Swim School
Prepare for Christmas at DFO with a variety of fun workshops and activities! Santa will be at DFO from 4 December until Christmas Eve, with gold coin gift wrapping from the 13th in support of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation. You’ll also be able to keep the littlest entertained with Christmas Craft 11 - 19 December creating cards, games, decorations, and more. Visit their website or Facebook page for more information.
At Little Pearls your child can receive ongoing swimming and water safety lessons, from just a few months old, all year round. Facilities include an indoor heated pool, change tables, hot showers, a small play space and more. Your child’s first lesson will also be free! Visit the website for more information.
A DFO, 274 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt P 4051 7444 DFO Cairns www.dfocairns.com.au
A 1 Cumberland Avenue, Smithfield P 4038 1241 E info@littlepearlsswimschool.com.au Little Pearls Swim School www.littlepearlsswimschool.com.au
Christmas at Mount Sheridan Plaza
King Reef Resort If you’re looking to revitalise in paradise, gather the family and head to the gorgeous King Reef Resort at Kurrimine Beach. Explore all day, swim in the tranquil ocean or pool, build sandcastles on the beach and return to relax with a gorgeous sunset view from your beachfront shack. You can also hire a family pedal bike, go fishing, and more – the possibilities are endless.
Kids will love the exciting Interactive Santa Photo Experience at Mount Sheridan Plaza. Running daily 9.00am - 2.00pm through to Christmas Eve, there will be multiple 30 minute sessions daily. Various photo packages will be available so check online for more info on costs and session times. A Mount Sheridan Plaza, 106 Barnard Dr P 4036 3150 E admin@mtsheridanplaza.com.au Mt Sheridan Plaza mtsheridanplaza.com.au
A 75 Jacobs Rd, Kurrimine Beach P 4065 6144 King Reef Resort www.kingreef.com.au
Christmas at Smithfield Shopping Centre
Kumon Maths and English
A Cnr Captain Cook and Kennedy Highway, Smithfield P 4281 3800 Smithfield Shopping Centre www.smithfieldcentre.com.au
Celebrate Christmas at Smithfield with Santa! Sensitive Santa will also be there to make sure everyone can get a snap in, as well as Pet Photography for your favourite furry friend.
Kumon’s Maths and English programs build students’ abilities step-by-step, at the students’ own pace. This means those who missed essential concepts in class can go back and catch-up and those who are ready, are free to tackle advanced content. If your child needs a bit of extra help after school, or if they need a challenge, then Kumon is right for them. Classes run Monday and Thursday, 3:00pm – 6:00pm (Cairns North), 2:45pm – 7:00pm (Raintrees). Now enrolling for 2022. P 0414 957 844 Cairns North E instructor@kumoncairnsnorth.com P 0409 903 105 Raintrees E kumonraintrees@gmail.com Kumon Cairns North Education Centre www.kumoneducation.com.au
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Tobruk Memorial Pool Keep cool these school holidays and put your board riding skills to test on the Tobruk Flow Rider, 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. A 370 Sheridan St, Cairns North P 4051 2604 E tobruk@belgravialeisure.com.au Tobruk Memorial Pool www.tobrukmemorialpool.com.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.
School Holiday Guide
The CaPTA Group Annual Pass Enjoy 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% off. Cost: $325.00 for a family, $130.00 for an Adult, $65.00 for a child. Visit the website for terms and conditions. P 4035 3555 www.capta.com.au
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offers great family fun activities for everyone to enjoy. They are open from 8.30am to 5.00pm daily, with presentations starting from 9.00am. These include the Crocodile Farm Tour, amazing Crocodile Attack Show and Snake Show. The ‘Slither and Slides’ Adventure playground is also now 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. A Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – Captain Cook Hwy, Wangetti P 4055 3576 E reservations@crocodileadventures.com Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures www.crocodileadventures.com
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Be surrounded by 1500 colourful butterflies, 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% off with code BUTTERFLYLOCAL. Open daily from 9.30am - 3.30pm. P 4093 7575 A 8 Rob Veivers Dr, Kuranda QLD 4881 Australian Butterfly Sanctuary www.australianbutterflies.com
Rainforestation Nature Park Explore the rainforest on the Army Duck Rainforest tour on both land and water and view iconic Aussie animals up close in The Koala and Wildlife Park. You can also book into their 90 minute Pamagirri Mini Mob experience and learn to play (and paint) your own didgeridoo, go on a Rainforest Walkabout with a guide and master the boomerang. Open every day from 9.00am - 3.00pm excluding Wednesdays and Christmas Day. Locals receive 20% off with the code RFSLCOAL A 1030 Kennedy Hwy, Kuranda QLD 4881 P 4085 5008 Rainforestation www.rainforest.com.au
Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome Enjoy the ultimate experience of a high ropes course and wildlife park combined! Enjoy a challenging high ropes adventure on the Mid and Hi-ZOOM courses. Are you brave enough to finish off the course with a zipline ride over a giant crocodile? Enjoy 360 degree views of Cairns on the Dome Climb and an adrenaline rush on the 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% off with the code ZOOMLOCAL. They also run an amazing Keepers In Training program. See website for details. A The Reef Hotel Casino, 35-41 Wharf Street, Cairns City P 40317250 Cairns ZOOM www.cairnszoom.com.au
Little Lifesavers School Holiday Program Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Little Lifesavers program, supported by Kumon, is a fun way for kids to learn about water safety, all while keeping them entertained these school holidays. Children will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of water activities, beach games and rescue techniques in flat water, giving them the confidence to take their skills to the beach. The program caters for children 5 to 11 years old. When: Monday 13 - Tuesday 14 December, 8.00am - 12.00pm Where: Cairns Lagoon Cost: $150.00 - $175.00 www.lifesaving.com.au
Inflatable Kingdom Experience 2 hours of action-packed fun on TEN massive jumping castles, inflatable obstacle courses and games. 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% OFF entry price. Don’t forget your socks! A 164 Mayers St, Manunda P 4032 2844 Inflatable Kingdom www.inflatablekingdom.com.au
Wildlife Habitat Animal crazy? 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. Cost: $19.00 (child general admission) $170.00 (Private tour). Open daily from 8.00am – 4.00pm excluding Christmas Day. Locals enjoy a 20% 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
Sugarworld Adventure Park Sugarworld Adventure Park is a splashing good time for everyone involved. Offering a range of entertaining activities for the whole family to enjoy including Splash Town - the ultimate little kids water zone, 3 Super Slides - The Tandem Tube, Superjet and Mat Racer, Putt Putt Island with a 9-hole mini-golf course and swimming pools. Open 10.00am - 4.30pm everyday* during the summer school holiday period - Saturday 11 December - Sunday 23 January. *Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Open until 2.00pm on Christmas Eve. P 4055 5477 www.sugarworldwaterpark.com.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 | December 2021 53
School Holiday Guide
Laserfun
UMA Australia
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.
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. Classes cater for children as young as four years old, providing them with life-long skills in a family-friendly environment while also improving health and wellbeing.
A T1, DFO Shopping Centre, 274 Mulgrave Rd P 4031 9865 E bookings@laserfun.com.au Laserfun Cairns www.laserfun.com.au
A 1/21 Donaldson St, Manunda P Master Barry Hampton 0414 782 189 E ckdadmin@bigpond.com Universal Martial Art Cairns Australia www.umacairns.com
Lake Tinaroo
The Young Company Theatre
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. The family will never get bored! Cost: From $30.00 (unpowered camping).
These holidays The Young Company Theatre will be running special 4 day summer programs throughout December and January. Programs run from 9.00am 3.00pm and are suitable for children aged 5 - 12. Cost: $290, $260 early bird (7 days prior to start date), $250 sibling discount.
A 4-28 Tinaroo Falls Dam Road, Tinaroo P 4095 8232 E bookings@lthp.com.au Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park www.laketinarooholidaypark.com
Cairns Wake Park Kids Club kneeboarding and wakeboarding sessions are specifically designed to be an easy learning environment for younger kids. The Cairns Aqua Park is located at the Wake Park and is a fully supervised water park great for kids parties, families, friends, and the perfect thing to do when you are on holidays. Minimum age 6 years old. Open 10.00am - 4.00pm every day during school holidays except Christmas Day and open 11.00am - 4.00pm Public Holidays. A Skyrail Drive, Lot 5, Captain Cook Highway P 0740 381 304 E info@cairnswakepark.com.au Cairns Wake Park www.cairnswakepark.com
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Return of the Guardians - Quest to Save Sandman: 7 – 10 December. Celebrate the end of 2021 by joining the chosen Immortals and save Sandman from Pitch Black. Christmas with the Croods – A Caveman’s Guide to the Holidays: 14 – 17 December. Join The Croods family as they discover the biggest celebration of the year for the first time. A 169 Bunda St, Cairns City P 07 4041 4066 www.theyoungcompany.com.au
Abacus By Wallis Programming Class Abacus By Wallis are running School Holiday Programming Classes and Courses using Minecraft®︎ and Makecode®︎, which are very popular with elementary school students, and designed to stimulate children’s intellectual curiosity and naturally develop their creativity and logical thinking. Sign up for a 40 minute trial class on December 7, 9, 11, 14, 16 or 18 at 10.10am for only $15.00 per child, per session. School Holiday Courses run on January 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20 and 22 at 10.10am. Each session runs for 50 minutes. Cost: three classes (one per week) - $110.00 + GST, six classes (two per week) - $180.00 + GST A Shop 8, 116 Hoare St, Manunda P 0437 600 229 www.abacusbywallis.com/programming
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.
Daddy Diary
Daddy Diary My favourite doctor once wrote a line I adore, and apologies to our family GP, but no Dr Ben, it wasn’t you. The doc I refer to is the good Dr Seuss. The line is as follows: ‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.’ And whilst I have absolutely no idea if it is true or not, it is a beautiful sentiment. It’s also a nice way to highlight a passion I have recently rediscovered - reading. When I was a kid, I read all the time. Welsh author Roald Dahl was my absolute favourite. Reading his tales of cheeky children outwitting foolish adults always felt like a wicked pastime. His stories always seemed a bit naughty and felt like something I wasn’t actually supposed to be reading. Both mine and my wife’s love for his books are why our two kids are named Matilda
Head to Parents and Kids of North Queensland YouTube Channel to see Bree’s up close interview with Cliffo.
and Charlie (two of his more likable characters). When I was a kid, I could read his books well into the night. But then I got older… and I stopped. Really cracking into my career in my 20s then having kids in my 30s was my focus. It just seemed like I didn’t have time. A little platform called Facebook also happened to be invented during this time, and stuff like that just seemed to fill the gap that books one did. But all that online rubbish is just like junk food; it gives you a quick hit of what you think you need at the time, but 30 minutes later you feel like crap. Books don’t do that. Books are like vegetables. They are less sexy in the moment but they really are better for you in the long run. Last Christmas I picked up a Jane Harper Novel called “The Dry”. I didn’t put it down. Talk about a page turner. I loved it so much I immediately read her other three published novels. And I haven’t stopped. This year amazing authors like Dan Brown, Thomas Harris, James Patterson and Liane Moriarty have filled the hole Mark Zuckerberg once did. I have actually gone as far as deleting the Facebook app off my phone. And I have never felt better. Cheers to books for doing that. You have done wonders for my mental health. And remember, in the words of the good Dr Seuss; “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child”. Just another thing you can’t do with Facebook. Cliffo Hit 103.5
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Entertainment
Check it Out Moving Picture Night - Farmageddon (a Shaun the Sheep movie)
The
When: 4 December, 6.00pm | FREE | G Family event Where: Coastwatcher Park, Trinity Park More info: www.cairns.qld.gov.au
PakMag’s Christmas Party and HIT 103.5’s Cavalcade of Lights
Moving Picture Nights are free, open-air, family film nights hosted throughout the Cairns region, from Mirriwinni and Aloomba, to Gordonvale and the Northern Beaches. Bring a picnic, snacks, family and friends, and enjoy a movie under the stars. The evening begins with music at 6.00pm, followed by a family friendly film at 7.00pm.
When: Friday, 10 December | Gates: 4.00pm, PakMag Christmas Party: 5.00pm - 6.00pm, Cavalcade will commence at 6.30pm | FREE entry | G - All ages welcome Where: Cairns Showgrounds More info: PakMag Cairns, Hit Far North Queensland, www.hit.com.au HIT 103.5’s Cavalcade of Lights is one of Cairns greatest Christmas traditions, travel North or South to see the best Christmas lights in Cairns in a fun convoy. Come on down to the Cairns Showgrounds, find your park, grab some dinner from some of the scrumptious food vans and enjoy the PakMag Christmas Party as we join with our friends at HIT 103.5 to celebrate the season with you! There’ll be a visit from Santa and friends, singing and dancing and loads of family fun. Don’t miss it!
The Gimuy Fish Festival
Cazalys Toy Drive
When: Sunday, 5 December, 10.00am - 4.00pm | FREE entry | G All ages welcome Where: Fogarty Park, Cairns Esplanade More info: www.gimuyfishfestival.com Gimuy Fish Festival
Cazalys Toy Drive is back in 2021, with Triple M’s Elliott’s Ultimate Christmas Breakfast Show to be broadcasted LIVE from Cazalys on Friday December 17 from 6.00am - 10.00am. Santa will arrive by Helicopter at 9.00am for photos with the kids and there'll also be a heap of Christmas giveaways as we support the Salvation Army to provide toys to families in need.
The Gimuy Fish Festival celebrates culture, community and culinary delights. Believing we all play a part in ensuring the environment we live in is strong and resilient, the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Tribal Authority of Cairns, invites everyone who loves this region to unite on issues of sustainability, indigenous biocultural diversity and natural wealth. Enjoy the Gimuy Cook-off, Yidinji dancers, local bands, stalls and kids activities. You can also create your own sea creature from recyclable materials in a workshop for families on the day.
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Locations to drop off toys are Cazalys, Souths and Trinity Beach Sports Clubs from December 1.
New Years Eve Fireworks When: 31 December Where: Cairns Esplanade, Walker Road Edmonton and Palm Cove Jetty More info: www.cairns.qld.gov.au Ring in 2022 with a bang! A massive carnival event each New Year’s Eve sees a diverse crowd gather along the Esplanade in Cairns to celebrate the start of another year. This year’s festivities will offer an alcohol-free event that is fun and festive, making it a truly family-friendly affair. As always, there will be two fireworks displays to make sure no-one misses out - 8.30pm and midnight. There will also be family friendly fireworks held at Walker Road Edmonton and Palm Cove Jetty at 8.30pm.
Stable on the Strand at Riverway When: 18 - 22 December Where: Riverway, Townsville More info: www.stableonthestrand.com.au Stable on the Strand has been an annual Townsville event for 20 years and this year it’s going to be better than ever. All the fun, the wonder and the joy of Christmas will be in a new location at Riverway! Stable at Riverway brings loads of free live entertainment, activities for kids of all ages, and all the sights and sounds of the re-creation of the Christmas story for five nights in December.
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 to encourage children to keep reading through the summer! The Summer Reading Club inspires opportunities to keep your kids engaged all summer long by reading, playing, exploring and discovering. Join the Club and join the challenge - participate in 40 challenges, share book reviews, artwork and comment on other club member posts. Running throughout December and January at www.summerreadingclub.slq.qld.gov.au
New Years Eve in Port Douglas When: 31 December, from 5.30pm. Fireworks at 8.00pm and Midnight | FREE | G - Family event Where: Dixie Inlet, Port Douglas More info: www.douglas.qld.gov.au Dixie inlet in Port Douglas will be the place to welcome 2022 in with a BANG! There’ll be two huge fireworks displays at the family friendly time of 8.00pm and then the traditional Midnight show. The family fun starts from 5.30pm with Ace DJ dropping the tunes at the UV GLOW Kids Disco up until the 8.00pm fireworks. There’ll be free face painting and prizes. Dress up in your fluro best and get into the glowing light show. A fun way to start 2022.
What’s On WEDNESDAY 1 DECEMBER Interactive Santa Photo Experience Runs until 24 December Mount Sheridan Plaza 10.00am - 2.00pm / G www.mtsheridanplaza.com.au Christmas Lights Around Cairns FREE / G Christmas Lights Around Cairns HO HO HO... Here comes Santa Runs until 24 December Cairns Central 8:30am - 6:00pm / Bookings essential www.cairnscentral.com.au Letters to Santa Runs until 24 December Cairns Central Download the Letter to Santa online, fill it in, and drop the letter in Santa’s letterbox. www.cairnscentral.com.au Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation Christmas Stocking Runs until 24 December Buy Tickets from various stores in Cairns Central www.cairnscentral.com.au Santa Has Arrived! Santa, Sensitive Santa, and Pet Photography will be available. Runs until 24 December Smithfield Shopping Centre Times and costs to be confirmed, check online for updates. www.smithfieldcentre.com.au
With HIT 103.5’s Cliffo & Gabi
Santa Is Here! Runs until 24 December Stockland Cairns, Earlville Check online for times and costs www.stockland.com.au Christmas Toy Drive Give hope to a child this Christmas by donating a gift. Drop off before 17 December Cazalys Reception www.cazalys.com.au Scottish Country Dancing Runs weekly St Joseph Church Hall, Atherton 5.30pm / $5.00 / G Atherton Tableland Caledonian Society Inc BreastScreen Mobile visit to Gordonvale Runs until 6 December Alley Park Sporting Precinct 8.00am - 12.00pm / FREE, Booking required / Women 40 years + P 13 20 50 www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au Brian Cassey: A Photographer’s Life An exhibition from the archives of Cairns-based photographer Brian Cassey The Court House Gallery 10.00am - 4.00pm / FREE The Court House Active Living Fitness for All Runs weekly until 15 December Harald Falge Park 5.00pm - 6.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Active Living Aqua Zumba Runs weekly until 15 December
Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.
Esplanade Lagoon 5.30pm - 6.30pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Active Living Skate Class Runs weekly until 15 December Todd Park, Edmonton 4.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program THURSDAY 2 DECEMBER YEP Cairns and CYC Coffee Morning First Thursday of every month Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre / Guyala Cafe 7.30am - 9.30am / FREE / G YEP Entrepreneurship Facilitators Cairns Scottish Country Dancing Runs on the first and third Thursday of the Month Spanish Club, Mareeba 7.00pm / $5.00 / G Atherton Tableland Caledonian Society Inc Youth Theatre with Sarah Riber Runs weekly during school term. Atherton Performing Arts 4.00pm - 5.00pm / $5.00 per session, $35.00 year membership / 9 - 17 years Atherton Performing Arts Santa at Cazalys Also runs 9 and 16 December Cazalys 4.30pm - 6.30pm / FREE / G www.cazalys.com.au
Strong Families Mooroobool Hub 4.00pm - 5.00pm / FREE / G www.cairnssaferstreets.com.au Active Living Pilates Runs weekly until 16 December Fogarty Park, The Esplanade 6.30pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Active Living Fitness for All Runs weekly until 16 December Sims Esplanade, Yorkeys Knob 5.00pm - 6.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Active Living Zumba Runs weekly until 16 December Norman Park, Gordonvale 5.30pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Active Living Skate Class Runs weekly until 16 December Coastwatcher Park, Trinity Beach 4.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program The Wolfe Brothers Edge Hill Tavern 8.00pm / $34.70 / 18 + tickets.oztix.com.au Twilight at Limberlost Limberlost Nursery, Freshwater 5.30pm - 7.30pm / FREE / G Limberlost Nursery FRIDAY 3 DECEMBER
Youth Yarns Mooroobool Hub 7.00pm - 8.00pm / FREE / 12 - 25 years www.cairnssaferstreets.com.au
Guided tour of the Gardens Runs every Friday and Monday Friends House within Flecker Gardens 10.00am / FREE / G www.cairns.qld.gov.au
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What’s On FRIDAY 3 DECEMBER Active Living Fitness for All Runs weekly until 17 December Northern Beachfront, Vasey Esplanade, Trinity Beach 9.00am - 10.00am / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Active Living Fitness for All Runs weekly until 17 December Ravizza Park, Edmonton 9.30am / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Nikolaus (for the kids) German Club Cairns 4.00pm / Please see facebook event page for details German Club Cairns Schneefest A festival celebrating SNOW. Oompah Band. German Club Cairns 4.00pm / FREE Entry / G German Club Cairns SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER Moving Picture Night Screenings Coastwatcher Park, Trinity Beach 6.00pm / FREE / G Family friendly www.cairns.qld.gov.au Santa Photos Runs until 24 December DFO Cairns Check online for photo sessions and costs www.dfocairns.com.au Turning Pointe Dance Studios Presents The Golden Ticket CPAC 10.30am and 7.30pm / $35.00 $45.00 / PG www.ticketlink.com.au
Cairns Potters Club Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair Cairns Potters Club 8.00am - 2.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Potters Club Holloways Beach Christmas Carols Family Christmas carols, amusements, face painting, entertainment and food stalls. Syd and Jane Granville Memorial Park 5.00pm - 9.00pm / FREE / G Family Event www.cairns.qld.gov.au Summer Swing and Cool Jazz With the Queensland Youth Orchestra Big Band. Bulmba-ja Theatre 7.00pm - 9.00pm / FREE Bulmba-ja Arts Centre www.cairns.qld.gov.au Christmas Movie Night in Redlynch Valley Xavier Herbert Recreational Park 4.00pm - 8.30pm / FREE Entry / G - Family Event www.cairns.qld.gov.au Sahaja Meditation Runs weekly until 18 December Esplanade Western Events Lawn 7.30am - 8.30am / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Active Living Aqua Aerobics Runs weekly until 18 December Cairns Esplanade Lagoon 9.00am - 10.00am / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Day Markets Cairns Night Markets 9.30am / FREE Entry / G Night Markets
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SUNDAY 5 DECEMBER
MONDAY 6 DECEMBER
Gimuy Fish Festival A celebration of culture, community, and culinary delights. Fogarty Park, The Esplanade 10.00am - 5.00pm / FREE / G - All ages www.gimuyfishfestival.com
Yoga with Smile Yoga Runs every Monday until 27 December Stan Moses Hall 5.30pm - 6.30pm / $15.00 / G www.smileyoga.com.au
Handel’s Messiah A Christmas Celebration CPAC 2.00pm - 4.30pm / $24.00 $29.00 / PG www.ticketlink.com.au Traditional Carols Church Of St David, Mossman 5.00pm / FREE / G www.douglas.qld.gov.au Summer Splash The Big Splash Pools In Paradise, Smithfield 4.00pm - 8.00pm / $50.00 $70.00 / 18 + events.humanitix.com, Next Level Cairns Tropical Tree Day 2021 A communal planting of 1000 native trees. Lucky door prizes as well as a complimentary sausage sizzle, face painting, and drinking water supplied. Disney Street Reserve White Rock 8.00am - 10.00am / FREE / G Family event Skyrail Rainforest Cableway , Pacific Toyota Kids Eat Free at Brothers Leagues Club Sundays. Enjoy one kid’s meal free for every adult member present! Brothers Leagues Club Cairns Lunch: 11.30am – 2.00pm, Dinner: 5.30pm – 9.00pm / FREE / G www.brotherscairns.com.au
Laughing Heart Stand Up Comedy Runs every Monday night Paramour Cabaret Theatre 7.00pm - 9.00pm / $8.00 / MA 15 + Laughing Heart Comedy Active Living Zumba Runs every Monday until 13 December Loridan Drive Park, Brinsmead 5.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Bouldering Runs weekly until 13 December Bouldering Park Cairns Esplanade 5.00pm - 6.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Feed the Family for $50.00 2 X Adult Buffet and 2 x Child Buffet every Monday and Tuesday Night Brothers Leagues Club Cairns From 5.30pm / $50.00 / G www.brotherscairns.com.au TUESDAY 7 DECEMBER Story Dogs When children read to a dog, the outcomes are amazing. Manunda Library 3.30pm - 4.30pm / FREE / G - 5 years + www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library Abacus By Wallis Programming Trial Classes Runs December 7, 9, 11, 14, 16 and 18
Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.
10.10am / $15.00 per child, per session. www.abacusbywallis.com/ programming Active LIving Beach Volleyball Runs weekly until 14 December Esplanade Beach Volleyball Courts 5.30pm - 6.30pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Active Living Zumba Runs weekly until 14 December Fogarty Park, The Esplanade 5.30pm - 6.30pm / FREE / G Cairns Active Living Program Older Persons’ Morning Tea Hambledon House 10.30am - 12.00pm / FREE / RSVP required P 4037 2874 The Young Company Theatre - Summer Program 1, Return of the Guardians: Quest to Save Sandman Runs until 10 December The Young Company Theatre 9.00am - 3.00pm / $250.00 $290.00 / 5 - 12 years www.theyoungcompany.com.au
www.douglas.qld.gov.au Salsa Classes followed by LIVE Latin Music with Candela Salsa Classes - 5.30pm and 6.30pm, Music - 7.30pm Elixir Music Bar from 5.30pm / See Facebook Page for details Elixir Music Bar THURSDAY 9 DECEMBER Storytime Runs weekly on Thursdays Petals and Pinecones 11.00am - 12.00pm / FREE / Ages 3 - 5 Petals & Pinecones FRIDAY 10 DECEMBER HIT 103.5’s Cavalcade of Lights Gates: 4.00pm, PakMag Christmas Show 5.00pm, Cavalcade to start approx. 6.30pm Cairns Showgrounds FREE Entry / G Hit Far North Queensland , www.hit.com.au
WEDNESDAY 8 DECEMBER
PakMag’s Christmas Party Cairns Showgrounds 5.00pm - 6.00pm / FREE Entry / G PakMag Cairns
Move & Groove with First 5 Forever Cairns City Library 4.00pm - 4.45pm / FREE / G suitable for children 5 years and under www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library
CBWC Presents: A White Christmas with Christian Hull Pullman Cairns International 11.00am – 2.00pm / $79.00 (members), $99.00 (non-members) / 18 + www.cbwc.org.au/events
Mossman Christmas Night Markets Art and craft stalls selling an array of locally handcrafted gifts and food vans with a range of delicacies. Under the Raintrees 5.00pm / FREE / G
Mel Buttle & Friends The Clink Theatre, Port Douglas 7.00pm - 9.00pm / $30.00 $35.00 / M www.goodchatcomedy.com Dancescapes The June Vale Dancers presents
Christmas in Candyland Runs until 11 December CPAC 7.00pm (Friday and Saturday), 1.00pm (Saturday) / $40.00 $49.10 / PG www.ticketlink.com.au Freshwater Festival - Christmas Event Freshwater Tennis Club 5.00pm - 10.00pm / FREE entry / G - Family Event Freshwater Tennis Club SATURDAY 11 DECEMBER Resin Art Workshop 2 sessions remaining Artview Gallery 9.00am - 11.00am, 1.00pm 3.00pm / $155.00 / 18 + www.rachelrwrightart.com/cairns Mel Buttle & Friends Atherton International Club 7.30pm - 9.30pm / $30.00 $35.00 / M www.goodchatcomedy.com Huge Christmas Sale Cairns Men’s Shed 8.00am - 12.00pm / FREE / G Cairns Men’s Shed Festive Paw-Traits Runs until 12 December DFO Cairns Check online for session times and to book. www.dfocairns.com.au Taipans vs Tasmania Jackjumpers Cairns Convention Centre 7.00pm / $25.00 - $71.00 / G www.taipans.com Super Saturday Vaccination Clinic Mossman Multi-Purpose Health Centre
8.30am - 3.30pm / FREE / 12 + Walk-in, register and book online, or phone 1800 861 863 for an appointment. www.vaccinebookings. health.qld.gov.au” Christmas Kids Craft These crafts are made for little hands, so they’re easy to create. Runs until 19 December DFO Cairns 10.00am - 1.00pm / FREE / G DFO Cairns Ecstatic Dance Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre (BGVC) Multipurpose Room 7.00pm / $30.00 / 18 + Ecstatic Dance Cairns SUNDAY 12 DECEMBER Mel Buttle & Friends LIVE in Cairns! Paramour Cabaret Theatre 7.00pm - 8.30pm / $30.00 $35.00 / M www.goodchatcomedy.com Mount Sheridan Plaza Christmas Community Markets FREE family fun and entertainment, also runs 19 December Mount Sheridan Plaza 9.00am - 3.00pm / FREE Entry / G www.mtsheridanplaza.com.au/ markets MONDAY 13 DECEMBER Whodunnit?? Augmented Reality Crime Scene Using your super-sleuthing skills, use the QPM Forensics AR App to collect clues at City library and conduct your own investigation to discover whodunnit? Cairns City Library 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE / 12 years + www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library
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What’s On MONDAY 13 DECEMBER School Holiday Workshop Imperfect Portraiture with Amber Grossmann Cairns Art Gallery 10.00am - 11.30am / From $18.00 / 5 - 9 years, 1.00pm - 3.00pm / From $21.00 / 9 - 13 years www.cairnsartgallery.com.au Gift Wrapping in Support of Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation Have your gifts beautifully wrapped for a gold coin donation! Runs until 24 December DFO Cairns 10.00am - 4.00pm DFO Cairns Little Lifesavers: 2 Day Program Runs until 14 December Cairns Lagoon 8.00am - 12.00pm / $150.00 $175.00 / 5 - 11 years littlelifesavers@lifesaving.com.au, www.lifesaving.com.au TUESDAY 14 DECEMBER The Young Company Theatre Summer Program 2, Christmas with the Croods Runs until 17 December The Young Company Theatre 9.00am - 3.00pm / $250.00 $290.00 / 5 - 12 years www.theyoungcompany.com.au Cairns Carer Support Group Coast Roast Coffee Shop, Cairns Central 1.30pm - 3.30pm / FREE www.arafmi.com.au/event School Holiday Workshop Still Life In Watercolour with Amber Grossmann Cairns Art Gallery 10.00am - 11.30am / From $18.00 / 5 - 9 years, 1.00pm - 3.00pm / From $21.00 / 9 - 13 years www.cairnsartgallery.com.au Petals & Pinecones - Kids Christmas Craft Workshops Tuesday 14 December- Paper Wreaths, Wednesday 15 December - Decorate Your Own Gingerbread, Thursday 16 December - Decorate Your Own Christmas Card, Tuesday 21 December -Build Your Own Egg Carton Snowman, Wednesday 22 December - Build Your Own Mini Cookie House, Thursday
23 December - Make Your Own Christmas Pine Tree Petals & Pinecones, Atherton 10.00am - 11.00am / $10.00 $15.00 / G Petals & Pinecones Lego® Spy Mania Edmonton Library 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE / G www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library Whodunnit?? Augmented Reality Crime Scene Smithfield Library 2.00pm - 3.00pm / FREE / 12 years + www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library WEDNESDAY 15 DECEMBER School Holiday Workshop Decorative Sun Catcher with Hirani Kydd Cairns Art Gallery 10.00am - 11.30am / From $18.00 / 5 - 9 years, 1.00pm - 3.00pm / From $22.00 / 9 - 13 years www.cairnsartgallery.com.au Lego® Spy Mania Gordonvale and Stratford Libraries 10.00am / FREE / G www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library STEAM Explorer Stations Smithfield Library 10.00am - 12.00pm / FREE / 5 years + www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library THURSDAY 16 DECEMBER Move & Groove with First 5 Forever Earlville Library 4.00pm - 4.45pm / FREE / G suitable for children 5 years and under www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library Lego® Spy Mania Manunda Library 10.00am / FREE / G www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library FRIDAY 17 DECEMBER A Salute To Roy Orbison CPAC 7.30pm - 10.00pm / $49.90 $69.90 / PG www.ticketlink.com.au School Holiday Workshop Digital Drawing with Beth Cheong Cairns Art Gallery
Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.
With Triple M’s Elliott
10.00am - 12.00am / From $19.00 / 7 - 10 years, 1.00pm - 3.00pm / From $21.00 / 10 - 14 years www.cairnsartgallery.com.au Wish You Were Here Art Exhibition Crate 59 6.00pm - 9.00pm / $10.00 (artist fee) / G www.crate59.com Cairns Christmas Connection Event Cairns Esplanade Pool - BBQ Kookaburra Area 10.30am - 1.00pm / FREE / Event for carers, young people, children and families. www.create.org.au RSVP to 0421 068 254 Douglas Street Christmas Food stalls, market stalls, and entertainment Front Street, Mossman 6.00pm - 10.00pm / FREE / G www.douglas.qld.gov.au Lego® Spy Mania Earlville Library 10.00am / FREE / G www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library Film Club Cairns City Library 12.00pm - 2.00pm / FREE / Film Club is suitable for adults www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library SATURDAY 18 DECEMBER Stable On The Strand at Riverway Runs until 22 December Riverway, Townsville 6.00pm - 9.30pm / FREE / G - All ages www.stableonthestrand.com.au Taipans vs Adelaide 36ers Cairns Convention Centre 7.00pm / $25.00 - $71.00 / G www.taipans.com
Cotter’s Christmas Spectacular at The Port Douglas Markets! Market Park, Port Douglas 8.00am - 1.30pm / FREE / G www.douglas.qld.gov.au MONDAY 20 DECEMBER Beamafilm: Santa’s Castle City Library 11.00am / FREE / G www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library TUESDAY 21 DECEMBER Christmas Magic Show with The White Wizard Cazalys 5.00pm - 6.00pm / FREE / G, Register your interest at reception www.cazalys.com.au Lego® Spy Mania Babinda Library 10.00am / FREE / G www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library STEAM Explorer Stations Edmonton Library 10.00am - 4.00pm / FREE / 5 years + www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library WEDNESDAY 22 DECEMBER Conversation Corner This month’s topic is “Your family Christmas - songs, stories, food and traditions” Smithfield Library 10.30am - 11.30am / FREE / Adults, All - Ages www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library THURSDAY 23 DECEMBER Christmas Lights Run / Walk Purbeck Close, Edge Hill 6.45pm / FREE / G Cairns Dynamic Running SATURDAY 25 DECEMBER
Out on the Lawn: Steele Syndicate, Raconteurs and the Star Boys The Court House Gallery Lawn 6.00pm - 10.00pm / FREE / G The Court House
Christmas Day Lunch or Dinner Novotel Cairns Oasis Hotel 12.00pm - 3.00pm or 6.00pm 9.00pm / $95.00 - $209.00 or $65.00 - $125.00 / G Novotel Cairns Oasis Hotel
SUNDAY 19 DECEMBER
Christmas Lunch or Dinner Pullman Cairns International 12.00pm - 3.00pm or 6.00pm - 9.00pm / Various packages available www.pullmancairns international.com.au
Carols In Cairns Streaming Online, and at select cinemas 6.30pm / FREE / G www.cairns.qld.gov.au
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What’s On SATURDAY 25 DECEMBER Christmas Day Lunch Buffet Shangri-La The Marina 12.00pm - 3.00pm / $85.00 $190.00, Under 5 FREE / G www.shangri-la.com/en/cairns Christmas Day Buffet Lunch Red Beret Hotel 11.30am - 2.30pm / $30.00 $90.00, Under 4 FREE / G www.theredberet.com.au Christmas Day Beachside Buffet Trinity Beach Tavern Various times / $70.00 $140.00, Under 5’s FREE / G www.trinitybeachtavern.com.au FRIDAY 31 DECEMBER New Year’s Eve Event Crystalbrook Bailey CC’s Bar and Grill
Various seating times / $129.00 - $199.00 / 18 + www.crystalbrookcollection.com
best and get into the GLOWING
Starry Nights New Year’s Eve Soiree With artist Vivien Aisi Crystalbrook Flynn Whiskey & Wine 8.30pm - 12.30am / $179.00 / 18 + www.crystalbrookcollection.com
Dixie Inlet, Port Douglas
Fireworks! Cairns Esplanade 8.30pm and Midnight / FREE / G www.cairns.qld.gov.au NYE Fireworks Walker Road Edmonton, Palm Cove Jetty 8.30pm / FREE / G, Family Event www.cairns.qld.gov.au New Years Eve in Port Douglas UV GLOW Kids Disco up until the 8pm fireworks with free face painting and prizes. Dress up in your FLUORO
light show, get your New Years
5.30pm, Fireworks at 8.00pm
Taipans vs S.E.Melbourne Cairns Convention Centre 7.00pm / $25.00 - $71.00 / G www.taipans.com
and 12.00am / FREE / G
TUESDAY 11 JANUARY
off to a fun start.
www.douglas.qld.gov.au Taipans vs NZ Breakers Cairns Convention Centre 7.00pm / $25.00 - $71.00 / G www.taipans.com MONDAY 4 JANUARY The Young Company Theatre Summer Program 3, LET’S GO PIKACHU! Runs until 7 January 9.00am - 3.00pm / $250.00 -
Cairns Choral Society presents Monty Python’s SPAMALOT Runs until 29 January CPAC Theatre $56.50 - $61.50 / PG www.ticketlink.com.au
$290.00 / 5 - 12 years www.theyoungcompany.com.au
Holloways Beach Markets
Gordonvale Cottage 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
Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Holloways Beachfront
Date: 1st Saturday of the month February to December Time: 7.00am - 12 noon Location: Norman Park, Gordonvale
Palm Cove Markets
Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 9.00am - 3.00pm Location: Mount Sheridan Plaza
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
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 THURSDAY 14 JANUARY
Rusty's Markets
Date: 1st Sunday of the month April to November Time: 8.00am – 2.00pm Location: Williams Esplanade
Taipans vs Brisbane Bullets Cairns Convention Centre 7.00pm / $25.00 - $71.00 / G www.taipans.com
The Young Company Theatre
Regular Markets
Mount Sheridan Plaza Markets
SATURDAY 8 JANUARY
Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets
Time: 4.30pm - 10.30pm Location: 71 - 75 The Esplanade
Port Douglas Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.30am - 1.30pm Location: Market Park
Woree Markets
Date: Open every day excluding Tuesday and Wednesday Time: 9.30am - 3.00pm Location: 7/13 Therwine St
Date: 3rd Sunday of every month Time: 8.00am – 1.00pm Location: Cannon Park Racecourse Car Park
Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 7.00am - 12 noon Location: Archers Creek Rest Area, Kennedy Highway
Kuranda Heritage Markets
Koah Monthly Markets
Atherton Lions Club Indoor Markets
Tolga Markets
The Ravenshoe Lions Archer Creek 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 Location: Bruce Jones Market Grounds
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Date: Open Thursday to Sunday Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm Location: 2 Rob Veivers Dr 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
Date: 1st Saturday of the Month Time: 8.00am – 12 noon Location: Koah Hall, Koah Road
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.