PakMag Cairns - July 2014

pakmag JUL 2014

Cairns

EzEine FMRaga

ISSUE 85

magazine of choice for local families

Kids

MINI MAG Inside

Your Guide To The

CAIRNS

SHOW

& undernourished

Event GUIDE What's On In July

OVERFED

Cover photo: Carly K Photography

Handwriting Still Important In Our Tech-Driven World

win TICKETS TO SEE THE GRUFFALO LIVE ON STAGE

Details on page 36

67 21 publisher

03

notes

Hello and welcome to the July school holiday edition of PakMag. This month is the biggest edition we have ever printed - there is so much happening in Cairns for families!

July is Cairns Show month and you can come visit us in Fred Moule Pavilion with a Parenting Hub of local businesses, as well as a fantastic parents room - check out page 55 for more information.

Our Teddy Bears Picnic is coming up in August during Festival Cairns at Fogarty Park, so start getting your teddys ready and make sure you let us know asap if you want to be involved.

My little man Sean turns three this month! It feels like yesterday he rushed into our world on Independence Day, so Happy Birthday our little ball of energy.

Whatever you do these school holidays, enjoy. It’s a great time of year and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag!

Bree pakmag Publisher: Bree James Editor: Carly Hammersley REgional sales Manager: Tammy Parsons Sales & Biz Development: Angelina Mortley Graphic Design: Emma Wilkins ASSISTANT Graphic Design: Sara Williams PROMOTIONS & EVENTS: Bianca Johns ADMINISTRATION: Kelly Cresswell Articles: Amanda Cranston, Michelle Dryburgh & submitted writers Phone: 4053 3331 Fax: 4053 3350 Email: info@pakmag.com.au Address: Level 2, 68 Abbott Street Virginia House, Cairns QLD 4870 Postal: PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870 Disclaimer: No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

Contents JULY

parents 02 What’s New 05 Show & Tell 09 This Family Has Talent!

10 Handwriting, How Important is it?

13 Caring for Creation 15 Learning to be Social 16 Overfed & Undernourished 19 Embracing Potential 21 Lessons in Boredom 23 TechTalk 25 Guided Solutions 27 Pak Health 28 Nutrition 31 PakRecipes 33 What's On 35 MiniMag 43 Baby Led Weaning 44 PakBaby 47 Ages & Stages 49 Underwater Hockey 51 School Holiday Activity Guide 55 Barassis Restaurant Review 57 Things To Do at the Cairns Show 58 HOME: Family Living 61 Cairns Home Theatre 63 Laundry Makeover 65 TRAVEL: USA 66 Biz Directory 67 Explore Mount Mulligan 68 Out & About 70 Fav Pets 71 Cairns Vet Clinics 72 The Dad Diary

kids 35 Kids MiniMag

babies 43 Baby News: Baby Led Weaning

things to win 05 WIN Slinky Apples 36

WIN GRUFFALO Tickets

44 WIN a BellaBaby Box 44 WIN a Sinchies Pack 45 WIN a Bon Appeteat Nursing Set

cover Model: Dean Brady & Trevelyn Brady Photography: Thanks to CARLY K PHOTOGRAPHY

Find PakMag exclusively in:

www.pakmag.com.au

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inBRIEF BIG Magic

TEDDY BEARS Picnic Joey's Bakery

BEYOND LIMITS offers a dining experience with the WOW factor! Enjoy a three course meal at Mondo's on the waterfront conveniently located next to the showroom. Dinner show packages for kids include two courses and the show for just $42 but with the $10 Kids Deal it’s just $23!

Hurry, this exclusive PakMag Deal is for these school holidays only and will never be repeated!

Grab your tickets these school holidays and witness... the impossible.

Beyond Limits runs Tuesday to Saturday, 7.30pm at the Hilton Cairns. View pricing and menus online www.sampowers.com.au. Must book deal on 1300 500 331 and say the code: PAKMAGIC. *$10 Kids Deal applies to ‘show only’. Dinner options still available, show ticket will be charged for one child only.

in July for PakMag Readers

The team at Joey’s Bakery are renowned for their children’s birthday cakes, portraying all the favourite characters from Minnie Mouse to Peppa Pig. A new favourite, especially among little girls, has been character cakes related to the Disney hit movie “Frozen” and this looks to remain a popular trend for the rest of 2014.

There is nothing more special than seeing your

celebrate their big day. By ordering a cake from Joey’s Bakery, you can be assured that the result will wow not just the kids, but the adults as well. And they taste as good as they look!

Joey’s Bakery is located at 90 Aumuller Street Cairns.

Joey’s is offering readers a 10% DISCOUNT ON

indigenous Art Fair 24 - 27 July 2014

Sunday 31 August (10am-1pm)

CAKE ORDERS IN JULY if you mention PakMag when ordering. Joey's Bakery Phone: 07 4035 2244.

Fusion Fight and Fitness offers a schedule where kids can participate in the Future Champions and Antibullying program while parents can take a Strength and Conditioning class with an experienced coach.

These classes run Mon, Wed, Fri at 4 , 5 or 5.15pm.

For more details on this or any of the many classes on offer, please call 0408 799 828 or visit www. fusionfightandfitness.com

FOGARTY PARK

little one’s face light up when they catch their first glimpse of a cake made especially for them to

FUSION Fight

Fusion Fight and Fitness offers this fun and challenging program three times a week for kids 5-14 years. It focuses on developing skills of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has benefits beyond that of learning a martial art. It requires children to be focused, use control, teaches discipline and persistence and engages their problem solving skills while, being lots of fun! Kids experience increased self-confidence and are less likely to be victims of bullying.

10% DISCOUNT on Cake Orders

Sam Powers performed for an audience of millions on “Australia’s Got Talent”, now it’s your turn to experience the magic LIVE. These holidays Sam presents an all-new show in a breathtaking performance of death defying stunts, levitations and escapes in the brand new Hilton Showroom. Hilton is the proud new “family friendly” venue to host the show. Cutting edge and contemporary, exciting and spine tingling, expect to be mesmerised by Sam Powers.

NEW

Monday, Wednesday & Friday Between 4 & 5 or 5.15pm

10% Off

"That was sick!” remarked Kyle Sandilands, after witnessing Sam Powers' jaw dropping illusions.

If you like big magic, you're going to love Sam Powers' brand new illusion spectacular, BEYOND LIMITS at the Hilton Cairns. Tickets have never been more affordable with the never to be repeated $10 Kids Deal exclusive to PakMag Readers these school holidays!

July

what’s

The annual PakMag Teddy Bears Picnic will be held in Cairns on August 31 from 10am - 1pm at Fogarty Park. With around 2000 people expected to attend, the event is a wonderful opportunity to promote your business and a great way to give back to the community with money raised to go to Ronald McDonald House at Palm Cove.

PakMag is currently looking for businesses and individuals to be involved and helpers to assist in the running of the event. If you can assist with entertainment, prize donations or would like to book a business stall to promote your business and raise money for the cause, please email promotions@pakmag.com.au.

Townsville Festival The 2014 Townsville Triathlon Festival is a twoday celebration of lifestyle, fitness and community participation staged along Townsville’s picturesque Strand to Pallarenda Beach on July 12 and 13.

Over the two days, the main activities take place in Townsville’s Strand Park and Pallarenda Beach. For information: www.townsvilletrifestival.org.au

Guided Solutions

Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal

Now in its fifth year, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) will run from 24-27 July, with the three-day event providing a unique blend of art market and a celebration of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

The CIAF is the only art fair in Australia to welcome commercial art galleries and Indigenous art centres to sell and showcase art by Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Come along to the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal and view the paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, new media art, works on paper and fibre art, while enhancing your understanding of Queensland`s Indigenous artists and art work.

For more information and to view the full event program visit: www.ciaf.com.au

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For those looking for a way to lose weight permanently, without gimmicky diets, Pamela O’Leary is a Clinical Hypnotist at the Awakening Therapies Centre who may hold the key to losing the weight and keeping it off.

Pamela assists in eliminating negative associations with food and providing emotional support for her clients through hypnosis sessions.

For more information about Pamela’s Four Week Healthy Lifestyle Packages call her on 0437 167789.

Hypnosis can also help with stress, anxiety, phobias, grief and loss. www.pakmag.com.au

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Show &Tell

TOP pakmag

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Cairns Show

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

[1] Showbags & Sideshow Alley [2] Dagwood Dogs and Show Food [3] Main Arena Entertainment [4] Animal Nursery [5] Fashion Fantastica [6] Nightly Fireworks Finale

After recently moving to Cairns from Brisbane, Carly Hammersley has taken over the role of Editor at PakMag. She is also mum to Scarlett (3) and Sawyer (2).

Tell us a bit about you

aspects of my life is amazing.

I grew up in Launceston, Tasmania, where

What did you want to be when

I became a journalist at the age of 18 for

you were growing up?

the local newspaper. From there I went into marketing and communications and also worked as a Policy and Media Adviser for several Federal Politicians in Canberra.

My husband was relocated to Cairns late last year and we have just bought a block of land at Trinity Beach where we are very

a journalist. embarrassing mummy moment?

What do you enjoy the most

took her along to a Mothers’ Group but we

that has always been my main passion.

It really is true that your life changes when you become a parent and to be able to combine two such important

WIN The Foost Machine for Slinkying Apples is a peeler, corer and slicer.

Apples taste sweeter when they are slinky ... and kids go nuts for them!

I wasn’t what you’d call a ‘natural mum’ so it took me a while to adjust after my daughter

First and foremost, I love to write and

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then a teacher, and eventually

excited to be building our new home soon. about your work?

4

For a while I liked the idea of being a lawyer,

SLINKY Apples

was born. When she was eight weeks old I were asked to leave because Scarlett just screamed the whole time!

Tell us something most people wouldn’t know about you?

I love architecture and interior design.

Slinky apples make a quick, fun and healthy snack for people of all ages and there are dozens of recipes alone on the Foost website to try including apple nachos, slinky apple pancakes, slinky apple chips and individual apple crumbles.

TO WIN: one of three Foost Slinky Apple machines, head to our website www.pakmag.com.au and tell us what you would make with slinky apples. www.pakmag.com.au 5

Show &Tell Got something to share or shout about?

Email us at editorial@pakmag.com.au

SELF-ESTEEM for Girls

Imperfect Mum Conference Saturday 23 August Cairns Pullman reef hotel casino

The Inaugural Imperfect Mum Conference - Empowering Women 2014 will be held in Cairns at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino on August 23. High-profile speakers from across Australia, including Suzie Botross, author of “Break Free from Motherly Guilt”; and influential blogger and childhood behavioural consultant Nathalie Brown from Easy Peasy Kids will feature at the event.

Since being founded in June 2011, The Imperfect Mum has become a social media phenomenon, with over 65,000 visits per month and 32,000 Facebook fans.

The Imperfect Mum is a space for women from all corners of the globe to discuss motherhood concerns including nutrition, education, behaviour management and relationships.

Founder of The Imperfect Mum Kristy Vallely said the conference aims to empower and inspire the women that attend to take action in their lives to make them as fulfilled and positive as possible. To purchase tickets visit: www.theimperfectmum.com.au/conference

Centacare Cairns has developed the Be Me Program - a two-day program to help teenage girls develop positive self-esteem. The program is aimed at girls between 14 and 16 years of age.

Issues discussed in the program include media stereotyping, friendships and other relationships as well as body image. Information is also provided on topics such as substance abuse and depression.

Girls are given the opportunity to develop skills in assertive communication. The workshops are offered free to schools through Centacare funding.

To book a Be Me Workshop please contact Denise Bewert at Centacare Counselling Services 4044 0130 or email denise.bewert@centacarecairns.org.

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POWER of Pallets Saturday 23 August Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal

About 140,000 tonnes of wooden pallets are dumped as landfill in Sydney alone every year.

The Power of Pallets offers an innovative way of recycling, “upcycling” and raising money at the same time.

With all proceeds going to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, The Power of Pallets is now taking individual and team registrations to construct items from recycled pallets that will then be exhibited and auctioned at it’s Auction and Cocktail night on Saturday 23 August at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal.

Imagination is the only limit to what can be produced and exhibitors will have a 3x3m square to display their creation for the auction.

For more information or to register visit www.thepowerofpallets.org.au or for inspiration visit www.facebook.com/thepowerofpallets.

www.pakmag.com.au

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By Amanda Crantston

Real Lives

Talent!

This family has

Labelled the new Brady Bunch at last year’s televised auditions for Australia’s Got Talent, the Brady family from Cairns continue to go from strength-to-strength with their music.

Ten year-old Dean Brady auditioned for the

and for the people he met.” She says Dean also

However, Dean is not the only musical

reality talent show last year singing The

competed in Cairns Has Got Talent last year and

member of the family. Dean’s brother Duke

Temptations hit ‘My Girl’, accompanied by his

won, which gave him the added confidence to

also plays the acoustic guitar, although he is a

dad Troy on guitar. Dean won the hearts of all

try out for Australia’s Got Talent.

little more reserved and doesn’t like the spotlight

four judges with his smooth voice, which has often been compared to that of a young Michael

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or performing in front of an audience. Trevelyn and Dad Troy are both musicians who have

Jackson, and made it through to the finals. His

seemed to be talking about this pocket-sized

mum Trevelyn was persuaded to sing by Geri

rocket and he just takes it all in his stride,” she

no wonder the rest of the family have naturally

Halliwell at Dean’s first audition after joining him

says. “As a parent you hope you have taught

taken to music.

on stage, and although her version of an Alicia

them well enough and equipped them with

Keys song won her approval from all four judges,

the skills to handle what life throws at them.

she declined to continue on in the competition.

And he blows us away all the time with his

“It was Dean’s moment,” she says. “He had been

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“It just escalated from there really, everybody

talent and his attitude.”

worked in the music industry for years so it is

Troy is originally from an indigenous tribe in Far North Queensland so a lot of the work he does is a representation of his heritage. He was involved with the play ‘Yarrabah’ in conjunction

wanting to do this for so long and I was there to

Since the show, Dean has been busy writing his

with Opera Australia recently, and as a talented

support him, not to compete against him. The

own music, he plays the drums and is learning

playwright he has written about his life which

judges kept hoping I would change my mind but

the acoustic guitar, he plays footy, is in year five

is about to be performed at the Sydney Opera

it was never about me, I was only there for Dean.”

at school and loves hanging out with his friends.

House.

Trevelyn says they are so proud of Dean, who

He will be performing at the upcoming NAIDOC

There is never a dull moment in the Brady

finished in seventh place in the finals. “He was so

celebrations on the Gold Coast and also at the

household and they wouldn’t want it any

humble and was just happy for the experience

Cairns Festival in September.

other way. www.pakmag.com.au

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P

By Julie Chin

Education

Series

rincess Diana always sent handwritten

you may find that a commercially manufactured

thank you notes immediately after

device could be their saviour. There are several

attending an event or whenever

finger grips available on the market that may

she received a gift. Putting today’s etiquette

assist to correct common problems, specifically

standards aside, Diana’s handwritten notes

a ‘claw grip’ and a ‘thumb cross over grip’. Any

were considered a personal and meaningful

old triangular pencil grip from the newsagents

form of communication and many of them have

serves little purpose.

been preserved for posterity. The French also take the art of handwriting very seriously with daily classes dedicated to proper formation of a delicate cursive script. Handwriting lessons and direction in how to hold a pencil are given as much priority as mathematics or language learning.

learning on reading and writing skills and the development of cognition and intelligence.

Handwriting could well be the glue that connects the visual look of a letter and the sound that it makes. The grouping of those alphabetic symbols and their individual sounds into

pencil grip makes the correct formation of

words… then sentences… paragraphs… etc.

reverse and from the bottom up. A thumb wrapping round over the top of the pencil and index finger will automatically make the writer tilt their head and alter their posture so that they can see what they are writing.

Assistive technology for students with a learning difference such as dysgraphia is important but may not be their saving grace. Dysgraphia often goes hand in hand with dyslexia and a dyslexic child will no more remember where to find an ‘a’ on a keypad than they will remember which direction a ‘d’ or ‘b’ goes when writing by hand.

As an education consultant I see some real

In fact, searching for letters on a keypad would

doozies! When 99% of the children we see for

more than likely slow them down.

learning difficulties have an atypical pencil grip it begs the question: what are the links between a poor pencil grip and a learning deficit?

Before your pre-schooler picks up their first crayon, fine motor skill development activities are a great idea to give them a head start. Threading

It stands to reason that messy handwriting

pasta, picking up grains of rice and putting them

can often be the result of a poor pencil grip

in a bowl, doing up buttons and squeezing toys

but more alarming in today’s students is a

to strengthen hand muscles are all things that

nonchalant attitude towards a scribbled effort in

can easily be done at home. Most importantly,

their workbooks. Even poor spacing can affect

encourage correct grip from the onset.

a student’s work. Imagine a string of words with little or no spacing between them. It becomes a long string of letters that may be impossible to re-read for editing so grammatical errors go unnoticed and comprehension becomes impossible. Progression to a cursive script is important for writing at speed. The automaticity

As ‘Digital Natives’ our children are more attuned to pushing buttons than forming letters, so is it still important to teach children handwriting in school?

Education Consultant Julie Chin gives us her perspective.

of handwriting and the implications of modern

important but I tend to disagree. An improper

letters and numbers start to be written in

How important is it?

by educational neuroscientists on the mechanics

Some say that a correct pencil grip is not

letters difficult – sometimes impossible – so

Handwriting

A great deal of research is now being conducted

of cursive allows a student to get their ideas down before they are forgotten.

Those who say handwriting is a thing of the past are mistaken. It is important in so many ways. I commend the French for exercising all parts of the brain that contribute to language learning and will always remember Diana and her handwritten notes as an icon for humanness.

Julie Chin is an Education Consultant, author and Irlen Screener.

It is never too late to try and correct your child’s pencil grip but if they are resistant to change

Tips [1] Encourage young toddlers to draw and begin working on their grasp at a young age.

[2] Invest in the correct tools for the job – lined paper is a great idea!

[3] Remind them to take their time.

[4] Pressing too hard makes writing, especially cursive, more difficult.

[5] Don’t make it all work and no play. Drawing is important for learning control.

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Caring for

Creation

The caring culture in Catholic schools not only extends beyond the school gate into the wider community, it also includes the responsibility of caring for Creation.

From growing gardens and planting trees to raising chickens and making worm farms, each school in the Diocese has a range of environmentally-aware initiatives to help encourage children to appreciate the natural wonders of Creation.

One of the newest initiatives adopted by some schools, including St Rita’s Babinda, St Anthony’s Dimbulah and St Joseph’s Atherton, is the introduction of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.

Students are taught how to build and maintain veggie and herb gardens using organic principles.

Then they harvest and cook their produce into meals for students, parents and teachers.

“Our students just love it,” said Judy Billiau, Principal of St Rita’s Babinda.

Helping children to become happy, smart and confident.

School Readiness & Primary Tutoring Centre

School Readiness

“The students really enjoy the hands-on engagement that gardening and cooking provide, and they love to eat their own food.”

Another environmentally friendly initiative some schools are undertaking is a Nude Food Day, where lunchboxes are litter-free. Parents put

food inside containers which then go home with the students and rubbish is non-existent. “Some students were having up to 10 pieces of rubbish in their lunch boxes every day,” Ms Billiau said.

Some of Catholic schools’ green ideas have been initiated by students themselves.

“Our Year 5s and 6s are looking at recycling and what’s happening to our planet so they wanted to do something to help,” said Vicki Conomo, Principal of St Rita’s South Johnstone.

“They started with composting and are planning on building a garden next. It was their idea and they’re very passionate about it. Some schools take advantage of things happening around their school or in the community to pass along the message of environmental protection.”

Students at St Clare’s Tully are involved in a restoration project on a creek that backs on to the school, while students at St Michael’s Gordonvale and other schools join in on Clean Up Australia Day to beautify their school and its surrounding area.

Our Lady Help of Christians turned a negative into a positive when they implemented their

tree-planting program. “We are expanding our oval and unfortunately some trees have to go.

We really wanted to offset the potential message that kids might take away from seeing the trees come down so we initiated a planting program where we plant three trees for every one that we lose,” said OLHOC Principal Luke Brown.

Holy Cross is believed to be the only Catholic school in the Diocese to be raising chickens.

“We’ve had three chickens for about 12 months now,” said Principal Wendy Manners.

“They are actually fenced in on our parish priest Father Neil’s property for health and safety reasons, but the students visit them, chat to them, feed them and collect the eggs. While the chickens complement the school’s veggie and herb garden projects, they will not end up on the plate next to the garden produce.

“Our students just love them and think of them as part of the school family,” Mrs Manners said.

“They named them Mango, Fluffy and Spark and are very protective of them.

“But they do like eating their eggs.”

AGES 2-5 YEARS

• Encourage a love of learning • Develop social & emotional skills • Letter names & sounds • Small groups • Numbers to 20 • Full-colour workbooks • Games & hands-on activities • Fine motor & handwriting skills

Primary Tutoring

PREP TO YEAR 6

• One on one or small groups • Recognition of individual learning needs • 1 hour classes • Great for children that need to develop more confidence

10/146 Anderson St, Manunda For more info & 4032 1994 cairns@beginbright.com.au | www.beginbright.com.au

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By Jutta Dempsey

Parent Series4

Learning to be

Social

The process of socialisation is one of the most important chapters in a child’s development. Parents play a vital role in teaching their children how to make friends and live successfully with other people. These lessons form the foundation for your child’s later success in life with regards to relationships.

Psychiatrists have identified eight distinct phases that children go through as they grow from an egocentric and helpless newborn into a fully mature and independent adult. Each one of these ‘chapters’ requires your child to learn a particular social lesson which must be mastered in order to develop onto the next.

The lessons that a child needs to learn in each phase are: [1] Basic Trust – from infancy to two years

of life a child who is nurtured and loved

develops trust, security and basic optimism.

If a baby has a negative experience during

this time they may become insecure and

lack trust.

[2] Autonomy – children between the ages

of two and four are discovering self control

and pride. As they learn about becoming

more autonomous parents will be faced

with tantrums and stubbornness.

[3] Initiative – as a child enters the preschool

and early primary school years they begin

to develop imagination and fantasy,

co-operation with others and the ability to

lead and follow others. If they struggle

with this phase the result could be

fearfulness, separation difficulties,

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over-dependence on adults and restricted development of play and imagination.

[4] Competence – in the primary school stage

children learn to master the formal skills of

life such as relating to peers according to

rules, teamwork and mastering studies such

as reading and mathematics. If your child has

successfully navigated the previous stages

they will become trusting, autonomous and

full of initiative and they will learn easily

enough to be competent and industrious.

[5] Identity – The lessons in adolescence

all relate to learning how to answer the

question “Who Am I?” A well-adjusted

teenager will experiment with different

roles to find what suits them rather

than becoming delinquent. They anticipate

achievement and look for strong leadership

and inspiring role models.

[6] Intimacy – Assuming your child has

learned all of these lessons so far on their

socialisation journey, they will enter young

adulthood capable of experiencing a level

of intimacy that enables them to engage in

successful friendships and relationships.

[7] Generativity – in adulthood people

begin to feel the need to create something

that will outlast them in order to feel a

sense of fulfilment in the world. This may be

achieved by working productively in a career,

relationship and in parenthood.

[8] Integrity – the ultimate goal for an

individual is developing into a mature adult

who trusts, is independent, takes appropriate

risks, works hard and has a well defined

role in life. They are happy with themselves

and they’re able to be intimate with others

without strain, guilt, regret or lack of realism.

Just like reading, each of these chapters builds on the previous chapter to make an enthralling book. Children build a solid foundation for relationship success as they progress through the chapters and learn each of the lessons required to become capable of healthy relationships. Your role as a parent is vital in enabling your child to have a positive learning experience as they journey through this complex task.

Jutta Dempsey is an educational psychologist with over 30 years experience of working with children.

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By Michelle Dryburgh

O

Overfed & undernourished

verfed and Undernourished tells the

“The experts in Overfed and Undernourished

story of 11-year-old Liam, who is battling

believe the causes are primarily due to the way

childhood obesity and an unhealthy

we eat and the loss of connection we have to

relationship with food following the death of

each other. We hope seeing this documentary

his mother.

will encourage people to better connect with

The film follows Liam for three months as he moves in with his aunt and uncle who guide him through transformational life changes. He shares everything with the camera, from moving away

more parents begin to lead by example by taking control of their family’s health for the better.”

from home and changing schools to learning to

That starts with eating natural, whole-foods

move his body, express his emotions, and fuel

and avoiding processed products, according to

himself with wholesome organic foods.

health and nutrition experts featured in the film.

“Liam was introduced to eating whole foods

“If you eat too much food made by people in

- nothing from a packet - moving his body

white coats… you end up seeing people in

daily and only drinking water, green smoothies

white coats,” says Joe Cross, filmmaker of Fat Sick

or fresh home-made juices,” says Gold Coast

and Nearly Dead.

director Troy Jones.

This is the same belief shared by Liam’s aunt and

“Instead of filling his spare time with television

uncle, who approached Jones with their idea

or video games, Liam spent his time at the

about filming their nephew’s journey.

beach, on a family farm, riding his bike, exercising, learning how to cook yummy and healthy foods and spending quality time with the people around him.”

Produced by Australian-based film company Evolvee, Overfed and Undernourished also takes a greater look at Australia’s growing obesity epidemic, following the lead of influential films like Hungry for Change, Food Matters, and Forks Over Knives.

With 25 per cent of children and 67 per cent of adults in Australia obese or overweight, Liam’s problem is not uncommon, but as the film illustrates, the answer is more readily attainable than most people think.

Jones, who admits to having his own personal challenges with food for years, believes the key lies in reconnecting to the natural world.

“Obesity has more than doubled in Australia since 1989, making the country’s unprecedented rise in obesity related health issues an epidemic,”

By Michelle Dryburgh

each other and their children. And hopefully

he says.

Jones immediately realised it was a story that could inspire others.

“We live in a world that is getting sicker and more disconnected by the day, with no real end in sight,” he says.

“Through Liam’s journey, we wanted to show families across the globe how they could help make necessary changes in their own life and prevent them from becoming a statistic, by living a healthy, wholesome and connected life.”

But it wasn’t easy. Initially excited and eager to make a change, Liam soon showed signs of resistance. “I don't think he realised just what it would take to turn his life around,” Jones says.

“There were definitely struggles along the way, which most people come across when making such a big life change, but he pushed through and did brilliantly.”

Liam is now a healthy, fit young boy. He lost more than 20 kilograms during the three months of filming, has become more active and confident, and is doing things he never thought possible.

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A documentary about an Australian boy’s

The positive message makes Overfed and

life-changing weight loss is aiming to

to enjoy together, or schools to use as an

Undernourished a perfect film for families educational and motivational tool.

be a catalyst for positive change among

The film is available to watch at

families all around the world.

download it or order the DVD at www.

community screenings, or you can overfedandundernourishedmovie.com

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Embracing Potential "Education ... must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentials.”

So said physician, anthropologist and founder of

“Montessori recognises that even little humans deserve to be nurtured

the Montessori approach Maria Montessori.

through learning. I don't send my little ones to just a daycare, I send them to a

More than 60 years after Montessori’s death,

school for little people that they love and their individual educational needs

her vision for education as an “aid to life” is the basis that early education providers throughout

are catered for. After two years I am still amazed with their new abilities

the world believe is the key to unlocking a

learnt every day, the programs are fantastic and the teaching staff are

lifetime love of learning.

incredibly nurturing - as a mum, I couldn't ask for more.” - Emma O'Toole

Cairns Montessori is an Early Learning Centre unique to others in Cairns as it blends the best in modern early education with principles of Montessori. Montessori classrooms provide a prepared environment where children are free to respond to their natural tendency to work.

The innate passion for learning is encouraged by giving children opportunities to engage in spontaneous, purposeful activities with the

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Cairns Montessori provides long day-care

approved Kindergarten program, modern

facilities, catering to children 15 months

air-conditioned indoor facilities and qualified

to school age and provides a home-like

professional staff.

environment with Montessori materials and

Cairns Montessori is located at 9 Brose St,

natural resources. The natural tropical outdoor

White Rock, directly opposite Trinity Anglican

playscapes are complete with undercover areas

School (South TAS Junior School Campus).

and a fruit and vegetable garden.

Phone 4036 1055 for a personal tour of the

guidance of an educator. Children are free

Open 6am to 6pm Monday-Friday, the centre

to progress at their own pace and rhythm,

provides a nutritious morning and afternoon

according to individual capabilities.

tea for children, a Queensland Government

centre or visit www.cairnsmontessori.com.au for more information.

www.pakmag.com.au

19

By Michelle Dryburgh

Lessons in Boredom The urge to keep our kids busy and quiet could be robbing them of some valuable lessons, writes Michelle Dryburgh.

“Mu-u-um, I’m bored.” If only you had a dollar

downtime is actually a key process in the way

for every time you heard that line. But how do

our minds turn experiences into memories.

you respond? Do you ignore it and hope your

Not allowing for downtime actually affects our

child finds something to amuse themselves,

mental function.

swiftly sign them up for another after-school activity or reach for the nearest smart phone or computer game and hope that does the job?

There is growing evidence to suggest that modern children are being overloaded, and sometimes the best option is to leave them to their own devices – but not the electronic kind.

According to social commentator and youth trends expert Michael McQueen, parents are failing to teach their children an important lesson – boredom is a necessary and valuable part of life.

He says being bored forces children to activate their imaginations and create their own fun.

“There certainly isn't any hard and fast rule, but the most important message is one of balance and boundaries,” he says.

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Tips for parents teaching kids to cope with boredom

“There is something very empowering in the realisation that an individual can be left to their own devices and feel quite contented. And the old adage is true - great ideas rarely interrupt us.”

1. Resist the urge to rescue Necessity is truly the mother of invention and your kids may need to experience the pangs

A growing number of children have increasingly

of boredom in order to move past them and

demanding schedules packed with sports,

grow through the experience. Stepping in to

swimming lessons, dance practice, music

provide a solution or new distraction will rob

lessons… the list goes on.

them of the benefit and lessons they could

Michael says it’s important for parents to resist

otherwise gather.

temptation to overload schedules simply to create

2. Model it

‘quiet time’ or provide nagging children with quick

Actions speak louder than words. Do your

distractions. Instead, he recommends parents

kids see you embracing downtime or are

encourage their child to play outside, make their

you always busying yourself?

own fun or simply enjoy some quiet time.

He says it’s also essential for parents to practice what they preach. “A good place to start is by

“By having downtime, young people are

modelling the change,” he says. “It is vital that

essentially forced to come up with their own

your kids see you are content to have downtime

games and entertainment. Recent research

and not fill every idle moment on your phone,

from the University of California indicates that

checking emails or going on Facebook.”

3. Wean them onto it Set boundaries around screen or device time, which grow over time. Allow your kids to get used to being disconnected and unentertained.

www.pakmag.com.au

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in

TECH Talk CYBERMate

An online tool to support young people living with depression or mental health issues is being developed by University of Sydney software engineers.

The team is adapting online tracking techniques used by marketing analysts in their internet-based tool dubbed, CyberMate.

The researchers aim to design algorithms that will give CyberMate the ability to screen a young person’s social networking pages such as Facebook or Twitter for comments that may indicate potential for self-harm.

CyberMate would then act as a quasi-psychotherapist and engage with the young online user suggesting options for help or support via email or SMS. Statistics from a recent study of 2000 Australian youths aged between 12 to 25 years revealed more than two-thirds used the Internet to connect with their friends and other young people. Almost forty per cent reported searching for information about mental health problems.

CyberMate will be evaluated by mental health practitioners and researchers based at the University’s Brain and Mind Research Institute before being trialled by 210 young people over a year-long period.

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Connected Children

A new report looking at future technology trends and the impact on our lives has found that traditional schools may struggle with increasingly connected children, who will learn faster than the pace set in the classroom. It speculates that alternative schooling structures that bypass established approaches will gain popularity as a consequence.

The Safeguarding the Future of Digital Australia in 2025 report also looked at a number of other trends we could expect in the next decade:

• Constant connectivity as a right: There is an expectation that we will be able to be connected at every moment, wherever we are.

• Next generation brains: Those who have grown up immersed in technology will have different neural wiring with the inclination to multi-task and make connections between ideas.

Leading parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson said the report highlighted the need to consider at what age it is appropriate to allow technology into children’s lives.

• Identities forged online: Online socialisation amplifies human behaviours and the shaping of young identities.

Distinctive individuals can find support from like-minded communities anywhere, while bullying can become more extreme.

Children will be increasingly precocious, including in their sexual development

“We need to teach our children principles for staying safe online and the importance of privacy, because they will be connected, regardless. Parents also need to know that their children are receiving an education for the future, rather than an education for the past,” Dr Coulson.said.

APP Review Music4Babies - Learn to read and write music with the animals.

Music4Babies is the perfect way to introduce your little one to the world of music, allowing them to compose their own musical masterpieces by tapping and dragging animals onto a musical staff. When they place the animal, music is recorded and played back. Available on the AppStore for $3.79 www.pakmag.com.au

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By Louise Bradly

Guided Solutions Lose Weight Permanently without any gimmicks using your mind not a diet. Sounds too good to be true? Pamela O’Leary is a Clinical Hypnotist at the Awakening Therapies Centre and discusses why the key to losing weight and feeling great may be closer than you think.

If you’ve ever struggled with weight loss you’re

clients clear negative emotional responses and

says her treatments can also help alleviate

probably well aware that diets are not the

habits through hypnosis sessions.

sugar addictions and stop over-eating. She has

only answer to losing weight and maintaining that new body shape, but what’s the missing ingredient that determines whether or not you successfully lose weight and keep it off?

With plentiful supplies of afternoon snacks, desserts, chocolate and nibbles all around us, few people these days eat purely for nourishment. There’s a whole host of emotional triggers that can cause us to go reaching for the fridge – everything from feeling bored, angry, stressed or tired or even as a treat when we’re feeling happy or in love. It’s these underlying emotional connections to food that can sabotage weight loss efforts.

Pamela O’Leary is a Clinical Hypnotist and says permanent weight loss not only requires new healthy eating patterns and exercise, but also emotional support in terms of eliminating these negative associations with food. She helps her

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So, what can you expect from a hypnosis session?

Stage hypnotists have given hypnosis a bad rap and many people have misconceptions about what hypnosis really is. According to Pamela some people worry that they won’t remember what happens during a hypnosis session and that they won’t have control but as she says, “Nothing is further from the truth, no one can be hypnotised against their will. For a start, people don’t go to sleep during hypnosis and are aware

designed a Four Week Package ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ package to help people determined to lose weight permanently.

Pamela explains that the reason hypnosis can help is because habits (both good and bad) are stored in the subconscious memory. “What a Hypnotist does is similar to reprogramming a computer. We go into the subconscious mind, clear out the old stuff and replace it with all the new programming that you decide is important for your health and well being.”

of everything that is being said. In fact, we can’t make anyone do anything that they wouldn’t do

For more information about Pamela’s Four

if their eyes were open.”

Week Healthy Lifestyle Packages call her

Hypnosis involves being in a very relaxed state

on 0437 167789.

during which the hypnotist gently guides

Hypnosis can also help with stress, anxiety,

you to clearing out old negative patterns and

phobias, grief and loss.

replacing them with more positive ones. Pamela

www.pakmag.com.au

25

Health pak

Exercise: An eye to the future

news

By Narelle Muller

Meningococcal

By Dr Claire Stewart Infection

As both a doctor and a mother of a one year old, meningococcal is the infection that terrifies me the most. Fortunately for parents, a new vaccine has just been approved to help prevent this serious disease.

Meningococcal infection can occur at any age but is

Hands up all those parents who take the greatest care to ensure their children eat well and get regular exercise. Most of us care deeply about our children’s health and future wellbeing.

most common in children under 5 (particularly infants under 1) and in adolescents aged 15-24. The disease is relatively rare (there were 61 cases in Queensland in 2011) but is potentially fatal. It can also cause long term health problems including hearing impairment, learning difficulties and amputations.

We’ll drive from one end of the city to the other for karate or ballet lessons, then there’s swimming, football, little athletics the list is endless.

“yes” and “yes”, the only insurance policy when it comes to health and wellbeing is the package containing exercise, nutrition, rest and hydration.

There are 13 strains of meningococcal but strains B

In my role as a fitness trainer I come across at least one parent a day who tells me they simply don’t have time to exercise themselves because they are too busy running kids around after school, not to mention the chaos of before school and weekends.

You can give every fad diet a crack. You might even lose a few kilos temporarily, but the road to a fit, happy, healthy life is the one we have known about all along.

introduced in 2003 cases of type C meningococcal

There’s no secret shortcut and if you love your children enough to drive for hours to give them the best start in life, spare a thought to how they’ll feel if you’re not strong enough or well enough to support them in the years to come.

The new vaccine is called Bexsero and is

So, I ask them this: “Do you want to be around to watch your children raise their own children? Do you intend to be an active, healthy, involved grandparent one day?”

It might seem a bit morbid forecasting a frail, unhealthy old age to a seemingly well, albeit frazzled mother in her prime, but it’s a real question with very real connotations.

As the answers are inevitably resoundingly

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and C are by far the most common in Australia. All children receive free immunisation against type C when they are 12 months old. Since this vaccine was infection have dramatically reduced but we had no way to prevent type B. Fortunately, a new separate vaccine against type B has just become available.

recommended for all children aged 2 months to 2 years and adolescents aged 15-19 years. It is available from your GP on a private script. Your child requires 2-3 doses depending on their age and each injection costs around $150. It will hopefully be included on the free immunisation schedule in future. The most

Narelle Muller is a journalist, health writer and qualified personal trainer.

For more information call Fit & Well Health on 0402 114 754.

common side effect from the vaccine is a high fever so it is recommended to give paracetamol at the time of the vaccine as well as for 12 hours afterwards.

See your GP to discuss if the vaccine is suitable for your child. www.pakmag.com.au

27

Nutrition pak

Pregnancy Nutrition

by Haley Cremer

Entering into motherhood can be stressful – this quick summary will put you on the front foot with what to steer clear of during the most important nine months of your life.

Caffeine

Salads

Caffeine intake should be minimised as our bub receives a ‘buzz’ when we consume caffeine. The extent of the ‘buzz’ that bub receives is unknown and currently being researched. As the jury is still out for this one, it is important to limit your intake. Be mindful that soft-drinks contain caffeine. As for energy drinks, these are best avoided as they contain a number of other nasties.

Ultimately, they are okay to consume if they have been thoroughly washed and are fresh, as salads can also carry Listeria.

Making salads yourself is the safest option, ensure you store and wash them carefully.

When it comes to salad bars, buffets or prepackaged varieties we cannot be sure of freshness – so best to steer clear of them.

Deli meats Deli meats are at risk of being contaminated with Listeria, an infection that may lead to miscarriage. If deli meats are your go to – ensure they are fresh and hot. Heating food to over 70 degrees helps ensure there is no listeria.

Fish Fish is a great option to include in an expectant mum’s diet – just be mindful to exclude species which are known to have higher levels of Mercury. This includes shark (flake), ray, swordfish, barramundi, gemfish, orange roughy, ling and southern bluefin tuna. Stick to the oily fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines. These have safe levels of mercury but provide vitamin D and omega-3 fats for healthy development of your baby’s brain and nervous system.

Review Food

ALL-BRAN High Fibre Muesli Food

review

Cheeses Listeria again ruins it for some cheeses!

Unfortunately Camembert and Brie are on the ‘avoid list’. The good news is most other varieties are okay. Soft cheeses such as ricotta and cottage cheese are fine to eat within two days of opening the pack.

This new and exciting product from Kelloggs is

Alcohol

providing over 25 percent more fibre than other

Research on a ‘safe limit’ that can be consumed while pregnant is limited. We do know that heavy drinking can be catastrophic for baby’s development. We also know that whatever mum has – bub receives. So for those women pregnant or planning a pregnancy, abstaining from alcohol is the safest option.

& Apricot, Summer Fruits or Cranberry & Pink Lady

If you have concerns regarding diet during pregnancy speak with your local dietitian who can help guide you.

not only easy on the taste buds but great for our digestive health. With most Aussie’s not getting enough fibre, this is the perfect choice with a serve mueslis. It comes in 3 delicious flavours – Almond Apple. It also doubles as a satisfying afternoon snack for the kids!

Haley Cremer is an Accredited Practising Dietitian at Health Management Cairns (www. healthmanagement.com.au) who specialises in children and weight loss. You can connect with Health Management and ask Haley questions on Facebook.

Readers Question: How long do

I need to supplement with folate?

Q&A

nutritionadvice th prior lementing with folate at least one mon It is recommended that you begin supp least three lementation should continue until at to trying to fall pregnant. This supp of eating top on so e, folat gh enou get en don’t months post conception. Most wom lementation e or have folate added to them, supp foods that are naturally high in folat (mcg) per day. ded daily intake of 400 micrograms allows us to achieve the recommen

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29

Pakmag TEAM

Easy Lamb Shanks

By Kelly Cresswell (Office Manager)

pakmag

TEAM recipe

Ingredients: • • • • • • •

2 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp flaked sea salt 4 tsp olive oil 4 large lamb shanks 12 cherry tomatoes halved 2 onions, sliced 2 garlic cloves, sliced

• • • • • • •

8 bay leaves 8 sprigs thyme 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional) 4 sprigs of rosemary 1/3 cup red wine 4 teaspoons brown sugar Lemon rind to serve

Serves 4 | Time - 30 minutes prep | 2 hours cooking

Kelly's Fave "Try these individual Lamb Shank Parcels - these are a delicious and warming winter recipe that the kids will love to help to make!"

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Preheat oven to 180oC. Cut 4 x 30cm squares of foil. Place paprika, salt and oil in a bowl, mix to combine. Rub the lamb shanks with paprika mixture. Leave in a bowl while you prepare parcels. Divide onion, tomato, chilli, garlic, bay leaves, rosemary and thyme in the centre of each piece of foil. Place wine and brown sugar in a small jug, mix to combine. Take first shank and wrap in foil leaving space to pour the wine mixture into the top. Scrunch the foil to close, sit scrunch side facing up in baking tray. Repeat for other shanks. Bake for 1½ to 2 hours.

Place parcels on plates and open carefully, allowing steam to escape. Serve with mashed potato and top with lemon rind.

www.pakmag.com.au

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Dutchy'S PICK

"Take your kids to the Cairns Regional on Gallery for Free Kids Art Activities )."

5 July (10 am - 1pm

JULY 2014

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DATE

VENUE

1/07/14 1/07/14 1/07/14 2/07/14 2/07/14 2/07/14 2/07/14 2/07/14 3/07/14 3/07/14 3/07/14 3/07/14 4/07/14 4/07/14 4/07/14 4/07/14 4/07/14 4/07/14 4/07/14 4/07/14 4/07/14 5/07/14 5/07/14 5/07/14 5/07/14 5/07/14 5/07/14 5/07/14 5/07/14 5/07/14 6/07/14

Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Regional Gallery The Art Barn - 192 Newell St, Bungalow

12 Magazine Street, Stratford Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Regional Gallery Mt Sheridan Tavern Rondo Theatre Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Regional Gallery Cairns Regional Gallery 12 Magazine Street, Stratford Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Regional Gallery Cazalys Coles Edmonton Rondo Theatre Tanks Arts Centre Westcourt Tavern Cairns Convention Centre Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Regional Gallery Cazalys Coles Edmonton German Club Go Bowling Cairns Go Bowling Cairns Trinity Beach Tavern AJ Hackett Cairns

pink = family

eventGUIDE green = kids

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME Tiny Tots Mixed Media Sky-scapes (ages 6 - 12) Garden Sparkle - Mermaid Magic Workshop (ages 5-15) Future Champions and Anti-Bullying Program Multisport Madness for School Aged Children Origami for Little Ones (ages 3 - 6) Trivia Night Play - Speaking in Tongues (Community Radio Fundraiser) Tiny Tots Multisport Madness for School Aged Children Sculptural Workshop and Shadow Casting (ages 6 - 12) Sculptural Pottery at the Cairns Potters Club (ages 6 - 12) Future Champions and Anti-Bullying Program Tiny Tots Multisport Madness for School Aged Children Colourful Wind Chimes (ages 6 - 12) Live Music - Kick Start Nikki the Clown Facepainting Speaking in Tongues (ends 14/7/14) Live Music - Mark Seymour & the Undertow Barbary Coasters Duo Professional Bull Riders Australia Cairns Invitational Tiny Tots Free Kids Art Activities at the Gallery (10 am - 1pm) Live Music - Aiyana Nikki the Clown Facepainting 43rd Birthday Celebrations Kids Fabulous Fun Birthday Parties Glow in Dark & Cosmic Bowling Nikki the Clown Facepainting Great Local Deals on Bungy/Swings - Live Band - Tall Poppies

TIME 9.00am 10.00am 2.30pm 4.15pm 1.00pm 10.00am 7.00pm 8.00pm 9.00am 1.00pm 10.00am 10.00am 4.00pm 9.00am 1.00pm 10.00am 6.30pm 12.00pm 8.00pm 7.30pm 7.00pm 7.30pm 9.00am 10.00am 6.30pm 10.00am 6.30pm 12.00 pm 7.30pm 5.30pm 1.00pm

blue = adults FOR MORE INFO

COST

4032 2844

$7 programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au $18 0420 234 776 Cost www.fusionfightandfitness.com Cost 4032 2844 $7 shop@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au $14 4036 8989 Free 4053 6891 Cost 4032 2844 $7 4032 2844 $7 programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au $18 programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au $18 www.fusionfightandfitness.com Cost 4032 2844 $7 4032 2844 $7 programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au $18 www.cazalys.com.au Free 0408 183 032 Free www.therondo.com.au Cost www.tanksartscentre.com Cost 0408 183 032 Free 1300 855 835 Cost 4032 2844 $7 programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au Free www.cazalys.com.au Free 0408 183 032 Free jovangorp@westnet.com.au 4053 3497 Cost 4053 3497 Cost 0408 183 032 Free www.ajhackett.com Free

www.pakmag.com.au

33

MARK'S PICK

rkle Book the kids in for the Garden Spa - Magical House Workshop at the Art Barn on 11 July from 9.30am."

JULY 2014 DATE 6/07/14 6/07/14 7/07/14 7/07/14 7/07/14 8/07/14 8/07/14 8/07/14 8/07/14 9/07/14 9/07/14 9/07/14 9/07/14 9/07/14 9/07/14 10/07/14 10/07/14 10/07/14 10/07/14 10/07/14 10/07/14 11/07/14 11/07/14 11/07/14 11/07/14 11/07/14 11/07/14 11/07/14 11/07/14 11/07/14 11/07/14 11/07/14 12/07/14

VENUE Coles Edmonton Go Bowling Cairns 12 Magazine Street, Stratford

Cairns Regional Gallery Stockland Shopping Centre Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Regional Gallery Centre for Contemporary Arts Craft N Sewing Studio 12 Magazine Street, Stratford Cairns Civic Theatre Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Regional Gallery Mt Sheridan Tavern Craft N Sewing Studio Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Regional Gallery Cairns Regional Gallery Centacare Cairns Craft N Sewing Studio 12 Magazine Street, Stratford Cairns Civic Theatre Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Regional Gallery Cazalys Seagulls Townsville The Art Barn - 192 Newell St, Bungalow

The Attic - 89 Grafton St Craft N Sewing Studio Craft N Sewing Studio Cairns Civic Theatre

pink = family ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME Nikki the Clown Facepainting Twilight Bowling $7 games Future Champions and Anti-Bullying Program 3D Cloud Sculptures (ages 6 - 12) Jungle Art and Craft Workshops (ends 11/07/14) Tiny Tots Self Portraits in a range of styles (ages 6 - 12) Desert Runners Learn to Sew (Advanced) Future Champions and Anti-Bullying Program Graeme Connors Multisport Madness for School Aged Children Origami (ages 6 - 12) Trivia Night Learn to Sew (Advanced) Tiny Tots Multisport Madness for School Aged Children Visual Diaries & Artist Books for Kids Wheel Throwing at the Cairns Potters Club (ages 12 - 16) Dealing with Teens Workshop Learn to Sew (Advanced) Future Champions and Anti-Bullying Program 2 One Another Tiny Tots Multisport Madness for School Aged Children Weather Mobiles (ages 2 - 6) Live Music - Jim and I Dyslexia Training - Learnersaurus Garden Sparkle - Magical House Workshop Magic and Mystery - Staff and Student Showcase Craft - Make your own Monster Craft - Hama Beads 2 One Another

green = kids TIME 10.00am 6.00 pm 4.00pm 10.00am 10.00am 9.00am 10.00am 7.00pm 10.00am 4.15pm 7.30pm 1.00pm 10.00am 7.00pm 10.00am 9.00am 1.00pm 10.00am 10.00am 1.30pm 10.00am 4.00pm 7.30pm 9.00am 1.00pm 10.00am 6.30pm 9.00am 9.30am 7.00pm 10.00am 2.00pm 7.30pm

blue = adults FOR MORE INFO 0408 183 032 4053 3497 www.fusionfightandfitness.com programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

www.stockland.com.au 4032 2844 programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au www.centre-of-contemporary-arts-cairns.com.au

enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au www.fusionfightandfitness.com

1300 855 835 4032 2844 programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

4036 8989 enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au

4032 2844 4032 2844 programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

COST Free Cost Cost $18 Free $7 $18 Cost Cost Cost Cost $7 $18 Free Cost $7 $7 $18 $35

4044 0130 enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au Cost www.fusionfightandfitness.com Cost

1300 855 835 4032 2844 4032 2844

Cost $7 $7 programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au $14 www.cazalys.com.au Free info@learnersaurus.com Cost 0420 234 776 Cost www.poleplaystudios.com.au Cost enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au Cost enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au Cost 1300 855 835 Cost

See Th e Gruffalo LIVE ON STAG E

tre at the Cairns Civic Thea y 19th a sd e Tu & th 8 1 y a d n o M August 2014

Kids

MINI MAG July 2014

34

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www.pakmag.com.au

35

colour IN & Win! WIN

1 of 10 Double Passes to The Gruffalo

Mini MAG FUN SPOT THE 5 Differences

Activities

THE GRUFFALO Wordsearch Puzzle

The Gruffalo is having his birthday party and has hidden a list of party words. Can you find them all?

F P A B F V C V N P L K H

See the Gruffalo live on stage at the Cairns Theatre Monday 18 & Tuesday 19 August 2014 To enter colour-it-in & mail to:

Name: Age:

PAKMAG, Colour-it-in July 2014

Parent/Guardian:

PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870 & you could WIN 1 of 10 double passes to The Gruffalo

36

(Comp closes 13/08/14)

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P A S S T H E P A R C E L

G R J I C E O S E M A G B

Word List BALLOONS CAKE CANDLES

E T E Z S I Z W I C K I D

A Y H S U N P C Q N E D B

L B U E E B A C I O E A H

PRESENTS GAMES SNACKS DANCING

C A O J O N C C L B H N S

T G O E D U T I K O D C F

T S L L I V K S O S E I I

X I E L G B A L L O O N S

R S G Y P A S S I E U G D

JELLY PARTY BAGS PASS THE PARCEL

Address: Phone: Email:

www.pakmag.com.au

37

CHRIS'S PICK

SKIING PENGUIN

"Visit the PakMag Parenting Hub at the Cairns Show 16 - 18 July."

Materials [1] Paper Cup [2] Coloured Craft Sticks [3] Matchsticks [4] Paint [5] Polyester Roving [6] Joggle Eyes [7] Scissors [8] Glue

Instructions

JULY 2014

[1] Turn your paper cup upside down and paint it. This will form the

body of your penguin.

[2] Once dry, glue two joggle eyes onto the front of your paper cup.

[3] Cut out a foam triangle shape and glue onto penguin to form the nose.

[4] Roll a ball of polyester roving and glue onto penguin to form his belly.

[5] Using scissors, carefully slit a small hole either side of your paper cup.

Insert a matchstick into each of these to form arms.

[5] Glue some foam hand shapes onto the bottom of your paper cup.

[5] As a finishing touch, glue your penguin onto two craft sticks – which

will be the skis.

We recommend using CraftSmart PVA Glue for this project. *Products used in this project are available at Craft Direct. www.craftdirect.com.au & 1300 354 240

Crackles "JOKES" Q: Why do bikes fall over?

A: Because they’re two tired!

A: Lettuce get together!

Q: What kind of shoes do spies wear?

Q: What pet makes the loudest noise?

A: He was a hotdog!

A: A trum-pet!

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VENUE Cairns Indoor Sports Charters Towers Cazalys Ravizza Park, Edmonton Tanks Arts Centre Craft N Sewing Studio AJ Hackett Cairns Cairns Indoor Sports Craft N Sewing Studio Cairns Civic Theatre Cairns Showgrounds Cairns Showgrounds Mt Sheridan Tavern Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Showgrounds Cairns Showgrounds Go Bowling Cairns Go Bowling Cairns Craft N Sewing Studio Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Showgrounds Cairns Showgrounds Cazalys Go Bowling Cairns Cairns Convention Centre Cairns Indoor Sports Cazalys Go Bowling Cairns Go Bowling Cairns South Cairns Gymnastics South Cairns Gymnastics

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

green = kids

blue = adults

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

9.00am 9.00am 6.30pm 12.00pm 7.30pm 10.00am 1.00pm 9.00am 3.30pm 7.30pm 9.00am Cairns Show PakMag Parenting Hub (Including Nikki the Clown Facepainting) 9.00am Trivia Night 7.00pm Tiny Tots 9.00am Cairns Show 9.00am Cairns Show PakMag Parenting Hub (Including Nikki the Clown Facepainting) 9.00am Evening Teams for people with disabilities 6.15 pm Thursday Afternoon Friendship Group 1.30 pm After School Sewing 3.30pm Tiny Tots 9.00am Milo In2 Cricket Under 8s 4.30pm T20 Blast 8 to 12 yr olds 5.15pm Cairns Show 9.00am Cairns Show PakMag Parenting Hub (Including Nikki the Clown Facepainting) 9.00am Live Music - Kick Start 6.30pm Cosmic & Glow in the Dark Laser Bowling 7.30 pm Cirque Mother Africa 8.00pm Tiny Tots 9.00am Live Music - Mr Smith 6.30pm Kids Fabulous Fun Birthday Parties 11.00 am Cosmic & Glow in the Dark Laser Bowling 6.30 pm Gymnastics open Day - GymFun 5-8 yrs 8.30 am Gymnastics open Day - GymSkills 8-12 yrs 9.30am

4032 2844 info@learnersaurus.com www.cazalys.com.au 4054 3900 www.tanksartscentre.com

Tiny Tots Dyslexia Training - Learnersaurus Live Music - Mr Smith Pets in the Park Live Music - Archie Roach Card Making for Beginners Jumping Castle, Face Painting - Live Music Vikarious Tiny Tots Kids Craft Club Lior - Israeli-Australian Singer Songwriter Cairns Show

COST

$7 Cost Free Free Cost enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au Cost www.ajhackett.com Free 4032 2844 $7 enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au Cost 1300 855 835 Cost www.cairnsshow.com.au/ Cost www.pakmag.com.au Free 4036 8989 Free 4032 2844 $7 www.cairnsshow.com.au/ Cost www.pakmag.com.au Free 4053 3497 Cost 4053 3497 Cost enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au Cost 4032 2844 $7 4032 2844 Cost 4032 2844 Cost www.cairnsshow.com.au/ Cost www.pakmag.com.au Free www.cazalys.com.au Free 4053 3497 Cost 1300 855 835 Cost 4032 2844 $7 www.cazalys.com.au Free 4053 3497 Cost 4053 3497 Cost www.gymsportsfnq.com.au Free www.gymsportsfnq.com.au Free

A: Sneakers!

Q: Why was the dog sweating so much?

WIN! 38

Q: What did Bacon say to Tomato?

DATE 12/07/14 12/07/14 12/07/14 12/07/14 12/07/14 12/07/14 13/07/14 15/07/14 15/07/14 16/07/14 16/07/14 16/07/14 16/07/14 17/07/14 17/07/14 17/07/14 17/07/14 17/07/14 17/07/14 18/07/14 18/07/14 18/07/14 18/07/14 18/07/14 18/07/14 18/07/14 19/07/14 19/07/14 19/07/14 19/07/14 19/07/14 19/07/14 19/07/14

pink = family

eventGUIDE

Submit your best joke and you could WIN a "Student Money Saver" account with an opening balance of $15 to kick start your savings. Email your joke to: competitions@pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

39

eventGUIDE JUly 2014 DATE 19/07/14 20/07/14 20/07/14 20/07/14 21/07/14 22/07/14 22/07/14 23/07/14 23/07/14 24/07/14 24/07/14 25/07/14 25/07/14 25/07/14 25/07/14 25/07/14 26/07/14 26/07/14 26/07/14 26/07/14 26/07/14 26/07/14 26/07/14 27/07/14 27/07/14 27/07/14 29/07/14 29/07/14 30/07/14 31/07/14 31/07/14

VENUE Trinity Beach Tavern AJ Hackett Cairns Kewarra Beach Shack

Mossman Showgrounds Mossman Showgrounds Cairns Indoor Sports Craft N Sewing Studio Cairns Civic Theatre Mt Sheridan Tavern Cairns Indoor Sports Craft N Sewing Studio Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Indoor Sports Cairns Indoor Sports Cazalys Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal Cairns Indoor Sports Cazalys South Cairns Gymnastics South Cairns Gymnastics Tanks Arts Centre Yorkeys Knob Boating Club AJ Hackett Cairns JCU Cairns Campus Go Bowling Cairns Cairns Indoor Sports Craft N Sewing Studio Mt Sheridan Tavern Cairns Indoor Sports Craft N Sewing Studio

pink = family ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME Nikki the Clown Facepainting Live Band - The Taste FIFO Families Cairns July Meet Mossman Show Mossman Show Tiny Tots Kids Craft Club Take Me Home - The Music and Life of John Denver Trivia Night Tiny Tots After School Sewing Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Tiny Tots Milo In2 Cricket Under 8s T20 Blast 8 to 12 yr olds Live Music - Jim and I Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (Till 27/7/14) Tiny Tots Live Music - Carrizma Gymnastics GymFun class for 5-8 year olds Gymnastics GymSkills class for 8-12 year olds Live Music - Perfect Tripod Barbary Coasters Duo Live Music - The Taste JCU Open Day Glow in Dark & Cosmic Bowling Tiny Tots Kids Craft Club Trivia Night Tiny Tots After School Sewing

green = kids TIME 5.30pm 1.00pm 3.00pm 8.00am 8.00am 9.00am 3.30pm 8.00pm 7.00pm 9.00am 3.30pm 11.30am 9.00am 4.30pm 5.15pm 6.30pm 10.00am 9.00am 6.30pm 8.30am 9.30pm 7.30pm 1.00pm 1.00pm 12.00pm 6.00pm 9.00am 3.30pm 7.00pm 9.00am 3.30pm

blue = adults FOR MORE INFO 0408 183 032 www.ajhackett.com cairns@fifofamilies.com.au

4032 2844 enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au

1300 855 835 4036 8989 4032 2844 enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au

www.ciaf.com.au 4032 2844 4032 2844 4032 2844 www.cazalys.com.au www.ciaf.com.au 4032 2844 www.cazalys.com.au 4032 2844 www.gymsportsfnq.com.au www.gymsportsfnq.com.au 0408 183 032 www.ajhackett.com www.jcu.edu.au/openday 4053 3497 4032 2844 enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au

4036 8989 4032 2844 enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au

COST Free Free Cost Cost $7 Cost Cost Free $7 Cost Free $7 Cost Cost Free Free $7 Free $7 Free Free Free Free Free Cost $7 Cost Free $7 Cost

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

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41

By Carly Hammersley

2ND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH

JOIN OUR MUMMY CENTRAL CLUB*

Baby Issues

EXCLUSIVE EVENTS AND OFFERS FOR PARENTS AND BUBS

BabyLed

When Mum of two Natasha introduced her first child to solids around the age of six months, she followed the traditional spoon feeding method, going on to slowly introduce foods he could feed himself between nine and 12 months.

Join Cairns Central & PakMag’s Mummy Central Club by filling out an application form available from the Customer Service Desk or sign up online at www.cairnscentral.com. au. By joining our exclusive club you will gain special access to offers and events just for parents with babies and toddlers.

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CMYK / .eps

*Terms and conditions do apply see customer service or www.cairnscentral.com.au for details.

FNQ’S CHILD RESTRAINT EXPERTS 6 Month Capsule Hire $76.70 A correctly fitted child restraint is vital to your baby's travelling safety. Applies to Safe & Sound Infant Capsule. Includes professional installation by a trained restraint fitter.

Offer valid for bookings made before 31/12/2014.

Bookings essential.

Cairns: Tablelands: Email: Web:

42

www.pakmag.com.au

Weaning

07 4032 1984 07 4091 1047 cairns@hireforbaby.com www.hireforbaby.com

“With my second son it was a different story. I found I was much more relaxed and I also didn’t have as much time to sit down and feed him with the patience that I had with my first child. I found myself making both children the same meals and allowing both to feed themselves while keeping a close eye on them.

“He seemed to pick up eating much faster, he adored the idea that he was eating like his big brother and, from my point of view, it was a much easier transition. He was eating similar things earlier than he would have if I’d pureed his food and spoon fed him.”

Natasha is one of the growing number of mums turning to Baby Led Weaning (BLW) as a means of introducing their baby to foods other than breastmilk or formula. Even just a few years ago, the idea may have been considered ‘alternative’ but, with mums much more time poor as well as growing research into the benefits for babies, the BLW bandwagon is growing.

Baby Led Weaning advocates allowing your baby to explore foods, sensations and textures by feeding themselves from the very beginning, “One of the only things that concerned me about baby led weaning was the possibility of him choking on something, but I soon learned this was misguided” Natasha says.

Babies who follow BLW do tend to spit and gag on the occasional piece of food, as this is a natural reflex. Due to their immature oral skills, when spoon fed, infants expect puree to move in the mouth like liquid which occasionally can lead

to an uncomfortable expulsion. However, when infants bring foods to their own mouth, they are the ones guiding the sensory experience, starting and stopping when they are comfortable and ready. This allows the child to control the pace of his or her own intake.

“With my first son, I found I spent countless hours trying to get him to eat something. He was never that interested in the experience and it led to a lot of wasted food and lots of frustration on my behalf,” Natasha explains.

“Our first experience of baby led weaning was actually by accident. He picked a piece of pasta off my plate and put it into his mouth before I realised what was happening. I researched a bit more and found that this way of introducing foods just made sense to me.”

Contrary to popular belief, babies usually do not require extra sustenance other than breastmilk or formula prior to the age of 12 months. The adage “food before one is just for fun” is worth keeping in mind, as many mums (especially first time mums) may be concerned if their baby is not consuming as much food as another child in her circle of friends. It is worth remembering, as with all other stages of development, some babies will be ready for solids earlier, some may have larger appetites, and others may not be interested in anything other than breast or bottle until much later. BLW gives baby the chance to control his or her own intake and decide what they would like to try.

Following the baby led weaning principle is not without its challenges. Allowing a baby to

explore food means mess and some babies revel in creating mini masterpieces on their high chair tables (not to mention the floor, the walls… the dog!) Cleaning it up can be tiresome for some parents. BLW advocates recommend, wherever possible, allowing baby to eat outdoors or placing a large plastic mat underneath baby’s high chair.

Natasha says, “A lot of the time he did play with his food, but to me that’s part of introducing them to foods, allowing them to play and discover at the same time.”

Another plus for parents is research which links BLW with a reduced rate of food refusal later on.

Toddlers who have followed BLW may be less likely to go through the dreaded “fussy” stage due to the fact they have experienced food and had more control over their consumption from an early age.

Some ideas for first foods to try with your baby: • Fresh fruit • Hard boiled eggs and toast soldiers • Pasta • Homemade Chicken Nuggets • Fish bites or fingers • Sweet potato chips or Kale chips • Hommus and veg dipping sticks • French toast • Steamed veggie sticks such as carrot • Peas (great practice when they are mastering their pincer grip)

www.pakmag.com.au

43

Baby

BON APPETEAT Nursing Sets

BABYNEWS poo Capers

july 2014

Sinchies

One thing you probably didn’t expect before holding that tiny precious bundle in your arms is that poo would become so important! The colour, consistency and frequency becomes like a portent to the universe.

The truth is, there are many variations of normal in babies. Here’s a rundown on number twos:

WIN

• If your baby is eating normally and doesn't seem sick, changes in the colour and consistency of the poo is probably normal.

• A newborn's first stools (known as meconium) are a thick, sticky, tar-like substance, which will transition into a grainy yellow or brown by day three or four.

Modern mum's in today's fast-paced society face a range of competing demands when it comes to feeding their children. Topping this list are essential factors such as healthy eating, affordability, convenience and ease of preparation.

BELLABABY Box

WIN

The bellababy box is a monthly subscription service delivered to your door once a month containing 8 -10 lovingly selected products from bellababy partnered brands.

It is a great way to trial new brands or bits and pieces for baby that you may not come across elsewhere. The bellababy box can be ordered for yourself and baby, or as a gift for expecting mums. And if you find a product you love in the bellababy box, replacement or additional items can then be ordered from the bellabox online shop.

To WIN: For your chance to win one of three bellababy boxes valued at $24.95 each go to our website at www.pakmag.com.au and tell us what is the one product you would recommend to every new mum?

Sinchies reusable food pouches are designed for feeding"on the run" with no bowl or spoon required. Sinchies provide home-made goodness with store bought convenience, packed into an eco-friendly product which will revolutionise the way you think about “fast food”.

Parents can monitor exactly what goes into the pouch, ensuring children receive optimum nutrition that is free from preservatives sugars or additives that are often found in prepackaged foods.

Handy and easy to use - designed with a ziplock at the top for easy filling and a side spout so you can suck or pour the contents out. Simply mix up your own home-made goodness, healthy snacks, baby food, yoghurt, smoothie or fruit crusher, pour it in and zip it up. Made free from BPA, Phthalates and PVC, Sinchies are designed for easy filling and washing, with a double ziplock top to prevent leaks.

Sinchies are freezer and dishwasher safe making cleaning and storing easy.

TO WIN: one of three Sinchies packs, visit our website at www.pakmag.com.au and tell us what food your bub would love you to “Sinchie” for eating on the run.

• Formula-fed babies usually have yellow or tan poo, while breast-fed babies often have a liquid or creamy mustard-coloured bowel movement.

WIN Bon Appeteat is an Australian owned line of stylish nursing covers, which aim to help mothers enjoy a sense of freedom to breast feed in public while maintaining privacy. The range is aimed at today's on-the-go mums with beautiful printed nursing covers and ultra absorbent matching burp cloths that are both fashionable and practical.

Bon Appeteat sets consist of nursing cover and a coordinating ultra soft burp cloth.

Burp cloths are made from 100% cotton fabric with a super absorbent core.

the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

TO WIN: one of three sets including a coordinating nursing cover and burp cloth visit our website at www.pakmag.com.

In addition to being Australian designed and

au and tell us where is the strangest place

owned, Bon Appeteat is a proud sponsor of

you have ever had to feed your child.

• In young babies, expect six to eight stools a day but don’t be alarmed if the frequency drops.

Breastfed babies in particular can go for several days in a row without a bowel movement.

• If the stool is frequent, watery and green looking, your baby may have diarrhoea. Diarrhoea should clear up without treatment but call your doctor if concerned or it is accompanied by vomiting.

• Constipated stools will be pebble-sized and firm, sometimes with bloody streaks. If you see blood, have your baby checked out by a GP. Green, frothy poos may be a result of excessive lactose and is often seen in babies who consume large amounts of breastmilk, due to their mother's oversupply. The Australian Breastfeeding Association suggests block feeding in this situation may help.

Baby's poo will continue to vary, though as time goes on you will begin to get a sense of what is “normal” for your baby. When babies start solids this is another poo evolution, where bowel movements become more formed and smellier!

Redlynch

KINDY

CCB Approved • EnroL today • 3-5 yeAr olds

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

Learning through Play each & every day

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

44

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www.pakmag.com.au

45

Ages &

Encouraging Self Worth

By Denise Bewert

Stages NEW Books

A Survival Guide to Parenting Teens

By Joani Geltman

It seems everywhere we look we are greeted by

A Survival Guide to

images of thin, airbrushed “beautiful” people.

Parenting Teens covers a broad range of issues from the terrifying (sex, drinking, drugs, depression) to the frustrating (defiance, laziness, conformity, entitlement). Parenting expert Joani Geltman approaches each of the 80 topics with honesty and a dash of humor. Want to understand why teens do what they do? Joani reveals what they are thinking and feeling--and what developmental factors are involved. She then explains how to approach each problem in a way that lets your kid know you "get it" and leads to truly productive conversations.

RRP $25.95

Best Start

By Lynn Jenkins Best Start is a jargon-free, honest companion to normalising parenthood.

While raising children does not come with an instruction manual, there is often more emphasis placed on the physical well-being of a child,

what they’re fuelling themselves with that’s a worry.

A recent survey of eating habits by the Australian Bureau of Statistics has found teenagers and young adults consume more chips, burgers and soft drink than any other age group.

The report also found teenagers consume

looks at how a large portion of a person’s emotional

Encouraging children to be active, eat healthily and be involved in a diverse range of activities may help them to focus on appearance in a more positive light.

An insatiable appetite is normal for growing boys, it’s

RRP $19.99 (also available as an ebook $7.99).

Written by clinical psychologist Lynn Jenkins, Best Start

that these celebrities feature in have been air-brushed and photo-shopped.

For parents who sense their children may be struggling with these unrealistic expectations , it may be appropriate for you to show them videos such as the Dove Evolution (available on You Tube) which highlights that many of the images we see in the media are unrealistic. Discussions on what we are like on the inside – thoughts, feelings, behaviours and skills – are much more important than just the way we look.

Healthy Appetites for Growing Boys

foundations is formed in childhood.

skills a child needs to live a happy, fulfilled life.

www.pakmag.com.au

So many pre-teens and early teen girls are ‘anxious’ about their looks. To a lesser extent, this can also impact on young males. They compare themselves to models, singers and movie stars and become unhappy and distressed because they do not look like them. Young people are bombarded with these images and it may be difficult for them to understand that the majority of magazine covers, photos, billboard images and movie scenes

This means on a typical day in Australia, one in four teenage males consume a burger compared with one in 14 for the whole population, and one in five also consume chips compared to one in seven across the whole population.

without looking at the

46

Mainstream media has a very unrealistic view of beauty and many people, young women in particular, often struggle with this image of “perfection” and what they believe is their “failure” to live up to society’s expectations.

less fruit and vegetables. Across these age groups, 40 per cent of males and 50 per cent of females consumed fruit compared with 60 per cent for the whole population.

Parents can help by encouraging healthier choices, as one-third of all cancers can be prevented by healthy eating and maintaining a healthy weight.

It may be difficult to get young people to swap the fries for some carrot sticks but every little bit can help.

www.pakmag.com.au

47

By Carly Hammersley

Hockey

Underwater

Mention the word “hockey” and chances are you can envision the Hockeyroos taking to the pitch in the green and gold armed with hockey sticks. Underwater Hockey on the other hand might not be the first thing that comes to mind - however it has quite a long history in Australia and is rapidly growing in popularity.

Underwater hockey is played on the bottom of

on strike - that is, the lead player who goes after

an advantage. It’s a fun, interesting team sport.

a swimming pool (typically 1.8-2m deep). The

the puck at the start of each game so that the

It also offers the opportunity for people who

lead puck is approximately 1.5 kgs and is coated

games are equal and everyone gets a turn at

want to improve to participate in State and

in plastic. Players, equipped with marks, snorkel

being on strike - young kids, older kids, women,

Australian titles – however we tend to find most

caps and fins play as a team and push the puck

men and beginners.”

players want to play on a social level.

Underwater hockey was originally developed in

Underwater hockey is low impact and is one of

Europe as a fun way to train navy divers to keep

the few sports that does not have many injuries,

fit. It grew from there and is now played all over

compared with football and soccer for example.

the world.

There is also no minimum age to get involved

around the bottom of the pool with a relatively short stick (approximately 250mm long). Players play as a team passing the puck around to advance down the court and place the puck into the goals which are at each end of the court on the bottom of the pool.

Club President of the Cairns Underwater Association Warren Hughes said players start at each end of the court and on “go” swim across the surface of the water towards the middle of

championships but as it’s not a great spectator

“In Cairns we play a very social level of hockey where kids as young as eight years old play in the same court as adults. We alternate who is

to swim to the bottom of the pool.

“Some of our players began playing at the age of 7 and 8 years old and it is a fantastic team sport

in Cairns, Townsville and the greater Brisbane

to before they run out of breath.

competent swimmers or snorkelers and be able

the publicity it should.”

the puck first.

ensuring their team players have people to pass

in underwater hockey, players only need to be

sport, underwater hockey doesn’t really receive

In Queensland Underwater Hockey is played

need to get their breath on the surface while also

www.pakmag.com.au

gold in one or more categories at the world

the court before duck diving down to get to

“The game is very three dimensional as players

48

“Australia is relatively strong and often wins

area and has to date been taught in schools

to get young children involved with, as it is noncontact and fosters strong swimming skills and experience in the water.”

throughout Tasmania. Queensland is just starting to get involved at a school level and is currently being introduced to schools in Toowoomba.

Warren is hopeful schools in FNQ will also get in on the action soon.

To get involved in Underwater Hockey or find out more, contact Warren Hughes on 4222 6016 (During office hours).

“Underwater hockey is an inclusive sport where age, sex and body shape do not particularly offer www.pakmag.com.au

49

School’s Out It's not too late to book classes for the holidays or turn up for free entertainment at the shopping centres.

Ph: 4032 2844

Cairns Indoor Sports 164 Mayers Street Manunda www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au

0338 Shirt Design.indd 1

programmes & Classes

11/03/2014 7:19 pm

[1] Cairns Regional Gallery Popular workshops for children aged 2 - 12 years allow them to learn new art skills in painting, ceramics, sculpture, and origami.

• Colourful Wind Chimes for 6-12 year olds 4 July (10am-12pm) • 3D Cloud Sculptures for 6-12 year olds 7 July (10am-12pm) • Self Portraits for 6-12 year olds 8 July (10am-12pm) • Origami for 6-12 year olds (10am-12pm) 9 July (10am-12pm) • Visual Diaries & Art books for 6-12 year olds 10 July (10am-12pm)

• Lego – Gordonvale Library 8 July (10.30-11.30am) – Call 4056 1365

2pm from 7 July to 11 July. Enter before 20 Roll up roll up and purchase your Cairns Show

4 July (10.30-11.30am) – Call 4044 3711

tickets from Centre Court from 7 to 15 July. Enjoy

• Weather / Season Themed Craft

the atmosphere and fun of the show with the

Earlville Library 9 July (10.30-11.30am) – Call 4044 3766

[4] Go Bowling Only $6.50 per child inc. shoe hire if you’re on the lanes before 10am. After 10am kids games are $9 for one game. Other school holiday deals also

Bookings essential. Call 4046 4888 or email

[5] Nybro Life Skills Two hour workshops for children aged 8+ where they can learn Latin Dance, Deportment and

Multisport Madness for school-aged children is

Fashion or Skin Care to help improve their self-

held from 1-3pm every Wednesday, Thursday

confidence. Location: Shop 8, Piccones Shopping

and Friday. They can choose from Indoor Cricket,

Village in Manoora. Cost: $45. Call 4032 4872.

Netball, Soccer, Beach Volleyball and Dodgeball.

[6] Poodle Pie Studio

[3] Cairns Libraries

Art and Craft Workshops between 10am and July to win a family trip to see the Lion King.

Bookings essential.

more information.

Stockland Cairns will be running Free Jungle

Smithfield Library

11 July (10-11am)

Cost: $7 per child per session. Call 4032 2844 for

[7] Stockland Shopping Centre

• Play Dough Making & Stories

available. Call 4053 3497 for more information.

[2] Cairns Indoor Sports

www.pakmag.com.au

4 July (10.30-11.30am) – Call 4044 3779

• Weather Mobiles for 2-6 year olds

programs@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

50

• Lego – Manunda Library

This new studio in Bayview Heights is offering fun

Stockland Mini Show Weekend. Held on 12-13 July the mini show will feature a petting zoo, roving clowns, free fairy floss and popcorn.

[8] Cable Ski The Kids Holiday Club introduces kids aged 6-14 to knee boarding, wakeboarding and skiing. It runs 8.30-10am Mon, Wed and Fri. Cost: $35 per session. Call 4038 1304 for more information or check out www.cableskicairns.com.au

[9] Cake Rescue • Make a Mermaid cake 7 July (9.30am-12.30pm). Kids aged 8-14 years.

• Make a Princess cake 8 July (9.30am-12.30pm). Kids aged 4-7 years.

• Make a Present Box cake 10 July (9.30am-12.30pm). Kids aged 8-14 years.

• Biscuit Decorating

sewing classes during the school holidays from

11 July (9.30-11.30am). Kids aged 4-7 years.

5-12 July for kids aged 7-14 years. Small, personal

Location: Shop 2/164-170 Aumuller St. Cost:

Bookings are essential for the Libraries free

classes of four students only. Bookings essential.

$69.99 per class. Max. 6 students per class. Call

children’s activities for kid’s aged 5+.

For more info call Julie on 0458 280 150.

4031 4864 for more information. www.pakmag.com.au

51

School’s Out

activities

for the School Holidays

programmes & classes (cont’d) [12] Mount Sheridan Plaza Cairns Magical Face Painting & Balloon Art is coming to Mount Sheridan Plaza from Monday

Join in our brand new school holiday challenge & you could win thanks to Overflow!

Go to www.pakmag.com.au/challenge

[10] Cairns Central

7 July to Friday 11 July. Runs daily from 10:00am to 2:00pm in Centre Court. Always popular and a great choice for keeping the little ones entertained these school holidays. They will amaze children with their sparkly fairies, scary tigers, and beautiful butterfly creations.

Children of all ages and levels of ability are also

hama beads and card making. Location: Village, Edge Hill. Call 4053 4421 or email enquiries@craftnsewing.com.au

Cairns West State School and Whitfield.

For more information contact 4053 1532.

[16] Aussie Farm Entertainment

family these school holidays! Coming to Cairns

Plaza colouring competition. Get your crayons,

Ride horses, milk cows, pat the lambs, feed the

Central on Monday 7 – Friday 11 July is the

coloured pencils and paintbrushes ready to

calves and sit on a bullock. Accommodation also

Lalaloopsy show - an interactive and exciting

put your creative skills to good use. Enter to

available. Bookings essential. Cost: $110 for a

show that sees Jewel Sparkles and Pink Be Dazzle

win some great prizes. Competition runs until

family of five. Call 4065 3310 for more info.

introduce you to the world of Lalaloopsy. With

Friday 11 July.

[13] Wildlife Habitat

Scooby-Doo, Cairns Central has it all these

Wildlife Habitat Junior Keepers is a four hour

school holidays.

school holiday program (including lunch and

Pick up your KidTastic booklet in centre or visit:

afternoon tea). The program incorporate animal

www.cairnscentral.com.au and like them on

feeding, presentation, interaction and projects to

facebook: www.facebook.com/cairnscentral

assist the keepers in their day to day schedules,

[11] Brad Hope Family Martial Arts

children participating. Bookings are essential. The

providing a fun and interesting environment for

[17] Bad Fishy Feel the wind in your hair on the thrilling jet

contact info@wildlifehabitat.com.au or

Outdoor combat games for kids aged 7+ played

visit www.wildlifehabitat.com.au

in bushland in Redlynch. Games are $24 per

www.pakmag.com.au

PH: 0408 799 828 www.fusionfightandfitness.com

or go to www.badfishy.com.au

manners while always encouraging children

52

Behind JOnSSOn’S FArM MArket 12 MAGAzine Street, StrAtFOrd

promotion when you book. Call 0499 490 030

life skills, respect for parents and teachers, good

Learn to sew classes, making “monsters” craft,

PlUS new YOGA clASS: Offered after morning school drop off!

from this edition. Make sure you mention this

per child per day. For more information

essential. Call 4038 2633.

Parents get fit at the same time!

Strength & Conditioning classes run simultaneously

family tickets) when you bring in Bad Fishy's Ad

program will run on 8 and 9 July. Cost: $40.00

[14] Craft n Sewing Studio

- Increase self-confidence - Get fit while having fun!

are 20% OFF until 31 July, 2014 (including

programs with emphasis on teaching students

Unit 2, 7-11 Salvado Drive, Smithfield. Bookings

boat ride on the Trinity Inlet. All public rides

Brad Hope runs age-specific martial arts

to try their best and never give up! Location:

- learn a non-violent Martial Art (BJJ) - Gain discipline & focus

Vacation Care available at PCYC McNamara St,

invited to join in the fun of the Mount Sheridan

kids to meet Jewel Sparkle from Lalaloopsy and

children will;

[15] PCYC

Cairns Central has loads of FREE fun for the

fabulous facepainting and the opportunity for

AGe 5 - 14 YeArS

Craft n Sewing Studio, Piccone Shopping

[18] Cairns Laser Tag

person and are half price after the first game.

Bookings essential. Call 4039 1376 for more info or go to www.cairnslasertag.com.au

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53

d r a y k c ba r to u d o y n a n l B Tur m o r f

!

D N A GR

7 0 4 0

0 6 6 631 Review

Barassis

Restaurant

It's time to rediscover Cazalys!

GAZEBO & SPA HOUSES

Prices start from $2,545 Sizes: 3.5m, 3.6m 4.1m & 5.4m

PAVILIONS Prices start from $2,841 Sizes: 3m, 3.5m & 4m (under roof)

If like my family it has been some time since

has more than enough to keep kids from ages 4 -

you have visited Cazalys, then do your family

12 years totally entertained - indoor playground,

a favour and drop in for a fabulous new

non-stop DVDs, Just Dance 4, console games,

dining experience.

Lego, colouring, craft and activities led by the

The all new, fully refurbished Barassis Restaurant definitely puts a whole new spin on Club dining it is big and it is open and the food is amazing!

From its open plan kitchen to spacious, well planned dining area and large, impressive supervised Kids Club House, Barassis really impresses with its family friendly atmosphere and very welcoming, helpful staff.

staff. During supervised times there is a $2 fee per child which is donated to a local charity.

Calamari as well as Caesar Salad and Nuggets.

Our table featured Eye Fillet Steak, Reef & Beef as well as Mini Double Beef Burger and Pasta Bolognaise. A usually very hard to please husband was extremely impressed with the quality of the

Cazalys is currently supporting the FNQ Hospital

Reef & Beef. Not usually one to order Steak as I

Fund Paediatric Unit.

never seem to be able to get a 'medium-well' that

And once you have the kids settled in, prepare yourself for the serving of some wonderful meal choices with an abundant selection of gluten free and vegetarian options.

As well as a new Carvery available Wednesday to

doesn't disappoint, I chose to go out on a limb and order an Eye Fillet Steak - compliments to the Chef for reaffirming that it is possible to have a 'medium-well' steak that is utterly delicious, in fact, the best steak I have ever had!

Whether you'd like a quick, simple meal from the

The Kids Club House is air conditioned and

Sunday ($15 per adult and $5 per child - members

closed off and during supervised hours children

prices), Tuesday nights offer a Summertime Buffet,

Carvery or you want to settle in for a little longer

cannot leave the room without mum and dad

or you can enjoy a wonderful selection of entrees,

and enjoy something more specific from the

receiving a beeper page from the staff - great

mains and kids meals (all $8 including free dessert)

menu, Cazalys is definitely worth a visit. Bookings

piece of mind for parents and allows you to sit

from the a la carte menu. The kids menu is full

are recommended to ensure you are able to get

back, relax and enjoy the night out. This area is a

of great options with the usual favourites as well

a table. High chairs are available and need to be

specially created environment just for kids and it

as Steak and Chicken Breast from the grill plus

requested at the time of booking.

DAYBED Cubbies, Pool Slides and Play Equipment Cubby prices start from $1,993 Swings from $55 Slides from $480

Prices start from $3,830 Sizes: 3m & 3.5m (under roof)

info@grandgazebos.com.au www.grandgazebos.com.au

Rated to withstand cyclone conditions | Build to outlast off the shelf varieties 54 www.pakmag.com.au Images are for display purposes only. Painted finish is additional.

www.pakmag.com.au

55

Cairns

Show Things to do

FOR THE KIDS

FOR MUM

ANIMAL NURSERY: The kids will love seeing

Fashion FantasticA is a Fashion hub at the

all the baby animals on display and available

Show where visitors can enjoy a champagne

for a cuddle. Open to all ages, this year’s

chic atmosphere while catching a glimpse

Special Guest Ping Ping, the miniature panda

of this season’s fashion trends.

cow, will be making her debut appearance in

Fashion FantasticA will hold daily themed

this year’s Animal Nursery.

parades from Vintage though to Country

RACING PIGLETS: Noah’s Thoroughbred Pig Racing offers fun-filled enjoyment for all ages. From the bugle race call, through the obstacles, to the last snout in the finishing trough come along and cheer your favourite pig to the end. Will it be Pork Scratchings or

16th-18th July 2014

s t e k c i t d l o pre-s y l u j 7 m o r f e l a on s

style. The area will also play host to a Wearable Arts Competition and workshops for hair, make-up and styling. As a teaser for Amateurs there will be a showcase from local Milliners modelled by our Miss Show Girl Nominees.

FOR DAD

Roll up, roll up… in case you hadn’t noticed it’s that time of year.The Cairns Show, Cairns’ biggest annual community event and the largest regional show in Australia, is on again!

Apple Sauce that wins the race?

There promises to be something for everybody in 2014 and the great news for families is, despite increasing costs for organisers, ticket prices haven’t risen and the pre-sale discount family tickets in particular represent excellent value.

all types of reptiles. See and, if you are game,

team consists of two of the best freestyle

touch pythons and lizards. Get to see some

motoX performers in Australia. Be amazed

of Australia's most venomous snakes and

as you watch the riders perform tricks such

learn how to stay safe around some of our

as rock solids, jack hammers, nac nacs and

deadliest species.

a crowd favourite... back flips 12 meters in

One of the toughest things about the show, especially with small children in tow, is narrowing down what are the best bits to keep everyone entertained and make sure you don’t miss anything. So to help you on your way and make the most of show day, here’s our pick of what to see and do:

RADICAL REPTILES SAFETY DISPLAY: After a couple of years away the “Showpit” is returning. Get up close and personal with

SIDESHOW ALLEY: With the largest Side Show Alley north of the EKKA, this is where

The Main Arena always guarantees showgoers plenty of free entertainment so expect fast, noisy and breathtaking acts from 5pm every evening. The Showtime FMX

the air!

The excitement continues with the Isuzu UTE's Team D-MAX Precision Driving Team.

all the excitement happens with everything

180 degree spins, four-way crossovers,

from the old favourites like dodgem cars to

driving on two wheels & even jumping a

adrenalin pumping rides on offer.

D-MAX on the 14 metre ramp to ramp jump!

) e (Open Mon-Fri c ffi O d n u ro G & Cairns Show ) n u S n e p (O s n tockland Cair Available from S

ainment t R e t n e • S g dagwood do • S l e Family a l o im h n w a e • h S t e R id o oadS moRe F • FabulouS R l S S g u a l b P w • o y h R S e • animal nuRS • S w o R c e R • Sca

e l b a l i a v a s e s neW! 3 day pas diScounted

PRiceS nues only At Pre-SoldgateVe Pass. s. No Family 3 Day

1 day PaSS

Adult = $18 3 Concession = $1 Child = $8 Family = $40

3 day PaSS

Adult = $50 5 Concession = $3 0 Child = $2 Family = N/A

Sideshow Bonus Dollars

$30 value for $25 Valid for rides, food or games in hot ten Side Show alley *Tickets are non-refundable

the *Not available at

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Cairns show assoCiation • Phone: 4042 6699 • Fax: 4031 3671 • Email: info@cairns-show.com www.pakmag.com.au

• Website: www.Cairnsshow.com.au • Follow us on www.facebook.com/theCairnsshow

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57

Home edition

Family Living

July 2014

ITEMS [1] IKEA MORUM woven rug $129 [2] Stockholm Coffee Table $249

By Carly Hammersley

[3] ism rounded wall light $133 [4] Zanui Lounge $1299

[1]

[2]

Design Tips

[3]

[4]

Living

S PACE S

With the cost of real estate and building forever on the rise, versatile design for interior spaces has become a necessity not a luxury.

Over the past decade, one of the “must

The centrepiece of the room should be a

minimalist and elegant and can be found

A large screen television, bluray or DVD

have” items was a media room – a

comfortable, but versatile, couch or sofa.

in various colours and materials to suit

player, surround sound system and gaming

dedicated room for flat screen TV, large

Consider your needs when selecting

any décor. From basic high-gloss white

consoles can still be incorporated into

lounge and even a surround sound system

this piece. If you have family that may

cabinetry to timber veneer, depending on

the room but rather than being the sole

to view the latest releases in the comfort of

occasionally come to stay and need a

the look you are after there will be a piece

purpose of the room they become another

your own home.

place to lay their heads, there are some

to compliment your home.

application for use.

Floor-to-ceiling bookcases are one

Creating a flexible and homely second

way of turning a room from average to

living room does not require a huge

show-stopper. There are several products

investment, but thoughtful planning and

available that offer the opportunity to

some key pieces can make the difference

The modern multi-purpose room has

customise a fit out to suit your home on

for both the feel of the room and it’s

an emphasis on storage, whether it be

a budget. If you are looking to build or

practicality for all family members.

for keeping toys organised, a bookcase

budget is not such an issue, cabinetmakers

or providing space for a home office.

are able to customise built-in designs to

Slimline entertainment units are modern,

your specifications.

With space in most homes at a premium, dedicated media rooms are being foregone and the multi-purpose room is experiencing a resurgence.

Whether it be incorporating a home office, play room or library into the design, families looking to make the most of a second living area in their home can do so by incorporating some smart design ideas.

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fantastic sofa bed options available these days that mean houseguests have a comfortable bed but it does not have to impact on daily family life.

LIGHTING: While modern hanging pendants are a great feature, in rooms lacking high ceilings they may not always be practical. A great alternative to downlights are up/down wall lights. Some people are surprised to learn that just one wall light can provide as much illumination as four to six downlights!

Contemporary wall lights are minimalist and often dimmable, providing for various moods.

FLOORS: Living in the tropics, our floors are usually hard surfaces such as tile, concrete or floorboards.

Soften the room with a rug which will also provide an anchor for the eye and a comfortable spot for kids to play. Depending on the colour scheme of your room, textured neutral coloured rugs provide a sophisticated feel or bright coloured geometric designs are on trend.

WALLS: Traditional media or cinema style rooms demand dark colours. A better option for a multipurpose living space in the tropics is to keep walls light and bright in shades of cool white and soft greys. Installing both sheer and blockout curtains ensures adequate light and privacy. Curtains and drapes should always be larger than your window or door – if possible, hang close to the ceiling and either hit the floor, or pool slightly (a better option when children are slightly older!).

ACCENTS: Don’t forget the finishing touches!

Cushions, table or floor lamps and artwork are the items that complete a room and make it feel like a home. These items do not have to cost the earth to work in your space. When shopping just ensure you have a strong colour scheme in mind and try to coordinate around that. www.pakmag.com.au

59

Advances in technology, as well as lower prices and higher competition among the big brands for what was once considered luxury audio and visual equipment now allows average families the chance to create a cinema experience in their very own homes.

Greg Elsley from Cairns Home Theatre says one of the best buys for families on a budget is a blu-ray player.

“They’re cheap now – a blu-ray movie gives you significantly better picture and sound quality over a DVD – it will play all your old DVD’s as well, and they’ve got a USB port so you can play all those movies that you somehow got off the internet and on to your hard drive too!”

Greg, who grew up in Inglewood (population 1000, three hours inland from Brisbane) on a wheat/sorghum/cattle farm, moved to the Gold Coast for university, completing his Bachelor of Business with a major in Marketing then came to to Cairns in 2007 where he eventually decided to pursue his love of televisions and hifi systems.

“I’ve always had a big interest in HiFi and technology, and worked in Television and HiFi sales for 4yrs. While working in sales I realised there was a massive market for home

installation, as audio systems and the new smart devices can be complicated to get right, and there really wasn’t a business in Cairns that could offer that dedicated and unbiased service.

There’s a lot of little things like bitstreaming audio and HDMI-CEC that makes a massive difference between plugging it all in and having it sort of work – to getting the absolute best from your equipment.”

“I (also) love playing with all the electronic equipment that I wouldn’t be able to justify buying all the time myself. It doesn’t even need to be high end or expensive equipment, even a basic SmartTV has some amazing features that are a lot of fun, and easy to use once they are set up correctly.”

It is common these days for large screen TVs to be wall-mounted, however Greg recalls his trepidation when he first took on the task.

the wall. But now after wall mounting so many, you can hang your entire body weight off the bracket and it’s not going anywhere.”

Greg takes on all varieties of projects, big and small, but particularly enjoys those that see him involved in the construction and design of the home, as it is obviously much easier than crawling around in roof cavities!

“Designing a home entertainment system, pre-cabling the house for it, selecting all the equipment that you know works well together, then having that finished product which achieves everything the customer didn’t even know they could do before we started – it’s very satisfying.”

Greg says he would love to eventually work together with project and new home builders to offer a “media room” or “Smart House” option as part of the process in a new home design.

“I’ll admit I was so nervous about it staying on

Quality built with pride

Ph (07) 4038 5000 Fax (07) 4038 1363 2-4 Dunbulan St, Smithfield Qld 4878 Email: vipsales@vipfurniture.com.au

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

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61

Home edition

JULY 2014

New to Old

Design Tips

Laundrymakeover

By Sofie Buchholz

Part 1

For a room which is often the smallest in the house, the laundry is a highly utilised daily workroom for parents as they climb the never ending piles of washing. A laundry that is well organised, accommodates suitable storage and has a systematic process for sorting clothes makes the task of washing more manageable. Adding a bit of colour also lifts the space and makes a mundane task just a little bit more inviting.

Old Laundry

These fruit style crates are strong and durable and make great shelving. The slatted style encourages airflow and, when attached to the wall above the washing machine, provides quick access to detergent and other essentials. Add a touch of vintage styling by coating them with a homemade stain of vinegar and steel wool.

To Make.

[Step 1] In a bucket or glass jar, place three to four steel wool scourers and cover with vinegar. For these crates, Apple Cidar Vinegar was used as it is said to yield a darker stain.

However, white household vinegar is also suitable. Leave the solution to sit for at least 24 – 48 hours.

[Step 2] Sand the timber crates. Apply the stain to the crates using a bristled or foam brush. At first there will be little visible change to the timber but, as the stain dries, a process of oxidisation will occur and the timber will change to an aged grey colour. Allow the timber to dry completely before applying further coats if a darker colour is required.

[Step 1]

[Finished]

NOTE: It is worth experimenting on a scrap piece of timber first, so you can determine the strength and colour of the stain which is created with the steel wool and vinegar. Tea can also be added to the mix to help strengthen the colour.

Check out Part 2 of the Laundry Makeover and room reveal in the August PakMag.

DIY Products [Step 2]

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Steel Wool (Coles) | $1.50 Apple Cider Vinegar (Coles) | $3.00 - $5.00 Foam Brush (Masters) | $1.00 Fruit Crate (Bunnings) | $36.00

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63

Travel edition July 2014

Travel

ideas

FAMILY

Fun in the USA

By Kylie Stokes (Travel Managers) The first thing most people think about when considering taking kids to America is Disneyland, but there's so much more to experience in this diverse country.

One of the best ways to explore is by road, however renting a vehicle large enough to fit the whole family plus luggage can be difficult. With coach tour companies now creating itineraries specifically for families, escorted tours are becoming increasingly popular.

So round up the troops and let leading guided holiday specialist, Trafalgar, take the hassle out of planning your next all-American family adventure. With the launch of their 2015 USA and Canada programme, Trafalgar offers tailor-made holidays catering to both the young and young at heart!

From creating a sweet treat at Hershey’s Chocolate World to listening to tales of the Wild West on a rail journey to the Grand Canyon, your family will have many authentic insider experiences that will last a lifetime.

See the USA from the inside with our pick of Trafalgar’s top three family getaways: [1] Say “Howdy” to cowboy country as the kids saddle up with a real-life horse wrangler on the nine day Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos guided holiday. Learn about life on the ranch as you ride through Montana’s wilderness, explore the expansive Yellowstone National Park, and unwind in hand-picked Authentic Accommodation staying at a 1898 homestead.

[2] The eight day California Dreamin’ guided holiday is sure to be a hit starting in visiting San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, sea lions at Pier 39 and iconic Jelly Bean Factory. Later, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Monterey’s aquarium and hike through Yosemite National Park.

[3] For an inspiring history lesson like no other, embark on the eight day Trails of Liberty guided holiday and uncover America’s intricate past. Walk in the footsteps where history was made visiting Washington’s major landmarks, hear legends of the Civil War from a Shenandoah storyteller and experience family life within America’s tight-knit Amish community.

Trafalgar’s Family Experiences feature plenty of free time, family-friendly hotels and dining and young traveller discounts of 10 percent are valid for children aged five – 17 years.

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

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65

BIZDirectory ads from ONLY $70/MONTH!

Listing

BIZDirectory Listing

By Amanda Cranston

Listing

Explore

Mount Mulligan

Known as the birthplace of the Rainbow Serpent and a sacred site according to indigenous legend, Mount Mulligan is also a spectacular camping spot only 180 kilometres from Cairns.

It’s hard not to be seduced by the 18 kilometre-

toilets and showers. No-one minded lining

conversation with the kids. Then it was back to

long sandstone ridge which is 10 times larger than

up (unless busting) as it was a great place to

camp where the kids couldn’t wait to play in the

• Face Painting • Puppets • Balloons • Games • Music • Other costumes available

Ayers Rock and dominates the landscape. And

chat and swap travel stories. After dinner, out

billabong. They spent the afternoon swimming

equally impressive is the beautiful billabong at the

came the glow sticks and marshmallows for

and kayaking and enjoying being on holidays.

Mount Mulligan Station, bordered by eucalyptus

the kids and a glass of wine for the grown-ups.

4057 8019 or 0408 183 032 www.nikkitheclown.com

trees which cast a magical, glassy reflection of

Campers mingled, a guitar could be heard from

both trees and ridge first thing in the morning

the communal area by the billabong and the

when everything is still. The billabong is also the

atmosphere was very chilled and laid-back.

hub of activity during the day for swimming,

watching. And for those wanting to hang out

With five families, 10 kids and a dog, our own

the coal mine. Mt Mulligan was put on the map

closer to camp there is endless hours of fun to

long weekend at Mount Mulligan was always

by a tragic explosion in the local coal mine on

be had at the billabong, swimming and kayaking

going to be an adventure and there was never

September 19, 1921, which killed 75 miners and

or fishing a little downstream. Or you can pack

a dull moment. From the second we arrived at

is still Queensland’s worst mining disaster. The

some board games, enjoy a game of cards or

the 28,000 hectare working cattle station we

mine continued to operate until 1957 when,

sneak in a lazy snooze in the hammock.

easily fell under its spell. We quickly set up camp

following completion of the Tully Falls Hydro

and Ken, the campfire guru among us, collected

Electricity Scheme, the majority of the town was

wood and built our campfire which we all sat

sold off and buildings removed.

popular but not packed on the weekend we were

www.tropicalbeauty.com.au & 0402 482 025

tours, helicopter flights (check availability before booking), gold fossicking, bushwalking and bird

three hour drive from Cairns. The campsite was

www.pakmag.com.au

bikes are available for hire, there are horse riding

which was once the old township centred around

around in our camp chairs, relaxing after the

66

depending on how active you want to be. Quad

Next morning we headed off to explore the ruins,

kayaking and lazing around on a hammock.

Mini day spa theme created for 4-13 year olds Pedicures • Manicures • MakeuP & hair

There is plenty to do at Mount Mulligan

there, and we were pleased to discover it had an amenities block with a couple of communal

While the trip to Mount Mulligan requires some dirt road driving as the last 44 kilometres of road is unsealed, campers looking for a great spot to

The kids enjoyed walking around the old mine

set up their tent won’t be disappointed. Mount

site and railway station, learning about the

Mulligan is definitely one of those fantastic

history of the area. A visit to the cemetery was

word-of-mouth camping spots that really is an

also informative and worth a visit, initiating great

undiscovered outback paradise.

www.pakmag.com.au

67

out&about

submit your photos

email to: photos@pakmag.com.au

William Humble & Samuel Hickey at

Rowan Yarwood 1 yo

Tiny Tots

Lachlan & Dad Jack Hickling

Jack Thompson 2 & Laura Thompson

Tomoko Shima, Haruaki & Munetaka

at Tiny Tots

Sawyer at Tiny Tots

Email your photo, name/s & location to: photos@pakmag.com.au • Deadline for photos is 18 July for the August 2014 edition of Pakmag

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ation PakMag Team at 7th Birthday Celebr

Scarlett at Tiny Tots

Gerlinda Aras Mummy Central

Sean at Peppa Pig

Samantha & Amanda Mummy Central

Anita (Price Attack) & Suzy Pickard

Email your photo, name/s & location to: photos@pakmag.com.au • Deadline for photos is 18 July for the August 2014 edition of Pakmag

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69

Pets fav

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

Cairns Veterinary Clinic

July entries

Caring for your pet Guinea Pig Kody loved by Cooper

PRIZE winner Lily Pinchbeck

Bedtime Buddies - Bonnie &

Amber

Samboo loved by Nicholas & Grace

Josh Moyle

Guinea pigs are popular pets due to their cheerful and interactive nature and low maintenance lifestyle. Though shy, with frequent handling they become very affectionate and talkative. They are also entertaining little beings, having the ability to jump and kick out their legs like a horse; they are surprisingly agile and can run fast despite their egg shaped body!

Guinea pigs are very sociable and like to live in

celery, carrots, tomatoes, cucumber, corn and

Researching the care of a particular breed is

groups. If lonely they can become depressed, so

kale. Fruits such as apples and strawberries are

essential before purchasing. For a beginner the

adopting two or more litter mates of the same

great as occasional treats. Foods to avoid include

short haired breeds are recommended. Bathing

gender is preferable. It’s important to spend

iceberg lettuce, rocket salads, red leaves, broccoli,

too frequently should be avoided as it removes

some time with your guinea pigs every day to

cauliflower, potatoes and radishes. Fresh water is

ensure piggie happiness. Talk to them, cuddle

natural oils and can result in a dry coat. Guinea

essential and should be available at all times.

pig toenails need to be checked regularly and

Housing

clipped if becoming long. Clipping can be

What to feed your guinea pig

Guinea pigs should be housed in an area

veterinarian before attempting yourself.

Guinea pigs are grazing animals and ideally

and away from direct sunlight as they can get

should be provided with a diet as closely

hot very quickly. The cage should be cleaned

matched to their natural diet as possible, so

and bedding changed regularly. Choose toys

provide good quality hay and grass (guinea pigs

and accessories carefully as many available

are great lawn mowers) at all times. Guinea pigs,

have detachable or moving parts which are

like humans, cannot manufacture their own

choking hazards. As a guide choose accessories

vitamin C so it must be sourced from the diet.

that are solid, smooth with no small parts

before they become serious illnesses.

that can be swallowed. Never use exercise

Where to buy

and carry them as often as you can and you’ll be

Email your photo, name/s & address to: photos@pakmag.com.au • Deadline for photos is 18 July for the August 2014 edition of Pakmag.

rewarded with healthy, happy guinea pigs.

Many proprietary guinea pig foods have added vitamin C and are readily available, however this food should not be fed as a sole diet.

Fresh vegetables should make up 20% of your piggies daily diet. Be careful though as feeding too

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as spacious as possible, safe from predators

balls or wheels as they are not safe and can cause toe, foot and spinal injuries.

Grooming

difficult so it’s important to be taught by your

Veterinary Care Like all pets’ regular piggy wellness examinations are essential and allow your veterinarian to evaluate your guinea pigs general health and diagnose, treat or prevent any health problems

When looking for your perfect piggy pet it’s important to remember that, like cats and dogs, there is an overpopulation of guinea pigs and

many leafy veggies can cause tummy upsets and

Some breeds of guinea pigs require regular

many are in rescues centres and shelters looking

diarrhoea. Veggies good for guinea pigs include

grooming to keep them looking fabulous.

for a good home.

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71

The Forbidden Ice Cream

As mentioned in previous editions of the Dad Diary, I have recently returned from a trip to China with my family.

We did some extensive travelling throughout the country and saw some amazing things. From the Great Wall to the Forbidden City, from the Terracotta Warriors to the ancient city walls of Xi’an, the history and culture is incredible, and the pace of development we saw in some of the cities is on a scale unrivalled in the history of mankind. China has to be seen to be believed.

Since returning to Australia and settling back into everyday life in Cairns, many people have been asking me about our trip and about China specifically. What is the biggest cultural aspect of China that I took away from our trip? What sticks out in my mind the most? If I could sum up China in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

Well, after thinking and pondering over this for a few days, I have come up with an answer.

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If I were to sum up China in one sentence, this would be it…

Drip… drip… drip… ice cream… ice cream… ice cream…

“Daddy, can we have an ice cream?”

As we boring adults looked out of the bus window towards some dumb silly pointless 5,000 year old historical ancient landmark, the kids eyes were madly scouring at ground level for the ice cream stand outside of the front entrance.

If there had been no ice cream stand under the big picture of Mao Zedong hanging out the front of the Forbidden City, then there would have been no point even stopping the bus! Just keep moving everybody, nothing to see here!

Yes, China was experienced at a whole different level travelling with kids. Don’t get me wrong, they loved climbing the Great Wall, they had a blast seeing the pandas at the Beijing Zoo, but all of these sights and sounds were just superficial experiences underlying the real reason we had taken the time to travel a third of the way across the world; to buy ice cream.

Every street corner, every tourist sight, the question was persistently asked, day in, day out, over and over, until the objective of obtaining ice cream was achieved each day. It was like a modern version of the Chinese Water Torture. It was the Chinese Ice Cream Torture.

The jury is definitely out on whether Mao was a good leader for China, but hey, at least he provided us with ice cream and thus a peaceful passageway through the gates.