PakMag Mackay & Whitsundays - Jan & Feb 2022 - Issue 87

Parents and Kids Magazine

TIME, 5MONEY

ISSUE: Jan & Feb 2022

MACKAY & WHITSUNDAYS

Tips for Saving

FREE

& SANITY in the Laundry

Turning Everyday Moments into Learning Adventures

WIN

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

Awesome Back to School Prizes

More than

Summer School Holiday Guide Inside

100

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

87

EVENTS

5

The Thing Is

It’s got to be better than the last one… right?!

6

How to Get Financially

Fit in 2022

8

Botany 101

Not that I want to jinx us - we said the same thing about 2021 after the treatment 2020 gave us all… it’s no coincidence that 2021 sounds exactly the same as “2020 WON”.

11

Are Smartphones Making

Us Dumb?

15 Extracurricular Activity Guide 19 All Things Health 21 The PakMag Experts 22 Bump, Bub and Beyond 24 Parent’s Puzzle 25 Mini Mag 28 Back to School Giveaway 31 The PakMag Experts 33 Ready for School:

Turning Everyday Moments

into Learning Adventures

37 Recognising the Obstacles

to Achieving the Best Out

of Relationships

38 School Holiday Guide 43 Daddy Diary 45 Community Notice Board 47 What’s On

PakMag Founder

All jokes aside, we can all acknowledge there have been lots of challenges over the last couple of years, that yes, have really forced us to dig deep.

But they have also provided as a result; the chance to find out who we are, how we respond to hardship, and helped us grow and develop greater resilience. We would have loved to learn these things without the lesson, but alas, unfortunately, that’s not how it works.

Think about a garden; fertiliser (the crap) - helps it grow. I hope this year is a chance for us all to flourish like a well fertilised garden.

With that in mind; this edition was designed to help you set up your year for success – at school, work and in life. Connection is key to lead a thriving life. Connecting to yourself, others and your purpose – helps improve your relationships and quality of life. To help you connect we are also starting The Energy Club and Nurture Nation – find out more by heading to www.pakmag.com.au/nurturenation and www.myvisionbook.com.au/energyclub We want the best for you and your family, and send you all of the good vibes and wishes for the year ahead.

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

Bree and Bec

Bree James PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Contact Us: p 4053 3331 e admin@m2f.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 www.pakmackay.com.au • www.pakmag.com.au • www.m2f.com.au

Sales and Business Development Tracy Couper

and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

Graphic Designer Sara Williams

Content & Marketing Team Leader

Videographer & Podcast Producer Monique Saggers

Bec Dent Creative Team Leader & Graphic Designer

Content Creators Annamarie Booysen Sasha Rozhkova

Clare Winter Marketing and Events Coordinator

Accounts Trent Stievano

Alyssa Marino

Our North Queensland Channels PakMag Mackay Parents of North Queensland pakmag_nq Parents and Kids of

North Queensland Our Global Parenting Channels PakMag Online pakmag_national PakMag The Give It A Go Group

For Parents The PakMag Parents Podcast PakMag TV

PakMag would like to acknowledge the First Nations people within the Mackay, Whitsunday and Issac Region. The first storytellers of country in which we work, live, and enjoy. PakMag would like to pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Disclaimer: No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

The ideas expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

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

We encourage recycling. Please keep this issue for future reference, pass onto your friends and family, use for craft projects or place into the recycling bin.

families

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 3

The Thing Is

The Thing Is with Bree James For over twenty years I’ve been self-employed and have had the freedom to utilise all my skills and play my part in making the world a better place. But it has come at a cost. I’ve had many years of working so much that I seriously neglected myself. Achieving, striving, pushing to do my best - has been my way of life as a business owner for over two decades.

The thing is, I was so obsessed with helping others that it fuelled me to create multiple companies that could help as many people in as many ways as possible. I was operating in so many different roles that one moment I was sending a magazine to print, the next; having a strategy session with a coaching client, writing stories, presenting to camera for a travel blog, then singing or presenting on stage. Not to mention making dinner and all of the other mundane life admin tasks we have to fit into our days. I loved how much variety I could squeeze into a day.

I literally wore pants most days because I didn’t have time to shave my legs. I was overdue for medical check-ups, and to top it off - I didn’t have time to see my hairdresser and keep my hair in check (which is kind of an essential for on-camera work). So, my team and I thought the best strategy would be to buy a wig for filming, thinking I could pop it on and have perfect studio-ready hair. The wig arrived, and I did some filming with it - thinking that it wasn’t too noticeable.

I look back now and realise how ridiculous I looked.

I was too busy at the time to realise how out of control my life had gotten. I never sat still - I was always doing, or asleep. If I stopped, I literally fell asleep. I was running on adrenaline and felt uncomfortable not maximising every minute of my day. I was working 10 to 20 hour days, trying to grow multiple businesses, create a great place for my team, whilst trying my best to be a great mum, wife, daughter and friend. Some days I did a great job, others I felt like an absolute failure, and my family certainly got what was left of me, not the best of me.

Then Covid hit.

I thought I was going to lose everything I had worked so hard to achieve. During those lockdown months I was forced to slow down, and a range of health issues reared their head (that’s for another day) the world has a funny way of delivering messages to us.

During this time of reflection, I realised that although work is important, having time at home with my kids, husband, and friends, and room for spontaneity was actually very liberating.

I decided that things needed to change, I needed to change, my businesses needed to change.

It’s taken me two years to make and implement massive changes to my life. It hasn’t been easy. It’s been a time where I have judged, doubted, and challenged myself more than any other period in my life (and of course I’ve had others judge, doubt, and challenge me too).

It’s like being a caterpillar in a cocoon, hiding away whilst I morph into my next phase of my life.

Thanks to all of those in my life that have patiently waited for me to re-emerge, and held my hand throughout the journey. I am truly grateful for my family, my friends, and my ever-supportive team.

Wigs and unshaved legs are now replaced with walks, talks, and being ok with not having to be all things to all people - I can be me, and live my best life, and you can too.

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

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 5

Feature

How to Get Financially Fit in 2022 STORY Phoebe Blamey, Author, Happy Money Journey As the clock strikes midnight on 31st December, many of us have a list of things that we want to change, do or achieve in the new year to bring in the new you.

Getting better with money is high on the list but it fills many of us with dread and fear.

Getting financially fit can be life changing but means changing habits. Our habits are what keep us where we are or change us. Habits end up playing a huge role in our everyday lives.

As parents, our habits and routines are constantly being moved, and interrupted by the needs and wants of our family. Of course, we are going to prioritise family, but we also need to remember that unless we are taking care of ourselves – we are useless to others. Investing in your own mental, physical, and financial ‘fitness’ will reap rewards not just for you, but your family too – with a happy, healthier and more financially savvy parent and partner.

It is possible to learn how to change our ways, and little by little - we will get the results we want – a healthier relationship with money and healthier bank account.

This is where we need to start.

Mindset Start with your mindset… sometimes we must trick our mind into changing. This can be the smallest step with the best results.

Language is important. Start by simply listening to yourself when you talk about money. What do you say?

Is your language letting money control you rather than the other way around?

This can be difficult particularly when you may not actually feel in control of your money because we have chosen to stay home, or you are deep in debt, or you are out of work.

6 January / February 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Some quick tricks to change your mind:

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

Find that one thing and do it!

2. Listen to your talk and self-talk. Correct yourself when you hear a negative comment.

Life can get hard when money is short and it’s easy to shame spiral and be mean to yourself. Even if the best you can do is say “this too shall pass”, say it to yourself.

Talk About Money The biggest money mistake I ever made was not talking to my boyfriend about money. If I had done this, I would have noticed a whole lot of red flags a lot sooner.

We all make mistakes sometimes; however, I did learn that fights about money are not really about money, they are about the disconnect in goals, dreams and values.

They are a sign, we; as our part of a couple are off track and out of sync. One of the very best pieces of advice the Barefoot Investor, Scott Pape, has is to have a financial date night.

You want to be moving in the same direction and be able to make choices TOGETHER. When one person in a couple is overspending and the other is massively saving, it’s time to have that date night.

Be gentle in your approach rather than evangelical.

Leave blame and shame well out of it – saying “It’s your fault we never have any money you spend too much” is a useless, pointless and directionless argument.

Create Habits It’s time to create some positive money habits.

They don’t have to be monumental. Just little tweaks

Feature

can make a huge difference. Suggestions could include: • Bring snacks with you when you go out rather than buying • Automate bill payments from a single account • Organise your spending so you can always cover bills • Create a savings habit What do you do with your savings? Gone are the days of the spare change pot that adds up over time. With less and less people using cash it becomes harder to make these incidental savings with a ‘slush fund’.

This is where micro investment apps are a good solution. These apps allow you to save small sums of money that you can’t access easily. Better still, it accumulates without you noticing.

The app rounds up your spending and pays your change into investments. You choose how high risk you would like that investment to be (I chose high just to see and then changed to ethical which also did well).

For example, when you spend $8.50 on a sandwich and coffee deal, this is rounded up to $9.00 and 50 cents is moved to your micro investing app. If you link multiple accounts this can add up quickly, and along the way you can see your investments grow. Some of them even offer accounts for kids which is great for parents and grandparents.

do this for you. Whatever method you choose to use, don’t guess as you will undoubtedly get it wrong.

Generally, when people do this the biggest spending regret they have is normally the drive thrus, takeaways meals and coffees that pile up over time to end up as thousands of dollars every year. Frightening stuff!

These deep dives are a game changer when it comes to financial fitness. It means you know exactly where you are spending and can help you become more money savvy.

Understand Your Investments Like it or not you are already an investor so you need to understand your current investments and what they are.

Look at your super, use the new Government app to review it www.yoursuper.gov.au and you see how your fund performs.

Understand the rules around Super. How much you can add, what happens to your balance when you are on parental leave and payments stop, or the balance gets low? Also know where your money is invested, does it match your values? Most funds now have a greater degree of choice in how you, as a member, want to invest. This is one of your biggest investments.

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

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

Know Where Your Money Goes

This all helps you on your way.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Head to www.pakmag.com.au/WIN for your chance to WIN The Happy Money Bundle.

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 7

STEAM

Botany 101 STORY Sasha Rozhkova, Botanist Living in the tropics we can sometimes forget just how unique and biodiverse of an ecosystem it is. We are surrounded by draping fig trees, iridescent butterflies, giant birds (and bugs), and crazy cool plants.

We use plants every day, we eat them, we wear them, we write on them, we live in them, we use them as medicine - but how much do we know about them?

We thought we’d share a little insight into just how interesting and complex plants are, and how you can grow your own in your backyard.

Keywords • Photosynthesis - A chemical reaction that uses carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight, converting it into oxygen and glucose (a sugar) for energy and respiration.

• Respiration - A chemical reaction that utilises glucose for energy (we do this too).

• Stomata - Pore like structures on the underside of leaves that control gas exchange, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide.

• Pollination - The process of pollen being moved from the anther to the stigma.

• Chloroplast - An organelle (small organ) where photosynthesis happens.

• Eukaryote (pronounced you - carry - oat) What all multi-cellular organisms are called.

Prokaryotes are unicellular (one cell).

it

Once seeds are spread and find themselves in the perfect spot with the perfect climate, they will germinate. The first root that comes out (fancy name: “radicle”) grows downwards, and knows to do that because plants can sense gravity (gravitropism).

The radicle anchors the plant to the soil. Then the shoot (plumule) starts growing, as quickly as possible towards the light (phototropism) to begin photosynthesising.

8 January / February 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

It’s not just plants that can photosynthesise, there are other prokaryotes and seaweeds that create oxygen for all of us to breath. Because photosynthesis needs sunlight, at night when there is no light, another reaction called respiration occurs.

For most plants, once they are mature, they will flower then fruit through pollination and fertilisation. There can be male plants, female plants, plants that are both, or none, and a few other mixes.

Some plants don’t need help to move their pollen between others, but many do - that’s where ‘pollinators’ come in. When animals and insects eat the nectar from a flower, they get pollen on them that they then transfer to other flowers and plants – making them pollinators and an important part of the ecosystem.

Once pollen grains get into the correct flower, they help fertilize it, which then creates seeds.

The reason we love fruit so much is because it’s so tasty… well seed dispersers think so too. When they eat fruit, the seeds don’t get digested and eventually come out the other end. This tends to happen further away from the parent plant.

A great example of this is bird poop, next time take a closer look and you’ll likely see little seeds in it.

Dispersal can happen from animals carrying fruit too, next time you hear a giant mango thud on your roof, you’ll know it’s seed dispersal in action.

Facts • Fungi, such as mushrooms and yeast, aren’t plants, they are part of the Fungi kingdom.

• Rainforests are the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world.

• There are over 600 carnivorous plants in the world, and Australia has over 250 of them!

• Plant cells have cell membranes and walls, animal cells (like us) only have membranes.

• Fruit is actually the swollen ovary of the flower, and the seeds are the ovules (eggs).

Gardening 101 A lot goes into a successful garden, and that’s because plants are living just like us. So just like you and I, plants need the right amount and type of energy, nutrients, and water.

Since we’re in the wet season and it’s too wet to sow seeds, now is the time to start working on the soil – to make sure it’s full of nutrients. Compost and mulch are a great way to achieve this.

Once it begins to get a little drier, start planning what you’d like to grow – consider what you enjoy, and what you often eat at home, and do they come with seeds. Pawpaw is a great option.

Once you’ve picked your species, you’ll need to do some research to make sure they get the right food and energy.

There can be too much of a good thing, so be mindful of where you grow your plants and how much light and water they get.

Some plants, such as tomatoes, can be too tasty for other animals to pass up. Since we’re wanting to eat our fruit and not share it with dispersers, this is the perfect opportunity to get crafty and make scarecrows or get bird netting for protection.

Please remember: a healthy garden always needs insects, bugs, critters, creepy crawlies… whatever you call them they all play an important role in pollination.

Parenting

Are Smartphones Making Us Dumb?

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

What About the Benefits?

You might be thinking “Sure, but this new tech is making our lives better so it doesn’t really matter, does it?” But it does.

Are those people sitting at the beach looking at their devices really better off than the ones watching their kids play or chatting to their friends? I don’t think so.

In truth, simply being ‘on’ a device increases our stress levels. Research shows that even having a device close to us subconsciously attracts our attention. Is increased stress and reduced ability to attune to the real world really better?

Our Intelligence is Dropping!

Even more concerning, these smart phones are making us less intelligent! Our brains constantly change and adapt. It is called neuroplasticity. Your brain today is ever so slightly different to the brain you had yesterday.

Some connections have been made stronger and unused connections have been weakened. This happens constantly - based on what we are doing both mentally and physically. It is how we learn.

On the flip side, it is also how we forget. Ever heard the phrase “use it or lose it”? It is important for the brain as well as our bodies. The problem is smart phones are now doing a lot of things we used to do for ourselves. When was the last time you navigated to a new location without using your smartphone, or

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

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

Our navigational abilities – and the relevant area of our brains is diminishing.

Time to Get Social Other areas of concern are the social areas of our brain. We are social animals. We have evolved to seek out and be supported by our friends and relatives. In the days when the world was much more dangerous, this was important. We had to worry about warring tribes and hungry animals. Being part of a large group was essential for survival. Our brains still require that contact and connection. But our addiction to devices means that even when we are sitting in groups we are often no longer interacting. Social media means we have thousands of virtual ‘friends’ and hardly any real ones! We are no longer using many of these important social areas of our brains. As with all other under-used areas, neuroplasticity means these faculties are steadily diminishing.

It has been shown that by the end of the first year of life, babies whose carers regularly use smartphones have poorer facial expression perception abilities. Even more concerning is that primary school children show a significant decrease in their facial expression perception

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 11

Parenting

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

Attention is the Big Loser The effect of devices like smartphones on our attention is really significant. Attention is essential for maintaining our focus, processing, understanding, and learning. And those notifications that you get on your devices from email, Facebook, Messenger, Linkedin, Instagram etc. negatively impact your attention. They are very cleverly designed to force your attention to the device and away from the real world. Turning off all these notifications is an easy step towards getting back control of your attention, your time, your productivity and decrease your stress levels!

What is really concerning is that many studies have shown a relationship between screen use and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). The earlier a child has access to a smartphone, the more likely they are to be diagnosed with ADHD, and the longer they spend on the device the more likely they will have symptoms associated with ADHD.

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

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

responsibly. Such an argument doesn’t really work!

Using devices sensibly and understanding the dangers can be taught without giving them access - we restrict access to sugar, alcohol, gambling, drugs, cigarettes, and driving. Nobody argues that 12-year-olds should be allowed to go to the pub so we can teach them responsible drinking!

Smartphones are addictive, they increase the likelihood of depression, ADHD, stress, anxiety, and suicide. They negatively impact on brain development, and they enable potential access for bullies, trolls, scammers, paedophiles, and radicalisation. There are far more dangers on their smartphone than down at the local skate park, yet many parents give their kids unlimited access to their device.

What Should Kids be Doing?

Did you know that Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are reported to have raised their kids “technology free”!

And schools that limit technology are in demand in Silicon Valley. Why? Because people in the Tech Industry realise that the next big invention or leap forward won’t come from somebody who is great at coding or taking selfies. It will come from someone who is curious, inquisitive, adaptive, resilient, and social. And the jobs of the future will need people with these qualities.

They won’t be learnt on a smartphone. They will be learnt by playing sport, climbing trees, learning a musical instrument, playing imaginative games with their friends and interacting in the real world.

Where to Next?

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

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

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

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

12 January / February 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Extracurricular

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

Sensory Circus Tribe Who wouldn’t want to join the circus? Sensory Circus Tribe offers a range of classes and workshops for children as young as 2, through to adults. Circus will help build confidence, coordination, strength, and flexibility through both aerial and ground skills. An out-of-the-box approach to getting your child healthy and fit.

A 10 Hicks St P 0413 506 804 www.sensorytribe.com.au

Kids Art Club - ArtSpace Mackay ArtSpace Mackay offers children’s art clubs throughout the school term. If you’ve got a creative genius on your hands, or even if you just suspect, sign them up!

Creative expression through art is fantastic for children, it helps develop fine motor skills, artistic expression, and communication.

A Civic Centre Precinct P 4961 9722 Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au

Conservatorium Academy The Conservatorium Academy is a centre for creative and performing arts training for school-aged children throughout the school term. It is part of the School of Education and the Arts at CQUniversity and therefore provides an experience like no other. It aims to supplement other music, dance, and drama activities with performance and theatre training.

P 0416 599 548 www.munroirishdance.com

Mackay Indoor Sports Indoor Sports offers a fun way for children to have fun, get fit, and exercise. There’s a range of sport options, including netball, cricket, and soccer. Plus it’s indoors – so rain or shine the games are good to go. You can join a team or register an entire one, there’s everything you need for a good game, every time!

A 225 Harbour Rd P 4957 2672 www.isamackay.com.au

Treble Trouble Youth Choir Jennifer Bee shares her experience and training with children wanting to learn, practice and perfect their singing. Treble Trouble choir has an annual membership fee of just $10.00, and a term fee of $25.00. Practice is held weekly on Thursdays at the Bee Musical Studio.

Suitable for children aged 8 to 18.

P 0404 163 097 E trebletrouble.mackay@gmail.com

Crossroad Arts Crossroad Arts works to create opportunities for people with disabilities who are passionate about developing their performance skills. They offer development programs designed to promote artistic growth and upskilling by providing skills-based training and exposure to professional artists.

P 07 4940 7800 Conservatorium Academy Mackay www.cqu.edu.au

A 55 Wood St P 07 4953 5122 www.crossroadarts.com.au

Munro School Of Irish Dancing

Jump! Swim Schools Mackay

The Munro School Of Irish Dancing offers a range of classes for children, including light shoe, heavy shoe, and group dancing. Many of their students go ahead to qualify and compete on national and international stages.

They offer classes at various locations, times, and skill levels, as well as opportunities to compete. So get in touch and arrange a free trial for your little dancer!

This boutique swim facility teaches swimming for babies from three months to children pre-squad. Their small, intimate classes provide a safe, comfortable space for every child to learn and perfect their stroke.

A 6/14 Heaths Rd P 4942 8064 www.jumpswimschools.com.au/mackay

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 15

Extracurricular

Dance Express Mackay Dance Express is all about being bold, inclusive, and creative. Dancing is high-energy, and it’s the best way to build self-esteem and confidence. There are classes for every age group, starting at 18 months through to 12 years +. Classes include ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, yoga, pilates, acrobatics and more!

A 25 Valley St P 0407 675 990 www.danceexpressmackay.com

Rugbytots Mackay Region Rugbytots is a rugby-based play program for children aged 2 – 7 years. It’s a great opportunity for them to learn basic rugby skills. The benefits also extend through to important developmental and social skills such as listening, balance, hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and making friendships.

P 0409 826 057 www.rugbytots.com.au

Aspire Performing Arts Studio Offering ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, acro, drama, music theatre, private speech and singing lessons; Aspire Performing Arts Studio has it all. From Mums and Bubs right up to senior performers, there’s a class to suit all ages and abilities. Everyone can have fun, make new friends and dance it out!

A 1/7 Windmill Crossing P 0468 947 116 or 0404 190 017 www.aspireperformingarts.com

Do Re Mi Music School Do Re Mi Music School aims to share the joys of music with children from 6 months to 6 years old. Lessons help to explore sound, movement, and rhythm through singing, beat making with percussion instruments, and socialisation. The effects of music can be greatly beneficial for young children, and you never know, you might have a rockstar on your hands.

A 6 Irving Street P 07 4957 3047 www.doremimackay.net.au

Airlie Beach Swim Centre Airlie Beach Swim Centre caters to everyone from baby to tween, through to adult, there’s a class for everyone. They also provide an inclusive environment with classes suitable and focused for those with disabilities eager to learn to swim. If you’ve got a water child on your hands, sign them up for a nationally recognised open water diving course, or get them training and on their way to being junior lifeguards.

A 2583 Shute Harbour Road P 0404 677 400 airliebeachswimcentre.com.au

Azure Glass Azure Glass offers glass art workshops throughout the year, including school holidays. Check online for updated schedules and courses, and get your young one creating.

16 January / February 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

A 321 Anzac Avenue, Marian P 0415 778 609 Azure Glass Mackay QLD www.azureglass.com.au

With One Voice Mackay With One Voice choirs provide inclusive programs aimed to reduce loneliness, depression and social isolation by promoting diversity and integration.

Through the neuro-scientific benefits of community singing, these programs offer a safe space for people of all ages to sing and connect.

P 0404 163 097 With One Voice Mackay & Surrounds Choir

Pat Wright Swim School Whether your bub is fresh to water, or they’re seasoned and eager to improve their skills, Pat Wright Swim School offers a variety of classes for all skill levels. They provide a safe environment to learn in that builds confidence and water safety awareness.

A 8 Lawson St P 4953 1744 www.patwrightswimschool.com.au

Adrenalin Cheer and Dance Adrenalin Cheer and Dance has a focus on teamwork and success. They train both recreational and competitive cheer teams throughout the school term.

A perfect activity for that little one with limitless energy.

A McCulloch St P 04 1775 0532 www.adrenalincheer.com.au

North Mackay Little Athletics Little Athletics aims to provide a family friendly community activity that gets everyone out there on the field. Parents are encouraged to get involved and help with the events as their children compete.

P 0413 594 559 North Mackay Little Athletics www.northmackayathletics.com.au

2022 Sports Expo and Sign-On There will be a wide range of sporting organisations, teams, and active leisure groups that will be displayed at the MECC, as well as more than 100 sport and recreation options online at your fingertips. The expo runs throughout February online, with the live event held 9.00am - 4.30pm on February 13.

A MECC Plenary Halls P 4961 9610 or 4961 9475 E sport@mackay.qld.gov.au www.mackay.qld.gov.au

Mackay Gymnastics Mackay Gymnastics philosophy is “Gymnastics for All”.

They run Baby Gym, Kindergym, Prep Classes, Introductory and Recreational Classes, Women’s and Men’s Competitive Programs, Acrobatic and Rhythmic Competitive Programs and Trampoline Competitive Programs.

A 5 Snow Wright Crt, Beaconsfield P 4942 0032 Mackay Gymnastics www.mackaygymnastics.org.au

Health

All Things Health Interesting Facts About the Heart Your heart will beat around 100,000 times per day, adding up to around three billion beats in an average lifetime.

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

Have You Got Rushing Woman’s Syndrome? What is it, and How Can I Help my Body and Mind Keep up with Being a Busy Mum? STORY James Jensen, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Australian Nutrition Centre Feeling like you're constantly running against the clock?

Rushing Woman's Syndrome is the term coined to describe the cascade of hormonal changes that happen when we feel stressed for extended periods. It evolved from women’s health being drastically affected by the constant rush many women live in.

It can manifest in the form of unexplained weight gain, fatigue, mood swings and of course, stress. Whilst recommendations include meditating and practising relaxation, the reality is that many women don’t have the luxury of ‘slowing down.’

Instead, you can start by assessing where things are breaking down, and support the body accordingly. For instance, if your digestion is out of order, it is probably affecting your skin, sleep and menstrual cycle. It’s all a flow-on effect. Start by changing things in your diet, supporting your gut with healing herbs and using adaptogen herbs and vitamins for your adrenal system.

This will help improve sleeping habits, and balance hormones.

The average human heart is the size of a fist. Blue whales have the largest hearts at the size of a piano, while the fairy fly (a type of wasp) has the smallest.

For more advice on nutritional and hormonal support, talk to your health practitioner or book a consultation at www.australiannutritioncentre.com.au.

There are 96,000km of blood vessels in your body. Some capillaries in your body are ten times smaller than a human hair, meaning blood cells travel single-file through them.

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

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 19

Expert Advice

The PakMag Experts Katrina Peters

Karen Bonham

Statewide Family Law

MADEC Community Development Coordinator

Dear Katrina, When should I be looking at making a Will? And what is an Enduring Power of Attorney?

Don’t leave it until it is too late…

Many of us don’t think about making a Will, but we do need to think about the future and how our family would cope financially in the event of our death. Estate planning does not commence on death, in fact, those who don’t effectively plan their affairs could leave their loved ones with an unpleasant legacy.

Marriage and Divorce - Unless your Will is worded in a particular fashion, a marriage after the signing of a Will can revoke a Will. A gift to someone you are married to at the time of your death will not be affected. Separation after a marriage alone will not affect a Will. Therefore, it is particularly important to review your estate plan if you are going through a separation.

Why do you need a Will? A Will is the cornerstone of an effective transfer of assets – it puts you in charge of important decisions about what you want to happen, and ensures your intentions are carried out.

Be assured that your assets will be given: • to the people you want • to support your beneficiaries’ needs • in the way you want • quickly and simply • tax-effectively If you don’t have a Will there is no guarantee that your intentions will happen. Your estate will be distributed under the rules of intestacy, which are very general and are unlikely to reflect your wishes.

Power of Attorney - Unfortunately, in the fast-paced world we live in, accidents, serious illness, long term physical or brain injuries are all too common. By signing a Power of Attorney, you may grant someone (your attorney) the legal power for that person to sign or to take some action on your behalf if you or your partner are injured or become too ill to make financial and health decisions for yourself or your children.

When we think about community and what it really means to us to be part of one, we will all have a different perception of how this looks, as it relates to our individual preferences and needs.

The consistent thread is the need for a sense of belonging, connection, and inclusion.

As we move through life, we seek connection to family, relationships, cultural, social and recreational groups, etc. This connection and sharing of knowledge and resources fosters a sense of acceptance, inclusion and self-confidence.

We need to be part of a community so we can broaden our exposure to a wide range of people, places, and experiences, which enrich quality of life and experience. The more diverse our experiences and engagements in our community become, the more opportunity there is to express ourselves and practice our abilities in many ways and forms. For people with disability, this may need to be supported to ensure understanding of the person, rather than a focus on the disability and what may not be possible.

When meeting new people within a community there is such learning and enrichment potential, yet we sometimes focus on how we differ, rather than what we can build on from our things in common. For people with disability, there can be an unconscious focus on obvious differences and inabilities.

As for anyone, the best way to embrace people with disability is to see the person, their perspective and views and invite them to share their experiences and achievements seeking things in common. By being open to and embracing all members of our community we have the greatest potential for genuine acceptance and belonging through open access and meaningful inclusion.

If you’d like to learn how to be part of our community and embrace disabilities, please speak to the MADEC team.

We’d love to engage with you. a 3/17 Macalister St, Mackay www.madec.org.au

a 34 Wood St, Mackay www.swc.net.au

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 21

Bump, Bub and Beyond

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

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

VTech Play & Chase Puppy $49.95 - www.target.com.au Get playtime on a roll with the interactive Play & Chase Puppy. Learn about numbers and counting with floor play, then get up and dance with this puppy that turns and rolls along on its hoverboard. Keep the giggles and gross motor skills growing with a game of follow the leader. Motion sensors let the puppy avoid obstacles and keep it moving forward when someone is following it. Ready to rest?

Pick up the pup, it’s time to slow down. Press a light-up heart and interactive paw button to learn about numbers, counting, music, feelings and to hear encouraging phrases.

22 January / February 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Baby Shusher $34.99USD - babyshusher.com Soothe your fussy baby with Baby Shusher, the sound machine that soothes babies to sleep with a real human voice. The machine uses a rhythmic "Shhh" sound to break baby's crying spell. The Baby Shusher is wireless and portable, so it goes anywhere baby goes.

Each device comes with a handy wrist strap making it easier to carry or tether to the carseat.

The sound can be set for 15 or 30 minutes, depending on your baby's needs.

Simply twist the top section to select the time you want.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

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

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

Pressed for Time

My Famous DIY Combination Stain Removal Spray

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

• 1 cup double strength vinegar

Multitask in the Laundry Sink

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

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

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

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

Use Less Detergent To avoid the stiff and crunchy feeling of clean clothes simply cut back on the amount of laundry detergent you are using, switch to a low suds option and avoid fabric softeners. Use this simple formula to help.

Front loader – use 1/8 recommended laundry detergent + 2 tbs bicarb soda Top loader – use ¼ recommended laundry detergent + 2 tbs bicarb soda

Did You Know?

• Only about 4 percent of women actually give birth on their due date.

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

• Just after birth, a baby only sees in black and white.

By around 4 months, they will have developed their colour vision.

• Babies have more taste buds than adults.

• Statistics state that on average, parents lose an average of 6 months’ sleep in the first two years of their child’s life!

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 23

Adult Colouring

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

24 January / February 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Pull-out kids activity mag!

AddamsFamily2

M eetTheAddams

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

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

Distributed Distributed Through Through United United Artists Artists Releasing.

Releasing. © 2021 © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures PictureI

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

For your chance to WIN a family pass to The Addams Family 2, enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win.

Competition closes 10/01/2022. No need to submit activity to enter.

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

Find 10 Differences

WIN a Wahu Mega Slide! $50.00 - www.wahu.com.au - Kids will love racing each other down this massive 7.5m Super Slide.

The continuous water spray means you’ll be zooming down the slide and into the splash bumper in no time!

This is the ultimate backyard toy! For Ages 6+. Available from all leading retailers.

Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 31/01/2022.

No need to submit activities to enter.

BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY!

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

1

2 3

4

5

1. Crayola Back-To-School Prize Pack - $60.00 - www.crayola.com.au - Get your kids excited to go back to school with this creative prize pack from Crayola! Products include a 24 pack Colors of the World Crayons, a 120-piece Inspiration Art Case and 64 pack of Washable Sidewalk Chalk. The Colors of the World crayon pack consist of 24 speciallyformulated colours representing people of the world. The Inspiration Art Case has over 100 tools for junior artists to get creative at home or on the go. And children can let their imagination run wild and create vibrant artwork on the sidewalk or in the driveaway with the Washable Sidewalk Chalk pack. 2. Rolla Bottle Twin Pack - $66.00 www.rollabottle.com.au - Rolla Bottle is the original roll small water bottle. It stands tall and functions as a regular water bottle when in use and rolls super small when empty.

Designed for functionality and convenience, compact Rolla Bottle is everything you want in a water bottle rolled pocket size! 3. Lockabox One Crystal - $59.99 - www.lockabox. com - A Lockabox One is somewhere to keep children’s devices (or your own) away from restless fingers, so you can get off those phones and spend a little more family time together. With one of their lightweight, portable secure boxes you don’t need to worry about setting up screen time controls on complicated devices or hiding phones or console controllers around the house. Once it’s in that box, it’s not coming out (until you say so). Shop now with 10 percent off using code pak10. 4. The Bumper Treehouse Fun Book by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton - $19.99 - www.panmacmillan.com.au - The Bumper Treehouse Fun Book is packed with over 300 pages of treehouse-inspired fun! With the FUNNEST activities from the Treehouse Fun Books and a whole heap of brand new ones, there are pictures to draw, stories to write, codes to crack, sudokus to solve, colour-ins, dot-to-dots, mazes, crosswords, word searches, spot-the-differences and some activities that we don’t even have a name for! So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pen, pencil,

6

7

8

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

Expert Advice

The PakMag Experts Pierre Viljoen

CQ Skin Cancer Centre

Assoc Vice-President North Queensland Region

Do you believe these 3 sun tanning myths?

For many people the prospect of undertaking study is fraught with angst. Perhaps you didn’t finish school, or maybe it’s been a long time since you put yourself to the test in an academic environment.

At CQUniversity we discuss these concerns with people every day. Our role is to not just test students and issue qualifications, but to help them become confident, jobready candidates, so they can reach their full potential.

A TAFE course is a great way to start your tertiary journey, offering students the opportunity to obtain skills and knowledge to join or re-enter the workforce. TAFE courses also provide working professionals with an opportunity to upskill. As the official TAFE provider for Mackay, CQUniversity has the know-how and facilities to ensure that you are supported in your studies, and that when you complete your course, you graduate with a nationallyrecognised qualification from a highly-regarded educator.

The first step in your journey is to apply for a CQUni TAFE course. If you are unsure which course is right for you, contact us to discuss your options. From providing advice on the time required to complete a course, to suitable government subsidies, and assisting with the enrolment process – our team is here to help from start to finish.

CQUni TAFE will assess your current abilities and recommend the right level of study for you. If additional training is required in literacy, numeracy or computer skills, options will be suggested. To start your conversation with CQUni TAFE, call 13 27 86 or visit us at the CQUniversity Mackay City or Ooralea campus.

By visiting a campus, you can also check out the great facilities, including computer labs, library, and common rooms. The CQUni TAFE Careers expo is also coming up on Wednesday, 19 January at the Mackay City campus from 2.00pm - 5.30pm, where you can explore your study options. p 13 27 86 www.cqu.edu.au/tafe

The summer weather tempts us outside to soak up the sun, but with one skin cancer diagnosed in Australia every minute, it’s essential we take our skin health seriously and understand the risks of tanning and the importance of regular skin cancer checks with a specially qualified Skin Cancer Doctor.

There is nothing healthy about a tan, yet many people continue to believe tanned skin is a sign of good health.

Tanning is a sign of significant skin cell trauma – your skin’s way of attempting to protect itself from serious harm.

Here are three common myths about sun tanning that you shouldn’t believe.

1. Tanning isn’t dangerous A tan is caused by the sun’s UV radiation, which can cause permanent skin cell damage in less than 10 minutes, leading to skin ageing and accounting for over 90 per cent of skin cancers.

2. A ‘base tan’ is good for you There is a misconception that a light tan will prevent sunburn.

In reality, any form of a tan is enough to damage your skin cells, and only offers about SPF3 protection from further sun damage.

The best way to prevent sunburn is to wear SPF50+ sunscreen and sun-protective clothes like a hat and long sleeves, and stay indoors when UV levels peak around the middle of the day.

3. A tan looks more appealing Some people believe that changing their skin tone improves their appearance. In the long-term, UV radiation has a very detrimental effect on the skin and leads to early signs of ageing, including wrinkles, lines, sunspots, blotchy pigmentation, and dull skin.

Just five bad sunburns double your chance of developing potentially deadly melanoma, and 1 in 8 adults are sunburnt on an average summer weekend. That’s why regular skin cancer checks are so important, since early detection provides the best chances of successful treatment. a CQ Skin Cancer Centre, 11 Downie Avenue, Bucasia www.skincancercentres.com.au/mackay

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 31

Education

Ready for School: Turning Everyday Moments into Learning Adventures STORY Dr Rosemarie Truglio, Senior Vice President of Curriculum and Content at Sesame Workshop Your child’s preschool years are a time of wonder, imagination, curiosity, experimentation, relationships, challenges, and most importantly, joy – both in your life and in your child’s.

Today’s families however, are often stressed and super busy balancing a myriad of demands. These demands on our time mean that there has been a decline in children’s play and families playing together. This decline is a concern, because it is through play that children learn a range of important school-readiness skills.

When children are engaged in play that is meaningful, joyful and socially interactive, they are learning a range of academic skills, physical skills, social skills (such as communication and conflict resolution), emotional skills (like empathy and self-confidence) and creativity.

The great news is that there are some simple ways to turn every day moments into learning adventures.

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

Start by encouraging your child, regardless of their age, to look at all of the things and actions in their environment and name them. This can include simple things when getting dressed (‘shirt’, ‘zipper’, ‘button’, elastic’); taking a bath (‘hot water’, ‘cold water’, ‘bubbles’, ‘soap’, ‘face washer’); cooking (‘mixing bowl’, ‘chop’, ‘peel’, ‘measuring cups’, labelling ingredients), and laundry (sort clothes by colour, size or types of clothes).

Point out various objects and label them. For example, when you’re out walking or riding in your car with your child, indicate familiar things in your neighbourhood: trees, birds, flowers, dogs, bicycles, buses, trains, trucks, the school, the supermarket, or things your child sees frequently. Also ask questions like ‘What colour is the bus?’, ‘I see two birds. How many do you see?’

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

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 33

Education

Discussing maths at home also need not be intimidating or anxiety provoking. You can find plenty of places and situations around the home where mathematics skills can be introduced, such as: • In the kitchen: Give everyone at the table a few pieces of food, such as crackers or carrots. Ask each child to count the items in their pile. Ask ‘Did everyone get an equal, or the same amount? If not, how many pieces do you need to add to each pile to make them all the same?’

• In the bathroom: Use different sizes and shapes of plastic cups and measuring cups to play with in the bath and to compare amounts. With younger children, simply explore the concepts of ‘full’ and ‘empty’ by filling up the cups and pouring them out together. Challenge older children to predict which cup will hold the most water, and which one will hold the least.

ants, leaves or flowers. Together, check out and count how many different types of birds you see or how many shapes of leaves you see on the trees. For birds, observe how they fly and where they fly to. Do you see a nest? If you see leaves on the ground, try to identify which tree they dropped from.

• A wonderful way to introduce young children to weather is to talk about the fascinating aspects of wind, especially in reference to the senses.

For example, we can see the wind as it creates ripples across the water. We can hear the wind in the rustling of the leaves through the trees. We can feel the wind when a soft breeze caresses our cheeks. When talking to your child about the wind, ask them to come up with ways they can see, hear, touch, smell – and even taste the wind, and see what they come up with!

Even Meltdowns Can Be Learning Moments

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

How parents react to stress has a big impact on little ones. Model calmness by using self-talk and feeling words – “Oh no, I burned the pizza! I feel so frustrated…

I could really use a hug.”— in front of your child.

Seeing self-regulating strategies in action at home will help them learn to manage their own feelings in school and beyond.

Everyday Adventures with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

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

When your child is at play, notice how they figure out how things work and investigate the world around them.

They are an engineer when building a garage for a toy car; a mathematician when measuring the width and height of the toy garage; a technician when using tools to build a ramp to get the cars in and out of the garage; and a scientist when noticing the different cars go down the ramp at different speeds! Through the lens of science, children build their understanding of the world.

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

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

Opportunities for learning are everywhere – at the kitchen table, on the bus, or in the supermarket, children develop skills and build their understanding of the world through everyday moments and daily routines.

Learning through play is critically important – with the right support and encouragement, all parents can engage in playful activities to help their children get ready for school and for a happy, healthy and successful life!

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

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

34 January / February 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Advertorial

Recognising the Obstacles to Achieving the Best Out of Our Relationships STORY Namarca Corowa Positive and uplifting affirmations, and fresh optimistic outlooks on life are what individuals and families look forward to at the start of the new year. However, after making those promises, the following weeks and months can be the toughest for those who have made commitments to change.

I remember an older gentleman once saying to a young person, “What’s your plan? Because you may have a goal, but a goal without a plan is nothing more than a dream.” How true! We all need to make plans about our future, and that involves knowing what we need to do to achieve personal transformation. But that’s only half of the journey.

The other half of the journey of transformation is identifying obstructions. That means being truthful in order to be able to recognise and counteract those obstacles that prevent us from achieving. This is also true in terms of our family relationships.

At Reconcile Life, we help families recognise eight of the most common obstacles and relationship holes that can form in families. According to the Duluth Centre for Domestic Violence, these same eight domestic violence behaviours are important to be aware of:

1. Intimidation: there may be one person in the relationship bullying others.

2. Emotional Abuse: putting others down, making them feel bad about themselves.

3. Isolation: abusively governing others in the where, what, for how long and with whom.

4. Minimising and Blame: making light of abuse, blaming victims for the abuse.

5. Using Children: children are used as pawns in adult conflict to control another adult.

6. Using Privilege: using your status to negatively rule over others in the relationship.

7. Economic Abuse: controlling all the finances in a way that makes the other feel subservient.

8. Threats and Coercion: threatening or abusively forcing others do or say something.

Reconcile Life deliver adult and school-age healthy relationships sessions, communication workshops, and three-day Healthy Relationships camps and workshops that also coincide with 12-week behavioural change programs.

We have great events and hotspot workshops available for schools, sporting clubs and teams, workforce teams, and general team building activities. We don’t just deal with problematic behaviours; we also help you promote positivity in your sphere of influence!

Contact us today and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube @reconcile_life or go to www.reconcilelife.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 37

School Holiday Guide

School Holiday Guide Artspace Mackay Enjoy APT10 Kids on Tour at Artspace during the holidays.

Participate in a variety of art making activities developed by the Children’s Art Centre in collaboration with amazing artists from Australia and around the world!

No bookings necessary, parental supervision is required.

If there are no seats available when you arrive, simply try again later.

Where: Artspace Mackay Workshop Room.

When: Runs 10.00am - 5.00pm Tuesday to Friday, 10.00am - 3.00pm Saturday and Sunday from 4 January - 23 January FREE ENTRY You can also head to BMA Kidspace Online to enjoy the arts program specifically designed for 0 – 5 year olds, with activities including Leaf Rubbing, Leaf Collage, Recycled Drums, and Sing Alongs. And don’t forget about the BMA KidSpace program, starting back up 22 February, 10.00am - 2.00pm.

A Civic Centre Precinct P 4961 9722 Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au

Sidetrax Bring the family for an adrenaline rush and some friendly competition with go-kart racing at Sidetrax.

The perfect hideaway this wet season - the track is indoors so it’s always race day if you want it to be!

Minimum age is 7 years and drivers must be 1.23 metres tall. Please come dressed for racing with closed in shoes, and shorts or pants. Cost: From $39.00 for 1 race, double seater karts available.

A 275 Nebo Rd, City Gate P 4829 4707 Sidetrax www.sidetrax.com.au

Mackay Gymnastics School Holiday Fun Days and Holiday Camp Mackay Gymnastics Inc are running Holiday Fun Days and Day Camps these school holidays. Run by qualified

38 January / February 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Gymnastics Coaches, the kids can enjoy a fun day of activities at the gym - no gymnastics experience required.

When: 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 and 21 January.

Holiday Camps run 9.00am - 3.00pm / Cost: $50.00 (members), $70.00 (non-members) per day “Fun Days” sessions available for: 2 - 4 years: 9.15 am - 10.00am | Cost: $16.50 5 - 12 years: 9.00am - 10.30am | Cost: $27.50 A 5 Snow Wright Crt, Beaconsfield P 4942 0032 Mackay Gymnastics www.mackaygymnastics.org.au

South Leagues Club Mackay Play, eat and enjoy at South Leagues Club. The family can enjoy a delicious meal for dinner or lunch from the affordable, family-friendly restaurant Souths Bistro. You can relax in the gaming room or grab a drink from the sports bar while the kids hang out and play in the kids zone – a room full of games, activities, movies and play equipment. No need for a babysitter at Souths Mackay!

A 181 Milton St P 4957 2166 South Leagues Club Mackay www.southsmackay.com.au

Caneland Central Caneland Central will also be hosting Kidchella from 10 - 21 January. Head down and celebrate with their festival themed craft, disco’s, and glitter tattoos.

Check online for crafting schedules, and get the kids creating these school holidays! Plus don’t forget, Caneland is the largest shopping centre in Mackay, providing games, music, movies, toys, and food for the whole bunch.

A Mangrove Rd, Mackay P 4944 7111 Caneland Central www.canelandcentral.com.au

Sarina Sugar Shed Sarina Sugar Shed offers an award-winning insight into sugar production. From paddock to plate, the tour will teach you and your little ones just what happens when cane is planted, how it’s used and what it makes.

You’ll get the opportunity to observe, touch, feel, and taste the different stages of sugar production, their non-alcoholic ginger beer brewed onsite, the freshly spun fairy floss, and freshly squeezed cane juice.

There’s plenty of goodies for the adults to try too.

Cost: $13.30 for kids, $26.50 for adults, kids under 5 are free. Bookings essential.

A Field of Dreams Parkland, Railway Square P 07 4943 2801 www.sarinasugarshed.com.au

Wake House Wake House Australia is the perfect way to cool off this summer’s break. Providing a safe environment for beginners wanting to learn how to kneeboard or wakeboard. The venue often hosts live music and wakeboarding events which will keep them coming back for more. Check online for more information.

P 1300 500 261 Wake House Australia www.wakehouse.com.au

Forest Flying - Flying Fox An unforgettable way to immerse yourself in Queensland’s stunning rainforests. The Forest Flying eco-tourism experience is set up to allow you to view the rainforest of Finch Hatton Gorge from a unique angle. Their flying fox is an overhead cable and pulley system up to 25 metres above ground that allows you to travel 340 metres through the rainforest canopy. If you can do an average bush walk, you can do Forest Flying!

The weight range to participate is 30 kgs - 120 kgs and the recommended minimum age is 10. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $90.00.

A 18 Olivers Road, Finch Hatton P 07 4958 3359 www.forestflying.com

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens The Botanic Gardens have self-guided activities on offer that can be printed from home or picked up from the brochure holders at the Community Noticeboard opposite the café. There’s plenty more to do at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens for kids - check in on their website for updated school holiday content.

A 9 Lagoon St, Mackay P 4952 7300 Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens www.mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 39

School Holiday Guide

Escape Rooms Mackay Enter a themed room and work as a team to solve a series of puzzles, riddles and hints before your 60 minute time limit runs out. Fun for families, friends and groups. Please be advised the rooms are geared more towards mid-teens and adults due to the level of difficulty and themes. Players under the age of 12 need to be accompanied by a paying adult. You are able to bring younger children but be aware there may be scary themes. Some groups of 13 and 14 year olds may find the puzzles a bit too challenging.

Cost: From $31.00 per player.

Whitsunday Crocodile Safari Take a trip on the “Wild Side” and see crocodiles in their natural habitat in the Whitsundays. This highly rated day-trip is a safe, all-weather ‘safari style’ excursion, which takes you cruising through a wild crocodile habitat on the Proserpine River, then touring the Goorganga Plains Wetlands on a wagon train to observe native Australian wildlife.

Cost: $50.00 for ages 1 - 4, $85.00 for ages 5 - 17, and $140.00 for adults.

Break up that school holiday monotony and escape to paradise! Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort is a family owned and run caravan park in Airlie Beach. Nestled on seven acres of shady, tropical greenery, there’s plenty of family fun to be had - Including a playground, jumping pillow, quad bikes for hire, a pool and a brand-new ninja challenge course. Get in and book fast as many families will be looking for a summer getaway spot!

A 2955 Shute Harbour Rd, Flametree P 4946 9388 BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort www.whitsundaystropicalecoresort.com.au

Kidz Life Play Centre It’s slides, tunnels and ball pits galore at Kidz Life Play Centre. With a triple decker play structure, huge double slide, ball pits, a jumping castle and much more, there is plenty of fun to be had. It’s all indoors and air conditioned, so rain, hail or shine it’s always playtime!

Get a dose of native Aussie wildlife at Billabong Sanctuary these school holidays. Get up close and

40 January / February 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

We’re privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the country, so why not make the most of it? Mackay and the Whitsundays are surrounded by lush, wild, and unique national parks that showcase the diversity of our region. Here’s just a handful to choose from: Cape Hillsborough, Eungella, Cape Palmerston, Conway, and don’t forget about the Whitsunday Islands. So grab the kids, grab the gear, head out, and experience our backyard. www.parks.des.qld.gov.au

Whitsunday Segway Tours

Cost: Boardwalk is $110.00, Rainforest is $139.00. Suitable for families with children 12+ years old.

Big4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort

Billabong Sanctuary

A 17km South of Townsville on the Bruce Highway P 4778 8344E admin@billabongsanctuary.com.au Billabong Sanctuary www.billabongsanctuary.com.au

Jump on and explore the Conway National Park Rainforest or the Airlie Beach Boardwalk with Whitsunday Segway Tours. An alternative way to get around and see the local sites, especially in this heat!

A Cannonvale, Airlie Beach P 07 4948 3310 Whitsunday Crocodile Safari www.crocodilesafari.com.au

A 75 Evans Ave, North Mackay P 4953 5575 E admin@kidzlife.com.au www.kidzlife.com.au

Cost: $27.00 children 4 - 16 years, $37.00 students and seniors, $40.00 adults, $120.00 for a family. Open from 9.00am – 2.00pm.

Explore Local National Parks

A 344 Alfred Street, Mackay P 0484 372 273 www.escaperoomsmackay.com.au

Cost: From $8.50, children under 1 are FREE. Don’t forget your socks!

personal with our most cuddliest of creatures, then watch our giant crocs feast. Once it’s time for a little relaxation, grab a picnic spot and let the kids loose at the swimming pool

A Airlie Beach P 0432 734 929 Whitsunday Segway Tours www.whitsundaysegwaytours.com.au

The Blue Water Lagoon Right in the heart of the city, the lagoon provides a free swimming area for all ages, safe from stingers and any bities. It has a water slide, waterfall, children’s playground, as well as BBQ facilities, and is open to the public from 9.00am – 5.45pm during the summer months. You can also drop in for some delicious coffee and pancakes at Pancake Bliss!

A Caneland Park, River St P 4952 5244 Bluewater Lagoon Mackay

Sarina Youth Centre Fun and educational activities run on weekdays at this centre for kids aged 10 - 21 years. The centre provides programs throughout school terms and school holidays, so make sure to check their Facebook page for what’s coming up. Programs are suitable for everyone, and have a range of activities including learning to cook, arts and crafts, fun days at the pool, games, movies and more. There’s something for every kid and teenager at the Sarina Youth Centre.

A Cr Anzac and Broad St, Sarina P 4961 9277 Sarina Youth Centre

We have done our best to ensure all events and information was correct at the time of going to print.

Please check with individual businesses and authorities during these uncertain times.

Daddy Diary

Daddy Diary I like to think of myself as a pretty strong-stomached kind of guy. The sight of blood, dead things and the “Saw” movies never really phased me. Which is good when you have kids. Gross body stuff happens on a daily basis once kidletts are in the mix.

But recently something in me has changed and a dreaded transformation has occurred. I, dear readers, have recently discovered that I am now a ‘sympathy spewer’. Gross.

If you are not familiar with the sympathy spew it’s a simple concept. It’s a person who spews at the sight of another person’s spew. Not a good quality to possess when your two-year-old randomly wakes you at midnight on a Saturday, crying that he has a sore stomach. But little was I to know this was just the start of a sickly few days featuring Mr 2 (our little boy Charlie).

The following day was a nightmare. Trying to get a walk-in appointment at your GP on a Sunday is a bit like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow; it’s a nice idea but really hard to actually pull off. Once we were in - the doc was totally amazing. He gave Charlie a really solid once over before prescribing him fluids, rest (he is two years old, not gonna happen) and the old Panadol/ Nurofen every three hours trick. It took a good few days (and sleepless nights) before Charlie was back to his bouncing, bubbly self. But jeez, they are tough days aren’t they?

I remember my mother warning me when my eldest child Matilda was a newborn - of the pitfalls of sick kids.

It’s just the worst. The helplessness of not being able to ease their pain is heartbreaking. You would take the sickness off them and onto yourself in a heartbeat if you could. But unfortunately, that is not a skill I possess.

The only sickness skill in my repertoire seems to be the sympathy spew. Not a desirable one. I love you so much Charlie boy, midnight spews and all…

Cliffo Hit 100.3

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 43

Community Noticeb o ard

Safer Internet Day 2022 Tuesday February 8 is Safer Internet Day; a global initiative celebrated in 170 countries that encourages people across the world to make the internet a safer, more positive place.

Join the Summer Reading Club The Summer Reading Club is a fun, free program delivered annually by the State Library of Queensland online and in public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres across Queensland.

Join the Club and participate in challenges, share book reviews, artwork and comment on other club member posts. www.summerreadingclub.slq.qld.gov.au

APT10

K ids on

Tour

When: Runs 4 - 23 Jan Where: uary Artspac e Mack Worksh ay op Room More in fo: Partic ipate in of art m a variety aking ac tivities d by the C evelope hildren’s d Art Cen collabora tre in tion wit h amazing from Au stralia a artists nd arou world! F nd the REE ENT R Y. Artspac e Macka y

This year’s theme is #PlayitFairOnline. There is no place for online abuse. We can all help to make life online enjoyable by being kind and respectful to each other. eSafety provides resources and support to all Australians to help them to stay safe online, find out more and sign up to support #SID2022 at www.esafety.gov.au/sid

TAFE Careers Expo When: 2.00pm – 5.30pm, 19 January Where: Mackay City Campus, Sydney Street More info: Explore your TAFE training options including diplomas, certificates, apprenticeships and traineeships, short courses and micro-credentials.

Suitable for school students, career starters, people upskilling or seeking to re-join the workforce. www.cqu.edu.au/tafe

ort s Ex 2022 Sp

po and S

ign-On

am ary 9.00 n 13 Febru out February o rs e -p ugh When: In line thro e at , and on lls / Onlin a H -4.30pm ry a n le P C C E Where: M ov.au ing ckay.qld.g e of sport www.ma ide rang w a re u h it is le W : ctive More info ms and a ‘one tions, tea e – it’s a lin n o organisa d n a y tla e p g is nd f exciting groups o gion. n shop’ o re o r ti u a o rm n offer in stop info o s ie it n portu active op

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

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 45

Mackay and Whitsundays What’s On SATURDAY 1 JANUARY Nurture Nation Memberships Open Runs until 31 January A place for parents to unite and ignite. $99.00 / for parents www.pakmag.com.au/ nurturenation Gee’d Up Runs until 2 January Airlie Beach Hotel 2.00pm - 5.30pm / FREE / M www.airliebeachhotel.com.au Kids Eat Free From the kids menu when a member purchases a main meal.

Runs every Tuesday to Saturday.

Magpies Sporting Club Mackay 5.00pm - 6.00pm / FREE / G www.magpiesmackay.com.au SUNDAY 2 JANUARY Art Exhibition - Jenna Lee: Cont. ained Runs until 9 January 2022 Artspace Mackay Open Tuesday - Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm and 10.00am - 3.00pm Saturday and Sunday / FREE www.artspacemackay.com.au Jonathan McBurnie: Birdland Exhibition and Lindy Lee - Moon in a Dew Drop Exhibition Runs until 16 January Artspace Mackay Open Tuesday - Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm and 10.00am - 3.00pm Saturday and Sunday / FREE www.artspacemackay.com.au Tutti Frutti Sundaze Seabreeze Hotel 2.00pm - 5.00pm / FREE / All-Ages www.seabreezemackay.com.au MONDAY 3 JANUARY No Doubt About Gwen Airlie Beach Hotel 2.00pm - 5.30pm / FREE / All Ages www.airliebeachhotel.com.au TUESDAY 4 JANUARY Captain Thunderbolt Airlie Beach Hotel 2.00pm - 5.30pm / FREE / All Ages www.airliebeachhotel.com.au

With HIT 100.3’s Cliffo & Gabi

APT10: Kids on Tour!

Runs daily until 23 January Artspace Mackay 10.00am - 5.00pm (Tuesday Friday) and 10.00am - 3.00pm (Saturday and Sunday) / FREE Entry / G www.artspacemackay.com.au

Azure Glass Advanced Technique Classes Also runs 14 and 21 January Azure Glass 9.00am - 4.30pm / $250.00 / M www.azureglass.com.au

Tech Talks Dilemma with a device? Runs weekly.

Gordon White Library 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries

Mackay CQB Speedsoft Games Victoria Park State School 12.30pm - 4.30pm / $30.00 $35.00 / 10 years + Adrenaline Games Qld

WEDNESDAY 5 JANUARY Kids Eat Free From the kids menu when a member purchases a main meal.

Runs weekly on Wednesday.

Souths Leagues Club 12.00pm - 2.00pm, 5.30pm 8.00pm www.southsmackay.com.au Shed Night Runs every four weeks on Wednesday Shed Happens Mackay, 9 Quarry Street 6.30pm - 8.30pm / $10.00 / Boys are welcome when accompanied by their primary male role model SHED Happens Mackay THURSDAY 6 JANUARY Reading Ready! School Readiness Program Runs weekly until 20 January Proserpine Hospital 11.00am - 12.00pm / FREE / G Mackay Hospital and Health Service Trent Bell Band Also runs 7 January Airlie Beach Hotel 2.00pm – 5.30pm / FREE / All-ages www.airliebeachhotel.com.au Tech Talks Dilemma with a device? Runs weekly Dudley Denny Library 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries FRIDAY 7 JANUARY Raw Jam Northern Beaches Bowls Club 8.00pm / M www.mnbbowls.com.au

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

SATURDAY 8 JANUARY

The UK Bee Geez Airlie Beach Hotel 2.00pm - 5.30pm / FREE / All Ages www.airliebeachhotel.com.au Falun Gong meditation and relaxation sessions Weekly until further notice.

Tropical Sun Lawn, Mackay Botanic Gardens 9.00am - 11.00am / FREE / G P: 0417 193 309 Mackay Parkrun Weekly until further notice.

Mackay Botanic Gardens 7.00am - 8.00am / FREE, Register online www.parkrun.com.au Mackay Urban Gelsoft Games Victoria Park State School 4.00pm - 8.00pm / $30.00 $35.00 / 10 years + Adrenaline Games Qld MONDAY 10 JANUARY Kidchella School Holidays Runs until 21 January Caneland Central, Centre Court 10.00am - 2.00pm / FREE / G, All ages www.canelandcentral.com.au Reading Ready! School Readiness Program Runs weekly until 20 January Whitsunday Community Health Centre 11.00am - 12.00pm / FREE / G Mackay Hospital and Health Service Mackay Gymnastics School Holiday Fun Days Also runs 12, 14, 17, 19 and 21 January 5 Snow Wright Court 2 - 4 years: 9.15am - 10.00am

/ $16.50, 5 -12 years: 9.00am 10.30am / $27.50 Bookings required P: 4942 0032 Mackay Gymnastics Mackay Gymnastics Holiday Camp Runs 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 and 21 January 5 Snow Wright Court 9.00am - 3.00pm / $50.00 $70.00 per day / Prep - 13 years Bookings required P: 4942 0032 Mackay Gymnastics TUESDAY 11 JANUARY Beautiful Bugs Join their in-house entomologist for an introduction to insect preservation.

Dudley Denny City Library 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE / 12 - 18 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries THURSDAY 13 JANUARY Beddy Rays - Sunshine State Tour Seabreeze Hotel 9.00pm - 11.30pm / $30.00 / 18 years + Beddy Rays The Whitsundays MotoStars Nationals Round 2 Runs until 15 January Whitsunday Moto Sport Club, Proserpine 7.00am - 10.00pm / FREE for under 5, $5.00 adults / G www.motostars.com.au Aqua Fitness Runs weekly, excluding public holidays Sarina Swim Centre 8.30am - 9.30am / $5.00 + Pool entry www.moveitnq.com.au Engineers, Robotics and Electronics 2 Day Summer Holiday Camp Runs until 14 January 56 Coral Esplanade, Cannonvale 9.00am - 3.00pm / Get in touch for more details Young Engineers - Central Queensland E: pavle@youngengineers.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 47

Mackay and WhitsundaysWhat’s On THURSDAY 13 JANUARY Fully Uked Pop-up Session Ukulele players of all levels are welcome to come and play along. Runs monthly.

Dudley Denny City Library 5.00pm - 6.00pm / FREE www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries FRIDAY 14 JANUARY Out Of Abingdon Seabreeze Hotel 7.30pm - 10.30pm / Stay tuned for ticket sales www.outofabingdon.com.au SATURDAY 15 JANUARY CSI Mackay Think you could solve a murder case? Experience life as a Crimescene Investigator in this thrilling outdoor murder mystery event.

9.00am - 5.00pm / $77.00 per team of 6 www.cluedupp.com Mackay Breast Cancer Support Group Runs monthly Meeting Room, Botanical Gardens 9.00am - 12.00pm / FREE Mackay Breast Cancer Support Group ‘Alive’ The Pearl Jam Show Airlie Beach Hotel 2.00pm - 5.30pm / FREE / All Ages www.airliebeachhotel.com.au SUNDAY 16 JANUARY Kids Triathlon and Uniteability Tri-Series Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Centre 7.15am - 9.00am / From $20.00 / 5 - 12 years www.tri-activ8.com.au The Best Of Ramjet Airlie Beach Hotel 2.00pm - 5.30pm / FREE / All Ages www.airliebeachhotel.com.au MONDAY 17 JANUARY Ukulele For Kids 2 Sessions Sarina Library 10.00am and 11.00am / 8 - 12 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au

Bullet Journals for 2022 Mirani Library 2.00pm - 4.00pm / FREE / 12 25 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries

Bedtime Stories Dudley Denny City Library 5.00pm - 6.00pm / FREE / 0 - 8 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries

Mackay Lions Junior and Senior Sign On Day Mackay Lions Soccer Club, Glenpark St, Andergrove” 10.00am - 2.00pm / FREE / G Mackay Lions

TUESDAY 18 JANUARY

Anime Manga Club Gordon White Library 5.30pm - 7.00pm / FREE / 12 - 18 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries

Saturday Studio Session Azure Glass 9.30am - 4.30pm / $45.00 / M www.azureglass.com.au

Under The Sea Puppet Show To celebrate the launch of Strolling Stories Walkerston Library 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE / 5 - 12 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries Bullet Journals for 2022 Walkerston Library 2.00pm - 4.00pm / FREE / 12 25 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries Azure Glass Half Day Class Azure Glass 9.00am - 2.00pm / $180.00 / M www.azureglass.com.au WEDNESDAY 19 JANUARY CQUni TAFE Careers Expo CQUniversity Mackay City 2.00pm - 5.30pm / FREE / G www.cqu.edu.au/tafe Ukulele For Kids 2 Sessions Gordon White Library 10.30am and 11.30am / 8 - 12 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries Bullet Journals for 2022 Dudley Denny City Library 10.00am - 12.00pm / FREE / 2 25 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries THURSDAY 20 JANUARY Ukulele For Kids 2 Sessions Dudley Denny City Library 10.30am and 11.30am / 8 - 12 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries Under The Sea Puppet Show To celebrate the launch of Strolling Stories Dudley Denny City Library 2.00pm - 3.00pm / FREE / 5 - 12 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries

48 January / February 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Bullet Journals for 2022 Gordon White Library 2.00pm - 4.00pm / FREE / 12 - 25 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries FRIDAY 21 JANUARY Movie Matinee - Moon Bound Gordon White Library 10.00am - 12.00pm / FREE / 5 - 12 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries Collinsville Urban Gelsoft Games Collinsville State High School 4.00pm - 8.00pm / $35.00 $40.00 / 10 years + Adrenaline Games Qld Dows Creek Hall 90th Birthday Weekend Runs until 23 January Dows Creek Community Hall, 16 Bourkes Road Check the Facebook page for all events and details Dows Creek Community Hall Significant Other Live Souths Suburban Bowls Club 7.00pm - 11.00pm / FREE Significant Other SATURDAY 22 JANUARY Ruby Fields Seabreeze Hotel 7.00pm / $30.00 / 18 years + www.rubyfields.com Aussie Saturday Seafood Bonanza Sarina Leagues Club 12.00pm / Stay tuned for more info Sarina Sporting and Services Club Mackay Urban Gelsoft Games Mackay North State High School 4.30pm - 7.30pm / $30.00 $35.00 / 10 years + Adrenaline Games Qld

Glory Days’ Springsteen Experience Airlie Beach Hotel 2.00pm / FREE / All Ages www.airliebeachhotel.com.au SUNDAY 23 JANUARY Mackay CQB Gelsoft Games Mackay North State High School 3.30pm - 6.30pm / $30.00 $35.00 / 10 years + Adrenaline Games Qld ‘Uncut Diamond’ Neil Diamond Tribute Airlie Beach Hotel 2.00pm / FREE / All Ages www.airliebeachhotel.com.au MONDAY 24 JANUARY School Term 1 Begins International Day of Education en.unesco.org/ commemorations/educationday Baby Bounce Runs weekly during school term Dudley Denny Library 11.00am - 11.30am / FREE / Babies birth to walking www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries Baby Bounce Runs weekly during school term Mirani Library 9.30am - 10.00am / FREE / Babies birth to walking www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries Toddler Time Runs weekly during school term Mirani Library, Sarina Library, Gordon White Library 9.30am - 10.00am / FREE / Toddlers up to 2.5 www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries TUESDAY 25 JANUARY Learn to Line Dance Dows Creek Community Hall, 16 Bourkes Road 6.30pm - 8.00pm / $5.00 $10.00, Under 5 FREE / G Dows Creek Community Hall

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

Baby Bounce Runs weekly during school term Sarina Library 9.30am - 10.00am / FREE / Babies birth to walking www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries Baby Bounce Runs weekly during school term Walkerston Library 11.00am - 11.30am / FREE / Babies birth to walking www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries Story Time Runs weekly during school term Mirani Library, Walkerston Library 9.30am - 10.00am / FREE / Ages 2.5 - 5 www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries WEDNESDAY 26 JANUARY Citizenship Ceremony MECC 10.00am / FREE, Registration required 1300 MACKAY (622 529) Australia Day at Armstrong Beach By the Armstrong Beach Progress Association Llewellyn Hall, Armstrong Beach Road 2.00pm - 8.00pm / FREE / G Armstrong Beach Area Progress Association A Day At The Beach Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club 9.00am - 3.00pm / FREE / G www.eimeoslsc.com.au Australia Day the Habana Way Habana Community Precinct 3.00pm - 7.00pm / FREE / G Habana & Districts Progress Association Pancakes and Play in the Park Mackay Sugar Bowl, Scriha Street 8.30am - 12.00pm / FREE / G www.mackay.qld.gov.au Aussie BBQ at the Beach

By the Mackay & District Australian South Sea Islander Association Quota Park, Binnington Esplanade 11.00am - 3.00pm / FREE / G www.mackay.qld.gov.au

Bliss n Eso - The Sun Tour Harrup Park, Mackay 8.00pm / $69.90 / 18 years + www.blissneso.com

Let There Be AC/DC Australia Day Special Event Airlie Beach Hotel 12.00pm – 6.00pm / FREE Entry / All-ages

Bliss n Eso - The Sun Tour Magnums, Airlie Beach 7.00pm / $69.90 / 18 years + www.blissneso.com

www.airliebeachhotel.com.au Sail Away on Australia Day Kinchant Dam 10.00am - 2.30pm / FREE / G E mackaysailingcommodore@ gmail.com Australia Day Beach Party Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club 10.00am - 4.00pm / FREE / G Mackay Surf Life Saving Club Aussie Family Fun Day Zeolla Park AFL Grounds 10.00am - 3.00pm / FREE / G www.mackay.qld.gov.au Pioneer Valley Aussie Day Awards and Celebration Mirani State High School 8.30am - 1.00pm / FREE / G www.mackay.qld.gov.au Australia Day at Sarina Beach Sarina Beach Esplanade 12.30pm - 5.00pm / FREE / G www.sarinasurfclub.com.au

Banksia Scout Group

THURSDAY 27 JANUARY

Morning Melodies at the Burb with Anette Worthington Runs monthly, every last Thursday Souths Suburban Bowls Club 11.00am - 1.00pm / FREE / G www.southsmackay.com.au

Jasmine Togo-Brisby: Hom Swit Hom Exhibition Artspace Mackay Open Tuesday - Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm and 10.00am - 3.00pm Saturday and Sunday / FREE www.artspacemackay.com.au SATURDAY 29 JANUARY Norths Netball Club Season Sign On Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club 10.00am / FREE Norths Netball Club Kilnforming 2 Classes Azure Glass 9.30am - 4.30pm / $45.00 / M www.azureglass.com.au

Story Time Runs weekly during school term Dudley Denny Library 10.30am - 11.00am / FREE / 2.5 - 5 Years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries

Azure Glass Beginner Workshop Azure Glass 9.30am - 4.30pm / $280.00 / M www.azureglass.com.au

Baby Bounce Runs weekly during school term Gordon White Library 10.30am - 11.00am / FREE / Babies birth to walking www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries

Shed Night Runs every four weeks on Wednesday Shed Happens Mackay, 9 Quarry Street 6.30pm - 8.30pm / $10.00 / Boys are welcome when accompanied by their primary male role model SHED Happens Mackay

FRIDAY 28 JANUARY

Australia Day Celebration By the St Helens Beach Progress and Environment Association Inc Repulse Esplanade, St Helens Beach 10.00am - 3.30pm / FREE / G www.mackay.qld.gov.au

Birdlife Mackay Monthly Surveys Assist in monitoring the status and trends of bird populations in the region. Runs monthly, every last Friday Mackay Botanic Gardens 6.30am - 8.30am / FREE www.mackayregional botanicgardens.com.au E: informationpresident. mackay@birdlife.org.au

The Scout Association of Australia Open Day Banksia Scout Group Jaycee Park, Bedford Road, Andergrove 10.00am - 1.00pm / FREE / G

Toddler Time Runs weekly during school term Dudley Denny Library 9.30am - 10.00am / FREE / Toddlers up to 2.5 www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries

WEDNESDAY 2 FEBRUARY

Story Time Runs weekly during school term Sarina Library, Gordon White Library 9.30am - 10.00am / FREE / 2.5 - 5 Years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries TUESDAY 1 FEBRUARY STEAM Club Runs weekly during school term Gordon White Library 3.30pm - 4.30pm / FREE / Year 3 to Year 6 www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries

www.pakmag.com.au | January / February 2022 49

Mackay and Whitsundays What’s On FRIDAY 4 FEBRUARY Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Runs until 20 February www.olympics.com Isaac Butterfield - Outlaw Seabreeze Hotel 7.00pm - 8.30pm / Stay tuned for ticket release www.seabreezemackay.com.au

Runs fortnightly on Tuesdays YuwiYumba Cultural Hub, 9 River Street 10.00am - 11.30am / for parents and their children 0 - 5 years www.atsichsmackay.org SATURDAY 12 FEBRUARY Chinese New Year Event Bluewater Quay

FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY

SUNDAY 13 FEBRUARY

Arj Barker Comes Clean MECC Auditorium 8.00pm / $54.90 / 15 years + www.themecc.com.au

Sport Expo and Sign On MECC 9.00am - 4.30pm / FREE / G www.mackay.qld.gov.au

ATSICHS Men’s Group Runs weekly on Friday Men’s Shed, YuwiYumba Cultural Hub 10.00am - 2.00pm / All ages Atsichs Mackay Ltd SATURDAY 6 FEBRUARY Celtic Illusion Reimagined - 10 Year Anniversary Show MECC Auditorium 7.30pm / $69.90 - $79.90 / G www.themecc.com.au TUESDAY 8 FEBRUARY Safer Internet Day www.esafety.gov.au/sid WEDNESDAY 9 FEBRUARY ATSICHS Mackay - Mum’s and Bub’s Playgroup

THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY A Season Of One-Act Plays Runs until 19 February Kucom Theatre Bookings opening soon www.kucom.org.au FRIDAY 18 FEBRUARY

With Triple M's Jay and Dave

www.artspacemackay.com.au

THURSDAY 3 MARCH

TUESDAY 22 FEBRUARY

John Paul Young 50 Years Young - The Anniversary Tour MECC 7.30pm / $36.00 - $73.00 / G www.themecc.com.au/whats_on

BMA KidSpace Runs monthly Artspace Mackay 10.00am - 2.00pm / FREE / Ages 5 and under www.artspacemackay.com.au Kevin Bloody Wilson Comedy Tour Seabreeze Hotel 8.00pm - 10.30pm / $56.50 / 18 years + www.seabreezemackay.com.au WEDNESDAY 23 FEBRUARY Hockey Dad Seabreeze Hotel 7.30pm - 11.00pm / $42.50 / 18 years + www.seabreezemackay.com.au THURSDAY 24 FEBRUARY

Paul Ettore Tabone sings Goldens Days - Songs from the Movies & Musicals MECC 11.00am / $15.00 / G www.themecc.com.au

A Season Of One-Act Plays Runs until 26 February Kucom Theatre Bookings opening soon www.kucom.org.au Kucom Theatre

FRIDAY 19 FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 26 FEBRUARY

Conversations with Art 3rd Friday of each month Artspace Mackay 1.00pm - 2.30pm / FREE

Rockaria - The Elo Experience MECC Auditorium 7.30pm / $69.00 / G www.themecc.com.au

Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games Runs until 13 March www.paralympic. orgbeijing-2022 SUNDAY 6 MARCH MOB Presents The Celebration Of Swing MECC 3.00pm / $55.00 - $85.00 / G www.themecc.com.au/whats_on Jack Botts – Slow Mornings Tour Seabreeze Hotel 6.30pm - 11.00pm / $32.00 / G www.seabreezemackay.com.au FRIDAY 11 MARCH Mackay University Experience An on-campus event allowing Year 12 students to explore their post-high school options, including both higher education degrees and TAFE courses.

CQUniversity Mackay 9.00am - 2.00pm / FREE www.cqu.edu.au E: e.lawn@cqu.edu.au.

Regular Markets The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Markets

Eungella Community Markets

Date: Every Wednesday Time: 6.30am - 10.30am Location: Bluewater Quay, River Street, Mackay City Centre (Best parking - Brisbane Street)

Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 9.00am - 1.00pm Location: Eungella Memorial Hall, North Street

Showground Markets

Seaforth Community Markets

Date: Every Saturday Time: 6.30am - 10.00am Location: Mackay Showgrounds

Date: Every Sunday Time: 8.30am – 11.00am Location: Seaforth Beachfront

50 January / February 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Seaforth Mega Market Date: 1st Sunday of every month in place of regular markets Time: 8.30am – 12.00 noon Location: Seaforth Beachfront

Sarina Showground Markets Date: Last Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 12.00 noon Location: Sarina Showgrounds

Troppo Treasure Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 7.00am - 11.30am Location: Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre Carpark

Paxtons Night Markets Date: 2nd Friday of every month Time: 5.00pm – 8.00pm Location: 10 River St

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