PakMag Mackay & Whitsundays - Mar & Apr 2021 - Issue 82

ISSUE: MAR & APR 2021

82

MACKAY & WHITSUNDAYS

ENERGY 5LEVELS Ways to Support Your

Communicating with Your Teen Local Businesses to Support Your Family from Pregnancy to Their First Years Building a Relationship with Your Child’s School Take Time Out with a Parent’s Puzzle

70

+

Family-Friendly

EVENTS Bully-Proofing Your Child Hop into

EASTER Recipes and Events

Healing from Birth Trauma Awesome Prizes in the Kids Activity Mini Mag

FREE

Welcome 5

The Thing Is with Bree James

Hello and Happy Easter!

6

Cultivating Mindfulness to

Raise Children Who Thrive

8

STEM-Powering Women

I can’t believe we are a quarter of the way through 2021! Time really does fly, and lately I’ve become more conscious of enjoying the little moments, so I don’t miss them in the hectic pace of our day to day lives. John Wooden famously said ‘make each day your masterpiece’ and I am trying to invest in the now, with those I love.

10 All Things Tweens and Teens 13 Bully-Proofing Your Child 16 Craft for Kids 19 Fertility to First Years Guide 21 Trauma Births: How to

Heal Mentally and Physically

22 Bump, Bub and Beyond 24 Parent’s Puzzle: Sudoku 25 Mini Mag 29 Adult Colouring 30 Recipes: Sensational Salads 31 Recipes: Easter Treats

Our greatest wish is that you and your family thrive, and this edition is packed with expert advice to help you do just that. It includes our Fertility to First Years Guide with local resources to help you start their life journey and your parenting journey in the best way possible. We also have great feature articles on connecting with your children and helping them become ‘bully-proof’.

With Easter and the School holidays here again, we’ve collated our event guides packed with activities to keep the family entertained and with Covid restrictions easing we are welcoming some HUGE acts back to the region… we’re excited (and we’re sure you are too!)

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

Bree

35 Building Trust and Collaboration 39 The PakMag Experts 41 All Things Health

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.pakmag.com.au www.m2f.com.au

43 Daddy Diary 45 School Holiday Guide 48 Get Out and About

PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

Creative Team Leader Clare Winter Graphic Designer Sara Williams

Digital Team Leader Lawrence Fox Content & Marketing Team Leader Bec Dent Marketing and Events Coordinator Alyssa Marino

Videographer & Podcast Producer Monique Saggers

Design & Client Support Blair King

Content Creators Annamarie Booysen Jenna Galley

Marketing Assistant Emily Bremner

Accounts Trent Stievano

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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 | March / April 2021 3

The Thing Is

The Thing Is with Bree James I’ve always been one to challenge gender roles. As a young girl I was certainly the odd one out. I was more inclined to build a cubby house from scraps of wood from around the yard rather than play with dolls in one. I was the type of young lady that was the only female in a class of boys doing woodwork in high school, and my afternoons were spent playing cricket with the boys. Let’s just say, for most of my childhood I found it difficult to be accepted due to not conforming to the usual ‘girl’ mould.

I was raised to believe that I could do anything and that included what boys could do, which has created an interesting life journey so far.

The thing is, whether we like it or not, gender bias exists, and as the theme of International Women’s Day this year is ‘Choose to Challenge’, I thought what better way to discuss a few things that I believe we can do better. Firstly, I believe that gender equality needs to start at home.

One of the blessings of Covid, is that many men have been working from home and are getting a front row seat to the daily demands of running a home and caring for kids.

Although many men have experienced traditional role reversals for short stints, most have never worked from home for an extended period whilst also being the primary caregiver for their children. It’s a fact that in most homes, this work has fallen onto the women who are often also doing their fair share of working too.

Men taking on more domestic duties for an extended period of time has the potential to create a sea change in gendered norms — at home and at work.

‘it’s faster if I just do it myself”, “I have to do everything - I’m the mum”, “they’re too little to help, I can do it all until they’re older”, “it’s not worth the arguments, I’ll just do it”.

Let it go ladies (and the men that do this too!). Family life is a team sport and everyone needs to do their part.

So how do we choose to challenge and change it?

Well, there is no time like the present to check in with your partner and do a domestic duties audit to assess how you’re doing and where you can involve the kids, and split some of the tasks and mental load to each other. Or if you are a single parent, do a self-audit and see where you are taking on things other family members can help with.

Remember, just because you can do it - doesn’t mean you should.

Sure- some people will never do a job as well as you do (like fold linen), but you have to let some of this go if we are going to have households that break down gender stereotypes. The world has changed, and women need more equity in the workforce, but also on the home front.

Start with outsourcing the “what’s for dinner” question that 95 percent of mums get asked every night. As a family, sit down and decide the meal plan for the week together. Create a shopping list together, work out who can cook what meals that week and who can help prepare the ingredients. I think if every household did this, it’s one big change that will take some of the mental load off busy mums and that’s a win for everyone.

I see a generation of incredible women who are trying to ‘do it all’ - being ‘super women’ at home and at work, but are we creating a rod for our own backs?

Bree

I think so; it’s unsustainable and we generate more work for ourselves if we keep taking it all on - believing;

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

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davesouthwood.photography

davesouthwood.photography

Feature

Cultivating Mindfulness to Raise Children Who Thrive: Why Human Connection from Before Birth Matters STORY Antonella Sansone We are at the frontline of a global mental health crisis.

There is an urgent need to prepare our children for the challenging future they are facing by enhancing their health and wellbeing - building greater resilience.

But how do we protect and nourish their minds so that they can pass their mental health and human virtues onto next generations and make our planet a better place to live in?

You might be surprised to learn it starts before birth - with you, and continues during pregnancy, when the baby’s development in the womb is affected by epigenetic (environmental) influences, including a mother’s health and wellbeing, which impact on gene expression. In short, your health - including your mental health, is the foundation for your child’s health.

Why Mothers’ and Fathers’ Mental Health Matters The World Health Organisation (2018) recognises the mental health of pregnant and new mothers as key to the health, growth, and development of very young children, wellbeing of individuals, societies, economies and our planet. Therefore, supporting maternal mental health must be a research and public priority.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be times of joy and anticipation but also of challenge and stress for the mother and her baby, father, and family. The first 1001 days from conception can be a time of high risk for the onset or relapse of parental mental health problems, with potential consequences on the caregiving function and the development of the unborn baby and child.

Evidence has increasingly linked maternal stress, depression and anxiety during pregnancy and in the early period after birth with unborn and child

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neurodevelopmental outcomes, including the capacity for social engagement, self-regulation, reactivity to stress, and cognitive skills. High levels of cortisol found in women with depression, anxiety, and stress cross the placenta and may alter baby development at critical phases.

Maternal mental health problems also hinder motherbaby relationship/bonding during pregnancy and after birth, mother’s sensitivity and responsiveness to the baby’s body signals and later verbal communication.

Depressed or stressed mothers are less likely to interpret their infants’ body cues, attune and verbally engage with them, and more likely to manifest irritable behaviour with them. The negative affect and preoccupations with her own issues may hinder a mother’s ability to be present and connect with her baby, which highlights the need to mitigate postnatal mental issues and support good maternal emotional availability.

While the impact of the mother on child development has been studied widely, the role of the father’s mental health in supporting maternal mental health and facilitating the conditions for the mother-infant relationship from pregnancy has been neglected.

In this crucial period of transition, the mental state of fathers and mothers influence each other and can negatively or positively impact their child’s development and wellbeing. If one of the partners is depressed the entire family system is compromised. Therefore, acknowledging the importance of the father and his mental health during pregnancy (if not before), supporting his role, identifying his difficulties and promoting his involvement in and contribution to the journey to parenthood and child development and wellbeing is essential.

Feature

Parenting Begins from Conception With all this evidence, we know the preconception and prenatal period provides a window of opportunity to optimise the womb environment and child development.

By enhancing their health and mental wellbeing months before conception and during pregnancy, parents contribute to their child’s health.

Although the brain is sensitive to experience throughout life, experiences in the prenatal and early postnatal stages shape to a large extend our biological and psychological make up – medical conditions, immune system, reaction to stress, ability to relate to others, to love and be loved, to cooperate in society and share care, to be empathic and compassionate towards others. It follows that the earliest period of life provides a unique opportunity for the primary prevention of biological, psychological and societal disorders.

Science confirms what indigenous people worldwide have known for millennia: the deep realm of consciousness and mindfulness practices before conception, during life in the womb, birth and beyond - play a critical role in human development and health and wellbeing.

The Benefits of Cultivating Mindfulness Mindfulness is a way of being and a way of life. Perhaps the most widely quoted definition of mindfulness comes from Jon Kabat-Zinn, “The awareness that arises from paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally, to the unfolding of experience, moment by moment” (2003, p. 145).

Most of us are more used to its opposite - times of mindlessness - when we are taken away by thoughts or worries, not really conscious of what is going on and liable to repeatedly make mistakes and unwise choices.

This prevents us from being in the present moment and connecting with what is going on within ourself, around us and within our children.

In the last 10 years, scientists have provided solid evidence of the benefits of mindfulness

meditation in mitigating depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms – improving our capacity to regulate emotions and cope with stress. Cutting-edge research shows how the practice of mindfulness – without drugs or high expense - can cultivate qualities such as selflessness, love, empathy, compassion, receptive attention, engagement, and can also redesign our mental circuitry. Interestingly, these qualities are fundamental for parenting, fostering secure attachment in children and wellbeing.

Mindfulness practice can provide the psychological flexibility to adapt to the challenges of the perinatal period. The parent’s practice of present-moment awareness of both their child and their own thoughts and emotions without judgement and the acceptance of them for what they are - may be protective psychological strategies. Mindful parenting has also been found to have positive effects on child outcomes, such as better self-regulation and lower levels of negative affect.

A large number of pregnant mothers may be either unaware of being affected by psychological issues or have resistances against seeking support due to cultural stigmatization. Because the practice of mindfulness is considered a way of life; a self-development practice - more than a form of treatment, pregnant and new mothers may feel less stigmatized than they would if using an antidepressant or received psychotherapy, and more open to joining a mindfulness-based group.

The Prenatal Mindfulness Relationship-Based (PMRB) Program With this in mind, I developed the Prenatal and Perinatal Mindfulness Relationship (PMRB) Program supporting mental health and the mother-baby relationship during pregnancy, birth and beyond. A shift in focus from “when the baby arrives to the baby is already here and I am connected with this baby” is at the base of the PMRB Program, teaching parents’ communication abilities, mindful awareness, calming techniques and wisdom abilities that guided mothers for millennia, to create a conscious connection with bi-directional interactions far before birth.

WIN a Copy Cultivating Mindfulness to Raise Children Who Thrive: Why Connection from Before Birth Matters $50.39 - www.routledge.com Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 31/03/2021.

Antonella Sansone is a mother, clinical psychologist, researcher, mindfulness teacher/ facilitator and author. Her work with expectant and new parents and infants in UK and Italy, empirical studies of African indigenous cultures, and inspiring motherhood have led her to write the book Cultivating Mindfulness to Raise Children Who Thrive : Why Connection from Before Birth Matters and the design of a PhD drawing on it. She has been granted the International Excellence Award from Central Queensland University.

To purchase a copy of Antonella’s book head to www.routledge.com. You can also find out more about Antonella and her research at www.antonellasansone.com

www.pakmag.com.au | March / April 2021 7

STEAM

STEM-Powering Women WITH Dr Juliette Tobias-Webb As one of 60 women recognised as a 2019 - 2020 Superstar of STEM, Dr Juliette Tobias-Webb is one of Australia’s most impressive behavioural scientists. She has established a career creating real-world change by the application of scientific evidence. Juliette also leads a Women in Leadership MBA stream covering topics including empowerment, motivation, resilience, wellbeing, and equality through organisational design.

As we acknowledge the achievements and strive for equality for women this International Women’s Day, we wanted to find out from Dr Tobias-Webb how she got involved in a STEM career and how we can support girls and women interested in these fields and even the field for them.

How Did You Get Involved in STEM as a Career?

I got involved in STEM almost by accident. I loved biology at school, and understanding the human body and marine biology, but when I went to university I got really interested in the psychology and neuroscience side of human behaviour. So, now I work with companies and look at how we use neuroscience and psychology to build better products and services and then we experiment, using scientific methods to be able to prove a causal impact of the solutions we designed to help change behaviour.

What Careers are Possible in STEM? There are so many careers and so many ways to get into those careers. Traditionally we often think about needing to go to university to get into a STEM career, but now companies focus on technology so much, that they offer career pathways where you can go straight from school or straight from undergraduate university to build better skills and capabilities. But even at school people can start experimenting with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – to start their career earlier and build their skills.

The key is understanding what you find very interesting and rolling with that, as opposed to having to choose a career if you’re not sure. Start by thinking about those things that interest you and seeing where they take you.

Even my field, Behavioural Science didn’t exist five to ten years ago, but what we find now is that the career that you may end up in - might not even exist yet. But

rather, the basic skills and capabilities you need to learn are already there. You’ll be paving the way… we’ve got so much change happening.

Things to Consider for Girls Interested in STEM It’s important that girls have exposure to people within those fields. If you’re a parent, ensure you are giving equal opportunities for girls as well as boys to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

There are studies conducted in schools, showing that in STEM Classes - boys will get more time to answer questions than girls, they’ll get different rewards, girls are more brushed over. They also found we teach boys more about how to deal with their finances and math.

So, we really need to make an effort to give equal time to both girls and boys.

You can also buy some books for both girls and boys around the amazing women in STEM to open their ideas and minds to both genders in these fields.

Addressing Stereotypes We need to smash those stereotypes. Often when we know those stereotypes, we can succumb to what’s called ‘stereotype threat’, where we feed into those ideas mentally. Recently, there have been some studies that have shown there’s small or no difference between girls and boys in terms of their mathematical ability. It’s actually something we have socialized, and therefore put into the minds of young individuals. We need to make sure we don’t perpetuate those beliefs and become more conscious of what we say and the impact that can have on our children. E.g. ‘I’m a female, I’m no good at navigation’.

What is Something You Love That’s Happening in STEM? I love the work going on in the climate change field, like being able to understand how we take plastics and break them down by making new bacteria, being able to understand how we change electric cars and create clean energy. I really like the idea of ‘how do we reverse some of the impact we’ve had on the environment by using Science, Technology, Engineering and Math altogether?’

Dr Juliette Tobias-Webb holds a PhD in Experimental Psychology from Cambridge University, and has a passion for human behaviour and psychology. www.behaviouralscience.com.au

For more on how to inspire and support girls who love Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, tune into Episode 89 of the PakMag Parents Podcast with Dr Tobias-Webb joining Bree.

8 March / April 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Great STEM Resources Science & Technology Australia www.scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au Science and Technology Australia (STA) brings together scientists, governments, industry and the community to advance ‘public good and social and community welfare,’ as well as strengthening society ‘through education, outreach and programs.’ In doing so, they aim to ‘advance the impact of science and technology to help solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges, including saving and improving lives.’

Members enjoy a range of workshops, programs, and events which provide skills, connections and opportunities in STEM.

STEM Women www.stemwomen.org.au STEM Women is a directory of Australian women working in STEM. They promote gender equity and showcase the talents of these women, raising profiles and providing opportunities to those who may experience barriers throughout their STEM Careers.

You can sign up as an expert or connect with the experts. Looking for a mentor? This is the perfect place to find one.

STEAM Careers For The 21st Century Blog post can be found at www.pakmag.com.au The World Economic Forum has estimated that 65 per cent of children entering school will work in a job that doesn’t even exist today! With technology at the forefront of these advancements, STEAM Careers are the careers of the future.

Learn about predicted future STEAM Careers including Green Power Creators, Drone Technicians and 3D Printing Engineers and how you can prepare yourself for them.

All Things Tweens and Teens

All Things Tweens & Teens Keeping the Lines of Communication Open The tween and teen years can be difficult to navigate, not just for our children, but as parents of those children. It’s important to remember that as your child grows into an independent adult, you keep showing them your unconditional love, how much you value them and their uniqueness and keep the lines of communication open.

Inspiration Corner Coach John Wooden is considered the greatest NCAA basketball head coach of all time. This quote is one of his most well-known and comes from his ‘Seven Point Creed’, originally given to him as a list of ‘Seven Things to Do’ by his father. www.thewoodeneffect.com states that ‘making each day your masterpiece means focusing on what you are doing right now to the best of your ability. It is about recognizing that nothing can be done about what happened yesterday, and that you can only affect what will happen tomorrow by what you do today.’

So, let go of the past and don’t worry about the future – focus on where you are right now and all the positive things that surround you. Make this moment and this day count.

If you are feeling ‘shut out’ of their life, with their once free-flowing conversation ‘drying up’, here’s a few suggestions from www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au to help keep the lines open:

1. Listen more than you speak 2. Make time to spend together 3. Give them privacy 4. Keep up with their interests 5. Be a loving parent 6. Have fun

WIN a Copy of Raising Girls Who Like Themselves!

Free of parental guilt and grounded in research, Raising Girls Who Like Themselves is imbued with the warmth and wit of a mum and dad who are in the same parenting trenches as you, fighting for their daughters’ futures. Packed with practical, evidencebased advice, it is the indispensable guide to raising a girl who is happy and confident in herself. Available for purchase at www.penguin.com.au WIN a copy of Raising Girls Who Like Themselves, worth $34.99!

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

10 March / April 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Parenting

Bully-Proofing Your Child STORY Dr Rosina McAlpine, Win Win Parenting

The Problem It is clear from world-wide statistics that bullying in schools and online is an ongoing issue. Bullying can take many forms including: • Physical bullying: restraining, hitting, punching, kicking or harming with a weapon.

• Verbal bullying: name calling ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical attributes, religion, disability, teasing, threats.

• Social bullying: ignoring, excluding from a group.

• Psychological bullying: spreading rumours, hiding or damaging property, cruel phone calls, embarrassing photos online, hurtful text messages or emails.

It is difficult to determine the rate of bullying as studies have suggested that up to 64 percent of bullied children do not report iti.

So, what can parents, carers and teachers do?

Getting Help Bullying can result in many harmful outcomes including physical harm, emotional turmoil, social isolation and mental health issues. Severe bullying can even result in death, which is why it is crucial to support children who are being bullied to ensure the bullying stops and they get the help they need to recover.

Depending on the severity of the bullying, responses include reporting the bullying to the school, seeking legal advice or reporting it to the police. Support could include providing opportunities for the child to speak with trusted friends, family or professionals like a school counsellor or other mental health professionals.

According to the authors of a bulletin for the World Health Organization, bullying is a major health problem that requires the efforts of families, communities, schools, policymakers, and health-care providers.ii

Recognise the Signs Given we know that many children do not report bullying – especially if it is non-physical – parents,

teachers and carers need to have open conversations with children and learn to read the signs.

Signs a child might be being bullied include: • A marked change in personality; • Withdrawing - not wanting to socialise; • School avoidance or refusal; • Loss of motivation; • Increased sickness – head aches and stomach aches; • Emotional outbursts; and • Poor sleep and nightmares.

While it is important to be able to recognise the signs that a child might be being bullied and to help them, perhaps there is something that can be done to help bully-proof children.

Protective Factors that Help to Prevent Bullying When we look at the research, it is clear that certain personal characteristics and skills help to protect children from bullying. Children are less likely to be bullied if they develop life skills including: • Emotional regulation: managing anxiety, depression and withdrawal • Social skills: to nurture friendships and manage conflict • Resilience and problem-solving skills: looking for solutions and having a growth mindset • Successful academic achievement Each of these characteristics, skills and processes can serve to protect children from being bullied.

This is where teachers, coaches and parents can take a pro-active approach to protecting children from being bullied by intentionally supporting children to develop these beneficial life skills. We also know from the research that certain parenting approaches can have a positive or negative impact.

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Parenting

Impact of Parenting Approach on Bullying A study by Lereya at al (2013)iii reviewed the research on the relationship between how parents interact with their children and the risk of those children becoming a victim of bullying or a bully. They looked at research studies between 1970 and 2012 which resulted in a sample of 208,000 children aged 4 - 25 years to explore the outcomes. The researchers found that children are more likely to bully or be bullied if parents: • are harsh; • role model anti-social behaviour; • have low levels of communication with their children; and • provide minimal supervision of their children.

In contrast, children are less likely to bully or be bullied if parents: • encourage open communication between parents and children; • nurture a warm and affectionate relationship with their children; • are interested, supportive and are involved in their children’s lives, and • supervise their children.

Strategies to Support Children who are Being Bulliediv The Youth Voice Project surveyed 11,893 students from grades 5 - 12 to uncover children’s perspectives on the most effective and least helpful strategies to support them through bullying.

Most helpful strategies included encouraging children to open up to someone: • An adult at home (parent, guardian, grandparent);

• Pretend it doesn’t bother you; • Tell the person how you feel; • Tell the person to stop; • Do nothing, walk away; • Solve the problem yourself; Stop “tattling”; • Make plans to get them back / hit or fight the bully; • Remind yourself it’s not your fault.

Self-Defence Are martial arts or self-defence classes helpful in overcome bullying? Reviews of the research on the benefits of martial arts training show the findings are mixed. Some studies report that the training can reduce aggression, anger and violence in youth and support self-control, emotional stability and self-esteem.

However, a recent review by Kooiv cautions that the outcome or impact of martial arts practice depends on the coach and his/her teaching style.

Powerful Strategies When it comes to overcoming the psychological impact of bullying, it is a child’s mental self-defence and mental wellbeing that are their most powerful strategies to becoming bully-proof. You can learn more about this in Sue Anderson’s book Unbullyable. Another resource is my Personal Power Life Skills Home Activity Book (www.drrosina.com/personal-power-ebook), which contains twelve life skills activities to help your child to develop healthy self-esteem, to be resilient and better manage their emotions, thoughts and behaviours – to support their wellbeing and help them to be bully-proof!

As parents, teachers and carers, we can’t shield children from all the challenges they may face in life – but we can help them to develop the knowledge and skills they need to overcome difficulties and succeed in life.

• A sympathetic friend; • An adult at school (teacher, counsellor, principal).

What children said they wanted was for adults to listen, offer ideas and to check in later to see if the bullying has stopped.

While every case of bullying is different (so there are no simple solutions), somewhat helpful strategies in some cases are: • Increased adult supervision for a time; • Meeting with, punishing or talking to the child(ren) who were bullying; • Talk with the whole class about bullying behaviour.

Children in this study said the least helpful and ineffective strategies included saying to a child:

Petrosino, A., Guckenburg, S., DeVoe, J., and Hanson, T. (2010). What characteristics of bullying, bullying victims, and schools are associated with increased reporting of bullying to school officials? (Issues & Answers Report, REL 2010–No. 092). ii Srabstein and Leventhal, Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2010 ;88:403-403. doi: 10.2471/BLT.10.077123 iii Lereya, Muntha and Wolke (2013) Parenting Behaviour and the risk of becoming a victim and a bully/victim: A meta-analysis study. iv Youth Voice Project: student’s perceptions about strategy effectiveness to reduce peer mistreatment. http://njbullying.org/documents/YVPMarch2010.pdf v Kooi, M. (2020) Developmental outcomes and meanings in martial arts practice among youth: a review i

Dr Rosina McAlpine is the CEO and creator of the Win Win Parenting program. Win Win Parenting practical and fun programs are delivered across a variety of organisations including early learning, school, corporate and government organisations in Australia, New Zealand and The United States. Dr Rosina is an internationally recognised awardwinning researcher and educator. www.winwinparenting.com

14 March / April 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Craft

www.agirlandagluegun.com

www.mommymadethat.com

Craft for Kids

Colourful Caterpillars

Handheld Fruit Fans

What You Need

What You Need Scissors Craft glue Hole Punch

Coloured Popsicle Sticks Drill with small drill bit A4 Paper Pencil

www.mommymadethat.com

Green craft paper (various shades) Green felt pen Pom poms (large) Googly eyes

Watercolour paint Paintbrush and water Craft glue or glue gun Split pin paper fasteners

www.agirlandagluegun.com

Method Method Draw a leaf shape onto your green craft paper. Draw on leaf details, using a green felt pen.

You will then cut out the leaves. For younger children, they may need adult assistance during this step.

Use the hole punch to create little chew marks from your hungry caterpillar. To give the leaf more shape, you can fold the leaf along the middle.

To create your caterpillar, grab however many pom poms you’d like and glue them together in a line. Please note: your caterpillar can be as long or short as you want, and any colour combination you like. Allow time for the glue to dry.

To finish your caterpillar, glue two googly eyes to one end. One complete, place your caterpillar on their leaf.

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Draw out your fan shape onto your A4 paper. Using your watercolours, decorate the fan area in any fruity design you like. Dry and cut out.

Ask an adult to drill the holes into one end of each popsicle stick. You will need five sticks with a hole large enough to poke through the ends of the stick pin paper fastener. The head of the fastener needs to be bigger than the hole. Fix the Popsicle sticks together with the fastener, by bending the ends of the fastener back.

Evenly spread the popsicle sticks apart and glue one end (the open end) to the back of your fan. Allow to dry.

Once dry, fold each popsicle stick in on each other, creating the folds of the fan as you go.

Please note: The fans pictured here have a fruity theme, but your fan can be any design you like.

www.ikatbag.com

www.onelittleproject.com

Craft

Fire-breathing Dragons

Musketeer Swords

What You Need

What You Need Red, orange and yellow tissue paper Glue stick Glue gun or glue dots

Empty wrapping paper rolls Aluminium foil Scissors Craft knife

www.onelittleproject.com

Paper towel roll (cut in half) Craft paper Large and small pom poms Googly eyes Scissors

Glue and/or sticky tape Glue gun Decorative stick-on ‘jewels’ Scrap cardboard

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Method

Method

Cut your coloured craft paper to the size of your paper roll. You want it long enough to wrap all the way around.

Glue to the paper roll using your glue stick.

Flatten one end of your wrapping paper roll, then join the sides with a glue gun or sticky tape. Cut this end to a blunt point.

Attach the googly eyes to the large pop poms using the glue gun or glue dots. For younger children, we recommend using glue dots until they are confident using a glue gun to avoid any burns. Once you have dried your dragon’s eyes, glue them to one end of the paper roll as you see in the picture. Then attach the smaller pom poms to the other end to create the dragon’s nostrils.

To make the handle (hilt) of your sword; cut a piece of cardboard into a long rectangular strip, at least 30 cm long and slightly wider than your wrapping paper roll.

Round the ends of the cardboard strip.

To create the dragon’s fiery breath, cut the tissue paper into pointy 20 – 25 cm strips. Using your glue stick, glue the non-pointy ends of the tissue paper to the inside of the ‘nostril’ end of the paper roll.

Trace the round end of the wrapping paper roll near one end of your cardboard strip. Ask a parent to cut this circle out with a craft knife. Slide the cardboard strip over the end of the wrapping paper roll, leaving about a toilet roll’s distance from the end. Secure in place with a glue gun, so you are left with the semi-circle sword handle as pictured.

Once the glue is all dry, you can blow on the open end of your dragon’s head and watch as the dragon ‘breathes fire’!

Cover the ‘blade’ end of your sword with glue, and then aluminium foil. Lastly, decorate your sword’s handle with stick on jewels.

www.pakmag.com.au | March / April 2021 17

Fertility to First Years

Fertility to First Years Guide Discovering you’re pregnant is an exciting time for any couple. Whether it’s the first time or the fifth time, knowing you’ve created a little human is pretty incredible. To help you prepare for their impending arrival and their first years we’ve collated a list of the best local businesses to help you on your parenting journey.

Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is Australia’s largest breastfeeding information and support service. Breastfeeding is a practical, learned skill and ABA helps more than 80,000 mothers each year. Services include membership for both mothers and health professionals, a 24-hour Breastfeeding Helpline, LiveChat, an informative website, local support groups, antenatal classes, numerous print and digital resources as well as the mum2mum app.

Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800 686 268 www.breastfeeding.asn.au

Lloyds Northside Clinic Lloyds Northside Clinic offers a wide range of services including general family services, immunisations, advice and more. The doctors are more than happy to confirm your pregnancy and ensure both you and your fetus are healthy and happy until the big day arrives.

A 81 Philip St, Mount Pleasant P 4942 9910 www.smartscanlloydsclinic.com.au

Harvey Norman It’s never too early to start planning your baby’s nursery. You should have all the necessary furniture, complete with comfortable sheets and soft lighting.

The team at Harvey Norman is more than happy to help you out with all your bedding and furniture needs to welcome the new member of your family.

A Cnr Heaths Rd & Bruce Hwy, Mackay P 4951 8800 www.harveynorman.com.au

Kidz Life Play Centre With slides, tunnels, ball pits and a fully-fenced toddler area, Kidz Life Play Centre is a wonderland for little ones.

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

Mackay Libraries Library branches in Mackay offer a variety of activities for little ones, including Baby Bounce, Dads ‘N’ Bubs, Multiples Chatterplay, Toddler Time and Story Time.

A Various locations around Mackay P 4961 9387 www.mackay.qld.gov.au

Jump! Swim School Give your child a great start to life with educational, play-based swimming lessons. Jump! Swim School caters to babies from only 3 months of age and conduct lessons in their heated purpose-built indoor pool where the child learns vital life skills.

P 4942 8064 www.jumpswimschools.com.au

Do Re Mi Mackay “Music for Children” Affordable, engaging and fun music classes for little ones aged 6 months to 5 years. The classes are designed to support optimum development while making friends along the way. Classes for each level are developmentally designed to suit the child’s capabilities while developing.

P 4957 3047 www.doremimackay.net.au

Guardian Pharmacy Mackay - Gasworks

Caneland Central offers free monthly activities specially designed for little ones. On the first Tuesday of every month, there will be a new and exciting activity suited for children aged 1 – 3.5.

If you’re trying for a baby, Guardian Pharmacy Mackay – Gasworks can offer help and advice. They can help you figure out when you are most fertile, provide advice on lifestyle changes and recommend vitamins for you and your partner. Once you are pregnant, they can recommend vitamins, pain relief methods and advise if your medication is safe to take during pregnancy. Even once your baby is born, they can provide breastfeeding, childhood illness and general baby care advice.

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

A Shop 7/137 Shakespeare St, Mackay P 1300 790 618 www.guardianpharmacies.com.au

Caneland Central Kids Club

www.pakmag.com.au | March / April 2021 19

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Trauma Births: How to Heal Mentally and Physically STORY Catharine Ross Having a baby is said to be one of the most painful experiences a woman can go through in her lifetime.

It’s the emotional pain however that can often linger long after the physical pain has gone, and something that isn’t as recognised or talked about.

We’re conditioned to feel nothing but gratitude and bliss for this little bundle and jolt into this new world of motherhood.

For one in three women, this is not reality. Birth trauma is not just what happened during labour and birth.

It’s also how you experience motherhood and more than just the ‘baby blues’.

PTSD can develop if these negative experiences are left untreated – one study found that more than 1 in 20 mums may display signs of PTSD three months post-partum.

As an EFT Tapping practitioner, I’ve seen many women with birth trauma. Some had emergency c-sections or complications with the baby straight after birth.

Some were disempowered and felt helpless due to unwanted interventions and decisions made without their consent.

I once had a client whose traumatic experience had a huge effect on not just how she coped early on, but on her ability to feel the same connection and closeness she had with her other daughter.

Her subconscious was so traumatised by the experience, that their relationship was impaired.

She’d been through excruciating labour, ending in a c-section. She felt like a failure and went on to have other interventions against her wishes, feeling totally out of control.

Once her daughter was born, she was whisked away and Mum was left to process what had happened. She felt isolated and powerless. She couldn’t even hold her baby. Add to that her treatment by staff, and you have a recipe for PTSD… which she suffered with for seven years before coming to me.

We worked through her emotions of helplessness, grief and anger at herself for having a ‘disconnected’ relationship with her youngest using EFT Tapping – an evidence-based form of energy psychology, like emotional acupuncture without needles. The intensity of her feelings reduced in minutes.

We cleared the emotions in her memory of the birth using this gentle technique so she could let it go subconsciously. We visualised a more empowering birth that she had wanted and literally ‘tapped’ it into her subconscious (our brain remembers in pictures and feeling so we can change what we believe has happened). For the first time she was able to recall her experience without being triggered – as if it had happened to someone else.

The next day she excitedly told me when she got home her youngest ran up to her and uncharacteristically said “I love you Mummy!” In that moment, she said her connection had been restored and she was more engaged for the first time since her birth.

Energy work always amazes me. The flow-on effects that happen through working on our ‘stuff’ can be so transformative. If you’re ready to heal from your experiences, try Tapping – it’s such a valuable tool for releasing traumas, emotions and allowing you to move forward. If this lady can change not only her memory of events but also her relationship with her daughter, you can find greater acceptance, healing and peace too.

Catharine Ross is a Certified EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) and Matrix Re-imprinting Practioner, who has worked with parents and kids for the past eight years to help them find relief from their emotional blocks to find success and happiness.

She can help with stress and anxiety management and moving through past trauma. breakfreewitheft www.breakfreewitheft.com

www.pakmag.com.au | March / April 2021 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!

Ultrasound Keepsake $239.00 - www.wallsofstories.com.au Ultrasounds are one of the most precious possessions you’ll own - it’s the first time you physically see your baby and marks a special milestone. Have your ultrasound printed on leather grain fabric, in your choice of birthstone colour. Framed in a hand woven hoop, surrounded by luxe, ethically sourced feathers and embellished with genuine moonstone gemstones.

Baby Moses Basket $234.95 - www.adinkradesigns.com.au Baby Moses Baskets not only look great in the baby nursery but also serve a practical purpose.

Baby Moses Baskets are ideal for a newborn baby as they are cosy and the lightweight portability of the basket makes it easy to keep the baby close to you wherever you are in your house. Made from sustainable materials, it is a natural bedding choice for your new baby. Comes with a fitted mattress made in Australia.

Brandt Convertible Rocking Armchair $304.00 - www.luxoliving.com.au The Brandt Convertible Rocking Chair combines ultimate comfort with impeccable grace. Featuring a wingback design, solid wood frame wrapped high-quality fabric, and deep foam padding gives this seat unbeatable comfort and support. It’s stylish pine wood legs can be adjusted to transform this chair into a rocker, lounge chair, or bench.

The arms are also at the perfect height to provide support for nursing mothers. Available in a range of colours.

22 March / April 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Bump, Bub and Beyond

All About Gross Motor Skills Gross motor skills involve the use of the larger muscles in the body to run, kick and throw. They also help us sit upright, stand up and walk. These skills are vital to carry out everyday tasks such as getting dressed (standing on one leg to put your leg into a pant leg), getting in and out of the car and in and out of bed. Great gross motor skills also improve balance,

strength, coordination, endurance and body awareness.

The development of gross motor skills starts when your child is just a few months old and learning to roll over and sit up unsupported. By the age of one, most children will be crawling, pulling themselves up to stand and taking a few steps unsupported. Before you know it, they’ll be picking up toys off the floor, walking up and down stairs, kicking and throwing balls and of course, running all over the place.

If your child is struggling with gross motor skills, they may show disinterest in physical tasks, rush physical tasks to mask their difficulty or act bossy towards others in regards to how the task is performed.

Where to Find Support Postnatal depression is very common, affecting both mums and dads - and you are not alone. It’s normal to experience both good and bad days, but if you believe you may have postnatal depression or anxiety or are struggling in another way after the birth of your baby, don’t hesitate and reach out for help. You can contact the PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) hotline on 1300 726 306, Parentline on 1300 301 300 or Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277 for help. You can also look into local support groups in your area.

You can help your child develop their gross motor skills development by encouraging them to play ball games, jump on the trampoline, playing tug of war, walking on a balance beam or doing obstacle courses.

If you have any concerns about your child’s gross motor skills development, take them to your GP.

Postnatal Depression Fact While anywhere from 50 to 85 per cent of women experience ‘baby blues’ postpartum, postpartum depression is more serious and affects around one in seven women (and one in 20 men) after birth. Having postpartum depression certainly doesn’t make you a bad parent, and that’s a fact.

www.pakmag.com.au | March / April 2021 23

Parent's Puzzle: Sudoku Each of the nine blocks must contain all the numbers 1-9 within its squares. Each number can only appear once in a row, column or box.

WIN a $50.00 Deluca Apparel Voucher!

The Deluca Apparel clothing range is designed to empower women and children with positive messaging.

All designs feature positive phrases such as “Be Kind”, “Grateful” and “You Got This”.

All clothing is 100% cotton and designed and printed in Brisbane. $1 from every sale is donated to the charity PANDA to help women and families suffering with PND. Founder Kat Deluca started the brand after being hospitalised with postnatal anxiety in late 2019. www.delucaapparel.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 31/03/2021. No need to submit answers to enter.

Sudoku answers can be found at www.pakmag.com.au/answers

24 March / April 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Pull-out kids activity mag!

Spot the 5 differences in the images below

WIN a Blue Yeti USB Microphone Worth $198.00 Create unparalleled recordings with your computer using Blue's best-selling Yeti USB microphone. Thanks to their proprietary tri-capsule technology, Yeti condenser microphones produce pristine, studio-quality recordings with legendary ease. A professional multi-pattern USB mic for recording and streaming. From live streams and YouTube videos to podcasts and music recordings, Blue can help you achieve your ultimate goal - to be heard. www.bluepowered.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

Competition closes 31/03/2021. No need to submit answers to enter.

Use the colour code below to reveal the loopy robot in the grid!

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Help me find which socket my charger plug goes in!

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Use the grid w ab ove to dra e the rest of th , re tu ic rob ot p r u then colo them in!

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WIN a Roybi Robot Worth $199.00 Named by TIME Magazine as one of The Best Inventions in Education, Roybi Robot is an AIpowered educational smart toy robot for children 3+ in language learning & basic STEM. It comes with over 500 lessons, 70 categories & topics as well as over 70,000 vocabularies. Topics range from math, science, space, tech, habitats, geography, and many more. Chinese (Mandarin) is available now. www.roybirobot.com Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

Competition closes 31/03/2021. No need to submit answers to enter.

Help Mr Worm get to the core of the pear, then colour it in

Connect the dots and colour in

Colour by numbers

WIN an Environmental Challenges Deck and Stand Worth $50.00 This deck is filled with twenty environmental challenges for tweens and teens.

From working on food waste, to watching insects and reporting on birds, dealing with fashion waste, growing food and a whole lot in between. This deck is paired with our handcrafted stand made from salvaged local wood. 50% of the profits are donated to impact projects. www.skwoodle.com Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 31/03/2021.

No need to submit answers to enter.

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Relax and Unwind: Adult Colouring

WIN a Set of The Karma Class Cards Worth $79.00!

Designed to help parents support their children’s social, emotional and physical wellbeing within a calm, compassionate and caring home.

They deliver a holistic body, breath and mind experience for every age and stage, based on the science of Yoga, Breath and Mindfulness and offer a multitude of ideas and activities to support overall social, emotional and physical wellbeing. www.thekarmaclass.com Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 31/03/2021. No need to submit colouring in to enter.

www.pakmag.com.au | March / April 2021 29

Food

Sensational Salads

Greek Salad and Spiced Grilled Chicken Salad Ingredients 1 cup of grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half I large Lebanese cucumber 1 large yellow capsicum ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, cut in half 2 cups baby cos ½ Spanish onion sliced Sesame seeds Greek salad dressing (store-bought or homemade) 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise

Chicken Marinade Ingredients cup Greek yoghurt ¼ cup olive oil 1 lemon 4 cloves minced garlic 2 tbsp fresh or dried oregano 1 tbsp smoked paprika ½ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper

Roasted Sweet Potato and Avocado Salad Ingredients 4 cups sweet potato, cut into cubes 1 can chickpeas (drained) 3 cups baby spinach 1 avocado 3 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp salt Pepper to taste Sesame seeds

Method Pre-heat oven to 200°C. Line two baking trays with baking paper.

Place yoghurt and oil in a bowl. Add the zest of the lemon, before juicing and adding to the bowl. Add the remaining marinade ingredients and stir.

Combine the sweet potatoes and chickpeas into a bowl, toss through the olive oil. Sprinkle the turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper over the mix and stir until the pieces are evenly seasoned. As an alternative, you can also add all ingredients to a large zip lock bag, seal and mix that way.

In a separate bowl, place the chicken and half the marinade and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

While your chicken is marinading, prepare your salad.

Once seasoned, place the sweet potatoes and chickpeas onto the baking trays and bake for 20 - 25 minutes, turning once halfway.

Once the chicken breasts are marinaded, grill on a medium heat. Don’t forget to lightly oil your grill pan.

Once cooked, allow to cool until the sweet potatoes and chickpeas are at room temperature.

Use the remaining marinade to baste your chicken while you grill. Cook for approximately 15 – 20 minutes.

Take off heat and allow to rest for five minutes, before cutting into slices.

Add the mix to the spinach leaves in a serving bowl. Cut an avocado into bite-sized cubes and place on the top of the salad. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Method

Portion out your salad, add salad dressing to taste, place the grilled chicken pieces on top and lightly sprinkle sesame seeds as a finishing touch.

30 March / April 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

You can simply serve with a lemon wedge to squeeze over the top, or you can choose to use a salad dressing.

We recommend a nice tahini and lemon juice dressing if choosing this option.

Food

Easter Treats

Ham and Cheese Muffins

Carrot Cake Garden Buckets

Makes 12

Ingredients

Ingredients

2 cups plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1 tsp bi-carb soda 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp ground ginger Small can crushed pineapple in juice

250g diced ham 1 ½ cups grated cheese 1 cup plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 2 ½ tbsp melted butter 8 large eggs cup milk

1 tsp dried mixed herbs ¼ tsp onion powder ¼ tsp garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste Grated parmesan cheese Muffin cases

Method Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Place muffin cases in your muffin tin.

Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.

Add melted butter and stir to form a lumpy mix.

Crack your eggs into a mixing bowl, add milk, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and whisk with a fork.

Add the cheese, ham and flour mix. Stir with a spoon, until you have an even consistency. If you like you can also add some cherry tomatoes cut in half or quarters.

Pour the mixture into the muffin cases. Sprinkle grated parmesan on the top.

Bake in the oven for 20 – 25 minutes until the muffins are firm and the cheese has become a nice golden brown on the top.

Top with a garnish of your choice (it could be parsley, micro-herbs or chopped fresh chives.)

½ cup brown sugar 3 cups grated carrot ¾ cup olive oil 4 eggs Butter or oil to grease the pan Small decorative buckets Fondant and food colouring to create the carrots

Method Pre-heat oven to 180°C. Place the dry ingredients in a bowl (flour, baking powder, salt, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, ginger, brown sugar). Stir to blend well. Add the grated carrots, mix well.

In another bowl combine the oil, eggs and crushed pineapple. Don’t drain the pineapple – use the juice for flavour and moisture. Add this wet mixture to the dry mix and stir until combined.

Pour the cake mix into your greased pan and bake in the oven for about 45 - 50 minutes. You know your cake is cooked when the centre is ‘springy’ to the touch.

Once the cake has cooled, break up into pieces to make ‘soil’ to place in the small tin ‘buckets’.

Kneed the food colouring through the fondant.

We recommend using food-safe gloves so your hands don’t get stained. Start with a few drops and add more colouring as needed. There are no rules when it comes to creating your ‘carrots’ – be creative and have fun!

www.pakmag.com.au | March / April 2021 31

Celebrate Easter

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1. Easter Bunny Stop Here Sign - $9.99 - Bed Bath N’ Table 2. Easter Bunny Hyacinth Basket - $15.00 - Target 3. Budz Slimline Stainless Steel Drink Bottle - $24.95 - Smiggle 4. Hardwood Frescobol Beach Paddle Ball Set with Bag - $68.00 - Myer 5. Large Easter Eggs 12 Pack $6.00 - Target 6. Bunny Backpack - $14.99 - Bed Bath N’ Table 7. Healthy-Looking Skin Carrot Collection - $45.00 - The Body Shop 8. Traditional Hot Cross Buns 6-Pack - $8.00 - Bakers Delight 9. The Ultimate Easter Pom-Poms Book and Kit - $16.99 - QBD Books 10. Chicken Brown Mug Set of 2 - $24.99 - Adairs 11. Morgan & Finch Easter Musical Box Sea Saw Bunnies - $59.99 - Bed Bath N’ Table 12. Breville the Scraper Beater in Silver - $259.00 - JB Hi-Fi

The Perfect Gift for Mother’s Day 1.

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1. Round Brilliant Cut Band in 14ct Rose Gold - $799.00 - Secrets Shhh 2. Hip Flask with Silicone Cover - $14.99 - Australia Post 3. Essano Certified Organic Rosehip Oil 20ml - $15.99 - TerryWhite Chemmart 4. Reversable Skinny Belt - $29.95 - Portmans 5. Mermade Hair Wave Kit - $109.00 - Shaver Shop 6. Freda Gold Earrings - $19.95 - Tree of Life 7. Tiffany & Co Sunglasses TF4178 - $514.00 - Sunglass Hut 8. Marikai Quilted V 2 Compartment Wallet - $29.99 - Strandbags 9. Circa Clay Planter - From $14.95 - Pillow Talk 10. Lavender Pure Essential Oil - $19.99 - Dusk 11. Messi Champagne MoodMist® Diffuser - $109.99 - Dusk 12. Piper Laser Cut Top Handle Bag - $59.99 - Forever New 13. Mermade Hair Mist 125ml - $19.00 - Price Attack 14. Georgini Aurora Australia Earrings - $79.00 - Silvershop 15. Feed Me Bowl - $19.99 - Typo 16. Miss Dior Eau De Parfum - From $99.00 - Myer 17. Lorna Jane Gift Card - From $20.00 - Lorna Jane 18. Nespresso by Delonghi Lattissima One Capsule Coffee Machine White EN500W - $419.00 - Myer

www.canelandcentral.com.au

Caneland Central

caneland.central

Education

The Formula for Building Trust and Collaboration Between Parents, Teachers and Your Child’s School: 3 + 3 + 3 + 5 + 2 STORY Andrew Oberthur When a child comes home from school and shares their recollection about something that has happened during the day, the parent has the choice of three responses from which they may choose in dealing with their child’s concern.

The first option might be to contact the school staff and “explode”. This will not build a relationship between the school and the parents. In fact, it will break down the relationship.

The second option is for the parents to say to the child; “Thanks very much, I believe your story but toughen up, and be more resilient”. This in effect is brushing the child aside. They're not giving them the support and empowerment that they need and deserve.

The third option is for the parents to listen to the child cautiously and then choose one of three responses, and then one of three questions which they should ask the school staff.

The first question is simply to ask the staff – “What happened at school?” regarding this particular matter. They would report what their child has said about the incident and they then give the school staff the opportunity to respond. At that point the parents will reflect as to the accuracy of both stories so that they can move forward supporting their child.

The second question to use is – “What is the school’s policy, protocols or procedures regarding…… (whatever)?” With that information provided, they are in a position to judge whether or not the school followed the process and protocols or whether or not the school has let them down.

The third question to use is - “What can we, as parents and teachers do in working together for my child's education?” This highlights the need for collaboration.

It highlights the importance of the parents and teachers working together and providing a common vision of education for the child.

When a parent comes and expresses some concerns to a teacher, the teacher can easily get defensive.

If we are in a position to build a culture of trust and collaboration between parents and teachers, then I believe there are only three questions that teachers need to ask parents in response to any of the concerns.

The first question is simply “What do you need?”

This means that the parents need to reflect upon the purpose as to why they are coming and having a conversation with the teacher and what they hope to achieve by having a conversation. As soon as the teacher asks the question “What do you need?” they are responding to the importance of the parents’ query.

This adds value to the parents’ question, the parent feels that they are important, that their query is validated and that it will be addressed.

The second question that teachers could ask parents is- “What do you imagine that would look like in our classroom or in our school?” So when a parent comes and asks for a request for something to be achieved or something to be done, and the teacher asks the parent “What you think that would look like?” it puts the emphasis back on the parent to try articulate the practical application for their query to be implemented in the classroom or school setting.

The third question that teachers can ask parents is “Is there anything else you'd like to ask or say or tell me before we close the meeting?” This gives the parents the chance to reflect to ensure that their needs have been met and both parties can walk away content that they have been heard. It's a simple technique which allows teachers to close off the conversation. It also allows the parents some closure.

As a parent, when you visit a school to make an enquiry, you can re-frame your questions around this model even if the teachers don’t use the questions to direct your conversation.

www.pakmag.com.au | March / April 2021 35

Education

When a parent goes to their child’s school, they usually approach the teachers or the principal for one of five reasons. Once they are asked- “What do you need?” it helps them reflect on why they have gone to the school.

The first reason why parents go to school is to simply share information, good or bad. It might be to give information, to give praise, to simply to get something off their chest or to express their opinion.

Once they have expressed their concerns about whatever, they're happy.

The second reason parents may come to a school is to seek information, context or history. They just want to understand the history so that they get a better grasp of why the system exists and how long the system has existed. They are just seeking information, context or history.

The third reason parents may go to school may be to offer a solution. Parents may have expertise in a field that may add value to the school. The principal often calls upon parent expertise in an advisory capacity.

This model is relevant when parents have a particular

skill set that can benefit the school community.

The fourth reason may be that the parents are asking the school for a resolution or a solution to a particular issue. If the processes are reviewed and can be improved, then a solution may be possible. Solutions are not always possible or resolutions may not always give the parents their desired outcome. It is important to remember that principals and school leaders make decisions in the best interests of all (or the majority) of families and students.

Similar to the fourth reason, is the fifth reason parents may engage with schools – and that is to seek advice from staff. This model requires the parents to own the implementation of the advice. This highlights collaboration as the parents request advice from the staff, and then the parents act on it.

When teachers respond to any parent request, they should filter their response with these two criteria: is the response sustainable and realistic. If the teacher’s response meets these criteria then it may be a viable option. If the response desired by the parents from the teacher does not meet these criteria then it would be advisable to re-think the options. It may be necessary to revisit the first question from teacher to parents – what do you need? This may prompt the parents to re-think their desired outcomes.

WIN a Copy of Are You Ready for Primary School This Year?

by Andrew Oberthur $20.00 - www.creativecollaborativesolutions.net This book is about building a culture of Trust, Collaboration and Enquiry between parents and Primary school teachers. It is a MUST read for parents and teachers alike.

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

Competition closes 31/03/2021.

Andrew Oberthur is the married father of two teenagers and a primary school principal, with over 30 years experience. Through his vast experience and own study, Andrew has developed three main areas of interest and expertise: School readiness for families / staff of children getting ready for school, building a culture of trust, collaboration and enquiry between parents and teachers, communication skills for teachers and parents working together for the benefit of their common interest - their children. In 2018 he published his first book “Are You Ready for Primary School This Year?” which is about building a culture of trust, collaboration and enquiry between parents and teachers.

His book is available from his website www.creativecollaborativesolutions.net

Tune into Episode 22 of the PakMag Parents Podcast with Andrew Oberthur for more on why it’s important to establish a positive relationship with your child’s teacher.

36 March / April 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Expert Advice

The PakMag Experts Katrina Peters

Dr Rosina McAlpine

Statewide Family Law

Dear Dr Rosina,

Dear Katrina,

I am a working mother and struggle during the school holidays between work, my children’s needs and getting some ‘me-time’. What can I do?

Can you give me some tips on Parenting Consent Orders?

A cost effective and quick way to formalise parenting arrangements is by way of a Consent Order.

Parents who have separated and enjoy an amicable post-separation parenting relationship can decide on the arrangements for the children between themselves. Then they have that agreement made legally binding by the Courts, so that each parent can be safe in the knowledge that, unless the parties otherwise agree in writing or there is a further order made by the Courts, there will be no arguments as to where the children reside or the time they spend with each parent, and the Courts can enforce the order if children are withheld from a parent, etc.

When parents are considering what arrangements they would like included, we encourage them to: Firstly, be as specific as possible about the frequency, duration and location of any time to be spent by the non-residential parent or communication with the children; Secondly, detail any agreement about the choice of school, primary and secondary, and any issue that could arise as the children’s needs change; Thirdly, attempt to draft the agreement in such a way that it can be relevant for as long as possible. This helps avoid the need to review it, or attend mediation if there is a disagreement about a particular term, or having to be involved in litigation.

Every family is different. Our task as family lawyers is to shape and mould the Consent Order into one which suits each family’s circumstances, while always having regard to what is in the best interests of the children. We strongly encourage people to seek advice before entering into a Consent Order so as to ensure that it meets all of their expectations. a 34 Wood St, Mackay www.swc.net.au

Unfortunately, the school holidays and our annual leave entitlements don’t balance out, which means parents often struggle - not just with care for their children while they continue to work, but also the guilt associated.

It’s also hard for parents to take time for themselves, when they have spent so much time away from their children, often neglecting their own self-care.

Parents often feel guilty when it comes to self-care. Taking time out can just seem “selfish” when there is so much to do! Everything else - the children, partners, friends, family and work tends to take priority. However, we all know that can only work in the short-term. We will eventually burn out and not be able to support our family or our workplace.

So, this holiday period, here are my top 5 tips for working parents to ensure long-term mental and physical wellbeing: 1. Remember - YOU are a role-model for your children. If you want your children to take care of themselves be the example!

2. Everyone needs downtime - if you don’t fill up your “cup” with rest, good nutrition, hydration and exercise it will have a negative impact on your physical and mental wellbeing.

3. No time? Self-care doesn’t have to take long. Stop and take a few long, slow, deep breaths; stretch for 5 minutes; take a short walk outside; make a nourishing meal; go to bed a little earlier... all of these short activities will add up over time and help you to keep your energy up!

4. Stay positive - watch a funny movie and make time to have fun with the kids.

5. No alone time? Practice self-care activities with the kids.

It will be good for you and the kids - Win Win! www.winwinparenting.com

www.pakmag.com.au | March / April 2021 39

Health

All Things Health Feeling Tired? The Best Ways to Help Support Your Energy Levels as a Parent STORY Eloise Wellings Olympic Athlete and mother-of-two Nobody wants to feel tired and sluggish, it’s hard enough to do anything when you are feeling low on energy, let alone a parent.

We all want to be able to show up in the world for ourselves – to be able to reach our own full potential, but we also want to be able to show up for those around us. That’s really hard to do when you may be feeling low on energy.

If you’re starting to feel the signs of being low on energy, here’s five tips to help support your energy levels:

1. You may want to consider supplementing with Ubiquinol, the antioxidant found naturally in our bodies which helps support our energy levels (more info below).

2. Get regular exercise. We all know the incredible benefits of exercise.

Keep it simple. Create a routine that’s fun, convenient and sustainable so you can carry it on long-term and it becomes part of your everyday life.

3. Prioritise good nutrition. Don’t get caught up in fad diets, just eat lots of fresh, unprocessed food that’s going to help support your energy levels in your daily activities.

Natural Remedies for Cold Sores Holding an ice pack to the cold sore can reduce the redness and inflammation – though it won’t reduce the duration of the sore.

You can also apply an ice cube to affected area, wrapping it in a towel or a similar item if it’s too cold.

Apply Vitamin E, an antioxidant, onto the cold sore. It can soothe it; help repair any damaged skin cells and grow new ones – speeding up the healing process of the sore.

Raw or medical grade honey, particularly Kanuka and Manuka honey, have been found to be just as effective as pharmacy medications for reducing the pain of a cold sore and healing it.

This is due to the antibacterial and antifungal properties that natural honey has.

Apply lemon balm cream to the cold sore throughout the day. It is a herb that also aids in the healing of cold sores and reduces symptoms.

4. Be intentional about rest. I’m not just talking about sleep, but also rest. Think about the types of restful activities that help support your energy levels (they’re usually things you’re passionate about) - e.g. reading a book, going on a long walk, playing music, writing in a journal, swimming in the ocean or taking a nap. It’s so important for busy parents to prioritise these things during the week to help avoid feeling burnt out or rundown.

5. Hydrate - drink more water. Dehydration zaps our energy, impairs physical performance and is shown to decrease alertness and concentration.

If the last 12 months has taught me anything, it’s that I don’t need my life to be as full as it was – to be fulfilled. Having been forced to slow down and even stop, has shown me that I don’t have to be that busy all the time to enjoy life or to be successful. It’s about prioritising things like family, community and being with people.

For more – listen to Episode 91 of the PakMag Parents Podcast with Eloise, joining Bree.

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

www.pakmag.com.au | March / April 2021 41

Daddy Diary

Daddy Diary Food, glorious food. A commodity so valuable Oliver Twist belted out a song about it. How great is food?

We owe a lot to food. Not only does it keep us kicking and screaming, but without it - network television wouldn’t have survived the last 10 years. I’m looking at you MKR and MasterChef.

My only problem with food is… I eat too much of it.

I adore food. Both my wife and I consider ourselves “foodies”. Food is life. At least that’s what I believe.

So, I ask you this Mackay - why, oh, why do I (and pretty much every parent at one stage or another) have such a problem getting my kids to eat it?

Back in the day the great Kings and Queens of England would employ food testers to ensure their tucker

Head to Parents and Kids of North Queensland YouTube Channel to see Bree’s up close interview with Cliffo.

wasn’t poisoned. I’m pretty sure if said profession still existed my two cherubs, Matilda (nearly seven) and Charlie (nearly two), would be first in line to employ one. I don’t know what secret plan these two think I’ve hatched with the food I offer them - but the answer is “no”. Despite the untrusting looks I receive across the dinner table - I’m not trying to poison them. Your pasta bake remains pure.

Things have gotten pretty bad in the last few months.

In the last week alone - I’ve seen noses turn away from sausages and mash, ham and cheese toasties, my mum’s famous savoury mince and even chicken nuggets and chips. CHICKEN NUGGETS AND CHIPS! I’m sorry, but if you don’t absolutely devour nuggets and chippies out of the air fryer - there is literally NOTHING you like.

There is one meal that gets us across the line though.

It’s become somewhat of a dinnertime ‘Holy Grail’ at the Clifton residence. Thank the sweet Lord for Tacos.

Without the delicious combo of mince, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and the shells (pretty much big corn chips) - I’m afraid my two sprogletts would have withered away to nothing.

So, for now it’s tacos that keep us kicking. Yes, my wife and I are a little over them but at least the kids are happy (and fed). So, I guess it’s tacos again tonight.

Otherwise, we could open our doors to Oliver Twist.

At least we know he’ll leave a clean plate at the end of the night.

Cliffo Hit 100.3

www.pakmag.com.au | March / April 2021 43

School Holiday Guide

School Holiday Guide Sidetrax Bring the family for intense fun, adrenaline and competition with go-kart racing in a real kart. Minimum age is 7 years and drivers must be 1.23m tall. Please come dressed for racing; closed in shoes, shorts or long pants. No loose clothing, dresses or skirts. The track is indoors, so every day is race day!

Cost: From $35.00 for 1 race (10 minutes). Double seater karts available for those aged 4 - 10 years or with disabilities.

A 275 Nebo Rd, City Gates P 4829 4707 E info@sidetrax.com.au Sidetrax www.sidetrax.com.au

Caneland Central Keep the kids entertained with games, music and movies or toys from Caneland, or check out the huge number of stores for your everyday shopping needs.

A Mangrove Rd, Mackay P 4944 7111 E caneland.central@lendlease.com Caneland Central www.canelandcentral.com.au

Big4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort - Easter in the Park Nestled in seven acres of shady tropical greenery, Big4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort has plenty to do for families including a playground, jumping pillow, quad bikes for hire, a pool and a brand-new ninja challenge course. Book into your site or accommodation over the Easter School Holiday period and enjoy outdoor movies, an egg hunt, Easter bonnet parade, Ninja Challenge, Kids Disco, Easter Craft, Eco Warrior Program and so much more. A special visit from a very fluffy white rabbit will be a highlight.

When: 4.00pm, Friday 2 April - Sunday 18 April.

Bookings required.

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

Souths Leagues Club Mackay Play, eat and enjoy at Souths 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!

Plus, when a member purchases a main meal, they can get one FREE kids meal for either lunch or dinner!

A 181 Milton St P 4957 2166 E info@sidetrax.com.au Souths Leagues Club Mackay www.southsmackay.com.au

Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show When: Friday 2 April - Sunday 18 April Where: MECC Auditorium More info: www.shaunthesheepcircus.com.au Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show is must-see family entertainment full of heart-warming comedy delights.

The thrilling world premiere season combines the extreme physicality and awe-inspiring feats of Circa and the playful charm of the multi-award-winning TV series Shaun the Sheep.

The entire family will be treated to a visual spectacle, packed full of Aardman’s signature wit and outright hilarity, as well as incredible feats of daredevil acrobatics and vibrant circus skills.

Recommended for 3 years + P 4957 2166 www.themecc.com.au

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

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

www.pakmag.com.au | March / April 2021 45

School Holiday Guide

Sarina Sugar Shed

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Head along to the Sarina Sugar Shed and learn about the growing, harvesting and crushing processes of sugar cane in a fully functioning miniature sugar mill.

During the one hour tour, see how sugar is turned into a tasty array of products. You will get to try sugar cane juice, Chefs’ Gusto range of chutneys, relishes and sauces, non-alcoholic ginger beer brewed onsite and fairy floss!

There’s plenty to do at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens for kids. The following activity sheets can be picked up from the gardens’ administration or downloaded and printed at home: Alphabet I Spy, Birdwatching Quiz, 25 Fun Things to do in the Gardens, nature play, spotlighting and more.

Tours run daily at 9.30am, 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm - 7 Days Entry: Adult | $26.00, Pensioner/Senior Card Holders | $22.00 (ID required), Child (under 18 years) | $13.00, Children under 5 years – No charge, Family | $68.00 (2 Adults and 2 Children plus $8.00 for each additional child u18) A Field of Dreams Parkland, Railway Square, Sarina P 4943 2801 E info@sarinasugarshed.com.au Sarina Sugar Shed www.sarinasugarshed.com.au

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

Artspace Mackay Artspace Mackay will be running art workshops during the first week of the Easter School Holidays. Each workshop will run for two hours and is suitable for children 8 - 12 years. Find out more and book your spot at www.artspacemackay.eventbrite.com.au.

A Civic Centre Precinct, 61 Gordon St P 4961 9722 E artspace@mackay.gld.gov.au Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au

Mackay Libraries Mackay Libraries always offer a variety of events to keep kids busy and having fun during the holidays. Kids can participate in Easter craft activities, enjoy Movie Matinees featuring Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs and Astro Kid as well as Bedtime Stories - a fun session for children from birth to 8 years and their families.

Each session features nursery rhymes, stories, songs and a craft activity. Don’t forget to wear your pyjamas!

Find out more at www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries, www.mackay.qld.gov.au/whatson and our Get Out and About Guide.

Sarina Youth Centre

A Mackay, Mt Pleasant, Walkerston, Sarina, Mirani P 4961 9387 Mackay Regional Council Libraries www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries www.mackay.qld.gov.au/whatson

A Cr Anzac and Broad St, Sarina P 4961 9278 Sarina Youth Centre

The Bluewater Lagoon

Whitsunday Segway Tours Whitsunday Segway Tours operate amazing, award winning and Eco Tourism certified, guided Segway tours in the Whitsunday Conway National Park, as well as along the Airlie Beach boardwalk with included dinner over a beautiful sunset.

Cost: From $110.00. For families with children 12+ years old.

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

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Fun and educational activities run on weekdays at this centre for kids aged 10 - 21 years, from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Enjoy a variety of Easter-themed activities including learning to cook, arts and crafts, fun days at the pool, games, movies and more, from 6 April through to 16 April these school holidays. There’s something for every kid and teenager at the Sarina Youth Centre.

Please note: activities will be delivered to a variety of age groups and will be age-appropriate.

This large family-friendly lagoon provides a free swimming area for all ages, safe from stingers and right in the heart of the city. It includes a large 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 (September - March) and 9am 4:45pm during the winter months (April - mid-July).

The Bluewater Lagoon Café is also nearby – a perfect place to relax and enjoy tasty food after playing in the sun.

A Caneland Park, River St P 4952 5244 Bluewater Lagoon www.mackay.qld.gov.au

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

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

Mackay and Whitsundays Get Out and About

With HIT 100.3’s Cliffo & Gabi

MONDAY 1 MARCH

TUESDAY 2 MARCH

SATURDAY 6 MARCH

MONDAY 8 MARCH

Exhibition: Dylan Mooney: The Wall Runs until 12 May Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / FREE / G

Mackay Regional Council Mobile Library Ongoing Various Places mackaylibraries FREE / G

Tina Turner Tribute Airlie Beach Hotel www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au TBA / FREE / G

Mid Week Race Day Mackay Turf Club, Ooralea Racecourse www.mackayturfclub.com.au 12.00pm - 6.00pm / FREE Entry / G

Exhibition: Ron McBurnie: In Search of Arcadia Runs until 16 May Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / FREE / G Exhibition: Tony Druery: Horizons Runs until 16 May Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / FREE / G Exhibition: A Changing Ecology Runs until 16 May Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / FREE / G Time out Tai Chi with Balance Minder Runs every Monday Bluewater Quay mackaycitycentre.com.au 5.15pm - 6.15pm / FREE / G Bocce with a Buddy Runs every Monday to Friday Malta Garden Bocce Court www.mackayregionalbotanic gardens.com.au 9.00am - 4.30pm / $5 / Family Sarina Sugar Shed Tours Runs everyday 4 times a day Sarina Sugar Shed www.sarinasugarshed.com.au 9.30am, 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm / FREE - $26.00 / Family PCYC Mackay Playtime Runs every Monday to Friday during the school term PCYC Mackay PCYC Mackay 9.00am - 11.00am / $6.00 Members, $9.00 Non-members, FREE / 0 - 5 years / Adults

Mat Work Pilates Runs every Tuesday Bluewater Quay mackaycitycentre.com.au 5.15pm - 6.15pm / FREE / G WEDNESDAY 3 MARCH Viral MECC www.themecc.com.au 10.30am / $20.00 - $25.00 / 13 + STEAM Club Runs every Wednesday until 31 March Gordon White Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries 3.30pm - 4.30pm / FREE / Children in Year 3 - 6 THURSDAY 4 MARCH Ukulele and Guitar Rescue Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 10:30 am – 11:30 / FREE / All Two Day Residency with Shock Therapy Productions Runs until 5 March MECC Lynette Denny Space telina.james@mackay.qld.gov.au 10.00am, 4 March - 5.00pm, 5 March / P.O.A / 13 + Local Artist Workshop with Susan Riley Gee The Artist Studio, Caneland Central susan@summerwindsartgallery. com.au 1.30pm - 5.30pm / $60.00 / 16 + FRIDAY 5 MARCH FLiCKERFEST Runs until 6 March Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music www.trybooking.com 7.30pm - 9.30pm / $10.70 $15.80 / G

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Mackay Parkrun Runs every Saturday Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens www.parkrun.com.au/ 7.00am - 8.00am / FREE / G Falun Gong Meditation Sessions Runs every Saturday Mango Tree, Mackay Botanical Gardens www.mackayregional botanicgardens.com.au 9.00am - 11.00am / FREE / G Fast Track - Jamie’s Ministry of Food Runs Saturdays until 20 March Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens www.events.humanitix.com 10.00am / $50.00 - $150.00 / 12 + SUNDAY 7 MARCH Fast Track - Jamie’s Ministry of Food Runs Sundays until 21 March Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens www.events.humanitix.com 10.00am / $50.00 - $150.00 / 12 + Chicks in Pink Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens mackayregionalbotanicgardens 7.00am / FREE / G Zumba Fitness with Elena Runs every Sunday Bluewater Quay mackaycitycentre.com.au 9.00am - 10.00am / FREE / G Sunday Family Fun Day at Sidetrax Runs every Sunday Sidetrax, 275 Nebo Road www.sidetrax.com.au 10.00am - 5.00pm / $35.00 per person* (T&C’s apply) / 7 + (1.23m tall)

TUESDAY 9 MARCH Dexter’s Storytime Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 10:00 am – 10:30 am / FREE / All family members The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show Runs until 10 March MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 6.00pm, 9.30am, 12.30pm / $16.50 - $60 / Family WEDNESDAY 10 MARCH Birth Time - The Documentary BCC Mackay, Mt Pleasant www.tickets.demand.film 6.30pm / $23.95 / 15 + FRIDAY 12 MARCH Made by You! - Recycled Bowls Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 3.30pm - 4.30pm / FREE / 18 + Jamie’s Ministry of Food (cooking classes) Runs until 19 April 9 Lagoon Street events.humanitix.com/tours/ jmof-classes Various Times / $50.00 - $150 / 12 + SATURDAY 13 MARCH Saccharo Cover Band Runs until 14 March Airlie Beach Hotel www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au TBA / FREE / G Haunt Dinner Theatre Runs every Friday and Saturday until 1 May Haunt Mackay www.hauntmackay.com.au 6.30pm / $79 - $300 / 18 + Harley-Davidson Demo Ride Day Mackay Harley-Davidson mackayharleydavidson 8.00am - 1.00pm / FREE / G

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

MONDAY 15 MARCH Green on the Greens Runs until 21 March Whitsunday Green www.tourismwhitsundays.com. au TBA / $15.00 - $10.00 / G THURSDAY 18 MARCH Local Artist Workshop with Susan Riley Gee The Artist Studio, Caneland Central susan@summerwinds artgallery.com.au 1.30pm - 5.30pm / $60.00 / 16 + FRIDAY 19 MARCH Party Bands in Paradise Runs until 21 March Cape Gloucester Resort www.tourismwhit sundays.com.au TBA / $165 SATURDAY 20 MARCH Queensland Symphony Orchestra Simulcast MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / FREE / G GTB Dance Competition Runs until 21 March CQ University Mackay www.gtbdance.com 9.00am, 20 March - 9.30pm, 21 March / $25.00 - $50.00 / G SUNDAY 21 MARCH Clothes Box Markets Northern Beaches Bowls Club mackayclothesbox 8.00am - 11.00am / FREE / Family TUESDAY 23 MARCH Easter Hamper Draws Souths Leagues Club www.southsmackay.com.au

5.30pm / FREE (Members Only) / Family

resort.com.au 4.00pm / Book to Stay / G

BMA Kidspace, Artspace Mackay’s Toddler Program Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am - 2.00pm / FREE / Toddlers (Under 5)

SATURDAY 3 APRIL

FRIDAY 26 MARCH Birdlife Monthly Surveys Last Friday of each month Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens www.mackayregional botanicgardens.com.au 6.00am - 8.00am / FREE / G SATURDAY 27 MARCH Dads ‘n’ Bubs Baby Bounce Dudley Denny City Library www.eventbrite.com.au 10:00 am – 10:30 am / FREE / Dads and bub The Australian INXS Tribute Show Airlie Beach Hotel www.tourism whitsundays.com.au TBA / FREE / G SUNDAY 28 MARCH Sensory Movie Day Mackay Mount Pleasant www.eventcinemas.com.au TBA / $6.00 / G FRIDAY 2 APRIL Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show Runs until Saturday 3 April MECC Auditorium www.shaunthesheep circus.com.au Various / $37.00 - $62.00 / 3 years + Easter in the Park Runs until 18 April Whitsunday Tropical Resort whitsundaystropicaleco

Easter Egg Hunt on the Green Whitsunday Green www.tourism whitsundays.com.au 11.00am / FREE / Family TUESDAY 6 APRIL Easter Themed Craft Walkerston Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ whatson 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE* Bookings essential / 5 - 12 years Easter Themed Craft Mirani Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ whatson 2.00pm - 3.00pm / FREE* Bookings essential / 5 - 12 years WEDNESDAY 7 APRIL Easter Themed Craft Gordon White Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ whatson 10.30am - 11.30am / FREE* Bookings essential / 5 - 12 years THURSDAY 8 APRIL Easter Themed Craft Dudley Denny City Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ whatson 10.30am - 11.30am / FREE* Bookings essential / 5 - 12 years Bedtime Stories Gordon White Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries 5.00pm - 6.00pm / FREE / Children 0 - 8 years and their families

FRIDAY 9 APRIL Easter Themed Craft Sarina Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ whatson 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE* Bookings essential / 5 - 12 years Movie Matinee - Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs Dudley Denny City Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ whatson 2.00pm - 4.00pm / FREE / G SUNDAY 11 APRIL The World of Musicals MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $59.90 - $269.60 / Family THURSDAY 15 APRIL Bedtime Stories Dudley Denny City Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries 5.00pm - 6.00pm / FREE / Children 0 - 8 years and their families FRIDAY 16 APRIL Movie Matinee - Astro Kid Dudley Denny City Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ whatson 2.00pm - 4.00pm / FREE / G SATURDAY 17 APRIL The BeachBoyz Tribute Show Souths Leagues Club www.southsmackay.com.au 7.15pm - 10.30pm / TBA / G TUESDAY 20 APRIL BMA Kidspace, Artspace Mackay’s Toddler Program Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am - 2.00pm / FREE / Toddlers (Under 5)

www.pakmag.com.au | March / April 2021 49

Mackay and Whitsundays Get Out and About WEDNESDAY 21 APRIL STEAM Club Gordon White Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries 3.30pm - 4.30pm / FREE / Children in Year 3 - 6 SATURDAY 24 APRIL The Ultimate Eagles Experience - 50th Anniversary MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $62.50 - $69.50 / G TUESDAY 27 APRIL Performance in the Gallery Tuesdays until 15 June Crossroads Arts www.crossroadarts.com.au TBA / $15.00 per workshop / 18 + Stretchy Pants Tuesdays and Fridays until 18 June Crossroads Arts www.crossroadarts.com.au Times Vary / $15.00 per workshop / 18 + WEDNESDAY 28 APRIL STEAM Club Runs every Wednesday until 26 May Gordon White Library

www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries 3.30pm - 4.30pm / FREE / Children in Year 3 - 6 THURSDAY 29 APRIL The Wiggles We’re All Fruit Salad Tour MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 10.00am, 1.00pm, 4.00pm / $40.10 - $103.55 / Family SATURDAY 1 MAY Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $19.80 - $42 / 15 + Whitsundays Tropical Fishing Competition Runs until 3 May Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort www.whitsundaystropical ecoresort.com.au TBA / $15 Registration / Family WEDNESDAY 5 MAY Active Escapes - Whitsundays Runs until 11 May Mantra Boathouse www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au TBA / $400.00 / G

With Triple M's Jay and Dave

THURSDAY 6 MAY

TUESDAY 11 MAY

Ukulele and Guitar Rescue Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 10.30am - 11.30am / FREE / G

Dexter’s Storytime

FRIDAY 7 MAY

Family

The Two of Us - The Songs of Lennon & McCartney MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $55 / G

THURSDAY 20 MAY

SATURDAY 8 MAY

Various / $24.00 - $120.00 / G

Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 10.00am - 10.30am / FREE /

Mamma Mia! Runs until 22 May MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au

Kids Art Club - Term 2 6-week program, running each Saturday until 12 June Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay. eventbrite.com 10.00 am - 12.00pm / $160.00 per child / 8 - 12 years

FRIDAY 21 MAY

SUNDAY 9 MAY

Exhibition: Donna Maree

Mother’s Day in the Park Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort www.whitsundays tropicalecoresort.com.au 10.00am / TBA / Family

Robinson & David Pyke:

River Street Twilight

Exhibition: Leigh Shoenheimer: Iterate/ Elaborate Runs until 7 July Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 6.00pm Opening / FREE / G

Continuum Runs until 25 July Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 6.00pm Opening / FREE / G

Regular Markets The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Markets

Location: Eungella Memorial Hall - North Street

Sarina Showground Markets

Date: Every Wednesday Time: 7.00am - 11.00am Location: Bluewater Quay, River Street, Mackay City Centre (Best parking - Brisbane Street)

Seaforth Community Markets

Date: Last Sunday of the month Time: 7.30am - 12.00pm Location: Sarina Showgrounds

Showground Markets

Seaforth Mega Market

Troppo Treasure Markets

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

Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 7.30am - 11.30am Location: Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

Date: Every Saturday Time: 6.30am - 10.00am Location: Milton Street

Eungella Markets

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

Market by GWFM Date: 2nd Friday of every month Time: 4.00pm - 8.00pm Location: Bluewater Quay, River Street, Mackay City Centre

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

Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 9.00am - 1.00pm

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