PakMag Mackay & Whitsundays - May & Jun 2021 - Issue 83

ISSUE: MAY & JUNE 2021

83

MACKAY & WHITSUNDAYS

100

+

Family-Friendly

EVENTS

FREE

Take a Time Out with a Parent’s Puzzle Your Local Childcare and Kindy Guide

CHILD 7 FOCUS

Strategies to Help Your

Harness the Power of Goal Setting

3 Powerful Tips to Mentally Unload

Spoil Mum this

MOTHER’S DAY WITH

DIY Gifts + Prizes

Welcome 5

The Thing Is with Bree James

Hello and Happy Mother’s Day!

6

Goal-Setting with Children

8

STEAM: Art and Creativity

Of all the things I have done in life, being a mum has been the most challenging, but also the most rewarding.

11

How to Help Your Child Focus

15 All Things Tweens and Teens 17 Childcare and Kindy Guide 21 Baby’s First Foods 22 Bump, Bub and Beyond 24 Parent’s Puzzle: Sudoku 25 Mini Mag

“Motherhood is messy and challenging and crazy and sleepless and giving and still unbelievably beautiful.” – Rachel Martin I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I hope you remember how incredibly amazing you are and how important you are to the little humans who call you mum. We are often so hard on ourselves, but if we could see ourselves through our kids’ eyes for just a moment, I am sure we would never doubt our value.

With such an important job to do, it’s vital to show up not just for your children - but for yourself as well.

In this edition of PakMag, we talk about the ‘Mental Load’ that women carry and tips on how you can unload for a healthier and happier you. We also have plenty of expert advice on the power of goal setting, how to help your child focus and some fun craft activities for the kids to spoil you this Mother’s Day. PLUS amazing prizes to WIN with our Mother’s Day giveaway.

29 Adult Colouring 30 Mother’s Day Mega Giveaway 32 Mother’s Day Craft 35 Counteracting Domestic

Violence Through Cultural

Spiritual Insight

Our whole team hopes you have an extra special day - thank you for including us on your parenting journey. Happy parenting, happy reading and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

Bree

37 Share the Mental Load 41 All Things Health 43 The PakMag Experts

48 What’s On

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

PakMag Founder

Graphic Designer

Our North Queensland Channels

and Editor-in-Chief

Sara Williams

PakMag Townsville Parents of North Queensland pakmag_nq Parents and Kids of

North Queensland

45 Daddy Diary

Bree James

Design & Client Support

Content & Marketing Team Leader Bec Dent

Blair King Videographer &

Creative Team Leader

Podcast Producer

Our Global Parenting Channels

Clare Winter

Monique Saggers

Marketing and Events Coordinator

Content Creator

Alyssa Marino

Annamarie Booysen

Sales and Business Development

Accounts

Tracy Couper

Trent Stievano

PakMag Online pakmag_online PakMag The Give It A Go Group

For Parents The PakMag Parents Podcast PakMag TV

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 | May / June 2021 3

The Thing Is

The Thing Is with Bree James Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I didn’t become a parent. I often joke that I had to have kids so that I could make this magazine a success - as I wasn’t a parent when I first started PakMag. Sadly, the tax man doesn’t agree they should be deductible.

could improve; there would be lots to work on – but it’s important to remember that as parents, we are a work in progress too. We aren’t always going to get it right, but if we’re trying our best, we learn and grow as parents along with our children.

You look at the lives of non-parents with a little bit of envy for their peaceful days; being able to pee without being watched; and being able to do whatever they want, when they want - without having to think about who is going to watch the kids. No noise, no negotiating about naps, teeth cleaning or homework, and no one complaining that they suddenly don’t like the favourite food that you just cooked them, or messing up the house you just spent hours cleaning.

It is an honor to raise children, and sometimes with the relentlessness of life - it’s easy to fall into the trap of autopilot mode.

The thing is, parenting is relentless.

It is constantly thinking about a zillion things all day long, whilst having a mini version of yourself or your partner challenging you to your core - because they can.

It is an endless list of to dos, mental exhaustion, and living in a zombie state of brain fog from the sleepless nights, constant demands and emotional rollercoaster.

How kids can go from happy to sad, angry to loving, laughing to loathing - in the space of five minutes is impressive to watch, and oh so hard not to join them at times.

As an observer, I have loved analysing parenthood.

I think being a parent is the most important job in the entire universe and isn’t valued enough. We are raising the next generation of people for our planet - what job is more important than that?

How we raise them, will determine the type of world we end up with - as they will be our future leaders.

This scares and excites me, but also reminds me that I have a very important job to do. Sometimes I do it well, but if I had a boss giving me feedback on how I

I can honestly say I am a better person because I became a parent. I am enrolled in the most challenging course I have ever taken. My teacher? - my kids.

They have taught me just as much, if not more, than what I am teaching them.

They have taught me to let go of control. When you have kids, you soon realise that as much as you try to be in control, you are not… and if you keep trying to be in control it will drive you crazy. Especially when it comes to having a spotless house with everything in its place.

They have taught me how selfish I was before becoming a parent. Having kids, you have to be selfless and put their needs before your own.

They have taught me that no matter how hard life can get, that you have to keep going - giving up is never an option.

My kids remind me to have fun, to be silly, and to love more than I ever thought possible.

My kids give my life meaning, and I am so grateful to be their mum.

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

www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 2021 5

Feature

Goal-Setting with Children STORY Brian Caswell, Dean of Research and Programme Development, MindChamps PreSchool Limited In 1968, Dr Edwin Locke introduced the concept of goal-setting as motivation, showing a significant increase in performance when subjects pursued challenging, but clear and achievable goals accompanied by appropriate feedback. In 1990, he published, with Dr Gary Latham, A Theory of Goal Setting and Task Performance, which presented five principles for improving success. In it, they recommended goals that encompassed:

But children, especially young children, are not great planners. They live in the eternal present, have limited capacity for holding more than a couple of concepts in mind simultaneously and they have short attentionspans (which was true even before the advent of the touch-screen!).

4. Feedback and

Does this mean that we should leave goal-setting for a later age? Some think it does, but even if a child is too young to make – or stick to – a plan, as parents and teachers, we can learn a great deal from the goalsetting principles first developed by Locke and Latham.

We can be the goal-setters for them, while still giving them the autonomy and agency they need to make sense of the world.

5. Task Complexity

Clarity

But Locke and Latham were working with adults in a work environment. How does this help us understand the role of goal-setting with children? The key words are ‘clear’, ‘achievable’ and ‘appropriate’.

As humans, we make sense of the world through experience. Every new learning is stored as a concept, and those concepts make it easier to process new experiences through a process of association (this is like that, therefore, what I know about this helps me work out what that means to me) we call this ‘analogous thinking’, and it is an essential building block of intelligence (which is not, as used to be believed, fixed at birth!).

1. Clarity 2. Challenge 3. Commitment

There is no doubt that children respond to challenges.

Like adults, they relish the feeling of satisfaction they get from achieving something difficult, especially if it impresses the important people in their lives – their peers, their parents and their teachers.

6 May / June 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Feature

But children are inexperienced. They don’t have a deep reservoir of concepts to draw upon – which is why tasks that an adult may find fundamental, may, for a child, seem incomprehensible.

terms, describes the distance between what a child can do on their own, and what they can accomplish with the support of someone more knowledgeable about the activity.

A focus on clarity means seeing things from the perspective of the child and setting the challenge in terms of what they already know.

This is where our goal-setting for children should sit. The Challenge should excite the child, the level of Task Complexity should stimulate, but should fall within the ZPD so that we are able to subtly assist, without becoming didactic or taking over the learning experience.

Challenge Does this mean that we only give children things they can already do? Of course not – otherwise they would never progress beyond their limited comfort-zone. The goals we set for them in any activity (remember, they learn ‘hands-on’ through play) should stretch them; make demands of them that require them to solve problems and think logically and creatively to achieve the goal. And it should, above everything, engage and excite them. They must want to achieve the goal – only then will they have the Commitment they will need to follow the plan through to a productive conclusion.

Psychologist Lev Vygotsky developed the concept of the ‘zone of proximal development’ (ZPD), which, in simple

This is how we measure the appropriateness of our

Feedback:

1. Are we solving the problem/supplying the answer, or are we stimulating the child’s imagination in a direction that we know, will eventually lead (with effort, on their part) to an answer which is meaningful to them – not necessarily the answer we would have come up with, or the one we planned?

2. Are we maintaining a level of fun, engagement and excitement that makes the activity ‘structured play’ rather than a boring ‘learning activity’?

Remember, it is not the destination that is the real goal, but the journey itself. Learning is an idiosyncratic process – no two children make sense of the world the same way, and none of them make sense of it the way the adults in their lives do.

The important thing is not that they completely achieve the original ‘goal’ that we may set for them, but rather that they learn something – anything – that makes them more able to face whatever challenge we, or the world, may throw at them next.

Brian Caswell is the Dean of Research and Programme Development at MindChamps PreSchool Limited. He is an internationally-acclaimed, multi-award-winning author, researcher and educator who has dedicated his time to research into the psychology and neuroscience of the learning brain. Over the past 20 years, he has developed ‘brainfriendly’ learning strategies and enrichment programmes for young learners. With a particular interest in early childhood, Brian developed the MindChamps S.M.I.L.E.STM approach to early learning, which is hailed as a breakthrough in preschool curriculum design and used in all Mindchamps PreSchool and Early Learning centres worldwide.

To-date, Brain has written over 300 books.

Head to www.pakmag.com.au to tune into episode 95 of the PakMag Parents Podcast, with Brian Caswell joining Bree to discuss more on how you can help your child with their goals.’

www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 2021 7

STEAM

STEAM: Art and Creativity Benefitting Us All Art in all its forms is enjoyed by the masses, but often not given the credit it deserves in terms of its importance. In schools, the Arts and Humanities subjects aren’t weighted as highly as the Science, English and Maths subjects. A student’s Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is affected by the combination of subjects chosen, depending on how they are scaled that year - regardless of the marks received in the individual subject.

It would take a lot to try and unpack the ATAR system, but in general, the way subjects are scaled, not just now, but historically, has influenced how society feels about them. It engrains a belief that the• subjects that fall lower on the scale are ‘easier’ or ‘less important’.

But it’s far from the truth.

The truth is, ‘creatives’ see the world in a very different way and can benefit all of society by what they bring to it; music, visual art, design, poetry, comedy, a movie or a play. All of which have so much power to generate emotion and make people feel good. Think of a world without those things, or the people that create them in it? It’d be a bit boring right? It is so interwoven in our lives - everyone is a conscious or an unconscious consumer of art daily. It’s important to remind ourselves how valuable those things are to us, and be more conscious about how much it enriches our lives.

www.artbarblog.com

Giant Cardboard Cupcakes What You Need • Cardboard / cardboard box • Oil pastels • Cupcake paper templates – (or colourful paints bottom and top (design your own) or markers) • Pencil • Decorative items • Scissors (pom poms, glitter, • Glue gun (adult stickers etc) supervision required) • Craft glue

“Art makes us think, it stands for something.

It illuminates culture and draws us into a conversation with ourselves and with others… Art does not merely reflect or represent the world, but it illuminates the world. It brings us into an encounter with concrete experience. It brings to the fore qualities of life otherwise overlooked, or qualities that other disciplines cannot account for. Art speaks to us in ways nothing else can. But its voice is being stifled.” – Sam McAuliffe (Daily Review, July 2020) If art was ‘easy’, there’d be a lot more artists. More credit needs to be given to these skills and to the artists that create. That doesn’t mean you should ‘leave’ art and creativity to the professionals though… art and creativity are for everyone! There’s so much to gain – just by giving it a go.

By simply participating, you can experience many benefits including: • Development of fine and gross motor skills as well as hand-eye coordination, • Learning history, music, art, dance and drama are an expression of the time they were created and by exploring art (past and present), we get a snapshot into the time and place it was created.

www.artbarblog.com

Method Use an A4 sheet of paper to create a template for the base of your cupcake. Use another sheet to create the template for the top. Unfold an old cardboard box.

Trace around the paper templates on your cardboard.

As it is thick cardboard, you’ll need sturdy scissors and potentially some help from a parent to cut out your designs from the cardboard. Glue the top of the cupcake to the bottom of the cupcake with the glue gun. For safety: depending on the age of the child, parents can prepare the cardboard cupcakes for them to design and skip these steps.

• Risk-free exploration. Children can build confidence in their abilities and learn to be innovative and problem-solvers. Skills, that are essential for success in all areas of life.

Now it’s time to get creative and decorate. Start by colouring the cupcake and base however you would like, and then add whatever decorative craft items you like to finish your artwork with your craft glue.

• As a vehicle for emotion, the arts allow the person creating to work through ideas, issues and express themselves, which in turn supports their mental health.

There really are no rules with how your cupcake is supposed to look. Simply create your own - as unique as you are.

8 May / June 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

www.littlepinelearners.com

Flower Threading Boards What You Need • Flowers (from your own garden or bought) • Cardboard • Pencil

• Scissors • Something sharp to create the threading holes

www.littlepinelearners.com

Method Draw your desired threading board shape onto your cardboard. Cut out your shape with your scissors.

The next step is for a parent: carefully create the threading holes in the board. The number of holes you will need to create in your threading board will depend on the size of your threading board and your flowers. The example shown used a ceramic clay needle, followed by a sharp pencil to widen the holes. You may want to try a sharp pencil or pen lid to make the holes.

Once the holes have been created, it is ready to start threading. Prep your flowers, by cutting off excess stem.

Aim for 3cm of stem per flower to make threading easy.

Feed (thread) the stems of your flowers through the holes in your board until you fill your design and end up with a beautiful floral arrangement.

Education

How to Help Your Child Focus STORY Alexandra Eidens – Founder, Big Life Journal Daydreaming, doodling, disrupting, and other distractions are common for children of all ages.

Still, it’s natural for parents to worry that difficulty focusing may negatively impact a child’s learning, retention, and academic achievement.

If you’re concerned about your child’s ability to focus, remember that this is a normal area of difficulty for young children. At the same time, you can help your child take steps toward improvement. Here are some great tools and strategies to help your child master the art of concentration!

Why Do Kids Struggle with Concentration?

Young children have much shorter attention spans than adults. Paying attention is an executive functioning skill, part of a set of mental skills that continue developing into the mid-20s. Children and teens develop their executive functioning skills at varying rates, generally with no cause for concern.

Additionally, children are naturally curious and have high energy levels. They want to explore and have fun.

When this isn’t the case, children easily grow bored and shift their attention elsewhere. Adults, meanwhile, have the ability to power through a task even when it’s unenjoyable.

So, difficulty paying attention is normal for children.

But if your child seems to struggle more than their peers, you may want to consider underlying causes like: • Lack of quality sleep • A poor routine • Too much screen time, especially before bed • Need for a more nutritious diet • Anxiety associated with learning and/or school • Mismatched learning style or lack of challenge

Seven Tips to Help Your Child Focus In many cases, children can improve their ability to focus on a task with a few simple adjustments.

Try the strategies below to enhance your child’s concentration.

1. Break Tasks into Smaller Pieces Sometimes, a task with many steps feels too overwhelming. Children may not know where to begin, or they may feel so intimidated by the task that they give up. It’s extremely helpful to break big tasks into smaller pieces.

Give children only one or two steps to complete at a time. Not only does this make the task easier to tackle, but it will also build your child’s confidence as they successfully complete each piece.

Of course, you can’t control how tasks are delivered in your child’s classroom. Practice breaking tasks into smaller pieces at home, and encourage your child to apply the strategy at school too. You can teach them simple tricks, like using a sheet of paper to cover every question on an assignment except the first one, then sliding the paper down as they progress through the task.

2. Make Lists Think about the tools that help you stay focused on your daily tasks. Perhaps you use a calendar, sticky notes, or a checklist. These strategies are also helpful to children who struggle with attention.

Experiment with different organisational tools to determine what works for your child. Younger children can use visual checklists, with images of the tasks they need to complete.

• Worries over problems or recent changes at home

3. Organise a Dedicated Workspace

Start by trying the concentration-boosting tips below.

Then, consider and address any potential underlying causes. If your child still has significant problems with a focus that impacts their learning, you may want to consult a healthcare professional to look into possible learning difficulties. If a learning difficulty is diagnosed, you’ll find there are plenty of supports to help your child succeed in the classroom.

Consistently completing schoolwork or homework in the same space creates structure, which feels predictable and safe for children. At home, help your child choose a dedicated workspace. Ensure that the space is well-lit, clean, and stocked with the materials your child needs. This prevents your child’s focus from being interrupted by getting up to search for a pencil, paper, or other supplies.

www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 2021 11

Education

Remove clutter and minimise visual distractions.

Make the space comfortable and calming with a supportive chair, cheerful colours, and even a moodboosting air freshener. Lemon, jasmine, and lavender are productivity and mood enhancers, cinnamon is said to sharpen the mind, and citrus boosts energy.

Again, you can’t control your child’s environment at school.

But you can encourage them to keep their desk clean and organised. And, as your child has positive and successful learning experiences at home, they’ll develop confidence and good habits that travel with them to school.

4. Create Manageable Routines Routines are another way to incorporate structure and safety, which ultimately enhances your child’s ability to accomplish tasks.

Create a routine around important times of the day such as waking up and getting ready for school, eating meals, doing homework, and going to sleep. Include physical activity, time for connecting as a family, and limited interactions with screens. It’s important that you’re able to be consistent with your routine, so create something that’s manageable and practical for your family.

Stabilising and healthy routines at home provide a firm foundation for optimal learning anywhere. Additionally, routines encourage other executive functioning skills like prioritisation and time management.

5. Take Brain Breaks Sometimes, children who have trouble focusing simply need more breaks. Learn and study in smaller, more productive blocks broken up by rejuvenating brain breaks.

Brain breaks only need to last for a few minutes, and they should help restore your child’s energy and focus. At school, brain breaks are likely incorporated into your child’s day through lunch breaks, physical education, or activities like art class. At home, you can take brain breaks when your child’s focus wanders during homework, chores, or other tasks.

Ideas for brain breaks include: • Yoga stretches • Jumping or running in place • Making silly faces • Telling jokes • Dancing to a favourite song • Drawing or colouring in • Tossing a ball • Mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing and visualisation

Taking a brain break is like pressing a reset button.

Your child will return to their task feeling re-energised and ready to focus. Just like breaks at work they actually enhance productivity. Brain breaks are a time saver and not a time-waster.

6. Play Memory Games Memory games are a fun way to work on improving your child’s concentration. Memory matching cards and games like Concentration can help. Even simple activities that require focus, like Simon Says and RedLight-Green-Light, can teach children to pay attention.

Similarly, jigsaw puzzles, tongue twisters, and picture puzzles (e.g., “Spot three differences between these two images”) help children fine-tune their ability to concentrate for longer periods of time.

7. Build Your Child’s Confidence You may wonder what confidence has to do with concentration. In some cases, children don’t focus or make an effort in school because they don’t believe in their abilities.

Some of the strategies above will help boost your child’s confidence by setting them up for successful, positive learning experiences. Likewise, find your child’s talents and areas of excellence, then create opportunities for success. Celebrate and encourage them for effort, perseverance, and creativity too not just successful outcomes.

Other ways to increase your child’s confidence include: • Modelling and practicing positive self-talk • Joining their play and letting them lead • Asking for their advice or opinion • Giving them age-appropriate ways to contribute around the house • Offering unconditional love and acceptance • Teaching social skills, including role playing social scenarios that your child finds difficult or uncomfortable Taking steps to increase your child’s self-esteem and social skills can help them feel more comfortable at school, which in turn can motivate them to focus and learn. It’s also helpful to work with your child on managing their feelings, as unregulated emotions can also contribute to trouble concentrating in the classroom.

Incorporate these simple strategies into your child’s daily life, and you’re likely to see their powers of concentration soar.

Alexandra Eidens is the founder of Big Life Journal, a growth mindset company for children and teens.

Big Life Journal creates practical tools to help parents and teachers integrate growth mindset into their kids’ everyday lives. Their guided journals are approved by psychologists and top parenting experts (like Dr. Shefali Tsabari and Dr. Tina Bryson) and now used by over 500,000 children worldwide. When not creating journals, Alexandra is reading the latest research on brain science and the mind-body connection.

12 May / June 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

All Things Tweens and Teens

All Things Tweens & Teens Inspiration Corner It’s true, we are generally a lot harder on ourselves than we are on others. But, why?

If you wouldn’t say those things about someone else, or to someone else – why on earth would we say them to ourselves?

Be a friend to yourself. You have so much love to give others, don’t forget to share it with yourself too. Offer yourself the same love, kindness, compassion, support and respect you would your closest friends and family. Try to eliminate your negative self-talk and become your greatest supporter and cheerleader. Remember you

Tips for THAT Conversation: The Birds and the Bees STORY Row Murray Every parent and every child in their relationship is different, so it’s always best when parents use their own common sense as they know their kids best. But I definitely recommend having lots of small, non-invasive, nonconfrontational conversations that flow naturally, rather than some great big ‘now, now let’s have a sit down and talk about the birds and the bees.’

There’s so much to cover with sex and sexuality, from puberty and body changes, to sexual health, STI’s and safer sex and how it all works - including conception. But it’s not just about biology, it’s also a bunch of conversations about relationships, how you communicate with people and consent.

Tips • Have lots and lots of little conversations and research reputable advice to share, even before the conversations start – so you are ready.

• Create a safe space: don’t be judgemental no matter how confronting or scary questions can be. The best thing for them to be able to do, is to be able to come to their parents and feel safe in having those conversations with you.

• Regardless of how great a parent / child relationship might be, there is always going to be stuff that a teenager wants to keep to themselves. Find your teen a ‘sex fairy godmother’- a trusted relative that they are really comfortable with, and reassuring your child it’s okay to talk to them, if they feel they can’t come to you.

are awesome! Remind yourself of all the good qualities you have, all the things you do well, and the things others love about you and you love about yourself. This kind and compassionate self-talk reduces anxiety and depression and helps you feel calm, empowered and resilient.

For more on the topic tune into Episode 31 of the PakMag Parent’s Podcast with special guest Row Murray.

You can also buy a copy of Row’s book - For Foxes Sake for help with ‘those conversations’ with your child. www.forfoxessake.com.au

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Childcare and Kindy Guide

Childcare and Kindy Guide Adeona Mackay

Kookaburra Child Care Centre

Adeona is a unique service that combines the natural world and exploration, encouraging responsibility, open investigation and respect.

At Kookaburra Child Care Centre, yummy meals are prepared daily, there are large spacious playing areas both indoors and outdoors and a minimum of three educators in each room. Respectful, secure relationships are built with the children and they are all viewed as capable and successful learners. Children are allowed to take the time to get to know themselves, face challenges and enjoy all the simple pleasure of everyday life, from 7.00am - 6.00pm weekdays.

The centre offers all the essentials your child will need for the day, including delicious and nutritious morning teas, lunches, and afternoon teas, as well as hats and sunscreen for outside play. There is also a Japanese teacher engaging children in bilingual experiences. The centre is open Monday to Friday, 7.00am - 5.30pm, for children aged 2 - 5 years old.

A 63 Celeber Dr, Andergrove P 4942 5563 www.adeona.com.au/adeona-mackay

Pioneer Community Kindergarten Pioneer Community Kindergarten is fully air conditioned and the magnificent outdoor environment is unsurpassed.

Kindy programs run 5 days per fortnight (M, T and alt W) or (Th, F and alt W) from 8.30am - 2.35pm OR 4 days per fortnight (M and T) or (Th and F) 8.00am - 3.30pm.

A 10 High Street, North Mackay P 4942-3340 E admin@pioneerkindy.org.au Pioneer Community Kindergarten mackaypioneerkindergarten.org.au

Goodstart Early Learning Centre At Goodstart, they’re all about laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning through exciting early learning experiences. They focus on the importance of early language and communication and they encourage children to take risks in a safe environment to build confidence and self-belief. Additionally, they help your child develop coordination, creative expression, communication skills and social awareness through dance, creative play and intentional and inspiring learning experiences.

A Macalister Street, Shakespeare Street, Bridge Road, North Mackay, Mount Pleasant, Andergrove, Rural View, Eimeo, Walkerston P 1800 222 543 E enrolments@goodstart.org.au Goodstart Early Learning www.goodstart.org.au

A 256 Bedford Rd, Andergrove P 4955 2398 E admin@kookaburrachildcare.com.au Kookaburra Child Care Centre www.kookaburrachildcare.com.au

Snugglepot Kindyland Education and Care Centre Located conveniently close to Mackay’s city centre, Snugglepot Kindyland features a grass play area, a wide range of natural toys with sunscreen and hats provided - all in an environment that recognises your child’s individuality. The programs focus on children’s development and views their lives as characterised by Belonging, Being and Becoming. Give your child a great start to life in the nurturing, safe and secure learning environment provided here, from 6.30am - 6.30pm.

A 51 Grendon St, North Mackay P 4957 4466 E info@snugglepotkindy.com.au Snugglepot Kindyland Education and Care Centre www.snugglepotkindyland.com.au

Mackay Family Day Care Safe, positive and inspiring services taking place in a home-based learning environment conducted by passionate, dedicated educators. The small care groups allow the educators to foster a strong bond with your child and guide them through early learning and social development. Flexible hours are offered to suit your family, from standard hours to after and before school care as well as school holiday care.

A 23 Rae Street, Mackay P 4965 9999 E admin@mcdc.com.au Mackay Family Day Care www.mfdc.com.au

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Childcare and Kindy Guide

Wonder Kids Early Learning

Green Leaves Early Learning

Wonder Kids believe children develop best when their days are filled with play, learning and fun, and this is reflected in their service featuring a waterpark, sandpit and obstacle courses. Children from age 6 weeks to 4 years old are accommodated and the comprehensive programs are delivered enthusiastically by the team of highly qualified educators. They strive to help your child develop a variety of skills and grow. Open 6.00am - 6.00pm.

This great facility provides innovative and flexible learning. Children have their voices heard and are encouraged to explore their own interests and ideas through play-based learning, challenges and meaningful experiences. There is a bike track, timber play fort and a performance stage. Family and community are central to Green Leaves Early Learning and are provided with a lounge to relax in. Additionally, a fully qualified chef makes nutritious snacks and meals for the children each day.

A 1 Youngs Lane, Walkerston P 4959 3500 E director1@wonderkids.com.au Wonder Kids Early Learning Centre www.wonderkids.com.au

C & K Childcare and Kindergarten C & K has educated and cared for over one million children since being established in 1907. They offer a strong play-based curriculum in large, natural and sustainable outdoor environments that encourage children to discover, explore and learn through nature.

Programs include nature play, risk play, STEM, literacy and language and much more. Empowerment, respect, inclusion and fairness are all promoted and every child is provided with the foundations to be a lifelong learner.

A 15 various locations in the Mackay region P 1800 177 092 C&K - The Creche & Kindergarten Association Limited www.candk.asn.au

Pioneer Community Kindergarten Both indoor and outdoor activities take place at Pioneer, presenting many opportunities for physical, social and emotional development. The outside play area has an abundance of toys and equipment to be enjoyed and there is a lending library, yearly excursions and annual events. The facilities and program are to the highest standards and enhance your child’s kindergarten journey.

A 10 High St, North Mackay P 4942 3340 E admin@pioneerkindy.org.au Pioneer Community Kindergarten www.mackaypioneerkindergarten.org.au

18 May / June 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

A 2 - 4 Discovery Lane, Mt Pleasant P 4862 3584 Green Leaves Early Learning www.greenleaveselc.com.au

Community Kids Glenella Early Education Centre Children’s individual religious, nutritional and cultural needs are catered for here and the centre is designed to meet the unique needs of every child. The outdoor environment includes native plants, vegetable and herb gardens, fruit trees, and well-loved pets which include chickens, a bird and a guinea pig. Children can get actively involved in feeding and caring for them. A friendly cook also prepares nutritious meals, plus there are also fun excursions.

A 21 – 23 Schapers Road, Glenella P 4942 9486 E glenella@communitykids.com.au Community Kids www.communitykids.com.au

Mackay Cubbie House This locally owned centre ensures high quality care that is developmentally appropriate as well as providing meals. It is open from 6.15am to 6.15pm on weekdays for parents who may start and / or finish later, and families are always welcome within the centre. Educators are dedicated, trained, experienced and qualified to help your child develop and grow.

A 16 Beaconsfield Rd, Beaconsfield P 4942 7700 E mackaycubbiehouse@bigpond.com Mackay Cubbie House Child Care & Educational Centre www.mackaycubbiehouse.com

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Baby’s First Foods Story Sara Williams Around the age of six months your baby will start to need more nutrients than milk can provide.

You may start to notice your baby reaching for food and opening and closing their mouth when you’re eating, or when you offer them a spoon – these are signs your baby is ready to discover a whole new world of solid foods. Other signs include your baby’s ability to sit upright when supported and demonstrating good head and neck control.

When your baby is relaxed, usually after their breast milk or formula, start with only a couple of spoonfuls once or twice a day. Try a single food for about three days before moving onto something new in case any allergies arise. Although the food may seem bland to you, each food is an entirely new experience to baby.

It is important to expose them to a range of healthy foods with different flavours and textures to establish a good foundation for future eating.

When you start to offer new foods to your baby, things will get a little messy. From investigating new food with their fingers, to throwing it on the floor when they’re no longer interested and of course the change in their nappies. But the delighted – or disgusted, expression on their faces makes it all worth it.

Foods to Avoid

Once you have identified your baby’s food interest and they’re older than four months, here are a few first foods recommended to provide key nutrition;

• Sugary foods including honey

• Well-cooked and pureed meat, fish, poultry or cooked tofu and legumes • Cooked and pureed sweet potato, pumpkin and broccoli • Mashed banana, avocado, pear and apple • Plain unsweetened yoghurt and well-cooked egg

• Unpasteurised foods • Smoked and cured meats • Fish with high levels of mercury • Refined grains • Cow's milk • Fruit juice Always supervise your baby during feeding time to ensure their safety. If your baby has developed a rash, contact your GP as they may have a food allergy. Call 000 immediately if your baby is vomiting, has diarrhoea, face swelling or difficulty breathing after eating.

Tip: Purees are a Parent’s Life-Saver

You can cook a large batch, freeze it into ice-cube trays and they’re ready to prepare whenever you need. As your baby develops chewing and motor skills, they are able to manage soft pieces of fruit and finger foods.

If you are spooning puree directly from the jar, this can transfer bacteria from your baby’s mouth to the food.

Always serve what you need into a separate container.

www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 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!

Cloth Nappy Trial Pack $55.00 - www.smartypantsnappies.com.au Smarty Pants are making cloth nappies easy.

Made with bamboo, their modern cloth nappies are eco friendly, super absorbent, quick to wash and super soft on your baby’s skin. With button snaps, the nappies adjust to fit and one size fits all. Their trial pack includes everything you need to start saving time, money and the planet.

Smart Sock 3 $479.99 - www.owletcare.com.au The Smart Sock is the first baby monitor to track your baby’s oxygen level and heart rate - the best indication of baby’s health - while they sleep. If your baby’s readings leave preset “safe” zones, you’ll receive a notification that lets you know your baby really needs you. Now you can feel more confident, more freedom and more peace of mind knowing that Owlet is helping you to know your baby is okay.

VTech Starlight Sounds Polar Bear $49.95 - www.target.com.au Sweet dreams are ahead with the Starlight Sounds Polar Bear. This cute polar bear projects a soothing starry night sky onto the ceiling in four different colours to the sounds of peaceful tunes, nursery rhymes, nature sounds and lullabies. Colourful rhythmic light effects enhance visual awareness, while the comforting sounds and songs help soothe your baby to sleep.

Sleep tight, little one!

22 May / June 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Parenting Trend – Breast Milk Portraits Gina Jones started creating breastmilk paintings towards the end of 2020, finding a unique and beautiful way to preserve such a precious time in a mother and baby’s life. “What motivated me to try this was a combination of curiosity and daydreaming, which led me to experiment with breastmilk in my alcohol ink portrait painting. I am also a passionate breastfeeding advocate, so it was only natural for me to experiment with including breastmilk in art.”

venture ready to tackle it and help educate those people along the way too.”

What About Those Nervous the Milk May Spoil?

“I have developed my own preservation method as the preservation powder went gritty in my art.

The process has not been disclosed, and is a closely guarded secret to protect the Intellectual Property.

I had lab results done on a breastmilk painting that confirmed zero mould or yeast cultures were present on the paintings. These test results are available in the FAQ on my website to view. The paintings also come with a five-year warranty for extra peace of mind.”

Find out more about Gina and her creations at www.ginajonescreations.com.au

The Importance of Self-Care

How Has the Reaction Been to Your Works?

“It has been a mix of reactions. Most mothers absolutely love the idea of such a unique breastfeeding keepsake which they can have their own breastmilk incorporated into the painting.

As breastfeeding and breastmilk is still unfortunately a bit of a taboo subject and sexualised to some people, there have been a couple of negative comments, but I went into this

Self-care is not selfish. It’s also not a luxury, it’s an essential part of being a good mother. The more we fill up our own bucket, the more we have to give to those we love. It’s important to remember that you are not only a mother you are a person with wants and needs as well. So, don’t forget to participate in activities that help you feel happy, balanced and fulfilled. You spend so much of your time making sure your children have all of those things, don’t forget you need them too. By doing them, you also show your children by example these things matter, which will in turn help them set healthy habits for their own lives.

www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 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 Connect Smart LED Strip Light 5m Worth $69.00 Connect SmartHome defines the exploration of connectedness between two aspects - modern design and the rise of technology; delivering seamless, multi-product home automation solutions that are simple, easy to use and install.

Create unique ambient lighting with the Connect Smart LED Strip Light. Shape the strip to nearly any form and use the adhesive backing to attach to any solid surface, the Connect Smart LED Strip Light creates vivid colours and soft whites for accenting details and highlights. www.connectsmarthome.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

Competition closes 31/05/2021.

No need to submit answers to enter.

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

24 May / June 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Pull-out kids activity mag!

Where does each slide lead?

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Win a Tiger Tribe STEAM Activity Pack Worth $50.00 Win a pack of two engaging STEAM activity sets created by Aussie kids’ brand Tiger Tribe. Explore vision, shadows and the effect of light with Light and Shine - Playing with Optics (RRP $25) and discover the wonderful world of colour with Rainbow Lab - Playing with Colour (RRP $25). With every project in both sets fact checked by a PhD scientist, the kits are designed to help kids apply STEAM principals to the world around them, making maths and science relevant and fun. At the same time integrating Arts (“A” in STEAM) with activities that encourage creativity, intuition and imagination. www.tigertribe.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

Competition closes 31/05/2021. No need to submit answers to enter.

Which path leads this hungry pup to his bone?

Use the grid to draw the dog, then colour them in!

WIN a PAW Patrol Prize Pack Worth $49.99 Don’t lose it, reuse it! With PAW Patrol’s Rocky and his Reuse It Truck, you can recycle materials and turn them into tools to help you save the day! Equipped with rolling wheels and moving arms, Rocky’s Reuse It Truck makes it easy to play out your missions. Kids can recycle just like Rocky thanks to the new PAW Patrol Recycling Program with TerraCycle. www.bigw.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

Competition closes 31/05/2021. No need to submit answers to enter.

Colour me in!

Connect the dots

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WIN a Set of Australian Animal Alphabet Flashcards Worth $32.95 An A-Z of unusual and vulnerable species. If our children don’t know the animals exist, why will they want to save them? They are to be used as a tool for children and the grown-ups who nurture them. The information on the reverse is for adults to use and instruct where appropriate. These cards are designed to grow with your little one – as they learn about their own world in more detail, they will learn more about the animal one. www.fabriculture.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

Competition closes 31/05/2021. No need to submit answers to enter.

Relax and Unwind: Adult Colouring

Fusspot Collagen Beauty Tea Green Queen Teabags Worth $34.95 Fusspot Collagen Beauty Tea’s “Green Queen” biodegradable teabags are organic green sencha tea infused with hydrolyzed collagen peptides and packed with antioxidants and polyphenols to promote improved skin and wellness, and help promote plumper skin, improved skin elasticity and skin texture, diminish fine lines, promote hair and nail growth and support your overall beauty from within when drunk twice daily. With a range of 11 blends to choose from, you’ll discover this is no ordinary tea… it’s a tea with major benefits and your skin will love you! www.fusspottea.com Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 31/05/2021. No need to submit colouring in to enter.

www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 2021 29

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1. Funkita Swimwear Voucher - $40.00 - www.funkita.com - Spoil mum this Mother’s Day with some new Funkita swimwear. Known for high quality, comfortable designs that last, the bold and bright prints are perfect for mum and are even available for the whole family. 2. Suunto 7 - $599.00 - www.jbhifi.com.au - Smash your fitness goals and keep on top of any day’s challenges. Access to 70+ sports modes for when you want to work out and Google Wear OS software for all your everyday smart feature needs, including Google Assistant, Google Pay, music and more, mums won’t be left wanting with this all-encompassing device. 3. Thermos® Lunch Combo Pack - $119.95 www.petersofkensington.com.au - The ultimate lunch time set-up, this combo pack includes the Thermos® 470mL Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Food Jar and Drink Bottle and a Thermos® Raya® Lunch Kit. Easy for mum to take with her on commutes to work or while on the go. 4. Glamsteam - $129.00 - www.glamsteam.com - Glamsteam is the world’s first 5 in 1 steamer, can be used with dried fruits, dried flowers, dried vegetables, essential oils and or just with water. You can incorporate the facial steamer with your skin care routine, air diffuser, cold and flu remedy, towel and nail steamer and watch the results speak for themselves. 5. THERMOcafé™ 200mL Vacuum Insulated Travel Cup $23.99 - Stockists: Myer, House, Victoria’s Basement and Spotlight - This cup features double-wall insulation that retains hot or cold temperatures. 6. Laced with Kindness Candle - $49.95 - www.lacedwithkindness.com - The Laced with Kindness range of candles are a delight to your senses. Made from natural soy wax, they have 100+ hours of burn are hand-poured in Australia. The perfect gift for you, or someone you cherish. 7. Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE™ Wireless Charging Stand + Speaker - $99.95 30 time Mayand / June 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

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www.belkin.com/au - The Stand + Speaker combination allows you to listen to music, watch videos, and take phone calls, while charging their phone in multiple viewing angles. A simple one-touch Bluetooth button provides a seamless experience, and the wireless charging stand provides a steady charge up to 10W for Qi-enabled smartphones. 8. Personalised Cup and Water Bottle - $79.90 ($39.95 each) www.myordercup.com.au - Saying no to disposables has never looked so good. My Order Cup offers a stylish solution to the problem of single use plastic bottles and take away cups. Engraved with your name and coffee order or name only. 9. OC Naturals Hand and Body wash prize pack - $50.00 - www.naturesorganics.com.au - ‘Kind to your skin, kind to the planet’ prize packs include a range of products from its personal care range. OC Natural’s new Hand and Body Wash bottles are free from carbon black pigment, allowing them to be recycled into future bottles, rather than end up in landfill. 10. TCL 10 Pro - $749.00 - www.jbhifi.com.au - A cinema for your pocket, the 10 Pro is also part of a select group of smartphones that are Netflix-certified so that you can iso-binge your favourite shows and movies from the house or on-the-fly! 11. Bunny Slippers - $79.00 - www.everau.com.au - Ever's Bunny Slippers are the perfect year-round slipper, keeping your feet cool in summer and warm in winter. With a gorgeous fluffy woollen lining and super cute details you won't want to take them off. www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 2021 31

Craft

Mother’s Day Craft for Kids

www.kalenalangford.com

Hand-Print Flowers www.prettylifegirls.com

What You Need • Coloured paper or cardboard • Pencil • Scissors

Bean Mosaic Art What You Need

www.kalenalangford.com

• Popsicle sticks • Green paint • Paintbrush • Craft glue

• Dried beans (eg. black eyed peas, kidney beans, corn kernels) • Craft glue • Acrylic paint

• Paintbrushes • Paper plates • Pen or pencil

www.prettylifegirls.com

Method Paint your popsicle sticks using the green paint and paint brush. They will be the stems of your flowers.

Set aside to dry.

Place your hand on the sheet of paper or cardboard you are going to use as the flower. Spread out your fingers and trace around your hand with the pencil. Repeat this on the same sheet or different coloured sheets of paper to create your flowers for the bouquet. If there are multiple children in the family, get all the children to trace their hands and make a collective bunch from all of the kids.

To create your leaves, draw a leaf template, cut it out and trace around it multiple times on the green paper.

Cut all of your leaves out.

Glue your flowers and leaves to the stems (popsicle sticks). Once the glue has dried you can place your flowers in a vase you have decorated (old jar) or wrap them in paper (as shown).

32 May / June 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Method Take your paper plate and using your pencil or pen, draw out a design you would like to make.

The creation process will happen in stages, as the glue will dry if you put it all on there at once. Choose a section of your design to start with and fill it using the craft glue. Choose the bean or kernel you want to fill the glued section with and arrange them as you would like.

Let each section dry completely, before you move onto the next. It is good to have another plate design you are working on at the same time so you can go back and forth between them.

Once the glue is dry, paint the beans in the colour of your choice. Apply a second coat if you feel it needs it.

Repeat all the steps above until your design is complete.

www.rhythmsofplay.com

www.simpleeverydaymom.com

Craft

Hand-Print Cactus Card What You Need

What You Need • Artist paper • Fine tip marker pen • Non-toxic ink pad • Large clear glass stones • (4 - 5 cm wide) often called ‘cabochons’

• Scissors • Clear drying glue (we like Mod Podge) • Foam brush • Ceramic magnets (2 ½ - 3 cm wide)

• Cardboard (green, pink, dark pink) • Craft glue • Fine black marker

• Pencil • Flower stickers or other flower decorations

www.simpleeverydaymom.com

Fingerprint Glass Magnets

www.rhythmsofplay.com

Method Method Using your ink pads and artists paper, help your child create a finger or thumbprint design. You can use a single fingerprint or multiple fingerprints to create an animal, heart or a flower (like you see pictured). Add the details to your design with your fine tip marker.

To help keep your design to the size of your glass stone that you’ll be gluing it to, trace around your stones with pencil on the paper first. You child can use the space traced, to work in. Cut out your design.

Once your design is dry, glue it to the back of the glass stone by placing a drop of Mod Podge in the middle back of the stone and then pressing the stone onto your paper design. You are aiming for the glue to go all the way to the edges. Wipe away excess glue with a damp cloth. Allow to dry overnight.

The next day, paint over the back of the paper design with your foam brush and Mod Podge to seal it. Place a magnet on the back. Allow to dry overnight before use.

To make your card, simply fold your green carboard in half. Place your child’s left hand on the card, with the pinky lined up along the fold line. Trace around your child’s hand. Cut the handprint out, leaving the left side connected along the fold line.

With your black marker pen, draw spines on the cactus, so it looks prickly.

Create the pot for the cactus by drawing a half oval shape. It needs to be slightly wider than your cactus.

Cut the shape out. Create the water tray for your pot, by cutting out a small rounded bowl- shaped sliver on the dark pink paper, as seen in the image.

Glue the ‘water tray’ to the bottom of the ‘pot’, then glue the ‘pot’ to the bottom of your cactus. The ‘pot’ is glued on top of the cactus.

Attach your flower stickers or other flower decorations over the cactus, like you see pictured.

Once the card is dried, write a special Mother’s Day message to your Mum.

www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 2021 33

Advertorial

Counteracting Domestic Violence Through Cultural Spiritual Insight In November 2019, Reconcile Life Pty Ltd launched their first Dads camp focused on indigenous men in the Mackay community. Statistically, domestic and family violence is inflicted on Mackay families, relationships and neighbourhoods on a daily basis.

As a newly formed family company, Namarca and Vikki Corowa set about launching Reconcile Life in April 2019.

The purpose was to help break the cycles of families dealing with family violence and also help reduce the number of children being caught in the cross fire of domestic violence.

Reconcile Life believe the key to addressing men who perpetrate family violence and high crime rates among males within our communities, is not building more institutions, but rather, a return to generations of tried and tested cultural mechanisms for men and boys.

With more and more boys growing into adulthood with little to no healthy stable male leadership for guidance, the western culture has evidently discarded traditional forms of male belonging and obligation to their community, for western education and career orientated progress to be paramount. However, in non-western cultures, many of the cultural practices for boys to learn respect, responsibility and accountability, begin with ceremonies and traditional initiation.

In these cultures, boys do not become men when they turn 18, drink alcohol or have sex. Instead, boys are required to go through several ceremonies and rites of passage during childhood and adolescence that helped steer them to grow into adult men who contribute to their community in a positive way.

While initiation ceremonies and traditions are no longer viable or in some cases even legal within our western culture, there are certain elements of male affirmation and acceptance that still need to happen man-to-man, in a way that produces positive mindsets within boys who willingly want to positively contribute to their community - because they have a deep sense of belonging there.

Reconcile Life deliver three-day Healthy Relationships camps and workshops for men and boys which also coincides with their 12-week behavioural change programs and is already having a huge positive impact for indigenous and non-indigenous men and boys within our Mackay region.

If change is going to happen in our community, it has to come from within our community, and what better way to do that than to enlist the help of positive communityminded people.

www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 2021 35

Parenting

It’s Time to Share the Mental Load STORY Dr Robyn Miller My favourite part of telling people what I do at The Mental Load Project is about 30 seconds into the explanation. That’s when the expression on (mostly) women’s faces changes from a blank stare to a look of deep comprehension and relief. So, there is an actual term for what they feel and experience every day!

I can’t see your face but, if you've not yet heard of the mental load - allow me to give you some illustrations and I bet you’ll be making the same expression. Who remembers birthdays in your household? Who notices the sunscreen is running out? Who remembers that school swimming happens on Tuesdays for Harper and Wednesdays for Jack? Who remembers that this Friday is Harmony Day and finds an orange t-shirt? Who plans vacation care on school holidays?

All of these tasks together are the mental load. It’s all the planning, organising, remembering and noticing that happens in addition to any actual physical task.

The mental load is invisible. And it is, by and large, carried by women.

Even if it is invisible, remembering all this stuff takes a lot of time and brain space! That’s why the women I talk to about the mental load get this look of visceral relief when they understand it’s not just happening to them.

There’s a reason why they feel tired and exhausted (even if their toddler has granted them a few hours of uninterrupted sleep!)

So, why do women carry the mental load? Over the last generation or two, there have been massive changes in gender roles at home and in the workplace. Women have become much more present in the workplace.

Fathers these days are much more likely to cook a

family meal regularly. But, although the physical load of parenting may (sometimes) be more evenly shared, the mental load, by default, continues to fall to women.

There’s so much to unpack to achieve mental load equality. It starts in our language. We refer to “Working Mums” but not “Working Dads”. We ask our partners to “help” us with the housework, even though it is as much their house as it is ours!

It’s internalised in our expectations. Women are the first ones to be judged (and probably to judge ourselves) if our mother-in-law’s birthday is forgotten or if the house is untidy when guests come over. In fact, Australian data shows that the highest earning women end up taking on even more of the housework to avoid seeming like a “bad” mum (note: this is not a trend seen amongst high earning dads).

It’s ingrained in our habits. Women do tend to notice the socks lying on the floor or that the kids’ clothes are getting too tight, more than men. But this is not biological. We’ve just been conditioned to notice these things from when we were little girls - and then the more we notice and fix them, the better we get at noticing all these things.

So we’ve ended up here, where women and men may be much more equal in practical parenting and paid employment, but women continue to carry the lion’s share of the mental load. We’re using precious, and finite time, brain space and energy on the mental load while our partners are not. As such, women end up with less mental energy and time to ponder work-related matters. This may not be a bad thing all the time, but solving problems at work creates way more career

www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 2021 37

Parenting

opportunities than successfully organising swimming lessons for next term. In this way, inequality in the mental load at home actually contributes to the glass ceiling at work.

My Three Biggest Tips to Mentally Unload 1. Do. Do what you can - immediately, rather than waiting. How many times do you think of sending that text message before you actually do? There are lots of “mental load” tasks like that which can be done in less than 60 seconds. Doing them the first time they pop into our head saves mental energy, simply by not having to “remember” them several times before doing them.

2. Drop. Be selective with your finite mental space While it’s satisfying to name the problem, the obvious and more important question is: what can we do about it?

I first became hyper aware of mental load inequality when I returned to work post maternity leave.

I was heartened to come across countless articles describing my problems with the mental load. But there were so few solutions. The only options I found were to “put up with it” (getting increasingly frustrated and resentful) or “drop the ball” (stop doing stuff and get increasingly frustrated and resentful while the house falls apart).

and energy. Consider what you value most, and on the flipside, what things take up your mental load that aren’t actually important to you anymore?

3. Divide. We need to achieve division of the mental load NOT delegation. This means dividing overall activities with our partners so that one person is responsible for the whole thing rather than just delegating smaller individual bits and pieces. Think; “I will make dinners on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and you can make dinner on Thursdays and Fridays”; rather than; “Can you cook chicken stir fry on Thursday? I’ll defrost the chicken on Wednesday, and I’ll leave the recipe on the bench.”

This led me to try to find the root cause of the problem.

Why do women notice things before their partners?

Why do highly capable men rely on their partners to tell them what needs to be done? I realised it was due to generations of social conditioning forming our habits and expectations. Yikes. So, how do we undo this?

These three steps sound pretty simple but following them actually requires us to break and re-form habits that we have probably held for decades. At the Mental Load Project, I run a six-week Share the Mental Load course to teach women exactly how to do this and provide all the support they and their partners need to make the new habits, and mental load equality, stick.

Having more gender equal family policies would help.

Although women are likely to carry more of the mental load - even before children, studies have shown that longer paternity leave at a child’s birth increases the involvement of fathers in day-to-day childcare-related tasks during toddlerhood.

It feels pretty good to never organise the dog’s visits to the vet again. It feels even better not to blame myself for any dinner that falls slightly under nutritional standards. It feels amazing to know that my daughter is growing up forming different, more gender equal expectations and habits.

But we don’t have to wait for better parental leave policies and community expectations on mothers and fathers to change before we can redistribute the mental load within our own relationships.

And that is the ultimate goal: that in another generation, our sons and daughters will both be spending equal mental energy on getting promotions at work and remembering to wash the bath towels.

Robyn Miller is an Australian medical doctor working in Northern Australia. Upon returning to work after maternity leave, Robyn, like many women, experienced the struggles of the “mental load”. When she couldn’t find any strategies to effectively “off-load” half of this invisible labour to her partner, Robyn drew upon her own skills and experience in neuroscience and organisational management to develop her own, unique strategy. In 2019, she founded The Mental Load Project to help other women to recognise and rebalance the mental load in their relationships.

Find out more at www.mentalloadproject.com and tune into episode 95 of the PakMag Parents Podcast with Robyn joining Bree to discuss The Mental Load.

38 May / June 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Health

All Things Health Health Benefits of Chickpeas

Facts about The Flu

Chickpeas, part of the legume family, have a nutty texture which pairs well with other ingredients. Not only are they delicious, they’re a rich source of vitamins, inexpensive and are surprisingly easy to incorporate into your diet.

Influenza is a highly contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs.

Appetite – Chickpeas may help keep your appetite under control because of the protein and fibre they contain. Because of their high protein content, they’re a great option for those who don’t eat animal products.

May help control weight – Chickpeas have a fairly low-calorie density, and the protein and fibre in chickpeas may promote healthy weight management.

May benefit digestion – Since they’re full of fibre, chickpeas may aid your digestive health.

May support blood sugar control – They have a low glycemic index (GI), a marker of how rapidly your blood sugar rises after eating.

Chickpeas are often sold in canned and dry varieties, and are super easy and delicious when added to salads, soups, veggie burgers, wraps or curries. They’re also the main ingredient in hummus which is delicious eaten with veggies or crackers, or you can simply roast them in the oven for a crunchy snack.

If you have it, you should keep at least one metre between yourself and others.

Every year, there are 1 billion flu cases worldwide. 3 to 5 million of those result in severe illness. In Australia, 18,000 people are hospitalised each year because of it.

Symptoms of the flu include a rapid onset of fever, muscle aches, running nose, sore throat and cough, headaches and sneezing.

The flu vaccine and hand washing are the two best things you can do to avoid getting the flu, along with wiping over frequently touched surfaces and covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing.

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

www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 2021 41

Expert Advice

The PakMag Experts Katrina Peters

Danielle Hinschen

Statewide Family Law

MADEC Support Coordination Manager

Dear Katrina, My partner and I are going to separate. Who is entitled to what?

Determining who gets what after separation is not a mathematical exercise and there are many factors we must consider when providing advice to clients about what their entitlement may be. We are guided by the factors set out in the Family Law Act, as well as the many decisions made by the Courts, which provide us with assistance as to what the important considerations are.

A Court will not make an order unless it is satisfied that, in all of the circumstances, it is just and equitable to make the order.

When providing advice to clients, we must consider our client’s property entitlement as the Court does, which includes the following steps: Firstly, we identify and value the property, liabilities and financial resources of the parties. We assess their financial, non-financial and welfare contributions, as well as assessing any future needs factors such as disparity of income, income earning capacity and taking care of the children. In addition, we consider the effect of those findings and specify what order should be made for a “just and equitable” outcome.

When deciding what orders should be made, some of the factors we take into account include the financial contribution made directly or indirectly by (or on behalf of) a party or child of the marriage to the acquisition, conservation or improvement of any of the property of either party, any non-financial contribution, the age and health of each party and much more.

The above list is not exhaustive and there are many other factors that must be considered. We strongly recommend that parties obtain legal advice to determine their entitlement based on their individual circumstances. a 34 Wood St, Mackay www.swc.net.au

Dear Danielle, What is the NDIS and how can it help my family?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports people with disability to live independent, full and meaningful lives. As an insurance scheme, the NDIS means that those who are born with or acquire a permanent and significant disability, including psychosocial, will have access to the reasonable and necessary support they need to live an ordinary life.

To join the NDIS you need to meet access requirements, complete an Access Request Form and provide supporting evidence. Anyone who thinks they are eligible for the NDIS can phone the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or visit the NDIS website to commence the process.

As an NDIS participant, you will have access to a variety of funding types that you can use to purchase the supports and products you need. To name a few, you may use this funding to pay a support worker to assist you with tasks or help you access the community, attend group programs, access therapies such as physiotherapy or psychology, purchase aids and assistive technology, modify your home or vehicle to meet your needs better and have assistance to access employment.

Implementing your NDIS Plan Navigating your NDIS funding and connecting with services that assist you can be challenging! We recommend that you request funding for ‘Support Coordination’ to be included in your first NDIS plan. A Support Coordinator will assist you to understand, monitor and implement your NDIS plan.

MADEC has a team of highly qualified, experienced and dedicated Support Coordinators. Our team are experts at helping you access NDIS funding, understanding your NDIS plan and sourcing quality local services that best meet your individual needs.

Contact us via sc@madec.org.au to discuss how we can assist you. Our friendly team are ready to help! a 3/17 Macalister St, Mackay www.madec.org.au

www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 2021 43

Daddy Diary

Daddy Diary Nothing makes me feel like a man quite like a pair of tongs. The simple act of giving them a few test clicks before burning a dozen snags is a feeling I live for.

Throw a Great Northern into my left hand (the right is my primary snag turning hand) and a couple of kids at my feet and I am in fatherhood heaven.

I come from a long line of backyard-barbecuers.

And like the many snag burners before me - it’s a tradition I lovingly continue. I have great memories of my father sizzling away under our back patio in the late 80’s. Again, beer in hand, Cold Chisel blaring out of the family stereo and slabs of red meat sizzling so fiercely the dogs three doors down are having conniptions.

This folks, is the Aussie barbie in all its glory.

What I do in the backyard these days - is quite the opposite to what seems to be taking off all over the

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

country right now. Of course, I’m referring to low ‘n’ slow, American-style BBQ. The cooking trend they make Netflix specials about every other day. Taking ribs, briskets and pork butts (that’s seriously what they call them) and seasoning them inch-thick with some guy named Bubba’s secret blend. You then cook your chosen cut over coals from June till about mid-October.

The results are always incredible. It’s the kind of food I like to devour wearing a bib with a bowl of lemon-water close by. But do I have the patience to cook it myself?

Hell no. So, for me it’s the Aussie method all the way.

Like I said - the “Aussie method” is pretty much the exact opposite to low ‘n’ slow. It’s more - hot ‘n’ fast.

Example below: Step 1 - Turn on gas and turn all burners to max temp.

Step 2 - Once hotplate reaches similar temperature to that of the Sun’s surface - add snags.

Step 3 - Drink beer and get lost in thought or conversation.

Step 4 - Forget about said snags until wife reminds you.

Turn snags.

Step 5 - Once sufficiently charred, remove snags from barbeque, add diagonally to bread and drown in enough tomato sauce (tomato only) to re-float the Titanic.

Whilst this method of barbequing is not going to win me any awards (or friends with the neighbour’s dog) it is my way of doing it. And my family seems to love it.

I haven’t had any complaints yet. Now to find those tongs and give ‘em a few test clicks. Happy Barbequing!

Cliffo Hit 100.3

www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 2021 45

Discover New Season Styles Autumn fashion is here

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1. Print Scrunchies - $7.95 - Tree of Life 2. It’s a Sequin Hobo - $89.95 - Taking Shape 3. Round Brilliant Cut Engagement Ring in 10ct Rose Gold with White Gold Setting - $799.00 - Secrets Shhh 4. Hemp Hand Protector 30ml - $10.00 - The Body Shop 5. Enamel Flower Earrings - $24.95 - Myer 6. Willa Knit in Bubblegum - $79.95 - Portmans 7. Billabong Markets Skirt - $89.99 - Surf Dive ‘n Ski 8. Bill Bass Cohen Polarised Sunglasses - $99.99 - Bright Eyes 9. Travel Diffuser Kit - $99.99 - Dusk 10. Textured Scarf - $49.95 - Jacqui E 11. Slater Ecru with Taupe and Black Leather Sneaker - $180.00 - Wittner 12. Glasshouse Fragrances Sydney Sundays: Neroli & Pink Pepper - $49.95 - TerryWhite Chemmart 13. Faux Suede Love Jacket Bordeaux - $149.95 - City Chic 14. Grace Flower Drop Earring - $24.95 - Portmans 15. Sara Earring - $14.95 - Portmans 16. Native Banksia Mug Set of 2 - $24.99 - Adairs 17. Halo Rose Quartz Face Roller - $29.99 - Adairs 18. Auden Block Heel Boots - $89.99 - Forever New 19. White Musk Eau De Toilette 30ml - $29.00 - The Body Shop

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20. Morgan & Finch Ramen Heat Pack - $24.95 - Bed Bath N’ Table 21. Morgan & Finch Otis the Camel - $29.95 - Bed Bath N’ Table 22. Wide Brim Hat $29.99 - Cotton On Kids 23. Toddler Girls Print Leggings - $5.50 - Best & Less 24. Super Soft Mila Crew - $24.99 - Cotton On Kids 25. Maxx Crew Socks - $10.00 - Target 26. Tomcat Sunglasses - $49.99 - YD. 27. Kid’s Concept Bistro Mixed Vegetable Box - $20.00 - Target 28. Vanilla and Spice Alpine Cabin 2 Wick Candle 60 Hour Weekend Escape - $44.99 - Dusk 29. 3 Pack Flower Hair Clips - $6.00 - Target 30. Flannelette Shirt Olive - $16.00 - Target 31. Boys Overdyed Leisure Short - $12.00 - Best & Less 32. Kids Bedtime Bunny Slipper - $35.95 - Peter Alexander 33. Wooden Toy Maracas - $12.00 - Target 34. Navy Salisbury Slim Stretch Geo Shirt - $89.99 - Tarocash 35. Ash March Knit - $59.99 - Connor 36. Black / Tan Reversable Prong Belt - $49.99 Tarocash 37. Nike Mens Court Vision Low Sneakers - $100.00 - Platypus Shoes 38. Burnished Comfort Craftsman Book - $845.00 - R.M.Williams

www.canelandcentral.com.au

Caneland Central

caneland.central

Mackay and Whitsundays What’s On SATURDAY 1 MAY Shine Bright Festival MECC Fig Tree and Jubilee Community Centre www.themecc.com.au 5.00pm / FREE / G The MECC P ​ resents the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $22.00 - $42.00 / MA Rippa Rods Family Fishing Competition Runs until Sunday 2 May Big4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort www.whitsundays tropicalecoresort.com.au All weekend / $15.00 - must also be in-house guest at BIG4 Resort / G

Jan Fran and Judith Lucy - Sydney Writers’ Festival Streamed Live Dudley Denny City Library www.eventbrite.com.au 2.00pm / FREE - Book online / G North Queensland Sportfishing Championships 15 Argaet Street, Halifax www.ansaqld.com.au, Hinchinbrook Sportfishing Club 8.00pm / $20.00 - $40.00 / G Hamilton Island Endurance Series – Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon Hamilton Island www.hamiltonisland.com.au 6.30am (ferry required to catch) / $35.00 - $100.00 / 14 + MONDAY 3 MAY

Exhibition: A Changing Ecology Runs until Sunday 16 May Foundation Gallery, Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am (closed Mondays) / FREE / G

Trivia Mondays at the Whitsunday Sailing Club Runs weekly 20degrees SOUTH Bar & Restaurant www.whitsunday sailingclub.com.au 6.45pm registration, trivia 7.00pm / TBA / MA

Airlie Beach Parkrun Coral Sea Marina next to The Bohemian Raw Cafe www.parkrun.com.au All day / FREE - Book online / G

‘Rush Hour’ Band Labour Day Special The Pub - Airlie Beach Hotel www.airliebeachhotel.com.au 2.00pm FREE - Book online / MA

Bocce with a Buddy Malta Garden www.mycommunitydiary.com.au 9.00am / $5.00 - $50.00 / G

TUESDAY 4 MAY

Lennon Bros Circus Runs until Sunday 9 May Mackay Showgrounds www.lennonbroscircus.com.au Various times / Tickets from $25.00 / G SUNDAY 2 MAY Renew Mackay Presents: Toni Childs - One for Our Heroes MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $50.00 / PG George Miller: Beyond Thunderdome - Sydney Writers’ Festival Streamed Live Dudley Denny City Library www.eventbrite.com.au 12.00am / FREE - Book online / G

Baby Bounce Runs weekly Sarina Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / G (babies from birth to walking) Story Time Runs weekly Mirani Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / G (2 1/2 - 5 years) Story Time Runs weekly Walkerston Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / G (2 1/2 - 5 years) Baby Bounce Runs weekly Walkerston Library

48 May / June 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

With HIT 100.3’s Cliffo & Gabi

www.eventbrite.com.au 11.00am / FREE - Book online / G (babies from birth to walking)

MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $55.00 / PG

WEDNESDAY 5 MAY

Toddler Time Runs weekly Dudley Denny City Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / G (toddlers up to 2 1/2 years)

Story Time Runs weekly Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / G (2 1/2 - 5 years) Story Time Runs weekly Sarina Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / G (2 1/2 - 5 years) Toddler Time Runs weekly Mirani Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / G (toddlers up to 2 1/2 years) Extra Baby Bounce Runs until Wednesday 23 June Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 11.00am / FREE - Book online / G (babies from birth to walking) STEAM Club Runs weekly Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 3.30pm / FREE / Year 3 to Year 6 THURSDAY 6 MAY Baby Bounce Runs weekly Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 10.30am / FREE - Book online / G (babies from birth to walking) Story Time Runs weekly Dudley Denny City Library www.eventbrite.com.au 10.30am / FREE - Book online / G (2 1/2 - 5 years) Creative Pen Writers’ Corner Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 5.00pm / FREE / G FRIDAY 7 MAY Two of Us – the Songs of Lennon and McCartney Starring Damien Leith and Darren Coggan

Extra Baby Bounce Runs until Friday 25 June Dudley Denny City Library www.eventbrite.com.au 11.00am / FREE - Book online / G (babies from birth to walking) SATURDAY 8 MAY High Tea and Sweet Melodies Sporting Wheelies, 78 Bridge Rd, South Mackay With One Voice Mackay & Surrounds Choir 11.30am / email withonevoice. mackay@gmail.com to be put on waiting list for new tickets / G SUNDAY 9 MAY Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic - Annual National Fun Run/Walk for Breast Cancer Research Blue Water Quay, River Street www.mothersdayclassic.com.au From 7:30 am (30 minute arrival intervals) / $15.00 - $170.90 / G Mother’s Day Breakfast Centro Restaurant www.magpiesmackay.com.au 8:15am / $15.00 - $25.00 / G Mother’s Day Buffet Breakfast Wests Leagues Club Mackay Wests Leagues Club Mackay 8.00am / $12.50 - $25.00 children under 4 FREE / G Mother’s Day Flower Crown Workshop Laffos Bar & Pizzeria Mingle Events Co. 2.00pm / $61.86 - $66.97 / G Mother’s Day @ The Bowlsie Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club What’s On In Mackay, Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club 8.00am / Free entry / G

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

MONDAY 10 MAY Baby Bounce Runs weekly Mirani Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / G (babies from birth to walking) Toddler Time Runs weekly Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / G (toddlers up to 2 1/2 years) Toddler Time Runs weekly Sarina Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / G (toddlers up to 2 1/2 years) Baby Bounce Runs weekly Dudley Denny City Library www.eventbrite.com.au 11.00am / FREE - Book online / G (babies from birth to walking) TUESDAY 11 MAY Dexter’s Storytime Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 10.00 am / FREE - Book online / G Full Head of STEAM Dudley Denny City Library www.eventbrite.com.au 1.00pm / FREE - Book online / MA WEDNESDAY 12 MAY Made by You! - Beeswax Wraps Mirani Library www.eventbrite.com.au 4.00pm / FREE - Book online / 18 + THURSDAY 13 MAY Libraries ‘Our Space’ Galleries Dudley Denny City Library www.eventbrite.com.au 4.00pm / FREE - Book online / MA SATURDAY 15 MAY Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball MECC Plenary Halls www.themecc.com.au 6.00pm / $180.00 - $190.00 / MA TUESDAY 18 MAY National Simultaneous Storytime Mirani Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / (2 1/2 - 5 years) National Simultaneous Storytime Walkerston Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / (2 1/2 - 5 years) Next Chapter Book Club Gordon White Library

www.eventbrite.com.au 10.30am / FREE - Book online / PG BMA KIDSPACE Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / FREE / G WEDNESDAY 19 MAY National Simultaneous Storytime Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / (2 1/2 - 5 years) Valley page Turners Book Club Mirani Library www.eventbrite.com.au 6.00pm / FREE - Book online / MA THURSDAY 20 MAY Mackay Musical Comedy Players Presents Mamma Mia! Runs until Saurday 22 May MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 8.00pm, 2.00pm and 8.00pm Saturday only: $24.00 - $120.00 / PG National Simultaneous Storytime Dudley Denny City Library www.eventbrite.com.au 10.30am / FREE - Book online / (2 1/2 - 5 years) West End Readers Book Club Walkerston Library www.eventbrite.com.au 5.00pm / FREE - Book online / MA Author to Author Dudley Denny City Library www.eventbrite.com.au 5.30pm / FREE - Book online / Authors FRIDAY 21 MAY Mackay Home Show, Caravan & Camping Expo Runs until Sunday 23 May Mackay Showgrounds www.mackayexpo.com.au 8.30am / FREE - $18.00 / G Exhibition: Leigh SHOENHEIMER: Iterate/Elaborate Runs until Wednesday 7 July Foyer Gallery, Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am (closed Mondays) / FREE / G Exhibition: Donna Maree Robinson and David Pyke: Continuum Runs until Sunday 25 July Foyer Gallery, Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am (closed Mondays) / FREE / G Race Day www.mackayturfclub.com.au Gates open 11.30am / FREE $10.00 general admission / G

Sugar City Mangfest Runs until Saturday 22 May Palmyra Drag Racing Club Inc Palmyra Drag Racing Club Inc 4.00pm / FREE entry / G Rocky Trail Academy - CQ Schools Mountain Bike Competition Rowallan MTB Park rockytrailentertainment.com $50.00 per rider / Open to all Secondary school students SATURDAY 22 MAY Dads ‘n’ Bubs Baby Bounce Dudley Denny City Library www.eventbrite.com.au 10.00am / FREE - Book online / Dads and babies (from birth to walking) Coral Sea Academy - Cruising the Whitsundays The Meeting Space, Coral Sea Marina www.coralseamarina.com 10.00am / FREE / G Rock the Ages The Pub - Airlie Beach Hotel www.airliebeachhotel.com.au 2.00pm / FREE entry / MA Fox Superflow - MTB Race Runs until Sunday 23 May Rowallan MTB Park rockytrailentertainment.com 8.30am / $65.00 - $89.00 / G MONDAY 24 MAY

FRIDAY 28 MAY A Taste of Ireland www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $59.90 - $89.90 / PG Exhibition: Tension(s) 2020: Tamworth Textile Triennial FIELD Engineers Gallery, Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am (closed Mondays) / FREE / G Silver Screen Surprise Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 9.30am / FREE - Book online / 18 + Athlete’s Retreat Runs until Sunday 30 May Coral Sea Marina Resort www.athletesretreataus.com.au All day / $2,000 - $3,100 (accommodation package + more) / 18 + SATURDAY 29 MAY TAB Amateurs Race Day Ooralea Racecourse www.mackayturfclub.com.au Gates open 11.00am / Visit website / G White on Whitehaven Long Lunch by Fish D’vine Runs until Sunday 30 May Whitehaven Beach www.whiteonwhitehaven.com.au 9:30am / $349.00 - $399.00 / 18 + Craft and Conversation Gordon White Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au 11.00am / FREE / G

Get animated!

Runs until Wednesday 26 May Crossroad Arts www.crossroadarts.com.au 12.00pm / FREE - Bookings required / G

FX Freestyle Kings Mackay Showgrounds www.freestylekingsent ertainment.com 7.30pm / FREE - $58.65 / G

THURSDAY 27 MAY

Reconciliation Week Screening Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 1.00pm / FREE - Book online / 18 +

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Supporting those affected by cancer Register to host or donate www.biggestmorningtea.com.au Official date Thursday 27 May, but you can host anytime in May or June / G Made by You! - Beeswax Wraps Sarina Library www.eventbrite.com.au 4.00pm / FREE - Book online / 18 + Between the Lines Book Club Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 5.30pm / FREE - Book online / MA

MONDAY 31 MAY

TUESDAY 1 JUNE The Midnight Gang | DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season Runs until Wednesday 2 June MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 9.30am, 12.30pm / $16.50 $60.00 / G Volunteer with Pioneer Catchment and Landcare Group Inc. Runs weekly on Tuesday Mackay Natural Environment Centre www.mycommunitydiary.com.au 8.30am / FREE / PG

www.pakmag.com.au | May / June 2021 49

Mackay and Whitsundays What’s On ATSICHS Mackay Playgroup Runs every two weeks on Tues YuwiYumba www.mycommunitydiary.com.au 10.00am / FREE / 0 - 5 years

MECC Plenary Halls www.themecc.com.au 11.00 am / $13.50 - $50.00 / G

MakerSpaces Mackay Runs weekly on Tuesday Dudley Denny City Library www.mycommunitydiary.com.au 5.30pm / FREE / 17 +

St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend 2021 Runs until Sunday 13 June St Lawrence Recreation Grounds www.isaac.qld.gov.au 5.00pm / FREE - $590.00 / G

THURSDAY 3 JUNE

SATURDAY 12 JUNE

Reconciliation Week Screening Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 5.00pm / FREE - Book online / 18 +

Jimeoin - Ramble On MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 8.00pm / $54.90 - $59.90 / 15 +

FRIDAY 4 JUNE

Festival of STEM - Pedal Prix Super Series Runs until Wednesday 16 June 2 Bells Road, Palmyra www.whitsundaystemchallenge. com.au, Whitsunday STEM Challenge 9.00am / FREE / G

Good Morning Vietnam Music from the Vietnam War Era Live in Concert MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $50.00 - $65.00 / 16 + ATSICHS Men’s Group Runs weekly on Fridays YuwiYumba www.mycommunitydiary.com.au 10.00am / FREE / G Saturday 5 June Wonderland Spiegeltent Festival Hub Runs until Saturday 19 June Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre Lawn www.wonderlandspiegeltent. com.au/mackay Check website for more FRIDAY 11 JUNE Map Pharmacies Morning Melodies 2021 | the Best of Bublé Experience

TUESDAY 15 JUNE Mackay Show Runs until Thursday 17 June Mackay Showgrounds www.mackayshow.com.au 9.00am - 10.00pm (Tuesday and Wednesday), 9.00am - 4.00pm (Thursday) / $50.00 (Family - 2A + 2C), $15.00 (Child/ Concession), $20.00 (Adult), Children 6 and under FREE / G WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE Festival of STEM - F1 in Schools and Robocup Competition MECC www.whitsundaystem challenge.com.au,

Regular Markets The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Markets

Eungella Community Markets

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

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

Showground Markets

Seaforth Community Markets

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

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

50 May / June 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

With Triple M's Jay and Dave

Whitsunday STEM Challenge 8.00am / FREE / G THURSDAY 17 JUNE The Mecc Presents Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race by an Ensemble Theatre Production MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $22.00 - $42.00 / G SATURDAY 19 JUNE The Tap Pack MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $64.90 - $89.90 / G Get animated!

Runs until Sunday 20 June Moranbah Arts Centre www.crossroadarts.com.au 10.00am / FREE - Bookings required / G SUNDAY 20 JUNE Rock ‘n Reef Bowen Trail Run Bowen, Case Park, Horseshoe Bay Road www.outerlimitsadventure.com.au 6:00 am / $14.00 – $55.00 (general entry opens Sunday 9 May) / 8 + FRIDAY 25 JUNE

Doors open 7:15 pm, show 8.00pm / $35.00 - $600.00 Tickets on sale from Friday 26 March / 18 + Coral Sea Academy - Blue Mind & Boating Coral Sea Marina www.coralseamarina.com 10.00am / FREE / G Drag The Farmers Out of Drought Palmyra Drag Racing Club Inc Palmyra Drag Racing Club Inc Gates open 12.00pm / Free if have a 2 envious wristband or $10.00 gate entry / G SUNDAY 27 JUNE Hamilton Island Endurance Series - Great Whitehaven Beach Run Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays www.hamiltonisland.com.au 6.30am (ferry required to catch) / $60.00 - $100.00 / 8 + THURSDAY 1 JULY Trail and Sail Race Tour 2021 Runs until Sunday 4 July Whitsunday Islands www.outerlimitsadventure.com.au 8.00 am / From $950.00 (includes accommodation and more) / 16 +

Street View Gallery - A gallery just off the street! Registration close date www.crossroadarts.com.au 5.00pm / FREE / Artists with disability

SATURDAY 3 JULY

SATURDAY 26 JUNE

The Mecc Presents Margaret Fulton the Musical MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $22.00 - $42.00 / G

The Badboys Are Coming 2021 Souths Mackay www.southsmackay.com.au

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

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

Mingle at Melba Marian Mingle Events Co. 4.00pm / From $143.29 / 18 +

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

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

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