PakMag Mackay & Whitsundays - Apr 2018 Issue 65

ISSUE: Apr 2018

65

MACKAY & WHITSUNDAYS

ARE YOU ADDICTED TO TECH? CREATE AND CELEBRATE!

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE

SHARE THE DREAM: GC2018

MAKE YOUR MONEY GO FURTHER

FREE www.pakmag.com.au | April 2018 1

CONTENTS 4 Entertainment:

Check It Out

6

Feature: Make Your

Money Go Further

9

Are You Addicted to Tech?

13 Share The Dream: GC2018 17 Bump, Bub and Beyond:

Premature Birth

18 Bump, Bub and

Beyond: WIN

21 What’s On Guide 23 Mini Mag 31 School Holiday Guide 35 Health 36 Home with Caro and Kingi:

Budget-Friendly and

Beautiful: Peg Board

It’s April!! And with Easter Sunday falling on the 1st this year, it is a magical month that commences with abundant hot-cross buns, bunny ears and never-ending chocolate eggs. Add to that the school holidays, and we are in for a month of fun!

As a family, it can be difficult to juggle money, especially during holiday periods when it often feels like money is just falling out of our wallets.

Whether this is a hot topic or one you try to avoid at your home our feature article will provide you with some solutions on how to stop wasting that hard-earned cash, enabling you to instead put it towards something you can all enjoy.

With the Commonwealth games commencing on the 4th, make sure you check out our feature article to enhance your kids experience of this spectacular event being held in our State. And if the inevitable sibling rivalry rears its ugly head these holidays we’ve got you covered too, with an article with some useful tools to bring back the peace.

April is a busy month full of activities happening all around our region so be sure to take a good look at our What’s on Guide on page 23 and our School Holiday Guide on page 33 and highlight those things you would love to do together as a family. There is nothing truly more satisfying than a weekend well spent with your loved ones.

This month also take a moment to respect and honour our ANZACs at one of the Anzac Day celebrations being held across our nation on Wednesday the 25th April.

As always if you have anything significant to share with me I would love for you to get in touch. Until next time.

38 Home: Book Nook 41 Healthy Recipes 42 Celebrate:

Naomi Rays PakMag Mackay Director

44 Daddy Diary

Contact Us: p 4053 3331 f 4053 3350 e admin@grandpublishing.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 / Unit 5, 78 Anderson St, Cairns fb facebook.com/pakmagmackay t #pakmag

Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

Graphic Designers Clare Winter Sara Williams

PakMag Mackay Director Naomi Rays Operations Manager Rose Foster

Marketing to Families Experts Lisa Gillman Dan Kendrick

Production Manager Janelle May

Sub-Editor Kate Moloney

Create and Celebrate!

Accounts Trent Stievano Supply & Distribution Manager Gleisy Meireles Media Interns Monique Saggers Kalisha Fitsch

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

Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 30th July 2018

www.pakmag.com.au | April 2018 3

Entertainment

CHECK IT OUT Mackay City Centre Easter Carnival When: Sunday, 1 April, 9.00am to 12.00 Where: Caneland Park More Info: www.themecc.com.au A live music stage, egg hunt, face painting, jumping castle, merry-go-round, plenty of food vendors and even a visit from the Easter Bunny – the Mackay Easter Carnival has it all.

Mount Pleasant School Holiday Activities Thai Dancing Performance When: Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 April, 11.00am Where: Mount Pleasant Centre - Food Court More Info: www.mountpleasantcentre.com.au

This family-friendly festival is held in the City Centre and boasts some of our region’s best local music talent and a super relaxed atmosphere. The emphasis is on keeping the kids entertained while the adults can kick back. Held the Easter weekend, this is a free carnival hosted by council and the City Centre Taskforce.

FREE Event Thai Leaf Weaving Workshop When: Tuesday, 10 to Thursday, 12 April, 10.00am -12.00pm Where: Mount Pleasant Centre - Food Court More Info: www.mountpleasantcentre.com.au FREE Event

Friday River Street Twilight Market When: Friday, 13 April, from 4.00pm to 8.00pm Where: BlueWater Quay, River Street and Mackay City Centre More Info: www.facebook.com/ GreaterWhitsundayFarmers’Market A community market for all to enjoy and meet local producers, value adders, creators and bakers along with many support business operators from our region.

BMA Kidspace When: Tuesday, 17 April, 10.00am - 2.00pm Where: Artspace Mackay More Info: www.artspacemackay.com.au Hop along to this popular toddler’s program, created for children under five to give them a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of co-operative learning.

This amazing program includes free artist-run workshops, bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing.

4 April 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

SAVE THE DATE

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow When: Tuesday, 8 May, 7.30pm Where: MECC More Info: www.themecc.com.au Australia’s largest comedy festival is in Mackay!

Featuring fantastic funnymakers from Australia and beyond, the Roadshow has it all. It’s stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song – all in one side-splitting show!

Tickets $42 | Ages 15+

The 78-Storey Treehouse When: Thursday, 31 May 6.00pm When: Friday, 1 June, 10.00am and 12.00pm Where: MECC More Info: www.themecc.com.au Andy and Terry’s treehouse just keeps on growing. With yet another 13 levels, it’s now got a Scribbletorium, a high security potato chip storage facility (guarded by one very angry duck!) and even an open-air movie theatre.

Tickets $15

www.pakmag.com.au | April 2018 5

Feature

Make your money go further STORY Bree James

6 April 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Feature

I don’t know anyone that doesn’t want more money. Whether it’s to have the ability to buy more things for themselves, for their family or for others, or to grow a business, or even to give away, most of us want to have more money in our pockets.

There are only a few ways to get more money; earn it, be given it or win it. For most of us, the likelihood is that you will have resigned yourself to the fact that you are going to have to earn it through working and investing. Some of us may throw a Lotto ticket on every now and then in the hope that we can win it, but you are probably just as likely to win money as you are to be given money, particularly these days with our grandparents spending their retirement funds. Unless of course, one of those emails from overseas, where an unknown billionaire has left us in their will, comes true…

Ok, let’s stop dreaming.

What about saving it? What if you could save thousands of dollars per year instead of trying to earn more? Isn’t it smarter to make our dollar go further than trying to get more dollars? If you can do both that is even better of course!

To give you a hand, here are seven ways to save money or to stop wasting it, if that motivates you more: 1. Have a budget.

Most of us shiver at the thought of having the constraints of a budget, but I am sorry to tell you, sister (or brother), that you can’t manage what you can’t measure. The way to reach your goal is to have goals in the first place; so work out what you are earning and spending. There are many apps that can help you with a budget, or why not go one step further and visit Kelly Wealth to get your ‘financial world’ under control with the Myprosperity app?

2. Bank fees.

Many of us waste a heap of money on bank fees, such as credit card fees, ATM fees, dishonoured payment fees and loan fees. Check out what you are spending on fees; avoid ATMs, pay off your credit card in full every month (don’t fall into the trap of just paying the minimum amount) and make sure there is always enough cash in your account to pay direct debits. And of course, go and see the bank or your mortgage specialist regarding your loans, you could save thousands by reconsolidating these.

3. Overindulging.

This is a big one. One of the biggest holes in people’s wallets is caused by lazy spending; buying coffee or water, buying lunch, eating out, driving unnecessarily and impulse purchases. All these little things add up.

If you spend $5.00 on coffee four days a week that is $1,040.00 a year on coffee, add a $15.00 meal three times a week, and that’s another $2,340.00 on top; nearly a family holiday. If you buy your two kids a $2.00 matchbox car each every week, that’s over $200.00

a year which could have been better invested in their bank account.

Think of your spending like a leaking tap. It doesn’t seem like much at first, but over a year it can add up to a huge unnecessary expense. So, make your own coffee at home or work, take a water bottle everywhere, take lunch, cook at home more often or have picnics, batch your car trips and watch those sneaky ‘presents’ you gift your kids.

4. Superannuation.

If you haven’t sorted your super, talk to someone and get it done. They can easily search and find all your missing accounts and consolidate it, and whilst they are at it, get them to check that it is geared properly and that you aren’t paying for insurances and fees that are unnecessary.

5. Subscriptions and memberships.

Do you need pay TV? Do you use that gym membership?

Do you actually use that App or software? Do you read that subscription? Have a look at all of these things and do a cull or put some on hold. You may be surprised by some of the ones you have actually forgotten about.

6. Groceries.

We waste so much money on food that goes in the bin.

Never go food shopping hungry or without a shopping list. Always have a meal plan for the week and buy to that plan. Eat meat-free a couple of times a week; it’s great for your health and it can save you some money too. For example, making your meal meat-free twice a week will save your family approximately $1,500.00 a year (based on meat costing an average of $15.00 per meal).

7. Insurances.

Insurances certainly aren’t going down, so, you always need to question your insurer when your premium goes up and shop around and work out ways to save. Maybe you could increase your excess or decrease the insured value (be careful here though, no one wants to be underinsured).

It may not seem like a lot, but if you saved $500.00 on each of these seven points, that’s $3,500.00 back in your pocket. Sure, there are plenty of ways to earn some extra dollars, and we encourage you to do that too. But fix the leaks first and then get a good budget in play, because what tends to happen when we earn more money is we spend more money. Our cost of living actually goes up, and we are in fact worse off than before.

Good luck, and don’t forget to talk to your kids about saving and why as a family you need to save money and not waste the resources you have invested in… like the milk in their cereal bowls!

www.pakmag.com.au | April 2018 7

Parenting

Are you addicted to Tech?

STORY Bree James In a world where we are more connected than ever, we are also more disconnected than ever. Look around you; there are people with their faces in devices everywhere you go. People are having romantic candlelit dinners, but their phones burn brighter than the candle. Parents are watching their child’s performance through their video screen trying to capture the moment instead of really watching it.

Food is going cold whilst we try to get the perfect shot.

We all do or have done it.

The world’s brands and tech creators spend literally billions of dollars trying to get your attention, and we spend countless hours online for the same reason, to get attention. We are the ‘Attention Generation’.

Whether it be positive or negative, we are all fighting for attention; every single one of us, every single day, especially our kids. As parents, we need to be role models on how to get positive attention, and how to give people the attention they deserve when they are in front of us. It’s not an easy task.

Why do we need to do this?

Two reasons really. As I said above, we need to teach ourselves and our children how to be present with those around us, and secondly, to teach our children to have self-control on what they give attention to because the consequences can be dire. Too many children are becoming depressed, too many children are harming themselves, and too many lives are being lost. We all need to do something.

Studies have shown, that spending too much time on technology is not good for your focus or your mental health. Hundreds of clinical studies show that screens increase depression, anxiety and aggression. On the positive, Ford's 2014 consumer survey reports that 62 per cent of adults felt better about themselves after getting positive reactions to what they shared on social media. But what about when we post something and get no reaction or negative reactions?

Notifications, responses and rewards are ruling our lives because this attention is addictive. Gaming creators call this the "compulsion loop".

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Parenting

The science behind it?

9. You look at your phone whilst driving.

Every time someone reacts to something you have done online, or you react positively to something someone else has done online, you get a dopamine hit. Dopamine is an addictive pleasure chemical in our brains that is released from doing things we enjoy; it’s like a hug for the brain. Who doesn’t want more pleasure chemicals and hugs?

10. You look at your device whilst watching a movie.

The negative though is that the opposite also occurs if we don’t get the attention we desire: •• Decreased self-esteem, eating disorders and body dysmorphia.

•• Anxiety.

•• Depression and depressive symptoms.

•• Feeling a lack of connection.

•• Feelings of inferiority.

•• Deterioration in concentration and other symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

What can we do?

If you feel any of the above, i.e. have the focus of a hyperactive toddler or a 90-year-old with dementia, or find that you are snapping at people because they are interrupting your device time; it’s probably a pretty good indication that you need to take action.

Here are 12 signs that you have an addiction to your device: 1. It’s the first thing and or last thing you do every day.

2. Your device is never out of reach; you check it for no real reason.

3. You take your phone to the toilet.

4. You use your phone in social settings.

5. If you are bored, you pick up a device.

6. You get fidgety if you don’t have a device.

7. You use your device more or the same amount on holidays.

8. You think you hear your phone even though you haven’t.

10 April 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

11. Getting interrupted when using your device causes frustration.

12. You have trouble with empathy after being on technology.

Are you nodding your head and holding your breath thinking, “Oh crap, I do this”? You are not alone, and most of us are unaware that we have a problem.

Do you think you are suffering from Nomophobia, the fear of not being able to use your device, fear of having no internet connection, a flat battery or worse, losing your phone?

Here are some simple habits to try, to lead by example and reconnect with the world around you: 1. Have designated times that you use social media; log out of it to ensure you don’t get hypnotised by notifications.

2. Turn notifications off on your emails and apps.

3. Have times when you turn the mobile data on your phone off; so, it’s just a phone.

4. Have a ‘no screens’ rule at the dinner table, in bedrooms, and whilst doing family activities.

5. Have a rule that when with company, there are no screens.

6. On holidays, detox from tech and get offline; it’s the best time to do so, your brain and your family will thank you for it.

7. Have a screen free day each week.

8. Put your phone away when you get home.

9. Do not use tech until you have exercised in the morning; tech is your reward.

10. Limit your use of screen time when your kids are around. Set a good example.

In the end, only you can decide if your use of technology is impacting you, your family, and your relationships.

Sure, there are a lot of great things about technology, but think about it like chocolate, it’s got its place, but we shouldn’t eat it all day long.

Feature

SHARE THE DREAM: GC2018 STORY Rose Foster The long-awaited Commonwealth Games take place this month and Australia is abuzz with excitement for the 12-day schedule of sporting events and celebration.

Here’s our top tips on how your family can get involved in the Commonwealth Games: Teach them About the Commonwealth.

From the 4th to 15th April, the Gold Coast will play host to athletes from 70 nations competing in 275 events across 18 different sports. Not only that, host cities including Cairns and Townsville will hold some of the qualifying rounds for basketball and an exciting and plentiful program of events for the public too - check out our school holiday guide for more information on the events in your area.

What a great opportunity to sneak in a geography and history lesson with your children. See how many countries they can name that are part of the Commonwealth. There is a total of 53 members of the Commonwealth of Nations and the nations are spread across every continent and ocean and make up to 30 per cent of the world’s population. The Commonwealth is composed of a rich variety of faiths, races, languages, cultures and traditions, from Asia to Africa and beyond.

Not only are the games themselves really exciting but they provide a unique opportunity for families to get involved and embrace GC2018. The Gold Coast has never seen an event of this magnitude, so making sure you make the most of it will ensure that you and your children don’t take it for granted.

During the Commonwealth Games have a fun pop quiz and see how many countries your children can name; see if they can remember how the Commonwealth came to be and if they can remember who got the most medals? There are many more interesting facts about our Commonwealth too; it’s always fun to teach children

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Feature

about the Royal Family and that age-old trivia question, “Who’s Australia’s head of state?”

Learn the History of the Games.

The Commonwealth Games have been held every four years since 1930, except for in 1942 and 1946 due to World War II. Did you know that this years Games will make Australia the nation that has hosted the most number of Games? It is the 5th Games to be hosted in Australia, with them previously being staged in Sydney (1938), Perth (1962), Brisbane (1982) and Melbourne (2006).

Colour the Flag.

Another great way to give your children a fun learning experience is to draw the flags from all of the Commonwealth nations. Head to www.pakmag.com.au for a free printable of flag templates for your children to colour in during the games. Not only will it keep them entertained for a few hours, they will also learn a lot whilst doing it.

Share the True Meaning Behind the Commonwealth Games.

Share with your children that the Games are about more than just competing. Discuss with them that the Games are often referred to as the ‘friendly games’, as they bring together members of the Commonwealth of Nations to compete on a level playing field in a spirit of friendship and fair play. That they aim to unite the Commonwealth family through sport.

Get Familiar with Borobi and the Games’ Motto.

Every Commonwealth Games has a motto and the 2018 Gold Coast’s Games official motto is ‘Share the Dream’ and the mascot is Borobi. You may already be familiar with the blue koala mascot who has been gracing our screens in various locations around Australia, but why not purchase your own Borobi online so you and your children can have a momento of the Games?

Learn a New Sport.

There are 18 different sports with 275 events which take place during the Commonwealth Games, and we guarantee that at least one of them will be new to your children. Take the time to watch a new sport together, learn the rules and get to know the athletes. Check out the schedule online, pick a sport together and watch it from start to finish (obviously when you can!). It not only acts as a great educational activity for the whole family but despite which sport you choose, we bet you’ll be screaming at the tv with excitement in no time!

Get Outdoors.

With all the learning going on in the first few ideas, why not let the new-found knowledge inspire you to get outdoors? Find your local basketball courts, volleyball courts or parklands to try out a sport you’ve learned

14 April 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

as a family. If your chosen sport is water based, head to your local pool to try diving (where permitted) or race the length of the pool in your own head-to-head swimming race Host a Family Sports Day. Keep the competitive spirit alive with your own family sports day. It’s a great way to have fun as a family, bring out some friendly competitiveness and create long lasting memories (or even a new tradition). Some of the sports in the Commonwealth Games may be difficult to do in your own back yard (and some, like Boxing, may not be advisable amongst family!), so why not make the events fun or silly. Try sack races, egg and spoon races or crazy obstacle courses.

Commonwealth Craft.

As well as colouring in flags, there are many crafty ideas that your family can do during the Commonwealth Games. Why not make paper medals, create your own Borobi sculpture or make your own gymnastic ribbon to follow along with the rhythmic gymnastics.

Get Cooking.

Embrace the Commonwealth Nations by cooking a national dish – you could make a rule that every time a country wins a medal, you could cook something from that country. Try a Kenyan stew, Jamaican jerk chicken, haggis from Scotland, poutine from Canada, or a national dish from one of the other 67 countries.

Host a Ceremony Party.

One of the most enthralling parts of the Games are the opening and closing ceremonies, so why not throw a sports themed party, filled with snacks from around the globe, sporty décor and you could even play Commonwealth bingo. To play, give each family member a normal bingo sheet but instead of numbers, use flags or country names, as the teams come out, mark them off – whoever gets a line first wins the first prize, and whoever gets a full house first, wins the second prize.

Take the Family to a Game.

Lucky for us, Cairns and Townsville will play host to the preliminary rounds of basketball, so why not catch a game? Head to www.gc2018.com to grab yourself some tickets.

Share the Dream.

Whatever you and your family get up to this Commonwealth Games, we encourage you to embrace the motto of “Share the Dream” and share your experience with friends, family and with PakMag. We’d love to see what you’re getting up to so use #PakmagRepost on Instagram (if you use Facebook, make sure your post is set to public) so we can share your images and videos on our social channels.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

What Can be Done about the Increasing Premature Birth Rate?

STORY Rose Foster With the number of medical advances in our world, it’s hard to believe that we would ever go backwards in this ever-developing area of medicine. But the steady increase of preterm births in developed countries shows that although we are making waves in curing diseases and developing new medicines, one of life’s most natural processes is becoming more and more complex.

But why? Well, there are two main culprits; lifestyle and age.

Many women are waiting until later in life to start a family, with the average age of first time mothers now sitting at 30. When compared with the age of first time mothers forty years ago, which was 25, it’s clear to see the difference. With increased age comes increased risk of preterm birth, so it’s easy to understand how the correlation between older mothers and a higher rate of preterm birth are linked.

Lifestyle is another huge factor when it comes to premature birth. Rising obesity rates combined with the social aspect of our lives often bringing smoking and drinking into the mix is creating a less favourable environment for our unborn babies than ever before.

That said, these aren’t the only two reasons that a baby may be born prematurely, a number of reasons factor into this. However, when we highlight age and lifestyle as the major factors attributing to the increased risk of premature birth, it can help in identifying a solution to the problem.

So, what can be done to stop preterm birth? Well, one thing we can’t change is age, and we certainly wouldn’t suggest that considering having a baby earlier than you’re ready as a solution. But we can definitely change our lifestyle, even if it is just when we’re preparing for a baby and during pregnancy.

Here’s some things that you can do to reduce your risk of preterm birth: •• Get prenatal care as soon as you know you’re pregnant. By visiting your GP or chosen obstetrician early, your doctor will be able to advise you about care options available to you, talk to you about any risks you may face and give you a plan for a healthy pregnancy. If you’re planning on getting pregnant, seeing your GP in advance will also help you create a healthy start to your pregnancy when you do conceive.

•• Stop smoking. We all know that smoking during pregnancy is bad for your baby, but it’s also important to stop smoking before you get pregnant.

•• Start exercising NOW! Just as stopping smoking prior to getting pregnant is important, so too is exercising.

Getting yourself to a healthy weight before getting pregnant helps reduce a number of risks and means you can continue exercising and keeping fit throughout your pregnancy. Starting to exercise during pregnancy is not recommended so do it in advance for the best results.

•• Get your health in check! If you’ve been battling illnesses like high blood pressure, diabetes, depression or other chronic issues, it is vital that you get these under control before getting pregnant.

All in all, the key is to provide the best start for your baby, and that’s what all parents want. There are no sure-fire ways to avoid preterm birth, or any pregnancy related issues for that matter, but by starting off on the right foot and ensuring you have done all you can to reduce risks, you’ll not only have peace of mind, but you’ll also have a higher chance of having a smooth pregnancy and birth.

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Bump, Bub and Beyond

BUMP, BUB AND BEYOND Featured products, reviews and prizes. Visit www.pakmag.com.au for your chance to win!

Olivia Children’s Leather Backpack RRP $149.00, www.cocoroseinteriors.com.au Chic, cute and classy. Our high quality, handmade children’s leather Olivia backpack is a must have for every busy little child.

Perfect for all adventures and playdates, each leather backpack has one large pocket to collect the day’s treasures along the way. Also a top handle to hang the leather backpack when the day is done.

With adjustable straps and high quality craftsmanship, your child’s leather backpack will ensure all their essentials are there with them for years to come.

Grapple RRP $24.95, www.jellystonedesigns.com.au The perfect solution to keeping toys off the floor and in your little one’s hands where they belong! The Grapple™ suctions to any smooth surface and can be attached to up to three toys, working perfectly on highchairs, prams and tables. The innovative design is safe, easy to use, and easy to clean!

18 April 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Bubs & Tots Chilly Towel RRP $40.00, www.chillytowel.com.au Keep your kiddies cool with the Bubs & Tots Chilly Towel Duo Pack. Unique hyperevaporative fibre cools to 30° below average body temperature. Perfect for overheating, sports, outdoors, fevers and hot weather.

The Bubs & Tots Chilly Towel is dry to touch and doesnt saturate clothing or bed sheets. It stays chilled for hours, is re-usable, machine washable and is easy to activate.

Maintain adult supervision at all times - for 2+ years.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Top tips for mums from mums

WHY won’t Why WON’T baby BABY feed?

FEED?

STORY Kate Moloney

It’s easy to blame yourself if your baby is struggling to feed. But it’s important to note that feeding and swallowing disorders are quite common and definitely not your fault!

It is true that many first-time mums instantly turn to books, websites and advice as their ‘go to’ resource for information. Yet, ask any ‘experienced’ mum, and she will tell you that she’s learnt that it’s important to trust your ‘gut instinct’.

BabyLove Nappies recently commissioned a survey of more than 1,000 mothers of children aged from one month to three years asking these mums to think about everything they’d learnt as a parent and to nominate what their top tip for a first-time mum would be.

Here are the top 12 tips that these experienced mothers offered up: 1. Listen to your instincts; no one knows your baby as well as you do.

2. Relax, don’t stress the small stuff and go with the flow.

3. Enjoy every moment with your baby because it is over in a flash.

4. Don’t worry about what other people think.

5. Do what is right for you and your family.

6. Everything is going to be okay, hang in there and take it a day at a time.

7. Every child is different; what works for one may not work for another.

8. Ask health experts for advice and consult with other mums; seek and listen to advice.

9. Be patient.

10. Rest when you can; sleep when the baby sleeps.

11. Be kind and gentle to yourself.

12. Ask for help and don’t be afraid to do so.

STORY Kalisha Fitsch

So, what causes feeding and swallowing disorders?

There are many possible causes for these issues, including nervous system disorders, stomach problems, autism, sensory issues or having breathing problems such as asthma. Infants who have trouble feeding or swallowing may cry when feeding, refuse to eat or drink, only eat food of certain textures, take a long time to eat or vomit regularly. These issues may cause dehydration, poor nutrition, and food or liquid to go into the airway.

What can you do? If your baby is having trouble feeding or swallowing, take them to your GP to discuss your concerns. Consider a speech pathologist who will look at how your child moves their mouth and tongue, how your child behaves during meals and how they eat or pick up items of food. Working together with a specialist, such as an occupational therapist, physical therapist, dietitian, nutritionist or developmental specialist for feeding treatment will greatly benefit your baby.

It’s not an uncommon issue. According to the Birth Injury Guide organisation, 25 per cent of babies are affected by some sort of feeding problem, while the percentage is a little higher for infants with a neurodevelopmental disability.

For some little ones, refusing to eat certain foods and being picky is a temporary issue and often resolves itself as they grow up, but if you have any concerns don’t hesitate to consult your GP or a specialist.

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WHAT’S ON APR APR SUNDAY 1

MONDAY 2

Mackay City Centre’s Easter Carnival Caneland Park themecc.com.au 9.00am / Free / Family

Applications for 2018 stall holders open on March 1!

Artspace Mackay Facebook/ArtspaceMackay Check Website

Mackay Kart Club: KA3 Title Race Meeting & Club Championship Rnd Mackay and District Kart Club www.mackaykartclub.com 8.00am / Cost / Family

Animatronic Prehistoric Creatures Runs until 13 April Caneland Central www.canelandcentral.com.au 11.0am / Free / Kids

Art Exhibition - Moments In Time - Creative Shots Photo Club Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au Grom Squad - Kids Only Learn To Ride Clinics GoWake Cable Park www.gowakemackay.com.au 8.00am / Cost / Kids Family Funday Seaforth Bowls Club Fcebook/SeaforthBowlsClub 1.00pm / Free / Family Easter Dawn Service (conducted by the Mackay Anglican Cluster) Blue Water Quays admin@mackayanglicans.org.au 5.15am / Free / Family After the Storm Exhibition Dudley Denny City Library Facebook/MackayLibraries Check Website

Kids Eat Free!

Souths Suburban Bowls Club Facebook/Souths Suburban Bowls Club Check Website Members Birthday Draw!

Souths Leagues Club Mackay Facebook/Souths Leagues Club Mackay Check Website TUESDAY 3 Crazy threads: Easter drop-in craft for everyone!

Runs until 15 April Artspace Mackay Facebook/ArtspaceMackay Check Website WEDNESDAY 4 Cooking Demos with The Family Table at the Farmers’ Market Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market Facebook/familytablemackay Check Website

School Banking Runs until 25 April Victoria Park State School - P&C Association pandc@victparkss.eq.edu.au email for information NeuroNibbles Lunchtime Learning Sessions - Monthly Split Spaces - Mackay’s Innovation Hub Facebook/Active Adrenalin Performance Coaching Check Website THURSDAY 5 Australian Animals Cookie Decorating Class Porters Facebook/familytablemackay 10.00am / $13 / Kids Family History Workshop Gordon White Library Facebook/MackayLibraries 6.00pm / Free / Family FRIDAY 6 Mackay Turf Girl Cocktail Party Event Centre Mackay Turf Club www.mackayturfclub.com.au 6.30pm / $50 / 18+ Meditation Morning Hridhaya Centre for Wellbeing 0481 347 872 10.00am / Free / 10+ Fun Friday Aqua Fitness class Runs until 30 April Mackay & District Aqua Aerobics & Deep Water Running 419656933 Call for Information

With Star’s Rob

SATURDAY 7 Thai Dancing Performance Runs until 8 April Mount Pleasant Centre www.mountpleasantcentre.com.au 11.00am / Free / Family Birth education workshops Hello Baby Mackay Facebook/Hello Baby Mackay Check Website NPL Round 9: Magpies Crusaders FC V Cairns FC Magpies Sporting Club Mackay 4965 6100 Call for Information SUNDAY 8 Troppo Market - Mackay Mount Pleasant Centre Facebook/TroppoMarkets 7.30am / Free / Family TUESDAY 10 Thai Leaf Weaving Workshop Runs until 12 April Mount Pleasant Centre www.mountpleasantcentre.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family MCG Monthly Meeting Mackay Conservation Group 4953 0808 Call for Information WEDNESDAY 11 Bot Games - Gordon White Library (5-8 years) Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au Check Website

www.pakmag.com.au | April 2018 21

WHAT’S ON APR APR THURSDAY `12 Thursday Race Day Event Centre Mackay Turf Club www.mackayturfclub.com.au 11.00am / Free / All Ages Jon Stevens ‘Best Of Tour’ Mount Pleasant Tavern Facebook/Mount Pleasant Tavern Check Website FRIDAY 13 Friday River Street Twilight Market Bluewater Quay / River Street / Mackay City Centre 0498 717 941 4.00pm / Free / Family Michael Jackson – The Legacy Tour MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $65 / All Ages Conversation Circles Dudley Denny City Library Facebook/MackayLibraries 1.00pm / Free / Youth+ SATURDAY 14 Loose Parts Play Children’s Holiday Program Mackay Community Gardens 0427 961 632 9.00am / $10 / Kids Women’s Only Ride Mackay Cycles 0432 000 162 5.30am / Free / Women

22 April 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Pioneer Valley Country Music Fundraiser Kinchant Waters Facebook/Pioneervalleycmf Check Website

The Residence Deck Sessions feat. Dan Horne The Dispensary www.eventbrite.com.au Check Website

TUESDAY 17

Exposing Edith Cabaret MECC www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $42 / Youth+

BMA Kidspace 2018 Artspace Mackay artspace@mackay.qld.gov.au 10.00am / Free / Ages 0 - 5 WEDNESDAY 18 AvSafety Seminar - Airlie Beach Whitsunday Airport Main Terminal Building www.eventbrite.com.au 6.30pm / Free / Youth+ AGM - PVCMA Langford’s Hotel Facebook/Pioneervalleycmf Check Website Sarina Netball Annual General Meeting Sarina Showgrounds Faceboook/Sarina & District Netball Check Website THURSDAY 19 Women’s Coffee Connect McDonald’s Mackay North Facebook/MackayBaptistChurch Check Website FRIDAY 20 James Blundell in Campfire – The Morning Session MECC www.themecc.com.au 11.00am / $15 / Adult

Pistol Shooting 2018 NQ Games Runs until 22 April Mackay Pistol Club, Mount Bassett Cemetery Road www.nqsports.com.au $8 per event + $20 Registration Fee SATURDAY 21 World Circus Day 2018 Facebook/ SensoryCircusEntertainment Check Website XC Race Mad Mountain Bike Club 0497 270 621 Call for Information PD Workshop for beginner & primary educators Artspace Mackay 4961 9722 10.00am / $30 / Youth+ SUNDAY 22 Platform Showcase 2018 (Previously Mackay’s Got Talent) MECC www.themecc.com.au Check Website

With Star’s EJ

MONDAY 23 Free Community Dinner ADRA Op Shop Mackay Facebook/Mealtime on MiltonADRA Community Dinner Check Website WEDNESDAY 25 ANZAC Day - Dawn Service Jubilee Park www.mackay.qld.gov.au 5.00am / Free / Family THURSDAY 26 Tour de Cure Eve Celebrity Dinner MECC Facebook/TheMECC Check Website Speed Date the Collection Artspace Mackay Booking required 4961 9722 5.45pm / Free / Youth+ 2018 Tour de Cure Eve Celebrity Dinner MECC www.themecc.com.au 7.00pm / $149 / Adult P&Cs Qld Networking event Coomera Rivers SS Coomera Rivers State School www.eventbrite.com.au 5:45 pm / Free / Youth+ SATURDAY 28 Caneland Central Mackay Turf Girl Race Day Ooralea Racecourse www.mackayturfclub.com.au 11.00am / $10-50 / All Ages

A ZOKU COCA-COLA FLOAT & SLUSHIE MAKER!

For your chance to WIN, complete and mail to:

Name

PakMag Colour In April 2018 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

Parent/Guardian

Win a Zoku Coca-Cola Float and Slushie Maker! - RRP $44.95 www.zokuaustralia.com.au - Create Coca-ColaÂŽ floats, slushies, milkshakes, or smoothies in as little as 7 minutes with this high-performance, design-driven slushy maker. Try ingredients like blended fruit, homemade juices, chocolate milk, sweetened coffee, soda, soy milk - we could keep going and so could you.

Address

Competition closes 30/04/2018

Age

Postcode Phone Email

A PAIR OF MOELOCO FLIP FLOPS!

For your chance to WIN, complete and mail to:

Name

PakMag Colour In April 2018 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

Parent/Guardian

Win a pair of Moeloco Flip Flops! - RRP $40.00 www.moeloco.com - Moeloco flip flops spread joy and love wherever they go in the sand. Leave messages of inspiration such as ‘Can Fly’ and ‘Be Happy’. For every pair sold, this ethical brand donates one pair of school shoes to an Indian child living in poverty. How cool is that!

Address

Competition closes 30/04/2018

Age

Postcode Phone Email www.pakmag.com.au | April 2018 25

A SELECTION OF BOUNCE ENERGY BALLS!

For your chance to WIN, complete and mail to:

Name

PakMag Colour In April 2018 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

Parent/Guardian

Win a Selection of Bounce Energy Balls! - RRP $3.29 ea www.au.bouncefoods.com - Bounce Energy Balls are the healthy snack option for the the enthusiast looking for a gluten free boost of energy and protein for optimum nutrition. Each made with a delicious blend of healthy wholefoods.

Address

Competition closes 30/04/2018

Email

Age

Postcode Phone

What’s On Guide

WHAT’S ON APR APR SUNDAY 29

TUESDAY 8 MAY

FRIDAY 18 MAY

SUNDAY 27 MAY

Jimeoin - The Ridiculous MECC www.themecc.com.au 8.00pm / $49 / Adult

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow MECC www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $42 Adult / 15+

2018 CaneGrowers Mackay AG Trade Expo Runs until 19 May West League Club Facebook/MackayAGTradeExpo Check Website

Greenmount Heritage Fair Greenmount Homestead Facebook/ GreenmountHomestead 9.00am / Free / Family

TUESDAY 15 MAY

SATURDAY 26 MAY

THURSDAY 31 MAY

BMA Kidspace Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / Free / Ages 0 - 5

Mackay Amateurs Race Day Mackay Turf Club Facebook/MackayTurfClub 11.00am / Cost / Adult

The 78-Storey Treehouse MECC www.themecc.com.au 6.00pm / $15 / Family

Marian Markets Date: 3rd Sunday of the month (Excluding May & Dec) Time: From 8.00am Location: Holy Rosary Church Anzac Avenue

Twilight Markets Time: 6.00pm - 9.00pm Location: Northern Beaches Bowls Club Details: Please visit Northern Beaches Bowls Club facebook page for dates and theme

Showground Markets Date: Every Saturday Time: From 6.30am Location: Milton Street

SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY 5 MAY Olympic Weightlifting 2018 NQ Games Whitsunday Weightlifting www.qwa.org Check Website

REGULAR MARKETS Eungella Markets Date: 1st Sunday of the month (Apr to Dec) Time: From 9.00am Location: Eungella Memorial Hall - North Street Sarina Showground Market Date: Last Sunday of the month Time: From 8.00am (Mar to Dec) Location: Bruce Highway Sarina

Paxton’s night markets Date: 2nd Friday of the month* Time: From 5.00pm Location: Paxtons Warehouse Details: *Check their Facebook page as dates subject to change www.facebook.com/ PaxtonsNightMarkets

The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market Date: Every Wednesday Time: From 8.00am to 1.00pm Location: Bluewater Quay Details: www.facebook.com/ greaterwhitsundayfarmersmarket

Seaforth Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: From 8.30am Location: Palm Avenue Seaforth Troppo Treasure Market Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: From 7.30am to 11.30am Location: Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

Email your event or market to admin@grandpublishing.com.au to be included. Spaces are limited.

www.pakmag.com.au | April 2018 27

REGULAR EVENTS MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL: LIBRARIES Baby Bounce Location: Gordon White Library Days: Thursdays (During school term) Time: 10.30am - 11.00am Location: Dudley Denny City Library Days: Mondays (During school term) Time: 11.00am - 11.30am Location: Mirani Library Days: Mondays (During school term) Time: 9.30am - 10.00am Location: Sarina Library Days: Tuesdays (During school term) Time: 9.30am - 10.00am Storytime Storytime is aimed at 2 – 5 year olds and their parents and carers and is held weekly during the school term. This half hour program of stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays and songs enhances language and literacy development in an interactive, fun-filled environment. The sessions encourage a child’s love of books and promotes the library environment as an exciting place for the whole family.

Location: Mirani Library Days: Tuesdays (During school term) Time: 9.30am - 10.00am Location: Walkerston Library Days: Tuesdays (During school term) Time: 10.30am - 11.00am Location: Gordon White Library Days: Wednesdays (During school term) Time: 10.30am - 11.00am Days: Fridays (During school term) Time: 9.30am - 10.00am Location: Sarina Library Days: Wednesdays (During school term) Time: 10.00am - 11.00am Location: Dudley Denny City Library Days: Thursdays (During school term) Time: 10.30am - 11.00am

28 April 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Toddler Time Toddler Time is aimed at little ones who are walking to 2.5 years and their parents and carers and is held weekly during the school term.

This half hour program of lively nursery rhymes, finger plays, action songs and a story encourages language development and social interaction in an interactive, funfilled environment.

Location: Gordon White Library Days: Mondays Time: 9.30am – 10.00am

Time: From 6.00am Ability level: Beginner-advanced More Info: Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates Bicycle Belles A social riding group just for ladies.

Meeting point: Bicycle Connection, 20 Victoria St, Mackay Days: Wednesdays Time: 6.00am Ability level: Beginnerintermediate More Info: Bicycle Belles Mackay Facebook page for ride details and updates.

Location: Mirani Library Days: Wednesday Time: 9.30am – 10.00am

Mums and Bubs Morning Ride

Location: Dudley Denny City Library Days: Friday Time: 9.30am – 10.00am

Meeting point: Gooseponds car park at the end of Willis Street, North Mackay Days: Wednesdays Time: 10.00am More Info: Bicycle Belles Mackay Facebook page for details and updates.

MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL: BIKE RIDERS Social Rides Meeting point: Metro Café, River Street Days: Saturdays Time: 6.30am Ability levels: Team Caffeine (Beginner - intermediate: 15-20km/h), Team Tour de Latte (Intermediate: 25km/h), Team Slipstream (Intermediateadvanced: 30km/h) and Team Titanium (Advanced: 35km+/h) More Info: Visit Rock N Road Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates.

Lazy Riders Meeting point: Bridges Café, Bluewater Quay Days: Every second Sunday -stay for breakfast after the ride!

Time: 7.00am Ability level: Beginner-intermediate More Info: Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates Sizzle'n Sausage Sunday Sesh* Mountain bikers of all abilities are welcome to come out for a ride, held every Sunday and followed by a sausage sizzle from 8.30am.

Meeting point: Rowallan Mountain Bike Park, Glendaragh Rd, Farleigh

A social riding group for Mums with children who are not yet at school.

Mountain Bike (MTB) Night Ride* Lights on bike and helmets are a must!

Days: Wednesdays Meeting point 1: Corry Cycles, 5 Kay Court, North Mackay Time: 6.00pm Meeting point 2: Rowallan Mountain Bike Park, Glendaragh Road, Farleigh Time: 6.30pm Ability level: Intermediate-advanced More Info: Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates, *MAD MTB or MTBA membership is required to use the trails.

Thursday Night Social Ride A weekly evening get together for a ride and catch up.

Meeting point: Metro Café, River Street Days: Thursdays Time: 7.00pm Ability level: Beginnerintermediate More Info: Visit Bicycle Mackay Facebook page for ride details and updates.

MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL: RUNNERS Free LayZee Runners Club Days: Saturdays

Time: 5.45am Meeting point: The Metro Market Cafe, River Street, Mackay Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays Time: 5.30am Meeting point: The City Fitness Health Club, Victoria Street.

More Info: www.mackaycitycentre.com.au MACKAY ANIMAL RESCUE SOCIETY Monthly Adoption Day Days: Last Sunday of the month Time: 9.00am to 12.00pm Location: Mackay Pet Superstore, Greenfields Fundraiser Markets Days: Third Sunday of the Month Time: 9.00am - 1.00pm Location: Mackay Marina LET THE CHILDREN PLAY TOYSHOP Free Children’s Book Reading Bring your snack. Coffee/tea will be available Days: Every Wednesday Time: 9.30am to 10.00am Location: 15b Macalister St Cnr Victoria & Macalister Sts Contact: 4944 0180 or email info@playmackay.com.au POSITIVE BIRTH MOVEMENT MEETUPS A support group for parents and parents to be. Discussion theme changes each month.

Days: Last Wednesday or Thursday of every month.

Time: 10.00am and 6.30pm Location: Uneek Industries courtyard - 166 Shakespeare St More Info: The positive birth movement Mackay Meet Ups Facebook page, or call 0458 100 680 DO YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PROMOTE TO THE COMMUNITY? Email your event or market to admin@grandpublishing.com.au to be included. Spaces are limited. Please notify us if there is any updated information for our regular events.

School Holiday Guide

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE MOUNT PLEASANT CENTRE

Story Treasure Hunt

For all that’s happening this school holidays visit their website and like them on Facebook to be kept up to date.

Wednesday 11 April Time: 9.30am to 10.30am Free Event – Gold coin donation

Thai Dancing Performance Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 April Time: 11am each day Location: Food court centre stage Cost: FREE Thai Leaf Weaving Workshop Date: Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 April Time: 10am to 12pm each day Cost: FREE Bookings required P 4969 2400 E MountPleasant.Centre@vicinity. com.au F Facebook.com/ mountpleasantcentre www.mountpleasantcentre.com.au

PORTERS COMMUNITY MARKETS Enjoy local handmade crafts, clothing, kids entertainment and more!

Plus enjoy lunch at Charlies Cafe and browse at Porters!

P 49440180 E info@playmackay.com.au www.playmackay.com.au

INFLATABLE KINGDOM The perfect venue to have a great time for all ages. Inflatable Kingdom is a high-energy, action-packed environment with inflatables of all shapes and sizes.

To stay up to date with all that’s happening, check out their Facebook page or visit them at 225 Harbour Rd, Mackay.

Mackay Gymnastics are having some School Holiday Fun Days: Wednesday 4, Friday 6, Monday 9, Wednesday 11 and Friday, 13 April For kids aged 2 to 4 years From: 9.30am to 10.15am Cost: $11.00 For kids aged 5 to 12 years From: 9.30am to 11.00am Cost: $18.50

P 4957 2672 E admin@inflatablekingdommackay. com.au F Facebook.com/ inflatablekingdommackay www.inflatablekingdom.com.au

Week 1: Wednesday, 4 and Friday, 6 April

MACKAY COMMUNITY

Cost: Members $45 per day/NonMembers $65 per day

GARDENS

Friday, 13 April From: 4.00pm to 8.00pm Locations: BlueWater Quay, River Street and Mackay City Centre

Saturday, 14 April Time: 9.00am to 11.00am Cost: $10.00 / Child No Bookings Required.

P 0487 127 578 E info@mackaycommunitygarden.org F Facebook.com/ MackayCommunityGardens www.mackaycommunitygarden.org

CANELAND CENTRAL

PLAY MACKAY

Animatronic Prehistoric Creatures

Special Storytime Holiday Session

Ice Display and Free Ice Themed Kids Activities

In store at Let the Children Play Toyshop. Join them on this hunting game for the finest toy treasures to be found!

MACKAY GYMNASTICS

Easter Day Camps:

Loose Parts Play

P 4967 3333 E mail@cporter.com.au F Facebook.com/Porterscando www.porterscando.com.au

F Facebook.com/CanelandCentral www.canelandcentral.com.au

Open from 9.00am to 3.00pm.

Friday River Street Twilight Market

For market posts and information, please check out their Facebook page.

For all that’s happening these school holidays visit their website and like them on Facebook to be kept up to date.

Monday, 2 to Friday, 13 April Times: 11am to 2pm Cost: Free

Week 2: Monday 9, Wednesday 11 and Friday, 13 April From: 9.00am to 3.00pm

Bookings essential as there are limited numbers and mention you read it in Pakmag.

P 4942 0032 E admin@mackaygymnastics.org.au F Facebook.com/MackayGymnastics www.mackay.gymnastics.org.au

KIDZ LIFE PLAY CENTRE Kidz Life Play Centre is part of the children’s program run by the New Life Church Mackay. The centre is supported by church members and visitors.

The centre exists to foster healthy interaction between parent and child and supports poor and needy children in developing nations. Kidz Life is not for profit (not a business).

Costs are only charged to recover expenses of running the program.

www.pakmag.com.au | April 2018 31

School Holiday Guide

BOUNCE NOW

Don’t forget to bring socks!

The stunning lagoon pool and the brand new big, huge, mega 13 slide water park make the perfect resort centrepiece and take the resort to a whole new level of family entertainment, along with a huge range of over 13 other onsite activities for everyone to enjoy!

P 4953 5575 E admin@kidzlife.com.au F Facebook.com/Kidzlifeplaycentre www.kidzlife.com.au

P 4948 5400 E salesandmarketing@ adventurewhitsunday.com.au www.adventurewhitsunday.com.au

All Ages - All Events.

MACKAY: PLACES TO VISIT

THE FAMILY TABLE

THIS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Kids Kitchen Cooking Classes

Programs offered include classes for parenting, raising children and single parent families.

Monday to Friday From: 9.00am to 3.00pm Saturday From: 9.00am to 4.00pm

ARTSPACE MACKAY Artspace Mackay is a regional art gallery operated by Mackay Regional Council which provides the community and its visitors with access to a wide range of cultural services.

Exhibition: MCA CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF PRIMAVERA Sunday, 1 April to Sunday, 13 May Tuesday to Friday from 10:00am - 5:00pm Weekends from 10.00am to 3.00pm P 4961 9722 E artspace@mackay.qld.gov.au www.artspacemackay.com.au

BIG4 ADVENTURE WHITSUNDAY RESORT BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is one big Whitsunday holiday destination in itself.

Nowhere else will you find so much fun in one place! If your idea of a great holiday is fun times in idyllic surrounds then you’ll love what’s on offer. The self-contained accommodation options and range of facilities truly cater to everyone from the young to the youngat-heart.

The Kids Kitchen cooking classes are designed to be a fun and educational way for kids and teens to learn about produce, trying different ingredients, learning the basics of preparing and cooking food as well as food hygiene and safety.

The kids and teens classes also assist to develop everyday skills including measuring, counting, reading recipes, teamwork and of course, cleaning up!

ENTERTAINMENT Water slides, jumping castles, bouncy boxing, gladiator duel, mechanical bull, sumo wrestling, cocktail machines, sticky wall, mini golf and fairy floss!

They deliver the FUN!

P 4942 6360 E bouncenow@hotmail.com.au F Facebook.com/BounceNow www.bouncenow.com.au

SARINA SUGAR SHED Take the tour – taste the action!

Get the kids out of the house these school holidays with a taste-budtantalising tour of the Sarina Sugar Shed, a fully working miniature sugar mill and distillery and the only one of its kind in Australia. The interactive tours are a great way to teach your kids where sugar comes from while tasting freshly made sugar cane juice, fairy floss and locally made sauces and chutneys.

Open seven days a week.

Cost: From $15.00 to $42.00

Four daily tours are held at 9.30am, 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm (closed public holidays).

Bookings Required.

Bookings required.

P 0449 167 152 E trudie@familytable.com.au F Facebook.com/familytablemackay www.familytable.com.au

P 4943 2801 www.sarinasugarshed.com.au

MACKAY CITY LIBRARIES School holiday activities are run during every school break for children aged Prep to Year 6.

Activities are also available for high school students.

For more information, visit their website.

F Facebook.com/MackayLibraries www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries

THE MECC The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) is located in the heart of Mackay and is just a short stroll away from a plethora of City Centre restaurants, an award-winning regional art gallery, hotels, a library, shopping precincts and Mackay’s magnificent blue water Pioneer River.

P 4961 9777 E mecctickets@mackay.qld.gov.au F Facebook.com/themecc www.themecc.com.au

REMEMBER TO LET THEM KNOW YOU READ ABOUT IT IN PAKMAG

32 April 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Health

HEALTH How To Use Mind Hacks To Lose Weight

Classroom bugs, Part 2

STORY Michele Connolly, Author of How to Be Thin in a World of Chocolate: The anti-fad, anti-misery guide to losing weight for life.

In the March edition, we discussed how the classroom is not only a breeding ground for fertile imaginations but also for school bugs. Preventing children from catching infections at school isn’t really possible, but if parents are able to spot symptoms, they may be able to manage the illness and potentially stop them from spreading the bugs further.

I could never do diets. I don’t like salad, and I’m not the kind of person who can eat what someone tells me to when they say I should. But I managed to lose weight in my own special way. Not by following a fad diet but by developing a series of mind tricks like these: Treat your body like an exclusive club.

Imagine you’re the bouncer and the people lining up are foods. Healthy foods go right in. But foods high in fat or sugar; only admit the ones you truly love. Before you lift the red velvet rope on your body, ask yourself if this food deserves a place inside?

If you can take it or leave it, always leave it.

Make this your mantra. As with life, you can’t have everything, but you can have what you want most. Think about which treats you adore and let yourself enjoy them when you really want them. But be honest about treats that are eaten out of habit or simply because they’re there.

Remember, there’ll always be another waffle.

This is a key mindset shift. If you’ve ordered a dessert that’s not hitting the spot or your fries are soggy, push the plate away. Just because you’ve given in to a craving doesn’t mean you must finish everything. If it’s not great, don’t finish it.

STORY Dr Nicole Higgins, Health on Central

This month we look at number three on our top five list of common classroom bugs: Head lice (aka Nits) Head lice are not dangerous; just annoying. They always seem to get found just as you are about to walk out the door to school. Head lice are tiny parasites that live on the scalp.

They lay their eggs (nits) near the base of the hair shaft. Head lice spread quickly at school because kids often work and play closely and share personal items. Head lice don’t fly or jump; they can only crawl from head to head.

Some suggestions to reduce the chance of catching head lice include: •• Not sharing hairbrushes, hair ties, hats or any other hair accessories.

How to Be Thin in a World of Chocolate: The anti-fad, anti-misery guide to losing weight for life

•• Keeping long hair tied up. Plaits are the best way to keep hair under control at school.

RRP $19.95 www.micheleconnolly.com

It is a lucky parent that escapes having to deal with head lice. If you do find yourself with a case of the dreaded head lice, pop into your local chemist to get a head lice treatment solution.

For your chance to win a copy of How to Be Thin in a World of Chocolate: The anti-fad, anti-misery guide to losing weight for life, visit www.pakmag.com.au

•• Checking your child’s head regularly for evidence of nits or lice.

Being in a classroom, your child is likely to get sick more often until they build up their immunity. If you are concerned with their health, your family GP is always there to help.

www.pakmag.com.au | April 2018 35

Home

BUDGET- FRIENDLY AND BEAUTIFUL: PEG BOARD With the Block’s Caro and Kingi Who doesn’t love peg board? They’re easy to set up, they look amazing and are a beautiful decorative focal point. On top of that, they are incredibly versatile and can be of use in any room of the house. If you’re tired of the mess and unorganised clutter in your home than it’s time to embrace the pegboard!

In the Living Room.

Display sentimental items and your favourite home decorations in a whole new way with the flexibility of stepped shelves allowing for the display of items of varying sizes. Make your house feel like a home with all your memories beautifully displayed, and when you feel like a change, you can do just that, without damaging the walls.

items all cleverly displayed on a pegboard within easy reach. Add a splash of colour with small potted fresh herbs.

In the Study.

A pegboard above a desk is great for providing fantastic storage that will leave you with room to move on your desk. Hang up file holders and some baskets to hold the smaller items such as pens, sticky notes and chargers for electronic devices. The beauty is that if your storage needs change, you just change the pegboard to suit.

In the Garage.

Make a creative statement and make your cooking easier with useful items, like measuring cups and spoons, seasoning shakers or other regularly used

Whether it’s primarily for practical or decorative purposes, a pegboard will make a world of difference in your home, and you will love the versatility that it offers.

www. inspiredbycharm.com

In the Kitchen.

Industrial strength pegboards can turn a disorganised garage into a haven with simple storage shelves and hooks that will allow you to reclaim the space for the car.

www.annesage.com/blog www. estliving.com

www.vintagerevivals.com

36 April 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Instagram: thekmartdiaries

FINISHING TOUCHES 1

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1. Hell Yeah Framed Print - RRP $29.95 - www.ellej.com.au 2. Tee Pee Wooden Shelf in Pink - RRP $15.00 - www.ellej.com.au 3. On My Mind Harmony Earth Blocks, Wooden Story - RRP $39.95 - www.playmackay.com.au 4. Down to the Woods Blackboard Shield Medium - RRP $15.50 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 5. Middle of Nowhere Bella Brass Mirror - RRP $395.00 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 6. Zakkia Holey Vessel Brass - RRP $35.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 7. Ice Cream Light in White - RRP $10.00 - www.ellej.com.au 8. Ostheimer Elephant Trumpeting Small - RRP $24.99 - www.playmackay.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | April 2018 37

Home

BOOK NOOK Create a magical reading place for your child with a nook full of comfy pillows, stuffed animals, perhaps a desk, and of course, many creative storage spaces for their treasured favourite books. Watch as their imaginations soar in this, their very own, special place.

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Instagram: lalalovesdecor

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Instagram: roomor_

1. Ruby Red Shoes Goes To Paris and Ruby Red Goes To London Hardcover Books - RRP $19.95ea - www.ellej.com.au 2. Petilou Woodland Book by Le Toy Van RRP $19.95 - www.playmackay.com.au 3. Grid Cotton Cushion Cover by Cream Empire - RRP $55.00 $27.50 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 4. Bride & Wolfe Circle Shelf - RRP $375.00 $187.50 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 5. Bear Cushion by Homely Creatures - RRP $58.00 $29.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 6. Knitted Mountain Cushion by Homely Creatures - RRP $95.00 $47.50 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 7. Down To The Woods Arrow Small - RRP $31.50 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

38 April 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Recipes

HEALTHY RECIPES

Nourish Bowl Serves 1-2 Recipe by Melissa Wallace @wholesomedaily

Banana Flour Pancakes Recipe by Lilian Dikmans from @liliandikmans Ingredients 1 cup green banana flour ½ cup buckwheat flour 1 tsp gluten free baking powder 4 large eggs 2 x 20ml tbsp rice malt syrup 1 tsp pure vanilla extract ½ cup unsweetened almond milk coconut oil for frying

Ingredients 250g soaked and cooked lentils 1 large purple sweet potato 2 carrots cut into chunks ½ cup cooked red rice 2 spring onion, chopped Beetroot hommus 3 medium beets 1 tsp olive oil ¼ cup tahini ¼ cup fresh lemon juice ½ tsp salt 1 tbs maple syrup

Topping Ideas Berries Natural yoghurt Coconut icecream Cacao nibs Nut butter Tahini caramel sauce (tahini and rice malt syrup) Raw chocolate sauce (coconut oil + cacao powder + rice malt syrup)

Method Preheat oven to 180 degees C Add sweet potatoes, carrot and any other vegetables to taste and roast approx. 40 minutes or until baked and tender.

To make the hommus: Peel the beets and cut them into quarters. Toss them with olive oil then wrap them in foil.

Place wrapped beets on a baking tray and roast them in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a knife. Unwrap the beets and let them cool.

Once cooled put them in your food processor or high powered blender. Add tahini, maple syrup, lemon juice and sea salt and process until smooth.

To serve put roasted vegetables into a bowl with greens of your choice. Mix through cooked red rice and lentils and serve with beetroot hummus dressing.

Method Mix the banana flour, buckwheat flour and baking powder together in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and crack in the eggs. Lightly whisk the eggs with a spoon and then add the rice malt syrup and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until well combined and then add the almond milk to thin out the mixture slightly.

Heat some coconut oil in a frypan over medium heat.

Pour some batter into the pan and fry on both sides until golden. The pancakes should be ready to flip when small bubbles start to appear on the surface of the pancake. Keep them smallish to make them easier to flip.

Serve with your desired toppings. Any left over pancakes will keep in the fridge for the next day.

Recipes bought to you by The Source Bulk Foods.

www.pakmag.com.au | April 2018 41

Celebrate

CREATE AND CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE What’s better than a party? An ‘Arty Party’, of course! Ignite the creativity within your guests with crafty party games, favours and homemade decorations that will have them a gasp. Break out the glitter and let your creative juices flow. Getting crafty is cheaper, more fun and easier than you’d think!

Get egg-cited!

Lay out some fake craft eggs and a variety of paints for your party guests and let them design their own creature eggs. For younger kids, stencils may be helpful. Who knows what will hatch? Bird, dinosaur or perhaps a make-believe creature. Let their imagination run wild.

Cupcake perfection.

Present your budding Picasso party guests with (clean) paint palettes filled with an array of sprinkles and other edible cake decorations and let your artists go

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wild on an iced cupcake! This is very cost-effective and fun, and the kids will love eating their own creation. Just be prepared to clean up the mess!

Homemade decorations.

You don’t need to be a crafting wizard to make amazing decorations.

Break out the watercolour paints and a large sheet of paper and create a poster for the birthday girl or boy, or make bunting out of colourful pompoms and brightly-coloured paper cut into ice cream cone shapes. Voila! Adorable decorations with minimal effort. Plus, chances are, you may already have these items around the house.

Getting arty is fun! With colourful decorations and crafty activities, this party will be sure to be one that your little artists will remember plus they’ll love taking home something they made themselves!

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1. www.blog.amyatlas.com 2. www.thehandmadehome.net 3. Custom Birthday Cake. The possibilities are endless with Cakes Annietime - www.cakesannietime.com.au 4. Egg Painting 5. DIY Pom Pom Tassel - www.fun365.orientaltrading.com 6. Wooden Dinosaur Stamp Set by Melissa & Doug - RRP $29.95 - www.playmackay.com. au 7. Wooden Friendship Stamp Set by Melissa & Doug - RRP $ 29.95 - www.playmackay.com.au 8. www.sofestive.com 9. Streamer Pop in Unicorn - RRP $11.95 - www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 10. Rainbow Unicorn - RRP $39.95 - www.gardensparkle.com.au 11. 12 Inch Paper Roll RRP $16.95 - www.playmackay.com.au 12. www.jenloveskev.com

DADDY Daddy Diary DIARY I remember getting my first bike when I was six years old. It was a red hand-me-down from a family down the road whose ‘little tacker’ had outgrown, as, like his parents who were over six-foot-tall, he was growing faster than a tomato plant in the backyard. The day I got this bike, I took it straight across the road to the school oval where I eagerly jumped on my ‘red bullet’ with great expectations of my being the fastest kid on two wheels, ever.

Not quite how it panned out. Within the first minute, I had fallen off, grazed both my knees, got gravel in my palms and nearly lost a couple of my baby teeth, but that didn’t stop me. I kept trying. Sure, I was wobbly, but after about ten minutes I had mastered the art of not falling off; braking was another issue, but that came later in that same day.

I dreamed of being the fastest, most competitive rider that Australia had ever seen. I remember watching the Commonwealth Games on TV and thinking to myself,

With Star 101.9’s Rob Kidd

imagine being that good, being able to race around a track and win one of those cool medals to wear around my neck. And I’m pretty sure I was not the only little boy or girl to ever have that thought.

Fast forward to now, and that exact feeling will be being felt again as the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games unfold. Take a moment to think about this; how many of these athletes competing do you think started out in their chosen sport by doing exactly what I did as a six-year-old? I bet, all of them. All of these athletes started out as kids (and some of them really still are) who jumped on their bike and fell off or who jumped into the swimming pool and flayed their arms around like a windmill.

In every house across the Mackay and Whitsunday district, I’m sure there is a whole new generation of little sports stars in the making who are sitting watching these athletes compete and are dreaming themselves of one day wearing the green and gold too.

Encourage these kids, cheer them on and support them because who knows, they could just be the next Ian Thorpe or Anna Meares. But don’t forget to have the Dettol at the ready.

Rob Kidd Star 101.9 Mackay and the Whitsundays

44 April 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au