PakMag Mackay - June 2017 Issue 56 by Grand Publishing

ISSUE: June 2017

MACKAY

FREE

CONTENTS PAGE 04 Entertainment: Check It Out

Wow, what can I say?

07 The Thing Is... With Bree James

This month PakMag turns 10. Over the past ten years we’ve done so much and I want to say a huge THANK YOU to our readers, clients, event attendees, PakMag staff (past and present), sponsors, suppliers and everyone who has had an involvement with making PakMag so amazing over the past 10 years. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate every last one of you, we really wouldn’t be where we are without you.

08 Feature: PakMag Says Thank You! 11

Education: How You Can Help Your Child’s School

12 Education: Learning Styles 15 ‘Greatest Show From Africa’ Coming Soon To Mackay 17 Health 19 Sarah’s Story 20 Bump, Bub And Beyond 23 What’s On Guide 25 Mini Mag 33 School Holiday Guide 39 Party Snacks

As you know, we’re all about providing our community with great entertainment, exciting content and resources to empower parents to raise incredible kids. So, for our birthday, we’re upping the ante and throwing a spectacular birthday weekend to combine all that we stand for, so make sure you don’t miss it. We’d love to see you there on 24th and 25th June! Check out www.pakevents.com.au to book tickets for our Parenting Conference and Prom, and get more information about our Expo and Family FunDay. We often get emails and messages from our readers to tell us how PakMag has impacted them and we are truly humbled by your stories and messages of support. We’d love to hear from you if you love PakMag – as part of our 10 year celebration we are making a video dedicated to our readers, so if you’d like to be part of this, please email us on admin@grandpublishing.com.au and tell us your story. Looking forward to seeing you all at our Birthday Weekend!

40 Craft: Dress Up Your Dresser 42 Celebrate: When In Doubt, Add More Sparkle 44 Home with Caro & Kingi: Kid’s Play Room 46 Snapped 49 Business 50 Daddy Diary

Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-cheif Bree James Operations Manager Rose Foster Graphic Designers Clare Winter Lise Mardon-Smith

Bree James Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-chief On the cover PakMag Staff Photography Blueclick Photography e veronica@blueclickphotography.com Cover Concept & Composition Clare Winter Contact Us: p 4053 3331 f 4053 3350 e admin@grandpublishing.com.au a Po box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 fb facebook.com/pakmagmackay t #pakmag

Marketing to Families Experts Lisa Gillman Steph Bartram Jenifer Spiro Office / Production Manager Janelle May

Supply & Distribution Manager Gleisy Meireles Accounts Trent Stievano Media Intern Monique Saggers

Sub-Editor Kate Moloney

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 2016

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 3

Entertainment

CHECK IT OUT Mr. Stink When: Friday, 02 June 2017, 11.00am, 1.00am and 6.00pm Where: MECC More Info: www.themecc.com.au A play by Maryam Master. Based on the book by David Walliams. Directed by Jonathan Biggins.

Mackay Show 2017 When: Tuesday, 20 June to Thursday, 22 June 2017 Where: Mackay Showgrounds More Info: mackayshow.com.au

State of Origin Game 2 Carpark Cinema at Forty Winks When: 21 June 2017, 7.30pm Where: Forty Winks Carpark Cinema, 3 Kay Court, Mackay More Info: facebook.com/ fortywinksmackay/ On June 21st, Forty Winks will present a live outdoor screening of the State of Origin Game 2 for families. This is an alcohol free and children friendly event on a huge 8m outdoor cinema screen. There will be a community sausage sizzle on the night and everyone is welcome.

Mackay Show is a three-day non-stop entertainment event, showcasing historical displays alongside animal nursery, Heaps of entertainment!

David Walliams’ award-winning book comes to life on stage for children 6-12 years old and their adults! "Mr Stink stank. He also stunk. And if it was correct English to say he stinked, then he stinked as well…” It all starts when Chloe, just about the loneliest girl in the world, makes friends with Mr Stink, the local tramp. Recommended: Ages 6 to 12 years old. Cost: $15 + fee

North Queensland Babies & Kids Market When: Sunday, 04 June 2017, 8.30am – 12.30pm Where: Mackay Showgrounds Hall More Info: www.nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket.com The North Qld Babies & Kids Market was developed due to an overwhelming response to one mum organising a small market to sell pre-loved babies and kids goods. The market has grown from 8 stall holders to over 90 displays of pre-loved, handmade, new or promotional stands. The Market is not only for parents to buy and sell good quality pre-loved babies and kids goods but also provides an avenue to connect mums with mums; and local home based businesses and services. $2 Adult and Children Free

Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium When: Saturday, 17 and Sunday, 18 June 2017, 10.00am and 1.00pm Where: MECC More Info: www.themecc.com.au Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium invites children to step into the action of the performance; each show performers will invite a small number of carefully selected young divers to join them on their quest to the bottom of the ocean, to ‘swim’ with an amazing array of aquatic creatures from bygone eras. Connecting young audiences to the real science of palaeontology, their creatures are unmistakably ‘alive’ and mostly friendly, in this fun, educational and unique performance that will delight all audiences from ages 5 years and up. Tickets: $25 Adult | $20 Concession |$20 Child U12 |$80 Family 4 (2A+2C) Call for Tickets : 4961 9777 WIN a family pass + an exclusive VIP Meet and Greet with the cast! (Conditions Apply). For your chance to win go to www.pakmag.com.au

Questacon Science Circus When: Saturday, 10 June 2017 Where: MECC Plenary Halls More Info: www.themecc.com.au You can encourage a fascination and enjoyment of science by exploring hands-on exhibits. Come along and spin like an iceskater, discover how fast you can throw a ball, freeze your shadow on a wall and test your reflexes. Tickets: $6 Adult | $5 Student | Free Child U5

4 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

PAKMAG’S 10th birthday weekend When: Saturday, 24 to Sunday, 25 June 2017 Where: Brothers Leagues Club Cairns More Info: www.pakevents.com.au We’re having a party, and you’re invited! PakMag is turning 10 and we’re having a huge birthday weekend. On 24th and 25th June, you’re invited to join us for a weekend packed full of events. Plan now to make the trip to Cairns for the PakMag Parents Conference, the PakMag Prom, The PakMag Family FunDay and the PakMag Expo. Tickets are limited. Book Now! The Pakmag Conference 2017 When: Saturday, 24 June 2017, 9.00am – 4.00pm The PakMag Conference will bring parents together, with 6 incredible speakers the conference theme is "Empowering Parents to Raise Incredible Kids". The Pakmag EXPO When: Saturday, 24 to Sunday 25 June 2017, 10.00am – 2.00pm The PakMag Expo is a FREE expo for parents and kids in North Queensland. Come along, meet local suppliers and connect with your community! Packed with local suppliers and businesses, the Pakmag Expo has something for everyone. PakMag Prom When: Saturday, 24 June 2017, 7.00pm – 11.00pm Let Your Hair Down and Join Us for a Night of Fun, Frolics and Dancing, 80s style! Free drink on arrival. Dress Code: OP Shop Chic! 18+ Event Pakmag Family FunDay When: Sunday, 25 June 2017, 10.00am – 2.00pm Family FunDay with entertainment, games, gifts and lot of fun! Plus, you could win $1,000!! Free Event

Save the date: Cirque Africa When: Tuesday, 04 July 2017 Where: MECC Auditorium More Info: www.themecc.com.au Playing for one night only on the 4st July 2017 this one of a kind show is sure to amaze and enthrall all who see it! A 100% African experience, Cirque Africa is a vibrant and highly entertaining blockbuster production which transports the audience to the other side of Africa through modern and traditional circus acrobatic performances. Tickets cost $79 adult, $59 concession, $49 student, children under 12 $39 or a family (2 adults, 2 children) $179.

The THING THE THING IS... IS... STORY Bree James

It’s June. We are officially halfway through 2017, and most of us are having heart palpitations that the year will be done before we know it. This is a milestone month for us, ten years publishing PakMag, and I am so proud of our achievements to date. I’ve been reflecting a lot, and someone asked me what the biggest lesson is that I have learnt. I can tell you there are a lot. But the biggest lesson I have learnt is that we always need to be learning, or we are dying. Sounds pretty harsh, but it is true. The thing is, we all have problems, we all make mistakes, we all have things happen to us that shouldn’t, and we all have learning opportunities around us every single day. But we have to choose whether we learn and become better people every single day. Sure there are things we learn that can drag us down, and we feel anger, self pity, resentment, regret and a heap of other emotions that make us not want to be in our own skin. Not to mention no one else wants to be around us either unless they are feeling the same way. And, we can learn things that make us better people, more knowledgeable, wiser and proud to be in our skin. And you know what, more people want to be around people like that. I am no saint, and like you I’ve had moments of feeling like I’ve had more kicks than a soccer ball. And you wonder why the hell you are on the field and beg that the next kick is going to push you into the direction you want to go and into the goals. But this is the wrong way to think. Yes, I am all about trying to get into the goals, and live a life that I am working hard to achieve, but learning to play the game rather than sitting on the sidelines is actually the most important thing of all.

that we aren’t even thinking about learning. People often ask me how I have achieved so much, and I can honestly tell you, it is from my commitment to learning. Learning about myself, learning about others, learning to be a better parent, learning to be a better cook, learning to be a better business owner, and learning to get back on the soccer field even when I don’t think I can win. These are a few of the things I push myself to consciously learn every single day. I look for learning all day and I am obsessed with learning whether it be through reading books, listening to experts on a TED talk or watching my two boys discover their world. So many of us do not make learning a conscious part of our every day, and it’s really easy to fix. Ask yourself many times a day, “What did I just learn?”. My commitment to this magazine is to help you as a parent learn more, that is why we exist and we have a lot of exciting plans for the future. We will continue to bring our readers things like our publication, our blogs, our events and our very first conference to town so that regionally as a community we have access to knowledge to prepare our kids for the competitive future ahead. And I hope you continue to support us so that we can continue to support you. We want to learn from you, we want to get to know you better, and we want to empower you to raise incredible kids. So thanks for reading, and I truly hope you join me on my addicted-to-learning journey and that I see you at the PakMag Conference and all our 10th Birthday Celebrations (not going to teach you much at the Prom though, except how to dance like its 1980, sorry!).

These days there are opportunities to learn everywhere, but so many of us are too busy getting through our day

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PAKMAG SAYs THANK YOU! Can you believe it? PakMag turns 10 this month! Whether you’ve been reading the magazine for 10 years, 10 months or 10 minutes, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping make the past decade possible! You may know what the magazine looks like now, but do you know how we started, or the epic journey we’ve been on? Let us tell you! May 2007, The conception. Bree had a moment of frustration, no-one knew what was happening around Cairns for families. So one night she decided to start a What’s On Guide for families. By morning, ideas kept flowing and it became a 76 page plan for a magazine filled with loads of ideas for families. June 2007, The birth. Despite Bree never having worked in sales, print, written a story, or had kids, PakMag came to life. Sleepless nights and two all nighters and the first magazine finally went to print. It was terribly designed and written, but it had heart and families loved it. The most stressful moment for Bree was putting signage out on the highway at 2am on her own to promote the launch at Woree McDonalds, at 7am she went into town and to her devastation they had all been taken down! Thankfully her partnership with Sea FM at the time meant the event got great coverage and loads of families turned up for the event and to grab the very first copy.

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June 2008. First Teddy Bears’ Picnic to celebrate PakMag turning one, and to raise money for Sea FM’s Give Me Five For Kids. Trent, Bree’s husband, joined the business to manage the accounts and IT. 2009. Bree had her first baby, Jordan, and hired an amazing lady called Elaine to help her with the business, and finally she had someone to work with, to take the magazine to the next level. First Easter Egg Hunt on the Esplanade. 2010. Angelina and Trina joined the team and the business started to feel like it was going places! August 2010. We decided to move down the coast and launch PakMag Townsville November 2010. We launched in Townsville after Bree spent many weeks driving to and from Cairns. Then Bree found out she was pregnant with baby number two… it was going to be fun raising two magazines and two kids.

Feature

2011. Bree and the team did monthly magazines and monthly events in Cairns and Townsville during this time, the highlight was doing two Easter events simultaneously. One in Cairns and one in Townsville. Halloween and Christmas were also two highlights for both cities. Baby number two, Sean, arrived, and thankfully he was a good baby. Many long road trips with pulling over to breastfeed and let a toddler run around were tough times. The lovely Janelle then joined the team to help us get more organised! 2012. We did the “12 Elves of Christmas” promotion and had many of you looking high and low for elves that we had hidden around Cairns and Townsville in the middle of the night! 2013. After many, many emails begging us to start in Mackay, we bit the bullet and decided to do it. With a two year old, and a four year old, the boys came on the road sometimes, but Bree often drove down and back in a week on her own visiting Townsville on the way. We launched in Mackay in November 2013.

2014. We held 36 events, and printed 36 magazines this year. It was a big year to say the least. 2015. We launched PakMag Australia, a digital magazine for families around the country. Our wonderful designer, Clare, joined our growing team. 2016. Bree did her first ever public speaking engagements, and did over 20 in her first year as a public speaker. 2017. We launched the NQ Family Travel Guide, and The NQ Baby and Toddler Guide. The PakMag Conference, and LOADS more to come! The team has seen some incredible people come through our doors and shape PakMag to what it has become. Now, our team is the biggest it’s ever been with Bree, Rose, Janelle, Clare, Lisa, Trent, Lise, Gleisy, Monique, Alyssa, Kate, Steph and Jen all working from our new office on Anderson Street. Not to mention, the amazing people who help get the magazine to our readers on a monthly basis. So, a huge thank you to PakMag staff past and present for helping us reach this incredible milestone.

In the past 10 years we have... Printed more than 2.6 million magazines.

Donated more than $1 million in advertising to a host of local events and not for profit organisations.

Published over 266 magazines across 3 cities. Donated well over $150,000 to local charities.

Run over 400 free family events attended by over 300,000 local families.

Given away more than $500,000 in prizes to families ranging from movie tickets to family holidays.

Created the PakMag Mobile Parents Room (the first of its kind in Australia).

Contributed millions of dollars into the local economy.

Achieved millions of page views of our content.

Helped over 1,000 Small Businesses to grow their share of the family market.

Published 25,000 articles all written and published to help families.

Continued to employ locally, with a current team of 22 people.

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Education

HOW YOU HOW YOU CAN CAN HELP YOUR HELP YOUR CHILD’S CHILD’S SCHOOL SCHOOL STORY Meg O’Donnell, B.Ed

As much as we want to be, no one is Super-Mum or Super-Dad when it comes to helping out at our children’s schools. Everyone starts with the best intentions, but as time goes on, life gets busier and spare time becomes a rarity. Thankfully, there are many ways a busy parent can help out at their child’s school, without taking up all of their free time and still making a valuable contribution to the community.

Attend School Events

Communicate With The Teacher

Share Your Talents

Teachers are spending more time with our children than we do some weeks and, for the most part, they are flying blind. Sending a quick email occasionally to update them on any important issues (or successes) your child may be dealing with at home helps keep the teacher up to date and serves to provide a more caring environment for all.

Every family has their own unique set of skills and talents that they can contribute and all are welcome; from a local chef visiting to discuss recipes on healthy eating, to a published children’s author speaking to a class about storylines. While the family might be tired of listening to Dad play the guitar, to a class of young children it could make their day.

Volunteer Your Time

Join The P&C Association

Whether it’s reading groups or a class excursion, visiting your child’s classroom can be a huge help. An extra set of adult hands are always welcome in the classroom and it helps you as a parent to stay up to date with your child’s learning. This is also a great chance to get to know your child’s classmates and provide another positive adult role model for them. As an added bonus, children who have parents volunteer at school have a greater respect for learning and show pride in their parent taking such a keen interest.

The P&C (Parents & Citizens) Association is a great way to take an active role in your child’s school. Meetings are generally held once a month throughout the school year and as a member you contribute to a range of areas, including learning and teaching, ICT (Information Communication and Technology) and grounds maintenance. The P&C also run the school’s tuckshop, so if meetings aren’t possible, being able to volunteer an hour or two towards preparing meals for the students would be greatly appreciated.

Whether it be swimming or sporting carnivals, excursions or special visits from outside organisations to the school, parents are not only welcome but also very appreciated. Not every parent can get time off work, so if you are one of the lucky ones able to attend, do the others a favour and cheer for the other kids too!

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Education

LEARNING STYLES LEARNING STYLES STORY Meg O’Donnell, B.Ed

“Every student can learn, just not on the same day or the same way.” George Evans might have been trying to make a joke when he said that, but he isn’t entirely wrong. Just like every person in the world has different thoughts, emotions and perspectives, every child learns in different ways. The good news is that almost all students can be categorised into four main learner groups. These groups are Visual, Auditory, Read & Write and Kinaesthetic. Knowing which group your child fits into can make all of the difference in their learning. Visual Learners These students learn best when they can actually see the material. Visual learners are usually fast talking, can sometimes become impatient and have a tendency to interrupt. They prefer to see the information and visualise the relationships between ideas. Strategies include creating visual aids such as flash cards, charts, diagrams and pictures which can show the links between concepts. YouTube videos that explain the topic can also help. Auditory Learners These are the learners who take in information best when it is communicated verbally. Auditory learners speak slowly and tend to be natural listeners. They prefer things to be explained verbally rather than having to read information and they learn best by listening and verbalising. These types of learners like to recite information out loud to remember it. Strategies include having one-on-one or group discussions about the topic, word association activities and listening to recordings about the topics. A simple strategy for these learners is to recite information on a topic and then ask them questions that they can answer by repeating the information back to you in response.

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Read & Write Learners These students learn best through reading and writing about the material they are covering. They prefer for their information to be displayed in written format, such as lists. Read & Write Learners enjoy reading and writing in all forms and have a preference for multiple choice tests. Strategies include re-writing their notes, group study sessions where they are able to read other’s work as well as collaborate, reading their task sheets (and writing a summary) for clarification and turning diagrams and charts into words to show an understanding. Kinaesthetic (Physical) Learners These students learn best by actually doing. Kinaesthetic Learners tend to be the slowest talkers of all and they can also be slow to make decisions. They use all of their senses to engage in their learning and they learn best by doing and solving real-life problems. These learners love the hands-on approach and embrace trial and error. Strategies include acting out concepts or topics, studying in shorter blocks of time and/or with others and excursions or simply adding a physical aspect to the study session (e.g. reciting times tables while kicking a ball back and forth). Lastly, it is important to remember that no child (or human for that matter) will ever fit entirely and solely into one type of learning style; least of all young children. Trying a variety of different techniques from various learning styles with your child will not only help them complete that school assignment or excel in that test, but it will also show them a larger set of different learning tools that they will eventually be able to use on their own, becoming lifelong learners.

Advertorial

‘GREATEST SHOW ‘GREATEST SHOW FROM FROM AFRICA’ AFRICA’ coming SOON COMING soon TO to MackaY mackay 100 per cent African. 100 per cent fun. Cirque Africa is a one of a kind show that is sure to amaze and enthral all who see it.

for young one’s who have outgrown the usual kiddie shows and for the young at heart who may think they have seen it all.

Mackay audiences will finally experience what the rest of Australia has been talking about when the exotic extravaganza that is Cirque Africa performs at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre for one night only on July 4.

A live ensemble performs the hugely likeable traditionalstyle music that has been composed for each act and dance routine, adding to Cirque Africa’s fresh, funky, bold and fun appeal.

This is not your typical circus. Cirque Africa is an amazing extravaganza of music, dance, comedy and acrobatic skill, celebrating the strength, flexibility and agility of eye-catching human bodies at their best. Colourful African costumes, catchy music and dance routines along with gravity-denying skills make this a first-rate show packed with high-energy fun to delight the whole family. It’s like The Lion King on steroids, with a lot of fun, straight out of Africa. The cast of 25 performing artists from six African countries includes dancers, percussionists, musicians, acrobats and contortionists who twist and turn, spin all manner of things with their feet, hang off bars, build human pyramids and defy gravity. It’s an interactive mix of dance, acrobatics and comedy that will leave you laughing one moment and your jaw dropped the next. The world-class routines are perfect

Cirque Africa is produced and directed by Papa Africa aka Winston Ruddle. He has managed to create a vibe that is both traditional and coolly urban. He also infuses the show, in his role as MC or Ringmaster, with traditional clown-style comedy and oversees a class act with audience participation. The troupe have been touring Australia for two years and show no signs of slowing down. They have left a trail of impressed audiences from Melbourne and Sydney to Western Australia and points in between, and have achieved a 4.5 star review for their performances at this year’s Adelaide Fringe festival. Don’t miss this incredible family show, in Mackay for one night only at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre on July 4 at 7.30pm. Show time is 100 minutes duration, plus a 20-minute interval. Tickets cost $79 adult, $59 concession, $49 student, children under 12 $39 or a family (2 adults, 2 children) $179. To book tickets online, visit www.mecc.com.au.

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Health

health It’s natural to worry but high temperatures are very common STORY Monique Saggers We have all been there, awoken in the middle of the night by our child’s cries, to find that they are sweating up a storm and are hot to touch. In a panic, we go to speed-dial the doctor when, in fact, experts say the best thing to do is, stop, breath and relax. Obviously, that’s easier said than done. The word fever can be scary for any parent, especially when it’s their first time dealing with the situation. Fevers in children are quite common and are often not harmful. Your child having a fever is the way their body fights an infection, in some cases it can be a good sign of recovery. Your baby or child's temperature can also be raised due to teething, following vaccinations or it could be as simple as they are wearing too much clothing or have too much bedding on. If your child’s only symptom is a temperature (ie. they still want to eat/play), the likelihood of a serious problem is slight. While it is natural to worry when your child’s temperature rises, the best thing you can do for them is to help them feel more comfortable by: •• Keeping them hydrated with cool water. Get them to drink a little, often, even if they say they are not thirsty. •• Lowering their body temperature with a lukewarm sponge bath. •• Dressing them in light clothing. Health Direct advises that, you contact your doctor urgently or dial triple zero (000) if your child: •• Is under three months of age and has a temperature of 38 °C or above. •• Is between three and six months of age and has a temperature of 39 °C or above. •• Is over six months and shows other signs of being unwell – for example, they are floppy and drowsy or you are concerned about them.

Sleep Issues STORY Dr Liam O’regan Problems with sleep is a common reason for people to visit their GP. In a survey by The Sleep Foundation up to 20 per cent of people felt daytime sleepiness affected their daily activities. Even more concerning is that eight per cent reported falling asleep at work and 19 per cent made errors at work because of their sleepiness. Sleep can be affected by some medications, such as strong painkillers, anti-depressants and some heart medications. Alcohol and stimulants such as nicotine also affect sleep quality. A variety of medical conditions can affect sleep including: Insomnia - a problem of sleep quantity, most commonly, difficulty getting to sleep or early waking. This can be due to jet lag, shift work or can be a sign of anxiety, stress or depression. Good “sleep hygiene” practices are the first line treatment for insomnia. Sleeping tablets are not routinely recommended. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) - a condition where there is an uncomfortable sensation in the legs with an irresistible urge to move the legs to relieve the discomfort. If severe this can be treated with a medication prescribed by your GP. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) - a condition where the throat collapses during sleep and breathing is ineffective. This results in snoring, apnoeas (stopping breathing) followed by gasps or choking. This often requires a mask to be worn at night to help keep the airway open. Narcolepsy - a rarer condition which results in “sleep attacks”, an irresistible urge to sleep during the day, often coming on very suddenly. This is usually treated by specialists with medication. Sleep disorders can also increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes as well as contributing to poor mental health. To diagnose a sleep disorder your GP will often use a sleep diary as well as a questionnaire to determine the severity, such as the “Epworth Sleepiness Scale”. If you suffer from daytime sleepiness you should see your regular GP.

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Bump, Bub and Beyond

Sarah’s Story Sarah’s Story I am sharing my experience of child loss from SIDS, not to create fear, but as a way to raise more awareness and understanding of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It’s a story written from my heart. That second you discover you are pregnant, WOW, the big high of excitement, then there comes a big low of fearing you could lose this tiny miracle growing inside of you... remember those memories and feelings? I do so very well. When motherhood finally begins, it is a big ‘hello’ to a whole new chapter of worries. When my second child Johnny was born, I didn’t have the great fears of a first time mum as his sister was 19 months old. On Johnny’s six month milestone we celebrated with chocolate cupcakes. That night I put him to bed and I am so glad in my rush to get my toddler off to bed too, I managed to say the words, "I love you son, sweet dreams". The next day I thought our son had slept through for the first time, but as soon as I opened the door and looked at my son, I instantly knew. It was the beginning of the end of our lives as we knew it.

it SIDS? Did I do something wrong? Will my other child die? So many questions and no answers. How did I get through it? A part of me still doesn't know, but I do remember contacting a Red Nose Counsellor and getting my own private Psychologist and Psychiatrist and a Marriage Counsellor. (My marriage did end but we remain good friends.) Accepting I was not the same person I was before Johnny passed away was a very hard and long process. A couple of years later I needed in-patient treatment to learn to deal with it properly. The thing I have learnt is that there is no wrong or right way to deal with the loss of a child, hence why there are just no words to describe it. I finally chose to live my life and I knew a great burden of loss, heartache and sadness came with that. I found my new love and married him and had a Rainbow Baby through IVF, she is Johnny's miracle. Although I have found my way and the wound of my heart started to heal, I also realised the horrific scar will always remain. Something I learn to accept a little more every day.

It was surreal. I blamed and hated myself, a maternal guilt that consumed me. I honestly wanted to die. I wanted to be with him. I was so angry and confused that he had left me.

Its been six and a half years since Johnny passed away from SIDS. But our Johnny is eternal, he is the little boy who lives on the moon. His legacy lives on in all of us, especially his big sister. He is our son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend forever, no matter what. I will always speak of him and I love when people talk to me about him.

The wait for the autopsy report felt like its own form of torture. Was it an accidental death? Was he sick? Or was

They are never ever forgotten, Love Sarah

Sarah’s Words of Wisdom:

•• I wish I’d known about Angel Gowns. They provide parents with a specially crafted outfit for their loved one’s final journey. I have since donated both my wedding gowns to them.

•• Contact Red Nose and always follow all the advice you get from them about safe sleeping and cot safety (accident prevention). •• Each October SANDS hold The Walk to Remember at the Mackay Botanical Gardens. It is a beautiful way to honour our babies who have passed away, something some parents need to help keep their spirit alive. •• Consider having local artists, like Hayley Gillespie (pictures above) or Melanie from Beyond the Willow Tree, paint a beautiful picture or make jewellery from ashes and hair. These priceless art memories really helped me when I was hurting and needed love and support to heal.

SIDS is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. Red Nose(formerly Sids and Kids) each year raises money to fund continued research, educational kits for new parents and counselling sessions for people affected by sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child. Red Nose Day is on Friday 30th June. Visit www.rednose.com.au SANDS provides support, information and education to anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth. Visit www.sandsqld.org.au

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Bump, Bub and Beyond

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

WIN

Bare + Boho ECO MAMA Pack (Includes: 1 x Bamboo-Glass Water Bottle + 1 x 5-Pack Reusable Produce Bags) RRP $42, www.bareandboho.com.au These beautiful bamboo and glass drink bottle to compliments a conscious plastic-free lifestyle and to encourages hydration without the dangers of chemicals found in plastic bottles. Featuring a soft insulation case used to maintain desired water temperature and protect glass. Bare and Boho also boasts a range of reusable and washable 100% cotton mesh produce bags, to be used as replacements for single-use plastic bags when buying fruit and veggies and bulk foods.

365 Sleep Bag 2.0 by The Sleepy Company RRP $149.95, www.sleepycompany.com

Baby Milestone Cards RRP $30, www.hellofern.com.au Place these cards next to baby and take a photo with your phone or camera to capture your babies growth. These beauties make an amazing unique gift for expecting mummies who have everything! Each card is printed on high quality, sturdy 310gsm card stock. The cards cover the first year of bubs life including birth, one week, one to eleven months and first birthday.

20 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

The 365 Sleep Bag 2.0 by The Sleepy Baby Company is a configurable baby sleeping bag made of luxurious organic cotton that adjusts to all four seasons and temperature changes, eliminating the need for blankets and multiple tog bags. Simply combine the Summer and Spring/Autumn bags to create your winter warmer, offering maximum usage of each bag. The 365 Sleep Bag features X-Tend system, an Australian first sleep solution that grows with your child, simply extend the sleeves to the next size up. With the 365 Sleep Bag 2.0, your baby sleeps in complete comfort and safety 365 days a year.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Australia’s C-Section Epidemic

Encouraging the skills of sharing

STORY Rose Foster

STORY Troy Dunn, Goodstart Early Learning National Inclusive Practices Consultant

As parents, planning for labour is something we’ve all done. We plan home births, water births, hospital births, caesareans, with anaesthetic, without anaesthetic and a whole host of other stipulations that would make for the perfect labour and birth. However, sometimes our plans and our unborn bub’s plans are misaligned, meaning last minute changes to the plan we’ve had for 9 months or more. However, with the number of births by C-section in Australia at 32 per cent (compared to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation of 10-15 per cent), it begs the question, have we normalised this major surgery? Research shows that countries with obstetrician-led maternity wards have higher rates of intervention than those with programs led by midwives. Many European countries are midwife-led and have C-section rates in line with WHO’s recommendation. In contrast, Australia is obstetrician-led. Whilst women should absolutely have the right to choose how they want to birth their baby, concerns have been raised over the past few years by various health organisations that Australian women are becoming increasingly desensitised to the undertaking of a C-section, and are sometimes planning this way without considering or properly understanding the consequences. And it’s not just choice. Australia’s obstetrician-led maternity wards could be another reason behind emergency C-sections too; whereas midwifery care views birth as a normal life event, obstetrics can treat birth as a medical procedure. Obstetricians have argued that the number of C-sections has risen in correlation to rising age and weight of mothers but researchers have claimed that where women live and whether she is covered by private health insurance are the greatest factors. Obviously, C-sections are necessary for some women, whether emergency or planned, yet there is a still a raging debate surrounding caesareans for births with no medical reason for the procedure. Midwife, Hannah Dahlen told SBS, “You can find a medical reason for anything. Whether or not it’s a good medical reason is the question, and a lot of pseudo reasons are being used to argue women into C-sections.” Conversely, Obstetrician, Dr Michael Permazel argues, “I just can’t see that there’s any reason why an obstetrician would prefer C-sections for their patients. The C-section is about advising on the safest mode for her and her baby.”

Learning to share, wait and take turns are important skills for young children to learn. But for children under the age of three, not wanting or being able to share, wait or taking turns is a normal part of their development. Young children can develop attachments to both people and things, which can make it difficult for them to share them. Adults also have possessions and items which are valued and important to them and they may not feel comfortable with sharing. For example, imagine someone asking to borrow your engagement ring for a while – while they don’t want to keep it, they just want to share it with you. This is how children can feel when someone comes up and tries to take their special toys or possessions. A child’s toys or possessions are equally important to them and often they will not feel safe and secure if their important things are being handled by someone else. We also often confuse sharing with giving up an item when another child wants it which can send mixed messages. We can insist our children share when another child demands a toy, worrying our child might become selfish or other parents will think badly of us if we don’t. While this is a natural phase children progress through, there are ways for parents to start to encourage the skills of sharing, waiting and turn-taking. The best way to approach sharing and turn taking is to allow children to finish their play, and then encourage them to surrender it. Example: James is playing with his toy car and his friend Susan comes over and tries to take it. A possible approach could be, “Susan, James is playing with that toy at the moment, but as soon as he is done you can have a turn.”

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 21

WHAT’S ON JUNE June THURSDAY 1 Get Out, Get Active Mirani High School, Mirani www.mackay.qld.gov.au 4.30pm / $10 per session / Youth+ Cityside Book Club Dudley Denny City Library mackaylibraries.blogspot.com.au. 6.00pm / Free / Family Story Time Dudley Denny City Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au 10.30am / Free / Kids 2.5 - 5

Deborah Kelly: No human being Is illegal (in all our glory) All month long Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family Peter Lyssiotis: Where are the originals? Once were photographs… Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family Wonder Woman BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times

Years Old

FRIDAY 2

Baby Bounce

Mr Stink MECC www.themecc.com.au 11am, 1am & 6pm / Cost / Family

Gordon White Library www.mackay.qld.gov.au 10:30am / Free / Babies

Youth+

Bring your Babies - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead men tell no tales BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / Check website for more details

Liminal Spaces: Escaping the

SATURDAY 3

Bootcamp/Boxercise Extreme Body and Soul 31 Calen Mt Charlton Road www.mackay.qld.gov.au 5.30pm / $10 per session /

frame All month long Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family Jud Wimhurst: Protection All month long Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family

Botanic Gardens Open Day + QLD Day Botanic Gardens botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au 9.00am / Free / Family Weekend Family Flicks - Beauty and the Beast BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times

SUNDAY 4 Nth Qld Babies & Kids Market Mackay Showgrounds Hall www. nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket.com 8.30am / $2 Adult / Famliy Mackay Marina Run 2017 Mackay Harbour www.mackaymarinarun.com Check website for details Weekend Family Flicks - Beauty and the Beast BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Price $6 / Check website for times MONDAY 5 Bring your Babies - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead men tell no tales BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / Check website for more details WEDNESDAY 7 Bring your Babies - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead men tell no tales BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 12.30am / Check website for more details FRIDAY 9 Lee Kernaghan – Boys From The Bush 25th Anniversary Tour MECC Auditorium

With Star’s Rob

www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $69.90 Adult / Youth+ Edward Scissorhands BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times Bring your Babies - Baywatch BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / Check website for more details SATURDAY 10 Questacon Science Circus MECC Plenary Halls www.themecc.com.au 10.00am / $6 Adult / Family Exploring Wind & Soil Children’s Workshop Mackay Community Gardens www.facebook.com/ MackayCommunityGardens 9.00am / $5 / Kids Abundance Day Mackay Community Gardens www.facebook.com/ MackayCommunityGardens 10.00am / Free / Family 2017 Racq Cq Rescue Model Search MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 5.30pm / $35 Adult / Family Exploring Soil Children’s Workshop Mackay Community Gardens www.facebook.com/ MackayCommunityGardens 9.00am / $5 / Kids

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 23

WHAT’S ON JUNE June Exploring Soil - Children’s Workshops Mackay Community Gardens www.facebook.com/ MackayCommunityGardens 9.00am / $5 per child / Kids Abundance Day (Food Share) Mackay Community Gardens www.facebook.com/ MackayCommunityGardens 10.00am / Free / Family MONDAY 12 Bring your Babies - Baywatch BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / Check website for more details WEDNESDAY 14 Fan Day 2017 - Street Parade Gordon Street www.mackay.qld.gov.au 10.30am / Free / Family Fan Day 2017 MECC Plenary Halls www.themecc.com.au 12.00pm / $130 / Youth+ Fan Day 2017 - Junior Clinic Mackay’s BB Print Stadium www.mackay.qld.gov.au 1.45pm / Free / Family Chicks at the Flicks – Advance Screening Rough Night BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times Bring your Babies - Baywatch BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 12.30am / Check website

24 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

With Star’s EJ

THURSDAY 15

SUNDAY 18

WEDNESDAY 21

Avenue Q (Live) Runs until 16 June MECC www.themecc.com.au 8.00pm / $54.50 Adult / Adult

Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 10.00am & 1.00pm / $25 Adult / Family

Bring your Babies Wonder Woman BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 12.30am / Check website for more details

Rough night BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times Despicable Me 3 BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times FRIDAY 16 Bring your Babies Wonder Woman BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / Check website for more details SATURDAY 17 Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 6.30pm / $25 Adult / Family South Family Carnival Day Souths Leagues Club www.facebook.com/ SouthsLeaguesClubMackay 12.00pm / Free / Family South Family Carnival Day Movie Night Souths Leagues Club www.facebook.com/ SouthsLeaguesClubMackay 6.00pm / Free / Family

Pandurunga Farm Hands-On Permaculture Mackay Community Gardens www.facebook.com/ MackayCommunityGardens 9.00am / Charity / Family Pandurunga Farm Hands-On Permaculture Open Day Mackay Community Gardens www.facebook.com/ MackayCommunityGardens 9.00am / Free / Family

THURSDAY 22 Cars 3 BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times SATURDAY 24

Bring your Babies -

Pakmag’s 10th Birthday Weekend Runs Until 25th Brother League Cairns www.pakevents.com.au 9.00am / Free & Ticketed / Family

Wonder Woman BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / Check website for more details

The Pakmag Expo Runs until the 25th Brother League Cairns www.pakevents.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family

TUESDAY 20

The Pakmag Conference Brother League Cairns www.pakevents.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Parent

MONDAY 19

Mackay Show 2017 Runs until 22 June Mackay Showgrounds mackayshow.com.au Check website for details BMA KidSpace Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / Free / Kids

The Pakmag Prom Brother League Cairns www.pakevents.com.au 7.00pm / $29 / 18+ WHAT’S ON GUIDE CONTINUES P.29

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 25

Mini Mag Mackay

Win a double pass and prize pack for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Long Haul.

START

FINISH

In 20th Century Fox’s new movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, Greg and his family go on a road trip to see their beloved Meemaw. But Greg has a different distination in mind: the Player Expo video game convention, where he can show off his skills and become an instant star! Help make his dreams come true by finding the way through the maze. Diary of a Wimpy Kid © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

FOR YOUR CHANCE To WIN, COMPLETE & mail TO: PakMag Colour In June 2017 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870 Win a double pass and prize pack for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Long Haul. Competition closes 30/06/2017

Name Parent/Guardian Address Postcode Phone Email

26 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Age

IN CINEMAS JUNE 15

Mackay Mini Mag

IN C JUN INEM E 15 AS

Win a family pass and a prize pack for Despicable Me 3.

IN CINEMAS JUNE 15

IN C JU IN CINEMASIN CINEMAS IN CINEMAS JUNE 15 JUNE 15 IN CINEMAJUNE S 15 JUNE 15

DM3_COLOURING_SHEET_280x432mm_AUS.indd 3

OURING_SHEET_280x432mm_AUS.indd 3

FOR YOUR CHANCE To WIN, COMPLETE & mail TO: PakMag Colour In June 2017 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

Name

Age 05/04/2017 17:03

Parent/Guardian Address

Win a family pass and a prize pack for Despicable Me 3. Competition closes 30/06/2017

05/04/2017

17:03

Postcode Phone Email 05/04/2017

17:03

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 27

Mini Mag Mackay

PISTON CUP RACE MAZE Win a family pass to Cars 3.

FOR YOUR CHANCE To WIN, COMPLETE & mail TO: PakMag Colour In June 2017 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

Name

Age

Parent/Guardian Address

Win a family pass to Cars 3. Competition closes 30/06/2017

Postcode Phone Email

What’s On Guide

WHAT’S ON JUNE June SUNDAY 25

MONDAY 26

FRIDAY 30

The Family FunDay Brother League Cairns www.pakevents.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family

Australian Musical

Australian Musical Theatre Live MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $25 Adult / Family

Eclipse – A Dance & Illusion Spectacular MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $59.90 Adult /Family

Theatre Workshop Runs until 30th MECC australianmusicaltheatre workshop.com Check website for details TUESDAY 27

MONDAY 26 The Wiggles – Wiggle Around

Museum Superpass - Mackay Regional Council MECC www.themecc.com.au 8.00pm / $10Adult / $5 Kids / Family

Australia

12.30pm / $33.50 Adult / Family

BMA KidSpace Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / Free / Kids

REGULAR REGULAR MARKETS MARKETS

Sarina Showground Market Date: Last Sunday of the month Time: From 8.00am (Mar to Dec) Location: Bruce Highway Sarina

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

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

Eungella Markets Date: 1st Sunday of the month (Apr to Dec) Time: From 9.00am Location: Eungella Memorial Hall - North Street Marian Markets Date: 3rd Sunday of the month (Excluding May & Dec) Time: From 8.00am Location: Holy Rosary Church Anzac Avenue

Admission www.themecc.com.au

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

TUESDAY, 4 JULY 2017 Cirque Africa MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $59 Adult / Family REGULAR EVENTS ARE ON P.30

SAVE THE DATE:

Creative Minds Teenspace 2017 Runs until 30th Redhotblue, Macalister Street redhotblue.com.au 9.30am / book online / Teeenagers

MECC Plenary Halls- General

SAVE THE DATE:

TUESDAY, 11 JULY 2017

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

Porters Community Markets Date: 3rd Saturday of each month Time: From 8.00am to 1.00pm Location: Porters Mackay City, Gordon Street Details: www.porterscando.com.au/ sales-and-specials/ porters-community-markets The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market Date: Every Wednesday Time: From 8.00am to 1.00pm Location: Bluewater Quay Details: www.facebook.com/ greaterwhitsundayfarmersmarket

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

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 29

REGULAR EVENTS MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL: LIBRARIES

their parents and carers and is held weekly during the school term.

Baby Bounce

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: 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 Toddler Time Toddler Time is aimed at little ones who are walking to 2.5 years and

30 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Location: Gordon White Library Days: Mondays Time: 9.30am – 10.00am Location: Mirani Library Days: Wednesday Time: 9.30am – 10.00am Location: Dudley Denny City Library Days: Friday Time: 9.30am – 10.00am MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL: WALKING GROUPS Mackay Dog Walkers & Social Group Days: Saturdays Time: 6.45am for an 7.00am start Meeting point: Departs from Bluewater Quay More Info: Visit the Mackay Dog Walkers Facebook page. Health & Heart Walking An initiative of the Heart foundation.Days: Saturdays Time: 6.45am Meeting point: Departs from 2 Tennyson St, Mackay More Info: Contact Heather 4957 7997 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 (Intermediate-advanced: 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: Beginnerintermediate 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 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. Mums and Bubs Morning Ride A social riding group for Mums with children who are not yet at school. 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. 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: Intermediateadvanced 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

School Holiday Guide

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE June and July mean School Holidays and the kids will be off school before we know it! But don’t fear, PakMag has you covered with the best things to do and events to attend in Mackay. Whether you’re an active family, a creative family or an adventurous family, there’s something for you this School Holidays so you should never hear the word ‘bored’ pass your kids’ lips! So, get out there, have fun and make sure you upload your pictures of you and the kids at any events or doing fun things to PakMag’s Facebook page.

MOUNT PLEASANT CENTRE For all that’s happening these school holidays check out our webpage or like us on Facebook to be kept up to date. Web: www.mountpleasantcentre.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/mountpleasantcentre CREATIVE MINDS TEENSPACE Do you want to learn how to unlock creative thinking and see things from a new angle? This highly successful five day creative teenspace is back and open to all creative student minds. Monday 26th till Friday 30th June

Cirque Africa features the world-renowned African troupe, consisting of 25 performing artists from 6 African countries including acrobats, dancers, percussionist, musicians and contortionists, performing a 100 minute awe-inspiring show, that is superb for all ages. A visual show Cirque Africa has no language cultural or religious barriers. It is fresh, funky, bold, fun and challenges your imagination like no other show. For more information or to book: Call: 07 4961 9777 Web: www.themecc.com.au BRICK EVENT

9.00am to 3.00pm

A Lego fan event for all ages being held at the Mackay Showgrounds.

Cost is $250 +GST (includes all materials for the week).

Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July.

Registrations required by Wednesday 7th June.

9.00am to 4.00pm daily.

Call: 07 4953 2833 Web: www.redhotblue.com.au/creative-minds-2017-2 Location: Redhotblue Creative Agency, 11 Macalister Street.

Showcasing over 40 amazing Lego creations and sets from Lego history plus you can create your own creations with build stations, vertical build walls and a build a train play area.

MACKAY CITY LIBRARIES

Lego merchandise will be available for purchase at the event.

Fun activities are run during the school holidays for children aged Prep to Year 6. There is also activities available for high school students too. Activity dates and details are available on their website or by liking them on Facebook to keep updated on what they’ve got coming up. For more information, contact your local library or check out the Mackay Regional Council Libraries website: Web: www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries Facebook: www.facebook.com/mackaylibraries MECC – CIRQUE AFRICA

Tickets available at the door or for more information or to buy tickets online: Web: www.brickevents.com.au www.brickevents.iwannaticketcom.au MACKAY GYMNASTICS Keep your kids’ active these school holidays with Mackay Gymnastics’ fun days. Week 1 - Wednesday 28th and Friday 30th June. Week 2 - Wednesday 5th and Friday 7th July.

One show only on Tuesday 4th July at the MECC at 7.30pm.

For kids aged 2-4 years / 9.30am to 10.15am / Cost $11.00. For kids aged 5-12 years / 9.30am to 11.00am / Cost $16.50.

100% African.100% fun. Cirque Africa, is a one of a kind show that is sure to amaze and enthrall all who see it.

Bookings essential as there is limited numbers. Mention you read it in Pakmag.

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 33

School Holiday Guide

For more information or to book:

BLUEWATER LAGOON

Call: 07 4942 0032 Email: admin@mackaygymnastics.org.au

Make the most of Mackay’s tropical weather at the stunning, ever-popular and, most importantly FREE Bluewater Lagoon.

MACKAY CITY CENTRE Active in the City Kids offers a plethora of activities for children big and small, including arts and crafts, live entertainment, dancing and more. And all of it is completely free! Did you know the council also offers free activities for adults of all ages and abilities too? Check out the school holiday calendar of events at www.mackay.qld.gov.au. Activities are subject to change, so please consult this calendar regularly. To stay up to date with all city news and events, sign up to the City eNewsletter and “Like” the Mackay City Centre Facebook page.

34 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Overlooking the sparkling blue Pioneer River, this threetiered lagoon is the size of three 50-metre swimming pools, featuring a waterfall, slide, children’s play area, barbecue facilities, a cafe and picnic tables. The lagoon provides disabled and elderly access with handrails and suitable water levels. Located in River Street, the venue is open seven days a week from May to August (9.45am to 4.45pm) and September to April (9.00am to 5.45pm), but closes on Christmas Day. Web: mackaycitycentre.com.au

Healthy Recipes

PARTY SNACKS PARTY SNACKS

Carrot energy balls

Healthy Cornflake Crackles

Makes 20 balls. Balls keep up to 2-3 weeks refrigerated. Dairy free and egg free.

Makes 50 mini muffins pans or 24 large muffins. Keep for up to 1 week in the fridge in an airtight container. Gluten free, egg free and dairy free choices.

The ingredients

¼ cup roasted walnuts 1 ½ cup oats ½ cup peanut butter (or any nut butter will work) ¼ cup honey (use a mild type) ½ tsp vanilla extract ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg Pinch cloves 1 cup grated carrot ½ cup currants 2 tbsp sesame seeds

1 ½ cup gluten free cornflakes ½ cup dry roasted roughly chopped almonds ¼ cup shredded coconut ¼ tsp ground rock salt ¼ tsp cinnamon 7 tbsp maple syrup 1 tbsp natural peanut butter or almond butter or pepitas butter 1 tsp milk of your choice 4 tsp cacao powder

Method

Preheat oven to 175°C (fan forced). Place cornflakes, almonds, coconut, cinnamon and salt into bowl – stir through with a spoon to mix thoroughly. Place all wet ingredients into a stick blender cup and mix to combine. Add cacao powder and mix to smooth. Pour wet mix over dry ingredients and mix until well coated.

Method

Place walnuts in food processor – blitz. Add oats and pulse for a few seconds. Add nut butter, honey, vanilla, spices and carrot – mix until smooth and well combined (careful not to overmix and loose textures). Add currants and sesame seeds for the last pulse. Using tablespoon measure, create balls – can be rolled in toasted oats or toasted sesame seeds. Nourishing secrets We use roasted nuts as it gives a richer nut flavour – raw nuts can be used here just as well

Use tablespoon as measure to scoop into paper pans in muffin tray. Bake for 10 - 15 minutes or until lightly toasted. Be careful not to overbake or cacao may become bitter. Allow to cool completely before storing in the fridge in an airtight container. These will remain crispy outside however will last longer in the fridge.

Recipes bought to you by: The Source Bulk Foods. Check them out on facebook: /TheSourceBulkFoods Recipes created by: Simple Nourishment. Check them out online: www.simplenourishment.com.au, on Instagram: simple.nourishment or on facebook: /simplenourishment

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 39

Craft

DRESS UP YOUR DRESSER WITH DECOUPAGE

40 June 40 June 2017 2017 || www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

Do you have a piece of furniture that’s looking tired but you just don’t have the money to replace it? We have the answer, decoupage! This awesome technique will transform your once frowned upon furniture into a masterpiece, that you’ll be proud to show off. What you’ll need: •• Wallpaper or a laser printed image of your choice •• Adhesive wallpaper paste or Mod Podge, depending on the chosen paper being used •• Decoupage Finish •• Scissors or craft knife •• Small paint tray •• Paint brushes Optional extras: •• Sanding sponge •• Plastic squeegee (for flattening down paper) •• Varnish How to: •• Prepare the furniture by sanding/filling any uneven bumps, as your chosen furniture piece needs to be completely smooth before starting. •• Measure with a ruler the section you wish to cover and cut the paper carefully to match this area. •• Once you have all your pieces cut out, fill a small paint tray with adhesive and apply a thin layer to both the surface of the furniture and the back of the paper. Keep in mind that adhesive dries quickly, so apply the paper immediately. •• Position the paper from the centre out and remove any bubbles with your fingers or with a plastic squeegee. If your paper is larger than expected, wait until it is completely dry before cutting away excess with a craft knife. Handy hint: Keep some old towels on hand as this step can get messy. •• Repeat above steps for each section you wish to cover. •• Apply a layer of Mod Podge over each section to ensure proper adhesion. Once completely dry, add 2-3 layers of Decoupage Finish. This provides a nice smooth finish as well as protection for your chosen furniture piece. Create the product in Image 3 by following the steps below: •• Cut out your chosen images and arrange onto the furniture’s surface in your desired layout before starting. •• Apply Decoupage Finish and varnish to the face of the picture. Once coated, flip the image over and arrange into position onto the furniture’s surface. •• Once dry, using damp fingers, rub away paper to reveal your images. •• Lastly, apply another layer of decoupage finish to protect the images and create a smooth finish.

1. Project Restyle: Photo Decoupage - www.abeautifulmess.com 2. Decoupage Furniture Makeover - www.poppytalk.com 3. Floral Inspired Decoupages Image Transfer Dresser - www.hometalk.com

Celebrate

WHEN IN DOUBT, ADD MORE SPARKLE What’s more fun than throwing a birthday party for your little one? A party that’s full of everything sparkly and magical of course! Whether you are three or 33, this majestic unicorn and princess filled party will have you jumping off your feet with excitement.

Sprinkle Station Set up a cupcake sprinkle station where your guests can express their inner sparkle, decorating their very own cupcake with sprinkles and editable glitter. What you’ll need: •• Several bowls of sprinkles, edible glitter and other decorative edible treats

Glitter Galore Balloons To add that extra sparkle create these awesome glitter balloons!

•• Pre-made cupcakes, already iced •• Table space to set up your sparkle station

What you’ll need:

Let the magic begin:

•• Craft glue

•• Display the pre-iced cupcakes on an easy to reach tray, so all party guests big and small can reach.

•• Bowl/s of glitter •• Balloons

•• We suggest placing a disposable party cloth over the table to capture the sprinkles and glittery spills.

Magical steps:

•• Let your party guests’ imaginations run wild as they create their very own sparkling masterpieces that they also get to eat.

•• Blow up balloons to your desired size. •• Dip each balloon into a bowl of craft glue, making sure that the top half of the balloon is evenly covered. •• While still wet, dip the balloon into a bowl of glitter, rotating it to evenly spread the glitter over the glue area. •• Leave to dry completely before hanging up on display.

Princess Gift bags Thank each guest for coming with their very own gift bag fit for a princess or prince. To complete their magical party experience fill these bags with a set of stylish bracelets, desired treats and their very own crown, all of course, sprinkled with an abundance of fairy dust.

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1. Twinkle Little Star Party - www.suzannecarey.com 2. Icingbits Golden Unicorn Bits Set - RRP $16.00 - www.icingbits.com 3. Unicorn Cake - Instagram: cintia_costa 4. Miann & Co - Emily Unicorn - RRP $71.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 5. Classic MJ Lurex Gold - RRP $29.95 - www.hellomisspoppyseed.com 6. Princess Pearl by Nana Huchy - RRP $49.95 - www.hellomisspoppyseed.com 7. Gold Heart Earrings by Holiday - RRP $14.95 - www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 8. Dreamer Bracelet by Blue Scarab - RRP $35.00 - www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 9. Salome Crown - RRP $32.00 - www.earthtoys.net 10. Salome Wand - RRP $26.00 www.earthtoys.net 11. Peche Royale Cedarwick by Sohum - RRP $35.00 www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 12. Down to the Woods 10m Gold String Lights RRP $73.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

Home

KID’S PLAY KID’S PLAY ROOM ROOM With the Block’s Caro and Kingi Give your little one a place to let their imagination run wild in their very own play room! Creating a playroom that they can grow and change with is the perfect solution to stop the great migration of toys throughout the whole house.

Here are our top tips for creating the perfect playroom to suit your little ones needs. Seating When designing your child’s playroom, it’s important that you choose the right furniture that will suit and support your child’s necessities. Try filling the space with light furniture that is easy to move about. We suggest using beanbags as they are perfect for laying on when reading a book or to stretch out on when watching a movie. *Quick tip - we recommend getting beanbags with washable covers to add ease for future spills. Theme Don’t get caught up in themes for your child’s playroom. Even though they may be obsessed with Peppa Pig right now, it doesn’t mean that next month or even tomorrow

they still will be. Instead of putting all your budget towards permanent themed decorations, why not create a feature wall with easy peel off wall stickers or why not use these fantastic chalk board hangers from Koru Furniture and Homewares? These can be used as both a decorative piece and a fun activity for the kids. Storage A child’s playroom can become a clutter nightmare if not dealt with properly. When designing your child’s playroom make sure that you have plenty of storage and easy to reach cupboards that both you and your child can easily access. Reduce the mess even more by labelling each storage box so your child knows exactly where their toys belong. Rugs If your playroom is a shared space, try placing a rug within the area to effectively separate the playroom from the rest of the house. A rug is also perfect for creating a comfy area to play. We suggest using an interactive or patterned rug so your little one can incorporate it within their imaginative play. Decorative and practical - Bonus!

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1. A Playspace At The Farm - www.laybabylay.com 2. Homely Creatures Knitted Cactus Cushion - RRP $75.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 3. Handcrafted Timber Play Kitchen - RRP $460.00 - www.earthtoys.net 4. Wooden Stacking Pastel Rainbow - RRP $150.00 - www.earthtoys.net 5. Green Cathedral Mini Babanees Stool in Almost Aloe - RRP $175.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 6. Cloud Wooden Shelf - RRP $32.00 - www.earthtoys.net 7. Miann & Co Pink Mushroom Hand Rattle - RRP $17.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 8. Down To The Woods Shield Medium - RRP $15.50 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 9. Down To The Woods Small Arrow Sign - RRP $31.50 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 10. Armadillo & Co Flower Weave Rug in Daisy Sherbet, 80% Hemp 20% Wool - RRP $275.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 11. Green Cathedral Mini Babanees Stool in Coral Blossom - RRP $175.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 12. BigJigs Town & Country Train Set 101 pieces - RRP $220.00 - www.earthtoys.net 13. Heico Pineapple Nightlight - RRP $179.95 - www.earthtoys.net 14. Miann $ Co Amanda Panda RRP $71.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

snapped snapped

Fun at Mainly Music 1. Lexi 2. Chad and Violet 3. Emily 4. Chris 5. Indi 6. Abbie 7. Esther 8. Ezekiel

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Snapped

Photography thanks to: Indigo Blue Photography - 0402 343 662 www.indigobluephotography.com.au

Fun at Mainly Music 9. Rubi 10. Rubi and Riley 11. Felicity 12. Violet 13. Fletcher 14. Brielle 15. Robin

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Business

WHAT’S NEWS IN BUSINESS

MEET DR HANY FROM DENTALCARExtra and KIDS Tell us a bit about yourself. My name is Dr Hany and I am the Principal Dentist for DentalCareXtra in Moranbah and Marian, and also for KIDS – Health Kids Nurtured by Nature in Mackay. How did you get started in dentistry? I studied Dentistry in my home county of Egypt and then undertook further qualification and training when I was practicing in New Zealand. I arrived in Australia over eight years ago, where I practiced on the Sunshine Coast before setting up my own practice DentalCareXtra in Moranbah in 2013. In 2014 we opened up DentalCareXtra at the Marian Town Centre. I was very excited to open KIDS in North Mackay in December 2016, which takes a holistic approach to kids’ health. What makes you special as a Dentist? The care I provide to my patients is based on my passion to take a holistic approach. This means that I am not just concerned with teeth but health as a whole. Taking this approach allows me to provide a wide scope of care that includes full general dentistry, laser dentistry, lip and tongue tie care, snoring and sleep related issues. I look forward to welcoming you to one of our practices in the near future where our team can take care of you and your family the way I know you deserve. For more information visit www.healthykidsqld.com.au or phone 07 4942 5111.

THE MECC TO CELEBRATE 30 AMAZING YEARS in 2018 If you are a Mackay local, you might know the MECC (Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre) as the place you go for Mocktails, gala dinners and concerts. Or you might remember it as where you had your first theatre experience with school. Or perhaps where you were dragged by your parents to watch your annoying brother or sister perform their latest play. The MECC has been making memories in Mackay for nearly 30 years and all these memories began with a tremendous display of community spirit! Mackay’s first theatre – the Theatre Royal was built in 1912 next to Taylor’s Hotel in Alfred Street. A group of citizens lead by Jack Sturgeon approached the then Council to investigate the opportunity to provide a larger entertainment centre for the growing community. The citizens of the Mackay Region were asked to raise one million dollars towards the cost of building the MECC. Visit www.themecc. com.au to see the Building Fund Programme from 1985. The family founders – the Porter, Wright, Manning, Cook, Shepherd, Rasmussen, North Jacklin and Denny families are testament to the success of this initiative along with the Mackay Musical Comedy Players and Mackay Choral Society for their substantial contributions, with the centre officially opening in February 1988. Now in 2017, the MECC is the premier live performance and events space for the community hosting national and international conferences and performances all which benefit the community. The memories that the community and families make at the theatre last a lifetime. The MECC helps young people to make links between literacy and live performance, an appreciation that helps them become the audiences of the future. To check out what is coming up at the MECC visit www.themecc.com.au

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DADDY Daddy Diary DIARY Well here we go, PakMag, Happy 10th Birthday! What a fabulous achievement for this wonderful publication. So many parents around Mackay and the Whitsundays read up on what’s happening and how their family can be part of it. Well done! Being a birthday it really is party time so… why not celebrate by going on school holidays! I know my daughter has been talking about holidays since the last lot at Easter so this next group of sleep-ins couldn’t have come quick enough.

With Star 101.9’s Rob Kidd

it did help me in solving what to eat at night and what to serve up on the kitchen table. Let’s just say, I’m the best bangers and mash guy in West Mackay! If you’ve got kids who are craft lovers, this month you’ll find plenty of ideas to keep them amused and entertained for many hours during the holidays. Grab a stack of cardboard, pens, crayons and glue and you’ll have them making something that resembles the Eiffel Tower in less than 4 hours! Plenty of tips for you and the family so get cracking.

The amount of activities in this edition are amazing so have a read and get the kids doing and making around the home or get them out and about enjoying the cooler weather around town!

June is also a month to start deciding what Christmas presents to buy because it’s just about the end of the financial year and people will be having crazy sales on everything. Have a think about what to buy the kids now before they start nagging you in a couple of months!

I was just reading over some of the delicious recipes in this month’s edition and it reminded me of all the things I used to make when I was little. Stuff like chocolate crackles, toffee apples, cupcakes and general burnt bits and pieces on the BBQ ‘helping’ Dad out. Whilst none of these steered me in that direction for a working career,

By the way, here’s a suggestion. June is also a perfect time to have a crack at two things with the kids. Grab a 5,000 piece jigsaw which should last you the entire break and get them to design a flower garden in the backyard. My daughter did it and it’s going great guns! The time you spend with them is the absolute best! Until next time, have fun, Rob Kidd. Star 101.9 Mackay and the Whitsundays.

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