PakMag Mackay & Whitsundays - Nov & Dec 2021 - Issue 86

Parents and Kids Magazine

FAMILY HOLIDAY

ISSUE: Nov & Dec 2021

MACKAY & WHITSUNDAYS

FREE

HELP! - from an Expert

How to Turn Parenting Lemons into Lemonade The Best Gift is a Present Parent

Have Your-Elf a Merry Little Christmas

WIN

Staying on Track During the Silly Season WITH THE

PakMag Mega Xmas Giveaway

Find “Their Thing” with Our Extracurricular Activity Guide

86

100

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LOCAL EVENTS to Check Out

Welcome 4

Family Holiday Advice

7

The Thing Is

9

The Best Christmas Gift is

a Present Parent

13 How to Turn Parenting

Lemons into Lemonade

17 The PakMag Experts 19 Supporting the Wellbeing

Parenting is never easy. Navigating the most important job in the world – with everything going on in it, continues to add another layer of complexity.

Take time to reflect on what a year it’s been, and everything you’ve been able to accomplish as individuals and as a family. There have been so many milestones and memories made, and it’s so easy to get caught up focusing on the future, that you can forget the moment, now, and all the (amazing and not-so-amazing) things that brought you here.

Give yourself the acknowledgement you deserve – we’re giving you a standing ovation!

of Individual Families

21 All Things Health 22 Bump, Bub and Beyond 24 Parent’s Puzzle 25 Mini Mag 28 PakMag Christmas Giveaway

As we head into the chaos that can come from the next few months, try to remember the reason for the season… togetherness. And, even though “we may not have it all together, together we have it all”. As we head into the end of 2021 and the start of a new year, we wanted to thank you for being part of our PakMag community and send your family our best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season, filled with love and laughter.

Take care of yourself and each other. We’ll see you just around the corner in 2022, in the meantime happy reading and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

31 Have Your-Elf a Merry

Well, we’ve officially done it parents… a new year is just around the corner. Sure, we’ve got a few big celebrations to prepare for ahead of that, but please take time to honour yourself for the year’s achievements.

Little Christmas

Bree and Bec

35 Anxiety Busters 37 Extracurricular Activity Guide 41 Daddy Diary

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

43 School Holiday Guide 47 What’s On

PakMag Founder

Sales and Business Development Tracy Couper

and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

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

North Queensland

Graphic Designer Sara Williams

Content & Marketing Team Leader

Videographer & Podcast Producer Monique Saggers

Bec Dent Creative Team Leader & Graphic Designer

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

For Parents The PakMag Parents Podcast PakMag TV

Content Creators Annamarie Booysen Sasha Rozhkova

Clare Winter Marketing and Events Coordinator

Accounts Trent Stievano

Alyssa Marino

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

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

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

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

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

families www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 3

Feature

Family Holiday Advice… from an Expert STORY Rebecca Mason, mum-of-six, owner of Mr Chocolate’s Travel - a travel agency specialising in large family travel, and author of Holiday Dreaming: The Expert’s Guide to Large Family Travel.

Tips for Family Holiday Travel As a mum-of-six and a travel agent specialising in family travel, I’m an expert at booking family holidays.

There are many things to consider when booking a getaway for your brood including where to go, when to go, how to get there and where to stay.

If you are travelling during national holidays, the costs will be higher and there may be bigger crowds but on the flip side, more attractions will be open.

When the children were younger, we were content with domestic road trips and flights. We had unforgettable family holidays all over Australia.

Jetstar would often have sales, and I watched these sales with intense interest, eventually mastering sales patterns and finding low-cost flying days.

If budget is your ultimate consideration, plan around the cheaper travel days, which are usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and the low season which is typically February and May worldwide.

We ventured to Hawaii when Jetstar released airfares from Melbourne to Honolulu for less than $200.00 per person each way. We just had to be flexible on the return date which meant we ended up staying there for five weeks!

Now that low-cost carriers fly internationally, more overseas destinations are within reach such as Asia.

Hong Kong is a favourite and it has a Disneyland!

How to Holiday as a Large Family My large family of eight consists of my hubby, Ian, and our six children aged between 12 - 22. At one stage we had six children under the age of 10.

4 November / December 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Having a large family has not stopped us from travelling and embracing life but there are a few extra challenges that come with coordinating each trip.

For many years we stayed in self-contained accommodation, but then we purchased a complete site camper trailer with three rooms, which was a game changer! Now the kids are bigger we have upgraded to a bigger caravan and the older children often sleep in swags. Holiday Homes are also cost-effective for our group.

To make packing more fun and less of a chore, I devised “The Packing Game” which empowers the kids to pack their own bags. Many years ago, we bought six small, cabin-sized bags in different colours.

With eight people in the family doing an average of three activities per week plus school and jobs, there’s almost never a ‘right time’ to travel.

To find a time to holiday, we devised a spreadsheet to factor in everyone’s commitments including school, social, sport, work commitments and other life stuff.

Once the non-negotiables are blocked out, there will always be time to travel.

How to Holiday on a Budget As soon as you arrive at your destination, pop to the local grocery store and stock up on staples including your favourite toast spreads so you can enjoy cheap breakfasts and snacks.

For easy lunches and dinners try wraps, macaroni and cheese, and instant noodles. Remember, the Costco card is reciprocal and can be used anywhere in the world.

Feature

On our five-week trip to Hawaii, we survived on wraps and dips at lunchtime. We would team this up with a cheap local delicacy such as shaved ice. Bakeries are also an excellent source of variety for the family.

We often walk to save money on public transport and tours.

From taking dozens of trips we have learned that the best things in life are free. Lakes, rivers, beaches, gardens, nature walks and certain museums offer endless hours of fun.

How to Reduce Travel Squabbles If we’re being real, family holidays usually include as many tears and tantrums as laughs and lifelong memories. But there are some tips you can try in order to minimise the angst and up the adventure.

To avoid fights over food, and save money at the same time, consider sharing meals between family members who have similar tastebuds. Our favourite dishes to share are hot chips, nachos, pasta, chicken dishes, and salads.

‘Hangry’ children are only ever a moment away from a meltdown so don’t feel guilty about fast food or

takeaway after a big day of sightseeing. Our favourite “go-to” is pizza.

If you are road tripping, the bigger the car the better.

Alternate seating at each roadside stop to avoid conflict amongst the siblings who feel duped with their seat location.

The idea of a technology-free holiday is good in theory, but for the sake of sanity, sometimes it’s best to give in to the lure of little screens.

And don’t forget to involve the children in the planning process. Ask them where they would like to go and why.

They might even suggest somewhere amazing that wasn’t on your radar.

The Benefits of Holidaying Together In all my years planning holidays for my own family and other families, I’ve seen first-hand the magic of a family holiday.

Whether it’s a staycation, a weekend away, or a five-week jaunt in Hawaii, there is no better way to make lifelong memories, connect, recharge and spend time together.

WIN a copy of Holiday Dreaming: The Expert's Guide to Large Family Travel Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 30/11/2021.

Through sheer determination and research, Rebecca and her family have travelled to many destinations worldwide, creating their ‘forever memories’. It all started with the dream. In this must-read book, Rebecca shares her family’s holiday stories and many tips and tricks she has learned along the way, including: how to choose your holiday location, finding the best deals and accommodation, navigating airports, road trip hacks and how to pack light and maximise your experiences.

EMBRACE LIFE. IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN DO IT! Available to order online at www.travel.mrchocolate.com.au/book

Rebecca Mason is the owner of Mr Chocolate’s Travel, an independent Melbourne travel agency which is the culmination of her travel dreams and experience. After many years organising her own family’s holidays and learning every trick in the book, in 2017 she put her passion and knowledge to good use with a travel agency that she runs from home with help from her family, who are all involved in the business. As a large family expert, a feature of her business is finding accommodation for big family groups and making Disney affordable to families. In 2019, Mr Chocolate’s Travel was listed among the Top 10 Sellers of Disney Destinations in Australia and New Zealand. www.travel.mrchocolate.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 5

The Thing Is

The Thing Is with Bree James As the countdown starts for the end of the year, the gift buying frenzy is about to kick off, and now more than ever we need to be thinking about where we spend our dollars. It’s so easy to unconsciously spend without considering the flow-on effect.

The thing is, your attention and your money have extreme power. Imagine for a moment what our world would look like if we had very few local businesses, no local media, and less business people and job opportunities in our community? The thought horrifies me.

If you are already doing your bit to support local businesses, we cannot express how much we appreciate you. If you have slipped into habits of buying ‘stuff’ that isn’t good for our planet, or economy - I’d love you to reconsider your spending habits as they could make a huge difference in our local community.

If we don’t support local businesses more, we lose local jobs, money for our town, state and country.

This change is happening slowly, but I can assure you, these big companies will not donate prizes to your school fete or help our community when we are suffering from a natural disaster. Local businesses do.

We have so many talented business owners in our town, doing their best to stay afloat in what has been some of the most challenging times to be self-employed.

From staff shortages, border closures, changing laws, learning new technology, and more competition than ever - business owners are stretched to keep up with the ever-changing landscape to stay afloat. And there is no end in sight. They need you more than ever.

Add to this the change in human behaviour, with more stressed-out customers who expect more for less, who have the attention span of Dory (so they are nearly impossible to market to); it’s no wonder so many talented business owners give up. As a society we are becoming the generation of inattention who are so distracted by our phones, and lured by convenience that we aren’t thinking of the ramifications of our actions on our planet, our community, our relationships, and our lives.

There are four stages to a business; startup, growth, maturity, and either rebirth or death. So many business owners are trying to make it through these stages,

and sadly many won’t survive. We can be thriving one week, and then surviving the next - it’s a feast and famine lifestyle that many don’t see.

Being a small business owner is one of the toughest things I have ever done in my life, yes - more challenging than raising children, and doing both at the same time is literal insanity.

Most people watching business owners from the outside grossly underestimate the amount of personal growth it takes to run a business. If you see someone shining, you can trust that there is a lot of learning, growth and development that has gone on for many years to get to that success, and when they get there, it is never guaranteed to last.

Don’t envy a business owner and think they are lucky and loaded because they took a family holiday (even though they may have worked seven days a week, for five years straight to get to that point).

Do support a local business even if it costs a few more dollars to do so. And please don’t walk into their store, check out the product and then buy it online… they are paying rent for that privilege.

Don’t buy crap from multinationals when your kids and loved ones would probably love an incredible local experience or locally made gift with love instead (they could certainly use your support).

So as our year is coming to a close, I want you to think about how you spend your money, especially this Christmas. Instead of supporting multibillionaires, maybe see if there is a local product or experience you can buy instead. The ripple effect of the dollars you spend locally stretch far and wide.

If you are a local business reading this - please look for our post on Facebook with local gifts to buy and add yours to the list- and let’s support local.

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

We'd love you to support PakMag on a deeper level - find out more www.pakmag.com.au/hello

www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 7

Parenting

The Best Christmas Gift is a Present Parent STORY Dr Vanessa Lapointe The holiday season can be one of long to-do lists and jam-packed calendars. During the holiday season, I often receive messages from parents sharing their feelings of overwhelm about commitments that they have taken on in December. Not surprisingly, our children feel these pressures as well. And when there is a tantrum at the Christmas parade, or an unexpected reaction to a gift or a special outing, parents may not understand why their child just isn’t happy. After all, isn’t the holiday season and all its trimmings designed to make children HAPPY?!?

The truth is that in our busy, chaotic world, kids are starved for our presence. This feeling is amplified during the holiday season. Our children and their sensitive nervous systems become highly stimulated by the crowds, bright lights, tables full of rich food, and chatter from family and friends. Top these off with late nights and high expectations, and our children are often

teetering on the edge of Meltdown City. But how do we bring them back down from this unsettled place? How can we get grounded during the holiday hubbub?

1. Sloooooooooooow it Down Christmastime can feel like a race. I don’t know how it is where you live, but in the suburbs of Vancouver, holiday events and light shows can book up very quickly. In a society with constant FOMO (fear of missing out), this can result in a family being booked up for nearly every holiday weekend. In an attempt to give our child the ‘Best Holiday Ever’, we can end up creating a perfect storm of too-much-of-everything. Our children need an opportunity to feel grounded in order to rest. Ensuring that you have evenings of togetherness with low-stakes activities, such as board games, cookie decorating, movie watching, etc, can help to take off that pressure while fostering connection at the same time.

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Parenting

4. Consider Editing What’s Under the Tree

2. Prioritise Being in the Present Our children are all too aware of when our attention is divided. When we stop mid-conversation when our phone beeps or because we “just have to take care of this work thing”, it not only interrupts the moment, but it also interrupts the relationship. Set aside time every evening to be with your child without the distractions of electronics or your to-do list. Listen to your child’s stories, ask open-ended questions, and let those notifications go. Make it a habit to check in with your child and have them know that you are 100 percent focused on them. The world will not end if that text or email is answered 15 minutes later. I promise.

3. Create a Countdown / Advent of Togetherness A fun family tradition can be an advent calendar, and one way to foster relationships over the holidays is by creating an ‘advent calendar of togetherness’. You can get your child involved in the planning, and activities do not have to be big, expensive productions. Plan for an evening walk, cookie baking, having hot chocolate, or driving around to see Christmas lights.

These simple, but meaningful activities allow the family to enjoy one another without the stress of being “on” for others.

The packages under the tree can also be a source of pressure and big expectations. I have heard so many stories of parents feeling as though their child is ungrateful or rude on Christmas morning. One mother described to me that her child seemingly became “numb” after opening six or seven gifts on Christmas morning. She explained that her daughter was almost unable to process what she was opening after the first few presents. I’ve recently heard of the 5 Gift Rule, where parents buy their children something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, and then something do to.

By setting some guidelines to work within, you and your child can set some reasonable expectations (and avoid accidentally going overboard on the Christmas spending), to ensure that gifts are both meaningful and not too over-the-top.

5. Read the Room You are the expert on your child, and you will be able to tell when things are becoming too much. If your child isn’t excited about going out, has weary eyes, or is emotionally overflowing – don’t be afraid to say no. Cut the evening short, cancel the light tour, switch it up, order in pizza and watch a movie under a blanket fort. Take it down a notch and let your child exhale. It is very easy to be swept up into the magic of Christmas, but when it starts to become more of an obligation or a source of upset, it’s time for you to step in and make choices that serve you and your family first.

I love Christmas and all the joy it brings – especially the opportunities for quality time with the family. I also know all too well how challenging it can be to set limits in a time of more, more, more. Once you become more conscious of your time and spending, the easier these edits will be. Let your child be your guide and follow their lead. Slow it down. Focus on less production, and more connection, and your holiday season can be full of both merriment and calm - the best of both worlds.

Dr. Vanessa Lapointe is a mum, registered psychologist, parenting educator, bestselling author, international speaker, and a regularly invited media guest. Founder and director of The Wishing Star Lapointe Developmental Clinic, she has been supporting families and children for almost 20 years, and has previous experience in community mental health and the school system. Dr. Vanessa is known for bringing a sense of nurturing, understanding, and humanity to all of her work. Her passion is in walking alongside parents, teachers, care providers, and other big people to really see the world through the child’s eyes. She believes that if we can do this, we are beautifully positioned to grow our children in the best possible way. www.drvanessalapointe.com

10 November / December 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Parenting

How to Turn Parenting Lemons into Lemonade STORY Hannah Davison, author and co-founder of My Big Moments

What Does it Mean to Turn Parenting Lemons into Lemonade?

afraid of being rejected, or losing your love and approval just because they’ve made a mistake.

Turning parenting lemons into lemonade is all about taking accountability for the times you blow your cover as a parent. Those times you lose your temper, react without thinking, say something you later regret, let them down, or, generally make a mistake. The lemon is the rupture you create in your relationship that requires you to make a repair. The beauty of making a repair is that you turn that parenting ‘lemon’ into ‘lemonade’.

When there are ruptures in our relationships, there can easily be repairs, and moving on doesn’t need to be a big deal. When kids don’t feel safe to make mistakes, they’ll cease trying, because to try and fail, could mean to feel rejected and abandoned in your love — to feel shamed, insecure, and inferior to the standards they think you expect. Mistakes become too risky. To cease trying means they’ll survive, but not thrive.

The thing is, ruptures are okay, so long as there is a repair. That can actually factor towards greater resilience in your kids, not take away from it. It’s very easy for us, as parents or caregivers, to feel guilty, and beat ourselves up about making mistakes in our relationships with our kids. We need to flip this mindset.

We can show our kids that it’s normal to make mistakes.

Mistakes aren’t failures, they’re opportunities to make different choices. As fallible humans, we all need permission to make mistakes.

We are all going to make mistakes, and that’s okay, we are only human. It’s unreasonable to expect otherwise from ourselves or from our kids. Probably, all of us have a pretty harsh self-critic in our heads, and that was instilled in childhood. Just imagine how freeing it would be for our kids, if they can go through their lives without being held back by that?

Making a mistake is simply that – a mis-take – an indication we need to make a course correction.

Seeing mistakes as failures can grind us to a halt, but seeing them as course corrections keeps us looking and moving forward. Having the ability to apply a growth mindset to mistakes, and continue to see a way forward is an important trait of resilience. That’s a trait we want to pass down to our kids.

What Happens in Our Relationships with Our Kids if We Don't Repair the Ruptures?

Sometimes, the fear as a parent can be, that if our kids see us making mistakes, they’ll lose respect for our authority, there’ll be full-on mutiny, and the whole system will descend into chaos. In fact, the opposite is true. If we’re not being authentic, kids pick it from a mile off. You can’t cover for making mistakes and pretend it hasn’t happened – they can smell it. It happens, and it’s more than fine, it can be a good thing.

Mucking up gives us an opportunity to teach our kids that we are always redeemable. They don’t have to be

There’s a great quote from Steve Biddulph that I love, "Our kids make mistakes, and they know they make mistakes. If we're not making them as well, in a very explicit way, they will have a deep sense of inferiority – that there's something wrong with them."

On a Practical Level, What Does it Sound Like for Parents to Repair their Ruptures?

Here’s a recent example from my house; one afternoon my son said, “Mum, I don’t think you got enough sleep last night. You need an early night.” That was a gentle way of saying, ‘you’re being too grumpy and horrible today.’ He was right. I was glad he pulled me up on it. It gave me a chance to take a pull on the reins and regroup. It wasn’t fair for the kids to bear the brunt of my irritable mood, and I really was being unreasonable.

Getting that gentle ‘performance review’ gave me the opportunity to say, “I’m sorry, I’m being too grumpy, aren’t I? I’m just not feeling that great today. It’s not your fault and I shouldn’t make you feel like it is. You’re not doing anything wrong. I think I might have a bath and get an early night. That will help me feel better and do better tomorrow. I’m really sorry, mate.”

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Parenting

Just like that, we all moved on. I redeemed myself and the kids didn’t have to go to bed thinking they’d done anything wrong, in fact, they helped me action a repair, both for them and for me.

How Does Repairing Ruptures Count Towards a Child's Resiliency?

Children don’t learn from what we tell them, they learn from what we show them. We all know people that are incapable of saying sorry or taking accountability for their actions; it’s really destructive for our relationships.

If we can demonstrate how to make reparations when there’s been a breakdown in a relationship, our kids’ ability to communicate, resolve conflict, and move forward is going to serve them throughout their lives.

To instil this quality in our children we can simply teach them by demonstrating the kind of behaviour and language they’ll need through our own actions.

We can also demonstrate tools and strategies that they can use when they need to regain control of their emotions if they’re feeling out of control. This might look like taking a few deep breaths, doing some exercise, taking a bath, talking to a friend, or having a cuddle.

An example of that language can sound like this: “I’m sorry that I got angry and yelled at you to get in the car. That wasn’t very grown-up of me. I was feeling frustrated because we’re going to be late. That’s not your fault. I’m going to take three deep breaths right now to calm down before we start driving.”

When we take accountability for our behaviour, we show our kids: • It’s okay to make mistakes and own them.

• We have practical tools to help ourselves, and others feel better.

We’re not just giving them dialogue around how to turn lemons into lemonade, we’re also showing them how we use a strategy to get back on track.

What Does Resiliency Look Like in Children?

A child in the process of developing traits of resiliency is one who, most of the time, but not always: • Feels safe and secure in their home environment.

• Feels seen and heard. They know it’s safe to express their thoughts and feelings.

• Has a strong, bonded relationship with their parent or caregiver and knows they can go to them to ask for help.

• Can show some empathy and consideration to others, and can be gentle with thoughts and feelings about themselves.

• Can participate and persevere during activities, along with developing some problem-solving abilities.

• Can solve boredom with their own creativity and feels confident to engage in free-play activities that may involve appropriate risk-taking.

• Feels free to use words and behaviour to communicate when they need help and support.

Whether or not a child becomes resilient is determined by what influences they are surrounded by in their environment, not what attributes they may be born with. It is determined by who we are and what we do as parents and caregivers, as we raise and nurture our children – their future is literally in our hands.

• It’s okay to say ‘sorry’ and ask for forgiveness.

WIN a copy of That's Not the Plan. www.mybigmoments.com - $36.00 - Visit www.pakmag.com.au/WIN to enter.

Backed by research and expert consultation, My Big Moments book, 'That’s Not the Plan' helps kids build a toolbox for resilience through proven language, ideas, activities and strategies. My Big Moments works with a team of experts in child development, neuroscience, play therapy and psychology to create a range of books to help little people through big moments. For ages 2 - 7 years. See the full range and create custom-made, personalised copies at mybigmoments.com

Hannah Davison is the author and co-founder of the award-winning children’s book initiative, My Big Moments – personalised picture books, backed by research and expert consultation, to help little people through big moments. The range covers the topics of starting school, building resilience, getting a new sibling, grief and loss, and going to hospital.

Join 'the village' on Instagram at @mybigmoments to access free practical help and support for parents and caregivers.

Podcast: For more on this topic with Hannah, tune into Episode 117 of the PakMag Parents Podcast at www.pakmag.com.au

14 November / December 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Expert Advice

The PakMag Experts Katrina Peters

Tania Atkins

Statewide Family Law

MADEC Youth Services Manager

Dear Katrina, What are the benefits of creating a Parenting Plan?

A Parenting Plan is an agreement in writing that is or was made between the parents of a child. It is signed by the parents of the child, dated and deals with matters such as whom the child lives with, the time a child spends with each parent, the allocation of parental responsibility for a child, communication arrangements, maintenance, and any aspect of the care, welfare or development of the child. A Parenting Plan should also include the process to be used for resolving disputes about the terms or operation of the plan or changing the plan in the future.

The benefits of creating a Parenting Plan include: • Parents can make their own decisions about what to include in the Parenting Plan which suits their individual circumstances.

• A Parenting Plan can be changed at any time if both parents agree.

• Parents have control over the contents of the Plan and the process.

• It’s flexible and easy to sign.

• It saves time, legal costs and the stress of having to be in the Court system.

• Parents can cancel or change a Parenting Plan at any time by making a new written, dated and signed agreement.

The Youth Empowerment and Support Service (YESS) is available through MADEC and is a vital support for young people in the community needing assistance.

Teenagers experience a range of challenges, including - but not limited to; family relationships, education, mental health, safe accommodation, financial independence, health services and substance misuse.

Often teens and their families are unsure of where to go for assistance or, where to begin the process to find information about who can help. Having someone to connect with for information and referrals is important, to ensure families and teens find the services best suited to their individual situation. During the 8 years of operating the YESS program through MADEC, strong professional relationships have been formed with family support services in Mackay, Whitsundays and Bowen. This means the referrals are individualised and the appropriate services can then assist the Young Person and their families in a more holistic manner.

The YESS Team can support young people to attend healthcare appointments, re-engage with education, navigate the Dept of Housing and Centrelink systems, transition to independence, link and refer to appropriate services and have advocacy support. The Team also work from a foundation of building trust and confidence with young people to encourage and empower them to make healthier life choices.

Parenting Plans are a great way for parents who communicate, co-parent and trust each other to document their arrangements with some flexibility.

The community can also support by donating or sharing what they can, including items like food or supermarket vouchers, phone credit, personal hygiene items, clothes, bedding, household items, baby care items, education fees, school uniforms, free safe crisis and affordable long-term accommodation.

We strongly recommend that parents obtain legal advice about whether a Parenting Plan may or may not be right for their situation.

For further information and a referral pack please contact the MADEC Youth Services Manager Tania Atkins by phone on 0429 877 003 or by email at tania.atkins@madec.org.au

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

a 3/17 Macalister St, Mackay www.madec.org.au

www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 17

Advertorial

Supporting the Wellbeing of Individuals and Families STORY Namarca Corowa, Founding Director of Reconcile Life We are well into the second half of 2021 and even further into new and challenging times, the likes of which the world has never seen before. But there are some things that never change… like the challenges faced with raising a family.

Recently at Reconcile Life, we helped to promote “R U OK?” Day. In our day and age, it’s important to also realise that there is another rising epidemic of isolation and loneliness. The feelings of being lost or alone can wreak havoc on our minds and personal relationships. We need now, more than ever, to be conscious of our personal wellbeing.

Contributing to the overall wellbeing of individuals and how that plays out in individual families is a constant struggle in our societies. We believe that with the right support and professional connections that are also at our disposal, you don’t have to go through it alone.

In our day and age, the latest technologies are often at the forefront of our minds and what ‘new things’ will improve our lives. However, we have noticed that through our cultural lens, there are indeed important key elements that still to this day contribute to healthy family relationships.

Another contributing factor of many people’s personal concern statistically, is Domestic and Family Violence. This is inflicted on families, relationships, and neighbourhoods daily. That also means that there are many people within our community who feel that they are alone and consequently, feel that they need to go through family struggle alone.

We believe in the safety of families and that informed families are resilient families. We also know that our services to men, women and children can have a profound personal impact by helping people see things from different perspectives.

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

There are programs available for schools, sporting clubs and teams, workforce teams and general team building activities.

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

www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 19

Health

All Things Health Health Benefits of Cinnamon Cinnamon is known as one of the spices of Christmas. Beyond being a scent and flavour we connect with this season, cinnamon has been used for centuries – it has even been traded as currency, and in some ancient cultures was considered more valuable than gold. It comes from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree, and thankfully for us, has a lot of health benefits.

Staying on Track This Silly Season It’s called the Silly Season for a reason… we let down our hair and let ourselves break routine and relax, celebrating the festive season with family and friends – usually over food and a few tipples.

Loaded with antioxidants – cinnamon contains a large amount of powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols, which helps protect your body from oxidative damage.

May reduce risk of heart disease – cinnamon has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, reducing levels of bad cholesterol while the good cholesterol remains stable.

May help fight bacterial and fungal infections – Cinnamaldehyde, one of the active components of cinnamon, may help fight various forms on infection. It may also help prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath.

It’s important to remember that not all cinnamon is the same. It’s best to use the “true” cinnamon, or the Ceylon variety, to enjoy these health benefits. The Cassia variety may cause problems in large doses due to its coumarin content.

Cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on earth, and it’s definitely worth incorporating into your diet. Add it to muffins, oatmeal, muesli, soups and curries.

Finding balance at this time can be hard, and sometimes we can regret over-celebrating when the new year rolls around and we try to get back into routine and set those resolutions. Here’s a few things to keep in mind to help you stay balanced and on track as we head into 2022: • Dedicate some time during the day to getting out in the sunshine and getting that body moving. There’s lots of things you can do as a family to keep active – you could play beach cricket, go on a hike or for a bike ride, even hire a kayak or try stand up paddleboarding.

• It’s easy to indulge in lots of tasty treats over this time.

We’re not saying don’t do it, we’re just suggesting doing it in moderation and setting up the practice of eating healthy foods first. For example, when loading up at the Christmas buffet, fill half your plate with veggies and salad, then add the other stuff. This will help you avoid the food-regret later.

• Don’t forget to drink responsibly and stay hydrated when having a tipple - the one glass of water in between each alcoholic beverage is a good rule to follow.

• Keep in mind the goals you have for the new year.

It’s easy to let loose before reigning it in come January, but it makes the transition to your new habits a lot harder. So, try to remember what you want for your life in 2022 and make choices that’ll make it easier to get there.

We wish you all a happy, healthy and safe silly season and New Year.

www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 21

Bump, Bub and Beyond

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

BF. Cape

Sequence for Kids Game

$39.95 - www.bfcape.com.au

$25.00 - www.goliathgames.com

Made in Australia, The BF. Cape makes breastfeeding easy at the hair salon, providing comfort, convenience and privacy for mums and their bubs.

The Sequence Game for Kids is easy to play yet challenging and exciting. Just play a card from your hand, place a chip on a corresponding game board space and when you have 4 in a row, it’s a “sequence” and you win. But there’s more.

Use a unicorn card to place your chip anywhere or a dragon card to remove your opponent’s chip.

Based on the best breastfeeding design tops, the BF. Cape has a large opening, providing easy access to both left and right sides when feeding. No more uncomfortable positioning or stress about demand feeding your baby at the salon; no more getting hot and bothered under a thick and heavy cape.

With clips holding the flap closed when not in use and a handy carry bag, this North Queensland invention has been designed by a Mum of three - with you and your baby in mind.

The game comes with 4 colours of playing chips, playing cards and a folding game board. 2 to 4 players, Ages 3+

VTech Ride & Go Recycling Truck $59.95 - www.bigw.com.au Do your part to help the earth with the Ride & Go Recycling Truck made from plastic that is 90 percent reclaimed, meaning less waste goes into landfill. Beginner recyclers will love this lean, green recycling machine, to learn about recycling plastic and reusing everyday objects. Load up the play pieces that represent plastic, metal and paper, sort them into the correct bin, just like at home. Explore ways to repurpose everyday items or take a quiz to reinforce learning.

Reuse and remix melodies by inserting a block in a bin for sound effects that make each melody sound new.

22 November / December 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Breastfeeding with Ease at the Hair Salon Getting your hair done can bring a sense of renewal and make you feel fantastic. Something every mother of a new born or breastfeeding baby needs and deserves. But, getting to the salon, let alone negotiating how to feed your baby with the hot and sweaty capes is quite a feat, and an uncomfortable one at that! Enter the BF. Cape, a North Queensland invention making breastfeeding in salons easy and comfortable for mum and bub.

Did you know?

Babies are born with 300 bones while adults only have 206. As they grow, their bones fuse together.

By 18 months old – your baby’s foot will be half the size of what their adult foot will be!

We all know they grow up fast – but if your baby continued the first year’s growth rate until they became an adult – they would be over 51 meters tall!

Taking Care of Teeth from the Beginning Did you know: a baby is born with a set of 20 baby teeth hidden in their gums?

They’ll start coming through from 6 - 10 months of age, but they can appear as early as three months.

That’s why starting dental care for your baby’s teeth and gums from an early age is important.

BF Cape founder and designer Tahlia Newey, came up with the idea after heading to the salon with her three-month-old daughter and needed to feed whilst getting her hair done. Wondering why there weren’t any breastfeeding capes coming up in her Google searches, Tahlia decided to fill the need and now the BF Cape is being snapped up by salons all around the country!

From around three months of age, gently wipe your baby’s gums twice a day using a damp, clean face washer. This will help your baby get used to this feeling and be ready for brushing when the first tooth appears.

When that first tooth appears brush gently using a soft, infant toothbrush and water only until 18 months old.

Made in Australia from soft cotton, spandex, nylon and a waterproof layer and based on the best breastfeeding design tops, the BF. Cape ensures comfort, privacy and easy access from both sides.

The BF. Cape also comes with its own carry bag, offering convenience for Mum’s or salons to offer in house to their clients. Retailing for only $39.95, you can support a local business and find out more at www.bfcape.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 23

Puzzle

Parent's Puzzle: Criss-Cross Fill in the blanks with the words. To help you get started, two letters are already in place.

4 Letter Words

7 Letter Words

LARK TOUR

ATTIC AVIAN CREEK DUCAT EARTH GREAT GUIDE INPUT MUSIC PIANO PURSE RURAL SCALE TAROT TEMPO TENOR TIGER USING VALUE VISIT

BEARDIE BISCUIT BOBTAIL CAMPING CONCERT CRAYONS CUPCAKE EARINGS ECHIDNA ELEGANT FIGURES FLORIST GROUNDS KETCHUP MORNING ORATORY PREPAID REGATTA STICKER SUCCESS TOASTER TONIGHT TOPIARY USUALLY

6 Letter Words

12 Letter Words

ADVICE AUTUMN SMOOTH URCHIN

ACCORDIONIST GRANDPARENTS THANKFULNESS TRANQUILLITY

5 Letter Words

WIN a Safe Bandz’ Triple Pack Safe Bandz is a wearable, waterproof wrist band sewn with reflective stitching for people or collar attachment for pets. Safe Bandz stores parent / guardian names, contact numbers and emergency info about the person or pet. If a lost person or pet is found, the QR code can be scanned and then the unique code on the band entered. Which allows you to call the parent or guardian listed directly.

Safe Banz is a North Queensland invention and business. $119.85 - www.safebandz.com Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 30/11/2021.

No need to submit colouring to enter.

24 November / December 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Pull-out kids activity mag!

Playtime is over

ONLY IN CINEMAS FROM NOVEMBER 25

ONLY IN CINEMAS FROM NOVEMBER 25

For your chance to WIN a family pass to The Boss Baby: Family Business enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win.

Competition closes 22/11/2021. No need to submit activity to enter.

For your chance to WIN a family pass to A Boy Called Christmas enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win.

Competition closes 22/11/2021. No need to submit activity to enter.

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1. Windy Knickers Game - $25.00 - www.goliathgames.com - Don’t let Granny get her knickers in a twist! Can you help Granny put out her washing? Roll the dice... if it’s a sunny day, hang your washing on the line. Roll a cloud and you must miss a go. Roll a rain cloud and you have to take your washing in. Roll a storm and the washing line spins in the tornado and granny loses her clothes! Can you be the first to hang out all of your washing to win? 2. Lük Beautifood - Luxe Lip Trio Kissmas Set - $59.90 - www.lukbeautifood.com - Consciously curated, the Luxe Lip Trio by natural cosmetics house, Lük Beautifood, contains two of the brand’s award-winning Lip Nourish lipsticks, a nourishing food-grade formula with moisturising ingredients and vibrant pigment pay-off, and their newest release, a demi-matte Lipstick Crayon, designed to line lips and provide a convenient, full-coverage creamy look. Made in Australia, Lük Beautifood is 100% natural, cruelty-free and eco-friendly. 3. Chilly Towel Family Pack - $165.00 - www.chillytowel.com.au Made from a unique hyper-evaporative fibre, the Chilly Towel is Australia’s leading cooling solution! Ideal for hot flushes, sport stress, overheating, headaches and travel, the innovative material cools to 30° below average body temperature and stays chilled for hours. Reusable and dry to the touch, the pack contains 3 adult sized towels, and 1 smaller towel for bubs and children. 4. Marble Rush Launch Pad - $49.95 - www.vtech.com.au - This exciting colour-coded playset features all the pieces you need to create a space-themed Marble Rush voyage full of jumps, stunts and even an electronic spaceship. The electronic spaceship module triggers a cool light show and sound effects when marbles run through it, enhancing your outer space-themed adventure. With 10 marbles included and 79 building pieces to assemble, there is plenty of fun to be had. Includes easy to follow assembly instructions and is compatible with other VTech Marble Rush items. Marble Rush Launch Pad is suitable for children from 4 years, and available from Kmart, Big W, Myer, Target, good toy stores and online retailers. 5. Mindful Me Hinkler Book Prize Pack - $250 - www.hinkler.com.au - Whether it’s a virtual hug, writing in a gratitude journal, sending positive vibes, or just saying ‘hello I’m happy’, these super colourful Mindful Me activity packs from Hinkler are the perfect way for kids to have fun and be in a mindful moment. Each kit comes with positive affirmations and loads of activities to keep young minds busy and mindful. 6. LeapFrog’s Musical Rainbow Tea Party Deluxe - $59.99 - www.leapfrog.com.au - This 25-piece set includes everything needed for a tea party for four including a teapot, teacups, forks, plates, cake and cupcakes. Choose a tea flavour and pretend to pour while the teapot magically empties. Press the heart button to brew a new pot of tea and explore colours, counting and sharing. Introduces manners and sharing with friends, plus a range of learning activities featuring colours, counting and fruit.

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

WIN!

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For Infants/Toddlers from 12 months, the Musical Rainbow Tea Party Deluxe is available now from Target, good toy stores and online retailers. 7. Nextbase 322GW Dash Cam $279.00 - Available at Repco and JB HiFi - The Nextbase 322GW is from the world’s first range of dash cams that provide Emergency SOS. This revolutionary new feature will alert emergency services to your location in the event of an accident, providing additional safety for you and your family. A 2.5” HD IPS touch screen provides easy menu selection and playback. Bluetooth 4.2 and Quick Link Wi-Fi will automatically sync crash footage to your Bluetooth enabled phone. This allows for a quicker connection, so you can easily share footage using the MyNextbase Connect app (Android 5+ & IoS 12.1 or above). 8. VTech Play & Go Puppy Salon - $49.95 - www.vtech.com.au - Open up the pet carrier to groom your pup with the built-in salon. Lights and sound effects enrich playtime as you pretend to wash, comb, dry and clip this soft pup. Learn about colours and puppy grooming as you play. The pet salon features three styling stations. Place the puppy in the swivel seat or use the shampoo, hair dryer and shower to activate songs, lights and phrases. It’s puppy pampering time! All play pieces store inside the carrier. Play & Go Puppy Salon is suitable for pre-schoolers from 2 to 5 years, and available from Kmart, good toy stores and online retailers. 9. LeapFrog’s Count-Along Basket & Scanner - $59.95 - www.leapfrog.com.au - Let’s shop with the Count-Along Basket & Scanner featuring play food, shopping lists, and an interactive scanner that recognises each food piece. Carry the shopping basket or expand it into a rolling shopping trolley.

Shop the rainbow with eight play foods in a variety of food groups, colours, shapes and numbers. The fish, carrots, strawberries, cake, bread, cheese, broccoli and grapes show off their silly personalities with music and unique phrases when scanned. Scan foods on the shopping lists to play activities like Food Group Feast and Shapes of the Day to hear encouraging phrases and songs. Three interactive play modes reinforce learning. For Pre-Schoolers from 2 to 5 years, the Count-Along Basket & Scanner is available from Big W, Target, good toy stores and online retailers. 10. PAW Patrol: The Movie™ Ultimate City Tower™ - $249.99 - Available all major retailers nationally - Introducing the all-new PAW Patrol: The Movie™ Ultimate City Tower™. This 90cm-tall playset brings the pups’ Adventure City headquarters from the big screen to life. Jam-packed with amazing features including a transforming light-up rescue ramp, command centre, vehicle lift, and pup elevator! With Chase’s cruiser, a clip-on backpack, and all six PAW Patrol figures included, the fun starts right out of the box.

‘Tis The Season

Have Your-Elf a Merry Little Christmas STORY Bec Dent As we count down to Christmas, there are so many great family traditions to enjoy including decorating the tree, writing Letters to Santa, and leaving out some milk and cookies, as well as some carrots for the reindeer! But, one newer annual tradition, is one of my favourites and has captured the hearts and imaginations of families around the world… The Elf on the Shelf!

The magical Scout Elves get adopted into families’ homes ahead of Christmas to help Santa manage his ‘Nice List’. The Elf takes notes during the day, sitting quietly observing the family, and when everyone has gone to bed, they come to life and head back to report to Santa at the North Pole.

It’s not all work though… Elves love to play. On their return from visiting Santa, they will find themselves a new spot to perch themselves on and often enjoy some

shenanigans during the night too! Kids love waking up to find the Elf and discover what they’ve been up to.

With Elves adopted into homes everywhere, a simple Google search will show the fun these Elves are having during the night, and the joy they are bringing to kids each morning. It’s a really wonderful (and memorable) way to add to the magic of the season.

If you’d like to adopt this tradition and welcome a Scout Elf into your home head to www.elfontheshelf.com.au.

You can also pick up some fashionable Scout Elf clothing in the Claus Couture Collection, find fun games and activities your Elf will love or even adopt an Elf Pet there too!

Wishing you a fun festive season with your family. If you do welcome an Elf into your home, we’d love to see what they get up to, tag pakmag_nq on Instagram and use the hashtags #pakmagshare #pakmag #ElvesinNQ

WIN a great Prize Pack from The Elf on the Shelf valued at $134.96 Seasonal adventure awaits with everything you need to get started on your family’s Elf tradition this Christmas. The pack includes a Scout Elf to join your family, the festive Claus Couture Holiday Hipster outfit to help their personality shine, a Secret SnoPrize and a Night Before Christmas Book to read together before the big day.

Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to WIN.

www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 31

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1. Luna Gold Celestial Three-Pack Hair Slides - $12.99 - Forever New 2. Pink Garden Dress in Ivory - $179.95 - City Chic 3. Letter Necklace - $135.00 - Silvershop 4. Cushion and Round Teal Earrings and 3.28 Carat Diamonds in Sterling Silver - $329.00 - Secrets Shhh 5. Tuscany Broderie Mini Dress - $139.99 - Forever New 6. Sesame Street Family Bingo - $19.99 - Sanity 7. Olaplex Bond Smoother Kit - $137.35 - Price Attack 8. Everly Back Eyewear $189.95 - Sunbeat Now 9. Colorado Basket Weave Tote Bag - $249.00 - Strandbags 10. Jack & Milly Indy Bodysuit and Book Set in Milk - $24.95 - Myer 11. Christmas Cinnamon Sticks - $24.99 - Dusk 12. Create Your own Christmas Gift Pouch - $7.00 - The Body Shop 13. Kid’s Concept Bistro Coffee Machine Set - $45.00 - Target 14. Calvin Klein ck one Gold EDT Spray 100ml - $45.00 - TerryWhite Chemmart 15. Los Cabos Dotsie Sandals in Tan $59.95 - SUNA Shoes and Accessories 16. Mandalorian Dog Headband - $25.95 - Peter Alexander

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17. Disney Mickey Mouse Festive Tote - $20.00 - ZiNG Pop Culture 18. Australian Geographic Dinosaur Fossil Kits: Diplodocus Skeleton - $14.95 - QBD Books 19. Sprout Bonnet Hat - $16.95 - Myer 20. Christmas Reindeer Headband - $4.00ea - Target 21. Indie Kids The Henderson Stripe Tee - $34.95 - Myer 22. Indie Kids The Armoured Short Dungaree - $64.95 - Myer 23. Paco Rabanne 1 Million EDT Spray 50ml - $69.00 - TerryWhite Chemmart 24. Sage Macarthy Stretch Oxford Shirt $89.99 - Tarocash 25. Kindness and Pears Starry Bath Bomb - $9.00 - The Body Shop 26. Pick Me Up Essential Oils Trio Pack and Case - $49.99 - Dusk 27. Reindeer Face Trinket Dish - $5.99 - Bed Bath N’ Table 28. Christmas Tree Cheese Knife - $14.99 - Bed Bath N’ Table 29. Disney Christmas Socks - $1.00 - ZiNG Pop Culture 30. Kids Weet-Bix Pj Set - $69.95 - Peter Alexander 31. Mr Warwick AM Eyewear - $315.00 - Sunbeat Now 32. Canon EOS M200 Compact System Camera $699.00 - Garricks Camera House 33. Wahl Waterproof Lithium-Ion Stainless Steel Grooming Kit - $249.95 - Shaver Shop 34. Chinchilla Boot - $745.00 - R.M. Williams

All Things Tweens and Teens

Anxiety Busters to Increase the ‘Calm’ in Your Life - For Teens STORY Bec Dent The first time I experienced a panic attack I thought I was having a heart attack! It felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. It was a very real (and painful) physical symptom of the stress I was experiencing at the time. It was also an eye-opener; I learned a lot that day - about myself and the need to support my own mental health and wellbeing.

After seeking the help I needed, I was able to make changes and learn strategies to help manage my anxiety and triggers, and increase the ‘calm’ in my life.

I wanted to let you know – you can too.

The first thing I want to share is; you’re not alone, everyone experiences anxiety from time to time.

Learn the common symptoms of anxiety. As I said, I had no idea what was happening the first time I experienced it, which stressed me out even more!

Knowing what to look for helps. Symptoms can be physical and mental, such as changes in your actions, or thoughts and feelings – you can find out more at www.headspace.org.au. It’s important to remember that anxiety is personal, everyone experiences it differently. So, tune in to your body - listen to it and notice when these signs pop up and how they appear for you.

Practice self-care – getting a good night’s sleep, eating well and staying active help. It’s also helpful to learn about stress and ways to manage it. Find what works for you to find your ‘calm’.

Talk about it – your loved ones want to support you.

Remember, just like you want to be there for your family and friends, they want to be there for you too.

Take notice of what you’re thinking. Thoughts can influence your anxiety, being aware of what contributes can help you interrupt those unhelpful thinking patterns and learn new ways to respond.

Headspace also says to ‘Be aware of avoidance. It’s normal to want to avoid situations that make you feel anxious. It might work in the short-term, but over time it can make your anxiety worse. This is because you don’t get the opportunity to learn that the thing you fear may not happen or be as bad as you think.’

Headspace also recommends breathing strategies.

Slowing your breathing interrupts the cycle of physical sensations associated with anxiety symptoms like a pounding heart, shortness of breath, and butterflies in your stomach. My ability to control my breath, helped me get in control of my anxiety. I know it seems simple, but I promise you - breathing works. www.reachout.com recommends the free app Breathe2Relax.

Reach out – there are so many organisations and people that want to help you manage your anxiety.

If you are finding it hard to cope, and your social, work, or school life is being affected, it’s a good idea to seek professional support.

These organisations are here to help: • Headspace: www.headspace.org.au • Kids Helpline: www.kidshelpline.com.au or call 1800 55 1800 • ReachOut: www.reachout.com.au • Lifeline: A 24-hour crisis service: www.lifeline.org.au or call 13 11 14 • You can also talk to your doctor or you can search for a health service and GP at www.headtohealth.gov.au

WIN an OK Boomer! Game $19.99 - www.goliathgames.com - Known as the game of old school vs. new school trivia, the OK Boomer! game gives you the chance to test your pop culture knowledge and win the 'best generation' title. Each team has 30 seconds to guess the answer to a trivia card question - the first team to reach ten points wins the game. 2 – 8 Players, Ages 14 + Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 30/11/2021.

www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 35

Extracurricular

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

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

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

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

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

P 07 4961 9722 www.artspacemackay.com.au

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

supplement other music, dance, and drama activities with performance and theatre training.

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

Munro School Of Irish Dancing The Munro School Of Irish Dancing offers a range of classes for children, including light shoe, heavy shoe, and group dancing. Many of their students go ahead to qualify and compete on national and international stages. They offer classes at various locations, times, and skill levels, as well as opportunities to compete.

So get in touch and arrange a free trial for your little dancer!

P 0416 599 548 www.munroirishdance.com

Mackay Indoor Sports Arena Mackay Indoor Sports Arena offers a fun way for children to have fun, get fit, and exercise. There’s a range of sport options, including netball, cricket, and soccer. Plus it’s indoors – so rain or shine the games are good to go.

You can join a team or register an entire one, there’s everything you need for a good game, every time!

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

www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 37

Extracurricular

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

Suitable for children aged 8 to 18.

P 0404 163 097 E trebletrouble.mackay@gmail.com www.beemusicalstudio.com.au/trebletrouble

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

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

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

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

Dance Express Mackay Dance Express is all about being bold, inclusive, and creative. Dancing is high-energy, and it’s the best way to build self-esteem and confidence. There are classes for every age group, starting at 18 months through to 12

38 November / December 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

+ years. Classes include ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, yoga, pilates, acrobatics and more!

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

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

P 0409 826 057 www.rugbytots.com.au

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

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

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

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

Extracurricular

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

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

Azure Glass Azure Glass offers glass art workshops throughout the year, including school holidays, with festive focused ones throughout November in preparation for Christmas. Check online for updated schedules and courses, and get your young one creating.

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

With One Voice Mackay With One Voice choirs provide inclusive programs aimed to reduce loneliness, depression and social isolation by promoting diversity and integration. Through the neuro-scientific benefits of community singing, these programs offer a safe space for people of all ages to sing and connect.

P 0404 163 097 With One Voice Mackay & Surrounds Choir

Pat Wright Swim School

School offers a variety of classes for all skill levels.

They provide a safe environment to learn in that builds confidence and water safety awareness.

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

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

A perfect activity for that little one with limitless energy.

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

North Mackay Little Athletics The club is all about family, fun and fitness. They aim to provide a family friendly community activity that gets everyone out there on the field. Parents are encouraged to get involved and help with the events as their children compete.

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

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

P 4961 9610 or 4961 9475 E sport@mackay.qld.gov.au www.mackay.qld.gov.au

Whether your bub is fresh to water, or they’re seasoned and eager to improve their skills, Pat Wright Swim

www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 39

Daddy Diary

Daddy Diary Everything I know about health and wellbeing was taught to me by a puppet giraffe with a hand up its “you know what”. The year was 1991. The location, a caravan parked outside my primary school gates.

Sinister sounding surroundings, I know… (also how’s that for alliteration). But what went on inside this van was not sinister at all. In fact, some of my favourite memories from primary school stem from that very van and the wonderful, spotted animal I believed lived within its walls. Healthy Harold, take a bow.

Life Education is an amazing organisation. Since 1985 they have been empowering children to make safer and healthier life choices. More than 1.5 million Queensland kids have walked though those caravan doors and marvelled at the carpeted walls and stars shining brightly on the ceiling. I was lucky enough to be one of them.

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

All of these wonderful memories came flooding back to me recently after spotting Harold’s van parked at my daughter’s school. I was six years old all over again, and I get a kick - knowing my little girl now gets to experience the joy I did some 30 odd years ago.

I’ll always remember the excitement in the playground air after spotting the van pull up. And the $5.00 my mum gave me to spend at the “Harold Shop” after my class visit. It was in “91” that I used that cash money to purchase a pen with our favourite giraffes head at the top and legs at the bottom. Naturally the long bit of the pen was his neck. I hadn’t even earned my pen licence but I was letting no one get between me and my beloved ballpoint.

The other character you may remember is Tam. It’s cool if you don’t… I had to google her name.

But for those playing along at home, Tam was a mannequin who pulled apart, revealing the different layers of the human body. She’s was a bit like the Robbie Williams film clip for his song “Rock DJ”.

Super cool for a primary schooler.

The work Life Education do is so important.

The memories they leave are lifelong. Hats off to this amazing organisation. You can learn more about the work they do and even help them out at lifeeducationqld.org.au.

Cheers for the life lessons Harold - ya little spotted legend.

Cliffo Hit 100.3

www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 41

School Holiday Guide

School Holiday Guide Sidetrax Entertainment Hub Bring the family for an adrenaline rush and some friendly competition with go-kart racing at Sidetrax.

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

Minimum age is 7 years and drivers must be 1.23m tall.

Please come dressed for racing with closed in shoes, and shorts or pants. There’s also Dodgems to enjoy for $7.00 per session, per car and a cafe on site for you to fuel up.

Cost: (Karting) from $39.00 for 1 race (10 minutes).

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

Souths Leagues Club Mackay Play, eat and enjoy at Souths Leagues Club. The family can enjoy a delicious meal for dinner or lunch from the affordable, family-friendly restaurant Souths Bistro.

You can relax in the gaming room or grab a drink from the sports bar while the kids hang out and play in the kids zone – a room full of games, activities, movies and play equipment. No need for a babysitter at Souths Mackay!

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

Caneland Central Visit the largest shopping centre in Mackay for their huge variety of stores! Keep the kids entertained these holidays with games, music and movies or toys, or pop down and buy your picnic and swimming gear to have a wonderful day out. And don’t forget about Santa, he’ll be there from 6 November up until Christmas Eve! A Mangrove Rd, Mackay P 4944 7111 E caneland.central@lendlease.com Caneland Central www.canelandcentral.com.au

Sarina Sugar Shed Sarina Sugar Shed offers an award winning insight into sugar production. From paddock to plate the tour will teach you and your little ones just what happens when

cane is planted to how it’s used and what it makes.

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

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

Cost: $13.30 for kids, $26.50 for adults, $69.20 for a family (2 adults and 2 children, plus $8.20 for each additional child under 18). Kids under 5 are free.

Bookings essential.

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

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

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

Cost: $90.00 A 18 Olivers Road, Finch Hatton P 07 4958 3359 E info@forestflying.com www.forestflying.com

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens The Botanic Gardens have self guided activities on offer that can be printed from home or picked up from the brochure holders at the Community Noticeboard opposite the café. The activity sheets include: Birdwatching in your garden, Mini-beasts hunt in your garden, Nature Play in your garden, Spotlighting in your backyard, and even Crafts to Upcycle plastic bottles to botanic works of art.

There’s plenty more to do at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens for kids - check in on their website for updated school holiday and Christmas content.

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

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

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

www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 43

School Holiday Guide

Escape Rooms Mackay Enter a themed room and work as a team to solve a series of puzzles, riddles and hints before your 60 minute time limit runs out. Fun for families, friends and groups. Please be advised the rooms are geared more towards mid-teens and adults due to the level of difficulty and themes.

Cost: From $31.00 per player.

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

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

Artspace Mackay

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

Big4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort Break up that school holiday monotony and escape to paradise! Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort is a family owned and run caravan park in Airlie Beach. Nestled on seven acres of shady, tropical greenery, there’s plenty of family fun to be had - Including a playground, jumping pillow, quad bikes for hire, a pool and a brand-new ninja challenge course. Get in and book fast as many families will be looking for a Christmas getaway spot!

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

Artspace Mackay always has incredible art activities for families to enjoy with their free school holiday program.

Check out their Facebook page and website for updates and details. You can also enjoy BMA Kidspace online with simple make-at-home art and music ideas developed especially for children 0 - 5 years by their BMA Kidspace artists.

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

The Blue Water Lagoon

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

The Blue Water Lagoon is set to reopen in late November, just in time for that summer heat. Right in the heart of the city, the lagoon provides a free swimming area for all ages, safe from stingers and any bitiers. It has a water slide, waterfall, children’s playground, as well as BBQ facilities, and is open to the public from 9.00am – 5.45pm during the summer months. The Bluewater Lagoon Café is also nearby – a perfect place to relax and enjoy tasty food after playing in the sun.

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

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

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

Sarina Youth Centre

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

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

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

www.parks.des.qld.gov.au

Free Activities with PakMag

Whitsunday Segway Tours

Here at PakMag we work hard to compile a tonne of awesome activities for kids and families to do together in the school holidays. Visit us online and find our favourite craft ideas, STEAM activities, and family fun destinations – you’re sure to find something for everyone!

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

There’s also Segway, Jetski and Ocean Rafting packages available.

44 November / December 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

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

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

Mackay and Whitsundays What’s On MONDAY 1 NOVEMBER Art Exhibition - Jenna Lee: Cont.ained Runs until 9 January 2022 Artspace Mackay Open Tuesday - Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm and 10.00am - 3.00pm Saturday and Sunday / FREE www.artspacemackay.com.au Toddler Playtime Runs each weekday PCYC Mackay 9.00am - 11.00am / Members $8.00 , Non-member $10.00, 0 - 5 years, under 12 months FREE PCYC Mackay Baby Bounce Runs weekly on Mondays during the school term Dudley Denny City Library 11.00am / FREE - bookings essential / G (babies from birth to walking) www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries Baby Bounce Runs weekly on Mondays during the school term Mirani Library 9.30am / FREE - bookings essential / G (babies from birth to walking) www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries Toddler Time Runs weekly on Mondays during the school term Mirani Library, Sarina Library, Gordon White Library 9.30am / FREE - bookings essential / G - toddlers to 2.5 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ libraries Muddy Monday Runs every Monday All Abilities Mackay - Summer House 9.30am - 11.30am / $6.20 / G All Abilities Mackay Inc TUESDAY 2 NOVEMBER Melbourne Cup Check online for all local events

Melbourne Cup at Souths Souths Leagues Club 10.00am - 5.00pm / Free entry, registration required www.southsmackay.com.au Melbourne Cup Race Day Mackay Turf Club Ooralea Racecourse 10.00am - 8.00pm / $15.00 $130.00 / 18 + www.mackayturfclub.com.au Learn to Line Dance Runs weekly on Tuesday Dows Creek Hall Committee Inc 6.30pm - 8.30pm / $5.00 $10.00, Kids under 10 FREE / G Dows Creek Community Hall Baby Bounce Runs weekly on Tuesdays during the school term Sarina Library 9.30am / FREE - bookings essential / G (babies from birth to walking) www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries Baby Bounce Runs weekly on Tuesdays during the school term Walkerston Library 11.00am / FREE - bookings essential / G (babies from birth to walking) www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries Story Time Runs weekly on Tuesdays during the school term Walkerston Library, Mirani Library 9.30am / FREE - Book online / G (2.5 - 5 years) www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries Baby/Tots Disco Runs every Tuesday during term All Abilities Mackay - Summer House 10.00am - 11.00am / $8.75 - $13.86 / ages 0 - 6 Summer House Mackay, www.summerhouse mackay.com.au The MECC and Shake & Stir Theatre Co. Presents Animal Farm by George Orwell MECC Auditorium 7.30pm / $22.00 - $42.00 / 12

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

With HIT 100.3’s Cliffo & Gabi

years + www.themecc.com.au Older and Bolder Ukulele Step One Also runs 16 November Dudley Denny City Library 1.30pm - 2.00pm / FREE www.mackay.qld.gov.au WEDNESDAY 3 NOVEMBER STEAM Club Runs weekly on Wednesdays during the school term Gordon White Library 3.30pm / FREE / Year 3 to Year 6 www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries Story Time Runs weekly on Wednesdays during the school term Sarina Library, Gordon White Libary 9.30am / FREE - Book online / G (2.5 - 5 years) www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries Toddler Time Runs weekly on Wednesdays during the school term Mirani Library 9.30am / FREE - Book online / G (toddlers up to 2.5 years) www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries Baby + Child First Aid 138 Wood St 10.00am - 12.30pm / $89.00 events.humanitix.com THURSDAY 4 NOVEMBER Baby Bounce Runs weekly on Thursdays during the school term Gordon White Library 10.30am / FREE - booking essential / G (babies from birth to walking) www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries Story Time Runs weekly on Thursdays during the school term Dudley Denny City Library 10.30am / FREE - Book online / G (2.5 - 5 years) www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries

The Story and Songs of Billy Joel: My Life MECC Auditorium 7.30pm / $45.00 / M www.mackay.qld.gov.au FRIDAY 5 NOVEMBER Toddler Time Runs weekly on Fridays during the school term Dudley Denny City Library 9.30am / FREE - bookings essential / G - toddlers to 2.5 years www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries Haunt Dinner Theatre Runs every Friday and Saturday Night Haunt Mackay, 39 Victoria St 6.30pm / $79.00 - $300.00 / R 18 + www.hauntmackay.com.au John Williamson “Winding Back” - Celebrating 50 Years MECC Auditorium 7.30pm / $35.00 - $64.00 / G www.themecc.com.au Airlie Beach Festival of Music Runs until 7 November Mainstage - Whitsunday Sailing Club and various locations around Airlie Beach Various Times / $270.00 $1000.00 / 18 + www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic. com.au Morning Melodies 2021 Bloom Tribute Concert MECC Plenary Halls 11.00am / $15.00 / G www.themecc.com.au Jonathan McBurnie: Birdland Exhibition Runs until 16 January Artspace Mackay Open Tuesday - Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm and 10.00am - 3.00pm Saturday and Sunday / FREE www.artspacemackay.com.au Lindy Lee - Moon in a Dew Drop Exhibition Runs until 16 January Artspace Mackay Open Tuesday - Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm and 10.00am - 3.00pm Saturday and Sunday / FREE www.artspacemackay.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | November / December 2021 47

Mackay and Whitsundays What’s On FRIDAY 5 NOVEMBER Santa Photos in The Pioneer Valley!

Runs until 7 November Wellness Corner, Marian 9.00am - 5.00pm / Various photo packages available Bee Me Photography Mackay Art Deco Walking Tour Australia Hotel 6.30pm / $15.00 Sugar City Art Deco & Modernism Society Niki Power Plays Live at the Burb Souths Suburban Bowls Club 7.00pm - 11.00pm / FREE / G www.southsmackay.com.au Exhibition Opening: Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop, + more Artspace Mackay 6.00pm - 8.00pm / FREE www.artspacemackay.com.au SATURDAY 6 NOVEMBER Santa Claus is coming to town!

Runs until 24 December Visit Santa at Caneland Central www.canelandcentral.com.au Falun Gong Meditation and Relaxation Sessions Runs every Saturday Mackay Botanic Gardens, Tropical Sun Lawn 9.00am - 11.00am / FREE www.mackayregionalbotanic gardens.com.au Mackay Parkrun Runs every Saturday Mackay Botanic Gardens 7.00am - 8.00am / FREE www. mackayregionalbotanicgardens. com.au The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! Mackay Musical Comedy Players present this wildly funny, fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant theatre patron favourite.

MECC Auditorium 7.30pm / $40.00 / Adult www.mackay.qld.gov.au Artist’s Talk with Jonathan McBurnie Artspace Mackay 10.30am - 12.00pm / FREE www.artspacemackay.com.au

Workshop: collage & drawing process with Jonathan McBurnie Foundation Gallery, Artspace Mackay 12.00pm - 3.30pm / $25.00 / M www.artspacemackay.com.au SUNDAY 7 NOVEMBER Mackay Nth Qld Babies & Kids Market Mackay Showgrounds 8.30am - 12.30pm / $2.00 / G All ages Nth Qld Babies & Kids Market Nth Mackay Sinkers Open Water Swim Pleystowe Connection Rd 7.00am / Register online / 14 +, Under 18 requires parental permission and attendance Nth Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club Dance Express Mackay Presents Ready, Set, Grow 2021 Northern Beaches High School Performing Arts Centre 9.30am and 11.30am / $25.00 / G - All Ages Dance Express Mackay MONDAY 8 NOVEMBER CQUniversity Creative and Performing Arts Auditions Runs until 12 November Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music 9.00am / Course application required www.cqu.edu.au/events Citizenship Ceremony MECC www.mackay.qld.gov.au TUESDAY 9 NOVEMBER The Neighbourhood Hub’s Pink Ribbon Day! Morning Tea, Lucky door, Raffles & Fun activities! All money raised will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

4 George St, Mackay 10.00am - 12.00pm / G www.tnhub.org.au THURSDAY 11 NOVEMBER Remembrance Day Bluewater Big Band Open Rehersal Mackay Christian College 7.00pm / FREE / G

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Bluewater Big Band Open Rehearsal

Players 12 years + www.eventbrite.com.au

Coral Sea Academy - Extreme Weather Preparedness Prepare yourself and your vessel for extreme weather events.

The Meeting Space, Coral Sea Marina 4.00pm - 5.00pm / FREE, Register online www.coralseamarina.com

FRIDAY 19 NOVEMBER

SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER Hamilton Island Endurance Series - Triathlon, Icons Trail, Ocean Swim Runs until Sunday 14 November Hamilton Island www.hamiltonisland.com.au The Grass Is Greener Presents The Backyard Series Harrup Park 12.00pm - 10.00pm / $99.00 / 18 + www.thegrassisgreener.com.au Beginner sewing class for kids and adults Split Spaces, Sydney St 10.00am - 1.00pm / $70.00 / G events.humanitix.com Adults Yoga Power and Strength Flow Wellness Corner, Marian 3.00pm - 4.00pm / $15.00 / 16 + Yoga with Cherie Theatre Arts Mackay Dance Excellence Showcase Gala MECC Auditorium 4.00pm / $40.00 www.themecc.com.au TUESDAY 16 NOVEMBER BMA KidSpace Toddler Program The program includes free artist-run workshops and live musical entertainment for kids.

Bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing.

Artspace Mackay 10.00am - 1.00pm / FREE / Ages 5 and under www.artspacemackay.com.au THURSDAY 18 NOVEMBER Shredded Fingers Guitar Group Come along for play throughs, gear try outs and sharing playing techniques.

Gordon White Library 5.30pm - 6.30pm / FREE /

Forever Gold - The Ultimate ABBA Show Metropolitan Hotel, Mackay 8.00pm / $30.10 / 18 + www.tickets.oztix.com.au Conversations With Art Artspace Mackay 1.00pm - 2.30pm / FREE / M www.artspacemackay.com.au Dance Avenue Presents Dance Dance Dance MECC Auditorium 6.00pm / $30.00 - $48.00 / G www.themecc.com.au Viva Solo Plays Live at the Burb Souths Suburban Bowls Club 7.00pm - 11.00pm / FREE / G www.southsmackay.com.au Volleyball Australia Emerging Talent Regional Camp - Players and Coaches Runs until 21 November Proserpine State High School Various times over the weekend / $165.00 Volleyball Australia Emerging Talent Program - Queensland SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER Dance Dance Dance Dance concert performed by Sarina Dance School and Dance Workz Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music Theatre 5.00pm and 9.30pm / $15.00 $30.00 / G www.trybooking.com Watercolour for Beginners Mini workshop for beginners.

Gordon White Library 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE / Adult workshop www.mackay.qld.gov.au Teal Heels Mackay Annual fundraising event for Ovarian Cancer Australia. Enjoy a fabulous night out at the Women’s Big Bash League and help raise funds for a worthy cause!

Harrup Park Country Club 4.30pm / $155.00 / Adult event Teal Heels Mackay

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

Older and Bolder Coversations with Art Artspace Mackay 1.00pm - 2.30pm / FREE / G www.mackay.qld.gov.au SUNDAY 21 NOVEMBER Beginner sewing class for kids and adults Split Spaces 10.00am - 1.00pm / $55.00 / G events.humanitix.com Offshore Race – Club Championship Whitsunday Sailing Club 11.00am - 6.00pm / FREE to spectate www.whitsundaysailing club.com.au Pool Lifeguard Update Airlie Beach Swim Centre 8.00am - 4.00pm / $140.00 / 16 + airliebeachswimcentre.com.au THURSDAY 25 NOVEMBER International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women Worldwide www.un.org/en Speed Date The Collection An opportunity for members of the community to ‘meet’ artists’ books from the collection.

Artspace Mackay 5.30pm / FREE / Bookings essential www.artspacemackay.com.au FRIDAY 26 NOVEMBER Birdlife Mackay Monthly Survey Help monitor the status and trends of bird populations in the region.

Mackay Botanic Gardens 6.30am - 8.30am / FREE www.mackayregionalbotanic gardens.com.au informationpresident.mackay@ birdlife.org.au

Flying Tigers Live at the Burb Souths Suburban Bowls Club 7.00pm - 11.00pm / FREE / G www.southsmackay.com.au SATURDAY 27 NOVEMBER Moss and Ferns Perform Live Souths Leagues Club Mackay 7.00pm / FREE / G Souths Leagues Club Mackay Dynamite Dancing 2021 MECC 6.00pm / $30.00 - $47.00 /G www.themecc.com.au Sign Time!

Learning Auslan and practice your skills.

Eimeo Pacific Hotel 3.00pm - 5.00pm / FREE /G www.deafservices.org.au Kids Yoga Wellness Corner, Marian 2.00pm - 3.30pm / $15.00 / 6 - 12 Yoga with Cherie SUNDAY 28 NOVEMBER First day of Hanukkah Runs until 6 December Beginner sewing class for kids and adults Split Spaces 10.00am - 1.00pm / $65.00 / G events.humanitix.com TUESDAY 30 NOVEMBER Grief, Loss and Dementia Mackay - Contact for location details.

9.30am - 12.00pm / FREE, Registration requried www.dementia.org.au Introduction to Dementia Mackay - Contact for location details.

1.30pm - 3.00pm / FREE, Registration requried www.dementia.org.au

It Starts With You Mackay - Contact for location details.

3.30pm - 5.00pm / FREE, Registration requried www.dementia.org.au WEDNESDAY 1 DECEMBER Younger Onset Demetia Mackay - Contact for location details.

10.00am - 11.30am / FREE, Registration requried www.dementia.org.au Worried About Your Memory Mackay - Contact for location details.

2.00pm - 3.30pm / FREE, Registration requried www.dementia.org.au THURSDAY 2 DECEMBER Introduction to Dementia Proserpine - Contact for location details.

10.00am - 11.30am / FREE, Registration requried www.dementia.org.au Worried About Your Memory Proserpine - Contact for location details.

11.00am - 2.30pm / FREE, Registration requried www.dementia.org.au FRIDAY 3 DECEMBER Nick White Plays Live at the Burb Souths Suburban Bowls Club 7.00pm - 11.00pm / FREE / G www.southsmackay.com.au How We Roll’ Prime Cheer Showcase Bob Wood Cultural Hall, Sarina 7.00pm - 9.00pm / $10.00 $20.00 / G www.trybooking.com SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER Legoland Day There will be Mini figurines,

Storm Troopers, LEGO raffles and more. All money raised will go directly to the Mackay Autism Support Group.

Souths Leagues Club Mackay 10.00 - 2.00pm / $2.00 / G All Ages Souths Leagues Club Mackay The Wolfe Brothers Queens Beach Hotel, Bowen 7.00pm / $34.70 / R 18 www.tickets.oztix.com.au Proserpine Cut Out party An event to celebrate the end of the crushing for our community!

Help raise money for the Black Dog Institute.

Proserpine Showgrounds 5.00pm - 12.00am / $10.00 $65.00 / G Family event www.trybooking.com SUNDAY 5 DECEMBER The Wolfe Brothers Mount Pleasant Tavern 7.00pm / $34.70 / R 18 www.tickets.oztix.com.au 2021 Community Christmas Party Music by Sami, Mini Cent Sale, Food, Drinks, Bar, Facepainting and Santa Photos.

Calen District State College 6.00pm - 9.00pm / FREE / G Calen & District War Memorial Hall MONDAY 6 DECEMBER Centre Stage Dance Company presents “That’s Entertainment 2021” Runs until 7 December MECC 6.00pm / $26.00 - $40.00 / G www.themecc.com.au

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Mackay and Whitsundays What’s On TUESDAY 7 DECEMBER BMA KidSpace Toddler Program The program includes free artist-run workshops and live musical entertainment for kids.

Bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing.

ArtSpace Mackay 10.00am - 1.00pm / FREE / Ages 5 and under www.artspacemackay.com.au FRIDAY 10 DECEMBER Last day of Term 4 Morning Melodies 2021 - Darren Coggan Home For Christmas MECC Planery Halls 11.00am / $15.00 / G www.themecc.com.au Anette Plays Live at the Burb Souths Suburban Bowls Club 7.00pm - 11.00pm / FREE / G www.southsmackay.com.au Oz Anthems & High Voltage (The AC/DC Show) Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club 7.30pm - 10.30pm / $33.00 / M www.allevents.in/mackay Mackay Show Precinct’s Christmas Mega Markets and Eat Street Mackay Show Precinct 4.00pm - 9.00pm / FREE / G Family friendly event Mackay Show Precinct SARINA Sporting & Services Annual XMAS Markets Sarina Leagues club

6.30pm / G All ages Sarina Sporting and Services Club SATURDAY 11 DECEMBER CPR Course Airlie Beach Swim Centre 4.30pm - 7.30pm / $45.00 airliebeachswimcentre.com.au A Glorious Christmas Mackay Choral Society presents Faure’s Requiem in D Minor, featuring Mackay City Strings. Followed by a glorious collection of carols to celebrate the festive season.

CQCM Theatre 7.30pm - 9.30pm / $10.00 $25.00 / G www.trybooking.com SUNDAY 12 DECEMBER A Glorious Christmas CQCM Theatre 2.00pm - 4.00pm / $10.00 $25.00 / G www.trybooking.com MONDAY 13 DECEMBER Kids Yoga Summer Workshop Wellness Corner, Marian 2.00pm - 3.30pm / $15.00, Bookings preferred / Ages 6 - 12 Yoga with Cherie FRIDAY 17 DECEMBER Nathan Kennedy Plays Live at the Burb Souths Suburban Bowls Club 7.00pm - 11.00pm / FREE / G www.southsmackay.com.au

Regular Markets The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Markets

Eungella Community Markets

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

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

Showground Markets

Seaforth Community Markets

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

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

50 November / December 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

With Triple M's Jay and Dave

Conversations With Art Artspace Mackay 1.00pm - 2.30pm / FREE Register online www.artspacemackay.com.au SATURDAY 18 DECEMBER Stable On The Strand at Riverway Runs until 22 December Riverway, Townsville 6.00pm - 9.30pm / FREE / G All ages www.stableonthestrand.com.au FRIDAY 24 DECEMBER Christmas Eve SATURDAY 25 DECEMBER Christmas Day Christmas Day Banquet at Northerlies Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, Airlie Beach 12.00pm - 4.00pm / FREE $169.00 / G All ages www.northerlies.com.au Magpies Annual Christmas Lunch Magpies Sporting Club 12.00pm - 2.30pm / FREE for under 4, $80.00 - $130.00 / G www.magpiesmackay.com.au

closer to the date www.themecc.com.au NYE Toga Party Featuring a kids superhero party from 6 pm, kids are welcome to stay until 12.00am Souths Leagues Club Mackay 7.00pm - 12.30am / Check Facebook for more details Souths Leagues Club Mackay Haunt Dinner Theatre NYE 2021 Rocky Horror Tribute Show and buffet meal Haunt Mackay, 39 Victoria Street 6.30pm / $125.00 - $145.00 / 18 + www.hauntmackay.com.au New Years Eve Beach Party Blacks Beach Tavern 7.00pm - 12.30am / Check Facebook for more details Blacks Beach Tavern SATURDAY 1 JANUARY Happy New Year!

FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY Arj Barker Comes Clean MECC Auditorium 8.00pm / $54.90 / 15 + www.themecc.com.au SATURDAY 6 FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 31 DECEMBER

Celtic Illsuion Reimagined - 10 Year Anniversary Show MECC Auditorium 7.30pm / $69.90 - $79.90 / G www.themecc.com.au

New Years Eve

FRIDAY 26 FEBRUARY

New Years Eve Party Bluewater Quay 6.00pm - 9.00pm / Check website for more details

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

Seaforth Mega Market

Troppo Treasure Markets

SUNDAY 26 DECEMBER Boxing Day

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

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

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

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

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