PakMag Mackay & Whitsundays - July & August 2018 Issue 66

ISSUE: JUL & AUG 2018

66

MACKAY & WHITSUNDAYS

NAIDOC: BECAUSE OF HER, WE CAN

THE LOWDOWN ON LOTE UNICORN PARTY!

NAVIGATING THE NDIS SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE

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

CONTENTS Entertainment: Check It Out

Hello and welcome to the July edition of PakMag!

6

Feature: Because of

Her, We Can

9

The Thing Is:

With Bree James

This month, we’re celebrating NAIDOC Week and we’ve had the honour of interviewing three Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families from the Cairns community. Their stories are really inspiring as all of them are doing their bit to keep their culture alive and thriving. It reminded me that teaching my children about the culture of our country is so important, so I encourage you all to get along to an event or give your little ones a culture lesson!

4

10 The Lowdown on LOTE 13 Navigating the NDIS 17 PakMag Mackay: A Look

to The Future

18 PakMag Needs You! 23 What’s On Guide 25 Mini Mag 33 Bump, Bub and Beyond:

Bonding with Baby

With the NDIS launching this month, there still seems to be so much confusion about what it actually is! So, check out page 13 where we break down what it is and give you a guide in plain English to the new Scheme.

With winter in full swing, it certainly is chilly, so make sure you keep warm this month! It’s school holiday time so there are plenty of activities you can get up to indoors and out. Our School Holiday Guide is jam packed as always on page 46.

Until next time, have a great month, and don’t forget to tell them you read it in PakMag.

37 Pretend Play 39 Health 40 Bonding with Family 42 Celebrate: Unicorn Party!

44 Home with Caro and Kingi:

Boho Style in the Tropics

46 School Holiday Guide 48 Snapped 50 Daddy Diary

Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James Operations Manager Rose Foster Production Manager Janelle May

Bree James Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief On the Cover Tania Townes-Tass, Damien Tass, Dennis Tass, Renaysha Tass and Savanah Tass Cover Photography Sweet Fields Photography, www.sweetfieldsphotography.com.au Contact Us: p 4053 3331 f 4053 3350 e admin@grandpublishing.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 / Unit 5, 78 Anderson St, Cairns fb facebook.com/pakmagmackay t #pakmag

Graphic Designers Clare Winter Sara Williams Marketing to Families Experts Lisa Gillman Dan Kendrick Sub-Editor Kate Moloney

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

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

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

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 3

Entertainment

CHECK IT OUT Circus Wonderland

Around the World in 80 Days

When: Saturday, 7 to Sunday, 15 July, 2.00pm and 6.30pm Where: Civic Precinct Lawn, Alfred Street, Mackay More Info: themecc.com.au

When: Saturday, 14 July at 7.30pm Where: MECC Auditorium More Info: www themecc.com.au

This exciting performance is in the world-famous Wonderland Spiegeltent and is part of the Mackay Mazda Festival of Arts.

An incredible and entertaining show for the whole family!

Take your family to watch this epic, funny show. Pursued by Scotland Yard through Europe, Africa, Australia, it is a race to stay ahead of the law…

Intrigued? Watch the show to see what happens!

Tickets: $35.00 Adult / $30.00 Child

Recommended for Families of All Ages.

WIN: A Family Pass for the 2.00pm Performance on Saturday 7th July.

Tickets $28.00 | Family $85.00 (2A+2C)

BMA Kidspace 2018 When: Tuesday, 17 July, 10.00am to 2.00pm Where: Artspace Mackay More Info: www.artspacemackay.com.au Join this popular toddler’s program, created for children under five to give them a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of co-operative learning.

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

Mackay Mazda Festival of Arts When: Friday, 20 to Sunday, 29 July Where: Various Locations More Info: www.themecc.com.au/mackayfestivals This year’s Mackay Mazda Festival of Arts is packed with local arts, food and entertainment. Join these amazing events and come celebrate at one of the largest festivals in Queensland; a wine and food event that heroes the region’s local produce. Visit website for full program.

Rouge When: Friday, 20 to Sunday, 29 July at 8.00pm plus Saturday, 28 July at 5.00pm Where: Spiegeltent Civic Lawn More Info: www.themecc.com.au Come watch this intoxicating blend of sensational acrobatics. Rouge is a nonstop celebration of the astonishing, the surprising and the downright sexy.

Tickets: $55 Adult | Ages 18+

4 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Safari Kidzone When: Saturday, 21 July, 10.30am to 5.30pm Where: Queens Park More Info: www themecc.com.au The Kidzone is definitely a must-do for the young families of Mackay. This year, Safari Kidzone will be full of surprises including animal performers plus free mask-making workshops. There are also paid activities for the kids, such as jumping castles, teacup rides and much more.

Free Event.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show When: Tuesday, 24 July at 10.00am, 12.00pm and 6.00pm Where: MECC Auditorium More Info: www themecc.com.au One of the most-read and famous children’s books of all time, ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, emerges off the page in a masterful theatrical experience for the whole family.

Recommended for Early Childhood up to 5 years old.

Tickets $15.00 / Family $55.00. (2 Adults and 2 Children)

The Big Print Day! When: Sunday, 29 July, 1.00pm to 4.00pm Where: Artspace Mackay Gallery and Carpark More Info: www.artspacemackay.com.au Hop along to this amazing family day. There will be heaps of creative printing, stamping, rubbing, stencilling, invisible ink and photocopying activities throughout the gallery and out into the carpark.

Free Family Event.

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 5

Because of her, we can NAIDOC Week provides the opportunity for everyone to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year NAIDOC Week is being celebrated from Sunday 8 to Sunday 15 July with the theme being, ‘Because of her, we can!’. It’s a theme that is all about celebrating the amazing achievements of Indigenous women and the important role that they play in their cultures’ cultural, social and political survival.

We are so excited to be sharing the amazing stories of these local, proud Indigenous women who are doing wonderful things every day in and for their community; helping to continue this tradition of women keeping their Indigenous culture alive and strong.

Tania Townes-Tass Tania refers to her family as being a very multicultural one; she is an Aboriginal descendent of the Ngarabal Nation from Deepwater in New South Wales and has Irish, Welsh, and English heritage too while her husband is a South Sea and Torres Strait Islander. They have three beautiful children - a 15-year-old son, and two daughters who are 13 and 11 years old.

As a local screenwriter and independent filmmaker, Tania desires to break negative stereotypes in the media that have infected the true image of what it means to be a powerful and intelligent Indigenous person. She is currently in filming her first movie titled ‘Tribulation’ and Tania has encouraged her Indigenous peers to come

6 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

on board in the making of this film, allowing them an artistic outlet to express themselves through film. Tania is also very proud that within her team they currently have three Indigenous women as heads of departments.

Tania would love to see more people just giving things a go! She said, “Don’t be scared or ashamed to show the world how great you are at something. Don’t let the fear of being noticed stop you from walking out in your God-given gifts!”

This year, Tania is hoping to celebrate NAIDOC with her family and friends, and she plans on reaching out to others, particularly those who may not otherwise have the opportunity, in the hope of helping them to give life a go, fulfilling their dreams!

Sweetfields Photography

Feature

Feature

Natasha Ramsamy Natasha is of Torres Strait Islander descent and is a mother of five children who also currently cares for four foster children. She is an amazing person who most certainly has her hands full.

Seba loves working with the community and the kids, and she said, “At these events, we always incorporate cultural activities for our younger generations such as weaving, dancing, storytelling and singing.” Seba believes that showing and teaching are so important and she also said, “We need to be great role models for our children.”

This year Seba will be celebrating at the ATSICHS NAIDOC Kid’s Fun Day being held on the 10th July at the Victoria Park State School from 10.00am to 2.00pm, and Seba hopes to see you there too!

Bianca Dorante Bianca, born and raised in Mackay is of South Sea Islander and Aboriginal descent (her tribe, Darumbal, Juru and Kaanju) and her husband Phillip is of Torres Strait Islander descent. They have a beautiful nineyear-old son Lennox, and as a family, they enjoy playing sports (rugby league and basketball to name a few), and they love fishing, crabbing and hosting big cook ups to bring their family together.

Keeping culture alive is very important to Natasha, not only just for her own children but also for the foster children that she cares for. Natasha knows the importance of providing a loving and stable environment for children to grow up in and said, “They are the future and the ones who will be keeping our culture alive.” Natasha said, “We need more Indigenous foster carers” and she would love to encourage others to become involved.

This year Natasha will be celebrating NAIDOC with her beautiful family, and if possible, would actually love to take her family to Cairns to experience the celebrations there, so that her children can see how different regions celebrate too.

Seba Bourne Seba and her beautiful family are of Torres Strait Island descent. Living in Mackay and working in maternal child health, Seba is actively involved in keeping culture alive through not only NAIDOC celebrations but also through other celebrations such as National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day and Coming of the Light celebrations.

Bianca acknowledges that as a mother, aunty, daughter, older sister, niece and grandchild, she has responsibilities to fulfil in sharing cultural knowledge to the younger generation, ensuring they are aware of the complexity of their families, know their backgrounds and know their culture. She said, “There is no better feeling than being rich in culture.” She also strongly believes that we all need to be mindful and respectful of others no matter what their circumstances.

I will be attending the NAIDOC Family Fun Day in the Park with my family plus this year my family’s small business will be catering both the NAIDOC Mass and the Gayunganangu Dhandarilbangu Yuribayagamu, ‘Our Women Are Standing Strong’ Morning Tea. To find out how you can join in with all the wonderful NAIDOC Week celebrations happening around Mackay this year visit the Mackay NAIDOC Facebook page.

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 7

The Thing Is

The Thing Is...

STORY Bree James

I simply can’t believe it’s been eleven years since I started the PakMag journey, and over twenty years of being self employed. I have no business degree, I didn’t really grow up in an entrepreneurial family, and I certainly haven’t had a silver spoon in my mouth to get here. What got me here was fear, and what will get me to the next level that I am aiming for, is more fear.

something, the more I should be doing it.

The thing is, fear is a wonderful thing. Growing up in a lower socioeconomic, divorced family, money was very tight and fought over often. One day I remember very clearly, my mum made me ring my dad for new school shoes, and for his own reasons, he said no. I knew he would say no, I think even my mother knew he would too. But in that moment as a seven-year-old girl, I made a vow that I would never ask for money from anyone ever again, and I decided that I would work so hard so that I never had to worry about money. And that is what I have done. (I started selling handmade cards to neighbours, then Avon from age ten but that’s another story). The fear of being poor has driven me my whole life. It has made me save like a squirrel, which thankfully has gotten me through some very tough business times and allowed me to keep people I care about employed even though I wasn’t earning money anymore.

2. I ask myself, “Can I handle the worst case scenario if it goes wrong?”

So if you are having a battle with fear, whether that be a fear to leave a partner, fear to leave a job, fear to take your life to the next level, fear of being irrelevant, fear of whether to start or stop something, my advice to you is to use fear as a motivator.

When I am fearful, I write down my fear and I do these three things.

1. I ask myself “What is the worst that could happen?” (for business it’s always been - go home and live with my mum. HUGE motivator)

3. I ask myself “What if I pull it off? How would I feel?”

Use fear, don’t fear fear. Fear will push you further when you think you can’t go on.

As a society we are so fearful. But often fearful in a way that means we are frozen and don’t do anything to fix it and only achieve half of what we want to in life. We need more strong people, especially parents, mastering their fear and using fear to their advantage.

So please, do that thing in your heart that you have always wanted to do. Today is the day! It’s so important that we show our kids we are brave at every opportunity we can. So it’s time to catch that spider, jump off that jetty, stand up for what’s right, push yourself outside your comfort zone and tell them how scared you were at first, but how glad you are that you were brave and took the plunge. Mastering fear and being brave is one of the best things you will ever teach your kids. So if you can’t do it for you, do it for them.

Fear is certainly one of my biggest motivators, and I have realised the more fear I have with doing

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 9

Education

The lowdown on the importance of LOTE STORY Marlene Barrett, French and English Teacher LOTE stands for Languages Other Than English. Learning a language other than English offers your child the perfect opportunity to ensure that they are ahead of the 88 per cent of graduating students in Australia who don’t graduate having learnt a second language. Over half of the world’s population are bilingual, yet according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, (Census of Population and Housing 2016, published June 27, 2017) only 21 per cent of Australians speak two or more languages.

The Queensland Government is taking steps to remedy this, and the Department of Education’s Advancing Education Action Plan includes an expansion of the study of languages in Queensland schools from Prep to Year 12 with a focus on Asian Languages with the aim to support our children to develop a global mindset. The global schools through languages plan acknowledges that more than ever before our children need to understand the traditions and cultures of our broader community as they live and learn in an increasingly interconnected world. You can read more on this at www.advancingeducation.qld.gov.au

10 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Apart from developing a global mindset, there are many other benefits for your children from learning to speak a second language: It boosts your child’s ability to communicate in their first language.

Learning a second language can give your child a firmer grasp on their first. Formulating foreign phrases requires the use of grammar skills, which allow him or her to better understand the rules of their native tongue. This double reinforcement leads to solid language and reading comprehension skills that can

Education

result in better grades across the board. Keep in mind though, children, and even adults, often go through a silent period when learning a new language. So be patient and keep on trying even if it seems like your child isn’t catching on. It pays to remember that a young child can comprehend vast amounts of language prior to being able to articulate in their target language themselves.

It improves their brain’s efficiency, function, performance and plasticity which improves their academic performance by enhancing their decisionmaking skills, developing their problem-solving skills and their ability to multitask.

With the 2019 full implementation of our National Curriculum from Prep to Year 12 in Australia, we need to help our students to achieve their best. This will mean external examinations for all learners and a change for our children in Queensland. Fortunately, for second language learners, two significant by-products of bilingualism are better cognitive skills and longer attention spans. Those skills combined contribute to great test-taking ability.

It is fun, challenging and becomes part of who they are, it encourages healthy risk-taking, not being afraid to make mistakes and provides better career opportunities.

a second language also requires quality training and frequent repetition, i.e. “Use it or lose it.”

•• If you are skilled yourself in another language simply speak to your child at home in that language as you go about your daily routine. Your child will start picking up on the words and phrases that they hear.

•• There are many fun tools available to assist children with language learning. There are apps, online tools, websites offering interactive learning and young learner’s channels on YouTube.

•• Encourage your child’s learning through watching their favourite movie in the target language with English subtitles.

•• Download a music playlist of their favourite songs in the target language and get them to sing Karaoke.

•• There are community language classes available for children of all ages.

•• Dine at a restaurant from the target language and get them to use their language skills with greetings, etc. Alternatively, cook foods at home from the target language culture and practice meal-time etiquette in the language.

•• Plan a family holiday together using maps, phrasebooks and through researching cultural norms of the target country.

Learning a language should be fun, it’s about acquiring a range of skills and tools that will enable them to be able to communicate with others from differing backgrounds, promoting cultural awareness, diversity and tolerance. Our life, language, travel and cultural experiences all blend to become our own personal intercultural knowledge, a blueprint if you will. This intercultural knowledge enables each child, with their personal experiences, to be their own unique blend of the languages and cultures they experience throughout life, learning and travel.

Children’s minds are sponges, learning as they proceed through life which is why learning a second language for children is often easier than for adults. As a parent, you have the chance to prevent your child from experiencing a sense of regret that they didn’t make the most of this opportunity that is afforded to them as a young person. Of course, your child will face times when it is challenging, but it is important to continually encourage them, providing them with opportunities to utilise their skills. The rewards of learning a second language are immense,

How you can help your child with learning a language other than English.

being able to speak or even break a cultural barrier in attempting to speak with someone from elsewhere in our vast world opens doors to wonderful, life-enriching experiences.

Just like when your child was mastering their first language, the key to success lies in repetition and frequency! It is the same as how building your child’s competence in any given sport requires frequent quality training in order for them to be successful and to achieve their personal best. Learning and retaining

The philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein stated famously, “The limits of your language are the limits of your world.”

Being able to speak another language does empower children to become incredible human beings.

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 11

Feature

Navigating the NDIS The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was rolled out in the Mackay region nearly two years ago but there is still some confusion about ‘who’, ‘how’ and ‘what’! And perhaps the reason for the confusion is because there is no ‘one size fit all’ answer. Each case is assessed on the individual situation and the amount of possibilities and considerations often means that questions about the Scheme are often answered with, “That depends!”.

That said, the Scheme is hugely beneficial to those who are eligible and there are organisations appointed to ensure participants are helped every step of the way. But where do you start, can you get funding and who should you be talking to? Let us give you a swift overview of your options.

So, firstly, let’s look at what the National Disability Insurance Scheme is.

The Australian Department of Human services describes the NDIS as “A new way of providing individualised support for people with an impairment or condition that is likely to be permanent, or a developmental delay that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities.”

Essentially, the Scheme gives eligible people a more flexible and whole-of-life approach to their care. It gives participants more choice and more control over how, when and where their funding is allocated which enables them to be able to pursue their goals and aspirations, and participate in daily life to their fullest potential.

You may see the acronyms NDIS and NDIA and wonder what the difference is. Well, in essence, it is the role of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to implement and manage the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

What Kind of Services will Funding Cover?

The beauty of the NDIS is that there are a range of services that are covered by the Scheme. As you probably would expect, services such as disability support care, physiotherapy and occupational therapy are covered under the Scheme, but you may be surprised to learn that services such as gardening and cleaning may also be considered an option too.

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 13

Feature

It is important to note that the types of services that the individual participant will have access to is entirely dependent on the funding approved by the NDIS and the individual’s NDIS plan outlined by their Local Area Coordinator or their Pre-Planning service (explained more below).

How To Access Support Through The NDIS If you are currently receiving disability services…

•• You should already have been contacted by the NDIA regarding your transition to the NDIS. •• You need to develop your first NDIS plan with the appointed Partners for the NDIS in Mackay (see “Who is the main point of contact” below).

•• Your NDIS plan may include the same supports and services you already receive allowing you time to consider how your current supports are working and what other supports are available that may help you achieve your goals in your next plan.

3. You can visit a Pre-Planning service. These organisations assess your situation and submit your paperwork to the NDIA. Once your case has been approved, they will develop an NDIS plan and will be responsible for allocating funds to the relevant services (which do not necessarily have to be NDIS approved services). If you choose this route, you have a choice of a number of Pre-Planners who can help you in Mackay.

Please note, to go down any of the three above avenues, you must be under 55, have a medically diagnosed disability and be able to provide proof of your disability.

What if you don’t have a diagnosed disability?

If you don’t have a medically diagnosed disability but think you or your child may be eligible for funding, your first port of call is your GP who will be able to advise you further.

•• You will keep receiving your current support until your first NDIS plan is in place or when the transition period has completed.

Who is the main contact point for the NDIS?

•• Plans are renewed every 12 months to 2 years.

There are also unscheduled reviews.

The NDIS has a Partner in the Community in each region who are the main contact point for most people aged seven (7) years and over. They are known as the Local Area Coordinator (LAC). A LAC will help you get started with the NDIS and will ensure that the support you are receiving is meeting your needs. In the Mackay service area, the LAC is Feros Care.

If you are NOT currently receiving disability services, but think that you are eligible to, there are three options.

1. You can apply to the NDIA yourself for funding. You can call 1800 555 677 to begin the process. Choosing this route means you will not have a dedicated person to help in completing the paperwork. Once you have been approved, you will be referred to an NDIA appointed Partner who will be responsible for developing an NDIS plan (which will determine which services to which your funding is allocated) and allocating your funds to the relevant services.

2. You can visit your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) (for people over 7 years) or your Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) service (for children under 7 years).

This organisation will assess your situation and submit your paperwork to the NDIA. Once your case has been approved, they will develop an NDIS plan and will be responsible for allocating funds to the relevant services (which must be NDIS approved services). If you choose this route, you are choosing an organisation which has been entrusted by the NDIA; each region only has one LAC and one ECEI. NB: some areas have one organisation which is considered both LAC and ECEI, but Mackay has one of each!

14 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

For People Aged Seven Years and Over

Feros Care can be contacted on 1300 090 256, Monday to Friday from 7.00am to 6.00pm, or you can email them on lacinfo@feroscare.com.au or visit www.feroscare. com.au/ndis for more information.

For Children Aged Seven Years and Under An important part of the new NDIS is the ECEI service.

This service is available to children aged zero to six years of age with a developmental delay or disability.

The NDIS has a partner in each region who delivers these ECEI services and are your main point of contact for the NDIS. An ECEI Partner can help you understand and access the most appropriate supports for your child. In the Mackay service area, the ECEI Partner is Uniting Care Community.

Uniting Care Community can be contacted on 1300 778 081, Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm and Saturday from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

PakMag Mackay: A Look To The Future As many of you, our loyal readers will know, the first half of 2018 has been a changing landscape for PakMag. We began the year on a high that the publication had a new owner and we were all excited about this new chapter for the magazine. In order for us to get the new owner up to speed, we delayed the launch of the first edition under new management and it was unfortunately after this edition that both parties realised that the fit was just not right.

So, it was with a heavy heart that we parted ways.

But we are not deterred and we learnt a lot along the way! In order to continue providing the magazine to the community of Mackay, we need a ‘wo/man on the ground’. We need a community-oriented person who has the passion to champion the PakMag brand, connect with local businesses and be the driving force to make PakMag Mackay to take the amazing publication to higher levels.

For nearly six years, the PakMag team have managed the Mackay magazine from head office in Cairns.

Bree has spent a lot of time, and made many great friendships in Mackay, but with a young family of her own, and growing business, we want to see someone take it on who can take it to the next level under her and her team of twelve’s guidance.

Although we are passionate about the Mackay community from afar, we know that in order for it to be

at it’s full potential, we need a super passionate person on the ground who loves it as much as we do.

So, Mackay families, can you help us find our new owner? We’re looking for someone to become part of the PakMag family and the right person reap the financial rewards of running their own business off the back of an already established brand. We won’t lie, this takes hard work and a resolve to live and breathe the business (as it does with any business), so if you’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit, a strong work ethic and can build on established relationships and follow our timetested formula, then we want to hear from you.

If you’d like to apply please head to www.pakmag.com.au /mackayowner For all of our readers, there are also a number of other ways that you can help keep PakMag Mackay running in your community. Head to page _ to check out how you can help!

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 17

Sharing The Love

PakMag Needs You!

Many of you reading this will know the PakMag story.

You’ll know that Bree began the magazine to help families in the Far North be better connected within their community 11 years ago. You’ll know that we now reach over 72,000 people every month with our three magazines, PakMag Cairns, Townsville and Mackay, and thousands more through our digital channels.

And you’ll know that giving back is at our very core; having run over 400 free events attended by over 300,000 local families, created the PakMag Mobile Parents Room (the first of its kind in Australia), printed more than 2.7 million magazines which are free for readers, raised well over $150,000 for local charities, given away more than $500,000 in prizes and helped thousands of small businesses to grow their share of the family market.

But did you know that we need your help to do all this, to continue doing this and to do more of this?

As a company, we’ve never put pressure on our readers or asked for help, but with the changing landscape of our industry, we need your help to continue to provide our community with this much-loved resource.

PakMag is more than just a magazine. Our digital arm is now a huge part of what we do, and with our new website just launching, we have a goal of reaching 100,000 PakClub Members by the end of the year.

It’s a big goal, but if we do this, it will mean that we will be able to continue providing daily content for parents.

But, more than that, we’ll be able to provide more free stuff, more product discounts and more prizes to you, our loyal readers.

We’re a well-known resource in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay but our aim is to take PakMag to the national, and eventually, global stage. To do this, we not only need to build our brand on a local scale (through the magazine and our social media), we also need to show PakMag is a voice of authority in the parenting space nationally. And there are two ways we’ll do this; 1) we’ll provide the best content, freebies, discounts and prizes to families all over Australia and 2) We’ll build Bree’s personal profile to show the world just how credible we are in this space, much like Mia Freedman or Constance Hall.

But why does your support matter? Well, PakMag as a brand is able to run as a result of family-friendly businesses choosing the magazine, the website, or our social media to promote their products or services through paid mediums. But without us proving that we are loved in the community, by you, they’d have no reason to choose us. This is where we need your help!

So how you can support PakMag in this next step of our journey?

Digital proof counts a LOT in business. Not only is PakMag in an industry that competes with Google, Facebook, TV, Radio and all other media, we’re also competing with the likes of Mark Zuckerberg and Kerry Packer who have an endless supply of money… and huge social media proof.

We certainly don’t have that (yet), and realistically we sometimes have to choose between giving someone a job or whether we invest in new office chairs. So we need you, our loyal NQ readers to help us BIG TIME to

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 19

Sharing The Love

grow our social status globally. “I’ve been nervous to take this next step,” Bree says. “But I so badly want to help parents raise incredible kids and provide resources, tips and advice to more than just NQ, so I hope you can help us and embrace this step with us.”

Here is a checklist of everything we would LOVE your help with if you are a parent who wants a chance to win prizes, learn, and have fun!

Digital Check List

Head to www.pakmag.com.au and sign up to PakClub. This is a FREE club for parents who want to stay up to date, receive offers, discounts and more. PLUS, you’ll get access to our digital publication, “PakMag” which features celebrity interviews, great prizes and discounts.

On Instagram, follow “breegjames” (Bree’s business account), “pakmag_online” (PakMag’s national account) and “pakmag_fnq” (PakMag’s account for our NQ readers).

On YouTube, subscribe to “Bree TV” (for Bree’s look

at the parenting and business world), “PakMag TV”

(for amazing videos for parents and kids) and “Parents and Kids of North Queensland” (for

local videos)

Join Our "Give it A Go Group-for Parents" group on Facebook. This is for parents looking for inspiration and advice on things they want to give a go, from travel to recipes and parenting techniques.

Follow “PakMag” on Pinterest.

Follow “PakMag” on Facebook - this is our global page for parents, as well as “PakMag Mackay”.

Rate us on “PakMag Mackay”, and “PakMag” on Facebook, leave us a testimonial about how we help you or what you love about our platforms.

Like the new “Bree James” Facebook page.

Real World Check List If you visit one of our advertisers, let them know “I read it in PakMag”.

If you visit ANY business in town, ask them, “Do you offer a bonus for PakMag readers?”

Snap a picture: if you’re at a local event, doing something in the local community or you see something that PakMag readers should know about, snap a picture and send it to us by using #pakmag share on Instagram or by sending us a message via your local PakMag Facebook page.

If you have an interest in business or entrepreneurship: Like the new “Bree James” Facebook page.

Subscribe to the Bree James blog (head to www.breejames.com.au).

Subscribe to Bree’s YouTube channel, “Bree TV”.

Follow “The Business Over Breakfast Podcast” that Bree co-hosts with Australia’s #1 business author Andrew Griffiths (Search in your podcast App and “follow” the podcast).

If you are a parent and a business owner, join the new Facebook group “Parentpreneur - For the Brave Raising A Business & A Family”. It’s a place where you can ask for tips and advice on business and family with likeminded Parentpreneurs.

Some of these are brand new, so there are zero followers at this stage, so please invite your friends and help us reach our targets in no time!

Extra tips and hints for the ultra keen and ultra helpful!

Facebook: ensure you are “following” our pages and groups not just “liking” it, Facebook constantly changes algorithms, so if you “follow” and put on notifications, you won’t miss any of our posts, and we won’t have to give more money to Facebook that doesn’t stay in our community.

Add @pakmag.com.au and @breejames.com to your safe senders list on your email, then you won’t miss our special deals, information and competitions. We promise not to spam you!

Comment, like, share, participate and offer help on all of our social media channels! We have plenty of great content. Got a family member visiting?

Send them the link to our NQ Family Travel Guide.

Someone having a baby? Send them the link to our NQ Baby & Toddler Guide. Someone new to town?

Tell them to pick up a PakMag and do the above.

Share our videos, comment, tag - it all helps.

Submit a story about your family. Our new “Families of PakMag” series features families from all across Australia and we’d love to feature you (head to www.pakmag.com.au).

Submit your interest in being a cover star (head to www.pakmag.com.au).

Join us as an ambassador, if you LOVE PakMag and want to be part of what we do, head to www.pakmag.com.au and apply.

Use these hashtags when you post on social media if you want us to share your content:

For parents - #pakmag, #pakmagshare, #pakmagparent

For Business owners - #parentpreneurshare, #parentpreneurmob, #breejames

Follow Bree James on LinkedIn.

Check out this story in our online mag for handy clickable links to all of the above steps.

Follow “breegjames” and “Parentpreneur_mob” on Instagram.

Thanks so much if you did one or all of these things.

We really appreciate it!

20 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

WHAT’S ON JULY JULY SUNDAY 1 Mackay Qld Mushroom to Mushroom Workshop Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens 10.00am / $95 / Youth+ QBL Game - Mackay vs Cairns Mackay Basketball Multi-Sports Stadium Mackay Meteors & Meteorettes 2.00pm / Cost / Family

Yoga for Children - Gordon White Library Gordon White Library Mackay Regional Council Libraries 10.00am / Free / Family

Townsville Mackay Basketball Multi-Sports Stadium Mackay Meteors & Meteorettes 6.00pm / $15 / Family

10.00am / Free / Family

THURSDAY 5

Kids’ Yoga in the Garden Mackay Community Gardens Mackay Community Gardens 10.00am / $15 / Kids

WEDNESDAY 11

Paper Craft and Mindfulness Dudley Denny City Library Mackay Regional Council Libraries 2.00pm / Free / Ages 12+ FRIDAY 6

Skate Titans Mackay Slade Point Skatepark Rumble on the Reef 1.00pm / Free / Youth+

Kids Drumming Workshop Mackay Community Gardens Mackay Community Gardens 10.30am / $15 / Kids

TUESDAY 3

Faulty Towers - The Dining Experience Seabreeze Hotel Seabreeze Hotel 6.00pm / Cost / Family

Coastal Treasures Runs until 15 July Artspace Workshop Room www.themecc.com.au Free / Family WEDNESDAY 4 Farmers’ Market Every Wednesday Bluewater Quay Greater Whitsunday Food Network Inc 7.00am / Free / Family Cooking Demos with The Family Table Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market Greater Whitsunday Food Network Inc 8.00am / Free / Family

With Star’s Rob

SATURDAY 7 NAIDOC Bro-am Golf Tournament Melaleuca Golf Course 4848 1062 7.30am / $80.00 / Nomination required Mackay Festival of Arts - Circus Wonderland Runs until 15 July Spiegeltent - Civic Precinct Lawn themecc.com.au 2.00pm & 6.30pm / $35 Adult & $30 Child / Family QBL Game - Mackay vs

Busking by the Beach Festival Seabreeze Hotel Seabreeze Hotel 2.00pm / Free / Family SUNDAY 8 Because of Her, We Can! NAIDOC Week 2018 Runs until the 15 July Mackay Region Mackay Naidoc 2018 Check Facebook Collaborative Jumbo Print!

Mackay Town Hall Studio www.themecc.com.au 10.00am / $25 / Ages 14+ Lino Cutting Workshops Artspace Mackay Artspace Mackay Check Website Run For MI Life Ladies Brunch Harrup Park Run for MI Life Check Website

NAIDOC ATSICHS Kid’s Fun Day Victoria Park State School renae@atsichs.org.au 10.00am / Free / Family

Mindfulness for Children Gordon White Library Mackay Regional Council Libraries 10.00am / Free / Age 5 -12 NAIDOC Piccaninny Show Mackay Children and Family Centre Mackay Naidoc 2018 10.00am / Free / Family THURSDAY 12 Mindfulness for Children Dudley Denny City Library Mackay Regional Council Libraries 10.00am / Free / Ages 5 - 12 The Sum of Us Kucom Theatre www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $30 / 15+ FRIDAY 13

TUESDAY 10

Taylors Solicitors Mackay Cup Carnival Mackay Turf Club 4952 1155 1.00pm / Cost / Adult

NAIDOC - Dance and Language for Kids Dudley Denny City Library Mackay Regional Council Libraries

Guy Sebastian - Then and Now Regional Tour MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $87.50 / Youth+

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 23

WHAT’S ON JULY JULY River Street Twilight Markets and Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market Bluewater Quay www.greaterwhitsundayfood. org.au 4.00pm / Free / Family SATURDAY 14 Around the World in 80 Days MECC Auditorium themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $28 / Family Garage Sale - St. Charles Hall St Charles Hall desfrank@bigpond.com.au 7.30am / Free / Family Mackay Cup Ooralea Racecourse 4952 1155 11.00am / $20 / 18+ Mackay Bluewater Fling Bluewater Quay themecc.com.au 3.00pm / $2 / Family NAIDOC Family Fun Day Bowen Bowen Soundshell Girudala Community Cooperative Society Check Website Woodturning and Craft Expo Runs Until 15 July Snow Wright Court, Andergrove themecc.com.au 9.00am / Free / Youth+ Dinner by Moonlight Habana Community Grounds themecc.com.au 6.00pm / $35 / 18+

24 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

With Star’s EJ

Mackay Kart Club: Sugar City Titles Mackay and District Kart Club Mackay and District Kart Club 9.00am / Cost / Family

NBBC Fire Pit Night with Stylus Crew (Live Band) Northen Beaches Bowls Club www.nbbowls.com.au Check Website

SUNDAY 22

QBL Game - Mackay v Gladstone Mackay Basketball Multi-Sports Stadium Mackay Meteors & Meteorettes 6.00pm / Cost / Family

Mackay Chamber Music Festival Runs until 22 July Mackay Masonic Temple www.mackaycmf.com.au Check Website

Hall Studio

SUNDAY 15 Collaborative Jumbo Print!

Mackay Town Hall Studio themecc.com.au 10.00am / $25 / Ages 14+ TUESDAY 17 First Aid Refresher MyneSight Training RTO Tri-ActiV8 5.15pm / $65 / youth+ BMA Kidspace 2018 - Art for Under 5’s Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / Free / Ages 0 - 5 FRIDAY 20 Mackay Mazda Festival of Arts - Rouge Runs Until 29 July MECC Auditorium themecc.com.au 8.00pm / $55 / 18+ Whitsunday Voices Literary Dinner 2018 MECC Auditorium themecc.com.au 6.30pm / $150 / 18+

SATURDAY 21 Mackay Mazda Festival of Arts - RACQ Grassroots Stag’ Queens Park themecc.com.au 11.30am / Free / Family Mackay Mazda Festival of Arts - ‘BB Print’ Main Stage Queens Park themecc.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family

Collaborative Jumbo Print!

Mackay Town themecc.com.au 10.00am / $25 / Ages 14+ Monster Cent Sale Marian Church Hall Pioneer Valley Country Music Festival Check Website TUESDAY 24 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show MECC Auditorium themecc.com.au 10.00am, 12.00pm &

Mackay Mazda Festival of Arts - G&S Engineering Wine and Food Day Queens Park themecc.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family

6.00pm / $15 / Family

Mackay Mazda Festival of Arts - The Fergies Live MECC The Fergies Check Website

Caneland Central

Safari Kidzone Queens Park themecc.com.au 10.30am / Free / Family The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market Queens Park www.greaterwhitsundayfood.org.au 10.30am / Free / Family

Mackay Mazda Festival of Arts - Caneland Central Lunchbox Concerts Runs Until 26 July themecc.com.au 11.30am / Free / Family WEDNESDAY 25 Mackay Mazda Festival of Arts DBCT Illuminate Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens themecc.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Family

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 25

AN EVO COMFORT SCOOTER

For your chance to WIN, complete and mail to:

Name

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

Parent/Guardian

Win an EVO Comfort Scooter - RRP $200.00 www.globber.com.au - From pushchair to walking bike to scooter - GLOBBER EVO COMFORT has you covered for years!

Choose from three bright colours; blue, pink and green for $200. Optional light up wheels and other Globber accessories are available from independent retailers and www.globber.com.au Competition closes 31/07/2018

Age

Address Postcode Phone Email

A PUREFREE AMICO GLASS WATER BOTTLE

For your chance to WIN, complete and mail to:

Name

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

Parent/Guardian

Win a PureFree Amico Glass Water Bottle - RRP $34.95 www.purefree.com.au - These beautiful glass bottles come encased in a coloured silicon sleeve for added protection and style. They are designed for optimising taste (everything tastes better in glass), health (no BPA or nasty chemicals), drinking experience and are great for cutting down on single use plastics.

Competition closes 31/07/2018

Age

Address Postcode Phone Email

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 27

A GO GREEN LUNCH BOX SET

For your chance to WIN, complete and mail to: PakMag Colour In July 2018 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870 Win a Go Green Lunchbox Set - RRP $70.00 www.trendyliltreats.com.au - Go Green is one of the leading brands of leak proof lunch boxes in Australia. With it's turn n lock technology it ensures your lunch stays in each compartment and remains fresh throughout the day.Each Lunch Box set contains a lunch box, lunch bag, ice pack and an 8oz drink bottle. You can choose your favorite bag design and lunch box colour!

Competition closes 31/07/2018

Name

Age

Parent/Guardian Address Postcode Phone Email

What’s On Guide

WHAT’S ON JUL JUL & & AUG AUG THURSDAY 26 An Unlikely Tour Check Website www.crossroadarts.com.au Check Website Ne Roi - A Ballet in Three Acts MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $55 Adult / Family FRIDAY 27 QBL Game - Mackay vs Ipswich Mackay Basketball Multi-Sports Stadium Mackay Meteors & Meteorettes 6.30pm / Cost / Family SATURDAY 28 Mackay Mazda Festival of Arts - Rouge MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 5.00pm / $55 / 18+ RACQ CQ Rescue Model Search Registration Day Brooke Lee Modelling Brooke Lee Modelling Check Website

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

G&S Engineering Comedy Club MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 8.00pm / $60 / 18+ Christmas in July Bowen Bowls Club Horseshoe Bay Resort Check Website SUNDAY 29 The Big Print Day! Artspace Mackay Gallery and Carpark www.artspacemackay.com.au 1.00pm / Free / Family Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch MECC North Foyer www.themecc.com.au 11.00am / $60 / 18+ Damian Callinan in Swing Man Pinnacle Playhouse www.themecc.com.au 2.00pm / $25 Adult / Family Early Man - Mackay North BCC Cinemas Sensory Movie Day Mackay 10.00am / $6 / Family

Marian Markets Date: 3rd Sunday of the month (Excluding May & Dec) Time: From 8.00am Location: Holy Rosary Church Anzac Avenue Paxton’s night markets Date: 2nd Friday of the month* Time: From 5.00pm Location: Paxtons Warehouse Details: *Check their Facebook page as dates subject to change www.facebook.com/ PaxtonsNightMarkets

Sydney St Medical Beach to Gardens Charity Fun Run Queens Park Beach to Gardens Charity Fun Run Check Website WEDNESDAY 1 AUGUST Ross Noble - El Hablador MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 8.00pm / $49.90 / 18+ FRIDAY 3 AUGUST The Australian Ballet Regional Tour - Coppélia MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $65 Adult / Family SATURDAY 4 AUGUST Graeme Connors in Concert ‘From the Backcountry’ MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $69 Adult / Family

Twilight Markets Time: 6.00pm - 9.00pm Location: Northern Beaches Bowls Club Details: Please visit Northern Beaches Bowls Club facebook page for dates and theme The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market Date: Every Wednesday Time: From 8.00am to 1.00pm Location: Bluewater Quay Details: www.facebook.com/ greaterwhitsundayfarmersmarket

Mackay Mountain Marathon Eungella, Queensland mackaymountainmarathon.com Check Website SATURDAY 11 AUGUST International Karate Test Match MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Family Sip n Paint Art Class Helloworld Travel Mackay www.helloworldtravelmackay.com Check Website THURSDAY 16 AUGUST The Phantom of the Opera MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $45 Adult / Family TUESDAY 21 AUGUST BMA Kidspace 2018 Artspace Mackay www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / Free / Ages 0 - 5

Showground Markets Date: Every Saturday Time: From 6.30am Location: Milton Street Seaforth Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: From 8.30am Location: Palm Avenue Seaforth Troppo Treasure Market Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: From 7.30am to 11.30am Location: Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

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

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 29

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

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

30 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mums and Bubs Morning Ride

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Days: Last Wednesday or Thursday of every month.

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

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Bonding with Baby STORY Natasha Rees, Registered Midwife/Registered Nurse.

Bonding with your newborn baby is critical for infant neurodevelopment and emotional wellbeing, and there are many ways to do so.

Skin to skin contact is a natural and innate way to create that first bond when your baby is born. The majority of hospitals allow immediate skin to skin with a well-baby and mother immediately after birth for both vaginal births and caesarean deliveries. Skin to skin is a sacred bonding experience and should be honoured and respected by all health professionals as a critical bonding time and protected where possible for as long as possible post birth for mothers and fathers and their newborns. Having at least one-hour initial skin to skin time with your newborn encourages the release of essential hormones within the mother, necessary for successful breastfeeding establishment and also releases the well-known ‘love hormone’ oxytocin.

Oxytocin is a hormone that works in the opposite way to human stress responses; it is a calming connection that blocks the stress response and decreases the circulation of stress hormones throughout the body. It provides a natural high and loving connection between mother and newborn baby, encouraging that first lifelong bonding experience.

Immediate skin to skin contact is not the only way to bond with your baby postpartum. Spending time with your baby; communicating through song, play, touch, speech, facial expression and eye contact are all important contributors in creating a strong bonding experience. Another way to encourage bonding is to keep your baby in close proximity as often as possible in the first few weeks and months post birth. This can be achieved via the use of aids such as baby carriers and wraps as well as having your baby sleep in a separate bed, in the same room as you. This not only encourages bonding, but it also allows new parents to become familiar with their baby’s signals and enables the mother and father to respond accordingly to their needs.

Bonding with your baby is a life-long process that begins at birth and remains infinite. If you feel that you are not bonding with your baby as well as you would like, or you would like to know more strategies that may help you bond with your newborn; there are support services available within the community that can offer further advice and strategies to improve this process for yourself and your partner.

Support services are available through: •• Your GP or specialist doctor.

•• Child, Youth and Family Health Services located at the Carlyle Community Health. This service offers a variety of different programs via midwives and child health nurses, phone 4885 7750.

•• Mackay Base Hospital Birth Centre is a home-like maternity care facility, phone 4885 6933.

•• The Mater Misericordiae Hospital Mackay is a modern Catholic healthcare facility, phone 4965 5666.

•• Healthy Families Beyond Blue Organisation offer online support via www.healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 33

Bump, Bub and Beyond

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

VTech Snooze & Soothe Elephant

Bush Babies Scented Blossoms

www.vtech.com.au RRP $24.95

www.bushbaby.world RRP $24.95

VTech’s Snooze & Soothe Elephant is a soft and cuddly elephant friend for baby to snuggle up to when it's time for sleep.

It has a variety of soft fabrics that provide comforting tactile stimulation, and a play and pause melody function with a soothing light pattern. Two gentle sing-along songs, 30 calming melodies, relaxing nature sounds, and loving phrases help lull baby to sleep. Designed to soothe your little one, whilst promoting sensory and auditory development, the electronic module is removable, allowing the elephant to be hand washed. Available from 18th June in blue and pink from major retailers and selected toy retailers.

Meet the sweet and flowery ‘Blossom Bush Babies’ from Blossom Meadow.

A clever little mechanism at the back of their heads brings them to life! You can wiggle their eyes and waggle their ears, all with the squiggle of a finger. Start or add to your Bush Babies collection with Scented Blossoms, Lili and Rosi. Both have a delicious blossom signature scent and beautiful long quiffs of brightly coloured hair which is fun to brush with their sweet floral-shaped brush.

Food Catcher www.mummaslittlehelpers.com.au RRP $65.00 Helps parents doing both puree and or Baby Led Weaning. Set and forget! The most effective solution to keep the mess at bay and the quickest, easiest clean up ever. Waterproof, wipeable and machine washable.

Has a large 'catch zone' for food dropped/thrown down the front, sides and lap.

Easy to attach and remove to any 4 legged high chair. Scoop food out at the end of the meal - Clean up finished.

Attaches to high chair trays and under the dining table.

34 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Does your baby cry excessively?

Shower or Reveal?

STORY Kate Moloney

Baby Showers, since the early 1900’s, have been a domain of women only, an event where mothering and childbirth experiences were disclosed, and womanly advice given. Some of the traditional games, such as writing a baby name for every letter of the alphabet, continue to be played to this day. While traditional baby showers are still favoured as the most popular way to ‘shower’ a mother-to-be with advice, love and gifts, there is another way of celebrating that is gaining lots of popularity.

Colic, it affects about one in five babies, yet it is still poorly understood. If you have an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby that is experiencing unexplained episodes of crying that lasts for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week for three weeks than they may be suffering from colic.

While crying is normal, this type of excessive crying is not. Other signs of colic include pulling up of their legs to their tummy and arching their back and crying mostly in the late afternoon or evening.

Here are some recommended tips that you can try to soothe your baby’s discomfort (be prepared though as these may work one day but not the next): •• Feed on demand.

•• Burp baby well after every feed.

•• Massage baby’s tummy with clockwise movements.

•• Provide items to suck on.

Baby’s comfort is important but always remember, looking after your own well-being is also a vital part of coping with colic.

Win a box of Soothe Me Baby tea!

RRP $19.95 / box of 10 sachets - www.giselleandi.com - A new organic, tasty and convenient remedy proven to provide relief from colic, stomach pains, nausea, bloating, wind, indigestion and any related gastrointestinal discomforts in babies as young as one month old through to children as old as ten.

For your chance to win visit www.pakmag.com.au

STORY Kate Moloney

This new celebration is known as a Gender Reveal Party, a party where, as its name suggests, the biological sex of the unborn baby is revealed, and often quite creatively. These parties are inclusive of the baby’s father and male family and friends.

While Gender Reveal Parties are gaining lots of popularity, they are not knocking the traditional Baby Shower off its pedestal, particularly for first pregnancies, but it does seem that many parents-to-be are choosing to have both!

Win a Mizzie the Kangaroo teether toy! A great gift for any parent to be.

RRP $27.95 - www.mizziethekangaroo.com - Mizzie is oh so cute and Australia’s number one favourite natural rubber teething toy. Babies will hop with happiness as Mizzie loves to be held, squeezed, smelt and even bitten soothing sore gums.

For your chance to win visit www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 35

Exploring Play

PRETEND PLAY STORY Kait Cummins, Occupational Therapist, The Play Project From as early as 12 months old our children start to play pretend. Their desire, interest, imagination and creativity start to explode around the time they turn three when everyday encounters you have had with them or the most recent episode of Peppa Pig is being replayed through their pretend play.

Pretend play fosters a child’s imagination and is crucial for cognitive and language development. It’s also essential for helping a child to make sense of the world around them, develop social skills, understand emotions and communicate effectively with others.

Great ways to support pretend play at home include: •• Turn off technology.

•• Read stories - they will often re-enact the story in their pretend play.

•• Limit the number of toys your child has access to at one time (rotate toys keeping some in the cupboard) – with too many toys they are less likely to be creative with them.

•• Encourage the use of everyday items in a pretend way (towel as a cape, sheet for a big cubby house) - great for promoting problem-solving.

Follow the child’s lead. Remember, pretend play is about learning social and communication skills, so give them the chance to practice without interruption.

TOYS FOR PRETEND PLAY 2

1

5

3

4

1. Doctors Set by Le Toy Van - RRP $75.00 2. Honey Harvest Vegetables by Le Toy Van - RRP $29.95 3. African Girl 21cm Baby Doll by Miniland - RRP $35.00 4. Monster Feet - RRP $12.95 5. Honeybake Honey Kitchen by Le Toy Van - RRP $285.00 Toys available from Let The Children Play, 15B Macalister St, Mackay - www.playmackay.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 37

Health

HEALTH Beat the flu with this simple hack

Help for your female Tween-Ager!

STORY Kate Moloney

STORY Kate Moloney

The cold weather is upon us; it occurs every year, yet, funnily (or not), every year many tend to find themselves unprepared and hence experiencing the awful effects of the flu. So, what can we do differently this year?

Flu immunisation is available, however, if you are not a fan of injections, then the answer for you may lie in nasal flushing. As respiratory viruses invade and replicate in our nasal passages, washing inside the nose and sinuses with an isotonic saline solution can help to flush out these viruses.

Using an isotonic solution means the solution closely resembles the body’s natural fluids, so it does not cause discomfort when used and maintains the balance of the nasal environment. Rinsing the nose and sinuses with this solution can also prevent the build-up of mucus that can cause sinus pain, plus your family can avoid the discomfort (and cost) caused from excessive nose blowing throughout the winter months.

A natural and effective therapy, nasal and sinus irrigation not only helps to reduce nasal congestion symptoms but also aids in maintaining nasal immunity through the flushing out viruses, allergens and pollutants that are breathed in through the nose.

Sinus wash kits are suitable for adults and children aged six and over, are easy to use and are readily available in pharmacies.

Note: Nasal flushing must only be performed with an appropriate solution, do not perform with tap water.

In what often seems like a blink of an eye, your baby girl becomes a girl physically able to conceive a baby herself. The conversations that are had with your tween-ager daughter during this period (no pun intended) really are so important.

Knowing how to start a conversation on this topic can be difficult. Basic sex education is provided through school programs but further discussions at home are necessary and how this is handled can have lasting effects.

With this in mind, Rosie Luik, created the book, Help!

I’m a Tween-Ager, A Girl's Guide to Puberty, as a resource that parents can safely give to their girls and use as a conversation starter with them.

The book looks at body changes, weight, exercise, dreaded pimples and includes chapters on social media, friendships and the schoolyard plus fun facts, inspirational quotes and embarrassing stories that happened to Rose and her friends during their time dealing with puberty that she hopes will inspire and motivate.

Overall this book is a safe haven for girls and an ageappropriate resource that parents can trust.

Help! I’m a Tween-Ager, A Girl's Guide to Puberty Book - RRP $19.45 www.rosieluik.com For your chance to win a copy of Help! I’m a Tween-Ager, A Girl's Guide to Puberty visit www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 39

Parenting

LEARNING TO BOND WITH YOUR FAMILY STORY Meg O’Donnell (B.Ed, SAHM) When our children are born, we are immediately connected to them. It’s just what happens. And while not everyone gets the amazing rush of love straight away, without fail, every single parent will immediately feel that sense of duty and ownership over their children. But do we really feel a bond?

The answer everyone wants to hear is “yes”, because no one likes to think otherwise, but the truth is, it can take a little longer to really ‘bond’ with our children. The reason for this isn’t sinister. It’s simply that until they develop their own little personalities, likes and dislikes, and mannerisms, we can’t really understand them on a deeper level. The good news is, until that point, they are so cute and wide-eyed that we don’t even care. Once they start growing up, however, we can really start trying to bond with our children.

40 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Sometimes, we struggle to find ways to really connect with our kids, so here are some ways that families can make strong (and lasting) connections: Turn off the technology.

I never realised just how much I was on my phone until my firstborn became obsessed with trying to grab it from my hands when he was 18 months. Looking back on the scenario after, I realised that while I was taking photo after photo of him with the phone,

Parenting

from his point of view, I was looking at the screen instead of him, and so he wanted to see what had my attention so much. I felt ashamed and promised myself I would try to live in the moment more, instead of watching life through the lens. Spending time as a family without the burden of technology is so vital. We have all become so immersed in screens (televisions, tablets, phones, computers, the list goes on!) that we sometimes forget what’s most important. Sit and talk to your children; ask them for their opinions and look at them when they are replying.

Game nights!

Our five-year-old is obsessed with the card game Uno. It has become a ritual in our household for a game before bedtime each night and every spare moment of our day has become “Uno time”. Teaching him to play has become one of the most rewarding (and exhausting) things we have done so far. He enjoys it so much that he has now begun teaching his younger brother the fundamentals of the game, just so he can have another player to try to beat. Playing games as a family is a great way to open dialogue in a fun atmosphere, whilst creating lasting happy memories for the kids.

Get some fresh air together.

Exercise releases endorphins into the body, promoting a happy feeling. Put on a hat and step outside! Whether you take a walk together, go for a ride, or just spend the day at the beach, the fresh air will do you all good.

It doesn’t need to be an expensive trip anywhere; the kids will remember how it made them feel, not how much it cost mum and dad, and an afternoon building sandcastles at the beach together is going to be just as special as something that costs hundreds of dollars.

Take turns sharing a hobby.

Just because we have kids, doesn’t mean we have to give up our hobbies. A great way to still stay a part of your world “before kids” is by including them.

Introducing your children to a skill or sport that you love is a fun way to show them more about yourself. My boys love watching their dad at his CrossFit competitions, and they love when he teaches them some of the moves even more. Taking turns gives everyone a chance to share a little more about themselves with the family, in a fun and supportive environment, whilst giving each family member their own turn to shine.

Try something new together.

Sometimes it’s best if everyone is on an even playing field and seen more as equals, and this is where trying a new activity together as a family can be great. When no one is the “leader”, everyone has a chance to shine.

This is also a great chance for us, as parents, to be an equal to our children and this can be a great gateway to open conversation about our lives (something that is vitally important once our children enter middle childhood and adolescence).

Schedule family meals.

Growing up I used to hate when my stepfather would turn the television off during dinner, but dinner was a family time that had to be spent together and without disruptions. Looking back now, our dinners remain some of my favourite memories, because we spent the time listening to each other, rather than the television. Try to organise at least a few family meals each week where everyone is present, technology is off, and you can all connect and talk about your day.

Read!

Reading together is an important exercise for so many different reasons. Immersing in a new adventure together provides a great bonding experience for child and adult alike, and there are so many amazing books out there these days that cater not only to the small but also the adults that everyone can enjoy the time together. Books also open up great opportunities to discuss events that are happening to the family that are of a similar theme.

Share your memories.

Nothing helps a child to humanise parents as much as hearing stories from their childhood. It helps the child to really see their parent as a person, and not just as mum or dad. Sharing your own childhood memories and experiences with your children is a great way to teach them to look at the bigger picture rather than just their inner circle. Camping and fishing with dad back on the family farm. Visiting mum’s old hometown and seeing where she used to live. Remembering baking your first cake with grandma. Children love hearing these experiences and knowing that they are doing something that mum or dad did back when they were the same age makes it all the more special.

Take some time to invest in your relationship.

This might seem like it’s in the wrong list but hear me out. The bond you have with your partner plays a huge part in your family dynamic and one of the most important relationships in your children’s life. How they see you operate together can have a lasting effect on their own understanding of what a relationship is like, and so it is important that you are able to work as a team and show your best side. Taking time for Mum and Dad, separate from the kids, allows you both to re-engage with the people you were before the kids arrived. Everyone needs a little time off from time to time, to recharge and refresh, and just because you have children doesn’t change that.

Developing a sense of belonging and a deep connection between a parent and child is so important for their sense of self. With a world full of new and sometimes scary things to explore and learn about, having a solid foundation to know where they come from and who they can come back to is critical in ensuring they are brave enough to venture in the first place.

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 41

Celebrate

UNICORN PARTY! PARTY Are you looking for an excuse to fill the house with glitter, rainbows, and sprinkles? Well, a unicorn party is your answer. Unicorns are

Magical cakes.

sushi. This same colouring process can be applied to meringue, popcorn,

What is a unicorn party without a rainbow cake? Your options when it comes to these colourful cakes, like a rainbow, really are endless. While your creation may range in difficulty from relatively simple through to simply magical, no matter which, it will always conjure a “Wow!” If you’re feeling extra crafty, create a rainbow or little unicorn out of fondant to be your pictureperfect cake topper.

dip, and much more. Alternatively you could try using biscuit cutters to

Share the love.

beloved, mythical creatures cherished by kids and adults alike.

Never out of fashion, you really can’t ever go wrong with a magical unicorn-themed party.

Rainbow snacks.

We’ll let you in on a little secret; you can make many foods unicorn-themed simply by adding some food colouring. Colour evenly divided batches of sushi rice, and place rows of each colour across the nori sheets, top with veggie fillings, roll and slice. Presto, you’ve got yourself adorable rainbow

create cute fruit snacks or petite heart or unicorn shaped sandwiches.

Unicorn-themed presents, from beautiful plushie unicorn dolls to mother and baby unicorn figurines are always assured to delight. Or gift your guests with gorgeous miniature rainbow cake pieces, great for party favours.

Sprinkle the magic to make your little one feel like they are the Queen (or King) of their magical kingdom and your unicorn-themed party will be sure to be a birthday they will always remember.

www.theindigokitchen.com

1

1. Mum and Bub Unicorn - RRP $12.00 - www.gardensparkle.com.au 2. Miniature Rainbow Cake - RRP $5.95 $3.95 - www.garden sparkle.com.au 3. La La Land Horses Greeting Card - RRP $3.50 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

42 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

CLICK HERE IN THE ONLINE MAG TO GET THESE FREE PRINTABLE INVITES!

2

3

4

5

6

7

4. Lunchpunch Cutters 2 Pack Hearts & Unicorn - RRP $15.00 www.trendyliltreats.com.au 5. Rainbow Teether - RRP $22.95 www.ellej.com.au 6. Custom Birthday Cake - www.cakesannietime.com.au 7. Yvette Unicorn Doll - RRP $54.95 - www.ellej.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 43

Home

BOHO STYLE IN THE TROPICS With the Block’s Caro and Kingi The increasingly popular Bohemian style really is the perfect match for our tropical homes. Lift your home’s spirit with the boho styles use of vivid colours, nature and earthy tones, that are so easy and affordable to incorporate.

Retro furniture. Using retro furniture is a great way to turn your home into a boho haven.

By incorporating brightly coloured couches or layering duller ones with patterned Afghans, you can easily liven up your living room! Retro furniture is also a great way to reuse second-hand items and save money.

Wooden accessories. Adding wooden trays, kitchen utensils and picture frames is another fantastic way to give your home the earthy feel of the boho style. Woven baskets are also worth investing in, as they can hold everything from potted plants to kid’s toys.

The boho style is full of freshness and bold colours and is all about freedom of self-expression and individuality, so let loose and make your home uniquely you.

1. Design Twins Medium Rim Pot in Copper & White RRP $210.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 2. Green Cathedral Babanees Bench - RRP $550.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 3. Middle of Nowhere Summer Leaves 2 Framed Print - RRP $375.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 4. Klaylife LIM Chandelier Ombre Vignette Medium RRP $2998.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 5. 3 Sectioned Medium Wooden Tray - RRP $30.00 $18.00 - www.trendyliltreats.com.au 6. Lunch Sectioned Wooden Tray - RRP $35.00 $21.00 www.trendyliltreats.com.au 7. Linen Mini Koala Rattle - RRP $19.95 - www.ellej.com.au 8. Lunch Warrior Lunch Box - RRP $39.95 - www.thesourcebulkfoods. com.au 9. Zakkia Concrete Jar - RRP $57.00 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

Instagram: mrcigar

Plants. Indoor pot plants are a trademark of the modern boho style and have to be one of the easiest elements

to add. Add a splash of nature in decorative pots with species such as Aloe Vera, Jade plant or Umbrella trees, all forgiving houseplants that won’t mind if you forget to water them.

2

1

Instagram: dear_blackbird_boutique

44 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

3

4

5

6

8

7

9

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE ARTSPACE MACKAY Exhibition: Luke Mallie: The Wall Every day until 5 August Weekdays: 10.00am to 5.00pm Weekends from 10.00am to 3.00pm Exhibition: 2018 Libris Awards: The Australian Artists’ Book Prize Every day until 19 August Weekdays: 10.00am to 5.00pm Weekends from 10.00am to 3.00pm Exhibition: John Honeywill: Hold this closely Every day until 5 August Weekdays: 10.00am to 5.00pm Weekends from 10.00am to 3.00pm

P 4969 2400 E MountPleasant.Centre@vicinity.com.au Mount Pleasant Centre www.mountpleasantcentre.com.au

FRIDAY RIVER STREET TWILIGHT MARKET A community market for all to enjoy and meet local producers, value adders, creators and bakers along with many support business operators from our region.

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

P 4961 9722 E artspace@mackay.qld.gov.au www.artspacemackay.com.au

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

BMA KIDSPACE

MACKAY REGIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS

This popular toddler’s program, created for children under five to give them a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of cooperative learning.

Join this workshop and come make some lanterns for DBCT Illuminate light and lantern spectacular in the Botanic Garden during Mackay Festival of Arts.

BMA Kidspace Tuesday, July 17 From 10.00am to 2.00pm Bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing.

P 4961 9722 E artspace@mackay.qld.gov.au www.artspacemackay.com.au

Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market

DBCT Illuminate 2018 Free lantern making workshops for all family Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 July Location: Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre Times: 10.00am to 4.00pm Cost: Free P 0418 221 078

THE MECC

CANELAND CENTRAL

Circus Wonderland Saturday 7 to Sunday, 15 July Time 2.00pm and 6.30pm Location: Spiegeltent Civic Lawn Cost: $35.00 Adult | $30.00 Child

Check out these activities that Caneland Central has for these school holidays:

Around the World in 80 Days Saturday, 14 July Time: 7.30pm Location: MECC Auditorium Cost: Family $85.00 (2A+2C) P 4961 9777 E mecctickets@mackay.qld.gov.au The MECC www.themecc.com.au

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

Let the Kids Play Tuesday 3 to Friday, 6 July Time: 10.00am to 2.00pm daily Cost: FREE Location: Community Hub Opposite Jamaica Blue Cafe Ages 3+

46 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Boomerang Painting Workshops Monday, 2 to Friday, 6 July Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm Location: Centre Court, Ground Floor Cost: Free Audience: Family & Kids Indigenous Dance Performances & Music Workshops Monday, 9 to Friday, 13 July Time: 11.00am to 1.00pm Location: Centre Court, Ground Floor Cost: Free Audience: Family & Kids DBCT Illuminate 2018 Free lantern making workshops for all family Tuesday, 3 and Wednesday 4 July Location: Canelands (The Zone Space next to Gloria Jeans) Times: 10.00am to 4.00pm Cost: Free Caneland Central www.canelandcentral.com.au

GREATER WHITSUNDAY FARMERS’ MARKET

QUEENSLAND NATIONAL PARKS

Free Cooking Demos Wednesday, 4 July Time 7.00am to 11.00 Location: Bluewater Quay BYO Bag (Plastic Free July)

Thinking about camping but never given it a go? Or are you ‘happy campers’ ready to try something different?

National parks near Mackay offer fun-filled affordable camping to suit every family, jam-packed with unique experiences in nature. At Cape Hillsborough, sit around a campfire and sleep under star-studded night skies, watch wallabies on the beach at sunrise, and explore easy walks through the forest. Capture beautiful and lasting memories for your family!

School Holiday Activities Live Entertainment - Community Drumming Circle - Local Food Mall - Farmers’ Market Stalls - Local Artisan Stalls Friday 13 July 2018 4.00pm to 8.00pm Free to attend. BYO Bag (Plastic Free July) Audience - Family, Kids or Adult Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market

MACKAY COMMUNITY GARDENS Kids Drumming Workshop w/ Pelican Zen Friday 6 July Time: 10.30am Cost: $15.00 Non-Member | $10.00 Members Please bring repellent and a water bottle Kids’ Yoga in the Garden w/ Maria Alvarez Saturday 7 July Time: 10.00am to 11.00am Cost: $15.00 Non-Member | $10.00 Members Please bring a mat, sunscreen, repellent and a water bottle Bookings Required.

P 0487 127 578 E info@mackaycommunitygarden.org Mackay Community Gardens www.mackaycommunitygarden.org

PLACES TO VISIT THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Camping bookings are essential. www.qld.gov.au/camping If you’re not quite ready to pack a tent, visit for a picnic and stay to see the wallabies on the beach at sunset. Reach out to nature—it’s closer (and easier) than you think! www.qld.gov.au/pmmackay

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

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

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

THE FAMILY TABLE Kids Kitchen Cooking Classes The kids and teens classes also assist to develop everyday skills including measuring, counting, reading recipes, teamwork and of course, cleaning up!

Cost: From $15.00 to $42.00

MACKAY CITY LIBRARIES

Bookings Required.

School holiday activities are run during every school break for children aged Prep to Year 6. Activities are also available for high school students.

P 0449 167 152 E trudie@familytable.com.au Family Table Mackay www.familytable.com.au

For more information, visit their website.

Mackay Libraries www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries

INFLATABLE KINGDOM The perfect venue to have a great time for all ages.

Inflatable Kingdom is a high-energy, action-packed environment with inflatables of all shapes and sizes.

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

Open from 9.00am to 3.00pm.

P 4957 2672 E admin@inflatablekingdommackay.com.au Inflatable Kingdom Mackay www.inflatablekingdom.com.au

SARINA SUGAR SHED Take the tour – taste the action!

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

Open seven days a week.

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

Bookings required.

P 4943 2801 www.sarinasugarshed.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 47

snapped

2

1

3

5

4

1. Anna - Vintage Kiss, Marian 2. Jaxon - PCYC Mackay 3. Ayla - PCYC Mackay 4. Rhyannon and Dylan - Vintage Kiss, Marian 5. Caterina - PCYC Mackay 6. Penny, Ruby and Graciella - PCYC Mackay

48 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

6

Snapped

7

8

12

9

13

10

11

Photography thanks to: Elizabeth Randles Photography, 0413 184 336 Facebook: Elizabeth Randles Photography

7. Jess and Jacob - Vintage Kiss, Marian 8. Emma Amity - PCYC Mackay 9. Izzy - PCYC Mackay 10. Cruz - PCYC Mackay 11. Nixon - PCYC Mackay 12. Kade - PCYC Mackay 13. Lachlan - Vintage Kiss, Marian

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2018 49

DADDY Daddy Diary DIARY School holidays, don’t you just love these two words?

Words that at the same time can incite joy for kids all around Mackay and the Whitsundays and probable mass panic for parents, especially as it only seems like yesterday that we were in the midst of the Easter school holidays.

Kids today have so many ‘things’ to keep themselves busy during the holidays without having to bother Mum and Dad, though this entertainment generally involves them having their eyes locked on a tablet or phone ,or glued to the TV set for two whole weeks!

But there is so much more to having fun than this.

Back when I was growing up there were no tablets, no mini phones to shove in the pocket of your King Gee’s, it was the outdoors or nothing. We played backyard cricket or league from sun-up to sun-down with all the kids in the neighbourhood. We swam at the pool without sunscreen, and we rode our bikes in thongs without a care in the world. If we fell off, we cried and then got back on.

With Star 101.9’s Rob Kidd

Back then it seemed easier. You knew whose neighbourhood house your mates were at by the Malvern Star bikes in the front yard and if parents wanted you to come home to eat, they just yelled out the front door or walked down to the house you were at and rang the front doorbell.

They were fun times. School holidays were great.

These holidays encourage your kids to unwind and disconnect and instead connect with friends in person.

Get them exploring the outdoors, heading off to see their mates in your street, taking a bike ride to the shops or even going fishing. These are just a few things that come to mind.

If you are struggling for ideas have a read of PakMag’s School Holiday Guide, there are plenty of great ideas in there to keep everyone busy and having a ball.

Our beautiful region just has so much to offer, and you don’t need to spend as much money as the Royals did for Harry and Meaghan’s wedding to have a great time. $5.00 at your local fish and chip shop will get you about 20 minutes of quiet time as they munch away on some fried potatoes.

Enjoy the holidays and remember the Christmas holidays aren’t that far away, honest!

Rob Kidd Star 101.9 Mackay and the Whitsundays

50 July 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au