PakMag Mackay & Whitsundays - Nov & Dec 2019 Issue 74

ISSUE: NOV & DEC 2019

74

MACKAY & WHITSUNDAYS

FREE

MASSIVE PRIZES / CHRISTMAS INSPIRATION / MEET OUR EXPERTS 7 TH BIRTHDAY EDITION / HOMEMADE GIFTS / FARMING FAMILIES

WELCOME Hello and welcome to the Christmas edition of PakMag! We are celebrating our seventh year in Mackay! What a ride of ups and downs it’s been. We’ve loved sharing the journey with you.

4 Entertainment 7

The Thing Is

8

Local Farming Families

11

Encouraging Learning in Kids

15 The PakMag Experts 16 Health 19 Local Produce Recipes 23 Nature Play Ideas 24 WIN: Bump, Bub and Beyond 27 What’s On Guide 29 MiniMag 37 Party Guide 40 Home with Caro and Kingi:

Lady Llama

44 The PakMag Experts 47 Handmade Gifts 48 Handmade Wrapping Paper

One tradition that I actually like from the States is Thanksgiving. I love that they have a dedicated day where everyone gets together and gives thanks.

I know many families give thanks every day, but many of us don’t give it much thought. This month I am going to be giving thanks every day, I hope you join me! I’m going to start now. One of the things that I really want to give thanks to is all the people who have ever made the time to write to me, or my team about how much they love what we do. You have no idea how much my team love getting these messages and letters. We have a very special place for them, so please keep sending them in. We really, really love getting them. We’ve been getting a lot from dads and grandparents too, which makes us really happy to know that we are reaching the whole family.

Being thankful and grateful for all the things we have in our lives makes such a difference. In the lead in to the silly season where it’s an overload of messages to buy and get more, I truly hope you take time to think about being grateful for what you already have, and help your children to care more about giving than receiving.

Thank you so much for seven years of support Mackay, we have big plans for 2020 so keep an eye out for the January edition which will be accompanied by our annual Family Fun Guide. If you have any ideas or feedback please send it in, we’d love to hear from you. Until next time, stay safe, merry Christmas and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

50 Magical Christmas Lunch 53 Extracurricular Activity Guide Bree James PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Contact Us: p 4053 3331 e admin@grandpublishing.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870

56 1300Smiles Snapped 58 Daddy Diary

PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

Our North Queensland Channels

Senior Graphic Designer Clare Winter

Sales Manager and Marketing to Families Expert Lianne Van Ballegooyen Marketing to Families Expert Dan Kendrick Marketing and Events Coordinator Alyssa Marino Media Interns Blair King Emily Bremner

PakMag Mackay Parents of North Queensland pakmag_nq Parents and Kids of

North Queensland

Graphic Designer Sara Williams Videographer Monique Saggers

Our Global Parenting Channels

Journalist Jenna Galley

PakMag Online pakmag_online PakMag The Give It A Go Group

For Parents The PakMag Parents Podcast PakMag TV

Content Creator Kalisha Fitsch Accounts Trent Stievano

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 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 2019 3

Entertainment

CHECK IT OUT Porters STIHL Family Day When: Saturday 9th November from 9.00am Where: Porters Mitre 10 Mackay, Cnr Brisbane & Gordon St, Mackay More info: www.porterscando.com.au Your Local Porters Mitre 10 is the region’s newest destination for STIHL garden power tools.

They’re celebrating with a grand opening family day at the Mackay Store!

Head on over for live STIHL product demos, get prepared for storm season, enjoy a sausage sizzle, jumping castle and much more.

Porters will also be hosting Christmas Craft Activities on Wednesday 18th December and Friday 20th December from 10.30am - 11.30am. Cost is $10 per child, bookings required.

Needleworx Christmas Class When: December School Holidays Where: Needleworx Mackay, 118 Sams Rd, Mackay More info: www.needleworx.com.au Looking for something for the kids to do this festive season? Sign them up for Needleworx’s awesome Diamond Dotz Christmas class. Get creative, have fun and get into the festive spirit, and take your creation home at the end of the class. Get in touch with Needleworx to enquire about this awesome Christmas activity.

New Year’s Eve When: Tuesday 31st December, 6.00pm - midnight Where: Bluewater Quay, 10 River St, Mackay More info: www.mackay.qld.gov.au Kick off 2020 under the stars by the riverside and welcome in the New Year in the beautiful Mackay. There will be markets, rides, food stalls, free face painting and more.

Baby Shark will get things swimming with live performances at 6.00pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm, with some talented local stars lighting up the stage between your doo-doo-doo’s. Don’t forget to stick around for the spectacular fireworks display at 9.00pm and midnight.

My Vision Book™ and Bree’s Vision Voyage When: 13th - 17th January 2020 Where: Various locations around Bali More info: www.breejames.com/visionvoyage Tired of feeling overwhelmed? Need help to build a clear vision for what you want in life? The solution? Your very own Vision Book™. Created by our founder Bree James, her latest book has been created to help you set a clear direction for every aspect of your life. Pre-order yours now for $39.95 with free shipping and a few exciting bonuses.

Want more? Join Bree on her very special Vision Voyage in Bali. Have fun, explore Bali and yourself and set an incredible vision for 2020 and beyond. And of course, there will be time for planning, pondering and pampering. See the sights of Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Uluwattu and Sanur. Only 10 spots left, $995 per person.

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Proudly brought to you by:

Stable on the Strand When: Wednesday 18th December - Sunday 22nd December, 5.30pm - 9.30pm daily Where: Strand Park, North Ward More info: www.stableonthestrand.com North Queensland’s Christmas Festival, Stable on the Strand, will be an amazing place for families to relax, have fun and experience Christmas in story, song and festivity.

1,000 volunteers will join together to bring the event to over 40,000 guests from Townsville, North Queensland, Australia and the world.

See Shepherds minding their sheep, wise men and their camels, King Herod and his soldiers and of course Mary, Joseph and a real baby Jesus. Children will love dress-ups, hammering nails at the carpenter’s workshop and ‘fishing’ in the pond.

New this year is a fabulous Puppet Show sharing the Christmas story in a most unique way. Stable on the Strand is a FREE event.

When is Santa Arriving?

Caneland Central Saturday 2nd November, 9.00am - Nickleby the Magician will make Santa magically appear.

Mount Pleasant Centre Saturday 30th November, 8.30am - Meet Santa for breakfast, enjoy a Christmas show, craft and face painting. $5 per child, bookings essential. All proceeds go to Mackay Hospital Foundation.

Whitsunday Plaza Sunday 8th December, 8.30am - Meet Santa for breakfast, enjoy Christmas Carols, crafts and face painting. $5 per child, bookings essential. All proceeds go to PCYC Whitsundays.

The Thing Is

The Thing Is...

STORY Bree James One of the things that hurts my heart is seeing people with so much lost-potential - people who know they want more out of their life, but they don’t know where to start. So, they remain stuck on the hamster wheel.

Overwhelmed. Off track. Shining a little less bright than they used to, or want to. It happens to pretty much all of us at one stage or another. After all, we can’t shine brightly ALL the time.

But the thing is, life is a journey. If you are unhappy with your life, it may be because you are not living the vision you have in your head of how you believe your life should be.

Maybe it’s because you’re going through a change.

Maybe it’s because you desire some change. Maybe it’s because life has just gone too fast and you’re not feeling like you’re on the right path.

If you’re not “feeling it”, what can you do about it?

Complain? Mope? Eat ALL the chocolate? Sure, but, at the end of the day, your happiness and the joy in your life falls on one thing. Not complaints. Or chocolate. It falls on you.

Sure, there are always going to be people, situations and things that challenge our lives. We can’t be happy all the time, we know that. But I think to be happy within ourselves there are three things we need to nail.

1. You are happy with who you are.

2. You are using your talents.

3. You are living the vision you see for your life.

Achieve all three then, well, that ooey gooey happiness may just ooze out of you.

We may not be able to nail these three things at once all the time. If we could, we’d all be happier than a kid eating whatever they want from a dessert buffet. But, hey, we can try.

Your talents? We all have them. Most of you know that I am a singer and if I am not doing gigs, I get mopey.

I may not get time to do gigs often, which means lots of singing in the shower! You may be really artistic, an amazing organiser, or incredible cook. Try and ensure you are using your talents as often as you can. They make you feel great.

And your vision for your life? This is a tricky one.

What I find is, with most people, this vision is very blurred. It’s unclear, it’s missing or it’s in our heads and we can’t seem to make sense of it.

I know what you are thinking. “Bree, I’m too busy surviving parenthood right now. It’s Groundhog Day and I can’t see that changing til 2030”. I hear you.

I get it.

But do yourself a favour, put pen to paper and start thinking about these three questions. It will really take a load off your brain in the long run.

Sure, there is more to happiness than the above, such as being grateful for what we have and who we are. However the three things above is what I believe gets most people unstuck, myself included.

I encourage you to take some time and start thinking about your vision for your life and putting it on paper.

Statistics show that out of 100 people, 80 of them won’t have any goals, 16 have goals but don’t write them down, three have goals but don’t review them and only one out of 100 will write down their goals and review them regularly. Be that one.

If you want help with setting your vision, check out my new Vision Book or Vision Voyage at www.breejames.com/visionbook. I’d love to help you.

If you aren’t happy with who you are, it’s time to do something about it. No ifs, ands or buts. If you can’t love yourself, it’s really hard for others to love you too.

www.pakmag.com.au | November/December 2019 7

Jac Kotzé, Flow Motion Media

Feature

LOCAL FARMING FAMILIES Raising a family whilst running a farm is an around the clock commitment. PakMag recently spoke to a few local farming families and asked them to share their stories about farm life, from the challenges to the funniest moments and everything in between.

They have laying hens for eggs, heritage breed Berkshire pigs for pork and rare breed Nguni cattle for beef.

In 2005, Deb McLucas and Rob Bauman started their farming businesses on a broadacre grain farm. Not long after they had their three children Hannah (14) and twins Laura and Megan (13), they purchased Freckle Farm and haven’t looked back since.

“Working with animals and managing the environment so that we can improve our soil and plant health is very rewarding” Deb told PakMag. “Being so connected with our natural environment keeps us very grounded and is also a wonderful place for our children to grow up.”

Deb and Rob began their Freckle Farm journey after deciding they wanted to develop a Biodynamic farm which produced healthy, nutritious and great tasting food.

However this is not to say that the Baumans don’t face their fair share of challenges. “Running livestock in a free-range system can be very challenging with extremes of weather and seasonal conditions.” Deb added “Climate change is definitely exacerbating this.”

Jac Kotzé, Flow Motion Media

The BAUMAN Family

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We asked Deb what their kids thought about living on a farm. “They love it. There’s always lots to do outside and you can make as much noise as you like because the neighbours will never hear us!” She responded. “They learn lots of useful life skills on the farm. Farm kids generally develop a very strong work ethic from a young age.”

The Baumans have won numerous awards for their produce. They also run regular farm tours where hundreds of families have come to see first-hand how this award-winning food is produced.

Feature

The Lang Family Denise and Keith Lang own Pure n Natural Honey in Nindaroo, Mackay. Their grandchildren, Jackson, 14, Tyler, 11 and Harper, six, are always up for lending a helping hand when it comes to their grandparent’s farm.

The Lang’s farm honey from their many bee hives.

Their hives are scattered through the Mackay and Whitsundays regions, with their base farm located at Nindaroo. When Keith was just a teenager, he took up beekeeping as a hobby which soon developed into a passion. Denise and Keith have now been beekeeping seriously for four years.

“We love being able to supply natural and raw honey to our region, and it’s quickly spreading state wide,” Denise told PakMag. “Keith loves educating people about the importance of bees and the role they play within our environment.”

Like most farmers, Denise explains that the weather conditions play a big role in beekeeping. “Cyclones, lack of rain and different seasons all greatly impact our hives,” She explained. Denise and Keith try to minimise these challenges by moving the hives within the region depending on what is flowering, and taking other factors into consideration.

However, there is no shortage of help on this farm from their grandchildren. “Our grandkids always help us out with beekeeping when they visit,” Denise told us. “One of our grandsons, Tyler, helps us at the markets. The other kids help us paint bee boxes and undertake other little tasks where they can help, and our daughter also runs all of our online marketing.”

The Watson Family Dan grew up on the Mungalli Creek Bio-Dairy farm in Millaa Millaa with his mum, dad and siblings Rob, Ross, Janet and Jamie. Together with his wife Karen, he is now raising his own family there and his children Lily, ten, Izzy, eight, Luke, seven, and Ben, four, completely love the farm life.

One of Dan’s favourite parts of living on a farm is being his own boss. “It’s nice to be doing things I enjoy.

Not having to wear shoes or fancy clothes,” he told PakMag. “I like the quiet, having lots of family time, and fresh milk of course.”

The kids love farm life too, their favourite activities being riding their bikes whenever they want, having creeks close by to play in, going for walks with mum and of course, going with dad to do farm jobs. The farm itself is one big living organism. The property is part rainforest, meaning they get to see lots of wildlife such as tree kangaroos, platypus, wallabies, bandicoots, frogs and cassowaries.

There have been some funny moments through the years. “It’s always pretty funny when anyone gets splattered with cow poo,” Dan recalls.

However, living on a farm comes with some challenges. “Relying on the weather can be challenging,” Dan explained. “As is travelling time, and getting the kids to activities in nearby towns.”

In conclusion, as told by the kids, they think living on a farm is “great, great, great!” and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

You can visit the farm and try some of the family’s delicious biodynamic dairy products at the Farmhouse Café at Mungalli Creek, or at your favourite grocer throughout Australia.

www.pakmag.com.au | November/December 2019 9

Education

For the Love of Learning: Encouraging Learning in Kids STORY Jenna Galley In life, we are always learning. Whether it’s learning to walk, learning our times tables, learning to accept failure or learning how to do our jobs, our brains are naturally hungry for more knowledge.

While it’s our job as parents to teach our children the many things that they need to know (not an easy feat!), it’s also important to encourage them to learn things for themselves. It's key that we show them that we love learning things for ourselves too.

Where is the (Learning) Love?

Babies and toddlers have an innate curiosity about the world around them, soaking up new information like

sponges. They love to investigate their surroundings and develop their abilities.

However, somewhere along the way, this natural love for learning is often lost. This tends to happen during their school years when learning starts to feel like a job or a chore. There are books to read, tests to complete and skillsets to master, which can leave kids feeling overwhelmed and often dreading the thought of learning.

Well, parents, it’s time to bring back the fun in learning and instil this innocent love of learning that our babies and toddlers knew so well.

Here are a few ways to do this:

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Education

Model a Love of Learning We are our children’s foremost teacher. Sure, they go to school, but the majority of learning happens at home, with us. If they see you furthering your learning, they may want to do it too.

On the rare occasion when I actually sit down to read a book, my kids will often grab their own books and join me. I know my kids won’t do this forever – one day they will be teens and I won’t be ‘cool’ to hang out with anymore. But, for now, if I’m keen to try something new and expand my skillset, then the kids are usually on board too. Talk about things you are learning, and show them that you are always wanting to learn new things, whether that be trying a new recipe, researching a destination for your next holiday, or simply helping them with their science project. Show them that you love learning new things, and that you are inquisitive.

Inquisitive minds love learning.

Be Aware of How Children Learn Children and teens learn in five main ways: by seeing, hearing, exploring, experimenting and asking questions.

Give them opportunities to do all five at home.

Teach them to be Active Learners There are always opportunities to learn more. If your kids have a question and you don’t know the answer, look it up (Captain Google to the rescue). Your kids will soon want to do this themselves. Allowing them to seek out answers rather than just accepting that they don’t know is a great way to encourage your children to love learning.

Or, enrol them in PakMag's new online course for kids that teaches children how to master video recording.

Email monique@pakmag.com.au to find out more.

Learn through Experiences We learn new things by doing them, so get them out to explore. You don’t have to be constantly teaching them, asking them questions or grilling them about what they are learning. Let them explore, play and come to you with questions. This takes the pressure off and helps instil their sense of wanting to learn.

Support their Schooling Some kids love school. Others do not. But, regardless of how they feel about it, they have to go. School teaches them so much more than just basic numeracy and literacy skills and, although it can be a bit tricky and tedious at times, it’s part of being a kid. Make the schooling experience positive by asking them about it, keeping up to date on what they are doing and, if you can, volunteering when they need parent helpers.

Encourage Relaxation Time Too If your kids are getting burnt out, give them a break.

We all need time to just chill out, give our minds a break and absorb everything.

I will give my kids a ‘mental health day’ once or twice a year where they can stay home with me for the day, but only if they promise not to fight and to do something creative together. They always do and they always return to school the next day feeling a little more refreshed and ready to learn.

Think Outside the Book

Nurture their Curious Natures

Get creative at home by looking for ways to help further their skills in fun, exciting ways. I make treasure hunts in the backyard for my kids. With every clue, I’ll use maths equations that they need to solve in order to find the next clue. My kids absolutely love doing them and I love that they have to do maths (and work together) to uncover the prize.

The best way to bring back that innocent love of learning that our babies and toddlers possessed is to let our kids be kids.

Discover their Interests Help your child discover what they love doing, reading, writing and watching, and build on that. If your child is learning about a certain piece of history, take them to the museum. If they’re learning about ecosystems and native animals, take them to the zoo. If your child loves watching kids on YouTube, help them learn how to make their own videos (or at least teach them how to use the video function on the iPad without posting it to YouTube).

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Let them explore and experiment, even if it means a big mess to clean up. Encourage them to ask questions, even if you need to pull out the computer to find the answer (hey, at least it’s not an Encyclopedia). Let them do things for themselves, even if it takes FOREVER to get it done.

Support their interests, no matter how quirky they are.

Reassure them that it’s important to explore what we don’t know. Most importantly, remind them that you are always right there, ready to offer a helping hand if they get stuck. And don’t forget, monkey see, monkey do; role model a love of learning and your children will likely follow suit.

Expert Advice

THE PAKMAG EXPERTS GLEN CLARK

MATT CLARK

Gasworks Guardian Pharmacy Mackay

Harvey Norman Computers Mackay

Dear Glen,

Dear Matt,

How can we protect our skin from the sun?

How does BYOD work?

With the weather heating up and living in North Queensland (a region with one of the highest incidences of skin cancers in the world), we have to be wary that we can easily get seriously burnt and cause damage to our skin.

The classic campaign of Slip (on a shirt), Slop (on some sunscreen), Slap (on a hat), Seek (shade) and Slide (on some sunglasses), is more relevant than ever to prevent everyone in the family from getting sunburnt.

At Gasworks Pharmacy, we love to assist people to prevent them from getting sunburnt. It may be confusing with all the different brands claiming different SPF. When selecting your sunscreen, the higher SPF doesn’t necessarily mean the more coverage you have. SPF is the Sun Protection Factor of the cream – meaning a rating of how long it takes your skin to get damaged by the sun. This means if it takes you one minute to receive sun damage, a SPF 50+ sunscreen will protect you for 50 minutes. This is why re-applying the sunscreen regularly is important; especially if the cream has been washed off from swimming or from heavy sweating.

For those patients with sensitive skin as well as young children and babies, it is always important to do a patch test on the underside of the forearm. Place a small amount of the cream onto this spot, 24 hours before you are going to use it on the rest of the body. If the skin becomes red and inflamed or is itchy for the person, then they will be glad that it wasn’t used all over the rest of the body.

If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to come in and have a chat to one of our staff. We have a huge range of products from sunglasses and skin protection, to what you should use if you unfortunately get sunburnt or sunstroke. p 4957 5522 a Shop 7/137 Shakespeare St, Mackay

The world is constantly changing, and technology is a big part of it.

We are unknowingly preparing our children for jobs that don’t even exist yet! Schools need to keep up with this ever-changing world, which is why the BYOD has been introduced in many schools nationwide.

BYOD stands for “Bring Your Own Device”, an education scheme that allows students to bring their own device to school for learning purposes. It’s an exciting initiative that a growing number of Australian schools are taking part in, encouraging the use of technology in classrooms. Students use their device to research topics, complete assignments, use apps, design artwork, create presentations and much more; the possibilities are endless.

Devices included in the BYOD scheme usually include tablets, laptops and 2-in-1 computers. You can complete the package with a keyboard and mouse, protective case and antivirus software. To make it suitable for school, your child’s device should have key features such as six hours (or more) of battery life, dual-band Wi-Fi, a minimum 10” screen and a weight of less than 1.6kg.

Guidelines for the BYOD program differ per school, and with so many products on the market, making the right choice can be overwhelming. At Harvey Norman, we have an enormous variety of devices all under one roof, one of which will be perfect for your child. We also offer student insurance plans, so if anything goes wrong with the machine, or if they lose it or break it, it’s replaced.

We can even help customise a device specific to your child and their school, so you don’t have to buy from the school if you don’t want to. With extensive retail experience, a huge range of devices, expert advice in-store and online, competitive pricing and hassle-free payment options, we’d be more than happy to assist.

Feel free to call us or pop in-store to have a chat. a Cnr Heaths Rd and Bruce Highway, Mackay www.harveynorman.com.au

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Health

HEALTH Nuts NUTS for FOR Almonds ALMONDS Almonds are the world’s most popular tree nuts and are enjoyed in various different ways. They’re highly nutritious for many different reasons, so if you don’t already include almonds in your diet, here are some reasons why you should.

Massive amounts of nutrients – Almonds contain fibre, protein, magnesium, and Vitamin E, to name a few. Just a small handful of almonds can give you a great boost.

Natural Remedies NATURAL REMEDIES FOR SUNBURN for Sunburn is the result of too much exposure to the sun. Since our UV levels are so high in Queensland, it’s essential we take steps to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Loaded with antioxidants – Almonds are a great source of antioxidants which may help protect against inflammation and diseases like cancer.

May assist with blood sugar control – Nuts are naturally low in carbs but high in healthy fats, protein and fibre, making them an ideal choice for people with diabetes.

May help lower cholesterol levels – Eating just one handful of almonds per day can assist in reducing the “bad” LDL cholesterol, therefore reducing the risk of heart disease.

Almonds are certainly well worth incorporating into your diet.

You can include them in muffins, smoothies, on top of yoghurt, through salads or use as a spread in the form of almond butter.

Why not try a few less-heard of recipes, such as almondcrusted chicken, almond-chocolate chip cookies or cauliflower and almond soup?

However, sometimes we forget to reapply sunscreen or we spend a little too much time under the sun, and we end up with sunburn. Thankfully, there’s some natural ways to ease the pain.

Aloe vera – Getting it straight from the plant is best (just make sure you wash it first), and it’s also known to be very cooling.

Apply the gel every few hours to the affected area.

White vinegar – Although the smell isn’t too pleasant, vinegar can help alleviate some of the pain and inflammation from the burn, and may even help prevent it from getting infected. Make a mixture of half vinegar and half water and apply to the affected area.

Essential oils – Oils like lavender and tea tree may help soothe the pain of a sunburn and speed up recovery. Dilute a few drops into a spray bottle filled with water and spray it onto the skin.

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Advertiser Feature

LOCAL PRODUCE recipes RECIPES

THAI STYLE PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE

KEFIR ICE CREAM

RECIPE Christine Wilson, Greater Whitsunday Food Network Inc

Perfect for hot summer days.

This fried rice is sweet, savoury and spicy, and super easy to make. Serves 4 Ingredients 2 cups brown rice 1 cup chopped pineapple 1 cup diced carrots ½ cup frozen peas, thawed ½ cup chopped spring onion 2 tbsp coconut oil 1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp grated ginger 1 tsp Sriracha ½ cup unsalted cashews 2 cloves garlic, minced Chopped fresh red chilis, to taste Fresh coriander

Method Cook the rice in a separate saucepan. When cooked, let it chill in the fridge for at least two hours.

Heat the coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Add the chopped spring onions and sauté until softened.

Add the garlic, ginger and carrot and sauté until the carrots are tender. Add the pineapple chunks and stir until lightly browned. Add the rice, peas, soy sauce and Sriracha to the pan. Stir frequently for around five minutes, ensuring the ingredients are well combined.

RECIPE Beth Watson, Mungalli Creek Dairy

Ingredients 1 Mungalli Creek Bio Egg ¾ cup Mungalli Creek Cream 1 ¼ cups Mungalli Creek Kefir ¼ cup honey 1 tsp vanilla extract Handful of organic blackberries or mix-in of your choice Method Mix the egg with the cream and cook in a small saucepan over low medium heat, stirring constantly until you have a somewhat thick custard. Do not let the mixture boil. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Mix in the Kefir, vanilla extract and honey to taste.

Freeze in your ice cream maker, according to the directions for your particular machine.

Add your mix-ins just before the ice cream is ready: we chose organic blackberries.

Remove from the heat and divide between bowls. Garnish with red chili, cashews and coriander.

When finished, transfer to another container and place it in the freezer for a couple of hours to harden it a bit more, giving it the consistency of ice cream. Serve and enjoy.

Christine’s Tip:

Beth's Tip:

Serve the fried rice in a hollowedout pineapple for a tropical look.

Some great mix-ins are choc chips, fruit, nuts and caramel.

Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market www.greaterwhitsundayfood.org.au

Mungalli Creek Dairy www.mungallicreekdairy.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | November/December 2019 19

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14. Body Butter Festive Star - RRP $40.00 - The Body Shop 15. Olaf Itty Bitty Plush - RRP $10.00 - EB Games 16. 9ct Gold Flower Hoop Earrings - RRP $149.00 - Prouds The Jewellers 17. Borderie Dress - RRP $30.00 - Target 18. Navy Vervain Print Shirt - RRP $79.99 - Johnny Bigg 19. Navy Chilton Stretch Short - RRP $49.99 - Connor 20. Panasonic 5 Blade Shaver with Multi Flex 5D Head - RRP $649.95 - Shaver Shop 21. Marquee Letter Lights 10cm - RRP $12.99 - Typo 22. Herschel Supply Co. Nova Mini Hello Kitty Bag - RRP $99.00 - Universal Store 23. Engraved Set of 2 Beer Mugs - RRP $49.99 - Myer 24. Mushroom Key Ring - RRP $16.99 - Kikki.K 25. Titanium Double Black Band - RRP $349.00 - Prouds The Jewellers 26. Comfort Craftsman Boot - RRP $645.00 - R.M.Williams 27. American Crew Forming Cream - RRP $35.16 - Hairhouse Warehouse 28. Hawkins & Brimble Beard Oil - RRP $22.99 - Priceline Pharmacy

www.canelandcentral.com.au

Caneland Central

caneland.central

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Five great nature play ideas STORY First Five Years November is a great time to head outdoors with small children, making the most of nature play. Children are naturally curious, and there is so much out there in the world for them to discover through play.

Nicole Sadlier, Regional Coordinator of Early Years at Bluearth Foundation, says the natural environment offers physical challenges, cognitive challenges and the opportunity to navigate risk.

Try some of Nicole's favourites with your children and remember, the goal here is to keep things simple, cheap and don’t overthink it.

Take a Slow Stroll One of the easiest ways to engage children in nature play is through a simple stroll around your neighbourhood. This doesn't have to be fast; in fact, it's better if it is slow – very slow.

Nicole points out that most of the time, we are really busy getting ourselves – and the children – from A to B, which often means that we miss out on simply checking in with the natural world around us.

"Parents are surprised by what they learn. They tell me that previously they would never have stopped to look at all the different coloured leaves on the ground, or enjoyed spending 15 minutes looking at all the bugs on one tree with a magnifying glass near their local playground," Nicole explains.

Start a Collection of Natural Items

returning them to nature to make room for your next collection," she says.

Create a Dry Creek Bed If you have room in your backyard you might like to turn a corner of the yard into a dry creek bed.

Many of today's playgrounds are very flat and are made of a rubber soft fall material. A dry creek bed changes all that; it allows children to build up skills walking on an uneven surface, and controlling their balance in a way that will help them be more confident on their feet.

They will crawl along it, push their toy trucks across its bumpy path and get creative with the stones.

Grow Something Most young children love the opportunity to garden, and with this project, it’s easy to start small.

“Keep things simple if you are new to growing and start with a couple of large pots or some herbs you will be able to use in your cooking," says Nicole.

Kids will love tasting all the different flavours or smelling what you grow. Plus, when it comes to dinnertime they will be keen to watch or help you harvest your crop.

Ditch Your Shoes

Even before young children understand the idea of pockets, they are natural collectors. There is nothing more fun for a young child than finding a special rock, stick, leaf or feather and taking it home.

Most adults will remember a childhood where shoes were freely abandoned. Give your own children the same joy; going barefoot not only enhances the outdoor experience, but it provides a number of other sensory benefits for children (and adults!).

“You might like to make them into an artwork before

To find out more head to www.firstfiveyears.org.au

www.pakmag.com.au | November/December 2019 23

Bump, Bub and Beyond

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

Designer Daycare Labels Value Kit RRP $34.95 - www.brightstarkids.com.au Send your baby off to daycare with the very best labels for daycare items. Personalise these labels with your favourite design to coordinate with all of your baby’s daycare items. Made in Australia, the dummy stickers and waterproof baby bottle labels in this pack are safe to use in your steriliser, microwave and dishwasher. There’s a label for just about everything in this Daycare Labels Kit.

Wild Posy Swaddle Grobag RRP $39.95 - www.gro-store.com.au Can’t decide whether to swaddle your little one or go straight to a Grobag? Have the best of both worlds. Reassuringly snug on top with healthy leg space on the bottom. The snap fasteners on the armholes allow for arms in swaddling, or choose arms out for the freedom of a newborn Grobag. The Grobag is the first stage of providing your baby with a safe, comfortable and content night’s sleep.

24 November/December 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Curash Baby Essentials Pack RRP $41.97 - www.curash.com.au Have you ever seen anything clearer than baby’s skin?

It’s so soft and perfect. That’s why the makers of Curash™ Babycare (one of Australia’s leading baby care brands) have developed an expert range of products to help cleanse, soothe, heal and protect babies and toddlers from nappy rash and maintain healthy skin. Prize pack includes Soap Free Bath, 2in1 Shampoo & Conditioner, Nappy Rash Cream, Nappy Rash Spray and Fragrance Free 5x20’s.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

TODDLER TANTRUMS Parents all around the world are all-too familiar with the ‘terrible two’s’, but ask any parent and they’ll tell you it carries on into the treacherous threes, frightening fours and so on.

Tantrums come in all shapes and sizes and can involve explosions of anger, frustration and disorganised behaviour accompanied by crying, screaming, kicking, falling down or running away.

This is because children’s social and emotional skills are starting to develop around this age, and they’re

often not yet equipped with the words to express what they’re feeling, resulting in a tantrum.

Tantrums are very common and difficult to prevent, but there are a few things that can make them more likely to happen: Temperament – A child’s temperament may influence how quickly and how strongly they react to certain situations. Children who get upset easily may have more tantrums.

Overstimulation, stress, hunger, and tiredness – These factors can make it more difficult for a child to manage or express their feelings.

Strong emotions – Fear, shame, worry and anger can be overwhelming for their children if they don’t yet know how to express it.

HELPFUL TIP If your baby obsesses over pulling tissues out of boxes, stuff an empty baby wipe box with various pieces of brightly coloured material.

They can pull them out to their hearts’ content, and it’ll keep them entertained for a little while.

When done, they can be stuffed right back in for the next time.

This also makes simple distraction during nappy changing time, and it’s a great use for any scrap fabric you may have around the house.

To make tantrums less likely to happen, try to reduce stress, tune in to your child’s feelings, identify the triggers and talk about emotions with your child.

However, sometimes no matter what you do, tantrums still happen – and that’s okay. It's a normal part of development and it doesn’t make you a bad parent, or make your child a bad child.

DID YOU KNOW? ‘Pregnancy Glow’ is a very real thing!

A pregnant woman’s hormones can give the skin a rosy appearance, make the hair thicker and shinier and make the nails longer and stronger.

Enjoy it while you can, though; these differences subside once baby arrives.

www.pakmag.com.au | November/December 2019 25

WHAT’S ON NOV NOV -- DEC DEC FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER 140th Celebration Glenella State School Glenella State School 4.30pm / Free / Family Practically Perfect The Music of Julie Andrews MECC www.themecc.com.au 11.00am / $13.50-$15 / Family Jack-O’-Lantern Parade Ron Searle Park Orchard Heights Homeowner’s Association 5.30pm / Free / Family SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER Santa Arrival Show Caneland Central www.canelandcentral.com.au 9.00am / Free / Family Santa Photos Runs until 24 December Caneland Central www.canelandcentral.com.au Check Website for times and pricing / Family The BeachBoyz Souths Leagues Club Mackay Souths Leagues Club Mackay 8.00pm / $35-$45 / Family SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER Car Boot Sale and Free Community Breakfast Flourish Mackay Flourish Mackay 7.30am / Free / Family The Highwaymen, Outlaws of Country MECC

With Star’s Rob Kidd

www.themecc.com.au 1.30pm / $28-$60 / Family

Farmers’ Market 5.00pm / Check Website / Family

TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER

Norfair 2019 St Joseph’s Church North Mackay St Joseph’s Church North Mackay 5.00pm / Free / Family

Melbourne Cup Race Day Ooralea Racecourse www.mackaytickets.com.au 10.00am / Check Website / Adults Melbourne Cup The Dispensary The Dispensary Mackay 11.30am / $48.56-$69.66 / Adults Melbourne Cup Souths Leagues Club Souths Leagues Club Mackay 9.00am / Check Website / Family Melbourne Cup Harrup Park Country Club Harrup Park 11.00am / $49 / Adults Melbourne Cup Luncheon Magpies Sporting Club Mackay Magpies Sporting Club Mackay 11.00am / $69-$79 / Adults FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER Airlie Beach Festival of Music Whitsunday Sailing Club www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic. com.au 9.30pm / Check Website / 18+ Yrs Birth Information Night Lanai Riverside Apartments Ignite Your Glow Hypnobirthing 5.30pm / Free / Family Dogs on Parade at RSTM Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market Greater Whitsundays

Brittany Elise, Something Else Tour MECC North Foyer www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $25-$35 / Family SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER Christmas Fair Victoria Park State School Victoria Park State School P&C Association 5.00pm / Free / Family THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER Fitzgerald Spectacular Concert MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 6.00pm / Check Website / Family FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER Twilight Christmas Markets St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School www.sfxmrok.catholic.edu.au 5.00pm / Free / Family Share the Dignity - Donate a pre-loved bag with toiletries Caneland Central www.canelandcentral.com.au Daily / Free / Family SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER St Patrick’s Fair River St, Mackay 4957 6767 6.00pm / Free / Family

Kids TRY-Triathlon Bluewater Lagoon www.tri-activ8.com.au 8.00am / $10 / Family Showcase Gala 2019 MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 6.00pm / $18-$43 / Family TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER Keeping Baby Cool, Travelling & Socialising Mackay Women’s Centre Mackay Group Australian Breastfeeding Association 10.00am / Free / Family THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER Mumlife Community Meet Kidz Life Play Centre Mumlife Stickers 10.00am / $4-$5 / Family FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER Dance, Dance, Dance 2019 MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 6.00pm / $27-$44 / Family Ruthless, The Musical Comedy Ocean International Mackay Musical Comedy Players Inc. 7.00pm / $60 / Adults SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER Mackay Woodturners Christmas Runs until 24 November Snow Wright Court Mackay Woodturners Club 9.00am / Free / Family

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WHAT’S ON NOV NOV -- DEC DEC SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER Kids Afternoon at the Movies Souths Leagues Club Mackay Souths Leagues Club Mackay 3.00pm / Free / Family Sensitive Santa Photos Caneland Central www.canelandcentral.com.au 8.00am / Check Website / Family Abundance Day: Pumpkin Feast Whitsunday Organic Community Gardens www.whitsundayocg.org.au 10.00am / Free / Family Let’s Dance 2019 MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 10.00am and 2.30pm / Check Website / Family FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER

MECC Plenary Halls www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $52-$72.65 / Family It’s Showtime 2019 MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 10.00am and 3.00pm / Check Website / Family All About The Gut Workshop Souths Leagues Club Mackay Souths Leagues Club Mackay 9.00am / $30 / Adults TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER Souths Christmas Kids Toys & Hamper Giveaway Souths Leagues Club Mackay www.southsmackay.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Family FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER

The Beggars Christmas Favourites MECC www.themecc.com.au 11.00am / $13.50-15 / Family

Loose Ends - International Day for People with a Disability MECC North Foyer www.themecc.com.au 6.30pm / Check Website / Family

SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER

SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER

Breakfast with Santa Mount Pleasant Centre www.mountpleasantcentre.com.au 8.30am / $5 / Family

4MK’s Carols in the City Bluewater Quay www.4mk.com.au 3.00pm / Free / Family

Dynamite Dancing 2019 MECC Auditorium Roby Rogers School of Dancing 6.00pm / Check Website / Family

Shop & Drop Childminding Service Caneland Central (Next to Santa) www.canelandcentral.com.au 10.00am / Free first half hour, $5/30min after / Family

SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER Kasey Chambers - The Captain 20th Anniversary Tour

Hollywood’s Walk of Fame MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au

28 November/December 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

With Star’s Scotty

2.00pm and 7.30pm / $15-$44 / Family SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER Breakfast with Santa Whitsunday Plaza www.whitsundayplaza.com.au 8.30am / $5 / Family MONDAY 9 DECEMBER That’s Entertainment 2019 Runs until 10 December MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 6.30pm / $18-$45 / Family THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER Tummy Time Class Move and Play Paediatric Therapy Move and Play Paediatric Therapy 9.15am / Check Facebook / 0-6 Months SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER Legoland Day Souths Leagues Club www.southsmackay.com.au 9.00am / $2 / Family The Handmade Expo Market Mackay PCYC Mackay The Handmade Expo NQ 9.00am / Free / Family TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER Weaning, Breastfeeding & Fertility Mackay Women’s Centre Mackay Group Australian Breastfeeding Association 10.00am / $2 / Family

WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER Stable on the Strand Runs until 22 December The Strand, Townsville www.stableonthestrand.com.au 5.30pm / Free / Family FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER Farm to City Christmas Twilight Market Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Market www.greaterwhitsundayfood.org.au 4.00pm / Free / Family SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER Hawaiian Christmas Race Day Ooralea Racecourse www.mackaytickets.com.au 11.00am / $5-60 / Family WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER Christmas Lunch Magpies Sporting Club www.magpiesmackay.com.au 12.00pm / $59.99-109.99 / Family SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER Kids Afternoon at the Movies Souths Leagues Club Mackay Souths Leagues Club Mackay 3.00pm / Free / Family TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER 1920s New Years Eve Party Hotel Mackay Hotel Mackay 8.30pm / Free / Family New Year’s Eve Celebration Bluewater Quay www.themecc.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Family

Pull-out kids activity mag!

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

For your chance to WIN a family pass to Frozen II, tell us the eight differences above.

Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win - Competition closes 30/11/2019

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CRACK THE CODE TO WIN! For your chance to WIN a Tiger Tribe Prize Pack, tell us the code.

Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win - Competition closes 30/11/2019 Tiger Tribe Prize Pack - RRP $55.00 - www.tigertribe.com.au This pack includes two Tiger Tribe craft kits. Add some retro inspiration to your crafting with the Fashion Designer Handbag. The perfect summer holiday craft activity, tweens can create their own groovy customised denim handbag. It’s the perfect holiday outfit accessory for special days out. Cross Stitch Kit – Glow in the Dark is a luminescent beginner’s set packed with everything tweens need to make their own fun charms, wristbands, necklaces and key-rings that glow in the dark.

HAVE FUN CREATING YOUR OWN BAUBLE DESIGN! For your chance to WIN a set of Pilot Pintor Paint Markers, tell us what you would create with these amazing markers.

Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win - Competition closes 30/11/2019 Pilot Pintor Paint Markers Eight Pack - RRP $41.60 - www.pilotpen.com.au Unleash your creative genius with these amazing new Pintor Paint Markers.

Available in heaps of bright colours, you can use them to create your own designs on any surface including plastic, canvas, fabric, metal and glass. Available from leading stationary suppliers and selected independent newsagents.

What’s On

REGULAR MARKETS Eungella Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 9.00am - 1.00pm Location: Eungella Memorial Hall - North Street Sarina Showground Markets Date: Last Sunday of the month Time: 7.30am - 12.00pm Location: Sarina Showgrounds Paxton’s Night Markets Date: 2nd Friday of the month* Time: 5.00pm - 8.00pm Location: Paxtons Warehouse Details: *Check their

Facebook page as dates subject to change Paxtons Night Markets 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 Seaforth Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: From 8.30am Location: Palm Avenue Seaforth

Troppo Treasure Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: From 7.30am - 11.30am Location: Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

Time: From 7.00am - 11.00am

River Street Twilight Market

by GWFM Date: 2nd Friday of every month Time: From 4.00pm - 8.00pm Location: Bluewater Quay, River Street, Mackay City Centre

Details:

The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Markets Date: Every Wednesday

Location: Bluewater Quay, River Street, Mackay City Centre (Best parking Brisbane Street) Greater Whitsunday

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

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

www.pakmag.com.au | November/December 2019 33

REGULAR EVENTS MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL: LIBRARIES Baby Bounce

Days: Fridays (during school term) Time: 9.30am - 10.00am

Location: Gordon White Library Days: Thursdays (During school term) Time: 10.30am - 11.00am

Location: Sarina Library Days: Wednesdays (during school term) Time: 9.30am - 10.00am

Location: Dudley Denny City Library Days: Mondays Time: 11.00am - 11.30am

Location: Dudley Denny City Library Days: Thursdays (during school term) Time: 10.30am - 11.00am

Location: Mirani Library Days: Wednesdays Time: 11.00am - 11.30am Location: Sarina Library Days: Wednesdays Time: 11.00am - 11.30am 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: 9.30am - 10.00am Location: Gordon White Library Days: Wednesdays (during school term) Time: 10.30am - 11.00am

Toddler Time Toddler Time is aimed at little ones who are walking to 2.5 years and 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 Location: Mirani Library Days: Wednesdays Time: 9.30am – 10.00am Location: Dudley Denny City Library Days: Fridays Time: 9.30am – 10.00am

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: Mackay Metro Bunch Rides 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 Time: From 6.00am Ability level: Beginner-advanced More Info: Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates.

Location: Sarina Library Days: Mondays Time: 9.30am – 10.00am

MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL: RUNNERS

MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL: BIKE RIDERS

Days: Saturdays Time: 5.45am Meeting point: The Metro Market Cafe, River Street, Mackay

Social Rides Meeting point: Metro Café, River Street Days: Saturdays

34 November/December 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Free LayZee Runners Club

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 - 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 - 10.00am Location: Shop 2, 176 Victoria Street, Mackay 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 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

Party Guide

Party Guide KIDZ LIFE PLAY CENTRE It’s slides, tunnels and ball pits galore at Kidz Life Play Centre. With a ball pit, triple deck play structure, huge double slide and much more, there is plenty of fun to be had. It’s all indoors and airconditioned, so it’s always playtime-rain, hail or shine.

Table Party, $25 – Reserved table with 10 chairs, normal child admission prices apply. Table cloth and serviettes provided. BYO birthday cake.

Party Room hire, $75-100 – Party room for two and a half hours, admission for five children, cordial, water cups and serviettes provided. BYO birthday cake and self-catered food (hot food not permitted).

Premium Party, $165-195 – Party room for two and a half hours, admission for 10 children, party food, unlimited cordial and water, lolly bags, table setting and invitations. BYO birthday cake.

Private Hire Party, $315-500 – Hire the entire venue for your celebration! Maximum 100 guests.

Extra party additions available, such as face painting, hot food or costume hire. The team at the centre do the cleaning up. All proceeds go to help unprivileged children. Don’t forget your socks!

A 75 Evans Ave, North Mackay P 4953 5575 Kidz Life Play Centre www.kidslife.com.au

SIDETRAX Discover the thrill of go-kart racing at Sidetrax. Hop in a go-kart and get ready to race your friends to the finish line for your birthday.

Kids’ party – Includes one ride on the go-karts, one hour and 30 minutes use of the party room, a photo corner with props and set up and clean up. BYO cake, plates, cutlery and napkins. Skip the lineup with a VIP pass. $45 per child.

Pizza party - Includes one ride on the go-karts, one hour and 30 minutes use of the party room, delicious pizza and set up and clean up. BYO cake, plates, cutlery and napkins. Skip the lineup with a VIP pass. $55 per child.

Suitable for ages seven and over. Drivers must be at least 120cm tall to reach the peddles on the karts.

Sidetrax also offer double seater karts for younger passengers or those with special needs (must be accompanied by an adult).

Be sure to wear long pants or shorts, closed in shoes and no loose clothing. Please book parties one week in advance. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to book.

A 275 Nebo Rd, West Mackay P 4829 4707 Sidetrax www.sidetrax.com.au

WAKEHOUSE CABLE PARK Whether your child loves to wakeboard, knee board, or go on the inflatable obstacle course, WakeHouse is lots of fun for thrill seekers!

Take on the thrilling inflatable obstacle course floating on the water. Crawl, climb, jump and slide your way through. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a warm day, get moving and wear out your party-goers – it’s so much fun that they won’t want to go home.

There is a café on site that serves up a range of delicious bites, such as pizza, nachos, hot chips and much more. It’s the perfect day out in sunny Mackay, and it’s a party your child is sure to remember for the rest of their life.

Suitable for ages four and up.

A Michigan Way, Mackay P 1300 500 261 WakeHouse Cable Park – Mackay www.wakehouse.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | November/December 2019 37

Party Guide

SOUTHS LEAGUES CLUB Why not let your children enjoy their special day at the #1 kids party location in town? Let Souths friendly staff supervise the entire party while you relax and enjoy all that Souths has to offer.

Starting from $15 per child, parties include five hours of supervision, private room hire, use of all kid’s room facilities, design your own menu from a variety of party food options, party decorations, lolly bags, party games and jugs of soft drinks, cordial or water. You can supply your own cake and candles or the staff can arrange one for you. Too easy.

Mums and dads can stay in the club, grab a coffee, cake and relax whilst the team takes care of everything. For more information or to book, give them a call or email functions@southsmackay.com.au

A Cnr Bucasia Rd & Phillip St P 4969 2400 Mount Pleasant Centre www.mountpleasantcentre.com.au

PORTERS Stuck on gifts? Have you considered paying a visit to Porters? You’re sure to find something the birthday boy or girl will love.

From outdoor play equipment to their very own camping gear and everything in between, you’ll find a huge range of awesome gifts. Get them their very own miniature version of dad’s chainsaw or brush cutter so they can ‘help’ around the house. If all else fails, you can also get a gift card.

Discover the perfect gift at Porters.

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

A Cnr Brisbane & Gordon St, Mackay P 4967 3333 Porters www.porterscando.com.au

INFLATABLE KINGDOM

HARVEY NORMAN

Climb, bounce and slide on a variety of huge indoor inflatables at your next party.

The digital age is upon us! Treat your child to a brandnew device or accessory.

Securing your party table for up to two hours of fun is easy. Simply put down a $100 deposit to reserve your spot (deducted from the total cost), supply a guest list and get excited. Cost is $12 for children aged five and under and $18 for children aged six and up. Spectators are free.

With a huge range of phones, computers, game consoles, tablets and TVs, there’s sure to be something that suits their interests and personality. Finish the perfect gift with a brand-new mouse, headset or protective case.

There is a range of food and beverage items available for purchase. For just an additional $10 per child, each guest will receive a party pack including hot food, lolly bag and a drink.

Bookings include free Inflatable Kingdom party invitations. Don’t forget your socks!

A 225 Harbour Rd, Mackay Harbour P 4957 2672 Inflatable Kingdom Mackay www.inflatablekingdom.com.au

CANELAND CENTRAL With over 110 specialty and service stores at Caneland Central, you’ll find everything you need to make your child’s birthday one to remember, From party snacks to decorations and items for party games, it’s all there.

A Mangrove Rd, Mackay P 4944 7111 Caneland Central www.canelandcentral.com.au

MOUNT PLEASANT CENTRE Whether you’re after party snacks, awesome decorations, a thoughtful gift or forgot something last minute for your child’s special day, Mount Pleasant Centre has your back. Head on down today and find just what you need to make their party an awesome one.

38 November/December 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Alternatively, get them that new game or movie they’ve been asking for or foster their love for music with a Bluetooth speaker or a shiny pair of headphones. If you’ve got an aspiring photographer, why not get them their very own camera to play around with? The opportunities are simply endless, and they will cherish their gift for many years to come – fuel their curiosity with Harvey Norman.

If you’re unsure of what to get, the friendly team is always keen to give you a helping hand in your gift-searching.

A Cnr Heaths Rd & Bruce Hwy, Mackay P 4951 8800 www.harveynorman.com.au

MECC The Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) is Mackay’s hub of entertainment. With a large number of shows occurring throughout the year, including concerts, theatre and musicals, why not see a show for your child’s birthday?

There is always a fantastic range of shows happening to suit all ages and budgets. Check out their website to see what’s coming up.

A Alfred St, Mackay P 4961 9777 MECC www.themecc.com.au

Home

LADY LLAMA KIDS ROOM With The Block’s Caro and Kingi One of the main factors of getting a good night’s sleep is sleeping in a comfortable space. Your room should make you feel relaxed and peaceful, and the same rule applies to your kids’ bedroom. Setting up a comfy place to sleep at night that doubles up as an exciting place to play during the day doesn’t need to be difficult. Step into a dreamy wonderland with a little help from Lady Llama.

Pastel shades - A big role in creating a peaceful bedroom space lies in deciding the colour scheme.

Shades of pink, blue, white and beige go hand-inhand perfectly. Incorporate some tassels and patterns to bring in a hint of that boho-vibe while simultaneously still keeping the space calm with a soft colour palette.

Keep it organised - After they have finished playing, your child will want somewhere to store their toys.

Easily keep the room looking tidy by investing in a handy storage bench (that doubles-up as a comfy seat) and a

set of matching tassel baskets will make cleaning up a breeze when playtime is over, no prob-llama!

Soft lighting - Lighting is a big element when it comes to creating a tranquil space. A dimly-lit table lamp will give the room some soft lighting in the evening, signalling to your little one’s brain that it’s almost bedtime while still having enough lighting to silently read a book or play. You can even add a string of fairy lights for a magical touch.

Soft and snuggly - When the stars come out and it’s time to get some shut-eye, a comfy bed is just where your little one wants to be. A spacious king-sized single bed, cosy throw and adorable tassel or Lady Llama cushions are sure to make the bed a cosy place to be.

Hang a canopy above the bed and snuggle up under it together for story-time.

When it comes time to sleep, your little one can have their very own cuddly Lady Llama toy to snuggle up with as they dream of tomorrow’s adventures.

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1. Bobbie Pink King Single Bed - RRP $799.00 www.freedom.com.au 2. Lady Llama Cushion 45cm x 45cm - RRP $49.00 - www.freedom.com.au 3. Tassel Canopy Rose Smoke - RRP $49.00 www.freedom.com.au 4. Pina Deco Object - RRP $19.50 - www.freedom.com.au 5. Noam Table Lamp 50cm - RRP $39.00 - www.freedom.com.au 6. Polka Dot Cushion 40cm x 40cm - RRP $24.00 www.freedom.com.au 7. Raffaele Rose Smoke Cushion 50cm x 50cm - RRP $44.00 - www.freedom.com.au 8. Amalfi Jardine Cane Mirror - RRP $140.00 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 9. Lady Llama Cushion Large 68cm - RRP $129.00 - www.freedom.com.au 10. Bobbie Pink Storage Bench - RRP $449.00 - www.freedom.com.au 11. Tassel Basket - From RRP $9.00ea - www.freedom.com.au 12. Odense Throw 130cm x 150cm - www.freedom.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | November/December 2019 41

GIFTS YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE FROM PORTERS

PakMag Special Offer

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1. Kelly Lane Folding Hide Chair - Mention PakMag to get the special price of $399.00 (RRP $499.00) 2. Kids Folding Picnic Table - $119.00 3. Maxwell Williams Majolica Dinnerware - From $3.95 4. Porters Mitre 10 Gift Card - $10.00 - $1000.00 5. Companion Crab Cooker - $159.00 6. OZtrail Junior Camping Chair Pink - $25.00 7. 200 Solar LED Icicle Christmas Lights Available in Cool White, Multicolour, White - $29.00 8. Australia’s Own Cookbook for the Weber Q - $34.95 9. YETI Rambler Junior 12oz Kids Bottle - $39.95ea 10. Weber Baby Q Black (Q1200) - $349.00

www.porterscando.com.au

MITRE 10 MACKAY

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11. STIHL Kids Toy Chainsaw - $31.99 12. Maxwell Williams Majolica Dinnerware - from $3.95 13. Animal Print 1m x 1.4m - $149.00 14. STIHL Kids Toy Brush Cutter - $39.99 15. Kelly Lane Folding Hide Chair Mention PakMag to get the special price of $399.00 (RRP $499.00) 16. Master Craft Metallic Gold 5 piece Knife Block Set - $99.00 17. Animal Print 1m x 1.4m - $149.00 18. Tradie Undies 6 Pack - $25.00

Expert Advice

THE PAKMAG EXPERTS MITCH GLOVER

ROBYN FAA

Porters Mitre 10 Mackay

Mackay Regional Real Estate

Dear Mitchell, how can we be prepared for the cyclone season?

Dear Robyn,

In Queensland, our cyclone season runs from November until April. They usually form from “low” weather systems within the monsoon trough. They pose a serious threat to the community with high winds, torrential rain and flooding. While we don’t necessarily have a cyclone every year, it’s vital to be prepared.

Prepare food and water – Stock up on non-perishable foods (such as tinned vegetables and fish) and fill your water storage containers. Don’t forget a can opener and food for your pets too.

Prepare your home – Repair any loose tiles, eaves and screws on the roof and clean gutters and downpipes so water drains quickly. It’s also a good idea to invest in a chainsaw to trim trees and overhanging branches to minimise potential damage.

Prepare an emergency kit – Include essential hygiene items such as toilet paper, toothpaste and soap. You should also include a first aid kit and manual, cash, medication, rope, a torch, candles, and battery-powered radio with extra batteries. Keep a spare change of clothes for each family member.

It’s also a good idea to ensure your home, contents and car insurance are current and cover your assets adequately, and to keep emergency numbers close.

Power outages are common, which is why we recommend looking into purchasing a generator for reliable energy supply.

At Porters Mitre 10, we’ve been assisting the Mackay & Whitsunday community for 136 years and are a one-stop-shop for all your home and hardware needs.

If you’re unsure about what to purchase for your kit or how to ensure your home is ready in case of a severe storm, come in and see our mighty helpful team - we’d be more than happy to assist you in preparing your home for the cyclone season.

Porters www.porterscando.com.au

44 November/December 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

I’m looking to sell my property.

What should I look for in a real estate agent?

I’ve personally been on both sides of the fence of buying and selling property, and I’ve helped hundreds of people get great results. The world of Real Estate can be a confusing one and choosing the right agent is key to your success and sanity. Here are three things you really need to look for.

Great communication. It can be stressful dealing with an agent who’s not a great communicator.

The real estate market is time-sensitive, so you need an agent who constantly keeps you in the loop about your current buying or selling situation. Ensure you select an agent that answers their phone and gets back to you in a timely manner. Don’t go to sleep wondering.

They listen. Beware of the agent who talks too much and talks about themselves. They are working for you and need to listen attentively to your needs. Let them find the solution to your problems.

They know the local area. Real estate agents are selling more than a home; they’re selling the lifestyle that accompanies it. Make sure that you ask your prospective agents some curly questions before deciding which one’s right for you. Your agent should be able to provide information about sewer and water lines, school catchments, zoning, flooding and more. That way, you can distinguish between those who can sell the local lifestyle and those who can’t.

I am more than happy to equip PakMag families with the knowledge they need to get the outcome they desire, whether it be buying or selling. Being born and bred in beautiful Mackay myself, I know the area like the back of my hand, and I’d love to help you sell or buy the property you’re looking for.

P 0419 623 263 www.mrre.com.au

Gifts

www.artbarblog.com

www.handmadecharlotte.com

HANDMADE GIFTS THE KIDS WILL LOVE TO MAKE

HANDMADE PLAYDOUGH

FUNNY FACE PLANTERS

Ingredients

Ingredients

1 cup flour 2 tsp cream of tartar 1 cup water 1 tbsp sunflower oil Food colouring of your choice 1 airtight jar 20cm string

1 terra cotta pot Acrylic paint colours of your choice Paintbrushes Hot glue gun Dry pasta in assorted shapes Plant of your choice

Method Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add the water and sunflower oil and combine.

Divide between a number of smaller bowls, depending on how many different colours you want. Add a few drops of desired food colouring to the small bowls and combine.

When fully mixed, pour into a non-stick pan. Cook for about three minutes over medium heat, stirring often.

When the mixture starts to draw away from the pan, it’s done.

Let the playdough cool until you are able to handle it.

Knead until smooth and place in an airtight jar. Attach a gift tag using string, and your gift is ready to go.

PakMag Tip: You can also use natural dyes to colour your playdough. Try turmeric for yellow, matcha powder for green and blueberries for pink/purple. For extra sparkles, you can add glitter too.

Method Paint the outside of your terra cotta pot in the colour of your choice. Paint about five centimetres of the inside top as well. Put your pot somewhere safe and let it dry completely.

Use your imagination to make some silly faces with pasta. Shells or penne can be a nose, macaroni can be eyes, spirals can be eyebrows or a mustache, farfalle can be a bow tie – there are endless possibilities. Decide which you will use, and paint them any colour you’d like.

Once both the pot and pasta pieces are dry, use a hot glue gun (with help from a grown-up) to attach the pieces to the pot, assembling the face. Allow the glue to dry for several hours.

Pot a lush plant in your colourful brand-new pot, or gift it as is.

PakMag Tip: if you plan to use your pot outdoors, apply a coat of Mod Podge Outdoor to weatherproof it.

www.pakmag.com.au | November/December 2019 47

Gifts

www.artbarblog.com

www.artbarblog.com

www.artbarblog.com

www.sostrenegrene.com

COLOURFUL HANDMADE WRAPPING PAPER IDEAS

www.ohjoy.blogs.com

Save time and money while keeping the kids busy by letting them create their own wrapping paper. Making the wrapping paper can be just as fun as giving the gift itself. Here are a few methods you can use.

two eyes on it (you can use googly eyes to give them a bit of character). Using some glue or sticky tape, stick the balloon in between the ears and voila – suddenly, there’s an elephant in the room.

Paint

Potato Stamps

Lay down a solid-coloured wrapping paper (such as white or brown), break out the paints, dress the kids in old clothes and let their imaginations run wild on the paper. One-of-a-kind and super cute.

Cut a potato in half, draw a shape onto the surface (such as a heart, star or smiley face), get an adult to cut around the shape with a knife, and you’ve got your very own stamp. Dip it in paint and stamp on solid-coloured wrapping paper.

Confetti Paint thin layers of mod podge over plain white wrapping paper, and place confetti wherever you wish. Place a few random patches, make shapes or sprinkle them all over.

Elephants Wrap your gift and draw the outline of an elephant using a black marker. Next, grab a balloon and stick

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Gift Tags Pick out some pretty pastel paints, use them to paint strokes on white cardboard, cut them out and you have some low-effort but gorgeous gift tags. Write a note and attach them to the gift with some string, and you’re good to go.

Celebrate

HOSTING A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH There is nothing quite like the magic of Christmas.

Lunch provides a great opportunity to catch up with the whole family, and here are a few ways to make the big day truly magical.

Delightful Decorations The glittery baubles, twinkling lights and festive colour schemes all make this time of the year so special. Create a gorgeous centrepiece on your table using a mini Christmas tree, tinsel and reindeer figurines. Alternatively, use a cake stand to creatively layer your decorations.

You can even carry the magic of the table to other areas of the house, such as the coffee table or TV stand. Be sure to keep a bin nearby when it’s time for Christmas crackers and opening presents.

Great Games

Fantastic Food Once everyone is settled and happily chatting, it’s time to bring out some nibbles. Entertain your guests with bite-sized delicious foods in the forms of skewers, bruschetta, devilled eggs with smoked salmon or fresh local oysters. Don’t be afraid to include some party classics such as crackers with cheese and mini sausage rolls. They’ll be a hit with the kids and adults alike.

Then, it’s time to pile the table high with ham, turkey and seafood! While the classic Christmas lunch mains are mouth-watering, why not shake it up and try something a little different this year? Why not try a rolled pork belly, grilled seafood platter or brie, walnut and cranberry stuffing for the turkey?

Later in the afternoon, serve up a deliciously sweet dessert. Go for a classic pavlova or something a little bit different to surprise your guests with – it’s only one day a year, so feel free to indulge.

www.whatmommydoes.com

www.myer.com.au

Elevate your Christmas lunch by providing a few ice breakers, guessing games or other activities for your guests. For instance, you can have each visitor guess the number of ornaments you have on your tree.

Whoever gets the correct number (or closest to the correct number) gets to take home a small gift.

You can also play spoons with candy canes and a deck of cards, a Christmas-themed “guess who” or a festive scavenger hunt. If all else fails, a game of Christmas charades is sure to provide some laughs and get everyone into a festive mood.

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1. Mungalli Creek Bio-Dynamic Whole Milk Fetta 250g - www.mungallicreekdairy.com.au 2. Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera in Smokey White - RRP $99.00 www.harveynorman.com.au 3. Mungalli Creek Bio-Dynamic Pouring Cream 500ml - www.mungallicreekdairy.com.au 4. Series 12 Piece Dinner Set RRP $99.00 - www.freedom.com.au 5. Charm Cutlery Set Gold Colour - RRP $70.00 - www.freedom.com.au 6. Celebration Star Ornament Set of Four RRP $3.25 - www.freedom.com.au

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www.luziapimpinella.com

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After School Sign On

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY GUIDE WAKE HOUSE Get on your board, strap in and get ready to wakeboard. Learn how to utilise your balance to glide on the water and soar over exhilarating ramps at Mackay Wake House.

Casual Pass – Purchase an hour pass for $35 or a day pass for $55 and get ready for a great time out on the water.

Grom Squad – Discover the world of kneeboarding and wakeboarding. Grom Squad is a beginner clinic suitable for children aged six to 12.

Beginner Clinic – New to kneeboarding and wakeboarding? The beginner clinic is sure to get you going. $35 per clinic, suitable for teens and adults.

1-on-1 Lesson – Skip the queue and have a private coaching session to advance your skills. Pricing on application. Suitable for teens and adults.

Can’t get enough? You can also purchase a weekly pass for $120, three months for $450 or annual for $1495.

Passes and clinics include rental kneeboard and wakeboard with footstraps, as well as a life vest and helmet.

Be sure to purchase a wristband at reception, as this serves as your key to the cableway system.

A Michigan Way, Mackay P 1300 500 261 WakeHouse Cable Park – Mackay www.wakehouse.com.au

SIDE TRAX Looking for an adrenaline rush? Discover the thrill of indoor go-karting at Side Trax. Zoom around the track, make new friends and race them to the finish line – what’s not to love?

First ride - $35 for 10 minutes, includes a valid license for 12 months.

All other rides - $30 for 10 minutes. Every sixth ride is free!

This ride is very intense, 10 minutes is a really long time!

You will be knackered.

Please note you must be seven years old and at least 120cm tall to drive by yourself. A double seater kart is available for children aged four to 10 or with special needs (driver must be at least 18 years of age).

Please wear closed in shoes, long pants, shorts or tights and avoid loose clothing and jewellery.

A 275 Nebo Rd, West Mackay P 4829 4707 Sidetrax www.sidetrax.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | November/December 2019 53

After School Sign On

RUGBYTOTS Rugbytots is the world’s favourite rugby play programme for children aged two to seven.

Their fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination. With energetic and engaging coaches supporting them every step of the way, they’ll learn how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play in a team.

Age 3 ½ - 5: Your tot will be part of a dynamic session developing their social and physical skills in a positive environment. They’ll learn how to look after the ball, find space, score try’s, run with the ball and improve general agility. Classes run for 45 minutes.

Age 5 – 7: In the older age group, classes follow the same structure but with more advanced team games.

The program for this age range focuses on enhancing self-esteem and confidence all while having fun.

Classes run at Eimeo Road State School Oval, PCYC Mackay and Marian State School Oval. www.rugbytots.com.au

MACKAY AQUATIC RECREATION COMPLEX (ARC)

Swimming is a skill for life. Take the plunge in 2020 and sign up for swimming lessons.

A Malcomson St, North Mackay P 4952 5244 Pioneer Swim Centre www.mackay.qld.gov.au

MEMORIAL SWIM CENTRE Want to learn how to swim? Memorial Swim Centre is the way to go.

Located in a convenient location fringing Mackay’s CBD, Memorial Swim Centre offers a number of aqua classes, squad sessions for all ages and learn to swim programs and activities. The swim centre offers a 50m outdoor heated pool, toddler splash pool, easy access chairlift and extensive grounds ideal for family picnics.

Home to the Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club – dedicated to supporting and encouraging swimmers of all ages and abilities.

A Milton St, Mackay P 4944 1576 Memorial Swim Centre www.mackay.qld.gov.au

Mackay ARC is proud to offer the exciting GOSWIM program – a new, fun way to learn to swim and be safe in and around the water.

ADRENALIN CHEER & DANCE

GOSWIM caters to babies and their parents, preschoolers, primary school aged children, Optus Junior Dolphins and adults too.

Adrenalin Cheer & Dance offers specialist classes with mini squads starting from four years old right up until professional competitive squads. Classes offered include gymnastics, hip hop, cheer, and skill building.

Students will learn elements of gymnastics, tricks, choreography, stunts, and much more.

You’ll be accessing weekly lessons, easy and affordable pricing, ongoing enrolment and year-round unrestricted access to aquatic areas. You can also track your child’s progress through the Splash App, and your family will score four weeks of free swim access over the summer, plus a one-week holiday swim program.

Join for just $17 per week.

A 193 Boundary Rd, Ooralea P 4847 5400 Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex www.mackayarc.com.au

PIONEER SWIM CENTRE Learn to swim in a safe, supportive and fun environment.

There is an active program of aqua classes, squad sessions for all ages and a buzzing learn to swim program. Pioneer Swim Centre nurtures a peaceful atmosphere and includes amenities such as a 50 metre Olympic outdoor pool, 15 metre toddler pool with interactive play equipment and easy access chairlift.

There is also an undercover grandstand and large shaded areas with tables in case you’d like to stick around for your child’s swimming session.

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Have you got a little aspiring dancer in the family?

A 8 McCulloch St, North Mackay P 0417 750 532 Adrenalin Cheer & Dance www.adrenalincheer.com

MACKAY INDOOR SPORTS Offering a fun way to exercise and get fit, Mackay Indoor Sports makes it easy to join a team sport, whether it be with your friends or on your own.

Choose from a variety of indoor sports such as netball, soccer, cricket, beach volleyball and allsports. There’s a range of competitions to suit skill levels. It’s always time to play, rain or shine. The friendly and helpful staff will help you find a suitable team to join.

There is no membership, insurance or joining fees, and the cost is $8 per player, per game.

A 225 Harbour Rd, Mackay Harbour P 4957 2672 Mackay Indoor Sports Arena www.isamackay.com.au

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1. Lorrae and Abby - Rock, Paper, Scissors Market Mackay 2. Matthew, Romana and Ruby - Eimeo Inflatable Boat Race 3. Summer, Aria, Shondelle and Bianca - Rock, Paper, Scissors Market Mackay 4. Imogen, Kelly and Rylan - Eimeo Inflatable Boat Race 5. Kaylene, Abby and Isla - Rock, Paper, Scissors Market Mackay 6. Steve, Larni and Stella - Eimeo Inflatable Boat Race 7. Matthew and River - Eimeo Inflatable Boat Race 8. Amanda and Dario - Rock, Paper, Scissors Market Mackay 9. Carrie and Bodhi - Eimeo Inflatable Boat Race

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Snapped

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Photography thanks to: Remember This Photography p 0409 956 373 e rememberthisphoto@live.com.au Remember This Photography www.rememberthisphotography.com.au

10. Katana, Avery, Gary and Juanita - Whitsunday Eats N Treats 11. Kylie, Josh, Bailey, Blake and Billy - Whitsunday Eats N Treats 12. Nikita, Craig and Colten Eimeo Inflatable Boat Race 13. Luke, Beau and Dylan - Whitsunday Eats N Treats 14. Kristin, Brett, Jaxson, Hunter and Dillon - Whitsunday Eats N Treats 15. Jessie, Rhion, Geraint and Haithe - Eimeo Inflatable Boat Race 16. Kirsty, Adam and Winslow - Rock, Paper, Scissors Market Mackay

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Daddy Diary

DADDY Daddy Diary DIARY Family. What is family?

In 2019, family can mean quite a few different things to many people.

It could be a husband, wife and three kids all living happily next to the beach in a house with a yard, and life is good.

Family could also mean a single dad who visits his kids once a week and has some play time until they head back to their mum’s.

With Star 101.9’s Rob Kidd

There’s lots happening all over Mackay and the Whitsundays so everyone can stay busy. From taking the kids to the skate park near the PCYC to getting wet at the wakeboard park or the Bluewater Lagoon, there is heaps to keep the kids amused for hours and hours.

Christmas is also a time to get the board games out of the cupboard. The old classics like Monopoly, Ker-Plunk and Scrabble are all a hit at my place, so it’s fair to say that my kids are nearly beating me. Nearly.

Family really does mean different things, but this time of the year, family is all that matters when it comes to celebrating Christmas.

Remember what Christmas is all about. You may be religious and go to church on Christmas day, or you may not and do your own thing. Whatever you have planned, please do it with friends and family around you.

This is a time to come together as one. It’s a time to be thankful for what you have in your life. Some may not see it in front of us, but it’s there. Christmas is a wonderful time to spend some time with those you may not have seen for quite a while. Maybe family members from interstate coming to visit and stay with you – it really is a great time of the year.

Wake up early on Christmas day, have breakfast together, open some presents, have some fun in the backyard, eat way too much at lunch and then fall asleep on the lounge in the early afternoon while the kids yell and scream at each other with their new toys.

That’s what Christmas is all about to so many people around here.

If you’re travelling, please take care on the roads.

Let’s have you back in one piece.

Merry Christmas from me and my family to yours and have a safe and happy New Year.

Have fun, Rob Kidd Star 101.9 Mackay and the Whitsundays

58 November/December 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au