PakMag Mackay - Dec 2017 Issue 62

ISSUE: Dec 2017

62

MACKAY

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS FESTIVE FUN

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE

TEACHING RESILIENCE $1000’s WORTH OF PRIZES INSIDE HOUSE GUESTS BE PREPARED

FREE www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 1

CONTENTS 04 Entertainment: Check It Out 07 The Thing Is...

With Bree James

08 Feature: House Guests

are You Prepared?

11

Parenting: Teaching

Resilience 15 Get Active With Your Kids

Over The Summer Break

16 WAS Sadly Farewells Three

Integral Members of Their

Prep Poppy Program

19 Dreaming of a

Family Holiday?

20 Bump, Bub and Beyond 23 What’s On Guide 25 Mini Mag 33 Health 35 12 Days of Christmas 36 Boredom Buster 37 School Holiday Guide 40 Festive Fun

Well, it’s the month we’ve all been waiting for - or not, as the case may be – it’s Christmas!

Firstly, I just want to say thank you so much to all of you who attended our Christmas PakClub event at Mount Pleasant. I hope you had as much fun as I did!

Tis the time for tradition, so in traditional PakMag style, we’ve got you covered with a whole load of ideas on how you can keep the kids entertained, how you can get prepared for a great Christmas and how you can keep your sanity whilst doing it.

One thing that many of us experience over the holidays is visiting family, so be sure to check out our ‘How to Deal With Visitors’ feature on page 8 for an interesting insight the different personalities you may encounter, and how you can deal with them. I’ve definitely encountered several of them, and I bet you have too!

Our 12 Days of Christmas will give you some great ideas on what you can do in and around Mackay in the lead up to the big day to get in the Christmas spirit and our ‘Home’ and ‘Celebrate’ pages show you how you can make your home merry and bright!

Now, just because it’s the silly season, doesn’t mean our parenting tips go out the window. Our peice on bringing up resilient kids gives you tips and tricks, and is a topic close to my heart.

From all of the PakMag team and I, we wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We’d love to see all of your photos of the things you and your family get up to over the festive season, so make sure you post them to our Facebook page.

43 Left-Over Recipes 44 Snapped 46 Mega Summer Giveaway!

48 Home with Caro & Kingi:

Pool Perfection

50 Daddy Diary

Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James Operations Manager Rose Foster Graphic Designer Clare Winter

Bree James Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief 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

Marketing to Families Experts Lisa Gillman Steph Bartram Janelle May Sub-Editor Kate Moloney

Supply & Distribution Manager Gleisy Meireles Media Intern Monique Saggers Social Media Intern Kiki Fitch

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 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 | December 2017 3

Entertainment

CHECK IT OUT 4MK’s Carols In The City When: Saturday, 2 December 2017, 4.00pm Where: Bluewater Quay More Info: www.mackaycitycentre.com.au Bring your chair or picnic blanket for this amazing event!

Glow sticks will be available for purchase. Carols performances on stage at 7.00pm.

Sarina Community Christmas Celebration When: Saturday, 9 December 2017, 5.00pm Where: Sarina Cultural Hall and Anzac Park Precinct More Info: www.mackay.qld.gov.au There will be lots of attractions, including a puppet show, face painting, colouring competition, Christmas hat competition, animal farm, Christmas carols and, of course, the lighting of the Sarina Christmas tree. Free family event.

Porters Community Markets When: Saturday, 16 December 2017, 8.00am Where: Porters Mackay City Carpark More Info: www.porterscando.com.au Porters will have a jumping castle, sausage sizzle, FREE face painting by Carlie Eales from Fascinating Faces and a special visit from SANTA!

NQ Christmas Festival – Stable on the Strand When: Monday, 18 to Friday, 22 December 2017, 5.30pm to 9.30pm Where: Strand Park Townsville More Info: www.stableonthestrand.com Experience the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus. Enjoy free entertainment for all ages and interactive activities for children.

4 November December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Mackay New Year’s Eve Party When: Sunday, 31 December 2017, from 6:00pm Where: Bluewater Quay More Info: www.themecc.com.au Bring in the New Year in style at Mackay’s free New Year’s Eve celebrations. With the free entertainment for children, and market stalls and a wide range of food vendors for all to enjoy, this is an event not to be missed.

There will be two spectacular firework displays at 9:00pm and midnight.

SAVE THE DATE Deadly 60 Downunder When: Wednesday, 10 January 2018, 2.00pm and 5.00pm Where: MECC More Info: www.themecc.com.au Steve Backshall, the star of the hit TV show Deadly 60 is back in Australia with his brand new stage show.

This time there is a big difference, this summer he will appear live on stage with some of Australia’s deadliest animals! Plus there will be loads of audience participation and lots of on stage fun!

Family event |Adult $49 | Family(2A & 2C) $179

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 5

The Thing Is

The Thing Is...

STORY Bree James

It’s the month of overeating, over drinking, overextending and overspending for many of us and by the time Christmas is here, we are, how do I say it nicely – ‘over’ it! As parents, we work so hard this month, there’s teacher gifts, class gifts, and family gifts to get, there’s food for class breakups to bake (cough… ready baked from Coles), charity work or work parties to attend.

The thing is, most of us bring this insanity upon ourselves. There is always an easier, more simple way.

And this year, I am going to do my best to make this a special day without all of the fuss and without killing my ‘mojo’.

When I grew up, Christmas always had a tinge of sadness, hostility and resentment. My parents divorced when I was two, so I always spent it with one parent on alternate years. My mum always said to us as kids, “We are on the borderline of poverty” and you could tell she always wanted to do more, but she always somehow pulled out a special day for us on her year. We’d always have a real tree, so the house smelt like Christmas and our gifts were always practical and few, but we would mostly get one thing that we really wanted. I remember one year when I was five and my sister was about three years old, and she wanted a Cabbage Patch doll. She opened her gift from Santa, and it was a cheap version, one kids would call ‘a dud’ because it didn’t have the signature on the bottom. She burst into tears calling it ‘a flood’ and stormed to her room and spent most of the day crying, “It’s a flood”, every time she saw the doll. I even offered to put a signature on its bottom, but she wouldn’t have it.

I remember this day clearly as it broke my mum’s heart a little, not being able to provide the life she wanted for us kids. But thankfully, Santa was to blame that he brought the wrong one, and the anger from my sister went to him for the rest of the day. But there was a lesson there for me in that moment, and it was:

“You’re not always going to get what you want, even from Santa.”

It was a really important lesson to learn, and one that in my opinion our kids don’t learn enough.

Learning comes from hard times, from not winning, from not getting. Drive and ambition come from these things being in your life. If you get everything you want, if you always win and the good times are always in your life as a child, you may grow up with no drive, no ambition and an attitude of ‘I deserve’.

Picture this, a little sea eagle in the wild, he has to fight other birds and search for his food, he becomes a great little hunter, self-sufficient and every day knows that he has to work hard to live, that there is danger, and that some days he will go without because today wasn’t his day, but tomorrow he will try harder. Then picture a sea eagle that grows up with parents that are seagulls. They hang around the bins to get free feeds every day, he is never encouraged out of the nest, he is never put in danger, he is cared for and nurtured, and every demand is met so that he never goes without. This sea eagle will never have the ability, strength of character, drive or ambition to ever leave the nest and fly amongst the sea eagles because life was safer and easier being a seagull, but this bird will live a life thinking “I know there is a sea eagle inside me, there has to be more to life than this, but this is all I know”, or worse “I hate sea eagles, I am not lucky enough to be one”.

As awful as it is to see the people we love the most, our children, be in any sort of pain, it is a very important part of their life that you must not deny.

So, during this festive time, take some time to think of ways you are nurturing your sea eagle without making them a seagull, and let’s make this next generation of kids unstoppable.

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 7

Feature

8 December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Feature

House guests Are you prepared for their arrival?

STORY Kate Moloney

What do you get when you combine our tropical North Queensland paradise, school holidays and Christmas?

House guests! And generally, in plague proportions.

While we are never surprised by the fact that everyone wants to visit us in what is arguably one of the most beautiful parts of the world, what we may at times be surprised by is the behaviour of our house guests. Family and friends, whom we think we know so well when placed in our home, under our roof, can scarily morph into a species of person that we may have never seen them be before.

To assist you in preparing for the possibility of a plague of house guests at your place this festive season, here are five of the more common species of house guests that you may encounter and how to handle each breed: 1. The resort guest.

Whilst we all want to ensure that our guests feel like they are being well looked after when they come to visit, this species, takes it a step further; they treat you like you are an employee at a resort. They often have that amazed look on their face when informed that no, you don’t have bathrobes available or that dinner will be served when it is ready, regardless of their earlier ‘reservation request’ time.

To deal with this species, it is imperative that you do not let them near a bell or they will be ringing for your service nonstop! You need to be polite but firm with them. Try to crack them out of their ‘expectations’ by inviting them to partake in helping with household chores like cooking.

Beware, if given the opportunity to be waited on, this species won’t lift a finger for the entirety of their stay.

2. The constant preener.

A tricky one to tackle as this species is often unaware, or worse, uncaring of the disruption their prolonged bathroom preening causes to the rest of the household. If you are a one bathroom household, then this species can wreak havoc on your family’s routine when they come to visit.

Dealing with this species can sometimes be a little confronting as who wants to question another’s use of bathroom time. However, for the sake of your family, it does need to be tackled. Try during conversations to stress the importance of routine in the running of your family, and how there are set bath times that need to be adhered to. If this species continues to ignore your subtle hints, send in the little army!

3. The messy guest.

After all the work you have no doubt put into ensuring your place is looking the best it can be for when your visitors arrive, there is nothing more disheartening than the messy guest species. Of course, we want our guests to relax on their stay with us, but this species tends to take it to the next level, appearing to create a trail behind them from the moment they enter the front door.

This species requires polite encouragement to get them to engage in assisting with everyday chores. Like children, this species responds well to obvious but subtle hints.

Questions like, “Is this shirt on the floor here going to be worn again today?” or you could mention how food scraps quite quickly turn into maggots in the tropics!

4. The busybody.

Your home is your castle, and when we invite guests into our castle, we are letting them into our inner sanctum.

While this is not an issue with most guests, with the busybody species, a few additional precautions may need to be put in place prior to their arrival. They really just do not have any personal boundary filters; their behaviour is not intentionally malicious, it is just who they are. If they see a computer on, without a second thought, they have opened your photos file and are looking back over your memories. They won’t hide the fact as they bellow to you, “Oh, I didn’t realise you went to XXX this year?”

With this species of guest, the reality is that they really see no wrong in their actions, thus talking to them regarding their actions is futile, the only course of action is preventative.

Ensure you have your computer programmed to close after the shortest amount of time and have it password protected.

If you have anything that you do not want them to see, ensure you lock it away very safely!

5. The industrious guest.

This species generally arrives already dressed in their King Gee workwear with their toolbox in one hand and a very tiny backpack (as it only contains more singlets) in the other. This species thrives on being helpful and useful, and they generally are, particularly for those households where handy DIY skills are nonexistent.

Dealing with this species is generally quite easy as long as you are well prepared with the list of jobs of what you want done and a very well stocked fridge. Be prepared though to stand your ground as the industrious species can tend to get overzealous at times, and if you aren’t overseeing them, you may find you have extensions underway that you had never planned on. Also, be ready for the sound of power tools very, very early in the morning!

There are numerous other house guest species that love to holiday in our tropical paradise that you may encounter this festive season too including the shadower, the complainer, the over-inviter and the over-stayer. And while I think it is true to say that every house guest comes with their own set of intricacies to be dealt with, if we are all truly honest we know it is always worth it (even if we aren’t able to admit it until a few days later!).

This year, as your house guests arrive on your doorstep just remember how fortunate you are to have family, friends and loved ones to share your life with and I’m sure all their little idiosyncrasies will be all just that little bit easier to deal with.

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 9

Parenting

Why resilience is one of the most important things we need to teach our kids STORY Bree James

No parent wants to see their child in pain, and most will do everything in their power to protect their children from any sort of pain or suffering. But are we creating a generation of ‘soft’ kids who can’t handle the pressures of being an adult in the future? The sad truth is, quite possibly, yes.

Most adults have plenty of war stories about the tough times in their childhoods, and most of us, if we were honest, are pretty grateful for most of it as it’s shaped us into the awesome humans we are today. The only problem is, it’s made us so strong that we are robbing our children of building their own growth and resilience.

The big one for me is, I’ve been protecting my kids from toxic relatives because I don’t want them to emotionally scar my children. But I have realised, I am making a big mistake. As a child, I certainly learnt what I think is good and bad and what I do and don’t want in my life.

And I have been very motivated to live a different life to how I was raised, and I have certainly built up a huge

resilience to life’s down moments. But I worry that my kids have not been learning these skills because I have been protecting them so fiercely.

Sure, I in no way will put my children in any sort of danger, and it’s going to be challenging for me, but as they say, strength and growth only comes through continuous effort and struggle. And this is why we have to watch our kids struggle, even if we can fix it, in some cases we really shouldn’t.

We aren’t born with resilience; you can only grow resilience through (I hate to say it) pain and suffering.

Think of resilience as a rubber band. A rubber band can spring back and forth many times and hold things together. But if a rubber band is never stretched until it’s older, then often the very first time the rubber band is stretched, it will snap.

In a nutshell, we need to get comfortable with making our kids uncomfortable.

Story continues on P.18

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 11

Parenting

So how can you help your child build resilience, problem-solving skills and the ability to deal with the uncertainty of life?

happen again?” Hopefully they respond, “I’ll ensure I shut the gate next time.” ‘How’ questions are much more productive than ‘why’ questions.

Here are 10 ways:

7. Encourage them to make mistakes.

1. Don’t solve all their problems.

Your kid loses their teddy that you said to leave at home, or forgets their drink bottle on a day out, the only way they will learn, and not do it again, is if we don’t fix it.

2. Don’t overprotect.

The only way they will learn is if they work things out themselves. Kids, within reason, need to be able to make their own decisions.

3. Don’t satisfy their every need.

Going without, and working towards things is the only way our children learn the value of a dollar. If they are like caged lions then they will laze around licking themselves expecting everything to fall at their feet.

If their every need isn’t being met, they will hunt, and learn skills to live and thrive.

4. Teach them about risk.

Marbles, Pokemon cards and board games are all great ways for kids to learn about risk. If your kids always play it safe, they will never push themselves. Pull out some board games and teach them how to take risks and lose, as well as take risks and win and the lessons in both.

5. Teach them to problem solve.

Baking, homework and Lego have been great ways for my kids to learn problem-solving skills. The pancakes aren’t fluffy, what do you think we got wrong? You got these questions wrong in your homework, do you know why? When they ask a question, don’t just give them the answer, answer with “Why do you think?”

6. Ask “How” instead of “Why” questions.

Ask “Why did you...?” and the child responds, “I don’t know.” Instead ask, “You forgot to shut the gate, and now the dogs have run away, how are you going to fix that?” To which hopefully they respond, “I’ll go look for them.” “And how are you going to make sure it doesn’t

12 December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

We always learn more from failing than we do from succeeding, and we learn how to fix the problems created and make better decisions next time. We need to get them comfortable and excited about failing because if they are failing, it means they are pushing themselves. If they are cruising, then life is too comfortable.

8. Teach them how to manage their emotions.

It’s the key to resilience. Teach your kids that it’s ok to feel sad, angry or any emotion but then get them to think about the next step. “You lost the soccer match and you are sad, I understand you are sad, I’d be sad too. But now you have to figure out how to improve for next time. Have you got any ideas?”

9. Don’t over sensationalise.

We’ve all done it. “If you don’t take this medicine I will have to take you to the hospital because you will get sicker!” Stick to the facts.

10. Be a great role model.

My kids have seen me knocked down, hurt and in tears more times than I’d hoped. But we always talk it through, and they know that I try my hardest and that sometimes it doesn’t pay off, or that people don’t always treat me right. This shows our kids that even adults hurt sometimes and that we too have to get back up again and try harder.

Resiliency helps kids navigate the inevitable trials, triumphs and tribulations of life, and gives them the tools and confidence to know that they can handle whatever life throws at them.

So, it’s imperative we get rid of the obsession with giving our kids the perfect childhood, because resilient kids become resilient adults that are able to survive and thrive in the face of life’s ups and downs. And that should be one of the number one aims for all parents to teach their kids.

Advertorial

Get active with your kids over the summer break STORY Mr Mick Martin, Head of Junior School.

“Can’t catch, can’t throw, can’t bat.” A play on words from an infamous moment in Australian cricket history.

However, recent studies show that this comment could well apply to a fair percentage of Australian children.

Studies have touched on the point that Australians like to think of themselves as sporty and fit, yet research shows emerging evidence that Australian children are falling behind their international peers and are performing worse in skills such as kicking, throwing, catching and jumping than they were 30 years ago.

The emergence of summer heralds the nearing end of the school year and the impending summer break.

Holidays for children are a time of so much fun, exploring, and doing what they want (to a degree) and are also a time where we can be tempted to allow our children to while away their days on a range of electronic ‘childminders’.

But this seven-week break could be utilised astutely for the benefit of our children. It is an opportune time to dust off the joggers, inflate the footy and netball, restring the tennis racquet or mow a cricket pitch and spend some time outside in our magnificent summer sunshine. Interestingly, studies show that outdoor play, including risky and adventurous activities, actually has a

lot of benefits towards the development of our children, beyond physical skills and health benefits their mental health and social skills also benefit.

So, at present, the best chance of supporting an improvement in the fundamental skills of Australian children possibly lies with parents and families. We should look to ensure that children are provided ample opportunities to experience different activities so they can practice and develop a broad range of skills through both structured and unstructured play. The beach, the park and the backyard provide venues for a myriad of activities. Getting our children outside more often during the summer break benefits them not only physically, but also allows their brain to recharge which may produce greater results academically, socially and cognitively in the new school year.

We, as parents, are the most important role models and decision makers for our children. Therefore, make sure you also take the time to be a part of their enjoyment, fun and learning experiences. If you put in extra effort and give time to be with your children, not only will they learn and enhance their skills, but you will also enjoy seeing the positive results of your involvement and their efforts.

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 15

Whitsunday Anglican School

16 December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

WAS sadly farewells three INTEGRAL MEMBERS of their Prep Poppy Program STORY Mr Mick Martin, Head of Junior School.

It is in my view, and the view of others that I speak to, that the Junior School at Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS) is a ‘good’ school because it allows our students, staff, parents and wider community to develop a connection to this place. It strives to provide positive and varied experiences for the students and those involved in the school community.

This program has been run over 19 years within our Preparatory Year level, beginning in 1999, with the main facilitators being Mrs Shirley Wood and Mrs Wendy Adamson. The Prep Poppies all hold a special place in our collective hearts at WAS. However, no one holds a more special place than Poppy (Ross) Wallace, along with the support of his wife, Mrs Judy Wallace. Poppy Wallace is our longest serving Poppy. A voluntary role, Poppy Wallace has made a significant personal and financial contribution over the past 16 years to the lives of many students. Ross and his lovely wife Judy have also set up an annual bursary, through the School’s Foundation, to support a student in Year 6, and their family, with expenses.

It is with much sadness that we farewell Ross as he retires from his most wonderful and special time as a Prep Poppy. However, our thoughts are encompassed by much joy, as we can all speculate what Ross has brought to the students. Each past student, whether in Poppy Wallace’s class or not, will know in their hearts how Ross has impacted on them personally. Farewell Ross, and know that you hold a special place in our hearts here and within the WAS community.

As I have mentioned, there have been twin educators who have provided the consistency within the Prep Poppies Program, Mrs Shirley Wood and Mrs Wendy Adamson: sadly, both Shirley and Wendy have decided their time at WAS is nearing to an end as they both seek further challenges and celebrations in 2018.

Within a theme of community and people, a sense of belonging, a connection to place, it too can be said that Shirley and Wendy, a dynamic Prep duo, have made significant contributions to our Junior School and whole school community. They have been the glue that has held our Prep Poppy Program together over the years.

The legacy that Poppy Wallace, Shirley and Wendy will leave will be everlasting; our Preparatory program, 20 years young this year, provides not just a beginning to WAS but the best beginning. Thank you, Ross, Shirley and Wendy, and we wish you our most gracious thoughts as you leave us.

Sweet Fields Photography www.sweetfieldsphotography.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 17

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Dreaming of a family holiday?

STORY Kalisha Fitsch

Travelling with a baby may seem like a daunting experience. Making the travel arrangements, deciding what to pack, and planning the everyday actual travel logistics can fill new parents with dread. Whether you’re travelling by car, train, or plane, the change to a baby’s routine can cause distress to both baby and to you.

But there are things you can do to make your life easier, and your holiday the relaxing or adventurous time it is meant to be. Here are some helpful tips: Necessary Preparations It’s important to consider some extra points when booking flights. Are there any regulations on bringing breast milk through airport security? Will you need to book an extra seat for your baby? Are you allowed to take the stroller onto the plane? Airlines often have different regulations on these, so it would be a good idea to double-check before booking anything. When booking accommodation, be sure to let the staff know that you’ll require a cot in the room.

Take Breaks If you’re travelling by car, while it’s recommended for all drivers to take frequent breaks regardless, with a baby on board, it’s recommended that you take a break every two hours for nappy changes and feeds. Make sure you factor this time into your plans.

Sleep Tight Some babies have difficulties falling asleep in an unfamiliar cot. To help them adjust to their home away from home, bring some familiar blankets, soft toys and sheets from home. The aim here is to make their sleeping space feel as cosy and homely as can be, which

typically helps them settle and doze off. Still having troubles? Taking your baby for a stroll or a car ride can help lull them off to sleep.

Prepare for Messes Babies are messy! Spit ups happen, nappy leaks happen.

When travelling it’s a good idea to always have easily accessible clothes for both bub and yourself; sitting on a long-haul flight covered in vomit really is no fun! If your baby is eating solids too, then be sure to carry bibs and wipes with you at all times!

Have you Considered the ‘Travel Nanna’ Option?

According to a survey of a nationally representative, independent panel of 1,076 Australian parents commissioned by HotelsCombined.com.au, one out of two Australians are paying their parents or parents-in-law to come with them on holiday with the main purpose of keeping a watchful eye on the kids.

Approximately 59 per cent of parents with kids under four years of age would prefer to take grandparents on holiday with them to watch their child rather than pay a babysitter.

After all, children are generally more comfortable having a caretaker who is familiar to them rather than a hired babysitter they’ve never met before. It also gives parents peace of mind while they’re travelling knowing their children are under the care of somebody they trust. This is also excellent bonding time for the child and the grandparent!

Don’t let the worry of travelling with a baby stop you from enjoying a break away from reality. The key really is in being informed and prepared. Do this and travelling with a baby really doesn’t need to be such a daunting concept.

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 19

Bump, Bub and Beyond

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

Seriously Milestones RRP $29.95, www.seriously.net.au Seriously Milestones produces milestone cards for parents who realise that parenting is not always fun and games but still want to have a laugh!

Our Preggo Pack, Newborn cards and Toddler Edit will ensure that you never miss out on snapping those important moments, and that you can remind your kids how annoying they were for years to come.

Dreambaby® Cosmopolitan Security Gate RRP $49.95, www.dreambaby.com.au Baby Loves Sleep Sleepy Hugs Sleepsuit RRP $59.95, www.babylovessleep.com.au Our Sleepy Hugs® gives comfort and security to your baby to encourage long, deep sleep.

Its unique design allows for full arm movement with just enough security to combat their ‘startle’ reflex, keeping them asleep for longer. And gives parents back their sleep.

The SLEEPY HUGS sleep suit gives comfort and security to your baby when they have outgrown swaddling, allowing them to sleep deeper, for longer.

20 December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Dreambaby® has over 20 child safety gates in their range and continues to launch new models every year. Why? Because every family has different needs and homes come in all shapes!

The Dreambaby® Cosmopolitan Security Gate is a popular gate in their range and is regularly chosen for both its features and affordability. Indeed, this gate’s one-handed operation (great when you’re carrying a load) coupled with its stylish design and sturdy construction makes it a must-have for young families looking to help keep their little ones safe, all day, every day.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Exploring the benefits of sensory play

Tackle incontinence early

STORY Sally Galloway, Senior Occupational Therapist, Goodstart Early Learning.

STORY Dr Naomi Gleadow, North Shore Well Women’s Clinic

From birth through to early childhood, children use their senses (taste, touch, smell, sight and hearing) to explore and try to make sense of the world around them. Providing opportunities for children to actively explore their world through ‘sensory play’ is crucial for brain development. This leads to a child’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks and supports cognitive growth, language development, gross motor skills, social interaction and problem-solving skills.

As a women’s health practitioner and general practitioner, I often hear about and see several conditions which most of you keep to yourselves.

One of the most common of these problems is urinary incontinence. It is often mentioned at the end of the consult as a ‘side problem’ or only declared when prompted.

However, there are two other less common senses that are vital to early childhood development that we commonly miss: body awareness (also known as proprioception) and balance. Sensory play includes any activity that stimulates these senses and facilitates exploration, encouraging children to use scientific processes while they play, create, investigate and explore.

It is important for children to have a range of sensory play activities and spaces available to them at home.

Tips for parents: •• Organise physical indoor and outdoor areas for your child, so they have flexible spaces that include quiet, active, wet and dry areas that help to calm or alert them in their play.

•• Ensure your child has access to materials they can shape and adapt, such as play dough.

•• Use lighting and soft furnishings such as cushions and blankets to create separate spaces.

We need to discuss this embarrassing problem as there are many treatments and most of these treatments are more effective if tackled early. Most women feel that the only option is surgery and this is not the case. Sometimes the answer is simple, such as finding a solution for constipation or treating a urinary tract infection.

We also know that obesity and constipation double the chances of having urinary incontinence. So, by encouraging a good diet and regular exercise, we are not only promoting a healthy lifestyle, we are treating the incontinence. A good women’s health physiotherapist can also assist. They work with you to assist in the strengthening and training of the pelvic floor muscles which provides support for your internal organs. This is extremely important, as most of us are doing our pelvic floor muscle training incorrectly.

The assistance of a good physiotherapist to ‘coach’ you on correct technique can make a major improvement to your symptoms.

Remember by confronting the problem early you are not only reducing your chances of needing invasive treatments, but you are also learning techniques to protect yourself from a condition that can have a significant impact on your life.

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 21

WHAT’S ON DEC DEC FRIDAY 1 Mackay City Centre Walking Tours Mackay City Centre www.mackaycitycentre.com.au 2.00pm / Free / Family Santa Photos Caneland Central Runs until 24 December Caneland Central www.canelandcentral.com.au Check Website Santa Photos Mount Pleasant Centre Runs until 24 December Mount Pleasant Centre

With Star’s Rob

Leisa Payne School of Dance

Sensory Movie Day Mackay:

Presents Raise the Barre Leisa Payne School of Dance Facebook/ LeisaPayneSchoolofDance Check Website

The Son of Bigfoot

Garage Sale George Street Neighbourhood Centre Association Facebook/Mackaytoys 8.30am / Free / Family A Merry Vegan Xmas Party Ulysses Garden Cafe www.eventbrite.com.au Check Website SUNDAY 3

www.mountpleasantcentre.

BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / $6 / Family MONDAY 4

FRIDAY 8

Full Moon Yoga

Sensory Movie Day Mackay Christmas Party Kidz Life Play Centre 0499 843 187 3.30pm / $6 / Family

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Facebook/yogispacemackay Check Website TUESDAY 5 Centre Stage Dance Company presents That’s Entertainment Runs until 6 December MECC Auditorium

com.au

2017 Brooke Lee

Check Website

Modelling Graduation MECC Auditorium themecc.com.au 5.30pm / $39.20 / Family

themecc.com.au

Paddington 2 Charity Screening

www.artspacemackay.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family

Leisa Payne School of Dance

- FNQ Hospital Foundation Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 11.00am / $12 / Family

presents Raise the Barre

Cinebuzz Crew

Career Expo: Vision Ocean International 4957 2626 Call for More Info SATURDAY 2

MECC Auditorium themecc.com.au 2.00pm and 7.30pm / $43 / Family 4MK’s Carols In The City Bluewater Quay www.mackaycitycentre.com.au 7.00pm / Free / Family

Screening - Coco Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 2.00pm / Cost / Family Community Christmas Carols Iona West Uniting Church 4999 9274 5.00pm / Free / Family

Cinebuzz Crew Screening Ferdinand Runs until 10 December BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / Cost / Family

FastKarts (Hire Karts) Runs until 10 December Mackay and District Kart Club Facebook/Fastkarts 2.00pm / Cost / Family SATURDAY 9

6.30pm / $44 / Family BMA Christmas Kidspace Artspace Mackay

WEDNESDAY 6 Cinebuzz Seniors Screening - Wonder BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / $9 / Seniors Family Movie Night - Coco BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 6.30pm / Cost / Family

FAME Talent School presents Vaudeville of the 21st Century MECC Auditorium themecc.com.au 2.00pm / $45 / Family Clay Nature Pendants and Scavenger Hunt - Children’s Workshop Mackay Community Gardens Facebook/ MackayCommunityGardens 9.00am / $5 / Kids Abundance Day (Food Share) Mackay Community Gardens Facebook/ MackayCommunityGardens 10.00am / Free / Family

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 23

WHAT’S ON DEC DEC

With Star’s EJ

SATURDAY 9

TUESDAY 12

SUNDAY 17

Moonlight Markets Mackay MNA Netball Courts mackay.qld.netball.com.au $2 Entry / Family

Beautiful Birds and Botanicals:

Mackay Choral Society

Summer Holiday Activities

presents Legends Through

Runs until 24 December

Time: A Musical Tribute

Artspace Mackay

MECC Auditorium

Cyclone Saturday Caneland Central www.mackay.qld.gov.au 8.00am / Free / Family

www.artspacemackay.com.au

themecc.com.au

10.00am / Free / Family

3.00pm / $35 / Family

WEDNESDAY 13

MONDAY 18

Cinebuzz Seniors Screening

North Queensland Christmas

- The Man Who Invented

Festival

Christmas

Runs until 22 December

BCC Cinemas

Strand Park Townsville

www.eventcinemas.com.au

www.stableonthestrand.com

10.30am / $9 / Seniors

5.30pm / Free / Family

SEE P. 29 FOR REGULAR

FRIDAY 15

FRIDAY 22

MARKETS AND P.30 FOR

NBBOWLS Markets

Chicks at the Flicks - Pitch

SUNDAY 10

for 2017

Perfect 3

Mackay Northern Beaches

BCC Cinemas

Pandurunga Farm Hands-On Permaculture Open Day Finch Hatton Facebook/ MackayCommunityGardens 9.00am / Donation / Family

Bowls Club

www.eventcinemas.com.au

fc@nbbowls.com.au

7.00pm / Cost / Family

2017 Bulls Masters Youth Cup Harrup Park www.mackay.qld.gov.au 12.00pm / Free / Family

Sarina Community Christmas Celebration Sarina Cultural Hall and Anzac Park Precinct www.mackay.qld.gov.au 5.00pm / Free / Family Santa at the Beach Mackay!

Mackay Harbour Facebook/MaryBruce 9.00am / Cost / Family

FAME Talent School presents Vaudeville of the 21st Century MECC Auditorium themecc.com.au 11.00am / $45 / Family

Free / Family

MONDAY 25

Mackay Women’s Centre

Christmas Lunch

Facebook/MackayGroupABA

Magpies Sporting Club

Check Website

4965 6100 Call for More Info SUNDAY 31

Porters Community Markets

Mackay New Year’s Eve Party

Porters Mackay City Carpark

Bluewater Quay

Facebook/Porterscando

“themecc.com.au

8.00am / Free / Family

6.00pm / Free / Family

24 December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

TUESDAY, 10 JANUARY Deadly 60 Downunder MECC themecc.com.au 2.00pm and 5.00pm / $49 / Family SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, 28 JANUARY

Christmas Break-Up

SATURDAY 16

SAVE THE DATE:

Ferdinand - Mackay North BCC Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / $6 / Family

REGULAR EVENTS

FUN COMPETITIONS INSIDE! ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 25

FERDINAND FERDINAND FERDINAND A PRIZE PACK AND FAMILY PASS

FERDINAND TM & © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

FERDINAND TM & © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

FERDINAND TM & © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

FERDINAND TM & © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

FOR YOUR CHANCE To WIN, COMPLETE & mail TO:

Name

PakMag Colour In December 2017 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

Address

Win a Ferdinand prize pack and a Family Pass.

Competition closes 15/12/2017

Age

Parent/Guardian

Postcode Phone Email

MIGUEL IN CINEMAS BOXING DAY

©2017 DISNEY•PIXAR

MIGUEL MIGUEL A DOUBLE PASS

IN CINEMAS BOXING DAY IN CINEMAS BOXING DAY

Name FOR YOUR CHANCE WIN, BOXING DAY IN To CINEMAS Parent/Guardian COMPLETE & mail TO: PakMag Colour In December 2017 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870 Win a double pass to Coco.

Competition closes 15/12/2017

©2017 ©2017 DISNEY•PIXAR DISNEY•PIXAR

Age ©2017 DISNEY•PIXAR

Address Postcode Phone Email

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 27

A FAMILY PASS

#JUMANJI

IN CINEMAS DECEMBER 26 ©2017 Columbia TriStar Marketing Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

FOR YOUR CHANCE To WIN, COMPLETE & mail TO:

Name

PakMag Colour In December 2017 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

Address

Win a Family Pass to Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle.

Competition closes 15/12/2017

Age

Parent/Guardian

Postcode Phone Email

What’s On Guide

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

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

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

Showground Markets Date: Every Saturday Time: From 6.30am Location: Milton Street Seaforth Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: From 8.30am Location: Palm Avenue Seaforth

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

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 | December 2017 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

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

30 December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

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.

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 31

Health

HEALTH The importance of Dental Check Ups For Kids

What does the mask of childhood anxiety look like?

When it comes to visiting the dentist, we all know that 6 monthly check ups are recommended to ensure we’re keeping our teeth in tip top condition. But for our kids, going to the dentist is important for more reasons than one.

STORY Laura Adams, Author of My Anxiety Monster.

1. Teaching Valuable Lessons

Anxiety can look like a number of things including anger, challenging behaviour, school refusal, negative behaviour changes, withdrawal, selective mutism, selfmedicating in older children (drugs, alcohol, self-harm), emotional outbursts for seemingly no reason, sudden anxious attachment to one parent, constant selfcriticism or psychosomatic symptoms.

Going to the dentist from an early age instils the sense of importance for good oral hygiene. Not only do children learn the correct techniques for brushing and hear from a professional about why it’s so important to keep a clean, healthy mouth, they also develop a positive attitude towards going to the dentist.

The experiences that children have, shape their views as adults. So, getting children accustomed to visiting the dentist regularly will make them more likely to carry on this practice throughout their lives.

2. Allows Early Intervention Early intervention is always important when it comes to oral health. No matter how old we are, a trip to the dentist can identify problems like oral diseases or tooth decay before they occur or get worse. But for children, early intervention could detect issues like overcrowding, over bites and under bites, for which your dentist could refer you to an orthodontist before things become more problematic.

3. Ensures Healthy Development In addition to early intervention, regular dentist visits can also help with the condition of children’s teeth. This is important, even in small children, that teeth are kept in good condition as healthy baby teeth lead to adult teeth developing properly.

So, think, when was the last time you went to the dentist?

Childhood anxiety can be complex, and considering that children often have little understanding of what is happening to them, diagnosis can be a lengthy process.

I can remember having panic attacks at age ten.

Only, I did not know what they were back then; I just knew that I felt nauseous, unexplainably terrified of everything around me, fearful of my own body and what was happening to it, and I was convinced that I was dying.

My instinct, even at a young age, was to avoid the places that I thought had made me feel like that.

School was a place of fear for me, and I tried my best to avoid it.

My Anxiety Monster uses illustrations to portray the intensity of anxiety; as the anxiety dissipates, so does the appearance of the monster. The book explains what anxiety feels like, what feeds it, how to overcome it by playing the anxiety challenge game and includes two relaxation exercises.

I am a qualified counsellor who has worked with children for over ten years. I have a passion for helping children understand what anxiety is, and this was the driving force behind my children’s book. For more details check out www.innerpeacebears.com For your chance to win a copy of My Anxiety Monster visit www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 33

Christmas

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS Looking for fun things to do this Christmas with your family? There’s plenty of local events and things you can do at home this year, and here are our top 12!

1. Make Christmas cards.

Saturday 7.

Get your 9thpicture December takenatwith 2.00pm.

Santa.

We may live in the age of iPhones and social media, but a homemade, handwritten card still goes a long way.

Break out the glitter and cardboard and get crafty!

Head down to Caneland 7. Visit Cotter’s Markets.Central or Mount Pleasant Centre to meet Santa Claus and the elves, and have What better place to find an original present for your your little one’s picture taken. Photos available daily until family and friends than at North Queensland’s largest Christmas Eve. arts and crafts market? With over 150 stalls offering unique 8.

Writecreations, a letter toyou’re Santa.bound to find a special gift! At Flinders St and Townsville every for Sunday Help your children write a Bulletin letter toSquare, Santa asking 8.30am toit1.00pm. whatever is that they would like. Photocopy the letter

2. 4MK’s in the City.

CreateCarols Christmas tree ornaments.

Bring along your chairs, festive singing voices PersonaliSe ornaments by cheer addingand names, dates or for fun-packed evening entertainments for youra child’s handprints to including your home-made decorations. the Bluewater Quay, Saturday 2nd December, You kids. couldAteven hang your child’s school photo on the 4.00pm to 9.00pm. tree.

3. thea Troppo Treasure Market.

3. Visit Create list of your favourite Christmas songs.

These markets feature a vast array of stalls, Collect all those timeless, nostalgic songs onto a CD amusements, entertainments, turning tripMusic to or playlist andand listen to them wherever youago. theone shop intobest a funways family is of the to activity. get into At theMount festivePleasant spirit, Shopping Centre, every Sunday of the month, and if you’ve picked out second the tunes together, you’ll all be 7.30am toalong 11.30am. bopping together!

4. ofannual your favourite 4. Create Donateatolist the Mayor’s Christmas Christmas songs.

Cheer Collect all those timeless, nostalgic songs onto a CD Appeal. or playlist listen to them wherever go. Music This appealand raises funds to assist olderyou members and is one ofinthe ways tocommunity get into thewho festive families thebest Townsville mayspirit, need and if you’ve picked tunes together, you’llthe all be a helping hand.

Why out not the donate and help spread bopping along together!

Christmas cheer this December?

5.

5. Bake WriteChristmas a letter to cookies.

Santa.

This is the perfect time for seasonal baking. Get the Help your children write a letter to Santa asking for kids involved in the kitchen and bake some delicious whatever it is that they would like. Photocopy the letter gingerbread men or cinnamon-spiced cookies. for a keepsake, it’ll make a great memory for them to look back aonChristmas in adulthood.

6.

Throw party.

What better way to Theatre. get together with your friends (or 6. Enjoy Christmas the kids and their friends) than a Christmas party? Lots Come along to this Charles Dickens classic Christmas of games, hot chocolate and cookies, perhaps exchange theatrical performance and immerse yourself in the some small gifts, too! story. At PIMPAC (Pimlico High School Performing Arts Centre), Wednesday 6th to Saturday 9th December, 7.30pm to 9.30pm plus one matinee performance on

for a keepsake, it’ll cookies. make a great memory for them to 8. Bake Christmas look back on in adulthood.

This is the perfect time for seasonal baking. Get the kids 9.

Sarina involved Community in the kitchen Christmas and bake Celebration. some delicious gingerbread men cinnamon-spiced cookies.

Enter the town of or Bethlehem where there will be a puppet show,Carols. face painting, animal farm, Christmas 9. Christmas carols and more. At Sarina Cultural Hall and Anzac Park Sing along to your favourite Christmas songs and enjoy Precinct, Saturday 9th December, 5.00pm to 8.00pm. a sausage sizzle, puppet show and appearance from Santa 10.

Make andpaper Rudolf! snowflakes.

At Connect Church, Saturday 9th December, to 8.00pm.

The chance4.00pm of a white Christmas in Mackay? Zero, and that’s whyon you create your own! Create unique patterns 10. Stable the Strand. and hang the snowflakes from the ceiling for a wintery Step into Bethlehem to experience an interactive reeffect all throughout the house. creation of the traditional Christmas story. The event also 11.

Create features Christmas children’s tree activities, ornaments. live entertainment and refreshments all for free. At Strand Park, Monday 18th to Personalise your ornaments by adding names, dates Friday December, 5.30pm to home-made 9.30pm. or your22nd child’s handprints to your decorations.

You could even hang your child’s school 11. Get your picture taken with Santa. photo on the tree.

Head down to CastleTown, Stockland or Fairfield Central before 12.

Leave Christmas some snacks Eve toout meet for Santa Santa.Claus and the elves and have your child’s picture taken!

On Christmas Eve Santa is clearly going to be having a very busy night and could probably 12.

Leave some snacks out for Santa. do with some snacks! Leave out homemade cookies, hot chocolate, On Christmas Eve Santa is clearly going to be having and reindeer food (oats mixed with glitter). a very busy night and could probably do with some snacks! Leave out homemade cookies, hot chocolate, and reindeer food (oats mixed with glitter).

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 35

Boredom Buster

BOREDOM BUSTER

36 December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

School Holiday Guide

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE BIG4 ADVENTURE WHITSUNDAY RESORT

All Ages - All Events.

The shrieks of laughter can be heard coming from kids staying at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort as they enjoy the resort’s new big, huge, mega Waterslide Park. The exciting and diverse range of 13 colourful waterslides takes the resort to a whole new level of family entertainment.

F Facebook/BounceNow

Built especially for young families, the slides come off a two-metre-high platform and are linked by bridges and stairways. The area of the Waterslide Park is equivalent to an Olympic swimming pool and features vibrant slides in a rainbow of red, blue, yellow, orange and green colours. A massive tipping bucket sits at one end of the pool, and there are fun smaller features for toddlers in the shape of a frog and octopus.

P 4942 6360 E bouncenow@hotmail.com.au

www.bouncenow.com.au

PORTERS COMMUNITY MARKETS Porters will have a jumping castle, sausage sizzle, FREE face painting by Carlie Eales from Fascinating Faces and a special visit from SANTA! Saturday, 16 December 2017 at 8.00am.

Porters Mackay City Carpark.

Owner Greg McKinnon says, “We really wanted to create something on a massive scale that would impress everyone, and I think we have done that. The size, colour and choice of all the slides are fantastic, and it is one of the largest resort Waterslide Parks in Australia.”

P 4967 3333

P 4948 5400

SARINA SUGAR SHED

E salesandmarketing@adventurewhitsunday.com.au www.adventurewhitsunday.com.au

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

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

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

Open from 9.00am to 3.00pm.

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

E mail@cporter.com.au F Facebook/Portescando www.porterscando.com.au

Take the tour – taste the action!

Get the kids out of the house this 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.inflatablekingdom.com.au

MOUNT PLEASANT

BOUNCE NOW ENTERTAINMENT

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

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

They deliver the FUN!

P 4969 2400 E MountPleasant.Centre@vicinity.com.au F Facebook/mountpleasantcentre www.mountpleasantcentre.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 37

School Holiday Guide

THE MECC

MACKAY CITY LIBRARIES

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

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

Leisa Payne School of Dance presents Raise the Barre.

Saturday, 2 December at 2.00pm and 7.30pm.

Centre Stage Dance Company presents That’s Entertainment.

F Facebook/MackayLibraries

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

Tuesday, 5 December at 6.30pm.

Tickets $44.00 Adult |Family Event

The centre exists to foster healthy interaction between parent and child, and supports poor and needy children in developing nations. Kidz Life is not for profit (not a business). Costs are only charged to recover expenses of running the program.

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

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

CANELAND CENTRAL

Monday - Friday, 9.00am to 3.00pm.

Meet Santa at the Magical Land of Christmas.

Journey to the top of the world, where penguins play on frozen lakes and pine forests sparkle in the snow. You’ll find Santa on his big comfy throne, ready to hear your Christmas wish!

www.canelandcentral.com.au

www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries

KIDZ LIFE PLAY CENTRE

Tickets $43.00 Adult |Family Event

Daily from 9.00am (10.00am Sunday) up until Christmas Eve.

For more information, visit their website.

Saturday, 9.00am to 4.00pm.

Don’t forget to bring socks!

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

DON’T FORGET TO LET THEM KNOW YOU READ IT IN PAKMAG

38 December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Celebrate

FESTIVE FUN Christmas is undoubtedly the best time of the year for many people. Family and friends get together to give gifts and eat delicious food, laugh, and reflect on the year behind them. After all, who doesn’t love the smell of glazed ham and barbecued prawns and playing backyard cricket?

If you’re hosting this year’s Christmas lunch (or dinner), here are some brilliant ideas for your festivities.

Setting the table When decorating the table, ‘Aussie-fy’ the traditional Christmas decorations by adding some Australian-inspired touches. Spray paint some native Australian animal figurines with gold paint, add some small eucalyptus branches, baubles and string lights to turn your setting into a festive bushland!

2

3

4

5

6

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1. Table Setting - www.buildhousehome.blogspot.com.au 2. Large Bucket Brass by Lightly - RRP $120.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 3. Hal Leonard Christmas Carols Ukulele Chord Songbook - RRP $27.95 - www.harveynorman.com.au 4. EKO Primo Ukulele in Yellow - RRP $33.00 www.harveynorman.com.au 5. Down to the Woods Gold String Light 10m - RRP $73.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 6. Pavlova Wreath www.thecakebar.tumblr.com 7. Gracie Baby Christmas Fairy in Pink and Gold - RRP $39.95 - www.ellej.com.au 8. Ella Frill Neck Wrap Maxi Dress in Red RRP $179.00 - www.gypsett.com.au 9. Reed Diffuser, Mint Tea - RRP $34.95 - www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 10. Drinks - www.en.julskitchen.com 11. Gold Heart Earrings by Holiday - RRP $14.95 - www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 12. Down to the Woods Reindeer Santa Sack - RRP $80.00 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

40 December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Unique snacks Surprise your guests with easy home-made refreshing ginger lemonade or impress them with a wreath-shaped pavlova. These delicious sweet treats will have the whole family wanting more!

Time for gifts If you (or Santa) are feeling lost on what to get the family, remember that you can never go wrong with some stylish summer clothing, gleaming jewellery, exciting new toys or cosy home decorations.

On Christmas day, carry the gifts out in an adorable Santasack and spread the Christmas magic with everyone in the family, young and old!

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Recipes

LEFT-OVER LEFT OVER RECIPES For many of us, Christmas means one thing – food! And, whether it’s a plethora of prawns, an abundance of meats or a dessert mountain of epic proportions, we always tend to buy more food than we need.

So, instead of chucking all that goodness in the bin (or eating hundreds of ham or turkey sandwiches!), why not use your left overs for a tasty meal in its own right.

“Left Over Pie”

Christmas Pudding Ice Cream

Ingredients 600g cold turkey, chicken torn into chunks Any leftover ham, torn into small pieces Leftover veggies (broccoli and peas work best) 120g butter 120g flour 1.35l milk Salt and pepper 500g puff pastry 1 egg yolk, beaten

Ingredients Left over Christmas Pudding Creamy vanilla ice cream Dark Chocolate

Method Using the butter, milk and flour, make a simple roux – if you’re not sure how to do this a quick Google search will help you out. Make sure you season the roux with salt and pepper.

Method Break or chop up Christmas pudding into cubes, roughly 1cm each. Take your ice cream out of the freezer and leave for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Add the chunks of Christmas pudding and mix through the ice cream. Try to keep the chunks intact.

Grate over the dark chocolate and return to the freezer until needed.

Preheat oven to 195 degrees Celsius.

Mix in the turkey or chicken, ham and the veggies and cook heat through on the stove. Put the mixture in a deep pie dish and cover with puff pastry. Paint the pastry with the egg.

Bake in the oven for 35 minutes and serve.

Do you have any special recipes you use at Christmas? We’d love to see photos of what you cook, whether it be your Christmas Day spread or your Boxing Day leftovers, post your creations on our Facebook Page.

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 43

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1. Mila - Pioneer Valley Kindy 2. Charlee - Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens 3. Violet - Bunnings 4. Aaric - Big 4 Airlie Beach 5. Olie - Bunnings 6. Abigail - Pioneer Valley Kindy 7. Skylynn - Bunnings 8. Tilly-Rae - Big 4 Airlie Beach 9. Ada - Bunnings

44 December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

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

10. Adele - Bunnings 11. Denver - Pioneer Valley Kindy 12. Eli - Pioneer Valley Kindy 13. Rose - Bunnings 14. Seth Pioneer Valley Kindy 15. Taytum and Anna - Bunnings 16. Jack - Pioneer Valley Kindy 17. Layne - Pioneer Valley Kindy

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 45

MEGA SUMMER GIVEAWAY! Visit www.pakmag.com.au for your chance to win!

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1. Mindfulness Colouring with Affirmations Book for kids and adults - RRP $29.95 - www.kyliejohnsonart.com - Mindfulness colouring with affirmations for kids and adults promotes positive thinking and self-belief and provides the perfect opportunity to connect with children more in the present moment. Artist, Kylie invites you to indulge in a wonderful daily habit together with kids, to share instant feelings of gratitude, positivity, love and connection while practising mindfulness and noticing the difference this brings to your day. 2. Pink Poppy Summer Mermaid Pack - RRP $85.00 - www.pinkpoppy.com.au - This season, enter the magical world of Mermaids with Pink Poppy and be enchanted by the current collection of mermaid dresses, tea sets, gifts, accessories and more. The Summer Mermaid pack includes: 1 x Mermaid dress (size 3-4 or 5-6), 1 x Mermaid drawstring bag, 1 x Mermaid wand and 1 x Mermaid headband. 3. Magformers Funny Wheel Set - RRP $69.90 www.magformers.com.au - For ages 3+. The set include squares and triangles and WHEELS! A pack of Learning Cards is included in the set with 2D puzzles, 2D to 3D 1:1 building activities as well as 20 different car designs that they can make. There are no step by step instructions so children can develop their spatial awareness, problem solving and rotational skills! 4. The Lunchbox Range by H2coco - RRP $4.50 3 x 200mL, $4.70 for H2melon - www.h2coconut.com - H2coco’s new range gives parents peace of mind, with 100% natural fruit juice alternatives that are hydrating, full of flavour, and contain less than half the sugar content of some other Australian juice boxes. Packaged in convenient 200mL three-packs, the Lunchbox Range is perfect for on-the-go and a great addition to any lunchbox. The Lunchbox Range includes five different flavours, including two delicious new flavours formulated for kids - Troperiffic and Wildberry. Available in Coles and Woolworths nationwide.

46 December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

WIN!

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5. Elf on the Shelf - RRP $69.99 - Available: Myer, Dymocks and Speciality Stores - The magical story that explains how Santa’s scout elves help him manage his naughty or nice list – each beautifully illustrated children’s hardback book comes as a part of a keepsake boxed set including one of Santa’s scout elves. When a family adopts a scout elf and gives it a name, the scout elf receives its Christmas magic and can fly to the North Pole each night to tell Santa Claus about all of the day’s adventures. Each morning the scout elf returns to its family ending up in a different place to watch the festive fun, creating a unique family moment. Children love to race around the house and see where their scout elf has landed. 6. Aussie Mozi - RRP $18.95 - www.archernaturals.com.au - 100 per cent natural insect repellent with no nasties. Free from DEET and citronella, and is safe for pregnancy and children. 7. OPPO A57 in Black or Gold, for the kids - RRP $269 - Available: Telstra - Calling all parents! Don’t burn a hole in your pocket this Christmas. If you’re after leading smartphone capabilities at a fraction of the cost, the A57 should be top of your gift list. With rapid fingerprint Touch Access, a 16MP flagship-level front camera, 13MP rear camera, full HD video and features such as palm-activated shutter, the A57 is one stocking filler that’s sure to keep the kids entertained this Christmas! 8. Globber EVO 4-IN-1 - RRP $160 - www.globber.com.au - The award-winning Globber EVO 4-IN-1 offers pushchair, ride-on and scooter mode all-in-one is suitable for all children 12 months to 6+ years. Thanks to its screw-less design, it’s super easy to change between modes. The EVO 4-IN-1 comes with Globber’s patented steering lock button which locks the wheels to only move forward and backward, helping children learn to balance while first scootering.

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2017 47

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POOL PERFECTION With the Block’s Caro and Kingi

It’s summer! That means hot days and no school, making the pool one of the most favourable spots to hang out. It’s a way to cool off, exercise and have fun!

Is your backyard pool in need of a makeover?

Here are some great tips to help transform your backyard into your very own little tropical hideaway: Outdoor kitchen Turn your backyard into an outdoor kitchen by adding a barbecue, storage unit and dining table. Home-cooked burgers, grilled prawns and icy cold soft drinks after a day of swimming are hard to beat!

A personal waterpark Turn your pool into an exciting personal miniwaterpark by installing a slide or a waterfall to the side of the pool. The kids will be thrilled and will have hours of entertainment sliding that will continue years down the track, and it keeps them active!

Lazy lounging

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Not up for a swim? Consider taking your usually-indoor activities outside. Reading a good book in the shade can be just as satisfying as a swim on a warm day. Purchase a brandnew table setting for family board games or treat yourself to a cosy hanging loveseat for the ultimate in relaxation and enhanced ‘me-time’.

Tropical flora A backyard simply isn’t complete without an array of plants to give the place some life. Put some time aside for gardening. With just a little bit of TLC, gardens will thrive. Whether you’re planting them into the ground lining the fence or decorating the tables with potted cacti; the greener, the better!

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48 December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

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1. Beautiful Bondi backyard - www.harrisonslandscaping.com.au 2. Bluewater Pools Cairns - www.bluewaterpoolscairns.com.au 3. Valley 4 Piece Outdoor Lounge Setting - Contact store for price www.harveynorman.com.au 4. Zakkia Round Pot Sky 15cm tall RRP $25.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 5. Byron Bay Hanging Chairs 70’s Love Seat 2 Seater - RRP $900 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 6. Check out the S.R.Smith slide collection at Swimart. You’ll find quality, safety and features that’ll keep the fun rolling for years to come - Available in store only www.swimart.com.au

DADDY Daddy Diary DIARY How many parents have either been through this before, or are about to enter into it for the first time?

The world of Christmas Eve, sleep-deprived fun, all in the name of Santa!

Picture this, you’re under the moonlight in your backyard on Christmas Eve. You have a toolbox full of ‘contraptions’ you only look at once a year, and you now have the wonderful job of putting together a swing set for your little one before they wake up on Christmas Day. So many families come to the conclusion around August that having a swing set in the backyard would be the perfect addition. You discuss your budget, the colour, do you want three swings or four, a slide or no slide, and do you want that bar that they can turn upside down on or not? So many decisions and that’s just the first conversation. The next thing you know it’s December.

You didn’t put anything on layby, you didn’t come up with a plan of the style of the swing set, and you still don’t have any idea on how to put one of these ‘bad boys’ together.

The next thing you know it’s Christmas Eve and you are one of the many thousands of parents rushing to any department store to find a suitable swing set for your little one, knowing full well that time is running out, and

With Star 101.9’s Rob Kidd

your failure could land you as the winner of the ‘Worst Parent of the Year’ Award.

Fast forward, and you’ve finally made it home with just enough time to kiss your little one goodnight with a ‘smile’ on your face that says, “Dad isn’t going to get any sleep tonight.” You know that the next eight hours will be spent amongst bolts and drills, cursing and perhaps having a swig of a beer to calm your nerves.

You have an idea in your head as to how the production of the swing set will go, but after the first hour, that idea is thrown out the window. All you want to do is bolt it together and get to bed quickly.

After some five hours or so, you and your partner, who’s been screaming at you to get it finished before the sun comes up, finally admits that the job is done.

The set is complete, and it does swing back and forth.

The only problem is there are now three bolts left over, but you’ve got no idea where they go. Your answer?

Throw them in the bin, if you can’t see them, you don’t have them.

This scenario will be played out many times, I’m sure, all over backyards in Mackay and the Whitsundays and all I can say is, “If you are thinking of buying a swing set, get someone else to build it.” It’s worth the money and you can get some sleep the night before Christmas so you too can enjoy the big day with everyone getting along perfectly well with no arguments at all, well at least I hope that’s the case.

To you and yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Rob Kidd Star 101.9 Mackay and the Whitsundays

50 December 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au