PakMag Townsville - December 2022 Issue 145

Merry Christmas! I cannot believe 2022 is basically done and dusted.

If this year was a Christmas gift, it was either the gift you’ve been wanting and you loved it, it was a mix of precious items and a few pairs of ugly socks, or it was the type of gift you’d love to return but you can’t. Whichever one applies to you, December is a time for deep reflection to evaluate what you want to do more of, less of, and banish for good in 2023. This activity is wonderful to do with family members, so get some paper, draw three columns with ‘more’, ‘less’, and ‘banish‘ and see what everyone writes. It could be things, feelings, or habits; you can put whatever feels right for you.

This edition covers lots of helpful ideas to help you build closeness with your family. Whether that is through our Check It Out Guide, School Holiday Guide, Christmas themed activities, or advice on how to dissolve family conflict with the amazing Dr Demartini, there is a lot of gold in this edition.

My team and my family have had a rollercoaster of a year and we are certainly looking forward to a well deserved break.

Thanks so much for all of the amazing support from our advertisersit’s been a tough year for many of us in business, so please spend wisely and support local businesses where you can. Thank you also to you, our readers, we are so grateful for your support.

Wishing you and your family an amazing end of 2022, and we look forward to supporting your family’s journey more than ever in 2023.

Have a wonderful, safe, and connected festive season, and remember to tell everyone you read it in PakMag.

Breep 4053 3331 e admin@m2f.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 www.paktownsville.com.au • www.pakmag.com.au • www.m2f.com.au

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families f i

The Thing Is with Bree James

If you’re listening to nice, normal Christmas carols, check on your friends with boys. We’re stuck listening to ‘Rudolf the Butt-Nosed Reindeer’, ‘Poop the Halls’, and ‘Jingle Bells Batman Smells’ on repeat. If it was us changing the words to songs, I think it would be “Jingle Bells, what’s that smell, please stop talking back, it’s that time when we lose our minds, and the Elf On The Shelf is back - HELP!”

The thing is, our kids think that Christmas time is our favourite time of year because Santa takes care of everything and we can sit back and relax. But… the reality is that there is so much to think about this time of year that it’s no wonder we accidently put our keys in the freezer and forget to pick up our kids on time. Or that we end up ordering five large bags of coffee beans instead of one because ordering online while rushing around is a recipe for disaster. Our kids don’t make it any easier either as their end of year tiredness kicks in and gets fuelled with too many treats from social gatherings. A foolproof mix that ensures more frequent meltdowns. Our children’s moods become as unpredictable as the weather in Melbourne, with four seasons in one day. Add to that the summer heat, a few power outs and some inlaws visiting… it’s the opposite of a relaxing December.

My kids have asked me what I want for Christmas, to which I replied “I just want you to get along, not argue and for us to have a lovely day together.” So yes, I have now 95% transformed into my own mother... where treetops glisten AND CHILDREN LISTEN is really all we want for Christmas boys and girls.

Nevertheless, despite the madness, I do love Christmas. It’s a wonderful time to be together with family and friends and celebrate another end of year. But I also feel that with every passing year, I am getting more “Grinchy”. No matter how much I try to be organised, Christmas Eve is the day where I, like many parents, come face-to-face with how much I haven’t cleaned, cooked or wrapped.

So whatever your plans are this Christmas, I hope you make some beautiful memories, and remember the

six days between Christmas and New Year is one of the best times of year where you should strive to do absolutely nothing. Make zero progress and go on a holiday from your holiday, you deserve it!

At this hectic time of year it becomes abundantly clear that getting more clarity in our lives is important, and that once the dust has settled, we need time to reflect, revive and rise. Taking time out is tricky, but so important. This is why I run My Vision Voyage Retreats. There are three retreats running in 2023, and each is tailored specifically for those undertaking the voyage. Head to www.myvisionbook.com.au/vision-voyages for more information. Book now as numbers are limited.

Thrive and Dive is a retreat for leaders and business owners who want to work smarter not harder. Co-hosted by my brother Scotty Schindler who is the Founder of Renet, an international brand and company that managed over $1.125 Trillion Dollars in real estate across Australia and New Zealand. This retreat will be diving deep into you as a leader, your business, and the ocean. It’s held from the 25th - 28th of January on The Great Barrier Reef. This retreat includes obtaining Padi Open Water Dive Certification and 9 dives for those currently not certified. If you are already dive certified you will participate in 11 dives.

Reset Retreat is for women who are feeling pulled to improve their life. It’s held in Mission Beach from the 2nd - 5th of June, and is perfect for those who need ‘me time’ and want some clarity and a plan for the future.

Strategise and Energise Retreat is for leaders and business owners who want to re-energise themselves and their business and plan strategies to achieve their goals personally and professionally. It’s held in Mission Beach from the 23rd - 26th August.

BreeScan for more info on the Vision Voyage Retreats

www.breejames.com

• www.myvisionbook.com.au

12 Activities to Build Closeness and Connection this Christmas

STORY The PakMag Team

We’re all familiar with the rush and busyness of the silly season, and sometimes we juggle so many things that our family takes a back seat. So, this year, the PakMag team shares 12 activities that build closeness and show appreciation for each other. Some can even be used as presents, freeing up your time while creating lasting memories; a double win!

1. Personalise Surprise Christmas Cards

Organise as many christmas cards as you have family members in your household. On Christmas Eve, pass the cards around the table so that each family member can write an endearing and positive message on the card of every other family member (but not seeing their own card). No one gets to see their personalised card until Christmas morning. Before opening any gifts, hand out the cards. Watch and feel the room light up as everyone reads their messages from those they value the most.

2. Volunteer for a Cause

Many charities look for volunteers this time of the year. Instead of volunteering alone, you can volunteer together, which not only strengthens the family bond but also demonstrates the importance of giving back to the community. Some volunteer ideas are serving meals at a shelter, helping to wrap presents or gift hampers with the Salvation Army, or participating in a fundraising drive for a worthy cause. www.christmasinaustralia.com.au

3. Bake and Decorate Christmas Cookies

Baking cookies, gingerbread characters, handmade chocolates or rum balls together is always fun, especially if you get creative with the decorations. To share the joy, gift them to friends, family, co-workers and neighbours.

4. Create Personalised Gift Vouchers

Make some personalised vouchers for family members to redeem over the coming year. To do this, you can use a small book of 10 or 12 vouchers and include activities and things that each family member would value. Examples include a treat to a favourite smoothie, a ‘Chore Free Week’ voucher, a movie marathon lounge sleepover, a tuckshop order, a special day out with mum and dad on your own, or a shopping day with a voucher to the value of $xx.

5. Host a Games Night with Your Closest Friends

A games night can bring out the inner child in everyone. Some classic board games to consider are Monopoly, Pictionary, Uno, Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit. Multiplayer games that can be played on the Wii, Nintendo or PlayStation are also fun, especially on hot and steamy summer days. Alternatively, you can go outdoors and play a game of beach volleyball, basketball, or tennis, or if you have time, an Amazing Race type event. To make it christmassy, arrange platters with christmas treats, cookies, chocolate Santa’s, or make a trifle.

6. Host a Christmas Party or Picnic, Theme it and Get Everyone to Bring Something to Share

Take your family and friends on a traditional picnic with all the trimmings. Let everyone pack one of their favourite foods and get the kids involved in making platters, organising drinks, or picking the spot for your picnic. Dressing Christmas themed is optional but encouraged!

7. Christmas Camp Out

For this family activity, you need a tent and sleeping bags, bug repellent, and a torch. Keep it simple and cook hot dogs and marshmallows over a hot grill or fire pit. Afterward, take turns telling stories, singing carols together, or watching the stars.

8. Plan Your Family Goals, Holidays, and Desires for the Following Year

Family goals can help your family develop healthier habits, build stronger bonds, and achieve your family’s vision. Sit together at the table or go out for dinner and discuss what you liked about the past year, and what you would like to change or achieve. You can also add holiday plans, and make a wish list for family activities that everyone can participate in.

9. See the Christmas Lights

Decorate your car together and go for a drive to see the Christmas lights around your neighbourhood. Bring hot chocolates, marshmallows, and finger food. Pack extra pillows and blankets for sleepy little ones.

10.

Create a Family Newsletter and Include a Christmas Photo

Get the family together and create a newsletter including all the wonderful things you have done and achieved the past year. Ask a friend or neighbour to take a family photo for you. Silly or dressed up photos always make everyone laugh. Email or post the newsletter to your closest friends and family to show your appreciation for them and share the joy of the festive season.

11. Dress Up and Head to a Carols By Candlelight Event

Keep an eye out for Carols by Candlelight events. These community events are a wonderful way to bring out the Christmas spirit in even the most reluctant Grinch, so invite your friends and family to come along.

12. Gratitude Jars

Similar to a gratitude journal, it's a jar or box filled with reminders of what you're grateful for or any accomplishments you have achieved. You can make a family jar that holds notes about each other, and read them out once a week. You might be surprised what your kids are grateful for, and vice versa! Recycle a glass jar and tie a ribbon around the rim. Every day, write down "Gratitude Notes" and add them to the jar. This is a lovely way to show appreciation for family members, and remind ourselves of the good things we share. Hot tip-save your weekly notes into another jar and read on New Years Eve and reflect on what an amazing year you have been blessed with.

This time of year is a wonderful time to focus on spending time together and consider everyone’s input. Have all family members agree to set time aside for the activity, and establish some rules such as:

1. Complete all homework before participating in the activity

2. Turn off all cell phones and cease text messaging

3. Don't bring work home from the office on family night

To make the most of your family time, make sure that everyone is enjoying themselves. There are many activities to choose from, so pick the ones that appeal the most to your family's specific interests.

Exploring STEAM This Christmas

These magical STEAM activities will teach your kids the creative thinking of an engineer and an artist with a little tech twist for good measure.

wear gloves and avoid getting any on your skin. Set up this experiment in a well ventilated area to avoid accidental inhalation. If borax powder gets in your eyes or on your skin, flush your skin and eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.

Make your snowflake shape. Using the pipe cleaners, bend loops until a star shape is formed. If you want to get creative you can create different shapes such as a stick figure which the crystals will form into a snow themed gingerbread man or make rounded shapes for a snowman.

Setup. Set up your jars, then using the pipe cleaners, create hooks for your shapes to dangle from pencils (so you can carefully remove the decoration after the crystals have formed).

Making the magic happen. Fill the jars with hot water, add Borax powder and a few drops of food colouring to determine the colour the crystals will form as. Hang your prepared ornaments from the pencils and place the pencils on the jars so your ornaments sit in the water. Here is where the magic happens. Borax is a mineral powder that forms in repeating patterns when it is dissolved in liquid. For Borax to form crystals it needs something for it to stick to like your pipe cleaner ornaments. Let the liquid cool and watch your pipe cleaners form into beautiful wintery-like crystal ornaments.

playgrounds, etc. Or, indoors on sturdy furniture. Use two strings to create the zipline and tie the strings to where your zipline setup will be, making two lanes with the string. The speed of the zipline can be changed by adjusting the height of the strings. The more arched the zipline is the faster your elf will travel!

Now the fun part of this STEAM activity is design, prototype and testing. This part will get your kids thinking of creative ways for the Elf to securely get to their destination. There are numerous ways for kids to come up with ideas for this next step. We will share one of our methods and leave your kids to come up with their own creative ideas to help their Elf travel on the zipline.

The PakMag method. We placed our Elf on a Shelf in a plastic cup to help measure the length of the ribbon. On the sides of the cup we carefully cut out two holes on the opposite sides and tied each end of the ribbon

over the two zipline strings so the cup can hang like a handbag on the zipline. Our Elf on a Shelf is light so we placed some pebbles to add weight. Finally, we placed our Elf in the cup and off they went!

Write your message. Binary code is a system of coding that uses zeros and ones to represent data and is used in computers to read and execute programs or activities. Using the beads, your kids can write their own messages.

Firstly write out your message on paper and then convert it into binary code. You can use binary code converters but for this method we have you covered with ‘Merry Christmas!’

01001101 01100101 01110010 01110010 01111001 00100000 01000011 01101000 01110010 01101001 01110011 01110100 01101101 01100001 01110011 00100001

To turn your message into a Christmas ornament you will need to colour coordinate your beads. We’ll make the 1s red, the 0s white and the inbetweens green to separate each set of numbers for easy reading.

Using a pipe cleaner or string, thread your beads in while following your binary code message. Once all the beads have been threaded through, tie the pipe cleaner together and form a loop up the top so your ornament can be hung on the Christmas tree. Your Computer Themed Christmas Ornament can be reshaped afterwards so make many and decorate your Christmas tree with different messages, you can also gift these to friends and family to see if they can work out the message.

How to Dissolve Family Conflict

STORY Dr John Demartini

In all probability, you’ve perceived many types of challenges, conflict, defiance and a difference of opinion with family members in your family life. While you may perceive it to be frustrating and challenging at times, I am certain that it also helps you grow.

That said, there are certain tools you can implement if you would love to reduce defiance and conflict with one or many of your family members by mastering the art of communication.

The Value of Values in a Family

You may have a brother or sister who is quite different from you and has a vastly different set of values than you. You may be dedicated to organisation, structure and goal setting, while they may just go with the flow. You may be focused on metaphysics and philosophy, while they may be more practical, and interested in science and engineering. Differences like these are incredibly common in families, which can result in challenges when communicating. What you may think is important is something they are not interested in, and vice versa.

Everyone has a unique set of values and priorities. Whatever is highest on their values and priorities is what they're dedicated to.

• Their identity revolves around it.

• Their purpose is an expression of what's highest on their values.

• This is what they want to learn the most.

• This is how they filter their reality.

Whatever's most important to them, most meaningful to them, and most fulfilling and inspiring is what their life is about - the same with you, your siblings, parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins, etc.

Everyone Will Show You Love According to Their Own Unique Set of Values

If your father is dedicated to education, he's highly likely to encourage education. Your mum may educate and attempt to inspire you on health. Someone else may encourage you to get married and start a family. Others may want the whole family to get together as often as possible. In contrast, others may be dedicated to their work and not prioritise family gatherings as much as others.

Everyone is Also Likely to Project Their Values Onto You

Some of those values may be more meaningful than others, and others may be frustrating. So, what is the wisest way to communicate with them so they’re not resistant and defiant (which they are likely to be if you’re projecting), and how do they communicate with you so you’re not resistant and defiant to them? What is the wisest way to meet in the middle as equals?

Step 1: Identify Your Top Three Highest Values and Those of Your Family Members

If you've never taken the time to do that, you are not likely to fully know them. If you don't know what they're dedicated to, what's most inspiring to them, and what they're most fulfilled by, you're unlikely to know what their life's really about.

As such, you may be projecting assumptions that they're living in the same values as yours, which is impossible. Identifying both your and their unique set of values and their priorities is a crucial step in communication.

Step 2: Compare Your Values and Ask Yourself:

"How is the most important thing to them helping ME fulfil what I’M dedicated to and inspired by?".

If you can't see how what they're dedicated to is serving you, you're likely to self-righteously project your values onto them. As a result, they're likely to automatically feel resistant and become defiant, resulting in conflict.

• Anytime you inflate yourself above other individuals and project your values onto them, you’ll likely experience their resistance.

• Anytime you deflate yourself below them and sacrifice what's valuable to you to be with them, you'll likely experience resistance from within.

• If you look down on them and think your values are more important than theirs, you're likely to be careless.

• If you're looking up at them, you're likely to be cautious and walk on eggshells.

• When you perceive that you are equal to them, you are most likely to have a caring dialogue.

Caring Communication Reduces Much of the Conflict and Defiance in Relationships

and Makes Them More Sustainable

An individual is not likely to be defiant if you communicate what you would love to say in terms of what they would love to hear. If it's helping them fulfil

what they value most, they're more likely to turn around and help you fulfil what you value most.

I am certain that most conflict amongst families is based on these perceived inequalities. If you think that your values are superior and expect others to live in those values, it can create resistant chaos. Most of the chaos in relationships stems from assumptions that others see the world through our eyes.

It is therefore wise to take the time to find out what your and their top three values are and ask:

• How is their top value helping you fulfil yours?

• How is their second value helping you fulfil yours?

• How is their third value helping you fulfil yours?

• How do your top three values help them fulfil theirs?

If you can see how what they're dedicated to is serving you, you’ll experience an amazing shift in your relationship. You'll have a different respect for them and be far more likely to think before you speak. The more links you create between everyone’s highest values, the more respectful and effective your communication will be.

When you see other individuals as your equals, you'll be less likely to emotionally react because you are operating more out of the executive centre of your forebrain than your subcortical amygdala. When you communicate from your amygdala, you are more likely to miscommunicate, include gestures, and go into anger and aggression - the lowest level of communication.

In Conclusion

• Nobody has the same hierarchy of values as you.

• Everyone wants to be loved and appreciated for who they are, and who they are revolves around what they value most.

• If you can't see how what they truly value is helping you fulfil what you truly value, you're likely to want to change them.

• Individuals don't want to be changed. They want to be loved and appreciated for who they are.

• Communicating in terms of an individual’s highest values is a gold mine. It will change the relationships you have with the people you care about.

• There's no reason for unnecessary family conflict when you have the tools to master communication to dissolve it.

• The amount of energy it takes to master this skill is insignificant compared to the amount of energy you'll likely spend in all those conflicts throughout your life.

Dr. John Demartini is a world-renowned specialist in human behaviour, a researcher, best-selling author and global educator. He has made a commitment to dedicate his life to the understanding of universal laws as they relate to maximising human awareness and potential. In 1982 Dr Demartini founded the Demartini Institute, a private research and education institute located in Texas. This story was used with permission from the Demartini Institute.

7 Things Parents Need to Know Right Now About Money

STORY Jody Payne, Life Sumo

1. The Jones’ are Not Real

The Jones’ used to be the neighbours; they had a bigger house than you, better jobs, their kids behaved better and they were better looking! To try and keep up with them you started buying things you didn’t want and couldn’t afford, just to make it look like you were no lesser than ‘them’.

Once upon a time, The Jones’ were just your next door neighbours, but now they are in your pockets and on your screens. But here is the kicker; they are not real, they never were.

Be wary of measuring your self-worth based on what you see and hear online. Those social feeds, fake reviews and filtered pictures are not real. The picture a friend captured might only be one nice snapshot

within a day of chaos, and we add music to our posts so that you don’t hear the moaning and sighs in the background. The fake reviews make us think we are the last person on earth to own a Steve Madden Bag and we are sold the idea that if we have the latest thing we will be happy.

However, the truth is you’re not behind, you’re not ahead – you’re exactly where you need to be. Where you go next is up to you and has no bearing on what anyone else appears to have around you.

2. We’ve Got Brains – Let’s Use Them

Instead of bingeing the latest Netflix series today, declare a brainstorming session for yourself. Throw ideas around and start to explore your dreams and unquantified plans.

Let loose and accept that there are no right or wrong answers. It’s time to be curious. Here are some questions to start with.

• What would be cool to be doing two years from now?

• Do I want to reduce my hours of work but still need the same income?

• Who gets my assets when I die? Who would have the kids if it was tomorrow?

• What does retirement look like?

• Do I feel the need to pack everything away and go in a caravan around Australia for a year?

• What is on the bucket list?

• How much savings in the bank would give me peace of mind?

• Is there a time in my life that I expect to be debt free?

• Is there something I would like to learn?

By doing this, you start to give yourself something to aim for. Here is where you start living your life the way you want to. Weed out what is important, release what isn’t - You do you Boo!

3. Confront Finance Head-On

If you are ‘guessing’ what money comes in and what goes out, you are going to find financial happiness very hard to attain. Here are three tips:

1. Work out what money is coming in through wages, sale of goods, government benefits, dividends, interest and rental income.

2. Money out: This is hard, I get it, but if you do nothing else, do this. Living within your means is your number one way to be successful no matter how old you are and no matter how hard you work. Use an amazing template that helps you plan your expenditure and get an understanding of how you make spending decisions.

3. DO NOT do this when you are tired or already mad at the world. Eat first, keep refreshments handy. This is no time to blame or fight, just facts for now. When you know what you receive as income and what you spend, then you will know what you have spare to put towards your goals or how much you must cut back by. This one matters.

4. Should You Save, or Should You Borrow?

Not always an easy one to answer. The more debt you have, the more you’ll need to maintain the path you’re on. Potentially you will also need more personal insurances such as income protection and that means more costs. The more debt you have, the less choices you have and potentially less of those goals you get to achieve. However, it would take a gazillion years to save the cash needed for a home, so some debt may be acceptable. Be conservative and realistic when choosing debt over using your savings.

5. End of Life Planning is Vital

If you have superannuation, life insurance, kids, or ‘stuff’, you most certainly need to be the boss of it, even when you are dead. A Will can explain what you want to happen to your ‘stuff’ as well as Superannuation and Life Insurance proceeds. A Power of attorney will allow someone to make decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. A death nomination on your super and your insurances ties it all together and makes your intentions very clear. We see people happiest when they have these things done professionally.

Don’t leave your loved ones to be sad and grieving and trying to work out what your last wishes were.

6. Start Now

Did you know that if you save $100 a week every week from age 10 to age 60 and let that interest compound, you would have a million dollars? If you start at age 20, you will have a little over $600,000. The earlier you start the easier it is. I know I couldn’t have started saving at age 10 either, but don’t use that as an excuse to not start saving until you are 55 years old. Start now. Start as soon as you can, do not put it off for later when you can start today.

7. Make Appointments, Get Stuff Done

Be curious and learn about money. Watch the news, ask questions. Surround yourself with people who will help you put these things into place or guide you to the easiest path to meet those goals.

Jody Payne is a licensed financial planner for www.lifesumo.com.au. Her extensive experience allows her to explain the complex in simple terms and show you how to build wealth, protect the ones you love and prepare for retirement.

If you want help sorting out your financial plan, their team are a bunch of Sumo’s supporting adults to get better at “Adulting”. Call us for a no obligation free chat today 0400 590 037

44 Jobs of the Future

STORY Caitlin Francis, Catholic Education

The creators of 1989’s Back to the Future II predicted we would be riding around on hoverboards by the year 2015. And - they were not too far off! Marty McFly would be proud of our efforts to defy gravity by adding jets, wheels, and motors to almost anything (Google ‘jetpack’ for a visual).

In reality though, if the past three years have shown us anything, it’s that none of us know what the future holds. And as the world changes around us, it can be daunting for parents to consider what might await our children down the track.

It is also exciting to think about the opportunities they will encounter, and where they might find their passion. Technology has changed life as we know it, and it has also served up a bevy of new career prospects for the savvy kids of generations Z and Alpha.

So how do we encourage our children’s hopes and dreams, and help them on their way when their future job may not even exist yet? Experts say there are still ways to help children discover their passions.

The people of Generation Z were born in the mid to late 1990s while Generation Alpha encompasses children born since 2010. Cranfield University’s Professor Joe Nellis predicts Generation Alpha “will be the wealthiest, most intensely educated and most dynamic generation that human society has yet seen”. “When it gets to the stage of making choices, Gen Alpha won’t be looking for a broad education anymore, a strict curriculum to follow, or generalist qualifications. They will be looking to train as specialists, going far deeper into particular topic areas and niches,” he said.

Meanwhile, according to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook career tool, there is likely to be strong demand in already-existing industries where employment has boomed in recent years due to technological advancements and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These Industries Include:

• Healthcare and social assistance

• Professional, scientific and technical services

• Education and training

• Construction

With all of this in mind, here’s a list of 44 careers to consider, both in the near future and further down the track.

Environment

1. Flood Control Engineer - Assisting with water management strategies in light of rising sea levels and extreme weather.

2. Digital Apiarist - Building and collecting data on beehives to support agriculture and plant life.

3. De-extinction Geneticist - Restoring extinct animal and plant species to rebalance ecosystems.

4. Rewilders - Replacing roads with forests and reintroducing native species.

5. Bio-jacker - Undertaking precision genome editing of plants and animals, including humans.

Agriculture

6. Cricket Farmer - Monitoring and breeding crickets for high-protein food production.

7. Farm Safety Advisor - Reducing farm accidents and injuries.

8. Agroecological Farmer - Growing crops while restoring agricultural balance.

9. Vertical Farmer - Farming on rooftops and inside purpose-built skyscrapers.

People

10. School Teacher / Education Aide - The number of school-aged children is growing, and there’s demand for adult and community education.

1. Aesthetician - Helping people enhance their appearance using biochemistry and fashion technology.

2. 100-year Counsellor - Assisting people to have a productive and fulfilling life.

3. AI Educator - Helping people make the most of artificial intelligence, including learning how to work with robots.

4. Local Community Coordinator - Organising activities to help communities come together.

5. Displaced Persons Re-integrator - Supporting people who have been displaced from their communities to settle into their new lives.

6. Local Experiences Guide - Offering “in-destination” experiences to travellers.

7. Behaviour Prediction Analyst - Predicting behaviour based on data and algorithms.

Health

8. Aged, Disabled, and Child Carers / Registered Nurses / Welfare support workers - Investments in hospitals and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) means there is a growing demand for aged care, childcare and home-care based services.

9. Virtual Surgeon - Performing surgery using robotics and virtual technologies.

10. Health Shaper - Building health solutions customised to clients’ lives.

11. Genetics Coach - Helping people understand their genetic profiles and the impact of genes on their health.

12. End of Life Counsellor - Offering therapy when technology enables us to know how long we will live.

Urban

13. Net Positive Architect - Designing solutions to create responsible commercial buildings or houses.

14. Sustainable Energy Solutions Engineer - Designing storage, transport and use systems that are sustainable and safe.

15. Trades Workers - Trades workers are vital to construction, with apprenticeships and traineeships the main entry pathway.

Technology

16. Bioprinting Engineer - Creating viable tissue for human implants.

17. Ethical Hacker - Identifying weaknesses in cybersecurity systems to find and fix potential security risks.

18. Satellite Network Maintenance Engineer - Keeping the global wireless satellite network functioning.

19. Robotics Technician / Self-driving Car MechanicMaintaining robots and autonomous vehicles.

20. Space Captain / Space Tour Guide - Leading reallife tours across the solar system

21. Remote Drone Divers / Pilots - Delivering items remotely.

22. Drone Airspace Regulator - Developing road rules for the sky.

23. Virtual Reality Programmer - Designing virtual experiences for healthcare, marketing or entertainment.

24. Multi-sensory Experience Designer - Bringing together technologies to create fully immersive games, leisure activities, marketing campaigns and education.

Business

25. Community Farm Finance Broker - Connecting farmers with individuals who wish to invest in their own food production.

26. Fusionist - Bringing together professionals from art, engineering, research, science and other disciplines to create innovative ideas and solutions.

27. Personalist Marketer - Implementing marketing strategies where content is tailored to an individual person.

Data

28. Software Programmers - Designing and developing program code.

29. Management and Organisation Analysts - Helping organisations achieve greater efficiency and solving problems.

30. Accountants - Providing services relating to taxation, auditing, insolvency, budgeting and cost management.

31. Data Privacy Strategist - Designing solutions to protect people's data.

32. Freelance Virtual Clutter Organiser - Helping to manage a person's virtual clutter.

33. Data Waste Recyclers - Receiving data recommended for deletion and reviewing it to see if it can be recycled.

34. Media Remixer - Combining a variety of media from across time to create one-of-a-kind experiences.

What Advice Should I Offer my Child?

We all want our children to thrive throughout their career however, most parents value their child’s happiness more than anything else. The age-old adage “Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life” still rings true, even if the job prospects nowadays look a little different than in the past. A great way for our children to identify jobs they might enjoy is to think about the tasks they like doing and how they like to work. Are your children:

• Practical

• Analytical

• Creative

• Helping

• Enterprising

• Administrative

Secondary schools have career counsellors on staff who can provide expert advice about which industries and roles may suit your child. Job Outlook also offers an online career quiz to help your child identify what kinds of work they may be good at or enjoy doing.

Further details about many of these careers can also be found at www.100jobsofthefuture.com. You can also visit www.joboutlook.gov.au for more information.

Consistent Care and Relationships are Key

Research shows relationships are central to children developing acceptance, self-esteem and higherfunctioning thinking skills that contribute to positive learning and life outcomes.

The National Quality Standard (NQS) sets a high national benchmark for early childhood education care and outside school hours care services in Australia. The NQS includes 7 quality areas that are important outcomes for children. Quality Area 5 of the NQS focuses on educators developing responsive, warm, trusting and respectful relationships with children that promote their wellbeing, self-esteem, sense of security and belonging. All children need a sense of connection with others to support the development of their identity, social, and emotional competence.

Relationships are the key to everything. The most important factor for children to build stronger relationships is connection and empathy. Relationships create a sense of belonging and connection to the world around us; it creates feelings of being known, acknowledged and valued. When children and their families have consistent early childhood educators within their care environments, they assist with these important connections and relationships. Educators build a sense of trust and security, and they are skilled at being responsive to a child’s strengths, abilities and interests.

MMCNQ Service Leaders, Kindergarten Teachers and Educators regularly participate in personal development opportunities and recently our teachers had the great privilege of joining a live Zoom Presentation and Q&A with Dr Kaylene Henderson. During this session, we had discussions around The Circle Of Security, Connection and Empathy.

Dr Kaylene spoke of the importance of having connected and collaborative relationships with children and their families. It’s important for us to build a relationship so that we are on the same team and share ideas and strategies with each other. Together we can support your child through co-regulation. This is where the Circle of Security comes into play. When we attend to a child’s needs, we are creating a ‘secure base’ which the child can explore from and this creates a ‘safe haven’ that they can return to. During the exploration stage the focus is around watching over the child, delighting in them, enjoying and supporting them; this is when the learning happens for a child. When children become tired, upset, scared or their ‘emotional cup is empty’, they have a new set of needs. During this welcoming stage, the focus is on protecting the child and supporting them to organise their feelings.

Within MMCNQ we place high importance on relationships with the children in our service as well as the acceptance and inclusion of their whole family. We are very privileged to have long-standing and dedicated educators throughout all our services and we value each and every one of them.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

WIN a Let’s Go, My Friend Pup from Vtech

$49.95 - www.bigw.com.au Let’s Go, My Friend Pup is ready to be the newest member of the family. With a detachable leash and puppy care accessories, this pup comes with exactly what your little one needs to care for their new pet. Your little pet-owner-in-training can walk, feed, give water to, and play with their new doggy friend. Two play modes enhance puppy playtime by introducing colours and numbers in Learning mode. Experience the joys of pet ownership without the mess, vet bills or badweather walks! Accessories store in the hip pouch for easy storage.

WIN a Vacuum Insulated Straw Bottle and Stainless Steel Food Jar from Foogo

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The 290ml Foogo® Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Food Jar uses thermos vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention while being cool to the touch with warm foods and sweat-proof with cold. The Jar is BPA Free, ergonomically designed lid with rubber grip, dishwasher safe, light, compact and portable. The 290ml Foogo® Vacuum Insulated Straw Bottle uses thermos vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention and is sweat-proof and won’t leave water rings. Foogo® Phases drinkware features interchangeable parts that fit all Phases cups, a hygienic push button lid with pop-up silicone straw is easy to open and is dishwasher safe. Phase 3 is for children ages 18m+.

WIN a Care Bears Baby Bundle

$230.00 - www.bigw.com.au

Do you remember your first Care Bear? This year Care Bears celebrate their 40th anniversary and invite even their littlest fans to join the celebrations! Introducing Care Bears Baby featuring everything from clothing to toys, decor, bedding and more. These special Care Bears Baby Bundles will transform your nursery into the kingdom of Care-a-Lot, including a gorgeous cot linen and bedding, wall decals and milestone blocks along with cuddly rattles and toys for your little one.

Santa Bonding with Baby

It’s that time of year where you may introduce your baby or toddler to Santa Claus and take baby photos on Santa’s lap. However, your baby may find this as a scary experience and may cry out of fear and unfamiliarity to the big bearded man.

A photo with Santa is a cultural tradition just like singing Christmas Carols and exchanging gifts. Although no parent wants to upset their baby by making them sit on Santa’s lap, many of us would still like to get that Christmas photo.

Here are some other bonding methods to teach your baby about Santa and the meaning of Christmas that you can do with the family:

• Reading Christmas stories

• Watching Christmas movies and/or cartoons

• Singing Christmas Carols

• Baby friendly Christmas toys such as a Santa teddy bear

• Sending a Christmas letter to Santa

• Looking at the Christmas lights in your neighbourhood

First Christmas

Did you know that babies can sense their mum’s discomfort? First Christmas with your baby may become stressful especially if you’re attending Christmas festivities with friends and family. You are your baby’s calm, loving, safe space. If they sense your discomfort they are likely to become agitated or stressed so if you need to, take a few deep, soothing breaths or step away from the festivities with your baby to calm yourself and help your baby feel safe and secure. This will also give you quiet time to feed your baby without the loud Christmas carols interrupting the two of you.

One way to capture that perfect Christmas photo is for Grandpa to put on a Santa suit and bond with his grandchild. Start slowly and save the big bushy beard for last to get your baby accustomed to Grandpa’s new look. Tune into some Christmas Carols and all sing together and see your baby’s eyes light up and hear your baby’s laughter. Have your camera ready and capture these magical memories of the bond between grandpa and grandchild. If no Grandpa is available, try a shopping centre Santa with the whole family instead. This is a great tradition so you at least get one family photo a year! And you can always ask for no Santa in the picture if it’s all too much.

The Mumma Bear Attachment

Every Christmas we celebrate with our loved ones, and as the family expands and introduces new members, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed.

Picture this - it’s Christmas day and your little one’s first Christmas, you arrive at the family festive lunch and are swarmed with “can I hold the baby?” “Let me take him and give you a break” or “it’s good to get the baby used to other people, here let me take him”.

This may be a welcome reprieve, but what if your inner mumma bear rages inside and tells you that you don’t want to hand your baby around like a sparkly new toy? You don’t want everyone’s saliva kisses on their head and you especially don't want your uncle carrying your baby in one hand and a beer in the other. But it’s Christmas and they’re family, so you override your inner mumma bear and keep telling yourself it’s okay.

Now, aren’t you meant to be enjoying yourself? Yes. Are you enjoying yourself? No. You spend the entire Christmas lunch watching your baby, following them

Happy Mum Means Happy Baby

Here are some self care tips for new mums:

• Sleep when the baby is asleep.

• Eat well and stay hydrated.

• Go at your own pace.

• Allow others to help you. You’re not a bad mum for asking for help.

around, wishing they would cry so you can have the excuse to take them back.

The guilt sets in, you shouldn’t be feeling like this, they’re family and your baby’s family, right?

People tend to forget that you carried that little bundle of joy in your belly for nine months. You’ve gone through the gift and maybe the trauma of birth. You’ve bonded, cried and loved more than you ever have before.

Saying no is often seen as being selfish or rude. It is especially hard to say no to family and friends, and even harder when you fear you’ll dampen the mood of the family’s festive get together. But it’s important that you say no if that’s what you need at that moment - your own mental health comes first. Saying no allows us to value ourselves more and help prioritise our needs. Offering a simple explanation of why you have made that decision should hopefully be met with understanding and kindness.

So cast out that guilt and enjoy the day, whatever you decide!

• Attend Mums and Bubs activities. Bond with your baby and meet other mums and bubs.

• Fresh air - Go for a stroll with your baby to get you and your baby some fresh air.

• Make time for yourself. Take a long warm shower or bath and enjoy this time to relax and refresh yourself.

• Sharing is caring. Share the responsibilities with your partner.

STORY Holly Dellaca-Daniel

For your chance to WIN a family pass to PUSS IN BOOTS - THE LAST WISH, enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win Competition closes 12/12/2022. No need to submit activity to enter.

For your chance to WIN a family pass to Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win Competition closes 12/12/2022. No need to submit activity to enter.

1. Hape Toy Pack - $120.00 - www.myer.com.au - Each pack includes a Hape Musical Cloud Light, a Hape Whale Fountain and a Hape Tubing Pull-Back Boat. Babies enjoy sounds and music as they develop their senses. The Hape Musical Cloud Light helps little ones drift peacefully off to sleep. Featuring three hanging raindrops which let you change the lighting settings. Select between ten audio tracks, eight gentle melodies and soothing heartbeat and rain sounds. The nursery mobile includes a sleep timer and a sensor that will activate the cloud if your baby wakes up crying, and it easily attaches to a cot, crib or stroller. Make bath time magical with this wonderful Hape Musical Whale Fountain. Easily attached to the bottom of the bath with a suction cup, choose between watching the fountains dance to music or play each whale like the keys of a piano. Ideal for bubs and bath fun is the Hape Tubing Pull-Back Boat, a speedboat complete with a tubing bear. Let them pull back on the string and the boat will actually move through the water, pulling the bear behind on a tube until it reaches the boat safely.

2. Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit - $159.00 - www.playosmo.com - The Genius Starter Kit includes everything your kids need to experience hands-on learning and digital fun with lessons across maths, science, puzzle solving, vocabulary and creativity. Designed for kids aged 6-10. The award winning Little Genius Kit introduces little ones to core concepts like ABCs, shapes, numbers and narrative storytelling through the power of fun and promotes positive screen time. Designed for kids aged 3-5. 3. Wahu Mega Slide - $50.00 - www.wahu.com.auKids will love racing each other down this massive 7.5m Super Slide. The continuous water spray means you’ll be zooming down the slide and into the splash bumper in no time! This is the ultimate backyard toy! For Ages 6+. Available from all leading retailers. 4. Cool Maker Stitch N’ Style Fashion Studio - $59.99 - www.target.com.au - Have a fashionista on your hands? Let children live out their fashion designer dreams with this all-in-one Cool Maker Stitch N’ Style Fashion Studio. This fashion studio makes sewing safe and easy due to its innovative cartridge thread system and automatic sewing sensors that know when to sew. Customise the designs with unique prints that are magically applied with water. The Stich N’ Style Fashion Studio works with most fabrics for the ultimate DIY projects. 5. Globber Go Up Sporty - $170.00 - www.globber.com.au - The Globber Go Up Sporty is a ride on, a walking bike and a scooter - all in one! Simply switch modes as your child grows and their needs change. The seat height is adjustable, as is the scooter height, so this product can truly grow with your child. Suitable from about 15 months to 6 years. Available in navy blue, lime green, deep pink and mint.

‘Tis the Season to Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer Burgers

‘Rudolf, the red-nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose.’ Transform your burgers into Rudolfs with this fun festive recipe.

Serves 4

Burger Patty Ingredients

• 500 grams minced beef

• 1 egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Burger Ingredients

• Burger Buns

• Pretzels

• Cherry tomatoes

• Black olives

• Mayonnaise

• Toppings of choice

Combine all the burger patty ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Shape the mince into equal sized patties and press down with baking paper. Cook in a frying pan with a little bit of oil.

Serve patties on a burger bun with your favourite toppings. Decorate the buns with cut in half pretzels for the reindeer horns, a dab of mayonnaise to make the whites of the eyes and black olives for the pupils.

To attach the cherry tomato for Rudolf’s nose, break off a piece of pretzel (around 2cm long) and gently twist one end into the tomato until it is halfway through, then poke the other end of the pretzel into the bun.

Custard Filled Profiterole Christmas Stack

Serves 18

Profiterole Ingredients

• 80g room temperature butter

• 1 cup plain flour

• 3 eggs

Decoration Ingredients

• Strawberries

• Icing sugar for dusting

• Mint Method

Custard Creme Patissiere Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups milk

• 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise, seeds separated

• 3 egg yolks

• cup caster sugar

• cup plain flour

To make the profiteroles, line two trays with baking paper. Put the butter and 1 cup of water in a saucepan and bring to boiling point. Remove from heat. Sift the flour and beat in. Stir over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until mixture can be made into a ball. Cool dough for 5 minutes. Gradually add the yolks, 1tbs at a time until the dough is thick and glossy. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Roll heaped spoonfuls of dough and place them on the trays, leaving 3cms in between and bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until puffed and golden.

Prepare the custard: In a saucepan heat the milk and vanilla seeds. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until thick. Whisk in flour and then milk. Pour into the saucepan and whisk over low heat for 5 minutes or until thickened. Let cool, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Once chilled, fill the piping bag with the mixture and use a 5mm nozzle to push into the base of each profiterole to fill.

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Once profiteroles have been filled, stack them together with cream. Dust the stacked profiteroles with icing sugar and add a final touch with strawberries and mint.

All Things Health

Resetting After Overindulgence

Christmas is just around the corner which is that special time of year we overindulge in all the Christmas goodies. Here are some helpful tips to reset your body and get you back on track:

Don’t beat yourself up - Overindulgence isn’t necessarily bad. As long as you get yourself back on track and treat yourself every once in a while it can be healthy.

Stay hydrated - By staying hydrated you can rid your body of any toxins and support the liver.

Love your liver - Eat well-balanced meals that are high liver-supportive foods (such as berries, cruciferous vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and fatty fish) as your liver will be working a little harder after holiday gatherings.

Try detox teas - Detox teas may help to remove impurities from the blood in the liver. They may also help detox toxins through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymphatic system and skin.

Get active - Get yourself moving again. Being active can help you feel good physically and mentally.

Karen Lade

Naturopath & Nutritionist at Terry White Chemmart, North Cairns

Dear Karen, What can we do as a family to boost our immune system?

Have a rainbow coloured meal (lots of different vegetables) for a good variety of vitamins and minerals. Fresh seasonal fruit contains essential vitamins and can be blended into a smoothie for a nutritious breakfast or snack. Add coconut water, which is high in minerals.

Vitamin C & Zinc powder is ideal for the whole family, and safe to take from two years of age in correct dosing. Take after breakfast or dinner. Look for a Probiotic powder that contains the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG). This strain is proven to support immunity and reduce frequency of mild upper respiratory infections.

Calanna WholeHealth Pharmacy www.calannapharmacy.com.au

Before You Speak Coffee Range

Sometimes coffee alone isn’t enough. The Before You Speak Coffee range combines our favourite morning shot with even more goodies such as collagen for skin and joint health, turmeric to combat inflammation and MCT oil for added energy.

This functional coffee is suitable for those living their keto best, or wanting to make the most and supercharge their caffeine intake.

‘Tis the season, Before You Speak Coffee also makes a great gift for the coffee-lover in your life to help them get the most out of their day.

Find what fuels you - The Before You Speak Range is available at your local Calanna TerryWhite Chemmart.

Consult your local health practitioner, doctor or pharmacist for advice on these topics first to ensure the best health outcomes.

All Things Tweens & Teens

Christmas Holidays with TeensWays to Make Them Merry

The holiday season is supposed to be fun and memorable. But with a moody teen, you may find it more memorable than fun - and perhaps not in a good way. Your teen might be less enthusiastic about spending extended time with the family and have lost interest in previously enjoyed activities.

Our kids’ behaviour may challenge us even more because it is magnified by our own stress, emotional fatigue and, perhaps, lack of availability due to increased obligations.

So, what is a parent to do?

Make Friends with Your Feelings

Decide what’s important to your family, encourage your teen to think about others, lower your expectations, and don’t let moodiness ruin it for everyone else. Remember that despite our wishes, giving teens personal space and time is important.

If all fails, try to, in the words of most teens, “just chill”. Easier said than done, but not a bad thing for parents to strive toward during this festive time of year - you might find yourself feeling merrier.

WIN a My First Victorinox Children Set in Animal Edition Parrot

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Children are naturally curious. This fun pocket knife set will help them explore and engage with the world around them. In three exciting animal designs, each set comes with a practical neck strap and an adventure-filled colouring book that also shows children how to safely use their knives (with adult supervision). From carving little figures to whittling sticks, help them create memories for a lifetime.

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

During our lifetime, we will experience all sorts of emotions ranging from elation to despair, clarity to confusion. Teens especially are likely to experience their feelings like a sudden tornado - an unexpected, fiercely whirling mix of conflicting emotions. Helping your teen to recognise, respect and accept their feelings is an important part of nurturing good mental health. By learning to identify these different feelings and putting them into words, they can uncover what needs are met or unmet, what triggers certain emotions, and how to seek help. Often, journaling can assist with externalising feelings, and also helps to become more self aware and self compassionate.

Powering Potential with Self-Belief

STORY Natalie Borrell

As adults, we understand how important confidence and self-belief are, and our sense of self-worth drives us and helps us succeed. Nevertheless, many of us recall how insecure we felt during our teenage years. I, for one, can remember feeling awkward, unattractive, and embarrassed, even when a group of my closest friends surrounded me.

Working with high school students, I notice that many experience similar insecurities. They avoid trying out for sports or getting involved in clubs because they feel they aren’t as talented or qualified as others. They compare themselves to others and put a lot of pressure on themselves to meet other people’s standards. Doing this is exhausting!

While insecurities are a normal experience during teenage years, no doubt having confidence will help your teen succeed. It can help them make safe and informed decisions, face challenges, and set and achieve goals. There are many different ways to boost your teen’s confidence, but below are six of my favourite strategies:

Create a collage about your teenager. Include pictures, words, and phrases describing their best characteristics and strengths. This board helps you remember the parts of your teen that you want them to feel good about. Make a comment whenever you notice your teen exhibiting any of those characteristics. Include what you saw, how it helps them now, and how it can help them in the future.

Seek out a volunteer experience. To a teen, knowing that they are making an impact on someone else’s life can boost their self-worth and confidence immensely. Plus, instead of your teen being the one needing help, the dynamic shifts to your teen being the one providing assistance to someone else.

Surround them with positive role models. Work on finding a role model or mentor. Family friends, teachers, coaches, or someone working in your teen’s interest field are all excellent starting points. You can also look for motivational speakers on YouTube because even though it is a virtual influence, the exposure can impact them positively and become a source of comfort and motivation for them.

Find a physical outlet. Running, yoga and exercise classes are great for the mind and the body. If team sports are too much pressure, try an individual sport like golf or bowling or joining a gym. Personal trainers are also a great idea as they can motivate your teen to keep going and reach desired goals.

Help them get a job. If your teen has time outside of school commitments, you can help them find a job in an area that interests them. This helps them learn responsibility, meet new people and make some money.

Praise the process rather than the outcome. Praise the hard work put into a project rather than the ‘A’ your teen received as a grade. If we praise the process instead of the outcome, teens will eventually recognise that they can feel confident about themselves without basing their sense of self-worth on a score or an academic result.

Natalie is the Founder of Life Success for Teens. During her eight years of coaching high school and competitive cheerleading, she realised that she had a gift for connecting with teenagers and motivating them to be their best version. She also has fourteen years of experience working as a school psychologist in a public high school. Her area of expertise is working with students who need a confidence boost to feel successful both in and outside the classroom. www.lifesuccessforteens.com

Daddy Diary

Is it just me or is it feeling extra Christmassy this year? I mean it is December, so the festive season has well and truly arrived. But even last month, and dare I say it, the end of October was feeling more festive than usual. Some businesses had Halloween and Christmas decorations out at the same time. The month of Christmas has finally arrived and it truly is (to the tune of Michael Bublé) beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

One little boy who has taken to Christmas like some wild, festive fanatic is my son Charlie. He turned three in April so this is the first Christmas where he truly gets it, lead up and all. Back in the first week of November we were lining up to pay for groceries when he noticed Santa hats perched right there on the register. Strange impulse by Coles but it worked a treat. Although I refused to buy him one on the spot (we already have about five at home somewhere) he did manage to find a particularly old and sad looking one somewhere in the dark recesses of his toybox. For the next week he quite literally wore that red, pom pom monstrosity everywhere he went. It’s like the thing was glued to his scalp. It must have been like a

furnace under there. But little did we know Charlie’s obsession with the Santa hat was just the beginning.

Every single morning since the start of November started the same way at our place:

1. Charlie wakes up.

2. Charlie screams for someone to come and get him out of his cot (yes, he’s a three-year-old who still sleeps in a cot or “toddler jail” as I call it).

3. Charlie asks us if Santa came last night.

This has been mine and my wife’s morning every single day since early November. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Forget about Saint Nicholas, we’ve been the true saints of Queensland this festive season.

It feels like it’s had more build up than the final episode of Neighbours. But once and for all December has arrived - the most wonderful time of the year (again to the tune of Michael Bublé). And if there’s one thing that’s too hard to begrudge any child for loving too much, it’s Christmas. Even if my wife and I are only asking how many sleeps until Christmas so we can stop each morning starting like it’s Groundhog Day.

Merry Christmas from the Cliffo’s... Cliffo

Hit 103.1

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City of Townsville Art Collection: Recent Acquisitions

When: 2 December / 10.00AM - 5.00PM Where: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery More info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Recent Acquisitions showcasing a selection of recently acquired artworks for the City of Townsville Art Collection. It includes artworks by Wendy Bainbridge, Hermannsburg artists, Joe Furlonger, Mark Thompson, Tom Risley, Robert Emerson Curtis and William Jamieson Allom. Gallery is closed on Mondays and closes at 1.00pm on weekends. Free entry.

Carols by Candlelight 2022

When: 4 December / 4.00pm - 8.30pm

Where: Riverway Complex

More info: https://whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Giant Christmas Party

When: 10 December / 7.00PM -11.55PM Where: The Ville More info: The Ville Resort - Casino

Celebrate Christmas with your friends at The Pavilion. They’ve got your end of the year party sorted with a delicious Christmas-themed dinner and dessert buffet, four-hour premium beverage package and live entertainment. Tickets cost: $159 per person. Over 18 years old only.

Celebrate Christmas with the family at Carols by Candlelight. On 4th December at Riverway Oval, Carols by Candlelight will have food stalls, arts and craft workshops, 1 RAR Band, amusement rides and much more for this magical evening. Kids can also join in the fun with ‘Rosy Reindeer Ornaments,’ a free dropin workshop presented by Townsville City Galleries. You will of course be able to sing your heart out to Christmas Carols with the Townsville Choral Society Carols by Candlelight Choir. Santa will be there too!

Make your own Gingerbread House FUNdraiser

When: 11 December / 2.00PM - 5.00PM

Where: Townsville Brass Band Hall

More info: Townsville Brass

Build and decorate your own gingerbread house at Townsville Brass Band Hall. A special event to bring the magic of Christmas to life. You’ll be provided with everything you need to build your own gingerbread house. All products are dairy, egg and nut free. There will be a gluten free and chocolate option. Gingerbread kits start at $45.00

Stable at Riverway

When: 18 - 22 December / 5.30pm - 9.00pm Where: Riverway Complex More info: www.stablenq.com.au

If you love Christmas add this to your bucket list. Stable shares a very unique experience and the story of Christmas. They bring a beautiful gift to all the people of Townsville bringing hope, life and meaning. Stable at Riverway transforms into the historic town of Bethlehem, complete with live actors, Roman soldiers, traditional craftspeople, livestock, shepherds and of course Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. The event attracts up to 40,000 visitors a year and is a must see for all families in North Queensland. The event is an interactive re-creation of the traditional Christmas story, and is a free event for the whole family, and is fast becoming a Christmas tradition for families in North Queensland. There is heaps of entertainment, a wide selection of food and a designated youth area. The community is also invited to create and register their Christmas displays to light up the city with Stable on the Streets. If you love Christmas, you can’t miss this awesome spectacular.

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Textile Trees!

When: 13 - 16 December / 10.00am - 12.00pm

Where: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

More info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Get in the Christmas spirit and make your own Christmas tree decorations! Use yarn, paper plates, and pens to embellish your festive creation in this fun workshop at the Gallery! Free for all ages. No bookings required.

King Reef Resort

Where: Kurrimine Beach

More info: www.kingreef.com.au

If you’re looking to revitalise in paradise, gather the family and head to the gorgeous King Reef Resort at Kurrimine Beach. Explore all day, swim in the tranquil ocean or pool, build sandcastles on the beach and return to relax with a gorgeous sunset view from your beachfront shack. You can also hire a family pedal bike, go fishing, and more – the possibilities are endless. Stay 7 nights and only pay for 6 at King Reef Resort. Situated on a tropical beach in one of the most unique, beautiful and unspoilt parts of the world, Kurrimine Beach is suitable for the entire family. Enjoy pet and kids-friendly accommodation, including cabins and beachfront caravan and camping sites. Offer excludes long weekends.

Mount Louisa Heart Foundation Walks

When: Every Tuesday from 5.15pm - 6.15pm

Where: Mount Louisa Walking Trail

More info: www.walking.heartfoundation.org.au

These walks are for all ages, fitness levels and capabilities who would love to get active, meet like minded people while building and improving fitness levels. While not mandatory, join the Heart Foundation walking group to earn rewards and prizes after attending regular walks with the Heart Foundation.

Image: www.townsvillehikeandexplore.com

With HIT 103.1’s Cliffo and Bronte

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Riverway Movies

When: 16 December / 6.30PM - 8.00PM Where: Riverway Oval More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Riverwary Movie Nights are back with Space Jam: New Legacy - A rogue artificial intelligence kidnaps the son of famed basketball player LeBron James, who then has to work with Bugs Bunny to win a basketball game. Pack your blankets and bring the family to Riverway for an open air cinema experience. Free entry. Food truck and coffee van located onsite.

Follow Your Dreams

When: 31 December / 8.00PM - 9.50PM

Where: Townsville Civic Theatre More info: www.melanieparry.com

Come celebrate one of Australia’s Leading Ladies of song Melanie as she returns back to centre stage at Townsville Civic Theatre. See her performance of a stunning selection of music from her vast repertoire during her stage career around the world and sharing her life experiences and dreams. Tickets are from $25.00 and suitable for all ages.

Sk8 M8s Social Skate Night

When: Every Tuesday from 6.00pm - 7.00pm Where: North Shore Skate Park More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Sk8 M8s welcomes all ages to come along with their safety equipment (helmet and closed in shoes) to Social Skateboarding sessions held every Tuesday from 6.00pm - 7.00pm till the end of December. Bring your skateboard and learn some tricks and meet some new people. All ages.

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Ready Set Curtains Up

When: 4 December / 10.00am - 11.20am Where: Townsville Civic Theatre More info: www.tapa.net.au

TAPA presents Ready Set Curtains Up at the Townsville Civic Theatre. “All dressed up and ready to go, we can’t wait for our special show. Bring your smiles and applause too, so we can share this moment with you.” Ticket prices from $17.00

Toddler Time

Where: Townsville Stadium More info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Join Toddler Time 50 minute sessions starting off with 30 minutes of play and chat time before jumping into 20 minutes of songs, dance and a story. Mystery bags will be available for the sessions.

Toddler Time Tuesday: 6 December / 9.00am - 9.50pm

Toddler Time Wednesday: 7 December / 10.30am - 11.20am

Aussie Disc Golf Day 2022

When: 3 December / 6.00am - 11.00am

Where: Harris Crossing Disc Golf Course More info: www.australiandiscgolf.com

NQDG will be participating again in this year’s Aussie Disc Golf Day! This event is open to everyone of all ages, whether you have played or not, as long as you are registered with the Australian Disc Golf. Registrations are free and you can register online through their website. This event has entry fees.

Creative Youth | Screenprinting

When: 11 December / 10.00am - 12.00pm More Info: www.umbrella.org.au

Join Margaret Robertson at the Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts to learn the basics of screenprinting techniques and create your own, personalised tote bag! Ages 13 - 17. Costs: $45

Light Up The Stage

When: 4 December / 1.00pm - 2.20pm Where: Townsville Civic Theatre More info: www.tapa.net.au

Enjoy dancing through the energy and style of TAPA’s Junior Students as they take the stage performing “Light Up The Stage” to show their confidence and courage.

Ticket cost: Adults $26, Child/School Student $17, Age/Vet Affairs/Disability Pension $17

You can book tickets through their website.

Check it Out

Full Throttle Theatre Company - Bush Party

When: 14 - 18 December / 10.00am

Where: Senior Citizens Hall

More info: www.fullthrottletheatre.com

The Quokka Emergency Officers must rescue the animals and save Walter Wombat’s birthday Party! Full Throttle Theatre Company presents Props Youth Theatre production ‘Bush Party.’ 10.00am shows from 14th to 18th of December. Book tickets at tryingbooking.com/CDRBT

Mary MacKillop Childcare NQ

More info: www.mmcnq.catholic.edu.au

Make this school holiday season less stressful by booking your child into part time or full time vacation care at one of the 14 Care Centres. As part of the program, children aged 5 - 11 years will engage in fun activities and excursions that are supervised by caring and qualified staff, in a safe and nurturing environment that encourages free learning. Visit their website for more info.

SeaLink

More Info: www.sealink.com.au

Go on a ferry with SeaLink and spend this school holiday season on Magnetic Island and enjoy the relaxed tropical lifestyle, quiet, secluded beaches, nature, wildlife and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef.

Peak services departing from Townsville Daily: 3.50pm departure Friday: 1.00pm and 2.15pm departures Saturday morning: 8.45am, 9.30am, 10.30am and 11.40am departures Sunday morning: 9.30am & 10.30am departure

Peak services departing from Magnetic Island Saturday afternoon: 4.30pm departure Sunday: 11.05am, 12.15pm, 1.35pm and 3.00pm departures.

Wasted Paint Christmas Paint & Sip

When: 23 December / 6.00pm

Where: Wasted Paint Studio

More info: Wasted Paint

Check out this fun festive workshop by Wasted Paint and dress in your best Christmas attire or corniest Christmas shirt. Create Christmas masterpieces to either treat your elf or gift to loved ones. You may BYO food and drinks except food that is high allergy food. Art supplies will be supplied. Tickets are $60.

Gallo Dairyland

Where: Malanda Road Atherton

More info: Gallo Dairyland

Well worth a drive and only an hour from Cairns, Gallo Dairyland is a go to this festive season. Positioned between Atherton, Malanda and Yungaburra, Gallo Dairyland offers an insight into a fully operational dairy farm and gourmet cheese factory, with all the tasty goodies available at the restaurant. Not to mention their chocolate is worth the trip on its own, and they have special chocolate boxes, Christmas hampers, tasty rum balls, plum puddings and gift vouchers if you are looking for a unique gift.

The Crystal Caves

Where: Atherton More info: www.crystalcaves.com.au

Heading North? Explore the Atherton Crystal Caves and you’ll have a gem of a time. Traverse the caves and marvel at over 600 crystals and fossils. You’ll be immersed in tunnels and grottos, have the opportunity to take a shot and crack your own geode, then browse the shop for a keepsake. Perfect for families looking to learn a little more about FNQ geology and the wonder of the Tablelands. Cost: $25.00 for adults, $12.50 for children, $65.00 for a family, and FREE for under 5’s. Check online for more info and to book a Crack a Geode Experience.

TAPA on Broadway

When: 8 - 10 December / 6.30pm - 9.20pm Where: Townsville Civic Theatre More info: www.tapa.net.au

Grill’d

Where: Grill’d Palmer Street / Grill’d Fairfield Central / Grill’d Willows Shopping Centre More info: www.grilld.com.au

Grill’d is serving up delicious tasting healthy burgers! Catering for any occasion, celebrate Christmas, birthdays and kids’ parties at Grill’d these School holidays. They’ve got plenty of delicious options for everyone. Get the party started with sliders, chips, salads and drinks, with options for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-friendly food.

The neon lights are bright on Broadway. Presented by TAPA, enjoy the students’ end of year performance with Their TAPA energy and flair and bring magic to the stage. Tickets are from $26.

With Triple M’s Pricey

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Check it Out

Townsville Junior Cricket

More info: www.play.cricket.com.au

Townsville Junior Cricket is back! Find out why cricket is Australia’s favourite summer sport by signing your kids up to one of Townsville’s 7 clubs - Western Suburbs, Norths, Suburban Parks, Wanderers, Saints, Brothers of Northern Beaches.

Juniors Blasters - For kids new to cricket and to learn the skills to play cricket through fun game based activities. Ages 5 - 7

Master Blasters - For boys and girls ready to progress from Junior Blasters and ready to play short games of cricket in a fun and social setting. Ages 7 - 10

School Savvy Photo Competition

More info: www.centacarenq.org.au

Snap a savvy photo and #schoolsavvynq on instagram or facebook for a chance to win a backto-school pack! Photos must be original and feature either of the following: the School Savvy logo, School Savvy Poster, donating a uniform or school supplies at a School Savvy Collection Bin location, or School Savvy Supported Shirt Cut Out. All monies raised from the School Savvy pop-up go back into purchasing school supplies for families struggling financially. All items at the pop-up shop are priced $1-$6 an item.

Reef HQ

Where: Reef Headquarters Aquarium

More info: www.reefhq.com.au

Experience the Great Barrier Reef at the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. See the amazing world of thousands of charismatic marine creatures with impressive exhibits showcasing rare and extraordinary features of the Great Barrier Reef.

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Get Your Kids Dancing with TAPA

Where: Townsville Civic Theatre More info: www.tapa.net.au

Townsville Academy of Performing Arts (TAPA) is the largest premier dance class studio complex in Townsville and North Queensland.

Ready Set Dance - is a one hour combo dance class of jazz, tap, hip hop, singing and music.

Ready Set Ballet - a magical ballet class for 2 - 5 years to learn the fundamentals of ballet with Twirl, the mascot.

Ready Set Move With Me - bring your toddlers to experience creative movement and music.

Cotters Market

When: 8.00AM - 1.00PM Where: Flinders Square More info: www.puftevents.com.au

Visit Cotters Market, which opens every Sunday morning. Townsville’s most iconic farmers market for over 35 years! There will be live music, fresh foods and exotic goods.

NYE 2022 - Feed me Before the Party!

When: 31 December / 5.00pm - 7.00pm or 7.30pm - 9.30pm Where: Shorehouse More info: www.shorehousetownsville.com.au

Enjoy a feast at Shorehouse feed me before the party New Years celebration. There will be two different session times that go for 2 hours. Limited tickets at $70 per person.

2022 New Year’s Eve at The Stage Door

When: 31 December / 6.00pm - 11.55pm Where: Stage Door Theatre Restaurant Magnetic Island. More info: www.stagedoortheatre.com.au or email ticketshop@townsville.qld.gov.au

Celebrate 2022 New Year’s Eve with a slice of Vegas in the Tropics. The “Best of Stage Door’’ will be starring Bernadette Smith and Kevin Wright with dazzling costumes and orchestral backing tracks. There will be fabulous music, dancing, lots of laughs and a countdown to midnight. Tickets are from $185 and include sumptuous food and a four hour drink package.

Community Noticeboard

Free Parking In The City

When: 1 December - 31 December

This month there’s no need to choose between being naughty or nice - you don’t need to pay for parking either way. Take advantage of free parking and make the most of shopping in the city. Take the kids out to events and celebrate the festive season without worrying about parking fees!

Introducing Solids - Parent Information Session

When: 6 December / 9.30am - 10.30am

Where: CityLibraries Aitkenvale

More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

QLD Health nurses are hosting a session for all families to learn key points in introducing solid foods and how to know when your baby is ready. A maximum of 24 members will be able to attend this session so book you and your family ahead of time and have your medicare card ready for the day. All adults, children and babies attending must have a separate booking.

Help locals to have a brighter Christmas this year by donating to The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. Spread the Christmas joy donate now at www.townsville.qld.gov.au

New Rules for E-Scooters

New rules and increased penalties of up to $1078 for personal mobility device riders (such as e-scooters and e-skateboards). 12 - 15 year olds must be supervised, under 12’s are prohibited. Helmet on, mobiles off, ride responsibly, no doubling or going over 25km/h. streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au

The Salvation Army Christmas Volunteering

The Salvation Army provides over 130,000 meals and more than 36,000 food hampers to individuals and families in need. If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities this Christmas the Salvos volunteers like you on Christmas day. If you are looking for volunteer options around Australia check out www.christmasinaustralia.com.au

Please confirm the above details are correct before visiting during these uncertain times.We have done our best to ensure all details are correct at time of print.

FREE Children’s Book Swap

When: 14 December / 9.00am - 12.00pm There is only one thing that could replace a book: the next book. Centacare NQ’s BRIDGE team invites families to come along to their FREE Children’s Book Swap at Centacare NQ to either swap or collect a book free of charge. There will also be book themed rocks for the kids to find and take home on the day. In preparation for the day, Centacare NQ’s Bridge team is open for you to donate pre-loved children’s books ahead of the book swap day. Go places these December school holidays by burying your head in a good book. Check out www.centacarenq.org.au for more details or call Centacare NQ on 1300 672 273 if you would like to donate a book.

Townsville

and Rehoming Animals

If you are having a clean out of pet toys, towels, pet beds, dog houses, or any useful pet items, all donations are greatly appreciated.

Donations of pet food are also in high need, you can drop them to Wildcats Indoor Netball, Petbarn,Good Vibrations Tattoo Studio, Muscle and Fitness Gym, Feed 2 Go, Kings Road Vet Clinic, Donation of time is always appreciated to help clean animals and pens, and transporting animals to new homes. Donation of time by tradies and people experienced in admin and marketing is also in great need. If you are looking for a way to give back, reach out to the team. If you are looking for a pet- rescue one and save a life.

www.townsvillerehominganimals.org

Get Involved!

We’d love to hear from you! Head to www.paktownsville.com.au/community to submit community news or a notice, and also view the full community noticeboard online.

Foster

Parent's Puzzles

Sudoku - Each of the nine blocks must contain all the numbers 1-9 within its squares. Each number can only appear once in a row, column or box.

WIN SERVD. Kids Vs Parents $34.99 - www.servdcards.com.au

Obliterate boredom with SERVD Kids Vs Parents: the hilarious real-life card game where kids (aged 8 - 15) go headto-head with their parent(s), taking real-life scenarios and turning them into hilarious actions in a card game. SERVD turns your household into the playing field and can be played oneon-one or between the whole family. To play, just agree to a timeframe (E.g. a week, a month, 6 months), split the cards up between everyone playing and start dishing out cards wherever and whenever you need them.

Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 10/01/2023. No need to submit answers to enter.

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