PakMag Townsville - January 2022 Issue 134

Parents and Kids Magazine

TIME, 5MONEY

ISSUE: JAN 2022

134

TOWNSVILLE

Tips for Saving

FREE

& SANITY in the Laundry

Milestones – Is My Baby on Track?

Turning Everyday Moments into Learning Adventures

Recipes: School Holiday Baking Fun Are Smartphones Making Us Dumb?

WIN Awesome Back to School Prizes

More than

Summer School Holiday Guide Inside

100

Family-Friendly How to Get Your Family Financially Fit in 2022

EVENTS

5

The Thing Is

It’s got to be better than the last one… right?!

6

How to Get Financially

Fit in 2022

8

Botany 101

Not that I want to jinx us - we said the same thing about 2021 after the treatment 2020 gave us all… it’s no coincidence that 2021 sounds exactly the same as “2020 WON”.

11

Are Smartphones Making

Us Dumb?

15 Extracurricular Activity Guide 19 Routines and Transitions

an Integral Part to

Beginning Kindergarten

21 Milestones

Is My Baby on Track?

22 Bump, Bub and Beyond 24 Parent’s Puzzle 25 Mini Mag 28 Back to School Giveaway 31 Ready for School:

Turning Everyday Moments

into Learning Adventures

35 All Things Health

All jokes aside, we can all acknowledge there have been lots of challenges over the last couple of years, that yes, have really forced us to dig deep.

But they have also provided as a result; the chance to find out who we are, how we respond to hardship, and helped us grow and develop greater resilience. We would have loved to learn these things without the lesson, but alas, unfortunately, that’s not how it works.

Think about a garden; fertiliser (the crap) - helps it grow. I hope this year is a chance for us all to flourish like a well fertilised garden.

With that in mind; this edition was designed to help you set up your year for success – at school, work and in life. Connection is key to lead a thriving life. Connecting to yourself, others and your purpose – helps improve your relationships and quality of life. To help you connect we are also starting The Energy Club and Nurture Nation – find out more by heading to www.pakmag.com.au/nurturenation and www.myvisionbook.com.au/energyclub We want the best for you and your family, and send you all of the good vibes and wishes for the year ahead.

Until next time, happy reading and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

Bree and Bec

37 Kids in the Kitchen 38 School Holiday Guide 43 Daddy Diary 46 What’s On

Contact Us: p 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

PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

Sales and Business Development Tracy Couper

44 Community Notice Board

Graphic Designer Sara Williams

Content & Marketing Team Leader Bec Dent

Videographer & Podcast Producer Monique Saggers

Creative Team Leader & Graphic Designer Clare Winter

Content Creators Annamarie Booysen Sasha Rozhkova

Marketing and Events Coordinator Alyssa Marino

Accounts Trent Stievano

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For Parents The PakMag Parents Podcast PakMag TV

PakMag would like to acknowledge the First Nations people of North Queensland; the first storytellers and Traditional Custodians of all the lands on which we work, live and enjoy. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

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

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

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

Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000. Most recent CAB Publisher Statement Conducted September 2019.

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

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The Thing Is

The Thing Is with Bree James For over twenty years I’ve been self-employed and have had the freedom to utilise all my skills and play my part in making the world a better place. But it has come at a cost. I’ve had many years of working so much that I seriously neglected myself. Achieving, striving, pushing to do my best - has been my way of life as a business owner for over two decades.

The thing is, I was so obsessed with helping others that it fuelled me to create multiple companies that could help as many people in as many ways as possible. I was operating in so many different roles that one moment I was sending a magazine to print, the next; having a strategy session with a coaching client, writing stories, presenting to camera for a travel blog, then singing or presenting on stage. Not to mention making dinner and all of the other mundane life admin tasks we have to fit into our days. I loved how much variety I could squeeze into a day.

I literally wore pants most days because I didn’t have time to shave my legs. I was overdue for medical check-ups, and to top it off - I didn’t have time to see my hairdresser and keep my hair in check (which is kind of an essential for on-camera work). So, my team and I thought the best strategy would be to buy a wig for filming, thinking I could pop it on and have perfect studio-ready hair. The wig arrived, and I did some filming with it - thinking that it wasn’t too noticeable.

I look back now and realise how ridiculous I looked.

I was too busy at the time to realise how out of control my life had gotten. I never sat still - I was always doing, or asleep. If I stopped, I literally fell asleep. I was running on adrenaline and felt uncomfortable not maximising every minute of my day. I was working 10 to 20 hour days, trying to grow multiple businesses, create a great place for my team, whilst trying my best to be a great mum, wife, daughter and friend. Some days I did a great job, others I felt like an absolute failure, and my family certainly got what was left of me, not the best of me.

Then Covid hit.

I thought I was going to lose everything I had worked so hard to achieve. During those lockdown months I was forced to slow down, and a range of health issues reared their head (that’s for another day) the world has a funny way of delivering messages to us.

During this time of reflection, I realised that although work is important, having time at home with my kids, husband, and friends, and room for spontaneity was actually very liberating.

I decided that things needed to change, I needed to change, my businesses needed to change.

It’s taken me two years to make and implement massive changes to my life. It hasn’t been easy. It’s been a time where I have judged, doubted, and challenged myself more than any other period in my life (and of course I’ve had others judge, doubt, and challenge me too).

It’s like being a caterpillar in a cocoon, hiding away whilst I morph into my next phase of my life.

Thanks to all of those in my life that have patiently waited for me to re-emerge, and held my hand throughout the journey. I am truly grateful for my family, my friends, and my ever-supportive team.

Wigs and unshaved legs are now replaced with walks, talks, and being ok with not having to be all things to all people - I can be me, and live my best life, and you can too.

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

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Feature

How to Get Financially Fit in 2022 STORY Phoebe Blamey, Author, Happy Money Journey As the clock strikes midnight on 31st December, many of us have a list of things that we want to change, do or achieve in the new year to bring in the new you.

Getting better with money is high on the list but it fills many of us with dread and fear.

Getting financially fit can be life changing but means changing habits. Our habits are what keep us where we are or change us. Habits end up playing a huge role in our everyday lives.

As parents, our habits and routines are constantly being moved, and interrupted by the needs and wants of our family. Of course, we are going to prioritise family, but we also need to remember that unless we are taking care of ourselves – we are useless to others. Investing in your own mental, physical, and financial ‘fitness’ will reap rewards not just for you, but your family too – with a happy, healthier and more financially savvy parent and partner.

It is possible to learn how to change our ways, and little by little - we will get the results we want – a healthier relationship with money and healthier bank account.

This is where we need to start.

Mindset Start with your mindset… sometimes we must trick our mind into changing. This can be the smallest step with the best results.

Language is important. Start by simply listening to yourself when you talk about money. What do you say?

Is your language letting money control you rather than the other way around?

This can be difficult particularly when you may not actually feel in control of your money because we have chosen to stay home, or you are deep in debt, or you are out of work.

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Some quick tricks to change your mind:

1. What is one thing that makes you feel wealthy? Fresh cut flowers? Clean house? Fancy dinner? Dressing up to do something? A glass of wine with your friends at a local bar?

Find that one thing and do it!

2. Listen to your talk and self-talk. Correct yourself when you hear a negative comment.

Life can get hard when money is short and it’s easy to shame spiral and be mean to yourself. Even if the best you can do is say “this too shall pass”, say it to yourself.

Talk About Money The biggest money mistake I ever made was not talking to my boyfriend about money. If I had done this, I would have noticed a whole lot of red flags a lot sooner.

We all make mistakes sometimes; however, I did learn that fights about money are not really about money, they are about the disconnect in goals, dreams and values.

They are a sign, we; as our part of a couple are off track and out of sync. One of the very best pieces of advice the Barefoot Investor, Scott Pape, has is to have a financial date night.

You want to be moving in the same direction and be able to make choices TOGETHER. When one person in a couple is overspending and the other is massively saving, it’s time to have that date night.

Be gentle in your approach rather than evangelical.

Leave blame and shame well out of it – saying “It’s your fault we never have any money you spend too much” is a useless, pointless and directionless argument.

Create Habits It’s time to create some positive money habits.

They don’t have to be monumental. Just little tweaks

Feature

can make a huge difference. Suggestions could include: • Bring snacks with you when you go out rather than buying • Automate bill payments from a single account • Organise your spending so you can always cover bills • Create a savings habit What do you do with your savings? Gone are the days of the spare change pot that adds up over time. With less and less people using cash it becomes harder to make these incidental savings with a ‘slush fund’.

This is where micro investment apps are a good solution. These apps allow you to save small sums of money that you can’t access easily. Better still, it accumulates without you noticing.

The app rounds up your spending and pays your change into investments. You choose how high risk you would like that investment to be (I chose high just to see and then changed to ethical which also did well).

For example, when you spend $8.50 on a sandwich and coffee deal, this is rounded up to $9.00 and 50 cents is moved to your micro investing app. If you link multiple accounts this can add up quickly, and along the way you can see your investments grow. Some of them even offer accounts for kids which is great for parents and grandparents.

do this for you. Whatever method you choose to use, don’t guess as you will undoubtedly get it wrong.

Generally, when people do this the biggest spending regret they have is normally the drive thrus, takeaways meals and coffees that pile up over time to end up as thousands of dollars every year. Frightening stuff!

These deep dives are a game changer when it comes to financial fitness. It means you know exactly where you are spending and can help you become more money savvy.

Understand Your Investments Like it or not you are already an investor so you need to understand your current investments and what they are.

Look at your super, use the new Government app to review it www.yoursuper.gov.au and you see how your fund performs.

Understand the rules around Super. How much you can add, what happens to your balance when you are on parental leave and payments stop, or the balance gets low? Also know where your money is invested, does it match your values? Most funds now have a greater degree of choice in how you, as a member, want to invest. This is one of your biggest investments.

This method is called invisible savings and it can give your mindset a bit of a boost too; seeing the balance climb, dividends paid and capital growth of your investment all on the app.

Another is your home. Understand its worth, the growth of property in your area, how much equity you have (that is the difference between what you owe and what your house is worth). How much are your repayments, what is your rate, when will it be paid off?

Know Where Your Money Goes

This all helps you on your way.

It’s time to take a deep dive into your spending. This is the money equivalent of a food diary.

Understanding your money, being curious and taking a little bit of time to get and to stay in control is how you will get financially fit in 2022.

Start by downloading all your statements into an Excel document. Go through each statement and look at where your money goes. There are apps that can also

What are you waiting for? It’s time to make friends with money in 2022.

Phoebe Blamey is the author of the Happy Money Journey - a guide to helping women become unshakeable with their money! It is friendly, fearless personal advice to help you make good money decisions and live life on your own terms. The Happy Money Journey was born from Phoebe’s years of experience in learning about money and seeing how different people approach it. She also lived through her own happy money journey, from being drowned in credit card debt to now owning her own business and spreading her amazing energy and knowledge. Phoebe is a top mortgage broker, business owner, has 20-years’ experience in the financial industry and more importantly, is an incredible single mother. www.cloverfinancial.com.au/make-good-money-decisions

WIN The Happy Money Bundle $31.30 - www.cloverfinancial.com.au/shop - Live life on your own terms without stressing about money. The Happy Money Bundle is your all-in-one guide on how to change your beliefs. Includes The Happy Money Journey, My Happy Money Journey workbook and The Happy Money Journey pen, all in a branded Happy Money Journey bag.

Head to www.pakmag.com.au/WIN for your chance to WIN The Happy Money Bundle.

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 7

STEAM

Botany 101 STORY Sasha Rozhkova, Botanist Living in the tropics we can sometimes forget just how unique and biodiverse of an ecosystem it is. We are surrounded by draping fig trees, iridescent butterflies, giant birds (and bugs), and crazy cool plants.

We use plants every day, we eat them, we wear them, we write on them, we live in them, we use them as medicine - but how much do we know about them?

We thought we’d share a little insight into just how interesting and complex plants are, and how you can grow your own in your backyard.

Keywords • Photosynthesis - A chemical reaction that uses carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight, converting it into oxygen and glucose (a sugar) for energy and respiration.

• Respiration - A chemical reaction that utilises glucose for energy (we do this too).

• Stomata - Pore like structures on the underside of leaves that control gas exchange, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide.

• Pollination - The process of pollen being moved from the anther to the stigma.

• Chloroplast - An organelle (small organ) where photosynthesis happens.

• Eukaryote (pronounced you - carry - oat) What all multi-cellular organisms are called.

Prokaryotes are unicellular (one cell).

it

Once seeds are spread and find themselves in the perfect spot with the perfect climate, they will germinate. The first root that comes out (fancy name: “radicle”) grows downwards, and knows to do that because plants can sense gravity (gravitropism).

The radicle anchors the plant to the soil. Then the shoot (plumule) starts growing, as quickly as possible towards the light (phototropism) to begin photosynthesising.

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It’s not just plants that can photosynthesise, there are other prokaryotes and seaweeds that create oxygen for all of us to breath. Because photosynthesis needs sunlight, at night when there is no light, another reaction called respiration occurs.

For most plants, once they are mature, they will flower then fruit through pollination and fertilisation. There can be male plants, female plants, plants that are both, or none, and a few other mixes.

Some plants don’t need help to move their pollen between others, but many do - that’s where ‘pollinators’ come in. When animals and insects eat the nectar from a flower, they get pollen on them that they then transfer to other flowers and plants – making them pollinators and an important part of the ecosystem.

Once pollen grains get into the correct flower, they help fertilize it, which then creates seeds.

The reason we love fruit so much is because it’s so tasty… well seed dispersers think so too. When they eat fruit, the seeds don’t get digested and eventually come out the other end. This tends to happen further away from the parent plant.

A great example of this is bird poop, next time take a closer look and you’ll likely see little seeds in it.

Dispersal can happen from animals carrying fruit too, next time you hear a giant mango thud on your roof, you’ll know it’s seed dispersal in action.

Facts • Fungi, such as mushrooms and yeast, aren’t plants, they are part of the Fungi kingdom.

• Rainforests are the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world.

• There are over 600 carnivorous plants in the world, and Australia has over 250 of them!

• Plant cells have cell membranes and walls, animal cells (like us) only have membranes.

• Fruit is actually the swollen ovary of the flower, and the seeds are the ovules (eggs).

Gardening 101 A lot goes into a successful garden, and that’s because plants are living just like us. So just like you and I, plants need the right amount and type of energy, nutrients, and water.

Since we’re in the wet season and it’s too wet to sow seeds, now is the time to start working on the soil – to make sure it’s full of nutrients. Compost and mulch are a great way to achieve this.

Once it begins to get a little drier, start planning what you’d like to grow – consider what you enjoy, and what you often eat at home, and do they come with seeds. Pawpaw is a great option.

Once you’ve picked your species, you’ll need to do some research to make sure they get the right food and energy.

There can be too much of a good thing, so be mindful of where you grow your plants and how much light and water they get.

Some plants, such as tomatoes, can be too tasty for other animals to pass up. Since we’re wanting to eat our fruit and not share it with dispersers, this is the perfect opportunity to get crafty and make scarecrows or get bird netting for protection.

Please remember: a healthy garden always needs insects, bugs, critters, creepy crawlies… whatever you call them they all play an important role in pollination.

Parenting

Are Smartphones Making Us Dumb?

STORY Dr Mark Williams More than 80 percent of adults say they get anxious when they don’t have their smartphone close by. And of course, that is what the tech companies want. In fact, it’s their business model: ‘return to service’. The mobile phones, tablets, laptops and all the apps you run on them are designed to be user-friendly and addictive. How many times have you heard someone say “I can’t live without it”? Of course, you can live without your device, but it is designed to make you feel like you can’t.

What About the Benefits?

You might be thinking “Sure, but this new tech is making our lives better so it doesn’t really matter, does it?” But it does.

Are those people sitting at the beach looking at their devices really better off than the ones watching their kids play or chatting to their friends? I don’t think so.

In truth, simply being ‘on’ a device increases our stress levels. Research shows that even having a device close to us subconsciously attracts our attention. Is increased stress and reduced ability to attune to the real world really better?

Our Intelligence is Dropping!

Even more concerning, these smart phones are making us less intelligent! Our brains constantly change and adapt. It is called neuroplasticity. Your brain today is ever so slightly different to the brain you had yesterday.

Some connections have been made stronger and unused connections have been weakened. This happens constantly - based on what we are doing both mentally and physically. It is how we learn.

On the flip side, it is also how we forget. Ever heard the phrase “use it or lose it”? It is important for the brain as well as our bodies. The problem is smart phones are now doing a lot of things we used to do for ourselves. When was the last time you navigated to a new location without using your smartphone, or

calculated something in your head, or remembered a meeting without your online calender, or just sat and contemplated life? If you don’t use it, you will lose it!

Old School is Best To give you an example, London Taxi drivers are required to memorise the road map of London and the best way to get from A to B. It’s called ‘doing the knowledge’. In 2002, tests showed that the area of the brain involved in memory of places and locations (the parahippocampus) is larger in London Taxi Drivers than in a control group. This study showed that using this skill changed their brains. Fast forward to today and there’s a problem. We no longer navigate anywhere. We use wayfinder apps on our smart phones. These apps tell us when to turn right or left and when we have arrived.

Our navigational abilities – and the relevant area of our brains is diminishing.

Time to Get Social Other areas of concern are the social areas of our brain. We are social animals. We have evolved to seek out and be supported by our friends and relatives. In the days when the world was much more dangerous, this was important. We had to worry about warring tribes and hungry animals. Being part of a large group was essential for survival. Our brains still require that contact and connection. But our addiction to devices means that even when we are sitting in groups we are often no longer interacting. Social media means we have thousands of virtual ‘friends’ and hardly any real ones! We are no longer using many of these important social areas of our brains. As with all other under-used areas, neuroplasticity means these faculties are steadily diminishing.

It has been shown that by the end of the first year of life, babies whose carers regularly use smartphones have poorer facial expression perception abilities. Even more concerning is that primary school children show a significant decrease in their facial expression perception

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Parenting

when they use screens regularly compared to those who don’t. And children who learn to read on screens have significantly less white matter tracts (important connections between brain areas) than children who learn from real books.

Attention is the Big Loser The effect of devices like smartphones on our attention is really significant. Attention is essential for maintaining our focus, processing, understanding, and learning. And those notifications that you get on your devices from email, Facebook, Messenger, Linkedin, Instagram etc. negatively impact your attention. They are very cleverly designed to force your attention to the device and away from the real world. Turning off all these notifications is an easy step towards getting back control of your attention, your time, your productivity and decrease your stress levels!

What is really concerning is that many studies have shown a relationship between screen use and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). The earlier a child has access to a smartphone, the more likely they are to be diagnosed with ADHD, and the longer they spend on the device the more likely they will have symptoms associated with ADHD.

Decrease in Drugs/Increase in Depression An interesting bi-product of our current device addiction is that drug-taking amongst teens is at its lowest since the 70s. Although some of this might be due to good drug education, research suggests it is also because many teenagers now prefer to be on social media than out in the real world. The sad consequence is depression is at an all-time high. Since smartphones and social media appeared, depression and anxiety in teenagers has increased dramatically. There is also a strong correlation between the hours spent on social media and likelihood of suicide.

Future-Proofing Your Kids I often hear from parents that kids need to have access to devices because they need to learn how to use them

responsibly. Such an argument doesn’t really work!

Using devices sensibly and understanding the dangers can be taught without giving them access - we restrict access to sugar, alcohol, gambling, drugs, cigarettes, and driving. Nobody argues that 12-year-olds should be allowed to go to the pub so we can teach them responsible drinking!

Smartphones are addictive, they increase the likelihood of depression, ADHD, stress, anxiety, and suicide. They negatively impact on brain development, and they enable potential access for bullies, trolls, scammers, paedophiles, and radicalisation. There are far more dangers on their smartphone than down at the local skate park, yet many parents give their kids unlimited access to their device.

What Should Kids be Doing?

Did you know that Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are reported to have raised their kids “technology free”!

And schools that limit technology are in demand in Silicon Valley. Why? Because people in the Tech Industry realise that the next big invention or leap forward won’t come from somebody who is great at coding or taking selfies. It will come from someone who is curious, inquisitive, adaptive, resilient, and social. And the jobs of the future will need people with these qualities.

They won’t be learnt on a smartphone. They will be learnt by playing sport, climbing trees, learning a musical instrument, playing imaginative games with their friends and interacting in the real world.

Where to Next?

Now consider the many things that your smartphone is doing for you. Where will this end if we don’t take back control? A small brain that is able to search the internet and respond to pings from a ‘smart’ device but not able to think, to remember, to show empathy or socialise with friends?! Take back control and foster real relationships today.

Dr Mark Williams is a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Macquarie University with more than 20 years’ experience in research and teaching, and 70+ publications. Mark has studied how we interact with each other, how we learn and how we think. Mark was working as a Research Scientist at MIT in the McGovern Institute for Brain Research (USA) when the first Smartphone was released. He has watched in both fascination and apprehension at the rise of technology in our education systems. In addition to his teaching and research work at Macquarie University, Mark now runs programs for schools, parents, businesses and individuals to address the many problems that technologies (like smartphones) are creating. Find out more at www.drmarkwilliams.com

For more on this topic with Mark, tune into Episode 119 of the PakMag Parents Podcast at www.pakmag.com.au

Check out our Back to School Giveaway for your chance to win a Lockabox One. Lockabox One will help you manage screen time at your house. It’s a place to keep children's devices (or your own) away from restless fingers, so you can get off those phones and spend a little more family time together. www.lockabox.com - Enter the competition at www.pakmag.com.au/WIN

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Extracurricular

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

Townsville Hockey The Townsville Hockey Association offers something for everyone. Suitable for players aged 4 or 104, it’s a great place to make new friends, learn new skills, and have lots of fun. Check online for new season dates and associated costs, to be released later this month.

A Murray Lyons Crescent P 4778 4810 Townsville Hockey Association www.townsvillehockey.com

Ninja Parc Inspired by Ninja Warrior, Ninja Parc is great for your little one to get that big energy out. Not only is it fun, it’s also accessible for all ages and skill levels, and will help with agility, strength, and coordination. Although suitable for all ages, there are programs specifically for Mini Ninjas (3 – 6 years) and Little Ninjas (7 – 12 years).

There are also casual and membership options available on their website, along with school holiday programs.

Genesis Health and Fitness Thuringowa www.genesisfitness.com.au/gym/qld/thuringowa

Kumon Kumon’s Maths and English programs are proven to develop maths and english skills and maximize potential.

If your child needs a bit of extra help after school, they want to get ahead, or if they just need a challenge, then Kumon is right for them. There are two convenient locations in Pimlico and Kirwan.

P 0424 155 171 Pimlico P 0417 070 826 Kirwan www.kumoneducation.com.au

Wildcatz Indoor Sports Rain, hail or shine, it’s game on! Kids can get involved in cricket, netball and soccer by joining a team or creating and signing one up. There are even lots of options for older children and adults too, so why not get the whole family involved?

A 18 Black Hawk Boulevard P 0427 139 762 Ninja Parc Townsville www.ninjaparc.com.au

A 18 Black Hawk Boulevard P 4723 1414 Wildcatz Indoor Sports www.wildcatzindoorsports.com.au

Genesis Kidzfit

Love2Swim School

If you need another reason to join Genesis gym, here it is! Their program Kidzfit, specifically for members’ children will let you get your work out in, as well as theirs. Tailored for children aged 5 - 10, this class aims to motivate movement, fitness, and confidence. It’s the perfect break for you, and the perfect distraction for them. Give them a call to sign up and for more info on Kidzfit classes.

Love2Swim School offers swimming lessons for kids of all ages from 3 months through to adults. Their program is constantly being revised to ensure students are receiving the most up-to-date education, water safety awareness, and skill development. There are now three convenient locations around Townsville.

A 72-88 Hervey Range Rd P 07 4723 1490

P 4723 3447 Kirwan Aquatic Centre P 4725 5357 Kokoda Memorial Pool P 4728 3398 Long Tan Memorial Pool www.love2swimschool.com.au

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Extracurricular

United Martial Arts & Fitness Academy (UMF) UMF offers traditional martial arts training as well as Cage Fitness, BJJ Combatives, Kickboxing, Wing Chun Kung Fu, KickNFit and Street Edge Krav Maga, self defence for women, and anti-bullying classes.

Their kids classes are tailored to develop and promote discipline, teamwork, confidence, commitment, respect, and confidence. Empower your kids to confront social cruelty, bullying, injustice and have the virtues and strength to do the right thing.

A Unit 3, 7 Civil Rd E pablo@umfacademy.com.au www.umfacademy.com.au

Townsville Academy Of Performing Arts (TAPA) Give your child the magic of dance through Australia’s leading early childhood programs Ready Set Dance, Ready Set Ballet and new in 2022; Ready Set Move with Me - a class for toddlers and their grown ups. Build confidence, coordination and creativity in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Singing and Music. It’s a whole lot of fun!

P 4723 2101 TAPA www.tapa.net.au

Ranchlands Equestrian Centre Ranchlands has been operating in Townsville for over 40 years, providing riding lessons to children from 6 years old through to adult. Horse riding lessons are conducted in a safe and fun environment where the riders are matched up with horses to suit their temperament and experience. They also offer Equine Assisted Learning, a program designed to help those experiencing anxiety, depression, or other emotional struggles.

A 83 Hammond Way P 4774 0124 www.ranchlands.com.au

City Cheer And Dance Studios City Cheer and Dance Studios staff have an endless evergrowing passion for teaching children about the amazing world of dance. They offer classes in jazz, contemporary, cheerleading, tumble and acro throughout the school term, including classes for under 5’s.

of high-speed kart control and how to follow race guidelines. Check online for membership options and race times.

A 1-7 Caldwell Street P 4401 5045 Pitstop Karting www.pitstopkarting.com.au

The Choi Kwang Do Master Academy If you’re on the hunt for a martial arts studio for you or your little one, look no further. The academy offers classes to children from 3 years through to teens and adults. Choi Kwang Do is more than just punching and kicking, it’s a style of martial arts that promotes cohesive, intricate and powerful movement for personal self defense.

A CKD Building 741 Riverway Drive P 4773 9794 or 0481 749 607 www.choikwang-do.com.au

Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts The Umbrella Studio offers Creative Kids and Creative Youth programs throughout the year that are often free of cost or subsidised. Their programs aim to encourage conceptualisation, interpretation, analysis, and skill development. They also offer digital resources, perfect for getting creative at home.

A 408 Flinders Street P 4772 7109 Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts www.umbrella.org.au

The Drill Hall Studio If you’ve got a little artist on your hands, the kids Art Attack program is perfect. It runs in 10 week blocks during the school term with both after school and weekend classes for children of various ages. They also offer adult and senior classes.

A 27 Mitchell St P 4721 2634 The Drill Hall Studio www.thedrillhallstudio.com.au

Townsville Sailing Club

Pitstop Karting

If you need another excuse to get out on the water, here it is! The Townsville Sailing Club offers a Learn To Sail program for children under 12, teens, and adults.

They aim to instill confidence and safety in water, while teaching the basics required to sail.

Pitstop Karting now runs junior, teen, and senior leagues. Entering your child at this level is a great way for them to develop skills and teaches the importance

A 3 Mariner Dr P 4772 1105 www.townsvillesailing.com.au

E info@citystudiostsv.com.au City Cheer & Dance Studios Townsville www.citystudios.store

16 January 2022 2021 | | www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

Extracurricular

Paul Sadler Swimland

Swim Studio

Paul Sadler Swimland provides Baby Swimming classes from 4 months to 3 years and Learn to Swim classes for children 3 and above. Their lessons focus on teaching deep water survival skills while having fun and building confidence in the water. There are also adult private lessons available.

Swim Studio pride themselves on providing a progressive swimming program that teaches lifelong skills and water safety. Each student receives the best aquatic education in a fun, nurturing environment, helping them develop a love for the water and physical activity. Their pools use magnesium-based chlorination making it gentle on the skin and eyes, and a better environment for those who suffer from eczema or asthma.

A 20-22 Freshwater Dr P 4779 4647 Paul Sadler Swimland Riverside Gardens www.paulsadlerswimland.com.au

City Libraries The library is the place to learn, relax and discover a love for reading. But did you know there’s more to discover beyond the books? Check in with your local CityLibrary to discover the after school activities available, as well as programs for you and baby.

CityLibraries are located at Aitkenvale, Thuringowa Central and Flinders Street.

P 4771 4230 www.townsville.qld.gov.au

PCYC Townsville The Police-Citizens Youth Club is a provider of youth and community support, programs, facilities, and more.

There are a variety of extra-curricular activities available for all ages and levels, including gymnastics and fitness classes. Launching Term 1, 2022 is “Little n Active”; building a foundation for all sports. Check online for more details.

A 126 Wellington Street, Aitkenvale P 4781 9100 PCYC Townsville www.pcyc.org.au/clubs/pcyc-townsville www.pcyc.org.au/littlenactive

Step Up Dance Townsville

A 389 Woolcock Street P 4725 4121 www.swimstudio.com.au

Ready Set Swim At Home Lessons Ready Set Swim are an AUSTSWIM Registered Swim School providing swimming lessons in your own pool with a qualified swimming instructor. Your child will learn in an environment they are familiar with, whether it’s for 30, 45 or 60 minutes. Lessons can be private or shared between family members! If you don’t have a pool then the option of meeting at a public pool is also available.

P 0405 622 175 E swimminglessons@readysetswim.com.au www.readysetswim.com.au

Reflexions Dance Studio Reflexions Dance Studio offers dance classes Monday Saturday for ages 2 and up.

Disciplines include Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Acro, and Hip Hop, plus they hold specialised classes for 2 - 5 year olds.

A 8 Keane Street, Currajong P 041319-7370 www.reflexionsdancestudio.com.au

Pandanus Park Golf Centre

Step Up Dance offers a unique dancing experience with various age groups and styles available. It also prides itself on being the go to for HipHop classes in Townsville. Check their Facebook page for more and stay tuned for their 2022 Sign Up Day.

Fun for the whole family - no experience necessary to play! Kids club hire is FREE, ball hire is from $10.00 a bucket. There is seating and shade for friends and parties, as well as a kiosk with drinks and snacks, and BBQ’s available for hire. A great way to get your kids outdoors and introduced to golf, in a family friendly and fun environment.

A 6/2 Woodman Ct, West End P 0428 846 813 Step Up Dance Townsville

A 2 Tompkins Road, Shaw P 477 4653 pandanusparkgolfcentre.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 17

Advertorial

Routines and Transitions An Integral Part to Beginning Kindergarten STORY Amanda Prideaux, Educator at Shaw Kindy Starting Kindergarten is a huge step in a child’s and parent or guardian’s life. Whether you’re transitioning your child from another service or just beginning the journey, there are lots of different ways to make the start of Kindergarten a positive one. Emotions are high and your child will take cues from you, so it’s important to show your confidence in them succeeding at Kindergarten.

Talk about going to Kindergarten in the weeks prior and begin setting up routines for mornings, goodbyes, and drop off’s. Try to attend the Kindergarten prior to your child’s first day. This might be an organised visit or during orientation. Have a look around, talk to the teachers, and explore the space.

A great way to encourage excitement about Kindergarten is to provide them with their own special bag, lunch box, water bottle, and hat. Encourage them to practice opening their lunch box and food packaging.

Provide food that you know your child enjoys and the utensils they’ll need to eat it (like a spoon for yogurt) to encourage a positive meal time experience.

Clothing is also important to consider. It’s a high energy space with lots to engage in. Ensuring your child is comfortable and able to move freely for running, climbing, messy play, sitting on a mat, toileting is

important. Encourage them to choose their clothes and have them ready for the day. You can even help them create their own Kindergarten uniform.

The first few days at Kindergarten are all about getting to know each other. This is for both the teachers and children. Some children may know each other through older siblings, or attending another service, however, there will be lots of new faces. We play games to help everyone get to know each other. It’s all about creating a sense of identity in the Kindergarten environment.

Routines and transitions are an integral part of the Kindergarten day and learning program. Routines include meal times, rest and relaxation, toileting, tidying up, free choice engagement, and teacherinitiated learning times. Transitions help children manage change, and help children move smoothly between experiences and play spaces.

Being three and four years old is a big deal.

There has been a whole lot of learning and development happening in those few short years. Some days will be smoother than others at Kindergarten. Keep the lines of communication open with the teachers, and they will also do the same with you. Kindergarten children are amazing and capable learners and everyone has something different to contribute at different times enjoy the journey.

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 19

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Milestones – Is My Baby on Track?

Social & Emotional Development in the First Two Years STORY Dr Adele Heyer, Consultant Paediatrician, Townsville Paediatrics Early childhood development provides the foundation for success later in life. The development of strong social skills has a significant impact on academic and career success in later life and is also associated with better physical and mental health outcomes.

The main goals of early social and emotional development are to form attachments, acquire selfregulation skills, develop communication and learning skills and to learn how to relate to peers. Babies are born with the desire to connect to those around them and start to develop relationships with other people from when they are born.

Newborn babies will respond positively to touch and will settle when comfort is provided or when they are picked up. Babies should start smiling, listening to voices and show pleasure in social interactions by the time they are 1 - 2 months old. Between 3 - 6 months of age, they will start recognising familiar faces, laugh, show their excitement by waving their arms and legs, show interest in other people, and will start responding to their name. By 9 months, they can understand and show a few different emotions, respond to some gestures and will differentiate between familiar people and strangers.

They will enjoy games like peek-a-boo and will cry or show displeasure when a parent leaves the room or a favourite toy is moved out of sight.

By one year old - your baby should be able to differentiate strangers from family, show affection and love, respond to their name, and show fear in new situations. They should understand simple commands

such as “no,” imitate a few actions such as shaking their head “no” or waving “bye-bye,” say a few words such as “mama” and “dada”, and should be able to try and copy what you say. At this age they are becoming more curious and should explore their surrounds, shake, bang and throw things, look for a hidden toy, start using things the right way, and be able to follow a simple instruction.

By the time they are two, they should be excited when they see other children, will mostly play beside other children but will start to include them in games. A twoyear-old should be able to talk in two-to-four-word sentences, follow simple instructions, know names of familiar people and point to body parts or pictures.

They should be able to build a tower with a few blocks and will start sorting colours and shapes.

Some social developmental red flags include babies who are not smiling, not interested in others, not sharing enjoyment, not looking at people, not making eye contact or using facial expressions. It is important to recognise these red flags early to enable a timely assessment and provide additional support to minimise delays. A parent’s instinct is normally right, if you are concerned that your baby is not meeting their milestones, please book an appointment with a child health professional to discuss this further. The Queensland Children’s Hospital has a very useful Red Flag Identification Guide which can be accessed at www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/wp-content/ uploads/PDF/red-flags.pdf

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 21

Bump, Bub and Beyond

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

Soka Tub $77.90 www.sokaaustralia.com.au The Soka Tub is an Australian made water saving laundry soaking system that allows you to separately soak soiled, delicate and colours all in the one unit using different laundry solutions whilst still having access to the sink and tap. One stylish and compact product saving water, time, space, laundry detergent, money and sanity! #lifestooshorttobeinthelaundry

VTech Play & Chase Puppy $49.95 - www.target.com.au Get playtime on a roll with the interactive Play & Chase Puppy. Learn about numbers and counting with floor play, then get up and dance with this puppy that turns and rolls along on its hoverboard. Keep the giggles and gross motor skills growing with a game of follow the leader. Motion sensors let the puppy avoid obstacles and keep it moving forward when someone is following it. Ready to rest?

Pick up the pup, it’s time to slow down. Press a light-up heart and interactive paw button to learn about numbers, counting, music, feelings and to hear encouraging phrases.

22 January 2022 2021 | | www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

Baby Shusher $34.99USD - babyshusher.com Soothe your fussy baby with Baby Shusher, the sound machine that soothes babies to sleep with a real human voice. The machine uses a rhythmic "Shhh" sound to break baby's crying spell. The Baby Shusher is wireless and portable, so it goes anywhere baby goes.

Each device comes with a handy wrist strap making it easier to carry or tether to the carseat.

The sound can be set for 15 or 30 minutes, depending on your baby's needs.

Simply twist the top section to select the time you want.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

The Top 5 Tips to Save Time, Money and Sanity in the Laundry

time and energy and is better for maintaining the integrity of fabrics and the shape of clothes.

Pressed for Time

My Famous DIY Combination Stain Removal Spray

Easily remove burnt residue off your iron plate by using a regular Panadol tablet. Turn iron on (hot setting) and rub the Panadol over the black residue by using tweezers to hold the tablet. Make sure the Panadol doesn’t have a plastic coating! The burnt build up will melt then you can easily wipe clean with a damp cloth.

• 1 cup double strength vinegar

Multitask in the Laundry Sink

• ¾ cup clear dishwashing liquid (Palmolive Eco or similar)

Increase the usability of your laundry sink with the Soka Tub – a compartmentalised laundry soaking system that allows you to soak multiple items separately to avoid cross contamination whilst saving water, detergent and time. It also eliminates the risk of children drowning. www.sokaaustralia.com.au

STORY Nicole Gibson; stain removal expert and Founder of Soka Australia

Heat initially in Microwave for 1 minute or warm on stove top to bind ingredients. Swirl before use Check out @sokaaustralia stain removal story highlights

Use Less Detergent To avoid the stiff and crunchy feeling of clean clothes simply cut back on the amount of laundry detergent you are using, switch to a low suds option and avoid fabric softeners. Use this simple formula to help.

Front loader – use 1/8 recommended laundry detergent + 2 tbs bicarb soda Top loader – use ¼ recommended laundry detergent + 2 tbs bicarb soda

Did You Know?

• Only about 4 percent of women actually give birth on their due date.

Quick Wash Setting Choosing a quick wash is the perfect cycle setting for those visually clean items that may have been worn a couple of times. A quick wash uses less water, detergent, saves

• Just after birth, a baby only sees in black and white.

By around 4 months, they will have developed their colour vision.

• Babies have more taste buds than adults.

• Statistics state that on average, parents lose an average of 6 months’ sleep in the first two years of their child’s life!

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 23

Adult Colouring

WIN a Copy of Lost & Found by Kathryn Schulz Eighteen months before Kathryn Schulz’s beloved father died, she met the woman she would marry. In Lost & Found, she weaves the stories of those relationships into a brilliant exploration of how all our lives are shaped by loss and discovery - from the maddening disappearance of everyday objects to the sweeping devastations of war, pandemic, and natural disaster; from finding new planets to falling in love. A staff writer at the New Yorker and winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Kathryn Schulz writes with curiosity, tenderness, erudition, and wit about our finite yet infinitely complicated lives. Crafted with the emotional clarity of C. S. Lewis and the intellectual force of Susan Sontag, Lost & Found is an uncommon book about common experiences. $34.99 - www.panmacmillan.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 28/02/2022. No need to submit colouring to enter.

24 January 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Pull-out kids activity mag!

AddamsFamily2

M eetTheAddams

Distributed Through United Artists Releasing. © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. The Addams Family™ Tee and Charles Addams Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

Distributed Through United Artists Releasing. © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. The Addams Family™ Tee and Charles Addams Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

Distributed Distributed Through Through United United Artists Artists Releasing.

Releasing. © 2021 © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures PictureI

Distributed Through United Artists Releasing. © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. The Addams Family™ Tee and Charles Addams Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

For your chance to WIN a family pass to The Addams Family 2, enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win.

Competition closes 10/01/2022. No need to submit activity to enter.

Use the numbered images as clues to complete the cossword. Then, colour me in!

Find 10 Differences

WIN a Wahu Mega Slide! $50.00 - www.wahu.com.au - Kids 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.

Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 31/01/2022.

No need to submit activities to enter.

BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY!

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

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1. Crayola Back-To-School Prize Pack - $60.00 - www.crayola.com.au - Get your kids excited to go back to school with this creative prize pack from Crayola! Products include a 24 pack Colors of the World Crayons, a 120-piece Inspiration Art Case and 64 pack of Washable Sidewalk Chalk. The Colors of the World crayon pack consist of 24 speciallyformulated colours representing people of the world. The Inspiration Art Case has over 100 tools for junior artists to get creative at home or on the go. And children can let their imagination run wild and create vibrant artwork on the sidewalk or in the driveaway with the Washable Sidewalk Chalk pack. 2. Rolla Bottle Twin Pack - $66.00 www.rollabottle.com.au - Rolla Bottle is the original roll small water bottle. It stands tall and functions as a regular water bottle when in use and rolls super small when empty.

Designed for functionality and convenience, compact Rolla Bottle is everything you want in a water bottle rolled pocket size! 3. Lockabox One Crystal - $59.99 - www.lockabox. com - A Lockabox One is somewhere to keep children’s devices (or your own) away from restless fingers, so you can get off those phones and spend a little more family time together. With one of their lightweight, portable secure boxes you don’t need to worry about setting up screen time controls on complicated devices or hiding phones or console controllers around the house. Once it’s in that box, it’s not coming out (until you say so). Shop now with 10 percent off using code pak10. 4. The Bumper Treehouse Fun Book by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton - $19.99 - www.panmacmillan.com.au - The Bumper Treehouse Fun Book is packed with over 300 pages of treehouse-inspired fun! With the FUNNEST activities from the Treehouse Fun Books and a whole heap of brand new ones, there are pictures to draw, stories to write, codes to crack, sudokus to solve, colour-ins, dot-to-dots, mazes, crosswords, word searches, spot-the-differences and some activities that we don’t even have a name for! So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pen, pencil,

28 January 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

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crayon or spooncil and come on in! 5. Modibodi RED Period Kit with Hipster Bikini - $50.00 - www.modibodi.com - The Modibodi RED Period Kit is the perfect period introduction to help tweens (and let’s face it, parents too) navigate changing bodies. Each item in the kit has been designed to help you inject some fun, feel special and most of all, secure during your period. Simply add the Period Kit to your bundle, followed by your choice of either one pair of our Hipster Bikini or one pair of our Hipster Boyshort in the desired size and you’re good to go! 6. Munch Back to School Pack - $200.00 - www.munchcupboard.com - Get back to school and help the planet with these eco friendly lunch products from Munch. The prize pack includes Litterless Lunch Bag, Stainless Steel Drink Bottle, Bento Box and Containers, Roll Down Lunch bag, Beeswax food covers and eco friendly Ice Pops. The perfect alternative that’s fun to boot! 7. School Zone Back to School Pack Valued at $300.00 - Prices start from $4.99 RRP, available at all major retailers or www.hinkler.com.au - Start the year off on the right foot and open the door to the extraordinary with School Zone from Hinkler! In a class of its own, each School Zone book is age-appropriate, teacher-approved and designed to make home learning fun whilst maintaining resilience and motivation for learning. The Back to School Prize Pack includes new Learning Kits, Pack and Play Satchels, Puffy Sticker Learning Books, Write and Wipe Kits and a new Tracing Activity Book all specifically designed around the Australian educational curriculum. 8. Thermos® FUNtainer® Drink Bottle and Stainless Steel Food Jar Set - $29.99 - Available from Big W, Officeworks and Myer - The ultimate back to school set-up, this matching set includes the Thermos® FUNtainer® 355ml Vacuum Insulated Drink Bottle and Thermos® FUNtainer® 290ml Stainless Steel Food Jar. Perfect for keeping kids lunches hot for up to 5 hours, cold for up to 7 hours, and water cool for 12 hours.

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 29

Education

Ready for School: Turning Everyday Moments into Learning Adventures STORY Dr Rosemarie Truglio, Senior Vice President of Curriculum and Content at Sesame Workshop Your child’s preschool years are a time of wonder, imagination, curiosity, experimentation, relationships, challenges, and most importantly, joy – both in your life and in your child’s.

Today’s families however, are often stressed and super busy balancing a myriad of demands. These demands on our time mean that there has been a decline in children’s play and families playing together. This decline is a concern, because it is through play that children learn a range of important school-readiness skills.

When children are engaged in play that is meaningful, joyful and socially interactive, they are learning a range of academic skills, physical skills, social skills (such as communication and conflict resolution), emotional skills (like empathy and self-confidence) and creativity.

The great news is that there are some simple ways to turn every day moments into learning adventures.

Everyday Adventures with Words Strong language skills help children to understand the world around them and express what they know, which is important for school achievement, but also critical for managing their emotions and building relationships.

Start by encouraging your child, regardless of their age, to look at all of the things and actions in their environment and name them. This can include simple things when getting dressed (‘shirt’, ‘zipper’, ‘button’, elastic’); taking a bath (‘hot water’, ‘cold water’, ‘bubbles’, ‘soap’, ‘face washer’); cooking (‘mixing bowl’, ‘chop’, ‘peel’, ‘measuring cups’, labelling ingredients), and laundry (sort clothes by colour, size or types of clothes).

Point out various objects and label them. For example, when you’re out walking or riding in your car with your child, indicate familiar things in your neighbourhood: trees, birds, flowers, dogs, bicycles, buses, trains, trucks, the school, the supermarket, or things your child sees frequently. Also ask questions like ‘What colour is the bus?’, ‘I see two birds. How many do you see?’

Everyday Adventures with Numbers Supporting early maths skills can be as easy as involving children in everyday ‘maths moments’ such as measuring ingredients for a recipe, setting the table for a family dinner, or choosing the biggest watermelon for a large family gathering.

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 31

Education

Discussing maths at home also need not be intimidating or anxiety provoking. You can find plenty of places and situations around the home where mathematics skills can be introduced, such as: • In the kitchen: Give everyone at the table a few pieces of food, such as crackers or carrots. Ask each child to count the items in their pile. Ask ‘Did everyone get an equal, or the same amount? If not, how many pieces do you need to add to each pile to make them all the same?’

• In the bathroom: Use different sizes and shapes of plastic cups and measuring cups to play with in the bath and to compare amounts. With younger children, simply explore the concepts of ‘full’ and ‘empty’ by filling up the cups and pouring them out together. Challenge older children to predict which cup will hold the most water, and which one will hold the least.

ants, leaves or flowers. Together, check out and count how many different types of birds you see or how many shapes of leaves you see on the trees. For birds, observe how they fly and where they fly to. Do you see a nest? If you see leaves on the ground, try to identify which tree they dropped from.

• A wonderful way to introduce young children to weather is to talk about the fascinating aspects of wind, especially in reference to the senses.

For example, we can see the wind as it creates ripples across the water. We can hear the wind in the rustling of the leaves through the trees. We can feel the wind when a soft breeze caresses our cheeks. When talking to your child about the wind, ask them to come up with ways they can see, hear, touch, smell – and even taste the wind, and see what they come up with!

Even Meltdowns Can Be Learning Moments

• In the bedroom: As kids lie in bed, play ‘I Spy’ together, using spatial relational words like ‘under’, ‘over’, ‘next to’, and ‘behind’. Clue each other in as to what you spy by describing where an object is. For example, you might say ‘I spy something under the clock’, or ‘I spy something next to the bookshelf.’

How parents react to stress has a big impact on little ones. Model calmness by using self-talk and feeling words – “Oh no, I burned the pizza! I feel so frustrated…

I could really use a hug.”— in front of your child.

Seeing self-regulating strategies in action at home will help them learn to manage their own feelings in school and beyond.

Everyday Adventures with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

When it comes to your child, and playful learning, remember these three core principles:

When your child is at play, notice how they figure out how things work and investigate the world around them.

They are an engineer when building a garage for a toy car; a mathematician when measuring the width and height of the toy garage; a technician when using tools to build a ramp to get the cars in and out of the garage; and a scientist when noticing the different cars go down the ramp at different speeds! Through the lens of science, children build their understanding of the world.

Parents are essential to school readiness – you know your child best, and that makes you uniquely equipped to nurture in your child a lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the world.

Here are some simple ways to foster your child’s interest in scientific discovery and investigation: • When you’re outside with your child, encourage him or her to look closely at living things such as birds,

Opportunities for learning are everywhere – at the kitchen table, on the bus, or in the supermarket, children develop skills and build their understanding of the world through everyday moments and daily routines.

Learning through play is critically important – with the right support and encouragement, all parents can engage in playful activities to help their children get ready for school and for a happy, healthy and successful life!

Dr Rosemarie Truglio Ph.D. has been a vital presence at Sesame Workshop for more than two decades. She is the Senior Vice President of Curriculum and Content at Sesame Workshop, overseeing content development across media platforms and product distribution and is an authority on child development. www.sesameworkshop.org

Dr Truglio is author of “Ready for School! A parent’s guide to playful learning for children ages 2 to 5” where you’ll find further tips and resources for creating everyday learning adventures for your child. For your chance to WIN a copy head to www.pakmag.com.au/win. For more information on the book and to purchase a copy head Amazon, Booktopia or other book retailers.

32 January 2022 2021 | | www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

Health

All Things Health Jana Gorski

Have You Got Rushing Woman’s Syndrome? What is it, and How Can I Help my Body

Naturopath Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy

and Mind Keep up with Being a Busy Mum? STORY James Jensen, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Australian Nutrition Centre Feeling like you're constantly running against the clock?

Rushing Woman's Syndrome is the term coined to describe the cascade of hormonal changes that happen when we feel stressed for extended periods. It evolved from women’s health being drastically affected by the constant rush many women live in.

It can manifest in the form of unexplained weight gain, fatigue, mood swings and of course, stress. Whilst recommendations include meditating and practising relaxation, the reality is that many women don’t have the luxury of ‘slowing down.’ Instead, you can start by assessing where things are breaking down and support the body accordingly. For instance, if your digestion is out of order, it is probably affecting your skin, sleep and menstrual cycle.

It’s all a flow-on effect. Start by changing things in your diet, supporting your gut with healing herbs and using adaptogen herbs and vitamins for your adrenal system. This will help improve sleeping habits, and balance hormones.

Dear Jana, Do I need a referral to see a Naturopath?

You don’t need a referral but you may wish to research your Naturopath first and possibly speak to them before booking an appointment to find out if they’re the right practitioner for you.

The right Naturopath for you will be one that is appropriately educated, registered and knowledgeable about your condition. There is much to be said for the therapeutic relationship also so make sure your Naturopath is one that you feel comfortable with.

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy www.calannapharmacy.com.au

For more advice on nutritional and hormonal support, talk to your health practitioner or book a consultation at www.australiannutritioncentre.com.au.

Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium supports the management of muscular cramps and mild spasms. A combination of a highly absorbable form of magnesium plus all the nutrients your body needs to use it means you’ll get the most benefit from this essential mineral.

Magnesium supplements may also provide relief during times of stress, symptoms of PMS and menstrual cramps, as well as promote efficient energy production.

If you think magnesium is right for you, pick up your Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium from your nearest Calanna Pharmacy today.

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

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 35

Kids in the Kitchen School Holiday Baking Fun STORY Lou Duggan aka Baker Girl Lou

Rainbow Sprinkle Fish Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Serves: 12 What You Need: • • • • • •

65g Unsalted Butter 1 Large Egg 120g Caster Sugar 90g Self-Raising Flour 1 Tsp Vanilla Essence 250g Icing Mixture

• • • • • •

90g Unsalted Butter 1 Tbsp Of Milk 1 Tsp Of Blue Food Colouring 1 Milk Chocolate Melt 60g Rainbow Sprinkles 250g Ready to Roll White Icing

Ice-Cream Cone Cupcakes Gather the kids and ask them to imagine what their dream cone would look like, then head to the supermarket to gather your favourite toppings. The decorations below are the ones I used to make my dream ice-cream cone.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Makes: 6 ice-cream stacks What You Need: • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

125g Unsalted Butter Cubed 2 Large Eggs 235g Caster Sugar 180g Self-Raising Flour 1 Tsp Vanilla Essence 12 Large Cupcake Cases 500g Icing Mixture

160g Unsalted Butter 1-2 Tbsp Of Milk Food Colouring 2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder 6 Waffle Cones Sprinkles

Method: Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C, grease a 20cm round tin with butter and flour, and line with baking paper. Place the butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until soft.

Add the eggs, milk and vanilla essence, mix to combine, then sift in the flour and beat for 1 minute. Pour into the greased tin and cook for 30 - 35 minutes. Leave to cool completely before removing the cake from the tin.

Cut a triangular wedge out of the cake to make the mouth opening, and place as the tail.

To make the icing, place the butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until soft. Add half of the icing mixture and the milk, then add the remaining icing mixture, beat until combined, then add some blue food colouring.

To make the icing, place the butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until soft. Add half of the icing mixture and the milk, then add the remaining icing mixture and continue to beat until fully combined. Split the icing between the colours you have chosen and add food colouring drop by drop. If any colour needs a little more milk, add ½ a teaspoon at a time until a thick but easily spreadable consistency is achieved. Ice each cupcake with a thick layer, and make it look like a ball of ice cream. Decorate the cupcakes with your chosen topping, and place your waffle cone on the board. Push the first cupcake just inside the cone, and the second cupcake against the first. If you want to add a chocolate topping, you can use melted chocolate or a squeezy bottle of fudge sauce.

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Lou Duggan is the founder of Cake 2 The Rescue, an award-winning DIY cake kit company which has helped more than 40,000 Australian families pour their love into a homemade cake. www.cake2therescue.com.au

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Ice the cake, then decorate and add stripes using sprinkles. Cut a circle of white icing for the eye, place a chocolate melt for the pupil, and roll a white ball for the glare. Cut out a white icing heart to make the fin, adding 4 lines to the top using the back of a knife. Then complete by rolling out some icing for the mouth and tail.

Preheat the oven to 180°C, and place 12 cupcake cases into a tin. Place the butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until soft, then add the eggs, milk, vanilla essence and combine. Sift in the flour and beat for 1 minute. Pour the batter evenly into the cupcake cases, making sure to not overfill beyond half way, then bake for 20 - 30 minutes.

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 37

School Holiday Guide

School Holiday Guide Activities at SHED 3

Genesis Kidzfit

Shed 3 delivers a range of activities run by a dedicated group of professional artists and volunteers. Check out their extensive school holiday program with activities such as circus, upcycled sewing, tie dye, vision boards, jewellery making, mosaics and digital music classes.

If you need another reason to join Genesis gym, here it is! Their program Kidzfit, specifically for members’ children will let you get your work out in, as well as theirs. Tailored for children aged 5 -10, this class aims to motivate movement, fitness, and confidence. It’s the perfect break for you, and the perfect distraction for them. Give them a call to sign up and for more info on Kidzfit classes.

A 15 Oonoonba Road, Idalia P 0466 644 740 www.shed3.com.au

Ninja Parc Ninja Parc offers the thrills and spills of the popular television show in a kid-friendly format that encourages kids to get moving, get stronger, improve agility, and problem solving, all while having a tonne of fun! Parents can drop their kids off or stay and enjoy the onsite café.

The school holiday program runs through to 21 January and offers 3 hours of fully supervised fun at 9.00am - 12.00pm or 1.00pm - 4.00pm, every weekday for school kids aged 6 - 14 years. Costs $55.00 per child and includes a snack.

A 18 Black Hawk Boulevard P 0427 139 762 Ninja Parc Townsville www.ninjaparc.com.au

Angelfish Dragonfly Angelfish Dragonfly will be hosting children’s Craft Classes throughout the holidays. There are limited numbers so make sure to book in quick! Costs vary from $30.00 - $55.00. Check out their facebook page for updates, costs and a full list of activities. To book give them a call.

A The Precinct, Idalia P 0407 289 081 Angelfish Dragonfly - Baby and Children’s Boutique www.angelfishdragonfly.com.au

38 January 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

A 72-88 Hervey Range Rd P 07 4723 1490 Genesis Health and Fitness Thuringowa www.genesisfitness.com.au/gym/qld/thuringowa

Sealink Ferry To Magnetic Island Make the most of our location and visit Magnetic Island, getting there couldn’t be easier with Sealink. Take the whole family for a day trip and explore the national parks, trails, and beaches. Tickets are available online, at the terminal or on-board the ferry. Sealink is also offering a special during the school holidays where two students can travel return to Magnetic Island for only $30.00. Offer ends January 23.

A Breakwater Terminal on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive P 1300 624 443 www.sealinkqld.com.au

King Reef Resort 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.

A 75 Jacobs Rd, Kurrimine Beach P 4065 6144 King Reef Resort www.kingreef.com.au

Mary MacKillop Childcare NQ Make this school holiday season less stressful by booking your child into part time or full time vacation care at one of the 14 Mary MacKillop Childcare NQ Outside School Hours Care Centres. As part of the vacation care 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 to find a Vacation Care program near you.

P 4726 3299 E childcare@mmcnq.catholic.edu.au Townsville Catholic Education www.mmcnq.catholic.edu.au

Wildcatz Indoor Sports Wildcatz Indoor Sports offer a fun and social way to exercise, get fit and have fun. There’s plenty of fun for adults too - from social teams through to competitive levels. Nominate a team with your friends, or let the staff find a suitable team for you. Rain or shine, it’s always time for a game at Wildcatz Indoor Sports.

A 18 Black Hawk Boulevard, Thuringowa Central P 4723 1414 E info@wildcatzindoorsports.com.au Wildcatz Indoor Sports (Official) www.wildcatzindoorsports.com.au

The CaPTA Group The CaPTA Group Annual Pass allows you to have 12 months unlimited admission to the beautiful Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, Rainforestation Nature Park and Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas. Locals get 20 percent off. Cost: $325.00 for a family, $130.00 for an Adult, $65.00 for a child. Visit the website for terms and conditions. www.capta.com.au

TYTO - The Hinchinbrook Way TYTO is open 365 days a year and is the perfect place for a family day trip of relaxation and education. There is a Regional Art Gallery, a mini military museum, parklands and wetlands, a library and more. From TYTO you can explore Hinchinbrook, a place of beauty surrounded by attractions, including Wallaman Falls – the largest single drop waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere!

A 73/75 Mcilwraith St, Ingham P 4776 4792 Visit TYTO www.tyto.com.au

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

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 39

School Holiday Guide

Pandanus Park Golf Centre Kids of all ages can come and try golf at Pandanus Park Golf Centre’s undercover driving range. The golf centre is open seven days a week, bookings not required. Kids aged 14 and under can play from $10.00 each with the ‘Have-A-Go Pack’, which includes a small bucket of 45 balls and Kids Club hire. Adults from $12.00 each.

Visit the website for more information.

A 2 Tompkins Road, Shaw P 4774 6532 Pandanus Park www.pandanusparkgolfcentre.com.au

kicking. There are a variety of classes and programs suitable for Tiny Tigers, children, teens, and adults, and there’s even the option to learn virtually.

Participate in a try out course that included 2 - 3 sessions, a uniform and special holidays training extension offer. Cost: $50.00. Runs 10 - 27 January.

Bookings required.

A CKD Building 741 Riverway Drive, Thuringowa Central P 4773 9794 or 0481 749 607 Choi Kwang Do Master Academy www.choikwang-do.com.au

Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts Creative Kids

Warrina Ice Skating Escape the heat and humidity and have a cool time these summer holidays with family and friends at Townsville’s very own ice skating rink. All sessions are 90 minutes long, from 9.00am to 4.00pm. Don’t want to skate? Tobogganing is only $5.00 for six whole slides!

Visit the website below for more information. Cost includes skate hire and starts from $10.00 for children aged 5 and under, $16.00 for 6 - 14 years, $18.00 for 15 and older, and $65.00 for a family pass. You can also get groovy at Disco Night, on every Friday and Saturday 7.00pm - 9.00pm.

Creative Kids is Umbrella’s digital art program for kids aged 3 to 11. They can follow instructions through the workshops and let their imagination run wild as they use a variety of techniques and materials to create art. They also offer Creative Youth programs, kits, and workshops so stay up to date on their site.

A 3/5 Illuka St, Currajong P 0407 988 628 Warrina Ice Skating Rink www.warrinaiceskating.com.au

Perc Tucker Gallery

Billabong Sanctuary Get a dose of native Aussie wildlife at Billabong Sanctuary these school holidays. Get up close and personal with their most cuddliest of creatures, then watch the giant crocs feast. Once it’s time for a little relaxation, grab a picnic spot and let the kids loose at the swimming pool Cost: $26.00 children 4 - 16 years, $39.00 adults, $24.00 additional child, $115.00 for a family (2A + 3C). Open from 9.00am – 2.00pm every day.

A 17km South of Townsville on the Bruce Highway P 4778 8344 Billabong Sanctuary www.billabongsanctuary.com.au

Check out what there is to do these school holidays through Perc Tucker Regional Gallery with FREE online Art Workshops and Resources. Don’t forget to pop in and view some of the amazing exhibitions on display too! Crafty Kids - A series of art workshops for families and kids of all ages is a great way to get their creativity flowing. Check out their online workshops, Playful Paper Clay Pots, Imagine Animal Portraits, Modern Masks, and so much more. For the older bunch, there’s Creative Crowd - Designed for teenagers, exploring art techniques and technology. View the videos online to see what you can create and for upcoming workshops.

A Cnr Denham and Flinders Streets P 13 48 10 www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Join the Summer Reading Club

PCYC Townsville PCYC Safer Communities are running a Dodgeball competition for young people aged 8 - 17 years on 11 and 18 January at PCYC Townsville. Join in the fun 9.30am 11.30am; there are prizes and a BBQ lunch provided. This is a free activity and bookings are required.

The PCYC also offers Outside School Hours Care, and a variety of fun programs and activities for all ages and levels, including gymnastics, gym and fitness, plus other community activities. Visit the website for more information.

A 130 Wellington St, Aitkenvale P 4781 9100 PCYC Townsville www.pcyc.org.au

The Summer Reading Club is a fun free program delivered annually by the State Library of Queensland online and in public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres across Queensland. Join the Club and participate in challenges, share book reviews, artwork and comment on other club member posts. There are also loads of activities being run by CityLibraries throughout January - find out more at whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au. www.summerreadingclub.slq.qld.gov.au

North Townsville Community Hub (NOTCH) NOTCH runs various school holiday programs and events.

Check out their Facebook page for up to date details.

Choi Kwang Do Master Academy At this academy, full-time professional instructors help kids from 3 years old to learn martial arts, discipline, self control, and goal setting. Helping grow confidence and technique, it is much more than just punching and

40 January 2022 2021 | | www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

A 408 Flinders Street P 4772 7109 Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts www.umbrella.org.au

Wed 12 January - Hippie Craft and Dress Up Day Mon 17 January - Geocaching and Wet Play Day Wed 19 January - Movie in the Park Fri 21 January - Summer Pool Party A 52 Palm Drive, Deeragun.

North Townsville Community Hub www.notch.org.au

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

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

Daddy Diary

Daddy Diary I like to think of myself as a pretty strong-stomached kind of guy. The sight of blood, dead things and the “Saw” movies never really phased me. Which is good when you have kids. Gross body stuff happens on a daily basis once kidletts are in the mix.

But recently something in me has changed and a dreaded transformation has occurred. I, dear readers, have recently discovered that I am now a ‘sympathy spewer’. Gross.

If you are not familiar with the sympathy spew it’s a simple concept. It’s a person who spews at the sight of another person’s spew. Not a good quality to possess when your two-year-old randomly wakes you at midnight on a Saturday, crying that he has a sore stomach. But little was I to know this was just the start of a sickly few days featuring Mr 2 (our little boy Charlie).

The following day was a nightmare. Trying to get a walk-in appointment at your GP on a Sunday is a bit like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow; it’s a nice idea but really hard to actually pull off. Once we were in - the doc was totally amazing. He gave Charlie a really solid once over before prescribing him fluids, rest (he is two years old, not gonna happen) and the old Panadol/ Nurofen every three hours trick. It took a good few days (and sleepless nights) before Charlie was back to his bouncing, bubbly self. But jeez, they are tough days aren’t they?

I remember my mother warning me when my eldest child Matilda was a newborn - of the pitfalls of sick kids.

It’s just the worst. The helplessness of not being able to ease their pain is heartbreaking. You would take the sickness off them and onto yourself in a heartbeat if you could. But unfortunately, that is not a skill I possess.

The only sickness skill in my repertoire seems to be the sympathy spew. Not a desirable one. I love you so much Charlie boy, midnight spews and all…

Cliffo Hit 103.1

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 43

Community Noticeb o ard

Safer Internet Day 2022 Taking Things Up a NOTCH North Townsville Community Hub (NOTCH), connects the community via a range of playgroups, school holiday programs, local community events, as well as volunteering and placebased programs. NOTCH also offers support through their Emergency Relief program, food rescue programs, disaster recovery hub and the Northern Beaches Mental Health Network. Stay connected to your community with NOTCH. www.notch.org.au

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When: 3.00pm – 6.00p January m, 12 and 19 Where: Upper R oss PCY 43 Allam C, bie Lan e, Rasm More in ussen fo: Enjo y table te music a nnis, Xb nd aftern ox, oon tea PCYC U . FREE. pper Ro ss

44 January 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Tuesday February 8 is Safer Internet Day; a global initiative celebrated in 170 countries that encourages people across the world to make the internet a safer, more positive place.

This year’s theme is #PlayitFairOnline. There is no place for online abuse. We can all help to make life online enjoyable by being kind and respectful to each other. eSafety provides resources and support to all Australians to help them to stay safe online, find out more and sign up to support #SID2022 at www.esafety.gov.au/sid

Get Active Expo When: Sunday January 16 Where: Townsville Stadium More info: This once-a-year sport, recreation, health and fitness expo is back in 2022 - bigger and better. Head down to check out the exhibitors and active zones! whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

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olidays mmer H ut the Su o online h d g n u a ro e h Townsvill When: T s e ri d ra ityLib Guide Where: C s include : Activitie n Smash w fo o in r u re o Mo reating y c , s (Rescue lk ts a Story W ing to Pe d a e R . l, urna io Group Book Jo uth Stud o Y .gov.au d ld n a .q club.slq g animals) in d a e mmerr www.su

School Savvy NQ – Helping Our Community Head Back-To-School School Savvy NQ is an annual back-to-school initiative helping children and families who are in need of assistance in our community.

Centacare NQ set up pop-up stores that have pre-loved uniforms and basic stationery supplies available to purchase at very little cost, with prices generally ranging between one to six dollars.

The pop up stores will be open January 10 – 21, 10.00am – 2.00pm weekdays.

Find them at Centacare NQ: Townsville - 410 Ross River Road, Cranbrook Burdekin - 4/143 Edwards Street, Ayr Donations of pre-loved school uniforms, school supplies and money are welcome to support this initiative.

You can also support the initiative by liking and sharing their Facebook updates to get the School Savvy NQ word out to the community.

School Savvy NQ www.centacarenq.org.au/schoolsavvy

Participate in the Recycle Regatta When: Australia Day, January 26, 12.00pm Where: Rockpool, The Strand (Next to Kissing Point, Jezzine Barracks) Return-It and Townsville City Council invite you to participate in the Return-It Recycle Regatta!

A fun free event for all ages to get your creative juices flowing and your recycled items floating!

Get a team together (max. four people), register, design your recycled boat and head to the Rockpool on the 26th to join in the fun.

Great prizes up for grabs for Junior, Open and Emergency Services Races, as well as best-dressed and most creative boat! There’ll also be live music and entertainment from 12.00pm.

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.

Find out more and register at: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 45

What’s On SATURDAY 1 JANUARY Nurture Nation Memberships Open Runs until 31 January A place for parents to unite and ignite. $99.00 / For parents www.pakmag.com.au/ nurturenation Arryn Snowball: Slack Water Exhibition Runs until 22 January Pinnacles Gallery 10.00am - 5.00pm / FREE / G Townsville City Galleries Postcards from Paradise The Townsville Watercolour Group are presenting a selection of postcard sized original paintings.

Runs until 30 January Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 10.00am - 5.00pm (Monday Friday) / FREE / G www.townsville.qld.gov.au/ptrg 66th Townsville Art Society Awards Runs until 13 February Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 10.00am - 5.00pm (Monday Friday) / FREE / G www.townsville.qld.gov.au/ptrg Fresh Material Exhibition Runs until 6 February Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 10.00am - 5.00pm (Monday Friday) / FREE / G www.townsville.qld.gov.au/ptrg Ninja Parc Christmas School Holiday Program Runs until 21 January Ninja Parc 9.00am - 4.00pm / $55.00 / G www.ninjaparc.com.au The 43rd Hinchinbrook Art Awards 2021 Runs until 30 January Hinchinbrook Shire Library FREE / G www.hinchinbrookway.com.au Batuta Gallery 4/9 The Esplanade, Picnic Bay 9.00am - 2.00pm (Tuesday to Sunday) / FREE / G www.batutagallery.com

Sprouting Sunflowers at Yolanda Runs until 27 January. Bring the kids to plant their very own take home sunflower.

2/56 Yolanda Drive, Annandale 8.30am - 2.00pm / FREE / G Yolanda General Store Summer Reading Club Runs throughout the Summer School Holidays www.summerreadingclub.slq. qld.gov.au There’s also events being run

by CityLibraries throughout January whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Sealink Ferry To Magentic Island Student Deal Runs until 23 January Breakwater Terminal 2 Students for $30.00 www.sealinkqld.com.au MONDAY 3 JANUARY Additional public holiday for New Year’s Day Kids ‘Stay Active’ Holiday Tennis Clinic Runs until 7 January Kalynda Chase Regional Tennis 8.00am - 5.00pm / Get in touch for costs / G Kalynda Chase Regional Tennis Postcards from Paradise The Townsville Watercolour Group are presenting a selection of postcard sized original paintings. Runs until 30 January Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 10.00am - 5.00pm (Monday Friday) / FREE / G Townsville City Galleries TUESDAY 4 JANUARY Children’s Pottery Class Runs until 5 January The HUB Creative Space, 16 Casey Street, Aitkenvale 9.00am - 11.30am / $75.00 / G The Hub Creative Space Townsville

46 January 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

With HIT 103.1’s Cliffo & Gabi

WEDNESDAY 5 JANUARY Zumba with Merryl Runs weekly until 22 June, except public / school holidays Heatley Community Centre 6.00pm / $10.00 per session / G - All ages whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Kidzfit at Genesis Health + Fitness Runs every Wednesday Genesis Health & Fitness Thuringowa 3.45pm / $5.00 per child, $45.00 for a 10-class pass / 5 - 10 years (fully-supervised) Genesis Health and Fitness Thuringowa P 4723 1490 THURSDAY 6 JANUARY Make Your Own Smash Book Journal Aitkenvale CityLibraries 10.00am and 11.00am / $15.00 per session (bookings required) / 8 -12 years whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au FRIDAY 7 JANUARY JCU Townsville Fire v Adelaide TECC 7.00pm / $15.00 - $26.00 / G JCU Townsville Fire SATURDAY 8 JANUARY Townsville Urban Gelsoft Games Cranbrook State School 4.00pm - 8.00pm / $30.00 $35.00 / 10 years + Adrenaline Games Qld The Ultimate ABBA Show Also run 15 and 22 January Stage Door Theatre Restaurant 5.00pm - 9.45pm / $79.00 $89.00 / PG www.stagedoortheatre.com.au SUNDAY 9 JANUARY JCU Townsville Fire v Bendigo Spirit TECC 5.00pm / $15.00 - $26.00 / G JCU Townsville Fire

Acrylic Painting Workshop For Beginners Paint like Picasso Jezzine Barracks Hut 26 1.00pm - 4.00pm / $65.00 / M P: 0457 293 747 Ayr Urban Gelsoft Games Ayr State High School 4.00pm - 8.00pm / $30.00 $35.00 / 10 years + Adrenaline Games Qld MONDAY 10 JANUARY School Savvy NQ Pop-Up Shop Runs weekdays until 21 January Centacare NQ - Townsville: 410 Ross River Road, Cranbrook Burdekin: 4/143 Edwards Street, Ayr 10.00am - 2.00pm / FREE entry / G School Savvy NQ Kids ‘Stay Active’ Holiday Tennis Clinic Runs until 14 January Kalynda Chase Regional Tennis 8.00am - 5.00pm / Get in touch for costs / G Kalynda Chase Regional Tennis Train With The Girls 12 Week Challenge 16-24 Brampton Ave, Cranbroook Contact organisers for details Train With The Girls Townsville SHED 3 School Holiday Classes Classes run until 21 January 15 Oonoonba Road, Idalia Various classes / times - check websie for details www.shed3.com.au SHED 3 Open Day 15 Oonoonba Road, Idalia 9.00am - 12.00pm / G www.shed3.com.au Choi Kwang Do Master Academy Try Out Course Runs until 27 January Choi Kwang Do Master Academy Check online for booking times / $50.00 / G www.choikwang-do.com.au

Stay and Play in the Park and Story Walk Launch (Summer Reading Club) Raintree Grove, 20 Village Boulevard, Thuringowa Central 8.30am - 11.00am / FREE (bookings required) / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Also runs 13, 18 and 20 January Raintree Grove, 20 Village Boulevard, Thuringowa Central 9.00am, 10.00am, 11.00am / FREE / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

TUESDAY 11 JANUARY

Introductory Communication Class (Grades 6 and 7) Presented by Speakeze M3, Global Studies, Pimlico High School 9.00am - 3.00pm / $49.00 / Students in Grades 6 and 7 www.speakeze.com.au

Come and Play Session Also runs 18 January Gymbaroo Townsville 9.00am - 10.00am / $11.00 / from 6 weeks old to crawler babies GymbaROO Townsville Come and Play Session Also runs 18 January Gymbaroo Townsville 10.30am - 12.30pm / $17.00 / from walker to 5 years GymbaROO Townsville

WEDNESDAY 12 JANUARY

Hippie Craft and Dress Up Day With NOTCH See Facebook Page for details North Townsville Community Hub

Dodge Ball Competition Also runs 18 January PCYC Townsville, Aitkenvale 9.30am - 11.30am / FREE (bookings required) / 8 - 17 years PCYC Townsville

Youth Zone - Presented by Upper Ross PCYC Also runs 19 January 43 Allambie Lane, Rasmussen 3.00pm - 6.00pm / FREE / Youth PCYC Upper Ross

Introductory Communication Class (Grades 4 and 5) Presented by Speakeze M3, Global Studies, Pimlico High School 9.00am - 3.00pm / $49.00 / Students in Grades 4 and 5 www.speakeze.com.au

Summer Reading Club Reading to Pets Also runs 13 and 19 January Thuringowa Library 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE (bookings required) / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Kids Holiday Club Egyptian Adventure Runs until 13 January Willows Presbyterian Church, 26 Carthew Street 9.00am - 12.00pm / FREE (registrations essential) / Prep to Grade 6 www.willows.org.au/events Guided Story Walk The Coloured Echidna

THURSDAY 13 JANUARY Yoga for Happiness 5 week program Runs weekly until 15 December.

These yoga classes help participants to discover how yoga can lighten the mood.

Townsville South State School 6.30pm - 8.00pm / $100.00 / 15 years + www.yogaaspirations.com.au

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

FRIDAY 14 JANUARY

acrylic painting skills.

Jezzine Barracks, Hut 26 1.00pm - 4.00pm / $65.00 / M P: 0457 293 747

Beddy Rays - Sunshine State Tour Otherwise Bar 9.00pm - 11.30pm / $69.00 $79.00 / 18 years + Beddy Rays

Townsville Jungle Gelsoft Games Tarmaroo Scout Camp, Bluewater 2.00pm - 6.00pm / $30.00 $35.00 / 10 years + Adrenaline Games Qld

JCU Townsville Fire v Sydney Flames TECC 7.30pm / $15.00 - $26.00 / G JCU Townsville Fire

MONDAY 17 JANUARY

SATURDAY 15 JANUARY Establishing the Yoga Basics - 5 week program Runs weekly until 17 December Townsville South State School 8.00am - 9.15am / $100.00 / 15 years + www.yogaaspirations.com.au Defensive Driving Course Also runs 17 January Hermit Park 8.15am - 4.00pm / $249.00 $279.00 www.advanceddrivertraining. com.au SUNDAY 16 JANUARY Get Active Expo Townsville Stadium 10.00am - 2.00pm / FREE entry / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Mandarin and Japanese Introduction Classes Flinders Street Library 9.00am, 10.00am and 11.00am / FREE (bookings required) / Primary and High School Students www.languagetutor.com.au Acrylic Painting Workshop For Beginners BYO sip wine and learn some painting techniques in the style of Picasso, or refresh your

Geocaching and Wet Play Day With NOTCH See Facebook Page for details North Townsville Community Hub Reset and Relax In this five-class series you will experience and learn specific body-breath-mind yoga strategies to release stress and enhance your persona 143 Walker St, Townsville 5.00pm - 7.00pm / FREE, Register online / M www.spnq.org New Year Holiday Japanese and Mandarin Classes Runs until 21 January. For nonnative background students who are new to Japanese and Mandarin TAFE Townsville 9.00am - 12.00pm / $495.00 / Suitable for children and youth www.languagetutor.com.au Where’s Errol - Heatley Park Summer Reading Club Discover where Errol the Frog is hiding during Summer Reading Club. Find hints and clues on the Facebook page. Take a selfie for your chance to win a weekly prize.

Heatley Park FREE / G CityLibraries Townsville

www.pakmag.com.au | January 2022 47

What’s On TUESDAY 18 JANUARY Summer Reading Club The Library Youth Studio Group Make, create, socialise.

CityLibraries Aitkenvale 6.00pm - 9.00pm / FREE (bookings required) / 12 - 17 years whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au WEDNESDAY 19 JANUARY Movie in the Park With NOTCH See Facebook Page for details North Townsville Community Hub Alpha Wolf On Tour With Justice For The Damned + More Dalrymple Hotel 7.30pm / $30.00 / 18 + www.alphawolfcvlt.com THURSDAY 20 JANUARY The Little Mermaid Runs until 30 January Townsville Civic Centre Various times / $40.00 $50.00 / G www.tcs.org.au

With Triple M’s Pricey

Goldfields Sporting Complex Check online for details or email inquiries@goldfieldashes.com.au www.goldfieldashes.com.au FRIDAY 21 JANUARY Ruby Fields JCU Uni Bar 7.00pm / $30.00 / 18 years + www.rubyfields.com Past Grammarians Catch Up in the Quad For Past Grammarians, circa 2015 - 2021 Townsville Grammar School 6.00pm - 8.00pm / FREE Townsville Grammar School SATURDAY 22 JANUARY Thy Art Is Murder with special guests Dalrymple Hotel 8.00pm / $44.90 / 18 years + www.tickets.oztix.com.au Dalrymple Hotel

Parentmedic Baby + Child First Aid Fairfield Central 12.30am - 2.30am / FREE, Register online Parentmedic North Queensland

Kate Saunders Sound Effects Workshop Build capacity and understanding of how to acquire sound effects for a play, and how to set them up for operation during the play.

Runs until 23 January Pimlico Performing Arts Building 8.00am - 12.00pm / $10.00 $25.00 / G www.trybooking.com

FRIDAY 21 JANUARY

SUNDAY 23 JANUARY

Summer Pool Party With NOTCH See Facebook Page for details North Townsville Community Hub

Under 14 Rep Team Trials - Day 1 Townsville Basketball 1.00pm - 5.00pm www.townsvillebasketball.com

Riverway Movie Screening Missing Link Runs every third Friday until 17 June Riverway Oval 7.00pm - 8.30pm / FREE / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Goldfield Ashes The largest amateur cricket carnival in the southern hemisphere. Runs until 23 Jan.

MONDAY 24 JANUARY GymbaROO Townsville Term 1 2022 Begins Runs until 2 April GymbaROO Townsville Book online at enrol.gymbaroo.com.au GymbaROO Townsville International Day of Education en.unesco.org/ commemorations/educationday

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

TUESDAY 25 JANUARY

Australia Day Augmented Reality Trail Jezzine Barracks Stay tuned online for more info. whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Toddler Time Runs weekly during school term.

Townsville Stadium 9.00am / FREE (bookings required) / for carers and toddlers aged 24 + months whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Baby Rhyme Time Runs weekly during school term.

Townsville Stadium 10.30am / FREE (bookings required) / for parents and babies 0 to 24 months whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au WEDNESDAY 26 JANUARY Survival Day 2022 A celebration and commemoration of First Nations people and their culture The Strand from 6.00am / G Big Eye Theatre Australia Day Australia Day Fun Run Fun Run and Free Aussie Breakfast (for the first 500 people). Dress up in your best Aussie wear and get involved!

Jezzine Barracks 6.30am / FREE / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Australia Day Beach Day Out At The Rockpool Live music and roving entertainment Jezzine Barracks 10.30am - 3.00pm / FREE / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony Jezzine Barracks 9.00am / FREE / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony Jezzine Barracks 9.00am / FREE / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Return-It Recycle Regatta It’s time to get creative and design your best boat made from recycled materials!

The Rockpool 12.00pm - 3.00pm / FREE / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au THURSDAY 27 JANUARY Baby Rhyme Time Runs weekly during school term CityLibraries Thuringowa Central 10.30am / FREE (bookings required) / for parents and babies 0 to 24 months whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Storytime Runs weekly during school term CityLibraries Thuringowa Central 9.30am / FREE (bookings required) / for carers and children aged 3 years + whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au FRIDAY 28 JANUARY Bliss n Eso - The Sun Tour JCU Uni Bar 7.00pm / $69.90 / 18 years + www.blissneso.com SATURDAY 29 JANUARY Townsville Urban Gelsoft Games Cranbrook State School 4.00pm - 8.00pm / $30.00 $35.00 / 10 years + Adrenaline Games Qld Under 14 Rep Team Trials - Day 2 Townsville Basketball 2.00pm - 5.00pm www.townsvillebasketball.com SUNDAY 30 JANUARY Townsville Fire v Melbourne Boomers TECC 7.30pm / $15.00 - $26.00 / G JCU Townsville Fire

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What’s On SUNDAY 30 JANUARY

MONDAY 31 JANUARY

Ayr Speedsoft CQB Games Ayr State High School 2.00pm - 6.00pm / $30.00 $35.00 / 10 years + Adrenaline Games Qld

Cuban Salsa Beginner Course 9 Week Course, also runs on Wednesdays.

BFITT, Townsville 7.30pm - 8.30pm / $125.00 / M E: info@globaldance collective.com.au

Great Australian Strongman Bash Valhalla Strength, Townsville 10.00am / Suitable for a nyone wanting to have a go at competing in strongman / strongwoman Please check Facebook page for more details NQ Heavy Events

TUESDAY 1 FEBRUARY North Queensland Camera Group Photography Club meeting monthly on the first Tuesday of the Month.

QWCA, Denham St, Townsville 7.00pm - 9.00pm / first meeting FREE / G www.nqcg.org.au Chinese New Year Keep up to date on events to celebrate the Year of the Water Tiger The Townsville Chinese Club Inc FRIDAY 4 FEBRUARY Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Runs until 20 February www.olympics.com SATURDAY 5 FEBRUARY

TECC 8.00pm / $45.00 / PG premier.ticketek.com.au SUNDAY 6 FEBRUARY The Wiggles - Fruit Salad TV Big Show Tour TECC 10.00am and 1.00pm / $39.90 $42.00 / G www.thewiggles.com TUESDAY 8 FEBRUARY Safer Internet Day www.esafety.gov.au/sid

Lehmo Live Comedy

Regular Markets Renegade Handmade Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 12 noon Location: Marian School Hall

Location: Mundingburra State School

Willows Rotary Markets Date: Every Sunday

Balgal Beach Markets

Time: 7.30am - 11.30am

Date: 1st Saturday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: The Esplanade, Balgal Beach.

Location: Willows Shopping

Mundingburra Markets Date: 3rd Sunday of the month Time: 7.30am - 12.00 noon

Centre Car Park

Magnetic Island Markets (Horseshoe Bay) Date: Every week on Sunday Time: 9.00am – 2.00pm Location: Foreshore in Horseshoe Bay

Mercer Lane Markets

Date: Every Sunday

Date: 1st Saturday of the month Time: From 8.30am – 12.00pm Location: Lannercost St, Ingham

Time: 8.30am - 1.00pm

Wulguru Markets

Location: Flinders St

Date: Every Sunday

Cotters Markets

50 January 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Time: 7.00am – 12.00 noon Location: Wulguru Soccer Grounds 14 Edison Street, Wulguru

Ingham Raintree Community Markets Date: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month Time: from 7.00am - 12.00 noon Location: Rotary Park, Ingham

Elliot Springs Market Date: 2nd Saturday of the month Time: 8.00am - 12.00pm Location: Elliot Springs Blvd, Julago

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