PakMag Townsville - June 2017 Issue 79 by Grand Publishing

ISSUE: June 2017

TOWNSVILLE

FREE

CONTENTS PAGE 04 Entertainment: Check It Out

Wow, what can I say?

07 The Thing Is... With Bree James

This month PakMag turns 10. Over the past ten years we’ve done so much and I want to say a huge THANK YOU to our readers, clients, event attendees, PakMag staff (past and present), sponsors, suppliers and everyone who has had an involvement with making PakMag so amazing over the past 10 years. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate every last one of you, we really wouldn’t be where we are without you.

08 Feature: PakMag Says Thank You! 11

Education: Learning Styles

12 Parenting: Are You A Hyper-Parent? 17 Health 19 Sarah’s Story 20 Bump, Bub And Beyond 23 What’s On Guide 25 Mini Mag 33 School Holiday Guide 37 Taj Pabari: Teenage Tech Entrepreneur 39 Party Snacks

As you know, we’re all about providing our community with great entertainment, exciting content and resources to empower parents to raise incredible kids. So, for our birthday, we’re upping the ante and throwing a spectacular birthday weekend to combine all that we stand for, so make sure you don’t miss it. We’d love to see you there on 24th and 25th June! Check out www.pakevents.com.au to book tickets for our Parenting Conference and Prom, and get more information about our Expo and Family FunDay. We often get emails and messages from our readers to tell us how PakMag has impacted them and we are truly humbled by your stories and messages of support. We’d love to hear from you if you love PakMag – as part of our 10 year celebration we are making a video dedicated to our readers, so if you’d like to be part of this, please email us on admin@grandpublishing.com.au and tell us your story. Looking forward to seeing you all at our Birthday Weekend!

40 Home with Caro & Kingi: Kid’s Play Room 42 Celebrate: When In Doubt, Add More Sparkle 44 Snapped 47 Workplace Bullying In Focus 48 Business 50 Daddy Diary

Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-cheif Bree James Operations Manager Rose Foster Graphic Designers Clare Winter Lise Mardon-Smith

Bree James Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-chief On the cover PakMag Staff Photography Blueclick Photography e veronica@blueclickphotography.com Cover Concept & Composition Clare Winter Contact Us: p 4053 3331 f 4053 3350 e admin@grandpublishing.com.au a Po box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 fb facebook.com/pakmagtownsville t #pakmag

Marketing to Families Experts Lisa Gillman Steph Bartram Jenifer Spiro Office / Production Manager Janelle May

Supply & Distribution Manager Gleisy Meireles Accounts Trent Stievano Media Intern Monique Saggers

Sub-Editor Kate Moloney

Disclaimer: No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers. Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 30th July 2016

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 3

Entertainment

CHECK IT OUT North Queensland Babies & Kids Market When: Saturday, 10 June 2017, 8.30am – 12.30pm Where: Emmaus Hall – Ryan Catholic College Snr Campus More Info: www. nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket.com

Magneticon

PET EXPO 2017

When: Saturday, 3 to Sunday, 4 June 2017 at 10.00am Where: RSL Stadium More Info: www.magneticontsv.com

When: Sunday, 18 June 2017, 09.00am – 3.00pm Where: Jezzine Barracks More Info: whatson.townsville.qld. gov.au

MagnetiCon is a locally organised and operated, family friendly Pop Culture Event that intends to run in Townsville annually. It is a group of comic book, syfy, anime and movie lovers that have banded together to create a truly unique event for the citizens of Townsville. The purpose of this two day event, which will include special guests, cosplay celebrities and comic book artists, is to raise funds for Headspace.

Clear your pets social calendar and meet us for the Townsville Pet Expo. Stallholder registrations are now open for pet-related businesses and organisations. Registrations close Friday 12 May, 5pm. Free Event

The North Qld Babies & Kids Market was developed due to an overwhelming response to one mum organising a small market to sell pre-loved babies and kids goods. The market has grown from 8 stall holders to over 90 displays of pre-loved, handmade, new or promotional stands. The Market is not only for parents to buy and sell good quality pre-loved babies and kids goods but also provides an avenue to connect mums with mums; and local home based businesses and services. $2 Adult and Children Free

Day Ticket $ 15 and Weekend Pass $25

Peter Pan – The Boy Who Never Grows Up When: Wednesday, 28 June to Saturday, 01 July 2017, 10.30am & 7.00pm Where: The Old Courthouse Theatre More Info: www.fullthrottletheatre.com This school holidays, the award-winning Props Youth Theatre returns to one of its favourite stories. When the magical Peter Pan and his fairy Tinkerbell fly through a London window, they meet Wendy Darling and her brothers, John and Michael. The curious children embark on an adventure to the fantastical Neverland where they encounter The Lost Boys, Mermaids, The Piccaninni Tribe, a crocodile and must battle the dreaded Captain Hook and his pirates. Tickets: $50 Family | $25 Adult | $20 Members | $12 Children and Concession

4 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Riverway Movies - Trolls When: Friday, 16 June 2017, 06.30pm - 8.10pm Where: Riverway Oval More Info: whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au The weather is cooling down, so grab your picnic rug and chairs and head to one of Townsville City council’s free Riverway movie nights. After the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy (Anna Kendrick), the happiest Troll ever born, and the overly-cautious, curmudgeonly Branch (Justin Timberlake) set off on a journey to rescue her friends. Their mission is full of adventure and mishaps, as this mismatched duo try to tolerate each other long enough to get the job done. Free Event

PAKMAG’S 10th birthday weekend When: Saturday, 24 to Sunday, 25 June 2017 Where: Brothers Leagues Cairns More Info: www.pakevents.com.au We’re having a party, and you’re invited! PakMag is turning 10 and we’re having a huge birthday weekend. On 24th and 25th June, you’re invited to join us for a weekend packed full of events. Plan now to make the trip to Cairns for the PakMag Parents Conference, the PakMag Prom, The PakMag Family FunDay and the PakMag Expo. Tickets are limited. Book Now! The Pakmag Conference 2017 When: Saturday, 24 June 2017, 9.00am – 4.00pm The PakMag Conference will bring parents together, with 6 incredible speakers the conference theme is "Empowering Parents to Raise Incredible Kids". The Pakmag EXPO When: Saturday, 24 to Sunday 25 June 2017, 10.00am – 2.00pm The PakMag Expo is a FREE expo for parents and kids in North Queensland. Come along, meet local suppliers and connect with your community! Packed with local suppliers and businesses, the Pakmag Expo has something for everyone. PakMag Prom When: Saturday, 24 June 2017, 7.00pm – 11.00pm Let your hair down and join us for a night of fun, frolics and dancing, 80s style! Free drink on arrival. Dress Code: OP Shop Chic! 18+ Event Pakmag Family FunDay When: Sunday, 25 June 2017, 10.00am – 2.00pm Family FunDay with entertainment, games, gifts and lot of fun! Plus, you could win $1,000!! Free Event

Save the date: 2017 Townsville 400 When: Friday, 07 to Sunday, 09 July 2017 Where: Townsville Street Circuit More Info: www.supercars.com/townsville The eighth round on the 2017 Supercars calendar, the Townsville 400 is staged in Reid Park, almost in the city of Townsville itself! A favourite for many Supercars drivers, the Townsville Street Circuit is a tough, high grip circuit that winds itself through the park. Much of the road used for the track, was purpose built for the circuit. Running since 2009, the Townsville 400 features two 200km races held over two days.

The THING THE THING IS... IS... STORY Bree James

It’s June. We are officially halfway through 2017, and most of us are having heart palpitations that the year will be done before we know it. This is a milestone month for us, ten years publishing PakMag, and I am so proud of our achievements to date. I’ve been reflecting a lot, and someone asked me what the biggest lesson is that I have learnt. I can tell you there are a lot. But the biggest lesson I have learnt is that we always need to be learning, or we are dying. Sounds pretty harsh, but it is true. The thing is, we all have problems, we all make mistakes, we all have things happen to us that shouldn’t, and we all have learning opportunities around us every single day. But we have to choose whether we learn and become better people every single day. Sure there are things we learn that can drag us down, and we feel anger, self pity, resentment, regret and a heap of other emotions that make us not want to be in our own skin. Not to mention no one else wants to be around us either unless they are feeling the same way. And, we can learn things that make us better people, more knowledgeable, wiser and proud to be in our skin. And you know what, more people want to be around people like that. I am no saint, and like you I’ve had moments of feeling like I’ve had more kicks than a soccer ball. And you wonder why the hell you are on the field and beg that the next kick is going to push you into the direction you want to go and into the goals. But this is the wrong way to think. Yes, I am all about trying to get into the goals, and live a life that I am working hard to achieve, but learning to play the game rather than sitting on the sidelines is actually the most important thing of all.

that we aren’t even thinking about learning. People often ask me how I have achieved so much, and I can honestly tell you, it is from my commitment to learning. Learning about myself, learning about others, learning to be a better parent, learning to be a better cook, learning to be a better business owner, and learning to get back on the soccer field even when I don’t think I can win. These are a few of the things I push myself to consciously learn every single day. I look for learning all day and I am obsessed with learning whether it be through reading books, listening to experts on a TED talk or watching my two boys discover their world. So many of us do not make learning a conscious part of our every day, and it’s really easy to fix. Ask yourself many times a day, “What did I just learn?”. My commitment to this magazine is to help you as a parent learn more, that is why we exist and we have a lot of exciting plans for the future. We will continue to bring our readers things like our publication, our blogs, our events and our very first conference to town so that regionally as a community we have access to knowledge to prepare our kids for the competitive future ahead. And I hope you continue to support us so that we can continue to support you. We want to learn from you, we want to get to know you better, and we want to empower you to raise incredible kids. So thanks for reading, and I truly hope you join me on my addicted-to-learning journey and that I see you at the PakMag Conference and all our 10th Birthday Celebrations (not going to teach you much at the Prom though, except how to dance like its 1980, sorry!).

These days there are opportunities to learn everywhere, but so many of us are too busy getting through our day

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 7

PAKMAG SAYs THANK YOU! Can you believe it? PakMag turns 10 this month! Whether you’ve been reading the magazine for 10 years, 10 months or 10 minutes, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping make the past decade possible! You may know what the magazine looks like now, but do you know how we started, or the epic journey we’ve been on? Let us tell you! May 2007, The conception. Bree had a moment of frustration, no-one knew what was happening around Cairns for families. So one night she decided to start a What’s On Guide for families. By morning, ideas kept flowing and it became a 76 page plan for a magazine filled with loads of ideas for families. June 2007, The birth. Despite Bree never having worked in sales, print, written a story, or had kids, PakMag came to life. Sleepless nights and two all nighters and the first magazine finally went to print. It was terribly designed and written, but it had heart and families loved it. The most stressful moment for Bree was putting signage out on the highway at 2am on her own to promote the launch at Woree McDonalds, at 7am she went into town and to her devastation they had all been taken down! Thankfully her partnership with Sea FM at the time meant the event got great coverage and loads of families turned up for the event and to grab the very first copy.

8 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

June 2008. First Teddy Bears’ Picnic to celebrate PakMag turning one, and to raise money for Sea FM’s Give Me Five For Kids. Trent, Bree’s husband, joined the business to manage the accounts and IT. 2009. Bree had her first baby, Jordan, and hired an amazing lady called Elaine to help her with the business, and finally she had someone to work with, to take the magazine to the next level. First Easter Egg Hunt on the Esplanade. 2010. Angelina and Trina joined the team and the business started to feel like it was going places! August 2010. We decided to move down the coast and launch PakMag Townsville November 2010. We launched in Townsville after Bree spent many weeks driving to and from Cairns. Then Bree found out she was pregnant with baby number two… it was going to be fun raising two magazines and two kids.

Feature

2011. Bree and the team did monthly magazines and monthly events in Cairns and Townsville during this time, the highlight was doing two Easter events simultaneously. One in Cairns and one in Townsville. Halloween and Christmas were also two highlights for both cities. Baby number two, Sean arrived, and thankfully he was a good baby. Many long road trips with pulling over to breastfeed and let a toddler run around were tough times. The lovely Janelle then joined the team to help us get more organised! 2012. We did the “12 Elves of Christmas” promotion and had many of you looking high and low for elves that we had hidden around Cairns and Townsville in the middle of the night! 2013. After many, many emails begging us to start in Mackay, we bit the bullet and decided to do it. With a two year old, and a four year old, the boys came on the road sometimes, but Bree often drove down and back in a week on her own visiting Townsville on the way. We launched in Mackay in November 2013.

2014. We held 36 events, and printed 36 magazines this year. It was a big year to say the least. 2015. We launched PakMag Australia, a digital magazine for families around the country. Our wonderful designer, Clare, joined our growing team. 2016. Bree did her first ever public speaking engagements, and did over 20 in her first year as a public speaker. 2017. We launched the NQ Family Travel Guide, and The NQ Baby and Toddler Guide. The PakMag Conference, and LOADS more to come! The team has seen some incredible people come through our doors and shape PakMag to what it has become. Now, our team is the biggest it’s ever been with Bree, Rose, Janelle, Clare, Lisa, Trent, Lise, Gleisy, Monique, Alyssa, Kate, Steph and Jen all working from our new office on Anderson Street. Not to mention, the amazing people who help get the magazine to our readers on a monthly basis. So, a huge thank you to PakMag staff past and present for helping us reach this incredible milestone.

In the past 10 years we have... Printed more than 2.6 million magazines.

Donated more than $1 million in advertising to a host of local events and not for profit organisations.

Published over 266 magazines across 3 cities. Donated well over $150,000 to local charities.

Run over 400 free family events attended by over 300,000 local families.

Given away more than $500,000 in prizes to families ranging from movie tickets to family holidays.

Created the PakMag Mobile Parents Room (the first of its kind in Australia).

Contributed millions of dollars into the local economy.

Achieved millions of page views of our content.

Helped over 1,000 Small Businesses to grow their share of the family market.

Published 25,000 articles all written and published to help families.

Continued to employ locally, with a current team of 22 people.

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 9

Education

LEARNING STYLES LEARNING STYLES STORY Meg O’Donnell, B.Ed

“Every student can learn, just not on the same day or the same way.” George Evans might have been trying to make a joke when he said that, but he isn’t entirely wrong. Just like every person in the world has different thoughts, emotions and perspectives, every child learns in different ways. The good news is that almost all students can be categorised into four main learner groups. These groups are Visual, Auditory, Read & Write and Kinaesthetic. Knowing which group your child fits into can make all of the difference in their learning. Visual Learners These students learn best when they can actually see the material. Visual learners are usually fast talking, can sometimes become impatient and have a tendency to interrupt. They prefer to see the information and visualise the relationships between ideas. Strategies include creating visual aids such as flash cards, charts, diagrams and pictures which can show the links between concepts. YouTube videos that explain the topic can also help. Auditory Learners These are the learners who take in information best when it is communicated verbally. Auditory learners speak slowly and tend to be natural listeners. They prefer things to be explained verbally rather than having to read information and they learn best by listening and verbalising. These types of learners like to recite information out loud to remember it. Strategies include having one-on-one or group discussions about the topic, word association activities and listening to recordings about the topics. A simple strategy for these learners is to recite information on a topic and then ask them questions that they can answer by repeating the information back to you in response.

Read & Write Learners These students learn best through reading and writing about the material they are covering. They prefer for their information to be displayed in written format, such as lists. Read & Write Learners enjoy reading and writing in all forms and have a preference for multiple choice tests. Strategies include re-writing their notes, group study sessions where they are able to read other’s work as well as collaborate, reading their task sheets (and writing a summary) for clarification and turning diagrams and charts into words to show an understanding. Kinaesthetic (Physical) Learners These students learn best by actually doing. Kinaesthetic Learners tend to be the slowest talkers of all and they can also be slow to make decisions. They use all of their senses to engage in their learning and they learn best by doing and solving real-life problems. These learners love the hands-on approach and embrace trial and error. Strategies include acting out concepts or topics, studying in shorter blocks of time and/or with others and excursions or simply adding a physical aspect to the study session (e.g. reciting times tables while kicking a ball back and forth). Lastly, it is important to remember that no child (or human for that matter) will ever fit entirely and solely into one type of learning style; least of all young children. Trying a variety of different techniques from various learning styles with your child will not only help them complete that school assignment or excel in that test, but it will also show them a larger set of different learning tools that they will eventually be able to use on their own, becoming lifelong learners.

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 11

Parenting

ARE YOU ARE YOU A A HYPER-PARENT? HYPER-PARENT? STORY Raquel Sheridan

e arat â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hyper-parentingâ&#x20AC;? is a term used by Alvin Rosenfeld and Nicole Wise in their popular and well-regarded book The Over-Scheduled Child: Avoiding the Hyper-Parenting Trap. The term is used to describe a style of child rearing, pushed by the media that has quickly infiltrated the way we raise children throughout the world today. This involves overscheduling families with children with a multitude of activities in order to guarantee a successful future for survival in a competitive world.

te Kara

C Ses ode sio n

Soc c act ar ice

M Turoaths rin g

So Pra ccar ctic e

Pi Les ano so n s

M Turoaths rin g

Da Les nce so n s

Kar ate

Da Les nce so n s

M Turoaths rin g

Pi Les ano so n s

e Codo ns s s e

car Soc ctice Pra

no Piaso ns s e L

hs Mat ring o r Tu

no Piaso ns s e

nce Da so ns Les

hs Mat ring o Tur

ate Kar

e nc s Da son s Le

ate Kar

ate www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 13 Kar

Parenting

Dr Rosenfeld and Nicole Wise reason that technology and globalisation have propelled our generation to compete with the entire world by placing incredible pressure on parents and children. With feelings of insecurity and uncertainty, we end up living a frantic life. Parents are urged to give their children a competitive edge over the competition - this might give them an extra advantage and a good start in the game of life. There is a ‘feeling in the air’ that ‘average’ is just not good enough! It is now considered undesirable. You can’t be the best at one thing, you must be the best at everything! This is clearly an impossible achievement as we all have strengths and weaknesses. Einstein once said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” And in an effort to adhere to the mindset of high achievementism, mums and dads - with the best of intentions - end up over-scheduling the kids with all sorts of learning activities and experiences. As parents searching for our children’s success (and terrified by the word ‘failure’), we are willing to make sacrifices to provide the best we can. We are an educated generation, exposed to unlimited information and just want to do right by our children. A mother might look into new philosophies and approaches as to how she can make her baby smarter! Another might panic because an eight-month-old daughter is not developing at the same pace as a younger child that already crawls. A seven-year-old might have a schedule as busy as a CEO! Piano lessons at 7:30am, school, gymnastics, religious school, choir practice, ballet and horseback riding all in one day, let alone a week. These are some of the real life examples provided in Dr Rosenfeld and Nicole Wise’s book. The essence of Hyper-parenting is that we want to do a terrific job! So with the fear of making child-rearing mistakes that might trigger the turning of a sweet perfect child down a wrong future path, we feel overworked, overwhelmed and unappreciated. We try to prepare our children for the world by having them do extra activities. Good parenting morphed into to-do lists. We treat our homes like an extension of the office, when it is meant to be that cosy place where we can relax and revive. Dr Rosenfeld and Nicole Wise question, “Are we pushing our children to their limits?” We act like we can program life, we have a back-up plan for the back-up plan, and we have the naïve perception that our persistent and continuous efforts insure us against bad outcomes. However, they don’t! Life is messy, unpredictable, full of uncertainties and contains unpreventable events. You are going to have awkward moments with your children and commit mistakes that have been committed in the past because we are not perfect and neither are our children. This fact does not make us bad parents; it just makes us human.

to identify if we are acting like hyper-parents? Seeking a bright and happy future for our children, not forgetting they also need to enjoy the present, their own childhood or early teenage years that goes by so fast. After all, we adults have already had our turn, maybe it’s time to let our children have theirs? Let them grow. Let them have their good and not-so-good experiences. Let them have free time to actually figure out what they like to do and who they are. We don’t need to micro-manage every detail of our child’s lives. Dr Rosenfeld and Nicole Wise remark, “It may be well intentioned but it may also cause unwanted negative effects”. Some Warning Signs of Over-scheduling •• Children are tired all the time •• Irritable, grouchy, grumpy children •• Falling sleep out of exhaustion or difficult to sleep •• Reducing interest in a once loved activity •• Grades slipping Effects of Over-scheduling •• Anxiety •• Depression •• Decreased creativity •• No longer know what to do with free time •• Less ability to take initiative Tips for Effective Scheduling •• There is no single right way to raise a child. Try to find the balance and what works for your family. •• Limit activities for the best outcome for your family. All children are different, for one child a few extra activities might work well and for another only one or maybe none. Let your child guide you. •• Give yourself a break and don’t rush yourself. Remember we are not machines! Learn from your mistakes. •• Character counts, if you are stressed out and anxious you are teaching that to your child. Allocate time for yourself. Find pleasure in your life and relationships. Children always do better when parents are happy with themselves and their lives. •• Unstructured time and play encourages creativity and imagination and can also lead to better social skills.

Self – Examination

Childhood is a preparation, not a performance. Children are, by definition, immature so they should not be expected to act as adults, neither in their behaviour nor schedule. No parent ever gets it all right and most children turn out just right. You just need to find out what works for your child. After all, we all want them to grow into well-adjusted, emotionally healthy and happy adults. Relax, don’t take life too seriously, joke and laugh, “carpe diem” too, and trust in your instincts as parents.

An honest, free-of-guilt self-examination is a good start

Be sure, there is no better parent for your child but you!

14 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Health

health Sleep Issues

DID YOU KNOW?

STORY Dr Liam O’regan

•• Man is the only mammal that willingly delays sleep.

Problems with sleep is a common reason for people to visit their GP. In a survey by The Sleep Foundation up to 20 per cent of people felt daytime sleepiness affected their daily activities. Even more concerning is that eight per cent reported falling asleep at work and 19 per cent made errors at work because of their sleepiness. Sleep can be affected by some medications, such as strong painkillers, anti-depressants and some heart medications. Alcohol and stimulants such as nicotine also affect sleep quality. A variety of medical conditions can affect sleep including: Insomnia - a problem of sleep quantity, most commonly, difficulty getting to sleep or early waking. This can be due to jet lag, shift work or can be a sign of anxiety, stress or depression. Good “sleep hygiene” practices are the first line treatment for insomnia. Sleeping tablets are not routinely recommended. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) - a condition where there is an uncomfortable sensation in the legs with an irresistible urge to move the legs to relieve the discomfort. If severe this can be treated with a medication prescribed by your GP. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) - a condition where the throat collapses during sleep and breathing is ineffective. This results in snoring, apnoeas (stopping breathing) followed by gasps or choking. This often requires a mask to be worn at night to help keep the airway open. Narcolepsy - a rarer condition which results in “sleep attacks”, an irresistible urge to sleep during the day, often coming on very suddenly. This is usually treated by specialists with medication. Sleep disorders can also increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes as well as contributing to poor mental health. To diagnose a sleep disorder your GP will often use a sleep diary as well as a questionnaire to determine the severity, such as the “Epworth Sleepiness Scale”. If you suffer from daytime sleepiness you should see your regular GP.

•• Sleep is as important as exercise and healthy diet. •• Sleep deprivation kills quicker than food deprivation. •• Parents miss out on six months of sleep during their child’s first two years of life! •• It is believed that babies don’t dream for their first few years. •• Procrastinators are more likely to be insomniacs. •• People who nap frequently tend to die younger than those who don’t.

magnesium oil Did you know that magnesium is important for a good night’s sleep? One of the easiest ways to absorb magnesium in your body is through magnesium oil. MagSorb Transdermal Magnesium Oil is a great way to keep your magnesium levels on track and rubbing it on your children’s feet at night can help them drift off more easily. Visit any Calanna Pharmacy and ask their qualified pharmacists how magnesium oil could benefit you and your loved ones.

MagSorb Transdermal Magnesium Oil 250mL, $29.95

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 17

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Sarah’s Story Sarah’s Story I am sharing my experience of child loss from SIDS, not to create fear, but as a way to raise more awareness and understanding of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It’s a story written from my heart. That second you discover you are pregnant, WOW, the big high of excitement, then there comes a big low of fearing you could lose this tiny miracle growing inside of you... remember those memories and feelings? I do so very well. When motherhood finally begins, it is a big ‘hello’ to a whole new chapter of worries. When my second child Johnny was born, I didn’t have the great fears of a first time mum as his sister was 19 months old. On Johnny’s six month milestone we celebrated with chocolate cupcakes. That night I put him to bed and I am so glad in my rush to get my toddler off to bed too, I managed to say the words, "I love you son, sweet dreams". The next day I thought our son had slept through for the first time, but as soon as I opened the door and looked at my son, I instantly knew. It was the beginning of the end of our lives as we knew it.

it SIDS? Did I do something wrong? Will my other child die? So many questions and no answers. How did I get through it? A part of me still doesn't know, but I do remember contacting a Red Nose Counsellor and getting my own private Psychologist and Psychiatrist and a Marriage Counsellor. (My marriage did end but we remain good friends.) Accepting I was not the same person I was before Johnny passed away was a very hard and long process. A couple of years later I needed in-patient treatment to learn to deal with it properly. The thing I have learnt is that there is no wrong or right way to deal with the loss of a child, hence why there are just no words to describe it. I finally chose to live my life and I knew a great burden of loss, heartache and sadness came with that. I found my new love and married him and had a Rainbow Baby through IVF, she is Johnny's miracle. Although I have found my way and the wound of my heart started to heal, I also realised the horrific scar will always remain. Something I learn to accept a little more every day.

It was surreal. I blamed and hated myself, a maternal guilt that consumed me. I honestly wanted to die. I wanted to be with him. I was so angry and confused that he had left me.

Its been six and a half years since Johnny passed away from SIDS. But our Johnny is eternal, he is the little boy who lives on the moon. His legacy lives on in all of us, especially his big sister. He is our son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend forever, no matter what. I will always speak of him and I love when people talk to me about him.

The wait for the autopsy report felt like its own form of torture. Was it an accidental death? Was he sick? Or was

They are never ever forgotten, Love Sarah

Sarah’s Words of Wisdom:

•• I wish I’d known about Angel Gowns. They provide parents with a specially crafted outfit for their loved one’s final journey. I have since donated both my wedding gowns to them.

•• Contact Red Nose and always follow all the advice you get from them about safe sleeping and cot safety (accident prevention). •• Each October SANDS hold The Walk to Remember on The Strand. It is a beautiful way to honour our babies who have passed away, something some parents need to help keep their spirit alive. •• Consider having local artists, like Hayley Gillespie or Melanie from Beyond the Willow Tree, paint a beautiful picture or make jewellery from ashes and hair. These priceless art memories really helped me when I was hurting and needed love and support to heal.

SIDS is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. Red Nose(formerly Sids and Kids) each year raises money to fund continued research, educational kits for new parents and counselling sessions for people affected by sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child. Red Nose Day is on Friday 30th June. Visit www.rednose.com.au SANDS provides support, information and education to anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth. Visit www.sandsqld.org.au

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 19

Bump, Bub and Beyond

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

WIN

Bare + Boho ECO MAMA Pack (Includes: 1 x Bamboo-Glass Water Bottle + 1 x 5-Pack Reusable Produce Bags) RRP $42, www.bareandboho.com.au These beautiful bamboo and glass drink bottle to compliments a conscious plastic-free lifestyle and to encourages hydration without the dangers of chemicals found in plastic bottles. Featuring a soft insulation case used to maintain desired water temperature and protect glass. Bare and Boho also boasts a range of reusable and washable 100% cotton mesh produce bags, to be used as replacements for single-use plastic bags when buying fruit and veggies and bulk foods.

365 Sleep Bag 2.0 by The Sleepy Company RRP $149.95, www.sleepycompany.com

Baby Milestone Cards RRP $30, www.hellofern.com.au Place these cards next to baby and take a photo with your phone or camera to capture your babies growth. These beauties make an amazing unique gift for expecting mummies who have everything! Each card is printed on high quality, sturdy 310gsm card stock. The cards cover the first year of bubs life including birth, one week, one to eleven months and first birthday.

20 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

The 365 Sleep Bag 2.0 by The Sleepy Baby Company is a configurable baby sleeping bag made of luxurious organic cotton that adjusts to all four seasons and temperature changes, eliminating the need for blankets and multiple tog bags. Simply combine the Summer and Spring/Autumn bags to create your winter warmer, offering maximum usage of each bag. The 365 Sleep Bag features X-Tend system, an Australian first sleep solution that grows with your child, simply extend the sleeves to the next size up. With the 365 Sleep Bag 2.0, your baby sleeps in complete comfort and safety 365 days a year.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Australia’s C-Section Epidemic

Encouraging the skills of sharing

STORY Rose Foster

STORY Troy Dunn, Goodstart Early Learning National Inclusive Practices Consultant

As parents, planning for labour is something we’ve all done. We plan home births, water births, hospital births, caesareans, with anaesthetic, without anaesthetic and a whole host of other stipulations that would make for the perfect labour and birth. However, sometimes our plans and our unborn bub’s plans are misaligned, meaning last minute changes to the plan we’ve had for 9 months or more. However, with the number of births by C-section in Australia at 32 per cent (compared to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation of 10-15 per cent), it begs the question, have we normalised this major surgery? Research shows that countries with obstetrician-led maternity wards have higher rates of intervention than those with programs led by midwives. Many European countries are midwife-led and have C-section rates in line with WHO’s recommendation. In contrast, Australia is obstetrician-led. Whilst women should absolutely have the right to choose how they want to birth their baby, concerns have been raised over the past few years by various health organisations that Australian women are becoming increasingly desensitised to the undertaking of a C-section, and are sometimes planning this way without considering or properly understanding the consequences. And it’s not just choice. Australia’s obstetrician-led maternity wards could be another reason behind emergency C-sections too; whereas midwifery care views birth as a normal life event, obstetrics can treat birth as a medical procedure. Obstetricians have argued that the number of C-sections has risen in correlation to rising age and weight of mothers but researchers have claimed that where women live and whether she is covered by private health insurance are the greatest factors. Obviously, C-sections are necessary for some women, whether emergency or planned, yet there is a still a raging debate surrounding caesareans for births with no medical reason for the procedure. Midwife, Hannah Dahlen told SBS, “You can find a medical reason for anything. Whether or not it’s a good medical reason is the question, and a lot of pseudo reasons are being used to argue women into C-sections.” Conversely, Obstetrician, Dr Michael Permazel argues, “I just can’t see that there’s any reason why an obstetrician would prefer C-sections for their patients. The C-section is about advising on the safest mode for her and her baby.”

Learning to share, wait and take turns are important skills for young children to learn. But for children under the age of three, not wanting or being able to share, wait or taking turns is a normal part of their development. Young children can develop attachments to both people and things, which can make it difficult for them to share them. Adults also have possessions and items which are valued and important to them and they may not feel comfortable with sharing. For example, imagine someone asking to borrow your engagement ring for a while – while they don’t want to keep it, they just want to share it with you. This is how children can feel when someone comes up and tries to take their special toys or possessions. A child’s toys or possessions are equally important to them and often they will not feel safe and secure if their important things are being handled by someone else. We also often confuse sharing with giving up an item when another child wants it which can send mixed messages. We can insist our children share when another child demands a toy, worrying our child might become selfish or other parents will think badly of us if we don’t. While this is a natural phase children progress through, there are ways for parents to start to encourage the skills of sharing, waiting and turn-taking. The best way to approach sharing and turn taking is to allow children to finish their play, and then encourage them to surrender it. Example: James is playing with his toy car and his friend Susan comes over and tries to take it. A possible approach could be, “Susan, James is playing with that toy at the moment, but as soon as he is done you can have a turn.”

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 21

WHAT’S ON JUNE June THURSDAY 1 Pirates of Penzance Jr. Runs until 3 June Townsville Civic Theatre whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 7.00pm / $35 Adult / Family

MagnetiCon - Townsville Pop Culture Event Townsville Stadium www.magneticontsv.com Check website for details

Wonder Woman Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times

Toyota Cowboys Vs Gold Coast Titans 1300 SMILES Stadium www.cowboys.com.au 7.30pm / $10 / Family

FRIDAY 2

SUNDAY 4

U3A Tour Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 1.30pm / $5 / U3A Membership

Artist Floor Talk, Strata Faraway Nearby Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4729 9011 10.30am / Free / Adult

Strata Faraway Nearby Exhibition Launch Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4728 9011 6.30pm / Free / Family Pirates of Penzance Jr. - Matine Townsville Civic Theatre whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 10.30am / $10 / Family SATURDAY 3 MagnetiCon Runs until the 4th Townsville RSL Stadium townsvilletickets.com.au 10.00am / Cost / Family Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships Home Hill Showgrounds www.burdekintourism.com.au Check website for details Upper Ross Community EXPO Upper Ross Community Centre & Rasmussen PCYC whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 10.00am / Free / Family

Townsville Eco Fiesta Queens Gardens enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.au 9.00am / Free / Family MONDAY 5 Fantasea Destination Adventure Fitness and Wellbeing Retreat Peppers Blue on Blue www.destinationadventure.com.au Check website for details TUESDAY 6

WEDNESDAY 7 Australian Breastfeeding Association Discussion Meeting: Breastfeeding: Caesarians and Epidurals IMPS Building, Kirwan Health abatownsville@yahoo.com.au 9.30am / Free / Family Meet Your Local Author: Marc Lindsay CityLibraries Thuringowa Central 4773 8811 10.00am / Free / Family After School Art Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per school term / Kids THURSDAY 8 Bring It On! The Musical Townsville Civic Theatre 4727 9797 7.00pm /$35 Adult / $25 Child / Family FRIDAY 9 Father-Son Adventure Weekend Magnetic Island, Townsville www.fatheringadventures.com.au 5:00 pm / $550 per Father-Son pair

Art-Box Pinnacles Gallery 4773 8871 10.00am / Gold Coin Donation / Under 5’s

Edward Scissorhands Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times

After School Art Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per school term / Kids

Nth Qld Babies & Kids Market Emmaus Hall – Ryan Catholic College Snr Campus nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket.com 8.30am / $2 Adult / Famliy

SATURDAY 10

With 4TO FM’s Minty

Townsville Orchid Spectacular Townsville Stadium tqoc.org.au 10.00am / $5 / Family 83rd Annual Townsville Masonic Debutante Ball Edmund Rice Hall, Ignatius Park College www.townsvilledebball.org 6.30pm / $85 / Family Lee Kernaghan - Boys from the Bush - 25th Anniversary Tour Townsville Entertainment Centre www.tecc.net.au 8.00pm / $69.90 Adult / Family TUESDAY 13 After School Art Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4733 9011 3.30pm / $120 per school term / Kids Parent Information Session: Toilet Training for Toddlers CityLibraries Aitkenvale 4727 8310 9.30am / Free / Family Shrek the Musical Jr. Townsville Civic Theatre kirwanss.eq.edu.au 6.30pm / $25 Adult / Family WEDNESDAY 14 Meet Your Local Author: Sylvia Kelso CityLibraries Aitkenvale 4727 8310 12.00pm / Free / Family After School Art Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per school term / Kids

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 23

WHAT’S ON JUNE June THURSDAY 15

TUESDAY 20

SATURDAY 24

Rough night Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times

Art-Box Pinnacles Gallery 4736 9011 10.00am / Gold Coin Donation / Under 5’s

Pakmag’s 10th Birthday Weekend Runs Until 25th Brothers, Cairns www.pakevents.com.au 9.00am / Free and Ticketed / Family

1RAR Band Townsville Civic Theatre 4727 9797 11.00am / $14 / Family

The Pakmag Expo Runs until the 25th Brothers, Cairns www.pakevents.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family

Despicable Me 3 Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times FRIDAY 16 Riverway Movies - Trolls Riverway Parkland whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 6.30pm / Free / Family

After School Art Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per school term / Kids

SATURDAY 17

WEDNESDAY 21

Roy Orbison Reborn Townsville Civic Theatre ticketshop@townsville.qld.gov.au 8.00pm / $69.90 / Adult

Australian Breastfeeding Association Coffee and chat IMPS Building, Kirwan Health abatownsville@yahoo.com.au 9.30am / Free / Family

SUNDAY 18 World Yoga Day The Strand www.sundalah.com.au 7.00am / Free / Youth+ Townsville Tartan Day Townsville Cotters Markets mlg7@optusnet.com.au 8.30am / Free / Family Pet Expo 2017 Jezzine Barracks whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.00am / Free / Family Family Fun Day Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 10.00am / Free / Family

24 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

After School Art Magnetic Island Messy Play in the Park Alma Bay Park library@townsville.qld.gov.au 9.00am / Free / Family After School Art Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per school term / Kids THURSDAY 22 Cars 3 Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times

The Pakmag Conference Brothers, Cairns www.pakevents.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Parent The Pakmag Prom Brothers, Cairns www.pakevents.com.au 7.00pm / $29 / 18+ Australian Breastfeeding Association Breastfeeding Education Class Aitkenvale Library abatownsville@yahoo.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Adult 4 Night Father Daughter Adventure Magnetic Island, Townsville www.fatheringadventures.com.au 4:00 pm / $2,475 per FatherDaughter pair TheatreiNQ - Alice In Wonderland Anderson Park, Balls Lane Entrance www.theatreinq.com $25 Adult / $15 Child / Family Spartan Race Townsville Flinders Street www.spartanrace.com.au Check website for details

With 4TO FM’s Chooky

Editing Short Stories CityLibraries Thuringowa Central library@townsville.qld.gov.au 1.00pm / Free / Youth+ Toyota Cowboys Vs Penrith Panthers 1300SMILES Stadium www.cowboys.com.au 3.00pm / $10 / Family The Umbilical Brothers “Speedmouse” Townsville Civic Theatre www.umbilicalbrothers.com 8.00pm / $49 Adult / Youth+ SUNDAY 25 The PakMag Family FunDay Brothers, Cairns www.pakevents.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family The Wiggles Show Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre thewiggles.com.au 10.00am & 12.00pm / $35.50 / Family Townsville Billy Cart Dash for Variety Jezzine Barracks www.billycartdash.com 8.30am / Free / Family Welcoming Babies Townsville Stadium www.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.00am / Free / Babies 0-13months Polymer Clay Jewellery with Anat Azulay Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts www.umbrella.org.au 9.30am / $70 / Youth+ WHAT’S ON GUIDE CONTINUES P.29

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 25

Mini Mag Townsville

Win a double pass and prize pack for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Long Haul.

START

FINISH

In 20th Century Fox’s new movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, Greg and his family go on a road trip to see their beloved Meemaw. But Greg has a different distination in mind: the Player Expo video game convention, where he can show off his skills and become an instant star! Help make his dreams come true by finding the way through the maze. Diary of a Wimpy Kid © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

FOR YOUR CHANCE To WIN, COMPLETE & mail TO: PakMag Colour In June 2017 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870 Win a double pass and prize pack for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Long Haul. Competition closes 30/06/2017

Name Parent/Guardian Address Postcode Phone Email

26 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Age

IN CINEMAS JUNE 15

Townsville Mini Mag

IN C JUN INEM E 15 AS

Win a family pass and a prize pack for Despicable Me 3.

IN CINEMAS JUNE 15

IN C JU IN CINEMASIN CINEMAS IN CINEMAS JUNE 15 JUNE 15 IN CINEMAJUNE S 15 JUNE 15

DM3_COLOURING_SHEET_280x432mm_AUS.indd 3

OURING_SHEET_280x432mm_AUS.indd 3

FOR YOUR CHANCE To WIN, COMPLETE & mail TO: PakMag Colour In June 2017 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

Name

Age 05/04/2017 17:03

Parent/Guardian Address

Win a family pass and a prize pack for Despicable Me 3. Competition closes 30/06/2017

05/04/2017

17:03

Postcode Phone Email 05/04/2017

17:03

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 27

Mini Mag Townsville

PISTON CUP RACE MAZE Win a family pass to Cars 3.

FOR YOUR CHANCE To WIN, COMPLETE & mail TO: PakMag Colour In June 2017 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

Name

Age

Parent/Guardian Address

Win a family pass to Cars 3. Competition closes 30/06/2017

Postcode Phone Email

WHAT’S ON JUNE June MONDAY 26 Art Escape School Holiday Program Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 10.00am / Free / Family TUESDAY 27 Art Escape School Holiday Program Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4728 9011 10.00am / Free / Family WEDNESDAY 28

Runs until 1 July The Old Courthouse Theatre www.fullthrottletheatre.com 10.30am & 7.00pm / Cost / Family Australian Breastfeeding Association Online Night Meeting: Looking after Yourself www.facebook.com/groups/ abatownsville abatownsville@yahoo.com.au 7.30pm / Free / Family Art Escape School Holiday Program Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

Peter Pan - The Boy Who Never Grows Up

4729 9011

REGULAR REGULAR MARKETS MARKETS

Bush n Beach Markets Date: Second and forth Sundays Time: 8.00am – 1.00pm Location: Bushland Beach

Balgal Beach Markets Date: First Sat of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Fishermans Landing Balgal Beach Bluewater Community Centre Twilight Markets Date: Every second Saturday Location: Bluewater Community Assoc Label Traders Market Date: 3rd Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 12.00pm Location: Mundingburra State School

10.00am / Free / Family

Carlyle Gardens Arts & Crafts Markets Date: 1st Sat of the month (Mar - Dec) Time: 9.00am Location: Carlyle Gardens Retirement Resot, Beck Drive, Condon Cotters Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 8.30am - 1.00pm Location: Flinders St & Townsville Bulletin Square. Horseshoe Bay Markets Date: Every second and last Sunday Time: 9.00am - 2.00pm Location: Horseshoe Bay Foreshore

THURSDAY 29

SAVE THE DATE:

Fantasea Destintation Adventure Yoga Holiday Apex Camp www.destinationadventure.com.au Check website for details

SATURDAY, 1 JULY 2017

Art Escape School Holiday Program Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4730 9011 10.00am / Free / Family FRIDAY 30 Art Escape School Holiday Program Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4731 9011 10.00am / Free / Family

NDIS Townsville 1st Birthday Party Raintree Grove, Riverway Thuringowa ndisturnsone.eventbrite.com.au 11.00am / Free / Family SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, 1 JULY 2017 Dam Fine Rally Open Day Ross Dam Park Kelso 0447 797 869 8.00am / Gold Coin / Family

Lucinda Markets Date: Second Sunday of the month (May to September) Time: 8.00am – 12.00pm Location: Borello Park

Strand Night Markets Date: First Friday Time: 5.00pm - 9.30pm Location: Strand Park (Runs from May to Dec)

Magnetic Island RSL Market Date: Every Friday (Excluding Good Friday) Time: 5.30pm - 8.00pm Location: Magnetic Island RSL

Willows Rotary Markets Date: Every Sun Time: 7.30 - 11.30am Location: Willows Shop Centre Carpark

Mountainview Plaza Market Date: Every Saturday (Excluding Jan) Time: 8.00am - 2.00pm, Location: Mountainview Plaza NQ Farmers Market Date: Every Saturday Time: 6.00am - 12.00pm Location: North Shore Town Centre

Upper Ross Community Markets Date: 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month Time: From 3.00pm Location: Apex Park, Riverway Drive, Rasmussen

Renegade Handmade Market Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Marian School

Castle Hill PCYC Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.00am to 11.00am Location: Castle Hill PCYC

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

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 29

REGULAR EVENTS TOWNSVILLE GALLERIES Art-Box - Free Art Activities for Kids Under 5 Days: First and third Tuesdays of the month Time: 10.00am Location: Pinnacles Gallery More Info: 4773 8871 Free Family Fun Day - Art Activities for the Family Days: Third Sunday of the month Time: 10.00am Location: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery More Info: 4727 9011 BELGIAN GARDENS STATE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP

to 12.00pm) Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost: Free Messy Play (Bookings Required) Days: Wednesdays Time: 9.00am & 10.30am Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale MOUNT LOUISA SCOUT GROUP Joeys and Cubs (6-10) Days: Tuesdays Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm Scouts (10-14)

Days: Mondays Time: 9.00 - 11.00am Location: Belgian Gardens SS Hall More Info: 4717 1333 or rickandjules4@bigpond.com Cost: $2 per person

Days: Thursdays Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm

FIRST FIVE FOREVER

Days: Saturdays Time: From 6.45am Location: Meet at the front of Tony Ireland Stadium on the grassed area near the ticket box.

Parent Information Sessions Days: First Tuesday of the month Time: 9.30am, Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost: Free Newborn and Family Drop-In Service Days: Tuesdays (9.00am to 2.00pm), Saturdays (9.00am

30 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Location: Mt Louisa House of Praise (Bayswater Rd) More Info: 0427 677 994 (Troy) RIVERWAY PARKRUN

Riverway parkrun is a 5km course along Ross River which you can complete by running or walking (or both) and is for all ages. Children, prams and dogs are all welcome to join in the fun. Please note: Scooters and bikes are not allowed for safety and insurance reasons.

This course is wheelchair friendly.

Jezzine Walk

Registration is free and available at www.parkrun.com. au/riverway.

Days: Wednesdays Time: 9.30am Location: Meet at Battalion Car park

MAINLY MUSIC

Sherriff Park Fitness

For Babies to pre prep aged children. Fun, music, morning tea and free play

Days: Fridays Time: 4.00pm Location: Meet at Sherriff Park

Days: Thursdays (during school term) Time: From 9.30am Location: St Peter’s Anglican Church, West End Cost: $3.00 per child More Info: 0414 807 179

Fit Club Exercise

MOPS - Mothers of PreSchoolers For mothers with children 0-6 years. Connect, relax and recharge. Days: Fridays – fortnightly during School terms Time: 9.30 - 11.30am Location: Mount Louisa House of Praise (425 Bayswater Rd) Cost: $9 per session More Info: 0421 658 535 (Juliana) TOWNSVILLE LIFESTYLE HUB FREE FITNESS SESSIONS Strand Walk Days: Monday Time: 9.30am Location: Meet at Rock Pool Fit Club exercise Days: Tuesday & Thursdays Time: 10.00am & 6.00pm Location: Meet at - TLH 3/31 Fleming Street

Days: Saturdays Time: 8.00am Location: Meet at TLH 3/31 Fleming Street More Info: Sharon 0412 341 768 TOY LIBRARY TOWNSVILLE (THE TOY SHED) Days: Second Thursday of month (excluding January) Time: 3.30 - 5.30pm Days: Second Saturday (excluding January) Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm Location: Fitzroy Street, Heatley Librarian: 0420 585 069 or childsplaytownsville@gmail.com Secretary: 0400 815 279 or facebook Toy Library TOWNSVILLE TOY LIBRARY Days: Every Tuesday and Saturday Time: 9:30-11:00am Location: 23 First Street, Railway Estate Community Centre More Info: Check their Facebook page Townsville Toy Library for updates

School Holiday Guide

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE June and July mean School Holidays and the kids will be off school before we know it! But don’t fear, PakMag has you covered with the best things to do and events to attend in Townsville. Whether you’re an active family, a creative family or an adventurous family, there’s something for you this School Holidays so you should never hear the word ‘bored’ pass your kids’ lips! So, get out there, have fun and make sure you upload your pictures of you and the kids at any events or doing fun things to PakMag’s Facebook page.

CASTLETOWN

Friday 30th June.

Revved up School holiday fun

3-6 years: Windcharms, Tumbling & Mini-Tramp. 7-11 years: Pop-Up Cards, Tumbling & Mini-Tramp.

Week 1: High Octane Pantomime Monday 26th to Friday 30th June. 11.00am and 1.00pm daily.

2 Day Workshops Silent Film Making

The kids will love this Pantomime with singing, dancing and lots of fun!

Monday 26th June and Wednesday 28th June for ages 10 years+. Runs 2.00pm – 4.00pm.

Week 2: HV8 Supercar Slot Cars Tuesday 4th to Saturday 8th July. 10.00am to 2.00pm daily.

Become a writer, actor and producer when you take part in this film workshop with our drama tutor Jonathon Brown. Create characters, learn the art of conveying a story without using words and choose costumes and props to create the right vibe.

Join all the hype of the V8 Supercars and challenge your friends to a race! For more information:

Cost per participant - $50.00 for both workshops. Bookings are required.

Web: www.castletown.com.au or Facebook: www.facebook.com/CastletownTownsville

Pop Up Story Book

LA LUNA YOUTH ARTS

Monday 26th June and Friday 30th June for ages 10 years+. Runs 2.00pm – 4.00pm.

Come and play, for children 3 – 11 years. Presented by La Luna Youth Arts. A range of visual art, drama and circus workshops on offer. Week 1 Monday 26th June.

Work with visual artist Katya Venter and write your own short story. Then learn pop-up paper art skills to illustrate your book. Cost per participant - $50.00 for both workshops. Bookings are required. Week 2 Tuesday 4th July.

3-6 years: Paper Aquarium, Rumble Tumble. 7-11 years: Paper Party Hats, Cirque de Play.

3-6 years: Rumble Tumble, Squirt Gun Painting. 7-11 years: Intro to Trapeze, Colour Changing Slime.

Tuesday 27th June.

Wednesday 5th July.

3-6 years: Hey, That’s Me!, Pirate Adventures. 7-11 years: Tie Dye T-Shirts, Don’t Make Me Laugh.

3-6 years: Dance & Sing, Whose Hat is That? 7-11 years: Hip Hop, But Wait…. There’s More.

Wednesday 28th June.

Thursday 6th July.

3-6 years: Pool Noodle Buildings, Tumbling and Toys. 7-11 years: Intro to Trapeze, Flextangles.

3-6 years: Yoga, Tumbling & Mini-Tramp. 7-11 years: Tumbling & Mini-Tramp, Yoga.

Thursday 29th June.

Friday 7th July.

3-6 years: Dancing Rhymes, Light it Up. 7-11 years: Song & Dance, Into the Darkness.

3-6 years: The Toy Shop, Marbled Wrapping Paper. 7-11 years: Stunts & Blunders, Robotic Hand.

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 33

School Holiday Guide

Sessions run: 9.00am – 10.30am and 11.00am – 12.30pm. Cost per participant - $15.00/workshop or $50.00/4 workshops. Please see advertisement for a special deal for Pakmag readers. Bookings are required. For more information or to book: Call: 07 4773 6377 Email: admin@lalunanq.com Web: www.lalunanq.com CHIPMUNKS PLAYLAND & CAFÉ Located in the West End, the play centre features the latest playground experience with large main playground and dedicated under 5’s area, and separate baby area. Join in the fun at Chipmunks Townsville and keep up to date with the latest news via their Facebook Page ChipmunksTownsville

It is fully supervised so mums and dads can relax and enjoy some of their own company while knowing that our dedicated staff are taking care of their little ones. (It is part of our T&C’s that parents have a buzzer for notifications for when their little one needs to see them, plus they are required to check out their child once an hour as well). It is open to members of the Townsville RSL and bookings are essential as places are very limited. A gold coin donation for admission goes to Mates 4 Mates, helping our veteran community. For further information: Call: 07 4759 9500 Web: www.townsvillersl.com.au PINNACLES GALLERY Pinnacles Gallery are running some great school holiday Art Workshops. Bookings essential.

PS Don’t forget your socks!

For more information or to book:

Contact them for more information on their amazing birthday party packages, and after hours’ functions.

Call: 07 4773 8871 Email: pinnacles@townsville.qld.gov.au

Call: 07 4724 2219 Web: www.chipmunks.com.au/venues/townsville/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChipmunksTownsville

TOWNSVILLE MINI GOLF

FAIRFIELD CENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE Head along to create your own furry friend these school holidays. Build a Bear Workshops Monday 26th till Friday 30th June. Running 9.30am – 4.00pm daily. Bookings not required For more information or to follow on facebook: Web: www.fairfieldcentral.com.au/whats-on/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/FairfieldCentralTSV PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY Perc Tucker Regional Gallery has your school holiday activities sorted with their Free Art Escape programs running daily from 10.00am. For more information: Call: 07 4727 9011 Web: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au TOWNSVILLE RSL Dining at Townsville RSL has never been easier. The Cadets Kids Club is open Wednesday to Saturday from 5.00pm – 10.00pm for ages 3- 12 years.

34 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

School holiday food and fun options: 1. Pay to Play once during the School Holidays and add $10.00 per group to play for FREE every day for the entire school holiday period. 2. FREE BBQ with Mini Golf play every Friday evening or Sunday lunch (bookings essential). 3. Saturday Night Buffet: All you can eat, all you can play. Pay for Mini Golf and kids eat for FREE. Adults only an extra $7.50 (bookings essential). Affordable food and fun only at Townsville Mini Golf throughout the school holidays. For more information, to book or to follow them on facebook: Call: 07 4771 3999 Web: www.townsvilleminigolf.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/tsvminigolf PAUL SADLER SWIMLAND Offering a 5 day Intensive Holiday Program Monday 26th to Friday 30th June. From 3.30pm / $70.00 per swimmer. Bookings essential. For more information or to book: Call: 07 4779 4647 Web: www.paulsadlerswimland.com

Taj Pabari: Teenage Tech Entrepreneur “I knew I wanted to change the world… so I did what any kid would do, and I googled “how to change the world” what I found was the word entrepreneur.” This was 3 years ago, and to say that Taj Pabari is on the right path to change the world could be an understatement. His company, Fiftysix Creations is a tech company described as the LEGO for the 21st century. His build-it-yourself tablet kits allow children to make their own device from individual parts with instructions on how to program it using code. “It is really fulfilling for me to see kids as young as eight turn from passive consumers of technology, to active users and creators.” In sessions that Fiftysix Creations facilitate, children learn about entrepreneurship, goal setting, problem solving, technology and digital literacy. “For the next generation, digital literacy is not just about using digital technology, it is about understanding computer science, programming and development.” With the profits from online sales, school programs and corporate or Government funded workshops, Fiftysix Creations gives back by running opportunity workshops in developing countries and rural and remote Australia. In the past year, his team has worked with communities in North Queensland such as Yarrabah and Aurukun. Taj’s business success and social impact has been rewarded with awards such as The Young Australian of the Year (QLD), and one of Westpac’s top 20 businesses of tomorrow. When you meet him you’d never know. He is as humble as he is smart, an attribute that is obviously working for him. Taj believes that young people are at an advantage when it comes to entrepreneurship “young people don’t see the roadblocks. They see opportunities rather than barriers.”

While Taj was in Cairns recently, on a trip supported by the Young Entrepreneurs Project and the Entrepreneurship Facilitators initiative from the Australian Government, he and his team inspired the next generation of entrepreneurs in sessions for school students, startup communities, teachers and parents. Enterpreneurship Facilitator, Tara Diversi was impressed by the message that Taj and his team shared. “The Fiftysix Creations team shared their story, knowledge and experiences in sessions. However, I was most impressed by how generous they were with their time and how well they demonstrated that if you really wanted to change the world, age didn’t need to be a barrier”. Taj is passionate about parents, teachers and mentors encouraging entrepreneurship in young people. A sentiment shared by the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur, Mark Sowerby. “In my generation, parents dreamed that their kids would represent Australia at the Olympics. Now, there is no reason why parents shouldn’t be encouraging their children into entrepreneurship and self-employment. One day, their child could play business for Australia.” For young entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs, Taj provides some sage advice “you have the power to change the world, and even if school isn’t for you, the world is changing”. To find out more about Taj Pabari, his website is Tajpabari.com and Fiftysix creations is www.hellofiftysix. com. For future opportunities fr om the Young Entrepreneurs Project, checkout their Facebook page www.facebook/yepcairns

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 37

Healthy Recipes

PARTY SNACKS PARTY SNACKS

Carrot energy balls

Healthy Cornflake Crackles

Makes 20 balls. Balls keep up to 2-3 weeks refrigerated. Dairy free and egg free.

Makes 50 mini muffins pans or 24 large muffins. Keep for up to 1 week in the fridge in an airtight container. Gluten free, egg free and dairy free choices.

The ingredients

¼ cup roasted walnuts 1 ½ cup oats ½ cup peanut butter (or any nut butter will work) ¼ cup honey (use a mild type) ½ tsp vanilla extract ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg Pinch cloves 1 cup grated carrot ½ cup currants 2 tbsp sesame seeds

1 ½ cup gluten free cornflakes ½ cup dry roasted roughly chopped almonds ¼ cup shredded coconut ¼ tsp ground rock salt ¼ tsp cinnamon 7 tbsp maple syrup 1 tbsp natural peanut butter or almond butter or pepitas butter 1 tsp milk of your choice 4 tsp cacao powder

Method

Preheat oven to 175°C (fan forced). Place cornflakes, almonds, coconut, cinnamon and salt into bowl – stir through with a spoon to mix thoroughly. Place all wet ingredients into a stick blender cup and mix to combine. Add cacao powder and mix to smooth. Pour wet mix over dry ingredients and mix until well coated.

Method

Place walnuts in food processor – blitz. Add oats and pulse for a few seconds. Add nut butter, honey, vanilla, spices and carrot – mix until smooth and well combined (careful not to overmix and loose textures). Add currants and sesame seeds for the last pulse. Using tablespoon measure, create balls – can be rolled in toasted oats or toasted sesame seeds. Nourishing secrets We use roasted nuts as it gives a richer nut flavour – raw nuts can be used here just as well

Use tablespoon as measure to scoop into paper pans in muffin tray. Bake for 10 - 15 minutes or until lightly toasted. Be careful not to overbake or cacao may become bitter. Allow to cool completely before storing in the fridge in an airtight container. These will remain crispy outside however will last longer in the fridge.

Recipes bought to you by: The Source Bulk Foods. You can pick up quality, fresh ingredients for these recipes from The Source Bulk Foods. Check them out on facebook: /TheSourceBulkFoodsNorthWard Recipes created by: Simple Nourishment. Check them out online: www.simplenourishment.com.au, on Instagram: simple.nourishment or on facebook: /simplenourishment

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 39

Home

KID’S PLAY KID’S PLAY ROOM ROOM With the Block’s Caro and Kingi Give your little one a place to let their imagination run wild in their very own play room! Creating a playroom that they can grow and change with is the perfect solution to stop the great migration of toys throughout the whole house.

Here are our top tips for creating the perfect playroom to suit your little ones needs. Seating When designing your child’s playroom, it’s important that you choose the right furniture that will suit and support your child’s necessities. Try filling the space with light furniture that is easy to move about. We suggest using beanbags as they are perfect for laying on when reading a book or to stretch out on when watching a movie. *Quick tip - we recommend getting beanbags with washable covers to add ease for future spills. Theme Don’t get caught up in themes for your child’s playroom. Even though they may be obsessed with Peppa Pig right now, it doesn’t mean that next month or even tomorrow

they still will be. Instead of putting all your budget towards permanent themed decorations, why not create a feature wall with easy peel off wall stickers or why not use these fantastic chalk board hangers from Koru Furniture and Homewares? These can be used as both a decorative piece and a fun activity for the kids. Storage A child’s playroom can become a clutter nightmare if not dealt with properly. When designing your child’s playroom make sure that you have plenty of storage and easy to reach cupboards that both you and your child can easily access. Reduce the mess even more by labelling each storage box so your child knows exactly where their toys belong. Rugs If your playroom is a shared space, try placing a rug within the area to effectively separate the playroom from the rest of the house. A rug is also perfect for creating a comfy area to play. We suggest using an interactive or patterned rug so your little one can incorporate it within their imaginative play. Decorative and practical - Bonus!

6 8 3

40 June 40 June 2017 2017 || www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

1. A Playspace At The Farm - www.laybabylay.com 2. Homely Creatures Knitted Cactus Cushion - RRP $75.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 3. Handcrafted Timber Play Kitchen - RRP $460.00 - www.earthtoys.net 4. Wooden Stacking Pastel Rainbow - RRP $150.00 - www.earthtoys.net 5. Green Cathedral Mini Babanees Stool in Almost Aloe - RRP $175.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 6. Cloud Wooden Shelf - RRP $32.00 - www.earthtoys.net 7. Miann & Co Pink Mushroom Hand Rattle - RRP $17.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 8. Down To The Woods Shield Medium - RRP $15.50 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 9. Down To The Woods Small Arrow Sign - RRP $31.50 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 10. Armadillo & Co Flower Weave Rug in Daisy Sherbet, 80% Hemp 20% Wool - RRP $275.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 11. Green Cathedral Mini Babanees Stool in Coral Blossom - RRP $175.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 12. BigJigs Town & Country Train Set 101 pieces - RRP $220.00 - www.earthtoys.net 13. Heico Pineapple Nightlight - RRP $179.95 - www.earthtoys.net 14. Miann $ Co Amanda Panda RRP $71.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

Celebrate

WHEN IN DOUBT, ADD MORE SPARKLE What’s more fun than throwing a birthday party for your little one? A party that’s full of everything sparkly and magical of course! Whether you are three or 33, this majestic unicorn and princess filled party will have you jumping off your feet with excitement.

Sprinkle Station Set up a cupcake sprinkle station where your guests can express their inner sparkle, decorating their very own cupcake with sprinkles and editable glitter. What you’ll need: •• Several bowls of sprinkles, edible glitter and other decorative edible treats

Glitter Galore Balloons To add that extra sparkle create these awesome glitter balloons!

•• Pre-made cupcakes, already iced •• Table space to set up your sparkle station

What you’ll need:

Let the magic begin:

•• Craft glue

•• Display the pre-iced cupcakes on an easy to reach tray, so all party guests big and small can reach.

•• Bowl/s of glitter •• Balloons

•• We suggest placing a disposable party cloth over the table to capture the sprinkles and glittery spills.

Magical steps:

•• Let your party guests’ imaginations run wild as they create their very own sparkling masterpieces that they also get to eat.

•• Blow up balloons to your desired size. •• Dip each balloon into a bowl of craft glue, making sure that the top half of the balloon is evenly covered. •• While still wet, dip the balloon into a bowl of glitter, rotating it to evenly spread the glitter over the glue area. •• Leave to dry completely before hanging up on display.

Princess Gift bags Thank each guest for coming with their very own gift bag fit for a princess or prince. To complete their magical party experience fill these bags with a set of stylish bracelets, desired treats and their very own crown, all of course, sprinkled with an abundance of fairy dust.

1 2

3 5

42 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

1. Twinkle Little Star Party - www.suzannecarey.com 2. Icingbits Golden Unicorn Bits Set - RRP $16.00 - www.icingbits.com 3. Unicorn Cake - Instagram: cintia_costa 4. Miann & Co - Emily Unicorn - RRP $71.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 5. Classic MJ Lurex Gold - RRP $29.95 - www.hellomisspoppyseed.com 6. Princess Pearl by Nana Huchy - RRP $49.95 - www.hellomisspoppyseed.com 7. Gold Heart Earrings by Holiday - RRP $14.95 - www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 8. Dreamer Bracelet by Blue Scarab - RRP $35.00 - www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 9. Salome Crown - RRP $32.00 - www.earthtoys.net 10. Salome Wand - RRP $26.00 www.earthtoys.net 11. Peche Royale Cedarwick by Sohum - RRP $35.00 www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 12. Down to the Woods 10m Gold String Lights RRP $73.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

snapped snapped

1. Dominic & Tidus Devine - Harveys Range 2. Reuben Laidlow & Jamie Polit Simms - Harveys Range 3. Skye Cassidy - Chipmunks 4. Alessia Hanrick - Chipmunks 5. Giselle Laidlow Harveys Range 6. Thomas, Danielle Channon, Janette Robinson & Zoey Channon - Harveys Range 7. Savannah & Tahra Hall - Chipmunks 8. Sebastian Laidlow - Harveys Range

44 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Snapped

Photography thanks to: Josephine Carter - 0455 295 416 www.josephinecarterphotography.com

9. Ava Nelson & Cleo Walker Wilson - Harveys Range 10. Paige, Zackery, Madison, Tanya & Timothy Johnston - Harveys Range 11. Amelia - Rowes Bay 12. Simon, Oscar, Maddy, Hannah & Angus Eddy - Harveys Range 13. Freddie Hanrick - Chipmunks 14. Ephraim Hall - Chipmunks 15. Marley & Paige Batchelor - Harveys Range

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 45

Advertorial

Workplace Bullying Workplace Bullying –In Focus In Focus Workplace bullying is an issue that many workers will confront in their career. It is important that people who experience bullying in their job know that they have rights. Beyond the moral responsibilities we owe to each other, there are laws that can protect people and that can provide remedies and redress. The starting point is that every business owner and employer has a legal responsibility under health and safety laws and anti-discrimination laws to provide a safe working environment. An employer or business that allows – either directly or indirectly – bullying to occur may be in breach of the legal protections afforded to all workers. What is ‘bullying’? Generally speaking, bullying is behaviour by a person in a workplace that: •• is repeated; •• is unreasonable; and, •• creates a risk to health and safety. Bullying can arise in many different ways, so the law looks to apply these types of considerations to each situation. Every situation will be considered according to the facts and circumstances of the individuals and the workplace, as what may be unreasonable in one instance, may, due to a small difference in context, be perfectly reasonable in another. Bullying may be direct and indirect. Direct bullying may include spreading false or malicious rumours, aggressive or intimidating behaviour, or conduct that unreasonably victimises or teases another person. Indirect bullying often may occur in a more subtle way and include collusion between a group to pursue a campaign against a particular person, including a manager.

What is ‘discrimination’? Bullying can also be discriminatory if the bullying is a result of the age, gender, race, disability, religion, sexual orientation or pregnancy status of the person. It is not infrequent for women who fall pregnant to experience a sudden change in the treatment they receive from an employer or a workplace and suddenly feel targeted by their employer. What can be done about bullying? People need to know there are legal options available to them. Our experience is that with support and guidance from an experienced employment lawyer, individuals can quickly address the issue with their employer to ensure that their workplace is safe. Sometimes, a workplace investigation is necessary in order to resolve the issue. It is very important that process of workplace investigation into a complaint of bullying is fair to all sides, as the findings often have significant consequences for individuals, including termination of their employment. If you or someone you know is experiencing a workplace bullying issue, it may be helpful to speak to a lawyer, union or employer group, or seek to better inform yourself about the protections and laws surrounding workplace bullying. If you feel you are being bullied or have any other legal concerns we at Anderson Fredericks Turner Lawyers and Advocates are here to help you. Visit www.aftlawyers.com.au to find out more or contact our office on 07 4724 3003. If you prefer to see us in person our office is conveniently located on the Ground Floor at 61-73 Sturt Street, Townsville.

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2017 47

Business

Business buzz

Women’s health at Physio Vida Meet SHEREE FROM KID STRONG Tell us a bit about yourself. I grew up in a small sugarcane farming community south of Townsville. Having an Italian background and living just down the road from both sets of my grandparents, I’ve always had a strong connection to wholesome home-cooked food. In 2011 I had my first child and learned the powerful influence certain foods can have on such small bodies. Like all parents I wanted to give my son the best start in life and this new passion for whole foods lead me to complete my Diploma in Nutritional Therapy. Why did you start Kid Strong? I wanted to create a way for kids to understand food. Not just hear about “good” and “bad” food, but to help them experience first-hand what food is, what it does for our bodies and where it comes from. Kid Strong aims to empower children through food education, one of the best tools you can give your child to set them up for life.

Physio Vida is Townsville’s newest general physiotherapy clinic and one of the only with a strong focus and specialisation in Women’s Health Physio. Jennifer Plath brings 14 years of experience to her Bowen Rd clinic which she opened in late 2016. A Townsville local, Jen has been a private practice physiotherapist since graduating from UQ in 2002 and in recent years, she has cemented herself as one of Townsville’s leading Pelvic Floor and Women’s Health Physiotherapists. Jen completed her Women’s Health Physiotherapy qualification through the Women’s Health Training Association in Sydney and subsequently gained advanced qualifications in Bladder Function, Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Pelvic Pain. Jen is expertly trained and has extensive experience in all aspects of Women’s Health Physiotherapy including: •• Bladder leakage •• Pelvic floor rehabilitation and strengthening •• Abdominal separation •• Post natal return to exercise •• Pregnancy related pain and discomfort •• Bulging or heaviness at the pelvis

What makes Kid Strong unique?

•• Pelvic pain

I want children to feel strong and confident in making their own choices when it comes to food. Deciding what food you’re going to eat is a decision you will be making 4 or 5 times a day for the rest of your life.

•• Constipation and difficulty evacuating

I run one hour lessons at kindergartens and primary schools to encourage conversation about food through educational activities and by preparing with the kids some easy kid-friendly meals that they then get to eat. I reference the healthy eating pyramid and suggested daily serving sizes throughout the lesson. It’s important that we help children to get it right, right from the start. For more information phone Sheree Scarabel on 0409 662 498 or visit www.kidstrong.squarespace.com

48 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

•• Prolapse •• Painful Intercourse Physio Vida offers a personal, professional and private setting for women’s health and general physiotherapy services. Jen is genuinely invested in improving the daily lives of each of her patients. Women’s health is not a ‘one diagnosis fits all’ approach. There are many different dysfunctions that can occur within the complex female anatomy. At Physio Vida we have the expertise to assess, diagnose and treat women’s health clients with no referral required. We also offer a convenient online booking service via our website or facebook page. Let Physio Vida help you live your best life.

Daddy DADDY Diary DIARY My name is Guy Clifton and I am a chatterbox. I don’t know how or when I contracted this condition. As long as I can remember I’ve had it. But there is no denying it, I am a full blown, die hard, talk-under-water-witha-mouthfull-of-marbles, chatterbox. And sadly for my long suffering wife, Michelle, it’s a trait I’ve passed onto our nearly three-year-old daughter Matilda. I like to think of Matilda Clifton as the Ray Warren or Dennis Cometti (depending on your footy code) of life. She’s an everyday commentator constantly bombarding anyone who’ll listen with a running play by play of what’s happening around her. This is ongoing. Every minute of every day. Whatever she sees, she remarks upon. Dog, apple, hat, grass, Emma Wiggle (her favourite), cheese, bike, dress, Weet-Bix, nap and most recently when she hears a siren, “Ambulance bus”. How the word ‘bus’ was added to the end of ‘Ambulance’, I have no idea, so I just nod along with her and agree. What ever she sees, hears, touches and even smells, we get a rundown of.

Matilda’s chitty-chatty nature finally boiled over a few Sundays ago. It was the early afternoon and I was busy working away on the laptop in our front office while my wife was baking in the kitchen. We were a mere one room away from each other. This was very convenient for Matilda as she was easily able to access both rooms ensuring we were aware of every single detail of what the other was doing. All was rosy but it was not to last. You see this particular afternoon both Michelle and I were pretty invested in what we were doing. After indulging Matilda in her commentary of life for a good 10 minutes each we did the worst thing possible. We stopped paying attention. We just ignored her. It wasn’t deliberate. We were just focused on what we were doing. For the first few minutes it didn’t actually bother Matilda. She just carried on running from room to room with the latest breaking news. But eventually the frustration of being ignored boiled over. From the kitchen I could hear it. A loud thump and an almighty scream, “MUMMY I AM TALKING TO YOU...LISTEN TO ME”. What a scene she caused. Turns out the bang was Little Miss Three throwing her Fisher Price cash register at the fridge. Boy she must have been one frustrated toddler. Looks like a short fuse and a fiery temper are other traits she’s been gifted with from her old man. I really do feel for my wife (XOXO). We love you little chatterbox. Cliffo Hit 103.1 Townsville

50 June 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au