PakMag Townsville - June 2018 Issue 91

ISSUE: JUNE 2018

91

TOWNSVILLE

TIME-SAVING LIFE HACKS HOME LEARNING

PAKMAG NEEDS YOU!

HOME: WOODEN WONDERS CHOOSING A CHILDCARE OR KINDY

FREE

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 1

CONTENTS 4

Entertainment: Check It Out

7

The Thing Is with Bree James

8

Time-Saving Life Hacks

11

PakMag Needs You

15 Home Learning The New Homework 19 Principal’s Pen 21 The PakMag Experts 23 Health 25 Healthy Recipes 27 What’s On Guide 29 Mini Mag 37 Bump, Bub and Beyond:

New Child Care Subsidy 38 Bump, Bub and Beyond: WIN 41 Choosing a Childcare Centre

or Kindergarten 47 10 Common Myths

About Catholic Kindy

Welcome to the June edition of PakMag Townsville.

I don’t know about you, but I love the cooler weather that winter brings to the tropics; it’s just right to get outdoors without worrying about overheating! It’s fabulous.

As a business, we’ve changed dramatically in the last 12 months; we’re now much more than a magazine. We have just launched our new website, our social media platforms great for connecting us to our readers instantly and our new podcast is launching soon. And because we have so much to offer, on page 11 we give you a run down of all the ways you can connect and engage with us, which in turn, helps us provide you with more and more.

With School Holidays upon us at the end of the month, the piece on home learning on page 15 will help you keep your little ones using their minds during the break. And our School Holiday Guide means that you’ll never be stuck for something to do.

Plus, this month we give you a comprehensive run-down of all your options when it comes to childcare in Townsville, so take a look if you have preschool aged children you’re looking to get into childcare or Kindy.

I hope you have a fantastic June and until next month, don’t forget to tell them you read it in PakMag.

49 8 Reasons Winter Swimming

Lessons are Great 51 School Holiday Guide 54 Mater Snapped 56 Home with Caro and Kingi:

Wooden Wonders 58 Daddy Diary

Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James Operations Manager Rose Foster Production Manager Janelle May

Bree James Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief Contact Us: p 4053 3331 f 4053 3350 e admin@grandpublishing.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 / Unit 5, 78 Anderson St, Cairns fb facebook.com/pakmagtownsville t #pakmag

Graphic Designers Clare Winter Sara Williams Marketing to Families Experts Lisa Gillman Dan Kendrick Sub-Editor Kate Moloney

Accounts Trent Stievano Supply & Distribution Manager Gleisy Meireles Media Interns Monique Saggers Kalisha Fitsch

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

Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 30th July 2018

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 3

Entertainment

CHECK IT OUT Townsville Grammar School’s Open Day When: Saturday, 2 June, 9.00am to 12.00pm Where: North Shore Campus More Info: www.tgs.qld.edu.au Get along to Townsville Grammar School’s North Shore Campus Open Day on Saturday, 2 June and find out all that they have to offer for Pre-Kindy kids (3 years old) to early Primary.

Townsville Style Workshop by Gerlinda ECOfiesta 2018 When: Sunday, 3 June, 9.00am to 3.00pm Where: Queens Gardens More Info: www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au A family fun day featuring the latest and greatest in environmental tips, products, ideas and current innovations aimed at sustainable living. This event provides opportunities for different groups and businesses to display environmentally friendly products and services for the community in a fun festival atmosphere.

When: Saturday, 16th June More Info: www.gerlinda.com.au Let Gerlinda show you how to embrace your shape with styling tips that will have you looking fabulous for every occasion. Learn how to shop with confidence and enhance your wardrobe so that niggling old thought of, “Does my butt look big in this?”, will be a thing of the past. Workshop cost: $99.00. Bookings Essential.

2 for 1 special with use of code: PAKMAG

Play School Concerts: Once Upon a Time When: Sunday, 17 June at 12.00pm Where: The Ville Grand Ballroom, The Ville ResortCasino More Info: www.kidspromotions.com.au Watch classic nursery rhyme characters magically come to life as the pages of the storybook are turned in this exciting new production, ‘Once Upon A Time’.

Bookings required

Free entry.

Annual Pet Expo When: Sunday, 17 June, 9.00am to 3.00pm Where: Jezzine Barracks More Info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Clear your pet’s social calendar and head to Jezzine Barracks for the Townsville Pet Expo. With over 90 exhibitors, there is something for every animal lover! With the return of the popular Small Paws Sprint. On hand will be vets, breeders, groomers and lots of pet-related products.

Plus lots of competitions and giveaways on the day. Free event.

Community Tree Planting When: Sunday, 17 June, 8.30am to 10.00am Where: Dalrymple Service Road More Info: 13 48 10 Powerlink and Townsville City Council are delivering a greening program to increase vegetation density and improve habitats for local native wildlife while promoting water efficiency. With a free sausage sizzle, face painting and native tree giveaways! Free event.

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PakMag 2018 Cairns Expo When: Sunday 24 June, 9.00am to 3.00pm Where: Brothers World of Entertainment More Info: www.pakmag.com.au Join PakMag at Brothers World of Entertainment, Cairns on Sunday, 24 June for a day of family fun, prizes, entertainment and over 50 family friendly stalls.

We still have a couple of spaces left for businesses to get involved and showcase their products and services to local families, so head to www.pakmag.com.au to book. Free entry.

Townsville Show When: Friday, 29 June, to Monday, 2 July, 9.00am until late Where: Townsville Showgrounds More Info: www.townsviileshow.com.au Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) - $35

SAVE THE DATE Townsville 400 - V8 Supercar Race When: Friday, 6 July to Sunday, 8 July Where: Reid Park More Info: www.supercars.com/townsville

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show When: Friday, 27 July, 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 6.30pm Where: Riverway Arts Centre More Info: www.ticketshop.com.au One of the most-read and famous children’s books of all time, ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ emerges off the page in a masterful theatrical experience for the whole family.

Josephine Wants to Dance When: Monday, 13 August at 6.30pm and Tuesday, 14 August at 10.30am and 12.30pm Where: Riverway Arts Centre More Info: www.ticketshop.com.au A story about dreams, believing in yourself... and a dancing kangaroo. Josephine is a kangaroo, who loves to dance. Her little brother, Joey, tells her that kangaroos don’t dance, they hop, but Josephine continues to point her toes and leap through the air.

Recommended for kids from 4 to 9 years of age.

The Thing Is

The Thing Is...

STORY Bree James

Don’t you love it when people say “You need to take better care of yourself”. Especially when it’s someone who isn’t a mum, or was in the stone ages when they were raising their kids.

Society is constantly telling us we need to have the perfect outfit, perfect makeup and shoes, polished nails, styled hair and a nice tanned, toned body. It’s enough to make any woman want to stay home, never to be seen in the flesh again.

The thing is, sure, I loved it when I could maintain my physical appearance, but man it’s hard work. As mums, we are time-poor, but it’s important to remember that a little self-love can go a long way in making us look (and most importantly, feel) like a million bucks.

So here are my mum hacks.

Dry shampoo is my saving grace for dirty hair. This stuff can go on for days and give your hair that kinda fresh looking washed look without the hassle of actually washing and drying your hair. With the help of dry shampoo, five days is about the maximum time I can go in between washes.

Hairy legs? Pants are a girl’s best friend, and with the heat up here, long skirts are too! Much faster to whip one of those babies on. Pro tip: buy non iron ones if you are super lazy like me.

Toenails? I’ve had about seven layers of paint on before my nails looked like a really bad reno. By this stage, it’s closed-in shoe time. Then there is no way you are getting that off, so go to a non-English speaking shopping centre nail bar where they can talk about your dirty, mangey feet without you knowing (but you know),

you may have to pay extra. Then get Shellac, you’ll get another three to four months before the nail has grown so much it looks too bad!

Ladyscaping woes? Boyleg undies. Holds it all in.

Sometimes you may have to tuck in the sides, but hey, it’s just like long hair under a cap. If you do finally book in that wax appointment, they will trim first. Don’t do what I did and leave your undies on thinking you’re being all discreet. Hot wax sticks to undies and your partner will literally have to rip them off when you get home. Trust me, waxing a second time around with an already red and raw beaver is not fun. Last note on this topic, throw those undies out. Washing out the wax doesn’t work. You’ll put those wax contaminated undies on again and without seeing the wax, it will heat up and when it’s toilet time, you’re stuck again, and you’ll be heavy breathing trying to rip those undies off your fresh stubble in the work toilet. Then you’ll throw them in the bin and realise you have to free flap it for the rest of the day. A friend told me this story of course.

Mums we all do it. We try so hard to look after everyone else, and don’t spend the time or money on looking after ourselves. I am trying to get better at this stuff, so this month, join me, let’s burn those 5-year-old candles, and bathe in the bath bombs we got three Mothers Day’s ago. And use the stinky lavender soap. Every Sunday, rain, hail or red week - it’s mum’s night to spend an hour to have a bath, do her lady scaping, wash her hair, and make herself all pretty. So bugger off and leave us alone for an hour. Who’s with me?

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Parenting

Time-SAVING Life Hacks STORY Janelle May

Time is one of our most valuable assets, yet we tend to waste it, kill it or spend it rather than investing it. Being organised is not just a case of having your week planned, but more importantly, it’s about how it creates more time for you to spend that time doing the things that you truly care about.

With this in mind, I thought I would share some of my favourite ‘life hacks’: In the kitchen:

Easy peel boiled eggs – Add baking soda or vinegar to the water when boiling eggs for easier shell removal.

Both substances permeate the eggshells and help in removing the shell with little fuss.

Slow down ripening tomatoes - Store tomatoes stem end down as this prevents air from entering and moisture from exiting the scar where the tomato once attached to the vine. Storing them at room temperature rather than in the fridge also makes them last longer.

Make citrus fruits even juicer - To get the most juice, refrigerate then microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds, roll citrus fruits before squeezing, cut them lengthwise, and use a pair of tongs to squeeze.

Speed up ripening – A paper bag can morph a banana from green to yellow or a peach from crunchy to juicy as the concentrated ethylene gas helps them to ripen faster.

Pizza Scissors – Use scissors to cut pizza instead of a pizza cutter. You won’t pull cheese everywhere, and it cuts right through the toppings!

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Parenting

Don’t waste your time flipping - When roasting items such as chips and veggies, pre-heating your tray eliminates the need to flip halfway through.

Save fresh herbs for later use - Use an ice-cube tray or muffin tin to freeze fresh chopped herbs in water, olive oil or stock for later use.

Easily remove eggshell fragment from a bowl – Wet your finger with water and then put it next to the shell particle and the shell will be drawn to your finger.

Fuss-free microwave cleaning - Pop a watersoaked sponge in the microwave and let it cruise around the turntable for a minute. This helps to loosen any caked-on food making it easier to wipe away, plus it also helps to disinfect the sponge too. Try adding some lemon slices to a cup of water for a microwave aromatic boost!

Handy conversions and substitutions – Have you been caught mid-recipe by imperial measurements or by thinking you had an item only to find that you don’t?

We have you covered with a handy printable Kitchen Conversions and Substitutes chart available on www.pakmag.com.au Lunchbox hacks: Avoid brown apple slices - Secure a sliced apple with a rubber band, this stops the air getting to the inside which is what makes it go brown.

Pre-chop food for the week – Foods like cubes of cheese or slices of watermelon can be pre-chopped and kept in separate containers for easy packing of lunch boxes each morning.

Snack stations - Dole out snacks into containers over the weekend, store in either the fridge or cupboard, depending on the items, and grab-and-go all week long.

Perfect for after-school snacks too.

Silicone cupcake liners – These make perfect snack separators as they are lightweight, easy to wash, and colourful.

Leftover mini frittata snacks - Divide your cut up leftovers and favourite veggies into muffin trays, top with an egg and milk mix, add cheese and bake.

No waste, no mess and no fuss!

Freeze water inside your water bottle - Some water bottles are hard to get ice inside, so instead fill them a quarter of the way full and then lay them on their side

and freeze. Then fill with water, and the water stays cold as the ice melts.

Lunches list - Make a list of 12-15 different lunch ideas that you can rotate through for daily inspiration.

If you are stuck for ideas, then check out our printable Lunchbox Planner at www.pakmag.com.au, you can even add some of your kid’s personal favourites to this list.

Sponge ice pack - Freeze a wet sponge then place it in a zip-lock sandwich bag to use as a freezer block in their lunch box to keep their lunch cool. The frozen sponge is also usable as a handy-sized ice-pack.

A bag of jokes or notes - Pre-cut some notes and jokes and place in a bag that you can quickly grab one from each morning to add to your kids’ lunch boxes, this is sure to put a smile on their faces.

Miscellaneous: Pain-free splinter removal - Make a thick paste with baking soda and water and rub it on the site of the splinter. This ‘magic potion’ will draw the splinter out in a few minutes.

Glitter spills - Glitter is no match for a lint roller, clean up nightmare glitter spills with ease.

Untangle doll hair - Fill a small bottle with water and 2 tablespoons of fabric softener to create a wash that will easily detangle doll hair. Dish liquid and hair conditioner also work for this!

Mess-free painting (sensory play) - Place some paint inside of a large zip-lock bag and seal to create a ‘paint Etch A Sketch’. Let their fingers, paint free, create magic images over and over.

Remove crayon – If your little Picassos have expressed their creativity with crayon on your walls then easily remove it with the help of WD-40.

Our time is precious, and our time with our children is even more precious. Make the most of your time by trying some of these, my favourite handy ‘life hacks’ and spend more of your time doing the things that make you and your family happy.

PakMag loves providing our readers with helpful parenting tips and tools, so much so, that on our new website we’ve included a Resources page full of helpful downloads just for you. Be sure to check it out at www.pakmag.com.au

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Sharing The Love

PakMag Needs You!

Many of you reading this will know the PakMag story.

You’ll know that Bree began the magazine to help families in the Far North be better connected within their community 11 years ago. You’ll know that we now reach over 72,000 people every month with our three magazines, PakMag Cairns, Townsville and Mackay, and thousands more through our digital channels.

And you’ll know that giving back is at our very core; having run over 400 free events attended by over 300,000 local families, created the PakMag Mobile Parents Room (the first of its kind in Australia), printed more than 2.7 million magazines which are free for readers, raised well over $150,000 for local charities, given away more than $500,000 in prizes and helped thousands of small businesses to grow their share of the family market.

But did you know that we need your help to do all this, to continue doing this and to do more of this?

As a company, we’ve never put pressure on our readers or asked for help, but with the changing landscape of our industry, we need your help to continue to provide our community with this much-loved resource.

PakMag is more than just a magazine. Our digital arm is now a huge part of what we do, and with our new website just launching, we have a goal of reaching 100,000 PakClub Members by the end of the year.

It’s a big goal, but if we do this, it will mean that we will be able to continue providing daily content for parents.

But, more than that, we’ll be able to provide more free stuff, more product discounts and more prizes to you, our loyal readers.

We’re a well-known resource in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay but our aim is to take PakMag to the national, and eventually, global stage. To do this, we not only need to build our brand on a local scale (through the magazine and our social media), we also need to show PakMag is a voice of authority in the parenting space nationally. And there are two ways we’ll do this; 1) we’ll provide the best content, freebies, discounts and prizes to families all over Australia and 2) We’ll build Bree’s personal profile to show the world just how credible we are in this space, much like Mia Freedman or Constance Hall.

But why does your support matter? Well, PakMag as a brand is able to run as a result of family-friendly businesses choosing the magazine, the website, or our social media to promote their products or services through paid mediums. But without us proving that we are loved in the community, by you, they’d have no reason to choose us. This is where we need your help!

So how you can support PakMag in this next step of our journey?

Digital proof counts a LOT in business. Not only is PakMag in an industry that competes with Google, Facebook, TV, Radio and all other media, we’re also competing with the likes of Mark Zuckerberg and Kerry Packer who have an endless supply of money… and huge social media proof.

We certainly don’t have that (yet), and realistically we sometimes have to choose between giving someone a job or whether we invest in new office chairs. So we need you, our loyal NQ readers to help us BIG TIME to

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Sharing The Love

grow our social status globally. “I’ve been nervous to take this next step,” Bree says. “But I so badly want to help parents raise incredible kids and provide resources, tips and advice to more than just NQ, so I hope you can help us and embrace this step with us.”

Here is a checklist of everything we would LOVE your help with if you are a parent who wants a chance to win prizes, learn, and have fun!

Digital Check List

Head to www.pakmag.com.au and sign up to PakClub. This is a FREE club for parents who want to stay up to date, receive offers, discounts and more. PLUS, you’ll get access to our digital publication, “PakMag” which features celebrity interviews, great prizes and discounts.

On Instagram, follow “breegjames” (Bree’s business account), “pakmag_online” (PakMag’s national account) and “pakmag_fnq” (PakMag’s account for our NQ readers).

On YouTube, subscribe to “Bree TV” (for Bree’s look

at the parenting and business world), “PakMag TV”

(for amazing videos for parents and kids) and “Parents and Kids of North Queensland” (for

local videos)

Join Our "Give it A Go Group-for Parents" group on Facebook. This is for parents looking for inspiration and advice on things they want to give a go, from travel to recipes and parenting techniques.

Follow “PakMag” on Pinterest.

Follow “PakMag” on Facebook - this is our global page for parents, as well as “PakMag Townsville”.

Rate us on “PakMag Townsville”, and “PakMag” on Facebook, leave us a testimonial about how we help you or what you love about our platforms.

Like the new “Bree James” Facebook page.

Real World Check List If you visit one of our advertisers, let them know “I read it in PakMag”.

If you visit ANY business in town, ask them, “Do you offer a bonus for PakMag readers?”

Snap a picture: if you’re at a local event, doing something in the local community or you see something that PakMag readers should know about, snap a picture and send it to us by using #pakmag share on Instagram or by sending us a message via your local PakMag Facebook page.

If you have an interest in business or entrepreneurship: Like the new “Bree James” Facebook page.

Subscribe to the Bree James blog (head to www.breejames.com.au).

Subscribe to Bree’s YouTube channel, “Bree TV”.

Follow “The Business Over Breakfast Podcast” that Bree co-hosts with Australia’s #1 business author Andrew Griffiths (Search in your podcast App and “follow” the podcast).

If you are a parent and a business owner, join the new Facebook group “Parentpreneur - For the Brave Raising A Business & A Family”. It’s a place where you can ask for tips and advice on business and family with likeminded Parentpreneurs.

Some of these are brand new, so there are zero followers at this stage, so please invite your friends and help us reach our targets in no time!

Extra tips and hints for the ultra keen and ultra helpful!

Facebook: ensure you are “following” our pages and groups not just “liking” it, Facebook constantly changes algorithms, so if you “follow” and put on notifications, you won’t miss any of our posts, and we won’t have to give more money to Facebook that doesn’t stay in our community.

Add @pakmag.com.au and @breejames.com to your safe senders list on your email, then you won’t miss our special deals, information and competitions. We promise not to spam you!

Comment, like, share, participate and offer help on all of our social media channels! We have plenty of great content. Got a family member visiting?

Send them the link to our NQ Family Travel Guide.

Someone having a baby? Send them the link to our NQ Baby & Toddler Guide. Someone new to town?

Tell them to pick up a PakMag and do the above.

Share our videos, comment, tag - it all helps.

Submit a story about your family. Our new “Families of PakMag” series features families from all across Australia and we’d love to feature you (head to www.pakmag.com.au).

Submit your interest in being a cover star (head to www.pakmag.com.au).

Join us as an ambassador, if you LOVE PakMag and want to be part of what we do, head to www.pakmag.com.au and apply.

Use these hashtags when you post on social media if you want us to share your content:

For parents - #pakmag, #pakmagshare, #pakmagparent

For Business owners - #parentpreneurshare, #parentpreneurmob, #breejames

Follow Bree James on LinkedIn.

Check out this story in our online mag for handy clickable links to all of the above steps.

Follow “breegjames” and “Parentpreneur_mob” on Instagram.

Thanks so much if you did one or all of these things.

We really appreciate it!

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Education

Home learning the new homework STORY Meg O’Donnell (B.Ed, SAHM) Homework is dreaded in many homes, not only by the student but in many cases by the parent as well.

Students often hate that they must spend their home time working, and parents dread being the hard taskmaster, forcing them to continue and complete.

In a world where our language is constantly changing and evolving to adjust to new concepts and understandings, the term ‘homework’ has been placed on the chopping block. The negative connotations of the word invoke a sense of dread even before getting started. After all, the very definition of the word ‘work’ is defined as, “Sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result.”

Even its definition sounds unpleasant.

‘Learn’ on the other hand, is defined as “Gaining knowledge or understanding of, or skill in, by study, instruction or experience.” Home ‘work’ is seen as more the end result, where home ‘learning’ is about the journey and how we get there.

As well as having a negative undertone in the very title, some homework has also been proven to, at best, have very little impact on a student’s understanding, and at worst, it becomes detrimental. Parents are often unable to provide the same teaching techniques that are applied in the classroom, leading to their children getting even more confused. Alternatively, students are struggling without assistance. The whole experience can lead to negative attitudes towards whole concepts, and it has forced the education system to look for an alternative - ‘home learning’ over ‘home work’.

Make no mistake; they haven’t simply changed the name and kept the concepts the same. Home learning is about creating a different mode of learning for the students, where they can continue to grow their knowledge, but in a less structured environment. Tasks such as “Learn your home address off by heart”, “Clean your screen and check your headphones are working” and “Help your family with the gardening and talk about water usage”

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Education

are now gracing our children’s home learning pages.

Tasks that might not seem educational but serve their own powerful purpose.

These activities are helping our children develop cognitive memory techniques, technology skills vital for their generation, and a greater awareness of the society they live in and their own personal impact. Whilst students will still need to practise some mathematics and will of course, at times, have some more structured activities that seem more reminiscent of homework, there is a bigger shift to a more ‘whole learning’, where the parent and student are able to engage and interact with the lessons with more confidence.

For those parents whose children are making the change to home learning, here are some tips that can help: 1. Set aside a regular time.

Whilst home learning is designed not to be as structured as homework; it still needs its own time.

Setting aside time where both child and parent are present and able to focus is a great start. Most parents find that the most effective time for home learning is the same as for homework; straight after school with an afternoon snack, before the dinner rush and bedtime routines. Usually, a session will take no longer than 30 minutes (and may be less depending on age).

2. Keep distractions to a minimum.

There is a difference between allowing your child to get slightly distracted or go off track whilst still learning, and simply having the television on in the background while they work. Some distractions are welcome. We are, after all, encouraging our children to take a more active role in their learning. But we don’t need the negative distractions; the technology that doesn’t require thinking and learning. Try to keep the area ‘negative’ distraction free (especially if you only have limited time!)

3. Allow your child to fail and try again.

This is an important one. Students (and everyone else for that matter) learn more from failure than they do from success. So often we spend so much time trying to ‘get it right’, but for many, it is not until they have ‘got it wrong’ that they can see the error, and therefore the correct way. By letting our children try, (even when we know it won’t work), we are allowing them the chance to really learn something for themselves. Doing this can almost guarantee that they will come away with a much better knowledge of the correct answer because rather

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than just being told ‘what’ something is, they will have experienced the ‘why’ for themselves.

4. Get enthusiastic, but not too involved.

Parent participation is wonderful. Every teacher dreams of a class full of enthusiastic parents who want their children to thrive. What isn’t wonderful though, is when the parents (perhaps pressed for time, perhaps perfectionists) end up doing the brunt of the work for their child. Teachers don’t need to know that Dad knows his times tables, or that Mum can write a persuasive argument. They need to know if your child can. A teacher would rather see that your child is lacking in a skill, so they can put some steps in place to help.

5. Set a good example.

Children take so much in, and we need to make sure that we are setting good examples for them. We can tell them until we are blue in the face that education is important, but unless we are also demonstrating an appreciation and passion for learning, they aren’t going to believe us. Do your children ever see you reading a book? Handling finances? Discussing world issues with other people? Showing them a role model who has a willingness to continue learning every day is a great start.

6. Read! Read! Read!

Reading is always going to be important. It is one life skill that simply NEEDS to be taught. Instead of the old ‘readers’ that children used to be sent home with, your child may have the choice to choose their own books to read or do more activities that require reading, such as helping mum with a recipe for dinner or reading instructions for a new program. Whatever it may be, encourage your child to read. Whether that is finding some books specific to their interests or encouraging them to assist more with directions; reading is reading.

It doesn’t particularly matter what the topic is, only that they are reading.

7. Keep the lines of communication open.

Lastly, no one expects you to do this all alone. Teachers are there for guidance and ideas and are more than happy to arrange a time to talk, call or email about any issues you are having. Once again, it’s important to make sure that you understand; they would much rather know if you (or your child) are struggling so that they can help, rather than think everything is working fine only to discover later down the track how far behind they have gotten.

Principal’s Pen

PRINCIPAL’S PEN

Townsville Grammar School

The Cathedral School

Timothy Kelly, Principal

Walking through our innovative learning spaces, I can’t help but see the children’s confidence and engagement in their learning. Interestingly this positive engagement isn’t only the result of teaching, but rather the environment and philosophy of conditions created, and made available. How powerful!

Our Junior School students were fortunate to have a visit from the Tour de Cure bike riders. Following a guard of honour from the students, this group addressed the students with a simple message: Be fit, be healthy, eat well and be happy. As a school community, we endorse this as a strong message for a healthy lifestyle, and this needs to be germinated from an early age.

We offer a very broad range of physical activities in which students of all abilities can immerse themselves. From club sports (e.g. netball, rowing and rugby), to a full range of Interschool sports and clinics run by various organisations (e.g. AFL, tennis and basketball) as well as our timetabled physical education lessons at school.

These activities clearly all address the “fit” and “healthy” components of the Tour de Cure message. But what about “happy”? This is where our unique and groundbreaking Positive Education programme shows its strength. Positive psychology and positive education are not “happyology”. Our programme provides our community (staff, parents and students) with a toolkit for how to seek out opportunities to be grateful when times, inevitably, get tough. The resilience and habits that positive education builds provide a broader perspective that, indeed, allows our students to define and recognise a “happy” life.

Luke Baills, Head of Junior School

For decades, children, tweens and young adults have been saying they feel as though their lives are increasingly out of their control. Parents and teachers are telling them when what and how to think. At the same time, we see the rates of anxiety and depression rising rapidly. What’s the fix? What can we do to safeguard well-being, and contribute to a child’s mindset, resilience and happiness? We can value optimal, flexible learning environments where children are empowered to have flexibility (control) over their learning choices.

So why do flexible learning choices matter?

Because it gives children ‘agency’. Agency is one of the most important factors to create long-term happiness, well-being and lifelong success. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson in their new book, The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives, endorse such an approach. Having agency means “Being able to make choices and decisions to influence events and to have an impact on one’s world.” For more information on this, please see my full letter at www.pakmag.com.au

If you are interested in a Townsville Grammar School education, please feel free to make contact with the School.

I highly recommend you read Strixrud and Johnson’s book, it motivates us all, to nurture happy, resilient and confident children.

e tgs@tgs.qld.edu.au www.townsvillegrammar.com

e tcs@cathedral.qld.edu.au www.cathedral.qld.edu.au

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 19

Expert Advise

THE PAKMAG EXPERTS RUHL FAMILY LAW CENTRE COASTAL KIDS Dear Ruhl Family Law Centre, I’m going to visit a SPEECH PATHOLOGY lawyer to discuss separation, but I’m worried about how much it will cost. Any tips?

Separation can be hard enough; it does not need to be costly too. There are a few things you can do to make the process run more smoothly, which will help in keeping your legal costs low: Be prepared – If you can, go to your first appointment with a list of questions for your lawyer and any relevant documents. For a handy checklist that sets out what to bring, visit our website www.ruhlfamilylaw.com.au Do your homework – If your lawyer asks you to provide copies of certain documents to be reviewed, try and get those documents to them as soon as possible so that no delays are caused.

Be realistic – Your lawyer can assist you with any legal issues you have, however, keep in mind that you should try and work out any issues between yourself and your former partner first. This will save costs. Be realistic about what types of issues really need a lawyer’s involvement, e.g. don’t involve your lawyer in a dispute about a pair of socks or a second-hand toaster!

Try not to lose focus on the big picture – Engage an experienced lawyer and you won’t have to stress about this as they will guide you through the whole process.

Dear Melanie, what can I do at home to help my child’s speech and communication?

At home, it’s really all about input. One really nice strategy is to allocate 15 to 20 minutes of playtime each day where you focus on modelling language; no questions, no rules, just lots of talk about what you are doing, what your child is doing, wondering out loud what might happen next, etc.

Books are also a great tool. It’s worthwhile using book time to talk about what you have read or what you can see on the page; there is so much more language to be modelled than just the words written by the author. You can talk about how characters are feeling, what might happen next or something similar that you or your child have experienced.

Try to avoid correcting your child, and model the correct word or sentence for them instead. It’s a slight difference, but the idea isn’t to tell them that they said it wrong or to expect a correction, just provide a correct model over the top of the word they found tricky.

If your child is still struggling with their communication, it is worthwhile seeing a speech pathologist for more specific activities.

BLOMBERG DENTAL Dear Blomberg Dental, when should my son have his full set of adult teeth?

Every child is different in terms of when they achieve certain milestones, and their teeth are no exception. Most often the lower front baby teeth will become loose first, and this usually occurs around six years of age. However, any time from four and a half to seven and a half years old is not abnormal. The age when most children will have lost all of their baby teeth by is about 12 to 14 years of age.

It is essential to emphasise to kids that their adult teeth are the last set of natural teeth they will have and so it is important to look after them. With young teenagers, this advice may well fall on deaf ears. Therefore, parents modelling excellent oral hygiene habits and healthy (low sugar) eating habits will have the best chance of passing these behaviours on to their kids.

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 21

Health

HEALTH Can a person’s DNA determine how their body will best respond to diet and exercise?

STORY Calanna Whole Health Plarmacy Yes. New evidence comes to light every day about the meaning of specific genetic results and how they can help guide our lifestyle choices.

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month STORY Dr Bernard Chin For a Gastroenterologist, June is a particularly bittersweet time of the year. Sweet, because bowel cancer, whilst being the second most common internal cancer in Australia, is also largely preventable. In fact, the National Bowel Cancer program is set to be completely rolled out in the next 12 months to screen ALL Australians over the age of 50 for early and treatable Bowel Cancer.

Your body has genes that determine how your muscles work and others that control how your body digests and stores energy. In that way, understanding your genetic profile or your DNA can help you understand the best diet and exercise for your body.

Our DNA determines how we break down different foods, which in turn impacts how our bodies respond to what we eat. Similarly, some people are built for speed, while others are built for distance. These things are dependent on your muscle twitch fibres and all can be revealed by a simple pain free cheek swab.

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy offer the MyDNA Fitness and Wellness Test to help plan your exercise and diet. Whether your goal is weight loss, maintaining weight, building muscle, strength or endurance.

The bitterness comes from the realisation that only about a third of all eligible Australians participate in the program despite being mailed a FREE testing kit. As is common in most areas of healthcare, men seem to have a lower screening rate despite being at higher risk of bowel cancer.

Australians need to work hard to overcome the ‘yuck factor’ of bowel cancer screening and realise that the program really does save lives. Screening avoids unnecessary suffering and early mortality.

Colonoscopy is the procedure required if a positive test is detected. This involves a bowel cleanse, mild sedation at day surgery and an examination of the large bowel with a long thin camera. Patients have no awareness of the test if done with an anaesthetist, as it is in the private sector.

Precancerous growths called polyps can be removed, thus preventing bowel cancer.

Early bowel cancer detected with a positive screen has a survival rate of around 95%. Now that’s a number that brings a smile to any Gastroenterologist! If you have friends, colleagues and loved ones over 50, this (indeed at any time of the year) is a good time to make sure they are reminded to get tested.

Natural Evolution Foods Pre-mix Range Natural Evolution’s premix range is combined with all Australian grown and made base flour components. Locally famous Green Banana Multi-Fibre, Australian buckwheat flour for texture and protein, Australian chia seeds for protein and omega 3 and to round it off Australian rice flour. Easy, gluten-free recipes that the whole family will enjoy at your fingertips. Available at select Calanna Whole Health Pharmacies.

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 23

Recipes

HEALTHY RECIPES

Adorable Vegan Owl Pancakes Serves 2

Chia Salted Caramel Breakfast Jar Serves 1-2 / Recipe by Melissa Wallace @wholesomedaily Ingredients 3 tbs chia seeds 250mls almond milk 1 tsp vanilla powder 2 tsp mesquite powder 1 tsp lucuma powder 2-3 tsp coconut sugar ½ tsp sea salt or to taste Method

Ingredients 1 cup organic, unbleached flour 1 tbsp sugar 2 tsp baking powder Pinch of salt 1 cup soy milk 1 tbsp vinegar

2 tbsp coconut oil Sliced strawberries Sliced banana Blueberries Slivered almonds

Method Combine your flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl. In a bowl add your soy milk with vinegar and whisk well. This turns your regular soy milk into soy buttermilk!

Allow this to sit for about 5-10 minutes, then add the soy buttermilk and coconut oil to your mixture, and mix until smooth without clumps.

Soak in fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours.

Turn your pan to medium heat, grease with a tbsp of oil and spoon your batter onto your cooking surface.

Flip your pancakes carefully when you see that the bubbles have stopped opening and closing. Continue to cook until the other side of your pancake is cooked and remove from heat.

Serve with your favourite granola or breakfast blend and creamy yoghurt of your choice.

Arrange fruit and almonds on top of the pancake to create an adorable owl!

Add the chia seeds, milk, vanilla, mesquite and lucuma into a bowl and stir until well combined.

Pour ingredients into a jar, pot or bowl.

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

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 25

WHAT’S ON JUNE JUNE FRIDAY 1 JUNE Gold City Campdraft Runs until 3 June Dalrymple Equestrian Centre 0427 379 971 Call for Information Popstars The 90s Musical Runs until 2 June Riverway Arts Centre www.au.patronbase.com 7.30pm / $40 / Family Percival Animal Portrait Prize 2018 Runs until 15 July Perc Tucker Regional Gallery www.townsville.qld.gov.au 10.00am / Free / Family Lego in the Library Runs until 28 June CityLibraries Thuringowa Central www.townsville.qld.gov.au 3.00pm / Free / Family Percival Photographic Portrait Prize 2018 Runs until 15 July Pinnacles Gallery www.townsville.qld.gov.au 10.00am / Free / Family SATURDAY 2 JUNE Townsville Grammar School - Open Day NorthShore Campus www.tgs.qld.edu.au 9.00am to 12.00pm / Free / Family Pokemon Club - June CityLibraries Thuringowa Central 4773 8811 10.00am / Free / Ages 8+

Carlyle Gardens Arts and Crafts Market Carlton Theatre whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.00am / Free / Family Crystals and Flower Essences for Beginners Workshop Plant Essentials plantessentials.com.au 10.00am / $99 / Youth+ Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships Home Hill Showgrounds www.burdekintourism.com.au Check Website MagnetiCon - Townsville Pop Culture Event Runs until 3 June Townsville Stadium www.magneticon.com.au 4.00pm / Cost / Family Mini Sticks Townsville Hockey Association www.townsvillehockey.com 8:15am / Cost / Family Cosmic Psychos, The Chats, Meat Bikini Dalrymple Hotel www.cosmicpsychos.com.au 8.00pm / $29.60 / Adult SUNDAY 3 JUNE Townsville ECOfiesta Queens Gardens www.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.00am / Free / Family All British Day The Cathedral School whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 10.00am / Free / Family

TUESDAY 5 JUNE 2018 Building Resilience with Tweens, Teens and their Parents Brothers Leagues Club www.stickytickets.com.au 6.30pm / $45 / Ages 9+ THURSDAY 7 JUNE 2018 Taste of Portraiture Perc Tucker Regional Gallery whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 12.30pm / Free / Adult The Wizard of Oz Runs until 8 June Riverway Arts Centre whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Check Website / $20 / Family Palm Creek Folk Festival Runs until 10 June Mountain View Lake Eco Park www.palmcreek.com.au Check Website Women’s Masters State Championships Townsville Hockey Association qldwomensmastershockey.com.au Check Website FRIDAY 8 JUNE Charters Towers Motor Show and Swap Meet Charters Towers Showgrounds www.ctrc.com.au Check Website SATURDAY 9 JUNE Black River Rush Rumble Black River Rush facebook.com/BlackRiverRush Check Website

With 4TO FM’s Minty

The Whitlams Dalrymple Hotel www.liveatyourlocal.oztix.com.au 8.00pm / $60.20 / Adult Townsville Masonic Charity Debutante Ball Edmund Rice Hall, Ignatius Park College www.townsvilledebball.org 7.00pm / $85 / Family Girls Only Free Sail Coaching Camp Runs until 10 June Townsville Sailing Club www.townsvillesailing.com.au 9.00am / Free / Family RSL Townsville 2 Year Old Classic Race Day Townsville Turf Club www.townsvilleturfclub.com.au 11.30am / $10 / Family SUNDAY 10 JUNE Life Drawing Short Course Perc Tucker Regional Gallery whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 2.30pm / $150 / Adult Lucinda Markets Borello Park 0447 778 297 Call for Information MONDAY 11 JUNE David Lynch: The Art Life Riverway Arts Centre whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 6.00pm / Free / Adult WEDNESDAY 13 JUNE The Ten Tenors Wish You Were Here TECC www.thetentenors.com 7.30pm / $75 / Adult

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 27

WHAT’S ON JUNE JUNE Morning Melodies Practically Perfect Riverway Arts Centre ticketshop@townsville.qld.gov.au 10.30am and 1.30pm / $14 / Adult FRIDAY 15 JUNE 2018 Cooktown Discovery Festival Runs until 17 June Various Locations www.cooktowndiscovery.com.au Check Website Sara Storer and The Sunny Cowgirls Dalrymple Hotel www.liveatyourlocal.oztix.com.au 8.00pm / $43.90 / Adult NRL Game : Toyota Cowboys versus New Zealand Warriors 1300SMILES Stadium www.cowboys.com.au 6.00pm / $13 / Family YWAM Medical Ships Breakfast by the Sea YWAM Medical Ships City Campus www.ywamships.org.au/bbts/ 6.45am / $100 / Family SATURDAY 16 JUNE Style Workshop with Gerlinda - PakMag Offer 2 for 1 www.gerlinda.com.au $99 / Adult Herbs and Teas For Beginners - Plant Essentials Plant Essentials www.plantessentials.com.au 10.00am / $99 / Adult The Dapto Chaser Townsville Civic Theatre - C2 www.ticketshop.com.au 2.30pm & 6.30pm / $17 / Family

28 June 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

SUNDAY 17 JUNE Play School Concerts: Once Upon a Time Townsville www.kidspromotions.com.au Check Website Townsville Tartan Day Cotters Markets 0413 456 542 8.30am / Free / Family Carmen presented by Melbourne City Ballet Burdekin Theatre www.burdekintheatre.com.au $32 Adult / $20 Child / Family Pet EXPO Jezzine Barracks 1300 878 001 9.00am / Free / Family Ross River Rush - Trail Run Ross River Dam Carpark 0421 484 211 Call for Information

Motoco Dam Fine Rally Ross Park damfinerally.com 8.00am / Gold Coin / Family Morning Melodies: Rachael Beck- This Girl Burdekin Theatre 4783 9880 Call for Information THURSDAY 21 JUNE Watoto African Childrens Choir World Theatre Charters Towers www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au 7.00pm / Free / Family FRIDAY 22 JUNE Kevin Bloody Wilson Almost Awesome Tour Burdekin Theatre 4783 9880 8.00pm / $63 / Adult SATURDAY 23 JUNE

Little Day Out Mountview Park Kirwan www.lalunanq.com 2.00pm / Free / Family

Canteen Charity Ride SunCity Harley-Davidson www.suncityhd.com.au 3.00pm / $25 / Adult

Community Tree Planting Dalrymple Services Rd 13 48 10 8.30am / Free / Family

Magnetic Island Triathlon Picnic Bay - Magnetic Island www.destinationadventure. com.au Check Website

Take A Hike Soroptimist Park www.takeahike.org.au 7.00am / $30 / Family WEDNESDAY 20 JUNE Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom - Advance Screening Reading Cinemas Townsville www.readingcinemas.com.au Check Website

Bartlett Park Rodeo Bartlett Park www.bartlettpark.com.au Check Website NQ Super Series Off Road Racing Millchester Motor Sport Recreation Facility 0418 290 387 Call for Information

With 4TO FM’s Chooky

Grand Opening - Paluma Adventure Centre Outer Limits Adventure Centre www.outerlimitsadventure. com.au 11.00am / Free / Family Australian Bon Jovi Show Brothers Leagues Club www.events.ticketbooth.com.au 8.30pm / $30 / Adult Latin Vibrations Charity Ball supporting Mates4Mates The Ville Resort-Casino www.latinvibrations.com.au 7.00pm / $140 / Adult SUNDAY 24TH JUNE PakMag EXPO in Cairns Over 50 Stalls, Entertainement and Prizes Brothers World of Entertainment, Cairns www.pakmag.com.au 9.00am to 3.00pm / Free / Family Forrest Beach Market Progress Park 4777 9105 Free / Family WEDNESDAY 27 JUNE Messy Play in the Park Various Locations whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.30am / Free / Family FRIDAY 29 JUNE Townsville Show Runs until 2 July Townsville Showgrounds www.Townsviileshow.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family

A KUDO BANZ STARTER KIT!

For your chance to WIN, complete and mail to:

Name

PakMag Colour In June 2018 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

Parent/Guardian

Win a Kudo Banz Starter Kit! - RRP $39.95 - www.kudobanz.com Kudo Banz works like a sticker chart, but it goes on your child’s wrist so it is always there. It motivates kids through the use of positive reinforcement, which is the proven method that doctors and experts swear by. Kudo Banz gets your little one excited about better listening and the easy-to-use app makes it magically come to life.

Competition closes 30/06/2018

30 June 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Age

Address Postcode Phone Email

A FIRST WORDS: JAPANESE BOOK

bus ăƒ?ă‚š

basu (ba-su)

For your chance to WIN, complete and mail to:

Name

PakMag Colour In June 2018 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

Parent/Guardian

First Words: Japanese Book - RRP $19.95 www.lonelyplanet.com/kids - A beautifully illustrated introduction to 100 Japanese words, perfect for the whole family. Each word is given a double page spread, with a simple pronunciation guide and bold illustrations. Also available in French, Spanish, English, Italian and Mandarin.

Competition closes 30/06/2018

Age

Address Postcode Phone Email

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 31

FOR MUM Take some time out and relax, you deserve it.

A LARGE UPPERCUP

For your chance to WIN, complete and mail to:

Name

PakMag Colour In June 2018 PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870

Your kids ages

Win a Large Uppercup - RRP $25.00 ea - www.321water.com Uppercup is made from the highest quality, BPA Free Eastman Tritan copolyester, which means it won’t retain smell and is dishwasher safe, as well as being super durable. With an insulated wall, your coffee will stay warm and your fingers cool.

Address

Competition closes 30/06/2018

Email

32 June 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Postcode Phone

WHAT’S ON JUNE JUNE Absolute Elvis Tours the Tropics 2018 Brothers Leagues Club www.jashmeevents.com.au 7.00pm / $40 / Adult

Making Skincare for Beginners - Plant Essentials Plant Essentials plantessentials.com.au 10.00am / $99 / Youth+

Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival, Winton Runs until 7 July Winton www.visionsplendidfilmfest.com Check Website / Family

Pokemon Club - June CityLibraries Thuringowa Central 4773 8811 10.00am / Free / Ages 8+

SATURDAY 30 JUNE Skate Titans / Operation X Townsville Murray Skatepark 1300 918 531 Call for Information

REGULAR MARKETS Balgal Beach Markets Date: 1st Saturday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Fishermans Landing Balgal Beach Bluewater Twilight Markets Date: 2nd Saturday of the month Time: 4.00pm - 8.00pm Location: Bluewater Community Centre Label Traders Market Date: 3rd Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 12.00pm Location: Mundingburra State School

Sonya’s Fundraiser Bash Irish Molly’s Charters Towers www.facebook.com/ irishmollyhotel 5.30pm / $10 / Family

Townsville 400 - V8 Supercar Race Runs until 8 July Reid Park www.supercars.com/townsville Check Website FRIDAY 27 JULY The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show Riverway Arts Centre ticketshop.com.au 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 6.30pm / Cost / Family

ticketshop.com.au 6.30pm / Cost / Family TUESDAY 14 AUGUST Josephine Wants to Dance Riverway Arts Centre ticketshop.com.au 10.30am and 12.30pm / Cost / Family TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER

FRIDAY 6 JULY

Josephine Wants to Dance Riverway Arts Centre

The Buffalo Live on Stage Runs until 14 November Riverway Arts Centre ticketshop.com.au Check Website

Seabreeze Markets Date: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Bushland Beach Park

Horseshoe Bay Markets Date: Every 2nd and last Sunday of the month Time: 9.00am - 2.00pm Location: Horseshoe Bay Foreshore

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

Carlyle Gardens Arts & Crafts Markets Date: 1st Saturday of the month (Mar - Dec) Time: 9.00am Location: Carlyle Gardens Retirement Resot, Beck Drive, Condon

Lucinda Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month (May to September) Time: 8.00am – 12.00pm Location: Borello Park

Strand Night Markets Date: 1st Friday of the month (Runs from May to Dec) Time: 5.00pm - 9.30pm Location: Strand Park

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

North Shore Markets Date: Every Saturday Time: 7.00am - 1.00pm Location: North Shore Town Centre Cotters Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 8.30am - 1.00pm Location: Flinders St & Townsville Bulletin Square.

MONDAY 13 AUGUST

Mountainview Plaza Market Date: Every Saturday (Excluding Jan) Time: 8.00am - 2.00pm.

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

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

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

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 33

Regular Events

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

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 to 12.00pm) Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost: Free Messy Play (Bookings Required) Days: Wednesdays Time: 9.15am & 10.30am Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale RIVERWAY PARKRUN

Parent Information Sessions

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

Days: First Tuesday of the month Time: 9.30am, Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale

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

FIRST FIVE FOREVER

34 June 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

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.

Registration is free and available at www.parkrun.com.au/riverway MAINLY MUSIC For babies to pre prep aged children. Fun, music, morning tea and free play Days: Thursdays (during school term) Time: From 9.30am Location: St Peter’s Anglican Church, West End Cost: $3 per child More Info: 0414 807 179 MOPS - Mothers of PreSchoolers For mothers with children 0-6 years. Connect, relax and recharge.

Days: Fridays – fortnightly during School terms Time: 9.30am - 11.30am Location: Mount Louisa House of Praise (425 Bayswater Rd) Cost: $9 per session More Info: 0421 658 535 (Juliana)

GET ACTIVE + HEALTHY TOWNSVILLE Free Fitness + Activities Days: Everyday Location: Various Locations More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au TOY LIBRARY TOWNSVILLE (THE TOY SHED) Days: Second Thursday of month (excluding January) Time: 3.30pm - 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: 9.30am - 11.00am Location: 23 First Street, Railway Estate Community Centre More Info: Check their Facebook page Townsville Toy Library for updates

Bump, Bub and Beyond

New Child Care Subsidy makes Kindergarten Programs more Affordable STORY Lisa Summer-Hayes, Project Lead, Child Care Subsidy Campaign The year before school is so important for young children. It’s where they learn the skills to develop the confidence they need to make a smooth transition to school.

Getting off to a good start at school can make a big difference to a child’s success in later years, but worryingly one in five children are starting school developmentally vulnerable. This means they are behind their peers in one or more domains of social, emotional, language and cognitive, communication and general knowledge, or physical development. The evidence shows that children who start behind tend to stay behind.

The evidence also shows that access to a high quality early learning program before school halves the chance of a child starting school with a developmental vulnerability, which makes news of more generous financial support for kindergarten children great for parents.

Kindergarten programs have just become more affordable From the 2nd of July, the Government’s new Child Care Subsidy offers 36 hours per fortnight of subsidy for

children attending a kindergarten program at a centrebased day care service in the year before school (ie. in the year that is two years before grade one of school) to all families earning less than $350,000 per year. That’s six hours per fortnight more than the current level of support from various State and Territory Governments.

This is great news for families during the critical year before school. And even better is that families who are eligible for the new Child Care Subsidy don’t need to meet the new activity test in order to qualify for this subsidy payment – that means that regardless of how much work or recognised activity you and your partner do, you may still be entitled to receive generous payments to offset the cost of attending a kindergarten program. The amount of the subsidy will depend on you and your partner’s combined family income.

You can learn more about the new Child Care Subsidy, and get an estimate of your subsidy payments via the Goodstart estimator - www.goodstart.org.au/ subsidy-estimator With over 200 centres across Queensland, find your local centre today. To book a tour, call 1800 222 543 or search ‘Goodstart’.

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 37

Bump, Bub and Beyond

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

ABC KIDS - 6 New Release DVDs

Apple and Mint Large Cooler Bag

www.shop.abc.net.au RRP $84.70

www.appleandmint.com RRP $41.95

Win 1 of 2 DVD prize packs valued at RRP $84.70 each from ABC KIDS! This prize pack includes Octonauts: The Best of Octonauts, Thomas & Friends: Extraordinary Engines, Sesame Street: Sing it, Elmo!, Fireman Sam: Race Against Time, Postman Pat: Wild West Rescue, and The Wiggles: Best of The Wiggles.

Dreambaby® On-The-Go Prize Pack www.dreambaby.com.au RRP $105.70 Prize includes Dreambaby®’s new Deluxe Safety Walking Harness. Increasingly, play time takes place in parks and little ones need to walk to get there - that’s where this harness comes into its own. Grandparent carers find them especially useful as they can’t always chase after energised toddlers!

Prize also includes: Dreambaby®’s Ezy-Fit Strollerbuddy® Phone Holder and Drink Holder, EZY-Reach Organiser and Dreambaby® Stroller Fans in two different colour combinations.

38 June 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Ample in size.

It's perfect for kids with big appetites, unistudents, mums and dads, or for carrying family snacks when out and about. Featuring amazing eight-hours of cooling, available in 4 trendy prints and can be worn messenger style. It's a definite family must-have!

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Can you laugh CaN without leaking?

Saving little lives – Red Nose Day

STORY Kate Moloney

STORY Kate Moloney

Incontinence affects over 5 million Aussies according to The Continence Foundation of Australia, who are working to remove the stigma surrounding bladder and bowel troubles by using humour to get people talking.

Red Nose is a charity with a vision of a future where no child dies suddenly and unexpectedly during pregnancy, infancy or in childhood. They passionately believe that they can put an end to this through worldclass research, advocacy and education.

Continence Foundation of Australia CEO, Rowan Cockerell said, “We know that many people laugh off their leaking as a normal part of getting older or after having a baby. But it is not normal and has a serious negative impact on daily life for millions of women, men and children.”

This year, the Continence Foundation of Australia has an exciting new awareness campaign called Laugh Without Leaking that features Ambassador Bev Killick, an actress, comedian and mother of two who lives with incontinence. Bev said, “If having a laugh gets people asking for help for their bladder and bowel leaks, then I believe comedy really can cure incontinence.” Check out the page www.laughwithoutleaking.com.au The message that you don’t have to put up with incontinence is quickly spreading across Australia due to the support of comedy shows, councils, libraries and schools all promoting that help is available, and that most bladder and bowel problems can be better managed or treated and, in many cases, even cured without surgery.

During World Incontinence Week, 18 to 24 June, make your life a life where you can laugh without leaking by seeking assistance from your local GP, Physio or specialists who provide Inconti-Laser treatments.

Advice is also available by calling the free National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66 or by visiting continence.org.au to download fact sheets, flyers and brochures.

To fund this, however, Red Nose relies on their partnerships with small businesses and corporations and on the generosity of the general community through their fundraising events and their major fundraiser, Red Nose Day, being held this year on Friday 29th June.

You can help Red Nose raise these much-needed funds that will go towards continued research, educational kits for new parents and counselling sessions for families affected by sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child by simply doing one of the following: •• Create your own fundraising page, challenge yourself to wear a red nose for a day and simply ask your friends and family to support you.

•• Host your own unique fundraising event, whether it’s a morning tea or a dress up party, this is a great way to raise funds.

•• Volunteer to help by hitting the streets on June 29th selling Red Nose Day products.

•• Show your support by buying Red Nose Day products online or you can buy them locally at Big W Stockland, CUA Stockland, Big W Castletown, Anaconda or Chemmart Pharmacies.

The work of Red Nose really does make a difference, since risk reduction campaigns began the lives of 9,967 babies have been saved. Show your support this Red Nose Day, Friday 29th June, and help them to continue their amazing work. Visit www.rednoseday.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 39

Sales Feature

Choosing a ChildCare Centre or Kindergarten Living in Townsville, we are so lucky to have such a wonderful selection of childcare centres and Kindergarten options available to us. Attending a childcare centre or Kindergarten helps children to develop social, emotional, and learning skills by exploring the world and playing with other kids.

Childcare centres offer care for children for up to 10 hours per day for at least 48 weeks per year, and many can cater for children from birth. Families can choose to have their child attend one day a week for socialisation (or parent sanity) or for up to five days for parents who have returned to part-time or full-time work.

In the year that your child will be turning 4 years of age by the 30th June, it is recommended that you enrol your child in a Kindergarten program, which is a mix of intentional play-based teaching and child-initiated learning that helps to prepare them for their transition to Prep the next year. Kindergarten programs are offered through both dedicated Kindergartens and certain childcare centres.

Kindergartens generally offer the Kindergarten program for six hours per day for five days per fortnight (generally two days one week, three days the next) with a set start and finish time. Parents must be available to drop off and pick up their child at these set times. There are some Kindergartens, like the Catholic Education

Kindergartens, that do also offer before and after Kindy Hours Care and Vacation Care.

Childcare centres that have the Kindergarten program offer this during their daycare day. This means that your child is able to be in care for the long hours that the centre is open and still receive this important education. If you are wanting your child to undertake the Kindergarten program ensure when you are enrolling your toddler in a childcare centre that you choose a centre that offers the Queensland Government approved Kindergarten Program (all of the Kindergartens featured in this guide do) to avoid having to move them.

Knowing that you are leaving your child at a centre that you trust and are comfortable with will provide you with great peace of mind at what can often be an emotional time for not only your child but also you. Many childcare centres and Kindergartens invite parents to take a tour of their centre to see the facilities and the level of care that they offer.

Whether you are looking for a great childcare centre or your child is approaching the age to commence Kindergarten, this guide will help you find the centre that is perfect for you (Please bear in mind that many centres encourage early enrolment as spots do fill quickly and many have long waiting lists, so checking these centres and Kindergartens out now for future use is also a great idea).

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 41

Sales Feature

Childcare Only MY LITTLE FEET CHILDCARE Pimlico and Aitkenvale, 6 weeks to 5 years My Little Feet offers a range of exciting features including an outdoor playground, iPad technology, and regular incursions. Children enjoy learning through playing with other kids, gardening, crafting, and many more fun activities. www.mylittlefeet.com.au RIVERVIEW PLAY CENTRE Kirwan, 0 to 5 years

C&K offers a strong play-based curriculum in large, natural and sustainable outdoor environments that encourage children to discover, explore and learn through nature. C&K believes that children don’t learn in isolation, but together. www.candk.asn.au LITTLE ZEBRA CHILDCARE & KINDERGARTEN Condon and Mount Louisa, 6 weeks to school age The rooms of Little Zebra capture a child’s wonder and curiosity and encourages them to discover and learn through playing and exploring.

Riverview is a place where families, childcare, and education go hand in hand. Children are given the opportunity to explore the world around them and learn important life skills along the way.

www.littlezebra.com.au

www.riverviewplaycentre.wixsite.com/preschool

Homely and cosy to help your child to feel comfortable in their new environment where play-based learning is utilised to develop children’s skills.

Childcare AND Kindergarten GOODSTART EARLY LEARNING CENTRE 17 locations servicing various areas of Townsville, 6 weeks to school age Goodstart believes every child should have the best possible start in life. With a range of engaging activities promoting natural learning, communication, and confidence, it’ll soon start to feel like a second home to your child. www.goodstart.org.au THE CATHEDRAL SCHOOL EARLY LEARNING CENTRE Mundingburra, 6 weeks to 4.5 years The Kindy fosters and supports the personal development of each child. The daily program includes outdoor and indoor play, individual activities, rest time, and both teacher-directed and child-initiated activities for a well-rounded, exciting day of learning. www.cathedral.qld.edu.au C&K CHILDCARE AND KINDERGARTEN Servicing Aitkenvale, Blackwater, Garbutt, Kelso, Kirwan, Magnetic Island, Onoonba, Weir, Mt Louisa and South Townsville, 6 weeks to 5 years

42 June 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE, THE LAKES South Townsville, 6 weeks to 5 years

www.thelakes.learnatelc.com.au NOAH’S ARK KINDERGARTEN & DAY CARE CENTRE Currajong, 6 weeks to 12 years (after school care options) The goal at Noah’s Ark is to build trust, safety and love in a stimulating environment so your child can grow and thrive. www.noahsarkKindyanddaycare.com.au THURINGOWA WORLD OF LEARNING Thuringowa, 6 weeks to 12 years The focus is on educating future generations and preparing them for school and beyond with a warm, welcoming, and age-appropriate environment, ensuring children can learn and play in a fun, caring setting. www.worldoflearning.com.au MINIVERSITY Mundingburra, 6 weeks to 6 years A program based on the fact that children learn best by doing and exploring their world by using all their senses.

Play is encouraged where they learn to ask questions and work out their own answers. www.miniversity.com.au

Sales Feature

Kindergarten Only ANNANDALE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE KINDERGARTEN Annandale, 3.5 to 4.5 years The Kindy is located adjacent to Annandale Christian College and is considered an integral part of the college.

The program is flexible to support the needs and interests of the children, and this facilitates a smooth transition into Prep. www.acc.qld.edu.au/education/kindergarten

Kindergarten with Extended Care Hours RYAN CATHOLIC KINDERGARTEN Kirwan, located at the Ryan Catholic College Junior Campus, 3.5 to 4.5 years This Kindy has a strong focus on building children’s friendships and social skills in an environment where their spirituality is valued. Conveniently located on the Ryan Catholic College Junior Campus making for a smooth transition into Prep. Kindy runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm with outside Kindy hours care from 7.00am to 6.00pm. www.catholicKindergartens.com.au ST ANTHONY’S KINDERGARTEN Deeragun, located at the Padua Campus, 3.5 to 4.5 years

44 June 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Kids at St Anthony’s Kindergarten have the benefit of a smooth transition into school as it is located on the primary campus of St Anthony’s Catholic College. Independence and resilience are promoted in a safe and welcoming learning environment. Kindy runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm with after hours care from 7.00am to 6.00pm. www.catholicKindergartens.com.au ST CLARE’S KINDERGARTEN Located at St Clare's Catholic School, Burdell, 3.5 to 4.5 years The philosophy here is to provide a secure, positive and welcoming environment, understanding that children need this security for their growth and development.

Kindy runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm with outside Kindy hours care from 7.00am to 6.00pm. www.catholicKindergartens.com.au ST JOESEPH’S KINDERGARTEN Located at St Joseph’s Catholic School, 3.5 to 4.5 years The centre promotes a mutually beneficial partnership with all families and the wider community, integrating culturally diverse backgrounds, beliefs and attitudes.

Kindy runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm with outside Kindy hours care from 7.00am to 6.00pm. www.catholicKindergartens.com.au

Advertorial

10 Common myths about Catholic Kindy 1. You have to be Catholic to attend Families from all cultural and religious beliefs are encouraged to enrol in our Kindergartens and there is no requirement that students be Catholic to attend.

Catholic Kindergartens are inclusive to all.

2. You have to be enrolled in a Catholic School to go to Catholic Kindy Whether you’re planning on sending your child to public or private school, Catholic or otherwise, they are welcome at a Catholic Kindy. The Queensland Government approved curriculum in Catholic Kindergartens prepares children for Prep regardless of the school they eventually attend.

3. Catholic Kindy costs more The Queensland Government contributes to the operating cost of the Kindergarten program which helps to keep the fees as low as possible. Our fees align with other non-Catholic Kindergartens, so you won’t pay more if you choose a Catholic Kindy.

The Queensland Government also subsidises fees for families on Health Care Cards or similar, so they can attend Catholic Kindergartens at a low cost.

4. Catholic Kindy is inconvenient for working parents The Catholic Kindy program operates between 8.30am and 2.30pm and we also offer Outside Kindy Hours Care starting at 7.00am through to 6.00pm. These flexible hours allow working parents to drop off their little ones before work and pick them up by 6pm.

5. Catholic Kindy doesn’t help transition to Prep Catholic Kindergarten is the best start to your child’s learning journey and it is strongly recommended that all children attend Kindy, the year prior to Prep. Research confirms that children who attend Kindergarten are more confident and are better prepared for a smooth transition to Prep.

What’s more, all Catholic Kindergartens are located on Catholic School grounds. The children visit regularly to become familiar with the ‘big school’ environment.

6. Staff are not tertiary educated All of our Kindergarten teachers are four-year university-trained teachers and our Kindergarten assistants hold a minimum qualification in Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, meaning your children benefit from learning from highly qualified staff, who are very aware of what needs to be done to prepare your child for school.

7. My child is not ready or too young First and foremost, we always endeavour to ensure children enjoy their day at our Kindergartens. We believe that if children enjoy their day at Kindergarten then they are ready for Kindergarten. So from 3 years of age, your child is able to start Kindy. And although the first few days of Kindergarten may be upsetting for parents and children, we ensure that this feeling quickly turns into smiles and laughter.

8. Parents are encouraged to leave quickly Parents, carers and relatives are all very welcome at our Kindergartens at any time. Research shows that parent’s warmth and responsiveness to children’s interests and needs during the Kindergarten day, makes a unique contribution to children’s learning.

9. Children are made to sleep Every child is given the option to rest at our Kindergartens. Children are not required to sleep unless the parent has requested it. Sometimes children naturally ‘nod off’ whilst resting.

10. The kindy days are too long The Queensland Government recommends that children attend Kindergarten for 15 hours a week for 40 weeks a year, which is why we offer programs starting at 8:30am and finishing at 2:30pm, and recommend attendance two or three days a week.

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 47

Advertorial

8 reasons winter swimming lessons are great We all know that swimming lessons are necessary for our little-one’s safety and overall education, but when it comes to winter, many of us can be put off by the colder weather. But, it’s so important to keep it up even in the cooler months, and at Little Snappers there’s no reason to wait until summer.

1. It’s summer year-round at Little Snappers - All of Little Snappers Swim Schools’ pools are temperature controlled and fully indoor. For the children’s comfort, we can alter the water temperature, ambient air temperature and climate inside the building to suit any season.

2. Drowning isn’t seasonal - Unlike most extracurricular activities, swimming is one activity that is a lifesaving skill. Staying enrolled in consistent swimming lessons year-round will mean skills are maintained.

3. Practice in winter, ready for summer - Most of our Queensland summers involve us enjoying water-based activities with our families. Take advantage of winter swimming in our indoor heated pools and be ready for those aquatic adventures in summer.

4. 50 per cent off your second weekly lesson - Because you are not exposed to water as often in winter, we offer a 50 per cent discount on a second weekly lesson. Twice a week lessons equals three times the improvement!

5. Baby and toddler development - Swimming is the only activity where children have a 360-degree range of

movement. It’s fantastic for vestibular development (a sense of balance and spatial orientation for the purpose of coordinating movement with balance) and something we need every day.

6. Health benefits - Staying active 12 months of the year is vital for children. Physical activity contributes to your children being more alert and focused both at home and in the classroom.

7. Repetition – Repetition. Repetition. Repetition! We all learn through repetition. Stay consistent and proactive with lessons and children will become safer, sooner.

8. Skill retention - Children generally do not retain skills (muscle memory) until around the age of seven.

Therefore, withdrawing from swimming or water exposure for even a few weeks may mean going back to square one.

With all these reasons you’d have to agree that starting or continuing your child’s swimming lessons during winter really is a great idea. If you would like to find out more about the programs that we offer at either of our Little Snappers Swim Schools, then give us a call or visit our website.

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 49

School Holiday Guide

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Fairfield Central

AND ACTIVITIES

Free holiday fun is on these school holidays at Fairfield Central.

Paul Sadler Swimland Riverside Gardens School holiday program available.

4-day Intensive Swim Program Tuesday, 3 to Friday, 6 July Time: 3.30pm to 5.30pm Cost: Four days for $60.00 Bookings are essential.

Normal classes will resume from Monday, 9 July.

P 4779 4647 Fb facebook.com/PaulSadlerSwimlandRiversideGardens www.paulsadlerswimland.com CastleTown Shoppingworld Kids will have a roaring time these school holidays at CastleTown with their dinosaur inspired school holiday entertainment.

Week 1: Ferocious Friends Workshop.

Tuesday, 3 July to Saturday, 7 July 11.00am to 2.00pm daily in the Dino Park (Target Forecourt).

Activities include: Fossil finding, make your mark handprint activity, decorate dinosaur cut outs, dinosaur mask creation and dino egg craft.

Week 2: Dino Park Craft.

Tuesday, 10 July to Saturday, 14 July.

11.00am to 2.00pm Daily in the Dino Park (Target Forecourt) Dinosaur inspired crafts and activities.

Admission is free and bookings are not required.

P 4772 1699 E enquiries@castletown.com.au Fb www.facebook.com/CastletownTownsville www.castletown.com.au Grill’d - Healthy Burgers Be sure to get down to Grill’d and enjoy their free family movie nights these school holidays.

The free movie nights are on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings of the school holidays from 6.30pm in their Secret Garden Mention PAKMAG to receive FREE CHIPS for the family!

Fb www.facebook.com/GrilldBurgers www.grilld.com.au

Be sure to check their website for details and like their Facebook Page to be kept up to date with all that is happening.

Fb www.facebook.com/FairfieldCentral www.fairfieldcentral.com.au Inflatable Kingdom The perfect venue for all ages to have a great time.

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

Opening Hours: Monday and Friday - 9.00am to 4.00pm Wednesday - 1.00pm to 4.00pm Saturday - 1.00pm to 5.00pm Sunday - 9.00am to midday P 4755 4422 Fb www.facebook.com/inflatablekingdomtownsville www.inflatablekingdom.com.au Ready Steady Go Kids Townsville Call out to all children 1.5 to 6 years old. Make 2018 the year that you join the fun with Ready Steady Go Kids Townsville.

Ready Steady Go Kids is Australia’s leading multi-sport program designed by a paediatric physiotherapist and occupational therapist. The program teaches children the fundamentals of ten different sports in a fun, noncompetitive, team-based environment: Soccer, Tennis, Hockey, Cricket, Basketball, AFL, Golf, Rugby, T-ball and Athletics.

Book your free trial or enrol today!

P 1300 766 892 www.readysteadygokids.com.au Learn Naturally Learn Naturally offers social and emotional tutoring and programs. Activities for the kids, arts and crafts activities plus promotions and giveaways. For more information check out their website.

P 4725 7548 E admin@learnnaturally.com.au Fb www.facebook.com/LearnNatutally www.learnnaturally.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 51

School Holiday Guide

Townsville RSL

Queensland National Parks

Dining at Townsville RSL has never been easier. The Cadets Kids Club (fully supervised fun kids room) is open Thursday to Saturday from 5.00pm to 10.00pm for ages 3 to 12 years. Gold coin donation.

Looking for the perfect family camping spot for the holidays?

P 4759 9500 Fb www.facebook.com/TownsvilleRSL www.townsvillersl.com.au Perc Tucker Regional Gallery If you are looking for something fun and free to do with the kids during the school holidays your local art gallery is the place to go!

See their website for more information.

P 4727 9011 Fb www.facebook.com/PercTuckerTCC www.townsville.qld.gov.au

PLACES TO VISIT THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS TYTO Head out to TYTO for some awesome FREE family fun these school holidays.

TYTO is eclectic and unexpected; a place where the discovery of art, culture, nature and knowledge unfolds. There is so much for the family you could easily spend a day jam packed with activities and games.

Daily activities include - Nature Bingo, Quirky Quiz, Great Outdoor Chess and Checkers, Code Cracker and Weekly Turtle Feeding, plus lots more.

It is a great stop over or free day out with the children.

Head to their Facebook Page for details on their great regular events for children and teens.

P 4776 4792 Fb www.facebook.com/visitTYTO www.tyto.com.au King Reef Resort King Reef Resort is a family friendly resort situated on a tropical beach in one of the most unique, beautiful and unspoilt parts of the world, the small fishing hamlet of Kurrimine Beach in Far North Queensland approximately halfway between Cairns and Townsville.

King Reef Resort offers a range of beachside accommodation options to suit all group sizes and budgets, it’s the ultimate holiday destination. They have everything you need for a relaxing getaway, simply unhitch, unpack and relax into life at the beach!

Kids Stay and Dine for FREE P 4065 6144 E info@kingreef.com.au Fb www.facebook.com/kingreefresort www.kingreef.com.au

52 June 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

National parks near Townsville offer affordable camping and fun-filled adventures in nature to suit active families. Head for the hills of the Paluma Range and bed down in the spacious Jourama Falls camping area. The kids will love swimming in the creek and discovering rainforest, wildlife and waterfalls! Capture lasting memories of family fun!

Get in early to make your camping booking. www.qld.gov.au/camping If you’re not quite ready to pack a tent, visit for a picnic and a refreshing swim in Waterview Creek. Reach out to nature, it’s closer (and easier) than you think!

Fb www.facebook.com/QLDNationalParks www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/jourama-falls-paluma Cairns Colonial Club Resort Next time you’re in Cairns, treat the kids to an afternoon of fantastic food and fun at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort!

Simply have lunch at their popular Homestead Restaurant and you are welcome to stay on to swim and play in one of their three tropical lagoon style pools!

Call to book.

P 4053 8800 Fb www.facebook.com/CairnsColonialClubResort E reservations@cairnscolonialclub.com.au www.cairnscolonialclub.com.au Cowboys Leagues Club Get down to Cowboys Leagues Club these school holidays to check out their amazing new Kids Club.

Little Legends is a play area like no other in Townsville, that allows kids to have fun whilst Mum and Dad relax.

The indoor zone features iPads, TVs and games, with the outdoor area having a full “jungle-gym” style playground with climbing sections and slide. Parents will be able to kick back in an adjacent and licensed dining area, with the introduction of supervised sessions and kids birthday parties.

Little Legends is located within the brand new Star Graze, which provides an all new dining experience, different to anything you will have experienced at the Club before.

Star Graze is all about how you want it – snacks, mains, takeaway to go, hot and cold drinks and dessert, they will have you covered. This new dining facility will be a welcome addition to the 200-seat award winning Match Restaurant and Grill already on site. Both Star Graze and Match Restaurant and Grill feature a dedicated Children’s Menu, with healthy, vegetarian and gluten free options available. All children’s meals are only $9.90 for members and include a free soft drink, juice or slushy, soft serve ice cream and Busy Nippers activity pack.

P 4724 8000 Fb www.facebook.com/CowboysLeaguesClub www.cowboysleagues.com.au

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1. Charlotte Maria Ferfolja 2. Tobin and Kamla Stubbs with baby Harlow Elizabeth Stubbs 3. Wayne Martin with baby Louis Martin 4. Phillip Thompson with baby Astin Florence Thompson 5. Leanne Demorest with Quinn Edie Demorest and baby Aliya Joanne Demorest 6. Henry John Single 7. Josh and Claire Parker with baby Theodore Parker 8. Jasmine Kaur with baby Rajveer Singh

54 June 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

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Photography thanks to: Maria O‘Brien (Josephine Carter Photography) www.josephinecarterphotography.com

9. Leigh Macaskill with baby Harrison and big sister Heidi Macaskill 10. Andrew James Serra with baby Alex Andrew Serra 11. Isobelle Victoria Clark 12. Anastasia Lila Donlon 13. Addison Jane Sypher 14. George Vincent Schmidt 15. Nicholas Starkey with baby Harriet Rose Starkey 16. Daniel and Shayna Antonio with baby Mia Elaine Antonio

www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 55

Home

WOODEN WONDERS With the Block’s Caro and Kingi Wood is amazing, a wonder of nature, with so many uses and varying textures and colours that can add wonderful contrast and colour to your home. In a world where the overuse of plastic is fast becoming a problem, now more than ever is a great time to embrace all things wooden.

For the kitchen - For a classic but homely look, incorporate wooden cupboards, rustic shelves, or even a stylish wooden floor. Darker woods create a vintage or formal feel, while lighter woods create a modern, elegant look.

For the kids - Let your child’s imagination run wild with a gorgeous range of crafted wooden toys that are generally strong, durable and more likely to last the test of time (and kids). Your kids will be sure to love the colourful circus block tower, a classic figure 8 train set or a cute hobby horse for your little cowboy or cowgirl.

Instagram: dans_le_sac

Make a statement - Bring nature into your home by featuring unique handcrafted wooden furniture pieces that will have your guests saying wow! Or replace some of your everyday plastic items with the use of wooden vegetable brushes, kids plates or toothbrushes. Just be sure to recycle or donate the old plastic originals.

Whether you’re trying to establish a classic feel or something more dramatic, your home and your soul is sure to feel better with the inclusion of these renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable wooden wonders.

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1. Saison Vegetable Brush - RRP $10.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 2. Brio Classic Figure 8 Train Set - RRP $74.99 www.playmackay.com.au 3. Enoki Cumulus Nude Pendant - RRP $330.00 $165.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 4. Monkey Wooden Plate - RRP $20.00 - www.trendyliltreats.com.au 5. Wooden Off Road Vehicle - RRP $59.95 - www.playmackay.com.au 6. Armadillo & Co Berber Knot Nala Natural & Slate Rug - RRP $1,490.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 7. Wooden Circus Block Tower - RRP $22.95 www.ellej.com.au 8. Hobby Horse Mamagenius - RRP $39.95 - www.playmackay.com.au 9. Animal Truck - RRP $29.95 - www.ellej.com.au 10. The Source Stainless Steel Water Bottle 500ml - RRP $23.95 - The Source Bulk Foods, Shop 9, North Ward Shopping Village 11. Bamboo ‘Zerobrush’ Toothbrush - RRP $4.95 ea - The Source Bulk Foods, Shop 9, North Ward Shopping Village 12. Wood Spoon - RRP $6.95 - The Source Bulk Foods, Shop 9, North Ward Shopping Village 13. Work Shop Objects Serving Board - RRP $35.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

56 June 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

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www.pakmag.com.au | June 2018 57

DADDY DIARY “What do you mean I can’t take peanut butter to school? Just ‘cause some other kid’s allergic doesn’t mean I should suffer.”

The year was 1995, I was in Grade 5, and a new kid with allergies had just moved to town. His inclusion in Mr. Kingsland’s class meant my favourite savoury spread was outlawed. A total ban. My peanut butter sandwiches were all of a sudden, a thing of the past.

And I was angry, “Just ‘cause he’s weak doesn’t mean I should starve.” I always did have a flair for the dramatic.

Fast forward more than 20 years and man-oh-man how my outlook has changed.

My beautiful wife and I have one daughter, Matilda, who’s nearly four and in my eyes, perfect. This is despite her anaphylaxis, the condition that means nuts, raw eggs, shellfish and even a humble citrus seed could cause a severe allergic reaction and end her life. How something so small can inflict such a response for a select few, I’ll never understand. And to be honest, despite her condition we really do consider ourselves the lucky ones.

You see my little girl is fortunate enough to live in a modern world where a sweet little device called an epi-pen exists. She has one with her every second of every day. Putting it simply, an epi-pen is a single shot of pure adrenalin that counteracts the effects of allergic reactions. This little God-send device has already saved her once. So yes, we rate them pretty highly.

But back to the peanut butter sandwiches. Now, what actually prompted me to write this particular column on anaphylaxis is the sign that is on the front of my daughter’s daycare. It explains that her particular Goodstart centre is a nut, raw egg, shellfish and citrus seed free zone. My wife and I appreciate that feeding children is hard enough without having a list of ‘can’t haves’, and it doesn’t escape our attention that this is a sacrifice other parents and kids have to make, but this is a sacrifice that might well save our daughter’s life.

So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you, parents and kids. You’re awesome. We as a family really do appreciate it.

We would also like to put a huge shout out to the amazing team at Goodstart Golf Links Drive and the Allergy Medical Centre. Together you guys have supported us through this process from day one, and for that, we will be forever grateful.

P.S. Vegemite sandwiches forever!

Cliffo Hit 103.1 Townsville

58 June 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au