PakMag Townsville - July 2021 Issue 128

ISSUE: JUL 2021

128

TOWNSVILLE

FREE

Over

100

Family-Friendly

7THRIVE Ways to

as a Family During the

TEEN YEARS How to Nurture Healthy Friendships Bringing the Olympic Spirit into Your Home

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! $1000’s Worth of Prizes Inside!

EVENTS The 4 P’s to Prevent Peer Pressure Why We Miss Our Baby Bumps

20 SCHOOL Townsville

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HOLIDAY Activities to Enjoy

18 Tips for Stress-Free Birthday Parties

Welcome 5 6

8 11 13

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27 28 29

30 31 38 41 43 44 46 47 49 51

53 55 60 61

The Thing Is Developing and Nurturing Healthy Friendships Get into The Olympic Spirit Get Set for Prep Thriving as a Family During the Pre-Teen and Teen Years Experience Opportunity in our Catholic Schools The Reasons Your Child May Be Falling Behind at School Winter Warmer Recipes The Vital Role of Outdoor Learning Why We Miss Being Pregnant Bump, Bub and Beyond Understanding What Your Baby’s Cries Mean Adult Colouring Mini Mag 14th Birthday Giveaway Stress-Free Birthday Parties Birthday Party Craft Redefining Success 4 P’s to Prevent Peer Pressure School Holiday Guide All Things Health Autism and The Importance of Early Detection Daddy Diary School Holiday Guide Check It Out What’s On

PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

“Happy Birthday to Me!” – PakMag As parents you know how quickly the years fly past, and as the ‘parent’ of this PakMag ‘baby’ it’s all grown up and turning 14! At the start we had the customary sleepless nights and teething issues, before we learned to walk and then run. Since then, we have been growing up with you and your families – THANK YOU for being part of our amazing PakMag Community and being the reason, we do – what we do!

We truly appreciate every single person who takes a copy home, comments and ‘likes us’ on Facebook, follows us on Instagram, heads to our websites or listens to our podcast. We know your time is valuable and we appreciate you spending time with us each month, bringing PakMag into your homes and making us part of your lives. We hope we’ve been able to give you moments of joy, helpful advice, sanity-saving tips and entertainment along your parenting journey.

We truly believe we are all in this together. That’s why I started this magazine all those years ago.

So, as we step into the other side of the ‘Financial Year’ – officially half-way through 2021, (with hopefully a little tax-return on its way so you can treat yourself this Show and Festival Season) – we wanted to celebrate with you.

Don’t forget to head to www.pakmag.com.au/win to enter to WIN with our Huge Birthday Giveaway. It’s our little way of sharing the love.

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

Bree Bree James PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Contact Us: p 4053 3331 e admin@m2f.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 www.paktownsville.com.au • www.pakmag.com.au • www.m2f.com.au

Graphic Designer Sara Williams

Content & Marketing Team Leader Bec Dent Creative Team Leader Clare Winter

Design & Client Support Blair King Amanda Kane Videographer & Podcast Producer Monique Saggers

Marketing and Events Coordinator Alyssa Marino

Content Creator Annamarie Booysen

Sales and Business Development Tracy Couper

Accounts Trent Stievano

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

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

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families www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au| |July July2021 2021 3

The Thing Is

The Thing Is with Bree James One of the things I have heard a lot over the years is “how do you do so much?” My answer was always “my incredible team”. Which is very true, I’ve been super fortunate to have some incredible people with me over the past 14 years since starting PakMag. But genetically, I’ve been blessed with boundless energy and I have always been a go-getter, full of enthusiasm to do my part to make the world a better place, totally fuelled by passion.

We could call it a midlife crisis, or maybe it’s the fact that my body has decided that it can’t run on full steam forever and it’s time to slow down a little.

To make matters worse, when I see doctors they are now mentioning things like peri-menopause, arthritis, and “you’re not getting any younger - you need to slow down” comments. I guess it’s no worse than the back handed compliments you get from girls half your age.

One told me the other week “You give me hope that when I am a mum and turn 40 that I will still be able to ‘insert activity’- you are so inspiring”. *SIGH*, turn off or at least turn down that so-called music you’re listening to - what is W.A.P anyway?! AHHH I really am getting older. Most of my wrinkles are from laughter. Except those lines between my eyebrows - they are my WTF lines, and those wrinkles are deep. Especially when I hear songs like that.

The thing is, being middle-aged means, I am finally getting my head together - but my body has started to fall apart! The fact my entire body cracks like a glowstick when I get up in the morning, yet refuses to actually glow is very disappointing.

I know I am still a while off the hot flushes yet - but I am well aware that they are likely to be timed so it’s the perfect storm. Mother Nature really didn’t think things through when she planned menopause to start kicking off for women at the same time she is raising teenagers.

Even though I still think I am in my late twenties, my body reminds me that I can’t do the things I used to.

So yes, I have realised I am aging. And whilst it’s still a bit of a shock to the system as my mind and body aren’t in sync yet with these changes, I am very confident that most of my body’s aches and pains and my lack of cognitive ability has come about because I’ve accumulated more stress over the years than my body has been able to process. My nervous system hasn’t been reacting to things in the same way and it’s time to make some changes so that I can do my midlife crisis right and start an extreme sport or something. So, for now, I am going to drink my tea, have my nana naps and early nights, and take care of myself.

But then I turned 40.

At gigs, I now drink lemon and hot water instead of lemon and tequila.

‘A good night out’ is now ‘a good night in’ that has me in bed by 9.00pm.

And my cognitive ability? Don’t ask. If my memory gets any worse, I’ll be able to plan my own surprise party.

I fell in the creek the other day just trying to put my dog in for a swim while I was talking on the phone to one of my girlfriends.

And the tiredness - I have never been more tired in my life, it’s like I have had a hangover since partying ‘til 4.00am on my 40th which was now six months ago. What has happened to me!? I felt more energised getting woken every two hours to feed a newborn and still had the energy to do a full day’s work in the office with a baby on and off my body 24 hours a day for I don’t know how many years.

As they say, don’t let aging get you down, it’s too hard to get back up again.

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

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2021 5

Feature

Developing and Nurturing Healthy Friendships STORY Dr Jenny Brockis It’s good to have friends and good friends are wonderful. They are good for our health, raise our level of resilience, our mental wellbeing and boost our overall level of happiness. Studies have shown having friends at work or in school is linked to higher performance and more effective learning.

As humans we are highly social, we thrive in the company of others, especially those we consider like ourselves, who we like and believe like us back.

Friends come in all shapes and sizes. You may have a best friend - someone you feel closest to, a small group of very good friends who you socialise with a lot, others you call friends and associate with sometimes and the more peripheral friends who you know and like through shared contacts or work.

Friendships also naturally wax and wane. Life events such as getting married, having a family, moving away

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or changing jobs can loosen previously close bonds or you may find you no longer have the same interests.

Living in a time of a global pandemic has highlighted just how important our social connections are.

Being required to self-isolate, to work from home and maintain physical distancing has resulted in many more people experiencing loneliness, though thankfully we’ve had technology to help. While not as good as a hug or a handshake - being able to see each other on a screen will boost oxytocin levels; our social bonding molecule released when we are in the presence of those we like or love.

What Does a Healthy Friendship Look Like?

A healthy friendship makes you both feel good.

It’s founded on mutual trust and respect where you keep your word, do what you say you will do, look out for each other and keep a shared confidence.

Feature

Healthy friendships are about appreciating each other, offering support when you see it’s needed, being a good listener, giving your full attention to what is being shared, celebrating the good times and supporting each other through the bad times.

A healthy friendship brings you joy, because you have fun together. You look forward to spending time with your friend, they bring a smile to your face and you both laugh often.

How to Create Healthy Friendships Friendships take time to establish. If you’ve recently moved to a new area, started a new job or your children have started at a new school, it helps you to feel more settled when you’ve established some new friendships.

You have to meet people first and it’s during those first interactions where we size each other up, looking for common shared interests.

Then it’s about getting to know each other better by making a point to stop and chat when you meet and showing your interest in them as a person, asking about their family, their day or making friends with their dog.

A warm smile, a cheery hello and an open question helps to break down any social barriers and shyness.

Opportunities to interact more can look like: • Organising play dates for your children.

• A kind gesture at work - such as bringing in food to share • At work; asking if you can join them at their table for lunch.

• Asking for help, such as a recommendation for a restaurant for a celebratory dinner.

• Offering to help out at a function or work project • Showing your appreciation – thanking them for meeting you for coffee or buying a small gift.

Healthy friends are not like Stepford Wives.

You don’t have to agree on everything and there will be times when your friendship will be tested.

It’s about staying true to yourself, your values and beliefs and understanding friendship is always a two-way street.

How to Be a Good Friend We’re human, which means we’re all fallible, vulnerable, sometimes irrational and we make mistakes. None of us are perfect. If a friend lets you down because they forgot they were supposed to meet you, says something you know not to be true or makes you feel small in front of other people, it’s OK to call them out for it, to talk about it and to share how your feelings were hurt by their actions.

A good friend will apologise, and you can forgive.

A good friend is about being observant to when a friend isn’t themselves, and you show you care by asking what’s wrong and how you can help.

It’s about seeking to empathise and to show support without judgement.

It’s recognising when your friend needs space; to be alone, to think or just be.

Friendship is the key to a longer, happier and healthier life, and essential to our ability to thrive.

Dr Jenny Brockis is a medical practitioner, board-certified lifestyle medicine physician and Chief Wellbeing Officer of Brain Fit - a workplace-based health consultancy, author and global authority on brain health, mental wellbeing and psychological safety. www.drjennybrockis.com

For more on this topic with Dr Jenny Brockis, tune into episode 102 of the PakMag Parent’s Podcast at www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2021 7

STEAM

Bringing the Olympic Spirit into Our Homes STORY Bec Dent Since 1896 the world has come together for the modern Olympic Games. We all wish we could be there; cheering on the athletes and enjoying the atmosphere and excitement that comes with the games. Unfortunately, with travel restrictions, we’ll be cheering from afar from the comfort of our loungerooms – but this doesn’t mean we can’t create the spirit of the Olympics in our own homes.

“Olympism’ refers to the spirit or philosophy of the Olympic games, as outlined in the Olympic Charter.

The founder of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and ‘father’ of the modern Olympics, Pierre de Coubertin conceived ‘Olympism’ and described it as ‘a destroyer of dividing walls. It calls for air and light for all.”

torch relay? There are great resources at The Olympic Museum’s website olympics.com/museum .

Learn about the Tokyo Games: • Discuss the design of the new stadium – built to be eco-friendly, with the motto ‘bring back nature into the cities.’

• Explore the significance and meaning behind their emblem design and mascots.

• Try drawing the mascots and even try to create your own mascot. There is a great downloadable Educational Kit from The Olympic Museum available at www.olympics.com/museum with loads of information and activities to participate in.

“Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind.

Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.” – www.olympics.com

Explore and Embrace Japanese Culture:

The Heart of the Olympic Spirit is Friendship, Solidarity and Fair Play.

• You may even want to learn some Japanese words and sayings, or even how to write in kanji or hiragana characters.

Here’s some fun activities to combine sport, culture and education and bring the Olympic Spirit into your home: Host a mini-Olympics styled activity day with family and friends. You can participate in a variety of novelty sports and summer sports. As part of the lead up, teams can design their own uniforms and flags. You can also make your own Olympic torch, medals, podium and even plan an opening / closing ceremony if you like.

Learn more about the Olympics and Olympism. E.g. What is the symbolism of the Olympic Rings, the torch and

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• Learn about Japan’s national sports including Judo and Sumo Wrestling.

• Try making some origami pieces.

• Make some sushi rolls for dinner, and try eating with chopsticks.

• You could also learn about J-POP – Japanese Pop Culture; Manga, animated films, Kawaii fashion etc.

Why not try drawing yourself as a Manga character?

Novelty ‘Mini-Olympics’ Ideas • Hug-a-Balloon Relay - where pairs have to keep a balloon off the ground by squishing it between them.

• Balloon between the Knees Race • Tug of War • Egg and Spoon Race • Balloon Volleyball • Discus Throwing (with paper plates) • Javelin Toss (with pool noodles or paper aeroplanes) • Balloon Tennis (with fly swatters)

• Nerf gun ‘shooting’ with a bullseye for a target.

• Ping Pong Basketball – place a bucket in the middle of the room, each competitor has 10 table tennis balls to try and bounce into the bucket.

Fun Tokyo Olympic’s STEAM Fact “What if your old mobile phone could become an Olympic medal? Wanting to engage more residents in the Games and be respectful of the environment, the organisers had an original idea that captured the spirit of the times: reduce the environmental impact of the Games by making use of recycled materials. Athletes’ clothing has been made from used clothes, the podiums from plastic waste, and the medals from recycled metals collected from old cameras, phones and computers. The Japanese got on board with this initiative, depositing many of their used devices in collection containers. In total, 5,000 medals, featuring the famous chequered design, have been produced.” – Eva Bensard, Experiencing & Discovering the Olympic Games : Special Tokyo 2020, TOM SCHOOLS Education kit. www.olympics.com/museum Over six million smartphones have been recycled to create the Olympic medals for Tokyo - How cool is that?

Advertorial

Get Set for Prep Preparing to transition your child into Prep and formal schooling? Here’s some fantastic tips and advice from Townsville Grammar School Prep Teacher, Kate Ward:

Communication Once you have enrolled your child, try to become involved and informed as much as possible through newsletters and attending events. School events are a great way to meet other families who will be starting Prep with your child.

rubbish. Familiarise your child with the different eating times at school and what is eaten when. Show your child how to use their drink bottle and refill it using a water fountain.

Social Skills Give your child plenty of opportunities to play with others. Practise sharing, taking turns and really listening to each other. Discuss how their behaviour can affect others.

Drive past the school with your child at various times of the day so that you can see children playing outside at lunch breaks. Talk about the uniform and types of activities they might experience at school.

Arrange play dates. This is a great opportunity to meet other families and build your own support network.

Encourage your child to use functional language to communicate their needs and wants. Start to encourage your child to use their words, before you step in for them.

Read, Read, Read! Ask questions about what you have read. Involve your child in language-rich experiences – talk to them about what you are doing as much as possible.

Basic Independence Many of us probably don’t realise how much we actually do for our child, that they could probably do themselves!

Encourage your child to look after their belongings, practise putting on and taking off their uniform and shoes, familiarise your child with their school bag – give them plenty of time to practise carrying it on their back.

Show them how to take it off and put it down safely.

Practise taking their lunch boxes in and out of their school bags and show them how to open and close the zips.

Preparing for Eating Breaks Make sure your child is able to open their lunch box.

Practise unwrapping packed lunches and disposing of

Language Skills

Once Your Child has Started Prep Don’t be concerned if your child is extremely tired the first few weeks and months can be exhausting.

The cognitive load is very different to what they have experienced before.

Try not to plan too many after school activities whilst your child settles into their new routines.

Please remember, in Prep, children can be almost 12 months difference in age. When you are only four years old, this is a huge difference. Don’t stress and compare.

Keep in regular contact with your child’s teacher about how they are tracking and ENJOY THE RIDE!

www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au| |July July2021 2021 11

Parenting

Thriving as a Family During the Pre-Teen and Teen Years STORY Dr Vanessa Lapointe In our current parenting pop culture, it has become a common stereotype to “dread” the pre-teen and teenage years. I cannot count how many times I’ve heard someone say to a parent whose toddler is confidently walking UP the slide or is refusing to comply with a request, “Well, just wait until she’s a TEENAGER!” It’s as if our society has decided that adolescence is when your sweet, cherub-cheeked child will transform into some sort of teenaged monster, making your life an absolute misery.

Take it from me, currently in the trenches of parenting two teenagers: the truth is that the pre-teen and teenage years are NOTHING to fear. In fact, they are a time to savour – to enjoy, even! Adolescence is a wild ride for our kids. It’s an exciting, confusing, overwhelming and beautiful time, and as parents, we must count ourselves lucky to be invited along for the journey. When we better understand what our children need during this time of great change and big adventures, we’re able to support them whilst remaining close and connected.

Our Kids REALLY Need Us During this Time The teenage years can be perceived as the time when we, “mama and papa birds”, need to boot our little fledglings out of the nest. But wait! Before we do any booting of ANY kind, we must remember that our teens still need us during these crucial moments of development. When they “learn to fly” with only their peers as their guides, they won’t have the security of knowing that they can return to their nest.

Now that I’ve sufficiently dragged out that extended metaphor for all that it is worth, the nuts and bolts of it is that our children WANT to foster a relationship with

us. That instinct that was kindling inside of them as tiny infants still exists in that man-sized body standing in front of you. They yearn for connection, and if they don’t feel that reciprocity coming from the home front, they will be forced to seek it out in their peers - and we know that kids cannot raise kids. We must reach out to our teens and keep reaching out. That extended hand must always be there.

Marching to Their Own Beat The teen years are when our kids start to explore exactly who they are. This may mean that your teen wants to do their own thing and not what YOU want them to do. It can be challenging – but necessary – to explore why we may have a strong reaction to our child quitting the baseball team, for example, or no longer wanting to go on long family hikes, etc. We must dig into why these decisions bother us. Is it because we really believe that the baseball team will change our child’s life, or is it because our child is making choices that rebut how we were raised, or our hobbies? Growing up teens means that we also have to do a heck of a lot of growing ourselves.

Adolescence is a time of discovery and can create adventures and experiences that we boring adults wouldn’t ordinarily expose ourselves to. Take an interest in your child’s hobbies. Your engagement shows your teen that you’re still showing up for them – that you want to make the time and the space to get to know them and their passions. Your active presence in these conversations helps your child to further flesh out their ideas and work through any challenges. It can mean stepping outside of our comfort zones, but this is where the real growth happens.

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Parenting

Show Up for “Work” Even if You Aren’t Put to Work Our teens and pre-teens are not very likely to schedule time in their iCal for meaningful chats with their parents.

We have to make ourselves available, so that when the spontaneous conversations or “asks” come forward we are there. It is so important for our pre-teens and teens that we are available to them, even if the timing isn’t always right. I make a point of hanging in my kitchen most evenings, as that’s where my boys, now 14 and 17, can often be found. There are nights where we just banter or don’t say much at all, and then there are other evenings where we sit at the island and chat – about life, love, school – because the moment just happened to be right.

after you graduate?” - and it’s enough to set anyone on edge. So, this is a gentle reminder to give your pre-teen or teen a bit of leeway. You are their safe space, and so you are lucky enough to be where all these big feelings get to land. Do you know the saying, “It’s not personal, it’s business”? Well, we should amend that one for the teen years: “It’s not personal, it’s adolescence.”

Stay Focused on Family and Routine As humans, we love routine. We crave it. And so, it’s important that we keep traditions going in our family units. Maybe it’s Sunday dinner together, without phones, TVs, or interruptions. Perhaps it’s a family game night, or getting together with extended family, or how you celebrate birthdays and big occasions. When we hold these routines and traditions as essential, it solidifies the significance of the family as the center of it all. This helps to anchor our teen; it promotes feelings of connection and belonging. Our adolescents may look and sound just like adults, but we cannot forget that they are still children, and they crave that family time just as much as they did when they were small.

Don’t Retire too Soon Find Ways to Schedule Time Together While I joked about how our teens are not very likely to schedule in “Deep Conversation with Mum” in their phones, scheduling time together is a necessity.

You don’t need to have big splashy plans, but can choose something as simple as a one-on-one outing – a dinner or a walk together. Despite their groans, our preteens and teens look forward to these special moments together. Another great opportunity for spontaneous connection is while driving. I find that some of my best conversations with my boys happen when I’m driving; there’s something about being in the car and not having to have continuous eye contact that sets the stage for some truly great chats.

Don’t Let the Mood Get You Down Adolescence is an emotional time. The brain is changing rapidly during these years, while also being at the mercy of surging hormones, the demands of a peer group, school, extra-curriculars, work, and more! Add in a wacky sleep schedule and being faced with universealtering questions such as, “What are you going to do

This is the most important advice that I could offer any parent who is parenting, or will be parenting, a pre-teen or teen: don’t retire too soon.

Don’t give into the hype that our children need to “figure it out” or get kicked out of the nest to become independent, well-rounded people. We are our child’s foundation, and for them to feel safe enough to take a leap, they need to know that we will be there to catch them should they fall. They might roll their eyes at family game night or give you monosyllabic answers when you pick them up from school, but inside of that chest is the same heart that beat for you when they were three, and eight, and 11 years old.

Make time for your teen. Take an interest, ask questions, be around. Offer to drive, or to get out and go for a walk or a bite to eat. Don’t assume that your pre-teen or teen would rather hang out with friends; chances are, they’d love a bit of your time and to share what’s going on in their world. You’ll soon see that the teen years aren’t that scary after all. Rather, they are an invitation to get to know who this remarkable human is growing up to be and to learn a little bit about ourselves along the way.

Dr. Vanessa Lapointe is a mum, registered psychologist, parenting educator, best-selling author, international speaker, and a regularly invited media guest. Founder and Director of The Wishing Star Lapointe Developmental Clinic, she has been supporting families and children for almost 20 years, and has previous experience in community mental health and the school system. Dr. Vanessa is known for bringing a sense of nurturing understanding and humanity to all of her work. Her passion is in walking alongside parents, teachers, care providers, and other big people to really see the world through the child’s eyes. She believes that if we can do this, we are beautifully positioned to grow up our children in the best possible way. www.drvanessalapointe.com

Tune into Episode 103 of the PakMag Parents Podcast to hear more from Dr Vanessa Lapointe on how you can thrive as a family during the tween and teen years.

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Advertorial

Experience Opportunity in our Catholic Schools On 19 July, 750 + Catholic school students from Mount Isa in the west, Proserpine in the south and north to Halifax will come together at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre to participate in the Mulkadee Youth Arts Festival’s 2021 performance of The Wizard of Oz.

and perform at a venue such as the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre is a unique experience in itself,” Jacqui said.

Created by Townsville Catholic Education, the Mulkadee Youth Arts Festival is like no other event in Australia, allowing students from year 4 to year 12 the opportunity to participate in workshops, led by industry professionals, in the areas of choir, dance, drama, band, guitar and strings and culminating with a concert performance on the Friday evening to a sell-out audience.

The Mulkadee Youth Arts Festival evolved from the annual music camps that took place on Magnetic Island for students in our Catholic schools. Looking to improve and expand on the offering of the arts, Townsville Catholic Education took the opportunity to create a concert-style event to showcase a range of artistic pursuits, staging the first event in 2006 at the Riverway Arts Centre.

Townsville Catholic Education Executive Director, Jacqui Francis, said the Mulkadee Youth Arts Festival concept was developed to provide students across the diocese an opportunity to engage in the Arts.

Now in its 16th year, over 10,000 students have participated in workshops led by professional artists who are leaders in their fields both here in Australia and overseas. Organisations such as the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Sydney Dance Company, TheatreiNQ and Dancenorth have all been part of the Mulkadee line up.

“Mulkadee is a wonderful experience for all involved providing our students and teaching staff who have an interest in the arts, an opportunity to come together and collaborate and develop their skills.

“For many of the students from our rural and remote areas, the opportunity to workshop, rehearse

“This year, students will be collaborating to present the classic story, The Wizard of Oz, with a modern twist.”

Townsville Catholic Education is the only education system in Australia to offer an arts development program of this nature.

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Education

The Reasons Your Child May Be Falling Behind at School STORY Dr Selina Samuels , BA(Hons), LLB, PhD, MEd - Chief Learning Officer, Cluey Learning It can take some time for parents to identify where a student is falling behind in their learning.

With everything that goes on in ordinary family life, it’s easy for parents to lose track of the assignments and assessments their children need to complete, and it is nigh impossible to look at all the feedback they receive from their teachers.

Children can also be adept at hiding where they are falling behind, even from themselves. Therefore, they are not always going to flag their own problems and ask for help. Ignoring or avoiding the problems they are experiencing can be their way to avoid anxiety, which of course only serves to compound the issues they face.

Lessons Move too Fast The obvious reason for students falling behind in their schoolwork is that they are finding it too difficult. For a significant number of students, classes move too fast and there never seems to be the right time to ask for help. At Cluey, we hear again and again of students who don’t feel comfortable raising their hands in class to ask a question; so, the question is never asked and the work they were covering just becomes increasingly mystifying.

Lessons Move too Slowly For some students, the work that they cover in class is too easy and the pace of the lesson too slow and they just become completely disengaged. These children fall behind because they really don’t see the point of

doing their schoolwork at all as it presents them with no real challenge. They may also find it difficult to engage with their peers and may become either disruptive or withdrawn. It is very important to identify their concerns early to provide them with the challenge and intellectual stimulation that they need to enjoy learning.

Emotional Turmoil Then there are social and emotional issues that may come into play. Children can become increasingly reluctant to participate in class because they are finding it hard to fit in or may even be experiencing bullying.

For many students, failing to make social connections with their peers can be both a sign and a cause of academic struggle. Similarly, problems at home can be reflected in your child’s academic progress. While some children may take refuge at school and in their schoolwork, more often emotional turmoil translates into difficulty concentrating and learning. Children may also work hard to hide their difficulties from their parents, trying to pretend that they are not affected.

Underlying Issues It is worth parents bearing in mind that a student falling behind in their learning may be the sign of an underlying issue. Some students just have too much energy to sit still all day, but others have much deeper-seated difficulties with concentration. Children suffering from poor eyesight or hearing difficulties can seem very disengaged in class. They may say they’re ‘dumb’ and spend an excessive amount of time on homework,

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Parenting

but the real issue may be that they can’t see the board clearly or follow all the instructions. If you suspect an underlying physical or psychological issue, your first port of call should be your family GP.

Insufficient Sleep For some children, poor or disrupted sleep can have a real impact on their ability to concentrate at school and therefore to learn. It is very important for parents to monitor and protect their children’s sleep. Poor sleep is linked (as a cause or as an effect) to mental health issues for children and teenagers. Poor mental health is also, inevitably, connected to difficulty concentrating and completing learning tasks.

Boredom Most parents assume that a child repeatedly complaining of being bored at school is a sign that they are not fully extended. It could, equally, be a sign that your child is falling behind. Let’s face it, covering material that you don’t understand is fundamentally boring. Dismissing the work as boring is also a way for students to deflect criticism and displace responsibility.

Blaming the teacher for being boring or not teaching the concepts well enough is an associated coping strategy.

While of course not all teachers are perfect, if your child blames teacher after teacher for failure to explain all the important components of a subject, there may be something else going on.

The sooner you investigate the behaviour that you are seeing, the better. Small gaps in learning can become chasms as your child progresses through school, and loss of learning confidence can impact people well into adulthood. A 2017 Grattan Institute report found that almost half of all Australian school students report that they are bored or struggling in the classroom. Dr Peter Goss, one of the authors of the study, emphasised the importance of early intervention: “When a student switches off, there is the risk of a downward spiral.”

School Avoidance I have already mentioned the tendency of children to avoid facing problems. If they really feel that they are falling behind their peers, they may start to avoid school altogether. That can manifest itself in mysterious morning ‘tummy aches’ that disappear as soon as you agree that they can stay home, or a gloomy pall that settles over the house on Sunday evening. School avoidance is much more serious than occasionally playing hooky and can be an indication that your child’s level of school-associated anxiety is overwhelming. It may well be that they have fallen so far behind that they have lost all confidence.

Forcing your child to go to school in this situation may be counter-productive.

Speak to your child’s classroom teacher if they are in primary school or their year co-ordinator or advisor if they are in secondary school. In addition to finding out about their academic progress, it is useful to get regular feedback on their attitude to learning.

Just because your child is quiet and unassuming in class does not mean they are engaged.

It may be that what your child needs is a safe environment where they can ask the questions they are reluctant to ask in class and fill the gaps in their understanding. Often, they have lost confidence in themselves as learners and can only regain this confidence with the personalised support and mentorship of a tutor. Once they feel they are on a similar footing as their peers, their anxiety and associated negative behaviours tend to disappear.

Dr Selina Samuels has been a teacher, Head of English and senior school administrator, and an academic in Australia and the UK. She developed an innovative teaching and learning system for an international network of schools and a new school in Hong Kong.

Her experience has given her rare insight into what really works for learners of all ages.

At Cluey, Selina is responsible for overall educational leadership and ensuring the quality of every student’s learning experience. www.clueylearning.com.au

20 July 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Food

Winter Warmer Recipes

Blueberry Pie Ingredients

Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Stew Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1 kg of Chuck Beef, cut into 2-3 cm cubes 3 large potatoes (peeled and chopped into chunks) 4 carrots, chopped 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups beef stock

½ tsp salt ½ tsp pepper 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp each - dried oregano, thyme and rosemary 1 tsp paprika ¼ cup flour 2 bay leaves Fresh flat parsley

Method Heat olive oil in a frypan over medium heat. Season your beef with salt and pepper and then brown in your pan (approx. 2-3 minutes).

Place beef, potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic into your slow cooker. Add your beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, oregano and bay leaves. Stir until combined. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.

Remove ½ cup of the broth, and whisk together with the flour in a bowl. Return to slow cooker, stir and then cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken your stew.

Once ready, garnish with parsley.

1 sheet shortcrust pastry 1 sheet puff pastry ¾ cup white sugar ¼ cup cornflour 2 tsp lemon zest ½ tsp salt ½ tsp ground cinnamon

6 cups frozen blueberries, thawed and drained 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small squares 1 egg yolk 2 tbsp of milk

Method Fill the your pie dish with a layer of shortcrust pastry.

Place in fridge, while you prepare the filling.

In a large bowl, combine the sugar, cornflour, lemon zest, cinnamon and salt. Gently stir in the blueberries.

Place the filling in the pie crust.

To make your lattice crust, cut 10 strips of puff pastry to the desired width, we’ve gone with thin lengths, but if you’d prefer more pastry – you can make them wider.

Lay five strips evenly spaced over the top of the pie.

Fold back the second and fourth strips and lay another across the other strips still covering the pie filling. Place the second and fourth strips back down over the pie and then fold back the first, third and fifth strips. Place another puff pastry strip over the top of those left on the pie, return the strips back down and repeat this process, until the pie has been covered. Pinch the sides of the crust and puff pastry together, trim excess.

Whisk the egg and add the milk to create your egg wash. Brush over puff pastry. Sprinkle sugar over the top. Freeze for 5 minutes before baking on the lower shelf of your oven at 190°C for about 55 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2021 23

Advertorial

The Vital Role of Outdoor Learning

Outdoor areas and learning environments play a vital role in the spaces and places for children in our centres to learn and play every day.

Mary MacKillop Childcare North Queensland (MMCNQ) Area Manager, Tanya Amos said, “Providing children with the opportunity to play outdoors creates wonder as children explore their natural environment.”

“Outdoor play is an important part of early childhood development, encouraging children from an early age to participate in an active lifestyle. Children develop an appreciation of their natural environment through hands-on learning,” Tanya said.

Mary MacKillop Childcare North Queensland are committed to providing the best possible outdoor environments across the three education and care settings and have a long-term strategy to continually improve and update these facilities.

The first outdoor play space to be renewed is at St Joseph’s Kindergarten in Mount Isa. Over three hundred thousand dollars has been invested in bringing the outdoor play space (which is combined with the St Joseph’s Outside School Hours Care service) alive again.

The work was completed in early June.

Local Area Coordinator, Nadia Russo said “The playground has many new features throughout.

The bush tucker area will enable the children to learn about growing and harvesting healthy foods, this can then be linked with physical fitness and to empower children to make healthy choices.”

“There are multiple spaces throughout the playground that provide the children an opportunity to be engaged in different experiences with varying levels of skills and abilities,” she said.

Tanya said that through running, jumping and climbing, children are able to develop their coordination, balance and strength - contributing to improvement in motor skills.

“Children learn to understand their risk and develop a sense of what level of risk they feel comfortable with. Through play, children develop social skills and an understanding of the importance of how words and actions can heavily impact a desired outcome,” she said.

MMCNQ are taking enrolments for Kindergarten in 2022 for their stand-alone centres as well as their early learning centres. For information contact 4726 3299.

www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au| |July July2021 2021 25

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Bye Bye Baby Bump: Why We Miss Being Pregnant STORY Jenna Galley You spend nine months (not so) patiently counting down the days until your baby is in your arms.

And when that day comes? It’s the most amazing feeling in the world.

But, for many mums, with this new baby bundle comes a sense of loss and ‘emptiness’ that the pregnancy journey is over. Sure, you may not miss the nausea or the cankles, but you probably do miss some aspects of pregnancy, such as the baby kicks.

In fact, even if you had an awful pregnancy, most mums will feel some degree of sadness once it’s over.

When Does this Happen?

Most often these feelings occur during the first days or weeks after delivery but it’s possible to miss being pregnant for months, even years, especially if it’s your last baby.

The shift of attention For several months it’s been all about the bump. You’ve been told to rest and relax all in the name of the bump.

Now the baby is here, the bump is gone, and the focus is on the baby’s wellbeing, not on mum. Understandably, this shift in focus can be a bit of an adjustment for us mums, especially considering new mums still need help and care during this postnatal period.

Goodbye pregnancy, hello baby!

But perhaps the main reason why mums miss being pregnant is because it was a pretty important job to have! To know you are growing something so precious inside is empowering and your baby bump is, in a sense, a reminder of just how amazing your body is.

Why Do We Miss Our Baby Bumps?

While you may not have your baby bump to remind you anymore, you do have something even better – your baby. And what an adorable reminder she is!

Hormones

When to Be Concerned

Hormones is one of the biggest reasons. New mums are hit with some pretty heavy hormonal changes.

You can go from teary to euphoric in a matter of minutes. With this cyclone of emotions comes the sense of grief and nostalgia for your bump.

It can take some time to find the comfortable zone in your new life. Don’t feel guilty about missing being pregnant and don’t be afraid to talk about how you’re feeling.

The new mum haze Lack of sleep, physical exhaustion and a massive change in routine can also have something to do with it. Not to mention the responsibly of caring for a newborn 24/7. After a few weeks of sleepless nights, it’s understandable to want to return to a time when the only thing waking you up at night was your bladder.

If you find this sense of loss is impacting your ability to find joy in being a mum, then speak to your GP, your maternal and child health nurse or call the following hotlines: Maternal and Child Health Line: 13 22 29 PANDA: 1300 726 306 Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2021 27

Bump, Bub and Beyond

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

Mustard Kikadu Rabbit Teether with Towel $59.95 www.growingkind.com.au The rabbit teether made of natural rubber with Muslin is a great relief when teething. It is also the perfect toy for your baby.

Due to the low weight it can be held easily by their little hands.

Hand washable. Made in Sri Lanka. Age: 3 months +

ergoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Bag 1.0 TOG $49.95 - www.ergopouch.com.au These Cocoon Swaddle Bags are designed to be both easy to use and difficult to escape from.

This zip-up swaddle is TOG rated for warmth to keep a baby snug and securely swaddled without the need for complicated wrapping from day one.

Being TOG-rated means that the 1.0 TOG can be used on its own in room temperatures between 21-24°C with no blankets in the bassinet or cot to make this a safe sleep option for a newborn or baby.

The Baby Card $50.00 - www.egiftit.com.au Gifts are supposed to be a joyous experience, yet somehow this has become less personal for both the giver and receiver when it comes to digital gift cards. eGift it was created to bring the joy and surprise to digital gift giving.

Shower new parents and bub with gifts galore from the best baby brands out there. The BABY digital gift card can be used at their favourite baby and maternity retailers. Personalise your digital gift by adding a personalised e-greeting card, digital wrapping, music and an animation – give your loved ones the ultimate digital gift card experience!

28 July 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Understanding What Your Baby’s Cries Mean STORY Sonja Preston, National Dunstan Baby Language Trainer for Australia The Dunstan Baby Language (DBL) is a proven system which teaches the parents of newborns to tune in to their babies and to easily identify what their baby’s cries mean.

Crying is early communication. Your baby telling you that they are hungry, or tired, or perhaps they have wind. These early cries are reflex based. For example, when the baby is hungry, the sucking reflex

is stimulated. Their tongue goes up to the top of the mouth as if there is already a breast or bottle there, and when sound is added, we hear it as a ‘neh’ sound.

As new parents we spend a lot of time guessing what they want, and in the time it takes us to correctly guess, their crying has intensified and our stress levels have increased.

What if you spoke their language? If you understood the difference in sound between a hungry cry as opposed to wind cry? How much easier would that make your life?

Our on-line classes teach you the five cry sounds which all parents of newborns need to know; for hunger, tiredness, wind, being uncomfortable, or lower wind pain. In just two sessions you will not only know the sounds, but why they happen and what to do.

With DBL • •

babies cry less, as their needs are met; there is reduced incidence of colic as parents know when to burp them and

• parents report feeling happier in their parenting.

The end result is a content baby and parents who feel confident in their parenting!

Find out more about Dunstan Baby Language and courses by visiting theparentingcafe.com.au/ dunstan-baby-language/ Sonja Preston is the founder of ‘The Parenting Café’, creator of ‘Me Do story cards,’ a Dunstan Baby Language (DBL) Educator and Australia’s National DBL Trainer. Sonja has had extensive experience as a classroom teacher, with qualifications in Special Education, Gifted and Talented children, behavioural difficulties and Field Studies. Sonja is also a highly soughtafter Parenting Consultant and has worked as International Trainer with the ‘Parents as Teachers’ program for Macquarie University and as a Parent / Family Support Worker for the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and Save the Children.

WIN For your chance to WIN The Dunstan Baby Language (DBL) Course to learn what your baby is trying to communicate with you, head to www.pakmag.com.au/win Please note the prize is for a DBL class (two sessions) for a parent(s) of a newborn. Prize is suitable for mothers in their third trimester of pregnancy or parent(s) of a newborn in the first 3 months of age. The prize is valued at $149.00

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2021 29

Relax and Unwind: Adult Colouring

WIN a Naroku Prize Pack Worth $70.00 Treat yourself with Naroku. This gorgeous selection includes Bath Crumble 50g, Fizzy Bath Salts 250g, Whipped Soap 200g, Detangling Spray 125ml and Laundry Crystals 500g. All of Naroku’s products are hand made in Melbourne using quality ingredients. www.naroku.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 31/07/2021. No need to submit colouring in to enter. *Scents will be sent at random.

30 July 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Pull-out kids activity mag!

ONLY IN CINEMAS

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Competition closes 15/07/2021. No need to submit drawing to enter.

Celebrating Tokyo 2020

Use the following steps to help create it: 1. Its main quality is...

2. It makes me think of...

An animal? A plant? An obect? A colour?

Something else?

3. Draw your mascot.

4. What is your mascot’s name?

Design your own mascot!

© IOC, The Olympic Museum, Lausanne

WIN an Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) Official Olympic Merchandise Pack Worth $50.00 Get in the Olympic Spirit with this incredible prize pack from the AOC Store. Train like a pro and showcase your Aussie pride with this AOC Iconic Football. Robust machine stitched PVC panels are complimented with SR bladder and two polycotton liners. The ball features a traditional panel shape outer and an iconic Australian design that proudly displays your love of the Australian Olympic Team. The cute and cuddly Boxing Kangaroo is a must have for any little AOC fan. The Kangaroos are ready to take on their opposition with their Boxing Gloves. Dress like the athletes and find more merchandise to purchase and proudly show your support for the Aussie Team in Tokyo from shop.olympics.com.au.

Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 19/07/2021.

No need to submit mascot design in to enter.

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G I V E AWAY

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

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1. Moochies SmartWatch - $249.95 - www.moochies.com - Moochies is a wearable mobile device for children whose parents deem them too young to be given a mobile phone, but still want peace of mind while giving them healthy doses of independence. Moochies features currently include 4G, voice and video recording, text and voice messaging, GPS tracking and safe zones, SOS alerts, class mode, a camera with gallery and a pedometer. Parents love Moochies because of its safety features but kids love it for its cool factor with its sleek and high-tech design. Kids can have fun accessorising with Moochies mixing and matching colours and various patterned straps. Kids 5 -12 years. 2. Ugg Express - Australian Shepherd Short Zipper Ugg Boots - $186.00 - www.uggexpress.com.au - The Australian Shepherd Short Zipper Boots are made with the highest quality premium Australian sheepskin and with a convenient zipper function, you can easily jump in and out of them. Available in four classic colours: chestnut, grey, chocolate and black. Boasting an option to fold down the edge to turn into a shorter style, these boots are bound to be your new favourites! 3. Wahu Pool Bopper - $39.95 www.wahu.com.au - Team up with up to three of your mates and take the fun to the water with the Wahu Pool Bopper! The huge, lightweight floating mat can fit up to four players one player in the middle hole at the ready with bopper, while the other three players try to pop out of the water as fast as they can without getting hit. It’s fast and fun pool action! For ages 6+ years. 4. Blue Snowball iCE - Silver - $97.00 - www.bluepowered.com.au - Snowball iCE is the fastest, easiest way to get high-quality sound for recording and streaming. Powered by a custom cardioid condenser capsule, Snowball iCE delivers crystal-clear audio quality that’s light-years ahead of your built-in computer microphone.

It’s even Skype and Discord certified, which guarantees great-sounding results no matter how or where you use it — at home or the office. 5. Victorinox Cheese Master $105.00 - www.victorinox.com.au - Exceptional cheese and exacting engineering are just two of Switzerland’s finest exports. Introducing the Cheese Master, the pioneering compact pocket knife that fuses both of these national passions. Part cheese knife, part fondue fork, this clever hybrid effortlessly slices through holey Emmental and nutty Gruyère then doubles to tackle your cheese fondue. Created in collaboration with the Switzerland Cheese Marketing AG, this knife will give your board some global clout.

38 July 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

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6. KIDS eGIFT Card - $120.00 - www.egiftit.com.au - Gifts are supposed to be a joyous experience, yet somehow this has become less personal for both the giver and receiver when it comes to digital gift cards. eGift it was created to bring the joy and surprise to digital gift giving. Personalise your digital gift by adding a personalised e-greeting card, digital wrapping, music and an animation – give your loved ones the ultimate digital gift card experience! The KIDS digital gift card is the ultimate gift of choice. Whether they want a new pair of kicks, or to see the latest blockbuster, this gift card has it all! 7. MX Anywhere 3 - $ 129.95 - www.logitech.com/en-au MX Anywhere 3 is ultimate versatility with remarkable performance. The compact mouse is designed for mobile work – from the home office, to the cafe, to the airport lounge.

8. Crayola Ultimate Prize Pack - $104.44 - www.crayola.com.au - The Crayola Ultimate Prize Pack includes their new Colors of the World range of art tools. The new Colors of the World range hopes to promote and support a more inclusive world for children from all ages, races, cultures and ethnicities. 9. Glambini Crossbody Bag - $64.00 - www.glambini.com.au Designed in Italy, the Glambini Crossbody Bag is stylish, lightweight and versatile. Glambini Crossbody Bags are highly durable and water-resistant which makes them perfect for travelling, overnights, kindy, school and recreational activities. Each Glambini Crossbody bag has been engineered with two exterior mesh elasticized side pockets, a secure section for iPads (large size only), a zipped secure front section, plus inside pockets to store snacks, toys, crayons, stickers and on-the-go essentials and includes a convenient key ring attachment. The adjustable strap length was designed for both comfort and style. The supportive shoulder straps can be adjusted to suit all children. 10. Magic Door Pillows Set - $49.00 - www.magicdoorpillows.com - Magic Door Pillows Sets include the storybook - ‘The Sleepy Wizard, The Dream Fairy and The Magic Door Pillow’, Dream Fairy OR Sleepy Wizard plush toy, glow-in-the-dark Magic Door Pillow, colouring and activity book, audiobook, video storybook, the first two letters from The Dream Fairy OR The Sleepy Wizard and step-by-step instructions. Read the storybook to your children and watch the magic unfold as they discover real Magic Door Pillows on their beds, just like the children in the book! This soothing and magical bedtime routine will make any child love going to bed and keep them sleeping soundly the whole night through.

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2021 39

Party

Simple Tips For Stress-Free Birthday Parties Sometimes the thought of a kid’s party, with all the planning, politics and pressure can be overwhelming.

So, to make the process simple and help you focus on the fun - here are our top tips to fill your kid’s special day with joy and laughter. Birthdays are meant to be a time of celebration – not stress.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way The biggest trick is being organised and setting a budget. Decide at the beginning how much money you are willing to spend and stick to it. It’s so easy to splurge when it comes to our kids. Include all costs - cake, food, decorations, party favours, entertainment and games.

Establish what kind of party it will be – at a specialised party venue (less hassle for you), at a location away from your home (park, beach), or a home-based party.

You may even decide to host a sleep-over. Each involve varying levels of organisation – there is no right or wrong way to party – it’s about what works for you time-wise and budget-wise.

Involve your child in the planning – what options do they have to choose from? Would they like a theme? How many friends can they invite? What sort of cake would they like? Etc. Start early and make a list of everything you need to do to get the party ready and tick completed tasks off one by one. Organising a party is all about ‘task portion control’, be realistic about how much time you need and what you can take on and break up the tasks into achievable chunks. Taking on a little at a time is more achievable than trying to do it all at once.

Similarly, having a list of things to do on the day to be ready for when guests arrive can help. You can also split up the list and ask family members to help – so it’s not all on you. If you also have a plan of how the party will roll out (e.g. a general timeline of events) it can also help you avoid stress.

Have a party game box with everything you need in one place – ready to play on the day.

Party Guests Set a guest limit and stick to it (you don’t have to invite the whole class).

Specify on the invites: • if siblings are not invited, to avoid uninvited extras.

• if parents are welcome to stay, or if it’s a drop and go party.

• if there is anything they need to bring (socks, swimmers etc) • if there is a cost to parents (roller-skating, swimming, etc)

Also ask guests to inform you of any dietary requirements when RSVP’ing so you can plan accordingly.

Party Food Don’t be too hard on yourself when it comes to catering – we can go ‘all gourmet’, but the kids go for the party pies and cheerios anyway. Do what’s achievable for you.

If any of your guests have flagged dietary requirements with their RSVP - keep that in mind and provide options.

Supermarkets offer a variety of platters that also make party catering easy.

Don’t forget the water – keep a dispenser or jugs of water handy with cups nearby as well as a marker to write the kids names on their cups.

Don’t stress over the cake if you’re not a baker. Storebought cakes are fine – and DELICIOUS! If parents are staying at the party, then remember to cater for them too.

Entertainment Your entertainment options and requirements will depend on what style of birthday party you have gone with. For example, booking a party at a specialised party venue will generally mean there’s not much more for you to do. However, if you have gone with a DIY party – there’s a lot of options to consider, such as: inflatable jumping castles, petting zoos, yard game hire, face painters, balloon artists, clowns, magicians, craft etc.

If you’re on a budget, traditional party games never go out of fashion! All kids love playing pass-the-parcel, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, musical chairs / cushions, statues and limbo.

Keep a big bowl of treats handy with lollies, little chocolate bars, plastic jewellery, cheap toys, etc, wrapped in newspaper and when kids win a game they can choose a prize from the prize bowl.

Allow time for the kids to entertain themselves. Set up play areas around the yard where they can play with different toys you already own. If it’s a warm day, let the kids play with water balloons, water guns and the sprinkler.

Above all – never underestimate how special the simple things can be and the memories that are made – by just being in the moment. There is no greater gift than a ‘present’ parent - take moments throughout the day to soak it all in, participate and share some oneon-one time with your child to tell them how much you love them and how proud you are of them – that’s one memory that will live on, long after the decorations have been taken down.

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2021 41

Craft

www.mericherry.com

www.deliacreates.com

Birthday Party Craft

Fairy Garden Activity

Farm Animal Balloons

What You Need

What You Need

• Terracotta planter plates (one for each child) • Paint and paint brushes or coloured marker pens • Playdough (in various colours) • Toilet paper rolls and planter cups (or similar) • A variety of decorative craft items: pipe cleaners, glitter, beads, pom poms, felt • Pebbles, stones, sticks, moss etc for the groundcover • Fairy figurines • Craft glue • Scissors (to be used with supervision)

• Pencil • Black marker pen (permanent) • Scissors • Sticky tape or double-sided tape • Balloons • Helium balloon tank • Curling ribbon

Method Set up a variety of bowls filled with the items to create your Fairy Gardens in the middle of the tables. Ensure you have multiple bowls for each item so the kids have access to everything where they are sitting (see image above).

Place a terracotta plate at each place setting. In the middle place a ball of ‘fairy dirt’ or ‘unicorn poop’ – a multicolored bundle of playdough. This will be the base for your garden to be spread out on the inside of your terracotta plate. Also provide a pre-made ‘fairy house’ for each child. Make them by simply cutting a door into a toilet roll holder and then placing the planter cup upside down on the top for the roof. Don’t glue them together – so the child can decorate inside the ‘house’.

Think of it as a mini doll house.

Let their imaginations run wild. The children can create their Fairy’s world however they like with the materials provided.

Tips: You may want to cover your table with a drop sheet to collect the creative mess once the Fairy Gardens have been created. If your child isn’t into Fairies, you can make any theme and small world you like.

Method Firstly, decide what animals you’d like to create and what coloured balloons and paper you would like to use. Using your coloured paper and pencil - draw the features you will need to create the animal’s face (nose, ears, eyes etc).

Cut out your features. Tape or draw additional details onto theses features, like the nose for the dog, or nostrils for the pig’s snout. *Parental assistance required for this step – cut a length of curling ribbon approximately 1.5 meters and then inflate your helium balloon. Try to make your balloon as full as possible (this helps to avoid any drooping). Tie a knot in your balloon and then tie on your curling ribbon.

Use a weighted object to tie the ribbon to, so your balloon doesn’t fly away. You may need help from another person to hold your balloon still while you tape your features onto the balloon and make your farm animal face.

Repeat - making as many fun, farm animals as you like.

Tips: Don’t weigh your balloons down - use your tape sparingly and do not use cardboard, as it is too heavy… remember to ‘think light.’ These balloon farm animals can be used for decorations at a themed party or make it a fun activity at a child’s birthday party, with each guest making their own and then taking it home.

www.pakmag.com.au | July 2021 43

Parenting

Redefining Success for Us and Our Young STORY Dr. Tom and Emily Davis How do you define success?

When we are young, we are taught that success will make us happy.

We may not have been told this directly but we likely received this message from parents, teachers, coaches, social media, advertising, and modern culture. Being successful is what is often applauded the loudest. If you are successful, then you will be happy.

But what is success? What are we actually applauding?

What do you believe makes you and your young truly successful?

Does outward success (trophies, grades, top schools, top jobs, physical beauty) equal success? And does this equal happiness?

Most of us interchange the words happiness and success. With one goes the other. But is this the case?

Yes, outward success can mean happiness. But happiness is largely related to emotions and feelings. It is passing and can be shifted by "happenings" outside of our control. Outcome-based happiness is like a campfire that will always need to be rekindled.

When we reflect deeper... what most of us really want is to flourish and thrive holistically (mentally, emotionally, physically, relationally and spiritually). For example, most of us wouldn't want our kids to finally achieve their "dream job" and be miserable day in and day out because they only chose that path to "be successful". They may appear to be successful to others and we can brag to our friends and family - but are they thriving holistically?

There's nothing wrong with visions and goals of academic and career success. Achievement is one important pillar needed for thriving. But for many, it would seem - it is THE pillar.

What we DO is exactly that - a doing. And we are a BEING. It is important that we unhook outward achievement from our intrinsic value and worth.

Especially because in modern culture, the emphasis on the external is lopsided everywhere we and our children look. When you define yourself based on what you do -

44 July July2021 2021| www.pakmag.com.au | www.pakmag.com.au

it’s about performance. When you define yourself based on who you are - it’s about character.

Countless parents push and forge their young based on uncultivated, fragile definitions of success that are outcome driven. We often feel pressure about outcomes and achievements and transfer this pressure to our kids.

This over-emphasis on external achievement as THE measure of success comes at a price. Why? Externally focussed definitions of success often fuel a perpetual sense of not arriving at happiness (as promised). The underlying message is that when I "arrive" at this destination (job, relationship status, top school, nice things) then I will finally be happy and successful.

While these things aren't bad, many enormously successful people have demonstrated that, in and of themselves, they are fleeting and can leave us feeling empty. Especially if we expected them to fill us up.

When success becomes about the external (above all else), then we should not be surprised if ourselves and our kids develop unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with the broken expectations that never end.

After all, when we cheer the loudest for achievement and performance, the tendency will be to hide or numb struggle so we can always appear successful.

This can become a vicious cycle of hustling for worthiness and wondering why we don't feel settled in our own heart, mind and body.

What gets undervalued when we overvalue external markers of success - is actually the most important aspect of success - our deeper character. The "us" we take with "us" wherever we go and in whatever we do.

It is the steady work and the things we ARE that most people don't see - things like our authentic character, our love and connectedness with and towards others, and our persistence towards long-term goals. Those outcomes emerge from our character. This behind-thescenes "becoming" is a bunch of little successes that are linked to who we are and who we will become holistically.

These last years we have raised five American-born kids (raised mostly in the U.S.A. and then for five years in Spain). Our kids have had adventure, privilege, and lots of struggle.

Parenting

These kids all played / play high-level sports. We've had two make their respective national teams at the youth level. Without a doubt, we have emphasised lopsided and ego-centric success on our journey. We've watched ourselves and others march like robots to the drumbeat of an exterior achievement definition of success. We've also watched this backfire.

We learned to chase down the slow and subtle.

An oxymoron to be sure. We were determined to re-define success with our actions and words and live into the cultivation of long-term, broad-based success.

We aren't profound parents. We read profound things and listened to profound others and grew in honesty with ourselves first and as a lifestyle. We apologised a lot which eventually gave our young freedom to own their own human struggles as well.

Our truest definition of success is reflected in what we actually value most in our words and actions.

We began to applaud “the becoming” - the leaning into vulnerability and facing hard things with courage and showing up to our lives imperfectly.

At times we've pushed our kids towards these external goals, never noticing the spark had gone out of their eyes. It can happen to all of us.

There is great news though!

We all get opportunities to wake up, humble ourselves and rethink what end goal we are trying to create. What do we value and what are we aiming for?

What is authentic success for us?

Are we clear on our own values? Do they align with what we applaud, prioritise and enjoy about our kids? If not, then we need to do a bit of slow work to gain clarity and reset.

When we align our definition of success with our most important values, we can authentically experience success whether the scoreboard tilts in our favour or not. We begin to live FROM our values into the external happenings and not the other way around.

In our case, we realised that the external is just that... external. We were grateful for the events, the scores, the blue ribbons and trophies and we would enjoy these things. But, living for outcomes is like wind, snow, sun and rain. Outcomes are affected by many things within and outside of our control and cannot be relied upon as a core value for our family.

As parents, we began to be honest about our subconscious need to imprint our expectations over our kids. This is not easy work but it is freeing work. We began to emphasise connection (being deeply seen and heard) and intentionally expressing that we were proud of the character growth we observed. We went on more walks, we stayed at the dinner table longer when possible. We listened to podcasts, talks, and music that fed the spirit, soul and mind. We made all the athletes do art and music for the health / joy of it and not to be competitive or THE BEST.

As parents, we took responsibility to imagine what our children's future selves would likely be most proud of. What would the future "them" be so thankful we emphasised in their youth? Would it be the achievement or goal itself or the fact that they deeply like and respect themselves because of all the becoming behind the scenes?

Faster than we imagined, our preoccupation with toxic striving and emphasis on external markers of success came into better balance. And without a single exception, everyone became more connected and confident and therefore s u c c e s s f u l.

To our surprise, everyone began doing better in their "performing" activities without the toxic pressure. It has been a win / win.

We learned to unearth, acknowledge and heal from what had driven our lopsided definition of success.

We surrendered "how we were raised" or "what we didn't get as children" or what the “neighbours are doing or not doing" and build ourselves and our family FROM WITHIN, from our values.

We learned to emphasise “becoming” and “overcoming” as “top shelf” measures of success.

Give yourself grace and permission to slow down. Give this to your kiddos too. Re-collect and return to what really matters the most.

Lean into your values and what success authentically means to you and your family. Let this guide what you applaud.

Above all else, laugh more and choose building connected bonds and enjoying the young you are privileged to raise.

A deep sense of belonging is the opposite of hustling for worthiness and THIS belonging is the foundation for all present and future, holistic thriving - i.e. SUCCESS.

Dr. Tom and Emily Davis are parents to a truckload of kids ages 15 and older. Originally from Texas and Colorado, U.S.A., they have lived in Barcelona, Spain since 2015. They are the founders of www.leaderselevate.com. Emily Davis launched a blog in October of 2019 called www.barcelonamama.com. Tom has written five books and Emily is in the throes of completing her first manuscript on being orphaned to becoming a thriving parent and person. Together they do consulting, leadership training, writing and content creation for young people, parents, top companies, and non-profit organisations.

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All Things Tweens and Teens

All Things Tweens & Teens 4 P’s to Prevent Peer Pressure STORY Dr Justin Coulson Teenagers want to fit in, to be popular - so, teaching your adolescent children to resist peer pressure is one of the toughest parental tasks you’ll undertake.

To help, here are four ideas to prevent peer pressure getting the better of your teens:

The Power of Primes ‘Primes’ are the things in our children’s environment, the things they are regularly exposed to and interacting with that will influence the decisions they make. It’s the movies they watch, the music they love, the books they are reading, the messages (in ads etc) they are exposed to. What are they liking and sharing on Facebook? These environmental cues can ‘prime behaviour’ that can help them or hinder them in their decisions to make good choices around things like alcohol, drugs, sex, curfews, and so on.

The Power of Plans Research has shown that having goals is one of the most powerful ways to succeed in life. Goals help us

determine our priorities and values. To help teens say ‘no’ to things that aren’t in their best interest, it helps to have a bigger something they can say ‘yes’ to – whether it’s sports, academics, family, religion, or something else.

The Power of Parents Perhaps the greatest protective factor – is YOU. Your relationship with your teenager is vital. When your relationship is strong, they are less likely to be easily swayed by peers. Spend time with your teen - without an agenda, make the relationship fun and be accepting of their friends. But, also set limits and make sure they know what’s expected of them ahead of time and what happens if they don’t measure up. It’s also important to follow through.

The Power of Preparation Have conversations about and role-play with your teen - how they’d respond if their friends were pressuring them. This will help them feel comfortable and confident in responding, when the situation pops up.

For more on the 4 P’s to Prevent Peer Pressure, visit: www.happyfamilies.com.au Dr Justin Coulson has a PhD in Psychology, is a best-selling author of six books and father to six daughters. Justin writes and speaks about parenting and family – because nothing matters more.

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46 July 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Health

All Things Health Jana Gorski Naturopath - Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy Dear Jana, Are Omega 3’s or Fish Oils better?

Omega 3’s are essential fatty acids that we get through dietary intake.

They are a group of fatty acids at points along a chain towards eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which has anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective properties.

Humans can convert plant-based Omega 3’s to EPA but the conversion is poor and worsened by genetic variants that are identifiable with a MyDNA test. If you want omegas to protect your heart or help with pain, the only way to get more of that beneficial EPA is by consuming oily fish or a fish oil supplement.

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy www.calannapharmacy.com.au

Vitamin C Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, can help reduce the severity of colds and the decrease the length of them, though it does not prevent colds altogether. It is also helpful for healing wounds faster and preventing infections.

The vitamin has anti-aging properties; smoothing out wrinkles and increasing collagen production a protein that is found all throughout our bodies, including our skin.

Citrus fruits are famous for containing Vitamin C, but it is also found in peas, strawberries, broccoli, brussels sprouts, capsicum and potatoes.

Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron – a very important mineral that we all need.

Preventing Head Lice Naturally If your kids are repeatedly coming home with head lice, Calanna Wholehealth Pharmacy has a natural solution to help with Mario’s Range Head Lice Prevent Spray. Designed to be used in between head lice treatments, this spray contains 100 percent essential oils that smell beautiful to us but make the hair much less attractive to head lice. Compared with other brands of similar products, Mario’s Head Lice Prevent Spray is the most value for money and comes in a 250mL bottle so there’s enough to use on multiple children. Find out more about Mario’s Range at www.calannapharmacy.com.au or drop by a Calanna Pharmacy today.

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

www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au| |July July2021 2021 49

Advertorial

Autism and The Importance of Early Detection STORY Yolanda van der Kruk Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects, among other things, the way an individual relates to his or her environment and their interactions with other people. An estimated one in 70 people have Autism (May, Sciberras, Brignell, Williams et al., 2016).

Numerous studies have found that when Australian children are diagnosed with Autism early in life, this reduces their need for ongoing support at school age by 30 percent. Australian children who receive an Autism diagnosis and subsequent intervention in the early and critical years (aged 18 - 36 months) have better schoolage developmental outcomes. And yet, the average age of Autism diagnosis in children remains at about three to four years (Clark et al., 2017; Clark et al, 2018).

Some milestone-related “red flags” to look out for:

An Early Diagnosis:

What You Can Do for Your Child:

• Enables children to begin participation in specialised intervention programs at younger ages, maximising their developmental opportunities.

• Get regular well-child check-ups with your doctor.

• Promotes greater independence and better quality of life for children with Autism and their families.

• Benefits the community by significantly increasing the chances of these children participating in society.

What are the Signs that a Child is at Risk for Autism?

While all children grow and develop at different rates, it is important to know what the developmental milestones are for each age and stage of a child’s development, and to talk to your doctor if your child is not reaching those milestones.

• by 6 months: No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions • by 9 months: No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions • by 12 months: Lack of response to name • by 12 months: No babbling or “baby talk” • by 12 months: No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving • by 16 months: No spoken words • by 24 months: No meaningful two-word phrases that don’t involve imitating or repeating

• Know what to look for: know the developmental milestones for each stage of a child’s development and talk to your doctor if the child is not reaching those milestones.

• Don’t take the “wait and see” approach: there is no time to wait when there are concerns about a child’s development, and there is no harm done in screening or seeking a referral to a Psychologist for further assessment. Remember, early identification leads to early intervention, which is key. Connect with us at Townsville Paediatrics if you have any concerns about your child’s development.

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Daddy Diary

Daddy Diary Why is it that every generation believes the old ways are the best? If we were to listen to our grandparents, parents and these days as parents ourselves, every single problem from pie making to politics can simply be solved by going back to the way it used to be. It truly does seem the only way forwards - is backwards.

Especially when it comes to the wonderful world of entertainment.

I say this after a recent expedition to the circus with my seven-year-old daughter Matilda. We left Charlie our two-year-old son at home with mum - scared he would attempt to scale the high wire or flying trapeze.

So, a D.D.D (Daddy Daughter Date) it was. And off to the circus we went. No older form of entertainment there is.

And dare I say - no better.

Head to Parents and Kids of North Queensland YouTube Channel to see Bree’s up close interview with Cliffo.

The whole experience was pure joy not only for my daughter but also for me. Other than Lego Masters on the telly, it is hard for us to find stuff that we truly connect with together. Usually, it’s me pretending to be fascinated by unicorns and Smiggle catalogues. But not at the circus. Under that big top we could not have been more united. The ringmaster, the juggling, the clowns and death-defying stunts had us both on the edge of our seats. So much laughing, gasping and smiling together. All the feels washed down with a frozen slushie and overpriced popcorn. It was amazing.

But as I sit here typing off the back of my post-circus high it suddenly dawns on me. Some of the best forms of entertainment we enjoy (especially as children) are as old as the hills. People have been telling stories and drawing pictures since we lived in caves. We’ve been kicking round things between posts and trying to outrun each other since man could walk. There is not a child on the planet who doesn’t enjoy at least a few things that were enjoyed by our ancestors hundreds of years ago.

So, heads up 2021. You can keep your screens, monitors and general i-Merch. I want a refund. A night at the circus with my little girl is the kind of thing I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Maybe sometimes the old ways really are the best.

Cliffo Hit 103.1

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School Holiday Guide

School Holiday Guide North Australian Festival of Arts NAFA is returning with a bang this year and you won’t want to miss it! Taking place from 2 July to 1 August, it will be a month-long celebration full of artistic, cultural and music events. Check out the full program on the Townsville Council’s website for all of the upcoming concerts, comedy, theatre, dance, exhibitions and more.

Here are a few of our favourite things for families these school holidays: Children are Stinky with Circus Trick Tease. Adults and kids will have their jaws on the floor during the performance and leave with a sore belly from laughing.

3 - 6 July / G / The May Wirth, Strand Park Brass Monkeys with Circus Trick Tease. Celebrating kids who march to the beat of their own drum. Circus Comedy. 3 - 6 July / G / The May Wirth, Strand Park Circus Wonderland - 100 Years Ago. The Wonderland Spiegletent will immerse you in the golden era of circus with mind-blowing acrobatics and aerial feats. 1 - 11 July / G / Wonderland Spiegletent, Strand Park DUNGARRI NYA NYA NGARRI Bi NYA - Journey into the Dreaming in a groundbreaking celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, song, dance, and storytelling. 5.00pm - 10.00pm, 3, 4 July / G / FREE / The Ville Headland Young Writers Group - SCRIBBLERZ. For young writers to learn the fundamentals of writing. 6 - 7 July / G (8 - 12 years) / Headspace Townsville Young Writers Group EMERGE. Expand your skills, learn new forms of creative writing and the tools needed for young aspiring authors to produce publishable works.

6 - 7 July / G (13 - 17 years) / Headspace Townsville

Gasoline Garage and the Pig Races. And we can’t forget about Sideshow Alley, the Showbags and nightly FIREWORKS! You can also enjoy the timeless favourites including the Woodchopping Competition, Showjumping and the many exhibitions.

A Townsville Showgrounds, 72 - 104 Ingham Rd, West End P 4771 4964 E tsvshowevents@bigpond.com Townsville Showgrounds www.townsvilleshow.com.au

CityLibraries - Short Story Competition Everybody has a story to tell. Townsville CityLibraries wants to celebrate families of all kinds in our community with the theme My Family.

Write a story about this theme for your chance to win cash prizes up to $500.

Age categories include the following: 0-5 years - 200 words 6 - 11 years - 500 words 12 - 17 years - 1,000 words 18+ years - 2,000 words Entries are opening soon for the 2021 Short Story Competition, check out the Townsville Libraries website for more information. www.townsville.qld.gov.au/libraries

King Reef Resort

2 - 5 July

If you’re looking to revitalise in paradise, gather the family and head to the gorgeous King Reef Resort at Kurrimine Beach. Explore all day, swim in the tranquil ocean or pool, build sandcastles on the beach and return to relax with a gorgeous sunset view from your beachfront shack. You can also hire a family pedal bike, go fishing, and more – the possibilities are endless.

The Townsville Show is back in 2021 - with HUGE attractions and fun for the whole family. This year we welcome the following Major Attractions to bring the ‘WOW-factor’ to the Show; The Wheel of Death, Human Cannon, Demolition Derby, Airtime FMX,

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

www.nafa-tsv.com.au

Townsville Show

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

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

www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au| |July July2021 2021 55

School Holiday Guide

Mary MacKillop Childcare NQ

Ninja Parc

Make this school holiday season less stressful by booking your child into part time or full time vacation care at one of the 14 Mary MacKillop Childcare NQ Outside School Hours Care centres. Vacation Care services are located at many Catholic Schools across the Diocese in Mount Isa, Charters Towers, Ingham, Proserpine, Bowen and Townsville.

Ninja Parc taps into the very essence of childhood: play and adventure, and with the new season of the popular show Ninja Warrior on TV - it is the perfect time for kids to channel their inner Ninja Warrior and put themselves to the test. With a focus on making fitness fun and accessible for all ages and abilities, Ninja Parc has it all: a general indoor obstacle course, fitness classes for adults and kids, birthday parties, school holiday programs, parkour classes – even an on-site café! The courses also change up every three months to ensure there is variety and new obstacles to attack.

As part of the vacation care program, children aged 5 - 11 years will engage in fun activities and excursions that are supervised by caring, qualified staff, all in a safe and nurturing environment that encourages free learning. Care hours vary - visit their website to find a Vacation Care program near you.

P 1300 KINDERGARTEN E childcare@mmcnq.catholic.edu.au Townsville Catholic Education www.mmcnq.catholic.edu.au

Inflatable Kingdom Inflatable Kingdom is every kid’s dream – a giant inflatable playground where kids are free to slide, climb and jump on 10 jumping castles in fully air conditioned comfort. Just be prepared to be met with “Just one more slide!” when it’s time to go.

Sessions last 1.5 hours. It’s a great way to let your kids enjoy themselves while getting out of the house and exercising.

Cost: Prices start from $12.00 for a 1.5 hour session.

Book online to save 10 percent off entry price. And don’t forget your socks!

A 72-88 Hervey Range Rd, Condon P 4755 4422 E admin@inflatablekingdomtownsville.com.au Inflatable Kingdom Townsville www.inflatablekingdom.com.au

A 18 Black Hawk Boulevard, Thuringowa Central P 0427 139 762 E townsville@ninjaparc.com.au Ninja Parc Townsville www.ninjaparc.com.au

Fairfield Central Be amazed with kids Science Experiment Workshops at Fairfield Central these school holidays.

Week 1: Wednesday 30 June to Saturday 3 July Week 2: Wednesday 7 July to Saturday 10 July

There’s nothing funner than speeding round a track with an awesome pair of skates on – whether you’re racing your friends or simply having a good time. Sk8way provides all Townsville locals with the facilities to do so and offers plenty of school holiday sessions for your kids to let that energy out, get exercise and develop their skating skills.

Cost: From $12.00 - $18.00. Skate hire is available for just $4.00 per person – or purchase your own pair from the Skate Shop.

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Cost: From $19.95 for a one hour Casual Play Pass (food, drink, lolly bag and free Ninja Parc water bottle provided for the fully supervised school holiday sessions from $55.00)

It’s hand’s on, it’s fun and it’s FREE.

Sk8way

A Unit 3/72-88 Hervey Range Rd P 4755 4422 E info@sk8way.com.au Sk8way Townsville www.sk8way.com.au

The school holiday program runs weekdays from June 28 - July 9 and it is a 3-hour supervised program (2.00pm - 5.00pm) so parents can get some time to themselves while their kids burn some energy. For kids aged 6 – 14 years old. Or join them for a single session at any time.

Times (each day): 10.00am, 10.30am, 11.00am, 11.30am, 12.00pm, 12.30pm and 1.00pm.

Please note spaces in each workshop are limited, bookings are not required. For more information visit their website for details or follow them on Facebook.

Fairfield Central also has over 40 specialty stores, cafés and restaurants to enjoy. Fairfield eats is open seven days a week until late. Kids will love to play in the indoor space Fairfield Play while you take a break and relax.

A Cnr Waterfront Parade and Lakeside Dr P 4778 4249 E fairfieldCManagement@lancinigroup.com.au Fairfield Central fairfieldcentral.com.au

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

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

School Holiday Guide

Wildcatz Indoor Sports

Family Challenge Month with AmazingCo

Wildcatz Indoor Sports offer a fun and social way to exercise, get fit and have fun. as well as plenty of fun for adults too - from social teams through to competitive levels. Nominate a team with your friends, or let the staff find a suitable team for you.

Rain or shine, it’s always time for a game at Wildcatz Indoor Sports.

AmazingCo is here to help with their Family Challenge Month: Winter Edition experience. Available throughout July, it offers young families the chance to get outdoors and create memories while completing fun challenges and games as a team. Aiming to tick off the activities on your ‘nature bingo card’, which you are supplied at the start of the month, you and your family will have the chance to complete weekly activities and challenges shared with you via a link every Thursday of July.

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

Burdekin Shire Council School Holiday Programs Lego Masters at the Library - Friday 2 July, 10.00am – 11.00am - Burdekin Library - Calling all Burdekin Lego Masters! Come along for Lego-building fun. Ages 7 +.

Bluey’s Day Out at the Library - Tuesday 6 July, 10.00am – 12.00pm - Burdekin Library - Kids and parents alike can join in the fun with all your favourite Bluey games like Raiders, Shadowlands, Blue Mountains Finger Puppets and more! Get crafty at the Bluey craft table or sing and dance to your favourite Bluey tunes and enjoy your favourite Bluey story in the reading corner. All ages welcome.

There will be a prize for the competition winners (an epic family holiday, valued at $4,000!) as well as weekly prizes – just be sure to take pictures of all the fun you are having to be in the running! You can also find fun experiences to enjoy as a family on their website.

Cost: $50.00 per family for a lifetime of memories. amazingco.me/aus/experiences/family-fun-challengemonth

Pandanus Park Golf Centre Get the kids off the iPad and outside for some fun! Kids of all ages can come and try golf at Pandanus Park Golf Centre’s undercover driving range, where they can learn and practice how to hold a golf club, practice their hand-eye coordination, and see how far they can hit the ball. The gold centre is open seven days a week, bookings not required.

Binary Coding – Create a Secret Coded Necklace!

Burdekin Library - Thursday 8 July 2021, 10.00am – 11.00am / Home Hill Library - Thursday 8 July 2021, 1.00pm – 2.00pm

Cost: Free entry. Kids aged 14 and under can play from $10.00 each with the ‘Have-A-Go Pack’, which includes a small bucket of 45 balls and Kids Club hire. Adults from $12.00 each. Visit the website for more information.

Have you ever wanted to be a spy or learn how to send coded messages? Create your very own necklace that hides a secret message! Ages 7 +.

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

www.burdekin.qld.gov.au

TYTO - The Hinchinbrook Way

Warrina Ice Skating

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

Escape the heat and have a cool time these summer holidays with family and friends at Townsville’s very own ice skating rink. Test your abilities or simply have a fun time sliding and gliding around on any day of the week.

All sessions are 90 minutes long, starting from 9.00am and ending at 4.00pm, plus disco skate sessions from 7.00pm - 9.00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Don’t want to skate? Tobogganing is only $5.00 for six whole slides!

Visit the website below for more information.

First 5 Forever story and singing time is also held at Hinchinbrook Shire Library every Thursday at 10.30am for children aged 0 - 5 years.

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

Cost (includes skate hire): From $10.00 (five years and under) - $65.00 (Family Pass, 2A + 2C).

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

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

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

www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au| |July July2021 2021 59

Entertainment

Check it Out North Australian Festival of Arts NAFA is returning to Townsville with a bang this year and you won’t want to miss it! Taking place from 2 July to 1 August, it will be a month-long celebration full of artistic, cultural and music events. Check out the full program on the Townsville Council’s website for all of the upcoming concerts, comedy, theatre, dance, cabaret, exhibitions and more www.nafa-tsv.com.au

Townsville Show When: 2 - 5 July Where: Townsville Showgrounds, 72 - 104 Ingham Rd, West End More info: www.townsvilleshow.com.au, Townsville Showgrounds The Townsville Show is back in 2021 - with HUGE attractions and fun for the whole family. This year we welcome the following Major Attractions to bring the ‘WOW-factor’ to the Show; The Wheel of Death, Human Cannon, Demolition Derby, Airtime FMX, Gasoline Garage and the Pig Races. And we can’t forget about Sideshow Alley, the Showbags and nightly FIREWORKS! You can also enjoy the timeless favourites including the Woodchopping Competition, Showjumping and the many exhibitions.

NTI Townsville 500 When: 9 - 11 July Where: Reid Park Street Circuit, Townsville More info: www.supercars.com/nti-townsville Get ready for North Queensland’s largest annual sporting event. With stunning scenery surrounding the Townsville circuit, don’t miss Supercars’ return to North Queensland 9 – 11 July 2021.

At the halfway mark in the championship, the competition and rivalries will be fierce when the Supercars hit Reid Park! With a host of family entertainment both on and off the track, and free Trackside admission for kids 12 and under (with a paying adult), you can bring the whole crew.

Tropic Sounds When: Saturday, 31 July. 5.00pm - 9.30pm Where: Queensland Country Bank Stadium More Info: www.nafa-tsv.com.au, Tickets: ticketmaster.com.au The newest edition to the NAFA line up - Tropic Sounds is an alcohol-free all ages music festival set to become an annual event not to be missed! This year Tones and I and supporting act The Pierce Brothers will be hitting the stage and your eardrums with their infectious tunes! G / Cost: from $15.00 - $50.00

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What’s On THURSDAY 1 JULY Monthly Comedy Open Mic at Molly’s Molly Malone’s Irish Pub whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 7.00pm / $10.00 / 15 + Ninja Parc - Holiday Program Runs until Friday 9 July Ninja Parc Townsville Ninja Parc Townsville 2.00pm - 5.00pm / 6 - 14 years / $55.00 Pickleball Townsville Social Play Runs weekly on Thursday Tennis Townsville, Burke Street Pickleball Townsville 5.00pm - 7.00pm / First time is FREE, $7.00 for returning players / G Short Story Competition Entries close Tuesday 31 August Online www.townsville.qld.gov.au First Five (0-5 years) Children (up to 11 years) Young Adults (12 17 years) Adult (18+years) The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Runs until Sunday 4 July The May Wirth - Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 12.30pm / FREE - $65.00 / G Circus Wonderland 100 Years Ago Runs until Sunday 11 July Wonderland Spiegeltent Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au Various / FREE - $240.00 / G Manoeuvre Stilt Walkers Runs until Sunday 4 July Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au Various / FREE / G

With HIT 103.1’s Cliffo & Gabi

whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 10.00am / FREE / G Messengers of Townsville Runs until Sunday 11 July Various locations across Townsville www.nafa-tsv.com.au 8.00am / FREE / G Visual Art Runs every day until 1 August The Hub Creative Space www.nafa-tsv.com.au 10.00am / FREE / G Kitty Flanagan Live Runs until Friday 2 July Townsville Civic Theatre www.alist.com.au 8.00pm / $54.90 - $59.90 / 15 + Popcorn Underground Runs until Sunday 18 July Wonderland Spiegeltent Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au Various / $55.00 - $680.00 / 18 + FRIDAY 2 JULY North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) Runs until Sunday 1 August Townsville - various locations www.nafa-tsv.com.au Find the program online for all events Townsville Show Runs until Monday 5 July Townsville Showgrounds www.townsvilleshow.com.au FREE - $40.00 / G The Wolfe Brothers Dalrymple Hotel www.oztix.com.au 8.00pm - 10.30pm / $34.70 / 18 +

The White Rose & The Red Runs until Sunday 11 July The May Wirth - Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 7.00pm / $30.00 - $40.00 / G

Lego Masters at the Library Burdekin Library library@burdekin.qld.gov.au 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE / 7 years +

Robert Preston - Inner Visions: Observation, Abstraction and Imagination, 1955 - 2021 Runs every day until 22 August Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

Good Chat Comedy’s Best Of Fringe Empire Theatre - Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 7.00pm / $20.00 - $30.00 / 18 +

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

Aboriginal Comedy All Stars Wonderland Spiegeltent Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 7.15pm / $60.00 / 18 + Haunted Charters Towers Ghost Tour Runs every Friday and Saturday night Charters Towers charterstowersghost tours.com.au 7.30pm - 9.00pm / $15.00 $65.00 / 10 years + SATURDAY 3 JULY Time Warp Runs every day until Saturday until 28 August Stage Door Theatre Restuarant www.stagedoortheatre.com.au 5.00pm / $79.00 - $89.00 / 15 + Dam Fine Rally - Open Day Ross Park www.damfinerally.com 8.00am / Gold coin donation / G Annual Townsville Shell Show Runs until Sunday 4 July Orchid Society Hall - Joe Kirwan Park whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 10.00am / $2.00 / G Brass Monkeys Runs until Tuesday 6 July Wonderland Spiegeltent Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 10.00am / FREE - $25.00 / G Children Are Stinky Runs until Tuesday 6 July The May Wirth - Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 4.00pm - 5.00pm / FREE $25.00 / G DUNGARRI NYA NYA NGARRI Bi NYA Runs until Sunday 4 July The Ville Headland www.nafa-tsv.com.au 5.00 pm - 10.00 pm / FREE / G Running in the Shadows: The Australian Fleetwood Mac Show Townsville Entertainment Centre www.tecc.net.au 8.00pm / $49.00 / PG

Bowen Parkrun Runs weekly on Saturdays The Pocket, Bowen www.parkrun.com.au/bowen 7.00am / FREE - please register before you first come along / 4 years +, prams are welcome SUNDAY 4 JULY NAIDOC Week Runs until Sunday 11 July www.townsvillenaidoc.com.au Head to the website for all event information Neck of the Woods Music Festival Anderson Park Botanical Gardens www.notw.com.au 1.00pm - 10.30pm / $67.80 - $88.19, Kids under 12 FREE (must be accompanied by a responsible adult)/ G Pickleball Townsville - Sunday Runs weekly on Sunday Tennis Townsville, Burke Street Pickleball Townsville 3.00pm - 6.00pm / First time is FREE, $7.00 for returning players / G Hockey Queensland U13 State Championships - Boys Runs until Wednesday 7 July Townsville Hockey Association www.hockeyqld.com.au Various / G TUESDAY 6 JULY Bluey’s Day Out at the Library Burdekin Library library@burdekin.qld.gov.au 10.00am - 12.00pm / FREE / G All ages Emerge (Writers Group) Runs until Wednesday 7 July Headspace Townsville www.nafa-tsv.com.au 9.00am / $50.00 / G Scribblerz (Writers Group) Runs until Wednesday 7 July Headspace Townsville www.nafa-tsv.com.au 9.00am / $50.00 / G

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What’s On TUESDAY 6 JULY Yuck Circus Runs until Sunday 11 July Wonderland Spiegeltent Strand Park whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 7.00pm / $28.00 - $256.00 / PG WEDNESDAY 7 JULY High Tea With Booff Runs until Sunday 18 July Booff Container www.nafa-tsv.com.au 6.00pm / $15.00 / 15 + Kidzfit at Genesis Health + Fitness Runs every Wednesday Genesis Health & Fitness, Thuringowa P 4723 1490 3.45pm / $3.00 per child or $25.00 for a 10-class pass / 5 - 10 years (fully-supervised) Science Experiment Workshops Runs until Saturday 10 July Fairfield Central Fairfield Central 10.00am - 1.00pm / FREE / G 100 Years of Theatre Runs until Friday 16 July NQUOMT Hall www.nqomt.com.au 8.00pm / $29.95 / 15 +

Reid Park Complex, Townsville www.supercars.com FREE (Kids Under 12 get trackside FREE with a Paying Adult) - $150.00 / G Queensland Symphony Orchestra – Families Concert Wonderland Spiegeltent Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 11.30am / $10.00 / G SATURDAY 10 JULY Get Into Golf Women Introduction + Level 1 Runs until 7 August Townsville Golf Club www.townsvillegolfclub.com.au 2.00pm / $99.00 / G Saturday Concert Series Runs until Saturday 24 July St. James Anglican Cathedral www.nafa-tsv.com.au 4.00pm / FREE / G Music Under the Stars The Ville Headland www.nafa-tsv.com.au 7.30pm / $10.00 / G SUNDAY 11 JULY

THURSDAY 8 JULY

July 4x4 Come and Try Day Millchester Motor Sport Recreation Facility whatson.townsville.qld.gov.auu 9.00am / FREE / G

Binary Coding - Create a Secret Coded Necklace Burdekin Library library@burdekin.qld.gov.au 10.00am - 11.00am / FREE / 7 years +

Cape Pallarenda: The Last 200 Years Quarantine Station – Cape Pallarenda www.nafa-tsv.com.au 10.00am / FREE / G

Binary Coding - Create a Secret Coded Necklace Home Hill Library library@burdekin.qld.gov.au 1.00pm - 2.00pm / FREE / 7 years +

Steady Eddy Live The Ville - The Pavillion www.the-ville.com.au $7.00pm / $39.00 / 15 +

Silent Disco Walking Tours Runs until Sunday 11 July The Strand www.nafa-tsv.com.au 5.30pm / FREE - $24.00 / G

CityLibraries Toddler Time Runs every Tuesday (School terms only) Townsville Stadium whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.00am / FREE - Bookings required / 0 - 5 years

FRIDAY 9 JULY The Ten Tenors - 25th Anniversary Tour Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre www.ticketek.com.au 7.30pm / from $86.70 / PG NTI Townsville 500 Runs until Sunday 11 July

TUESDAY 13 JULY

CityLibraries Baby Rhyme Time Runs every Tuesday (School terms only) Townsville Stadium whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 10:30am / FREE - Bookings required / 0 - 5 years

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

WEDNESDAY 14 JULY Charlotte’s Web Townsville Civic Theatre whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.00am/ 1.00pm / $15.00 $20.00 / G CityLibraries Baby Rhyme Time Runs every Wednesday (School terms only) CityLibraries Thuringowa Central whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.00am / FREE - Bookings required / 0 - 5 years CityLibraries Toddler Time Runs every (School terms only) CityLibraries Thuringowa Central whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 10.30am / FREE - Bookings required / 0 - 5 years Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island www.earthwatch.org.au $795.00 / 18 + or 15 + with parental supervision (contact the organisation) Don’t Mess With the Dummies Runs until Sunday 18 July The May Wirth - Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 6.30pm / FREE - $25.00 / G THURSDAY 15 JULY 100 Years Under the Stars with James Morrison and his quartet to celebrate 100 years of Townsville history while raising funds for the youth of our city Ywam Townsville www.ywamships.org 6.30pm / $150.00 - $1,200.00 / G Love and Information Runs until Sunday 18 July Precinct 21 www.nafa-tsv.com.au 7.00pm / tickets coming soon / G First 5 Forever Storytime Runs every Thursday (School terms only) CityLibraries Thuringowa Central www.townsville.qld.gov.a 9.000am - 10.30am / FREE / G (0 - 5 years) Sideshow Femmes Runs until Sunday 18 July The May Wirth - Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 8.00pm / $25.00 - $30.00 / 18 + Paul Mcdermott - Plus One Runs until 17 July

Wonderland Spiegeltent Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 8.30pm / $32.00 - $312.00 / 18 + FRIDAY 16 JULY The 7 Deadly Sins Runs until Friday 23 July Wonderland Spiegeltent Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 6.00pm / $40.00 - $360.00 / 18 + Burdekin Catholic High School Presents School of Rock Runs until Sunday 18 July Burdekin Theatre www.burdekintheatre.com.au 12.00p - 7.30pm / $25.00 $110.00 / G Charlotte’s Web at Charters Towers World Theatre Charters Towers World Theatre Charters Towers 11.00am / $10.00 - $15.00 / G SATURDAY 17 JULY Ephemera Sculptural Festival Runs until Sunday 25 July The Strand ephemera-tsv.com.au 12.00am / FREE / G Townsville Gem & Mineral Show 2021 Runs until Sunday 18 July Gem and Mineral Club whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.00am / FREE - $4.00 / G Inspector Clouseau’s Treasure x Hunt Runs until Sunday 25 July The Strand ephemera-tsv.com.au FREE / G Mike Carney Toyota Paluma Push 2021 Paluma Village www.palumapush.com.au $115.00 - $150.00 / G North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Versus Sydney Roosters Queensland Country Bank Stadium www.cowboys.com.au Gates open 3.15pm, game 5.30pm / $21.36 - $83.49 / G SUNDAY 18 JULY Random Sass Commonwealth Hotel Commonwealth Hotel www.nafa-tsv.com.au 1.00pm / FREE / G

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What’s On SUNDAY 18 JULY Kate Ceberano Wonderland Spiegeltent Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 3.00pm / $45.00 - $600.00 / G MONDAY 19 JULY Mulkadee Youth Arts Festival’s 2021 Performance of The Wizard of Oz Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre www.ticketek.com.au 7.30pm / $15.00 - $80.00 / G WEDNESDAY 21 JULY Migi Yarn Women’s Circle Runs every 3rd Wednesday of the month until 20 October CityLibraries Aitkenvale www.townsville.qld.gov.au 12.30pm / FREE - Bookings required / G Enough to Wake the Dead Runs until Saturday 24 July Pimpac- (Pimlico State High Performing Arts Centre) www.nafa-tsv.com.au Various / $15.00 - $25.00 / G Reuben Kaye - The Butch Is Back Runs until Sunday 25 July Wonderland Spiegeltent Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 10.00pm / $45.00 - $600.00 / 18 + THURSDAY 22 JULY Pot-Pourri High Tea Queens Gardens www.nafa-tsv.com.au 10.30am / $45.00 / G Festival Main Stage Free community live performances Runs until 1 August Central Park Main Stage www.nafa-tsv.com.au 5.00pm / FREE / G Leap (Dance) Central Park Main Stage www.nafa-tsv.com.au 6.00pm / FREE / G Pechakucha Night Townsville Vol. 27 The Heritage Exchange www.nafa-tsv.com.au 6.00pm / $5.00 / G Lizard Tail Runs until 1 August Central Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 6.00pm / FREE / G

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Spiegeltease Runs until Saturday 24 July Wonderland Spiegeltent Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 6.30pm / $16.50 - $160.00 / 18 +

SATURDAY 24 JULY

Wattle ‘n’ Gum Central Park Main Stage www.nafa-tsv.com.au 6.45pm / FREE / G

Mick Fleetwood & Friends (Cinema Live) Burdekin Theatre www.burdekintheatre.com.au 8.00pm / $20.00 / PG

FRIDAY 23 JULY Australian Festival of Chamber Music Runs until 1 August Various www.afcm.com.au 12.00am / FREE / G National Pyjama Day 2021 Riverway Oval www.nationalpyjamaday.com 12.00am / FREE / G North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Versus Melbourne Storm Queensland Country Bank Stadium www.cowboys.com.au Gates open 6.20pm, game 7.55pm / $21.36 - $83.49 / G Winter Swing Ball Central Park Main Stage www.nafa-tsv.com.au 6.00pm / FREE / G Dylan Russell Jazz Quartet Runs until Saturday 24 July Empire Theatre - Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 7.30pm / FREE - $15.00 / G Pot-Pourri Under the Stars Queens Gardens www.nafa-tsv.com.au 7.30pm / $90.00 / G Tim Ferguson A Fast Life on Wheels Runs until Saturday 24 July The May Wirth - Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 7.45pm / $40.00 - $50.00 / 18 + Romeo & Juliet (Hopefully Not a Shakespearean Tragedy) Runs until 1 August Pinocchi’s Palace www.nafa-tsv.com.au 9.00pm / $25.00 - $30.00 / 18 + Blunderland Runs until Saturday 24 July Wonderland Spiegeltent Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 10.15pm / $45.00 - $600.00 / 18 +

Charters Towers Rodeo Dalrymple Equestrian Centre www.stayhappening.com $10.00 - $40.00 / G

Random Sass - Empire Theatre Empire Theatre - Central Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 4.30pm / $20.00 / G White Nights AFCM Special Event The Ville - The Pavillion www.afcm.com.au 6.00pm / $60.00 - $150.00 / G TUESDAY 27 JULY

Ingham Gold Cup Races Herbert River Jockey Club Race Course www.hrjc.com.au 11.00am / $20.00 / 18 +

Sounds Like Paradise Dinner AFCM Special Event Sealink Breakwater Ferry Terminal www.afcm.com.au 4.30pm / $235.00 - $250.00 / G

Indian Classical Dance Runs until Friday 30 July Central Park Main Stage www.nafa-tsv.com.au 6.00pm / FREE / G

WEDNESDAY 28 JULY

Rock the 70’s Dance Party May Wirth The May Wirth - Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 6.45pm / FREE - $35.00 / G

The Challenge Games Runs until Thursday 29 July Townsville Sports Reserve www.thechallengegames.com.au 10.00am / FREE / G THURSDAY 29 JULY

Re-Scoring the Silent Classics Flinders Lane Flinders Square www.nafa-tsv.com.au 7.00pm / FREE / G

First 5 Forever - Messy Play Runs every last Thursday of the month until Thursday 30 December Burdekin Library www.burdekin.qld.gov.au 10.30am / FREE / G (Children)

By a Thread Runs until Sunday 25 July Central Park Main Stage www.nafa-tsv.com.au 7.00pm / FREE / G

Sunset Series 4 Immortal Beloved Townsville Civic Theatre www.afcm.com.au 5.00pm / $30.00 - $55.00 / G

Timothy Wolf Hoi Polloi www.nafa-tsv.com.au 7.30pm / $20.00 / G

Amy Hetherington & Kel Balnaves: Top End Comedy Show Molly Malones www.nafa-tsv.com.au 7.30pm / $20.00 / 18 +

Governor’s Gala Ode to Joy Townsville Civic Theatre www.afcm.com.au 8.00pm / $30.00 - $85.00 / G SUNDAY 25 JULY An Afternoon of Country Music Wonderland Spiegeltent www.wonderland spiegeltent.com.au 3.00pm / $39.00 - $520.00 / G

Find Your Future in Hinchinbrook Be an Exhibitor TYTO Conference and Events Centre www.hinchinbrookway.com.au 10.00am / FREE / G FRIDAY 30 JULY

Cleveland Bay Concert St Patrick’s College www.afcm.com.au 11.00am / $60.00 - $67.00 / G

FREE Microchipping Days Runs every 3rd Wednesday of the month until 15 December Animal Care and Adoption Centre www.townsville.qld.gov.au/ animals 9.00am / FREE / G

AFCM Queens Garden Concert Queens Gardens www.nafa-tsv.com.au 3.00pm / FREE / G

Pop up North Queensland Runs until 8 August Various www.umbrella.org.au 8.00am / Varies / G

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

What’s On

With Triple M’s Pricey

FRIDAY 30 JULY

SATURDAY 31 JULY

AFCM Winterschool Advanced Concert The Ville - The Pavillion www.afcm.com.au 1.00pm / $10.00 - $25.00 / G

Ladies Day Cluden Park www.cludenpark.com.au 11.00am / $35.74 / G

Sunset Series 5 Magical Stories Townsville Civic Theatre www.afcm.com.au 5.00pm / $30.00 - $55.00 / G Comedy Hypnotist Matt Hale: Bonkers!

Runs until 1 August Empire Theatre - Central Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 5.30pm - 7.30pm / FREE - $90.00 /G Evening Series 5 - Wild Spirit Townsville Civic Theatre www.afcm.com.au 8.00pm / $30.00 - $67.00 / G Rock the 70’s Dance Party Empire Theatre Empire Theatre - Strand Park www.nafa-tsv.com.au 9.30pm / FREE - $35.00 / G

Families’ Concert Stan and Mabel Townsville Civic Theatre www.afcm.com.au 1.00pm / $10.00 - $25.00 / G Tropic Sounds Queensland Country Bank Stadium www.nafa-tsv.com.au 5.00pm / $15.00 - $40.00 / G Festival Farewell Closing Night Celebrations Townsville Civic Theatre www.afcm.com.au 8.00pm / $30.00 - $85.00 / G Ride to the Rock ‘21 Ignatius Park College (IPC), Townsville www.tcbr.org.au Longer ride, The Boulder,

setting off at 6am and The Cobble & The Pebble setting off at 6:30am / G THURSDAY 5 AUGUST Great Barrier Reef Festival Runs until Sunday 8 August Airlie Beach www.greatbarrierreef festival.com.au and Great Barrier Reef Festival G FRIDAY 6 AUGUST Pete the sheep Townsville Civic Theatre whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au, 9.30am & 1.30pm / $15 - $20 / G SUNDAY 8 AUGUST

ww.greatbarrierreef festival.com.au and Great Barrier Reef Festival 10.00am - 12.00pm / FREE / G FRIDAY 13 AUGUST Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival Hosting the Australian Championship for Aquathlon, Cross Triathlon and Sprint Duathlon.

Runs until Sunday 15 August www.townsvilletrifestival.org.au Pete the Sheep Burdekin Theatre www.burdekintheatre.com.au 10.00am - 1.00pm / $15.00 / G SATURDAY 14 AUGUST

Anything Environmental Recyclable Regatta Make a raft out of recyclable materials and join in the fun.

Two categories: Open Age 13 + and Children Ages 6 – 12 Airlie Beach Foreshore

NQ Cowboys V West Tigers Queensland Country Bank Stadium www.queenslandcountry bankstadium.com.au Gates open 3.00pm, game 5.30pm / $21.36 - $83.49 / G

Cotters Markets

Wulguru Markets

Date: Every Sunday Time: 8.30am - 1.00pm Location: Flinders St

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

Regular Markets Bluewater Twilight Markets Date: 2nd Saturday of the month Time: 4.00pm - 8.00pm Location: Bluewater Community Centre

Bushland Beach Markets Date: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, March to December Time: 8.00am – 12.00pm Location: On the foreshore, end of Mount Low Parkway

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

Balgal Beach Markets Date: 1st Saturday of the month

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Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: The Esplanade, Balgal Beach.

Strand Night Markets Date: 1st Friday of the month (runs from Feb to Dec) Time: 5.00pm - 9.30pm Location: Strand Park, North Ward

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

Willows Rotary Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.30am - 11.30am Location: Willows Shopping Centre Car Park

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

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

New Look Conroy Markets Date: 2nd Saturday of the month Time: From 8.00am – 12.00 noon Location: Conroy Hall, Ingham

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

Forrest Beach Markets Date: 4th Sunday of every Month Time: 8.00am – 12.00 noon Location: 9 - 11 Palm St, Forrest Beach

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