PakMag Townsville - August 2019 Issue 105 by Grand Publishing

ISSUE: AUGUST 2019

105

TOWNSVILLE

FREE

MASSIVE PRIZES INSIDE! / COSY COMFORT FOOD / FIESTA PARTY SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES GUIDE / SPOTLIGHT ON SPECIAL NEEDS

WELCOME 4

Entertainment

The Thing Is…

Spotlight on Special Needs

Inspire Your Child to Love Learning

Hello and welcome to the August edition of PakMag. We are finally half way through winter. Hasn’t it been a frosty one this year? Maybe I am just becoming more of a sook as I am getting older, but I’ve certainly had to pull the UGG boots and jumpers out for winter. It’s a time of year when the hot chocolate comes out, the kilos sneak on, and the legs get a little hairy - to stay warm, of course!

15 Terrific Teachers 17 Learning Together, Naturally

This edition is dedicated to those who are living with a special need and those who support them. My dear husband is a type one diabetic, and even though it’s managed with medication, it’s a daily struggle for him. It’s certainly made me realise that there are many healthy-looking people in the world who have special needs. Their daily struggles are different, but their condition is never far from their minds. It’s a great reminder for us to always be kind, not to judge and not to use the disabled carparks, of course (or yell at people you think shouldn’t be using them when, in fact, they should). We just never know unless we ask.

19 Health 20 Savings Continue for Queensland Seniors 24 WIN: Bump, Bub and Beyond 27 What’s On 29 MiniMag 36 Fiesta Party!

To those families who manage the ups and downs of having someone in their lives with special needs, I solute you. To those with special needs living lives to their fullest potential, despite your conditions, you inspire me.

39 Comfort Food Recipes 41 The PakMag Experts 42 Outcomes for Queenslanders with Disability

Enjoy this edition, and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

45 A New Car for Tahlia 47 Your Guide to Special Needs Services

Bree James PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief

52 Home with Caro and Kingi Eco Home 54 1300Smiles Snapped

56 Daddy Diary

Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

Senior Graphic Designer Clare Winter

Sales Manager and Marketing to Families Expert Lianne Van Ballegooyen Marketing to Families Expert Dan Kendrick Marketing and Events Coordinator Alyssa Marino Media Interns Blair King Emily Bremner

Graphic Designer Sara Williams Videographer & Podcast Producer Monique Saggers Journalist Jenna Galley Content Creator Kalisha Fitsch Accounts Trent Stievano

Our North Queensland Channels PakMag Townsville Parents of North Queensland pakmag_nq Parents and Kids of North Queensland Our Global Parenting Channels PakMag Online pakmag_online PakMag The Give It A Go Group For Parents The PakMag Parents Podcast PakMag TV

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. Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 30th September 2019. We encourage recycling. Please keep this issue for future reference, pass onto your friends and family, use for craft projects or place into the recycling bin.

families www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 3

Entertainment

CHECK IT OUT Strand Ephemera When: Friday 26th July - Sunday 4th August Where: The Strand More info: www.strandephemera.com.au Discover North Queensland’s amazing sculpture festival right here in Townsville as part of the North Australian Festival of Arts. The 2km promenade along the Strand will be lined with sculptures from numerous talented artists. Catch a FREE showing of Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo at the Wonderland Spiegeltent while you’re at it, featuring dinosaurs big and small (28th July - 4th August, various times). A few lucky volunteers will even get to assist on stage.

Parent Information Session: Sleep & Play When: Tuesday 6th August, 9.30am Where: CityLibraries Aitkenvale, 4 Petunia St More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Children need a good night’s sleep so they have enough energy for another busy day of playing, exploring and growing. Parents, on the other hand, need a good night’s sleep and some child-free time to help them recharge for a new day. This information session covers everything you need to know about sleep, run by First Five Forever. North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Home Games When: Thursday 8th August vs Brisbane Broncos When: Friday 23rd August vs Penrith Panthers When: Thursday 29th August vs CanterburyBankstown Bulldogs Where: 1300SMILES Stadium, 14 Golf Links Dr, Kirwan More Info: www.cowboys.com.au Get your tickets now to support the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys when they take on the Brisbane Broncos, Penrith Panthers and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at 1300SMILES Stadium.

Early Years Expo and Welcoming Babies Ceremony When: Sunday 11th August, 9.00am - 2.00pm Where: Townsville Stadium, Murray Lyons Cres More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au A free community event showcasing workshops, guest speakers, exhibitors, stalls, free activities for the kids, and celebrating all children from prenatal to preschool. The aim of the expo is to provide education and support to families. The Welcoming Babies Ceremonies are held as a special event for Townsville’s youngest residents and their families. Participating families will receive a welcoming certificate, gift bag and be photographed alongside the Mayor.

4 August 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au pakmag.com.au

North Queensland Babies and Kids Market When: Saturday 17th August, 8.30am - 12.30pm Where: Emmaus Hall, Ryan Catholic College, 59 Canterbury Rd, Kirwan More info: www.nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket.com Looking for something to do on the weekend? Browse 90 market stalls, have a bite to eat and grab one of 500 free bounty bags. Let the kids bounce around on the jumping castles, create to their heart’s content at the craft area or have their face painted. Keep your fingers crossed and you may win a lucky door prize. Entry is $2 for adults and free for children under 16.

Free Microchipping Day When: Saturday 17th August, 8.00am - 11.00am Where: Oonoonba Park More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au A microchip is your pet’s lifeline to you. Townsville City Council is offering free microchipping to registered dogs and approved cats at Oonoonba Park this August. On the spot registrations are available for a fee. Dogs must be on leads and cats in cages, and no bookings are required.

Riverway Movie Nights: How To Train Your Dragon: Hidden World When: Friday 23rd August, from 6.30pm Where: Riverway Oval More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Bring a blanket and get cosy under the raintrees and stars for the FREE screening of How To Train Your Dragon: Hidden World. A female Light Fury appears and coincides with the darkest threat Hiccup and Astrid’s village has ever faced. Can Hiccup and Toothless leave the only home they’ve known and journey to the hidden world to save their village?

The Thing Is

The Thing Is... STORY Bree James Recently the people in my life have told me I need to relax more, that I am looking tired and need a rest (just what us mums LOVE to hear). I’ve never been that good at chilling out. I have two speeds - full speed, or no speed. So, my idea of chilling out sees me falling asleep somewhere. If I am bored or relaxed, I’m like one of those tourists that can fall asleep anywhere; the movies, in a camp chair, whilst someone is driving me somewhere, while I am on the phone, and even in a bath. My dad once had a micro sleep whilst on stage singing a song and playing the guitar, he woke startled still doing both - so it must be in the genes! The thing is, you gotta rest when you can, especially when you are a parent. However I find it hilarious the type of ‘rest’ you actually get as a parent. It starts like this. “Honey, can I please have a sleep in tomorrow morning? You had one yesterday”. Yes, parents trade sleeping hours more than dollars on the stock exchange. Sleep is our most valuable asset to trade; more than food, sexy time and time out socialising. The much-anticipated sleep in morning arrives, and of course, you are woken early. You kick your partner to get out of bed and remind them it’s your turn for a sleep in. Five minutes later the whole family is in the bed, the wrestling and fighting begins, and you know that’s the end of your sleep in. Then you think, “lets wear out the kids, we can go for a long walk or scooter ride and then come back and they can have a rest and watch a movie, and I’ll try and nap then”… What is with kids and burning energy? Just when you think you have worn them out, they are like dogs when you take them for a walk, they have a

second bowel and there is always more poo and wee. Kids have more energy than the sun. You attempt to have a day nap, but while the kids are quiet, you quickly chuck on dinner, pop in a load of washing and tidy up before you have a nap - you can’t rest when there are things to do! But, like looking at Facebook, you lose hours a day that could have been spent doing something better that replenishes you, like having a nap. But that moment is now gone and you commit to having an early night in bed. The kids then have their next burst of energy. Their dinner seems to energise them more, as does the water from their bathtime. They run around the house like dogs that have just had a bath for another thirty minutes while you are dragging your tired body around the house like an overused mop. You finally get them to bed, it takes about an hour of kisses, cuddles, discussions, drinks, more D&M’s, more cuddles, and finally they sleep. Success. After some more cleaning, you finally hop into bed for that long awaited nap. But then for some reason, your brain gets a second wind and you think about ALL the things you need to do. After a few hours, you finally fall asleep and groundhog day continues. So here is a pro tip. If you want a non-interrupted nap, tell your family when you wake you’re all going to clean the house together. They will literally do anything to avoid waking you and maybe, just maybe, you might get that rest you’ve been longing for.

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 7

Photographer: Phillip Castleton - www.bauersyndication.com.au

Feature

Spotlight on Special Needs At PakMag, we love to shine the spotlight on local families with a story to tell. With our August edition focusing on special needs families, we asked some of our readers to tell their stories and offer advice to other parents in similar situations. Raising children with special needs is no walk in the park, yet the experiences endured teaches wonderful lessons. These families show that it’s possible to live an amazing life despite the struggles, and that a positive outlook and attitude can make a world of difference.

Michael Barfield Katie and Nathan are parents to four wonderful children, Michael (two), and triplets Isabelle, Amelia and Georgia (one). Michael has Dystonic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, caused by a type of brain damage known as Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy. As a result, Michael has low muscle tone, is non-verbal and is fed through a PEG tube. Triplet, Georgia may also have Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy (still yet to be diagnosed). “It can be quite hard to wrap your head around,” mum, Katie told PakMag. “The diagnosis was initially very confronting, with the unknown of what will happen in your child’s life, and how devastating the brain injury could be. Raising a special needs child can be physically

8 August 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

and emotionally draining. The struggles you see them face in life can bring unparalleled sadness.” Katie admits that Michael is often challenged with judgement and non-inclusion, just because he is different. “The issue is not my son, but the world we live in.” Although the initial diagnosis was hard, Katie and Nathan are focusing on the positives and now see Michael’s ability to get through his disability. Katie tells us that “seeing their ‘inchstones’ and the way they do things in their own little way,” is rewarding to say the least. Michael’s strength to overcome the obstacles he faces amazes Katie and Nathan each day. The uncertainty in Michael’s future has taught Katie and Nathan to live in the present and to just enjoy the little things. One piece of advice that Katie would like to share is to treat a child with special needs like you would any other child. “Talk to them on their level. Talk to them and not to their parents or their carer. Give them a smile or a highfive. Give them the inclusion that you would want your own child to have, the inclusion they deserve as kids.”

Feature

Sammy Baker

Jacob and Emma Welsh

Tiki and Rick wouldn’t have their life any other way with their twin boys, Sammy and James (12).

Janet loves her crazy life with her two children Jacob (eight) and Emma (four). Jacob was diagnosed with ADHD, Autism and ID, and his little sister Emma has Global Development Delay (GDD) and Dystonia.

At eight years old, Sammy was diagnosed with Pitt Hopkins Syndrome. This extremely rare condition is characterised as an intellectual disability meaning Sammy will always be non-verbal. “I’m a registered nurse and never thought I would have a child with special needs,” Tiki told PakMag. “Now, I could never imagine not having this privilege in our lives.” Tiki describes parenting a special needs child as challenging, stressful and daunting, but at the same time wonderful and exciting. “It’s like a roller coaster,” Tiki said. “You have to balance all the family’s needs. It’s not a job for the faint-hearted.” When asked about the negatives, Tiki admits that the judgement Sammy receives can be difficult as can the non-verbal aspect of Sammy’s diagnosis. “Knowing that Sammy will never say ‘mum’ or ‘I love you’, sometimes makes me a little sad too. But then he hugs me, and you can’t help but smile through the tears.” But the positives far outweigh the negatives. “The small things become such great achievements,” Tiki explains. “My two boys are so close. James is very proud and protective of Sammy, and he is also very thoughtful about others because he knows not everyone is the same.” Sammy’s parents admit they feel incredibly lucky to have him in their lives. “It’s not shameful to have a child with a disability, it’s a gift. It’s a different and challenging gift, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Having two special needs children, Janet faces struggles that many parents don’t. “Both children are delayed in speech, so it can be hard to understand them at times,” Janet said. “It can be a challenge to go shopping too as it can result in sensory overload and a meltdown or two. Even washing their hair and haircuts are hard, because the children don’t like it much.” Janet is a single parent but she has a great support system. “As much as the kids drive me crazy, there are also times they don’t,” Janet told PakMag. “I couldn’t imagine my life any other way. I love my crazy life with my children.” Janet loves to see her oldest, Jacob, helping out his little sister, Emma. “He helps her in and out of the car and buckles the seatbelt for her.” The family doesn’t let disabilities get in the way of their fun together. “We have a lot of fun as a family,” she told us, “Our home is full of fun, laughter and love.” Janet urges people to just enjoy the rollercoaster of life. “Just go with the flow and ignore judgement, because you are doing a great job,” “Trust your instincts and be there for your child through the good and the bad, and make sure to give them lots of praise just for the little things they get right.”

Tiki’s advice to other parents: “Take time for yourself and your partner. It’s easier said than done, but you need to be mentally and physically fit to deal with everything that’s going to come your way.”

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 9

Education

How to inspire your child to love learning STORY Kumon Australia It’s said that if you enjoy a task, you’re good at it. Many would argue that learning is no different. So, how can parents help their kids to love learning and to see how, while challenging, learning is rewarding, interesting and even possibly fun in some instances? Below are five tips on how this can be achieved. Read with your child regularly Curtin University reading expert, Dr Margaret Merga says not only do children enjoy being read to, but it provides a boost for their learning. According to Dr Merga, shared reading fosters the development of listening skills, spelling, vocabulary and reading comprehension. This lays the foundation for a

strong literacy foundation. Shared reading also activates children’s imagination and develops their ability to follow a narrative. Dr Merga says that children’s attitudes to books, as they grow older, reflects the enjoyment they derived from their earliest reading experiences. As such, she advises that parents make reading with their children a fun experience so their kids begin to associate reading – a form of learning – with enjoyment. Don’t shy away from maths For many parents, maths is intimidating. Like any other subject, maths should be taught by an expert, but leaving numeracy development solely in the classroom could mean some children fail to see the

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 11

Education

relevance of it in everyday life. Experts warn this can lead to children not liking maths as they begin to perceive it to be an abstract or dull subject. Kylie Robson, a maths education expert from the University of Canberra, writes that there are many ways parents can get involved. For very young children, parents could count with their kids such as to how many apples are in a shopping bag. Parents could also give older children $10 and a very small shopping list of items to buy. This requires children to use their calculation skills to get bang for their buck. Activities like these not only show children that maths and numbers are all around them, but can be a fun way for parents to support their children’s learning. This is also another way for children to associate learning with fun. Use praise to help your children develop their growth mindset Parents love to praise their children. However, praise for its own sake isn’t helpful. Stanford University psychologist, Professor Carol Dweck found that generalised praise – for example, phrases such as “well done”, “good job”, or “aren’t you clever” – could cause children to develop a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset refers to the belief that a person’s basic abilities, intelligence, skills and talents are fixed traits; nothing can be done to improve them. Bill Lucas, an education expert from Victoria University, warns these children are often afraid to make mistakes, and unwilling to apply effort or practise, as they have a fixed view of their own intelligence. Rather, both Professor Dweck and Lucas argue that parents who utilise praise well cultivate their child’s growth mindset: the understanding that a person’s talents and abilities are the result of effort, good teaching and persistence, and that their talents can be further developed through continued effort, practise and further learning. Dweck argues these children are more likely to keep persisting when they face setbacks.

12 August 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

To develop this attitude, Lucas advises that praise should be focussed on the effort children applied to complete a task. Praise should also be genuine and true, not overinflated. Phrases like “I can see how much effort you put into solving this problem” or “well done for trying so hard, you’ll get it next time” are helpful. This will support children to like learning more, as they see that their efforts can lead to positive change. They also see their parents appreciating and acknowledging their hard work. Let children make mistakes For some parents, this tip could seem counterintuitive. But as Mandie Sheen from Edith Cowan University advises, parents should not shield their children from low-risk, natural consequences. For example, if your child doesn’t study and fails an assignment at school, don’t defend your child; let them deal with the consequences. Sheen advises that parents should talk through the experience with their children to support them to see the mistake as an opportunity to grow and learn, and that the negative emotions associated with failure are natural and temporary. You can also work out with your child what to do differently next time. This helps children to shift their perspective to see mistakes as opportunities for learning and not to catastrophise the error, as they know they can achieve if they keep trying. Consider extra support Sometimes children fall behind in class and they become lost. Other times, classwork can be far too easy, so they become bored and disinterested. As the latest Gonski Review into Australian schooling identified, either scenario is detrimental for children’s learning. Extra support in the form of private tuition or an after school learning programme can fix gaps in learning as they allow children to go back to revise, practise and learn at their own pace. Similarly, these programmes support children to race ahead if they are able.

Advertiser Feature

TERRIFIC TEACHERS AMMIE TIERNEY

JENNA Fielder FIELDER Jenna

Natural Beginnings Early Learning World

Townsville Grammar School

“I have been working within the Early Childhood sector for about 10 years, but this is my first year as a teacher. I decided to become a teacher because I love working with children and playing an active role in helping our future generation to grow into confident, strong and determined young people.

“I can’t think of any job as important to society than teaching the next generation. There is no doubt in my mind that my true calling was to motivate, inspire and change the lives of students. This is my 10th year teaching at Townsville Grammar School, and I feel so blessed to teach at such an amazing school that has impacted four generations of my family.

Funniest memory as a teacher was when one little boy explained to me that his brain was telling him that he was tired, but he didn’t want to have a rest, so he was just going to ignore what his brain was trying to tell him and he was going to keep playing.”

Children can brighten the darkest of days. They find humour in things that aren’t meant to be funny and laugh with such vibrancy. Their innocence and pure excitement is inspiring and a part of this job that I find so rewarding.”

admin@naturalbeginnings.net.au www.naturalbeginnings.net.au

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

LISA DYER

TERRI TALBOT

The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James

“My first work experience position was in an office and I was so bored. I knew from that point that I wanted a career where I was active and engaging with people. Growing up, I was always taking care of my younger cousins, family friends and neighbours’ children so it was a natural progression to pursue a career working with young children.

“I teach all classes, right from the very tiny two- and threeyears olds up to Year 6. I really focus on pushing the children to think for themselves and to think critically and ask questions so that they come to a deeper understanding of the lessons we work on together.

No two days are ever the same in our Kindergarten classroom, and we share funny stories at the end of each day. Four-year-olds have amazing stories, questions and hilarious perspectives on life. Seeing their faces light up when they learn is an amazing part of teaching.”

I teach one subject, and that is Christian Education. I love hearing their take on God as well as their questions, particularly as they get older and become more abstract in their thinking and exploring how various concepts fit together. I am very lucky to be able to teach and get to know all the children.”

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

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 15

Advertorial

Learning Together, Naturally STORY Tracey Bauer and Louise Davies, Natural Beginnings Early Learning World Our beautiful outdoor playgrounds are inspired by nature, including a mountain with waterfall and a creek bed that runs through the course of the senior yard. Nature play stimulates children’s senses, engages their imagination and gives limitless options for learning. For children, play is learning. There is no better space for children to learn than the outdoors, and there is no better play resource than nature. That is why at Natural Beginnings a large majority of daily play is nature based. Our educators are highly skilled at “bringing the outdoors in” so that outdoor activities can be transferred and adapted to indoor play when a child wishes to continue a theme of interest. Our program grows as we implement children’s ideas, extending on interests and concepts that are observed through play and discussion with children, allowing them to see their ideas evolve and grow as they create their own learning through group or individual activities. STEM is embedded into children’s development with access to a variety of resources that capture imagination and curious minds in a fun, supportive environment.

We are very proud of our community connections through sustainable practices, and fundraising with companies such as Containers for Change and The Pyjama Foundation. We are always looking to extend on these areas wherever possible and help out our wonderful community. We welcome families to actively contribute to our program through feedback and conversations. At Natural Beginnings we consider ourselves to be a large extended family, nurturing core values and caring for one another with a common ideal; providing a safe, inclusive and friendly place where all our children will thrive. Building positive relationships with families is of the highest importance to us as a service. Our family tours and inductions are very informative as the trust and reassurance for families is essential to the wellbeing of their children. Come and discover for yourself what our centre is all about by calling up and arranging a tour. We look forward to meeting you.

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 17

Health

HEALTH 5 Facts FACTS ABOUT Eyes about EYES The most common eye colour is brown. Over 55 per cent of the world’s population have brown eyes.

ALL About All ABOUT Heart HEART Health HEALTH Heart disease symptoms can occur at any age and there’s a number of risk factors, many of which can be controlled. There are many ways to lower your risk, so let’s go over a few. Stop smoking – Being smoke-free is one of the best things you can do for your heart, and it will greatly benefit the rest of your body too. Eat healthy – Eating nutritious meals can help you lose weight and improve your cholesterol. Limit foods high in processed carbohydrates, sugar, saturated and trans fats and salt. Be active – Increasing physical activity can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease. Reduce the amount of time you spend sitting, stand up more often, move around the home or workplace and incorporate physical activity wherever you can. Manage diabetes – If you have diabetes, you’re at an increased risk of heart disease. It’s important to manage this condition to help prevent a heart attack or stroke. Look after your mental health – People who struggle with depression, are socially isolated or do not have good social support have a greater risk of heart disease. If you feel depressed for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor and seek support from a trusted family member or friend.

It’s impossible to sneeze with your eyes open. This is because your eyes and nose are connected by cranial nerves that prompt a blink. The iris has 256 unique characteristics. Impressive compared to fingerprints, which only have 40. Eyes start to develop just two weeks after conception, and at birth, babies only see in black, white, and grey. People with blue eyes share the same ancestor. All humans had brown eyes until a mutation occurred thousands of years ago.

Bioglan BIOGLAN Multi MULTI + Vision VISION Adv ADVanced ANCED Bioglan's Multi + Vision Advanced is a targeted vision multivitamin to help support macular health. It also helps minimise the effects of blue light and UV light exposure, making it very beneficial for adults that spend a significant time in front of electronic devices or those who are looking to support macular health. It combines key nutrients and antioxidants to help support macular health, healthy eye function and helps relieve visual fatigue and eye strain. It also provides a daily dose multivitamin to help maintain optimal wellbeing. Bioglan Multi + Vision Advanced is available at all Calanna Wholehealth Pharmacies.

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 19

Advertorial

Savings continue for Queensland seniors STORY Coralee O’Rourke - Member for Mundingburra, Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services & Seniors Everyday across Queensland, seniors and older people continue to make an important contribution to our state’s thriving communities. Our older Queenslanders have spent many years playing vital roles in their workplaces, families and communities, however we know that many seniors are facing cost of living pressures well into their retirements. To help ease the cost of living pressures for seniors, the Palaszczuk Government will be providing more than $283 million in senior concessions over the 2019-20 financial year. Through the Queensland Seniors Card scheme and concessions, seniors can save up to $400 a year on energy costs, $120 on water bills, $200 per year on rates, and up to 50 per cent on their car rego.

discount directory to help make the search for discounts even easier. With savings like these, it’s easy to see why more than 850,000 Queensland seniors now hold a Seniors Card. We know there are still seniors out there who aren’t aware that they are eligible for all these savings and we want to get the message to them. From September 2019 to June 2020, we’ll be sending special teams to help Queenslanders apply for their concessions and Seniors Card across Queensland. These teams will visit prominent shopping centres and help local seniors sign up for the service.

Queensland is also the only state where seniors can enjoy concessions on motor vehicle and boat registrations, dental, medical aids, electricity and gas, spectacles, public transport, fishing licence fees and entry to Queensland Government museums and art galleries.

Details and locations for this concessions and Seniors Card roadshow will be available soon, but you don’t have to wait for them to visit a location near you. There’s an easy application process that can be completed online. Just fill out the application up to two months before your 60th birthday for the Seniors Business Discount Card, or your 65th birthday for the Seniors Card and you’ll be issued with the card that best meets your eligibility.

The savings don’t stop there - more than 6,500 participating businesses in Queensland (and many more across Australia) are offering discounts on goods and services for Seniors Card holders. There’s even an online

For information and assistance, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or hop online now to find out how the Queensland Seniors Card can benefit you at www.qld.gov.au/ seniors/legal-finance-concessions/seniors-card

20 August 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Bump, Bub and Beyond

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

Unicorn Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser $69.95 - www.candlewarmersaustralia.com Add a touch of magic to your daily aromatherapy with the Unicorn Medium Diffuser. Diffuse a refreshing mist of water and essential oils for aromatherapy benefits and natural fragrance that can enhance your mood. Features two mist modes for up to six hours of use, seven LED colours, an auto shut-off feature, and 100ml capacity. Elegant home décor is the focus of every Airomé diffuser, and each is made to compliment your personal taste.

CocoBare Baby $40.00 - www.cocobarebaby.com

Newborn Baby Gift Set

CocoBare Baby has released a new 300ml range that is loaded with coconut oil to keep baby’s sensitive skin hydrated, moisturised and also helps to kill harmful pathogens during the important first few years of their life. CocoBare Baby is MIT, paraben and palm oil free, and uses only the purest organic essential oils. Prize packs consist of 300ml CocoBare Shampoo and Conditioner, and two 300ml CocoBare Baby Wash.

$33.95 - www.mylittleloveheart.com.au

24 August 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

This unique Australian handmade newborn baby gift is a practical and stylish present perfect for any new baby. This baby gift set comes complete with a bandana bib, a bunny teething ring, a baby card and gift wrapping. There is nothing left for you to do but visit your loved one and celebrate the birth of their new baby. This set comes in unisex, boy and girl prints from designers here in Australia and from around the world.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

SAFE SLEEPING FOR BABY Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a child who is under one year of age. While SIDS can happen at any time of the day, it usually happens at night while baby is sleeping. There are some things you can do that may prevent it from happening. Avoid unsafe sleeping areas. Never have baby sleep on a couch, bean bag, waterbed or pillow. Sleep baby on their back, ensuring you keep their head and face uncovered.

Ensure the mattress is firm, and that it fits the cot well. All you need in your baby's cot is the fitted sheet. Remove any pillows, doonas, cot bumpers and soft toys from the cot. Sleep baby in their own cot for their first six to 12 months. Have them sleep in their own cot next to your bed rather than in the bed with you, as adult beds are not safe for babies. If you smoke, quit. If your partner smokes, encourage them to quit too. Keep the home smoke-free at all times. SIDS is a devastating occurrence and there is still a lot of mystery surrounding it. While it is rare, it is still one of the main concerns for many new parents and it can be a scary part of becoming a parent. Thankfully, incidences are on the decline in Australia. This year, support Red Nose Day on the 9th of August by donating towards SIDS research and educational kids and counselling sessions for families affected.

HELPFUL TIP Getting yourself and the kids ready for the day can quickly turn into a nightmare for any parent. Keep your bathrobe on over your work clothes until you walk out the front door; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll save your beautiful clean clothes from being stained by any morning messes, whether it be vomit, drinks, or other sticky messes. No more time wasted changing an entire outfit when you have two minutes to get out the door!

DID YOU KNOW? Some of the most common pregnancy cravings are chocolate, pickles, eggs, cheese, and bacon. Some of the strangest pregnancy cravings reported include dirt, chalk, sand and soap. The craving of non-food items is a condition called pica, and may indicate a mineral deficiency. If you are craving or eating non-food items, a medical evaluation is important to assess a range of causes and potential side effects.

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 25

WHAT’S ON AUG AUG THURSDAY 1 AUGUST Strand Ephemera Treasure Hunt The Strand www.townsville.qld.gov.au 8.30am / Free / Family Northern Fringe Festival Various venues www.townsville.qld.gov.au Various times and costs / Family Erth's Dinosaur Zoo TM Runs until 4 August Wonderland Spiegeltent Strand Park www.townsville.qld.gov.au Various times / Free / Family NOISE Runs until 3 August Jezzine Barracks www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 6.00pm & 7.00pm / Free / Family Octopus's Garden Workshops Runs until 4 August Strand Park www.townsville.qld.gov.au 3.00pm / Free / Family Australian Festival of Chamber Music Runs until 4 August Townsville Civic Theatre www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 9.00am / Various pricing / Family Strand Ephemera Runs until 4 August The Strand www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 9.00am / Free / Family

Projections Light Up Runs until 4 August The Strand www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 7.00pm / Free / Family FRIDAY 2 AUGUST Fiona O'Loughlin featuring Bev Killick Strand Park www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 8.30pm / $41.20 / 15+ Yrs Pop Up North Queensland Runs until 11 August Various venues www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 11.00am / Free / Family Currajong School Fete Currajong State School RidesnSlides Townsville 5.00pm / Free / Family SATURDAY 3 AUGUST Poulenc's Babar the Little Elephant Townsville Civic Theatre www.afcm.com.au 1.00pm / Check Website / Family McDonalds Townsville Running Festival Runs until 4 August Jezzine Barracks www.townsvillerunning festival.com 10.00am / Free / Family AFCM Winterschool Pop Up Performances Runs until 3 August Strand Park www.afcm.com.au 5.00pm / Free / Family

Australian Italian Festival Runs until 4 August TYTO www.australianitalian festival.com.au TBA / $30 Adult / Family Iggy Park Disco Ignatius Park College www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 6.30pm / $15 / Family Hit The Hill Runs until 4 August Castle Hill www.hitthehill.com.au 7.00am / Free / Family Townsville FunMUN 2019 Location TBC UN Youth Queensland 9.00am / $30 / Family The Salvation Army Garage Sale Townsville Faithworks Salvation Army www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 8.00am / Free / Family SUNDAY 4 AUGUST Block Party The Strand www.townsville.qld.gov.au 6.00pm / Free / Family MONDAY 5 AUGUST Townsville Careers Expo 2019 Townsville Stadium www.careersevent.com 10.00am / Free / Family

With Triple M’s Pricey

TUESDAY 6 AUGUST Parent Information Session: Sleep and Play CityLibraries Aitkenvale www.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.30am / Free / Family WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST AEIOU Community Workshop James Cook University AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism 5.00pm / Free / Family THURSDAY 8 AUGUST North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Vs Brisbane Broncos 1300SMILES Stadium www.cowboys.com.au 7.50pm / From $13 / Family FRIDAY 9 AUGUST Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody The Greatest Hits Tour The Ville Resort-Casino www.moshtix.com.au 7.00pm / $35 / 18+ Craft Alive Townsville Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre www.craftalive.com.au 9.00am / $13-15 / Family All Abilities Disco 123 Ingham Road Kith and Kin Nonprofit 6.00pm / $15 / Family SATURDAY 10 AUGUST Woodstock's Country Fair & Sustainable Living Expo Woodstock State School www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 2.00pm / Free / Family

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 27

WHAT’S ON AUG AUG SATURDAY 10 AUGUST On Country 2019 Mungalla Station www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au Check Website / Family Rotary Mega Market Reid Park www.townsvillerotary markets.com.au 8.30am / Free / Family SUNDAY 11 AUGUST Welcoming Babies Ceremony Townsville Stadium www.townsville.qld.gov.au Various Times / Free / Family Early Years Expo Townsville Stadium www.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.00am / Free / Family MONDAY 12 AUGUST JCU Townsville Open Day James Cook University www.jcu.edu.au 10.00am / Free / Family FRIDAY 16 AUGUST Intersport Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival Runs until 25 August Strand Park www.townsvilletrifestival.org.au Check Website / Family

St Anthony's Winter Carnival St Anthony's Catholic College St Anthony's Catholic College 5.00pm / Free / Family SATURDAY 17 AUGUST Free Microchipping Day Oonoonba Park www.townsville.qld.gov.au 8.00am / Free / Family Nth Qld Babies & Kids Market Emmaus Hall, Ryan Catholic College www.nthqldbabiesand kidsmarket.com 8.30am / $2 Adult / Family Book Fair Runs until 18 August Townsville RSL Stadium Townsville Hospital Foundation 8.00am / Free / Family SUNDAY 18 AUGUST Family Fun Day Perc Tucker Gallery www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 10.00am / Free / Family Giant Funday Bushland Beach Tavern Bushland Beach Tavern 12.00pm / Free / Family

Townsville Cultural Fest James Cook University www.culturalfest.org Check Website / $15 / Family

Ancient Wisdoms Festival Freemasons Pallarenda Park Ancient Wisdoms Festival 8.00am / Free / Family

Fun Fair The Willows State School The Willows State School P&C 5.00pm / Free / Family

Jazz and Koalas Sandis at Horseshoe Bay www.bodyandsoulmusic.com.au 12.00pm / Free / Family

28 August 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

With Triple M’s Minty

MONDAY 19 AUGUST

FRIDAY 30 AUGUST

Spencer Townsville Civic Theatre www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 7.30pm / $35 Adult / Family

2019 Townsville Expo Runs until 1 September Reid Park www.townsvilleexpo.com.au 8.30am / $12 / Family

FRIDAY 23 AUGUST North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Vs Penrith Panthers 1300SMILES Stadium www.cowboys.com.au 6.00pm / From $13 / Family SATURDAY 24 AUGUST Townsville Triathlon & Multisport Festival Runs until 25 August Intersport Townsville Triathlon Festival www.townsvilletrifestival.org.au 6.00am / Check Website / Family SUNDAY 25 AUGUST Beef and Barossa Festival A Touch of Salt www.atouchofsalt.com.au 12.00pm / $20 / Family Dirty Kids Obstacle Course Mud Run! Intersport Townsville www.townsvilletrifestival.org.au 9.00am / Check Website / 5-12 Yrs THURSDAY 29 AUGUST SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week Runs until 4 September Peppers Blue on Blue, Magnetic Island www.magneticisland raceweek.com.au Various Times / Free / Family

Dance For Daniel The Ville Resort-Casino www.danielmorcombe.com.au 6.30pm / $175 / 18+ Yrs SATURDAY 31 AUGUST Welcome Baby to Country Ceremony Palmetum Gardens Annandale www.whatson.townsville.qld. gov.au 11.00am / Free / Family Townsville IndiaFest 2019 Riverway Oval www.indiafesttownsville.org 10.00am / Free / Family SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER Free Microchipping Day Gill Park, Gulliver www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 8.00am / Free / Family SAVE THE DATE FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER Jimmy Barnes Shutting Down Your Town Tour Townsville Entertainment Centre www.tecc.net.au 7.00pm / $99.90-119.90 / 15+ Yrs

Pull-out kids activity mag!

Spot the differences for your chance to win a family pass to A Dog's Journey

IN CINEMAS AUGUST 15

For your chance to WIN a family pass to A Dog's Journey, tell us the 10 differences in the images above. Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win - Competition closes 31/08/2019

CRACK THE CODE

Mini Mag

Junior Magic - RRP $49.95 - The Junior Magic School set is a collection of impressive magic tricks for the younger magician. A rabbit appears out of nowhere. Catch the parrot in the cage. Cut and restore a rope with your magic. Take your first steps into the world of magic with the easy to perform tricks. The perfect box for children who want to learn to perform in front of an audience. Suitable for children ages 5+. www.theatrix.com.au For your chance to WIN Junior Magic, crack the code above and tell us what the magic words are. Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win - Competition closes 31/08/2019

WIN A MEGA GAMES PRIZE PACK!

Crown & Andrews and Goliath Games Prize Pack - RRP $119.80 Crown & Andrews and Goliath have just released four new awesome kids’ games. In Gator Gold, you putt the ball into the gator’s mouth and watch his tail flip it back to you. In Googly Eyes Showdown, each player writes a word wearing wacky vision altering glasses as competing teams fight to guess it first. Rubrik’s Race combines the strategy of the Rubik’s Cube with face-to-face play, and The Game of Things, a “Who-said-what” game with plenty of attitude - www.crownandandrews.com For your chance to WIN a Crown & Andrews and Goliath Games Prize Pack, tell us what your families' favourite game is and why. Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win - Competition closes 31/08/2019

REGULAR MARKETS Castle Hill PCYC Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.00am - 11.00am Location: Castle Hill PCYC Bluewater Twilight Markets Date: 2nd Saturday of the month Time: 4.00pm - 8.00pm Location: Bluewater Community Centre Mundingburra Markets Date: 3rd Sunday of the month Time: 7.30am - 12.00pm Location: Mundingburra State School Riverway Moonlight Markets Date: 3rd Friday of the month Time: 5.00pm - 9.00pm Location: Riverway Bushland Beach Markets Date: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month

Time: 9.00am - 1.00pm Location: Bushland Beach Park Carlyle Gardens Arts & Crafts Markets Date: 1st Saturday of the month (Mar - Dec) Time: 9.00am - 12.00pm Location: Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village, 60 Beck Drive, Condon North Shore Night Markets Date: 2nd Friday of the month Time: 5.00pm - 9.00pm Location: North Shore Display Village Renegade Handmade Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Marian School

Cotters Markets

Strand Night Markets Date: 1st Friday of the month (runs from Feb to Dec) Time: 5.00pm - 9.00pm Location: Strand Park

Date: Every Sunday Time: 8.30am - 1.00pm Location: Flinders St & Townsville Bulletin Square

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

Horseshoe Bay Markets Date: Every 2nd and last Sunday of the month Time: 9.00am - 2.00pm Location: Horseshoe Bay Foreshore Mount View Plaza Markets Date: Every Saturday (excluding Jan) Time: 8.00am - 2.00pm. Location: Mount View Market Place

Balgal Beach Markets Date: 1st Saturday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Fishermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing Balgal Beach

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

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

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 33

Regular Events

REGULAR EVENTS TOWNSVILLE GALLERIES Free Family Fun Day - Art Activities for the Family Days: Third Sunday of the month Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm Location: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery More Info: 4727 9011 TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL Townsville Eats Days: Last Friday of the month Time: 5.00pm - 10.00pm Location: 334 Flinders St More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost: Free entry BELGIAN GARDENS STATE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP Days: Mondays Time: 9.00am - 11.00am Location: Belgian Gardens SS Hall More Info: 4717 1333 or rickandjules4@bigpond.com Cost: Gold coin donation FIRST FIVE FOREVER Parent Information Sessions Days: Second Friday of the month Time: 9.30am Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost: Free

Newborn and Family Drop-In Service Days: Tuesdays (9.00am 2.00pm), Saturdays (9.00am - 12.00pm) Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost: Free

MAINLY MUSIC For babies to pre prep aged children. Fun, music, morning tea and free play.

Location: Fitzroy St, Heatley More info: 0420 585 069 Or 0400 815 279 Toy Library

Days: Thursdays (during school term) Time: 9.30am - 11.00am Location: St Peter’s Anglican Church, West End More Info: 0414 807 179 Cost: $3 per child

TOWNSVILLE

(bookings required) Days: Wednesdays Time: 9.15am & 10.30am Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale

MOPS - Mothers of PreSchoolers

Grammar School

RIVERWAY PARKRUN

Days: Fridays – fortnightly during chool terms Time: 9.30am - 11.30am Location: Northreach Baptist Church, Kirwan More Info: 0428 926 442 mops@northreach.org.au Cost: $8 per session

Messy Play

Days: Saturdays Time: From 7.00am Location: Meet at the front of Tony Ireland Stadium on the grassed area near the ticket box. Riverway parkrun is a 5km course along Ross River that you can complete by running or walking (or both) and is for all ages. Children, prams and dogs are all welcome to join in the fun. Please note: Scooters and bikes are not allowed for safety and insurance reasons.

For mothers with children 0-6 years. Connect, relax and recharge.

GET ACTIVE + HEALTHY TOWNSVILLE Free Fitness + Activities Days: Every day Location: Various Locations More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au

This course is wheelchair friendly.

TOY LIBRARY TOWNSVILLE (THE TOY SHED)

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

Days: Second Saturday (excluding January) Time: 9.00am - 12.00pm

34 August 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

TOY LIBRARY Days: Every Tuesday and Saturday Time: 9.30am - 11.00am Location: Townsville (Brazier Dr, Annandale) More Info: Townsville Toy Library GIGGLE N GROW PLAYGROUP Come along for arts, craft, sensory play, a healthy morning tea, connect with other families and more. Children 0 - 5 years. Days: Every Wednesday Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Location: Aitkenvale State School More Info: 4753 0650 Days: Every Thursday Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Location: Garbutt State School More Info: 4753 0650 Days: Every Friday Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Location: Heatley State School More Info: 4753 0650

Celebrate

FIESTA PARTY! It’s party time! Whether you’re having a get-together with friends, a birthday party for your child or just need an excuse to celebrate, we’ve got everything you need to be inspired for a fiesta party. Decorations Bright colours are the foundation of any fiesta. Decide whether you’re going for a festive or more subtle vibe, and base your colour palette on that. Yellow, turquoise, purple, gold and orange go hand-inhand. Harmonise the party area with a range of Mexican icons and motifs, such as cacti, sombreros, maracas and bright flowers to match your colour palette. Nibbles The party doesn’t truly start until you get the nibbles out on the table. A classic for any party is chips and dips, so why not jazz up this idea by serving up corn chips on a platter with a selection of dips? Try salsa, sour cream, pico de gallo or guacamole – you can’t go wrong.

You can also serve up delicious chocolate milkshakes. Print out some happy alpaca characters, stick them to the straws, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of your milkshakes and voila! You’ve now got adorable drinks with minimal effort. And for the adults, these are pretty good with a little Kahlua or Bailey’s in them, too. Piñata Time Put on your blindfold and spin around ten times fast, because it’s piñata time. There is nothing quite like the thrill of splitting it open and watching all the lollies fall out. However, why not try including some different fillings for a bit of variety? Think stickers, small toys, yo-yo’s, squishy toys, novelty erasers, glow sticks, finger puppets and bottles with bubbles – the options are endless, and it can make the surprise even more exciting because your guests won’t know what to expect.

36 August 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

1. Sakari Wall Hanging Legion Blue - RRP $149 - www.freedom.com.au 2. Arica Blue Mugs - RRP $8.00 ea - www.freedom.com.au 3. Sony XB22 Extra Bass Portable Bluetooth Speaker - RRP $159.00 - www.harveynorman.com.au 4. Tex-Mex Board - www.kelleynan.com 5. Di Lusso Living Confetti Baby Blanket - RRP $74.95 - www.juniorsonline.com.au 6. Homely Creatures Knitted Cactus - Dark Green Small - RRP $31.50 - Lime Green Medium - RRP $44.50 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

Recipes

COMFORT FOOD RECIPES FOR THE FAMILY

CURRIED RED LENTIL, TOMATO & COCONUT SOUP

WARM BUCKWHEAT & BEETROOT SALAD

RECIPE Matthew Calanna, Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy

RECIPE Tracey Ryland, The Source Bulk Foods

The perfect meal to warm you up in the winter. Ingredients 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1L vegetable stock 1 cup red lentils 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 5cm piece ginger, grated

400ml coconut cream 2 tbsp korma curry paste 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander Salt and pepper, to taste 50g chopped coriander

Method Heat oil over medium-high heat in a saucepan. Add onion and stir often until softened and golden brown. Add garlic, curry powder and ginger, stirring until fragrant. Rinse and drain the lentils, add to the pan and stir for one minute. Add the tomatoes, vegetable stock and salt and pepper and stir. Set aside 100ml coconut cream for serving and add the remaining to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils have cooked. Divide the soup between bowls and drizzle with the remaining coconut cream. Garnish with fresh coriander.

Easy, delicious and very nutritious. Ingredients 2 cups roasted buckwheat 2 beetroots, peeled and cut into chunks 4 button mushrooms, sliced 1 spring onion, chopped 1 tbsp chopped hazelnuts

2 cloves minced garlic 2 tbsp olive oil 1-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley to serve

Method Preheat oven to 180Â°C. Cover beetroot chunks with 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until tender. Place buckwheat into a small pot and add three cups of water. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil, then turn down and simmer until all the water has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid until all the water has been fully absorbed. In a pan, heat up the remaining oil. Fry the minced garlic and spring onions for several minutes until fragrant. Add button mushrooms and fry until cooked, then season with the remaining balsamic vinegar. Add cooked buckwheat, mix well and add salt and pepper to taste. Divide between bowls and top with hazelnuts, beetroot and fresh parsley and enjoy.

Matthew's Tip: This recipe is also delicious served with warm naan bread or a slice of toast.

Tracey's tip: Also delicious with sunflower seeds, rocket leaves or spinach in the mix.

Deeragun 4751 6286 Kirwan 4773 4224 www.calannapharmacy.com.au

Fairfield 4729 1010 North Ward 4724 0788 www.thesourcebulkfoods.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 39

Expert Advice

THE PAKMAG EXPERTS DR SIVA

DIANE RUHL

Townsville Paediatrics

Ruhl Family Law Centre

Dear Dr Siva, what milestones should my baby reach by six months?

Dear Diane, if I separate, do I have to go to mediation?

At six months, babies should interact well with parents and show interest in their surroundings. They should have good head control, roll over side to side and lift their head and chest off the floor while lying on their tummy. Most babies will also reach for toys with each hand and transfer from one hand to other. They should use both hands equally and be able to drink from a cup if an adult holds it.

Whether you are required to attend mediation will depend on your circumstances. You cannot make an Application to the Court in relation to parenting matters without first attending mediation, though there are exceptions. If there are circumstances of urgency, or if there has been family violence, you do not need to attend mediation.

Socially, they should enjoy and respond to play. They should also anticipate being lifted and touched, and resist toys being taken away.

There is no requirement to attend mediation before making an Application to the Court for property matters; however, it is a good idea, as attempting to resolve your matter this way can be more cost effective then proceeding to Court.

4427 5817 www.townsvillepaediatrics.com.au

4772 7672 www.ruhlfamilylaw.com.au

MATTHEW CALANNA

GorSKI JANA GORSKI

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy

Dear Jana, my son has head lice. How can I get rid of them?

Dear Matthew, what are the different types of conjunctivitis? Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial infection, and symptoms generally include red eyes and a thick yellow or green discharge which comes back frequently when wiped away, and is contagious. It can be treated with antibiotic eye drops such as Chlorsig. Viral conjunctivitis usually follows a viral infection such as the common cold or influenza. Symptoms generally include eye redness and a clear, stringy or watery discharge, and it’s very contagious.

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy

The main symptom of head lice is an itchy scalp. The best way to check for head lice is by lathering the hair in conditioner and using a fine-tooth nit comb to go through each section of hair multiple times, wiping the comb on a tissue after each section and examining carefully. The conditioner makes it hard for the lice to move and traps them in the teeth of the comb. The conditioner also detangles hair, making combing easier.

Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by pollen, animal dander or dust mites, and causes itchy eyes. It’s treated using over the counter antihistamine eye drops.

When treating lice it is ideal to seek out a natural based solution. Calanna has a range of natural head lice treatment and prevention products in store including our range of Mario's head lice packages. Remember to follow up with a second treatment seven days later. Also make sure to wash hats, brushes, hair ties and pillow cases in hot water.

Deeragun - 4751 6286 Kirwan – 4773 4224 Aitkenvale - 4725 5244 Currajong - 4728 6544 www.calannapharmacy.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 41

Advertorial

Delivering outcomes DELIVERING OUTCOMES FOR queenslanders for QUEENSLANDERS WITH disability with DISABILITY STORY Coralee O’Rourke - Member for Mundingburra, Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services & Seniors The 1st of July, 2019 marked the beginning of a new era for the delivery of disability services in Queensland, with the signing of the full National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) bi-lateral agreement. The NDIS is a new way to help people with disability under the age of 65 access care and support for their individual needs. All eligible Queenslanders with disability can now access services and support through the NDIS, as it is available across all areas of our state. This means the Queensland Government’s traditional role in disability services has changed. We no longer directly fund the majority of disability services through contracts with service providers. Instead, the Queensland Government now plays a vital role in supporting and advocating for people with disability, along with monitoring the NDIS to ensure it is delivering the outcomes we all expect for Queenslanders with disability.

42 August 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

To ensure we can provide the oversight and advocacy that Queenslanders deserve, we have created Disability Connect Queensland. Disability Connect Queensland will ensure NDIS clients are treated with respect and dignity, have control of the services they receive and have continuing opportunities for social and economic participation in their communities. We want all Queenslanders with disability and their families to be able to take advantage of the full range of social and economic opportunities available in our great state, and live to their full potential. Disability Connect Queensland will also monitor the Queensland Government’s ongoing investment in the NDIS to ensure it delivers on projected employment and economic benefits for Queenslanders. Our new role means we are as committed as ever to supporting Queenslanders with disability, which was reinforced by our more than $200 million investment in disability services in the 2019-2020 State Budget.

Advertorial

A NEW CAR FOR TAHLIA Life has been an up-and-down journey for fouryear-old Kelso girl Tahlia Healy. She suffers from a rare neurological disorder called lissencephaly, which causes parts of the surface of her brain to appear smooth rather than having curves and wrinkles. The condition severely restricts her mobility along with affecting various other parts of her life. However, things are looking up for the family thanks to Pickerings Auto Group and help from generous Townsville Rotarians, Kia Motors Australia, the NDIS and various other businesses and members of the Townsville community. Because of her condition, doctors say that Tahlia will never be able to crawl, walk, talk, or feed herself, and she suffers multiple seizures per day. Mum Cassandra Lau takes care of her daughter full-time, solely relying on a carer’s pension for support. The need for a disability-modified vehicle has been there for a while, but lately it has become a struggle for Cassandra to lift her daughter in and out of the family car, leaving her fearing that one day she would no longer be able to do so. She desperately needed a vehicle with a fitted wheelchair lift to easily get Tahlia in and out of the car. Well, recently this dream came true thanks to support from the community and Pickerings Auto Group, together investing over $80,000 towards a

new vehicle for Cassandra and Tahlia. Pickerings has been known in the Townsville community over the past 40 years, and in that time have supported a number of community projects alongside this one. Their wish was granted when they were presented with a brand-new Kia Carnival Wagon, fully converted by Freedom Motors for Tahlia’s wheelchair access. Pickerings Auto Group was the first corporate partner to offer support, followed by Kia Motors Australia significantly discounting the cost of the Kia Carnival. The NDIS funded the wheelchair lift conversion. Because of this, there is no need for Cassandra to lift her daughter into the car anymore; she can simply wheel Tahlia up the ramp and secure her safely in the vehicle and go on their way. The family can now easily and safely enjoy going on drives together. The back of the Carnival is spacious and the vehicle has been given the highest ANCAP safety rating, ensuring the family are in good hands at all times on the road. Pickerings Auto Group are proud to support Cassandra, Tahlia and the Townsville Rotarians in ‘Project Tahlia’, and they feel thrilled to be able to help make life a little easier for this wonderful local family. If you’re after a new vehicle for your family or would like to check out the Kia Carnival for yourself, head on down to Pickerings Auto Group where they’ll be happy to assist you.

4726 5555 www.pickerings.com.au www.townsvillekia.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 45

Special Needs Services

YOUR GUIDE TO SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES AEIOU TOWNSVILLE Young children with autism gain skills that last a lifetime at AEIOU Foundation Townsville. A leader in the field of evidence-based early intervention, AEIOU delivers full-time therapy and care to children aged 2-6 years. The specialist team, led by Service Manager Emma Bowsher, works closely with each child to develop independence, communication and social skills, and reduce challenging behaviours. Parents and carers can also rely on one-to-one assistance in navigating the NDIS. AEIOU’s dedicated NDIS Support Coordinators are here to help families access the right plan for their child’s needs. AEIOU Townsville will hold an Open Day event in September. P 4773 2898 E townsville@aeiou.org.au www.aeiou.org.au HELPING HANDS – HAND, WRIST & ARM CLINIC The dynamic therapy team at Helping Hands are here to help with all sorts of issues relating to everything from the finger tips to shoulders from tiny infants to the elderly. Their services include exercising and strengthening programs, prescription and fabrication for casts, orthoses and braces, strapping and bandaging, massage, hands-on mobilisation and much more. Along with helping with various conditions that affect the arms, they also offer paediatric services helping children improve their handwriting and fine motor skills and assisting with neuro-development. P 4755 2337 E reception@helpinghandsclinic.com.au www.helpinghandsclinic.com.au COOTHARINGA At Cootharinga, the purpose is tailoring solutions to assist people in living the life they want. They are dedicated to providing choice and control for their customers, by providing a diverse range of quality services and therapies across North Queensland.

They are committed to helping their customers live as independently as possible, to achieve personal goals and enjoy greater community access. Their skilled and caring staff are committed to building a better world with people of all abilities. Uniquely based in North Queensland, Cootharinga’s footprint extends from St Lawrence in the South, to the great Northern Cape and west to Mount Isa and beyond. Services include multi-disciplinary therapy (Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy, Continence Advisory), support coordination, assistance with day to day life through Individual Support Services (personal care, cooking, cleaning, transport etc), life and social skills programs, school holiday programs, Cootharinga Accommodation and Recreation Centre, Cootharinga Community and Activity Hub (daily tailored life skills courses), living in supported accommodation, Equipment Mobility Solutions (wheelchairs and mobility equipment etc) and holiday ‘supports’. Contact Customer Connect team today to start discussing how they can assist. ‘Building a better world with people of all abilities!’ P 1800 COOTHARINGA E enquiries@cootharinga.org.au www.cootharinga.org.au COASTAL KIDS SPEECH PATHOLOGY Coastal Kids support children from birth to 18 years and their families to maximise their communication skills. They offer assessment and treatment for a range of communication issues such as late talkers, speech that is hard to understand, stuttering, difficulties with spelling or reading, difficulties following instructions, autism, swallowing issues, and other developmental delays. Coastal Kids Speech Pathology combines convenience with high quality, evidence-based practise operating at various locations throughout Townsville. P 0427 922 378 E info@coastalkidsspeech.com.au www.coastalkidsspeech.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 47

Special Needs Services

CALANNA WHOLEHEALTH PHARMACY

COMPLETE MOBILITY & REHAB

Did you know that Calanna Wholehealth Pharmacy are registered with the NDIS? This means that if you have applied and been successful for NDIS funding you can use that support to purchase eligible goods through Calanna.

Complete Mobility & Rehab promotes independence in the home and out and about, supplying products increasing everyday quality of life. From kitchen equipment to electric wheelchairs and everything in between, the fully trained team of professionals understand that independence, dignity and peace of mind are important. They will help you find exactly what you need.

Whether it is home aids like wheelie walkers, toilet seats, continence support products or compression garments or other items to aid in quality of life and health, Calanna Wholehealth stock a large range. The team at Calanna aim to help make life a bit easier for people with a disability. If you are registered with NDIS all you or your care plan coordinator needs to do is provide us with your full name, date of birth and NDIS number and the team at Calanna can help take care of it for you. Pop in store today or call to find out more. P Deeragun 4751 6286 P Kirwan 4773 4224 P Aitkenvale 4725 5244 P Currajong 4728 6544 E hello@calannapharmacy.com.au www.calannawholehealthpharmacy.com.au THE PARENTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PRECINCT Kathy Donaldson is a career consultant and life coach, and she can work with you to create the future you have always dreamed about. Many parents are just surviving as parents, and Kathy has specialised knowledge in how to communicate the processes necessary to create change, make informed decisions about the future and understand choices. Contact her for a FREE initial consultation. P 0416 280 401 E kathy@kathydonaldson.com.au www.kathydonaldson.com.au UNITINGCARE UnitingCare is the Early Childhood Partner for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the Townsville service area, which includes Townsville and some parts of the Hinchinbrook and Burdekin Shires and Charters Towers Regional Council. Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) can offer a range of supports for families with a child aged 0-6 years who has either a disability or a developmental delay. The types of supports offered will be different for every child and their family according to their individual needs. P 1300 096 203 E pitc.ecei.townsville@ndis.gov.au www.uccommunity.org.au

48 August 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

You can count on fast turnaround times and qualified staff who can help you install, repair and modify equipment to suit your individual needs. They also provide trial equipment, home delivery, short and longterm equipment hire and home servicing. P 4725 9476 E info@completemobility.com.au www.completemobility.com.au I-MED RADIOLOGY I-MED is here for all your imaging procedure needs, offering X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds and nuclear medicines. I-MED strives to provide patients with the highest standard of radiology services through excellent technology, equipment and years of radiologist expertise. The I-MED network consists of more than 250 clinics nationwide, working together to share knowledge and expertise to provide the best experience for patients. Many of our services are bulk billed and walk-ins are welcomed. P 4447 1650 I-MED Radiology Network www.i-med.com.au TOWNSVILLE PAEDIATRICS Townsville Paediatrics provides specialist care to children, from newborns right through to adolescents. The friendly and caring experts on the team are able to make sure your child is well on track to reach milestones, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s walking, talking, motor skills and more, as well as addressing any concerns you may have about health or development. The team are highly specialised in autism and ADHD. If your child is experiencing medical, developmental or behavioural difficulties, the team is here to help. Visit your GP to discuss your concerns and ask for a referral to Townsville Paediatrics. P 4427 5817 E admin@townsvillepaediatrics.com.au www.townsvillepaediatrics.com.au

Home

ECO HOME With The Block’s Caro and Kingi In today’s day and age, we’re all taking steps to be more eco-friendly. Whether it’s switching to reusable drinking straws and shopping bags, eating less meat or reducing waste, we’re all doing our best to create a more sustainable planet. There are a number of methods of incorporating this sustainability into your own home. Earth-friendly furniture: Next time you’re thinking about buying a new bookcase or coffee table, consider buying items made from recycled wood. Not only are they ecofriendly, but they are cost-effective, easy to clean and look great too. Peaceful plants: Indoor plants absorb carbon dioxide and keep the oxygen flowing, acting as an all-natural air freshener. They purify the air by removing toxins and other nasty things emitted by household appliances,

furniture, flooring, and things you may not even consider such as hair products or nail polish. Window glazing: Is the house too cold in the winter, yet too hot in the summer? Window glazing may be just the solution for you. It adds a layer of insulation, helping to keep the air conditioned air inside in the summer and the warmth in the winter, carrying the potential to save you money on energy bills too. Renewable energy: While an initial investment, renewable energy can save you a great deal of money down the track. It can be used for home heating and cooling, hot water and even cooking. Common ways of creating renewable energy are through solar panels, a small wind turbine or solar water heating or air conditioning.

2 3

52 August 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Home

HOME HELPERS DIRECTORY About Town Removals About Town Removals is a family run business, servicing the entire Townsville region. p 4774 7170 www.abouttownremovals.com.au

Roofguard Roofguard are Townsvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best roof beauticians ready to restore and beautify your roof. p 0402 110 704 www.roofguardroofpainting.com.au

8 7

Pristine Pools NQ Locally owned business, servicing the community with residential and corporate pool servicing and maintenance. p 0407 790 704 www.pristinepoolsnq.com.au

Grand Gazebos and Cubbies

Turn your backyard from bland to grand! Cubbies, decks, fences, daybeds, gazebos, playgrounds and more. p 0407 631 660 www.grandgazebos.com.au

April & Oak Fascinating and stylish products for the home from around the world. Get $40 off your order when you spend $150 or more. Use code PAKMAG11. www.aprilandoak.com.au

Koru Furniture and Homewares

1. Arco 130cm Diameter Round Dining Table, Natural & Glass - RRP $849.00 / Arco Dining Chair, Natural - RRP $449 ea - www.freedom.com.au 2. Sea Lace li Framed Print 73 x 73 cm - RRP $199.00 - www.freedom.com.au 3. Fronde Small Decorative Tray - RRP $25.00 - www.freedom.com.au 4. Dahlia 3 Seat Velvet Sofa - RRP $2099.00 - www.freedom.com.au 5. Esperance Floor Light - RRP $229.00 www.freedom.com.au 6. Design Twins Rim White Dip Gold Large Pot - RRP $275.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 7. Therapy Kitchen Diffuser, Grapefruit Saffron & Cedar - RRP $30.10 - www.freedom.com.au 8. Kimmel Round Wall Art 53cm - RRP $71.20 - www.freedom.com.au 9. Wharf Recycled Bookcase - RRP $999.00 - www.freedom.com.au 10. Karuma 35cm Vessel - RRP $29.00 ea www.freedom.com.au

Koru is a boutique homewares store and Interior Design & Style studio located in Tropical North Queensland. p 4053 3152 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

Be seen here! Do you help with home improvement or maintenance? You need to be seen here! e admin@grandpublishing.com.au p 4053 3331 www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 53

Family Fun at Cotters Markets 1. Richard, Josephine and Tommy Bennett 2. Evelyn Holmes 3. Dakota O'brien and Annette Walker 4. Joshua Holmes 5. Rob and Peggy Schrodter 6. Ashley and Huxley Schrodter 7. David Holmes 8. Harper Woolcock

54 August 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Snapped

Photography thanks to: Josephine Carter Photography p 0455 295 416 e josiarnold87@gmail.com Josephine Carter Photography www.josephinecarterphotography.com

Family Fun at Cotters Markets 9. Aislinn, Charlie and Victoria Ernst 10. Oscar and Maja Littlejohn 11. Taitum & Marlo 12. Sasha Barang 13. Kylie and Addison Muir 14. Ben Holmes 15. Peter Holmes

www.pakmag.com.au | August 2019 55

Daddy Diary

DADDY DIARY It's no secret that young children who have someone to look up to grow up quicker than those who don't. This might explain some of the questionable decisions my brother has made in his life. He only had me to look up to. But yes, it's generally accepted that youngins' with a big brother or sister develop quicker than those who don't. Only I didn't expect to see these results at the newborn stage. Our little boy and second child, Charlie, is just cracking the four month mark. His "big girl sister" (as she likes to call herself) Matilda has just turned five. Remarkably, it was only a matter of weeks before 'number two' started paying attention to 'number one'. It's hard not to look at her though. She's loud, colourful and moves around a lot. Matilda is one of those sing and perform kind of kids. Quiet she ain't. My wife calls

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

her loudness "100 per cent Clifton", and I'll take that as a compliment. To put it simply, she's hard not to notice, even if you're a newborn. This whole “little brother paying attention to his big sister” routine actually started within hours of his welcome into the world. Initially, Matilda's loudness was not a good thing. It just served as a wakeup call (the last thing parents of a newborn need) and even frightened Charlie from time to time. But as he grew, Charlie learnt to not only appreciate Matilda's vivaciousness, but came to crave it. And now that Charlie boy has hit the four month mark, we can prop him up. He's no longer just that newborn blob with zero neck strength, and the propping up thing has actually proved quite handy for the following reasons: 1. Matilda now has a captive audience to watch her performances. 2. Charlie has a clear line of sight to his big girl sister and no longer has to contort his neck out of its sockets to find her. 3. Both the kids are happy which makes Mum and Dad happy. There's absolutely no doubt about it. Watching Matilda and Charlie's sibling relationship develop is truly beautiful, and I have no doubt it's going to serve Charlie's development well. Now we just to keep this beautiful, loving and harmonious dynamic going long into the future. Like, even into their teenage years. That can happen, right? Cliffo Hit 103.1 Townsville

56 August 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au