PakMag Townsville - December 2019 Issue 109 by Grand Publishing

ISSUE: DEC 2019

109

TOWNSVILLE

FREE

MASSIVE PRIZES / CHRISTMAS GALORE / IMPORTANCE OF FAILURE SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE / MORE THE MERRIER: LARGE FAMILIES

WELCOME Hello and welcome to our very special Christmas edition of PakMag!

4 Entertainment 7

The Thing Is

The More, The Merrier

The Importance of Failure

This is a time of year that I often reflect on our achievements and this year my team have done so much!

15 12 Days of Christmas 19 Keep The Kids Learning 23 The PakMag Experts 25 Health 27 Routines and Their Role 28 WIN: Bump, Bub

and Beyond

31 What’s On Guide 33 MiniMag 40 Magical Christmas Lunch 43 Local Produce Recipes

We couldn’t do this without you, our amazing readers, and all of the incredible businesses that support us. Please support these local companies. Tell them you found out about them because of us. It makes such a huge difference to our company when you name drop “PakMag” to any business that you visit. Without them, we couldn’t do what we do. To those who have already bought a My Vision Book, I am truly grateful for your support and I’m confident it will help you set an amazing vision for 2020 and beyond. To those coming with me to Bali, the countdown is on (it’s not too late to join me if you want to come!)

44 Games About STEM 47 Terrific Teachers

I wish you and yours an incredible Festive Season, encourage you to finish the year with a bang, and remind you to stay safe. Until next time, don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

49 Christmas –

We’ve loved doing over eight events for the local community, producing another 32 magazines. We’ve loved growing our business to be the biggest locally owned and operated media outlet operating in North Queensland. It’s not easy, when your competitors are Rupert, Mark Z, and the Packers but we do our absolute best.

Giving and Caring

50 1300Smiles Snapped 53 All Things Tweens

and Teens

55 Separation and Christmas 57 School Holiday Guide 64 Daddy Diary

PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

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.pakmag.com.au

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. Most recent CAB Publisher Statement Conducted September 2019. We encourage recycling. Please keep this issue for future reference, pass onto your friends and family, use for craft projects or place into the recycling bin.

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

Entertainment

CHECK IT OUT Carols by Candlelight When: Sunday 8th December, 4.00pm - 8.30pm Where: Riverway Oval More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Celebrate Christmas tropical style at Carols by Candlelight. This year’s event will bring a special lineup and a special visit from Santa. There will be food stalls, arts and crafts workshops, amusement rides and much more - head on down with the family and get into the festive spirit. Support the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal by purchasing a flame safe candle for $3.

PakMag Christmas Party When: Sunday 15th December, 10.00am - 11.30am Where: Fairfield Central Shopping Centre, 2-30 Lakeside Dr, Idalia More info: www.pakmag.com.au

Santa on The Strand When: Sunday 15th December, 3.00pm - 6.00pm Where: Picnic Bay Headlands, The Strand More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Visit Santa in an iconic Townsville location; the beautiful Strand. Snap a free photo with the jolly man in red and enjoy free face painting, free colouring-in and a special appearance by NQ Cowboys Player, John Asiata. It’ll be a festive afternoon filled with family fun.

Head on over to Fairfield Central Shopping Centre for a fantastic festive time with the PakMag Team. There will be festive games, singing and dancing, loads of prizes, a visit from the jolly man himself and FREE family fun. Heaps of candy canes to go around. Join us for lots of fun!

Stable On The Strand When: Wednesday 18th December - Sunday 22nd December, 5.30pm - 9.30pm daily Where: Strand Park, North Ward More info: www.stableonthestrand.com Don’t miss this unique event that brings the story of the birth of Jesus to life. Be there to see Shepherds minding their sheep on the hillside, Wise men & their camels, King Herod and his soldiers and Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, all in period costume. Stable on the Strand is an amazing place for families to relax and have fun together. Children will love hammering nails at the carpenter’s workshop, Roman soldier and Shepherd dress-ups, tasting freshly cooked bread, ‘fishing’ in the pond and the NEW puppet show telling the Christmas story in the most unique way. Stable on the Strand is a FREE event.

Riverway Movie Nights - The Grinch When: Friday 20th December, 6.30pm Where: Riverway Oval More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au The Grinch and his loyal dog, Max, live in a peaceful, solitary existence. If there is one thing he dislikes, it’s Christmas - and when the Whos decide to make it bigger and better, the Grinch isn’t having any of it. With help from his pooch, he tries to steal Christmas - will he get away with it, or will he get caught? Cosy up under the stars for a FREE screening of The Grinch.

4 August December 20192019 | pakmag.com.au | www.pakmag.com.au

New Year’s Eve Beach Party When: Tuesday 31st December 2019, from 7.00pm Where: Strand Park, Riverway and Nelly Bay More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Splash into the New Year with Townsville City Council’s New Year’s Eve Beach parties. Parties will start from 7.00pm at the Strand Park and Riverway with fireworks at 9.00pm, while Nelly Bay and Strand Park will feature a midnight firework display as well to welcome 2020. The Riverway and Strand Park parties will include a movie on the big screen, food trucks and local entertainment.

My Vision Book and Bree’s Vision Voyage When: 14th - 17th January 2020 Where: Various locations around Bali More info: www.breejames.com/visionvoyage Tired of feeling overwhelmed? Need help to build a clear vision for what you want in life? The solution? Your very own Vision Book™. Created by our Founder Bree James, her latest book has been created to help you set a clear direction for every aspect of your life. Pre-order yours now for $39.95 with free shipping and a few exciting bonuses. Want more? Join Bree on her very special Vision Voyage in Bali. Have fun, explore Bali and yourself and set an incredible vision for 2020 and beyond. And of course, there will be time for planning, pondering and pampering. See the sights Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Uluwattu and Sanur.

The Thing Is

The Thing Is... STORY Bree James It’s that time of year where most of us have a to-do checklist as long as Santa’s naughty and nice list. No matter how organised we think we are, when we’ve bitten off more than we can chew, things are going to fall through the cracks and we end up like a 2-year-old with a packet of Hubba Bubba. The thing is, PakMag Parents, we are all becoming busier than a mosquito in a nudist colony. Except our kids – they are most likely half nude, and wearing odd socks, of course. When you are busy, things get forgotten. Recently, I did the dreaded, “I forgot to pick up my kids from school” fail. My parents did it all the time and I swore I would never do it. But there I was, one hour late grabbing the kids from school. Yes. One full hour. I know, I know... but thankfully, the kids and the staff both found the humour in silly mummy’s forgetfulness. Forgetfulness does cause many hiccups in life, but it can also be a blessing. So, this festive season, here are five things I’d love you to forget. Trying to please everyone - It’s not going to happen. If there is one thing I have learnt this year, it’s that pleasing everyone is impossible (but annoying them is a piece of cake). Some people are just negative Nancy’s, and even winning a million dollars wouldn’t make them happy.

emptying your cup into someone else’s which has a massive hole in it. And no, you can’t fix that hole, they have to. Past hurts - Think of all your past hurts. Put them all in a backpack and think of how it feels to be carrying all that extra weight with you. Is it time to take a few things out of that bag and live a bit lighter? Is it time to try forgive and forget? Keeping up with the Jones’ - We live in a super competitive world and it’s so easy to get caught up in wanting more. As Viktor Frankl said, “Man is most tempted to distract himself with pleasure when his life was void of meaning”. So, forget the ‘stuff’ and place more importance on meaning. Feeling guilty - Focus on how you can grow instead of getting the guilts. I’m sure you are doing so many amazing things, so shift your focus to what you do, not what you don’t do. Guilt is just one of those emotions that shows you care and that you want to do better. Perfection - No one is perfect, and every single person on the planet has something they want to improve. Embrace your imperfections and stop waiting for things to be perfect before you do them. Just go for it. Just don’t forget to pick up the kids.

Why? Because, at their core, they are not happy with themselves. Until that changes, you’re going to be

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Declicate Dreams Photography

Feature

The More, The Merrier While having a big family may seem chaotic, expensive and tiring to those watching from the outside (and likely on the inside too!), there is also endless love, support and laughter. This month, we spoke to three local families and asked them to share their perspective on raising a big family, including the ups, downs, and funniest moments.

The Flemett FLEMETT Family FAMILY

baby Blake and myself at home the next week,” Nicole told us. “We would both say that we enjoy life more when the house is full of noise and fun.” But, having such a big family can come with some challenges. “Financially, six kids can be a strain, and there are endless amounts of washing,” Nicole explained. “We also have many funny moments in our family. Lots of jokes and lots of laughs in every situation. We recently had family photos and although Blake

“My husband Ray and I have created a big crazy beautiful blended family. We both had children from previous relationships, with myself having three and him having two,” Nicole explained to PakMag. “We married in 2018 and the icing on the cake was welcoming our baby boy to the family in July 2019!” Since they are a blended family, life is jam packed one week and a slower pace the next. “When the kids are here, it’s full of school pickups, kids’ sports, BBQs, play dates and big family meals. Then, it’s just hubby,

8 December 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Declicate Dreams Photography

This big blended family consists of mum Nicole, dad Ray and kids Jay, 12, Chloe, 11, Isabella, 11, Haiden, 10, Amelia, seven, and Blake, three months. While Nicole never imagined having a big family, she and Ray love the chaos, adventures and love that come with it.

Feature

screamed for the majority of the shoot, our kids made jokes and had us adults and the photographer in stitches!” Nicole’s advice for other big families is “Don’t sweat the small stuff, parents need to be on the same team when it comes to issues with the kids. Plan your events and school activities on a calendar to stay organised, always try to be open and honest with the kids, and have fun! Do things together that will bring you closer and share quality time.”

The Marschall MARSCHALL Family Mum, Kym and dad, Paul have eight children together. While they never initially planned on having a big family, they are very happy and wouldn’t change a thing. They are proud parents to Kimberley, 25, Emilee, 23, Jayde, 19, Paige, 14, Jett, 12, Evangilene, eight, and Chayse and Crystal, seven-year-old twins.

Kym’s advice for other big families is to, “Just do what works for you. Take people’s advice, but whether you act on it is up to you. I’ve had a lot of well-meaning people give me advice and get upset if I don’t take it – I like to do what works for me and my family, whatever it is. Be the best you can be, and know that you’re going to have good and bad days, and that’s ok.”

MILTON Family The Milton Mum Jess and dad Glenn are the proud parents to Alyannah, eight, Claira, seven, Malakai, six, Elouisa, four, Lola, three and Korah, one. While their house is often loud, it’s always full of love.

Britney Lee Photography

“I always planned on having about four children. We ended up having four daughters and had our first son after trying for 12 years. We then decided to have one more child to make it an even six,” Kym told PakMag. “Then, while on the waiting list to get my tubes tied, I fell pregnant again. It wasn’t until the dating scan that I found out I was having twins. We were very surprised and happy.” For this family, the house is always loud and full of laughter. “Having so many kids means that they always have someone to hang out with and talk to,” she explained. “It’s a crazy life, but I love it.” Eight is great but it does come with some challenges. “It’s challenging to make sure you are always there for all of them. They get so excited to talk, and they do all at once. It can be a challenge financially as well, with so many mouths to feed and the cost of living being so great. It can be hard, but we make it work.”

“My husband comes from a family of 14 aunts and uncles on his mother’s side, six on his father’s side and he has eight siblings. It was just a given that we would have a big family ourselves,” Jess told PakMag. “We struggled for years to get pregnant, then had two ectopic pregnancies before our first. So, I think we just feel blessed each time now.” Jess explained that there are many positives. “We are never lonely, always have a friend and having six little people thinking we are their whole universe is just an amazing feeling.” That being said, there have been some challenging times too. “It brings mental challenges on the daily, and it can put stress on my husband to make enough to support us.” There have definitely been some funny moments over the years, but one in particular takes the cake. “Our youngest, Korah, was conceived because dad got to travel to Sydney to watch the Cowboys grand finale, so mummy got to have another baby. The cherry on top was that they lost to my team, Melbourne Storm.” Jess and Glenn’s advice for other families is to “budget, budget, budget. We are a single income family, own both our cars, owned two houses and our children never go without. Routine is a must.”

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Education

The Importance of Failure STORY Jenna Galley It is our mission to help our children succeed. But often on the path to success, there are a few setbacks along the way. Success usually doesn’t come straight away, which is why in addition to giving our kids the tools to succeed, we also need to be teaching them how to fail. What is Failure? When we think about failure, we tend to think of it as something negative that should be avoided. Failure is the opposite of success, right? Not exactly. Failure is a stepping stone towards success, a chance to start over and try a different path, to learn from what worked and what didn’t and to grow from this experience. Why Kids Need to Fail There is a lot of pressure on our kids to be perfect these days (and on us to be perfect parents). When things don’t go to plan, kids can take it really hard. Watching our kids score a goal, win a race or ace an exam is great. But watching them break down with anxiety and self-hate when they don’t? Not so great.

My nine-year-old gets so down on himself when he doesn’t succeed or understand something straight away. His eyes well up in tears and he says things like, “I’m no good” and “I suck at this!” (No, mate, you don’t!). The pressure, the disappointment, the drop in confidence, it’s heartbreaking to watch. As much as failure can hurt, it’s necessary if we want to grow and succeed in life, and it’s no different for our kids. Our kids need to understand that failure is all part of the journey, and we will always learn more from failure than success. • Failure is a chance to try again - It gives kids a chance to practice those ever-important problem solving skills and to learn from their mistakes. They can look back on how it happened and advance problem-solving skills on how they can improve. • It teaches kids to have persistence and resilience - The more we fail, the more resilient we become. Resilience helps teach that success will take an enormous amount of effort and work, no matter what the end goal is.

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Education

• It promotes a positive growth mind set – Failure helps teach our brains to think positively in order to overcome obstacles. This is what having a ‘growth mind set’ means – to develop as we grow and to use our errors as tools rather than failures. • It alleviates ‘performance’ anxiety - Not learning to tolerate failure can leave our kids vulnerable to anxiety, especially when it comes to schooling and sporting activities. It can lead to meltdowns, low self-esteem and a habit of quitting when things become too hard or if they are not the best. • It helps with self-improvement – From failure, they gain experience. They learn how to reflect on what went wrong and use it to improve themselves. We as parents understand why failure is important. But how do we explain this to our kids? Teaching Kids to Handle Failure Share Your Own Stories We all fail. Even us ‘perfect’ parents. Let them know they are not alone by sharing your own stories of how you didn’t succeed the first time around. If kids aren’t exposed to the reality that life includes mistakes, then they won’t know how to handle it when it happens to them. Share Others’ Stories If you run out of your own stories, then feel free to borrow some success stories from their role models and those around them. Katy Perry was dropped from three different labels but continued to pursue her career. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter was rejected by 12 major publishers before finding one that accepted it. Thomas Edison failed over 10,000 times before inventing a commercially viable electric lightbulb. Remind Them of Their Past Successes Our kids have great success stories, even if they don’t always remember. My eight-month-old fell down countless times before learning how to stand. My seven-year-old landed on her head dozens of times before she mastered a backbend. My nine-year-old

12 December 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

spent months fishing golf balls out of the bunker before he finally perfected his golf swing. And, often he still does end up in the bunker. But now he knows to fish the ball out, take a deep breath and try it again, this time, curving a little less left. Be Empathetic Empathy is so important when your child is faced with failure. Don’t brush off their feelings but rather, accept that they are feeling disappointed and let them know it’s okay to feel like this. Give kids an opportunity to share their mistakes, give them a high-five, and encourage them to talk about it. Show them that making mistakes is nothing to be ashamed of. Make it a Teachable Moment When failure happens, ask them, “What did you learn from this?” and “What will you do differently next time?” Work with them to help come up with a game plan for success. This may mean practicing more at home or trying a different strategy. Let It Happen This is one of the hardest parts of teaching our kids how to accept failure because we hate watching them get upset, frustrated or down on themselves. But, remember, they need to be exposed to these feelings in order to grow from them. Failure encourages the development of coping and problem-solving skills, so it’s better to let it happen rather than trying to shield your children from it. Explain that Mistakes Help to Grow Their Brains With every mistake made, our kids are learning. Many children have a hard time seeing this. If something doesn’t go well straight away, then what’s the point? But here’s the thing. Every game lost, every spelling test failed, every musical note missed, every backbend not completed is teaching them that it’s okay to have to try again, to take a different approach, to accept their mistakes and learn from these errors. Even if it takes 100 tries, eventually they will get it. And they’ve learned 99 great lessons along the way.

Christmas Cheer

days of Christmas The countdown to Christmas is on. The big day will be here before we know it, but in anticipation, why not partake in a few festive activities with the family to get everyone excited? We all know that Christmas is about spending time together, so let’s get together and have some festive fun.

ENJOY CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Celebrate Christmas in tropical style at Carols by Candlelight on Sunday 8th December from 4.00pm – 8.30pm at Riverway Oval. Along with singing and dancing, there will also be food stalls, arts and crafts workshops, amusement rides and a very special visit from the big man in red.

DECORATE THE HOUSE Bring those festivities into the home. Set up the Christmas tree, get out the baubles and tinsel and decorate it together as a family. Play your favourite Christmas songs and let the happy vibes happen! Why stop there? Decorate the other rooms, veranda and your yard. Don’t forget to hang up your stockings.

www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

WRITE A LETTER TO SANTA What do you want for Christmas? Let your kids have a good think about it and write it all down in a letter to the North Pole. It’s a great way for them to practice their writing skills and, hopefully, remember that they’ll have to be good in order to receive what they wish for.

BAKE GINGERBREAD COOKIES Get into the kitchen and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty; just have fun! Bake a batch of gingerbread cookies with some help from your little ones, and decorate them together using icing, sprinkles and much more. Use gingerbread-man-shaped cookie cutters or stars, hearts and animal shapes.

TAKE A FAMILY CHRISTMAS PHOTO This is the perfect moment to wear the ugliest Christmas outfit you can find. Gather the whole family and take a photo together; you’ll love to look back on it through the years. Alternatively, why not go see Santa at your local shopping centre and get a photo with him?

CREATE A PERSONALISED CHRISTMAS STORYBOOK Enter to win a $39.99 voucher for www.storyantics.com, where you can create your own personalised storybooks. Once your book has been created, you can save it as an ebook or get a printed copy sent to you. Go to www.pakmag.com.au/win to enter.

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Christmas Cheer

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH PAKMAG Join the PakMag team at Fairfield Central Shopping Centre on the 15th of December from 10.00am – 11.30am for FREE family fun. There will be festive games, kids’ entertainment, loads of prizes and even a visit from the jolly man himself. Dress in your best festive outfit for your chance to win. www.pakmag.com.au

CHECK OUT STABLE ON THE STRAND Stable on the Strand is where the story of the birth of Jesus comes to life. There will be a real nativity scene, children’s entertainment and activities, food stalls and rides. NEW this year is the puppet show telling the Christmas story in the most unique way. FREE event! www.stableonthestrand.com.au

HAVE A MOVIE MARATHON Get your favourite snacks, cosy up on the couch and watch your favourite Christmas movies. Some classics you should see are Elf, Home Alone, How The Grinch Stole Christmas and The Polar Express. If you can’t do a marathon, why not watch a Christmas movie every night until the big day?

SLEEP UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE Put on your favourite pajamas, gather your pillows, blankets and stuffed toys and have a little sleepover underneath the Christmas tree together with family, siblings or friends. There is something especially magical about going to sleep beneath the twinkling lights of the tree and waking up the same way.

MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS CARDS This is your time to let your creative brain run wild. Break out the markers, glue, glitter and any other creative bits and bobs and let the kids make their own cards. It’s a sentimental item that family and friends will keep for years to come.

READ A CHRISTMAS STORY Gather around with a cup of eggnog or hot chocolate and read a Christmas story together. Your family may already have a tradition of reading the same story each year, or you can introduce your little ones to a special story from your own childhood. You’ll have them hooked on the storyline!

16 December 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Education

Keep The Kids Learning Over the Holidays Our brains naturally love to learn. No matter how old we get, brains are always hungry for more information. Just because the school gates have closed for the year doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean the learning has to slow down. So, PakMag parents and kids, are you up for a challenge these school holidays? Keep learning with these fun activities. Science The world of science is fascinating and oh-so-big. Luckily, there are loads of easy science experiments you can do.

Drop pop rocks into a bottle of soft drink and attach a balloon to the opening to watch it inflate. Build a paper airplane and bend its corner to see how that changes its path. Close your eyes and hold your nose and try different foods, and attempt to figure out what they are. Build a sundial by placing a stick in the ground and a circle of rocks around it, marking each hour. You can also make your own slime using a tablespoon of baking soda, two tablespoons of contact solution (for cleaning contact lenses), 100ml of non-toxic school glue and a few drops of food colouring.

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Education

English Keep a school holiday diary and write down the events happening each day. Write postcards to friends and family. You can even write your very own story; think of some characters, where they live, and where the story will take a turn and put it all down on paper (and draw some pictures with it too).

Find some building blocks and stack a tower as high as you can. Try to beat your personal record, and think of ways you can stack the tower higher. Disassemble a pen and see if you can put it back together. Create an exciting marble run with items found around the house, such as cups, empty toilet rolls, rulers and more.

If all else fails, head down to the local library and borrow some interesting novels, informative books, comics and joke books.

If you want to think bigger, build a cubby house. Use materials such as cardboard boxes, pegs and blankets. Can you create a working door or an open window?

Arts and crafts

Geography

Art promotes self-expression and motor skill development. Grab whatever mediums you can and let your imagination run wild.

Grab a big piece of paper, lay it out flat on the floor and grab a couple of maps for reference. Break out the coloured pencils and get to work designing your very own country.

Create a drawing with coloured pencils, make a collage with snippets from magazines and catalogues, paint away with watercolours or create a multi-media piece with whatever you can find. You can also paint objects such as plant pots, wooden boxes or plain mugs as gifts (or for yourself). There are no limits with art! Maths Keep your brain sharp by using maths in your dayto-day life. Take a shape scavenger hunt around the house, taking note of where you can see circles, ovals, rectangles, squares and triangles. Help mum and dad cook by measuring out ingredients for them. Take your maths skills to the supermarket. Count up everything in the trolley – how much will it cost? Do you have enough pocket money to get that chocolate bar? How much money will you save by getting sale items? Music Playing an instrument can build your confidence, improve memory, build patience and relieve stress. These school holidays, why not pick up a guitar, flute or even a xylophone and get learning. Try and figure out how to play your favourite songs, or create your own – why not get your friends together and start a band? If the love of music really takes off, you can always take it further in the form of music classes or music opportunities at school in the new year. Engineering Everything you see has been built thanks to the clever work of engineers. There are a few ways you can dip your toes in the exciting world of engineering.

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There are a lot of decisions to make. What is the name of your country? Will it be attached to another country, or is it an island? What language is spoken there? What does the flag look like? Continue by adding a capital city and smaller towns. Mark out forests, lakes, mountains and islands; maybe add in some creeks and major roads. What makes each town unique? Are there any traditions? How long does it take to travel from town to town? What is the elevation of each mountain? It’s all up to you – let your imagination run freely. If you want to take it a step further, practice your English skills by writing a story about your country and the people who live there. Cooking It’s never too early to get into the kitchen. Find a simple recipe and, with a little help from grown-ups, if needed, cook up a storm. Have a go at making quesadillas, sausage rolls, smoothies, fruit skewers or spaghetti and meatballs. You can also bake cupcakes from a box (easy and delicious), or make frozen banana pops by dipping banana in melted chocolate and toppings and popping them in the freezer (these are awesome in the summer months). And PakMag Parents, when your children are handling knives and working around hot pans or kitchen appliances, be sure to keep a close eye on them. If they are a little too young to work with these items, let them assist you in mixing ingredients, kneading dough or adding toppings to a pizza. Safety first!

Expert Advice

THE PAKMAG EXPERTS DR BETTY WAMOLA

CASSANDRA CHIESA

Townsville Paediatrics

Helping Hands - Hand, Wrist & Arm Clinic

Dear Dr Betty, How can I focus on my child’s strengths? The first step is identifying things that they are good at, then help them recognise their strengths. Focus on building on their strength rather than ‘fixing’ their weaknesses. Break bigger goals into small achievable steps so that your child can see that they can do this. Use praise and rewards to motivate them, praise the effort not the result and be sincere. Praise your child for hard work rather than natural talents, accept that we all make mistakes and we can learn from them and do better next time. Emphasise progress along the way. 4427 5817 www.townsvillepaediatrics.com.au

DIANE RUHL Ruhl Family Law Centre

Dear Cassandra, What is the difference between an arm cast, orthosis and exos brace, and why should you care which one you get? There once was a time when there really was no other option but to plaster cast fractures or severely injured joints. However, thanks to advances in the medical knowledge of healing, and the expansive range of materials, there is actually quite a lot of choice now. Where conventional casts are hot, heavy and itchy, custom moulded orthotics and fitted Exos braces provide light weight, waterproof options to keep you doing the things you love. Exos braces can also be lockable but removable. 4755 2337 www.helpinghandsclinic.com.au

MATTHEW CALANNA

Dear Diane,

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy

What does the Court consider to be the children’s best interests?

Dear Matthew,

When determining children’s best interests, the Court has a particular list of considerations, which are set out in legislation. The two primary considerations are the rights of children to have a meaningful relationship with both parents, and to be protected from harm. The protection of children from harm, should it apply, is given greater weight than maintaining meaningful relationships. There are also several other factors which the Court may consider, including the children’s views, their relationships with each parent and others and the capacity of each parent to provide care. 4772 7672 www.ruhlfamilylaw.com.au

My child has ringworm. How can this be treated? Fungal infections are particularly common in North Queensland as they thrive in hot, humid climates. The most common fungal infections we see in children are fungal nappy rash and ringworm. Despite what the name suggests, ringworm is not caused by a worm. It’s contagious and usually presents as a red scaly rash in the shape of a ring, and can be quite itchy. Treatment is with an over the counter antifungal cream applied to the areas 2-3 times per day and continued for two weeks after the rash has cleared. It’s also important to keep the area clean and dry. Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy www.calannapharmacy.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2019 23

Health

HEALTH ALL About All ABOUT Blood BLOOD Health HEALTH Your blood travels all through your body, feeding every tissue, organ, gland, and cell along the way. Without a doubt, we must keep our blood strong, rich and healthy so it can the different parts of our body in tip-top condition. Get active – Exercising helps your heart pump blood around the body and brings fresh oxygen.

5 Facts facts about AUTISM About one per cent of the world's population has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Eat well – Iron is essential for strong blood. Incorporate foods such as lentils, nuts, spinach, and figs into your everyday diet. Research has also shown that a diet high in fibre may help eliminate plaque build-up in the arteries. Keep in mind having excess iron in the blood can be dangerous. Stay hydrated – Blood is largely made up of water. Ensuring you stay hydrated will help it replenish. Breathe deeply – Breathing deeply draws more oxygen into your lungs, which is then absorbed directly into the blood. Watch your blood pressure – Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Being a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to keep blood pressure under control. This can make a huge difference in your overall health.

Your essential travel and first aid kit Calanna have taken the time to distil their unique experience of what holiday makers are constantly chasing in their stores. They’ve compiled the perfect essentials travel and first aid pack for anyone travelling by road, train or plane. Packed with everything you didn’t know you needed and some of the stuff you did – Calanna Wholehealth’s pack also comes with a stock list to make restocking easier. Enjoy the peace of mind of having a fully stocked every scenario kit in one easy pack. Pop in to grab one for your holidays this Christmas for only $69.95.

Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys, likely because symptoms present differently (and often more subtly) in girls. Roughly 40 per cent of children with autism do not speak. Others may speak later on in childhood. There are many myths about autism. You may have heard that people with autism are unfeeling or never hold productive jobs, but this is simply not true. Autism is a spectrum disorder. No two people are the same and symptoms vary. All people living with autism have their own strengths and abilities.

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2019 25

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Routines and their Role in Early Development STORY Dr Adele Heyer, Townsville Paediatrics As human beings, we are creatures of habit and function better when in a routine. Routines make our lives predictable, provide reassurance and deliver a feeling of safety. They can help children with emotional regulation, as it provides a sense of security and reduces uncertainty. They can be established from a young age and, in fact, babies thrive on routines. As a parent, they provide a sense of being in control and help reduce anxiety around caring for a new baby. Bedtime A bedtime routine is probably the most important routine to establish and it will also ensure the rest of the family gets enough sleep. Bedtime routines help babies to learn the difference between day and night and teach babies to settle easily at the same time every night. Keep the routine short, calming and predictable, such as a bath, pyjamas, bedtime story and goodnight kiss. Hopefully your child will learn to enjoy this night-time ritual, and when older, will settle without bedtime becoming a nightly battle. Mealtime As your baby becomes older, other routines will start to follow, such as those around mealtimes. Most young babies will feed on demand and parents will pick up on the babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cues to know when they need a feed. With a bit of coaching, a feeding schedule could make life much

easier. Keep night-time feeds short, and hopefully your baby will gradually learn to sleep longer hours. Make daytime meals an enjoyable and sociable experience. Turn the TV off and make time to eat meals together as a family, especially at the end of the day. This will also ensure the family will feel more connected. Mornings Mornings before day care or school are often a mad rush and parents often feel exhausted before the day has even started. Effective morning routines can reduce chaos and provide a sense of control to the family. If bedtime is early enough, your child should wake easily and feeling refreshed in the morning. By establishing the same morning routine each day, your child will be more productive in the morning and get through the routine without too much nagging. If your child is easily distracted, a picture chart as a reminder and reward system will help your child to get through their chores a bit easier. The Bottom Line Establishing routines from a young age will provide a secure base for your child from which new experiences can be learned. Many successful people can manage their time very well due to well-established daily routines. Doing so from an early age will set your child up to learn more productive habits later in life. It is never too early or too late to start, just do it!

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2019 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!

Vtech Baby - My 1st Gift Set RRP $34.95 - www.vtech.com.au Give My 1st Gift Set to start baby off right with a set of four must-have infant toys. The plush hippo teether playfully develops baby’s tactile awareness and his soft legs are perfect for soothing sore gums. The frog rattle helps baby develop gross motor skills. The electronic musical piano light-up keys introduce colours, shapes, numbers, animals, songs and phrases. Baby can also play peek-a-boo in the baby-safe flower mirror to develop self-awareness.

CoziGo RRP $99.95 - www.cozigo.com

Palmer’s Skin Care Pack

The multi-award winning CoziGo is a pop-up sleep and sun cover for airplane cots and all prams, strollers and bassinets. It improves baby’s sleep whilst travelling by blocking 97 per cent of light, movement and stimulation. This “Miracle Sleep Cover” is 100 per cent breathable and air permeable and offers UVP50+ to protect baby from the harsh sun. It’s the safe way to get your baby to sleep better.

RRP $63.96 - www.palmersaustralia.com

28 December 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Palmer’s has put together a beautiful skincare pack for new mothers. Each pack contains Palmer’s four signature formulas to help prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Palmer’s Massage Lotion, Cream, Oil and Tummy Butter are all clinically proven to improve skin elasticity, texture and tone. The Palmer’s Skin Care Pack is a must-have for every new mum or mumto-be. Products are very gentle to the skin and are free of parabens, phthalates and mineral oil and are dermatologist approved.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

SLEEP Patterns Sleep PATTERNS Isn’t sleep just one of the greatest things in the world? It’s relaxing, rejuvenating, and it’s free – if only it was easier to convince the youngest ones in our lives to love it just as much as we do. Some babies fall asleep with no problem while others need to be rocked consistently by mum. Some take long naps while others are satisfied with quick naps. Some sleep through the night and others wake up constantly. What works for some babies may not work for others, often resulting in very tired parents.

How often should babies be sleeping? Birth to three months – Baby will sleep on and off through the day and night, usually for short periods of time. Total sleep varies between eight and 18 hours per day. Three to six months – Baby may have three daytime naps for up to two hours each. Most will sleep 14-15 hours per day and will still wake at least once during the night. Six to 12 months – Baby will likely drop the number of daytime naps to two, and sleep for a total of 13 hours per day with around 11 of those being at night time. Naps usually last between one and two hours. After 12 months – Babies tend to sleep between eight to 12 hours per night, wake up less, and nap once or twice per day.

HELPFUL TIP Summer is here! Staying cool can already pose to be a challenge under the hot North Queensland sun, even more so when you have a newborn or if you’re pregnant. Chuck your bra into the freezer; seriously. The instant relief of a cool bra on achy sore breasts will work wonders on a warm day. While the relief doesn’t last long, it’s definitely welcome. You can even put a few bras in the freezer and just leave them chilling until you need some relief.

Every baby sleeps differently. If at any point you feel anxious, distressed, or don’t know how to handle the situation, seek support from close friends, family, or see your GP.

DID YOU KNOW? At full term, a pregnant woman produces more estrogen in a day than non-pregnant women do in three years! The placenta produces these hormones, which helps transfer nutrients, support the developing baby and improve vascularisation, which is the formation of blood vessels.

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2019 29

WHAT’S ON DEC DEC

With Triple M’s Pricey

SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER

TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER

SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER

Santa's Arrival Fairfield Central www.fairfieldcentral.com.au 9.00am / Free / Family

Parent Information Session: Managing Children's Behaviour CityLibraries Aitkenvale www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 9.30am / Free / Family

Parental CPR and First Aid Workshop Nurture Family Health Centre Nurture Family Health Centre 10.00am / $30 / Adults

Free Bootcamp & Breakfast The Strand www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 6.00am / Free / Family Combined Community Carols at The World Theatre World Theatre Charters Towers www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au 5.00pm / Free / Family Family Fun Day - Frozen 2 BCC Cinemas Townsville Central www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / Check Website / Family Santa Paws - Get Your Pet a Photo with Santa My Pet Hub Townsville www.mypethub.com.au 9.00am / Check Website / Family Rescue - Hands-On Kids Exhibits Runs until 8 March Museum of Tropical Queensland www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au 9.00am / Free w/ museum admission / Family

TAIHS Children's Christmas Party Townsville Aboriginal & Islander Health Service TAIHS 5.30pm / Free / Family WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER Family & Friends Event Ayr Friendly Care Pharmacy FriendlyCare Pharmacy 3.00pm / Free / Family THURSDAY 5 DECEMBER Peter Pan Runs until 7 December Townsville Civic Theatre www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 6.30pm / $27-41 / Family Create a Jar Full of Cookie Indulgence for Christmas CityLibraries Thuringowa Central www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 2.30pm / Free / 18+ Yrs

MONDAY 2 DECEMBER

FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER

Christmas Craft Village Runs until 20 December Castletown Townsville www.castletown.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family

Silver Bells: A Buble Christmas The Ville Resort-Casino www.ticketek.com.au 6.30pm / $30 / Adults

Carols by Candlelight Life Church Townsville www.lifechurchtsv. elvanto.com.au 6.00pm / $5 / Family Rural Race Day Runs until 8 December Towers Jockey Club Inc Towers Jockey Club Inc 12.00pm / Check Facebook / Family

SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER JCU Townsville Fire VS Bendigo Spirit Townsville RSL Stadium www.whatson.townsville.qld. gov.au 1.00pm / $14-25 / Family

2019 Burdekin Community Christmas Carols Anzac Memorial Park, Ayr www.burdekin.qld.gov.au 5.30pm / Free / Family

TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER Expectant Parent Information Night Townsville & District Multiple Birth Association Inc. Townsville & Multiple Birth Association Inc. 7.30pm / Free / Family Create Your Own Wall Art CityLibraries Aitkenvale www.whatson.townsville.qld. gov.au 10.00am / Free / Family

Simply Dance Presents Simply Wondrous Burdekin Theatre www.burdekintheatre.com.au 2.00pm and 7.30pm / $32-40 / Family

Carols by Candlelight Riverway Oval www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 4.00pm / Free / Family

Christmas Family Fun Day Bushland Beach Tavern Bushland Beach Tavern 12.00pm / Free / Family

THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER Blast from the Past Runs until 14 December Townsville Civic Theatre www.whatson.townsville.qld. gov.au 6.30pm / $36 / Family FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER Rescue - Hands-On Kids Exhibition By Night Museum of Tropical Queensland www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au 9.00am / $8.80-15 / Family SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER Community Christmas Event Greater Ascot Avenue Greater Ascot 4.00pm / Free / Family SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER Family Fun Day Townsville City Galleries www.townsville.qld.gov.au 10.00am / Free / Family

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2019 31

WHAT’S ON DEC DEC SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER

FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER

Santa on the Strand - Get a FREE Photo with Santa Picnic Bay Headlands, The Strand www.townsville.qld.gov.au 3.00pm / Free / Family

Riverway Movie Nights The Grinch Riverway Oval www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 6.30pm / Free / Family

PakMag Christmas Party Fairfield Central www.pakmag.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family JCU Townsville Fire VS Sydney Uni Flames Townsville RSL Stadium www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 1.00pm / $14-25 / Family

Sloth-mas Wine & Painting Night Arc Yoga www.arcyoga.com.au 7.00pm / $50 / Adults Kids Christmas Party Stuart Hotel Stuart Hotel 4.00pm / Free / Family SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER

Christmas Swing Dance Suburban Bowling Club www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 6.00pm / $10 / Family

JCU Townsville Fire VS Perth Lynx Townsville RSL Stadium www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 4.00pm / $14-25 / Family

WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER

SUNDAY 22 DECEMBER

Stable on the Strand Runs until 22 December The Strand www.stableonthestrand.com.au 5.30pm / Free / Family

Pre Christmas Lunch Thuringowa RSL Club Thuringowa RSL Club 11.30am / $49.90 / Family

The Secret Garden Runs until 21 December Full Throttle Theatre Company www.fullthrottletheatre.com Various times / $10-25 / Family THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER Midnight Screening of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Reading Cinemas Townsville www.readingcinemas.com.au 12.00am / Check Website / Family

WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER Xmas Day at the Watermark Watermark Townsville www.watermark townsville.com.au 12.00pm / $80-150 / Family Christmas Buffet Lunch Dalrymple Hotel Dalrymple Hotel 11.00am / $39-110 / Family Christmas Day The Palm House www.the-ville.com.au 7.00am / $25-135 / Family

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Christmas Day Buffet & Trivia Tom's Tavern Tom's Tavern 11.00am / $99 / Family Christmas Day Buffet Lunch Irish Finnegan's Irish Finnegan's 11.00am / Check Facebook / Family TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER New Year's Eve Beach Party Strand Park www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 7.00pm / Free / Family New Year's Eve Riverway Party Riverway www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 7.00pm / Free / Family Bartlett Park NYE 4B Event Bartlett Park Arena TWP & PHC INC - "BARTLETT PARK" 4.00pm / $10-20 / Family

With Triple M’s Minty

SAVE THE DATES: SUNDAY 12 JANUARY Get Active Expo 2020 Townsville Stadium www.activetownsville.com.au 9.00am / Free / Family MONDAY 14 JANUARY Bree's Vision Voyage Runs until 17 January Various locations in Bali www.breejames.com/ visionvoyage Daily / $995 / Adults FRIDAY 17 JANUARY Riverway Movie Nights Sergeant Stubby Riverway Oval www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 7.00pm / Free / Family

New Year's Eve at the Civic Townsville Civic Theatre www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 8.00pm / $33.75-37.50 / Family New Year's Eve at Stage Door Stage Door Theatre Restaurant www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 7.00pm / $160 / Family NYE Music & Seafood Spectacular Retro Nights Cowboys Leagues Club www.cowboysleagues.com.au 6.00pm / $80 / Adults

Regular Markets on P. 37 Regular Events on P. 38

Pull-out kids activity mag!

PROPERTY OF COLUMBIA TRISTAR MARKETING GROUP, INC. FOR AUTHORIZED PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY. SALE, DUPLICATION OR TRANSFER OF THIS MATERIAL IS STICTLY PROHIBITED.

ONLY IN CINEMAS

For your chance to WIN a family pass to Jumanji: The Next Level, decode the hieroglyphics and tell us the code. Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win - Competition closes 16/12/2019

Mini Mag

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES For your chance to WIN a set of Mindful & Co : Kids Yoga Flash Cards, tell us the five differences above. Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win - Competition closes 16/12/2019 Mindful & Co : Kids Yoga Flash Cards - RRP $54.95 - This beautiful yoga flash card game encourages the practice of mindfulness on-the-go and features 26 beautifully handillustrated poses from celebrated children's illustrator Chloe Jasmine. Mindful and Co : Kids founder Jacqueline Yeats creates products that instill mindfulness into children’s daily lives and believes the art of mindfulness has the ability to help kids survive and thrive. “My mission is to inspire, strengthen, and foster happier, healthier more resilient young minds through mindfulness, with the bigger vision of changing the alarming mental health statistics for young people,” - www.mindfulandcokids.com

WIN

CHRISTMAS MEGA

GI V E AWAY.

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

Competition closes 13/01/2020

1. Globber Flow125 - RRP $140.00 - www.globber.com.au - For tweens and teens who like to get out of the house, they’ll love the all-new Globber Foldable Flow125. It’s packed with loads of cool features, including a new folding system. Mum and dad will love the convenience of folding it into the back of the car. 2. Vuly Ultra Medium Trampoline - RRP $849.00 - www.vulyplay.com This trampoline is made to outlast Australia’s changing weather conditions, with Vuly priding themselves on design and manufacturing. It includes a range of built-in safety features, designed to protect even the littlest members of your family. 3. LeapFrog Magic Adventures Globe - RRP $129.95 - www.leapfrog.com.au - By using the stylus, children can tap on the 26cm interactive learning globe to explore countries and capitals. Play one of three interactive games and experience new places, languages, cultures, animals, and more with audio responses and high-quality BBC videos on the 7cm integrated screen. 4. Elinz Control IP Camera - RRP $65.00 - www.elinz.com.au - Protect your home with the new WiFi IP Security Camera. It captures everything in 1080P HD, is completely wireless and has smart auto tracking features on top of its enhanced night vision features. Keep an eye on your kids or people at home with a two-way intercom, or keep monitoring your home even when you’re on the go with its camera sharing features, compatible with most mobile devices. 5. Planet Finska Beachshack Cricket 6 Stump - RRP $134.95 www.biome.com.au - This cricket set is designed in Australia, made from hardwood and comes with a regulation size-5 cricket bat, six wooden stumps and a cricket ball all in a natural canvas bag. Planet Finska games encourage children to unplug and enjoy battery-free fun whilst learning valuable skills. Shop waste free, toxin free and ethically at Biome.

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

Willows Rotary Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.30 - 11.30am Location: Willows Shopping Centre Car Park Balgal Beach Markets Date: 1st Saturday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Fishermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing Balgal Beach Aitkenvale Uniting Church Markets Date: 3rd Saturday of the month Time: 8.00am - 12.00 noon Location: Cnr Anne St and Ross River Rd

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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 Cost: Free 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 Messy Play (bookings required) Days: Wednesdays Time: 9.15am & 10.30am Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale Cost: Free RIVERWAY PARKRUN Days: Saturdays Time: From 7.00am Location: Meet at the front of Tony Ireland Stadium on the grassed area near the ticket box. Cost: Free 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.

MAINLY MUSIC For babies to pre prep aged children. Fun, music, morning tea and free play. 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 MOPS - Mothers of PreSchoolers For mothers with children 0-6 years. Connect, relax and recharge. 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 GET ACTIVE + HEALTHY TOWNSVILLE Free Fitness + Activities Days: Every day Location: Various Locations More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost: Free

This course is wheelchair friendly.

TOY LIBRARY TOWNSVILLE (THE TOY SHED)

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

Days: 2nd Saturday of every month (excluding January) Time: 9.00am - 12.00pm

38 December 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Location: Fitzroy St, Heatley Cost: $80 / year membership. Hire upto 10 toys per month. More info: 0420 585 069 Or 0400 815 279 Townsville Toy Shed TOWNSVILLE TOY LIBRARY Days: Every Tuesday and Saturday Time: 9.30am - 11.00am Location: Townsville Grammar School (Brazier Dr, Annandale) More Info: Townsville Toy Library Cost: $100 / year membership. 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. Cost: Free 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

HOSTING A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH There is nothing quite like the magic of Christmas. Lunch provides a great opportunity to catch up with the whole family, and here are a few ways to make the big day truly magical. Delightful Decorations The glittery baubles, twinkling lights and festive colour schemes all make this time of the year so special. Create a gorgeous centrepiece on your table using a mini Christmas tree, tinsel and reindeer figurines. Alternatively, use a cake stand to creatively layer your decorations. You can even carry the magic of the table to other areas of the house, such as the coffee table or TV stand. Be sure to keep a bin nearby when it’s time for Christmas crackers and opening presents. Great Games

Fantastic Food Once everyone is settled and happily chatting, it’s time to bring out some nibbles. Entertain your guests with bite-sized delicious foods in the forms of skewers, bruschetta, devilled eggs with smoked salmon or fresh local oysters. Don’t be afraid to include some party classics such as crackers with cheese and mini sausage rolls. They’ll be a hit with the kids and adults alike. Then, it’s time to pile the table high with ham, turkey and seafood! While the classic Christmas lunch mains are mouth-watering, why not shake it up and try something a little different this year? Try a rolled pork belly, grilled seafood platter or brie, walnut and cranberry stuffing for the turkey. Later in the afternoon, serve up a deliciously sweet dessert. Go for a classic pavlova or something a little bit different to surprise your guests – it’s only one day a year, so feel free to indulge.

www.whatmommydoes.com

www.myer.com.au

Elevate your Christmas lunch by providing a few ice breakers, guessing games or other activities for your guests. For instance, you can have each visitor guess the number of ornaments you have on your tree. Whoever gets the correct number (or closest to the correct number) gets to take home a small gift.

You can also play spoons with candy canes and a deck of cards, a Christmas-themed “guess who” or a festive scavenger hunt. If all else fails, a game of Christmas charades is sure to provide some laughs and get everyone into a festive mood.

1. Mungalli Creek Bio-Dynamic Whole Milk Fetta 250g - www.mungallicreekdairy.com.au 2. Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera in Smokey White - RRP $99.00 www.harveynorman.com.au 3. Mungalli Creek Bio-Dynamic Pouring Cream 500ml - www.mungallicreekdairy.com.au 4. Series 12 Piece Dinner Set RRP $99.00 - www.freedom.com.au 5. Charm Cutlery Set Gold Colour - RRP $70.00 - www.freedom.com.au 6. Celebration Star Ornament Set of Four RRP $3.25 - www.freedom.com.au

40 December 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

www.luziapimpinella.com

6 5

www.pakmag.com.au | December 2019 41

Recipes

LOCAL PRODUCE recipes RECIPES

CRANBERRY QUARK AND FETTA CHEESE BALLS RECIPE Tracie Frater, Mungalli Creek Dairy Makes 20 balls These cheese balls are loaded with taste, and make for a great appetiser. Ingredients 1 cup Mungalli Creek Dairy Fetta 1 cup Mungalli Creek Dairy Quark 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts ½ cup chopped dried cranberries ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley Pepper, to taste Method Add the fetta and quark to a bowl, and combine with a fork. Grate some pepper over the mixture to taste, and mix in. Using a spoon, scoop out the mixture and form into little balls. Make them smaller than the size of a round cracker if you intend to serve them on crackers. Place the nuts, dried cranberries and parsley a bowl and stir to combine. Roll the balls through each bowl to coat them with nuts, cranberries and fresh parsley. Transfer them over to a platter and place in the fridge until serving time. Tracie's Tip: These are deliciously versatile; try rolling them through sesame seeds, green onions or lemon zest. You can even add chopped red capsicum alongside fresh green herbs for a festive colour. The sky is the limit! Mungalli Creek Dairy www.mungallicreekdairy.com.au

CHRISTMAS CHEER-Y PIE RECIPE Matthew Calanna, Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy Crust Ingredients

Filling Ingredients

2 ½ cups plain flour 1 ½ cups cold butter ½ cup sugar 5 tbsp cold water 1 egg

cup sugar ¼ cup cornflour ½ tbsp vanilla extract ½ tsp cinnamon 700g fresh cherries

Method For the crust, place the flour and sugar into a food processor and pulse. Add butter and pulse again until you have coarse crumbs. Add cold water and pulse until the mixture forms small balls. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gather into a ball. Divide in half and flatten to form two disks (don't knead). Cover and refrigerate for an hour. Whisk together sugar, cornflour, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Pit the cherries and add to separate bowl. Add the sugar mixture and combine. Roll one of the dough balls so that it fits into the pie pan, with the edges hanging over the side a little. Pour the filling into the centre. Roll the second crust out and slice into ten strips. Using the strips, weave the crust on top of the pie. Pinch the edges to seal. Freeze the pie for 10 minutes and preheat the oven to 200°C. Beat an egg and brush over the crust and edges. Bake for 40 minutes or until the crust is golden. Matthew's Tip: Delicious served with ice cream. Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy www.calannapharmacy.com.au

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STEM

GAMES THAT WILL TEACH YOUR FAMILY ABOUT STEM They say the best way to learn is through play. Games, in their numerous forms, make a great addition to your child’s education, whether that be at home or at school. Whether it’s digital or otherwise, they can help your child learn problem solving, critical thinking and about the wonderful world of STEM. Video Games There are a huge number of games out there that have a focus on educating. One of the most widely popular ones is Minecraft, an open-world game where the main objective is, well, mining. Players mine different resources and use them to craft all sorts of items and build structures. It promotes creativity, self-direction and problem solving. Perhaps the most impressive part of Minecraft is its “redstone” engineering system, allowing players (with a little creative thinking) to create their own machines, from automatic doors to self-harvesting farms and everything in between. There are also various courses that’ll teach kids how to code their very own Minecraft mods.

pieces are placed down, the objective is to surround your opponent’s queen while blocking them from surrounding yours. Potion Explosion allows you to brew your own potions in a potion class. To brew them, think carefully and take one ingredient marble from the dispenser. Make ingredients of the same colour collide to make them explode. The bigger the explosions, the faster you’ll brew and win the game. Code Master is sure to get little brains thinking, and even teaches them the basics of coding. Your avatar travels to an exotic world in search of power crystals. Along the way, the player uses programming logic to navigate the map. Only one sequence of actions leads to success, which will encourage them to think very carefully. Puzzle Games Puzzle-based games are a great way to get those brains thinking. Puzzle play also helps boost the learning of math-related skills.

Board games are a fantastic way to develop critical thinking skills and provide an opportunity to get together with the family.

Cube puzzler challenges you to build a cube using seven colourful puzzle pieces. Put your special insight, logic and deduction skills to the test and try and solve the challenge. It’s like Tetris, but in a cube form. The puzzle comes with a challenge booklet with 80 3D challenges (and solutions).

Hive is a strategic game that can be played on any flat surface. It’s made up of 22 black and white pieces, each with an image of a different bug. As the subsequent

Maths, engineering and classic jigsaw puzzles also bring their own collection of benefits. At the end of the day, puzzling is a relaxing, peaceful activity that the brain loves.

Board Games

44 December 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

1. Hive Board Game - RRP $37.00 2. Smart Games Cube Puzzle Go - RRP $27.00 3. Nintendo Switch Console - Neon - RRP $449.00 4. Minecraft - Nintendo Switch Game - RRP $39.00 5. Potion Explosion Board Game - RRP $77.00 6. ThinkFun Code Master Programming Logic Game - RRP $28.00 - www.harveynorman.com.au

Advertiser Feature

TERRIFIC TEACHERS REBECCA Morgan MORGAN Rebecca

JENNY BRUTON

Pimlico State High School

The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James

“When I was in school, I was pretty shy and a loner. I once had a small woodwork business and I had a young man working on Saturday mornings. He was an epileptic and I tried to get funding to train him as an apprentice. Those with knowledge said I had to have a teaching degree, and I therefore applied to do Manual Arts teaching. Sadly, he died during my college years, but I figured there were others out there that I could help. Now, I’ve been teaching for 38 years. My favourite subject to teach is Graphics.”

“My mum was a teacher, but when I left school, I didn’t think that it was right for me. It took time and some living to decide I would attend university. I had been looking for something which I thought had direction and purpose, and I knew teaching would be this. This year I will have taught for 20 years. We used to scrub out the student tidy trays on the last day of school. One boy came in on the last day with a scrubbing brush because he didn’t want me left on my own to do all the trays.”

principal@pimlicoshs.eq.edu.au www.pimlicoshs.eq.edu.au

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

KATE WARD

GAIL Gail DE De LANGE Lange

Townsville Grammar School

St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand

“As a student, I was very eager to please my teachers, ensuring I always did the right thing. I was very willing to help out at any time with jobs. The best thing about being a teacher is nurturing the students you teach and encouraging a real love of learning.

“When I was a student, I enjoyed writing stories and sharing them with my friends. I also loved reading books. I have always enjoyed helping children learn new things. There is nothing more rewarding than celebrating a student's success with them when they have learnt something new.

As a primary school teacher, we teach a wide variety of subjects. Therefore, it’s hard to choose a favourite one. I particularly enjoy teaching literacy, and immersing students in rich language experiences. Watching the growth in students reading and writing in Prep amazes me each year.”

My favourite subject to teach is literacy. Watching little minds become filled with new knowledge through reading and expressing their thoughts through their writing is a definite highlight in my day. My funniest memory as a student was when I called my teacher dad when he was marking the roll.”

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

enquiries@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au www.sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au

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Advertorial

Christmas – A Time for Giving and Caring STORY Coralee O’Rourke - Member for Mundingburra, Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services & Seniors Christmas can be a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends, but it can also be a time that causes extra stress and financial pressures for some individuals and families.

number of community centres, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and women’s centres.

As we approach the festive season, it’s important for Queenslanders to know that help is available to deal with family and financial pressures. This includes Emergency Relief services that assist vulnerable Queenslanders who may be struggling due to financial pressure, unexpected bills or personal crisis following a natural disaster.

In particular, reach out to your elderly neighbours, family and friends this festive season to ensure they are happy and healthy. Some seniors can feel isolated and lonely at this time of year, particularly if they have lost loved ones or if their families don’t live nearby. Sharing a cup of tea or having a chat can make all the difference to an older person who is experiencing social isolation.

Queensland’s Emergency Relief providers distribute cash, food vouchers, food parcels and third-party payments to people and families experiencing immediate financial crisis. I am pleased that the Palaszczuk Government has recently renewed funding for 83 Emergency Relief services for a further three years. From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022, a total of $5.26 million in funding will be provided to Emergency Relief providers so they can continue to offer this muchneeded assistance. These providers include St Vincent de Paul, Wesley Mission, Seventh Day Adventist Church, The Salvation Army and Lutheran Community Care, along with a

It’s also the time of year to look out for each other and connect with friends and neighbours.

Checking that our older neighbours, family and friends are safe and well not only keeps them out of harm’s way, but ensures we all benefit from living in a much safer, more connected and thriving community. For a full list of organisations that provide emergency relief in Queensland, visit www.oneplace.org.au If you know of anyone who is struggling this Christmas and school holiday season, please encourage them to reach out to their local organisation for support and assistance. Assistance is also available via Lifeline’s 24-hour support service and the Seniors Enquiry Helpline (1300 135 500). From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year.

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PakMag Expo and Family Fun Day 1. Malakai 2. Lola 3. Amy Grace Logan and Ethan 4. Elouisa 5. Liam

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Snapped

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

PakMag Expo and Family Fun Day 6. Mia and Alana 7. Kyl, Ethan, Tina and Blake 8. Allyannah 9. Indra & Aina 10. Claira

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All Things Tweens and Teens

ALL THINGS TWEENS AND TEENS BRACES Braces

SLEEP Patterns PATTERNS Sleep

While people of all ages get braces, it’s most common to get them during the teenage years. Orthodontic treatment is a common procedure to endure during adolescence, but some tweens feel nervous or self-conscious about the idea of having them.

Do you remember pulling your first all-nighter? Chances are, it was probably during your teens. While it can be exciting to stay up all night at a sleepover (or lessexciting to stay up all night studying), it’s important to remember that sleep is food for the brain. When your brain is hungry for sleep, it will get it – sometimes when you least expect it.

Remind your child that their braces will essentially change their life for the better, and how exciting it will be for them to see their new smile when the braces come off. Many orthodontists give patients the choice to bedazzle their braces with coloured elastics for a little individuality. If your teen is really selfconscious about the idea of metal braces, there’s always the option of looking into ceramic braces (which are less visible) or Invisalign (which are completely clear retainers). And, if your teen asks if braces hurt, the answer is quite simple – it doesn’t hurt to have them put on, but your child may experience some discomfort after the wires are tightened.

4myearth Wrap, 4MYEARTH WraP, POCKET AND BAG Pocket

Research suggests that teenagers need between eight and ten hours of sleep every night, yet most adolescents only get around 6.5 to 7.5 hours (or less). To help them sleep, encourage your teen not to leave homework to the last minute, avoid using screens before bed and get into a bedtime routine. Sleep is vital for your well-being, just like food and water.

Want waste free lunches? This is possible with the 4myearth Wraps. Perfect for sandwiches, rolls, wraps and other food, it’s a big step towards waste free lunches. Made of Biodegradable Cotton, vegan friendly and machine washable, they will last for years and they look adorable too. They are fridge and freezer safe, lightweight yet extremely strong, easy to store, free from PVC, BPA, nylon, heavy metal and phthalates and handmade ethically in India. If you’re looking to take a step towards being more environmentallyfriendly with school lunches, here is your answer. Coupon code pakmag gets you 15% off at www.4myearth.com.au Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win.

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Advertorial

Don’t Let Separation Dampen Your Child’s Christmas SpiriT Year after year, separation and divorce increase significantly during the festive season. However, it does not need to dampen your child’s Christmas spirit according to Faalolo Kurene, Manager at Townsville’s Family Relationship Centre. “No matter what’s going on between you and your former partner, it’s important to remember that Christmas is a special time for children. With a little advance planning and commitment to set aside your differences for the day, you can help make the day memorable for all the right reasons.” Keep the day stress-free for your children with these tips from the Family Relationship Centre. Meaningful contact. Encourage them to have meaningful contact with their other parent on Christmas Day, if you have them that day. If it’s long distance, there are free video communication options such as such as Facebook Messenger, Skype or Facetime. Don’t buy their affection. There are no prizes for the best gift on the day. Other than a potential argument with your ex, don’t try and buy your child’s affection. Consult with your ex and either set budget guidelines or go halves in your child’s gifts.

Celebrate another day. Not your turn to have your children? Pick a date when you do have them and create your own day of celebration. Allow them to help you make decisions. All kids, regardless of age, want to feel like they have some say about how they spend the holiday. Involve your child in the decision-making process, but try to avoid manipulation of the situation, that only adds stress and worry to your child that they will let someone down. Inform your ex of important events. Make sure they know about any Christmas plays, concerts or activities coming up so that they have the opportunity to attend. Lastly, whatever you do, refrain from arguing; especially in front of your children. If necessary, use a communication book to write notes to your ex to avoid any potential screaming matches. Remember that your child comes first. If they are having a hard time coping, contact Centacare North Queensland on 1300 672 273 to arrange a private and professional counselling session. You can also visit www.reachout.com for 24/7 online and phone support appropriate for teenagers.

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School Holiday Guide

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE SK8WAY

WILDCATZ INDOOR SPORTS

Sk8way provides the Townsville community with facilities for both recreational and competitive skating. Whether you’re in it to win it or just there for a good time with your friends, it’s all happening at Sk8way. They also offer learn to skate lessons, dance parties and recreational events.

Wildcatz Indoor Sports offer a fun and social way to exercise, get fit and have fun.

Skate hire is available for just $4 per person – or you can purchase your own pair from the Skate Shop.

They offer a variety of junior sports such as cricket, netball and soccer, 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.

A 72-88 Hervey Range Rd P 4755 4422 Sk8way Townsville www.sk8way.com.au

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

INFLATABLE KINGDOM

NINJA PARC TOWNSVILLE

Inflatable Kingdom provides a high-energy, actionpacked environment with inflatables of all shapes and sizes. Book online to save 10% off entry price. Open these school holidays 9.00am - 4.00pm. Don’t forget your socks.

Ninja Parc aims to inspire a world of movement through an indoor obstacle course. Not only is it fun, it’s also accessible for all ages and skill levels. Challenge yourself and improve your agility through the various rope climbs, bouldering challenges, vertical and horizontal doors and a sea of poles.

A Sk8way Townsville, 72-88 Hervey Range Rd, Condon P 4032 2844 Inflatable Kingdom www.inflatablekingdom.com.au

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

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School Holiday Guide

GRILL’D Looking for a feed? Chew on something delicious with your family these school holidays at Grill’d. With a range of menu options including Wagyu beef, pork belly, grilled chicken and vegan burgers as well as salads, chips, and an extensive children’s menu for both younger and older kids, the family certainly won’t leave Grill’d feeling hungry. Contact Grill’d to see what school holiday activities are happening. A 3 Palmer St, Townsville City P 4976 9990 Grill’d Townsville www.grilld.com.au

PITSTOP KARTING

Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park www.laketinarooholidaypark.com.au

PERC TUCKER GALLERY There are some pretty fun things happening at Perc Tucker Gallery these school holidays. Check ‘em out: Family Fun Day, Sunday 15th December, 10.00am – 12.00pm – Participate in the free art making activities for families and kids of all ages. Drop in for five minutes or the whole two hours. Christmas Sail Boats, 16th December to 20th December, 10.00am – 12.00pm daily – Take sail and create your very own merry and bright Christmas sail boat to take home. Ken Done-nut Shop, Monday 13th – Friday 17th January, from 10.00am – 12.00pm daily – Roll and glaze your very own Ken Done-nut from paper-based clay.

Experience ‘The Ultimate Adrenalin Rush’ these school holidays at Townsville’s only go-karting hire facility. Pitstop Karting is a purpose-built outdoor kart track that offers ultimate fun and thrill in a Junior, Senior or Dual Kart. It’s a fast and furious fun day out for the whole family!

No bookings required.

Sessions start at $30 (must have a Pitstop license $5 valid for 12 months). Remember to wear closed in shoes and comfortable, but not loose-fitting clothing.

STOCKLAND TOWNSVILLE

No bookings required – just arrive and drive. A 1-7 Cardwell St, Garbutt P 4401 5045 Pitstop Karting www.pitstopkarting.com.au

LAKE TINAROO HOLIDAY PARK Treat your family to a little getaway on the gorgeous Atherton Tablelands. From budget cabins to deluxe water view villas, Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park is the ultimate place to stay and play. With a resort-style swimming pool, foreshore playground, peddle carts, jumping pillow and school holiday activities, there is no way anyone will be bored. Pancakes – Enjoy gold coin donation pancakes from 8.00am at reception every Wednesday and Saturday during the summer school holidays. Outdoor movies – There will be children’s outdoor movies on the big screen at the camp kitchen every Friday night. Call the team for details. A 4-28 Tinaroo Falls Dam Rd, Tinaroo P 4095 8238

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A Cnr Flinders St and Denham St, Townsville P 4727 9011 Townsville City Galleries www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Santa is coming to Stockland Townsville! Get into the Christmas spirit and visit Saint Nick for a photo. Santa will be near Myer and photo packages start from $18.95. Santa’s Breakfast, Tuesday 17th and 18th December, 8.30am – 10.00am – Join Santa and his Christmas friends for a delicious breakfast. There will be games, carols, goody bags, yummy food and much more! Bookings required, $10 per child. Call to book. A 310 Ross River Rd, Aitkenvale P 4779 6033 Stockland (Townsville) www.stockland.com.au

FAIRFIELD CENTRAL A Very PakMag Christmas Party - Head on over to Fairfield Central Shopping Centre on Sunday 15th December from 10.00am – 11.30am for a fantastic festive time with the PakMag Team! There will be festive games, loads of prizes, a visit from the jolly man himself and FREE family fun. Santa Photos, daily until Christmas Eve. Come and get your photo with Santa! A 2-30 Lakeside Dr, Idalia P 4778 4249 Fairfield Central www.fairfieldcentral.com.au

School Holiday Guide

CITYLIBRARIES TOWNSVILLE Check out some of the awesome free activities happening at your local library. Summer Reading Club – How many books can you read between 14th December and 23rd January? Join the challenge online or by visiting your local CityLibraries branch. LEGO Fun – The library is calling all engineers, creators and explorers to come down and have some fun with LEGO. Happening on the 18th December from 10.00am – 1.00pm at CityLibraries Thuringowa Central. Bookings required. Monday Morning Movie – Sit back, relax and enjoy a screening of Detective Pikachu with your friends. Happening on the 16th December from 10.00am – 12.00pm at CityLibraries Aitkenvale. Bookings required. Games Galore – Calling all board game lovers! Play some games and make new friends. Happening on the 19th December from 10.00am – 12.00pm at CityLibraries Flinders Street. Mini Golf – Take aim and try your luck at a hole-inone. Play a round of mini golf in the library with your friends. Happening on the 19th December from 9.00am – 6.00pm at CityLibraries Thuringowa Central. Handmade Christmas Paper Beads – Learn to make a unique Christmas bracelet with paper beads. Happening on the 19th December from 10.00am – 11.00am at CityLibraries Thuringowa Central. Bookings required. Language Theme Bookmark Making – Celebrate the International year of Indigenous Languages by creating your very own bookmark. Happening on the 19th December from 10.00am – 12.00pm at CityLibraries Thuringowa Central. Go Drawing MAD! – Embark on a drawing adventure filled with creativity and challenges. Meet fun characters and design your own heroes to defend against evil. Plus, you get your very own drawing activity book to take home. Happening on the 16th of December at Flinders Street, 17th December at Thuringowa Central and 18th December at Aitkenvale. Sessions are at 9.30am, 12.00pm and 2.30pm daily. Suitable for ages 5 – 12. Bookings required. A 86 Thuringowa Dr, Thuringowa Central P 4773 8811 A 4 Petunia St, Aitkenvale P 4727 8310 CityLibraries Townsville www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

A Fishmas Festival at Reef HQ Aquarium, Thursday 19th December from 9.30am – 12.00pm – Enjoy a sea-riously fun morning with Hands on Wildlife, face painting, sand art, Pinky’s Disco, Lucky T Turtle and more. Merfolk Making a Splash, Saturday 11th – Friday 17th January – Mermaid Cora and Mermaid Cheili are flipping by to say “hello” to all their fishy friends. Merman Mack will make a splash on select days. There will be a meet and greet from 9.30am – 10.30am and a mermaid show from 11.00am – 11.30am daily. Cost: General admission is $28 for adults and $14 for children (5 – 16 years). Children under five are free, or you can get a family pass for $42 - $70 depending on the number of adults and children. A 2-68 Flinders St, Townsville P 47 50 0800 Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium www.reefhq.com.au

KING REEF RESORT If you need a chance 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 to your heart’s content and return to a yummy pub meal at the end of the day or enjoy a gorgeous sunset view from your beachfront shack. You can also hire a family pedal bike, have a BBQ, go horse riding or go fishing – the possibilities are endless. Kids stay and dine for free for stays longer than two nights! One free kids meal for each adult meal purchased. Offer not available over long weekends or between 24th of December to the 2nd of January. A 75 Jacobs Rd, Kurrimine Beach P 4065 6144 King Reef Resort www.kingreef.com.au

KURRIMINE BEACH HOLIDAY PARK Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park is your go-to spot for family-friendly fun. They offer a variety of entertainment options for kids young and old with their water park, huge pool, massive inflatables, giant chess and checkers boards, obstacle course and playroom. They also have glass bottom kayaks, pedal go-karts, and a new multi-storey playground, and all this is located just a short walk from the beach. If you’re hungry, have a bite to eat at the licensed on-site Café.

REEF HQ

There are a number of accommodation options available if you’re after a little getaway, or you can pay just $5 for a half day session (with access to the water park).

See the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without getting your feet wet at the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, Reef HQ. Here are a few things that are happening during December and January:

A 9 Coyle St, Kurrimine Beach P 4065 6166 Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park www.kurrimine.com.au

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School Holiday Guide

STABLE ON THE STRAND

COOTHARINGA

North Queensland’s Christmas Festival, Stable on the Strand, will be an amazing place for families to relax, have fun and experience Christmas in story, song and festivity. 1,000 volunteers join together to bring the event to over 40,000 guests from Townsville, North Queensland, Australia and the world.

Active fun for children aged 5 – 15.

See Shepherds minding their sheep, wise men and their camels, King Herod and his soldiers and of course Mary, Joseph and a real baby Jesus. Children will love dressups, hammering nails at the carpenter’s workshop and ‘fishing’ in the pond.

Children will make new friends and learn new skills in a safe and supported setting.

New this year is a fabulous Puppet Show sharing the Christmas story in a most unique way. Stable on the Strand is a FREE event. Check out Stable on the Strand from Wednesday 18th – Sunday 22nd December from 5.30pm – 9.30pm daily at the Strand Park.

The Cootharinga School Holiday Program is a multiactivity program combining sports and game-based play with a range of interactive lifestyle and educational sessions.

Activities include healthy snack cooking, arts and crafts, music and theme-based learning such as numbers and letters, road safety, emergencies, construction and more. The program runs from 8.30am – 3.30pm per day. Cost: NDIS funding can be used, or $55 per day.

Stable On The Strand www.stableonthestrand.com

A 6/264 Woolcock St, Currajong P 4759 2000 Cootharinga North Queensland www.cootharinga.org.au

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL

MUSEUM OF TROPICAL QUEENSLAND

Santa on the Strand, Sunday 15th December – Santa will be visiting Picnic Bay Headlands on the Strand from 3.00pm – 6.00pm for free face painting, free colouring-in, photos and appearance by NQ Cowboys Player, John Asiata.

Experience the challenges, technology and training used by specialist rescue teams in the all new exhibition Rescue, on daily until the 8th of March.

The Grinch, Friday 20th December – The grumpy Grinch tries to steal Christmas from Whoville – will he get caught? Movies start at 7.00pm at the Riverway Oval, no bookings required. New Year’s Eve Beach Party, Tuesday 31st December – Enjoy a 7.00pm movie screening and entertainment and 9.00pm fireworks display at both the Strand Park and Riverway. Additionally, there will be midnight fireworks at The Strand and Nelly Bay. P 13 48 10 Townsville City Council www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

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Kids and adults alike can take control of a full-size helicopter simulator, navigate jet skis around obstacles, find their way through a smoke-filled room and much more. Cost: Free with museum admission, which is $15 for adults, $8.80 for children aged three to 15 and free for children under three. A 70-102 Flinders St, Townsville City P 4726 0600 Museum of Tropical Queensland www.mts.qm.qld.gov.au

Daddy Diary

The Hit 103.1 team getting into the Christmas spirit

DADDY DIARY It's the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas in North Queensland. Cold beers, enough ham off the bone to feed Lavarack Barracks and my motherin-law’s rum balls. No driving after those bad boys. They've got enough rum to make a pirate dizzy. Christmas is also a time of gift giving. So, Townsville, I present to you my list of the 5 Most Common Types of Gift Givers. What category do you fall into? The Practical Present Giver - My mother was one of these, and I fear this may be the category I fall into. The practical gift giver is known to give presents that aren't necessarily wanted, but they are needed. A new school bag, lunchbox and stationery are commonplace here. This person is usually a tight-arse. The Gift Card Warrior - This person gives gift cards under the guise that it's best for the receiver. They'll often say things like "at least they can buy

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

what they want". They also neglect to mention that it's by far the easiest option for them, the gift giver. Very clever and cunning is the gift card warrior. The Last-Minute Rusher - "I know how much you like Pepsi and Caramilk, so I just got you that. Yeah, sorry it's wrapped in a Coles bag. I just ran out of time." The Mid Year Sales Ninja - These people are well prepared and have an eagle eye when it comes to giving. The polar opposite to the "Last Minute Rusher". The mid-year sales ninja has been thinking about Christmas presents since last year’s Boxing Day sales. Doesn't matter if the T-Shirt they give you is from two seasons ago and four sizes too small, they got it at 60 per cent off. The Thoughtful Giver - This is my wife. Her presents are well planned and 100 per cent catered to the receiver. These people are the best givers, because they're from the heart. So, now for the mushy bit. Once you’re an adult, the truth is you don't care about what presents you get at Christmas. As long as you get to spend this magic time with the people you love most, that's worth more than every present in the world combined. Cue vomit here. It's sappy, But it’s true. Merry Christmas Townsville, you beautiful beast. Love this city. Love Christmas time. Cliffo Hit 103.1 Townsville

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