PakMag Townsville - November 2016 Issue 72

ISSUE: NOV 2016

72

TOWNSVILLE

party like a HERO

Christmas MAKE & BAKE

TEACHERS' GIFTS

Second

LANGUAGES

DOING THE MATHS

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NOVEMBER 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

CONTENTS

HELLO

ISSUE NO. 72 NOV 2016

Hello and welcome to our November edition of PakMag. It’s PakMag Townsville’s 6th Birthday! Join us in celebrating and throw your own superhero party, following the tips in our ‘Celebrate’ section.

04 Entertainment: Check This Out

The festive season is creeping up fast, so this month we help you get prepared early with our Christmas Make and Bake and DIY Teachers’ Gifts features. The team and I are busily preparing for the PakClub’s Christmas Party – so ‘Save the Date’ for 11th December!

09 Education: How Learning A Second

06 Feature: Christmas Make & Bake

Language Can Benefit Your Child

We also focus on education for both kids and parents this month. Our story on early language learning provides a fantastic insight into the benefits of children learning a second language. Plus, we show you how maths can be fun, and give you tips and hints to stay motivated in your own educational pursuits.

13 Education: Doing The Maths

As always our What’s On Guide is brimming with activities and events and the prizes up for grabs this month are awesome!

17 Health

Until next time, don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag!

15 Fashion: Festive Frocks &

19 Baby: Removing The Stigma Attached

Bree x

Party Smocks

To Postnatal Depression

20 Bump And Bub: WIN 23 What’s On Guide 25 Mini Mag

BREE JAMES / PAKMAG PUBLISHER Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 30th July 2016

32 Celebrate: Party Like A Hero 35 Party Guide 37 Education: Study Motivation

PAKMAG HEAD OFFICE P 4053 3331 F 4053 3350 E admin@grandpublishing.com.au PO BOX 7433 Cairns QLD 4870 FB www.facebook.com/pakmagtownsville T #pakmag ON THE COVER Anais Johnston PHOTOGRAPHY Josephine Carter Photography WEB www.josephinecarterphotography.com PAKMAG'S CORE VALUES

For Mums

38 Education: Careers & Courses

To Consider

40 Home with Caro & Kingi:

Pool Perfection

42 Home: Outdoor Summer Fun 44 Healthy Recipes Create happier communities

Love connecting families & business

Collaborate with creativity

Lead & engage with heart

Publish authentic content with integrity

46 Business Buzz 48 Snapped 50 Daddy Diary

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

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

Daring Designer Lise

Bree's Wingwoman Rose

Sales Star Lisa

Darling Designer Clare

Talented Trent

Grand Poobah Bree

Office Aficionado Janelle

Rad Sales Rep Jacqui

Word Wizard Jenna

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Savvy Sales Sandra

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pakmag ENTERTAINMENT

CHECK IT OUT

Every Sunday During Nov

5th Nov

150+ Years of Australian Military Uniforms

North Queensland Babies & Kids Markets

WHEN Every Sunday 10:00am to 2:00pm during November WHERE Hut 28 Jezzine Barracks MORE INFO www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au 150+ years of Australian Military Uniforms will be on display in Hut 28 Jezzine Barracks for the months of November and December. Take in the never before seen display of uniforms from 1812 to 2000 every Sunday from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

E

very Saturday Night

Townsville Mini Golf’s Saturday Night Specials WHEN Every Saturday night WHERE Townsville Mini Golf, Kings Road, West End MORE INFO 0428767617 Enjoy unlimited play and an all you can eat dinner for less than $20 (per adult).

And… kids under 12 eat free! Townsville Mini Golf’s Saturday Night Buffet is a great way to enjoy fun and active family time all the while taking a night off the cooking.

Bookings are essential and their Saturday Night Buffet is available every Saturday this month.

12th Nov McHappy Day

WHEN 12 November 2016 MORE INFO www.rmhc.org.au/mchappyday Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, Ronald McDonald House Charities’® (RMHC) McHappy Day® is one of Australia’s most important and high profile charity events. RMHC creates, funds and supports programs across Australia that help seriously ill children and their families. Visit www.rmhc.org.au/ mchappyday to find out how you can get involved.

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WHEN 5 November 2016, 8:30am – 12:30pm WHERE Ryan Catholic College – Emmaus Hall, Kirwan MORE INFO www.nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket.com Enjoy a morning of browsing through pre-loved, new, handmade, informational and promotional stalls.

As the “Specialised Market” for babies & kids, the North Queensland Babies & Kids Market have a wide range of products including clothing, decor, toys, educational, designer labels, linen and much more. Entry fee is $2.00 and children under 16 are free.

th Nov

Santa Arrives at CastleTown WHEN 12 November 2016, 11:00am WHERE CastleTown Shopping Centre MORE INFO 4772 1699 or www.castletown.com.au CastleTown will have you singing out for Santa this year as Santa arrives with an entourage of special characters to entertain you at 11:00am on Saturday 12 November. There will be entertainment on the day and lots of fun activities.

Get in now and download a colouring form from the website for a chance to win a spot at the ‘Waiting for Santa Brekky’ on Saturday 12 November – just before Santa arrives!

Santa photos will begin on Sunday November 13.

27th Nov

Boy & Bear – Limit of Love Regional Tour 2016

WHEN 27 November 2016, 7:00pm to 11:45pm WHERE The Venue Townsville MORE INFO whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Boy & Bear have announced a massive tour of regional Australia for November and December 2016. The Aussie folk-pop faves will kick off the extensive string of shows in Ballarat, then move through the 30-date schedule, covering Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, and ACT. Fresh from a stellar set at Splendour and the Grass, the five-time ARIA winners released their third studio album, Limit of Love, in 2015.

Limit of Love is a recording that is less about fine-tuning everything to the nth-degree, and more about capturing a band at the height of their powers in an honest, organic way. It’s an approach most modern bands would be too scared to try but, for Boy & Bear, that leap of faith has proved to be a very successful masterstroke.

Tickets start at $46.60 for general admission.

11th Dec

PakClub Christmas Party!

WHEN 11 December 2016, 11:00am WHERE Fairfield Central Shopping Centre MORE INFO www.fairfieldcentral.com.au Celebrate the arrival of Santa and his elves with Christmas carols, fun, games and prizes hosted by PakMag!

SAVE THE DATE!

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Christmas PLAN, PLAN, PLAN November is the perfect time to start making lists and getting organised! Set up a family list station and spend an evening planning for December. Get the kids to put together their wish lists and write their letters to Santa while you go over travel plans, gift-giving requirements, house decoration ideas, baking needs, Christmas events, kids’ activities and, most importantly, your budget. Use a visual guide, such as a journal or spreadsheet to stay on top of everything.

BAKE & FREEZE MINCE PIES Mince pies are a delicious table setting for any Christmas-themed gathering and an easy gift idea too. Plus, they freeze well for up to three months. Freeze uncooked pies in cling wrap and store in a tin. Freeze pre-cooked (and cooled) pies by putting a sheet of baking paper between each layer and placing them in a container in the freezer.

MAKE THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING It’s just not Christmas without Christmas Pudding! You can make puddings in advance as long as you store them properly in pudding bowls. Add baking paper to the top of the pudding and layer them in cling wrap to keep their shape. When steaming your pudding, you can keep the cling wrap on – just make sure to remove it to serve!

M A K E & F R E E Z E RU M B A L L S Set up your rum ball making station and get rolling just in time for Christmas. Rum balls are a delicious snack or a perfect addition to any tin of homemade goodies to give as gifts. Get creative with your balls and use flavours that your family loves.

Peanut butter balls, coconut balls, Milo balls and fruit nut balls are all great alternatives that can all be made now and frozen for later. When freezing, include baking paper in between each layer to keep the balls from sticking to one another.

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W H I P U P S O M E P R E S E RV E S Pick up a few extra cute jars and spend an afternoon making jams, chutneys and spreads to give to friends or enjoy as part of your festive feast. With some green or red ribbon, embellishments and a nice handmade note attached to the jar, you’ve got yourself a gift that oozes with Christmas cheer.

You can put pretty much anything in a jar including dry ingredients like our Oatmeal Cookies in a Jar, below.

RECIPE IN A JA R Mix 2/3 cup flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp salt and place in the bottom of a jar. Layer with 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup white sugar, 1 1/2 cup oats, 3/4 cup choc chips and 1/2 cup chopped nuts. Seal, decorate and include a card with wet ingredients (1/2 cup butter, 1 egg and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract) and instructions with the jar: Mix wet and dry ingredients, drop rounded tablespoons onto a lined tray and bake for 8-10 minutes at 190° C.

L AV E N D E R S U G A R Lavender sugar can be substituted for regular sugar in a number of recipes and imparts a subtle floral flavour, giving family favourites such as cookies and cakes an extra special twist. Simply add 1 tsp of dried lavender buds to 1 cup of sugar and place in a jar.

Stir the ingredients, add a lilac ribbon around the top of the jar and decorate with a floral inspired tag.

M I N T S U GA R S C RU B 1/2 cup coconut oil 1 1/2 - 2 cups sugar 1 tablespoon peppermint extract 1 drop green food coloring For a non-edible gift idea, make your own sugar scrub. Place coconut oil in a bowl and microwave for 15 seconds. Add all ingredients to the bowl to create a light green mixture. Spoon scrub into a jar and seal. And don’t forget the mint green ribbon!

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EDUCATION

pakmag

HOW LEARNING A SECOND LANGUAGE CAN BENEFIT YOUR CHILD.

STORY Janelle Santolin, Education Officer, Catholic Education Services

Growing up in the ’70s in Far North Queensland, I didn’t have the opportunity to learn a second language in primary school, like my children do today. I was very fortunate, however, to have an Italian-born father who regularly broke into Italian at home (although, the creative vocab he used would, at times, made my mother’s hair curl!).

For me, and for more than 20 per cent of Australians who speak a second language at home, being able to transfer back and forth from one language to another depending on the audience, is just the norm. And while my ability to speak a second language has been lost over the years, the social awareness that this skill provides remains strong within me.

So, now that I am a parent of two delightful and curious early learners, I find myself asking the question: "Should my children be studying a second language?" With a lot of digging, I unearthed an exhaustive amount of research from as far back as the 1970s, which tells me the answer to my question is an overwhelming yes.

SAYING “NI HAO” TO BILINGUALISM Learning a second language at a very early stage in their development can bring about so many wonderful benefits for our children.

Improved cognitive development Harvard Professor Maria Polinsky explains that bilingual children will have developed much more cognitive control than monolingual children.

Through constantly switching back and forth between two languages bilingual children tend to be better multi-taskers, problem-solvers and creative and critical thinkers.

Enhanced general literacy skills (including understanding of their primary language) Many people assume that learning another language means a child’s understanding of their primary language will suffer. This is exactly

the opposite. When studying a second language, a child learns about how languages work and their literacy skills are enhanced because a clear link exists between learning another language and literacy development in English.

A deeper understanding of culture and values Learning a second language is more than just learning new words. As children delve into a new language, they are exposed to new cultures, traditions and values. This extends their understanding of themselves, their own heritage, culture and identity as well as giving them a worldwide view of life.

Improved self-esteem and self-awareness Just like any great accomplishment, whether it be playing an instrument, writing their name or even tying their shoelaces for the first time, learning a language can give your child a sense of achievement and this definitely enhances their concept of self and self-belief.

Improved employment potential Let’s face it, we want the very best future for our children, and having a second language gives them the edge over those who don’t. Being bilingual can be a significant career advantage in terms of employability and earnings.

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pakmag EDUCATION

SECOND LANGUAGES IN SCHOOLING Fortunately for parents in Queensland, most primary schools offer a language to our children, some from as early as Prep. Queensland’s Department of Education encourages all schools to deliver some sort of language program from prep to Year 12.

The dominant languages taught in North Qld, according to Florence Boulard, JCU Coordinator of Modern Languages, are Japanese, Italian and French, with some schools offering Chinese (Mandarin) and German.

Whilst this is fantastic news for parents, in reality language learning is only mandated from Years 5 to 8 in Queensland and many schools will forego language lessons in the early years.

SECOND LANGUAGES AT HOME As parents, we can fill the gap in many ways: • Start them young. It’s a lot harder to learn a language as an adult than as a child. This is because the language receptors in our brains are more open to receiving new information in our first five or six years of life. We develop the bulk of our language skills before we start school. After that, learning a language can be more difficult.

• If you have a family member who speaks a second language, then have them expose your children to that language as often as possible. The best environment for learning a language is one that is safe and relaxed, so home is perfect. If you don’t have a family member, then look to your wider community for international clubs, kindergartens with language programs or even neighbours.

• There are so many children’s toys on the market that have second language functions. Be sure to find toys that have the correct tone and accent and are not computer automated.

• Children’s TV programs that are bilingual are a very easy way for parents to expose children to a second language. Children will mimic what they hear and will eventually grasp the meaning of the words they are speaking and use them correctly in context. Parents know how this works, especially when the littlies repeat, with perfect diction and tone, the very colourful language heard on the sporting sidelines!

• Consider the myriad of educational apps specifically designed to make language learning fun for children.

For parents looking to learn more about benefits of a second language, check out www.serious-science.org for a great YouTube video by Maria Polinsky as well as www.schoolatoz.nse.edu.au for additional reading material.

APPS FOR LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT www.eLearningIndustry.com has highlighted their top apps for second language learning which include:

Duolingo

Chinese Skill

WEB www.duolingo.com COST FREE

WEB www.chinese-skill.com COST FREE

Little Pim

Gus on the Go

WEB www.littlepim.com COST FREE

WEB www.gusonthego.com COST $6.99

Mindsnacks

Rosetta Stone Kids Lingo Letter Sounds

WEB www.mindsnacks.com COST FREE

WEB www.rosettastone.com/lp/kidsapp COST FREE

All of these apps and more can be purchased from iTunes App store or Google Play store. And what’s more, the majority of these apps are free and offer a range of languages to choose from.

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EDUCATION

pakmag

Doing the Maths STORY Jenna Galley

Some people are born with a love of numbers. Others, not so much. However, regardless of whether your children love crunching numbers or tune out completely when asked to calculate an equation, maths is an important part of the curriculum that leads to career success and confidence.

So how can you foster their love of maths?

SNEAK MATHS INTO PLAY.

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE.

Many board games inadvertently teach your children maths including Snakes and Ladders, Yahtzee and pretty much any game involving dice.

Card games such as Crazy Eights and Uno are also great at helping with number identification and basic maths. And Poker and Black Jack are great for mini mathletes.

“When am I ever going to need to use trigonometry?”

There are plenty of other number games that are fun for younger kids including Guess My Number (choose a number between 1-100 and help your kids guess it by saying “higher” or “lower” with each guess) and Maths Jeopardy (choose a number and give your kids one minute to find as many ways to make the number using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).

THINK OUTSIDE THE PIE CHART. When we went to school, we were taught a certain way to get to the answer. However, turns out there are plenty of different ways to do basic equations and some will work better for visually minded students. An abacus, for example, is a great device to help with mental calculations.

Like in life, there is more than one way to get to the right answer. Let your children explore the various calculation methods to see what resonates with them.

I remember saying it countless times to my parents and I’m sure my kids will say the same thing to me once they reach this stage in their schooling.

Sure, some careers do not require you to perform equations on a regular basis but many do. And cool ones at that.

For kids that are interested in animation, special effects, technology, computer games, forensic science and architecture, maths is critical for career success.

Other people that require maths in their career? Fashion designers, statisticians, engineers, stockbrokers, car designers, doctors, tradesmen and so many more!

MATHS IS SO BORING, MUM! So is doing the dishes and folding the laundry every day. But it has to be done, just like maths homework.

The next time your kids complain about maths, here are a few gems to throw their way.

Maths helps you develop lifelong skills. Problem solving, adaptive reasoning, critical thinking – these are the skills we all need in life and ones that are practiced when performing maths.

Maths assists with focus. And focus is one of the most important assets when it comes to a good work ethic.

Maths can be incredibly rewarding. That ‘a-ha’ moment when you finally figure out an equation is extremely satisfying (and addictive). It can also help build self-confidence and pride in the ability to understand complicated things.

Maths can also be kind of fun.

There are plenty of amazing maths equations and facts to impress the kids out there. Our favourite one? The Birthday Equation which confirms that if there are 23 people in a room, there is a 50 per cent chance that at least two people share the same birth date.

In a room with 75 people, this number increases to 99 per cent. Fascinating!

And, finally, lots of celebrities like maths. Some of the rich and famous even studied maths in university and college including Michael Jordan, Teri Hatcher and Mr. T. See kids. Maths is cool.

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FASHION

pakmag

STORY Gerlinda Stella - Personal stylist, image expert, speaker, fashion consultant and style blogger. www.gerlinda.com.au There are so many celebrations at this time of year. Christmas parties, BBQs, weddings, the races - the list can seem endless! Knowing how to dress for the occasion is key. With creative dress codes such as “dress to party”, “beach chic “or “tropical cocktail” what to wear can be confusing. If you have an event coming up and you’re not sure of the appropriate attire take these three things into consideration:

1. LOCATION

2. WEATHER & TEMPERATURE

3. TIME

The venue plays a vital role in deciding your outfit. Is it in a hotel, at the beach or at a park?

There’s nothing worse than feeling overdressed in a sparkly gown at a backyard BBQ, especially if everyone else is in jeans! Ask your friends or co-workers what they are wearing.

This can make you feel more at ease about your fashion choice.

Will it be rainy, windy, or sunny?

Dressing to suit the weather will ensure you are comfortable in your clothes. If you are attending an inside event the air-conditioning can be quite cool so pack a scarf or jacket.

If it’s outdoors take protection! For example, if it’s warm and sunny don’t forget your sunscreen. If there’s a possibility of rain, ensure you have a stylish umbrella on hand.

Is it morning, noon or night? Timing helps to determine your footwear and accessories. For morning and lunch events a pair of ballet flats or sandals may be appropriate. Heels and sparkly jewellery are the perfect addition for night time functions.

(Red dress) Vanessa lace pencil dress, $229.95, Koreeda pointed toe heel, $149.95, Diana Ferrari // (White dress) Sadie lace midi dress, $229.95, – Koreeda pointed toe heel, $149.95, Plave Clutch, $69.95, Diana Ferrari // (Black top) Peggy layered embellished www.pakmag.com.au NOVEMBER 2016 top, $99.95 - Novalee Cigarette Pant, $99.95, - Katinka pointed toe heel, $149.95, Felicity clutch, $69.95, Diana Ferrari

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HEALTH

pakmag

+ HEALTH Gut Health STORY Jana Gorski, Naturopath, Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy What we’re feeding ourselves may be less important than what we’re feeding our microbiota.

Looking after your gut goes beyond maintaining good digestion. The health of our gut depends on the integrity of the gut wall and the healthy balance of gut flora (microbiota).

Imbalances have been linked to conditions such as Hashimoto’s, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and depression.

WHAT AFFECTS YOUR MICROBIOTA Diets high in sugar and processed foods feed unfavourable bacteria in the gut and are often low in the types of fibre that feed the good bacteria. The changes sugar, stress, alcohol and smoking make to the microbiome may also contribute to weight gain. Medications such as antacids, NSAIDs and the oral contraceptive pill are also known to alter gut flora.

INTEGRITY OF THE GUT WALL Some individuals are over-producers of zonulin, a protein that causes the gap junctions between intestinal cells to widen and lead to “Leaky Gut”. Zonulin is a normal response to infectious bacteria but also to gliadin found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. Those with allergic and autoimmune conditions are more likely to be overproducers.

The discovery of zonulin can explain why some people feel better on gluten-free diets despite not being coeliac.

• Replace processed foods with those high in resistant fibres and starches such as celery, leek and green leafy vegetables. Natural Evolution Resistant Banana Starch can be used as a therapeutic food for beneficial bacteria.

• Quit smoking. The benefits go far beyond protecting your gut.

• Limit alcohol intake to one standard drink a day with two alcohol-free days a week.

• Find ways to manage your stress. Your Naturopath can help with herbs and supplements if you need.

• If you are concerned about the effects of your medications on your gut, talk to your Doctor or your Pharmacist.

PROTECT YOUR GUT

• Always take a probiotic with a course of antibiotics. Not all probiotic formulas are equal. Talk to your Naturopath about a quality product that is right for you.

• Eat fermented foods that naturally contain a diverse range of beneficial bacteria. Avoid commercial varieties that have been pasteurised prior to being bottled or canned.

For a tailored approach to maintaining gut health or managing an existing condition, book your appointment with a Naturopath at Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy today.

HEALTHY GUT WITH RESISTANCE STARCH A great product to consider to help with your digestive system and gut health is Natural Evolution Banana Flour Resistance Starch. This is the highest grade and level of resistance starch in the world which works by resisting digestion in the small intestine. A teaspoon a day (in a smoothie, with water, sprinkled over cereal or however you want to eat it) can help with weight loss, reduce incidence of gallstones, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and promote colon health.

Made from banana flour from FNQ’s Natural Evolution Foods. It's completely natural, free from additives and preservatives.

You can pick yours up any Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy or at The Source Bulk Foods - North Ward, North Ward Shopping Village 31-45 Eyre Street, Townsville.

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BABY

pakmag

Removing the Stigma Attached to

Postnatal Depression STORY Dr Isobel Morse FRACGP BSc (Hons) Psych

New parents are often hit with clichés such as, “Enjoy every moment” during their first year with bub. And although these clichés are not said with malice or harm, they can sting, especially for those who are faced with postnatal depression or anxiety.

The reality is that up to 80 per cent of new mothers experience feelings of sadness, irritability, and bouts of crying in the first few days after birth, known as “the baby blues”. Such emotions are considered normal in those first few days, however, they should not be ignored if they are still there after a few weeks, or appear during those first 12 months, as they could be signs of postnatal depression.

Postnatal depression or PND is the name given to depression that develops up to one year after the birth of a baby. Fathers can have PND too, either along with their partner’s postnatal depression or by themselves. An estimated one in seven new mums experienced PND and one in 20 new fathers are impacted by this condition.

It is often hard to acknowledge you are experiencing PND and people often wait to try and “snap out of it”.

However, it does not usually resolve itself without treatment. If PND isn’t identified and treated, the toll it can take can be considerable for the entire family.

Nevertheless, with early identification and intervention most people can fully recover from PND with no long term effects.

There are several treatment options. These might include things like practical support in the home, lifestyle changes including diet and exercise, counselling and sometimes medication. Making an appointment with a GP or Child & Family Health Nurse, or contacting a support organisation such as PANDA is a good first step to diagnosis and the development of an individualised treatment plan. In situations where there are ideas about self-harm or doing harm to a baby, professional help should be sought straight away.

PND is not something to be ashamed of. It should be seen as one of the many complications of parenthood. With appropriate help, people with PND do recover.

Stand Up, Speak Out and Stop Suffering in Silence Many new mums suffer with PND in silence. It can be hard to admit that you are not coping and that it could be due to PND. There is a huge strain on new parents to prove that they are succeeding in all aspects of parenting and a sense of shame when they are not.

Get involved in helping to end the stigma attached to PND. The Perinatal Depression & Anxiety (PNDA) Awareness Week is held from 15th to 21st of November each year and is a great opportunity to raise awareness about perinatal mental health issues in your local community.

New parents often assume they have to be superheroes.

But the bravest thing you can do is step forward and ask for help. It’s okay to admit that things aren’t perfect.

It’s okay to admit you’re not coping. In fact, asking for help is not only beneficial to you, but your new baby as well.

Support organisations available to help with PND: PANDA (Post and Antenatal Depression Association) - 1300 726 306, www.panda.org.au Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Australian Government Service) - 1800 882 436, www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au Lifeline (Crisis service) 13 11 14, www.lifeline.org.au

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www.pakmag.com.au FOR YOUR CHANCE TO Win!

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TH E PR OP PR .00 WEB www.theproppr.com RRP $149

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THANK YOU BABY RANGE

CHIBEBE SNUGGLE POD WE LOVE

WEB www.thankyou.co/baby Since 2008 ThankYou has given $4.7 million to projects around the world and their recently launched baby range will continue to help these numbers grow. Thankyou’s baby products are not only adorable and functional, but they are also serving an incredibly important global purpose; 100 per cent of their profits fund safe drinking water and sanitation around the world.

Their new baby product range includes nappies in six sizes (including cloth nappies), baby wash, lotion, massage oil and nappy balm. You can check out the full range at www.thankyou.co/baby and purchase select items from Coles, Woolworths, Baby Bunting and Priceline.

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NOVEMBER 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

WEB www.chibebe.com.au RRP $99.00 The multi-award winning Chibebe Snuggle Pod is designed to help prevent reflux and flathead in babies, and it doesn't hurt that they look amazing also! They are laboratory tested for use from birth to pre-teens and are loved by babies all over the world!

EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF SENSORY PLAY STORY Goodstart Early Learning – Sally Fitzgerald, Senior Occupational Therapist From birth through to early childhood, children use their senses to explore and try to make sense of the world around them. They do this by touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, moving and hearing.

Providing opportunities for children to actively use their senses as they explore their world through sensory play is crucial to brain development – it helps to build nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, supporting cognitive growth, language development, gross motor skills, social interaction and problem solving skills.

We often talk about the five senses: taste, touch, smell, sight and hearing. However, there are two others we commonly miss: body awareness and balance.

So, what is sensory play?

Sensory play includes any activity that stimulates your young child's senses. Sensory activities facilitate exploration and naturally encourage children to use scientific processes while they play, create, investigate and explore. Sensory play literally helps determine what children believe to be positive and thus shapes the choices they make and impacts their behaviour.

For example, initially a child may find it difficult to play appropriately with a peer when there are other things going on in the environment with conflicting noise. However, through sensory play, exploring sounds and tasks, a child learns to adapt to being able to block out the noise which is not important and focus on playing with his or her peer.

Another example is a child who is particularly fussy with eating foods with a wet texture such as spaghetti. The use of sensory play can assist the child in touching, smelling and playing with the texture in an environment without being expected to eat it.

As the child develops trust and understanding of this texture it helps build positive pathways in the brain to say it is safe to engage with this food.

Tips for parents on creating a sensory play environment in the home: • Organise physical indoor and outdoor areas for your child so they have flexible spaces that include quiet, active, wet and dry areas.

• Ensure your child has access to materials they can shape and adapt, such as play dough.

• Use lighting and soft furnishings such as cushions and blankets to create separate spaces.

For more information, please get in touch with us on 1800 222 543 or visit your nearest Goodstart Early Learning centre.

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WHAT'S ON NOV Tuesday 1

Friday 4

ART-BOX Pinnacles Gallery 4773 8871 10.00am / Gold coin donation / Kids

U3A TOUR Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 1.30pm / Free / U3A Members

Saturday 5

AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per term / Kids

NORTH QUEENSLAND BABIES AND KIDS MARKET Emmaus Hall Ryan Catholic College www.nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket. com 8.30am / $2.00 / Family

PERCIVAL'S LIFE DRAWING Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 6.30pm / $15 / Adults

WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS SECRET LIFE OF PETS Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family

Wednesday 2 ABA DISCUSSION MEETING: WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER...

THE BREASTFEEDING PARTNERSHIP IMPS Building, Kirwan Health abatownsville@yahoo.com.au 9.30am / Family

Sunday 6 WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS SECRET LIFE OF PETS Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family

AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per term / Kids

Thursday 3 BRING YOUR BABY - KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times / Cost / Family

CHRISTMAS COUNTRY FAIR CRAFT MARKET Holy Spitit School Cranbrook www.facebook.com/ christmascraftmarketstsv 8.30am / Gold Coin Donation / Family SUNDAYS AT RIVERWAY Pinnacles Gallery 4773 8871 1.00pm / Free / Family

"Minty picks North Queensland Babies and Kids Market on Saturday 5th" CYCLONE SUNDAY The Strand www.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.00am / Free / Family

Tuesday 8 AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per term / Kids PERCIVAL'S LIFE DRAWING Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 6.30pm / $15 / Adults

Wednesday 9 AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per term / Kids

Thurday 10 BRING YOUR BABY DR STRANGE Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times / Cost / Family

Friday 11 REMEMBRANCE DAY

Saturday 12 SANTA ARRIVES AT CASTLETOWN CastleTown castletown.com.au 11.00am/ Free / Family

MCHAPPY DAY all McDonald Stores www.rmhc.org.au/mchappyday WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS STORKS Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family DA VINCI MACHINES EXHIBITION LAUNCH Pinnacles Gallery 4773 8871 2.00pm / Free / Family

Sunday 13 WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS - STORKS Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family SUNDAYS AT RIVERWAY Pinnacles Gallery 4773 8871 1.00pm / Free / Family SANTA PHOTOS COMMENCE AT CASTLETOWN CastleTown castletown.com.au visit website for times / Cost / Family

Tuesday 15 ART-BOX Pinnacles Gallery 4773 8871 10.00am / Gold coin donation / Kids

EMAIL EVENTS TO: ADMIN@GRANDPUBLISHING.COM.AU

www.pakmag.com.au NOVEMBER 2016

23

WHAT'S ON NOV AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per term / Kids

"Chooky picks Family Fun Day at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery on Sunday 20th"

Saturday 19

Thurdsday 24

Wednesday 30

WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS PETE'S DRAGON Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family

BRING YOUR BABY - ARRIVAL Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times / Cost / Family

BLISS MORNING TEA Dan Glesson Park, Kirwan abatownsville@yahoo.com.au 9.30am / Family

Wednesday 16

Sunday 20

Saturday 26

ABA DISCUSSION MEETING: OVERCOMING BREASTFEEDING CHALLENGES IMPS Building, Kirwan Health abatownsville@yahoo.com.au 9.30am / Family

WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS PETE'S DRAGON Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family

WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS SECRET LIFE OF PETS Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family

FAMILY FUN DAY Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 10.00am / Free / Family

BUSKING AUDITIONS CastleTown 4772 1699 11.00am / Family

SUNDAYS AT RIVERWAY Pinnacles Gallery 4773 8871 1.00pm / Free / Family

Sunday 27

PERCIVAL'S LIFE DRAWING Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 6.30pm / $15 / Adults

AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per term / Kids

Thursday 17 BRING YOUR BABY - THE ACCOUNTANT Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times / Cost / Family

Friday 18 RIVERWAY MOVIE NIGHT AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON Tony Ireland Stadium www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov. au 6.00pm / Free / Family TAFE GRADUATE EXHIBITION LAUNCH Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 6.30pm / Free / Adults

Tuesday 22 AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per term / Kids PERCIVAL'S LIFE DRAWING Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 6.30pm / $15 / Adults

Wednesday 23 AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per term / Kids

24 NOVEMBER 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS SECRET LIFE OF PETS Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family SUNDAYS AT RIVERWAY Pinnacles Gallery 4773 8871 1.00pm / Free / Family

Tuesday 29 AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per term / Kids PERCIVAL'S LIFE DRAWING Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 6.30pm / $15 / Adults

AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $120 per term / Kids

SAVE the Date - 11 DECEMBER PAKCLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY Fairfield Central Shopping Centre www.fairfieldcentral.com.au Check Website / Facebook for further details

Regular MARKETS ON PAGE 29

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

ANNA KENDRICK

WIN

A FAMILY PASS TO TROLLS PLUS A TROLLS PRIZE PACK!

TO ENTER COLOUR IN & MAIL TO:

NAME............................................................................................. AGE..............

PAKMAG, COLOUR IN NOVEMBER 2016 PO BOX 7433, CAIRNS QLD 4870

PARENT/GUARDIAN...........................................................................................

WIN A FAMILY PASS TO TROLLS, PLUS A TROLLS PRIZE PACK! (COMP CLOSES 30/11/16)

ADDRESS............................................................................................................. .............................................................................................POSTCODE.............

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SUMMER GIVEAWAYS GIVEAWAY FOR GREAT ADVENTURERS WEB www.lonelyplanet.com/kids RRP From $24.99 We have three great books to give away for little explorers. Lonely Planet Kids’ Unfolding Journeys series presents some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. Our giveaway includes three titles - Lonely Planet Kids: The Cities Book, Lonely Planet Kids’ Unfolding Journeys: Rocky Mountain Explorer and Lonely Planet Kids’ Unfolding Journeys: Amazon Adventure.

GOOGLY EYES GAME WEB www.crownandandrews.com RRP From $39.99 A twist on the classic game where a team member draws an object and the others guess what it is – this time the person drawing has to wear the vision-altering ‘Googly Eyes’ glasses!

Get your teammates to guess the right answer by drawing clues before time runs out. The first team through to the finish wins! The large wacky glasses have three sets of vision altering lenses that go from easy to hard.

Suitable for 2+ players aged 7+.

Visit www.pakmag.com.au for your chance to

WIN!

REGULAR MARKETS COTTERS MARKETS

MAGNETIC ISLAND RSL MARKET

TOWNSVILLE ARTIST MARKET

TIME/DATE 8.00am - 1.00pm, First Sat of the month LOCATION Fishermans Landing Balgal Beach

TIME 8.30am-1pm

TIME 5.30pm-8pm DATE Every Friday (Exc Good Friday) LOCATION Magnetic Island RSL

BLUEWATER COMMUNITY CENTRE TWILIGHT MARKETS

Bulletin Square.

MOUNTAINVIEW PLAZA MARKET

TIME 9.00am - 12.00pm DATE/LOCATION August 1 at Strand Ephemera, October 24, Riverway Arts Centre

HORSESHOE BAY MARKETS

TIME 8am-2pm, DATE Every Saturday (Excluding Jan) LOCATION Mountainview Plaza

BALGAL BEACH MARKETS

DATE Every Sunday LOCATION Flinders St & Townsville

DATE Every Second Saturday LOCATION Bluewater Community Assoc

TIME 9.00am - 2.00pm

BUSH N BEACH MARKETS TIME 8.00am – 1.00pm DATE Second and Forth Sundays Location Bushland Beach

TIME 6.00am - 12.00pm DATE Every Saturday LOCATION North Shore Town Centre

TIME 8am-12pm DATE 3rd Sunday of the month

TIME 9.00am DATE 1st Sat of the month (Mar - Dec) LOCATION Carlyle Gardens Retirement Resot, Beck Drive, Condon TIME 7am to 11am DATE Every Sunday LOCATION Castle Hill PCYC

NQ FARMERS MARKET

LOCATION Horseshoe Bay Foreshore LABEL TRADERS MARKET

CARLYLE GARDENS ARTS & CRAFTS MARKETS

CASTLE HILL PCYC MARKETS

DATE Every second and last Sunday

LOCATION Mundingburra State School LUCINDA MARKETS TIME 8.00am – 12.00pm DATE Second Sunday of the month (May to September) LOCATION Borello Park

RENEGADE HANDMADE MARKET TIME 8.00am - 1.00pm DATE 2nd Sunday of the month LOCATION Marian School

WILLOWS ROTARY MARKETS TIME 7.30-11.30am DATE Every Sun LOCATION Willows Shop Centre Carpark UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY MARKETS TIME From 3.00pm DATE 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month LOCATION Apex Park, Riverway Drive, Rasmussen

STRAND NIGHT MARKETS TIME 5.00pm - 9.30pm DATE First Friday LOCATION Strand Park (Runs from May to Dec)

EMAIL EVENTS TO: ADMIN@GRANDPUBLISHING.COM.AU

www.pakmag.com.au NOVEMBER 2016

29

REGULAR EVENTS TOWNSVILLE GALLERIES VARIOUS DAYS MONDAY MORNING ART GROUP (Adults) Time/Day 9.00am, Monday Location Pinnacles Gallery, 4773 8871 ART-BOX - ART ACTIVITIES for Under 5's Time/Day 10.00am, First Tuesday Location Pinnacles Gallery Cost/Phone Free (Kids) 4773 8871 PERCIVAL'S LIFE DRAWING (Adults) Time/Day 6.30pm, Tuesday Location Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Cost/Phone $15, 4727 9011 FREE FAMILY FUN DAY - ART ACTIVITIES FOR THE FAMILY Time/Day 10.30am, Third Sunday Location Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Cost/Phone Free, (Family) 4727 9011

BROTHERS LEAGUES CLUB TOWNSVILLE VARIOUS DAYS KIDS CLUB (Supervised) Time/Day 6.00pm - 9.30pm Every Night Location Brothers Townsville Phone 4773 8000 BROTHERS KIDS NIGHT Time/Day 6.00pm - 9.00pm Friday Location Brothers Townsville Phone 4773 8000 (Free)

BELGIAN GARDENS STATE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP MONDAYS Time 9.00 - 11.00am Location Belgian Gardens SS Hall Cost/Phone $2 per person, 4717 1333 Email rickandjules4@bigpond.com

FIRST FIVE FOREVER VARIOUS DAYS PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS Time/Day 9.30am, First Tuesday Location City Libraries Aitkenvale Web www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost Free

2ND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH

RIVERWAY PARKRUN

FREE DAY FOR TOWNSVILLE AND BURDEKIN LOCALS AT THE MUSEUM OF TROPICAL QLD (Excl School Holidays) Time 9.30am - 5.00pm

SATURDAYS

TOWNSVILLE TOY LIBRARY TOWNSVILLE TOY LIBRARY Days/Times Every Tuesday and the 1, 2 & 3 Saturday from 9.30 until 11.00am.

Location Toy Library is at the Railway Estate Community Centre, 23 First St

NEWBORN AND FAMILY DROP-IN SERVICE Time/Day Tuesday (9am to 2pm), Saturdays (9.00am to 12.00pm) Location City Libraries Aitkenvale Web www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost Free

MAINLY MUSIC THURSDAYS DURING SCHOOL TERMS For Babies to pre prep aged children.

Fun, music, morning tea and Free play

LAUNCH ZONE MONDAY / THURSDAY NIGHTS

PLAYGROUP TOY LIBRARY

DODGEBALL & VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT Time 6.00pm to 8.00pm Location Launch Zone, 1300 528 624 Cost $90 per team (Weekly - $15pp)

Days/Times Last Saturday of the month from 8.30 - 10.00am Location The Toy Shed, Fitzroy St, Heatley

MOUNT LOUISA SCOUT GROUP VARIOUS DAYS JOEYS AND CUBS (6-10) Time/Day Tuesdays, 6:30pm-8:00pm SCOUTS (10-14) Time/Day Thursdays, 6:00pm-8:00pm Location Mt Louisa House of Praise (Bayswater Rd) Phone 0403 862 449 (Matt)

MUSEUM OF TROPICAL QLD

30 NOVEMBER 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

Starting at 6.45am Runners head off at 7.00am and the event finishes when the last participant crosses the line.

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

This course is wheelchair friendly.

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

MESSY PLAY (Bookings Required) Days Wednesdays Time 9.00am & 10.30am Location City Libraries Aitkenvale

JUMP FITT Time/Days Monday (6.00pm), Wednesday (5.30pm), Saturday (8am) Location Launch Zone, 1300 528 624 Cost $15 per person

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

LEARN JAPANESE PLAYGROUP MONDAYS DURING SCHOOL TERM Location Annandale Community Centre Time 9.30 - 10.30am Email oyakodejapanese@hotmail.com Cost Gold coin donation per family

Time From 9.30am Location St Peter’s Anglican Church, West End Cost $3.00 per child Phone Call 0414 807 179 for more information

A E K I L PA R T Y

www.karaspartyideas.com

pakmag CELEBRATE

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www.catchmyparty.com 32

NOVEMBER 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

www.andersruff.com

Design your Super Hero Cape www.earthtoys.net (RRP $49.95ea)

Crochet Super Max www.earthtoys.net (RRP $85.00ea)

Wonder Woman Biscuits www.okyscookies.com

Spider-Man Strawberries www.trendhunter.com

Thor Cupcakes www.horriblehousewife.com

Icingbits Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

www.pakmag.com.au NOVEMBER 2016

33

PARTY GUIDE Rides N Slides

Townsville Mini Golf

Make your party easy and stress free with Rides n Slides. They have a huge range of amusement equipment and cater for all types of parties. From the essentials (tables and chairs) to the entertainment (jumping castles, balloons, fairy floss, popcorn, snow cones, laughing clowns and face painting) they can provide everything you need to make your party a success.

A great party and function venue suitable for all ages and events; adult's birthday parties, corporate events, social or sporting club functions, fundraising events, family gatherings, wedding receptions or just a social gettogether with friends. Check out the awesome inclusions available with the Family Gold Pass which includes a Child's Birthday Party Package, a Saturday Night Buffet Family Pass and 12 months FREE mini golf play for the whole family.

CALL (07) 4724 4790 or 0407 529 831 EMAIL info@qldamusements.com.au WEB www.qldamusements.com.au

Amusements Plus Their amusements and rides will enhance your party or corporate event. They can provide amusements, fun and entertainment for parties ranging in age and style from young children to adult parties of all types.

MENTION PAKMAG* FOR A FREE UPGRADE CALL 0488 676 701 EMAIL kelli@amusementsplus.com.au WEB www.amusementsplus.com.au FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ AmusementsPlus

Hands on Wildlife Hands on Wildlife make birthday party planning easy - they bring their friendly animals directly to you! Let the “Hands On” team entertain the kids and guests with their friendly lizards, snakes, crocodile and fuzzy friends. With a chance for everyone to touch and hold the animals there are plenty of opportunities for great photos.

CALL 0437 056 156 EMAIL rangerdan@handsonwildlife.com.au WEB www.handsonwildlife.com.au FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ handsonwildlife

Other Party Packages include unlimited mini golf and jumping castle play, hot food, cold drink, fairy floss, potato chips, lollies and cold water.

All for only $15 per child.

CALL 4771 3999 or 0428 767 617 EMAIL georgiestownsville@gmail.com WEB www.townsvilleminigolf.com.au FACEBOOK https://www.facebook. com/Townsville-Mini-Golf-Fun-Park

Chipmunks Playland & Cafe Chipmunks is the perfect birthday party venue for boys & girls aged between 0 – 11 years. With no fuss, no clean-up & guaranteed fun.

No matter whether your child is a princess, pirate or loves Charlie Chipmunk, Chipmunks has a range of exciting themes & convenient birthday packages to suit your occasion and budget.

After Hours Functions – Chipmunks is the ideal venue for your next private function for sports break ups, school functions or large birthday party groups.

Packages can include staff to host your event, full catering for children and adults, use of our sound system and, of course, exclusive use of our indoor playground equipment.

CALL 4724 2219

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ ChipmunksTownsville

EMAIL townsville@chipmunks.com.au WEB www.chipmunks.com.au

Kirwan Aquatic Centre Is more than just a swimming pool!

Kiwan Aquatic Centre has many party options to suit your party

requirements. You can DIY cater

using onsite BBQs, or let Kirwan Aquatic do it for you.

All parties have their own marquees, tables and chairs supplied.

There is also the “Tropical Splash” water castle which is a popular feature at Kirwan Aquatic Centre. The Tropical Splash is supervised by two qualified life guards at all times.

WEB www.kirwanaquaticcentre.com. au/birthday-parties CALL 4723 3447

EMAIL info@love2swimschool.com.au WEB www.kirwanaquaticcentre.com.au

LAUNCH ZONE Launch Zone has a range of party packages, private party rooms, a

host for the duration of your party and delicious party food. Launch Zone is perfect for your next birthday celebration.

CALL 1300 launch (528 624)

EMAIL enquiries@launchzone.com.au WEB www.launchzone.com.au

MAKE SURE YOU LET THEM KNOW YOU READ IT IN PAKMAG!!!! www.pakmag.com.au NOVEMBER 2016

35

EDUCATION

pakmag

Study Motivation for Mums STORY Sally-Ann Lawrence, Managing Director, Experience Works

With the rise in the availability of flexible learning options and part-time TAFE courses there has never been a better time to study. But after the excitement of enrolment, the prospect of balancing life and study can be a daunting reality.

So, how should you add study time into your busy schedule and how do you stay focused with distractions and competing priorities all around you?

There are several sure-fire ways to set yourself up for success and ensure study becomes a pleasure rather than a chore: Create a distraction-free study space. Designate an area free from distractions such as televisions and game consoles and permit yourself to use your study space for learning only. “Distraction-free?”, I hear many parents reading this cry! Encourage the kids to share in your learning by adding a goal setting element that rewards the kids once you reach a milestone. This gives them an incentive to give you the space you need to make the most of your study time.

Prior planning will help. Scheduling is key when you have a busy lifestyle and often the busier we are, the less we feel like we can fit in; something’s gotta give and it’s usually the less desirable activities that we drop off our lists first. So, make yourself a plan. Prioritise your week, make sure you still have time for fun, family and friends but add an equal measure of serious study time. Remember to allow time for all the important aspects of your life – including adequate sleep!

Keep the kids entertained. Have some ideas handy on how you are going to entertain the kids while you study or plan a set study time once they are settled in bed for the night. For some great ideas about this visit www.workingmothersconnect.com.au Reward yourself. Remember that you have an end goal but it’s the small steps that will get you there. Take breaks or give yourself rewards for achieving your study goals – perhaps coffee with friends or a lovely quiet soak in the bath.

Stay connected and communicate. Explain to the other members of the household how important this is to you and how it will benefit everyone in the long run. Staying connected with family and friends or getting involved with forums and study groups will not only help you overcome any feelings of isolation, it will also help you stay on track.

No matter how you look at it, keeping motivated to study is no mean feat. Following these basic steps for success is a great basis for keeping focused but be sure to adapt them to suit your lifestyle and own personal motivators. Whoever you are and whatever your goals, celebrate your achievements, move on from your disappointments and push yourself to finish the journey you so bravely started.

www.pakmag.com.au NOVEMBER 2016

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pakmag EDUCATION

Careers & Courses to Consider

The career path you choose will depend on a number of things including your passion, your expectations and the type of work schedule you are looking for. Here’s a more in depth look into some of the rising career paths for parents, all of which offer flexible hours and come with very good job outcomes for the future.

Early Childhood Education As long as parents procreate, there will be the need for excellent early childhood educators to help our little ones flourish and grow. One of the benefits of working in this environment is that many employers will allow you to work while studying, meaning you can earn an income and gain hands-on experience from the start.

Your first step is to enrol in a program that suits you. Check out the Australian National Training Group who specialise in Early Childhood Education. www.antg.gov.au Additional careers in a school system also tend to come with flexible school hours. This can include roles in administration, marketing and maintenance. Teachers, teacher aide and librarians also tend to work school hours (or similar).

Aged Care Aged and palliative care is one of the industries with the most promising job outcomes for the future. It is also a rewarding pathway, especially for those who enjoy helping people.

Aged care training includes a course in Aged Care which covers both the theory and the practical components required for employment in residential aged care and/ or

community settings. You will also need to complete 120 hours of work placements. Austcare specialises in Aged Care and other healthcare programs for those interested in this career path. www.austcare.com.au/aged-care

Home Based Businesses Another option is to start a home-based business or contractor role where you can choose when you work. This can include personal training, hair styling, naturopathy, interior design, web design, web writing, journalism, realtor or property management, landscaping, photography, life coach or gardener.

It might be a good idea to look into a refresher or online course to help give you the upper hand in the industry and help you gain an understanding of the ins and outs of starting a business. Whether you choose to work as a freelancer or a contractor or whether you want to start your own small business, the more knowledge about the business side of things, the better.

Certificates in Business Administration and Business Management are a great place to start. There are also certificates from online companies (such as I Want That Course, CQUniversity and Martin College), that focus on beauty, graphic design and digital publishing, all of which are great work-at-home options.

With a range of flexible study options and low course costs, The Australian National Training Group (ANTG) is fast becoming the preferred choice for many adult students. Their dedicated team are with you every step of the way and access to great trainers, both online and face-to-face, make returning to study a much less intimidating prospect.

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113) and the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113) are just two of the great courses offered by ANTG. For more information on these or any other courses visit www.antg.com.au or call them on 1800 611 661.

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NOVEMBER 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

pakmag HOME

P L PERFECTION Is there anything more refreshing (and relaxing) than jumping into a pool on a hot summers day? Kids love to swim. Adults love to cool off. And swimming pools provide the perfect backdrop for summer BBQs, outdoor dining and family time. So take advantage of the tropical North Queensland lifestyle with our guide to pool perfection.

STEP ONE: SELECT YOUR POOL MATERIAL Concrete – this is the most widely used method for pool construction in North Queensland due to its versatile nature and its ability to be shaped to fit all sorts of backyards.

Fibreglass – Easy-to-install fibreglass pools are also easy to maintain, affordable, strong and come with a smoother surface for scratchfree swimming.

STEP TWO: FINALISE THE FENCING The construction of your pool is only one minor element to transforming your backyard into a tropical sanctuary. In addition to your pool choice, you will also need to consider fencing around the pool area.

All Queensland pools must be registered on the State Government’s Pool Safety Register and must be fenced in accordance with the Queensland Development Code. Glass, steel and timber fences are common choices for homeowners in FNQ and many pool installation companies can quote on both pool and fencing construction.

STEP THREE: ADD YOUR EXTRAS You will also need to decide on the decking (concrete, tile, timber decking, etc.) and the décor such as outdoor table settings, deck chairs and additional luxuries to help enhance your outdoor oasis (outdoor bar anyone?).

www.placidpools.com.au

www.tropicshade.com.au

WITH THE BLOCK’S CARO & KINGI www.placidpools.com.au

Floating Colour Changing Frog on Lillie Pad www.luminouslights.net.au (RRP $25.00ea)

Luka Barstool www.vipfurniture.com.au (RRP $179.00 $161.00ea)

Natural Rubber Ball www.earthtoys.net (RRP $18.00ea)

Peter Pod Hanging Chair www.vipfurniture.com.au (RRP $799.00 $499.00ea)

www.pakmag.com.au NOVEMBER 2016

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pakmag HOME

Outdoor

SUMMER FUN

North Queensland is all about outdoor living and spending time outside with the kiddies is a great family activity. And more time spent outdoors means less chance of the kids making a mess inside the house! Adding little changes to your garden or yard can help you enjoy more open-air family fun this summer.

Add an element of adventure with a baby or kids’ swing.

Stimulate imaginative development with a backyard cubby house, perfect for pretend play.

Give your kids their own outdoor space to play. A child’s picnic table (with clear plastic overtop) provides a great place to do crafts, painting, play doh and other activities that you really hate cleaning off your clean living room floors.

For mum and dad, enjoy a break from the kitchen with a BBQ and relax and rejuvenate in a resort-style setting (complete with pool, comfy deck chairs and a beverage in hand) but in the comfort of your own backyard.

Timber Outdoor Play House www.earthtoys.net (RRP $499.00ea)

Weber® Spirit® E-330 Premium Turners Home Appliances www.weberbbq.com.au (RRP $1199.00ea LPG) Outdoor Table & Chair Set www.earthtoys.net (RRP $349.95ea)

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NOVEMBER 2016 www.pakmag.com.au

Concrete Pots and Tasmanian Oak Stands www.bespokedesignerliving.com

HEALTHY RECIPES Coconu tC

Christmas Ice

Lentil Soup rry u

C

m a e r

ARE PREP TIME! D OF AHEA GAN. VE REE. EN F U GL T

INGREDIENTS 1 cup coconut milk 1 cup raisins 1 cup currants 1/2 cup cranberries 1/2 cup slivered almonds* 5 ripe bananas (approx. 500g) 10 medjool dates, seeds removed

INGREDIENTS 4 tablespoons coconut oil 1/2 teaspoon concentrated natural vanilla extract 1 teaspoon mixed spice 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cloves

HOW TO MAKE 1. Place the coconut milk, raisins, currants, cranberries and almonds into a medium sized saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 5 – 10 minutes.

2. Place the bananas, dates, oil, vanilla and spices into your food processor and blend at high speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3. Combine the two mixtures and pour into a silicon loaf tin.

Place in the freezer to set for 6 – 8 hours. If you are making this days or weeks in advance it will still be delicious but the consistency will change and you will need to slice the ice cream with a knife and serve it this way.

4. Serve. Eat. Enjoy. *for a nut free version omit the almonds or replace them with toasted sunflower seeds ICE CREAM RECIPE CREATED BY

Check them out online: wholefoodsimply.com on Instagram: wholefoodsimply or on facebook: / wholefoodsimply

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THY T! HEAL S GIF TMA S I R CH N. VEGA EE. FR N E GLUT

1 x 500ml Glass Jar 100g Organic Red Split Lentils 90g Biodynamic RainFed Medium Grain Brown Rice 30g Organic Long Thread Coconut 100g Organic Green Whole Lentils 5g Sweet Paprika 5g Himalayan Pink Salt 5g Cayenne Pepper 10g Mild Curry Powder HOW TO MAKE 1. Layer all ingredients into jar, pushing each layer down firmly to fit them all in. Attach a tag with the following instructions to the jar.

2. Add 5 -7 cups of stock (or water) and bring to a boil.

Simmer until lentils are soft (approx. 1 hour). For a richer, creamier soup, add 1 cup of organic coconut milk.

3. Before serving stir in 2-3 handfuls of spinach or kale for an extra boost of vitamin C and top with coriander.

RECIPES BROUGHT TO YOU BY Get your ingredients from The Source Bulk Foods.

Check them out on facebook: /TheSourceBulkFoods Short on time? Pick yourself up a pre-made jar from The Source Bulk Foods.

BUSINESS Buzz Meet: Wellspring Chiropractic

Have You Heard: City Update is Moving Online!

Like many things in the world, City Update is taking the big step up – into the digital space! You will receive all your latest council news on programs, services, events and more in an easy to read online format.

You can sign up to receive your new monthly City Update e-newsletter by visiting www.townsville.qld.gov.au and clicking on the appropriate link or searching “enewsletter” and completing the online registration.

We’ll send you an email to confirm your subscription. As well as the new online edition, City Update will be available on council's website. It will also be distributed quarterly in the Townsville Bulletin and delivered in hard copy to all City Libraries branches and Customer Service Centre in Walker Street – keep an eye out for the summer edition coming out in November.

Wellspring Chiropractic was established in Townsville in 2006 by Canadian chiropractor Suzanne Johnston (nee Jarschke), who has over 18 years’ experience. The centre has a team of experienced chiropractors and support staff and offers individualised programs of care in the diagnosis and management of spinal health related problems.

The team at Wellspring want to educate and help the local community lead and maintain healthy lives by delivering healthcare which is safe, effective and regulated. By placing importance on good spinal health and function, alleviating pain, improving posture and mobility, and living a healthy lifestyle, one can improve performance in life.

Wellspring sees a wide variety of clients with a range of conditions relating to spinal health including lower back pain, neck pain and headaches in addition to acute and chronic conditions. They are providers for Defence, DVA, and EPC, and offer HICAPS along with workshops on posture and spinal health.

Suzanne and her husband Terry have a beautiful six-yearold daughter named Anais and reveal that they absolutely love the relaxed tropical lifestyle and warm community that Townsville has to offer.

The Johnston family enjoy relaxing at home, island escapes to Magnetic Island and taking part in the numerous events and activities around Townsville.

Suzanne, like all busy mums, admits that life can get hectic but she wouldn’t want it any other way. “Making a difference in the community by improving a client’s wellbeing is truly rewarding.”

Stay tuned for more details on Wellspring's 10 year celebration, taking place in early 2017!

You can follow them on Facebook, call them on 4779 1604 or find out more at www.wellspringchiropractic.com.au

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Townsville Women’s Business Circle – Gala Evening WHEN: Friday, 18 November 2016, 7pm to midnight WHERE: Allure Events, 68 McIlwraith Street, Townsville MORE INFO: www.townsvilletickets.com.au Townsville Women’s Business Circle is hosting their inaugural Gala Evening and you are invited! This special evening will celebrate Townsville Business Women’s Circle.

Join them for a sumptuous dinner, excellent wines, guest speakers and entertainment. They will be launching their BOQ Castletown Educational Bursary, you’ll hear from the amazing Gillian Fox and be entertained by the gorgeous Sunday Blue with Judy Higgins and Paula Lalor - all over a 3 course meal and including a 4 hour drinks package.

www.pakmag.com.au NOVEMBER 2016

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1. Cailen & Mackenna - Chipmunks 2. Zipporah , Kobaen & Adam - The Strand 3. Coby & Taylha Jazzine Barracks, Light The Night 4. Ezekiel, Ashton & Jaya - Chipmunks 5. Ethan - Chipmunks 6. Amelia - Chipmunks 7. Blake & Ethan - Chipmunks 8. Serahjot - The Strand 48

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13 10 17 PHOTOS THANKS TO: JOSEPHINE CARTER PHOTOGRAPHY 0455 295 416 www.josephinecarterphotography.com

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9. Mackenzie - The Strand 10. Lacey & Emma - Chipmunks 11. Caden - Chipmunks 12. Amber & Amilia - Jazzine Barracks , Light The Night 13. Zakary - Jezzine Barracks, Light The Night 14. Ruby - Chipmunks 15. Xaetia - The Strand 16. Nate - Chipmunks 17. Dakota & Riley - Chipmunks 18. Vivien & Victoria - The Strand www.pakmag.com.au NOVEMBER 2016

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Daddy Diary The “Rat” Pack It happened one hot and sunny Thursday afternoon after a particularly long day at work. I had just returned home after a late meeting and taken my pants off. I was sitting on the back veranda when it happened - every father’s worst nightmare.

It’s not something I'd wish on any of Townsville's doting dads. You see, this particular Thursday afternoon was the day I discovered that my twoand-a-bit-year-old daughter (I refuse to call her a 28-month-old) is a rat.

And I don't mean the cute, furry type with whiskers. I mean the type of "rat" you'd see on The Sopranos.

An informant.

Let's backtrack for a moment. I've already highlighted what a big day I'd had. It was a whopper. As the VB ad would say, I had myself one "hard earned thirst".

So after picking Matilda up from day care I could hear that one last Heineken in the fridge left over from the weekend calling my name. It was delicious. And exactly what the

By Cliffo 50

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doctor ordered. With my pants now hanging over one of the breakfast bench stools and nothing but my cool new Batman boxer shorts and a t-shirt on, I indulged in that early arvo beverage while Matilda looked on.

Waiting. Watching. Plotting.

I finished the Heiney and disposed of the evidence in the recycling bin just as my wife, Michelle, pulled into the garage. She had just finished her long and arduous day at work.

“Cool,” I thought to myself. “Michelle is home. Family time.”

That’s when it happened. Mich took a mere three steps into the living area of our little Kirwan home when Matilda came running towards her. They hugged, kissed, smiled and then Matilda dropped the bombshell. For the first time in her nearly two-and-ahalf-years (28 months), she dobbed on me. She pointed right at me, stared and proudly declared to her mother, "Daddy eat beer.”

I wasn't angry. Just disappointed.

She ratted me out! My wife, Michelle, thought it was hilarious. I, on the other

hand, was not laughing. For I, dear readers, am now fully aware that nothing gets past a toddler, and I will never be safe in my own home again.

And, thus, like many parents with toddlers have already discovered, the only safe place to indulge in an afternoon beer or eat the last bar of chocolate, is in the loo. With the door locked.

Love you, Matilda. xxx