PakMag April 2015 Mackay/Whitsundays Issue 30

ISSUE NO. 30 APR 2015 MACKAY / WHITSUNDAYS

STAY SAFE FEATURE

SCHOOL'S OUT GUIDE

EASTER

COVER PHOTO Ta Da Photography

FUN IDEAS

Free

ISSUE NO. 30 APR 2015

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CONTENTS

28

HELLO

06 #TRENDING 08 STAY SAFE

Feature Story 11 TRANSITIONING TO UNIVERSITY

Hello and welcome to our Easter edition of PakMag! Firstly thanks to everyone that attended our Easter Egg hunt - we hope you had fun and enjoyed your chocolate Easter Eggs. You all looked fabulous in your costumes.

15 MACKAY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 17 HEALTH

Easter is such a great time of year - one of celebration plus the seafood, an extralong weekend to spend with loved ones and of course lots (and lots) of chocolate.

My big brother loved our annual Easter Hunt when I was little, we used to find eggs and he would re-hide them when we weren’t looking so it seemed like we got SO MANY eggs.

19 BUMP & BUB

We have lots of great ideas inside this edition for Easter, plus a fantastic story on teaching your kids to stay safe from “Tricky People” and of course lots of information about what is happening around town.

25 MINI MAG

Until next time, we hope you enjoy the school holidays, stay safe, and don’t forget to tell everyone - you read it in PakMag. Have a great month,

35 BIKE WEEK 2015

Bree x

20 BUMP & BUB PRODUCTS 23 WHAT'S ON GUIDE

33 ENTERTAINMENT

37 DADDY DIARY 38 EASTER CRAFT IDEAS 40 EASTER GIFT GUIDE 42 SNAPPED

BREE JAMES / PAKMAG PUBLISHER

45 WHAT'S NEW IN BIZ Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 30th July 2014

46 HOME

Teenager's Sanctuary 49 HOME PRODUCTS 50 DIY HOME IDEAS

PAKMAG HEAD OFFICE P 4053 3331 M 0427 725 624 E mkysales@pakmag.com.au PO BOX 1922 Mackay Qld 4740 FB www.facebook.com/pakmagmackay T #pakmag ON THE COVER MODEL Amity Matthews PHOTOGRAPHY Ta Da Photography WEBSITE www.tadaphotography.com 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.

TSV Ambassador Alisyn

Events Extraordinaire Kelly

Darling Designer Clare

Dazzling Designer Emma

Grand Poobah Bree

Epic Editor Carly

Sales Guru Angelina

Admin Ace Janelle

Sales Star Cherie

Sales Golden Girl Tammy

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WHAT'S TRENDING

CHI KHI COLLECTIONS Chi Khi is the stunning new kidswear collection from Australian muso (and X-Factor judge) Natalie Bassingthwaighte. Inspired by her own two children Harper and Hendrix, Chi Khi is aimed at style savvy parents and kids who are not afraid to stand out from the crowd. Cool, urban unisex designs in a monochromatic palette are made to mix and match and are crafted from bamboo and cotton.

Bassingthwaighte says parents looking for fashion meeting function will love Chi Khi. “I love things to be well made, comfortable and to last, so every Chi Khi Mini piece has taken that into consideration.

The love and attention is in the detailing. Every garment has extra length for those growth spurts. Just fold up or scrunch, upside down zips for easy nappy change and our super cute signature eyelash foot grips for those littlies on the move. The bamboo keeps them cool in summer and warm in winter.”Chi Khi launched it’s first range in sizes 0-4 years and is available to online at chikhi.co/shop

HOLLY'S MAGIC WAND DVD RRP $19.95 WEB www.eonefilms.com WIN a Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom DVD Ben is a loveable little elf while his best friend Holly is a bossy but loveable fairy princess. They are best friends who spend most of their day getting in to all kinds of trouble and whilst Ben expects to work hard for everything he has, Holly happily attempts to fix things with a wave of her magic wand.

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COPPER FIGTREE CANDLE R’S E H T O M GIFT DAY A IDE

SUPERHEROES REJOICE! RRP $129.95 WEB www.downthatlittlelane.com.au If you have a little superhuman in your midst, the Comic Landing Pad will have them leaping for joy!

The very first release in the Mini Beanz Comic Collection, the landing pad is the perfect bean bag to catch your little (or BIG!) superhero. Made in a size that would be just as comfy for a toddler as it would for an adult it is a must have. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, you can take this bean bag anywhere with the help of the carry handle. Designed with safety and practicality in mind, the removable cover contains a safety zipper as well as the inner bag that holds the beans having a secondary safety zipper.

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APRIL 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

RRP $69.95 WEB www.papillonhome.com.au This is a beautiful handmade and hand poured candle made in Melbourne with all natural ingredients that burns cleanly. It is made with pure soy wax mixed with coconut and almond oil.

#TRENDING

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COPE KEYRING AND TEETHER RRP $9.95 WEB www.cope.org.au WIN a Cope Keyring and Teether

SODASTREAM PLAY

Pregnancy and the first years of life with a new baby can be very stressful as there are many challenges and adjustments that women and families face. Despite being common, often these challenges and feelings of stress, depression or anxiety are not spoken about - leaving many women feeling like they are the only one who may be finding it hard to cope.

COPE: Centre of Perinatal Excellence has been established to provide aspiring, new and expectant parents with much needed information and support at each step of the journey to parenthood. We all need to acknowledge that motherhood comes with highs and lows, and that we are there to support one another in difficult times.

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RRP $99.00 WEB www.sodastream.com.au WIN a Sodastream Play If you are one of the eight in ten Australians that don't drink enough water you might not be feeling as healthy and happy as you could be, as well as putting yourself at risk of some more serious health problems.

However, if you find it hard to drink enough tap water and prefer sparkling, a home beverage maker like SodaStream can help keep you and your family properly hydrated.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

PINK LADY EASTER BILBY RRP $45.00 WEB www.plchocolates.com.au WIN a pack of Pink Lady Easter Bilby's With only a few hundred bilbies still living naturally in the wild, Pink Lady Chocolates has once again partnered with Save the Bilby Fund to raise funds to assist recovery of this iconic Australian marsupial.

For every bilby you buy, a donation will be made to the Save The Bilby Fund. The Pink Lady chocolate bilby is available at Big W, Myer and other specialty chocolate stores.

For more information on the Save The Bilby Fund visit: www.savethebilbyfund.org ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

A MOVING MASTERPIECE! RRP $1149 WEB www.bugaboo.com Bugaboo has joined forces with the Van Gogh Museum to present a pram that is more a work of art than a stroller! The starting point for the Bugaboo + Van Gogh Collection is the bold, bright, and beautiful Almond Blossom painting, influenced by the master’s time in Paris where he first came in contact with Japanese prints.

The new Bugaboo Bee³ + Van Gogh collection includes the Bugaboo Bee³ Complete Van Gogh, with chassis, seat and sun canopy is priced at $1149.

The Bugaboo Bee³ + Van Gogh collection a limited edition and will be available in stores worldwide this month.

www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

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STAY SAFE TEACHING OUR KIDS PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOUR

Turning on the TV or picking up a newspaper these days seems to be a daily reminder of what dangers lurk in the world.

Any parent could be forgiven for feeling a chill run down their spine when hearing stories of tragedies involving children. The idea of a child being abducted fills a parent with fear, but when you are reminded to hug your kids just that little bit closer it may also be worth making a mental note to talk to them about their personal safety.

We all remember the lessons about stranger danger from our own childhood. Unfortunately statistics suggest that we need to go further than educating our kids to be weary of strangers. Around 85 per cent of danger or abuse cases indicate that the perpetrator is in fact known to the child or trusted by the child and not a ‘stranger’ at all.

These statistics have prompted experts in the field to suggest, instead of teaching children to fear strangers, parents should focus on educating them about protective behaviours, ‘tricky’ people (including stranger danger and predators) and Internet or online risks.

The ‘I Stay Safe’ website says the aim is to teach children to be safe, to be aware of predatory strangers and to be self protective. Teaching protective

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APRIL 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

behaviours or ‘stranger danger’ is a delicate balance of raising awareness, without unnecessarily alarming children, or paralysing them with fear.

It is equally important to emphasise that the majority of adults are caring, loving and responsible – not ‘bad people’, to globally fear.

As parents it can be tough to know where to draw the line. The good old days where kids used to play cricket in the street, walk to and from school alone and enjoy independence from a young age seem to be gone.

However, psychologists tend to agree that going too far as a protective parent - sometimes termed ‘helicopter parenting’ - can lead to problems down the track and children should be allowed some level of independence and room to discover new experiences.

After all, these are usually the things we recall with the most fondness from our own childhoods.

mum is sick and that a new person needs to take them home.

• Role play or practise a variety of strategies or other scenarios.

• Try a test in a safe environment at home, such as an unfamiliar friend at the front door trying to entice them outside to look at a sick, cute rabbit.

• Research shows that kids often ‘forget’ after a period of time.

Thus a yearly family refresher course is very worthwhile.

In December 2003, a 13 year old boy left his home on the Sunshine Coast to do some Christmas shopping for his family. He never made it home. Queenslanders, and indeed Australians, now know too well the story of Daniel Morcombe’s abduction and murder, but it is the work his parents Bruce and Denise Morcombe have done since the loss of their beloved son that they hope will give Daniel a lasting legacy.

Using some of the ‘rules’ outlined will give parents a great starting point on what to discuss with children. It is worth having conversations with kids on a regular basis, reminding them on how to stay safe and what to do if they ever feel threatened. According to ‘I Stay Safe’, research shows that kids often can quote what mum or dad said very well, but when placed in the situation, they more often still give in.

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation has two main aims; to educate children on how to stay safe in a physical and online environment and to support young victims of crime. The Foundation has produced the ‘Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum’ which is available to all schools nationwide and has produced ‘Keeping Kids Safe’ an educational DVD supplied free to schools and community groups.

I Stay Safe suggests the following:

Bruce and Denise Morcombe have taken their own personal tragedy and created something positive.

If there was ever a parent who could

• At home, role play certain situations with your child, such as pretending

RULES FOR KIDS 1. I AM THE BOSS OF MY BODY! 2. I know my NAME, ADDRESS and PHONE NUMBER and my parents’ names too. (If children are old enough) 3. Safe grownups don’t ask kids for help!! (They go to other grownups if they need assistance).

4. I never go ANYWHERE or take ANYTHING from someone I don’t know.

5.

I must “CHECK FIRST” with my safe grownup for permission: before I go anywhere, change my plans, or get into a car even if it’s with someone I know. If I can’t check first, then the answer is NO!

6. I don’t have to be POLITE, if someone makes me feel scared or uncomfortable. It’s okay to say NO… even to a grownup, if I have to. be forgiven for saying you should never let your children out of sight, it would be the Morcombes.

Instead, they believe kids have the right to be kids. To walk to school, catch a bus and play with friends, but that kids should be taught how to avoid finding themselves in situations they can’t control.

If you are interested in learning more about the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum, visit www.danielmorcombe.com.au or ask your school when your children might have access to it.

7. I don’t keep SECRETS… especially if they make me feel scared or uneasy. (No adult should tell a child to keep a secret).

8. If I ever get LOST in a public place, I can FREEZE and YELL or go to a mum with kids and ask for help.

9. I will always pay attention to my Inner Voice, especially if I get an “uh-oh” feeling.

10. Whenever possible, I will stay in a group with my friends when I am not with my family.

Basic protective safety for parents (courtesy of istaysafe.com.au) • Always know where your children are.

• Keep your kids within your sight or supervision.

• Be alert to other people around you, but not paranoid.

• Be alert to Internet threats – research shows predators are increasingly

luring more mature children through the Internet, such as online, through forums, chat lines, and message systems.

• Always keep young children’s computers within your vision (not in their bedrooms) and under your supervision.

• Install a ‘Net-Nanny’ or Parental Control Software program on your computer.

• Teach your child to never ever give out personal or private information.

NO! www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

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SCHOOL

pakmag

FIVE CONVERSATIONS FOR PARENTS AND SCHOOL -LEAVERS

TRANSITIONING TO UNIVERSITY If Hollywood films were anything to go by, the university experience is all about good times, parties and a never-ending abundance of friends. Unfortunately that may not be the reality for many students. Challenges such as isolation, financial pressure, stress and the general management of life away from family can be overwhelming.

However there are some simple strategies parents and students can work through while embarking on this exciting new adventure.

As thousands of Queensland school -leavers experience their first taste of independence, the furthest thing from their mind is the mental preparation required to engage successfully into a world away from the comforts of home.

Post-school education experiences differ from person-to-person and the consequences of not preparing can have a long-term impact on future career and life outcomes.

According to the 2014 Australian University Census data, one in five university students will drop out in their first year.

The high attrition rates can be linked to factors such as the inability to manage the study workload, course dissatisfaction and a lack of engagement with the university experience.

Jarrah Steen, co-founder of The Life Approach training company, says there are many ways parents and students can prepare for life away from home and have a great experience.

She says the risk of attrition is reduced when students have proactively identified strategies that help them immerse into life away from home.

“Being able to communicate effectively and confidently is also vital,” Ms Steen said.

“This includes being able to manage the power shift from interdependence at school to being fully in charge of your own outcomes in university by being able to seek advice or help.

“For some students the fear of speaking to a person in power, such as a lecturer, can be a huge

deal and they may end up struggling with course content because they won’t ask for help,” Ms Steen said.

Another key strategy is being able to engage in activities outside of class such as sporting groups, special interest groups, student politics or charity work.

“Directing attention to positive activities can assist with stress reduction, and opens opportunities to meet new friends and networks,” Ms Steen said.

She said having an open conversation with parents, mentors or carers can help reduce the anxiety for some young people and set them up for success in whatever path they followed after school.

www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

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SCHOOL

SOME DISCUSSION TOPICS INCLUDE: 1. What are your expectations? Open

a dialogue with your young person about the challenges you both believe they may encounter and talk through strategies that will assist to manage these challenges. Some common situations school leavers encounter are overwork, stress or loneliness. Having proactive conversations can reassure the young person that they have the support to manage any situation.

2. What do you really want to get out of this experience? “A degree/qualification”

would be the logical answer but the conversation should go beyond the tangible to see the feeling they want to live with. Do they want to feel happy, socially engaged, loved, empowered, creative, secure or free? Asking them to define their desired feelings will help guide them as they make choices throughout their university years and beyond.

3. How will you meet new friends?

Having the discussion about how and where to develop new friendships is paramount. Sometimes tight timetables render it difficult to connect with other students during or after class, so another strategy may be necessary to find friendships. Discuss the various on and off campus activities and clubs available and how they could access them.

4. Where will you get help? The teacher

-student power base changes in tertiary education from one where students were used to taking instructions, to one where they have to be proactive and take responsibility for their own learning outcomes. Having the confidence to ask for help and communicate with faculty will be a major factor to success. Faculty staff members are more than happy to assist.

5. It’s ok to say ‘No’. For many young

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SETTLING IN AS A MATURE AGE STUDENT Returning to study as a mature age student can present challenges, such as juggling course commitments with the demands of work and family life. Despite this, mature age students are usually highly motivated and keen to succeed but sometimes perspective is needed to study hard and effectively while balancing time for family and other commitments.

Mature age students may return to study for a variety of reasons including to obtain a qualification; upgrade a current qualification or change career direction.

THERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS STUDENTS CAN DO TO HELP EASE THE TRANSITION BACK INTO STUDY: • Investigate on-campus services. For example, some tertiary institutions have on-site childcare facilities.

• Find out about financial support. Visit your local Centrelink office and find out about services you may be eligible for, such as government childcare allowance, Youth Allowance or Austudy.

• Try to arrange your class timetable so that it reduces disruption to your existing commitments. For example, some institutions offer flexible delivery of programs that may include evening classes, weekend courses or online subjects.

• If possible, run household errands during breaks in classes – some institutions have banks, medical clinics, pharmacists and other shops.

people this period is the first time they get to exercise independent decision -making. Feeling comfortable about saying “no” will empower their decisions and give them an important tool to guide their choices in situations such as taking on too much paid work, or choosing not to go to that party the night before the exam.

• Take short courses to familiarise yourself with new technology if necessary. Some mature age students may not be comfortable with new technology – however, student life will be much easier if you can use computers and the Internet.

The Life Approach is a new Mackay-based training and development company aimed at supporting women of all ages through major life and career transitions. For more information visit www.thelifeapproach.com

Most importantly, try to have realistic expectations. Some mature age students go back into the learning environment with high hopes to achieve all their goals and balancing family life. Expect that there will be a transition period and there may be some parts of your life that that may have to be put on hold for a while as you find your groove.

APRIL 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

• Submit a ‘Special Consideration’ application if you’ve been seriously ill or have experienced some sort of crisis during the semester – for example, death of an immediate family member, medical problems (either yourself or your immediate family), personal or family crisis.

Surprise Mum this Mother’s Day with a personalised message in PakMag’s May edition!

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HOT TOPIC The age old arguments for and against parents using corporal correction have seen the light again recently in the media. This subject is, it seems to me, always presented by the media in such a way that anyone who uses a smack occasionally to correct their children is demonised and made out to be a bad parent and, even worse, a bad person.

A Courier Mail poll in 2013 showed that the majority of Queenslanders wanted corporal punishment to be reintroduced into government schools and other studies have shown that a majority of Australians still support smacking.

Yet, it seems to me, the controversial topic has most parents unwilling to admit if they smack their children or not, and fearful others will judge them badly whether they do or do not!

Just to clear up the legality - it remains lawful for parents in all Australian jurisdictions to use "reasonable" corporal punishment to discipline their children. Being legal does not make it always right. The most significant issue which clouds this debate is the reality that there are so many cases where what has been excused as a smack has clearly been excessive and has been abusive. As a society we must make the safety of our most vulnerable, including our children, a very high priority.

There is no doubt that smacking is effective in getting children to immediately comply with parents (the Australian Institute of Family Studies).

However, instead of teaching a child

to think through right and wrong it teaches a child to avoid certain behaviours when there is a risk of being caught by a parent.

What research shows is that the effects of using corporal punishment are influenced by several factors, including: the quality of the parentchild relationship; how often and how hard a child is hit; whether parenting is generally "hostile"; clear boundary setting and consistent use of discipline; and whether other disciplinary techniques are also used, particularly ones that are suited to a child's age, and are likely to enhance his or her learning and capacity for reasoning (Ferguson, 2013; Gershoff, 2002; Lynch et al., 2006; Smart et al., 2008).

The main goal of any disciplinary approach employed by parents is to educate the children about acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. The key to securing positive outcomes from any approach to discipline is to keep the child at the centre of the motivation for the discipline. When discipline devolves into securing a bit of peace, or a face saving exercise, for the parent/s it may be administered out of anger and is at greatest risk of being abusive.

There are many other approaches to correction such as: providing appropriate supervision; making rules (appropriate to the child's age and stage of development); setting and enforcing boundaries; firmly saying "no"; explaining why certain behaviour

is inappropriate; giving consequences; withdrawing privileges; and using "time out" or quiet time.

Other steps parents can take to minimise misbehaviour include: minimising the need for discipline or punishment by planning ahead to prevent problems from occurring (e.g, avoiding grocery shopping when a toddler is tired or irritable); being consistent with children; modelling desired behaviours; and praising, encouraging and rewarding children and providing them with warmth and affection (Parenting SA, 2010).

An important component in all disciplinary strategies is to maintain parental consistency. Parenting that is inconsistent can be confusing for children and lead to misbehaviour.

When parents are consistent in their disciplinary strategies, children learn what to expect from their parents if they misbehave. Children are less likely to test boundaries or push limits that are firmly set and when they know the consequences of poor behaviour (Spock & Needlmen, 2009).

It is not my intention to in any way be seen as trying to tell parents whether or not they should smack their children. I just recognise that no one teaches you how to be a parent. The stories we hear from parents every day tell us that parents are looking for as much help as they can get.

www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

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HEALTH

pakmag

HEALTH APRIL EAT CAKE ...

JUST DON’T SUGAR COAT IT!

BY Simone Kay As you open the fridge and review the chocolate that is gifted with the Easter season, STOP!

COULD THIS BE SKIN CANCER? STORY Dr John McIntosh Mackay GP Superclinic Group Now that Summer is over you may start to notice many new, changed or darkened spots on your body. The most important thing is that you do need to be paying attention to your skin so that you can see if changes are occurring. The give away with all the forms of skin cancer is that over time, they will change more and more every month.

Quite simply, the more regularly you check your skin, the greater your chance of detecting a potentially pre-cancerous spot before it has the chance to progress to something more dangerous.

Early detection and treatment of sun spots and skin cancers result in excellent outcomes and usually complete cure.

If you find a spot that has changed or that you are worried about, get into see a doctor skilled in skin cancer work. There are skin clinics that can scan your skin and actually see a few millimetres under the skin to determine if the spot is suspicious and whether it needs to be cut out.

Remember that not all skin cancers have to be treated with surgery with treatments like creams, shaves, scraping, light treatment (PDT), and freezing. The other key is that if your doctor is cutting off lots of spots, the pickup rate for skin cancers should be around 50 per cent overall as shown by research in North Queensland. So if you are paying for lots of cutting to be done, keep an eye out for how many are actually “cancer”. The non-cancerous ones usually do not need to be cut off so you are wasting your time and money.

The best insurance is for you and your partner to check each other’s skin every month. You don't need to know what skin cancer looks like, but if you are regularly checking each other, you will notice any obvious changes. Skin cancers can be any colour, shape, flat, lumps, blotches, hollows, ulcers - the only consistent thing is that they will change progressively every month.

Also make sure that you have a full body skin check with a skin doctor once every year. Early detection saves lives!

You already know that sugar is not good for you.

Something of which you may be unaware is that sugar degrades the connective tissues in the body.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Your connective tissue, your fascia, is the power source of your body’s movement. The myofascial nervous system is up to nine times faster than the central nervous system. Healthy fascia gives you strength and confidence to do the fun things in life - run, jump, dance and play. Eat sugar and your supportive connective tissues will fall down like a pair of pre worn stockings.

For healthy fascia stay well hydrated: supplement your water with a little splash of coconut water and a squeeze of fresh lime for flavour. Drink plenty.

Maintain a diet healthy in good oils - regular intake of avocado, salmon and nuts is ideal. Move your whole body in a variety of ways to continually strengthen the quality of your connective tissues.

Fascia needs to contract and relax in lots of different directions to make you movement strong.

This means variety when it comes to exercise.

Variety is the spice of life, and when it comes to healthy movement for healthy tissue, nothing could be more true.

Understanding what your fascia is and how it works can be key to managing lower back pain, shoulder, knee and other joint pain. Seek the guidance of a professional and take control of this part of your fitness and health journey.

If, like me, you still want to eat cake, I recommend The Paleo Cafe, where delicious sugar free ingredients will keep you happy and healthy while you love your tissues and your tummy at the same time.

The advice in this article is of a general nature and every individual will have different needs.

Always consult your doctor before commencing any exercise program.

www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

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BUMP &BUB

TALKING TO YOUR BABY STORY Jenna Mottin Speech Pathologist at TalkNQ Speech Pathology

Ever wondered how babies learn to talk and when they should start talking? Language is the key to your baby’s communication development.

Children learn to speak by being spoken to. Through play, children are able to learn about themselves and the world around them which is fundamental in developing communication and social skills.

Regular play is a simple and easy way to support the development of your baby’s communication and allows you to have fun together!

of two, children have a huge jump in the amount of words that they are saying and will have a vocabulary of around 50 words. It is around this time that children will start combining two words together e.g. ‘up mummy’ or ‘daddy home’. By three years of age, children are using sentences of 3-4 words that can be understood by unfamiliar listeners.

As a parent you are your baby’s favourite toy. Your baby will love playing with you. It is important that you make time each and every day to play with your baby. Play doesn’t always have to be sitting on the bedroom floor surrounded by toys.

Play can be included when bathing your baby, when feeding your baby or when grocery shopping.

• Place emphasis on words for objects that are commonly use in your baby’s world (For example, if in the bath you might emphasis the word ‘duck’ when playing with the rubber ducks).

So, what’s typical for early communication development? Before their first birthday, most babies are interested in watching your face closely, respond to you imitating them, playing with sounds (babbling) and words, responding to their name and some basic commands and participating in action songs.

Most babies say their first words between 12-18 months of age.

It is okay for these words to not sound exactly how they should. For example ‘ba’ for ball. Before the age

TIPS FOR TALKING WITH YOUR BABY INCLUDE: • Talking to your baby often and speaking slowly, clearly and simply.

• Repeat the same words in the same situations often. (For example, if you are hanging clothes on the line with your baby name the clothing and use the word ‘up’, ‘shirt up’, ‘socks up’).

• Imitate sounds that baby makes.

• Take turns when you are talking and playing (just like you would when having a conversation).

This will allow your baby to have the opportunity to speak.

TIPS FOR PLAYING WITH YOUR BABY INCLUDE: • Creating opportunities for your baby to play with other children. It may

be with the neighbour’s baby or going to the local library.

• Watch what your baby does with toys and copy their actions/sounds.

• Sing and make music with your baby. Singing nursery rhymes over and over again with your baby will help them learn language.

TIPS FOR INTERACTING WITH YOUR BABY THROUGH SHARING BOOKS: • Making books part of your daily routine is incredibly important.

You might decide that you will read a book with your baby every night before bed.

• Choose books with big, bright pictures. Books that allow the baby to feel different textures or have pop up pictures are great and very engaging.

• Point to and name objects, animals and people in books.

• Read your baby’s favourite books time and time again. This will allow them to become familiar with the words in the books and they will eventually be able to join in with the reading.

If you have any concerns about your child’s early communication development, it is best to seek help early rather than taking a ‘wait and see’ approach. A speech pathologist can assist to either set your mind at ease or suggest ways to assist your child in their early development.

www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

19

WIN

BUMP & BUB WIN

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GAIA NATURAL BABY

RRP $79.95 WEB www.slingthings.com.au WIN a Buboose by Slingthings

RRP $38.00 value WEB www.gaiaskinnaturals.com WIN a Gaia Natural Baby Pack

Made from the softest cotton / rayon blend these carriers are both soft to the touch and durable to wear. If you can put on a t-shirt, you can use the Buboose, it is: simple to use, comfortable, fashionable, compact and lightweight. Slingthings have designed a carrier to complement your lifestyle, our climate and your needs. Because you shouldn’t have to compromise.

GAIA BABY has become the trusted choice for parents when it comes to their children’s delicate skin. This pack contains: GAIA Natural Baby Bamboo Baby Wipes made from ultra-soft bamboo cloth that is 100% biodegradable, GAIA Natural Baby Conditioning Detangler (suitable for all ages) and GAIA Nipple Balm for breastfeeding mothers.

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WIN

ULTRASOUND PHOTO FRAME RRP $14.00 WEB www.babypresents.net.au WIN an Ultrasound Photo Frame These wooden ultrasound photo frames with the words Love at First Sight are a beautiful way to display the first ultrasound picture of baby. White wooden photo frame with stripe pattern and ribbon decoration. Scan photo can easily be inserted from the back of the frame plus a stand is attached on the back making it easy to display. Available in green and white stripe, blue and white stripe or pink and white stripe. ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

3 REASONS TO USE PAKMAG:

Mackay's Family Magazine for parents of 'BEANS TO TWEENS' 20

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1. PakMag prints 10,000 copies every month 2. PakMag distributes to McDonalds, Coles and Healthpoint Chemist in the Mackay Region.

3. PakMag targets parents of 'BEANS TO TWEENS.' CHECK OUT WHAT WE CAN DO FOR yOUR BUSiNESS! Call us on 07 4053 3331 or visit www.pakmag.com.au to see how we can help your business in the family market.

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CLOSER TO NATURE® PACK RRP $239.94 WEB www.closertonaturebaby.com.au WIN an Advanced Comfort™ prize pack

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Air ingested by baby when bottle feeding is believed to be one of the contributing factors to colic. The new advanced comfort™ range of bottles and teats from the award-winning closer to nature® range is designed to reduce the risk of baby ingesting air during feeding.

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PRAM PEGS SMARTRIKE® EXPLORER 5 IN 1 RRP $219.99 WEB www.smarttrike.com WIN a smarTrike® Explorer 5 in 1

RRP $6.99 WEB www.babypresents.net.au WIN a Three Twin Sets of Pram Pegs

Winners can select colour

The smarTrike® Explorer 5-in-1 transforms in five different ways to grow with children. Little ones can experience riding around from 10 months to 36 months, to explore and truly engage with their surroundings. Featuring new 360° advanced front wheel, new padded reclining seat, Touch Steering technology and rear designed storage bag, extended UV canopy and more, smarTrike® is much more fun than a stroller!

Pram Pegs are the latest must have pram accessory. This is the stylish and easy way to secure a muslin wrap to the hood of your pram or stroller whilst out and about helping to protect your little one. Available in 14 fun colours and sold in twin packs. Baby Presents online store stocks the full colour range including box sets containing muslin wraps and pram pegs. A great Baby Shower Gift Idea for any new mum.

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21

WHAT'S ON April Wednesday 1

Friday 3 TIME FOR KIDS' 5KM CHARITY FUN RUN/WALK PCYC www.lrcrunningclub.com 6.00pm / Cost / Family

STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Sarina Library 4961 9297 10.00am / Free / Kids STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Gordon White Library 4961 9300 10.30am / Free / Kids

Saturday 4 AERO JUMP (Ends 19/4/15 - Opens at 10.00am on Sundays) Caneland Central www.canelandcentral.com.au 9.00am / Cost / Family

ICETASTIC ICE SKATING RINK (Ends 19/4/15) Caneland Central 0418 775 463 9.00am / Cost / Family

Sunday 5

PARENTING GROUP (0-5 MONTHS) (Appointment Required) Sarina Community Health 4968 3863 1.00pm / Free / Family

THE LANES EASTER CARNIVAL BREAKFAST Bridges www.mackayecc.com.au/festivals 9.00am / Cost / Family

PARENTING GROUP (0-5 MONTHS) (Appointment Required) Womens Centre, Shakespeare St 4968 3863 9.30am / Free / Family

THE LANES EASTER CARNIVAL Bluewater Quay www.mackayecc.com.au/festivals 9.00am / Free / Family DIVE IN MOVIE - HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 Memorial Pool www.mackayecc.com.au/festivals 6.00pm / Gold Coin / Family

Thursday 2 STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Mackay City Library 4961 9387 10.30am / Free / Kids POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM FOR PARENTS/CARERS (Appointment Required) Mackay Community Health Centre 4968 3863 9.30am / Free / Adult

BATTLE OF THE BANDS Wood Street Park www.mackayecc.com.au/festivals 3.00pm / Free / Family

Monday 6 KIDS CLUB EASTER PARTY Harrup Park

"HAMMO PICKS KIDS CLUB EASTER PARTY ON TUESDAY 7TH AT 12PM" www.harruppark.com.au 11.00am / Family

Tuesday 7 KIDS EASTER CRAFT Harrup Park www.harruppark.com.au 12.00pm / Free / Kids

Wednesday 8 KIDS WEAVING & BEADING Harrup Park www.harruppark.com.au 12.00pm / Free / Kids PARENTING GROUP (0-5 MONTHS) (Appointment Required) Sarina Community Health 4968 3863 1.00pm / Free / Family PARENTING GROUP (0-5 MONTHS) (Appointment Required) Womens Centre, Shakespeare St 4968 3863 9.30am / Free / Family

Thursday 9 KIDS CLAY PLAY Harrup Park www.harruppark.com.au 12.00pm / Free / Kids BEDTIME STORIES Gordon White Library 4961 9300 6.00pm / Free / Kids

Friday 10 KIDS FAIRIES & DRAGONS Harrup Park www.harruppark.com.au 12.00pm / Free / Kids PARENTING GROUP (5-12 MONTHS) (Appointment Required) Womens Centre, Shakespeare St 4968 3863 9.30am / Free / Family

Saturday 11 MANGO JUNCTION @ THE PARK Harrup Park www.harruppark.com.au 9.00pm / Free / Adult

Sunday 12 KIDS OOEY GOOEY FUN Harrup Park www.harruppark.com.au 12.00pm / Free / Kids

Monday 13 KIDS FAIRIES & DRAGONS Harrup Park www.harruppark.com.au 12.00pm / Free / Kids SCHOOL HOLIDAY BICYCLE EDUCATION (Bookings Required) Victoria Park State School 4942 3296 9.00am / Free / Family

Email events to: promotions@pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

23

WHAT'S ON April Tuesday 14

Thursday 16

KIDS OOEY GOOEY FUN Harrup Park www.harruppark.com.au 12.00pm / Free / Kids

KIDS WEAVING & BEADING Harrup Park www.harruppark.com.au 12.00pm / Free / Kids

BADGE MAKING WORKSHOP (BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL - AGES 5-TEEN) Let the Children Play 4944 0180 2.30pm / Cost / Kids

BEDTIME STORIES Mackay City Library 4961 9387 6.00pm / Free / Kids KEVIN THE MAGICAL BALLOON MAN (Bookings Essential) Let the Children Play 4944 0180 2.30pm / Free or Gold Coin / Family

SCHOOL HOLIDAY BICYCLE EDUCATION (Bookings Required) Marian State School 4942 3296 9.00am / Free / Family

SCHOOL HOLIDAY BICYCLE EDUCATION (Bookings Required) Sarina State High School 4942 3296 / 9.00am / Free / Family

Wednesday 15 KIDS PAINTING Harrup Park www.harruppark.com.au 12.00pm / Free / Kids

Friday 17 PARENTING GROUP (5-12 MONTHS) (Appointment Required) Womens Centre, Shakespeare St 4968 3863 9.30am / Free / Family

PARENTING GROUP (0-5 MONTHS) (Appointment Required) Sarina Community Health 4968 3863 1.00pm / Free / Family

SCHOOL HOLIDAY BICYCLE EDUCATION (Bookings Required) Victoria Park State School 4942 3296 / 9.00am / Free / Family

PARENTING GROUP (0-5 MONTHS) (Appointment Required) Womens Centre, Shakespeare St 4968 3863 9.30am / Free / Family

Monday 20 BABY BOUNCE (0 TO 18 MONTHS) Gordon White Library 4961 9300 9.30am / Free / Kids BABY BOUNCE (0 TO 18 MONTHS) Mirani Library 4961 9231 9.30am / Free / Kids BABY BOUNCE (0 TO 18 MONTHS) Mackay City Library 4961 9387 11.00am / Free / Kids

Tuesday 21 STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Mirani Library 4961 9231 9.30am / Free / Kids BABY BOUNCE (0 TO 18 MONTHS) Sarina Library 4961 9297 9.30am / Free / Kids STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Walkerston Library 4959 2545 10.30am / Free / Kids

Wednesday 22

Sunday 19

SCHOOL HOLIDAY BICYCLE EDUCATION (Bookings Required) Victoria Park State School 4942 3296 / 9.00am / Free / Family

"BETH PICKS KIDS OOEY GOOEY FUN ON TUESDAY 14TH AT 12PM"

PINK RIBBON CHARITY RACE DAY Mackay Turf Club 4952 1155 11.00am / Gold Coin / Family

STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Sarina Library 4961 9297 10.00am / Free / Kids

STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Gordon White Library 4961 9300 10.30am / Free / Kids PARENTING GROUP (0-5 MONTHS) (Appointment Required) Sarina Community Health 4968 3863 1.00pm / Free / Family PARENTING GROUP (0-5 MONTHS) (Appointment Required) Womens Centre, Shakespeare St 4968 3863 9.30am / Free / Family

Thursday 23 A POMMIE NIGHT OUT Magpies Sporting Club 4965 6100 7.00pm / Cost STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Mackay City Library 4961 9387 10.30am / Free / Kids

Friday 24 STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Gordon White Library 4961 9300 9.30am / Free / Kids PARENTING GROUP (5-12 Months) (Appointment Required) Womens Centre, Shakespeare St 4968 3863 9.30am / Free / Family

Email events to: promotions@pakmag.com.au

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HOME (CTC)

CINDERELLA (CTC)

SHAUN THE SHEEP (CTC)

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (CTC)

In Cinemas March 19

In Cinemas March 26

In Cinemas March 26

In Cinemas April 2

2 Adults + 2 Kids or 1 Adult + 3 Kids

Buy now at eventcinemas.com.au or at the box office

*Surcharges apply for 3D & Vmax. 3D Glasses $1 (ea) if required. $1.20 online booking fee per pass. Valid for the above films only. Excludes special events. Valid for 2 Adults & 2 Children OR 1 Adult & 3 Children. Children aged 3-15 years. Maximum 1 adult or 1 child can be added for $10 for 2D or $13 for 3D. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Only valid at Event Townsville City & BCC Townsville Central.

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IN CINEMAS MARCH 19

TO ENTER COLOUR IN & MAIL TO:

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

PAKMAG, COLOUR IN APRIL 2015 PO BOX 7433, CAIRNS QLD 4870

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

WIN ONE OF 20X DOUBLE PASSES TO "DREAMWORKS HOME"

ADDRESS.............................................................................................................

(COMP CLOSES 30/4/15)

.............................................................................................POSTCODE.............

PHONE.........................................EMAIL..............................................................

FOLLOW THE MAZE & WIN!

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IN CINEMAS APRIL 2

©DISNEY

Disneytoon Studios returns to Pixie Hollow with the heartwarming adventure “Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast.” The new story explores an ancient myth of a fabled creature whose distant roar sparks the curiosity of Tinker Bell’s good friend Fawn (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin), an animal fairy who’s not afraid to break the rules to help an animal in need. But this animal—massive and strange with glowing green eyes—is not really welcome in Pixie Hollow, and the scout fairies are determined to capture the mysterious beast before it destroys their home. Fawn, who sees a tender heart beneath his gruff exterior, must convince Tink (voice of Mae Whitman) and the girls to risk everything to rescue the NeverBeast before time runs out.

TO ENTER COMPLETE THE ACTIVITY & MAIL TO: PAKMAG, ACTIVITY APRIL 2015 PO BOX 7433, CAIRNS QLD 4870 WIN ONE OF 20X DOUBLE PASSES TO "DISNEY’S TINKERBELL AND THE NEVERBEAST"

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

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

(COMP CLOSES 30/4/15) PHONE.........................................EMAIL..............................................................

EMAIL US THE TEN DIFFERENCES & WIN!

WIN ONE OF PRIZE PACKS IN CINEMAS APRIL 2015 3x& 13x DOUBLE PASSES From producer Guillermo del Toro and director Jorge Gutierrez comes an animated comedy with a unique visual style. THE BOOK OF LIFE is the journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. Rich with a fresh take on pop music favorites, THE BOOK OF LIFE encourages us to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future.

TO ENTER EMAIL US THE ANSWERS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN! MAKE SURE YOU INCLUDE YOUR NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, LOCATION AND PHONE NUMBER! EMAIL TO: ADMIN@PAKMAG.COM.AU WIN ONE OF 3X PRIZE PACKS AND 13X DOUBLE PASSES TO "BOOK OF LIFE" (COMP CLOSES 30/4/15)

WHAT'S ON April NOT ANOTHER PLAYGROUP (0-5 YEARS) Andergrove Community Centre, Celeber Drive 4955 2674 9.30am / Cost / Family

Sunday 26 SENSORY MOVIE - HOME Mount Pleasant BCC sensorymovieday.mackay@hotmail.com 11.00am / Cost / Family

Saturday 25

Monday 27

ANZAC DAY CELEBRATIONS Harrup Park www.harruppark.com.au 12.00pm / Cost / Family

BABY BOUNCE (0 TO 18 MONTHS) Gordon White Library 4961 9300 9.30am / Free / Kids

ANZAC DAY SUMMER XXXX VIP PIT PARTY Harrup Park www.harruppark.com.au 1.00pm / Cost / Adult

BABY BOUNCE (0 TO 18 MONTHS) Mirani Library 4961 9231 9.30am / Free / Kids

ANZAC DAY Various Services throughout the Region www.pakmag.com.au /mackaywhatson Free / Family

BABY BOUNCE (0 TO 18 MONTHS) Mackay City Library 4961 9387 11.00am / Free / Kids

"SCOTT PICKS ANZAC DAY CELEBRATIONS ON SATURDAY 25TH AT 12PM" - Mackay Christian College Junior Campus www.kidspromotions.com.au 12.00pm / Cost / Family

Tuesday 28 STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Mirani Library 4961 9231 9.30am / Free / Kids

STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Sarina Library 4961 9297 10.00am / Free / Kids

BABY BOUNCE (0 TO 18 MONTHS) Sarina Library 4961 9297 10.00am / Free / Kids

STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Gordon White Library 4961 9300 10.30am / Free / Kids

STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Walkerston Library 4959 2545 10.30am / Free / Kids

Thursday 30

Wednesday 29

STORYTIME (2 TO 5 YEARS) Mackay City Library 4961 9387 10.30am / Free / Kids

PLAY SCHOOL LIVE IN CONCERT - ONCE UPON A TIME (Bookings Essential) The Powerhouse Auditorium

Email events to: promotions@pakmag.com.au

Regular Markets EUNGELLA MARKETS Held 1st Sunday of the month (Apr to Dec) from 9am at the Eungella Memorial Hall - North Street

MARIAN MARKETS

PAXTON'S NIGHT MARKETS

SEAFORTH MARKETS

TWILIGHT MARKETS

Held 1st Friday every 2nd month

Held every Sunday from 8.30am at Palm Avenue, Seaforth

Northern Beaches Bowls Club,

SHOWGROUND MARKETS

website for dates and theme

from 5pm at Paxtons Warehouse

SARINA SHOWGROUND MARKETS

Held 3rd Sunday of the Month from

Held last Sunday of the month

8am at Holy Rosary Church Anzac

from 8am (March to December)

Avenue (Excluding May & Dec)

- Bruce Hughway, Sarina

6pm to 9pm. Please visit

Every Saturday from 6.30am, Milton St

www.nbbowls.com.au

TROPPO TREASURE MARKET

WALKERSTON COUNTRY

Held 2nd Sunday of the month from 7.30am to 11.30am at the Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

Held 1st Friday of each month from 6pm, Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, Walkerston

www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

29

REGULAR Events MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL Saturdays SOCIAL RIDES Meeting point: Metro Café, River Street Start time: 6:30am Ability levels: Team Caffeine (beginner-intermediate): 15-20km/h Team Tour de Latte (intermediate): 25km/h Team Slipstream (intermediate-advanced): 30km/h Team Titanium (advanced): 35km+/h Visit Rock N Road Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates

Sundays LAZY RIDERS Held every second Sunday -stay for breakfast after the ride!

Meeting point: Bridges Café, Bluewater Quay Start time: 7am Ability level: beginner-intermediate Visit Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates SIZZLE'N SAUSAGE SUNDAY SESH* Mountain bikers of all abilities are welcome to come out for a ride, held every Sunday and followed by a sausage sizzle from 8.30am.

Meeting point: Rowallan Mountain Bike Park, Glendaragh Road, Farleigh Start time: From 6am Ability level: beginner-advanced Visit Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates

Wednesdays BICYCLE BELLES A social riding group just for ladies, held every Wednesday.

Meeting point: Bicycle Connection, 20 Victoria Street, Mackay Start time: 6am Ability level: beginner-intermediate Visit Bicycle Belles Mackay Facebook page for ride details and updates.

30

APRIL 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

MUMS AND BUBS MORNING RIDE A social riding group for Mums with children who are not yet at school Held every Wednesday (commencing April 29, 2015) at the Gooseponds Meeting point: Car park at the end of Willis Street, North Mackay Start time: 10am Visit Bicycle Belles Mackay Facebook page for ride details and updates.

MOUNTAIN BIKE (MTB) NIGHT RIDE* Meets every Wednesday to ride the trails – lights on bike and helmets are a must!

Meeting point 1: Corry Cycles, 5 Kay Court, North Mackay at 6pm Meeting point 2: Rowallan Mountain Bike Park, Glendaragh Road, Farleigh at 6:30pm Ability level: intermediate-advanced Visit Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates *MAD MTB or MTBA membership is required to use the trails.

Thursdays THURSDAY NIGHT SOCIAL RIDE A weekly evening get together for a ride and catch up, on each Thursday.

Meeting point: Metro Café, River Street Start time: 7pm Ability level: beginner-intermediate Visit Bicycle Mackay Facebook page for ride details and updates.

RUNNING GROUPS THE LAYZEE RUNNERS CLUB, MACKAY Every Saturday from 5.45am Meet at the Metro Market Cafe, River Street, Mackay Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30am. Meet at the City Fitness Health Club, Victoria Street.

Cost: Free.

Visit www.mackaycitycentre.com.au for further details.

WALKING GROUPS MACKAY DOG WALKERS & SOCIAL GROUP Every Saturday at 7:45 for an 8am start Departs from Bluewater Quay For more information visit the Mackay Dog Walkers Facebook page.

HEALTH & HEART WALKING GROUP An initiative of the Heart foundation.

Departs from 2 Tennyson St, Mackay Every Saturday at 6:45am Contact: Heather 4957 7997 BABY BOUNCE Please note that Baby Bounce does not run during the school holidays.

Gordon White Library Mondays 9.30am - 10am Mackay City Library Mondays 11am - 11.30am Mirani Library Mondays 9.30am - 10am Sarina Library Tuesdays 9.30am - 10am STORYTIME Storytime is aimed at 2 – 5 year olds and their parents and carers and is held weekly during the school term.

This half hour program of stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays and songs enhances language and literacy development in an interactive, fun-filled environment. The sessions encourage a child’s love of books and promotes the library environment as an exciting place for the whole family.

TIMES AND LOCATIONS Mirani Library Tuesdays 9.30am - 10.00am Walkerston Library Tuesdays 10.30am - 11.00am Gordon White Library Wednesdays 10.30am - 11.00am Fridays 9.30am - 10.00am Sarina Library Wednesdays 10.00am - 11.00am Mackay City Library Thursdays 10.30am - 11.00am Please note that Storytime does not run during the school holidays.

ACTIVE IN THE CITY Dog Walking Group - Every Sunday from 7am - 8am at the Bluewater Trail - starting at the Bluewater Quay Zumba - Every Sunday from 9am - 10am at the Bluewater Quay Rock N Road Cycle - Every Saturday from 6.30am at the Metro Market Cafe The LRC Runners Club - Every Saturday from 5.45am at the Metro Market Cafe. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30am at City Fitness Health Club

SOUTHS LEAGUES CLUB Mondays 12.30pm Gaming Promotion 6pm Members Roast Night in Bistro 6.15pm & 7pm Gaming Promotion 7.30pm FREE Trivia Night 8pm Members Monthly Birthday Draw

Tuesdays 6pm 10 for $10 Members Meal Deal in the Bistro 12.30pm Gaming Promotion 7pm – 8pm & 9pm (Jackpot Attendance Draw)

Wednesdays 12.30pm Gaming Promotion 12.30pm Souths CASH Bingo 6pm Club Raffles 7.30pm Souths CASH Bingo 7pm FREE Texas Hold’em Poker with 888L (Register from 6pm) 8pm Gaming Promotion

Thursdays 12.30pm Gaming Promotion 6pm Club Raffles 7.45pm Souths Membership Draw 8pm Gaming Promotion

Fridays 5pm TGIFriday Wheel 6pm Club Raffles 6.30pm Live Entertainment in Main Bar 8pm Gaming Promotions

Saturdays 12.30pm Club raffles 1.45pm Souths Memebrship Draw 2.30pm Gaming Promotion 3pm FREE Sausage Sizzle in Main Bar 6pm Live Entertainment in Main Bar

Sundays 9am Souths Sunday Buffet Breakfast in Bistro 1pm Club Raffles 1.45pm Souths Membership Draw 2pm FREE Texas Hold’em Poler with 888L 6pm Club Raffles [Last Sunday Of Each Month] Souths MAJOR Promotion Drawn

MAGPIES SPORTING CLUB Monday - Trivia Night hosted by Hammo from 4MK Am. Registration from 6:30pm, Starts 7pm. Free to play, bookings for a table are recommended call 4965 6100.

NORTHERN BEACHES BOWLS CLUB First Thursday of the Month Trivia Night hosted by Dave Peters from the SEA FM Morning Crew. From 7.00pm.

ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT'S ON APR WIN PLAY SCHOOL CONCERT - ONCE UPON A TIME DATE: 29th April 2015 LOCATION: North Mackay - The Powerhouse Auditorium Mackay Christian College Junior Campus TIME: 12.00pm TICKETS: kidspromotions.com.au (From $19.80) Australia's longest running television program Play School will tour nationally with their brand new show Once Upon a Time.

Nursery rhyme characters will magically come to life in this exciting new production.

Join Jemima, Big Ted, Little Ted and Humpty as they travel through an enchanting adventure filled with stories, songs and dance.

For your chance to WIN tickets to the show keep an eye on PakMag's Facebook page.

CANEGROWERS Bring the kids along for an agricultural adventure on May 1-2 when CANEGROWERS Mackay opens the gates to its third two-day agricultural exhibition Community Bank Ag.Trade.Life 2015 at Mackay Showgrounds.

Children can get their photo taken with Princess the Pig and Shirley the Sheep in the Kidz Zone, pet and hold the baby animals at the Petting Zoo and enjoy the special kids only bucking bull and jumping castle. For more information visit www.agtradelife.com.au

PINK RIBBON CHARITY RACE DAY Head along to the Pink Ribbon Charity Race day on April 19 at the Mackay Turf Club starting 11am. Gold Coin Donation for entry for Adults and Children. There will be FREE kids rides from 11am-3pm.

Proceeds from the day go to the Pink Ribbon Charity Fair. For more

information go to www.pinkribbonfair.com.

ANZAC DAY On April 25 Australia marks the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli.

More than 20 services will take place across the Mackay region, including a special service at Binnington Esplanade commencing from 4.28am the precise time the ANZAC’s landed at Gallipoli in 1915.

Council have suggested you arrive 30 minutes early to witness the various parades and find a spot close to the various cenotaphs and memorials.

To view all the dawn services in the Mackay Region visit www.pakmag.com.au/mackaywhatson

pakmag

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES HARRUP PARK COUNTRY CLUB

Harrup Park FREE Kids Room craft Monday -Friday during school holidays from 12-2pm.

Kids must be members of the Harrup Park Kids Club ($3 per year).

WEEK 1 Monday 6th: Kids Easter Party 11-1pm Kids room will be closed Tuesday 7th: Easter Craft Wednesday 8th:Weaving & Beading Thursday 9th: Clay Play Friday 10th: Fairies & Dragons

WEEK 2 Monday 13th: Fairies & Dragons Tuesday 14th: Ooey Gooey Fun Wednesday 15th: Painting Thursday 16th: Weaving & Beading Friday 17th: Mystery Craft Numbers are limited. Call 4944 0000 to secure your child a place for the FREE Holiday craft sessions and if you wish your child to attend the Easter Party then please visit the Ladies in the Kids room to book them in. No bookings will be taken over the phone for the Easter Party.

Harrup Park Country Club is open every afternoon from 5pm-9pm and then from midday on Saturday and Sundays.

CANELAND CENTRAL ICETASTIC Caneland Central is going to be as cool as ice with an ICE SKATING RINK at the centre these school holidays! The ice rink will be set-up in the carpark near Sizzler with sessions from 9am–9pm from April 1-19. Cost $15 per person, to book tickets, please call 0418 775 463.

AERO JUMP Aero Jump will be set-up in Centre Court from April 4-19. Five minute sessions will be available throughout Caneland’s core trading hours for a cost of $10 per person.

GO WAKE

The GoWake Cable Park are offering:

Beginners Clinic (April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 9am-11am) Cost: $40 Grom Squad (April 5, 12 and 19 from 6:30-8am) and (April 8, 15 and 26 from 8:30-10am) Ages 6-14 years, cost: $40 Short Rope Clinic (April 11, 18 and 25 from 6:30am-8am) Cost: $40 Ladies Clinic (April 11 and 19 from 8am-10am) Cost: $40

The Park is located at Michigan Way, Andergrove.

For more information call the Park on 4805 6143 or visit their webpage www.gowake.com.au.

www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

33

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GEARING UP FOR BIKE WEEK

Bike riding is a healthy outdoor activity that the entire family can enjoy together.

Bike Week is on from April 25 to May 3 and the Mackay region will be playing host to plenty of free bicycle related events and activities to encourage people of all ages, sizes and cycling abilities to get on their bikes. Check out our top picks from what’s on offer!

Cyclefest Mackay powered

by Westfund Health: Sunday, April 26 @ 8am

Take photos of your bike with your answers and then send your photos into council to go in the draw to win some great prizes.

This free community event will have something for everyone, whether you ride regularly, occasionally or not at all. The event will showcase the many different styles of cycling and the local clubs, services and businesses that support cycling.

Bicycle Belles: every Wednesday @ 6am (already established)

This event will be a great opportunity to learn more about the benefits of bike riding for you and your whole family – such as health, lifestyle, cost savings and more.

To be held at Bluewater Quay, Cyclefest will include: Bicycle Stunt Show - Expressive Bikes will be putting on a performance each hour, beginning at 8.30am. Free jumping castle and activities for kids. Competitions, stalls, food and plenty more!

Ride and Seek Photo Competition: submissions due Wednesday, May 6 Explore Mackay as you ride around seeking out the answers to clues in the Ride and Seek Photo Comp!

Just for the ladies – the Bicycle Belles riding group is an opportunity to have fun, get fit, build cycling confidence and meet other women in a safe, friendly environment. Rides currently take place every Wednesday morning, departing from Bicycle Connection, 20 Victoria Street, Mackay at 6am for 45 minutes to an hour. Grab a friend and come along or join in and make some new friends!

Mums and Bubs Bike Group: every Wednesday @ 10am (starting April 29) This riding group will be launching during Bike Week 2015 and has been designed as a way for Mums with children who are not yet at school to socialise and be active with their child/children in tow. Depending on the age and ability of the child, they

can either ride alongside Mum or they can catch a lift with Mum in a bike seat or bike trailer. The ride will take place at the Gooseponds every Wednesday, starting April 29 at 10am. Meet at the car park at the top of Willis Street, North Mackay.

Superhero Community Ride: Sunday, May 3 @ 7.45am Families are invited to ride alongside our police men and women, who are fighting crime every day in our local community. The morning will include a short ride from the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens to the Bluewater Lagoon along the Bluewater Trail.

Come dressed as your favourite superhero but please, no capes!

Prizes for best dressed superhero!

Bike Week programs will be available from April 6 at council Client Service Centres, libraries, bike shops and sponsors. Pick one up to check out the full program of events and the discounts available from local businesses during the week’s activities.

For more information, visit website www.mackay.qld.gov.au/bikeweek2015

www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

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nQ cAR & tRuck RentAls

Low prices, great service

Explore Mackay and the beautiful Whitsunday’s in a car from NQ Car & Truck Rentals. Our low prices and great service are the reason why we are the first choice of so many visitors to the Mackay and Whitsunday’s area.

Vehicle hire at the right Price!

Whether you need a car rental from the Marina or at the Airport, we offer a drop off and pick up service.

1800 Rent A tRuck

cARs • utes • 4WDs • buses • tRucks Phone4953 49532353 2353 Phone Malcomson Street, 64Malcomson Street,MACKAY MACKAY nicole@nqcartruckrentals.com.au tracie@nqcartruckrentals.com.au www.nqcartruckrentals.com.au www.nqcartruckrentals.com.au

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Daddy Diary A few days ago I was talking with a friend who has a young boy at Kindy, just like my wife and I do. My little man Harrison turned 4 in February this year, he's a really good kid, very good to his baby sister - cheeky Charli.

The way our family works, my wife does the morning drop off (so she gets the "I don't want to go" tantrum), while I do the afternoon pick up and so am greeted by a big smile, a hug and a big "DADDY!!!!!!"

The afternoon pick up was broadly the subject of discussion this afternoon while our sons were occupied chasing each other around.

When I walk in to Kindy to get my favourite little man on the planet, the kids are always sitting on a big carpet area, sometimes playing by themselves, or on some days one of the teachers is reading them a story.

My Harry stands up with a massive backpack on his back, half the size of him, comes over to give me a cuddle - and that’s when the teacher usually makes a comment about that day. The comment about the day is the more specific topic we were talking about.

Some days the comment is as simple as "he had a great day today".

That makes me happy, he had a good day, they had a good day and by the sounds of things there's no behavioural issues or otherwise involving my boy. I always ask him what he did today and he usually shows me something he played with, or points out something in the playground.

On this afternoon when we were doing our usual thing of talking about how our kids are going, behaving, what are they eating and how are they at Kindy, myself and our neighbour had an open ended question ... when the Kindy teacher makes a comment about your child - does that comment have a hidden meaning?

For example, my boy is a really good talker, he didn't start talking until about 14 months, but when he did, the words all came out very clearly and you could nearly teach him any word you wanted to.

There were very few occasions we were left wondering "what the hell is he saying?" Cheeky Charli is the opposite, she’s trying hard to talk - but none of it is comprehendible.

One afternoon when I picked up Harry, he was chatting away to me and the teacher said “He doesn't stop does he? Does he ever give you a break?”

On face value at the time, I knew exactly what she was saying: he talks - a lot! And, he'll go into detail.

But, was his teacher trying to give me a subliminal message?

“He keeps interrupting - please work on this behavioural deficiency!”

Did this mean that while they were trying to introduce a new play game to the group that my lad keeps on interrupting? When they're trying to talk to a child, does he pipe up with his own line of conversation and make life difficult?

This comment was starting to do my head in and as we examined other comments we'd both gotten on afternoon pickup - it was evident that more of them could very well have had a hidden meaning. A few days later I was told that they have some really nice conversations with my boy. I started looking for that hidden meaning again.

On the other hand, on our drive home from Kindy, he fires a few hundred questions at me and we have a good conversation too. If his teacher enjoys the conversations as much as I do, then I'm happy.

By Scott Linden www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

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EASTER CRAFT!

EASTER EGG HUNT It’s become an activity loved by young and old - the Easter Egg hunt! It’s also a great idea to get the kids outside and active before indulging in all of that chocolate.

Here are some ideas from the PakMag team to make your hunt memorable.

THEME YOUR HUNT! An alphabet theme could have kids trying to match upper and lower case letters written on the eggs they find to ‘win’ a special prize. A colour theme (for example, littlies collect all the blue eggs while the older kids can search for red - or girls can search for pink while the boys search for green). This will mean the younger kids have as much chance of collecting eggs as their elder siblings and also foster a spirit of camaraderie between the kids rather than competition - with children helping others gather the eggs they’re not entitled to.

Older kids love the idea of a treasure hunt complete with map or riddles and clues to find their eggs. There are lots of ideas for this on platforms like Pinterest if you’re like most parents and pressed for time!

For youngsters, make bunny prints to place near the hiding place of each egg to give them an easy hint as to where an egg is hidden.

TIPS: Buy more eggs than you think you'll need - and buy quality eggs over cheapies. Chances are, you’ll end up eating just as many as the kids!

Think about the ages of the children involved. If the ages vary consider having it in stages so that the youngest get to go first. Otherwise you will have a couple of 12 year olds with overflowing baskets and twenty toddlers in tears.

Watch out for the sugar rush that will inevitably kick in not long thereafter.

COLOUR ME IN

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APRIL 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

SUNDAY APRIL 5

EASTER CRAFT

pakmag

PAPER PLATE PRINT BUNNY 2 PAPER PLATES, WHITE CARDBOARD, PAINT, GOOGLE EYES, PIPE CLEANERS, COTTON WOOL, GLUE / TAPE, SCISSORS

CRAFT ONE

INSTRUCTIONS With two paper plates (1 regular-sized and 1 dessert-sized) glue cotton wool to cover surface of both plates. Paint child's feet and hands and place on white cardboard (Wash child's hands and feet straight away).

Allow painted cardboard to dry. When dry cut out cardboard around the prints.

Tape or glue body and head together to make the main body of the bunny. Tape or glue footprints to the bottom of the body and handprints on the head for ears.

Paint a bunny nose on the middle of the head and add facial features to create a bunny face using google eyes and pipe cleaners.

CRAFT TWO

BUNNY BUTT COOKIES 2 CUPS FLOUR, 1/2 CUP ICING SUGAR, 225 G BUTTER (DO NOT USE MARGARINE), 1 CONTAINER FROSTING (BETTY CROCKER BRAND), PINK GEL FOOD COLOR, IF DESIRED, 22 MINIATURE MARSHMALLOWS, ASSORTED SIZE CANDY SPRINKLES

INSTRUCTIONS Heat oven to 180째C. Cream butter and icing sugar. Add flour, mix well. Roll out and cut into desired shapes, place on parchment paper.

Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate 30 minutes. Remove plastic wrap. Cut cookie dough into 33 slices. Cut 11 slices into 4 equal wedges; shape each wedge into ovals for bunny feet. Place cookie dough slices and bunny feet on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 15 minutes. In medium microwavable bowl, stir frosting and 1 to 3 drops pink food color until well blended.

CRAFT THREE

To make bunny butt, frost 1 whole cookie slice and 2 bunny feet with frosting. Place bunny feet on bottom of cookie as shown in photo. Place 1 marshmallow in center of each cookie for tail. Decorate bunny paws with candy sprinkles. Repeat with remaining cookie slices and bunny feet.

TOILET PAPER ROLL BUNNY TOILET PAPER ROLLS, GLUE, PAINT, GOOGLE EYES, SCISSORS, BLACK MARKER, WHITE PEN, COTTON BALL

INSTRUCTIONS Cut 2cm approx. strips out of the toilet paper rolls for the ears. Paint the toilet paper rolls and strips and allow to dry.

On the side of two strips glue together to make the ears and glue inside the top of the main toilet paper roll of the bunny.

Glue google eyes to the main body to create the face and use the black marker to draw facial features (nose, mouth, whiskers and teeth). Use the white pen to colour in the teeth. Glue a cotton ball on the back of the bunny for a tail.

www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

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EASTER GIFT GUIDE

Easter doesn’t have to be all about the chocolate Easter bunnies and Easter eggs, when in fact there is an array of wonderful Easter gift ideas for baby and kids that will make any little one jump for joy this Easter morning... and you'll also get to avoid the inevitable sugar rush too!

ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE AT WWW.FINLEEANDME.COM.AU

STACKABLE BABY CRAYONS RRP $12.95 Baby crayons that are stackable and help to develop fine motor skills in toddlers. They are also great for colouring, colour recognition and lacing.

In addition, they are better for little ones as they are really hard to break which means less of a choking hazard.

WIN

KINETIC SAND RRP $49.95 Sand… inside… the… house!! If the first thought that went through your head was NO!! Then think again with the amazing Kinetic Sand which is 98% sand and 2% magic. So bring the sand inside to allow your little one a sensory activity that will create hours of endless fun.

Sensory play is important for all children. Sand is a wonderful sensory activity that allows kids to investigate and explore by forming, building, smoothing, slicing, breaking, molding etc. Playing with sand develops children’s fine motor skills while in conjunction working on their creative play skills through imagination.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

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APRIL 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

SENSORY WATER MARBLES RRP $7.95 Sensory Water Marbles promote learning and development for kids in so many different ways.

From colour, fine motor exploration, sensory play, colour sorting, to science and creative art – the ideas of how to use Sensory Water Marbles is endless.

Sensory Water Marbles are squishy, smooth and have a slight bounce to them when dropped. You can play with them under a light table, in water, on paper, in the bath, outside, with shaving cream or without.

EASTER GIFT GUIDE

pakmag

BEACH STAMPS RRP $21.95 Playing in the sand is one of the best activities you can have your child engage with. It allows for endless hours of open ended play, a wonderful sensory activity and there is nothing better than sand between your toes creating memories.

Create amazing “sand scenes” with these wonderfully designed beach stamps. Beach Stamps allow children to easily create scenes and images on wet sand by simply strapping onto to hands or feet for endless fun at home in the sand box, or a day at the beach.

FITBALLS RRP $59.95 This amazing range is not only adorable, but more importantly has been designed to enhance your child’s fitness levels, core strength, coordination, spatial awareness and balance.

All fitballs are made tough, safe and to outlast the toughest toddler and are suitable for toddlers and children weighing up to 60 kg but should always be used under supervision.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

MAKE A MATCH MEMORY GAME WOODLAND FRIENDS EDITION WIN

RRP $21.95 This little Make a Match Memory Game is compact enough to fit into your purse, backpack, or even your pocket.

The perfect play toy for picnics, play dates, or rainy days, this is a classic, multi-generational game that will be enjoyed time and time again.

There are 20 wooden coins made from all natural wood.

They are sanded to a smooth finish and are soft to the touch. Each set includes 10 pairs of original, whimsical, black ink drawings.

Each image has been hand drawn creating imaginative pictures with character. Adding a finishing touch is a drawstring pouch to collect and pocket the pieces when they are not in use. Each set makes a unique gift for both parents and children to enjoy together.

www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

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SNAPPED! 01. MAX - East Mackay 02. HARPER - Andergrove 03. OLIVER - Andergrove 04. BRODIE & AYDEN - Mackay 05. BENNY & ELLIOTT - East Mackay 06. RHYS, THERESE, ELLEN, ABE & ALFIE - West Mackay 07. CHRIS & ASHTON - Ooralea 08. HARVIE - West Mackay 09. RIANA, NELL & SHAUN - Glenella 10. ELISE & PAMELA - Rural View 11. JUSTINE & WILL - Beaconsfield 12. MARK & TOM - Beaconsfield

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PHOTOS THANKS TO DEANNE WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY

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SNAPPED! 13. MARK & OLLIE - Walkerston 14. MATTHEW, ABIGAIL & KAY - North Mackay 15. KYLIE, ELI, JAMIE & REID - Marian 16. LILY - Blacks Beach MADDY - Beaconsfield 17. COOPER - Blacks Beach 18. LINCON, CAMBELL, JULIE - West Mackay 19. CHAYSEE - Beaconsfield 20. BAILEY - Beaconsfield 21. GIV, KRYSTAL & BRAYDEN - Blacks Beach 22. LEON - 2.5 years 23. TAYLA, DALLAS & DEEGAN – Beaconsfield 24. BRADY & JAED – Palmara

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Email photos, name/s & locations: photos@pakmag.com.au (Deadline for photos 15 APR for the MAY 2015 Edition of Pakmag)

www.pakmag.com.au APRIL 2015

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WHAT'S NEW IN BIZ

WHITSUNDAY ANGLICAN SCHOOL

Anglican School is a Established in 1988, Whitsunday school for local and co-educational day and boarding ares, the school hect ten on Set . international students the centre of from drive is located less than 10 minutes’ maintained well ms, sroo clas Mackay city. The modern features of are ities facil ting spor oor outd grounds and curricular ity qual of ty the school which offers a wide varie ities. and extra-curricular activ academic record, which The school has an outstanding nt success of students’ rece the gh can be evidenced throu Anglican School’s OP OP results in 2014. Whitsunday ents with 8.2% of the stud eligible cohort for 2014 was 61 ents in total). This is stud (five 1 OP an cohort achieving students achieving the more than triple the percentage of ). same result state-wide (2.7% ipal Mrs Maria McIvor Whitsunday Anglican School Princ result of meaningful the ys alwa said: “Our success is staff and parents, , ents stud een betw relationships ren can flourish to child supporting one another so our rly thankful to our cula parti am I be. be the best they can rate, on a daily basis, dedicated teachers who demonst from Kindergarten ents stud their commitment to their of what we have d prou be all can to Year 12. We accomplished together.”

prospectus, For more information or to obtain a au edu. .qld. was at site web the visit

LET THE CHILDREN

pakmag

PLAY

Let the Childre n Play toyshop is getting crea magical this Ea tive and ster break with some in store ac both younger an tivities for d older childre n.

Bring your sc hool age child to our Badge Workshop on Making Tuesday April 14 at 2.30pm can create their where they own badge to wear home for materials are su $3 and all pplied.

All ages will en joy our Magic Show performed identity, Kevin by local the Magical Ba lloon Man, on April 16 at 2.30 Thursday pm. Kevin is we ll known around for his balloon town creations but di d you know he professional, qu is also a alified and re gistered Magici show will suit all an! The ages and is fre e of charge. Go donations to ou ld coin r monthly local charity would be welcome.

Bookings for bo th events are es sential and can by calling Ally be made or Sabine on ph one 4944 0180 .

Let the Childre n Play stocks a unique, innov creative range ative and of imported an d Australian to models, games ys, puzzles, and children’s books along wi of high quality th a range adult and child ren’s stationery Children Play is . Let the located at 15 M acalister Street , Mackay.

CITY CENTRE PROJECT

recently vitalisation Project The City Centre Re t, around three jec pro three of the commenced stage hedule. weeks ahead of sc were progressing Carless said works Project Manager Jim lace Hotel to ID Street from The Pa well along Victoria early. stage three to begin Dezine, allowing for Centre, Vassallo ped up in the City “As works have ram er of crossovers identified a numb Constructions have has led to some tween stages, which and efficiencies be Carless said.

Mr ” m, gra truction pro changes in the cons in significant time program will result “The proposed new jected practical pro ing forward the ng bri d an , gs vin sa .” end of October 2015 completion date to works would not start of stage three Mr Carless said the . two delivery for stage affect the program additional staff to are bringing on “The contractors ,” he said. resource stage three section of stage ing the completed “Residents are enjoy areas at Jelly new outdoor dining one, including the sala will also Ma Vintage Room and Beans Café – the weeks.” ng mi co ing areas in the open up outdoor din ickly in stage two d and is moving qu “Paving has starte led along Victoria ve also been instal and Fig Tree pits ha shape.” ing tak tion is really Street. The revitalisa 8 million project, ge four of the $1 Mr Carless said sta ent and council, Australian Governm co-funded by the d of schedule. ea ah gin arked to be had also been earm

the project visit To keep up to date on u/citycentreproject v.a www.mackay.qld.go ice located at or call into the site off eet.

Shop 1, 21 Wood Str

HOME APRIL

FLOATING DRAWER BEDSIDE TABLE

Repurpose an old drawer with a coat of pastel paint on the face of the drawer. Fix to the wall (making sure it is mounted on a stud or use a wallmate product) beside the bed to create a modern and unusual bedside table!

05. HARLEY YELLOW ROUND SIDE TABLE (Zanui) (RRP $59.95)

07. SEVENTY TREE SMILE MINT PRINT (Leo&Bella) (RRP $52.00)

08. CICCI GOLD OWL BOOKEND (Zanui) (RRP $64.95) 46

APRIL 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

06. YOUR SO VAIN TRAVEL CASES (Typo) (RRP $10.00)

01. WINSTON MINI PENDANT TURQUOISE (Leo&Bella) (RRP $69.95)

HOME

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TEENAGER'S SANCTUARY Teenagers like their space.

And they know what they like. Teen rooms need to be practical, yet cozy at the same time. A desk and study area is almost a necessity, particularly if you have an older teen who requires a place to do homework and study.

02. UNDER THE CANOPY CUSHION (Booie+Ben) (RRP $95.00)

STORY Carly Hammersley A teenager’s bedroom is often not just a room but a sanctuary for them to study, gossip with their friends and generally hide from the outside world. If you have younger children as well as a teenager, think of their space as a refuge away from the rest of your home.

03. PINEAPPLE SCULPTURE, 25CM (SET OF 3) (Zanui) (RRP $89.95)

Invading a teen’s room can be akin to trespass or even treason in their books. So interfering in the decor in their rooms could, understandably, also be held in the utmost contempt.

Luckily we have some ideas that teens will find so cool, they won’t mind where they came from!

04. LOTUS HANGING CHAIR (Equator Homewares) (RRP $489)

STORAGE You may be surprised at just how much stuff teenagers have - make sure their room has plenty of storage.

Shadow and storage boxes, which now come in funky geometrical shapes and natural timbers (tip: check out the hex ones!), are on trend at the moment and there’s something available to suit every price range (from Kmart to high-end Scandinavian designer Bloomingville). These boxes are not just an attractive decor item, but a place where teens can display trinkets and valuables.

HANGING CHAIRS Somewhere comfy to curl up with a book, headphones and chill out (is that the terminology these days?) - and did I mention it HANGS? What is not to love?

If you have the space, these chairs are the epitome of cool and will win your teen some serious cred with their friends too. If you’re not DIY inclined, it may be worthwhile talking to a builder

or carpenter about installing a hanging chair. Plasterboard will obviously not hold the weight of the chair AND a growing teenager so it will need to be mounted on a ceiling joist to avoid damage - to ceiling, chair and teenager!

WALL ART From inspirational typography prints to personalised wall art, teens love to express themselves creatively and funky prints seem to have (thankfully) replaced the trend of plastering walls with favourite Hollywood hunks that most of us will recall from our own teen years.

LIGHTING Think carefully about the lighting in your teen’s space. Many teens are known for their love of sleeping in and retreating to their rooms. A variety of lighting options will give them flexibility and ensure they’re also working in a well-lit space if studying into the evening.

Task lighting, such as a table lamp on a bedside table, is a great idea if you have a bookworm who likes to read in bed. A table or floor lamp directing light onto a desk area is also worthwhile, particularly if the main ceiling light in the bedroom does not direct light onto this work area.

COLOUR Teens will often have very set ideas when it comes to the colour scheme of their rooms. Rather than butting heads over this - work with it. As a 16 year old, I would have happily painted my bedroom black from floor to ceiling if I’d been allowed to! While most parents will, understandably, not want to make that kind of commitment, monochrome rooms are on trend right now and pack a design punch that a teenager will love. Keep the walls crisp white and decorate with black and white accessories (think cushions, throws, lighting, rugs and artwork). If in contrast your teen likes bold and bright colours, you can do the same. Walls don’t have to be loud and overpowering - keeping the walls neutral and tying in decor with a colour scheme also means that designs can be chopped and changed as your teen grows older and their tastes inevitably grow with them.

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47

HOME

01. ABSTRACT ART - DARK CIRCLES 2 (Booie+Ben) (RRP $22.00)

) (RRP $19.95)

ADPHONES (Typo

02. SLEEP EASY HE

anui) (RRP

LE TABLE (Z

UA CONSO 03. SADIE AQ

$149.95)

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TEEN DECOR

04. SUITCASE STORAGE SET (Typo) (RRP $24.99)

ER GRAN CUSHION COV 05. FINE LITTLE DAY ) .00 $55 P (RR YELLOW (Leo&Bella)

07. HOME REPUBLIC DANSK BEDLINEN (Adairs) (RRP $99.95)

06. WASHINGTON 2 IN 1 METAL DESK LAMP - BLUE (Target) (RRP $32.00)

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HOME

HOME CRAFT

SHAPE SHELVING

Teenagers love to be involved in decorating their own bedroom. I was ecstatic as a teenager when I was allowed to not only pick the colour, but paint my own bedroom walls, with Dad’s supervision. I have braver parents than I realise! So maybe start small…..

Geometric shelving, particularly hexagon shelves resembling a honeycomb pattern continue to be a popular storage trend. As well as providing functional storage for small trinkets and jewellery, they are funky and look great as a feature. However, they can be expensive to buy and difficult to DIY without the right tools.

So, with the concept of geometric shapes in mind, consider dressing up something existing – a shape such as a circle – which can be arranged on the wall in a similar manner to hexagon shelving.

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APRIL 2015 www.pakmag.com.au

These circular shelves have been made using inexpensive bamboo steamers. To take the DIY trend further, consider painting the individual steamers.

This also doubles as a great DIY project for teenagers – the walls can wait.

Consider spray painting an entire steamer or take the geometric trend further and add triangular paint work to the steamer by sectioning off portions using painters tape.

The steamers featured have been made using a mixture of acrylic paint and spray paint. Whatever you have at home will be suitable, however,

the paint may require a few coats as it can be absorbed into the bamboo.

The colours chosen reflect the changing style of the season. Copper and gold are still strong, however pastel shades are surpassing the fluoro trend of seasons past. When it comes to the room of a teenager, as always, individual style reigns.

Some things never change!

DIY PRODUCTS Bamboo Steamers, $5 - $10 Woolworths Craft Paint, $2.55 Bunnings Spray Paint, $3 - $15 Bunnings

T U R N Y O U R B A C K YA R D F R O M

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Built to outlast off the shelf varieties.

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