Sunshine Coast Kids Today Winter 2018

At home with

Alison Lester How to limit

technology Winter entertainment

Wickedly

JUNE-JULY

2018 Brought to you by

talented kids

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

JUNE/JULY 2018 1

about us . . .

A WARM

welcome to winter

CAN you believe we are half way through the year already? With so much to do on our beautiful Sunshine Coast, the chilly weeks will fly by and before you know it, the scent of summer will be floating in the air.

We are so lucky here on the Coast winters aren't really winters at all and we get to enjoy some of the best weather of the year.

We have an abundance of outdoor play here, with your choice of aqua parks, water parks for littlies, playgrounds and endless pathways for scooters and prams. There's just no excuse to stay indoors in winter!

You can head out to Tooway Creek for a picnic or Moffat Beach for a swim and play in the park. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can hit Emu Mountain, Tritonia Drive or Coolum Beach for a family friendly climb and

perhaps end the day at the Noosa Rivermouth for fish and chips while enjoying the spectacular sunset.

Take the time to sit and be with your kids - they'll be big before you know it.

Put down the screens and bring back some of those family values we all grew up with, like sitting at the dinner table together and talking.

Have plenty of technology free time and encourage your kids to get creative, make mess and play in the streets. Boredom is the doorway to creativity (that goes for mum and dad too). For tips on how to establish some rules around the use of smartphones and devices, don't miss our technology feature on Pages 20-21.

Our winter edition is jam-packed with great reads. You will love our catch-up with popular children's author Alison Lester on Pages 4-5. Alison talks about

the highlights of her career which has seen her travel to some amazing places and opens up about her new life chapter - being a grandmother.

Now, we all want to raise happy, confident and respectful kids. However, doing so is easier said than done so don't miss the fantastic tips from acclaimed psychologist and parenting expert Dr Michael Carr-Gregg on Page 10.

The mag also features stories about kids doing great things on the Sunshine Coast (Page 8) and a reality check when it comes to our expectations around kids birthday cakes (Page 19).

Published six times per year December, February, April, June, August, October

Make sure you follow us on Facebook and check out www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

36 Mary Street,

Sunshine Coast Kids Today c/o Noosa Today Noosaville, Qld, 4566 Online: sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au Facebook.com/ SunshineCostKidsToday Editorial Hollie Harris

contents

editorial@sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au Phone: 07 5455 6946

It's Your Life

Health

Dining

Advertising Tracey Combes

Imaginate Art Festival Page 3

Avoiding the flu Page 12

Buderim Tavern the place to be Page 18

tracey.combes@ sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Healthcare with heart Page 12

Marley Spoon on the Sunshine Coast Page 18

Education

Reality Check

Brickz 4 Kidz holiday fun Page 13

Our 'great cake expectations' Page 19

Air Museum's open cockpit event Page 7

St Andrew's student's epilepsy quest Page 13

The cost of raising a child Page 19

Morgan a rock star in the making Page 8

Principal Primary School tours at Matthew Flinders Page 13

Family is more important than technology Pages 20-21

Rise & Shine's amazing new centre Page 14

Books

Environment centre coming to Immanuel Page 15

A raw, honest take on motherhood Page 22

At home with Alison Lester Pages 4-5 Mum has first boy in her family in over a century Page 6

Tilly's dedication to dance pays off Page 8 Backyard Buddies at Sunshine Butterflies Page 9 Indigenous carers needed Page 9

Entertainment

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg's top parenting tips Page 10

Little Seed Theatre company's Wicked production Page 16

Strap on your skates on at Noosa Civic Page 11

Sea Life welcomes endangered sharks Page 17

Phone: 07 5449 9837 COVER: Little Seed Theatre Company will present Wicked in September.

Picture: Ilsa Wynne-Hoelscher Kidd

At home with

Alison Lester How to limit

technology

Children's books Page 22

Winter entertainment

Book giveaway Page 22

Calendar

Wickedly

JUNE-JULY

2018 Brought to you by

talented kids

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

JUNE/JULY 2018 1

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A guide to what's on Page 23

2 JUNE/JULY 2018

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your life It’s

Imaginate Art Festival IS HERE!

Imaginate is designed for children to discover, play and create their own experience through art.

By Hollie Harris IMAGINATE 2018 is a three week arts festival at the Noosa Regional Gallery designed for children to discover, play and create their own experience through art.

From 22 June to 15 July, the four gallery spaces will offer a range of unique experiences for children to explore.

The 'Otherworldly' space designed and installed by sensory artist Bliss Cavanagh allows visitors to discover a world of sensory delight with her unique exploration spaces.

The 'Brick NRG' space invites children to play and contribute to a scaled LEGO display of the Noosa Regional Gallery in its natural setting, The Noosa Biosphere.

Visitors can add trees, people and other figures to the gallery. Go crazy on the Brick Build Wall, spell your name, make a collage, add a whole bunch of LEGO fun to the wall build your own creation on the build table.

Draw, paint, mould, stick, fold, tape, colour and create a world only limited by imagination in the 'Buzz' space. Add to the 'grow' wall with your own leaf creation and watch the tree grow, get hands on with all things tech based in the 'maker space' with robot building and design craft, design your own puppet and make them dance on the shadow wall or just use your hands! The PhotoTex wall gives visitors all the materials they need to create their own

tin piece of wall art to tiny stic to our 'I AM' wall. 'I stick AM AM' asks: 'What are you?

Ar Are you brave- why not dr draw a superhero? Are yo you happy - why not dr draw a rainbow? Are yo unique - why not you dr draw yourself?' Create w who you are on a po postcard sized piece of Ph Phototex paper, peel it of and add it to the I off A wall.

AM

If you enjoy burying y your head in a good s story you can explore t the 'Illustration Space' w with artworks from so some of Australia's favourite authors. Children also have the opportunity to participate in yoga storytelling with Ommie and the Magic Garden.

SUNDAY FUNDAY

At the Fantastical Creatures Workshop, the possibilities are endless...

Bats, bees and botanicals Celebrate some of the more unusual origami organisms out there. Everyone knows the origami crane, but what about the origami bat, beetle, squid or tomato? There are simple guides for every age and skill level. Create your own to take home or attach some to a group sculpture for everyone to admire.

■ Free. No bookings required. Sunday 24 June, 11am -1pm Words and Pictures Join award winning author/illustrator Peter Carnavas for a session of storytelling fun.

Using both words and pictures, children will learn how to dream up wonderful ideas and how to let their pictures do the talking.

■ Free. No bookings required.

■ Monday 25 June and Monday 9 July,10am-11am SUNDAY FUNDAY Sensory Spice Painting

ArtPlay Sunday Free creative activities for the whole family.

Design your own emoji. Create watercolour illustrations inspired by the work of Peter Carnavas. Discover simple book making methods. Enjoy a story with the library book bike.

■ Free. No bookings required.

Patrons still have access to the gallery during normal opening hours for all to enjoy. There are special tours for those who suffer from dementia as many of the elements used for various exhibitions such as the "Otherworldly" exhibition are well suited. Vision Australia will be visiting with children from local schools and organisations who will experience the festival by using specially printed Braille didactics and infograms to guide them through the exhibition.

Enjoy a multi-sensory experience with a spiced up paint palette. Cinnamon, turmeric, paprika and cardamom - we have spices to suit all tastes. Your work will smell delicious!

Local indigenous groups have also been invited to hopefully create a stronger appreciation for the area's rich natural history.

Storytelling

PROGRAM

■ Free. No bookings required

Event Launch

■ Tuesday 2 July, 10 - 11am

Join us for the official launch of Imaginate 2018. Enjoy free face painting, sausage sizzle, workshops and win some awesome prizes in our lucky door prize including a family pass to Australia Zoo or Aussie World.

■ Tuesday 10 July 10-11am

■ Cost: $10. Bookings and prepayment essential

Crayola Colour Alive

Holiday workshop program Check on www.noosaregionalgallery.com. au to see the holiday program guide.

Engage your children in story and reading with puppetry, music, song and dance. Will the lion join in and play? Will bear help us read the story?

Colour Alive lets kids colour like never before! Crayola Colour Alive comes with 16 interactive colouring pages and six crayons, with one special edition crayon for kids to create vibrant art in the physical world. The fun doesn't end when the colouring page is filled. With Colour Alive kids can use the special Colour Alive app to watch their heroes come alive through augmented reality.

■ Free. No bookings required.

■ Free. No bookings required.

■ Saturday 23 June and Wednesday 4 July from 10.30-11.30am

■ Wednesday 4 July and Friday 13 July, 10.30am-2.30pm

■ Free. All Ages.

■ Saturday 23 June, 10am-2pm Storytelling with author Emma Middleton

■ Free. No bookings required.

■ Sunday 1 July, 11am-2pm

■ Sunday 8 July, 11am-2pm Gubbi Gubbi Dancers at Noosa Regional Gallery Celebrate NAIDOC week and participate in a wonderful afternoon of local history and story times.

Art in the Park

■ Free. No bookings required.

Join us at Gympie Terrace in Noosaville for some creative fun by the river.

■ Tuesday 10 July, 1-3pm

■ Free. No bookings required.

■ Monday 2 July, 9.30-11.30am Join us in the gallery for a special story time. We will sings songs, read stories and get creative with an art activity.

Fantastical Creatures with Kim Schoenberger For ages 6+ years. Bring your favourite adult and work together to create a 3D masterpiece. Let your imagination go wild by creating a fantastical creature using clay. Finish your masterpiece with twigs, leaves and pods.

■ Wednesday 11 July, 10 - 12am

■ All holiday workshops $10 per child per session.

■ Bookings and prepayments essential.

■ Ph - 5329 6145 Extended Imaginate opening times: Mon to Fri 10am-4pm and Sat to Sun 10am-3pm Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for the duration of the events.

A children’s art exhibition and festival designed gned to ignite the senses Visit www.noosaregionalgallery.com.au/imaginate for or full program

Tues - Fri 10am - 4pm

Sat - Sun 10am - 3pm

07 5329 6145

Riverside, 9 Pelican St, Tewantin Q 4565

www.noosaregionalgallery.com.au 12390089-LB26-18

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JUNE/JULY 2018 3

your life It’s

AT HOME WITH

Alison Lester

Popular children's author and illustrator Alison Lester has more than 25 picture books.

publisher with a company called Affirm Press in the city. Lachie, the youngest one, is a grain trader. He's got a little girl called Francesca and she was born prematurely last year. She was in the Royal Children's Hospital for three months, but she's going really well.

PICTURES: STEWART CHAMBERS

How premature was Francesca?

She was about 10 weeks premature.

For that three months, she had her own nurse for the entire time. It's amazing the care we can get.

The Silver Sea - this is what you wrote in collaboration with the children at the Royal Children's Hospital?

ALISON LESTER is one of Australia's best-known children's authors and illustrators, with more than 25 children's picture books and two young adult novels. Her picture books are often influenced by her childhood on a farm in Gippsland's Yanakie, near Wilsons Promontory in Victoria, including enduring favourites My Farm, Noni the Pony, and Magic Beach. Alison's career has taken her around the world, from remote Australia to Antarctica.

Jade Glen caught up with Alison to chat about her career, becoming a grandparent and the importance of reading to children.

And how many grandchildren do you have now?

There's six, and another one coming soon. The oldest one has just turned four.

And what are your children up to now?

Will, the oldest one is the district veterinary officer at Leongatha and he's got three little kids with another one on the way. Clair, my daughter, has got two babies and one of them's really new, and she's a children's book

How long were you in Antarctica for?

The first time I was there for six weeks on the Aurora Australis, a lovely ship.

Was Antarctica what you expected?

I guess it was - I just love it, I've been back five times now. It's so incredible, it's like going to a different planet really.

I'd been doing work in remote communities for a long time, and when I heard about it I thought 'oh wow, that sounds like a really good fit for me'. So eventually we met up and I've been doing work for them ever since, usually going to communities and helping them make books. I've just been to Amata helping make books with the playgroup there.

Your books have a strong connection to Yanakie, where you grew up, and nearby Fish Creek. Do you go back there a lot?

Yes, that's where I grew up and I've inherited a little bit of the farm, so we've got a house there that we go to. We've got the shop at Fish Creek and a brother and sister and some friends down there, so I drive down there all the time, it doesn't feel like any distance at all.

It sounds like an amazing kind of childhood to have, growing up on a farm and doing all of those things that are in your books.

Yes. And I guess a lot of people around here would relate to it, growing up on the land.

Do you think that's important for kids, to be mucking around outside with animals and having those adventures?

I think it's really important. When I flew back in to Melbourne recently I came in from the north and there were just acres of houses - these huge houses with a backyard as big as this kitchen table. And you think what are those kids doing? They must be inside all the time. I just know with my kids and grandkids, they always get so ratty if they are inside too much. Being outside and being in the world is just a tonic, you know, and for us too. If you are in a bad mood there is nothing better than going for a run or a walk and just seeing what's around you.

When I was young one of my favourite books was The Quicksand Pony. Was that based on a story that happened to you, or to someone you knew?

12382479-ACM13-18

You've done lots of artist-in-residence and writers-in-residence in some amazing places. Do you say yes to everything?

Well I try not to because we've got heaps of grandkids now. I think 'oh yes that sounds great' - and then when I have to do it I think 'oh I don't really want to go', because I would rather be home with the babies. It's nice to get out to the places but it also means you are away from home.

Well that's what we planned originally. While I was a children's laureate I started going to the hospital and then after a while Jane Godwin, who used to be my editor at Penguin and is also an author, was interested in coming too. So we've been going together, and it's nicer doing it as a double gig. For a while the teachers there were really keen for the kids to write a story. But because we weren't there all the time, and the kids were coming and going, we decided we would write the story and get the kids to illustrate it. Years ago, I went to Antarctica and did a project called Kids Antarctic Art and we sell those images all the time and use them in books as well. And because they are not really mine, I did them with children, the profits from them I've always said would go to the Royal Children's Hospital. But it's always been complicated to donate to the hospital and get it through to the school, so we've gotten around that by me just buying art supplies and giving them to the school.

And how did you become involved with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation?

4 JUNE/JULY 2018

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your life It’s

S did you read to your own children So every day? e Well, I would like to say I did. We read a lot, but Lachie, the littlest one, r often missed out because we were so o busy.

He would be down in bed calling b 'mum, come read to me!' And I'd yell out ' 'I'm coming!' And then I'd get down there and he'd be asleep, or I would t read to him and I would fall asleep.

He's turned out to be a bookworm so that's OK. Bigsy, of My Dog Bigsy fame, rules the roost.

When I was a little girl, my dad and my uncle used to lease the southern part of Wilsons Promontory and run cattle there. We had this beautiful horse called Taffy, a big Buckskin horse and he got bogged in quicksand on the way home. So it was a combination of that story, and also the story of Biddy, who was, depending on who tells the story, either an Aboriginal woman or a convict who escaped from jail in Tasmania, and she came across Bass Strait in a rowboat with other people, which was wrecked on the coast of the prom and she was the only survivor.

And she lived for a long time out there by herself until she was found. I don't know if she needed rescuing, but she was 'rescued'. So it was really a combination of those two stories, and as a kid I loved that thought of living in the bush by yourself.

So how did you get from the family farm to Melbourne?

I boarded at St Margaret's (in Berwick) for four years, and then I went to Melbourne Uni and did a year of Arts and just mucked around the whole time. I went to the pub and was a ratbag really. And after that my parents kind of pulled the pin and said 'you've got to do something'. So I trained as a secondary art teacher. That was a lot about art but not a lot about teaching, so when I actually went teaching I didn't like it very much. Eddie and I got married and went to South America and travelled around there for a year, and when we got back we started our family, and that's when we came here.

About the same time I thought 'I don't want to be home with nothing to do', so I thought maybe I could get some work as an illustrator - I rang a publishing house and asked for some work and was really lucky to get the right person on the end of

that phone who said 'come in and meet me'. She gave me my very first break and we are still really good friends. I probably illustrated other people's work for about five years and then started on my own stories.

Did you consider yourself more of an artist, or more of a writer?

A bit of both I think. It's funny, when I'm writing I think it would be easier to be drawing, and when I'm drawing I think it would easier to be writing. I find writing, the actual physical act of writing, very boring - that you just have to sit there and do it. Because I do picture books mine are quite short, so I do a lot of it in my head. While I'm driving I will often just say stuff aloud as I go, just trying to get the words right.

I've done a couple of novels for kids but I can't imagine having the time now to just sit down and write a novel. Maybe when the grandkids are older and I can't walk or something like that, I'll sit down and do some more writing.

Does it take quite a while to do a picture book - what's the process?

I'm getting much faster now, because I just don't have much time. I think the longest was 10 years for Are We There Yet. I did other things in the meantime, but it was a really long process. I probably aim to do one book a year.

And when you were young, did your parents read to you on a regular basis?

Yes we were always read to. We didn't have nearly as many books - I don't think there were as many books around. I can really only remember having a few picture books but once we could actually read, we had masses of books. I could remember struggling to read John and Betty in Grade 2. Kids read a lot earlier than that now - a lot of kids can read by the time they go to school - so it's really changed. But there are heaps of kids too that don't ever learn to read properly, that's the big thing.

Do you think the message is getting through, with libraries and the Premiers' Reading Challenge and things like that - do you think parents are aware of the importance of reading a to their children?

I get the feeling that we are always preaching to the converted, we are always getting to the people who read books anyway. And there are lots of families who really have been generationally disadvantaged, who don't have books in their houses, who you don't get to. And I think there needs to be massive government help. Have you heard about Doveton College? It's a school but it's also a go-to place for adults that need to learn things, and it's a health centre - it's a real social hub.

For so many people, just taking their kids to school is so intimidating. So we should have a lot more places like that, so it's easier for people to get their kids to school, even to pre-school early so they can learn how to hold a book and learn how to hold a pencil.

And you share books with your grandchildren obviously - do they enjoy your books?

Yes, they are just in amongst the other books. The Very Noisy Baby is based on my granddaughter Trixie, and she's very aware that it is her book.

was a parent. You have time. When you are a parent you've always got so much to do. But when you are a grandparent you can go well actually there's nothing I have to do today, I can just sit here on the floor and hang out with these kids. But I miss them so much if I don't see them for a few days. You know you start getting older and life's a bit hmm, you know, nothing's happening - and then you have grandkids and life's fantastic.

So what projects are your working on at the moment?

I'm on a really tight deadline to get Noni the Pony Rescues a Joey finished, which is the third Noni the Pony book, and then straight after that I've got to get another book for Affirm press called Tricky's Bad Day, which is about a small person having a bad day.

Yep, happens to all of us doesn't it.

When you were younger, did you ever imagine you would be a highly successful and acclaimed children's author?

Ha ha - what did I think I would be? I probably thought I'd be living in the country. I always thought I would live in a old weatherboard house with a verandah all the way around, and I'd have lots of kids, and doing something arty. But I didn't imagine that I would have this career that has been so much fun. I guess it's taken me places - I've travelled the world doing interesting projects and it's a lovely way to travel.

You are not just going to tourist places, like you are actually going to China and going to a kindergarten out in the back blocks and helping teachers there.

Oh, so now are you going to have to do books for all of them?

Yeah, I've done Bigsy so the dog got in before some of the kids!

Do you find being a grandparent different to being a parent?

Yeah, I think I'm a much better grandparent than I

Silver Sea, was coAlison Lester's latest book, The and created with art by authored with Jane Goodwin Hospital. n's ldre Chi al children at the Roy

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JUNE/JULY 2018 5

Jack

Jack with mum Belinda, dad Tom, and sisters Indie (left) and Harlie.

PICTURES: ROB CAREW

BREAKS FAMILY'S

107-year record of girls

Baby Jack is the first boy in his mum's side of the family for more than 100 years.

By Melissa Grant

conceive a boy.

IN the seconds after giving birth to her third child, Belinda Denney couldn't stop looking down as she pulled her newborn close to her chest.

They only decided to try for a boy after seeing a geneticist, amid concerns there was a reason there had been no males born on Belinda's maternal side of the family since her grand uncle.

It was a moment she and her family thought would never arrive, so she had to be sure she wasn't just imagining it.

Still on the hospital ward floor after a six-hour labour, tears of joy began streaming down Belinda's face as she realised something truly remarkable had indeed just happened.

The grand uncle (Belinda's nanna's older brother) was born in 1910, which means Jack is the first boy in the family for 107 years.

The geneticist told the Denneys there was a chromosomal issue, although this wasn't the reason why no boys had been born for generations.

"It was super emotional. I was the first to see," Belinda recalled.

They wondered whether it was actually a good idea to try for a boy.

"I looked down three times to check and process it. I was like 'it's not a boy, oh it's a boy, it's a boy!'

"I was nervous trying for a boy because in our minds the boys were the miscarriages. We were really nervous should we try it and risk a miscarriage?"

Belinda said.

"I looked up to (my husband) Tom and he just broke down in tears. There were midwives crying as they knew the story as well."

"In the end, we thought we'll do it - we'll see what happens."

The story was that a baby boy had not been born on Belinda's side of the family for more than a century.

Belinda and Tom researched at length how they could boost their chances of conceiving a boy.

After 17 girls and a number of miscarriages over four generations, Jack Thomas Denney entered the world on 3 May, 2017.

The couple came across a variety of methods, from ones which boasted high rates of success to the downright wacky.

Belinda and husband Tom had decided not to find out the gender during the pregnancy, as they had done with their two girls Harlie, 5, and four-year-old Indie.

However, keeping the sex a secret until the birth was much harder as this time the couple had taken steps to

In the end, the Denneys settled on the Shettles Method, a concept which claims the timing of intercourse can help determine a baby's gender. The method was developed in the 1960s by Dr Landrum B Shettles, who believed Y (male) sperm were faster but more fragile than X (female sperm) and that acidic environments were harmful to Y

sperm. So, he believed conceiving a boy was more likely to occur when the deed happened on the day of ovulation or shortly afterwards.

Apparently caffeine makes the male sperm swim even faster, so Tom founding himself knocking back shots of coffee.

A diet high in potassium is also said to improve a woman's chances of conceiving a boy, so Belinda started eating a lot of bananas, broccoli and brussels sprouts while avoiding dairy.

The Denneys weren't convinced any of these methods would actually work, but thought they would be fun to try.

"These are all just claims. There's no scientific evidence these things will give you a boy," Belinda said.

"We were happy either way with a boy or a girl."

The couple fell pregnant quickly and soon enough Belinda got an inkling that she may be carrying a son.

The pregnancy was much different to that of her girls. This time, she was carrying lower and rounder, experienced morning sickness, had a very active baby and didn't put on much extra weight.

All was going to plan until the baby's movements slowed around 30 weeks and Belinda was sent in for an ultrasound.

Belinda explained to the sonographer why she didn't want to know the baby's sex, yet moments later the baby's gender appeared to jump out on the screen.

"He went across the stomach and I saw a penis!" she recalled.

n a s i y a d y r Eve

e r u t n e v Ad

in Prep

Although Belinda's sister, Leanne, saw the same thing, she didn't want to get her hopes up.

"I didn't let it overtake my thoughts and I only told my mum and Tom," Belinda said.

"I kept telling myself it was the umbilical cord."

In case it wasn't the umbilical cord, Belinda organised a photographer to capture the birth.

Belinda, a photographer herself, didn't go into labour until about a week after her due date, but it was worth the wait. She had her boy.

The excitement didn't end there, with the couple wrapping Jack in a gender neutral blanket so they could surprise family and friends who visited the hospital.

"A couple of friends were so excited they jumped up and down," Belinda recalled.

Jack weighed 8lb 11oz - smaller than both of the couple's daughters.

Looking back on the pregnancy, Belinda said it was funny they couldn't decide on a girl's name but only ever had one name for a boy.

Belinda wanted to name her son after her grandfather Jack Thomas, which was fitting given the first-born son in Tom's family is traditionally given the father's name as a middle name.

More than a year later, the Denneys still can't believe they have a son.

"We all just look at Jack and go 'wow how blessed are we to have him?'"

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your life It’s

EXPERIENCE

By Hollie Harris QUEENSLAND Air Museum is in full preparation mode for its open cockpit weekend.

a piece of aviation history operational priorities.

Many of the usual attractions will be there, plus some new ones and include: ■ WWII Jeep rides

This is your chance to sit inside the cockpit of some of Australia's most significant vintage aircrafts.

This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a large range of historic aircraft on show and a raft of new attractions.

■ Free 'planes' jumping castle for the kids as well as colouring in and paper plane making

The QAM has Australia's largest and best display of vintage aircraft all in one fantastic location, just opposite the Caloundra Airport. It boasts more than 80 historic aircraft and many other displays - it is a place where you can spend several memorable hours.The main attractions at the Open Cockpit Weekend on July 7-8 include the museum's historically significant aircraft displays, with over 20 of them open to the public. The event offers a unique opportunity for visitors to sit in the pilot's seat and experience what aviation was like from the 1920s right through to the F-111 and Mirage Jet that were in service from the 1960s through to 2010.

■ Engines running on the hour from 10am to 2pm

Other attractions include a huge air-side display on the airport tarmac with many vintage aircraft flying in for the weekend. The RAAF have also promised delivery of a very special new aircraft for the public to view - but details of this aircraft remain confidential and the fly-in is subject to

The memorabilia shop will be open all weekend.

■ Girl Friday Jazz & Blues band playing all weekend ■ Vintage Calendar Girls fashion parade on Saturday y ■ Appearances from The Coastal Caring Clowns along with Star Wars characters and other characters ■ Model aircraft displays There will also be a great range of food and drink options, ns, including real coffee!

So, here's your chance to be the pilot for a day and be part of Open Cockpit Weekend on July 7-8.

There is something for all ages at the Open Cockpit Weekend.

12390871-RC26-18

Check out www.qam.com.au for more details.

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www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

JUNE/JULY 2018 7

A

rock star IN THE MAKING

By Hollie Harris

"I was confident and determined to stand up and play.""

AT just three years of age, Morgan Smith tied a piece of string around a wooden pole and made his first guitar.

With musical Idols like Angus Young, Robert Plant, Jimi Hendrix and David Gilmore, Morgan lovess to rock 'n' roll.

By the time the Sunshine Coast boy started kindy, he cut eight full size guitars out of cardboard, painted them all and gave them to his friends for show-and-tell.

For his fifth Christmas, Morgan got his first electric guitar and would sing Pink Floyd around the house.

He started guitar lessons at age eight - and nine months later he made his first debut at the Noosa Surf Club's Battle of the Rising Stars.

He opened with the Foo Fighters, Oasis and finished with the Eagles and was the youngest person to perform.

"You have a great future ahead of you - you are going to be a great star, and you have a natural talent and ability," the judges told Morgan.

The young boy was in his element on stage.

"I wasn't nervous at all," Morgan said.

Dedication to

"Playing guitar makes me feel relaxed and it gets me away from everything that annoys me," Morgan said.

These days, he performs regularly at open mike events, at the Imperial Hotel at Eumundi and at the Bar and Grill in the Sunshine Plaza.

A highlight for the young lad was performing at the Pomona Music Muster in March, where he met the Dennis Sisters - he thought they were so inspirational.

"I just want to get up on that stage and show them what I can do. When people shout out good things, it wants to make me play more," he said.

strong, beautiful style and her own choreography.

TILLY Cleyne dedicates some 30 hours a week to achieving her dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer - and is beginning to reap the rewards of her hard work.

She came a close second in the Classical division to TDCPS star Alfie Shacklock (recently home from competing in New York), and also placed second in the Contemporary division.

Tilly achieved three firsts and two seconds in hotly-contested solo competitions at two eisteddfods.

The talented dancer took out first place in the Classical and Demicharacter divisions, which also won her the Senior Classical Championship trophy at the Kingaroy Eisteddfod.

She also won the Lyrical division at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod with her

future, he is quick to answer: "A rock star!"

If you have a star in the making, why not drop us a line?

Morgan has recently gotten a busking licence, which means he can play on weekends and hone his craft.

We love to hear about young people accomplishing amazing things on the Sunshine Coast. Email editorial@ sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

If you ask Morgan where he sees his

ballet excellence PAYS OFF FOR Tilly

By Hollie Harris

After four years of training, the 16-year-old senior student from The Dance Centre Peregian Springs (TDCPS) recently won a string of awards.

Morgan Smith says playing guitar makes him feel relaxed.

The 10-year-old loves to perform Times Like These by the Foo Fighters, Shine by Collective Soul, and tunes from Credence Clearwater Revival and Pink Floyd d because he says they are great to sing.

Tilly said a lot of hard work was behind her successful performances.

"Eisteddfods give me stage performance practice. I learn how to deal with nerves and there are always lots of funny moments to share with my dance friends," she said.

"When performing on stage, my main goal is to impress Miss D. (Miss Deborah Preece-Brocksom, Director of TDCPS), because she is such a big inspiration to me.

"I have been dancing at TDCPS for

four years and I am a vocationall student. I devote e 25-30 hours a week to dancing, g, studying Vaganova and many other styles to achieve e my dream of being a professional dancer with a major ballet company."

Tilly Cleyne, 16, from The Peregian Dance Centre had wins at both the Toowoomb a and Kingaroy eisteddfods.

For the past two years, Tilly has been home-schooled schooled through the Brisbane bane School of Distance Education.

It's a full-on schedule but she wouldn't have it any other way.

"It is very busy at the moment trying to juggle year 11 school work (plus a year 12 subject) with full-time vocational dancing, but I love it."

come and see our

Expe Walke rience r Lear n at St Andre ing w’s

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Limite d pla availa ces ble

8 JUNE/JULY 2018

everyday

Call (07) 5471 5555 or visit www.saac.qld.edu.au to arrange a personalised tour

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Backyard Buddies AT COOROIBAH

SUNSHINE Butterflies recently launched Backyard Buddies, a free monthly program that encourages young children living with a disability to be healthy and active outdoors whilst stimulating all of their senses including sight, sound, touch and taste.

Children and their siblings are invited to come along and enjoy the fun activities at Our Backyard and all that it has to offer, including a children's playground, all ability Tree House and farm animals.

There is art and craft activities, ball games, billy cart races and much more in the farm setting.

Our Backyard,

the new headquarters of Sunshine Butterflies, is a five-acre hobby farm located at Cooroibah, just outside of Noosa, where the disability support provider operates its daily educational, respite and recreational activity programs.

It is home to numerous farm animals including cows, goats, sheep, a donkey, ducks, chickens, geese, guinea fowls, a peacock and a miniature horse. These furry and feathered friends share the paddocks and stable yards, and help deliver animal care enrichment programs to individuals living with disability.

Backyard Buddies also provides an important opportunity for parents to socialise while the children play and make new friends.

Backyard Buddies is held on the last Monday of each month from 3pm-5pm.

Come one and come all. Bring your friends. Bring your siblings.

For more information, please call Brooke at Sunshine Butterflies on 5470 2830.

Sunshine Butterflies aims to offer a 'one-stop-shop' for disability support services, including educational,

learning, respite, and recreational programs for people of all ages and abilities.

They are currently running an appeal to raise $100,000 to help finalise construction of all their building projects at the property. To purchase a butterfly and donate to the Butterfly Appeal, visit www.sunshinebutterflies.com.au Sunshine Butterflies is a registered NDIS provider.

For more information on their daily activity, educational and respite programs, visit www.sunshinebutterflies.com.au, or call 07 5470 2830.

Butterfly Appeal FUNDR AISING APPEAL

3OHDVH 6XSSRUW 2XU %XWWHUø\ $SSHDOO %X\ RQH RI RXU KDQGPDGH FHUDPLF %XWWHUøLHV DQG KHOS XV UDLVH $100,000 WR JR WRZDUGV ‘Our Backyard’, D DFUH OHDUQLQJ UHVSLWH HGXFDWLRQDO DQG UHFUHDWLRQ IDFLOLW\ RIIHULQJ VXSSRUW VHUYLFHV WR SHRSOH OLYLQJ ZLWK D GLVDELOLW\ DQG WKHLU IDPLOLHV

MURRI FAMILIES 4

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Murri Kids At D'Jinang Djaa we need indigenous carers who will reach out and say 'I care about my mob and I want to ensure that every Indigenous child on the Sunshine Coast is given the best chance in life'.

We are looking for carers who will work with us to make sure our children are safe and that they are given the very best chance to become healthy adults. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

At D'Jinang Djaa we need people who believe that we can change the world for the better and together we can make the future bright for our mob - we are looking for Murri families who can care for our kids.

If you have ever thought about changing a life, why not reach out and contact us today - Murri Families 4 Murri Kids.

Together we can make a difference.

For more information, contact Brett Davis at IFYS Ltd on (07) 5438 3000.

%X\ RQOLQH QRZ DW ZZZ VXQVKLQHEXWWHUøLHV FRP DX or 3KRQH 07 5470 2830

12383869-RA26-18

D'JINANG Djaa is a foster and kinship service that has been operated by IFYS Ltd on the Sunshine Coast since 2007.

JUNE/JULY 2018 9

your life It’s

Expensive white shoes, a park in winter... what could possibly go wrong?

According to Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, you can't control what happens - but you can control how you react.

DR CARR-GREGG’S

top parenting tips

By Jade Glen

you, but you can always choose the way you respond."

IMAGINE this: you buy your child brand new white shoes - they cost a small fortune, as shoes do. On the way home you stop by the park and your child runs around wearing their new kicks.

Everything's going swimmingly - and then your kid skids through a steaming pile of fresh dog poop.

Dr Carr-Gregg said the journey from childhood to adulthood now had more risk factors than preventative factors.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, acclaimed psychologist and parenting expert, says there are two ways you can react in this scenario.

"One is 'oh no, my shoes are ruined, this always happens to me', and misery will prevail," he said.

"Or if I have got to that child, the moment they step in that dog poo, the first thing they think is 'hey, at least I was wearing shoes'. I want your child to be an at least I was wearing shoes thinker. How do they do that? By copying you. I want you to be an at least I was wearing shoes thinker."

Dr Carr-Gregg, one of the country's most high-profile psychologists and author of 11 books, offered up his key tips to help raise happy, confident and respectful people during a recent keynote address.

He said there was a key piece of wisdom in the above scenario.

"In life you can't always change something, but the thing that makes us different from all the other creatures on this planet is that we, and we alone, actually have the capacity to change the way we think about it.

"You can't choose what happens to

"A lot of people are coming out on the other end actually quite damaged.

What I'm interested in is prevention, and what you, as mums and dads and community members, can do to make this journey better."

Parents often asked if their child was normal - and while Dr Carr-Gregg said normal was merely a 'setting on a washing machine,' there were four things he looked for.

"The ability to obtain, maintain and retain friendships is the greatest predictor of well being. You may think it is being good looking, having lots of money - completely irrelevant.

"If they are 12 or 13 and they can't stand being away from you, this is problematic.

"They need to understand and enjoy school. What is the single most important predictor of a good schooling experience? The statistics clearly show the greatest predictor is the relationship they have with the teachers, and that is down to respect.

"Finally, do they have a spark, something that gets them up in the morning? Something they feel passionate about?

"When my son was eight he was passionate about leg spin bowling. I would walk in to his bedroom and he had pictures of Shane Warne everywhere. He played grade cricket at 15 years of age. We lived in Balwyn

and I carted him to Casey Fields to stand in the hot sun for two days while he bowled.

They are actually more irritable than sad, nothing makes them happy, and they are quite hard to be with.

"When he was about 17 it dawned on me that after two days in the hot sun at Casey Fields, he was actually too tired to go down to St Kilda and inject himself with heroin. So here's the thing - while kids are busy doing one thing, they can't be doing another. So if you want to inoculate your kid, make sure they are busy. Talk to anyone and they will say to you - bored kids are trouble. Because if they are bored they hang out with other kids that are bored, and those bored kids will find something to do to entertain themselves, which won't necessarily be all that constructive."

"I'm really concerned that early identification and prompt treatment is not happening. The earlier we get to a kid, the quicker we can start treatment and the better the outcome."

The 'spark' didn't have to be a sport; it could be music, drama, gymnastics, art, a football team or the library itself anything that was not materialistic and was bigger than them.

Dr Carr-Gregg said he could tell a child was travelling OK if they fulfilled the four requirements. But not all children did - and that is where early intervention was crucial.

"There are some kids that are not happy kids. About one in seven primary school students will have these sorts of symptoms - they may no longer enjoy the things they used to enjoy. They feel hopeless, they've got no sense of optimism, concentrating and focusing becomes difficult, they will be irritable or will withdraw from their friends. They will also talk of, or attempt to, run away. They don't have energy, they are lethargic, have thoughts of self-harm and sometimes will do it. Somatic symptoms - tummy aches or headaches.

Dr Carr-Gregg said parents had a very important role to play in helping to manage their child's wellbeing.

"One of the things I always say is try and spend at least eight minutes a day with them. We get down on our knees, look them in the eyes and ask them about their day, listen very carefully and then, this is the trick, reflect it back to them. Eight minutes per day, per kid - awfully sorry if you have 14 children - but eight minutes a day is what we reckon really makes a big difference.

"Self-respect comes from them feeling really good about themselves, and one thing that makes them feel good about themselves is if we give them time. Very easy to say, harder to do."

Dr Carr-Gregg said it was crucial parents could strike a positive balance between their work and home life and prioritise self-care to set an example for their children.

He also listed getting enough sleep - 10 hours for primary students and nine hours for secondary students - enough exercise, and a Mediterranean-style diet heavy on vegetables as crucial for mental wellbeing.

"See life for what it is but, for goodness sake, focus on the good bits."

Our mums can give your business a marketing boost!

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Resulting in top of mind exposure and greater presence in your key Sunshine Coast and Noosa market See sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au for your free epaper Contact Hollie or Tracey today: Phone (07) 5449 9837 advertising@sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au facebook.com/SunshineCoastKidsToday Hollie Harris, Editorial and Tracey Combes, Advertising 10 JUNE/JULY 2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

your life Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Zack and Ava Gurry with Noosa Civic's Brian Turner.

Experience the magic of ice skating at Noosa Civic this July.

r u o y n o Strap t a s e t a k s

c i v i C a Noos

THE Sunshine Coast may not be a popular winter destination for ice and snow, however kids visiting Noosa Civic this July will experience the magic of ice skating and snowflakes while raising funds to grant wishes to sick children through Make-A-Wish.

Noosa Civic centre manager Monica Lord said the school holiday activity will offer kids the opportunity to get on the ice thanks to a synthetic ice skating rink and snow machine which will be set up at the centre from 2-13 July.

"While thousands visit our region during the winter months to enjoy the mild weather, we are bringing the feel of real winter here for Sunshine Coast kids to enjoy!" Ms Lord said.

"There is a certain magic to putting on the ice skates as snowflakes fall around you and bringing this initiative to Noosa allows the kids to enjoy some of the things winter is famous for.

"We are also delighted to be supporting Make-A-Wish with their great work in granting wishes to seriously ill children across Australia.

Anything we can do to assist making a child's wish come true will be fantastic, so we're asking for a $5 donation for kids to enjoy our mini winter wonderland."

Make-A-Wish Sunshine Coast Volunteer Branch President Rene Dolan said Noosa Civic's ongoing support for the charity was very much appreciated and it was particularly fitting that the funds were being raised in exchange for putting smiles on children's faces.

"We're all about giving smiles so raising funds while local kids get to have fun and experience something

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

unique on the Sunshine Coast is a great outcome for everyone," Ms Dolan said.

"It's thanks to the incredible support we get from the local community that we can grant wishes to seriously ill children who don't have much to smile about. Six children are diagnosed with a critical disease every day in Australia and for these kids, the journey ahead is a long and difficult one."

"Their wishes we grant can include everything from Audrey's wish to see real snow for the first time, Abigail's magical visit to Unicornland or Dan's wish to head out to sea on a battleship."

"The healing power of a wish cannot be underestimated and we are very grateful that Noosa Civic is helping to raise funds through this fun initiative."

Make-A-Wish Australia was founded in 1985 and since then has granted over 9500 wishes to children with lifethreatening illnesses aged between 3 and 18.

"At Noosa Civic we have always been committed to providing a fun, family-friendly environment and we're delighted to support an organisation like Make-A-Wish who do such a fantastic job of changing kids' lives," Ms Lord said.

"We encourage families to come to the centre to enjoy the ice and snow while helping us make wishes become a reality."

The synthetic ice rink and snow machine will be in operation from 10am-3pm daily between 2 July and 13 July. To find out more, please visit www.noosacivicshopping.com.au.

JUNE/JULY 2018 11

SURVIVING THE HORROR

flu season

Paediatric healthcare WITH HEART Always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze to help prevent the flu from spreading.

By Melissa Grant

years, an age group particularly vulnerable to the virus.

WINTER brings cooler days, chilly nights - and the dreaded flu.

"It (the flu shot) is not 100 per cent effective, but is significantly effective in the younger members of the population," Dr Bartone said.

Last year's flu season was the worst since 2009, with almost 1100 deaths and hundreds of thousands of people falling ill across the country.

Anyone can be struck down with the respiratory illness, although certain groups including babies, pregnant women and the elderly are more at risk.

Young children account for nearly one-third of flu hospital admissions. Last year, 12 per cent of flu hospital admissions were children aged less than 6 months and a further 20 per cent were aged between 6 months and 2 years.

The flu can be debilitating, with symptoms hanging around for a week or more.

While some people only get mild symptoms such as a runny nose, headache, body aches and tiredness, the flu can be very severe and lead to pneumonia, inflammation of the brain or heart, organ damage and even death.

So how do you make sure your family doesn't get struck down by the horror virus?

BOOK IN THE FAMILY FOR FLU SHOTS Vaccination gives the best protection against the flu. Australian Medical Association (AMA) vice president Dr Tony Bartone says "99 per cent of the game" is having the flu jab and everything else such as keeping healthy and safe hygiene practices - simply minimise the impact of an outbreak.

"If we immunise everybody we reduce the amount of influenza in the community and therefore its spread," he explained.

The flu shot is free for Queensland children between six months and five

"Who wants to see their little bub in hospital?"

You must get a flu shot every year as vaccinations change annually to match the constantly changing flu strains.

Pregnant women, most indigenous people and those who suffer from chronic conditions are also eligible for free shots.

This year, free "enhanced" flu vaccines are available for people aged 65 and over.

BE HYGIENIC Influenza is spread by droplets made when someone infected coughs or sneezes. So be sure to cover your face when you cough or sneeze. It's also a good idea to disinfect surfaces, such as tables and benchtops, where these droplets can land, and avoid sharing cups and cutlery. Now this should go without saying, but be sure to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.

IS IT THE FLU? WHAT DO I DO? The flu is more than just a cold, with common symptoms such as a sudden high fever of 38C or more, a dry cough, body aches and extreme weakness and tiredness. Manage your symptoms, get plenty of rest and keep your fluids up. You can't take antibiotics as the flu is a viral infection, but decongestants and pain relievers can make you feel better while your immune system fights off the illness. If you're concerned about your symptoms see a doctor, but phone first so the clinic can take precautions to reduce the risk of infection to others. If you have the flu, do your workmates a favour and call in sick. If your child is sick, keep them at home.

Dr Caroline Hughes.

By Hollie Harris DR Caroline Hughes is the principal paediatrician at Nurture Paediatrics and has more than 16 years' experience in child health. She has extensive knowledge of a broad range of paediatric issues and a special interest in child advocacy.

Visiting a doctor can be quite daunting for children and their parents/ carers. Dr Caroline approaches care with a high level of professionalism, but with a lot of fun and laughter. Engaging with children and making them feel at ease is extremely important.

Developing a trusting and respectful relationship is also the aim with children and parents/carers. Together with experience and a passion for paediatric care, Nurture Paediatrics is the ideal partner in nurturing your child's health, happiness, and wellbeing.

Caroline lives in Peregian and has been on the coast for seven years, but has been in public health up until now.

At Nurture Paediatrics, our bespoke and boutique approach to paediatric care is unique and valued by our patients and parents/carers. We prioritise the importance of listening and understanding your concerns about your child's health. We value developing a trusting and respectful relationships and Dr Caroline is wellknown and respected for her ability to establish a wonderful rapport that instantly creates a feeling of comfort and confidence.

Together with experience and a passion for exceptional health care, Nurture Paediatrics is the ideal partner in nurturing your child's health, happiness, and well being.

Before school and Saturday

appointments are available and there is currently no wait period to see Dr Caroline. Yes, you heard that right!

Nurture Paediatrics offers care in the following areas: ■ Baby checks ■ Weight or growth concerns ■ Feeding issues ■ Sleeping problems ■ Concerns regarding your child's development or behaviour ■ Children with disabilities ■ Genetic conditions eg. Down Syndrome ■ Learning disabilities ■ Diagnosis and management of autism spectrum disorders ■ Bed wetting ■ Constipation ■ Diabetes ■ Respiratory illness (both acute and chronic) ■ Paediatric allergies Nurture is offering bulk-billed services for infants up to six weeks old. This is really important news for parents that are concerned with settling, sleeping, feeding or growth concerns in the first few week and want to seek professional paediatric services which could cost over $400 for a consultation.

Nurture Paediatrics accepts referrals for newborns through to young adults*.

All consultations require a GP referral. To book an appointment today contact reception@nurturepaediatrics. com.au or call 07 5345 5733. *Young adults - we offer paediatric services to young adults under the age of 18 years. Beyond 18 years, Nurture Paediatrics offer transitional care to adult care when appropriate and at the discretion of the specialist.

Little Crocs kids program!

Run by our qualified oral health therapist, Bupa Dental Noosa’s Little Crocs sessions are a free and fun way to introduce your little ones to the dental practice.

For more details or to book a session, contact us on 5474 3855 Suite 2, 59 Mary Street Noosaville QLD 4566 bupadental.com.au/noosa 12382946-LN13-18

12 JUNE/JULY 2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Education

School holiday fun WITH LEGO Programs are built around model plans designed by engineers and architects, with exciting themes inspired by the likes of Minecraft and Star Wars.

Combining fun with technical elements, they can cater for all interests with children able to build some of their favourite characters and learn new LEGO building techniques.

Students will use technical project kits and LEGO power function motors to develop their critical thinking and

spatial intelligence as well as making amazing models that actually move.

With technic/creator workshops, junior robotics with LEGO WeDo and advanced robotics with Mindstorms EV3 there is something for everyone.

The workshops take place at Maroochydore, Caloundra and Noosa with a full day of LEGO activity and active games sessions to break up the day.

If you're too busy these holidays, BRICKS 4 KIDZ programs with LEGO also include birthday parties, OSHC Incursions, after-school classes and incursions, event activations and robotics classes. For further information and enrolment visit, www.bricks4kidz. com.au/qld-sunshine-coast

Ease into schooling WITH A PRINCIPAL'S TOUR FAMILIES interested in experiencing first-hand what distinguishes Matthew Flinders Anglican College education can head along to the Principal's Primary School Tour (Prep to Year 6) on Tuesday, 31 July.

While the school offers personalised tours for prospective families throughout the year, this group tour is a unique opportunity to hear from Principal Stuart Meade and Head of Primary Trudi Edwards about how Flinders helps students strive for excellence in learning and life.

Mr Meade is naturally proud of the College's reputation and potential.

"We are incredibly proud of the education we offer at Flinders. The Principal's Primary School Tour is a happy occasion for us as educators because we enjoy every opportunity to share our passion for our College," he said.

"Our teachers are dedicated and caring, and the climate for learning is a positive one. We have our students' wellbeing at the heart of our work, and we commit to supporting each child to achieve their potential.

"I hope families enjoy the tour and depart with a clear sense of safety, happiness and mutual respect that we nurture here at Flinders."

Flinders parent Julie Allen shared her experience of the Principal's Primary School Tour. Julie and husband Sean were among the first group of parents to experience the tours.

Matthew Flinders Anglican College has a positive climate for learning.

"The tour helped us to understand how Flinders operates and what our children may expect and look forward to. The tour showed us how professional and committed the College's teachers are and, moreover, how passionate they are in their teaching objectives. It was great seeing the principal's passion for and recognition of the students during the tour as he greeted each child with a smile and a positive comment."

"Our children really enjoyed the tour.

They noticed the bright and creative classroom displays, they enjoyed talking with their future teachers, and even mentioned how smart they thought the school children looked in their uniforms.

Taking the tour seemed to settle any concerns they might have had, helping to make the first day of school one to look forward to and enjoy."

Matthew Flinders Anglican College is located on Stringybark Road, Buderim For more information, visit www.mfac.edu.au or phone 07 5477 3200.

BRICKS 4 KIDZ workshops use LEGO to create a great day of fun .

Jade wants to raise awareness about epilepsy.

ST ANDREW'S STUDENT RAISES

Epilepsy Awareness

By Hollie Harris

awareness is because I feel like a lot of kids aren't opening up about it."

"SIXTY-FIVE million people worldwide currently live with epilepsy, and I am one of them."

As well as putting posters up around the college to educate on actions for a seizure, Jade talked about epilepsy during a student assembly.

This is what 13-year-old Jade recently told her 700-strong secondary cohort at St Andrew's Anglican College, and all for one reason: she wants to create more awareness about epilepsy.

Jade was diagnosed in 2016 and has since navigated the ups and downs of the disorder, in which seizures are caused by changes in brain cell activity.

"When I was diagnosed it changed my life pretty much straight away; I could no longer stay at home alone or do other activities by myself," she said.

"The reason why I want to raise

"I believe more schools should become epilepsy aware so if anyone in any school, playground or beach can help someone who may be having a seizure," she said.

Jade told fellow students that if they witness someone experiencing a seizure, it is important to ensure their head is supported, any surrounding objects are cleared, their breathing is monitored and they are gently reassured until recovered. If possible, the seizure can be timed and it is also important to call for medical help or get a teacher to do so.

Principalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tour Explore the extensive opportunities for your child at one of our Principalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tours and discover how Flinders can offer your child an education for excellence in learning and life.

12391216-RA26-18

BRICKS 4 KIDZ combine the love of LEGO with a great day of school holiday fun and creative adventure. Their workshops generate an extraordinary atmosphere for students to build unique creations, play games, and experiment with LEGO bricks.

Primary School tour: 31 July, 8:45am

Flinders Explore, experience, excel www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Secondary School tour: 28 August, 8:45am To book your spot, visit www.mfac.edu.au JUNE/JULY 2018 13

Education

Rise & Shine A CHILDREN'S PARADISE ARE you looking for a quality Early Education and Care Centre on the Sunshine Coast? Do you want an outstanding kinder program run by university qualified Early Childhood Teachers?

Visit Rise & Shine Kindergarten Maroochydore and see their amazing brand new centre.

Rise & Shine Kindergarten Maroochydore has 1500 square metres of beautifully landscaped natural outdoor play space for the children to enjoy. With water features, a timber cubby house and pirate ship, sensory paths, vegetable gardens, trees to climb b and a beautiful outdoor alfresco dining area - it really is a child's paradise.

Rise & Shine believes that the environment is the third teacher, so a great deal of thought has gone into the beautiful aesthetics at this centre. They have combined open spaces, natural timber furniture and resources, soft rugs combined with lots of natural light to create a home away from home for the children.

They also have their own unique curriculum called the Shine Advantage Curriculum which runs in conjunction with the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline to provide the best educational program for every child.

They employ two full time university qualified teachers along with an amazing team of passionate and experienced Early Childhood Educators to teach, guide and nurture the children.

Their Smart Start room is the perfect

Modern and light-filled learning at Rise & Shine

place the ki kinder l tto run th d program as it's it' filled with brand new educational resources and a promethean LED board for children to engage in online and interactive learning. You can track your child's learning journey via the storypark app where they upload their curriculum each day for families to share in.

If you would like to see Rise & Shine's

Above: Rise & Shine have truly special outdoor space for your children to play.

curriculum you can watch the i l iin action ti t h th videos on their website or, better yet, make a time for a tour with their director by calling 07 5430 7737.

daily by a qualified d il b lifi d cook. k

Rise & Shine Kindergarten Maroochydore 's very competitive fees are: 0 -2 years - $98, 2-3 years - $95, 3-6 years - $90

The centre is open 6:30am - 6:30pm and public holidays are also free of charge in 2018.

Inclusive of fees is weekly sports, dance and yoga classes for the children; as well as nappies, a hat and backpack.

Rise & Shine Kindergarten Maroochydore - 26 Wises Road Buderim. www.riseandshine.edu.au

Fees are inclusive of all nutritious meals which are prepared fresh on site

FREE public holidays in 20 18!

kindergarten

MULT I OUTD PLE PLAY OOR AREA S!

6 weeks - 6 years

Unique curriculum including:

All meals included!

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+HUJL ZWVY[Z `VNH HUK Kindergarten Program

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26 Wises Road, Buderim

riseandshine.edu.au

WOVUL! (07) 5430 7737 12390411-CB25-18

Education

Environment centre coming to

Immanuel Lutheran College

A vision for the future: Students working at one with the environment.

IN a first for a Sunshine Coast school, a $2 million Environmental Education Centre will be constructed at Immanuel Lutheran College.

Using the latest in sustainable materials and technology, the centre's main goal will be to promote student learning experiences. It will showcase the College's rainforest environment by creating wet labs and 'living' classrooms in which students from Immanuel, USC and other Sunshine Coast schools can conduct field studies to learn about the region's flora and fauna.

Principal Colin Minke is thrilled to see this addition to the school.

"Our environment is so important, we

are very blessed. We all have a responsibility to look after it," he said.

The 550 square metre Centre will be adjacent to Immanuel's rainforest and will create an indoor/outdoor learning experience where the traditional classroom context will mix with real world experiences.

"There will also be opportunities to engage with local Indigenous people to map the history of the area," Mr Minke said.

The space will also offer a venue for professional learning in which external agencies can work with students from both primary and secondary schools.

The latest in sustainable materials and technology will be used including energy efficient lighting with smart controls; photovoltaic panels to power lighting and ceiling fans; louvres to provide natural cross ventilation; larger eaves to increase daylight throughout the year without extra, unwanted heat; solar panels, solar hot water and rainwater catchment tanks; and recyclable, waterproof materials for doors and joinery.

"Helping to keep the environment as pristine as we can is something for us all to be mindful of," Mr Minke said.

Construction of the centre is expected to be completed by late 2018.

The slab goes down at Immanuel Lutheran College.

Anything is Possible In 2018, students will enjoy Immanuelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new $2 million Environmental Education Centre. With wet labs and ÂľOLYLQJÂś FODVVURRPV WKH\ ZLOO H[SHULHQFH ÂżUVWKDQG WKH UHJLRQÂśV Ă&#x20AC;RUD DQG IDXQD

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Children learn at their best when their education is enriched by memorable experiences.

At Immanuel Lutheran College, we give students the ability to explore and discover not only in the classroom, but also with nature.

OPEN MORNING

immanuel.qld.edu.au www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

23 AUGUST JUNE/JULY 2018 15

Entertainment

Emily Potts - Elphaba (Green witch), Chinta Wallace -Villager (red hat), Angelique Turner - Galinda, Kadin Jamal - Villager star in Wicked.

Wicked

Wicked is heading to The J. PICTURES: Ilsa WynneHoelscher Kidd.

will hold the Sunshine Coast under its spell f

GET set for a thrillifying experience as one of Broadway's biggest blockbusters is heads to The J in September.

Johanna Wallace and David Williams, musical director Connie Groves and choreographer Kim Abbott.

A troupe of talented young performers from the Little Seed Theatre Company will present Wicked in what director Johanna Wallace describes as "our biggest challenge yet".

David has directed an extraordinary 66 musical productions during his long career. Last year he put his creative stamp on Fiddler on the Roof for Little Seed - his sixth time in the director's chair for the much-loved musical.

Connie originally hails from the United States, where having Disney World on her doorstep shaped her career.

"Wicked is one of the longest running Broadway shows of all time and has captured imaginations of audiences around the world.

Presenting a musical of this calibre is another step up for us and we are super excited," Johanna says.

N

Little Seed Theatre Company was established by Johanna Wallace to 'grow stories and people'.

"We exist to provide young people from the ages of four to 18 with a space to explore their creativity and make theatre," Johanna says.

The original production of Wicked, starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, premiered on Broadway in 2003, and broke box office records around the world.

An alternative telling of the Wizard of Oz, Wicked shares the enthralling story of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda (the Good Witch of the North).

Music and lyrics by

Book by

rtz Based on the

l b G gory M Maaguire

O

Elphaba (played by Abigail Waugh and Emily Potts in double casting), was born with emerald green skin. She's is smart, passionate and misunderstood.

Galinda (Angelique Turner and Jacqueline Elley) is beautiful, ambitious and popular. Their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships until the world decides to call one good and the other wicked.

Among the show-stopping numbers are No One Mourns the Wicked, Popular and the spine-tingling Defying Gravity.

AAll

The powerhouse team behind Little Seed's production includes directors

The production features a large ensemble cast of almost 70 young performers, including double-casting of the principal roles. Johanna says the Sunshine Coast is a "breeding ground for amazing talent".

"Our performers work very hard in an environment that is both supportive and challenging," she adds.

Johanna says directing an amateur production of this magnitude presents both logistical and creative challenges.

"We are determined to create something that is different to what has been seen before, while being faithful to the original story," she says.

"The young people performing in Wicked are incredibly talented, and some may end up on Broadway or winning Oscars. Others may become surgeons or teachers or make amazing contributions to their community in different ways. But all of them will make lifelong friends and gain confidence and self-esteem.

"Putting on a production of this size and scale is a tremendous undertaking, but when the kids walk off stage with huge smiles on their faces, it is better than all the bouquets in the world."Timed to make the most of the Noosa Show long weekend, Wicked will be at The J on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 September at 1.30pm and 6.30pm. Tickets are available from www.thej.com.au.

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16 JUNE/JULY 2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Entertainment

Welcome to

Pallas, Huey and Patches SEA Life Sunshine Coast has welcomed three Grey Nurse Sharks back to the Sunshine State, becoming the only tourist attraction in Queensland to house the endangered species.

The trio - Pallas, Huey and Patches - were recently transported more than 1000 kilometres from Manly Sea Life Sanctuary to Sea Life Sunshine Coast, and have since settled into their new homes swimmingly.

Queensland turf," said Ms Willson.

After more than six months of planning, the construction of custom shark-friendly stretchers and a specialised mobile aquarium, Pallas, Huey and Patches were individually transported and gradually acclimatised to their new surroundings.

"Once they have had more time to settle, the plan is to introduce them to our breeding program in a bid to help boost population numbers for the endangered species."

Sea Life Sunshine Coast Curator, Kate Willson, said all three sharks have settled into the attraction well and are happy cruising around their new homes.

"It's very rewarding to see how quickly Pallas, Huey and Patches have settled into their new home and we're excited to have them back on

Sea Life Sunshine General Manager, Quinn Clarke, said a lot of planning went into the transportation of each animal and it's a historical time as they return home to Queensland.

"Not only is it an exciting time for the attraction with the arrival of our new shark trio, but it's also a very exciting time for the region to have Queensland's only Grey Nurse Sharks in the Sunshine Coast," said Mr Clarke.

Having now found their fins with their new home and tank-mates, Pallas, Huey and Patches are ready to make their public debut, and are welcoming locals to officially meet and greet them to the community.

The trio will also serve as ambassadors for the endangered species, and through daily education talks, the public can learn about the threats they face in the wild, and get to know each of the sharks' fin-tastic personalities.

Open daily from 9am, Sea Life Sunshine Coast promises interactive fun for the whole family and will take explorers - young and old - on a journey of underwater discovery.

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The team at Sea Life Sunshine Coast has extensive experience in breeding and caring for Grey Nurse Sharks, and in 1997 became one of the first aquariums to breed the species. To this day, the attraction remains the most successful aquarium in the world for

Grey Nurse Shark breeding.

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

JUNE/JULY 2018 17

Fa m i ly

Dining Dinin Bye bye supermarket shopping!

The fireplace is roaring ready to warm up your family this winter at Buderim Tavern.

Buderim Tavern the place to be

SITUATED on top of Buderim and in the heart of Buderim village, only 10 minutes from Mooloolaba, the Buderim Tavern makes for an easy destination for locals and tourists.

Bring the kids along to join in the fun.

Sit back and relax for lunch, dinner or just a drink while the kids enjoy hours of fun, with a jumping castle, arcade games, indoor playground, big screen TV and much, much more. There is even a visiting fairy who will entertain kids with face painting and crafts on the weekends.

The kid's menu features plenty of favourites including chicken nuggets, pizza and cheese burgers, and all kids' meals have a free drink.

Kid's party packages are available let us take care of the cooking and cleaning up for your little one's special day! Just bring the kids, the cake and some adults to help you supervise the happy little crowd and enjoy a pain free kids' birthday party! Contact our functions manager today.

Buderim Tavern is open 7 days for lunch and dinner, with wheelchair access and ample parking.

There is also free pub WIFI available, wooden fire places, comfy lounges, cold and hot drinks, classic steak and seafood dishes served in a highceilinged, glass-walled venue with treetop views - or just snuggle in beside the blazing fireplace.

Marley Spoon's mission is to inspire Australians to embrace home cooking by providing seasonal ingredients and delicious, easy to follow recipes that maximise variety and minimise prep, cooking time and food waste.

Whether you are home with a newborn, a brood of littlies or busy working and juggling it all, the supermarket can be a real mission at times. These new services give parents that support they need, when they need it most.

In-house chefs and nutritionists create a range of 12 new recipes each week for families and couples to choose from, with a seasonal menu full of variety including vegetarian

options, healthy choice dishes and kid-friendly meals. Recipes include Chinese stir-fried beef with baby corn and rice, oregano chicken with zucchini rice and yoghurt tartare, and warm pumpkin salad with toasted quinoa and lime.

Members can choose the recipes they receive every week, with produce sourced from local suppliers and delivered in exact quantities, eliminating food waste. The Marley Spoon app allows for members to select their meals on the run and manage their delivery.

Rolf Weber, Managing Director Marley Spoon Australia says: "The meal kit delivery industry is growing rapidly as we become busier and look for ways to simplify our lives.

Australians are also food lovers so we know that flavour and quality is incredibly important, not just convenience."

Order your box now at marleyspoon.com.au

Sometimes grocery shopping is exhausting! Thank goodness we now have options for those busy weeks.

Buderim Tavern strives to be at the heart of the local community by providing a place for friends to meet, for families to relax and to host local functions and events.

They are the unofficial 'clubhouse' for a number of local sporting teams - a place to re-convene after matches, sell raffle tickets, celebrate victories and commiserate losses.

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The spectacular views range from the Mooloolah Valley to the beaches of the

Sunshine Coast and on a clear day out to the white sandy cliffs of Moreton Island. The Buderim Tavern specialises in the best quality steaks and freshest seafood available. We have people travel from all over the southeast to experience what we have to offer.

INNOVATIVE meal kit delivery service, Marley Spoon, has launched on the Sunshine Coast. With demand growing nationally, Marley Spoon is excited to bring stress-free, delicious and sustainably sourced recipes to simplify home cooking, to even more Aussie households.

18 JUNE/JULY 2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

reality bites

'great cake expectations'

Our A unicorn cake made using a Cake 2 the Rescue kit.

By Melissa Grant

AS I squeezed the last bit of bright pink buttercream icing out of the piping bag, the clock ticked past midnight.

Dotting the icing onto the doll's vanilla butter cake skirt had taken much longer than anticipated and I began to worry I'd be yawning through my daughter's first birthday celebrations.

Although the cake looked a treat, the bar was probably set a bit high when I decided to recreate the Dolly Varden cake at my own first birthday party.

Turns out many parents suffer from 'great cake expectations' when it comes to children's birthday celebrations.

As my daughter Emmy tucked into the cake that took six hours to create,

The cake Kids journalist Melissa Grant baked for daughter Emmy.

many mum friends recalled how they too had stayed up late to make a special cake for their child's birthday.

parent needs to whip up a birthday cake except for the eggs, milk and butter.

"I was up all night making a caterpillar cake. I was so tired for the party the next day," one friend said.

"We don't offer anything that makes you cry and nothing that's not achievable after a couple of glasses of wine," the former engineer and interior designer said with a laugh.

Staying up into the wee hours of the morning making birthday cakes is something mum of three Lou Duggan knows all too well, with two of her daughters having birthdays just days apart.

"I'd end up trying to make two cakes in one night and my husband would leave at 3am because I'd be in tears," she said.

It was this annual event that put Lou on the path to creating her unique business Cake 2 the Rescue seven years ago. Her company sells do-it-yourself cake kits that contain everything a

Cake 2 the Rescue owner Lou Duggan and the superhero cake she helped bake for 5-year-old Emilee.

The rainbow unicorn kit, by far, is the company's best-seller, while shark, dinosaur, dirt cake, monster trucks, superhero, diggers and dolphins are also popular among the 200-plus designs.

"I have to talk them back down to a sensible cake that won't make them cry."

Gold Coast based Lou said too many mums and dads wrongly believed their birthday cake making skills reflected whether they were doing a good job as a parent.

However, Lou said she received many crazy birthday cake requests from parents who had ridiculously high expectations.

"I think we have to take the pressure of ourselves. All your child sees is their mum or dad went out of the way to create something beautiful for them," she said.

"People will say 'I've never baked before can you help me' and it's a three-tiered masterpiece," she said.

Raising a child costs between $140 and $170 a week for unemployed and low-income families, according to new research.

How much it costs to

raise a child

IT’S no secret kids can be expensive – but now actual figures have been put on what it costs to bring up a child in Australia.

The cost of raising a child is $140 a week for unemployed families and $170 per week for low-income families, according to new research.

That’s between $7280 and $8840 a year for each child – and the figures are conservative as they are calculated on tight budgets.

The weekly figures, published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, include the estimated costs of food, clothing, footwear, health, personal care, school expenses, as well as their share of household expenses including housing and energy costs.

The University of New South Wales carried out the research using a budget standards approach to estimate what it cost to achieve a ‘minimum income

standard for healthy living’ in Australia.

The study found the estimated weekly costs for low-paid families of raising two children – a 6-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy – is $340 per week, or $170 per child.

For the unemployed, the weekly costs of raising two children is $280 per week, or $140 per child.

“We updated the existing budget standards using new ABS data on what Australians own, what they do and what they spend their money on,” UNSW Professor Peter Saunders explained.

“For example, we included the costs of mobile phones which are now commonplace and what it costs to feed and clothe children by pricing shelf items in nationwide stores, such as Woolworths and Kmart.”

Prof Saunders said there were a series of focus group interviews with low-income families about how they

mana aged d managed their budgets. This revealed important trends, including clothes swapping for school uniforms and buying more homebrand or generic items in supermarkets and chain stores.

The most expensive budget items were housing costs, based on families paying average prices for rental accommodation in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. The next most expensive items were food, household goods and services.

“The new estimates of the cost of

children are considerably higher than those produced by updating the original budget standards created in 1995 because prevailing community standards have shifted upwards over the past two decades,” Prof Saunders said.

The research provides important data for assessing how much income unemployed and low-paid families need and could be used to guide the setting of the Newstart Allowance and minimum wage, he said.

BEST NEWSPAPER OVER 10,000 CIRCULATION 2017 and 2018

Winners two years in a row

Noosa Today has again been crowned winner of the prestigious 2018 Best Newspaper Over 10,000 Circulation at recent Queensland Country Press Association award presentations Noosa Today also congratulate Rob McColl on winning two first places in the photographic category with photos submitted To promote your business in the best newspaper in regional Queensland contact our Sales Department today:

Email: sales@noosatoday.com.au Phone: 07 5455 6946 12390351-DJ26-18

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

JUNE/JULY 2018 19

reality bites

Gaming addiction is now a diagnosed health issue. Google are currently working on new systems to combat tech-addiction.

'Our family is more

important than

technology'

By Hollie Harris

home that you know you're not allowed to do?" (See image for results)

CO-FOUNDER of Apple, Steve Jobs, never let his children have an iPad and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates insisted on a limited amount technology use with his own kids.

She said 51 per cent of children, mostly Year 8 boys, had viewed pornography or other illicit material, while one-fifth of respondents admitted to bullying, trolling and stalking for fun.

These experts recognised that the very technology they were selling to the world would affect our well-being so significantly and shielded their own children from it.

Screen addiction has reached epidemic proportions in Australia since the 2007 release of the first iPhone, and although many parents were cautious in allowing their kids access to the new fad, most kids today own several devices with unlimited internet.

Psychologists are quickly learning how dangerous smartphones can be for teenage brains with research revealing that an eighth-grader's risk for depression jumps 27 percent when he or she frequently uses social media.

Google itself recently unveiled an initiative targeted at addressing tech addiction.

Former Queensland teacher, Rachel Downie, is now an online child safety and anti-bullying advocate and says parents are unaware of about 80 per cent of what their teen engages in on the internet at home.

Rachel, the founder of anti-bullying website Stymie, recently issued a big wake-up call to a room full of concerned parents at Sunshine Beach State High School. She warned that technology is taking over our kids' lives and it's time to take the power back.

Safety Rachel revealed results of a survey of more than 20,000 students over the last five years that asked "what's something you do on the internet at

20 JUNE/JULY 2018

"In schools I go into, kids in Years 4, 5 and 6 have their own devices, and I have to tell you the amount of harm that is being done to kids and to each other at that age in terms of the cyber bullying is out of control," Rachel says.

This really has become an issue about children's future mental health and safety.

Our kids are growing up with a distorted understanding of sex. Sharing nude pictures online have now become common practice. Rachel says 20 percent of the girls who took part in her study have been asked to share nude images and nearly 100 percent obliged.

There are now apps which hide forbidden apps to prying eyes - some look like calculators and Snapchat has a 'My Eyes Only' feature which can be activated to hide extra private content from others.

Even though a social media account is on private, the public can still see photos quite easily. Especially if you connect your Instagram to other social networks.

Instagram actually warns about this in their privacy settings: "If someone with a private profile shares a photo or video to a social network (like Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare and so on) using Instagram, the image will be visible on that network and the permalink will be active. In other words, the photo will be publicly accessible by anyone who has access to its direct link/URL". www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

reality bites

What is something you do on the internet at home that you know you're not allowed to?

Porn 46%

Rachel addresses a room full of parents who want to take the power back.

Too Much Social 40%

Can't Say 42%

Talk to Randoms 25%

Buy Stuff 9%

Bully/Troll/Stalk for Fun 20%

Parent's Stuff 15%

I Don't Do Wrong 19%

Grand Theft Auto is well worth having a play of yourself to see the level of violence your kids are growing up with. The violence and sexual vilification of women in GTA can now be played out in first person.

In GTA, a gamer can purchase a woman to perform different sexual acts and after purchasing her, the gamer can choose to kill her &mdash; and actually is incentivised to kill her to get his money back. At present, GTA V is one of the most popular video games in the US where one in four women will experience some form of sexual violence by the time she turns 18 and one in five young women on college campuses will experience sexual assault.

Addiction Aussie kids are now spending an average of 33 hours a week online or gaming. That's a full-time job!

A Qualtric and Accel survey revealed that some millennial social media users are checking their device up to 150 times each day.

Rachel's study revealed that many kids are sneaking online after parents are asleep - some even set alarms to wake during the night. Social media and games ping alerts on your kids' devices all through the night and many are only surface sleeping.

Rachel says this is an unchartered www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

No Internet 17% Gamble 3%

Buy/Sell Drugs 7% Scary/Violent Stuff 25%

"But times have changed, this is an era of technology," some say, but no generations before them had this much access to the world and this much stress to negotiate while growing up and the damage is real.

It's true - our kids are getting online after we are asleep.

The National Crime Agency warns that the latest gaming craze Fortnite is open slather to paedophiles. One mother claimed her 12-year-old son was offered V-Bucks (online money) to perform a sex act while playing Fortnite. Not to mention that experts say Fortnite is touted as the most addictive game ever made.

Too Much Gaming 30%

Illegal Downloads 30%

Youtube When Parents Sleep 30%

Online gaming is more concerning than you may think too - the game might be clean but the gamers might not be.

Instagram/FB 13%

time for parents and most are unaware of how far down the spiral their kids have gone. "[They say] 'I'm embarrassed and don't know what to do ... my son is so addicted to gaming," she says.

"Lots of single mums say they're frightened of their son due to physical threats if she doesn't let him play." Seek help if you are in this situation.

Signs of addiction "If your child can't walk away from your device when you ask them to, if they are stressed and don't seem to be able to engage in anything else other than things on those devices, well then, they have an addiction problem," Rachel says.

The World Health Organisation this year recognised internet gaming disorder (IGD) as a mental health condition. Other signs of addiction are: losing interest in real life activities, sneaking online or begging/bargaining, emotional outburst during usage or when time is up, not engaging in activities or sports as they used to, and when devices&nbsp;cause conflict in the household.

Solutions "It's about being a grown-up and being the boss and getting your techno power back and saying, 'look we're going to set some boundaries around this stuff at home'," Rachel says.

Here are some tips: ■ Admit to your child you made a mistake letting things get this far. Tell them you love them enough to make some big changes and that you value family more than technology.

■ Adequate parental supervision and keeping conversations open is key.

Remember when we used to keep the family computer in the lounge?

An open-door policy is a good one. If they need the door shut, we have to ask why?

■ Talk about respecting their bodies and not being pressured to share intimate pictures. They may not understand what their images are 'saying' in reality or that people can screenshot them to keep.

■ Make sure they know it is unacceptable to ask anyone to share an intimate picture ■ Do not enter into the "trust" debate with your kids. "I can't believe you don't trust me!" This is not about whether or not you trust them, this is about mental health, safety and living in the real world.

■ With all the notifications these days, keeping devices out of their rooms is vital for decent sleep.

■ If your child spends hours a day on a device or a game, they will need your help to fill up this time. The creative pathways in their brains are fast asleep at this point, so expect they won't be able to think of a single thing to do instead. This does improve over time.

You may eventually find your kids playing out in the street again or climbing trees. Older kids might pick up a musical instrument or string up some slack lines in the backyard.

■ Check their devices. This is your right.

Even if they bought it, you still have a parental right to know what your child or teen is doing. Locking their phone and apps from you is unacceptable. Perhaps give them a 24-hour warning before you do this - plenty of time to ditch anything inappropriate and start a clean slate.

■ Most importantly, we really need to teach our kids how to manage their usage themselves and why it's so important so they can function as adults without us around to 'police' them.

■ Consequences? Technology is a privilege, not a right. Establish some clear rules and consequences.

Perhaps sneaking online gets a 'one

week, zero tech' consequence. Give them a clear day and time consequence ends and encourage them to make it.

■ Drama? You can always extend it for another day if they make a fuss about it. If they break the rule again, give them a whole month. Don't expect this to be easy!

■ Spread the word. Tell other parents you are taking the power back and getting your kids back into real life. If your kids are having a sleepover, don't be afraid to mention to the parents that you have a few tech rules. You may just inspire some change in their household too.

■ Be a good example to your kids and detox yourself off the tech-juice too.

Bullying, sexual and explicit text and imagery, online stranger, normalisation of sex and rape, addiction, self-doubt and low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, exhaustion and a lack of reality are just a few of the realities our online kids are dealing with. Is it worth it?

Sadly, joy and satisfaction from everyday life is becoming harder for our young tech-heads to find outside a screen and childhood depression has risen to alarming rates. Youth suicide has now surpassed motor accidents as the number one cause of death.

Take an honest look at your child or teen's relationship to technology. It is our moral responsibility as parents to give them a better future than this. There is big business in keeping us hooked and these incredibly wealthy companies prey on the addictive nature of their products to sell to your kids.

Remember, we all fell down the rabbit hole together and if we want our kids to be okay, we need to pull them out of it together.

If you or your family need further help: Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 JUNE/JULY 2018 21

books

A RAW, HONEST TAKE ON

motherhood

By Melissa Grant

THE first few months of motherhood is an experience like no other.

It can be a joyous yet overwhelming time filled with doubts, moments of frustration and feelings of loneliness.

The Motherhood is a refreshingly honest book about life with a newborn, featuring raw and compassionate accounts of those precious but challenging months from some of Australia's favourite women.

For author and commentator Jamila Rizvi, it felt like her once tightly controlled life evaporated shortly after her son Rafi was born.

"My confident, proud sense of identity replaced with a zombie who couldn't tell day from night," she writes.

"The reality that the life I'd lived up until then was gone - and wouldn't be coming back - hit me like a punch in the face."

A comforting letter from her friend, musician and actor Clare Bowditch, assured Jamila she would get through what was a tough time.

Jamila, once an advisor in the Rudd and Gillard governments and editor-inchief of the Mamamia Women's Network, brought together The Motherhood as a way to pay it forward

to new mums.

"Primarily, I wanted to write the book I wish I had," she said.

"I read a lot of books ... none of them were about looking after yourself in what is a huge transitionary period."

The Motherhood contains 32 raw letters from prominent Aussie women that they've written to themselves about their first few months of motherhood.

They touch on everything from the crushing sleep-deprivation to breastfeeding struggles to postnatal depression.

"I loved all the letters," Jamila said.

"There are similarities between mine and (climate change campaigner) Anna Rose's - I really related to her self identity being tied up with her work quite a lot and losing a sense of identity."

"Some were very unlike my experience but I really liked them."

Comedian and radio presenter Em Rusciano's letter is an hilarious account of her introduction to motherhood, revealing the horrors of the first postbirth poop and the lengths she would go to in order to get her daughter to sleep.

Em declares the worst thing about

books..

Mighty Mitch! Clash Of The Keepers! - Mitchell Starc, Illustrated By Philip Bunting An action-filled and hilarious book by Aussie cricket star Mitchell Starc centred on an epic clash of the keepers. The contest is between Mitchell and new kid in town Marshall Spark. The two have a lot in common, including their love of wicket keeping and opening the batting. Marshall is also completely annoying, but Mitch's mate Josh has a pranking plan as the side has one last chance to make the semi-finals.

Scholastic Australia, RRP $12.99

Jamila Rizvi wrote The Motherhood as a way to pay it forward to new mums.

giving birth is going to a mother's group, however author Holly Wainwright insists you should never miss a meeting.

through it and the birth rather than what would happen afterwards.

Journalist Lanai Scarr gives an insight into what it's like to raise triplets, while TV presenter Sarah Harris writes about she became a trending story during her pregnancy for 'slamming body shamers' after declaring on-air "Bugger it. I'm growing a baby".

For Jamila, being pregnant wasn't enjoyable and, like many first-time mums, she was focused on getting

Jamila said many new mums going through those first few months had told her they were feeling much more positive after reading The Motherhood which, fittingly, was launched to a chorus of crying babies.

"I think it makes a great gift for mums to be and a companion for mums getting through that first year," she said.

The Motherhood, edited by Jamila Rizvi, Viking, RRP $34.99

Book Farm Next Door's Dog Has A Job - Gina Dawson, Illustrated

By Vivienne Da Silva Tom wants his beloved dog Pepper to be just like his neighbour's dog Bailey.

However, Bailey is no ordinary dog - he is a special service dog. The story follows Tom as he learns about how special Bailey actually is. Next Door's Dog Has A Job is an entertaining and educational read providing information about disabilities and shows how assistance dogs can come in many shapes and sizes. New Holland Publishers RRP $16.99

Lovable Lottie And The Lost Toy - Asia Upward

Disgusting Diseases, A Young Person's Guide - J.J. Moore & K.B Moon

An engaging children's picture book featuring an adorable Maremma puppy named Lottie. Little Lottie lives on an apple orchard and is forever losing her favourite toy, a red and white striped monkey. The hardback picture book features stunning photos with Lottie and her 'lost toy' somewhere in the scene. It is a great book for children learning to read as it encourages concentration and tests their eyesight.

New Holland Publishers RRP $19.99.

Ebola, parasites, worms and bugs, rabies, typhoid, black death and malaria - these are just some of the disgusting diseases explored in this book. Disgusting Diseases also examines the crazy and horrid treatments, which were sometimes worse than the disease itself. The book satisfies children's appetite for gruesome things while educating them about the disgusting diseases their ancestors had to live with.

New Holland Publishers RRP $19.99

22 JUNE/JULY 2018

The Motherhood by Jamila Rizvi.

to host massive giveaway

BOOST your children's book collection with free entertaining educational titles from local children's author and publisher Jill Morris.

Jill's home - the Book Farm - will host giant book giveaways on Friday 6 July (for teachers and teacher librarians) and Saturday 7 July (for children and their families). Between 1988 and 2009, thousands of children, from the Sunshine Coast and beyond, and teacher librarians from the USA and Korea visited Jill for inspiration at the Book Farm.

The property was once the base of dynamic children's publishing house, Greater Glider Productions. Now both are closed, Jill and her family are entering a new era - continuing rainforest restoration.

"Maybe some of those children will back to visit," Jill said.

The giant book giveaway includes publishers' remainder copies of picture storybooks, illustrated information books and chapter books, suiting age levels 5-16 years.

Experienced teacher librarians will be on hand for advice, while children's illustrator Heather Gall will do drawing demonstrations and Jill Morris will read stories to children.

Some recent titles by Jill and her artist collaborators will be available at special prices in a pop-up bookshop conducted by Rosetta Books of Maleny. The titles include Nautilus, Pearl of the Deep, a beautifally painted picture book about an iconic sea creature which is illustrated by Lynne Muir.

Those heading to the event, held between the hours of 9am and 3pm, are urged to be patient as large crowds are expected at times.

Devonshire teas will be available from Maleny CWA, and a sausage sizzle managed by Maleny Lions Club of Blackall Range.

The Book Farm is located at&nbsp;8 Rees Lane, Maleny. For more information, phone 0417 784 520 or 07 5494 3000; or email&nbsp;heathergall@activ8.net. au or jill@greaterglider.com.au www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

What's on for kids

2 July: Empower Me Workshops for girls aged 9-13 years Give your daughters an experience they will hold onto for life in a workshop to equip her with the tools to create the life of her dreams. She will learn guided meditation, self-empowerment and a clarity session to identify her dreams and goals, create a powerful vision board to take home and learn how to stay in her power, tap into her selfesteem and inner sparkle. Hosted at Sunshine Beach by highly acclaimed life coach Scott O'Meara and Britta Jennings. This is a truly special opportunity for your daughter to experience and is only $65 per child.

Call 0410 337 654 for bookings.

2-6 July: Free petting zoo at The Ginger Factory If cute and fluffy is your thing, be sure to visit in the first week of school holidays between the hours of 9.30am and 12.30pm. Explore the wonderful petting area where you can make friends with the baby chickens, bunny rabbits and guinea pigs. While you're here give a wave to the adorable sleepy koala on display.

1-14 July: Jandamarra Cadd at Noosa Library Meet renowned local artist Jandamarra Cadd in a rare opportunity for young people to hear about his motivations and techniques. Jandamarra will speak about his paintings and answer audience questions in this special presentation at the Noosa Library. To find out more about these exciting workshops, full details and booking options are available on the library website at www.libraries.noosa.qld.gov. au or by calling 5329 6555. This is part of the celebrations at the Imaginate Festival.

22 June -15 July: Imaginate at the Noosa Art Gallery Four gallery spaces will offer a range of unique experiences for children to explore. The 'Otherworldly' space designed and installed by sensory artist Bliss Cavanagh will allow visitors to www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

discover a world of sensory delight with her unique exploration spaces - a unique therapeutic sensory experience.

2 July and 13 July: Ice Skating Head to the Noosa Civic Shopping Centre and experience the magic of ice skating and snowflakes while raising funds to grant wishes to sick children through Make-A-Wish. 10am-3pm daily.

To find out more, please visit www. noosacivicshopping.com.au 9-13 July: Free reptile display at The Ginger Factory

The Ginger Factory has plenty of fun for the kids these school holidays.

Head along to The Ginger Factory in the second week of school holidays between the hours of 9.30am and 12.30pm to be mesmerised by beautiful birds and colourful reptiles.

24 August - 2 September: Horizon Festival 2018 This year's Horizon Festival program is packed with performance, visual art, music, film, dance, comedy, immersive technologies, events for families, hands-on workshops, art on the beach and more. If puppetry, slam poetry, sand performers, songs, art and more sounds like your cup of tea, check out hoizonfestival.com.au for event details around Maroochydore.

8 September at 1.30pm and 6.30pm: Wicked A troupe of talented young performers from the Little Seed Theatre Company will present Wicked. An alternative telling of the Wizard of Oz, Wicked shares the enthralling story of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda (the Good Witch of the North).

Elphaba (played by Abigail Waugh and Emily Potts in double casting), was born with emerald green skin. She's is smart, passionate and misunderstood.

Galinda (Angelique Turner and Jacqueline Elley) is beautiful, ambitious and popular. Their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships until the world decides to call one good and the other wicked. Tickets are available from www.thej.com.au.

JUNE/JULY 2018 23

Winter Wonderland

Ice Skating fun these School Holidays Add some magic to the school holidays with our synthetic ice skating rink!

Complete with a snow machine and penguin sliders for the little ones, it’s an adventure on ice for all your friends and family.

Dates: Times: Location: Cost:

Monday 2nd – Friday 13th July 10am – 3pm daily Outside Woolworths $5 donation to Make A Wish Foundation, per person, per session.

For full details on what’s on these school holidays, visit noosacivic.com.au

Big W Woolworths 100 specialty stores 28 Eenie Creek Rd (Cnr Walter Hay Drive) Noosaville Ph 5440 7900 12389407-SN26-18