The Enchanted World of Kids Cubby Houses

Cubby houses, those quaint, imaginative structures nestled in backyards around the globe, are more than just play spaces for kids— they are sanctuaries of creativity, learning, and childhood memories. In this exploration of cubby houses, we delve into their charm, benefts for childhood development, design considerations, and tips for creating the ultimate backyard adventure.

Cubby Houses and Childhood Development

At frst glance, a cubby house might appear as a simple wooden structure tucked into a garden corner. Yet, to children, it represents a boundless world of fantasy and freedom. These mini-homes are the stages for imaginative play, where kids can be pirates one day and bold explorers the next. This imaginative play is crucial for cognitive development, raising creativity, problemsolving skills, and independence.

Cubby houses also serve as a child’s frst look into ownership, giving them a sense of responsibility and pride in their space.

Decorating and caring for their cubby, children learn about organization and personal responsibility in a fun, engaging way.

The Design Philosophy Behind Cubby Houses

When designing a cubby house, the goal is to balance safety, creativity, and environmental harmony. Modern cubby houses range from simplistic designs to elaborate mini-mansions, equipped with verandas, slides, and even climbing walls. However, the essence of a cubby house is not in its complexity but in its ability to inspire and adapt to a child’s imagination. Eco-friendly materials and sustainability are becoming increasingly important in cubby house construction. Recycled wood, nontoxic paints, and solarpowered lights are just a few options for parents looking to minimise environmental impact.

Moreover, incorporating natural elements like sandpits, water play areas, and gardens can further connect children with nature, enhancing their learning and sensory development.

Incorporating Education into Play

The educational potential of cubby houses is vast. By integrating elements like chalkboards, weather stations, or even simple tools for gardening, children can learn valuable lessons about the world around them. These features encourage exploration and curiosity, key drivers of lifelong learning. Cubby houses are also excellent tools for social development. They can be hubs for social interaction where kids learn to negotiate, share, and work together. Whether it’s deciding on the day’s play theme or resolving a dispute about who gets to be the captain of the ship, these experiences are invaluable in developing empathy and social skills.

Creating Your Child’s Dream Cubby House Building a cubby house can be a wonderful project for the whole family. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Safety First: Ensure the structure is stable and materials are safe. Smooth out any sharp edges, and if the house is elevated, secure railings and a sturdy ladder.

• Let Creativity Lead:

Involve your child in the design process. Their imaginative ideas can lead to unique features that make the cubby house truly theirs.

• Consider the Location: Place the cubby house in a spot that’s easily visible from the house but also immersed in the garden. Proximity to trees, fowers, and shrubs can enhance the sense of adventure.

• Think Long-Term: Children grow quickly, so consider a design that can evolve with them. Modular cubby houses that allow for expansions or modifcations can extend the life of the playhouse.

The Community Aspect of Cubby Houses

Cubby houses have the power to bring communities together. Neighbourhood cubby house competitions or shared community garden cubbies can foster a sense of togetherness and shared pride. These initiatives not only create communal spaces for play but also teach children the value of community and collective care for shared spaces.

Your Cubby House Awaits!

Cubby houses represent a world of wonder for kids, offering endless possibilities for play, learning, and growth. They are microcosms of creativity, where the simplest structures can become castles, spaceships, or secret headquarters in the eyes of a child.

Beyond their immediate joy and entertainment value, cubby houses play a crucial role in childhood development, encouraging independence, social skills, and a connection with nature.

As we design and build these special spaces, we’re reminded of the importance of play in a child’s life—not just for fun, but as a fundamental part of learning about the world and themselves.

In the end, the greatest gift we can give our children is the space and freedom to explore, imagine, and dream. And perhaps, in the process of creating these magical garden retreats, we rediscover a bit of our own childhood wonder along the way.

Death Notice

John Joseph Hayter ‘JJ or Jack’ 1938-2024

Late of Tintenbar.

Passed away suddenly on the 6th April 2024.

Father to Narelle, Jennifer and Leanne.

Poppy John to Daniel, Samantha, Jack and Dylan.

Friend and former husband to Jacqueline. In-Law to Craig, Brent, Grae, Samuel and Elisa.

Family and friends are invited to attend John’s Celebration of Life Service to be held at the Tintenbar Hall, Tintenbar Road, Tintenbar on Friday, 19th April 2024 commencing at 9:00am.

Funeral Notice

Passed away peacefully at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Lismore, in the care of her loving family, aged 88 years. Loved and loving wife of Tom for 66 years. Adored mother & mother in-law of Chris & Angie, Megan & Tim Wotton, Mary & Robert, Tom & Linda, Elizabeth & Dougall Squair, and Michael & Vaani. Cherished Grandma to her 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Loved by the extended Hannigan and O’Connor families.

Family & Friends are invited to attend the Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul for Annette, to be held at St. Carthages Cathedral, Leycester Street, Lismore, Wednesday 24th April 2024, commencing at 10:00 AM. Followed by private family interment.

ose unable to attend with the family in person can do so via the live stream link: https://streaming.naoca.com.au/e/ed512054-6e32-491f998d-8ecde1b1fc8a?pin=5814

This page is dedicated to all those that have passed

Woodburn/Evans Head & District Orchid & Foliage Society Inc.

We are holding our Annual Autumn (Mother’s Day) May Show In the Woodburn Memorial Hall, River Street, Woodburn being held on:

SATURDAY 11th May 2024 from 8.30am until 4pm

SUNDAY 12th May 2024 from 8.30am until 2pm followed by PRESENTATION of AWARDS

ADMISSION IS $3.00

Morning Tea and Sausage Sizzle are available at a small cost. Come join us to admire the beautiful Orchids and Foliage Plants on display. Large Sales table for the public to buy from.

CASH ONLY

For more details please contact Kathryn on 0439008220

Warnings

See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

Northern Rivers District:

Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog inland. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm. Light winds.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog inland. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm. Light winds.

Northern Tablelands District: Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm. Light winds.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the afternoon.

New South Wales:

Scattered showers and storms in the north and central east. Scattered showers along the remainder of the coast and ranges. Dry and sunny in the northwest, and mostly cloudy in the southern inland. Morning patchy fog along the western slopes. Daytime temperatures near average. Southerly winds tending SE along the ranges, fresh at times along the coastal fringe. NW to NE winds in the northeast.

Thursday. Scattered showers and storms across the northeast. Isolated showers for the remainder of the coast and ranges. Dry and sunny elsewhere. Morning patchy fog along the southern and central ranges. Daytime temperatures slightly below average. NW to NE winds in the northeast, southerly elsewhere. Winds will shift southwesterly and freshen during the day.

Byron Coast: Winds: Variable below 10 knots becoming NE 10 to 15 knots during the afternoon. Seas: Below 1 metre. 1st Swell: South to SE around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore north of Cape Byron. 2nd Swell: East to NE around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy. 60% chance of showers. The chance of a storm.

Coffs Coast: Winds: Variable about 10 knots. Seas: Below 1 metre. 1st Swell: Southerly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore south of Coffs Harbour. 2nd Swell: Easterly around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy. 80% chance of showers. The chance of a storm.

Gold Coast Waters: Winds: East to NE about 10 knots. Seas: Below 1 metre. 1st Swell: SE around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore. 2nd Swell: NE around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy. 50% chance of showers.

Increasing participation of adolescent girls in sport was the focus of a special forum hosted by the NSW Government with the sport and business sectors.

The InnovateHER Forum, held on Tuesday, 9 April at Bondi Pavillion, showcased the innovative programs being delivered by sports to increase female participation as well as the latest insights, research and solutions on women’s sport.

Despite the impact of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and other recent achievements by our women’s national teams, participation rates for adolescent girls continue to lag behind boys. The Forum looked at the barriers holding adolescent girls back from participating in sport and ways sports can better engage girls to create a level participation playing feld.

As part of the Forum the NSW Government published a series of videos featuring the innovative programs being delivered by sports, including cricket, AFL and tennis. Visit the Offce of Sport Innovation Hub to view the InnovateHER videos series.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Women’s sport has made signifcant progress in recent years.

“But the NSW Government recognises that more needs to be done to level the playing feld for women’s sport.

“The InnovateHER Forum is an important step in that journey, featuring the latest insights, research and solutions on sports experiences for women and girls.

“From industry leaders’ challenging and inspiring ‘out of the box’ thinking on ways to increase participation by adolescent girls, to the innovative programs being delivered by sports, the InnovateHER

Forum has inspired us all to refocus our efforts to increase female participation and level the playing feld for women in sport.”

McCrindle

Director of Advisory, Generational Expert and Social Researcher

Ashley Fell spoke at the Forum, saying: “Having grown up with devices at the ready, Generation Z is a very digitally integrated generation, who we have seen exhibit increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

“Within this context, sport serves as a vital avenue for Gen Z girls to engage in community and connection.

“Additionally, sport also offers opportunities for connection and community as well as to develop essential 21st-Century skills such as leadership, resilience, teamwork, and collaboration.”

ModiBodi Brand Manager Caitlin

Lilley also spoke at the Forum and said:

“At Modibodi we have a real mission to help keep girls in sport.

“In 2022 we actually commissioned a study so that we could better understand the barriers girls faced in sport and we learnt that three in fve girls skip sport on their period.

“A big factor in this stat was the uncomfortable and sometimes unsuitable traditional period products available to use when exercising.

“So, we took this learning to heart and worked with sports brand PUMA to design a range of active period underwear to provide better protection and comfort for athletes of all kinds with the ultimate goal of keeping girls in sport.

“Customers rave about the range, telling us that wearing Modibodi is liberating because it lets them focus on the game at hand without worrying about leaking.”

BALLINA MAHJONG

12TH APRIL 2024

Ronda Taylor 1,Susan

Allan 2, Jane Fenech

3, Shirley Atkinson

4, Shirley Coleman

5,Val Heinritz 6, Lorna Simpson 7, Lynda

Lovett 8, Vanessa

Reynolds 9, Pauline

Kearney 10, Margaret Bryant 11, Carol Meyer, Sally Lowry 12, Cindy Smith, Gladys D’Anna, Janene Jarvis 14, Gail McDongh 17, Lisa

Wong 18, Jan Small 19, Ramsay Roper 20, Pam Farrell 21, Barbara Ellan 22, Jan Boardman 23, Lesley Richie 24, Jenny

Lang 25, Valda McLerie 26, Pauline Bolte 27, Kathy Pickles 28, Jan Henley 29, Susan Scott 30.

Friday at 12:30pm at the Ballina Bridge Club North Creek Road. Enquiries for new players phone Shirley on 0423384647.

CASINO WOMEN’S BOWLS RESULTS

On Wednesday 10/4/24 we had 4 rinks playing in round 2 for the Clubs Major Consistency championship.

Results were:

Chris Haynes def Ivy

Watson

Julie Creighton def

Raelene Skirrey

Denise Skinner def

Helen Lavelle

Nancy Moran def

Mary Mead

Good Luck to all the winners in the semi fnal which will be played on Wednesday 17/4/24.

CHERRY STREET

CROQUET CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS

ASSOCIATION

CROQUET:

S.Hume G.Porter 17 d

P.Hume R.Chapman 15

RICOCHET

CROQUET:

R.Poynting R.Chapman 9 d

N.Poynting D.Scott 8

B.Wellings 17 d

C.Edlund M.Russell 13

P Scott C Woodlands

15 d J.Doust R.Allen 11

R.Chapman J.Bate 12 d D.Scott A.Mangan 10

C.Edlund M.Russell 13 d J.Hannigan R.Offey 9

N.Poynting P.Bolte 11 d B.Wellings N.Barnes 10

M.Field R. Poynting

11 d J.Doust P.Scott 8

R.Allen N.Watts 12 d

D.Jones G.Porter 10

PENNANTS

DIVISION 3: Byron Bay 7 d

Alstonville 3

Lismore 6 d Ballina 4

Cherry Street 7 d

Casino 3

All new players very welcome.

Club Captain Ray Chapman 0439240251

CORAKI VETERANS

GOLF RESULTS

THURSDAY 11/4/24

An 18 hole single stableford event winner A Parr,2nd R Webber, 3rd R Mackay, free game G Tait, chicken/ ball winners N Weaver, M Fairfull, B Kerrison, R Rodda, T Doyle, J Kelly, K Lloyd, W

Swindle, K Osborne, D Knox, R Black.

Nearest pins 3rd/12th K Rogers, 6th 6th/15th S Toms.

This Thursday we will be hosting an inter club event against Woodburn Evans Head golf club. Hit off time will be 8.30am with a shot gun start.

Please note we will be playing golf on Wednesday 24/4/24 instead of Anzac Day usual times will apply.

AS USUAL TILL THEN GOOD GOLFING

By Tim Howard

The Grafton Ghosts have secured local rugby league bragging rights in a typically tough and hard-fought clash at their home ground, Frank McGuren Field on Sunday.

The Ghosts triumphed 28-20, but not without some nervous moments as their rivals, the South Grafton Rebels, fought their way back into the game after Ghosts raced to an 18-0 lead after 20 minutes.

The Ghosts forward pack made easy metres and helped by an avalanche of possession, piled on on the points.

Forwards Adam Slater, Oliver Percy and Ben Shipman created havoc up front, allowing centre Jake Martin, half Cooper Woods and winger Liam Bloomer opportunities to score, which they snapped up.

Woods converted the tries and the Rebels looked shell-shocked in the face of the assault on their line.

But given a sliver of possession, they hit back quickly with big centre Jye Boehme and quicksilver winger

Jamal Laurie scoring tries to bring the score back to 18-10 and have the Ghosts supporters choking on their beers.

Laurie’s pace in particular was proving a threat to the Ghosts edge defence and he consistently worried the Ghosts’ outside backs.

As fatigue set in the game became scrappy with both teams coughing up possession regularly.

Some niggling play from both teams also meant some scuffes and silly penalties crept into the game and eventually resulted in two sinbinnings – one from each team – before half time.

The fare-ups continued into the second half and Rebels fve-eighth Hugh Stanley was particularly lucky to stay on the feld when he struck a Ghosts player late in the second half, which the referee seemed to miss.

With the scores tight in the last 10 minutes of the game, the Rebels had chances to snatch a win, but turned the ball over too often looking for miracle plays to get them home and the Ghosts were able to run out deserved winners, scoring fve tries to four. There was plenty to take from the game for both sides.

Up front the Ghosts forwards showed they could dominate play and with possession the outside backs were constant threat.

Woods, with two tries and four goals has handled the switch to half with aplomb and will be a valuable player for them.

For the Ghosts their young centre Jye Boehme proved a good match against the Ghosts captain coach and tryscoring machine Dylan Collett.

Their battle in the backline on Sunday was an absorbing contest, which came out with honours even.

In the end it was the Ghosts superior kicking game that was the difference between the two teams.

Well-placed kicks constantly turned the Rebels around and good defence pinned them in their half for long periods.

Rebels coach Ron Gordon was demonstrably unhappy with the Ghosts holding players down in the tackle for too long, frequently remonstrating with the offcials to allow his players to get to their feet after a tackle.

Surprisingly former Ghost Todd Cameron had a quiet game in attack against his old club, possibly due to the glut of possession his opponents enjoyed.

While his distribution from dummy half and defence around the ruck was sound, he failed to impose himself on the game with his usually astute darts from around the play the ball.

On Sunday the Rebels host the Coffs Harbour Comets at McKittrick

Park and

Ghosts have the bye.

Scorers: Grafton Ghosts 28: Cooper Woods 2, Jack Martin 2, LIam Bloomer tries, Woods 4 goals def. South Grafton

Rebels 20: Jye Boehme, Jamal Laurie, Conrad Lardner, Jack WalshMcKiernan tries. Dean Jones 2 goals.

Surfng Australia is excited to announce the 12 surfers who will represent Australia at the 2024 ISA World Junior Surfng Championship in El Salvador, next month.

The athletes have been attending a training camp at the Surfng Australia Hyundai High Performance Centre as they prepare for the waves of La Bocana and El Sunzal.

Surfng Australia Talent Pathway Coach, Peter Duncan, who is travelling with the Junior Irukandjis, said: “This camp is all about preparing them for the ISA’s in El Salvador. We’re going to throw different challenges at them, make sure they adapt and get the gist of what an ISA campaign is.

“The team consists of surfers from across Australia, who qualify either by winning the Woolworths Australian

Junior Surfng Titles, winning the national rankings or through a wildcard system. The level of talent is unbelievable. These surfers are setting the benchmark in international standards, which is cool as well.

“The wave in El Salvador can be a nice, punchy kind of wave, which suits the Aussie style of surfng. We expect to see big combos and big turns and we expect the team to do pretty well. Sierra Kerr won individual gold last year. We ended up fourth overall but are hoping to get back into that top tier and take home gold this year. Isabella Nichols and Jacob Wilcox were in the last team to do that. And they’re currently on the World Tour, so it’s great to see the pathway and where you can get to from the ISA’s.”

14-year-old Charli

Hately said: “This camp is about team bonding, fguring out what it’s going to be like when we get over to El Salvador, heat drills and just having fun.

“Representing Australia on this team is amazing. I’ve never been to El Salvador before and I hear it’s an amazing wave and the culture is amazing too. Our team is good on paper, so I think our chances are pretty good of winning. Sierra (Kerr) is amazing and has won it. I could only hope to do what she did.”

17-year-old Dane Henry and 16-year-old Milla Brown have been named team captains.

“Being named captain is a huge accomplishment. I’m really keen to work with everyone. We have a really strong team and I think we have a good chance of getting gold so I’m hoping to get us there,” Henry said.

“Looking forward to surfng with the crew and having as much fun as possible and hopefully leading the team to gold. It’s a pretty big role, to be the captain alongside Dane, and pretty cool,” Brown said.

The best junior surfers from every part of the globe will contend for medals at the ISA World Junior Surfng Championship, which will take place from the 3rd to the 12th of May. This championship has proved to be a direct pathway to the Olympic Games, with Olympic Bronze Medallist Owen Wright, eight-time World Champion

StephanieGilmore, twotime World Champion

Tyler Wright and Sally Fitzgibbons among the past ISA World Junior Champions.

For more information visit the ISA event website.

2024 ISA World

Junior Surfng Championship - Team

Irukandjis:

U18 Girls

Milla Brown (Newport, NSW)

Willow Hardy (Gnarabup, WA)

Isi Campbell (Denmark, WA)

U18 Boys

Eden Hasson (Port Stephens, NSW)

Dane Henry (Fingal Head, NSW)

Fletcher Kelleher (Freshwater, NSW)

U16 Girls

Ziggy Mackenzie (Bilinga, Qld)

Charli Hately (Tugun, Qld)

Ocea Curtis (Lennox Head, NSW)

U16 Boys

Lachlan Arghyros (Kingscliff, NSW)

Maverick Wilson (Dunsborough, WA)

Ocean Lancaster (Merewether, NSW)

Event Schedule:

*subject to change at any time at the ISA’s discretion

Pre-Competition

Friday, May 3rd 4pm - Opening Ceremony / next to Casa de Mar

Competition

Saturday, May 4th 7am-5pm - Competition @ El Sunzal and La Bocana

Finals Day

Sunday, May 12th

TBD - Finals 30min after competition - Closing Ceremony / behind Casa De Mar Follow the team and the Irukandjis on our Socials.

Surfng Australia is thankful for the support it has received from the Australian Government - through the Australian Sports Commission - to help enhance the Irukandjis medal chances at Paris 2024.

The Irukandjis are proudly presented by Hyundai.