PakMag Issue 89 November 2014

RAISING BOYS FEATURE STORY

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAYS

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COVER PHOTO Ashley @ Spruik Photography

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08 RAISING BOYS Feature Story

Hello and welcome to the November edition of PakMag. Last month I was recognised as a finalist at the 2014 Telstra Business Women’s Awards in Queensland, an achievement seven years in the making, which has finally given me the courage to share my story and even a cover shoot with my boys. After years of celebrating other women in Business I finally felt comfortable (well, sort of!) in sharing a little insight into why PakMag is here and still going strong.

I am a public, extroverted person when wearing my 'business hat', but I am also a private, introverted person, so this has been somewhat of a challenge for me. No one wanted me to regret not doing a cover, so after some tears and a few tantrums (only the boys of course!) it is done! But cover aside, this month's edition is full of great information - have a read of "Raising Boys" on page 8.

There are also heaps of great ideas for Christmas in this edition and loads of prizes to win! Until next time, have a fantastic month, and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

Bree x

11 TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOL School Series 15 MUSIC GOOD FOR

BRAIN AND SOUL

Catholic Education 17 MERIBA MONTESSORI 19 BUSINESS 21 BUMP & BUB 25 HEALTH 27 WHAT'S ON GUIDE 29 MINI MAG 32 READ 37 ENTERTAINMENT 39 INTERVIEW WITH BREE JAMES

PakMag Publisher

BREE JAMES / PUBLISHERS NOTE

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PAKMAG CAIRNS P 4053 3331 F 4053 3350 E info@pakmag.com.au PO BOX 7433 Cairns QLD 4870 FB www.facebook.com/pakmag T #pakmag ON THE COVER MODEL Bree, Jordan and Sean PHOTOGRAPHY Ashley @ Spruik Photography WEBSITE www.spruikphotography.com.au STYLING Gerlinda Aras HAIR Kellyanne Zig Zag Hair

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

57 CAIRNS VET CLINIC

TSV Sales Star Alisyn

Admin Ace Kelly

Design Diva Sara

Dazzling Designer Emma

Grand Poobah Bree

Epic Editor Carly

56 BIZ INDEX 58 LUNCH BOX

Sales Guru Angelina

MKY Sales Superstar Deb

Sales Golden Girl Tammy

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CALLING ALL BALLERINAS! The Wish Upon a Ballet Star competition will give one ballet-loving Queensland child the chance to win the ultimate year of ballet, including a walk-on role in Queensland Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

Ten finalists will be drawn on November 25 with the winner announced in December. The lucky major prize winner will not only get to take their very own spot on stage for The Nutcracker, but the prize will include flights and accommodation (if the winner resides more than 100km outside of Brisbane), a family pass to The Nutcracker performance, a poster signed by the Queensland Ballet company dancers plus a family pass to each main stage production of Queensland Ballet at QPAC in Brisbane for the 2015 Season and a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Queensland Ballet.

Parents and guardians can nominate children aged between 3 and 12 online via facebook.com/QldBallet by uploading a creative photo and 25 word entry.

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RAISING BOYS

Raising Boys STORY Carly Hammersley

Let’s face it. Boys are just… different. In recent years there has been much debate about the effects of gender stereotyping children and even a movement known as gender-neutral parenting.

Regardless of your stance and the environmental factors they may experience during their early years - many mums and dads will tell you boys seem to have something hardwired that just makes them different from their sisters, female cousins or classmates.

F

or mums, parenting a little girl can often come naturally.

There is always the option of falling back on your own childhood memories to guide you as a parent.

Even if you grew up with brothers, there are some aspects of raising boys that just can’t be prepared for.

From the infatuation at a very young age about certain (ahem!) body parts to the rough and tumble of daily play here are some things mums have told us they wish they’d known.

HE WILL LOVE YOU LIKE NO OTHER Boys can be boisterous, abrupt, rough and above all, larrikins - but they can also be incredibly gentle and loving, loyal and proud. It’s often said that a little girls first love is her father; the same can be said of little boys. The relationship mums have with their sons is often unparalleled. Any woman who has ever had a mother-in-law knows that the mother-son relationship is a mighty one indeed. Mums will also speak fondly of the joy of seeing their partner and son bond - whether it be over lego, sports or dolls.

BOYS LOVE PLANES, TRAINS AND THINGS THAT GO BUMP! Even if you go to pains to stock the nursery and play area with play kitchens and unisex doll houses, chances are your little guy will seek out anything with wheels that drives, digs, mixes or flies. Matchbox cars

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will seem to breed in your handbag and you’ll be able to extract a solid 30 minutes of entertainment watching activity on a construction site.

BOYS DON'T STOP MOVING There is just something in their nature that doesn’t allow them to sit still. From the moment they get out of bed in the morning to the moment you tuck them into bed at night, they will bounce from one thing to the next, scale the dining room table and give you a near heart attack approximately every 15 minutes. Their daredevil side will only grow as they get older - from scooters, to bikes and skateboards - chances are you will spend a decent amount of time patching up skinned knees or driving them to Emergency.

CLOTHES SHOPPING IS EASY AND THE ARGUMENTS ARE FEW! Anyone who has a little girl, as well as a boy, will tell you dressing a girl can be a much tougher challenge!

Dresses, skirts, tops, hairbands, clips, matching hats and later - jewellery. It is endless. Then they start deciding they simply must have a say in what they wear and dressing a girl becomes a lesson in patience and fashion styling every. single. day! On the whole, boys are much easier to dress and buy for.

A range of t-shirts (long sleeve for winter, short sleeve for summer), jeans and shorts - and you’re set.

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PENIS OBSESSION It really is true - it starts from a young age. From the moment they’re aware of it, boys are obsessed with their body parts. The size comparisons seem to start almost as soon as they’re able to talk and when you start toilet training be prepared for pee to be EVERYWHERE. BOY HUMOUR Boys seem to come with their own rudimentary versions of “Dad” jokes.

You can almost guarantee at some point you will be called “poopy head” or “poopy bum”. “They have to incorporate poo into anything and everything,” Bree, a mum of two boys, said.

MUM'S INSIDE WORD “The boys were both playing in the backyard and I looked away for a few minutes to turn back and see Harrison doing a squat and wiping his butt with leaves. When I asked him what he was doing, he proudly exclaimed he was ‘being a nature man’!” - NATASHA, MUM TO HARRISON AND COOPER.

“Charlie has a fascination with slimy worms, slugs, snails and all things gross.

He keeps putting them in my tupperware to keep as pets.” - ROBYN, MUM TO CHARLIE AND WILL.

“Jack at three years LOVED Dora and of course everything Dora was pink but since that was his favourite colour no problem! He asked Easter Bunny for pink Dora PJs which he got and wore proudly until they were far too small for him.” - CATHERINE, MUM TO BRAD, JACK AND IMOGEN.

DON’T COMPARE YOUR BOY TO GIRLS It’s scientifically proven that boys develop and mature at a different pace to girls. They mature more slowly, particularly when it comes to language development, social skills and their fine motor skills.Try to resist the temptation to compare your son to your daughter, or a friend or family member’s little girl. Just like girls, they will mature at their own pace, intellectually, physically and emotionally. Sometimes that means they’re still very much a boy trapped in a man’s body by age 25 (just ask any woman who has dated one!) - but think of it this way - he’ll still be your little boy regardless.

“Fascination with his penis. Determined to work out how far it can stretch and doing the "helicopter dance" around the lounge room. The way he was automatically a bloke from birth, and hung out with blokes, and did blokey things, despite no gender stereotypes in our house. They seem to come complete with in-built bum and fart humour.” - KIRSTEN, MUM TO ANGUS.

“Ollie loves playing mums and dads, looks after all the other kids at daycare and rocks his Elsa dress, but is right into cars, trucks and bum jokes.” - LIZ, MUM TO OLLIE AND ABIGAIL.

“Beautiful! The bond and connection you have with them is just pure adoration! They are clingy and sensitive one minute and big brutes the next.

I love raising my boy. Watching him soak everything up then make a big joke out of it a week later! Clever little things they are.” - ANNALISA, MUM TO KYIUS.

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SCHOOL

Making the BIG Leap to High School The new year will bring with it a big change in secondary education for Queensland. In 2015, year seven will move from its traditional primary school base into high school.

That means all students who have been in year six and seven in 2014 will commence junior secondary school education next year.

STORY Jenna Mottin & Julie Sexton

T

he transition from primary to secondary school can bring with it ups and downs. The majority of students will move on to their new schools and thrive on the challenges that secondary school offers, such as a range of different teachers and specialty subjects, whole-class debates, moving from class to class and navigating a timetable. For some students however, these exciting changes can cause upheaval and stress, particularly those with learning delays or difficulties, who may be frightened to leave the security and support of their known environment - their primary school.

Without careful planning and support, this transition into the next step in their education can cause extra anxiety for the students.

Parents can become attuned to when their child is struggling with the primary school curriculum and the

thought of their child having to not only face a much more complex academic level as well as being subjected to social interactions with hormoneraging teenagers is enough to drive any parent into a state of despair.

Being prepared for what is to come in those first few days and weeks of high school life will go a long way to smoothing the way.

Children with anxiety often benefit greatly from familiarisation. Many high schools host orientation days to allow for this familiarisation process however for a small number of children this is not sufficient. One way to reduce anxiety is to take photos on the ipad or iphone of the home rooms where they are likely to be, the port racks, the toilets, the manual arts building, home economics rooms, with the school’s permission of course.

Encourage your child to flick through the pictures

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at their own pace on a weekly basis over the summer holidays and use the pictures as a talking point.

SCHOOL

The visual representations of the classrooms can also lead onto the practice of reading timetables. Make up a few mock timetables (focusing only on one day at a time) so that your child becomes confident in reading timetables. With reference to the timetable you can ask them what types of school equipment they would need for the different subjects (for maths they need to make sure they have their protractor, calculator and maths grid book for example).

Once you have their booklist you can help their organisational skills by coordinating their books into their

subjects. A great idea is to place the same sticker on all of the items required for one subject - perhaps for science a teenage mutant ninja turtle sticker in the bottom right corner?

When they get their real timetable you can put the corresponding sticker next to each subject on the timetable so that they will remember the equipment for each class.

High school can be a challenging time for any student and all a parent wants is for their child to feel comfortable and to talk to about it.

Adolescents and tweens (that is, students who are between being children and teenagers) often find it difficult to communicate their feelings and thoughts with parents. One way around this may be to encourage

them to use a mood diary (checkout imoodjournal app for ipads).

In our busy every day lives sometimes it can be difficult to make time just to chat about our days. For your high schooler, it is more important than ever for them to know that you care about how their day was and how they are feeling. Try to make time each evening to have a chat. By getting into this daily routine now it will help keep those communication streams open as they get older and may go some way to assisting in setting up a great relationship where they feel they can continue to share with you their thoughts and feelings during their teen years.

TOP TIPS FOR STARTING HIGH SCHOOL • Be positive and enthusiastic. Your child is more likely to look forward to starting high school if you’re positive about it.

• Attend orientation events. Most high schools offer an open day in the second semester where grade six students and their parents can attend, meet teachers and tour the facilities.

•

Find a school buddy for your child. This may be a neighbour’s child or an older playmate. Some high schools have their own ‘buddy system’, where older children at the school look out for new students.

• Understand the school routine. Being familiar with timetables, breaks and start or finish times can help your child to know what to expect from their school day.

• Be prepared ahead of time. Involve your child in getting their books, uniform and travel pass organised well in advance, so they feel reassured and don’t have to worry.

• Visit the school over Christmas holidays, if possible. Stroll around the grounds, familiarise your child with the location of the toilets, office, lockers and sports facilities.

• Figure out the travel route. Talk with your child about how they will get to and from school, and explore the route with them a few times before they start.

•

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Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. They may be anxious about making the transition to high school or they may experience difficulties settling in once they start.

Reassure them that it’s normal to have mixed feelings about starting a new school.

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them find a place to belong because they’re part of a team working on a common goal,” she added.

Music Good for Brain & Soul Music is the universal language of love and good feelings, which is why Catholic schools enthusiastically and actively promote music throughout their curriculum and co-curricular programs.

M

usic is essential in the curriculum because it’s good for the soul, but it’s also good for the brain,” Maureen Cameron, head of music at St Andrew’s College, said. “It helps students in all areas – their math solving skills, reasoning capacity, problem solving, creativity and social and team skills. “And it makes people happy. It’s a real lift for your spirit.”

While students in the Cairns Diocese have the opportunity to learn to play a wide variety of different musical instruments through curriculum and co-curricular programs, they also have the opportunity to perform in front of live audiences in school assemblies, musicals, choir performances, eisteddfods and even theatre restaurants.

St Mary’s Catholic College music teacher Joanne Wright, a wellrespected and accomplished Cairns vocalist, director and performer, has been involved in music all her life, having grown up in a musical background.

Her parents are stalwarts of the Cairns Choral Society, with her dad John the president and her mum Jan the musical director. Joanne co-directed and performed in the Choral Society’s production of Phantom of the Opera.

Her three children also performed in the production, with daughter Cassandra sharing the lead role of Christine. “I think music benefits our sense of well being,” she said. “It lifts the soul.”

“I think performing, whether in a musical or a band, helps students with personal development and helps

EDUCATION

Performing Arts Coordinator at Innisfail’s Good Counsel College, Jo-Anne Kemp, believes music also increases students’ academic learning abilities. “Music is one of the only subjects that use both the right and left side of the brain simultaneously,” she said. “That cross-brain stimulation actually stimulates both the analytic side of the brain and the creative side.”

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Ms Kemp, who is completing her PhD combining performance and research with a focus on the Australian composer Miriam Hyde, studied the piano for many years and obtained both her Licentiate (L.Mus.A) on piano and her Master’s degree in the same year. She has won several awards for her accompanying skills, along with many years’ experience in music theatre in the roles of orchestra member and musical director. Mrs Kemp also has experience as an adjudicator and has travelled to New Zealand to be part of the National Singing School held every two years.

Like Ms Wright, she also grew up in a musical environment, having a talented pianist grandmother and a mother who has been involved with the Cairns Choral Society for 40 years.

She also directs the college’s inaugural theatre restaurant, A Night to Remember. She believes learning music is one of the best things a student can do. “I think you’ll find that most of the top academic students have learned a musical instrument or have been involved in performing arts in some way,” she said.

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Meriba

Meriba Montessori offers a distinct difference in early childhood education with two separate age-based programs designed to meet the needs of children aged from three months to three years, operating out of Trinity Beach State School on Cairns’ Northern Beaches.

During each two-hour session, children engage with activities that develop and refine fine and gross motor movements, enrich language development and more. A parent or caregiver is required to attend with their child for one class each week however all work is set out in such a way that children can use the materials with minimal assistance. Parents are encouraged to allow children to complete and repeat tasks without interruption or interference. In this way children can build up their ability to concentrate for longer periods of time.

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The Directresses at Meriba Montessori are highly trained in childhood development. Their primary role is to prepare the learning environment and to work alongside children to ensure that they are introduced to a variety of materials that meets their developmental needs and interests.

Directresses are also available to provide parents with practical ideas as to how the Montessori approach can be applied in the home.

Katie, mum to 18 month old Lucy, said Meriba Montessori provides an ideal early learning environment

for her daughter that is unlike any playgroup program.

“During our two hours together, Lucy is free to work without distraction to practise new skills and to explore ideas more deeply. The Directresses prepare the environment to ensure that it always meets the changing needs of the children. They work alongside children individually, ensuring that they are each building on their foundational academic, social, artistic, physical and life skills according to their readiness and interest,” she said.

Another mum, Vicki, said she had the opportunity several years ago to speak with year seven students of a Montessori program and had been blown away by the children.

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MERIBA MONTESSORI

Montessori

T

he Meriba Montessori environment is specially set up to facilitate children’s early language and physical development as well as their growing need for independence. The room contains child sized furniture and activities that match the children’s physical proportions and their stage of development. The programs are delivered by internationally-trained Montessori Directresses and offer young children and their caregivers a specially prepared environment, filled with developmentally appropriate learning materials.

“They spoke with confidence on a broad range of topics, they engaged with adults and their peers displaying a respect for other’s opinions and also an ability to think and query ideas presented,” she said.

“It had a huge impact, and I was delighted when I found that my son had an opportunity to be educated in a manner that fostered this kind of independence right here in Cairns.

The commitment of Meriba Montessori to the ideals of the Montessori education method is inspiring and I thank them for giving my son this wonderful opportunity."

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• 2-hour session, maximum of 10 children • Enrolment is based on 10 sessions, once per week.

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STORY Andrew Griffiths

BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR “WHY?” Embarking on the road to being a business owner is one that needs to be considered in detail before setting out. A business owner is not for everyone, it is challenging, there is a lack of certainty, it can be very hard financially and it will take a lot of work. The upside is wonderful, incredible satisfaction, control of your own destiny, the ability to earn more than you would as an employee and the freedom to run the business the way you want to run it. All of that said, you need to be clear about why you want to start your own business, going in it with your eyes very wide open.

KNOW WHO YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE: It is important to know who is going to buy what you are selling. Who is your niche market? Describe your ideal customer? The clearer you are about who you are going to be selling to the clearer you can be about your branding, your location, your marketing, your pricing - everything. Be as specific as you can about your customers and learn as much as you can about them.

CHECK OUT COMPETITION (BE DIFFERENT): Take time to visit any competitors, or similar styles of business. See what they do well, see what they could do better. This gives you the opportunity to figure out how your business offering is going to be different (and ideally better) than your competitors. To start a business without checking out the competition is madness.

DO HOMEWORK ON THE RULES AND REGULATIONS THAT MIGHT AFFECT YOU: There are rules and regulations that need to be considered when starting a business. They vary dramatically from region to region, state to state. Check out the Australian Government site - www.business.gov.au and state business support departments. Be warned, not towing the line because you were not aware of a particular law is no defence, especially around things like employment, workplace safety and taxation.

GET HELP TO DEVELOP A REALISTIC SET UP BUDGET: When starting a business it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment. This often translates to over estimating income and under estimating the costs associated with starting a business. I work on a tough formula - double how much everything costs, double how long it will take to set up and halve how much income you think you will make - if it still stacks up, you should be fine. Having someone who understands budgets and small business, perhaps an accountant, to help determine a budget is a good idea. It should also be noted that getting finance once you start your new business will be tough and generally credit card based, so getting your funding in place whilst still gainfully employed is a good idea.

Make sure you catch our December edition for part two of Andrew’s top things to consider before starting your business!

WEB www.andrewgriffiths.com.au BOOK Australia’s #1 small business & entrepreneurial author with 12 books sold in over 60 countries.

TOP EVENTS NOV

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BUSINESS

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE STARTING YOUR BUSINESS

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ISOFIX There’s a new era in Australian car safety dawning, with the widely used overseas fitting system ISOFIX finally approved for use in Australia.

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O WHAT IS ISOFIX? Known as several different names worldwide including LATCH in the US and LUAS or CANFIX in Canada, ISOFIX or ISOFIT is the most common term to describe the system which has become a standardised international way to fit child seats. ISOFIX provides parents with the easiest, quickest and most importantly the safest way to install a seat correctly. It replaces the need to use car seat belts in the installation of a child seat and instead uses the two standard seat attachment points located at the base of the rear seat - points which are standard in all new cars manufactured from about 2006 onwards.

ISOFIX has been used throughout Europe, the UK and US for several years so the concept is by no means a new one. Many Australian parents, impatient for the system to be legalised in Australia, have taken to Facebook and other social media platforms to declare that they have already been using the technology for years with seats imported from other countries. It is worth noting however that imported seats will still not be legal for use in Australia as there are additional requirements the Federal Government has deemed necessary. This includes the continued use of a top-tether strap as an additional restraining device in addition to ISOFIX. SO WHY USE AN ISOFIX SEAT? All seats and seat belts in cars are designed for the comfort and protection of adult

passengers - not necessarily children.

The idea of a universal car seat fitting system was first put forward in the early 1990s and was designed by some of the safest car makers of our time including VOLVO. The beauty of ISOFIX is that it overcomes the problem of ensuring car seats are fitted correctly by providing dedicated attachment points in the car for 'plugin' child seats. The idea is simple.

Car makers provide small, cheap and inconspicuous attachment points in standard locations in new cars and child restraints are designed with latches on the back to lock onto these with a simple push and click.

Maxi Cosi has become one of the first companies to unveil its new ISOFIX seats here in Australia with the two new ISOGO seats (yes, another variation of the term just to confuse you!) - the Hera Convertible and the Euro Convertible, now available in stores nationwide.

“The reason for introducing the ISOFIX compatible system for Australia is not due to there being any concern with the safety of the current Australian system for installing child restraints (using the adult seatbelt and top tether). There is very strong evidence that Australian child restraints, which use the top tether and vehicle seatbelt to secure the restraint to the vehicle, provide excellent protection to children even in very high severity crashes,” it said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT SEAT FOR YOUR CHILD, VISIT CHILDCARSEATS.COM.AU, ISOGO. COM.AU OR CONTACT KIDSAFE AT KIDSAFEQLD.COM.AU

Families currently using seats without ISOFIX need not panic as authorities have been quick to reassure the public that ISOFIX is just another choice available to parents when it comes to safely restraining their children while travelling. childcarseats.com.au is an initiative of the Child Restraint Evaluation Program (CREP), a consortium of government agencies and motorist organisations who share a common interest in improving safety for children travelling in vehicles. The website has this information for parents:

w w w .pakmag.com.au | N ovem ber 2014

22

BUMP &BUB

Rashoodz Swim Pack RRP $59.90 WEB www.rashoodz.com.au WIN a Rashoodz Swim Pack This adorable Rashoodz swim pack comes with everything you need for a fun day at the beach, swimming lessons or splashing around in the yard. The winner will receive their choice of colour and size in an amazing Rashoodz rashsuit (with attachable hat), a swimming cap, a reusable swim nappy which holds EVERYTHING in, UV400 "Shadez" sunglasses and a Rashoodz swim bag to keep it all in. Deck out your little one this summer in the highest quality, UPF50+, chlorine-resistant swimwear going. Check us out on Facebook and join the Rashoodz revolution today!

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

Novem b e r 2 0 1 4 | w w w .p a km a g .c o m .a u

A Modern Woman's Guide to a Natural Empowering Birth RRP $34.95 WEB www.shopbirthgoddess.com WIN an author signed copy of A Modern Woman's Guide A collection of inspiring birth stories, expert tips, practical tools and insights to overcome your fears and reclaim your natural birth power in a modern world. Includes special afterword by internationally acclaimed Dr Sarah Buckley MD. "In the tradition of classics like Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth and Dr Sarah Buckley’s book, Gentle Birth Gentle Mothering, A Modern Woman’s Guide to A Natural Empowering Birth enlightens women to how birth can be – a joyous, transformative, emotionally powerful experience."

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

Philips Avent Pack RRP $269.90 WEB www.philips.com.au/avent WIN a Philip Avent Pack Calling all new mums and mums-to-be!

We have three fantastic baby feeding solutions packs from Philips Avent, one of Australia's most preferred and recommended infant feeding brand, to give away!

The prize pack to be won is worth $269.90 RRP and includes a Philips Avent Comfort Electric Breast Pump to help mums comfortably express, and a Philips Avent Natural Glass Feeding Bottle for a natural feeding experience.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

23

Bedhead Hats

Shnooki Basic Pack

RRP $24.95-$34.95 WEB www.bedheadhats.com.au WIN a $30 Gift Voucher

RRP $80.00 WEB www.shnookisheet.com.au WIN a Shnooki Basic Pack, including a Shnooki Sheet, Shnooki Blanket, and Shnooki Tote

Bedhead believe in making the hats that babies & children love to wear. That is why Bedhead hats are specially designed for the greatest comfort, a perfect fit & achieve the highest sun safety rating UPF50+ Excellent Protection.

Made from soft stretchy cotton jersey in sizes small enough to fit from birth, we make sure there is a perfectly fitting hat for all the fun in your life.

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

Shnooki sheets ensure your baby sleeps correctly in the SIDS safe sleep position. Designed by two mums, the Shnooki sheet has a unique design that is easy to use and holds the sheet in place. Simply fit the sheet onto the end of the cot, pop baby on the cot on their back and then use the Shnooki Band to hold it all in place.

Shnooki also have a blanket that can be attached using snap fasteners to keep your baby snug as a bug in the cooler months.

Green Kids Modern Cloth Nappies RRP $62.00 WEB www.greenkids.com.au WIN a Green Kids Modern Cloth Nappies Green Kids will give away 3 x Modern Cloth Nappy trial packs consisting of 2 plain nappies, 2 regular bamboo inserts & 1 bamboo booster valued at $62 each.

Green Kids modern cloth nappies are so easy to use - no pins, no folding, no soaking, no fiddly snaps!

Green Kids nappies are made in Australia, so you know they're good!

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

ENTER www.pakmag.com.au

Redlynch

KINDY

CCB Approved • EnroL today • 3-5 yeAr olds

VotEd “Best Childcare Centre” in PakMag’s Best of Cairns awards

Learning through Play each & every day

For more information visit www.redlynchkindy.com.au or call 4055 1814 or email redlynchkindy@bigpond.com w w w .pakmag.com.au | N ovem ber 2014

STORY Dr John McIntosh The innovative No-Scalpel Vasectomy technique is fast becoming the world standard in vasectomies and this world-class surgical practice is now available for the first time in some areas of North Queensland.

The innovative new technique allows vasectomy to be easier, less painful with a faster recovery and less side effects. The no-scalpel vasectomy is just that, meaning no stitches or cutting are required.

For families who are sure that they do not want any more children, noscalpel vasectomy is the easiest and fastest procedure that prevents the need for mum to continue taking the

pill or other forms of contraception.

This means a reduction in monthly prescription costs, negates the risk of side effects and avoids the possibility of a surprise pregnancy if the pill is missed or doesn’t work – and this can happen!

So how is the procedure done? A single small split in the skin allows access to a section of the tubes which are removed and the ends sealed without any scalpel or stitches anywhere. The minimal trauma means less swelling, bruising, pain, a faster recovery and then back to work fast. A check-up specimen to guarantee effectiveness is done a few months later and using alternative contraception until that negative specimen is obtained minimises the risk of pregnancy.

If you are considering a vasectomy, chat with your GP about the options available and investigate the no-scalpel method for yourself.

NOV HEALTH

25

HEALTH

NO-SCALPEL VASECTOMY AVAILABLE IN NQ!

CONJUNCTIVITIS Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear lining which covers the whites of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids. It is usually caused by an infection (either a virus or bacteria), is very contagious and is very common in kids under five.

SIGNS OF CONJUNCTIVITIS ARE:

HEALTH = WEALTH IN MANY WAYS STORY Narelle Muller Personal trainer Narelle Muller ponders a study revealing obese teenagers grow up to earn less than those who are not.

We are rapidly heading towards a third of all Aussie kids being overweight or obese. Many of us still think it is ok in our own family, telling ourselves we “eat well” or youngsters will “grow out of it”. We have many comforting explanations at the ready, allowing us to dodge the bigger issue of dealing with diet and activity levels.

We also know an overweight child is likely to grow into an overweight adult.

These facts are scientifically proven.

Still, many remain unmotivated to take the matter to task now, before it’s too late. BUT, did you know obese boys grow up to earn up to 18 per cent less than those who are healthy?

There is no reason to suggest this recent study by Swedish researchers based in the UK, US and Sweden,

should not be true for Australian teens. It is believed the wage difference could be due to obese teenagers being lower academic achievers with potentially reduced social skills.

When you consider research often points to obesity in the childhood years being linked to bullying, low self-esteem and discrimination, it is not so surprising. Studies had already shown obese young women are lower earners.

• Redness behind the eyelids and up over the whites of the eyes • Swelling around the eyes (puffiness) • Excessive watering from the eyes and a sticky discharge which dries into a crust during sleep • Dislike of bright lights and sunlight • The eyes may feel gritty and sticky Conjunctivitis is very contagious and your child will be unable to attend daycare or school while there is any discharge from the eye.

With the rising trend of weight in Australia posing a dire threat to the national as a whole, the time has come to reign in expanding waistlines – young and old. Weight problems contribute to the rising tide of type two diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer and strokes.

These combined cost the health service millions every year.

The best way to treat conjunctivitis is to gently wipe the eyes in one direction using cotton balls soaked in warm water. Most cases are caused by a virus which means it will get better by itself without antibiotics. Unfortunately this can take anywhere from 2 days to 3 weeks! If there is a lot of pussy discharge, particularly in both eyes, antibiotic eye drops may be needed.

Addressing weight issues in children is tricky, but not impossible. Cutting out sugar, introducing more fruit and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, while upping activity levels, is the basis of a healthy weight for all ages.

Putting eye drops in a squirmy baby/toddler/child can be challenging to say the least! If it is proving too difficult, just putting the drops in the corner of the eye and letting them run over the eyelashes is usually fine.

w w w .pakmag.com.au | N ovem ber 2014

What's On Guide

November 01 Sat NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH WOREE MARKETS Woree State High School 0449 045 054 7.00am / Free / Family NORTHERN BEACHES SCOUTS CAR BOOT SALE Scout Den - Leisure Park Rd, Smithfield 0410 516 595 8.00am / Free / Family FREE GALLERY ENTRY Cairns Regional Gallery www.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family JAMES REYNE PLAYS AUSTRALIAN CRAWL Brothers 4053 1053 8.00pm / Cost / Adult TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND SOUL SONG CELEBRATION 2014 Centre of Contemporary Arts www.soulsongchoirs.com.au 2.00pm / Cost / Family SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND SOUL SONG CELEBRATION 2014 Centre of Contemporary Arts www.soulsongchoirs.com.au 7.30pm / Cost / Family SAY G'DAY TO JAY KINDY ROADSHOW (Bookings Required) Cairns Convention Centre 1800 454 639 10.00am / Free / Family

SAY G'DAY TO JAY KINDY ROADSHOW (Bookings Required) Cairns Convention Centre 1800 454 639 1.00pm / Free / Family DEFENDING THE PACIFIC EXHIBITION, ENDS NOV 18 Edmonton Library 4044 3735 10.00am / Free / Family C.W STONEKING Tanks Art Centre 1300 855 835 7.30pm / Cost / Adult ARTS & CRAFT NIGHT Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

02 Sun

Family

EMAIL BASICS A (Basic Computer Skills Required) Manunda Library 4044 3779 10.30am / Free / Adult BABY WELCOME CEREMONY Esplanade (Next to Muddys) 4044 3019 10.00am / Free / Family MORNING MELODIES - KAMAHL Cairns Civic Theatre 1300 855 835 11.00am / Cost / Adult DAVE HUGHES Cairns Civic Theatre 1300 855 835 7.30pm / Cost / Adult SCAVENGER HUNT Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

"DUTCHY PICKS THE SAY G'DAY TO JAY KINDY ON SATURDAY 1 AT 1PM"

03 Mon

www.cazalys.com.au 11.30am / Adult

05 Wed

MONDAY READ CLUB Smithfield Library 4044 3711 3.30pm / Free / Kids

STORYTIME & CRAFT Manunda Library 4044 3779 10.30am / Free / Family

PLAY WORLD (Under 5's) YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 10.00am / Cost / Kids

OUR DREAMING: ANIMATING COUNTRY EXHIBITION, ENDS NOV 18 Manunda Library 4044 3779 10.00am / Free / Family

04 Tue BABY RHYME TIME Earlville Library 4044 3766 10.30am / Free / Family

PLAY WORLD (Under 5's) YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 9.30am / Cost / Kids

STORYTIME & CRAFT Gordonvale Library 4056 1365 10.30am / Free / Family

JUNIOR FUTSAL YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 3.30pm / Cost / Kids

MELBOURNE CUP LIVE BROADCAST Reef Casino Sports Arena www.reefcasino.com 10.30am / Free / Adult

06 Thu STORYTIME & CRAFT Edmonton Library 4044 3735 10.30am / Free / Family

MELBOURNE CUP LANTERNS LUNCHEON Brothers 4053 1053 12.00pm / Cost / Family

TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family

TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family

GROUP GAMES Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

JUNIOR NETBALL YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 4.00pm / Cost / Kids MELBOURNE CUP DAY / LUNCHEON & FASHION PARADE Cazalys Cairns

DAYTIME LADIES NETBALL Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 10.15am / Cost / Family

w w w .pakmag.com.au | N ovem ber 2014

What's On Guide

November 07 Fri FRIDAYS UNPLUGGED AT MONDO Mondo www.facebook.com/Mondo.Cairns 5.30pm / Free / Family GROW YOUR FAMILY TREE GENEALOGY DROP IN SESSION City Library 4044 3720 10.00am / Free / Adult LEGO MANIA Manunda Library 4044 3779 3.30pm / Free / Family TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family MILO IN2 CRICKET UNDER 8S, 10S & 12S Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 4.30pm / Cost / Family MOVIE NIGHT Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

08 Sat FINLEY QUAYE Tanks Art Centre 1300 855 835 7.30pm / Cost / Adult TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family RACE NIGHT Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room

www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

09 Sun HYNPOBIRTHING ONE DAY WORKSHOP - PRE BOOKING ONLY Stratford Community Hall 0420 504 421 9.30am / Cost / Adult PARTY GAMES Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

10 Mon MONDAY READ CLUB Smithfield Library 4044 3711 3.30pm / Free / Kids BALLET CLASS WITH “MISS TUTU” (3-5 YEARS) Butterflies Early Learning & Childcare 4032 3588 9.30am / Cost / Kids

"MARK PICKS THE SCAVENGER HUNT ON 13 THURSDAY AT 6.00PM" MOVIES IN THE ARENA ALL IS LOST Reef Casino Sports Arena www.reefcasino.com 10.30am / Free / Adult TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family CAIRNS BUSINESS WOMEN’S CLUB 30TH BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON Hilton Cairns 11am-3pm

12 Wed IT HOUR - DROP IN AND ASK YOUR IT QUESTIONS Earlville Library 4044 3766 10.30am / Free / Adult STORYTIME & CRAFT City Library 4044 3720 10.30am / Free / Family

FINE WINE & BEVERAGE EVENING Brothers 4053 1053 7.00pm / Cost / Adult

PLAY WORLD (Under 5's) YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 9.30am / Cost / Kids

PLAY WORLD (Under 5's) YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 10.00am / Cost / Kids

JUNIOR FUTSAL YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 3.30pm / Cost / Kids

1 1 Tue STORYTIME & CRAFT Stratford Library 4044 3733 10.30am / Free / Family

eFence d F l e s d ss an Fun, Fit nehe whole Family !

For t

21 Donaldson St, Manunda PHONE: Barry Hampton 0414 782 189 WEB: www.ckdcairns.com.au Novem b e r 2 0 1 4 | w w w .p a km a g .c o m .a u

13 Thu BABY RHYME TIME Smithfield Library 4044 3711 10.30am / Free / Family

TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family DAYTIME LADIES NETBALL Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 10.15am / Cost / Family SCAVENGER HUNT Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

14 Fri FRIDAYS UNPLUGGED AT MONDO Mondo www.facebook.com/Mondo.Cairns 5.30pm / Free / Family LEGO MANIA Manunda Library 4044 3779 3.30pm / Free / Family TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family MILO IN2 CRICKET UNDER 8S, 10S & 12S Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 4.30pm / Cost / Family ARTS & CRAFT NIGHT Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

15 Sat DANCESCAPES END OF YEAR CONCERT ‘THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ Civic Theatre

MINI

MAG

30

WHAT SORT OF MESS MIGHT A BABY MAKE IF THEY GOT THEIR HANDS ON A MAGIC MARKER? Use your imagination and colour away!

Win One of 60x Double Passes & One of 20x Family Passes

© 2014 Disney

TO ENTER COLOUR-IT-IN & MAIL TO: PAKMAG, COLOUR-IT-IN NOV 2014 PO BOX 7433, CAIRNS QLD 4870 YOU COULD WIN ONE OF 60X DOUBLE PASSES & ONE OF 20X FAMILY PASSES (COMP CLOSES 17/11/14)

NAME___________________________ AGE______________ PARENT/GUARDIAN_______________________________ ADDRESS_________________________________________ PHONE___________________________________________ EMAIL____________________________________________

UNTANGLE OUR DAY

31

Follow the lines to match each Cooper family member with an item from their terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day!

RACE TO THE BOOKSTORE Help mum get to the bookstore reading in time!

Š 2014 Disney

w w w .pakmag.com.au | N ovem ber 2014

32

READ

READ WIN

WIN a copy of the win books, to enter visit www.pakmag.com.au

The Noisy Book

My Happy Life

Counting Aussie Animals in My Backyard

AGE 0+ COVER Boardbook BOOK Soledad Bravi / Gecko Press

AGE 6+ COVER Paperback / e-book BOOK Rose Lagercrantz / Gecko Press

AGE 0+ COVER Hardcover BOOK Bronwyn Houston

With over 100 pages, this unique boardbook is full of bright, bold illustrations and lots of noises to make for loads of interaction with your little one. It’s perfect to share with a baby or toddler.

An illustrated chapter book about a young girl with a lot of optimism - it’s upbeat humour and pace is perfect for children just journeying out into chapter books.

Author & illustrator Bronwyn Houston has created a counting book full of vivid imagery that will be a bedtime favourite. Join Bronwyn for a tour of her backyard to count the inhabitants of a thriving tropical garden!

WIN Where is Rusty?

Alfie’s Big Wish

I am the Wolf.. and Here I Come!

AGE 3+ COVER Paperback / hardback / e-book BOOK Sieb Posthuma / Gecko Press

AGE 4+ COVER Paperback BOOK David Hardy / Magabala Books

AGE 0+ COVER Boardbook BOOK Bénédicte Guettier / Gecko Press

Rusty goes to the department store with his mother and Henrietta and Toby. But his nose leads him astray.

Where is Rusty? A gorgeous adventure story with a reassuring ending.

Alfie is on a quest for companionship.

When at first his friends leave with their parents, Alfie searches high and low for somebody new to play with. Sad and lonely at the end of the day, Alfie makes a big wish. When he wakes up, he finds out that sometimes wishes really do come true!

Watch the wolf put on his trousers, his t-shirt, his socks, and more. But what is his plan once he’s fully dressed?

Careful - he might bite! Snap the book shut to keep the wolf inside!

Novem b e r 2 0 1 4 | w w w .p a km a g .c o m .a u

What's On Guide

November jv@dancescapes.com.au 2.00pm / Cost / Family DANCESCAPES END OF YEAR CONCERT ‘THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ Civic Theatre jv@dancescapes.com.au 7.30pm / Cost / Family TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family KATCHAFIRE Brothers 4053 1053 8.00pm / Cost / Adult PARTY GAMES Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

16 Sun RACE NIGHT Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

17 Mon PLAY WORLD (UNDER 5'S) YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 10.00am / Cost / Kids

18 Tue STORYTIME & CRAFT Babinda Library 4067 1112 10.30am / Free / Family

STORYTIME & CRAFT Smithfield Library 4044 3711 10.30am / Cost / Family CATALOGUE QUEST - LEARN HOW TO SEARCH, RESERVE AND RENEW Babinda Library 4067 1112 9.00am / Free / Family MOVIES IN THE ARENA ROMEO & JULIET Reef Casino Sports Arena www.reefcasino.com 10.30am / Free / Adult TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family

19 Wed

"CHRIS PICKS THE ROMEO & JULIET MOVIE ON 18 TUESDAY AT 10.30AM"

21 Fri

North Cairns Community Health Centre 4226 4309 12.00pm / Free / Adult

FRIDAYS UNPLUGGED AT MONDO Mondo www.facebook.com/Mondo.Cairns 5.30pm / Free / Family

20 Thu FACEBOOK 101 (Basic Computer Skills Required) Smithfield Library 4044 3711 10.30am / Free / Adult EMAIL BASICS B (Completion of Email Basics A is Required) Manunda Library 4044 3779 10.30am / Cost / Adult

LEGO MANIA Earlville Library 4044 3766 3.30pm / Free / Family

GOOGLE BASICS (Basic Computing Skills Required) Earlville Library 4044 3766 10.30am / Cost / Adult

DEFENDING THE PACIFIC EXHIBITION, ENDS DEC 3 Smithfield Library 4044 3711 10.00am / Free / Family

BABY RHYME TIME Stratford Library 4044 3733 10.30am / Free / Family

PLAY WORLD (Under 5's) YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 9.30am / Cost / Kids JUNIOR FUTSAL YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 3.30pm / Cost / Kids TRIPLE P POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM SEMINAR

DAYTIME LADIES NETBALL Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 10.15am / Cost / Family RACE NIGHT Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

OUR DREAMING: ANIMATING COUNTRY EXBIBITION, ENDS NOV 18 Earlville Library 4044 3766 10.00am / Free / Family THE BLACK SORROWS Tanks Art Centre www.ticketlink.com.au 7.30pm / Cost / Adult

IPAD FOR NEW USERS (BYO iPad) City Library 4044 3171 10.30am / Cost / Adult

TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family

LEGO MANIA Manunda Library 4044 3779 3.30pm / Free / Family

CAIRNS ART SOCIETY EXHIBITION OPENING EVENT Cairns Regional Gallery shop@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Adult GROUP GAMES Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family MILO IN2 CRICKET UNDER 8S, 10S & 12S Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 4.30pm / Cost / Family TRIPLE P POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM SEMINAR Smithfield Community Health Centre 4226 4309 10.00am / Free / Adult

w w w .pakmag.com.au | N ovem ber 2014

What's On Guide

EMAIL EVENTS TO ADMIN@PAKMAG.COM.AU

November 22 Sat NAHKO & MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE (USA) Tanks Art Centre www.ticketlink.com.au 6.45pm / Cost / Adult TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family MOVIE NIGHT Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

23 Sun ARTS & CRAFT NIGHT Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

24 Mon BALLET CLASS WITH “MISS TUTU” (3-5 Years) Butterflies Early Learning & Childcare 4032 3588 9.30am / Cost / Kids PLAY WORLD (Under 5's) YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 10.00am / Cost / Kids

25 Tue BABY RHYME TIME Manunda Library 4044 3779 10.30am / Free / Family MOVIES IN THE ARENA BREAKAWAY

Reef Casino Sports Arena www.reefcasino.com 10.30am / Free / Adult TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family OPEN DAY MERIBA MONTESSORI Trinity Beach State School 0419 022 623 9am / Free / Family

26 Wed COMPUTERS FOR NEW USERS Stratford Library 4044 3733 10.30am / Cost / Adult BABY RHYME TIME City Library 4044 3720 10.30am / Free / Family PLAY WORLD (Under 5's) YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 9.30am / Cost / Kids JUNIOR FUTSAL YMCA Marlin Coast Rec Centre 4057 7507 3.30pm / Cost / Kids

27 Thu CONVERSTATION CAFÉ BOOK CHAT & MORNING TEA Smithfield Library 4044 3711 10.30am / Free / Adult STORYTIME & CRAFT Earlville Library 4044 3766 10.30am / Free / Family TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family

Novem b e r 2 0 1 4 | w w w .p a km a g .c o m .a u

DAYTIME LADIES NETBALL Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 10.15am / Cost / Family PARTY GAMES Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

28 Fri FRIDAYS UNPLUGGED AT MONDO Mondo www.facebook.com/Mondo.Cairns 5.30pm / Free / Family LEGO MANIA Manunda Library 4044 3779 3.30pm / Free / Family EXHIBITION OPENING EVENT SAM TUPOU: FUTURE LANDSCAPES Cairns Regional Gallery shop@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Adult EXHIBITION OPENING EVENT SUE RYAN:CAMP DOGS Cairns Regional Gallery shop@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Adult MILO IN2 CRICKET UNDER 8S, 10S & 12S Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 4.30pm / Cost / Family TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family SCAVENGER HUNT Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

29 Sat TINY TOTS Cairns Indoor Sports 4032 2844 9.00am / Cost / Family SANTA'S ARRIVAL AT MT SHERIDAN PLAZA Mt Sheridan Plaza www.mtsheridanplaza.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family SANTA VISITS (TILL 2PM DAILY) Mt Sheridan Plaza (till 24/12/14) www.mtsheridanplaza.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family ARTS & CRAFT NIGHT Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids SMURFS MEET AND GREET Mt Sheridan Plaza www.mtsheridanplaza.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family SMURFS WINTER WONDERLAND SHOW Mt Sheridan Plaza www.mtsheridanplaza.com.au 11.00am / Free / Family SMURFS WINTER WONDERLAND SHOW Mt Sheridan Plaza www.mtsheridanplaza.com.au 12.00pm / Free / Family

30 Sun LUCKY DUCKS Cazalys Cairns, Kids Room www.cazalys.com.au 6.00pm / Free / Kids

SANTA

SPECIAL FROZEN GUESTS

HUGE BLOW UP SANTA CHAIR DJ, BAND, TRIO, DUO, SOLO CAROLLERS & FACEPAINTERS CHRISTMAS THEMED CHARACTERS & ACTIVITIES & MUCH MORE

SAY G’DAY TO SANTA

BAD FISHY JET BOAT – XMAS PARTY FUN! Bad Fishy Jet Boating are offering some extreme fun for Christmas Party bookings this year. Their 12 seat jet boat “Screamo” can be privately hired (with some great group rates available) and they can also offer back-to-back rides for large groups. Their 35min ride combines spins, speed, slides and sights and is a really adventurous way to kick off a Christmas Party in Cairns. They also have a fantastic 20% off gift voucher special on their website this month.

CONTACT BAD FISHY FOR INFORMATION: WWW.BADFISHY.COM.AU BOOKINGS@BADFISHY.COM.AU 0499 490 030

BABY WELCOME AND FAMILY EXPO NOVEMBER 2 FROM 10AM-2PM NEXT TO MUDDY’S PLAYGROUND ON THE ESPLANADE The Baby Welcome and Family Expo will officially welcome more than 100 new young Cairns residents to the city and will be a great day of family fun with informative stalls for family products and services, entertainment for all ages, a craft corner, petting zoo and kids rides.

All babies taking part in the ceremony will receive an official welcome certificate.

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WHAT'S NEW

STOCKLAND CAIRNS: Santa will arrive with much fanfare on November 16 at 10.30am. The first 100 Santa photos will also receive a free movie pass to see Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. Santa is available for photos every day from 10.30am3.30pm and additional hours on Thursday night (5-8pm).

ENTERTAINMENT

If you’re counting down the days until you can greet the big man in person, good news is at hand! Santa will take a break from his busy preparation prior to the big day to arrive at shopping centres throughout Cairns this month!

SMITHFIELD SHOPPING CENTRE: Santa will arrive on November 22 at 10am and you can get photos daily from 10am-4pm and late until 6pm on Thursdays.

CAIRNS CENTRAL: Santa will arrive on November 13 from 4pm and will be available for photos daily from: Mon-Wed: 9am - 5pm, Thurs: 9am 8pm, Sat: 9am - 5pm and Sun: 10am - 4pm. More times in December.

MOUNT SHERIDAN PLAZA: Santa will arrive on November 29 and is available daily for photos between 10am-2pm. Santa’s arrival at Mount Sheridan will also include a Smurf meet and greet at 10am and a Smurf Winter Wonderland Show at 11am and 12pm.

CAIRNS CENTRAL CHRISTMAS TRAIN

RAINTREES SHOPPING CENTRE: Santa will arrive on November 15 and is available daily for photos between 10am-2pm.

Cairns Central are giving all customers the chance to jump aboard the Santa Train!

The winners will be invited to help Mayor Bob Manning switch on the Esplanade Christmas Tree lights on November 28. The overall winner will become an e-card that will be sent around Australia and the world.

To enter, customers can download the colour in sheet from cairnscentral.com.au or pick one up from the Customer Service Desk. The first 100 children to submit their colour in via the Customer Service Desk before November 9 will receive a Santa Train double pass on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Children will enjoy Santa’s arrival performance at the Station and Christmas face painting. The journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway will feature carollers, Santa’s helpers and a generous on-board Santa who will shower children with goodies from Cairns Central and retailers.

Entries based on the theme A Very Cairns Christmas will be accepted until 19 November. For an entry form and full details, visit Council’s website www.cairns.qld.gov.au

The competition commences on November 1. The Santa Train oneway trip from Freshwater Station to Cairns Central will take place on Thursday November 13 at 3.30pm.

Santas are in store until Christmas Eve.

A CAIRNS XMAS Cairns City Council wants young artists to put pencil to paper to illustrate what they love about Christmas in Cairns. The Christmas Card Design competition is now open for those 13 years and under.

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TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD AND HOW YOU GOT INTO BUSINESS?

PakMag Publisher, Entertainer, Entrepreneur and Mum of two, Bree was a recent finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards and leads the PakMag team with a vision and enthusiasm that has to be witnessed to be believed.

As a child I was quite shy. My Dad couldn't get me on stage to sing unless I had a wig and a mask so no one knew it was me. In primary school I was bullied quite a bit and I struggled in school as I didn’t fit in. I was often chosen last for group activities and would end up on my own as no one wanted to follow my vision for the set project. Usually I would forge ahead alone to prove that my idea would work. This didn’t help with gaining friends, but it taught me that following through on ideas can pay off if you have a plan and are willing to risk everything to make it happen.

My parents divorced when I was two and money was scarce. It was the source of a lot of arguments, so needless to say, from a very young age I wanted to earn my own money. I learnt from a young age that I could earn money from my Dad’s mates on their poker night by serving them drinks (tea of course) and at 10 years old I convinced my Dad’s girlfriend to sign up as an Avon rep for me. I sold Avon to my school teachers and neighbours. I worked through school in café’s and at 14 my dad, a musician, started paying me to do gigs with him. When I left home in 1998 I continued in the entertainment industry as a singer and children’s entertainer, this business is still running today.

DESCRIBE PAKMAG IN FIVE WORDS: Entertaining, Dynamic, Family, Heart, Powerful.

INITIAL CONCEPT BEHIND PAKMAG? As a child, my mum was always looking for affordable things to do to entertain us and my best memories are the times we were out and about doing things, so my dream was to entertain families. Obviously my entertainment business became a strong driving force but I found that I didn’t have anywhere to market this business. I had no experience in the print industry - I knew that mums wanted to know what gigs I was doing, as well as other events that were happening.

Without much thought about the impact it would have on my life, I decided to start a magazine - that was nearly eight years ago!

WHAT MAKES PAKMAG UNIQUE?

Lots of things! Our success would be one, most start-up businesses don’t make it past the five year mark, and nine out of ten magazines fail. Our readers and our strong focus on entertainment and community would be another unique point. Mums are very busy individuals and are very hard to captivate. We all want what is best for our families and PakMag’s core reason for existing is to make life easier for mums in their community.

WHAT IS AN AVERAGE DAY LIKE FOR YOU AT THE HELM? I lead a team of exceptional individuals who care about my vision and back me one hundred per cent. One day I can be on stage entertaining kids as Elsa, then spend the afternoon with the Director of a million dollar company, and that night be singing at a wedding - all of course in between having my kids hanging off me. The diversity in my week can make me dizzy, but I would not have it any other way.

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INTERVIEW WITH BREE JAMES

Bree James

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER MUMS JUGGLING CAREER AND FAMILY? Be really strict on when work time is and when family time is. Always stick to set work hours, sometimes of course life will interfere. I also try and have technology free days once a month so that our family are doing nothing electronic. The thing I struggle with the most is downtime just for me.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS? Probably moving into other markets with not only the magazine, but also our entertainment business - all the while juggling parenthood.

This year I was a finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards and I have in the past won Young Manager Of The Year for the Australian Institute of Management, and Young Entrepreneur Of The Year for The Cairns Business Women’s Club. The entry preparation of these awards is a great way to selfreflect, regardless of whether you win or lose. My advice to others - if an opportunity presents to enter an award - do it! The learning experience is an achievement in itself.

PHOTO Ashley @ Spruik Photography STYLING Gerlinda Aras

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Make

GET THE LOOK CHRISTMAS

Christmas Magical for kids

There are so many ways to make Christmas magical for your little ones. Here are just a handful of ways to fill their hearts and lives with the magic of the season.

1. Crepe paper their bedroom doors after they have gone to bed on Christmas Eve, so they have to bust out when they wake up. Tell them Santa did this to make sure they stayed in their rooms.

2. Write a letter to Santa from the whole family with a lookback on the year that was. This can be put away as a keepsake.

Make reindeer food for kids to sprinkle in the yard. Take 1/2 cup oats and mix with 1 tsp red glitter 1 tsp green glitter.

4.

How does Santa get into homes that don’t have a fireplace? Make a Magic Key for Santa and leave it in the letterbox on Christmas Eve! All you need is an old key.

Head to www.pakmag.com.au to download a tag to attach to the key.

THINGS YOU WILL NEED • • • • •

•

White acrylic craft paint Sponge brush Round ornaments Egg carton for drying Coloured markers (Eyes, mouth, hat, nose) Ribbon (optional)

HOW TO MAKE

5. A Christmas Eve Box- Put together a Christmas Eve Box for kids to open - this could include new pj's, a holiday book to read before bed, reindeer food to sprinkle in the yard and even Santa’s magic key.

1. Paint your child’s hand white, or put some paint on a plate, tray or similar and let your child place his/her hand flat in the paint.

6. Start a tradition of making a Special Christmas Breakfast Christmas Bruschetta, Panettone French Toast with mixed berries or Cranberry spiced muffins. The options are endless!

3. Hold it like a ball for one second then open their hand back up.

Create a "Frozen" inspired tree!

2. Place the ornament in the palm of their hand.

4. Once the paint is dry, add your snowman details (Eyes, mouth, nose, hats etc).

5. If you want, you can write your toddler’s name and the year on the bottom of the ornament (where the palmprint is).

6. Add a ribbon and hang on the Christmas tree!

Handprint Snowmen

3.

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01.

07.

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06.

Christmas Giveaways WIN GIFTS FOR KIDS AND BUBS!

03.

04.

05.

TO ENTER VISIT WWW.PAKMAG.COM.AU 01. CALENDARS (RRP FROZEN – $24.99) (RRP 5SOS – $29.99) (RRP PEPPA PIG – $24.99) 02. BATTROBORG TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ELECTRONIC BATTLE GAME (www.battroborg.com) (RRP $99.95) 03. LEAPFROG MOBILE MED KIT (www.leapfrog.com.au) (RRP $34.99) 04. MINI MICRO SCOOTER SPORTY EDITION (www.entropy.com.au) (RRP $139.00) 05. TOTTIE AND DOT BOOK (www.exislepublishing.com.au) (RRP $24.99) 06. BATTROBORG WARRIOR BATTLE ARENA SET (www.battroborg.com) (RRP $89.95) 07. LIL FAIRY DOOR PINK (www.thelittlekidzcloset.com.au) (RRP $36.00)

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03.

01.

02.

09.

04.

10.

07.

05.

08.

06.

TO ENTER VISIT WWW.PAKMAG.COM.AU 01. MAGNIFICENT WORLD OF ABC (2 Designs: Animal and My World) (Tiger Tribe) (RRP $34.95) 02. BEETLE BOTTOMS (Beetle Bottoms) (RRP $100) 03. VINTAGE TIN TEA SET (Tiger Tribe) (RRP $34.95) 04. LITTLE LOVE BY EMPORIUM D OVALTWEEN BRACELET (Emporium D) (RRP $30 each) 05. QUUT TOYS (Tiger Tribe) (RRP $24.95) 06. MOCKA WOODEN PLAYGYM (RRP $69.95) 07. A DREAM 4IN1 SMART TRIKE (Big W) (RRP $199) 08. U.R. THE STAR CHRISTMAS GIFT PACK (www.ustar.com.au) (RRP $50) 09. BUSY BUILDERS (Tiger Tribe) (RRP $15.95 each) 10. UGLY FISH EYEWEAR JUNIORS (www.uglyfisheyewear.com/juniors) (RRP $34.95)

w w w .pakmag.com.au | N ovem ber 2014

01. LIGHT (Entanglements Metal Art)

HOME

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OUTDOOR spaces

PHOTO Entanglements Metal Art

02. FLOATING BUBBLE CANDLE (Entanglements Metal Art) (RRP $308.00)

05. BRUGGES TABLE (Outdoor Furniture Specialists) 04. BUBBLES BURNER (Entanglements Metal Art) (RRP $990.00)

03. KALAHARI OUTDOOR MIX AND MATCH COVER (Zanui) (RRP $144.95 each)

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06. TIDE BIRD DECORATIVE ACCENT (SET OF 2) (Zanui) (RRP $29.95)

The traditional Aussie backyard has always consisted of a BBQ and somewhere to gather over a drink or two, but the outdoor room is now taking on a whole new level of sophistication and luxury that can still be suited to the whole family’s needs.

STORY Carly Hammersley

07. ZULU GOLD CUSHION (Zanui) (RRP $59.95)

08. ZEN FIRE BALL (Entanglements Metal Art) (RRP $1650.00)

A

ustralians have long had a love-affair with the gazebo and these days there are designs to suit any taste and budget.

From the traditional gazebo, to the Bali Hut and daybeds, depending on the size of your space and taste, the options are endless to transform your humble backyard into a sanctuary that invites relaxation and tranquillity. The latest in outdoor design incorporates organically styled structures into the landscape. Rather than the structure just being plonked on the land without integration with its environment, the design is planned to integrate multilayered plantings and screening to offer privacy and atmosphere.

Metal as a construction material could not be any hotter than it is right now.

To create a look similar to the flower pod pergola pictured in this spread Ocean Blue Living are a Cairns-based company who specialise in working to their client’s ideas and budgets.

Their range includes custom water jet cut pergolas and gazebos, metal wall art, screens and decorative solutions. If you can envision it, Ocean Blue Living can make it a reality and they also deliver Australia-wide. Their designs offer infinite possibilities for clients who want something a bit different. One of the hottest ideas right now is to go “roofless”. Although many homeowners struggle with this concept, due to the normal placement of “outdoor” areas right under the

cover of our backdoor, it can be great to actually separate your outdoor living area from the rest of the house and feel like you are really outdoors..

Clever planting of shade-creating tropical trees (such as Terminalia, Tropical Almond) can eliminate the need for a roof while not creating the “boxed in” feeling that some other outdoor structures can have.

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10. OUTDOOR ZARA POD CHAIR (Ecochic) (RRP $650.00)

We may be headed into summer, but winter evenings can sometimes bring with them a chill so it’s worthwhile planning to include items that ensure you can utilise your outdoor space year-round. Imagine sitting in your own private oasis and sipping a glass of wine in the middle of July with a fire pit to add to the ambience. Or if you’re a keen alfresco cook, the perfect accompaniment to your outdoor living space may be a teppanyaki style built-in grill, pairing minimalism with a superior cooking experience.

Its seamless nature enables easy cleaning and no stark lines to draw attention away from your space.

However you want to experience it, an outdoor room can be a worthwhile and value-adding addition to your home.

In NQ, where our experience of the outdoors is as important as the time we spend indoors, it is an area not to be overlooked. With a few smart but key purchases you can completely transform the feel of not just your backyard, but your entire home, and enrich your life for years to come.

11. LEAF (Entanglements Metal Art) (RRP $650.00)

12.REPLICA WEGNER WISHBONE CHAIR (Stools&Chairs) (RRP $169.00)

09. CITRON COCKATOO SCULPTURE 34CM (SET OF 2)

(Zanui) (RRP

GARDEN decor ideas

$69.95)

13. CERAMIC URN (Zanui) (RRP $72.95-$134.95)

PHOTO Entanglements Metal Art

14. BLEACHED DRIFTWOOD BIRDFEEDER (Zanui) (RRP $74.95)

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3

2

1. Lilydale Wardrobe 2. Lilydale Single 3. Lilydale Desk Hutch

And lots more available!

Ph (07) 4038 5000 Fax (07) 4038 1363 2-4 Dunbulan St, Smithfield Qld 4878 Email: vipsales@vipfurniture.com.au

designedLocally & in Cairn made s oceanblue living CUTTING EDGE DESIGN

M

ROO

SHOW

NOEW N! OP

3/169

ll St.

Newe

OPEN: TUES, WED, THUR 9AM - 2PM. Other times by appointment CuSTOM MadE:

Decorative screens - Wall Art - Light Boxes - Barrier Screens - Furniture - Letterboxes - Fire Pits - Feature Lights - Feature Fence Infills, Panels & Gates

CHOOSE fROM a RaNgE Of MaTERIalS:

Aluminium, Stainless Steel, Corten, Mild Steel, Timber

PH: 0409 726 128

WEBSITE: www.oceanblueliving.com.au

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02.

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03.

HOME

05.

04.

things we love A FEW THINGS WE WOULD PICK TO STYLE OUTDOOR SPACES!

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07.

08.

01. GASMATE STEEL DELUXE PIZZA OVEN (Harvey Norman) (RRP $599.00) 02. COPPER PENDANT LIGHT (Fat Shack Vintage) (RRP $100.00) 03. URBAN PENDANT LIGHTS (Fat Shack Vintage) (RRP $120.00) 04. BBQ EQBL100AS (Electrolux) (RRP $2588) 05. PHOENIX (Designer Fire) (RRP $409.00) 06. GRAND GAZEBOS DAYBED (3 BACKS) (Grand Gazebos) (Price Starting from RRP $2545) 07. REPLICA TOLIX STOOL (SET OF 4) (Stools & Chairs) (RRP $275.00) 08. BLISS OCCASIONAL CHAIRS (The Outdoor Furniture Specialists) (RRP $159.00)

w w w .pakmag.com.au | N ovem ber 2014

Looking to build a cooler

home for your family?

• • • • • •

Local Cairns Builder • Reduced energy bills Naturally cooler homes • Affordable quality Passive designs • Personalised service!

Built by GreenSmart Professionals More comfortable for your family National award winning company

UP TO 9.5 STAR ENERGY RATED QBCC: 1176258

Save up to 90% on hot water heating costs.

“Solar Hot Water ... Naturally.”

CMD allows you to deal direct with the manufacturer All systems fully approved to all applicable Australian Standards Industry compatible warranties 7 year tank warranty* Ask about Financial Rebates and Incentives

OUR AWARDS: Call Kenick Constructions now

0414 725 573

Phone 07 4036 3388

0422 434 178

Visit us online at: www.cmdsolar.com.au

www.kenickconstructions.com.au

worth of sustainable living products.

GREEN THUMB: Cairns Regional Council’s sustainable living program.

We look at a different topic each month to help connect the dots between environmental stewardship, community well-being and economic prosperity.

SIGN UP to have your say and we’ll put you in the draw to WIN: • $2,000 worth of sustainable living products for your home.

• Monthly prize draws from local business sponsors.

GO TO: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/greenthumb

You will gain access to: • Monthy prize draws • Online forums • Sustainable living resources

In a region where our community is as diverse as our natural environment, Council’s Green Thumb website is an exciting online hub for people to share ideas for a sustainable lifestyle.

L

aunched on World Environment Day last year, the interactive Green Thumb site generates community conversation on common sense solutions to help us all live comfortably for less, to save money and avoid waste.

Planning and Environment Committee Chair Councillor Terry James says that it’s our everyday actions that can make a big difference to our environment, lifestyle and local economy.

“Green Thumb is about sharing what works at your home, workplace or school with the rest of the community,” he said.

Each month Council posts a new conversation topic on the Green Thumb website and this month’s focus is household waste and recycling.

“Recycling is the most obvious way to reduce household waste, but it’s only part of the solution. Shopping choices such as buying in bulk to reduce packaging and choosing reusable over disposable also makes a big difference to how much waste we create every week” said Cr James.

TOP TIPS FOR REDUCING HOUSEHOLD WASTE: REDUCE When you shop, try to avoid single-use disposable products

and choose products with less packaging e.g. family sized packet of chips rather than individual snack packs. Eg, concentrated cordial which comes in smaller bottles or refill packs for laundry liquids.

REUSE You’re only limited by your imagination in what you can reuse -

e.g. washed takeaway food containers can be re-used as lunchboxes or to store food in your freezer; reuse plastic containers and glass jars to store things like buttons or nails or take your unwanted items to Council’s Buyback Shop.

RECYCLE Know which bin to put it in. Go to recycleright.cairns.qld.gov.au

website for more recycling information. Keep items loose. Tip recyclables directly into your yellow lid wheelie bin (i.e. not inside a plastic bag) so they can be easily sorted at the Materials Recycling Facility.

DISPOSAL Take items that shouldn’t go in either bin, such as car batteries, paint tins and chemical drums to your nearest Waste Transfer Station for correct recycling and disposal.

As an added incentive to check out the Green Thumb website, there are end of month prizes donated by local business sponsors. Plus all participants go into the draw for the grand prize of $2000 worth of sustainable living products for your home or lifestyle, which will be announced at the 2015 Sustainable Living Expo.

SEARCH ‘CAIRNS GREEN THUMB’ OR FOLLOW THE LINKS FROM THE COUNCIL WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS.

WHY CHOOSE SOLAR HOT WATER? Installing a solar hot water system is a great way of using North Queensland’s plentiful supply of sun to heat water for your home. A solar hot water system can provide up to 90 per cent of your hot water using free energy from the sun. Solar collectors installed on your roof heat water which is stored in a tank for later use.

CMD Solar hot water systems are designed and manufactured locally for both domestic and small commercial requirements in Australian conditions. They are a fantastic long-term investment providing efficient hot water, while reducing the impact on the environment. For more information contact 1300 853 392 or visit cmdsolar.com.au

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SUSTAINABLE SERIES

THUMBS UP FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING

AIR QUALITY & HEALTH When choosing building products, whether for a new home or for a renovation project, how many of us think about the chemicals that go into those products? Did you know that living in the tropics can make off-gassing of these chemicals even worse?

It makes sense that the air-quality of our buildings and especially our homes where we spend most of our time would have an effect on our health and well-being.

So, what should you be looking for when building or renovating your home if you want to improve air quality? · A well designed floor plan which maximises natural air-flow. · Minimising the need for mechanical ventilation by having a good passive design (this will also have benefits in keeping your electricity bills down too). · Selecting materials which use either no harmful chemicals or less harmful chemicals. This includes paint (look for low VOC or no VOC products. Glues and mastics also range in the amount of chemicals in them. ·

In your kitchen and other cabinetry, ask for EO boards from your builder/cabinet maker (these have no VOC’s in them).

The difference in price is minimal.

For more information on this and other aspects of sustainable housing, contact Rachel, Kenick’s National Award winning Greensmart professional on 0423 182 037 or visit www.kenickconstructions.com.au

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TRAVEL

Christmas Around

THE GLOBE STORY Kylie Stokes

Christmas is just around the corner and while the usual celebrations at home are always memorable, have you ever thought about heading off on a northern winter escape? Nothing beats a white Christmas and imagine the kid’s delight when they get to make a snowman or maybe even meet Santa in person.

T

his time of year is also perfect for a ski holiday with December and January being right in the middle of the season in the Northern Hemisphere.

There’s resorts scattered all over North America and Canada, Europe, Japan and even China so the choice is endless.

It doesn’t matter where you’re looking at travelling, the Christmas holiday period is one of the busiest times of the year so the key to the perfect family break is to start planning early. You really need to be looking at booking in the first half of the year for that year’s Christmas as flights, tours and accommodation can sell out very quickly at this time.

my.travelmanager.com.au/KylieStokes

EXPERIENCE A MAGICAL FAMILY HOLIDAY IN ONE OF THESE UNFORGETTABLE DESTINATIONS:

SANTA IN FINLAND – head up high into the Arctic Circle for a unique adventure staying in private cabins or even try an evening under the Northern Lights in a glass igloo. With opportunities to visit Santa and his elves, mush your own team of huskies or just take a reindeer sleigh ride through the forest, this is the ultimate Christmas destination.

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN NEW YORK – picture the once in a lifetime experience of being in Times Square experiencing the Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve with your family. From the world’s most famous Christmas trees at Rockefeller Centre to ice skating in Central Park, nothing beats the festive season in New York.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN EUROPE - the markets originated in Germany but are now popular throughout much of Europe. The region becomes a winter wonderland filled with brass bands, carol singers and stalls of handcrafted wooden toys, pottery and colourful decorations. Whether you decide to visit one of the great markets like Vienna, Nurnberg or Salzburg or one of the smaller markets in Rothenberg or Innsbruck, the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere will have you feeling like you are in a fairytale.

SKIING IN JAPAN - Japan is a great option if you have small kids as the flights aren’t as long as other destinations. There are plenty of family friendly resorts to choose from and it’s important to find one that caters well to English speaking children. Niseko in the north has child care and ski lessons with English speaking staff.

Hakuba is also very good and easier to reach from North Queensland.

w w w .pakmag.com.au | N ovem ber 2014

52

EAT INDEX

ALL VOUCHERS also available at www.pakmag.com.au, on our facebook page or take a photo with your phone

BAR & GRILL Thurs nighTs: $15 grill nights Friday nighTs: $10 Pizzas saT mornings: $10 Pancakes Live music EVEry sunday from 1-4pm and $1 oysters!

Book in for your Xmas Party!

PHONE: 07 4055 3534 Captain Cook Highway, Ellis Beach

enquiries@ellisbeachbarandgrill.com.au

pakmag Leisure

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FA M i LY

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advertise

here

for as little as $80/month +gst Call 4053 3331 for more information

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ELLIS BEACH BAR & GRILL

REVIEW

BAR & GRILL

EAT

Dominic Hammersley discovers a surprise at Ellis Beach.

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E

llis Beach Bar and Grill has all the hallmarks of a hipster restaurant, it’s understated in its appearance, the location is off-beat yet beautiful, the décor is a sustainable collection of rescued and recycled materials, and the menu is a delightfully eclectic mix of appetising house prepared comfort foods, with a twist.

While it has the hallmarks of hipster, don’t feel out of place if you’re not wearing tight jeans, or you have a family. The Ellis Beach clientele are a mixed crowd that warmly accepted our children.

The place is a buzz on an otherwise lazy Sunday afternoon. The punters come in their droves for the Sunday special, freshly shucked $1 dollar oysters that you can enjoy natural, or any number of tantalizing flavours. My pick is Thai Nam Pla, and together with a Lychee Martini cocktail ($15) you will be transported to beachside Phuket, Thailand. The Ellis Beach menu is like that, it has the ability to take you all over the world. Enjoy a Carona and plate of pulled beef brisket Nacho’s with smoked and tasty cheese ($16) and you could easily be beachside in Mexico.

It is food and service first for owner Andrew Saville. He is the man responsible for the diverse, well executed food offering which is telling of the depth and breadth of industry experience between Andrew and head Chef Grant McGregor. Plainly speaking, this duo works for Ellis Beach Bar & Grill.

You can’t go wrong with any selection from the small plate menu. The salmon rillettes ($14) are a must try. A blended confit complete with house smoked salmon infused with fennel, served with crème fraiche and bread. The South East Asian influenced slow cooked beef ribs ($12) with sticky sweet galangal and sweet soy sauce are simply mouthwatering.

The larger plate options are plentiful, from sous vide smoked beef skirt topped with a crab and garlic butter served with salad and chips ($19), pork salad with green papaya, wombok, chilli, beans and peanuts tossed in a master stock caramel ($17.50) to classic beer battered fish with thick cut chips and house made tartare ($17), and a daily selection of house crafted pizza. There is truly something for everyone on the menu, including vegetarian and gluten free options.

If you’re taking the family, Ellis Beach is just across the road from the restaurant and has lifeguards on duty throughout the day as well as a flagged area for a safe swim. The restaurant itself has a no fuss play area for children’s entertainment. Also, and critically for a young family, the service is fast.

Our kids (four and two years old respectively) elected to try the children’s plates of calamari rings ($10) and Daisy’s Finest cheese burger ($10). Both dishes, served together with thick cut chips, arrived at the same time as the oysters. Our fussy eaters dived right in with our two year old offering entertainment to nearby diners taking on the huge cheeseburger!

So there you have it. Don’t drive by Ellis Beach without stopping to experience this hidden gem. You won’t regret it!.

ELLIS BEACH BAR & GRILL Captain Cook Highway Ellis Beach (5 mins north of Palm Cove) CUISINE: Modern, eclectic PRICE RANGE: Small plates $11 - $14 Main courses $15.50 - $19 CURRENT SPECIALS: $1 oysters and live music (Sun from 1pm) $12 seniors lunches (Wed) RESERVATIONS: advisable for large groups HOURS: breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week

aLso aVaiLabLE For

oThEr FuncTions

BAR & GRILL PHONE: 07 4055 3534

Captain Cook Highway, Ellis Beach

Thurs nighTs: $15 grill nights Friday nighTs: $10 Pizzas saT mornings: $10 Pancakes Live music EVEry sunday From 1-4pm and $1 oysters!

enquiries@ellisbeachbarandgrill.com.au w w w .pakmag.com.au | N ovem ber 2014

SNAPPED! 03

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SNAPPED

01 04 02

05 01. LEVI - Round 1 Ravenshoe Natural Terrain Series 02. AVA & MATT - Tinaroo Dam October Long Weekend 03. ARRAN, “GOLDIE” INONA & WINONA - Kuranda Festival 04. CHAD & MASON - Round 1 Ravenshoe Natural Terrain Series 05. CARA & “QUACK” - Rotary Charity Duck Race Palm Cove

5 Photos for $60 *Christmas Themed Portrait Session

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1st Nov - 9th Dec PHONE: 0434 566 551

06

08

55 PHOTOS THANKS TO MELISSA DUNCAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Email photos, name/s & locations: photos@pakmag.com.au (Deadline for photos 15 NOV for the DEC 2014 Edition of Pakmag)

09 07 10

06. BRODY & JAKE - Holy Cross School Colour Run 07. ELLA - Kuranda Festival 08. LEEANDRA & GARETH - Bloom Wellbeing Expo 09. HARRISON - Bloom Wellbeing Expo 10. KAYLA & KATELIN - Trinity Kawasaki Jetski Demo Day

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BIZ INDEX • Face Painting • Puppets • Balloons • Games • Music • Other costumes available 4057 8019 or 0408 183 032 www.nikkitheclown.com

Community Family Fun day

Fundraiser event held by: City ChurCh Cairns & edge hill tavern sat 22nd nov 3 - 6pm @ edgehill tavern. bbQ, jumping Castle, FaCe painting, raFFles, huge giveaways , kids entertainment & more.

For more inFo & pre sold tiCkets email niCole@CityChurChCairns.Com.au

2 Convenient LoCations:

Cairns indoor sports Tue, THu, Fri & SaT

9am-midday

Portsmith, 2/79 Fearnley St PHONE: 4035 5054 Trinity Beach, Cnr Aropa St & Cook Hwy PHONE: 4057 8218 OPEN: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm & Sat 8am-2pm

PHONe: 4032 2844

164 Mayers Street, Manunda cairnsindoorsports.com.au Novem b e r 2 0 1 4 | w w w .p a km a g .c o m .a u

For more info call Rachel 0431 213 971 or visit www.pupstars.com.au * Biz Index Advertising From Only $70/Month

Cairns Veterinary Clinic

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PET

INTRODUCING Your Pet and New Baby

C

ongratulations! With a new bundle of joy on the way, the "to do's" might seem endless, but if you've already got a fourlegged “First Baby" at home, preparing for the transition is an important item to add to your list. Check out our tips for before and after the big day arrives and make sure your household remains a happy one!

PREPARING PET FOR NEW ARRIVAL • Visit your veterinarian for a health examination and ensure they are vaccinated, regularly wormed and treated for ticks and fleas. If your pet is not desexed it’s a good time to do so as desexed pets are generally calmer and less likely to be aggressive. While you’re there get your pet a ‘pet-icure’ to avoid any accidental scratches.

• Address any pet training and behaviour issues – If your pet’s behaviour includes gentle nibbling, pouncing, or swatting at you and others, talk to your veterinarian or a behaviour specialist about how you can redirect that behaviour to appropriate objects.

them onto your lap, which will soon cradle your newborn.

• Accustom your pet to babies and baby noises– Introduce your pet to as many infants and children as possible during the preparation time. If you’re short on friends with kids, try using a baby doll. It may feel a little odd but it’s a tried and tested trick that works. Play recordings of baby sounds while rewarding your pet to create a positive experience.

• Discourage your dog from jumping up at people and furniture.

• Set up the nursery well in advance to give your pet time to get used to the furniture. If you plan to use baby gates install them now. Stock up on some basic supplies such as baby powder so your pet begins to get used to new smells.

AFTER THE BABY IS BORN • Before bringing your new baby home, take home something with the babies scent such as a blanket for your pet.

• Consider enrolling in a training class with your dog – training allows you to control your pet’s behaviour and enhances the bond between you and your pet.

• When you return from hospital, your pet will be eager to greet you and receive your attention. Remember to welcome your pet as normal when you arrive home in a warm and calm manner.

• Train your pet to sit calmly on the floor beside you until you invite

• Introduce your pet to your new addition slowly offering rewards

"Spend some one on one time with your pet each day to ensure they still feel important."

for good behaviour. Make them sit and behave calmly. Never force your pet to go near the baby and always supervise any interaction.

• Ask visitors to make a fuss of your pet as well as your newborn when they visit.

• Spend some one on one time with your pet each day to ensure they still feel important.

For further information Dr Lewis Kirkham, a veterinarian and animal behaviourist, has published an essential book for dog owners who are expecting a baby. “Tell Your Dog you’re pregnant” is a step by step guide packed full of useful information, helpful tips based on the latest behavioural knowledge and a CD of baby and toy sounds to prepare your furry friend for the new arrival. This essential guide can be purchased at any of our three clinics.

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LUNCH BOX

01.

03.

BENTO BOX LUNCH BOX CONTAINS 01. Mini Rice Wheels and Cheese held in place using silicone cups 02. Vegemite sandwiches cut using Animal Friends Stamp & Cutter and faces drawn on using foodoodler edible markers 03. Fruit with eye food picks, brings the strawberries to life 04. Patty cake with sprinkles.

02.

04.

FRUIT BITES 200g Dried Fruit 50g Desiccated Coconut 3-4 Teaspoons Honey (to taste) Fruit Suggestions (choose 1 or mix them) Apricots, Mango, Apple, Pineapple, Paw Paw

NOTE: You can also use blueberries, cranberries or strawberries.

METHOD 01. Place ingredients (start with the light coloured fruits) into the food processor or Thermomix and blend on the highest speed for 45 seconds.

Scrape down the sides and repeat. If using a food processor you may have to repeat again, in a Thermomix 2 times is enough. It is ready when it starts to form a ball as the blade is turning. It will be nice and moist but not to wet, if

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its wet add a little dried coconut.

02. Roll mixture into small balls then roll in extra coconut.

03. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze them and take them out the morning you want to use them.

NOTE: Dates help certain fruits for texture and sweetness. You can use most dried fruits in the fruit bites.

www.trendyliltreats.com.au

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w w w .pakmag.com.au | N ovem ber 2014