PakMag Townsville - March 2019 Issue 100

ISSUE: MAR 2019

1

TOWNSVILLE

FERTILITY TO 1 st YEAR PREP PARENTS HELPING KIDS IN THE WAKE OF A NATURAL DISASTER

LOCAL CONCEPTION JOURNEYS NURSERY NESTING PRIZES GALORE

FREE www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 1

WELCOME 4

Entertainment: Check it Out

Hello and welcome to the 100th edition of PakMag Townsville!

7

The Thing Is…

8

Journey to Becoming Parents

11

Helping Kids in the Wake of

a Natural Disaster

Well that wasn’t the start to the school year we were all hoping for.

For many it’s been weeks of cleaning up, lack of access to food, and entertaining kids that are sick of being inside because of the poor weather. My house has been filled with muddy paw and footprints, mould, and even my herbs have all died and variety of phallic mushrooms have taken their place. We sure have had a big wet this year.

15 Terrific Teachers 16 Prep Parents 20 The PakMag Experts 23 Bump, Bub and Beyond:

Plan B

24 WIN – Bump,

Bub and Beyond

27 What’s On Guide

What I have experienced is nothing though in comparison to others.

Our hearts go out to all of the people who have been affected by the floods.

Every time I am cleaning up something muddy or mouldy I am thinking of those that are going through much worse. There is one thing about NQ that I love the most, and that is when things like this happen, our communities band together as one to help each other and love each other. It’s beautiful and heart-warming to see. If only we could keep that sense of community going year round, our paradise would certainly be even more amazing.

Until next time, have a great month, enjoy this edition and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

29 Mini Mag 37 Health 41 5 Ways to Fuel Your Body 43 Recipes: Brain Food 45 Teach Your Child to Fly!

Bree James PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief

49 Fertility to First Birthday 52 Mater Snapped 54 Home with Caro

and Kingi – Nursery Nesting

56 Daddy Diary

Grand Publishing Founder

On the cover Cliffo, Michelle Matilda and Charlie Cover photography Josephine Carter Photography www.josephinecarterphotography.com Contact Us: p 4053 3331 e admin@grandpublishing.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870

Lead Graphic Designer Clare Winter

and Editor-in-Chief Bree James Marketing to Families Experts Lisa Gillman

Graphic Designer Sara Williams Journalist Jenna Galley

Colleen DuBois Dan Kendrick

Videographer Monique Saggers

Marketing, Events and Administration Assistant

Content Creator Kalisha Fitsch

Alyssa Marino Accounts

Podcast Producer Alana Scalici

Trent Stievano

Our North Queensland Channels PakMag Townsville Parents of North Queensland pakmag_nq Parents and Kids of

North Queensland Our Global Parenting Channels PakMag Online pakmag_online PakMag The Give It A Go Group

For Parents The PakMag Parents Podcast PakMag TV

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

Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 31st March 2019.

We encourage recycling. Please keep this issue for future reference, pass onto your friends and family, use for craft projects or place into the recycling bin.

families

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 3

Entertainment

CHECK IT OUT Street Science - Free Entry Day When: Saturday 9th March, 9.30am-3.00pm Where: Museum of Tropical Queensland More info: www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au See the Museum of Tropical Queensland turned into a science playground with free entry and immersive, family-friendly events taking place all day.

Several hands-on activities will take place focusing on captivating topics ranging from technology to environmental conservation. There’s something to do for everyone in the family!

Welcoming Babies Ceremony When: Sunday 17th March, 9.00am-1.00pm Where: Museum of Tropical Queensland More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au The Welcoming Babies Ceremonies are held as a special event for Townsville’s youngest residents.

There will be three sessions. Babies must be 13 months or younger.

Families will receive a welcoming certificate on the day, a gift bag, and be photographed along the mayor of Townsville.

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Home Games When: Saturday 16th March, 6.35pm-9.35pm (versus St George Illawarra Dragons) When: Saturday 30th March, 4.30pm-7.30pm (versus Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks) When: Saturday 6th April, 4.30pm-7.30pm (versus Canberra Raiders) Where: 1300SMILES Stadium More Info: www.cowboys.com.au Get your tickets now to support the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys when they take on the St George Illawarra Dragons and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at 1300SMILES Stadium.

Melanoma March Townsville When: Saturday 23rd March, 5.00pm-7.00pm Where: Jezzine Barracks More info: townsville.melanomamarch.org.au Every five hours, one Australian dies from melanoma. This family-friendly event brings the community together to raise awareness and funds for research. It’s an opportunity to remember loved ones, inspire others and support people battling melanoma.

Join the march for a cure!

4 January March 2019 2019| |www.pakmag.com.au pakmag.com.au

North Queensland Babies & Kids Market When: Saturday 30th March, 8.30am - 12.30pm Where: Emmaus Hall, Ryan Catholic College More info: www.nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket.com Looking for something to do on the weekend? Browse 90 market stalls, have a bite to eat and grab one of 500 free bounty bags. Let the kids bounce around on the jumping castles, create to their heart’s content at the craft area or have their face painted. Keep your fingers crossed and you may win a lucky door prize. Entry is $2 for adults and free for children under 16.

The Safelet - Wearable Safety Bracelet More info: www.safelet.com Developed by a Netherlands-based company and brought to North Queensland by Life Sumo, The push of a button on this clever bracelet is all it takes to save a life, sending an emergency alert to family, friends and a network of guardians.

When activated, the bracelet also shows the location of the sender and has a microphone to record events.

Anybody can find themselves in a vulnerable situation, and the Safelet plays its part in bringing the community one step closer to safety.

The Thing Is

The Thing Is...

STORY Bree James

Parent fails. We’ve all had them. The funniest one I’ve seen was a lady that fake tanned her body and then breastfed her baby. The baby ended up with a fake tanned boob circle on his face.

I’ve had some shockers.

When my son was 2 years old, he hurt his arm whilst being taken care of by a relative. He seemed ok, but a week later we noticed he was favouring one arm.

We took him to the doctors and left with his arm in a cast. Same thing happened to same child 3 years later.

Twice he had an injury but we thought it was minor and it wasn’t… oops.

Or the time my husband messed up the time for our youngest child’s performance for his last day of Kindy.

Not only did we miss the concert, but all the other kids left at midday and he was the only child left at 2.00pm when we turned up for the concert. That was a very sad day.

The thing is… we all have parent fails. If you aren’t failing, you aren’t trying hard enough right? Please tell me that statement rings true for parenting?!

I remember my parents failed quite a few times.

Picking us up from gymnastics often meant hours of waiting due to miscommunication between them (and there were no mobile phones back then).

The home birthday cakes that no one would eat because they were as dry as cardboard.

The DIY haircuts to save money, that literally looked like Mum put a bowl on my head and thought “that will keep my scissor line straight” (this always ends up as a parent fail, don’t do it!).

The conversations they had (or the adult activities) not thinking we were listening.

To the food left in the fridge that we thought was ok to consume... I ate 2-week-old chicken at my dad’s house once. I was hospitalised and couldn’t eat chicken for 2 years or I’d get sick again.

Parent fails happen.

In the moment, parent fails are not always funny, and we are traumatised for a long time (I was too scared to see a hairdresser until I was in my twenties and I am still really careful with chicken). However, some make nuggets of gold for their 18th birthday party and beyond.

Like the times you find your kids eating dog food, cockroaches, or their own bodily fluids.

As much as I hate failing, I do wonder which parent fails I have done that will potentially scar my kids into adulthood! Probably the forgotten Kindy performance, fractured arms, and the time I said licking a 9-volt battery is fun. But hey, we can’t be perfect parents, or we wouldn’t have any funny stories, right?

And if we really think about it, I am sure our kids have had many kid fails that have made us look bad too.

Like the time they pee down the slippery slide at Bunnings or take Panadol to daycare to hand out...

Kids sure have a fine way of helping us with our parent fails.

If you are beating yourself up right now because of a parent fail, stop. We all have them, and it’s what makes the parenthood journey the rollercoaster it is.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 7

Josephine Carter Photography

Feature

OUR journey to becoming parents The road to falling pregnant is different for every parent. Some of us accidently fall pregnant, some try for a month and fall pregnant, some try for months or years and have success, and sadly some are broken hearted time and time again. This month PakMag interviewed three local Townsville families about their journey to conceiving their bundles of joy.

Guy ‘Cliffo’, Michelle, Matilda AND CHARLIE Clifton If you’ve been reading Daddy Diary in PakMag for the past few years, or if you listen to Hit 103.1 Townsville, you may have heard that Townsville local and radio presenter Cliffo and his wife Michelle are welcoming a little boy into the world this April. Together, they shared with PakMag the conception story of soon to arrive baby Charlie.

Together, they recalled when they first decided to add to their family. “We’d talked about it for a bit,

8 March 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

we’d decided we’d start a family and go for it basically,” Michelle told PakMag. “Once Michelle decided that we were going to try and conceive, it became all business. Romance completely out the window!”

Cliffo said. “We were very happy and lucky that it happened so fast.”

Michelle and Cliffo recalled their mothers jumping up and down with excitement upon hearing the news. “Our mums were next level excited, they couldn’t hide their joy.” Michelle shared.

When they shared with Matilda that she’d be getting a little sibling, she asked “okay, when does it come out?”

Cliffo recalled. “I think she thought this was like getting a new toy,” When asked to share her own piece of advice for couples wanting to start a family, Michelle said “Just roll with it. I know so much pressure is put on yourself when you’re trying to have a baby, and that hinders it more than anything else.

Just enjoy your time with your partner and it’ll happen, whether it’s IVF, natural, or adoption. If you want it to happen, it will.”

Feature

Pam, Russell and Kyriarna Oxlee Pam’s conception journey is like no other, having tried to conceive for a whopping 20 years with plenty of bumps on the road to conception. Thankfully, her story has a very happy ending…

Gina, Ben, Ellison, Atticus, and Harper Rahmel Mum, Gina and Dad, Ben share their story about their three little ones Ellison, Atticus and Harper, proving to the world that miracles can and do happen.

Irresistible Desires Creative Studio

The road had never been easy for Gina and Ben. “Our daughter Ellison was conceived after close to two years, and our son Atticus was conceived through IVF after many failed AI and IVF attempts,” Gina told PakMag. “After that, we were told we couldn’t have babies and that I would enter menopause early.”

“I found out as a teenager that I had endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome so I knew conceiving naturally would be extremely hard,” Pam told PakMag. “I started fertility treatment at the age of 22. I did 20 IUI attempts and 4 IVF attempts with no success, which was a factor in my marriage breakdown.”

Despite being told they would have very little luck conceiving, the family stayed positive. “seven and a half years of no birth control later, Harper was miraculously conceived!” Gina shares. “With the older two being so meticulously planned, this pregnancy was a huge surprise. Why now after so long? Ben actually went mute when I told him. He thought I must have been joking. Our families were enormously excited for all three kids, but Harper was such an unexpected blessing.”

Gina’s advice to other families struggling to conceive is to “just be patient. Sometimes the world works in mysterious ways. Falling pregnant with Harper was a very big shock, but we could not imagine life without her.”

Once Pam was in a steady relationship, they decided to try IVF again. “Our first cycle, I fell pregnant and was so excited, but that excitement soon turned to disappointment as I miscarried at 9 weeks,” Pam shared.

“We then went on to do 3 further cycles, which all failed.

A friend who had been watching our journey offered us her eggs. So, after tests and counselling we did a donor cycle. The fresh cycle failed, so we decided to do a frozen cycle.”

To Pam and dad Russell’s excitement, the frozen cycle was successful! “I was 42 when Kyriarna was born.

We were completely over the moon, and she is now 20 months old. We did a second frozen cycle which has resulted in a baby boy, I am currently at 35 weeks.”

Pam’s advice for families struggling to conceive is to “Never give up until you have travelled every avenue available!”

Thanks for sharing your inspiring stories, we’d love to hear more, so please share yours with us on Facebook, or through “Share Your Story” on the PakMag website.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 9

Parenting

9 Ways to Help Your Children in the Wake of a Natural Disaster STORY Kathy Donaldson, The Parent's Precinct It’s been a devastating end to 2018 and start of 2019 for North Queenslanders. It started with the bush fires raging around Mackay in December, followed by cyclones ripping through communities in the North. This year we’ve been hit hard with continuous rain, causing flooding in several areas and damaging homes, shops and infrastructure across NQ, especially in Townsville.

WHEN NATURAL DISASTERS STRIKE Thousands of residents are coming to terms with the aftermath of these severe weather systems.

Give each child individual attention and allow them in their own time to talk about what happened and more importantly how they were feeling during the event.

2. Reassure These events can be very confusing for children and can often make them scared. The best way to help children understand is to offer them plenty of reassurance, extra cuddles and family time.

Keep reassuring your children that these feelings are natural in the circumstances and that they are safe and ok.

But in addition to the clean up and the insurance claims, we need to consider how these natural disasters impact our children, and how we can help them understand what has happened.

3. Take away the blame

HELPING CHILDREN COPE

Remind your kids that natural disasters are completely out of anyone’s control and no one is to blame for what has happened.

1. Ask and answer We can’t keep our kids in a bubble. They will see the news, hear stories and witness the aftermath.

And they will probably have questions.

Why did this happen?

What happens next?

Will it happen again?

Be up front and honest about what has happened and what this means. Answer any questions they have in a delicate but truthful manner. Yes, it’s been a hard time, but everyone is safe and hopefully the worst is over.

Bad things happen. It’s part of life. But young children often have trouble understanding that it’s no one’s fault when things like this happen.

4. Keep your routine Try to maintain your normal routine as much as possible, especially when it comes to meal times and bedtime.

The sooner your children get back to a normal routine they will feel safe and secure.

5. Watch for signs of anxiety Natural disasters can be scary, especially when they hit so close to home. Children may have trouble coming to terms with what happened or they may be worried that another disaster could happen again.

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Parenting

If you notice your child is having trouble sleeping, seems anxious, stressed and worried or is displaying any unusual behaviour then talk to them about how they are feeling. Consider giving them a comfort object (like a teddy or blanket) that they can cuddle if there is a storm in the future.

You may need outside support to help them. Contact your GP, your child’s school counsellor or one of the services listed below.

6. Give them a chance to express their feelings If your kids are anxious about natural disasters but are having trouble communicating these concerns, look for additional outlets to help them. Ask them to draw a picture or write down their thoughts in a journal.

7. Set up a family emergency plan Having a family emergency plan and evacuation kit in place, just in case, can be comforting and reassuring for kids.

It can help them feel safe and prepared if disaster strikes.

Sit down as a family to make a checklist of what you need. Map out where to go, what to do and what will happen in various situations, such as if the kids are at school or you are at work.

If you are unsure what to include in your emergency kit, head to your local council’s website for a handy list of what to pack.

We can’t control the weather but we can take precautions to ensure everyone is safe. Doing this as a family can help alleviate any fears kids may have.

8. Focus on the positive stories There have been so many beautiful stories that have come from this traumatic time. Families helping families, communities banding together, people reaching out to those who need it.

It’s these heroic and heart-warming acts that are worth focusing on.

Sharing these stories with your kids can help them see that kindness and community support are stronger than even the most severe storm.

Better still, if you and the kids are in a position to help out, get involved! This can give the kids a focus and help everyone move forward as a community.

By spending time helping others, your children will learn the value of compassion and empathy.

The best way they will learn this is from you and the adults and role models around them.

9. Have fun No matter what is happening around you, find time to joke and laugh and do some stupid things…the kids will find it very entertaining and will join in as you lighten up, smile, laugh and enjoy their company!

Every child is unique and you know your child best.

If you feel like something isn't quite right, don't hesitate to act. Trauma, if left unmanaged, can cause stress and anxiety which can lead to mental health issues.

Talk to them, speak to a professional and seek medical advice.

RESOURCES AND SERVICES The Parent’s Precinct e kathy@kathydonaldson.com.au The Parents Precinct www.kathydonaldson.com.au

Healthy Families at Beyond Blue www.healthyfamilies. beyondblue.org.au

Many people are just surviving as parents... they are stuck in their lives and repeat unresourceful patterns that hold them back from living the life they want. Are you one of these parents? Kathy offers one-to-one or group coaching, plus workshops, empowering parents to identify their negative thoughts, beliefs and actions that may be impacting on their children.

A great rescource which includes tips on helping kids cope with anxiety, building resilience and optimism and much more.

They have a simple mental health checklist that you can do to determine if your child could be at risk. If the rating does come back as high, then talk to a GP about your next plan of action.

12 January March 2019 2019| |www.pakmag.com.au pakmag.com.au

Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) www.kidshelpline.com.au Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Their website is a great rescource not only for kids, but young adults and parents too.

There are articles on helping kids identify and express feelings, anxiety in kids and teens, building respectful relationships and much more.

Terrific Teachers

TERRIFIC TEACHERS LUKE BrennAn BRENNAN Luke

LISA MACDONALD

Townsville Grammar School

St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand

“In my younger years as a basketball coach for young kids, I quickly realised the positive rapport I was able to build with children and the enjoyment I received from helping them.

It was an easy decision to go back to University and study Teaching.

I have now been teaching for 10 years. I love the variety each day brings; you never know what is going to happen during a science experiment or what question will be asked next.

“When I was about 15, I was struggling to decide what to do, and one of my teachers told me to think about all the things I would hate to be doing. I always knew I wanted to work with people in a happy, creative, supportive environment. Teaching ticked all the boxes and more.

I have been teaching for 22 years now. I currently teach a prep class four days a week, so every day is memorable.

Being able to see students who I’ve taught in the past who have become young adults on different career paths is another great thing about being a teacher.”

The Outside Play sessions are my favourite, as this time allows me to build relationships with my students and watch how they learn in an environment that is safe, fun, challenging and creative.”

tgs@tgs.qld.edu.au www.tgs.qld.edu.au

enquiries@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au www.sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au

BRUCE CAMPBELL

MELISSA HARRIS

The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James

Annandale Christian College

“I’ve been teaching for 31 years - both of my parents were teachers, so they were a big influence. As a student I was conscientious and tried my best, and I thoroughly enjoyed being at high school. I thought becoming a teacher myself would be a suitable career choice.

“I grew up knowing that I always wanted to be a teacher.

I was actually a past student of Annandale Christian College and remember my time here as the happiest in my schooling. This year is my 20th year of teaching.

My favourite subject to teach would have to be History, particularly if it’s Australian history because I learn just as much as the students about the people and events in the past that have played a part in shaping our modern day lives.”

We are really blessed at our school to teach integrated units with Christ at the heart of our curriculum. Being able to make so many cross curricular links has made teaching and learning so much richer. I love developing children’s literacy skills so that they can access all learning areas.

If I had to pick my favourite subject though, it would be English.”

tcs@cathedral.qld.edu.au www.cathedral.qld.edu.au

enquiries@acc.qld.edu.au www.acc.qld.edu.au

www.pakmag.com.au | February www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 15

Prep Parents

PREP PARENTS AARON MEALING Annandale Christian College “Lacey had an absolute blast on her first day.

She was up and dressed an hour before she needed to leave home.

The teachers at ACC put so much effort into getting to know each student. Whenever my wife and I are talking to the teachers, they let us know if there is anything we can be doing with Lacey at home to help her excel.

The school was really open to us asking questions about the curriculum and the beliefs of teachers and staff. I think it’s important that parents are able to choose and understand what their kids are taught in regards to curriculum, social issues and religious education.” enquiries@acc.qld.edu.au www.acc.qld.edu.au

CLICK HERE IN THE ONLINE MAG TO SEE THE SCHOOL’S PREP CLASS OF 2019

Tania STUBBINGTON Townsville Central State School Tania told PakMag about her daughter Tilly’s first day at school, and how excited she was to start.

“Tilly’s first day was great. She was so excited to tell everyone about it.

She was most looking forward to putting on her brandnew ‘big kids’ uniform and finally being at ‘big school’ with her older sister Summer.

Townsville Central has such a great atmosphere, and the teachers and families are so friendly. It’s the perfect location close to our home, and as soon as we went to look, we knew our girls would love it.” admin@towncentss.eq.edu.au www.townsvillecentralss.eq.edu.au

CLICK HERE IN THE ONLINE MAG TO SEE THE SCHOOL’S PREP CLASS OF 2019

16 March 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Prep Parents

ALISON HOGAN Alison The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James “Hamish thoroughly enjoyed his first day. We were worried he may have felt out of place given his new surroundings, however when we arrived, he immediately became interested in one of the live animal stations; he was in his element. He came home telling us about his stories from the day.

The visible passion shown from Luke Baills and numerous ‘learning facilitators’ was what initially piqued our interest to learn more of Cathedral’s learning methods. We were overwhelmed by the energy and enthusiasm displayed by everyone we encountered at Cathedral, including the students. We were comforted with the fact that Cathedral is adopting these learning methods in a measured and practical way.” tcs@cathedral.qld.edu.au www.cathedral.qld.edu.au

CLICK HERE IN THE ONLINE MAG TO SEE THE SCHOOL’S PREP CLASS OF 2019

NARDINE YOUNG The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James Nardine recalls Charlotte – or Charlie’s – fantastic first day at school with her older siblings.

“Charlie really enjoyed her first day at school.

She loved the fact that she was finally joining her two older siblings at ‘big school’ after watching them go there. By far, she was most looking forward to putting on her ‘big kids uniform’.

I had heard many great things about The Cathedral School before my kids started there. It is a wonderful school with a great family atmosphere, friendly teachers, caring environment and small class sizes.

The kids are loving it”. tcs@cathedral.qld.edu.au www.cathedral.qld.edu.au

CLICK HERE IN THE ONLINE MAG TO SEE THE SCHOOL’S PREP CLASS OF 2019

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 17

Prep Parents

PREP PARENTS Elizabeth Mokrzecki St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand Elizabeth shares her and her son Henry’s feelings about the first day of school.

“It was very wet with the monsoonal rain; however, our family was greeted by the smiling teachers and they knew each child’s name. Henry is my first child to start school, and this made it so much easier for me to drop him off, knowing he is in good hands. He was so looking forward to making new friends, playing on the playground and visiting the library.

I love the school community without a doubt – during the floods the community spirit was incredible, the love and generosity of the parents and staff were unbelievable and the school went above and beyond to help.” enquiries@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au www.sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au

CLICK HERE IN THE ONLINE MAG TO SEE THE SCHOOL’S PREP CLASS OF 2019

PATTI COOPER The Willows State School Patti shared with PakMag her daughter Paige’s emotional but exciting first day.

“Paige had such a great first day. There were a few tears at drop off but she was completely fine when she realised I would be coming back at the end of the day.

She was so excited to be playing with all of her kindy friends again.

We chose The Willows State School because it’s in a convenient location close to where we live. We love all the teachers there, they are so friendly and caring and we have no doubts that Paige will have a great time.” e admin@thewillowsss.eq.edu.au www.thewillowsss.eq.edu.au

CLICK HERE IN THE ONLINE MAG TO SEE THE SCHOOL’S PREP CLASS OF 2019

18 March 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Expert Advise

THE PAKMAG EXPERTS RUHL FAMILY LAW CENTRE

TOWNSVILLE PAEDIATRICS

Dear Diane,

Dear Dr Betty,

All of the property is in my former partner’s name.

What rights do I have?

What is ADHD?

It does not matter whose name property is in when coming to a property settlement. To determine the settlement, the Court will: •• Ascertain the assets and liabilities that form the property pool – this includes all property owned by both parties no matter which party owns the property.

•• Consider the contributions each party made – this includes both financial and non-financial contributions.

•• Consider the future needs of the parties.

•• Consider whether, having regard to the above, the proposed distribution of property is fair.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It starts in Childhood and symptoms may persist into adulthood. The type of ADHD diagnosed depends on the most predominant set of symptoms as either predominantly Hyperactive/impulsive, predominantly Inattentive or Combined type. Many children have trouble with some of these things, but in children with ADHD, this behaviour is extreme and has a big impact on their daily lives.

•• Even if you do not legally own any of the property, it will be included in the property pool, and distributed in accordance with this process.

With ADHD, the different parts of the brain don’t ‘talk’ to each other in a typical way. Because of this, children might have trouble thinking, learning, expressing their feelings or controlling their behaviour as well as other children of the same age.

4772 7672 www.ruhlfamilylaw.com.au

4427 5817 www.townsvillepaediatrics.com.au

CALANNA WHOLE HEALTH PHARMACY Dear Matthew, I'm pregnant and am suffering from morning sickness. What can I try that will be safe for my baby and provide some relief?

During pregnancy (especially pregnancy in summer) the last thing you want to deal with is morning sickness.

It affects more than 50 per cent of expectant mothers. At Calanna we take a holistic approach to managing a person's health and well-being which is why we stock a combination of the best natural and traditional products.

We always encourage women to talk with their GP or Obstetrician for advice but in store our go to morning sickness recommendations are Elevit Morning Sickness Relief and Owen Homeopathic Ipecac which are both specifically formulated for pregnant women to help relieve nausea and vomiting.

For best results it is best to start treatment as soon as possible rather than letting it become chronic. Small snacking throughout the day can also help keep nausea at bay.

For advice on the safety of any other vitamins or medications you may be taking during pregnancy ask our team of pharmacists and naturopaths. They are highly skilled in letting you know which ingredients are safe for you and bub during pregnancy. www.calannapharmacy.com.au

20 March 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Plan B, For When Your Best Laid Baby Plans Go Out the Window STORY Jenna Galley Recently I gave birth to my third baby. As I’ve been here twice before, I assumed I knew what I was doing, that it would be easy, that she would blend in perfectly and be my ‘dream’ baby.

I had a plan. I was ready to prove to the world that I could juggle three children like a magical multitasking wizard.

Then baby number three actually arrived and, as it turns out, she didn’t give two stuffs about my plan or her destiny to become my ‘dream’ baby. Yes, she’s a dream, but she’s also a LOT of work. So I found myself soaking up her baby sweetness AND drowning in all the other responsibilities at the same time.

And I soon discovered I wasn’t alone. Many new mums know just how frustrating it can be when their little one isn’t quite as ‘dreamy’ as they hoped.

Whether you’re entering the newborn trenches for the first time or the fifth time, we could all use a plan B, just in case you’re blessed with a less-than-breezy baby.

Have meals ready - Babies tend to fuss most around dinner and bedtime, which can make meal prep almost impossible. Stock the freezer with ready-made meals that you can heat up and eat one handed.

Set up a fussy time schedule - Take turns with your partner during witching hour/hours to give your arms a bit of a break – a half hour for you, a half hour for him, until baby settles for the night.

Call in your village - Ask relatives to come around, even if it’s only for an hour. Take a shower, lie down for 20 minutes or go for a walk with your older kids while a relative or friend takes a turn rocking, bouncing and shushing bub.

Get some activities for the older kids - Crafts, puzzles, books can all entertain the older kids as you rock/feed/ burp baby.

Avoid plans at night - Yes, you want a night off cooking duties, but taking bub out can make her even more overstimulated, meaning it is even trickier to get her down when you get home. Get in the habit of staying home and trying to settle bub early, if you can.

Wear and go - Baby carriers are a godsend if your baby is a little fusspot who refuses to sleep unless on you.

Don’t take it out on yourself - Cry. Scream. And mutter swear words in your head as you bounce your baby up and down the hallway for the 9 billionth time.

But, please, don’t blame yourself. You’re doing the best you can.

Remember, it’s not forever - Your baby WILL settle and your life will return to some resemblance of normal. Just give her time.

But, until she finds her place (usually around the four month mark), embrace this constant need. This too shall pass. And, in five years’ time, as you kiss your baby goodbye at the school gate, you might even miss it.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 23

Bump, Bub and Beyond

BUMP, BUB AND BEYOND Featured products, reviews and prizes. Visit www.pakmag.com.au for your chance to win!

Tiger Tribe Roly Poly Koala RRP $30.00 - www.tigertribe.com.au Tiger Tribe’s jolly Roly Poly Koala loves being pushed, pulled or knocked over - always bobbing up for more fun! Ideal for babies learning to crawl, Roly Poly Koala’s wobbling action entices little ones to reach out and push. The repetitive action improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, all the while helping to develop an understanding of cause and effect. His ears offer a great grip point for small hands and as Roly Poly Koala rolls around he makes a lovely tickling sound, for additional sensory stimulation. Suitable for babies 3m+.

VTech First Steps Baby Walker Infamous Swimwear Miranda One Piece Safari Leopard RRP $69.00 (child) $128.00 (adult) www.infamousswim.com Infamous Swim is a leading Australian label for women who want to feel empowered in their swimwear, no matter what stage of life. Their swimwear line makes you feel sexy without compromising on your authenticity.

After all, a confident woman stands out naturally! Created with highquality fabrics, their seamless, cheeky-fun bikinis and onepieces allow you to express your personality with confidence. Plus. the idea of matching mother and daughter swimwear is adorable!

24 March 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

RRP $69.95 - www.vtech.com.au Watch your little one take their first precious steps with VTech's First Steps Baby Walker. The house-shaped activity panel encourages independent play and first words, while the textured wheels, easy grip handle and durable design give babies the support they need to take their first steps.

With lots of exciting activities, cheerful music and friendly phrases, little ones will be introduced to numbers, shapes, animals and colours. The motion sensor triggers music and lights, encouraging those first steps.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

FOOD for Food FOR Fertility FERTILITY –- Fact FACT or OR Fiction?

FICTION? Can certain foods help you conceive? According to a study conducted by researchers at Harvard University, YES! Certain foods can, in fact, boost fertility. But what foods should you add to the shopping list, and what foods should you avoid?

The best baby-making foods are salmon, nuts and seeds, spinach, beans, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

HELPFUL TIP: TIP In the womb, your baby heard a constant white noise. Being in the outside world is certainly a change with different sounds all around them, and even the slightest unfamiliar sound can cause baby to wake from sleep.

White noise can help a baby sleep for longer, whether it comes from a white noise machine, fan or even a YouTube video. White noise resembles the sound of radio static, but recordings playing sounds of waves, rain, and nature work equally well. The noise can help mask the sounds of traffic, household or siblings, and may even turn a good sleep into a great one.

Just ensure the sound is played as quietly as possible, well below 50 decibels to ensure the noise is at a safe level for bub. Place the sound machine a distance away from the crib and turn it down or off once your little one has gone to sleep.

What about Dad? Researchers have discovered a few foods that can help improve the quality of men’s semen including dark chocolate, berries, citrus fruits, fish and whole grains.

Although there’s no guarantee that eating these foods will result in a positive pregnancy test, there’s also no harm in adding these healthy foods to your diet.

Best to Avoid - What about the foods that hinder fertility? The same study concluded that trans fatty acids found in processed foods like cake, biscuits and margarine can have a negative impact on your fertility.

So, step away from the cupcakes, ladies and gents.

Stock up on salmon and dark chocolate!

Boy, Girl, Twins? Some studies also suggest that what you eat can help you conceive a certain gender or even twins. For a girl? Try a diet rich in calcium and magnesium (plenty of fruits and veggies). For a boy?

Consider a sodium and potassium-rich diet (load up on those salty foods, bananas and potatoes). And twins?

Try yams, cassava and maca root.

FUN FACT: The uterus is about the size of an orange, but stretches to the size of a watermelon during pregnancy – fascinating, and maybe even a little scary.

The feet also expand a whole shoe size, and the heart expands to pump that extra blood around the body.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 25

WHAT’S ON MAR MAR FRIDAY 1 MARCH

SUNDAY 3 MARCH

The Switch - Live Mystery Adventure Runs until 2 March North Ward www.findtheswitch.com 5.00pm / $40 / 13+

Townsville Softball Junior Come and Try Day Bicentennial Park www.townsville.softball.org.au 9.00am / Free / Family

Picnic Bay Surf Life Saving Club Ladies Lunch The Surf Club Townsville www.townsvilletickets.com.au 12.30pm / $100 / Adults ALDI MiniRoos Road Trip Come and Try - Ingham Sportsman Parade www.registration. playfootball.com.au 4.00pm / $20 / Family TheatreINQ - The Weir Theatre INC www.theaterinc.com 7.30pm / $30 Adult / Family SATURDAY 2 MARCH North Queensland Babies & Kids Market Townsville Emmaus Hall, Morindo Drive www.nthqldbabiesand kidsmarket.com 8.30am / $2 / Family ALDI MiniRoos Road Trip Come and Try - Townsville Brolga Park www.registration. playfootball.com.au 4.00pm / $20 / Family Pamper Morning with Essential Oils Sacred Ohana Sacred Ohana 10.00am / $25 / Adults

International Women’s Day Luncheon QCWA Hall Townsville Zonta Club of Townsville Inc 11.30am / Check Facebook / Adults Arts & Crafts Fun Day Bushland Beach Tavern Bushland Beach Tavern 4.00pm / Free / Family TUESDAY 5 MARCH Parent Information Session: Solids and Safety CityLibraries Aitkenvale www.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.30am / Free / Family THURSDAY 7 MARCH Mums with Bubs Pilates Class Castletown Townsville www.nurturehealthcentre.com 9.30am / Free / Family Townsville Wheelchair Basketball Program Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association - Townsville Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association Townsville 5.30pm / Free / Family FRIDAY 8 MARCH DZ Deathrays ‘Tour With The Lot’ Dalrymple Hotel www.oztix.com.au 8.00pm / $34.70 / 18+

International Women’s Day Breakfast The Ville Resort-Casino www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 6.30am / $50 / Adults Extreme Moments in Science with Dr Karl The Ville Resort-Casino www.worldsciencefestival.com.au 7.00pm / $15 Adult / 13+ International Women’s Day High Tea Bridgewater Q Restaurant and Bridge Bar Success North Queensland 3.00pm / $45 / Adults Kids Yoga Club 2019 8-week program YogaHealth Townsville YogaHealth Townsville 3.45pm / $125 / 6-11 Yrs International Women’s Day Lunch The Women’s Centre Townsville www.thewomenscentre.org.au 11.30am / Free / Family Skate Night PCYC Charters Towers PCYC Charters Towers 6.00pm / $5 / Family SATURDAY 9 MARCH Townsville North Star Athletics Club Sign On Day Runs until 10 March Townsville Sports Reserve Townsville North Star Athletics Club 10.00am / Free / Family Nostalgia Concert Townsville Choral Society Paul Tabone - Tenore Lirico 3.00pm / $35 Adult / Family

The Wedding Expo 2019 The Brewery Townsville www.townsvillebrewery.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family Dr Karl for Kids The Ville Resort-Casino www.worldsciencefestival.com.au 11.30am / $10 Adult / Family Street Science | Free Entry Day Museum of Tropical Queensland www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au 9.30am / Free / Family Saturday Games Pokemon and Lego CityLibraries Thuringowa Central www.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.30am / Free / Family Wasted Paint Pop-Up Paint and Sip Evening To Be Announced Wasted Paint 5.00pm / $45 / Adults SUNDAY 10 MARCH Pink Lady Triathlon Event Northern Beaches Leisure Centre www.freeradicalstribe.org.au 6.00am / $65 / Adults Oceanic Open Day Oceanic Martial Arts Academy Oceanic Martial Arts Academy 8.00am / Free / Family La Traviata at the Met Townsville Civic Theatre www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 3.00pm / $28 Adult / Family TUESDAY 12 MARCH Story Rhyme Time with CityLibraries Castletown Townsville www.castletown.com.au 9.30am / Free / Family

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 27

WHAT’S ON MAR MAR THURSDAY 14 MARCH

SUNDAY 17 MARCH

Room on the Broom Runs until 15 March Townsville Civic Theatre www.whatson.townsville.qld. gov.au 6.30pm / $15 Adult / Family

Introduction to Wildlife Care Workshop NQWC Wildlife Centre www.nqwildlife.org.au 1.00pm / $20 / Adults

FRIDAY 15 MARCH I Want To Know What Love Is Riverway Arts Centre www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 7.30pm / $35 Adult / Family SATURDAY 16 MARCH NQ Cowboys vs St George Illawarra Dragons 1300 SMILES Stadium www.cowboys.com.au 6.35pm / Check Website / Family Parental First Aid & CPR Workshop Nurture Family Health Centre www.nurturehealthcentre.com 11.15am / $30 / Adults TPB Celebrates 50 Years of Nippers The Surf Club Townsville Townsville Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club 12.00pm / Free / Family Car Boot Sale Charters Towers Women of the Outback Shed Inc. Charters Towers Women of the Outback Shed Inc. 8.00am / Free / Family New Worlds Presented by Barrier Reef Orchestra Townsville Civic Theatre www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 7.30pm / $38 Adult / Family

28 March 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Welcoming Babies Ceremony The Museum of Tropical Queensland www.whatson.townsville.qld. gov.au 9.00am / Free / Family TUESDAY 19 MARCH Townsville Army Reserve Information Session Lavarack Barracks www.army.gov.au 7.00pm / Free / Family WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH Ladies Free Combat Self Defense Workshop South Pacific Taekwondo Federation www.southpacifictkd.com.au 6.30pm / Free / Adults THURSDAY 21 MARCH Seconday Open Day 2019 Southern Cross Catholic College www.sctsv.catholic.edu.au 3.30pm / Free / Family FRIDAY 22 MARCH Matt Corby Rainbow Valley Tour Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre www.livenation.com.au 7.00pm / $79.90 / Family Graeme Connors in Concert Riverway Arts Centre www.ticketshop.com.au 7.30pm / $69 Adult / Family

DIVAS Runs until 23 March Brothers Leagues Club www.paramourtouring.com 7.00pm / $60 Adult / 13+

Cycling Mums Australia 6.00am / $80 Membership / Adults

Don’t Change: The Ultimate INXS Show The Ville Resort-Casino www.moshtix.com.au 7.30pm / $30 / 18+

Mountainfilm on Tour 2019 Event Cinemas Townsville City www.mountainfilm.org 6.30pm / $25 Adult / Family

SATURDAY 23 MARCH Ladies Afternoon Teal 2019 The Balcony Restaurant www.townsvilletickets.com.au 3.00pm / $50 / Adults Escape - Youth Activities PCYC Charters Towers PCYC Charters Towers 1.00pm / Gold Coin / 12-17 Yrs Legends of “The Grand ole Opry” Live Music World Theatre Charters Towers World Theatre Charters Towers 2.00pm / $20 / Family Melanoma March Townsville Jezzine Barracks www.townsville. melanomamarch.org.au 5.00pm / Check Website / Family

WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH

FRIDAY 29 MARCH Townsville Battle of the Brains Brothers Leagues Club The Pyjama Foundation 6.30pm / $20 / Adults SATURDAY 30 MARCH The Coat of Many Colors Riverway Arts Centre www.ticketshop.com.au 7.30pm / $67 Adult / Family NQ Cowboys vs CronullaSutherland Sharks 1300 SMILES Stadium www.cowboys.com.au 4.30pm / Check Website / Family SUNDAY 31 MARCH

SUNDAY 24 MARCH

Pink Island Triathlon 2019 NQ Triathlon Academy www.magneticislandtriathlon.com 7.00am / Check Website / Family

Little Day Out - Around the World Raintree Grove, Riverway www.lalunanq.com 2.00pm / Free / Family

A Touch of Tassie Food and Wine Festival A Touch of Salt www.atouchofsalt.com.au 12.00pm / $15 / Adults

A Taste of Bavaria Carlyle Gardens www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 2.00pm / $25 / Adults

SAVE THE DATE

Townsville Social Ride Twin Cities Car Wash

TUESDAY 23 APRIL The ABBA Show Townsville Civic Theatre www.theabbashow.com.au 8.00pm / $59 Adult / Family

sAUNZ

Pull-out kids activity mag!

A TIM BURTON FILM

BELIEVE

WaltDisneyStudiosAUNZ @DisneyAUNZ #Dumbo

IN CINEMAS MARCH 28

@DisneyAUNZ #Dumbo

©Disney 2019

Enter for your chance to win a family pass to Dumbo

IN CINEMAS MARCH 28 IN CINEMAS MARCH 28 IN CINEMAS MARCH 28 © 2019 Disney

For your chance to WIN a family pass to Dumbo tell us what's Dumbo's special talent?

Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win Competition closes 31/03/2019

© 2019 Disney

© 2019 Disney

EMMET

EMMET EMMET EMMET

Enter for your chance to win a family pass to The LEGO ® Movie 2

IN CINEMAS MARCH 21

IN CINEMAS MARCH 21 IN CINEMAS MARCH 21 IN CINEMAS MARCH 21 Roadshow Roadshow SEE IT

Roadshow Roadshow SEE IT

Roadshow Roadshow SEE IT Roadshow IN 2D & 3D IN 2D & 3D

Roadshow Roadshow SEE IT

IN 2D & 3D

IN 2D & 3D

Roadshow

Roadshow

Roadshow

IN CINEMAS MARCH 21

For your chance to WIN a family pass to The LEGO ® Movie 2 tell us what is Emmet's fierce best friend's name?

Roadshow Roadshow SEE IT

Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win Competition closes 31/03/2019

IN 2D & 3D

Roadshow

Enter for your chance to win a set of Laser Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

For your chance to WIN a Laser Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones tell us what your favorite dinosaur song is.

Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win - Competition closes 31/03/2019 Laser Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones - RRP $29.95 - The ideal fitness companion, the Laser Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones feature foam earcups that isolate outside noise and deliver up to 12-hours of wireless playback. Recharging via Micro-USB to full capacity in up to 4-hours, the headphone feature Bluetooth V 2.1 with a 10m range and 40mm drivers that deliver deeper bass for an audio experience like no other. The included 3.5mm audio cable ensures you’ll always be connected to your favourite tracks, even with a low battery, 32 March and thanks 2019 to a built-in | www.pakmag.com.au microphone, you’ll be able to multi-task no matter your activity! - Available at BIG W

REGULAR MARKETS Castle Hill PCYC Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.00am - 11.00am Location: Castle Hill PCYC Bluewater Twilight Markets Date: 2nd Saturday of the month Time: 4.00pm - 8.00pm Location: Bluewater Community Centre Label Traders Markets Date: 3rd Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 12.00pm Location: Mundingburra State School Riverway Moonlight Markets Date: 3rd Friday of the month Time: 5.00pm - 9.00pm Location: Riverway Seabreeze Markets Date: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month

Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm

Cotters Markets

Location: Bushland Beach Park

Date: Every Sunday Time: 8.30am - 1.00pm Location: Flinders St & Townsville Bulletin Square

Carlyle Gardens Arts & Crafts Markets Date: 1st Saturday of the month (Mar - Dec) Time: 9.00am Location: Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village, Beck Drive, Condon North Shore Markets Date: Every Saturday Time: 7.00am - 1.00pm Location: North Shore Town Centre Renegade Handmade Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Marian School

Horseshoe Bay Markets Date: Every 2nd and last Sunday of the month Time: 9.00am - 2.00pm Location: Horseshoe Bay Foreshore Mountainview Plaza Markets Date: Every Saturday (excluding Jan) Time: 8.00am - 2.00pm.

Location: Mountainview Plaza

Strand Night Markets Date: 1st Friday of the month (runs from May to Dec) Time: 5.00pm - 9.30pm Location: Strand Park Willows Rotary Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.30 - 11.30am Location: Willows Shopping Centre Car Park Balgal Beach Markets Date: 1st Saturday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Fisherman’s Landing Balgal Beach

Magnetic Island RSL Markets Date: Every Friday (excluding Good Friday) Time: 5.30pm - 8.00pm Location: Magnetic Island RSL

Email your event or market to admin@grandpublishing.com.au to be included. Spaces are limited.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 33

Regular Events

REGULAR EVENTS TOWNSVILLE GALLERIES Art-Box - Free Art Activities for Kids Under 5 Days: First and third Tuesdays of the month Time: 10.00am Location: Pinnacles Gallery More Info: 4773 8871 Free Family Fun Day - Art Activities for the Family Days: Third Sunday of the month Time: 10.00am Location: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery More Info: 4727 9011 BELGIAN GARDENS STATE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP Days: Mondays Time: 9.00am - 11.00am Location: Belgian Gardens SS Hall More Info: 4717 1333 or rickandjules4@bigpond.com Cost: $2 per person FIRST FIVE FOREVER Parent Information Sessions Days: Second Friday of the month Time: 9.30am Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost: Free

34 March 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Newborn and Family Drop-In Service Days: Tuesdays (9.00am 2.00pm), Saturdays (9.00am - 12.00pm) Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost: Free Messy Play

MAINLY MUSIC For babies to pre prep aged children. Fun, music, morning tea and free play Days: Thursdays (during school term) Time: From 9.30am Location: St Peter’s Anglican Church, West End Cost: $3 per child More Info: 0414 807 179

(bookings required) Days: Wednesdays Time: 9.15am & 10.30am Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale

MOPS - Mothers of PreSchoolers

RIVERWAY PARKRUN

Days: Fridays – fortnightly during chool terms Time: 9.30am - 11.30am Location: Mount Louisa House of Praise (425 Bayswater Rd) Cost: $9 per session More Info: 0421 658 535 (Juliana)

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

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

This course is wheelchair friendly.

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

For mothers with children 0-6 years. Connect, relax and recharge.

GET ACTIVE + HEALTHY TOWNSVILLE Free Fitness + Activities Days: Every day Location: Various Locations More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au TOY LIBRARY TOWNSVILLE (THE TOY SHED) Days: Second Thursday of month (excluding January) Time: 3.30pm - 5.30pm Days: Second Saturday

(excluding January) Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm Location: Fitzroy Street, Heatley Librarian: 0420 585 069 or childsplaytownsville@gmail.com Secretary: 0400 815 279 or facebook Toy Library TOWNSVILLE TOY LIBRARY Days: Every Tuesday and Saturday Time: 9.30am - 11.00am Location: 23 First Street, Railway Estate Community Centre More Info: Check their Facebook page Townsville Toy Library for updates GIGGLE N GROW PLAYGROUP Come along for arts, craft, sensory play, a healthy morning tea, connect with other families and more. Children 0 - 5 years.

Days: Every Wednesday Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Location: Aitkenvale State School More Info: 4753 0650 Days: Every Thursday Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Location: Garbutt State School More Info: 4753 0650 Days: Every Friday Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Location: Heatley State School More Info: 4753 0650

Health

HEALTH What is WHAT IS the THE MY Health HEALTH Record?

RECORD? My

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NEWBORNS

You may have heard or seen My Health Record mentioned around your doctor’s office or other medical establishments. What exactly is it, and what does it provide Australians?

While they may seem a bit clueless, babies have an impressive set of skills and quirky things about them. Let’s explore some surprising facts about newborns.

To put it simply, My Health Record is an online summary of your key health information which can be viewed securely online at any time.

Whether you’re looking for your medical history or you’re in the emergency room and unable to talk, My Health Record will give you and healthcare professionals important personal health information. This includes allergies, medicines, medical conditions and pathology test results.

In an emergency, having access to all this information has the potential to be life-saving.

You can manage your own record by adding your own information and deciding privacy settings. For example, you can set access controls, review your own information and add personal notes wherever you feel it’s necessary. Security is a key design element and adheres to Australian Government security requirements, protected by high grade security protocols to ensure your information remains private.

Old medical history will not be automatically uploaded to your My Health Record – only new reports can be. If you have any further questions, consult your GP.

They are born with 300 bones. Isn’t that just a skele-ton? That’s 94 more than adults.

As babies grow, the bones will fuse together until eventually there are 206.

They may sleep with their eyes open.

While the sight can be a little scary, it’s totally normal.

They can have fur. Are you fur-real?

This fuzzy hair is called lanugo, and it keeps them warm in the womb. Most babies shed this in utero, but sometimes it’ll shed a few weeks after birth.

12 HOUR hour MORNING morning SICKNESS sickness RELIEF relief Elevit Morning Sickness Relief has been specially formulated for pregnant women to help relieve the symptoms of morning sickness such as nausea and vomiting for up to 12 hours.

It is made with natural ginger and vitamin B6 so that it is safe to take when pregnant.

These ingredients have been shown in studies to help reduce the frequency and severity of morning sickness and help relieve symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Available at all Calanna Wholehealth Pharmacies.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 37

Health

HEALTH The THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR NAUSEA

Apple cider vinegar is the most popular type of vinegar in the health community – and rightly so! Besides having various cooking and household purposes, it’s incredibly healthy for you. Let’s explore just a few of the amazing effects apple cider vinegar has on the body.

Nausea is a very common and very unwanted symptom with a range of different causes. Here are some effective, age-old remedies you might have heard before from your Nonna.

It can help kill bacteria and other nasties It can be used to treat lice, warts, ear infections, and nail fungus. The main substance in vinegar, acetic acid, can help kill pathogens including bacteria.

Lowers blood sugar levels It can be highly beneficial for people with diabetes, prediabetes, or those wanting to keep their blood sugar levels low.

Helps with itchy bug bites A weak apple cider vinegar solution may help stop the itch on bug bites.

Lowers cholesterol It can help keep your cholesterol levels in check and ensure you maintain a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.

Weight loss Drinking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water may help you lose weight, and may even help satisfy certain cravings.

Ginger – While the way it works is not fully understood, ginger is a very popular natural remedy used to treat nausea, either in capsule, tea or ginger ale form. Just make sure you’re consuming real ginger and not artificial.

Peppermint – Aromatherapy using peppermint is also quite likely to help reduce nausea, and is also known to help with headaches.

Spices – Several spices such as cinnamon, cumin and fennel powder are known to combat nausea, including nausea in relation to menstruation.

Chamomile Tea – A cup of chamomile tea, hot or cold, is known to sooth the stomach.

BRAT Diet – If you’re nauseous due to eating something that didn’t agree with you, eating simple bland foods may help sooth your stomach. The BRAT diet stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast.

38 March 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Health

5 Ways to Fuel your Body STORY Kalisha Fitsch We all know that eating a healthy balanced diet is essential to get our bodies from A to B, and eating the right foods can even reduce your risk of getting certain diseases and illnesses. People diet for all types of reasons, but usually with the same goal; to live a healthier life.

That being said, there’s a huge variety of diets out there with different components and benefits. However, that miracle diet your friend swore changed their life may not do the same for you; everyone is different, and it’s essential that your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs.

So, let’s take a closer look at some popular diets.

Paleo The paleo or primal diet consists of whole ingredients and eliminates processed foods, sugars, dairy products, grains, starchy vegetables and high-fat meats. Benefits can include weight loss, higher immune function, increased energy levels and lowered risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. However, this diet can get expensive as it requires you to eat a lot of meat and nuts. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on your cholesterol levels if you are eating lots of meat.

Raw The raw diet involves eliminating foods that have been pasteurised or produced with additives or synthetics, such as refined oils, coffee, pasta, and cooked or processed foods. The diet includes fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and may also contain eggs, fish, meat, or dairy products. While this diet may help you improve digestion, lose weight and lower the amount of antinutrients and carcinogens in your diet, eating raw foods can come with the risk of contamination.

Vegan The vegan diet is fully plant-based, therefore eliminating all meat and animal products including dairy, eggs and honey. The diet is abundant with magnesium, iron, folic acid, vitamins B1, C and E while being low in cholesterol and saturated fats, and can be great if you’re wanting to lose weight. As with any diet, poor planning can lead to deficiencies, which is why it’s important to thoroughly research and ensure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs.

Keto The ketogenic diet takes a high-fat, moderate-protein and low-carb eating approach. Following the diet for a few days causes your body to enter ketosis, meaning it’s using fat to create energy and this can lead to weight loss. Some keto-friendly foods include cheese, nuts, leafy green veggies, eggs and meat, but you can’t have numerous whole fruits, whole grains or desserts.

There are some risks however, including kidney stone formation, acidosis (high levels of acid in the blood), and nutrition deficiencies.

Low GI The Low GI (Glycemic Index) diet minimises spikes in your blood sugar and insulin levels, and therefore may help with weight loss. The diet involves eating a lot of non-starchy vegetables while limiting refinedgrain products and eating a healthy protein with most meals. However, the diet may not work for everyone as the body’s response to glucose varies from person to person.

If you’re considering trying out any of these diets but aren’t sure if it’s the right one for you, discuss the matter with a dietitian or nutritionist first.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 41

Recipes

BRAIN FOOD It’s essential to keep our brain's fuelled for the activities of the day, whether that be work, study, or chasing after the kids. These delicious recipes are not only super healthy for you, but taste amazing too.

TRIPLE IQ FISH CURRY RECIPE Dorothy Richmond, Dorothy Dietitian Serves 4

SUPER SALAD Serves 2 This delicious salad is the perfect side to a filling dinner or a refreshing, healthy lunch to fuel your brain. Most veggies are naturally low in fat and calories while containing no cholesterol at all. Did you know that avocado contains more potassium than bananas, blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels of common fruits and pumpkin seeds have been linked to reduced risks of numerous cancers? This salad certainly is super, and it’ll get you through the day.

Ingredients 2 cups mixed leafy greens 1 cup steamed broccoli 1 avocado 5 yellow cherry tomatoes ¼ cup kidney beans ¼ cup blueberries ¼ cup sprouts 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds Italian dressing Method 1. Chop and steam the broccoli. Chop up the avocado and cherry tomatoes as desired.

2. Add all ingredients to a bowl and toss together with Italian dressing to taste. Enjoy!

PakMag Tip You can easily make your own zesty Italian dressing using olive oil, white wine vinegar, water, honey, lemon juice and herbs.

This simple curry combines the omega 3 fatty acids from fish with a range of antioxidants from turmeric in curry powder and a range of vegetables.

Ingredients Olive oil spray 1 kg firm fleshed fish such as king fish or nile perch 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 capsicum, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 2 pieces of broccoli, chopped 1 garlic clove, finely diced 3 spring onions finely chopped 1 tbsp ginger, finely diced 2 kaffir lime leaves, chopped 3 tbsp curry powder tsp of shrimp paste 1 x 370g can low fat coconut milk ½ cup water or chicken stock (as needed) Method 1. Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly spray with oil. Cook onions, garlic, curry powder, kaffir lime leaves and ginger until soft. Add the sweet potato, and carrots.

Add a little water or chicken stock to just cover the vegetables and cook for 10 minutes.

2. Add the fish, capsicum and beans. Cook until the vegetables are just soft, the fish is opaque and the liquid has reduced.

3. Add the coconut milk. When further reduced to a sauce consistency toss through chopped coriander and spring onions. Check the fish is cooked through before serving.

4. Serve with a sprinkle of desiccated coconut, Basmati rice and a glass of sparking water with a dash of lime juice.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 43

Education

How to teach your child to fly!

STORY Sandra Barclay It can be said that every child is gifted, and children unwrap their gifts and talents at different times and in very different ways. Children are eager to learn about their world, however there exists a small percentage of children who are “gifted”. This group of children has the potential to perform at a level far beyond what might be expected from other children their age. Traditionally when we think of gifted children we imagine an intellectually gifted child, however children can also be creatively, socially and/or physically gifted. No gifted individual is the same and the level of giftedness can range from mildly gifted through to profoundly gifted. What are some of the cues and signs that your child may be gifted or talented?

Some children may have a passion in one subject or sport or be very creative, but no gifted learner exhibits traits in every area. Gifted children can reason at a high level, learn rapidly and have an intense love of learning.

From a very young age they can express strong feelings and opinions and will often surprise by asking questions about complex social issues. They usually love adult company and have a well-developed sense of justice and a mature sense of humour.

Gifted children may have time management problems and because they finish their work quickly and easily, they can be distracted by the many thoughts, plans and ideas they are constantly generating. Gifted children often need to be taught how to effectively manage their thoughts and time. Your child will think differently and

may be emotionally and socially out of sync with peers.

Learning is important to the wellbeing of gifted and talented children and when you support a gifted child’s learning, you’re also supporting their overall wellbeing. Understand and identify your child’s strengths and their weaknesses and work to support them to develop their strengths and build strategies to cope in their areas of weakness.

As each child’s experience is different, so will be the experiences of parents navigating a path to develop the potential of their child. Encourage your child to discover the joy of play and encourage their natural curiosity. While your child is exploring their everyday world, they are also learning how to learn. Provide rich activities at home to challenge their thinking, don’t be afraid to use sophisticated vocabulary and open-ended questions or to discuss how household items work.

Push boundaries and have fun by visiting art galleries, going to the theatre, attend an international sporting event or the ballet, encourage your child to play a musical instrument and listen to a variety of music at home, read poetry with them, and celebrate if your child initiates philosophical discussions. You may also simply visit family or friends who have hobbies, live on farms, play musical instruments or have interesting jobs.

Even a simple trip to the airport can fire up a child’s imagination and once you have presented a challenge, there is no need to revisit unless your child shows further interest.

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Education

After discovering your child needs additional opportunities in school, it is essential to build a positive partnership with your child’s school and their teacher. Your child’s teacher is always your first contact. For a gifted child, learning can be fast paced and they may not need to repeat activities, so breadth of experience is important. Although the thought of approaching the teacher can sometimes be unnerving, there are several ways you can increase the opportunity for a successful outcome:

Parents and caregivers are usually the first to identify a child’s extraordinary gifts and talents. It can be overwhelming when parents recognise their child’s abilities, interests, and passions are different to other children. To support your child, learn as much as you can about giftedness. Read, attend conferences and link with other parents of gifted children. The more you understand about gifted children, their education and their specific social, emotional and intellectual needs, the better prepared you will be to support your child.

•• Approach the teacher as an ally in your child’s education, not a roadblock, and be open to the teacher’s opinion.

Encourage children to build relationships with like-minded children and provide the skills to accept children who may not have the skills they do. Support them in areas where they may not be ‘gifted’ such as with organisational or social skills.

•• Think about how you can be a partner with your child's teacher. Differentiating for many types of learners is complex. Are you able to spend some time in the classroom? It may be of benefit to make connections between a “gifted” child’s interests and homework.

•• Ask about activities run by the school such as STEM (Science, technology, Engineering and Maths), Debating or Chess Clubs.

•• Ensure that after the meeting both you and the teacher have clearly defined action items and a timetable for implementation.

•• Remember to speak positively at home about your child's teacher and school. Refrain from complaining about the teacher or school as this could open the possibility of allowing your child to blame the teacher for their own lack of effort.

If you feel your child is underachieving, the best person to speak with is your child’s teacher, so a good relationship with the teacher is important. Help the teacher learn about your child’s abilities and raise any issues early. Let teachers know when things are working. If it’s not working provide positive and practical suggestions and solutions. You are the most important advocate for your child's education, so don't be shy; just do it with diplomacy and flexibility.

Gifted children may be extremely sensitive and may become upset quickly by other children’s words and actions. Parents can help their child navigate this emotional minefield by teaching their children about their emotions and how to work with them. Allow and even encourage your child to make mistakes and teach them how to see mistakes and disappointments as an opportunity for learning.

It is helpful for your child (and all children!) to know that not everyone is the same. Although there is a difference between what your child can do and what others can do, other children do have their own strengths too.

You can point out that your child’s sister is good at making friends and his cousin is a great cook. Knowing about these differences can make it easier for your child to get along with, and value others – for example, it might help them to be understanding when other children struggle with maths that they find easy.

The good news is there is plenty of support available for you and your child and remember there are two gifts we should strive to give our children – one is a solid foundation and the other is wings, and for a gifted child with solid foundations the sky is no longer the limit.

Websites for parents GERRIC www.education.arts.unsw.edu.au/about-us/gerric The University of NSW runs programs for children, parents and teachers Townsville City Council www.townsville.qld.gov.au/community-support/ services-and-community-development/teachers

46 March 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

CityLibraries Townsville www.townsville.qld.gov.au/facilities-and-recreation/ libraries Catholic Education Diocese of Townsville Resources www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/ilibrary/find-a-resource Raising Children – The Australian Parenting Website www.raisingchildren.net.au

Fertility to First Year

FERTILITY TO FIRST BIRTHDAY GUIDE Discovering you’re pregnant is an exciting time for any couple. Whether it’s the first time or the fifth time, knowing you’ve created a little human is pretty incredible. Once the initial excitement has subsided though, the realisation that your life is about to be turned upside down sets in, and you start to think about preparation for your baby’s arrival.

PakMag has collected some of the best in the business to help you on your journey from fertility to first year.

I’m Pregnant, Now What?

Mater With 21 maternity rooms and five birth suites as well as four operating theatres, the dedicated Women’s Unit at the Mater Private hospital is well equipped to care for you before, during and after birth. A full suite of services is provided, including antenatal classes, pre-admission clinic, postnatal clinic, photography, specialist breast feeding consultants and much more.

The Women’s Unit also offers an education program to help pregnant women and their partners prepare for pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

P 4727 4444 www.matertsv.org.au I-Med Radiology There are three main types of ultrasounds offered during pregnancy and we all love to see our baby on the screen and know that baby is developing healthily. I-Med radiology offers these examinations throughout the various stages of pregnancy, and you get the wonderful opportunity to meet your forming baby and hear their heartbeat. No waiting list, walk-in appointments available, and your scans are covered by Medicare.

P 4447 1650 www.i-med.com.au

Townsville Paediatrics A brand new private medical practice providing specialist care to newborns, infants, children and adolescents. Dr Siva, Dr Wamola, Dr Heyer have global experience working as paediatricians and they are committed to proving holistic care to patients and families in Townsville and surrounds.

If you are concerned about your baby’s development, or you are having problems with feeding or getting baby to sleep, first visit your GP and if they want you to see a paediatrician ask them to refer you to Townsville Paediatrics.

P 4427 5817 www.townsvillepaediatrics.com.au

Get baby-ready The Nappy Bucket Interested in using cloth nappies for your baby?

The Nappy Bucket stocks a range of Australia’s best brands of nappies as well as swimmer nappies, breast pads, reusable wipes, baby creams and more.

Not only are they environmentally friendly, they’ll save you a ton of money and they come in a range of adorable designs.

P 0417 314 554 www.nappybucket.com.au

Look After Yourself Elle J There’s a great selection of maternity wear in Townsville, including Elle J located in Domain Central.

They Offer a range of beautiful maternity wear as well as clothes and hats for babies and kids. You can look stylish all through your pregnancy – and feel super comfy too.

P 4779 8198 www.ellej.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 49

Fertility to First Year

ModiBodi

Swim Studio

Whether it’s unwanted sweat, a weak pelvic floor or leaky breasts, ModiBodi has what you need. Their maternity underwear collection provides mums-to-be with comfortable and sustainable support and ultraabsorbent undies.

Have peace of mind knowing that your children are in good hands with qualified learn to swim teachers.

Being in the water engages your baby in a unique way as they kick, glide, and smack at the water, which can be developed into the lifelong skill of swimming in a fun, safe environment.

Use the code PAKMAG11 for 15% off your order.

E info@modibodi.com www.modibodi.com

Baby is here!

Paul Sadler Swimland The Swordy Tot baby swimming program is a fun way to introduce your baby to the world of swimming.

Classes are centred around fun activities focusing on water awareness, mobility, safety and survival.

As a parent (or carer), you get to join your little one in the water.

P 4725 4121 www.swimstudio.com.au Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy Offering a range of chemical-free baby and cleaning products, Calanna Whole Health endorses a natural approach to raising a family.

Need advice? Highly trained pharmacists work within extended health times to take care of you and your baby’s whole health in a family focused environment.

Pharmacists are available 7 days a week till late in Cairns, Atherton, and Innisfail. No appointment required.

P 4779 4647 www.paulsadlerswimland.com.au

www.calannapharmacy.com.au

My Little Feet Child Care

There’s much more to discover at your local library beyond the massive range of awesome books.

Situated in two convenient locations, My Little Feet caters for children from six weeks to pre-school age.

The centre features a diverse learning environment, new outdoor playground, and provides morning and afternoon tea. Offering a Government approved Child Care Benefit and rebate for eligible families, your little one is sure to be in good hands.

Pimlico – 4721 6833 Aitkenvale – 4725 5322 www.mylittlefeet.com.au Love2Swim School Now at two convenient locations, Love2Swim School offers a number of programs starting at the AquaBaby level. Babies start by having fun in the pool with their parent, working their way up and transforming their love for water into lifelong swimming skills.

Kirwan Aquatic Centre – 4723 3447 Kokoda Memorial Pool – 4725 5357 www.love2swimschool.com.au Inflatable Kingdom

City Libraries

Baby Rhyme Time stimulates your little one’s brain development, speech and senses with nursery rhymes and fingerplays. Sessions are scheduled weekly at Thuringowa Central and Aitkenvale branches. Perfect for children up to two years of age.

Thuringowa Central – 4773 8811 Aitkenvale – 4727 8310 www.townsville.qld.gov.au Chipmunks Let your baby explore to their heart’s content at Chipmunks. The huge indoor play zone caters for ages 0-11, but has a dedicated baby zone for the littlest ones to play safely. This zone features soft shapes and mats, rockers, a ball pool and interactive play panels – plus easy supervision for mum and dad.

P 4724 2219 www.chipmunks.com.au GymbaROO

Inflatable Kingdom is a massive indoor inflatable playground, providing hours of fun for all ages.

There is a designated tiny tots’ area for children under five. Don’t forget your socks!

Educational fun learning centres for parents and children, catering for kids aged 6 weeks – 5 years.

GymbaROO promotes active living and a positive attitude exercising from early on in life through their various play-based gym programs.

P 4755 4422 www.inflatablekingdom.com.au

P 0432 686 306 www.gymbaroofnq.com.au

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snapped

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1. Ethan Gordon Palethorpe 2. Andy Allan Garland 3. Kennedy Magill

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Mater Snapped

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Photography thanks to: Flicka Photography www.flickaphotography.com

4. Tave Movigliatti 5. Isaac Kennedy 6. Sophie Pennington

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Home

NURSERY NESTING With The Block’s Caro and Kingi Decorating baby’s nursery is something most new parents look forward to, especially if you, like us, have an obsession with itty bitty baby things.

In addition to purchasing the big-ticket items, like a cot and change table, you will probably want to add a few items to help bub settle for sleep.

From Womb to Room Setting the stage for sleep success often starts by mimicking the womb. No, you can’t place baby in a warm bath for the night but you can create a cosy space to help with this massive transition.

Choose calming colours – Light pastels and monochrome patterns are not only modern but also tranquil without being too bright for bub.

Consider a swaddle or sleep bag – Keep baby warm and cosy by wrapping her up before bed.

Keep it dark – Return to the darkness of the womb with blackout curtains.

Invest in a rocking chair or glider – These are great not only for late night feeds but also for gently rocking baby to sleep. The gentle back and forth motion can simulate the movement baby felt while nestled in the womb.

Plus, a glider or rocking chair is comfortable for mums and dads too! We spent many hours soaking up those newborn snuggles in our glider.

Make late nights easier with a night light – Another must-have for late night feeds and nappy changes, a light glow can give you enough light to see what you’re doing without the need to switch on the main light.

Mimic the sounds of the womb with a white noise machine – These handy little devices play white noise (such as the sounds of rain or a heartbeat) that can be comforting for new babies. Plus, it gives you a break from constantly ‘shushing’ baby to sleep.

Our top pick: The My Baby SoundSpa Lullaby is a great all-in-one addition to the nursery as it’s not only a white noise and lullaby machine, but also acts as a modern mobile, projecting a picture for baby to watch as she slowly drifts to sleep. You can pick one up at Atherton Juniors, in store or online at www.juniorsonline.com.au

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www.muralswallpaper.com

54 March 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au

Home

HOME HELPERS DIRECTORY Roofguard Roofguard are Townsville’s best roof beauticians ready to restore and beautify your roof. p 0402 110 704 www.roofguardroofpainting.com.au

Pristine Pools NQ

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Locally owned business, servicing the community with residential and corporate pool servicing and maintenance. p 0407 790 704 www.pristinepoolsnq.com.au 8

About Town Removals About Town Removals is a family run business, servicing the entire Townsville region. p 4774 7170 www.abouttownremovals.com.au

Grand Gazebos and Cubbies Turn your backyard from bland to grand! Cubbies, decks, fences, daybeds, gazebos, playgrounds and more. p 0407 631 660 www.grandgazebos.com.au

www.harppost.com

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April & Oak 10

Fascinating and stylish products for the home from around the world.

Get $40 off your order when you spend $150 or more. Use code PAKMAG11. www.aprilandoak.com.au

Koru Furniture and Homewares Koru is a boutique homewares store and Interior Design & Style studio located in Tropical North Queensland. p 4053 3152 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 1. Homely Creatures Fawn Cushion - RRP $29.00 2. Incy Interiors Clancy Cot RRP $875.00 3. Bonnie and Neil Floor Cushion Tiny Palms - RRP $235.00 4. Kip & Co May Gibbs Snuggles in the Tree Pea Cushion - RRP $89.00 5. Down to the Woods Garland in White - RRP $41.00 6. Middle of Nowhere Koala Portrait Framed Print - RRP $395.00 7. Middle of Nowhere Llama Friends Framed Print - $355.00 8. Miann & Co Kids Grey Bunny Snuggle Cushion RRP $91.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 9. Babyhood Cot Canopy Net Standard Size - RRP $89.95 10. MyBaby Soundspa Lullaby RRP $79.95 - www.juniorsonline.com.au

Be seen here!

Do you help with home improvement or maintenance? You need to be seen here! e admin@grandpublishing.com.au p 4053 3331 www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au | March 2019 55

Daddy Diary

DADDY DIARY When I was asked to punch out a monthly column for PakMag I was told to make it all about my family.

Me, my wife Michelle, daughter Matilda and little boy Charlie (joining us early next month). Our little family of four (or five if you count Taco the cat). But this month I want to do something different. I want to talk about the much bigger family I’m part of. I want to talk about us as locals. Us as Townsvillians. The people who love where they live and don’t hesitate to help neighbours in their hour of need.

The night of Sunday February 3 this year was one of the scariest of my life. It’s the night the Ross River Dam spillway gates opened up to their full extent. Enough water to fill an Olympic size swimming pool dumped into the Ross River every 1.5 seconds. Petrifying stuff.

Feb 3 also happened to be the 8 year anniversary of Cyclone Yasi. Weather wise NQ is certainly an

Head to Parents and Kids of North Queensland YouTube Channel to see Bree’s up close interview with Cliffo.

interesting place this time of year. My family like so many received frantic texts from the authorities that night. Wording like “EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY” and “Get to high ground NOW” had us on edge all evening. I didn’t sleep that night.

The following morning my family learnt we were the lucky ones. My wife and I only lost our bedroom carpet and one inside wall due to a leak in the air con.

Really tiny stuff compared to what many copped. The devastation after Feb 3 produced images I will never forget. But even more surprising than what I saw was what I witnessed. A community coming together.

Hours after the event the phone lines at Hit 103.1 lit up. Where can we donate money, goods, services, the clothes on our back, literally whatever the victims need. What can we do right now to help? And you know what. Those requests did not stop. To say the response from the Townsville community was breathtaking is an understatement. And now even a couple of weeks on that desire hasn’t dwindled.

To quote former Queensland premier Anna Bligh after the 2011 Brisbane floods. “We are Queenslanders; we’re the people that they breed tough north of the border. We’re the ones that they knock down and we get up again.”

Never a truer word spoken.

Cliffo Hit 103.1 Townsville

56 March 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au