PakMag Townsville - March 2022 Issue 136

Parents and Kids Magazine

GREEN 15 CAREERS of the Best

Top Tips for Going Green What’s the Solution to Plastic Pollution?

ISSUE: Mar 2022

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Family-Friendly

EVENTS How to Keep Your Teen from Vaping

Teach Your Children to be Mindful Consumers Supporting Adolescents in the New Age of Anxiety

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TOWNSVILLE

FREE

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The Thing Is

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We are the Solution to

Hello and welcome to the March edition of Pakmag, loaded with lots of inspirational ideas about how you and your family can be more eco aware.

Plastic Pollution 8

20 Cool Maths Facts

11

How to Teach Your Children to be Mildful Consumers and Become one Yourself

15

Experience Catholic Schools

17

Supporting Adolescents in the New Age of Anxiety

21

What Does Belonging Mean in Early Childhood?

22 Bump, Bub and Beyond 24 Parent’s Puzzle 25 Mini Mag 15 Green Careers of The Future 35 What Parents of

Until next time, happy parenting, and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

Teens Need to Know About Vaping

Bree

36 All Things Health 41

It finally feels like the year has started now that routines are back to the ‘new normal’ and our kids are back at school. Before we know it, it will be Easter and they will be on holiday again!

As usual, the team and I hope you love this edition and that you get lots out of it. If you are wanting to share your voice, we are looking for more community contributors - you can find out more at www.pakmag.com.au/communitycontributor

29 Adult Colouring 31

This is our planet and it’s so important to remember that every little action can make a difference. In our house, we have some family “planet principles”, one of our principles is if you are out and about and you walk past rubbish - even if you didn’t drop it, you pick it up. We all live here, so it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep the world clean. We try to buy second hand or invest in good quality items that will last longer. We avoid plastic toys and items where possible, and we are trying to be very conscious about what we use and consume. We ask ‘is this a want or a need?’ before we make a purchase. We certainly have a long way to go, but every small choice makes a big difference over time. We hope this edition inspires your family to create some of your own “planet principles” - you can find some great ones on page 6. We’d love you to share yours with us too by using #pakmagshare or email them in.

Daddy Diary

42 Check it Out 44 Community Noticeboard 46 What’s On

PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James Creative Team Leader, Graphic Designer and Editor Clare Winter Marketing and Events Coordinator Alyssa Marino

Contact Us: p 4053 3331 e admin@m2f.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 www.paktownsville.com.au • www.pakmag.com.au • www.m2f.com.au

Videographer, Graphic Designer and Podcast Producer Monique Saggers Content Coordinator Sasha Rozhkova Accounts and IT Support Trent Stievano

Sales and Business Development Tracy Couper

Graphic Designer Sara Williams

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

PakMag would like to acknowledge the First Nations people of North Queensland; the first storytellers and Traditional Custodians of all the lands on which we work, live and enjoy. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

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.

We have done our best to ensure all events and information was correct at the time of going to print. Please check with individual businesses and authorities during these uncertain times.

Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000.

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 2022 3

The Thing Is

The Thing Is with Bree James I remember when my first baby was born, as blurry as my memory is now, it still doesn’t feel like that long ago that I was beginning my journey as a parent.

Everyone always told me how fast they grow up, and that once they hit high school it goes even faster.

I now have a teenager and can confirm - it’s very true!

My beautiful little baby has now hit teenagehood and I can feel and see the energy and relationship shift happening right before my eyes.

The Thing Is… There are so many milestones in parenting and you never know when one of them will end. Like the last time you breastfeed, the last nappy change, the last spoon feed or the octopus climb into your bed in the middle of the night or early morning just for a cuddle. These moments don’t last forever, even though sometimes they feel like they will.

Raising children through the different ages and stages is a challenge, but letting go is just as hard. You go into parenting thinking that 18 - 20 years sounds like a very long time. Life is just so busy that we rarely even stop to think what the end of those days look like. We’ve learned how to parent a child who needs us to care for and protect them, but working out this “letting go” part - that’s a different story.

I’ve done the sums and if my eldest leaves home at the end of year 12, I literally have less than 260 weekends left with him. That is, if he even wants to hang out with us over the next few years! We will be competing with his social life, and before we know it, a part time job.

so that I don’t feel the hit so hard when they do “fly the nest”.

The chaos, laughter and complete madness I encounter on a daily basis will one day be filled with silence and solitude. Part of that excites me, but part of it motivates me to ensure we have the best 260 weekends we can, while we can.

Parenting is by far the most amazing experience of my life that at times leaves me pulling my hair out, worrying myself sick, rolling my eyes, scrunching or blocking my nose, or laughing my heart out. But one thing is certain - it’s never enough time. There are so many things that fill our lives and distract us from what really matters.

I am determined to cull as many of these as possible, so that we can make the final 260 weekends as memorable as possible.

So whatever stage you are at in your parenting or grandparenting journey - Soak it all in!

Because one day all of the crazy days filled with drop offs, sports, discos, movie nights, snuggles, sleepovers, meal times and the joys of Christmas and Easter mornings will be a memory. Your day to day parenting will come to an end.

Happy 13th birthday to my big boy Jordan, you are so loved and growing into such a kind and caring young man. We are so proud of you!

If anyone has any tips on raising teenagers, I am all ears - please email them in.

It’s so tempting to want to bonsai them and keep them small forever, but we are raising adults. There is so much to do emotionally, physically, socially, spiritually and mentally to prepare them for leaving the nest that we can sometimes forget to do the same for ourselves.

Bree

The time is now for me to ensure that I have enough in my life to keep me occupied when they do leave home,

www.breejames.com www.myvisionbook.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2022 5

Feature

We are the Solution to Plastic Pollution STORY Take 3 If you take a look around, you will notice you’re surrounded by plastic products. Most of which will contribute to the ever growing global plastic pollution problem.

Plastic pollution is the accumulation of litter, plastic objects and particles in the Earth’s environment.

Over 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic have been made since mass production began in the 1950’s. Sadly, at least 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in our oceans every year. For our marine life, ingesting plastics can be fatal, causing internal blockages, starvation, injury and bleeding. It can be equally as catastrophic for other animals, including us, as plastic particles contaminate our food, water and even the air we breathe.

Only 9 percent of this plastic has been recycled, the other 91 percent sits in landfill, floats in our oceans or is combusted, further releasing unhealthy chemicals into the atmosphere. But plastic doesn’t break down.

6 March 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Instead, it breaks up into smaller and smaller pieces, eventually creating microplastics and nanoplastics.

Reducing the use of plastic is imperative. Plastic production requires an enormous amount of energy and resources with significant carbon emissions and subsequent climate change. Recycling plastic is not efficient and it’s not created with the environment or our future in mind.

So how can we help limit our use of plastic?

Well let's start with the facts and try to implement some alternatives to plastic.

Plastic Bottles The Problem: Over 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every minute around the world.

The Solution: Refuse plastic bottles and seek reusable alternatives. Don’t drink bottled water. Every single-use bottle you refuse is a positive move for the planet.

Feature

Plastic Bags The Problem: An estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are used annually worldwide. That’s nearly two million plastic bags every minute and most are only used for a few minutes.

The Solution: Reusable shopping bags are readily available and can be used hundreds of times.

Refuse plastic bags and recycle your soft plastics through a program like the REDcycle program www.redcycle.net.au

Plastic Straws The Problem: Each day, more than 10 million plastic straws are used and discarded in Australia alone.

How can your family help improve the health of our oceans?

• If you see rubbish - pick it up • Use reusable drinking bottles • Avoid takeaway coffee cups • Say no to plastic straws • Carry reusable bags • Avoid fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic • Have plastic free lunch boxes • Use reef safe sunscreen. Many sunscreens use chemicals that are toxic for our reefs. For more information head to www.savethereef.org

The Solution: If you need to use a straw, purchase a reusable one and always ask for ‘no straw please’ unless they are eco friendly.

For more tips on how we can eliminate singleuse plastics and live more sustainably, head to www.take3.org

Coffee Cups

If you would like a great book and some resources to help you navigate this topic with your children, check out Little Pago created by illustrator and storyteller Lauren Briggs. The book focuses on a vulnerable baby sea turtle named Little Pago, who embarks on an adventurous journey in search of food in an ocean of plastic. The site also provides more tips on how we can eliminate single-use plastics and live more sustainably. www.littlepago.com

The Problem: Around 500 billion disposable coffee cups are produced each year. Paper and cardboard coffee cups have a thin plastic lining to prevent liquids leaking, making them difficult to recycle.

The Solution: If you are having your drink ‘to go’ use a reusable cup, or otherwise, slow down and have your drink in-house using a ceramic cup.

Win a Copy of the Little Pago Children’s Book $19.99 - www.boolarongpress.com.au Against a magical background of coral flowers and seaweed gardens, Little Pago and his friends set out on an adventurous journey in search of food. However, not everything floating in the ocean is safe for a baby turtle to eat. This children’s fiction picture book, with an environmental and sustainable focus is written and illustrated for 2-5 year olds. Little Pago is an imaginative, compelling and inspiring story about friendship, perseverance and the important role each of us can play in keeping one of our oceans most ancient and endangered sea creatures safe for future generations. The internal pages of this book are printed on FSC certified 100 percent recycled paper. Become an advocate for change and join The Little Pago Family www.littlepago.com A donation will be made to Take 3 for the Sea on the sale of each book www.take3.org Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

Take 3 supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advocates for a circular economy future. Our ‘throw away’ society fuelled by overproduction, overconsumption, single-use materials and poor waste management is damaging our planet irreparably. The current system is not sustainable. Take three pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway or anywhere and you have made a difference.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2022 7

STEAM

20 Cool Maths Facts March 14 is the International Day of Mathematics! To celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of super interesting facts that show us maths is everywhere and that we all use it every day.

1. A year isn’t exactly 365 days -

7. The most common favourite number

it’s 365.2564 days! That’s why we have a leap year every four years.

is 7.

2. The spiral shapes of sunflowers, snails and shells follow the Fibonacci sequence, where the two previous numbers are added together to get the next (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34…).

8. What comes after a million, billion and trillion? A quadrillion, quintillion, sextillion, septillion, octillion, nonillion, decillion and undecillion.

9. An icosahedron is a polyhedron with 20 faces.

3. 70 percent of the earth’s surface is covered in water. However, only 3 percent of the earth’s water is freshwater and two-thirds of freshwater is frozen in ice sheets and glaciers.

The other third is found in lakes, rivers and underground.

10. ‘Four’ is the only number in the English language that is spelt with the same number of letters as the number itself.

11. An Abacus is considered the origin of 4. People tend to have about 100,000 hairs on their head, and you can lose around 50 to 100 hairs every day.

5. Baking is mathematical - to make the perfect sugar cookie, follow a simple ratio of 3:2:1, or 3 parts flour to 2 parts butter to 1 part sugar.

the calculator.

12. If you multiply 111,111,111 × 111,111,111 you get 12,345,678,987,654,321 a palindrome number that reads the same forwards or backwards.

13. Zero is the only number that can’t be represented in roman numerals.

6. If you fold a piece of paper 45 times, it will reach the moon!

This is known as exponential growth, which means that the rate of growth is proportional to its size.

So, the thickness of the piece of paper will increase exponentially with each fold.

8 March 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

14. A ‘jiffy’ is an actual unit of time. The unit differs depending on the field of study.

For physicists, a jiffy is how long light takes to travel a distance of one femtometre, which is a millionth of a millionth of a millimetre. That means that there are about three hundred thousand billion billion jiffys in a second!

15. Adding up the numbers 1 - 100 consecutively (1+2+3+4+5...) gives you 5050.

16. One way to remember the value of Pi (3.1415926…) is to count the letters in each word of the question: “May I have a large container of coffee?”

17. In 1900, all the world's mathematical knowledge could be written in 80 books; today it would fill more than 100,000 books.

18. 12 + 3 - 4 + 5 + 67 + 8 + 9 = 100

19. The word ‘geometry’ comes from the Greek words ‘geo’, meaning earth, and ‘metria’, meaning measure.

20. A square is a polygon with 4 sides of equal length and 4 right angled (90°) corners.

If you’ve got a little math wiz on your hands, or a young one that needs a little extra help, check out these websites to spur them on and get them loving maths! www.idm314.org www.twinkl.com.au www.3plearning.com

WIN a GoCube Edge Smart Rubik's Cube Worth $129.00 GoCube is a smart app-enabled Rubik’s cube that connects to your phone/tablet and tracks your moves in real-time.

Learn how to solve it in a fun and interactive way, play games, and battle online with other cubers around the world. GoCube is the perfect STEM toy, it is educational and fun and adds tons of value to screen time! - www.jbhifi.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

Education

How to Teach Your Children to be Mindful Consumers and Become one Yourself STORY Nicole Gilliver, Co-Founder of Ewe Care The notion that consumption should be mindful sounds quite logical, right? It seems strange to me that in this day and age with all the road bumps and minefields of parenting that somehow, we also need to be teaching our small humans mindfulness when it comes to tempering their desires. But we live in a time of abundance, and when faced with abundance as all you’ve known, it is easy to take for granted things that either shouldn’t be abundant or wouldn’t under different circumstances. This is how I take my lead in teaching my small humans mindful consumption.

weave them into conversation and actions as a natural and normal part of ‘how I roll’. But children are a whole different ball game!

I perhaps have it a little easier than some - I live on a farm where feast and famine or abundance and scarcity is easily demonstrated and has a very real impact on how we live. This tangible example is my best tool in my parenting toolbox for demonstrating wants and needs.

At our farm, if water doesn’t fall from the sky, then we don’t have water. Examples such as these are very easy to come by on a farm entirely reliant on tank water, but under no circumstances does it curb their interests in all the things that attract their little eyes!

Perhaps the answer here is to get on the front foot.

Load up that tool belt with an arsenal of highly functional written, learned and behaviourally ingrained examples and actions to deliver to our small people.

Leave them with no doubt as to how to prioritise needs over wants and consume in good conscience.

Some of these - actually, most of these - are fun and really help teach new skills if you choose to partake.

Other examples do require more explanation but have the added benefit of strengthening your relationship with your child.

We still need to shop and it’s here where I really need to dig deep into the dark depths of my parenting toolbox to work with my children in reminding them that consumption has a real impact. Intellectually this is a conversation had daily with myself (and others) as part and parcel of running a business founded on the values of sustainability. It has been a major part of my adult learning to consider these things daily, and I intrinsically

The last thing we want to do to our children in trying to teach them important values and life skills is to bore them. Sadly, in the overwhelm of the constant questions of “Mum, can I have this?”, we simply and understandably retort with a simple “No!”. I get it, it’s tiresome to delve into explanations, and let’s face it, how much energy do we really have against the relentless requests for ‘stuff’?

Spend time enjoying outdoor activities like camping or fishing. Both activities featured heavily in my upbringing and taught me so many things about food, how to source it and prepare it and, most of all, the effort required to do so. Camping taught me to appreciate the roof I have over my head and the creature comforts of home.

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Education

Spend time creating with arts and crafts. These kinds of tasks are an opportunity to engage in conversation with your children about the effort required to produce things and discuss how things might be made now as opposed to decades prior.

Cook with them. Food preparation is a massive part of how we spend our time and how we develop respect for produce. The more skills our children have in the kitchen the less likely they are to depend on heavily packaged low-nutrient food as a source of sustenance. They are also less likely to be wasteful.

Create a plan for ‘use it or lose it’. Sounds harsh, and trust me, sometimes it is! But seriously, how many stuffed toys do kids really need? We are doing them no favours by housing ever increasing volumes of toys.

It’s not always easy or pleasant, but it’s important to highlight this as a wants vs needs exercise and to give them a true understanding of what they have as opposed to what they need.

Walk the walk and talk the talk. Show, don’t tell. Living on a farm that not only farms animals but is also the

primary place of manufacture, we often take family walks to either round up sheep or survey what’s going on with seasonal changes or environmental impacts.

This gives us the perfect opportunity to demonstrate how our choices can impact our surroundings. The other benefit of ‘walking the paddocks’ is the conversations around observations of what’s growing or not and why that might be.

Empower them to know they can make a difference.

As adults I know how overwhelming it can be to fall into the trap of believing our actions are merely the actions of one individual. But I strongly believe that if we empower our children with the confidence and knowledge that they can make a difference, that’s a huge step in the right direction towards mindful consumption.

Don’t forget that the issues we face currently are relatively new, and this generation has a far greater awareness and understanding than we ever did at their age. I believe the more we practice mindful consumption as parents, the more likely we are to create mindful children who understand how to balance their needs and wants.

WIN Ewe Care Day and Night Luxury Sheep Milk Skin Creams with Raku Ceramic Vessels worth $345.00 Housed in refillable and handcrafted ceramic vessels, the morning and evening skincare creams contain locally harvested Awassi sheep milk, an untapped beauty ingredient traditionally reserved for cheesemaking. Naturally rich in vitamins A, B, C, D and E, including a host of native Tasmanian botanicals, the nourishing formulas restore moisture, improve collagen production, reduce redness, fight acne-causing bacteria and combat damaging environmental aggressors, such as UVinduced free radicals. www.ewecare.com.au The prize includes Day Cream and Raku Day Ceramic, as well as Night Cream and Raku Night Ceramic. Refills are available for your vessels for only $65.00 for the Day Cream and $80.00 for the Night Cream.

Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

Nicole is Co-Founder of Ewe Care and Executive Director at Ewenique Enterprises PTY LTD – a company that prides itself for the last 20 years on challenging commonly held beliefs around the manufacture and packaging of familiar products by pushing the boundaries of sustainability. Ewenique Enterprises, and Ewe Care by extension, seeks to engage consumers in alternate conversation around the beliefs of what constitutes sustainability and the next direction of its boundaries. Nicole currently oversees Ewe Care as it launches into the beauty space as Australia’s first luxury sheep milk skin care packaged in 100 percent compostable packaging. Ewe Care exists to create conversation and challenge consumers to undertake a sustainable and deliberately slow approach to skin care.

Head to www.pakmag.com.au to listen to Nicole joining Bree to discuss Mindful Consumption and pioneering sustainable skincare products and packaging.

12 March 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Advertorial

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Enrolments for 2023 are open now. To find a Catholic school near you or learn more about individual schools, visit www.experiencecatholicschools.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2022 15

All Things Tweens and Teens

Supporting Adolescents in the New Age of Anxiety STORY Erica Komisar As an author, psychoanalyst and parenting expert, I decided to write my new book, Chicken Little the Sky Isn’t Falling: Raising Resilient Adolescents in the New Age of Anxiety as a guide for parents because we are in the midst of an adolescent mental health crisis.

Even before our lives were turned upside down from the pandemic and related public health measures, adolescents were struggling with record levels of anxiety and depression. Under healthy circumstances, puberty, identity and finding a place in our everchanging world can be traumatic. But in today’s tumultuous times, anxiety for adolescents has become more intense than ever.

Our world is changing rapidly, and the media bombards us daily with reminders of political, economic and environmental crises and turmoil. Hate crimes and violence are at an all-time high, feeling unsafe and uncertain is the new reality. Additionally, drugs and alcohol, video games, social media and other forms of technology combined with academic stress and high expectations create a complicated melting pot. Like a pressure cooker, there is always a danger that things could explode.

Parenting an adolescent can be confusing. Luckily, there are ways that parents can help their adolescents navigate this age of anxiety. As parents, it is important to be aware that you are your child’s first line of defense against mental health and behavioral issues.

Something to remember is that adolescents do not need parents to be their friends. Though parents who try to be friends with their children may have good intentions, the job of a parent is to provide clear boundaries and clear expectations. Adolescents need a parent who is a reliable, emotionally safe harbor, who will help them navigate acceptable and unacceptable behaviours.

Healthy limits and boundaries are important, and being able to say no to our children allows for honest and emotionally healthy relationships.

It is also important that parents exhibit high selfesteem and model positive self-worth. Parents who are perfectionists or harshly critical of themselves pass these self-hating behaviours down to their children.

By loving ourselves and acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses as well as our limits and capabilities, we model positive self-esteem.

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All Things Tweens and Teens

Furthermore, parents need to exhibit emotional stability and emotional regulation for their adolescents. If you respond to frustration with impatience and intolerance, your children will too. Parents who emotionally regulate are able to keep feelings and reactions from becoming overly intense or harmful to others. By remaining calm and thoughtful even in situations that frighten, anger, or frustrate us, we teach our children to respond to situations similarly. When parents experience anxiety, depression, or have unresolved conflicts and emotional volatility, the burden is on them to seek help so that adolescents are not continuously exposed to such negative behaviours.

Part of being an empathic parent is listening to our children and paying attention to signs of emotional distress. There are many potential signs that your adolescent may be struggling with a mental health disorder, just some of which include changes in their behavior such as sleeping too much or too little, eating more or less than usual, fatigue, hyperactive energy or more aggressive behavior. Other signs may include being socially isolated or struggling, or dramatic changes in school performance. In addition, look for panic attacks (bouts of sweating, racing heart or feelings of tightness in the chest), and prolonged feelings of intense sadness, despair, or hopelessness.

Finally, parents who are resilient to stress have a greater chance of passing that quality down to their children. Parents are resilient to stress when they feel emotionally secure and have the inner resources to soothe themselves in times of adversity and distress.

Resilient adults are in turn able to raise resilient children by being sensitive and empathetic, able to identify, reflect on, and soothe feelings of distress. In contrast, adolescents with parents who dismiss or ignore their feelings of distress are less likely to grow up to be resilient adults. Neuroscience research is clear in that sensitivity and empathy are key to raising emotionally healthy human beings. If we struggle with empathy toward our children, how can we expect them to feel for those closest to them in the future, or to address a world full of problems?

As parents, it is your responsibility to ensure that your adolescent receives help if they are struggling. As soon as your adolescent is exhibiting these signs, find them a psychotherapist who specialises in their age group.

Parents can also help struggling adolescents by being as present emotionally and physically as possible so they are available whenever their adolescent feels ready to talk, connect and share their experiences.

While the journey of raising an adolescent is not always an easy one, being able to watch your adolescent grow up, celebrate victories and face disappointments without feeling overwhelmed or crushed by them is among the most satisfying and rewarding experiences as a parent.

Erica Komisar, LCSW is a psychoanalyst, parent guidance expert and author of Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters and Chicken Little the Sky Isn’t Falling: Raising Resilient Adolescents in the New Age of Anxiety. www.ericakomisar.com

Win a Copy of Chicken Little the Sky Isn’t Falling: Raising Resilient Adolescents in the New Age of Anxiety Chicken Little the Sky Isn’t Falling offers parents the tools they need to navigate this tumultuous time of change and create a continuous deep connection with their child.

With the sage tools in this book, parents will learn how to prevent or recognise the early stages of mental health disorders such as depression, ADHD, behavioural issues and addiction. Parents will also glean compassionate and practical advice on how to address these issues should they occur. www.ericakomisar.com Head to www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to WIN!

Listen to Episode 128 of the PakMag Parents Podcast with Erica joining Bree to discuss this topic in greater detail. www.pakmag.com.au

18 March 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Advertorial

What Does Belonging Mean in Early Childhood?

According to the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority™, “Belonging acknowledges children's interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities. In early childhood, and throughout life, relationships are crucial to developing a sense of belonging. Belonging is central to being and becoming in the sense that it shapes who children are and who they can become.”

At MMCNQ we believe that positive communication and interactions with children are crucial to supporting children’s sense of belonging. Many recognised authorities confirm the importance of positive adult interactions with children early in life, which in turn supports children to develop meaningful relationships with others. Our Educator’s interactions are warm, caring and responsive. Attention is focussed around building connections with each individual child and when maintained over a period of time, children develop trust and a sense of belonging.

When children develop secure relationships with our educators, they become more confident and independent, and able to explore their environment while learning about the world and their place in it. Returning to those they trust when they require

comfort, protects and helps calm children when they are feeling overwhelmed. Every child is unique and while some will venture to explore, others may require having the educator close by to reconnect more frequently.

What is important is that educators respond to each child’s needs and be available to provide children with a sense of security. “Research shows relationships are central to children developing acceptance, self-esteem and higher functioning thinking skills that contribute to positive learning and life outcomes”.

All educators play a role in supporting children to develop their skills to work with others. This is embedded through playing cooperatively, helping others, developing empathy and being part of a team.

Healthy routines and consistent expectations support the children on this relationship journey. Routines help children understand what to do so they can focus on how to do things. Routines also help children to develop confidence as they become more confident in their environment.

As parents and educators engage in positive communication, building trusting and respectful relationships together, the MMCNQ community strengthens and the sense of belonging for children continues to develop.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2022 21

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Bump, Bub and Beyond Featured products, reviews and prizes. Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

Munch Eco Parenting Prize Pack $74.00 - www.munchcupboard.com Munch eco essentials are pure and simple in design and function, eco-friendly and plastic free, with nearly all the products being reusable, organic and biodegradable.

Designed for everyday use, the Munch range lets you make a difference in the world. The kids and parents prize pack includes a silicone training cup, organic beeswax wrap, silicone and wood cutlery set, silicone butterfly teething toy and pack of four reusable food pouches.

LeapFrog Interactive Wooden Animal Puzzle

RosehipPLUS Skincare Pack

$29.95 - www.target.com.au

The RosehipPLUS® range is a complete Certified Organic skincare regime that helps to support healthy, radiant, beautiful skin. RosehipPLUS® Rosehip Oil contains naturally occurring bioflavonoids and essential fatty acids.

Bioflavonoids act as potent antioxidants, helping to reduce free radical damage in the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The essential fatty acids (Omega 3,6 and 9) in the oil help to keep the skin hydrated, moisturised and younger looking.

With four interactive play modes, this puzzle is full of delightful surprises. Match animal puzzle pieces by shape and colour. Animal names and sounds, colours and fun facts are featured in Animals mode and in Numbers mode, count the objects hidden under the animals. Questions about animals, colours and numbers help reinforce the learning. Add musical notes and animal sounds to background beats in Music mode. Hear an animal symphony when you take out all the pieces at once.

This product is made with 100 percent FSC-Certified wood and the plastic in this product is 90 percent reclaimed.

22 March 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

$69.85 - www.rosehipplus.com.au

The RosehipPLUS® Skincare pack includes: RosehipPLUS Certified Organic Rosehip Oil - 30ml, RosehipPLUS Hydrating Day Cream 75mland RosehipPLUS Nourishing Night Cream - 50ml.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Why Teaching Your Children About the Environment and Sustainability is Important Teaching children about the environment and sustainability may seem like a new thing, but all that time we spent outdoors as children climbing trees, exploring rock pools and chasing butterflies is exactly that. By immersing ourselves in nature and play, we learnt respect for creatures that could sting us, waves that could hurt and many other skills required to keep us safe from just some of what life throws at us.

children that the world isn’t finite, food security isn’t a guarantee and we all have a role to play in securing a future for everyone.

Learning about the environment will not only help keep your children healthy and safe, it’ll also allow them to take accountability and recognise their impact, and you never know - they may just find their passion in nature.

The Top Five Eco Swaps for Your Laundry WITH Laundry Expert Nicole Gibson

1. Soaking: Swap your regular laundry buckets to a water saving multitasking soaking system. The Soka Tub will save water, detergent, space, time, money and sanity!

2. Pegs: Swap plastic pegs for metal pegs that will last forever.

3. Laundry detergent: Swap regular detergent for one that is biodegradable, has no artificial fragrances, fillers or harsh chemicals.

Children of all ages learn from their surroundings and this includes their natural environment. With many of us tucked comfortably inside in air conditioned rooms and on devices, it’s no wonder that children these days feel less connected to nature, lack awareness of where food comes from and are more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.

Teaching your children and getting them out in nature has been shown to promote physical and mental wellbeing, nature connectedness, respect for wildlife, curiosity and creativity, and also helps develop a more sustainable relationship with the environment. It may seem an unnecessary thing to do, but by instilling a healthy respect for our planet, we are teaching

4. Fabric softener: Avoid fabric softener or replace it with ¼ - ½ cup white vinegar.

5. Dryer: Save drying time by using dryer balls or a dry towel when using the dryer.

Follow @sokaaustralia for more eco-friendly laundry and stain removal tips. www.sokaaustralia.com.au

Did You Know?

A staggering 3.75 million disposable nappies are used in Australia and New Zealand every day! It takes approximately one cup of crude oil to make each individual nappy, and once in landfill, they can take up to 150 years to break down. Knowing this - reusable cloth nappies have never sounded so appealing.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2022 23

Parent's Puzzles Sudoku - Each of the nine blocks must contain all the numbers 1-9 within its squares.

Each number can only appear once in a row, column or box.

WIN a Pilot Pen BEGREEN Pencil Case Valued at $53.19 www.pilotpen.com.au/begreen If you want to help reduce plastic waste and make a positive contribution to the environment, then Pilot’s BegreeN range is a great choice. The perfect staple for home, school and work, BegreeN features ballpoints, gel pens, whiteboard markers, mechanical pencils, correction tape and refills – all made from 70 - 99.7 percent recycled materials, in plasticfree packaging made from recyclable cards. It even includes a pen – called B2P (“Bottle to Pen”), made from recycled plastic bottles.

Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 31/03/2022. No need to submit answers to enter.

Match the “negatives” to the ‘positives”

24 March 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Sudoku answers can be found at www.pakmag.com.au/answers

Pull-out kids activity mag!

For your chance to WIN a family pass to The Bad Guys, enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win.

Competition closes 31/03/2022.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE IN CINEMAS MARCH 31

THERE ARE 10 DIFFERENCES IN THE PICTURES OF THE BAD GUYS BELOW. CAN YOU SPOT THEM ALL?

ANSWERS

For your chance to WIN a family pass to The Bad Guys, enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win.

Competition closes 31/03/2022. No need to submit activity to enter.

Where’s Tails?

Help Sonic speed his way through the maze and find his sidekick Tails before Dr. Robotnik gets to him first! Draw a line representing the route Sonic should run from the start to the exit of the maze.

Don’t run into any dead ends or cross any solid lines.

EXIT

START

© 2022 PAR. PICS. & SEGA

For your chance to WIN a family pass to Sonic The Hedgehog 2, enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win.

Competition closes 31/03/2022. No need to submit activity to enter.

1

2

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Do the math then use the answers to colour in the turtle

Use the grids to copy the pictures, then colour both in

WIN a Copy of Lonely Planet Kids - The Plastic Problem $19.99 - shop.lonelyplanet.com With The Plastic Problem from Lonely Planet Kids, you’ll discover loads of brilliant and easy ways to cut plastic out of your life! By becoming a ‘plastic patroller’ instead of a plastic polluter, your actions will help protect our world, and inspire friends and family to do the same. Today is the perfect time for a change. As a future guardian of the planet, you can say no to plastic. Your actions, however small, can make a big difference every day, and with each change you’ll help our oceans become a little cleaner, and our planet a little healthier.

Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 31/03/2022.

No need to submit answers to enter.

Adult Colouring

WIN a Mini Wattle Flower Press Valued at $45.00 www.sownsow.com.au Eternalise the beauty of your flowers and foliage with this beautifully designed mini flower press featuring a gorgeous illustration of Australian native Golden Wattle.

You can use these pressed flora pieces to adorn gift cards, create art pieces, picture frames, gift tags – the only limit is your imagination. Each press is hand crafted in Australia out of hard-wearing materials to ensure stable pressure and long-lasting use.

Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

Competition closes 31/03/2022.

No need to submit colouring to enter.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2022 29

Education

15 Green Careers of The Future STORY Mary Bolling, Journalist and Communications Advisor at CQUniversity Check out these sustainable jobs to future-proof your career, and life on earth.

The history of humanity is a story of adaptation, resilience and resolution. As we face the climate crisis, tackling and reversing climate change is imperative for protecting our planet from biodiversity extinction, food insecurity, and increasing heat-related illness and disease.

The climate challenge also creates demand for a huge array of solution-oriented careers, across science, technology, development, health care and humanities.

Leaders from across CQUniversity’s future-focused courses have compiled this list of 15 jobs which play important roles in the new green economy. The passionate people who do them will be vital for humanity’s survival.

1. Bush Regeneration Specialist Bush regeneration, also known as natural area restoration, means replanting and maintaining native ecosystems that have been devastated by invasive plants and animals, or by human development.

You’ll be in demand as primary producers work to improve their properties’ climate resilience and diversity, and in urban areas where governments and communities seek to preserve native flora and fauna around infrastructure projects.

Dr Bhattarai leads numerous carbon science research projects across Australia, and says there’s huge demand for technical experts across the carbon economy.

3. Sustainable Entrepreneur Climate change is a global issue, but innovative solutions can often be local and create profit for good in your community. One business-driven initiative to grow sustainability is Townsville-based QPlas, a company transforming agricultural waste from plastics and timber into construction products.

Founder Sandra Richards developed the idea from her experience as a sheep, cattle and timber producer, and says a local solution to waste is vital to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Sandra is growing QPlas into a social enterprise, or impact-led business, through hyperflexible iActivate, CQUniversity’s online social enterprise course.

4. Laboratory Technician The pandemic has made pathology laboratories some of the busiest workplaces around – but climate impacts are putting big demands on all scientific laboratories.

Marine conservation, soil improvement, sustainable waste management, animal health, ecological research and so many other green initiatives all rely on dedicated laboratory teams.

To dig straight in, start with a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management, or get the skills to lead regeneration projects with a Bachelor of Environmental Science.

Completing a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques requires just 18 months full time study and prepares graduates for a range of monitoring and instrument operation roles.

2. Carbon Accountant / Carbon Scientist

5. Agri-Tech Innovator

Capturing and storing carbon can mitigate global warming. Developing a ‘carbon economy’ to increase and reward offsets requires specialised carbon accounting.

Sustainable futures require secure food production, and technological innovation can help increase nutritious food production in a resource-scarce world.

CQU adjunct lecturer and researcher Dr Thakur Bhattarai works with climate innovator CarbonLink to sequester carbon on grazing properties, achieving emission reduction while improving productivity and sustainability of the land.

Agri-tech focuses on tech solutions – from farm to table – that optimise crop yields sustainably. At CQUniversity, passion for agri-tech is driving successful trials of the world’s first mango auto-harvester, using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurement to assess eating quality and predict ideal harvest time.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2022 31

Education

6. Solar Electrician About one in four Australian homes have rooftop solar panels, and Australia leads the world in the uptake of solar energy - now the cheapest power source on offer.

Countless businesses, including CQUniversity, are also increasing reliance on solar to power operations so there’s much more work ahead.

Solar electricians are the backbone of the industry, and installers are in hot demand. The career can start with an electrical apprenticeship, as a trade assistant with an installer, or pre-apprenticeship training for high school students.

7. Sustainability Consultant Big industry and business want to minimise their environmental impact. Sustainability consultants work with organisations to implement more environmentallysound processes and products.

Studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science can help build a career driving green change across a whole range of sectors, including construction, government and corporate.

8. Mechanical Engineer / Electrical Engineer Engineers have been vital to traditional power generation, and their skills are vital for renewable energy creation too. Diverse opportunities include wind farm design, solar and geothermal project development, and many emerging clean energy technologies.

studying Emergency and Disaster Management or Tactical Medicine.

11. Green Tech Developer The future is digital, so design green solutions that are too!

Technology smarts will be vital for tackling environmental issues, including the huge amount of waste and pollution generated by tech and online industries.

The Green Software Foundation, for instance, promotes sustainability at the core of tech development, while nanotechnology in engine designs is cutting fuel consumption and lowering carbon emissions.

12. Environmental Lawyer A career in environmental law will tackle broad issues for ensuring our planet’s survival – and lawyers who can advise on green standards and sustainability issues are in demand.

A Bachelor of Laws is the first step to representing green causes in court, for a career that could shape environmental regulation and legislation, and protect Earth’s most valuable assets.

13. Sustainable Building Designer As natural resources become increasingly scarce, new building design needs to adapt. Green design choices can reduce waste, as well as the amount of energy required to run.

CQUniversity is a research partner for Central Queensland’s burgeoning hydrogen industry, set to create 11,000 green jobs by 2032 - including numerous engineering roles.

Sustainability architects, designers and engineers consider a huge range of technologies to reduce a building’s carbon footprint. While some requirements are legally mandated, green building designers have plenty of room to innovate new ways to minimise environmental impact, on new builds and retrofits.

9. Marine Researcher

14. Ecotourism Operator

Ocean ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to climate change, and researchers are working hard to combat rising temperatures, acidification and deoxygenation, increased storm intensity and rising sea levels.

As the tourism sector emerges from the pandemic, travellers are putting more thought than ever into their impact when they travel. Ecotourism is booming, and designing environmentally-friendly experiences lets people connect with nature, while also protecting it.

The work of organisations like CQU’s Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) creates solutions for sustainable management, conservation and restoration. Whether that’s reforestation of seagrass meadows, capturing plastic waste in waterways to understand and prevent upstream creation or creating seaweed biofilters, research projects to protect the Great Barrier Reef are vital.

10. Emergency Responder Extreme weather events are increasingly common as the Earth’s climate changes, and more frequent natural disasters require more frontline emergency responders.

Numerous health care qualifications can help prepare future frontline workers, or get leadership skills by

Pre-pandemic, ecotourism in Australia employed more than 14,000 people and generated $1.6 billion a year.

A Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management is a good start to understanding the industry’s opportunities.

15. Teacher Securing our planet’s future will ultimately fall to the current generation of children. So help teach them to make it better!

The United Nations has highlighted education as the key priority for addressing climate change – passionate educators who support young people to take action and get creative about designing solutions, will make a huge difference for them, and for generations to come.

Mary Bolling is an experienced journalist and a communications adviser at CQUniversity.

Her storytelling focuses on social impact, sustainability and community development through education. CQUniversity is Australia’s only Changemaker Campus, accredited by global social innovation network Ashoka U, and a leader in inclusive, empowering and life-changing education and training.

32 March 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

All Things Tweens and Teens

What Parents of Teens Need to Know About Vaping STORY Dr Latisha Petterson, Cairns Doctors Vaping, sometimes known as ‘Juuling’, has grown in popularity with teens in recent times. And as we all know, teens like to be popular, so it’s worth knowing about this trend even if it isn’t directly affecting you or your family right now.

So what is ‘vaping or Juuling’? Simply put, it’s using electronic cigarettes (e-cigs, ENDS, ANDS, personal vaporisers, e-hookahs, mods and vape pens are just some of the other names they go by) to inhale a vapour. Many people use vaping as an alternative or transgression tool to quit smoking regular cigarettes believing that it is less harmful.

E-cigs have cartridges filled with a liquid that contains nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals. As e-cigs are not approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, many liquids are purchased online meaning they can be made anywhere, by anyone and contain anything.

While many vapes claim they are nicotine free, most of the vaping liquids contain some nicotine with some e-liquid pods having as much nicotine as a packet of cigarettes. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance so you don’t have to vape every day to become addicted.

Vaping hasn’t been around long enough to know the long term effects, however health experts are reporting serious lung damage and lung irritation.

The effects of nicotine on kids and teens include impacting brain development, affecting their memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention and mood. It also increases their risk of developing other types of addictions like regular cigarettes and marijuana.

How you help your teen overcome this addiction will vary with the individual but we recommend starting with educating them on the dangers of vaping and risk of developing addictions. To do this effectively, you’ll need to know your stuff so do your research.

Talk to them openly and honestly about your concerns, share articles such as this one and the numerous ones online with them to reinforce your concerns. The earlier and the more frequent the topic is addressed, the more likely they are to listen.

The greatest suggestion is to lead by example. If you are a smoker, it’s time to kick the habit or at the very least, smoke or vape discreetly.

Dr Latisha has extensive experience in Indigenous Primary Health Care and is passionate about Indigenous Health. Her other interests are Mental Health and Well-being, Sexual Health, Women’s Health and Well-being, Child and Adolescent Health, the Management of Chronic Disease and Preventative Health. She practises in a holistic framework when caring for patients which embraces their psychological, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2022 35

Health

All Things Health Jana Gorski

Healthy Benefits of Natural Cleaning Products

Naturopath - Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy

Going green to keep the house clean has many benefits – for you, your family, your pets and the environment.

Here’s some of the reasons to ditch the chemicals and make the switch to eco-friendly cleaning products today.

The Safety of Your Children and Pets: If the chemicals aren’t in your cleaning cupboard – you won’t have to have nightmares about your little ones getting into them.

The Gentler Natural Ingredients are Safer for You to Use: Chemical cleaners often require personal protective equipment to defend skin, eyes and lungs from harm.

Natural cleaning products are generally much safer.

Be mindful that although natural, many natural cleaning products can still cause irritation.

Better Air Quality: The fumes and vapours from chemical products can contaminate the air in your home exposing your family to these substances (which can be toxic).

This can increase the risk of developing respiratory conditions such as asthma, and is known to impact concentration.

They are Better for the Environment: The harsh chemicals in general cleaning products can often contribute to air pollution, contaminate drinking water and can also be toxic to plants and animals. When they go down our drains, they end up in our waterways, contaminating the ecosystem and negatively impacting plant and animal life.

Dear Jana, What’s the difference between Keto and Low Carb?

Strictly speaking, a Ketogenic Diet is higher in fat and lower in carbs than a Low Carb Diet and has been studied extensively for its benefit in a variety of conditions such as Epilepsy, Parkinson’s and Diabetes.

However, both are most often used for weight loss as they can trigger a state of ketosis – a process where the body burns its own fat stores for fuel. For this reason, “keto” is often used to describe either diet and can therefore be confusing when browsing for recipes and products. Talk to one of the Calanna Naturopaths about which diet may be best for you and if you qualify for a private health rebate to achieve your goals.

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy www.calannapharmacy.com.au

It’s Less Expensive: Products in your pantry like vinegar, olive oil, bi-carb soda, lemon juice and essential oils (the list goes on) can do the cleaning trick for so much less than store-bought items and you know exactly what’s in them.

Mario’s Range Essential Oils Sourced from the purest ingredients, Mario’s Range Essential Oils are a great addition to your wellbeing routine. The range offers over 30 high quality essential oils to help you manage and combat a variety of ailments.

From battling the seasonal flu, to promoting a state of calm, there’s a natural aid in the range for you. Plus, with Mario’s Range, seeking a natural solution to your health won’t cost you the earth. Suitable for the whole family. Be mindful if you have pets as some essential oils can be toxic for our furry friends, check in at your local Calanna Pharmacy to ensure safety. Shop in store at your local Calanna Pharmacy and check out Mario’s Range today.

36 March 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Consult your local health practitioner, doctor or pharmacist for advice on these topics first to ensure the best health outcomes.

Daddy Diary

Daddy Diary Grab a bowl of cold spaghetti and get ready to mash your bananas because The Wiggles are turning 30!

Three incredible decades of Australia’s official favorite band (sorry Crowded House but the skivvies have you beat there). And what a wiggle-tastic time it’s been.

I’m one of the lucky ones who remember the OG Wiggles. Part of me still sings `Wake up Geoff’ instead of ‘Lachy’. But I’ve also had the incredible pleasure of seeing my own children grow up with the newer incarnations of the group. One thing that hasn’t changed is the smiles on little faces. The Wiggles are pure joy and it really is a wonderful thing to witness.

My little boy Charlie turns three next month, so we are neck deep in Wiggles love at my place right now.

Our TV regurgitates more Wiggley content than pretty much anything else. But recently the group’s music stepped out of the TV and into real life after a visit to Wiggle World. That’s at Dream World on the Gold Coast for those keen beans wanting to visit. What a day it was.

I honestly don’t think our mini Anthony (Charlie’s fav Wiggle and the one he dressed up as) has had a better time in his life.

This year also marked another milestone for The Wiggles with the supergroup taking out the Hottest 100 on a radio station I refuse to name because it’s not my one. The group’s cover of Tame Impala’s 2012 hit “Elephant” has been so popular Anthony and Simon recently revealed to me and my radio show co-host Gabi, the group is releasing a full covers album (including a Wiggley take on an AC/DC classic). I don’t think any of us saw that coming.

It’s hard not to feel happy for The Wiggles and the amazing amount of success they’ve experienced for the last 30 years. Growing up with them myself, watching my now seven year old daughter fall in love with Emma (best of luck Em), then her passing the baton onto my guitar loving little boy. The Wiggles have brought so much happiness to so many families for such a long time. For that this father says a BIG thanks.

Now I’m off to tidy up my rose bush. I’m pretty sure Dorothy the Dinosaur made a lite snack out of it after the concert.

Cliffo Hit 103.1

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2022 41

Entertainment

Check it Out Beats n’ Eats - Thankful4Farmers Fundraiser When: Saturday 5 March / 1.00pm - 11.59pm / FREE entry / G Where: The Island Bar, Magnetic Island More info: The Island Bar, Base Magnetic Island www.thankful4farmers.com.au

Ocean Film Festival 2022 When: 7.00pm - 10.00pm / $25.00 - $32.00 / G Where: Townsville Civic Theatre More info: www.oceanfilmfestival.com.au Designed to mesmerise and enthral the viewer, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour showcases our oceans with 3 hours worth of breathtaking and otherworldly footage taken above and below the water’s surface. The collection of short films from around the world document the beauty and power of the ocean, and celebrates the divers, surfers, swimmers, and oceanographers who give their all to be immersed in the depths of our waters. The films are set to highlight the awe-inspiring nature and strength with skilled cinematography and fast-paced wave sequences. Said to be uniquely Inspiring and thought-provoking, the films aim to convey a deep respect and appreciation for the world’s oceans and the creatures that call them home.

Clean Up Australia Day When: Sunday 6 March / 8.00am - 10.00am / FREE / G Where: Sherriff Park More info: whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Step up to clean up with Townsville City Council and the community-based environmental action day Clean Up Australia. Help your local natural environment and take part in a good cause at this community event. There will be water bug sampling with Creekwatch and marine debris surveying with Tangaroa Blue, providing an insight into environmental monitoring. Find out how you can get involved with Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare. There will also be complimentary refreshments, free native plants to take home, and clean up bags and gloves provided to get you involved.

42 March 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

Beats n' Eats returns this March with a fundraiser working alongside thankful4farmers. Join in the fun with live music, great food, and great views, while celebrating and raising money for regional areas and the farming community.

Thankful For Farmers is an initiative for raising awareness and funding for farmers going through hard times, promoting sustainable farming practices, and initiatives and also celebrating the amazing work they do.

Perc Tucker Gallery Exhibitions When: Runs until 10 April, Tuesday - Friday: 10.00am 5.00pm, Saturday - Sunday: 10.00am - 1.00pm Where: Perc Tucker Gallery More info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Perc Tucker Regional Gallery has two floors that house two main exhibition spaces and five Community Access Spaces. On display are works by North Queensland artists, national touring exhibitions and international touring exhibitions.

Disintegration: Metadrawing and Expanded Drawing explores drawing as an autonomous artistic discipline, as opposed to its previous contingent uses, such as preparatory drawing, commercial art, design and architecture.

Risographomania: Brings together ninety local, national, and international artists to explore the unpredictable, bright and exciting printmaking process, risography. Invented in Japan in 1980 by the Riso Kagaku company as an affordable alternative to screen printing and offset printing, the risograph is a medium capable of incredible accuracy and coherence, or anarchic misregistration, depending on the whims of the artist.

The Celebration of Swing When: Saturday 5 March / 7.30pm - 9.30pm / $55.00 - $85.00 / G Where: Townsville Civic Theatre More info: whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Presented by The Merchants of Bollywood, the show will feature fifteen Australian musicians and singers, plus showcase two esteemed singers, Gregg Arthur and Jackie Cooper, and Sydney’s top instrumental jazz soloists.

The concert’s music repertoire will highlight the greatest Big Band hits of the 1940’s, featuring the music of Glenn Miller, Harry James, Benny Goodman and more.

33 1/3 Celtic Band When: Sunday 13 March / 2.00pm - 4.00pm / FREE - $40.00 / G Where: PIMPAC More info: www.townsvillemusic.org.au Prepare yourself for an afternoon of high energy Celtic and Irish music with Townsville's premier Celtic party band "33 1/3".

The band will deliver a great mix of traditional Celtic music alongside lively up-beat arrangements. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge, but require a ticket for seat allocation. And don’t forget, it’ll be held just 4 days before St Patrick's Day.

Colours for the Kids When: Friday 18 March Where: Townsville More info: nafundraising.rmhc.org.au Add a splash of colour to your school or workplace and have some fun whilst raising funds for local sick kids.

Colours for the Kids is a fun and simple way for your school and workplace to get involved in raising funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia. Commit to participating by adding a splash of colour to your school or workplace. You can dress up, decorate, dance, bake or run your way to colour. Then, fundraise! You can hold a gold coin collection on the day, or fundraise in the lead up.

Community Noticeb o ard

School of Rock the Musical

Live Life Get Active Townsville City Council is partnering with Live Life Get Active to inspire a fitter, healthier and happier community.

This great social initiative allows you to make a positive change by removing the barriers to leading a healthier lifestyle, no matter your fitness level. Activities will be held at The Strand and Riverway, Monday to Friday during school terms. There’s something for everyone, with X training, yoga, and boxing available.

Find out more at www.townsville.qld.gov.au and www.livelifegetactive.com

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When: Thursda y 17 Marc Saint Pa h trick’s D ay mark death o s the f Saint P atrick, th foremo e st patro n saint So don’t of Irelan forget y d. our som green a ething nd Irish coffee o n the 17 th.

44 March 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

When: 23 March - 2 April Where: Townsville Civic Theatre More info: www.nqomt.com.au Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.

The show will feature 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, plus all the original songs from the movie.

Grab your tickets online at whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Moulin Rogue Presented by Stage Door Enterprises When: 23 March - 17 December Where: Stage Door Theatre Restaurant, Magnetic Island More info: www.stagedoortheatre.com.au Enjoy a night of comedy and cabaret.

Grab your tickets online at whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

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World’s Greatest Shave When: 16 - 20 March In 2022, the Leukaemia Foun­da­tion will cel­e­brate 24 years of World’s Greatest Shave -mak­ing it one of Australia’s longest-run­ning and most loved fundrais­ ing events. Peo­ple of all ages chan­nel their inner hero and shave, cut, or colour their hair, sup­port­ed by proud fam­i­ly, friends, col­leagues, and classmates. Some will have a per­son­al con­nec­tion to blood can­cer, while oth­ers take part sim­ply to have fun, tick some­thing off their buck­et list, and to raise mon­ey for a good cause. More than 2 mil­lion Aussies have tak­en part over the past two decades, with an estimated 37,500 kilo­s of hair removed!

When you take part and raise money for World’s Greatest Shave, you’ll be joining an elite task force of heroic shavers on a mission for a future free of blood cancer.

Sign up now and get involved! www.worldsgreatestshave.com

International Women’s Day When: 8 March This year the theme for IWD is #BreakTheBias. Focused on amplifying the voices of women, ridding the world of inequalities within our society, and forging a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. This day is all about promoting a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive, where difference is valued and celebrated.

Whether deliberate or subconscious, bias plays a significant role in the way girls and women are treated, and makes it difficult for women to not just move ahead, but also keep up. Acknowledgment of bias isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field and call it out.

Get Involved!

We’d love to hear from you! Head to www.paktownsville.com.au/community to submit community news or a notice, and also view the full community noticeboard online.

Are you in? Will you actively call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping each time you see it?

Will you help break the bias?

Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias www.internationalwomensday.com

Please confirm the above details are correct before visiting during these uncertain times.

We have done our best to ensure all details are correct at time of print.

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2022 45

What’s On TUESDAY 1 MARCH

WEDNESDAY 2 MARCH

After School Art Club Runs weekly until 29 March Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 3.30pm - 5.00pm / $60.00 $90.00 / Ages 7 - 12 www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Zumba with Merryl Runs weekly until 22 June, except public / school holidays Heatley Community Centre 6.00pm / $10.00 per session / G - All ages whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Groundswell Exhibition Runs until 23 April Pinnacles Gallery 10.00am - 5.00pm / FREE / G www.townsville.qld.gov.au Ristographomania Runs until 10 April Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 10.00am - 5.00pm / FREE / G www.townsville.qld.gov.au Live Life Get Active X-Training Runs weekly until 31 March The Strand 5.45pm - 6.30pm / FREE / G www.livelifegetactive.com Live Life Get Active Active Yoga Runs daily until 1 April The Strand 6.00am - 6.45am / FREE / G www.livelifegetactive.com Disintegration.

Metadrawing and Expanded Drawing Runs until 10 April Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 10.00am - 5.00pm / FREE / G www.townsville.qld.gov.au Bliss n Eso JCU Uni Bar 7.00pm - 10.30pm / $69.00 / 18 + Bliss n Eso Hey Warrior - Anxiety Disorders in Children Workshop with Karen Young Souths Leagues Club Mackay 9.00am - 4.00pm / $315 / 18+ www.heysigmund.com

Kidzfit at Genesis Health + Fitness Runs every Wednesday Genesis Health & Fitness Thuringowa 3.45pm / $5.00 per child, $45.00 for a 10-class pass / 5 - 10 years (fully-supervised) Genesis Health and Fitness Thuringowa P 4723 1490 Beyond Beginner/ Intermediate Cuban Salsa Choreography 9 week course, runs weekly BFITT – Townsville 8.30pm - 9.30pm / $125.00 / M globaldancecollective.com.au Live Life Get Active - Active Boxing Runs weekly until 30 March The Strand 6.00am - 6.45am / FREE / G www.livelifegetactive.com THURSDAY 3 MARCH Small Business Workshop The Ville 8.30am - 10.30am / FREE / 18 + www.employsure.com.au/ seminars Yoga for Happiness 5 week programs, runs weekly until 15 December Townsville South State School 6.30pm - 8.00pm / $100.00 /M www.employsure.com.au/ seminars

46 March 2022 | www.pakmag.com.au

With HIT 103.1’s Cliffo & Gabi

Playtime at the Library with First 5 Forever Runs weekly Hinchinbrook Shire Library 10.30am / FREE / Ages 0 - 5 www.library.hinchinbrook. qld.gov.au Dance for Absolute Beginners 6 week course. Runs weekly until 7 April Dancenorth 6.00pm - 7.15pm / $90.00 / G www.dancenorth.com.au Thy Art Is Murder Dalrymple Hotel 8.00pm / $45.00 / 18 + www.dalrymplehotel.com.au Townsville Fire v UC Capitals TECC 7.00pm / G, check online for ticket sales JCU Townsville Fire Townsville Veteran Tabletop Games Runs weekly until 31 March The Oasis Townsville 5.30pm - 9.30pm / FREE www.theoasistownsville.org.au FRIDAY 4 MARCH Breathwork sessions Runs weekly until 24 June Inner Light Meditation Centre 7.00pm - 8.00pm / FREE / G www.trybooking.com

Establishing the Basics 5 week programs, run weekly until 17 December Townsville South State School 8.00am - 9.15am / $100.00 / M www.yogaaspirations.com.au Beats n’ Eats Thankful4Farmers Fundraiser The Island Bar, Magnetic Island 1.00pm - 11.59pm / FREE entry / G The Island Bar, Base Magnetic Island Townsville Fire v Southside Flyers Dandenong Stadium 7.00pm / G, check online for ticket sales JCU Townsville Fire Adventurethon Runs until 6 March Ross Dam and Pallarenda Beach Check online for times and race registration www.adventurethon.com.au SUNDAY 6 MARCH Clean Up Australia Day Sherriff Park 8.00am - 10.00am / FREE / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Junior MyGolf Boys & Girls Runs weekly until 27 March Townsville Golf Club 8.30am - 9.15am / $89.00 / Ages 5 - 12 www.townsvillegolfclub.com.au

SATURDAY 5 MARCH

Basketball Under 12 Prep For Rep Week 3 Townsville Basketball 11.00am - 1.00pm / Check online to details and registration www.townsvillebasketball.com

The Celebration of Swing Townsville Civic Theatre 7.30pm - 9.30pm / $55.00 $85.00 / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Camera Photography Workshop Jezzine Park 3.30pm - 6.30pm / $90.00 www.philcoppphotos.com

Cyclones Friday Night Cruise Harvey Norman Townsville 7.30pm - 7.45pm / FREE / G www.cartorque.co

MONDAY 7 MARCH Live Life Get Active Active Boxing Runs weekly until 30 March The Strand 6.00am - 6.45am / FREE / G www.livelifegetactive.com Cruise and Rail Expo Townsville RSL Club 1.00pm - 4.00pm and 5.00pm - 8.00pm / FREE Travel Associates Townsville TUESDAY 8 MARCH International Women’s Day www.internationalwomens day.com Toddler Time Runs weekly during school term.

Townsville Stadium 9.00am / FREE (bookings required) / for carers and toddlers aged 24 + months whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Baby Rhyme Time Runs weekly during school term.

Townsville Stadium 10.30am / FREE (bookings required) / for parents and babies 0 to 24 months whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au WEDNESDAY 9 MARCH Free Microchipping Day Animal Care and Adoption Centre 9.00am -2.00pm / FREE / G, Bookings required P 13 48 10

The Philadelphia Story Runs until 12 March PIMPAC 7.30pm - 9.50pm / $15.00 $25.00 / G www.townsvillelittle theatre.org.au From Vision to Inclusion Advocating for your child at school Workshop Rydges Southbank Townsville 9.15am - 2.30pm / FREE www.cru.org.au The Philadelphia Story Runs until 12 March PIMLICO 10.30pm / $15.00 - $25.00 / M www.trybooking.com THURSDAY 10 MARCH Baby Rhyme Time Runs weekly during school term CityLibraries Thuringowa Central 10.30am / FREE (bookings required) / for parents and babies 0 to 24 months whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Storytime Runs weekly during school term CityLibraries Thuringowa Central 9.30am / FREE (bookings required) / for carers and children aged 3 years + whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Runs until 11 March Townsville Civic Theatre 8.00pm / $55.00 - $65.00 / M www.alist.com.au

Mad Cow Tavern 7.00pm - 11.00pm / $125.00 / 18 + www.madcowtavern.net.au

FRIDAY 11 MARCH

Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont Dalrymple Hotel 8.00pm / $40.00 / 18 + www.tickets.oztix.com.au

The Cathedral School Prep Open Day The Cathedral School Townsville Register online www.cathedral.qld.edu.au TBWC International Women’s Day 2022 The Ville - The Pavillion 12.00pm - 3.00pm / $150.00 / PG www.tbwc.com.au Looby Townsville Civic Theatre 6.30pm - 7.50pm / FREE /M whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au SATURDAY 12 MARCH Townsville Grammar School Family Fun Morning Townsville Grammar School Annandale & North Shore 9.00am - 11.00am www.tgs.qld.edu.au Feast of Classics Townsville Civic Theatre 7.30pm - 9.30pm / $15.00 $40.00 / G www.nqorchestra.com.au

Live Life Get Active - X-Training Runs weekly until 31 March The Strand 5.45pm - 6.30pm / FREE / G www.livelifegetactive.com

Growing Vegetables in the Tropics Carville Villas 9.00am - 12.00pm / $75.00 / PG www.globalgardener.org

Kitty Flanagan LIVE

B&S Bundy Ball

Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.

Laugh Til You Leak presented

by Sistas in Comedy Amaroo on Mandalay 7.30pm - 10.00pm / $20.00 $25.00 / 18 + www.trybooking.com Comedy Workshop for Women with Kat Davidson Hub Creative Spaces 10.30am - 2.00pm / $80.00 / 18 + www.trybooking.com Townsville Fire v Southside Flyers TECC 7.00pm / G, check online for ticket sales JCU Townsville Fire SUNDAY 13 MARCH 33 1/3 Celtic Band PIMPAC 2.00pm - 4.00pm / FREE $40.00 / G www.townsvillemusic.org.au Basketball Under 12 Prep For Rep Week 4 Townsville Basketball 11.00am - 1.00pm / Check online to details and registration www.townsvillebasketball.com

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2022 47

What’s On MONDAY 14 MARCH Open Day Ignatius Park Ignatius Park Townsville 3.15pm - 6.00pm www.ipc.qld.edu.au Qi Gong Runs sporadically until 19 December Inner light Meditation Centre 6.30pm / $15.00 / G www.trybooking.com TUESDAY 15 MARCH SMA Sports Trainer Course Runs every 2 days until 19 March CoreMovement, Townsville 6.00pm - 9.00pm / $190.00 $285.00 / G www.sma.org.au ASPYA Roadshow 2022 Reboot Your Life through Mindfulness Mecure Townsville 6.00pm - 9.00pm / $80.00 / G www.mercuretownsville.com.au WEDNESDAY 16 MARCH World’s Greatest Shave Take part and raise money for World’s Greatest Shave, a charity event for the Leukaemia Foun­da­tion.

Runs until 20 March www.worldsgreatestshave.com MM Don’t Shoot Me, I’m STILL Only the Piano Player Townsville Civic Theatre 11.00am - 12.30pm / $17.00 / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au THURSDAY 17 MARCH St Patrick’s Day St Patrick’s College Twilight Open Evening St Patrick’s College Townsville 5.00pm - 7.00pm www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au Ocean Film Festival 2022 Townsville Civic Theatre 7.00pm - 10.00pm / $25.00 $32.00 / G www.oceanfilmfestivalaustralia. com.au Daniel Champagne Live Also runs 18 March The Bellevue Hotel 7.00pm - 10.00pm / $25.00 Daniel Champagne Townsville Fire v Sydney Flames TECC 7.00pm / G, check online for ticket sales JCU Townsville Fire

Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.

With Triple M’s Pricey

FRIDAY 18 MARCH

Welcoming Babies Ceremony Townsville Stadium 8.30am, 10.00am , 11.30am / FREE, Registration required www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Riverway Movie Screening Runs every third Friday until 17 June Riverway Oval 7.00pm - 8.30pm / FREE / G whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Townsville Fire v Perth Lynx TECC 7.00pm / G, check online for ticket sales JCU Townsville Fire

Colours for the Kids Townsville FREE nafundraising.rmhc.org.au Steady Eddy The Ville - The Pavillion 7.00pm - 11.00pm / $39.00 / 18 + www.the-ville.com.au

Cowboys v Raiders Queensland Country Bank Stadium 7.35pm / $21.00 / G www.cowboys.com.au

SATURDAY 19 MARCH Lost & Found Music Festival Cluden Park Townsville 12.00pm - 10.00pm / From $99.00 / M whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

SUNDAY 20 MARCH

Moulin Rogue Runs until 17 December Stage Door Theatre Restaurant Various days and times / $80.00 - $95.00 / PG www.stagedoortheatre.com.au Give Hockey a Go Townville Hockey Grounds 8.30am / FREE / Ages 4 - 11 www.townsvilllehockey.com.au

Basketball Under 12 Rep Team Trials Townsville Basketball 8.00am - 2.00pm / Check online for details and registration www.townsvillebasketball.com TUESDAY 22 MARCH Give Hockey a Go Joe Kirwan Park 5.30pm / FREE / Ages 4 - 11 www.townsvilllehockey.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | March 2022 49

What’s On TUESDAY 22 MARCH Nourishing the Heart and Spirit 8 week program, runs until 12 April Townsville South State School 6.30pm - 8.30pm / $192.00 / 18 + www.yogaaspirations.com.au WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH School of Rock the Muscial Runs until 2 April Townsville Civic Theatre 7.30pm - 10.30pm / $30.00 $50.00 / PG www.nqomt.com.au Moulin Rogue Runs until 17 December Stage Door Theatre Restaurant, Magnetic Island 5.00pm - 9.00pm / $95.00 / PG www.stagedoortheatre.com.au FRIDAY 25 MARCH Cairns University Experience Campus event for Year 12

students to explore higher education degrees and TAFE courses.

CQUniversity Townsville, Building 2, Ground Floor 9.00am - 2.00pm / FREE www.cqu.edu.au/events SATURDAY 26 MARCH

SUNDAY 27 MARCH

FRIDAY 1 APRIL

How to Prune your Garden Professionally Carville Villas 1.00pm - 4.00pm / $70.00 / PG www.globalgardener.org

Sexual Assault Awareness Month www.nsvrc.org/saam

TUESDAY 29 MARCH

Give Hockey a Go Townville Hockey Grounds 8.30am / FREE / Ages 4 - 11 www.townsvilllehockey.com.au

Give Hockey a Go Joe Kirwan Park 5.30pm / FREE / Ages 4 - 11 www.townsvilllehockey.com.au

The Best of the Bee Gees Townsville Entertainment Centre 8.00pm - 11.00pm / $49.00 / PG www.tecc.net.au

THURSDAY 31 MARCH

SATURDAY 26 MARCH

Australian Military Wives Choir - Townsville Rehearsal The Oasis Townsville www.amwchoir.com

TUESDAY 5 APRIL Delta Goodrem – Bridge Over Troubled Dreams Tour TECC 8.00pm / $100.00 - $400.00 / G www.tecc.net.au SATURDAY 9 APRIL RESPECT – The Aretha Franklin Story TECC 8.00pm / $60.00 - $90.00 / G www.tecc.net.au

Townsville Fire v Melbourne Boomers TECC 7.00pm / G, check online for ticket sales JCU Townsville Fire

Regular Markets Bushland Beach Markets

Balgal Beach Markets

Mundingburra Markets

Elliot Springs Market

Date: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, March to December Time: 8.00am – 12.00pm Location: On the foreshore, end of Mount Low Parkway

Date: 1st Saturday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: The Esplanade, Balgal Beach.

Date: 3rd Sunday of the month Time: 7.30am - 12.00 noon Location: Mundingburra State School

Strand Night Markets

Renegade Handmade Markets

Date: 1st Friday of the month (runs from Feb to Dec) Time: 5.00pm - 9.30pm Location: Strand Park, North Ward

Willows Rotary Markets

Date: 2nd Saturday of the month Time: 8.00am - 12.00pm Location: Elliot Springs Blvd, Julago

Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 12 noon Location: Marian School Hall

Bluewater Twilight Markets Date: 2nd Saturday of the month Time: 4.00pm - 8.00pm Location: Bluewater Community Centre

Magnetic Island Markets (Horseshoe Bay) Date: Every week on Sunday Time: 9.00am – 2.00pm Location: Foreshore in Horseshoe Bay

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Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.30am - 11.30am Location: Willows Shopping Centre Car Park

Ingham Raintree Community Markets Date: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month Time: from 7.00am - 12.00 noon Location: Rotary Park, Ingham

Cotters Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 8.30am - 1.00pm Location: Flinders St

Wulguru Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.00am – 12.00 noon Location: Wulguru Soccer Grounds 14 Edison Street, Wulguru

Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.