SUMMER 2020-21
Grammar gets
IN THE SWIM The Coast’s
SURFING MUMS
Instagram’s
NOOSA MUM BROUGHT TO YOU BY
About Us
Warm summer wishes HI everyone! Welcome to the summer edition of Sunshine Coast Kids Today. It’s that time of year again! The kids are finishing up school for the year and we are getting busy preparing for Christmas Day and the holiday season. If you are scratching your head for Christmas gifts, be sure to check out our toy guide on page 5. There are also a heap of awesome toys you can win, including Spin Master prize packs, a Globber Explorer Trike 4in1 and a Barbie Dreamhouse. In this edition, we caught up with
Instagram’s Noosa Mum Melanie Krasilovsky. Melanie’s story is sure to resonate with many - after the birth of her first child she was feeling isolated and started searching for her village. Speaking of villages, there are groups of mums on the Sunshine Coast who regularly meet up to go surfing. It’s a great idea - each member pairs up with a surfing buddy and organises who will watch the kids and who will head out for a surf - and then they swap roles. One of the coordinators of the Caloundra group, Liza Edwards, says the nationwide movement, called Surfing Mums, is changing lives and having a
positive impact on mental health. In this edition you will also find expert tips on how to approach the often messy task of toilet training and how to declutter your home (which you may need to do after Christmas). It goes without saying that 2020 has been an unprecedented year and that many of us are very much looking forward to the new year. The team as Sunshine Coast Kids Today wishes you a fun and safe holiday season and a happy 2021.
Sunshine Coast Kids Today will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays. Sunshine Coast Kids Today c/o Noosa Today 36 Mary Street, Noosaville, Qld, 4566 Online: sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au Facebook.com/SunshineCoastKids Today
Contents IT’S YOUR LIFE Happily riding the wave of motherhood PAGE 3 Mum’s passion for positive birthing PAGE 4 Hottest toys for Christmas PAGE 5
Editorial Melissa Grant editorial@sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au
FOCUS ON BUSINESS REALITY BITES Helping create calm at your home
Tips for toilet training success
PAGE 15
PAGE 21
Phone: 07 5455 6946 Advertising Phill Le Petit Advertising Sales Manager
DENTAL
BOOKS
Looking after your child’s oral health
Inspiring the hero in all of us
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PAGE 22
FOCUS ON GYMPIE
Children’s books
phill.lepetit@noosatoday.com.au Phone: 07 5455 6946
SUMMER 2020-21
Noosa Mum on her new village PAGES 6-7 A screentime coach for children PAGE 8 Mega playground coming soon PAGE 9 How you can declutter with kids PAGE 10 Adorable kids threads PAGE 10 Noosa’s Christmas wonderland PAGE 11 Spring into summer PAGE 12
EDUCATION Environmental education with a difference PAGE 14 Giving children the best start in education PAGE 14
PAGE 22
Skateland fun PAGE 17
KIDS CALENDAR
A great gold rush
What’s on this summer
PAGE 17
PAGE 23
A museum full of skeletons PAGE 18 Berry fine family fun PAGE 18
Grammar gets
IN THE SWIM
Foundations to succeed
Instagram’s
NOOSA MUM
The Coast’s
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
SURFING MUMS
PAGE 19 A train ride for pets PAGE 19
Cover It’s time to spring into summer at Grammar Swim School.
ENTERTAINMENT Our top parenting podcasts PAGE 20 Paw Patrol movie on the way PAGE 20 New kids channel shaking things up PAGE 20
Free childcare? PAGE 15
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It’s Your Life
Happily riding the wave of motherhood By Melissa Grant WHEN you are drowning in the stress of motherhood, it helps to have someone to ride the waves with. On the Sunshine Coast, women are riding those waves together as part of the Surfing Mums movement. Each member pairs up with a surfing buddy and organises who will watch the kids and who will head out for a surf - and then they swap roles. It’s a simple concept and one that’s changing lives. Surfing Mums has close to 40 groups across Australia, including three on the Sunshine Coast. Liza Edwards is one of the coordinators for the Caloundra group, which meets up twice a week all year round. Liza joined nearly eight years ago when her son was 10 weeks old. “I was a keen surfer before I had my son. But I didn’t go out regularly because I didn’t know many people on the coast,” she said. “The group was running for a few months before I came along. There were only five or so members when I joined. “I just found out about it through my neighbour and the paper. The next day I was down there at the meet-up.” The Caloundra group now has about 80 paid members, with an average of six to eight mums coming to a meet-up. The meet-ups take place at a beach between Caloundra and Kawana, with the group coordinators selecting a beach with good conditions that morning. Liza says each mum gets about an hour in the surf. “You find out what you need to know about the (other mum’s) kids and then
Mums Michelle and Bec hit the sand. Michelle Mi h ll with ith some off th the kids kid involved i l d in i the th group.
swap,” she explained. “Afterwards we try to go out for a coffee.” The mums aren’t the only ones who benefit either. “The kids have an absolute ball,” Liza said. “We usually pick somewhere where there is a park and a coffee, and shelter if it’s going to be a rainy day. We have quite a few good beaches around.” Surfing Mums also has a Coolum to Noosa group and a Peregian to Mudjimba group. The movement was founded in 2008 by two mums in Bryon Bay. They had been regularly meeting to take turns watching each other’s children and surfing, and realised the partnership could benefit parents around the country. The organisation isn’t limited to just mums. Dads, grandparents and carers are also members. Liza says the impact on those involved is incredible.
Mum Michelle catches a wave.
Surfing Mums, she says, changes lives and has a positive impact on mental health.
experience on a surfboard.
“It just creates the opportunity. It’s the most simple concept - you just need one other person out there,” Liza said.
“We encourage people to get lessons. It’s a great group to nurture your surfing but not that place to do the learning,” Liza said.
“My closest friends are the ladies at Surfing Mums.”
Surfing Mums cost $1 per week to join, with funds going towards public liability insurance and other essentials.
While you don’t have to be a seasoned surfer to join, you need some
For more information, visit https:// www.surfingmums.com
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SUMMER 2020 3
It’s Your Life
Mum’s passion for positive and calm birthing By Melissa Grant LIKE most mums to be, Eloise Davis was warned childbirth wasn’t going to be a pleasant experience. “I was a young first-time mum. When I was pregnant I didn’t have much knowledge,” the Kureelpa resident said. “The women in my life, my mum and my grandma, told me birth was something to be feared. “My grandmother had five daughters and told me that childbirth was barbaric and that it’s cruel to be a woman.”
Eloise with her husband Joel and children Bella, Xavier, Bonnie and Lachlan.
point that changes they are informed.”
But Eloise knew intrinsically that there had to be a different way.
now aged 10, 8, 4 and 2.
It was this determination to have a more pleasant birth experience that changed Eloise’s life.
“My first was quick, it was intense. I was able to use the intervention to have a calm birth,” she said.
Whilst researching childbirth she came across, ‘HypnoBirthing- The Mongan Method,’ a book she says complements a childbirth education program that empowers couples to have a positive birth experience.
“With each birth, I was able to take the techniques to a whole new level.
Fast forward a decade and Eloise has had four positive birth experiences, is a Registered Midwife and is a HypnoBirthing International Practitioner. “I stumbled across the book and it changed my life from that moment onwards,” Eloise recalled. “I read the book and started practicing. The book includes comprehensive education along with a lot of practical techniques. It’s about building positive expectancy for birth and trying to mitigate the fear. “In the absence of fear you can work with what your body is doing instead of against it, that’s when you are going to have a good birthing experience.” Eloise used HypnoBirthing techniques for the births of each of her four children,
Eloise and her fourth-born Xavier.
“By baby number four our midwife didn’t make it. We had a homebirth in our ensuite. I’m so glad I had that experience with my last birth. I can’t describe that birth as painful because I took those techniques to a whole new level.” According to HypnoBirthing Australia, interest in the birth education course is growing fast. If you type the words hypnobirthing and Sunshine Coast into Google you will get quite a few results.
While working as a midwife at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Eloise saw many women unprepared for childbirth and many traumatic experiences. It was her work as a midwife that convinced her to teach HypnoBirthing (the Mongan Method) and led her to establish Hinterland Hypnobirthing, which she runs out of a studio at her home. Eloise supported Bree and Jack for the birth of their child.
“I wanted more people to know it doesn’t have to be a scary, traumatic experience,” she said.
comprehensive childbirth education that provides a set of tools and techniques to support couples throughout pregnancy and birth.
“All we know from the time we are little girls is that it (childbirth) is the woman screaming for the epidural, it is the husband passing out on the hospital floor. That it is this big event we have to endure.”
Couples are taught the techniques over five sessions.
Despite its growing popularity, Eloise says there are misconceptions about what HypnoBirthing is.
“No matter what turn your birthing takes, you can be informed and educated,” Eloise explained.
“I think people see it as free birthing as for the hippies. It’s not,” she said.
“People say I want an epidural. That’s OK, but what about when you are at home before that?
“After baby number three, I remember driving home with my husband saying I wish more people knew it could be this way.”
“Generally people who do the course want a natural birth, but I will educate them on all their options so if at any
Do you have a birth story? Let us know by emailing editorial@ sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au
“Sometimes the name puts people off. But all hypnosis is, is a deeply relaxed state.” Eloise describes HypnoBirthing as
“My birth experiences were the most empowering experiences of my life.
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It’s Your Life
The hottest toys for Christmas By Melissa Grant WHAT are the must-have toys this Christmas? It’s a question you are probably asking yourself as you scratch your head for gift ideas. There are so many new toys and games that have been released in time for the festive season, not to mention all the old favourites sitting on retailers’ shelves. While it’s impossible to feature them all, we’ve put together a list of hot gifts for kids this Christmas. HOT WHEELS ULTIMATE GARAGE The newly released Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage is designed to fuel kids’ imaginations. Take vehicles all the way up in the kid-powered two-car elevator, then race down through the multi-level garage and experiment with dual-play mode for continuous thrills. For kids aged 5+. RRP $129.99. PAW PATROL DINO PATROLLER Save the day with Dino Patroller, the first motorised Paw Patrol team vehicle. It features room for all six pups, oversized wheels, a projectile launcher and an exclusive Chase and t-rex dinosaur action figure.
Paw Patrol Dino Patroller. Bosh Deluxe Workbench.
Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage.
UNO.
Barbie Dream House.
classic picture guessing game of “What am I?” returns with all-new picture cards, six themed headbands, and art. Pick a card, but don’t peek! It’s then a race against the clock to guess what’s on your card, by asking your opponents yes-or-no questions. RRP $24.99
You know this game needs no introduction! Players take turns matching a card in their hand to the card showing on top of the deck by colour or number. Skips, Reverse, Draw Two, Wild and Draw Four Wild cards can deliver opponent-beating moves. There is also UNO Junior, a simplified version for younger players. UNO RRP $10, UNO Junior RRP $6.99
For kids aged 3+. RRP $139 HEDBANZ By popular demand, Hedbanz, the
WIN! WIN! WIN! MATTEL TOYS
BARBIE DREAM CAMPER Kids can hit the open road and go wherever their imaginations take them, with Barbie Dream Camper. There are multiple transformations and hidden surprises make playtime exciting.
Hedbanz.
We’re giving away some awesome toys for Christmas.
UNO
Kids can use their imaginations to set up their perfect home with Barbie Dreamhouse. There are limitless ways to play and explore, from friend sleepovers to birthday parties and backyard BBQs. Perfect for kids aged 3+. RRP $249
SmarTrike Trampoline.
Globber Explorer Trike 4in1.
For kids aged 3+. RRP $109.99 BARBIE DREAMHOUSE
Barbie Dream Camper.
Cool Maker Hollywood Hair Studio.
markers and spray bottle. For ages 8+. RRP $39.99 GLOBBER EXPLORER TRIKE 4IN1 This 4in1 trike can be used from 10 months through to five years. At 10 months, your child can use it in trike mode, Then at 18 months they are ready for the guided trike. By the time they’re 2 it can be switched to training tike mode before being switched to a balance bike. RRP $299 BOSCH DELUXE WORKBENCH A height-adjustable workbench with a drill press, vice, saw, pliers, hammer, wrench and more. With so many screws, saws, spanners and more to play with, this gift nails it.
COOL MAKER HOLLYWOOD HAIR STUDIO
For ages 3+. RRP $79
This DIY hair studio lets children design, customise and create their own hair extensions. They will love decorating one of the coloured or pattern hair ribbons with marker pens then pressing a button to transform it into a super cute hair extension. The set includes a curling wand, hair rollers and clips, two
SMARTRIKE TRAMPOLINE A ball pit and trampoline that folds small enough to fit just about anywhere. The SmarTrike Trampoline encourages development and growing with your child from 10 months to five years.
Up for grabs is one Barbie Dreamhouse ($249), which offers so many options when it comes to imaginative play. We’re also giving away one Barbie Dream Camper ($139), and the newly released Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage ($129.99)
SPIN MASTER TOYS We’ve got two toy prize packs to give away, each valued at more than $200. Each pack features: Paw Patrol themed vehicle, Bakugan Dragonoid Infinity, Monster Jam 1:64 Basic Playset Season 2, Twisty Petz Beauty, HedBanz and Hatchimals Crystal Flyers.
GLOBBER TRIKE Win a Globber Explorer Trike 4in1 in teal ($299). The all in one tricycle for toddlers aged 10+months and balance bike for kids aged 2-5 years adapts as your child grows. To put yourself in the running to win one - or all - of these great toys, visit www. sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au/ competitions Hurry - entries close Thursday 17 December.
RRP $169
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SUMMER 2020 5
Noosa Mum on her new village
It’s Your Life
By Melissa Grant Noosa Mum Melanie Krasilovsky Picture: Rachael Gerhard
AS a first-time mum, Melanie Krasilovsky was feeling isolated when she started a blog and Instagram account documenting her daughter’s health battles. She was looking for her village and she found it, with her account attracting thousands of followers including some people she has formed friendships with in real life. After relocating from Sydney to Noosa earlier this year, Melanie is now documenting her family’s new beachside life as ‘Noosa Mum’ and wants to connect with local mothers. How did Noosa Mum come about? Initially I had my blog and my Instagram account under a different name. It was towards the end of last year that I decided to change it. I started my blog a few years ago when my daughter had some health issues. I was first-time mum, she had some health issues and I felt very lonely and sort of isolated. I guess I was looking for my village. I hadn’t come across anyone who had gone through the issues I had been going through with my daughter. It was my way to write about stuff I was going through and also connect to other women and people going through similar things. As she got older, things changed. She sort of grew out of her issues and we had planned this move (to Noosa) and I thought it was the right time to change
my name so I could write about everything. I didn’t want to pigeon hole myself and write about health related stuff. I review products and I want to write more about local stuff - what we get up to now that we are in Noosa. So I have only had my name, Noosa Mum, since the end of last year. But I’ve been blogging and having my Instagram account for quite a few years now. It was called Healing Gracie’s Gut. Were you surprised at how your blog and Instagram account took off? Yeah, I mean I didn’t really have any expectations. It was more therapy for me to write, almost like a journal and write about things happening in our lives. Then I started to do some interviews with people and it sort of took off from there. I probably was surprised because I wasn’t expecting it to grow how it has. Do you think there was something in particular that resonated with people? I wouldn’t say that my blog and Instagram account are glossy. A lot of the Instagram accounts are more of a showreel. I’ve tried to keep it more raw and edited in what I post. I guess I got writing about health issues my daughter had and found that a lot mothers were going through similar issues with their children and there was a lack of support. It was sort of like having an online mothers’ group where we could chat about experiences and what we were going through.
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You have been pretty open about your struggles with motherhood in your Instagram posts. How important do you think it is to be honest on a medium, which as you said can present as a bit of a showreel? I think it’s very important, especially this year - it’s just been such an up and down year for so many people and mental health issues have increased 10-fold. I think it’s very important to be real, so women and mothers don’t feel alone. I’m all for creating awareness and being real. You have more than 14,000 followers on Instagram. What kind of opportunities have flowed from that following? I do get contacted a lot. My account is mixed up with different things that I’m doing. I get contacted by brands a lot and companies to review products or services. I guess it has opened quite a few doors. Also for the children, they get gifted stuff. I think I’m not going to get them much for Christmas because it just gets ridiculous (laughs). It’s not just being gifted stuff - it’s also the opportunity to connect with some amazing people and actually make some friends online who I have become friends with in real life. You’ve said on your Instagram that you had been struggling to find friends in Noosa, so that’s helped? It’s been a bumpy year for everyone. We moved here and that’s when Covid hit. My daughter has started school, so she has had a bit of a bumpy ride. My priority has been getting her settled. But also one of the struggles I’ve had is that my son has multiple food allergies. He’s quite young (two) and just trying to find things that are suitable for him and that I can meet people. I actually created a Facebook group (sunshinecoastmumsnoosamum) just before Covid hit. I haven’t done much with it, but the idea was to grow it so I could actually make some friends and create events where mums can meet on a weekly basis. It’s going to be something I will be making more people aware of because the goal I had in mind was to start creating some gatherings and meet-ups. There are more and more young families moving up to the coast ... I’m reading that so many people are moving up here or want to move up here. You’re originally from London and settled in Sydney. However, you moved from the Harbour city to Noosa about a year ago. What prompted the move? I originally came here on a working holiday Visa when I was in my 20s. Then I ended up getting sponsored by work and meeting my husband (Mark) here. I was in Sydney for 14 years, we
Melanie Krasilovsky with her husband Mark and children Noah and Gracie.
had two children (Gracie, 6 and Noah, 2). We have always holidayed in Noosa. We had the opportunity where my husband could work from home before Covid hit - now everyone is working from home! We were living in an apartment in Sydney and wanted more space. We wanted to be outdoors more. So we just sold up and here we are. You must be loving the space and the outdoors? It’s amazing. Having a garden has been life-changing for the kids. We love being by the ocean. My son likes scooting up and down Gympie Terrace. My
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daughter loves swimming, so yes we are loving it. What are your favourite things to do with your kids on the coast? Swimming - my daughter has become more confident and has started to improve her swimming, so we go to Noosa Aquatic Centre a lot. Scooting - they love scooting. They love scooting up and down Gympie Terrace by the river and then going to the Pirate Park for a play. We have still got so much exploring to do here. We are looking forward to exploring more of the Coast and my plan is to be documenting that. I will have a section on my blog writing
Picture: Rachael Gerhard
more about my experiences and what we like to get up to. I did a poll on my Instagram account and a lot of people are interested in learning more about what we got up to and family-friendly things to do on the Coast. So many things and not much time! Do you see yourself staying in Noosa for a long time? Yes I think so. The move nearly killed me (laughs) with two young kids getting here from Sydney. But definitely - this is where we want to be long-term. Follow Noosa Mum on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/noosa_ mum
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SUMMER 2020 7
It’s Your Life
A screen time coach for children IT’S a global problem. Parents right across the world face the same challenge to get kids active, to avoid a range of health issues - but also to stop the never-ending arguing and fighting over time spent on computers, games, phones and other screen devices. There are systems such as activity trackers to control time allowed, but there has never been a system that answers the problem using the language of the kids themselves - until now. ScreenCoach is right here in Noosa, and it will hit the global market in 2021. It’s the brainchild of Gary Borham, who relocated to Noosa from Melbourne 18 months ago, and who is extensively trialling his creation out of the Startup Precinct in Lanyana Way, Noosa Junction. “My wife said she would only buy an activity tracker if it turned off all the other devices in this house,” Gary said. “I thought, what a great idea; imagine how much movement a kid does if it equals a certain amount of time. Once the time elapses, devices get blocked and allows kids to get outside and more active.” Gary said ScreenCoach was like an electronic version of a star system on the fridge door, “but what’s clever is with our system if your kid empties the dishwasher for example, they earn (say) five minutes (of screen time) - but if they empty it without being nagged to do it they might get 10 or 20 minutes”. He described life for parents as “Groundhog Day which actually wears them down: whose shoes are these; whose turn is it to empty the dishwasher; have you done your piano practice, cleaned your room”. “We’ve spoken to a family in Noosa; they have to put the gaming console and modem under their mattress. Not their bed - their mattress - when they go to bed,” he said. “If it’s underneath the bed the kids will come and get it. It’s addiction.” The system allocates rewards of time on-screen, and teaches kids there is reward and bonuses for co-operating in household chores or taking exercise for example. “It’s also ‘game-ified’ so as you go up
Gary Borham and Noosa MP Sandy Bolton
to different levels, you earn more for the same activities. So today’s ‘500 steps’ might earn six minutes, but after a few weeks it could be more.
“There is this community here Sandy’s a connector - an open door of support and a step towards meeting the right people.”
“This is speaking to kids in their language.”
There’s plenty of interest in ScreenCoach, Gary said, including a once-sceptical friend and self-made IT genius who retired in his mid-30s, Pete Kakris, who has become a partner; they’ve both sunk $50,000 into the project.
Gary said he was impressed by Noosa MP Sandy Bolton’s commitment to start-up businesses in the local region. “I met Sandy at another launch. Talking to her I said start-ups were a fledgling industry here,” he said. “She said ‘not at all’. And I’ve since found that’s true. “I’ve done some work with the guys at the Peregian Hub, and we’ve got these guys here. There is a community of people I’ve met here who’ve got companies in Silicon Valley who live right here in Noosa.
“Some friends, family and fans have put in another $200,000, he said. “The Federal Government has given us $300,000 in Business Entrepreneurs funding, and that’s now been dollarmatched so we’ve raised another $300,000 - so from a little idea 18 months ago we’ve put together $900,000.”
The devices are being made “round the corner here in Noosa”, and all the support services are locally sourced, Gary said. Tech giants Sony and Samsung have provided advice and are looking closely at it, he added. Another round of fundraising is underway ahead of the 2021 launch, with $120,000 already raised and Gary said investors - which now includes the Startup Precinct’s owner - can visit ScreenCoach’s website (www. myscreencoach.com) for more information. “And parents are invited to take trials - they can (also) get details from the website,” he said.
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It’s Your Life
Conceptual images of the Hinterland Adventure Playground.
Pictures: Noosa Shire Council
Mega playground coming soon should have already started, but has been delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The nature-based playground at Cooroy will cater for kids of all ages and abilities, with a flying fox, climbing structures and a creek-style water play area.
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said construction had been delayed while council reviewed its capital works program in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The $5.2 million project has proved somewhat of a challenge. Construction
“But residents can rest assured the project is progressing and we
anticipate work starting in the New Year,” she said.
will prepare a report for council seeking approval to start construction.
Noosa has committed $1 million to the playground project in this year’s budget. The state government is contributing $2.78 million.
New car parking spaces and toilet facilities will also be build as part of the development.
Cr Stewart said council was finalising the scope of works to suit the budget and requirements of the Cooroy site. Once the process is complete, staff
Located in the centre of Cooroy, the playground will also link to key facilities and tourist attractions, including the Cooroy Library and Old Mill cultural heritage area.
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CONSTRUCTION on Noosa’s Hinterland Adventure Playground will finally begin next year.
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SUMMER 2020 9
IT’S YOUR LIFE
How you can declutter with kids By Julie Cliff professional organiser SCHOOL holidays are always a great time to declutter with kids. Having more time at home and a slower pace to the day (no rushing here or rushing there) seems to make the experience more enjoyable. Here are a few places to start. CRAFT Get the kids to help you go through their craft and sort it out. Put like items together. Discard paints and glue that have dried up or bits that are broken. Pass on items they have outgrown. Everything will be at their fingertips to whip up a masterpiece once it’s all organised. GAMES CUPBOARD Cluttering the games cupboard is much the same as the craft cupboard. Climb into the back corner of where the games live, get it all out and get sorting. You never know what you might find and want to play.
KIDS CLOTHES Check the current size the kids are wearing and go through each category of clothing and check that everything still fits right from their heads (caps, headbands etc) to their toes (socks and shoes). Have a fashion parade during the process to add a bit of fun. KIDS BATHROOM Charge the kids with the job of decluttering and organising their own bathroom if they have one. Turn it into a fun game where they display their own items or receive a reward of bath bombs or some other bathroom treat once the job is done. Encourage them to be creative in the way they put things together. Cover cardboard boxes with their paintings or drawings to use as dividers in cupboards and drawers. Put their toothbrush in a coloured plastic cup on the bench. Make a box out of Lego for the soap. SPORTS EQUIPMENT Get the kids to sort through all sports equipment. I bet they’re forgotten about the things that are in the bottom of the plastic storage tub in the garage or at the back of the cupboard. Pump up basketballs, soccer balls,
then clean items and sort them out. Put a collection of items into a bag or a box so it’s easy to grab and take to the park to play. TOYS
and undertake a bedroom renovation during the holidays. Make a detailed plan and give it a go. COMPUTER DESK / GAMING AREA
Bundle up some of the toys and store in their room or the garage so that their is less stuff accessible and rotate them regularly.
If your family is anything like mine they have their own desktop computer and another location for their Xbox. Work with the kids to check all cords are being used and neat and tidy (use cable ties or bread ties), discs are in the right cases, all rubbish in the bin, dishes in the dishwasher and then give flat surfaces a good clean.
SET UP A STUDY SPACE
NEXT STEPS?
Time at home is always a good opportunity to tweak the systems we have in place. If your child does not have a dedicated study space, the holidays are the time to do it.
Choose an area of the house to start to declutter with kids today. To make the process even more fun, put on some music and a timer and get to work.
Which toys have they outgrown? How can you use them in a different way? Which ones have they not used for a while?
RUMPUS ROOM Some kids are lucky enough to have a toy room or rumpus room dedicated for their stuff. Challenge them to declutter and organise it and set it up like a shop so that things are neatly displayed. Put like items together ensure everything is easy to find. Who knows they may even like to play shops once the job is done. KIDS BEDROOM Take decluttering to a whole new level
Julie Cliff is a Professional Organiser at Space and Time, which helps busy mums live easier, less stressful lives through simple and easy to implement organising systems. Sound familiar? Julie Cliff is a Professional Organiser at Space and Time, which helps busy mums live easier, less stressful lives through simple and easy to implement organising systems. Sound familiar? Julie would love to hear from you info@spaceandtime.com.au
Adorable kids threads FOR gorgeous kids clothing and gifts, head to Kuddly Kids Buderim. The boutique specialises in designer label clothes toys and gifts for boys and girls aged from birth to 12 years. Clothing labels stocked by Kuddly Kids include Smox Rox, Ponchik, Lulu & Milly, Aster & Oak and Paperwings.
Shop 14 Buderim Mall 86 Burnett St Buderim Q 4556 07 5445 2486 kuddlykids@hotmail.com www.kuddlykids.shopify.com
The store also sells baby gifts and toys, wooden toys, dolls and accessories, books and more.Kuddly Kids is located at Shop 14, 86 Burnett Street, Buderim. You can check out their website at https://kuddlykids.myshopify.com/
@KuddlyKidsOnBuderim @KuddlyKidsBuderim 12469793-SG49-20
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You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Kuddly Kids stocks gorgeous designer label clothing for children. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au
It’s Your Life
Noosa’s Christmas wonderland
It’s Christmas time at Noosa Civic.
There are Surf Santa and Winter Wonderland scenes to choose from, making it a fun experience. For session times, visit www. noosacivic.com.au
Kids can have their picture taken with Santa on the interactive green screen photography.
SENSITIVE SANTA SESSION For many children, meeting Santa is exciting. However, for those with sensory process challenges like autism, an experience like this can be overwhelming.
The Sensitive Santa session is on Sunday 13 December from 8am to 9.50am.
Noosa Civic’s ‘Sensitive Santa’ sessions make the entire experience calm, quiet and relaxing.
Spots are limited so bookings are essential. To reserve your place, visit noosacivic.com.au
Children can have their photo taken with Santa virtually using the interactive green screen photography,
SANTA PAWS SESSIONS Pets are part of the family, so why should they miss out on having their
ART SCHOOL HOLIDAY Workshops
Empowering Dancers to take their stage!
will be VIBEing in our new Caloundra venue!
Maroochydore 1/76 Wises Road Ph 5445 3303
+ KINDY ART, CLAY CLASSES, SCREENPRINTING, ADULT PAINTING, NDIS & LOTS MORE IN 2021
Warana 6/256 Nicklin Way Ph: 5493 2999
Art Fun to suit all ages and abilities - yes, even Mums/Dads too!
www.showtimedancewear.com.au
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www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au
which has six awesome Surf Santa and Winter Wonderland scenes.
photo taken with Santa? Noosa Civic’s Santa Paws sessions also use interactive green screen photography. Online bookings are essential. There are no walk-in photo sessions, no matter how persuasive those puppy eyes may be! WRITE TO SANTA AND RECEIVE A REPLY Noosa Civic is again offering children the opportunity to write to Santa and receive a reply. Kids simply fill in a letter from the Giant Santa Surf set, outlining all the good things they’ve done this year. They then pop the letter in the Santa letterbox. Santa will reply to all letters received before 18 December. CHARITY GIFT WRAPPING Get your gifts wrapped for a gold coin donation. Noosa Civic has again partnered with predominantly local charities to offer shoppers a gift wrapping service. You can choose from a collection of beautiful wrapping paper sourced from sustainable forests. The service is available from Monday 30 November - Thursday 24 December. All proceeds will be donated to: The Australian Red Cross, Cancer Council, Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, KNGO Cambodia and Rotary Noosa Daybreak.
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FROM Santa photos to charity gift wrapping, Noosa Civic has you covered this Christmas. Even though Santa is practicing social distancing in the North Pole, he has a major presence at the premier shopping destination. Head to Noosa Civic with the kids and discover a giant Noosa inspired Santa set, interactive green screen Santa photography and more. A GIANT SURFING SANTA SET Santa has crash landed at Noosa Civic! The man in the big red suit fell straight on top of a surf life saving hut, but with the help of his reindeers has managed to climb atop a wobbly surfboard. The kids will love checking out the giant Santa set, which is unique as it reflects the Noosa summer. They can even take a photo at the selfie station. You’ll find the giant surfing Santa set near the food court. GREEN SCREEN SANTA PHOTOGRAPHY Due to social distancing requirements, Santa’s 2020 Christmas visit to Noosa Civic will be a virtual one. The good news is your children can still experience the magic of Santa - and capture it! Families can take their picture with Santa on the interactive green screen photography.
SUMMER 2020 11
It’s Your Life
Spring into summer WATER sports are the perfect way to keep cool and active as the weather starts to warm up and we prepare for another Australian summer. Over the coming months it is more important than ever to reinforce vigilance and safety around the pool, near waterways and across our beautiful beaches. Before letting children jump into the water it’s important they are prepared by knowing how to swim. Supervised swimming lessons with a qualified instructor can teach children the many far-reaching benefits of swimming and make the water a fun and stress-free place to be. Grammar Swim School focuses on developing water safety skills and awareness in a fun and stimulating environment. There is plenty of evidence that shows consistent and regular aquatic activity also helps improve water safety skills. While every child will be different, the team at Grammar Swim School align individual swimming abilities and skills with the national framework so many children still learning to swim will benefit greatly from regular swimming lessons which not only improve capabilities but also confidence in the water. Here are five top reasons to enrol your child in swimming lessons. 1. Swimming lessons save lives A child who learns to swim when young develops crucial lifelong water awareness and swimming ability; however, adult supervision is required at all times when a child is in the water. 2. Improves fitness Swimming is a low-impact form of exercise that provides a great alternative to sedentary activities like watching TV and playing computer games. It’s also a sure-fire way to tire the kids out, as swimming provides a workout for the whole body. In
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particular, it improves coordination, balance and flexibility. The fun of playing around in the water allows children to exercise without even knowing it! 3. Increases confidence in the water and on land Not only is swimming great for the body, it’s also great for the mind. It can improve mood and self-esteem. Learning to swim early on will also reduce a child’s fear of water, making pools and beaches less stressful environments. As they develop confidence in their swimming ability, they will feel more comfortable splashing around and learn to enjoy themselves in the water. Swimming can also be a great social activity.
It’s time to make a splash at Grammar Swim School.
4. A skill for life Once the skill is learned, your child will always know how to swim, regardless of their fitness level. This is especially useful for taking part in other recreational water activities, such as kayaking, surfing, diving, or event sailing.
An A aerial perspective of p the th Grammar Aquatic Centre. A
5. It’s fun! It’s a fantastic and versatile activity that can be done all year round, indoors and outdoors, alone or in a team, at a beach or in a pool, as a competitive sport or as a recreational activity with friends and family. All school-aged children in Australia have the opportunity to learn to swim in primary school. However, enrolling your child in a swimming program at an earlier age or taking them to extracurricular swimming lessons will reinforce the water skills learned at school and improve their general level of confidence in the water. For more information contact the Grammar Swim School today on 5477 4499 or visit www.grammarswimschool. qld.edu.au
The Grammar Aquatic Centre.
www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au
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SUMMER 2020 13
Education
Environmental education with a difference By Melissa Grant STUDENTS are learning about the ecosystems that make up the Noosa Biosphere thanks to a world-class environmental education hub. The Noosa Environmental Education Hub (Noosa EE Hub) provides students with hands-on learning experiences by partnering with local environmental groups. About eight schools have been involved in the hub since it started in October last year, including Sunshine Beach State School, Noosa District High School, Sienna College and Good Shepherd Lutheran College. Students, from kindergarten to Year 12, have learned about the ecosystems unique to the Noosa Biosphere through various programs. One program taught students about bushfires, including traditional fire prevention practices and how to develop a household bushfire emergency plan.
Noosa EE Hub co-creator Dalia Mikhail said the hub was “recoding education” by giving meaning to the curriculum. “Students learn outdoors in nature about the ecosystems that are unique to where they live, and can physically engage in the natural biosphere,” she explained. “It works like an environment education centre. But rather than having schools come to us, we go out into the biosphere and explore. “We take the curriculum and really localise it.” Good Shepherd Lutheran College curriculum leader Theresa Tapara said the Noosa EEHub program has enabled her to make teaching the curriculum real for students.
Students get to learn in the field.
“The biggest change has been the change in the kids. It’s the connection between what we do in school and making it real so that the students can see a future with it,” Ms Tapara said.
In another program, students analysed waterbugs and generated data via a waterbug blitz app.
The Noosa EE Hub has forged partnerships with local environment groups who volunteer their time to protect the Noosa Biosphere.
Students have also planted more than 60 koala feed trees on degraded farmland as part of a program with Noosa Landcare.
These groups include Noosa Parks Association, Slow Food Noosa, Zero Emissions Noosa, and Super Koala and Mates.
Then there’s the hub’s Noosa Youth Advocacy Group, where students aged 14 years and over champion environmental causes to council. They are already looking at the issue of sustainable transport and will be involved in next year’s climate summit in Noosa.
The not-for-profit hub also has a partnership with the Kabi Kabi Traditional Owners, meaning indigenous perspectives are embedded into the programs.
Noosa Councils Environment Grants.
The hub was seed funded by Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation and has recently received a small grant from the
NBRF chair Rex Halverson said the education hub will provide rich longterm benefits to the Noosa Shire.
Students from Montessori Noosa sharing their Social Justice essays with Kabi Kabi Traditional Owner Uncle Brian Warner.
They are currently seeking sponsor a school donations and special guests who have knowledge in any field.
“Dalia and the team at Noosa EEHub have developed excellent programs which provide students with a deep connection between their natural environment and the community in which they live,” he said. For more information, visit www. noosaeehub.com.au
Giving children the best start in education AT Rise & Shine Kindergarten Centre, children are given the best possible start to their educational journey.
cultures of families who use the centre, the local community and Australia’s culture, past and present.
The centre’s unique ‘Shine Advantage Curriculum’ is designed to help children learn and develop holistically.
Sustainability is also important, with children encouraged to take an active role in caring for the environment. Rise & Shine offers fully inclusive care for children aged six weeks to six years.
Delivered by highly qualified and experienced educators, the curriculum focuses on cognitive development, physical wellbeing, social responsibility and inspiring kids to explore and create.
Educational programs include access to the online kindergarten, excursions on the Rise & Shine Kindergarten bus, nappies, wipes, sun protection, enrolment pack, and home-cooked meals prepared on-site by qualified cooks, with a rotating menu each week.
The family owned and operated centre also boasts environments, programs and resources that reflect modern classrooms. Educators use the latest technologies, such as the Promethean LED educational board and educator software ActivInspire, which are used widely in schools across Australia. These technologies allow children to seamlessly adapt to the future, with a
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The dining area at Rise & Shine. smooth transition and head start in school. Rise & Shine values inclusiveness and actively encourages families to become
involved through social events, programs and the decision making process. Educational programs reflect the
Rise & Shine Maroochydore/ Buderim is located at 26-32 Wises Road, and is open 6.30 am-6.30 pm on weekdays. Places are available for 2021. For a tour or more information, phone 07 5430 7737 or email maroochydore@ riseandshine.edu.au
www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au
Education
Free childcare? By Danielle Galvin WHEN Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced in April that his government would roll out a free childcare scheme to keep parents in work amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, families across the country breathed a collective sigh of relief. For many it took the pressure off and eased some of the financial burden, with the government footing the bill and paying childcare operators directly. It was also meant to be a lifeline for childcare services, although it was criticised by some. In mid-July, the scheme was wound back. Since then, policymakers have been unable to avoid what many have been lobbying for: major reform to Australia’s early education.
made the decision to make childcare free for a period of time, it really did just show overnight that it is possible to do things differently and make change.” She has been critical of the government snapping back to the old system, and believes there is a case, now more than ever, for a major overhaul. “Households are going to be squeezed in a way they haven’t been before, the cost of care become even more crippling,” she said. “It wouldn’t be surprising if more families decide they just can’t afford it. “That means children miss out on all of the proven benefits of attending high quality early learning. “And it means if and when jobs become available, if a family doesn’t have care, it’s impossible to take up those opportunities.”
Georgie Dent is the executive director of The Parenthood, and a vocal advocate for reform.
In late July, the Australian Council of Trade Unions released a plan for national economic reconstruction after Covid-19.
“While the case for universal access to high quality early education and childcare has been made for a very long time, this is the first time in Australia’s history that it has really seriously been considered,” she said.
The report stated reconstructing the economy should include a “broader strategy to roll-out high-quality, publicly-funded not-for-profit childcare services”.
“Part of that is obviously because in April, when the federal government
Policy think-thank The Grattan Institute also put forward a case for reform in August. It made a number of
There has been a renewed push for free childcare in Australia since the pandemic.
significant recommendations. “We recommend the government increase the existing subsidy from 85 per cent to 95 per cent, with a simpler, flatter taper as household incomes increase,” the report read. Under the institute’s model, 60 per cent of families would pay less than $20 a day per child for childcare. Ms Dent said women are overrepresented in casual jobs. “That then makes the ability to take paid work more difficult. “For families where there isn’t a certainty of shifts, the high out of pocket costs for care are a real barrier.” But is a taxpayer funded childcare model popular policy?
“We have been tracking public sentiment, it’s roughly two thirds of people think that this is a good idea,” Ms Dent explained. “There would be people who would say (if you have a child) you have to pay for their education and childcare, but the argument that needs to be made in response is that no one says that about primary school. “If you’re a millionaire or if you’re unemployed, if you have a child who is 5 there will be a position at primary school, and that will be funded by taxpayers. “And that is because we recognise as a nation, that investing in children’s education is critical.”
Focus on Business
Helping to create calm at your home ARE you enjoying or enduring your family? I believe that families are for enjoying not enduring. Enjoying my kids every day in the mundane moments of life as well as rest of the time, is my mission. I don’t succeed at this every day. I think most of us can be calm and peaceful when we are on holiday in a 5 star resort. However, I don’t live in a 5 star resort. I live in a world with washing up, packed lunches, cleaning, shopping, cooking, sports, a business to run, extended family, school holidays and the list goes on.
We have the ability to keep working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As a result, the expectations of ourselves and what we achieve keeps growing. I get it - I have three kids, a lot of laundry and I wonder if parts of my house are going to start talking to me. I run a course for parents called www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au
Jessica Macdonald.
Creating Calm from Chaos, which teaches mindful parenting techniques to create connection in conflict. I use life coaching techniques for the parents. If we can get you calmer then you can create more calm at home. Go to my website www. jessicamacdonaldcoaching.com.au for more details. Courses start in February 2021 and individual coaching is available now.
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Today it seems kids and parents can get lost in the overwhelm of life. Kids are growing up in a world with so many choices, as a result they have decision fatigue. When everyone is in overwhelm tempers fray and the chaos can start.
SUMMER 2020 15
DENTAL
Looking after your child’s oral health MAVEN Dental Noosaville and Noosa Junction are keeping you smiling and Covid safe - and are here to help you and your family maintain a good oral health routine for life. As the wellness people, Maven Dental are committed to providing exceptional dental care in a safe environment to the local Noosa community. A healthy mouth and a healthy body go hand in hand. Understanding the close relationship between your oral health, general health, and the impacts on each other is very important. Brushing twice a day, flossing, regular visits to the dentist and limiting junk food intake are all ways you can protect you and your children’s mouth from far more than just cavities. These are all an important part of your family’s general health and wellbeing, protecting you from oral diseases and chronic conditions.
Wellness starts with your mouth, so when was the last time your family visited the dentist? Visiting a dentist as early as six months of age, or when their first teeth appear can be beneficial to your child’s future oral health and can allow for early detection of problems. Did you know your child may be eligible for up to $1,000* in basic dental services under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)? To check whether your child is eligible, contact your nearest Maven Dental practice on 1800 162 836 or visit *mavendental.com.au/offers/childdental-benefits-schedule. Maven Dental has practices located at Noosaville - 90 Goodchap Street, Noosa Junction - Lanyana Arcade, Lanyana Way, Maroochydore and Sippy Downs. Maven Dental are experts in children’s dentistry.
$1,000 * FREE DENTAL FOR KIDS
BOOK ONLINE MAVENDENTAL.COM.AU NOOSA JUNCTION 07 5447 3988 Shop 9 Lanyana Arcade, Lanyana Way, Noosa Junction.
NOOSAVILLE 07 5474 4377 Suite 2, level 1, Noosaville Professional Centre 90 Goodchap Street, Noosaville. *T&Cs apply. Subject to Medicare requirements for children aged between 2-17 years. Does not include all dental treatment. Full terms & conditions at mavendental.com.au/cdbs
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FOCUS ON GYMPIE REGION A great gold rush Skateland fun ROLL into Skateland Gympie for some great family fun. The roller skating rink offers two and three hour skating sessions, regular disco nights and themed events throughout the year. There are regular Zumba classes at the venue, and the Skateland team also caters for parties. You can bring your own skates or hire a pair, with sizes small enough to fit children aged as young as four years. There’s no need to be an expert skater either, with experienced staff on hand to help beginners. If you get hungry or thirsty, there’s a cafe on site that sells drinks and snacks, including healthy options. Two-hour skating sessions available during the day, while longer three-hour sessions offered at night. The roller skating rink really comes alive on Friday and Saturday nights, when DJ PK gets some tunes pumping. The disco nights run from 6pm-9pm and include games and giveaways. Throughout the year, Skateland also hosts fun theme nights, such as Halloween, Christmas and glow in the dark parties. Recently under new management, Skateland is the home of the Gympie Thunder Roller Hockey. Skateland Gympie is located at Shed 2, 1
IN 1867, James Nash discovered 72 ounces of gold in just six days. His discovery started the Gympie Gold Rush and it became known as the town that saved Queensland from bankruptcy. Since then, Gympie has seen the rush for alluvial gold, deep reef mining, reprocessing of tailings and the reopening of the mines in the mid 1980s. With the recent cessation of mining, there still remains the lure of residual gold and there may well be more to be found. Visitors can learn all about Gympie’s colourful past at the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum. The friendly team at Skateland Gympie can help with skate hire.
Pinewood Avenue, Gympie. The venue is open on Wednesdays and most weekends. Operating hours are extended during the school holidays. The venue is closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and 2 January. For hours and more information, visit the Skateland Gympie Facebook page. To book a party or for large group bookings, call 07 54823765
The five hectare site contains over 30 display areas in and around 15 major buildings. The main museum building, is The Tank, which was opened as a historical museum in 1970. The building was originally a water reservoir constructed in 1902. The Tank was part of the mining lease for the No.2 South Great Eastern Mine, but now it serves as the main exhibition building, housing a snapshot of the contents of the entire museum site.
The museum’s gold panning area.
The other remnant of the original mining operation is the stamper battery and, although only 10 head of the original 80 remain, they are still on the original footings and give a feel for the magnitude of the early mining operations. At the No 2 South Great Eastern Shaft, accessible via a reconstructed gantry, is an operational boiler house and steam powered winding engine, air compressor, generator and ancillary machinery. Check the events page online for steaming dates. As well as the mining theme, the museum features exhibits from the timber industry, dairy industry, primary production, gems, transport, military and a wide range of social history.
Discover Gympie Gold these school holidays! Come and have fun You won’t be disappointed
Skating is such fun
Whilst in Gympie why not make a day of it:
HOLIDAY Specials include: • Train Rides • Blacksmith Demonstrations • Gold Panning
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Phone 07 5482 3765 or 0401 866 077 Shed 2, 1 Pinewood Avenue, Gympie www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au
zumbaunlimitedgympie@gmail.com
(Except Good Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day)
215 Brisbane Rd, Monkland, Gympie | Phone: (07) 5482 3995
Book your next party at Skateland. Packages available
Why not try Zumba Unlimited? A dance fitness studio offering Unlimited Zumba classes. Zumba for all age groups. Inquire at the Skate rink
Open 9 AM to 4 PM every day
Gympie Gold Mining & Historical Museum
Come and try from beginners to the seasoned professional, all ages welcome • Disco Skate every Friday & Saturday Night from 6pm to 9pm • General Skate Saturday & Sunday afternoons 1pm to 3pm • Extra sessions on School Holidays
Canteen available
Gympie Gold Mining & Historical Museum
LT U D A E RY E FR ENT
on presentation of this coupon at the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum Valid to January 31, 2021. ____One coupon ONLY per entry. 12459057-JW37-20
SUMMER 2020 17
FOCUS ON GYMPIE REGION Berry fine family fun The Gympie Bone Museum has a vast collection of skeletons.
A museum full of skeletons THE Gympie Bone Museum is Australia’s first and only museum dedicated entirely to the art and science of bones and skeletons. See everything from a cane toad to a camel and a real human skeleton. For the fishing fans there are several large articulated fish skulls. Meet the flesh eating beetles and see what they are preparing this week. Explore the X-ray collection of broken bones and various animals on the light
boxes and get hands on with lots of exhibits. Every two weeks the museum gets new exhibits on exchange from the Queensland Museum, so there’s always something new to see. Regular, all ages workshops and talks are publicised on the website and the Facebook page. The Gympie Bone Museum is at shop 8 Condies Arcade, Mary St Gympie, Queensland.
FOR a berry fun summer adventure complete with fine local fare, head to Cooloola Berries. The award-winning agri-tourism farm is renowned for its delicious berry ciders, ice-creams and ploughman’s platter of local meats and cheeses. The picturesque working farm, cafe and events venue is also a great place to take the whole family blueberry picking over the summer. Located on the Noosa Country Drive map, it is the perfect spot for a bite when driving to or from Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach. Cooloola Berries is run by husband and wife team Kim and Jason Lewis, who are passionate about producing the best possible produce. The farm is popular with both tourists and locals, with hundreds visiting each week. During the hot summer months, many stop to taste the farm’s delicious blueberry and strawberry ciders, and fruit ice-creams. “Our ice cream is handcrafted, we have a machine that blends our fruits with Bulla ice-cream,” Kim says. “The ciders are also made with our own fruit.”
Cooloola Berries is a great place to stop for a bite with the family.
Another popular item on the menu is the ploughman’s platter which features Kenilworth cheese along with local meats, macadamia nuts and seasonal fruit. You can sit back and enjoy the fine fare in the relaxing and beautiful setting. Visit on a Sunday from 1pm-4pm and discover the farm’s famous Paella in the Paddock, where adults listen to live music while the kids play. Cooloola Berries is located at 856 Tagigan Rd, Wolvi. They are open daily 8am - 5pm, but are closed 23-26 December, 31 December and 1 January. For more information, phone 5486 7512 or visit www.cooloolaberries. com.au
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Berry Fun Day!
Stripped back to the bare bones Visit Gympie Bone Museum and see Australia’s only skeleton museum • • • • •
Cane toads to camels Fish skulls to foxes A real human skeleton Flesh eating beetles New exhibits every month
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See Everything from:
Bring the family for a great day out! Blueberry Picking December to January! Cafe & Farm Open 7 Days 8:00am - 5:00pm | 856 Tagigan Road, Wolvi, Sunshine Coast Farmgate: 07 5486 7512 | Mobile: 0400 331 216 www.cooloolaberries.com.au
Come and see what you’ll look like later gympiebonemuseum.org.au
Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 4pm Gympie Bone Museum 18 SUMMER 2020
8 Fraser Rd, Gympie (in grounds of Woodwork Museum) www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au
FOCUS ON GYMPIE REGION Foundations A train ride for pets to succeed THE famous Mary Valley Rattler steam train is now allowing passengers to share the ride with their four-legged friends. A ‘Pets On Board’ service was recently launched, with the help of one of the Sunshine Coast’s most special dogs - Bear, an Australian Koolie, and his friend Maya.
VICTORY College offers students a purposeful, Christian-based education where they are valued as individuals and given the right foundations to succeed beyond school.
Bear is part of a team at the Detection Dogs for Conservation Centre at the University of the Sunshine Coast, and is trained to detect live koalas through the scent of their fur.
Students at Victory College are encouraged to think, to develop good character, to be resilient and to learn how to serve others. Students understand the importance of selfdiscipline and maintaining the high standards set by Victory. “What makes a school unique is the sense of community and the general feel for how children are going to be cared for by staff in a safe, respectful and guiding nature. We deliver this at Victory,” says Principal Brett Costin. “Parents choose the College for numerous reasons; the safe, positive learning environment, the impeccable grounds and facilities, the challenging curriculum, and our teaching staff who they saw as caring and insightful.”
all-weather equestrian centre in the state, and a speedway car maintained and raced by the students. Victory College offers a broad range of after-school sports, a free after-school tuition service, and a subsidised bus service for students living outside of the Gympie township. The College also has its own kindergarten, mykindy, on site. For more information please visit www.victorycollege.com.au or www. mykindyatvictory.com.au. Parents are welcome to tour the College and mykindy by appointment.
“We have had many requests from potential passengers asking whether they can bring their dogs,” said Micheal Green, General Manager of the Mary Valley Rattler. “Naturally we’ve allowed passengers with Guide Dogs to travel on the Rattler and everyone has been supportive, so extending the opportunity to other passengers to bring along a well-behaved pet was
a logical evolution. “It is part of our philosophy of making the Rattler available to everyone in the community.” The Mary Valley Rattler operates a range of services across the week from Gympie Station to Amamoor in the Mary Valley. The three-hour journeys capture the beauty and history of the rich agricultural - and former gold mining - region from the comfort of beautifully restored heritage carriages. The pricing for passengers is the same as the regular service and pets cost $10 each. Pets can travel on board the Rattler on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday services subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
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Victory College boasts a number of facilities including a modern hospitality centre, recording studio, the only
Students are valued as individuals at Victory College.
Recognising that dogs are playing an increasingly important role in the lives of humans, the Rattler has configured a carriage with two segregated booths that can accommodate up to six people and two pets in each booth.
Pets on Board ... Bear and Maya try out the new service.
HOP ON BOARD A HERITAGE
75$,1 -2851(< ENJOY A COFFEE & BITE TO EAT AT THE
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SUMMER 2020 19
Entertainment
Our top parenting podcasts By Danielle Galvin IF you’re into podcasts, we’ve put together a list for you to sink your teeth into. Below are a few recommendations, for those times you’re feeling lost and in need of advice, or you’re in the mood for something funny or informative. I found some of these useful, as an example, when I was struggling with my daughter’s tantrums around the age of 3.
It was a difficult time in parenthood and I sought out advice from some podcasts. There are so many good ones to choose from, but here are a few of our picks: ■ Parenting in the age of the coronavirus: A new podcast from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne. Child health experts discuss the challenges parents are facing, and explore how you can best support yourself and your children so they can continue to
learn, thrive and develop. ■ Mamamia’s Me After You podcast is on my ‘to listen’ list. It poses the question - who am I, after having a baby? ■ Happy Mum Happy Baby - the podcast is from Giovanna Fletcher, UK mum of 3, author, blogger. I’ve been a fan a long time. She always has some great names and talent and some of the podcasts are absolute tearjerkers! ■ Maggie Dent on the ABC - Parental
As Anything - She covers off a lot of different topics. Always a great listen. ■ Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled. Another famed parenting expert. Plenty to sink your teeth into. ■ Kirsten Bell’s Momsplaining: OK, not a podcast but a light hearted little series nonetheless. Always good for a laugh! ■ The Modern Dads: This is a podcast about the dads doing it all ■ The Happy Families podcast with Dr Justin Coulson. Advice, easy to listen to, what’s not to love?
New Paw Patrol movie on the way KIM Kardashian West and Jimmy Kimmel are joining Paw Patrol. The pair are among the all-star voice cast for the feature film, due for release on 9 September, 2021. Others include Dax Shepard (Chips, Idiocracy), Tyler Perry (The Star). Randall Park (Fresh Off The Boat, The Interview) and Iain Armitage (Young Sheldon). The animated feature film is currently in production with creators, artists and producers collaborating remotely.
The major motion picture is based on the award-winning preschool series produced by Spin Master Entertainment and broadcast by Nickelodeon, which airs in over 160 countries. In the film, Ryder and the pups are called to Adventure City to stop Mayor Humdinger from turning the bustling metropolis into a state of chaos. There are exciting missions, high-stake rescues, new pups and new vehicles, making it an epic Paw Patrol story.
The Ready Set Dance crew.
New kids channel shaking things up A NEW free-to-air television with 12 hours of kids programming has arrived. The channel, 10 Shake, is airing a stack of popular children’s shows, including PAW Patrol, Bubble Guppies, Top Wing, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Dora the Explorer and Butterbean’s Cafe. The channel is also airing Australianproduced preschool dance series Ready Set Dance, Totally Wild and Scope. The full 12 hours of kids programming runs from 6am-6pm, including weekends.
The Paw Patrol gang will feature in a new movie next year.
20 SUMMER 2020
At 6pm, the channel switches to adult programming with shows such Teen Mom Australia, Ex on the Beach UK and Lip Sync Battle.
Totally ll Wild ild host h Emily il Dickson. i k www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au
Reality bites
Top tips for toilet training success
By Melissa Grant TOILET training is one of the hardest and messiest - tasks you will go through as a parent. And many of us are leaving it too late, according to a toilet training expert. Parents commonly wait until their child is well into their second year of life - or even their third - before they start the process. However, Queensland mum Tracy Fulwood, the founder of PottyTraining. com.au, says it’s much easier to start toilet training your child before their second birthday. “If you don’t wait until the terrible twos to start, when they are ready to assert their authority, then they are developing good habits before then,” she explained. “Parents do need to choose when it’s right for them, but the earlier we can break the bad habit (of wearing nappies) the better.” Tracy’s own toilet battles with her first child led her to developing her toilet training business. Her two-and-a-half-year-old would scream that she didn’t want to go to the toilet. Tracy concedes that initially she did “all the wrong things”. But when she sat down and devised a toilet system training system, her daughter was toilet trained in three days.
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Tracy began toilet training her second child at four months of age, by putting him on the potty when it was obvious he needed to do number twos. She started the process with her third child at two months. They both were using the toilet independently by 19 months of age. As Tracy researched toilet training, a theme began to emerge - it’s easier to do it earlier. “A research project actually showed there was a window of opportunity. It found parents who started at 18 months to 24 months had less problems,” she said. So why are parents leaving it so long to start? Tracy says parents are often told to wait for signs of “readiness”, which may never come. She also says the multi-billion nappy industry has a lot to do with it. “You speak to many grandparents and they don’t understand why we are having problems. But they started earlier because they didn’t have the convenience of disposable nappies.” Tracy developed the Know Your Child system to help parents toilet train their children. Her system has two components - a know your child training module and a toilet game, offering a tailored approach so you can best engage your child. If you are reading this and think there’s no reason to delay toilet training any
longer, here are Tracy’s tips: KNOW YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALITY Before starting it pays to understand your child’s personality. The Know Your Child toilet training system identifies four different types of personality - courageous lion, lovable lamb, wise old owl and cheeky monkey. The courageous lion is the hardest to train, they tend to hold on because they don’t like to feel like they aren’t in control. The lovable lamb is also hard to train as they simply don’t care and are very stubborn. Then there’s the Wise Old Owl who doesn’t like change and will stick to what they know which is the nappy. The cheeky monkey can be inconsistent and the challenge is typically keeping them on the toilet long enough for them to go. Knowing your child’s personality helps you tailor your approach. If you have a strongwilled child you need to give them the feeling of control and ownership. SIGNS OF READINESS There are definite signs of readiness such as your child telling you about poos, removing or tugging at their nappy, and taking an interest in you going to the toilet. If your child shows these signs of readiness get going. However, some types of personalities won’t show those signs. LOSE THE NAPPY You cannot toilet train with a nappy. We feel wet, cause and effect. While the nappy is there it takes the sensation
away - you are actually making it harder for them to win. If you say ‘do you need to go?’ they don’t know. It’s like saying ‘here is a bike, ride!’ Pull-ups are a marketing tool. TOILET OR POTTY? The decision to use a toilet or potty is based on age and personality. If you start a bit younger and your child is more petite then a potty is great. The challenge with the potty is that childcare centres don’t accept potties and there is a clean-out process. If your child is nearing two years then going to the toilet makes it easier when you go out. Also, if you have a child who doesn’t like change then transitioning from potty to toilet will be another battle. HOW LONG TO TRAIN Often parents quit toilet training a day too early. It takes two to five days of concentrated effort versus a very painful effort long-term. So stay home for two to five days to focus on and create this new habit. Exactly how long it takes will depend on your child’s age and their personality. NIGHT TRAINING Wait until you finish day training before you start night training. Night training is something you can’t do for your child. There are uncontrollable factors such as heavy wetting, deep sleep and hereditary factors. The key is the bladder brain connection. Parents can make the mistake of waking up their child during the night.
SUMMER 2020 21
Books
Inspiring the hero in all of us By Danielle Galvin
message, anyone can save the day.
REUBEN Cullen certainly goes against the grain when it comes to children’s authors.
It also talks about the values Reuben was seeking in his own life: to be ambitious, healthy, reliable, selfless, caring, honest, confident, determined and happy.
He’s probably an unlikely character to write for young children, being a tradie and openly talking about his former battles with addiction, but that’s part of the magic of his story, and his new book, A Hero Born. It’s a self-published book he wrote to help him believe in himself again. “One day I just had an idea of writing a story, and being your own hero. “And I thought it was best targeted to kids given that they are really into superheroes. “Being your own hero is probably pretty important and it was what I was struggling with at the time, a bit of self-belief.” The book follows the story of a caped hero and an everyday hero, with the
His book is a message of self-love and awareness, simply, he wants children to be their own heroes. “I have had some people say to me (after writing A Hero Born) you have always had a way with words. “I didn’t really use poetry as a way to express myself until my early 20s and probably my mid-teens, more so when I had my battles with drug addiction I used it as a way to express myself.” Coming up with the story came naturally to him, once he’d established the message and the characters. The book is also dedicated to Kasey, the daughter of a woman he was in a long-term relationship with. It’s a deeply personal book, in that sense.
Street artist Michael Glenda, a father of three, illustrated the book.
“The message is that definitely no one is too old to know they can be their own hero. “I wrote it with the intentions of wanting to believe in myself and like myself again. “Kasey was a big reason I wanted to write the book. “I wanted to one day have something to show her and hopefully read to her. I just hope kids can learn to be the best person for themselves from reading the book - if I can just help one child not go through what I did then I’ll be happy.” And while the book is suited for children of any age, he said the message starts to ring true between that 4-9 age bracket. “When I’m writing, I’m not afraid to express myself and say how I am feeling. “Giving people the power to be self-aware is good, to learn to know yourself is really important I believe.”
A Hero Born is Reuben’s first children’s book.
There’s a mirror in the book at the end, with a powerful thought to end on. “I remember (Kasey) used to love looking at herself in the mirror. “It’s got a mirror on the last page, so the last page reads ‘when I look in the mirror what I want to see the best version of myself, so my hero is really me’.” To find out more and order the book, visit https://reubencullenkids.com/
Children’s books...
My Dad’s A Tradie Missy and Beefy Illustrated by Ogilvie The perfect book for a child with a father who is a tradie! It follows the adventures of Australian bull terrier Missy and her little brother Beefy, an Australian bulldog. Their dad is a tradie. It’s also Beefy’s dream to be a tradie. The pair visit worksites with their dad. Beefy is constantly asking ‘Are you a tradie like my dad?’ They meet all sorts of tradies including a tiler, electrician, foreman, plumber and painter. While Missy is pretty well behaved on worksites, Beefy tends to find himself in trouble! The characters are based on two real life dogs who live north of Sydney. A fun read for young kids. New Holland Publishers, RRP $19.99
22 SUMMER 2020
Have You Seen A Tree for Me?
Powman: Find The Courage Within
Sarah Eccleston,
Dave Pow Tabain and Nadia Worland, illustrated by Shane Ogilvie
Illustrated by Jenni Goodman A beautiful children’s book that highlights the modern dangers koalas are facing in the wild. It’s a timely title given Australia’s koala population has drastically declined following the devastating 2019/20 bushfire season. Author Sarah Eccleston has been a koala specialist at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast for nearly 22 years. The book is inspired by her special bond with a three-yearold koala named Enzo, who resides at the sanctuary. A great way for kids to learn about the dangers koalas face in the wild, from loss of habitat to domestic animals. New Holland Publishers, RRP $19.99
Motivational speaker Dave Pow Tabain has teamed up with special needs consultant Nadia Worland for this empowering children’s book. The book helps equip young children to cope with their anxiety. It also encourages them not to be fearful of seeing a school counsellor. A young boy suffering anxiety around an upcoming maths test in the central character in this inspiring read. With the counsellor’s help, the boy comes up with the perfect POW plan to control his anxiety and ace his maths test. The book also features a helpful list of tips for kids to deal with anxiety. New Holland Publishers, RRP $14.99
We Are All Kind P Crumble and Jonathon Bentley A follow up to the bestselling children’s book We Are All Equal, this cute title explores the many simple ways we can show kindness. The text is beautiful. One passage reads: “We are all kind. You walk lonely miles. Life is much better when somebody smiles.” The text is accompanied by illustrations by award-winning illustrator Jonathan Bentley. This beautiful book teaches children the importance of being kind to others. It shows how they can offer a hand, make amends, solve a problem, heal hurt, love and share a laugh. A lovely read for children aged 4+. Scholastic Australia, RRP $19.99
The Bad Guys Episode 12: The One?! Aaron Blabey The Bad Guys are back for another enthralling instalment. For those unfamiliar, The Bad Guys are a crew of animals who sound, look and smell like bad guys but are on a mission to do good. The book is in a format similar to a comic book, with black and white illustrations and fun text. In Episode 12, something is up with Snake. He has terrifying powers and evil allies. Meanwhile, Agent Fox has suddenly become very mysterious. A great read for children aged 7+ transitioning from picture books to chapter books. A movie-adaption of the series is due for release in 2021. Scholastic Australia, RRP $15.99
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Kids Calendar
What's on
this summer
UNTIL CHRISTMAS GREEN SCREEN SANTA PHOTOGRAPHY
UNTIL CHRISTMAS GIANT SURFING SANTA SET Santa has crash landed at Noosa Civic! He’s fallen on top of a surf life saving hut, but with the help of his reindeers has managed to climb atop a wobbly surfboard. The kids will love checking out the giant Santa set, which is unique as it reflects the Noosa summer. They can even take a photo at the selfie station. Noosa Civic, near the food court.
Experience the magic of Santa - and capture it - at Noosa Civic. This year, families can take their picture with Santa on the interactive green screen photography. There are Surf Santa and Winter Wonderland scenes to choose from, making it a fun experience. For session times, visit www.noosacivic. com.au
11 DECEMBER EUMUNDI CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA A three hour festive show featuring local entertainers, themed and costumed children’s entertainment by the Santas, as well as performances by local youth groups. There will also be food and market stalls. A free community event for kids of all ages.
Maleny Show Grounds, 6pm-10pm (Gates open 5pm)
18 DECEMBER, 15 JANUARY, 19 FEBRUARY
Bookings essential due to Covid regulations. Visit http://www.ticketebo. com.au/
CURRIMUNDI TWILIGHT MARKET
11-12 DECEMBER THE WIZARD OF OZ Sunshine Coast Youth Theatre returns with The Wizard of Oz. A cast of 50 talented performers, all aged under 18, will bring this classic family favourite to life.
Tickets $29 adult, $22 concession. For more information, visit https://www. thej.com.au/wizard-of-oz/
12 DECEMBER SUNSHINE COAST COLLECTIVE MARKETS
Due to Covid regulations, those wishing to attend need to book in advance. Eumundi Markets Carpark, 4pm-8.30pm
This market features local artisans, foodies, growers and musicians.
11 DECEMBER
Currimundi Lake Conservation Park, 4pm - 8pm
Show times: Friday 11 December 7pm and Saturday 12 December at 2pm & 7pm
A morning full of fun for all ages, with plenty to see, lots to eat and great coffee.
For more information and bookings, visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing?eid=651735&
Set on Currimundi Lake, this market offers the perfect opportunity to sit on a picnic blanket and watch the sun set over the picturesque lake. With up to 20 unique food stalls you’re sure to find something that tickles your tastebuds.
Coolum Primary School, Barns Lane, Coolum Beach, 8am-12pm
18 DECEMBER - 10 JANUARY
EVERY SUNDAY STREATSIDE AT THE MET A relaxing family-friendly event featuring delicious food, craft beer, cocktails and wine. Enjoy live music while relaxing under the shade of the umbrellas. Entry is free. There’s also free parking next to the market.
MALENY COMMERCE CHRISTMAS CONCERT A four hour event of musical entertainment and carols for the entire family. There will be plenty of food options, including Apex’s garlic prawn skewers, a Lions sausage sizzle and Maleny Neighbourhood Centre curry bowls and sweets.Photos with Santa and Mrs Claus for a gold cold donation. Don’t forget to bring your picnic rug! www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au
CIRCUS RIO The Circus Rio Christmas & New Year Spectacular is set to wow Sunshine Coast Stadium. A big top will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland starring aerial angels, jolly jugglers, acrobatic elves, and Santa himself! Tickets are strictly limited, bookings essential. For more information, visit http://circusrio.com/
Corner of First Avenue and South Sea Islander Way, Maroochydore, 2pm-8pm
PAELLA IN THE PADDOCK Enjoy a feast and live music while the children play at Cooloola Berries, a working farm en route to Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay. 856 Tagigan Road Wolvi, 1pm-4pm. https://www.cooloolaberries.com.au/ SUMMER 2020 23
at Noosa Civic Santa a gre een sccre een photograph hy Thursday 26 November – Thursday 24 December A fun and interactive green screen where shoppers can choose from Surf Santa and Winter Wonderland scenes.
Se enssittivve Santa session Sunday 13 December 8am – 9.50am
San nta paws se essions Saturday 12 December, Saturday 19 December and Sunday 20 December 8am – 9.50am Bookings essential. Visit noosacivic.com.au
Child dren n’s le etter writing g Monday 23 November – Monday 21 December Children can take and fill in a ‘Letter to Santa’ letting him know all the good things they have done this year. You can find Santa’s letterbox near our main Santa Surf Set. Please note: unfortunately Santa cannot guarantee a reply before Christmas if letters are submitted after 18 December.
Big W • Woolworths • 100 speciality stores 28 Eenie Creek Rd (Cnr Walter Hay Drive) Noosaville Ph 5440 7900 24 SUMMER 2020
12467282-HL48-20
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