Sunshine Coast Kids Today Autumn 2021

AUTUMN 2021

Holiday fun at

PARADISE RESORT Mum behind Coast’s

PAPER CRANES OF HOPE TV host’s amazing

FAMILY TRAVEL TIPS

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About Us

Fresh start for autumn WELL, 2021 has certainly got off to an interesting start!

organisation that is making a real difference to the lives of young students.

Covid has caused a few headaches (mainly border closures), but with the vaccine rollout underway it is hoped life will soon get back to what it was pre-pandemic.

The organisation awards scholarships that provide up to $1500 per year for the entirety of a young person’s education to fund expenses such as laptops, music tuition and instruments and school excursions. Most importantly though, these scholarships improve selfconfidence, build aspiration and create opportunities for success.

I hope you’ve settled in well and are making plans for the rest of the year.

In this edition of Sunshine Coast Kids Today, we’ve tried to keep it local and showcase some pretty inspiring people in the community.

There’s Peregian Springs mum Samantha Ruckle, who has been leaving handmade paper cranes in random spots around the Sunshine Coast. Samantha goes to the effort of creating the colourful paper cranes and writing inspiring messages on them to spread kindness, hope and happiness.

Such a beautiful thing to do!

We also caught up with Noosa Chances CEO Tara Bell. Noosa Chances is a relatively new not-for-profit

You’ll also enjoy reading about Buderim mum Maria Faalafi who turned her passion for eco-friendly products into a thriving online business.

We also spoke to Mount Coolumn teen Marni Burke, who turned her hobby of making earrings into a small business. Awesome stuff!

And under what rules? It’s a good read.

He raises some pretty interesting points.

We spoke to Insta-famous dad George Georgevski (you may know him as ‘School Lunchbox Dad) who’s back with an awesome new book called Air Fryer Express. I recently bought and air fryer and can’t wait to try some of his mouth-watering recipes!

We also caught up with the host of The Amazing Race Australia, Beau Ryan. Beau, a father of two and a former league player, shared his tips for keeping the kids entertained while on holiday. Don’t forget to reach out to us through Facebook and Instagram. We would love to hear from you.

Enjoy!

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 Editorial Melissa Grant editorial@sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

As always, we feature some great advice from the experts. Leading parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson tackles the interesting topic of sleepovers. When do you let your kids have a sleepover at a friend’s house?

Phone: 07 5455 6946 Advertising Phill Le Petit Advertising Sales Manager phill.lepetit@noosatoday.com.au Phone: 07 5455 6946

Contents IT’S YOUR LIFE

HEALTH

Mum spreads messages of hope

Poor sleep for teens eating badly

PAGE 3

PAGE 14

The dilemma of sleepovers

Audit uncovers concerning trend in toddler foods

PAGE 4 New button battery safety standards PAGE 4 Teen turns hobby into a business

PAGE 14 Creamy, fresh milk for the family

DENTAL

New skate park for Caloundra

Your child’s oral health is important

PAGE 5

PAGE 15

PAGE 6 Giving chances to help youth succeed PAGE 7 Scholarship helps Charlotte’s music dream

EDUCATION

Boy driven to design cars gets wild ride PAGE 20 Mum opens up about name disappointment

Passion leads to business PAGE 21

Holiday fun at

PARADISE RESORT

BOOKS

Mum behind Coast’s

Teaching girls how to love themselves PAGE 22

FAMILY TRAVEL TIPS

Children’s books PAGE 22

Why don’t more men go into teaching

KIDS CALENDAR

PAGE 16

The biology of being a boy

PAGE 17

PAGE 8

Impressive new precinct at Flinders

Our favourite baby names

PAGE 17

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

FOCUS ON GYMPIE REGION

Weaning your child off sugar

Gympie region is pure gold

PAGE 12

PAGE 18

Lunchbox Dad’s secrets to success

The right foundation

PAGE 13

PAGE 18

Ancient Japanese art workshops for kids

Great gold rush

AGE 13

PAGE 19

sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

PAPER CRANES OF HOPE TV host’s amazing

PAGE 16

Should schools provide lunches

2 AUTUMN 2021

REALITY BITES

Ready and set your child for prep

PAGE 7

A paradise for families

AUTUMN 2021

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

PAGE 14

PAGE 5

TV host’s amazing family trips

Come Hop on Board

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Cover Paradise Resort Gold Coast is full of kid-friendly fun.

What’s on this autumn PAGE 23

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It’s Your Life

Mum spreads messages of hope

By Melissa Grant IF you see a paper crane in a public place be sure to pick it up.

There’s a good chance there is a beautiful message on its wings. A message of hope that’s likely to lift your spirits.

For almost four years, Peregian Springs mum Samantha Ruckle has been leaving beautiful handmade paper cranes in random spots around the Sunshine Coast.

Samantha with her daughters Sage and Willow, who often help with leaving the paper cranes at a location.

Samantha goes to the effort of creating the colourful paper cranes and writing inspiring messages on them to spread kindness, hope and happiness.

She leaves them in cafes, parks, libraries and retail shops, mainly around Peregian Springs, Coolum and Noosa and occasionally at Maroochydore and Caloundra.

Her heartfelt initiative started when she was living in Melbourne while on maternity leave in 2016.

The idea came to her in a random way.

“I was seeing paper cranes everywhere. They would randomly come up on a movie, or on a TV show, or I’d have a dream about it, over a few days,” she explained.

Th ti lleft ft att parks k on th The paper cranes are sometimes the Sunshine Coast.

“Then I thought I would learn how to fold a paper crane.

Samantha Ruckle with daughters Willow, 5 and Sage, 3.

“I kept thinking about folding a paper plane - I thought it would be fun to leave a trail while I was on maternity leave to give me something to do.”

anonymity about eight months after she relocated to the Sunshine Coast.

and gave them the reminder he is watching out for them.”

her paper cranes, which include her website address.

“I ended up revealing myself after my second daughter was born - she’s 3 now,” Samantha said.

Samantha’s daughters, Willow, 5, and Sage, 3, are also involved.

“It’s become a bit of a community,” she said.

“They love it. They always help with the crane and leaving it at a place, and sometimes they help with the message,” she said.

Samantha, who has a background as a youth worker, this year plans to become a counsellor and create new necklace designs.

Samantha thought it would be nice to leave a message of hope on her paper cranes.

“At the time I was doing it, I came across the story of Sadako Sasaki - that’s what inspired me to leave the messages and what inspired me to encourage other people to do it too,” she said.

At first, she did it anonymously.

Each paper crane did have a message on its tail that encouraged the recipient to confirm it had been picked up by visiting an anonymous Instagram account called papercraneofhope.

Samantha’s local paper at the time even did a story on her paper crane project and took photos that ensured her identity remained a secret.

However, Samantha let go of her

“It was more because at the time it was harder for me to leave paper cranes.”

So how does Samantha come up with the kind messages she puts on her beautiful handmade paper cranes?

Pictures: TRISH FROM @FAMILYECOLIFE.QLD

They aren’t the only ones getting involved either.

“It’s whatever I’m feeling at that moment or something I’m learning. It’s whatever pops into my head at the time,” she explained.

“Over the years, different people all over the world have been leaving paper cranes and then tagging papercraneofhope,” Samantha explained.

Also, how does she know the messages are having an impact?

However, not all of Samantha’s paper cranes go up on her Instagram account.

“I generally have people contacting me with their own story. For example, someone found my paper crane that said you are worthy of true happiness. It was 18 months to the day since their husband died. It touched their heart

“Sometimes I leave them at people’s front doors and I don’t necessarily put it on Instagram,” she said.

She’s also discovered many people who have bought jewellery from her online shop have also picked up one of

She will also keep leaving her paper cranes around the Coast to help provide hope to those who may need it.

“The real message is not so much about spreading kindness, but letting people know there’s always hope and healing for them,” Samantha explained.

“The meaning behind a paper crane is hope and healing. Everyone deserves to have their own healing in their life.

And to know that there’s hope, and not to lose hope.”

Follow Samantha on Instagram at papercraneofhope

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www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

AUTUMN 2021 3

It’s Your Life

The dilemma of sleepovers

By Danielle Galvin

something catastrophic happening to our children at a sleepover.

IN a post in a Facebook group with hundreds of thousands of everyday Australian mums, one mum posed a question to the group about sleepovers, and it elicited a very strong reaction.

It’s a natural phenomenon that as parents, we grapple with the worst possible scenarios, and the idea of your child being abused is a horrific one.

She asked what age you should let your child have a sleepover, and how she could gently let down a parent at her child’s kindergarten who had suggested one.

It’s fair to say the reactions startled me. The majority of mums were adamant - “late high school - if even then”.

So I put it to renowned parenting expert and author Dr Justin Coulson also a father of six - to hear his thoughts on sleepovers with friends.

Are people too scared to send their child to have sleepovers with friends these days?

If you take social media as gospel, the answer would be yes.

He explained when we hear of something alarming, our brains hold onto and fixate on it, so it’s hard to shake the feeling there’s a possibility of

“This is a classic example of what we can all availability bias, impacting our decision making,” he said.

“If there’s a kidnapping in the news, people think there are kidnappers everywhere.

“What can happen - is that we hang on to that - and we think that that applies to everyone, everywhere and therefore we start to make those decisions (based on that information).

“The probability of it happening is very, very, very low, but if it happens to your child, who cares about probability?”

Dr Coulson said people are naturally impacted and affected by their own experiences, and similarly by people around them.

“When you look at the risks - there’s obviously your child’s physical safety and sexual safety, the primary risks people are concerned about.

The other risk, depending on the age of the child, might be what movies the

family decide are okay to watch, or how much sugary junky food they are going to put into your kid’s body.

“A lot of parents will say it’s not worth it because my kids are a deadest write-off the next day then I’ve got to deal with the ramifications.

“Another more serious one ... if there’s an older brother or sister, there may not be physical or sexual harm done but I can’t tell you how many stories I have heard of the big brother (coming in to the room) and telling them to look up a rude word on the iPad and next thing kids are looking up hard-core pornography.”

The other issues parents need to consider is who else may be in the home at the time, whether the parents will be drinking, who might be visiting that night, and many others.

Is there an age he deems appropriate to have a friend sleepover?

“There is no correct answer - it depends on the child, their characteristics their anxiety ... how well you know them, activities they have planned, what you’ve got planned the next day.

“It’s an impossible question to answer.”

Dr Coulson’s tips and hints before sending your child on a sleepover: ■ Make sure whenever there is a sleepover to give them a phone. I like the idea of setting up a secret code. A code to say to mum and dad go come and get you - maybe a word at the end of a text to let you know.

■ Teach them not to go into anyone else’s bedrooms - adult bedrooms/ siblings as well ■ Depending on the age, you might disclose why you are having this conversation. Older children definitely.

As a dad, Dr Coulson said he does allow his girls to go on sleepovers.

“We think it’s a delightful, fun way to spend a childhood.

We think that it’s a sign of growing up its an indication we trust them.”

But, there are quite a few buts.

They want to know all of the details - who is there, what children will be there, and they want to get to know the family first.

In terms of the mum who was nervous to address the issue in the Facebook post, Dr Coulson said honesty is the best policy.

New button battery safety standards

By Melissa Grant

12484508-AV12-21

BUTTON batteries will have to meet new mandatory safety and information standards to protect children.

After years of lobbying from consumer and child safety groups, the federal government announced the new standards just prior to Christmas.

In Australia, three children have died from injuries that resulted from swallowing a button battery. Dozens of others have also suffered severe injuries.

The new mandatory safety and information standards require:

4 AUTUMN 2021

■ Secure battery compartments for consumer goods that contain button batteries, where the batteries are intended to be replaced, to prevent children from gaining access to the batteries ■ Compliance testing of consumer goods that contain button batteries, whether or not the batteries are intended to be replaced, to demonstrate the battery is secure and cannot be easily released ■ Child resistant packaging for button batteries, based on their risk profile, to prevent children from gaining access to the batteries ■ Warnings and information to alert consumers that a button battery is included with the product

Button batteries can be found in toys and other devices children like to chew, and often require surgery to remove.

The federal government estimates that since December 2017, there have been at least 44 cases where young children have suffered severe injuries following the ingestion or insertion of button batteries.

However, Kidsafe has previously said the tally is much higher, estimating that 20 children each week present to Australian emergency departments with a button battery related injury.

Consumer group CHOICE had been pushing for the introduction of new safety standards to protect children.

“CHOICE has been calling for a mandatory standard for button batteries for a number of years and is pleased that the new rules will help prevent further deaths and injury to young children in Australia,” product safety campaigner Amy Pereira said.

“It shouldn’t be up to parents and families to test the safety of products in their homes. They should be able to trust that what they buy will not harm their loved ones.

“In addition to mandatory standards, a general product safety provision in the consumer law will help ensure that products at shops and online are safe for all consumers.” www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

It’s Your Life

Teen turns hobby into a business

By Melissa Grant

She uses resin, timber and glass resin to make them.

A MOUNT Coolum teen has turned her hobby of making earrings into a thriving small business.

Each earring is handcrafted and uses surgical steel backing for sensitive ears.

Marni Burke started creating her own earrings as a way to help pass time during Covid-19 restrictions.

“I was just making them for family and friends as a hobby,” she said.

“My family and friends said I should start selling them.”

Marni started her business, Maezy Mae Earrings, in November.

Marni’s mum Jodie is helping out with the marketing by spreading the word on Sunshine Coast community boards and through her connections as a local teacher.

Marni is also keen to grow her business.

“I’m looking at getting them (earrings) into boutiques, chemists and maybe some markets,” she said.

Since then, she has sold hundreds of pairs of earrings.

The 13-year-old is also making earrings to raise funds for the Bloom Hill Cancer Centre.

The Coolum High Year 8 student spends about two hours a day on making the beautiful hand-crafted earrings and selling them.

“I approached them because we’ve lost family and friends to cancer,” she said.

“I find it relaxing,” she said, adding she has fun with creating different designs.

Marni, whose middle name is Mae, sources the materials for her earrings from all over Australia.

Marni says she started making the earrings as a hobby to pass time during Covid.

Her goal is to make 500 earrings for the fundraising project, with a portion of the proceeds going to the cancer centre.

Marni has sold hundreds of pairs of earrings.

Over the long-term, Marni plans to use the money made from Maezy Mae Earrings to buy a car and a unit or house.

You can follow Marni on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ maezy_mae_earrings

Some of Marni’s creations.

New skate park for Caloundra CALOUNDRA will soon be home to a modern skate park designed by local skaters, BMXers and scooter riders.

The new skate park is being delivered as part of Sunshine Coast Council’s Dicky Beach Precinct Plan.

Located at Dicky Beach, the skate park will feature ramps, rails, grind ledges, quarter pipes and stairs.

Divisional councillor Terry Landsberg said many people in the community provided valuable feedback in 2019 to help shape the plan and new skate park.

Spectators are also well catered for, with shaded seating to be installed.

New skate park... the extent of the works area for stage 1 of the project.

The existing 20-year-old skate park at the site will be demolished to make way for the precision-built skate park.

“Once constructed, the skate park will provide a great facility for people of all ages and skate abilities to enjoy,” Cr Landsberg said.

Construction is expected to be complete in early September.

The Dicky Beach Precinct Plan will also better connect the park area with

local businesses, Holiday Park, beach and surf lifesaving club house.

The upgrade will deliver new public amenities, picnic shelter and pathways, beach showers, park lighting, furniture such as seating, drinking fountain, bike parking, bins and landscaping.

Council is also improving disability parking.

The precinct will reflect the SS Dicky wreck’s significance to the local area.

The SS Dicky propeller will be reinstated as part of the project.

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AUTUMN 2021 5

It’s Your Life

TV host’s amazing family trips AS the host of The Amazing Race Australia and a former rugby league player, Beau Ryan has travelled to some pretty awesome places around the world.

However, his favourite holidays have been in a motorhome with his wife and children.

He spoke to Kids Today editor Melissa Grant about hosting the latest series of the reality game show, travelling with kids and his favourite family-friendly placesto holiday in Australia.

The second series of The Amazing Race Australia has just gone to air. Due to Covid, the team raced around Australia. What were the highlights for you?

Meeting the cast was great. We’ve got such a diverse cast, not only from all over the country but from backgrounds all over the world and belief systems, which was fantastic. And then exploring Australia properly. I mean, we’ve all travelled in Australia but obviously not to the extent we did and just some of the places, you know in the outback and down in Tasmania just really blew me away. Tassie was fantastic and the middle of the country, Alice Springs, all around there, was just breathtaking. It’s hard to sell it in terms of what you see, you’ve just got to see there to believe it - the animals, the night sky, the landscapes, the weather - you have to be there.

Beau Ryan, pictured in Coober Peedy SA, says the Australian outback is spectacular.

What was it like filming? It must have been a lot of fun but hard being away from your family for that time?

Yeah, it was hard. It was tough, it was physically tough and mentally draining. But seeing it all come to life now and the reaction from Australia makes it worth it. I’m really happy with how the show turned out. I put everything I had into it physically and mentally, and it’s a wonderful show.

I understand you recently returned from a caravanning trip with your kids. How was that?

It was beautiful. It was probably my favourite holiday as a family, and we do go on a lot of holidays. We just went up the north coast of NSW, stayed in caravan parks - no phones, no iPads, went fishing, jumped off rocks, swam in the ocean, swam in rivers, stayed at caravan parks and we just loved it! It was our favourite trip. We liked Yamba.

We went all the way up the coast and we got to Yamba and we liked it.

kids to experience that. Port Douglas I hold close to my heart - that’s where I had my honeymoon but I’m a massive fan of Coolangatta. I’m a huge Coolangatta fan. The bottom end of the Goldy - I love it.

We have been unable to travel overseas due to Covid. Where are the best places to holiday in Australia with kids in tow?

Up in the Whitsundays and North Queensland - anywhere where it’s warm does make it easier for kids. We started in Cairns, so Cairns, Port Douglas, The Great Barrier Reef are amazing. Wildlife everywhere. The scenery is beautiful, as good as anywhere in the world and I’ve travelled a lot. The Great Barrier Reef is just breathtaking. So the safe option is always up there - where there is good weather, good food, the climate is warm enough. I really like Tasmania. I would like to get in a van and go around Tasmania. There is a lot of history there, which is boring for my kids (daughter Remi, 8, and son Jesse, 3), but good people, the food is great, the rainforests, Cradle Mountain and the dam - I really want to take my kids up there but maybe when they are a bit older. It’s quite breathtaking. I had a lot of wow moments in Tasmania and I want my

Not really. I went to Bali once when I was really young but I don’t really remember it. I went to Foster, I went once. Port Macquarie. We didn’t have a lot of money, we just went where we could drive up (from home in Wollongong) and our friends had a holiday house, we used to stay with them.

My kids have been everywhere. We took them to Asia, Thailand, Bali, America - we’ve been everywhere. But my favourite holidays have been in Australia with my kids and I honestly stand by that. I think because when you are at home, we go somewhere and we go back to basics. So we will go fishing, swimming, in the bush, go off-road. We do stuff where we get away. We don’t camp. My wife won’t camp and I won’t camp either. But we get in like a Winnebago or one of the motorhomes and go up the coast. I’ve got one of those Let’ s Go Motorhomes, one of the big campervans and that’s our base.

Then we just explore. Because I went to

6 AUTUMN 2021

Beau Ryan in Tasmania, a place he plans to explore when his children are a bit older.

Did you go on many holidays as a child?

Host of The Amazing Race Australia, Beau Ryan.

Port Macquarie and Foster (when I was a child) I want my kids to have the same experience. And the water is cleaner over here, it’s safer living standards, I don’t have to worry about problems overseas, the food’s great, the coffee’s great and it’s just good to get to small country towns and give back.

And we just love it!

care less. My son said the other day that he wants to play footy which is out of nowhere. I’m not really concerned about what he does, actually I wouldn’t mind getting him into surfing. I can’t surf, I wish I could. Because we are up in Cronulla, everyone is a surfer. I’d like him to do something in the water. He’s a good swimmer.

Travelling with young children can be a challenge. Do you have any tips to help entertain the kids?

But yeah, he went down to my mum and dad’s house at the weekend and found one of my old jerseys... my little Bulldogs jersey and put it on and now he wants to play footy.

I like to stay near the coast where there is plenty to do. We went out to see the saltwater yabbies with my son, went fishing, kayaking, swimming, we found waterholes. We just kept moving all day, so when we did get back to the van they were tired. We just had them outside and active. They forgot about phones, they got off their iPads. We stayed at a caravan park at Yamba, it was called The Blue Dolphin, and they had two water slides so we were out all day and when you come back you can just have them in the base and not worry about them. It was just good. We ate takeaway. We didn’t have to worry about anything.

You played NRL professionally. Has your daughter or son shown any interest in the sport?

My son (has), my daughter couldn’t

Also growing up in Cronulla there’s a big footy culture there, so I think inevitably he will go and play but I’m easy if he doesn’t want to.

Do you have any other trips planned this year with the family?

Not with the family. We will be going away again soon with The Amazing Race. Hopefully we get to Croatia and Lebanon. I want to go to Far North Queensland (with the family). I think they (the kids) are too young for Tasmania, but I do want to take my kids up to Cairns because you can get out to the reef and have a base in Cairns, and I really like Cairns. It’s warm. My kids are happier when it’s warm. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

It’s Your Life

Giving chances to help youth succeed

By Melissa Grant A good education has the power to change a young person’s life.

It increases self-confidence, builds aspiration and creates opportunities for success.

In Noosa, there’s a relatively new notfor-profit organisation that’s helping young people facing financial barriers to realise their educational dreams.

The organisation is called Noosa Chances and it has been awarding modest scholarships to students aged 12-25 since its inception in late 2019.

Noosa Chances already supports 19 students and will award a further 20 scholarships this year.

Founder and CEO Tara Bell says the need for scholarships is as great as ever.

“This year there is even more financial need with parents having lost jobs, so more kids are eligible,” Tara said.

Noosa Chances supports demonstrated talent across a diverse range of disciplines including academia, the arts, leadership and design.

The merit-based scholarships provide up to $1500 per year for the entirety of a young person’s education to fund expenses such as laptops, music tuition and instruments, art materials, stationery and school excursions.

“A lot of students are buying laptops.

One student had never had new school shoes,” Tara explained.

Noosa Chances scholarship recipients (from left) Jemzel Costales, Lillie Mellin, Aiden McGuigan, Max Mellin and Tyla Lutzke, with Principal Brett Burgess.

Noosa Chances CEO Tara Bell. The not-for-profit offers scholarships to help students with study costs, including music lessons.

Picture: Lisa Diamond Photography

“The scholarships support them right through to having a job essentially, potentially if they do medicine it could be more than 10 years. But we do ask to have evidence of marks being maintained each year.”

So far, the organisation has raised around $230,000 from three events since its launch, including the Noosa Cup race day.

Scholarship applicants must be brought forward by someone involved closely in their education.

The principals of Sunshine Beach State High and Noosa District State High School are asked to nominate their top picks.

Tara still vividly remembers meeting the families of the first seven Noosa Chances scholarship recipients.

“We met with the parents and many shed happy tears. They were so proud of their child,” she recalled.

Noosa Chances is powered by volunteers and largely relies on events for fundraising.

This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday 3 October, with Matt Golinski as guest chef. Tara started Noosa Chances after witnessing the great work Western Chances, a not-for-profit in Melbourne that has awarded more than 8000 new and renewal scholarships to students facing financial disadvantage.

While living in Victoria where she was involved with the Bennelong Foundation, Tara met the Western Chances CEO at a fundraising dinner.

She knew she had to be involved so joined the marketing and fundraising committee.

“I got to see students receive scholarships and see how it benefited them,” Tara said.

“It wasn’t just the money - it was their

confidence, their career prospects.

“Having been exposed to the not-forprofit sector via the Bennelong Foundation, and with many philanthropic contacts and mentors, I felt this endeavour, while ambitious, was possible.

“To see it happen here now in Noosa is amazing.”

Tara said Noosa Chances would offer scholarships more broadly in the Sunshine Coast once it had the financial capacity to do so.

“Certainly it is our intention to expand beyond the Noosa Shire in coming years.”

For more information or to donate to Noosa Chances, visit https://www. noosachances.org.au/ All donations are gratefully accepted and any donations of $2 or more are fully tax deductible.

Scholarship helps Charlotte’s musical dream

By Melissa Grant A Noosa Chances scholarship has helped a musically talented student to keep taking weekly clarinet lessons and follow her dream of being a professional musician.

Charlotte Playford, who has just begun high school, started singing at age 4.

Two years ago Charlotte took up clarinet, and last year she was band captain at St Thomas More Catholic Primary School.

“Any extra financial help keeps my children’s dreams alive towards creating a chance of a great future for them,” he said.

“For us, this (scholarship) helped keep Charlotte receiving weekly clarinet lessons with Bruce Barnett, former music teacher of Sunshine Beach State High School and current jazz musician.”

This year, Charlotte was accepted into the music of excellence program for singing and music of excellence program for playing clarinet.

Last year she was also awarded a Noosa Chances scholarship.

“We are all so proud of Charlotte with her dedication to practicing singing and clarinet. She also plays guitar and piano,” Brenton said.

Father Brenton Playford says the scholarship has been a huge help as he supports his two musically talented children while studying at university.

“Thank-you so much Noosa Chances for awarding Charlotte a scholarship to help her towards what we see as a definite future in the music industry.”

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Charlotte Playford (centre) with Tony Wellington and Noosa MP Sandy Bolton.

AUTUMN 2021 7

It’s Your Life

The biology of being a boy Boy or girl does it matter?

You have to discover the unique child you have got, writes Steve Biddulph CONGRATULATIONS they say to you.

It’s a girl! Or, it’s a boy! And straight away your ideas and images about their future start to take shape. You can’t help it, and nor should you, as it’s by dreaming that we mobilise ourselves for the great journey of raising a child.

But we have to keep an open mind.

Gender does not tell you everything about a child.

There are boys, for example, who are sensitive, quiet and gentle, and girls who are thick-skinned, boisterous and noisy. You have to wait and find out ‘what you have got’. But taken as a whole, gender still has some risk factors that will apply and are really worth knowing. After all, the whole secret of raising children is finding out their nature and working with that.

I often say that the world doesn’t need men who can wrestle buffaloes any more, so we need to raise our sons to be good communicators with open hearts. But, the world is still harsh and terribly sexist, so we have to raise our daughters with backbone and fire. By knowing what you start with, it makes working towards equality more likely to succeed.

The biggest biological difference between boys and girls is in rate of brain maturity. Even as a newborn, a baby girl has a more finished brain and that difference continues all through.

Most girls are ready at five for sit-down schooling, they are settled and patient, and their fingers work well, their words and language are coming along.

Meanwhile, most boys are simply not.

So we have to be wary of starting boys in school too young.

Boys also go through very different

stages, at very different times. In updating the Raising Boys book last year, we found that new hormone research explained the phenomena of the ‘full-on fours’ when many parents noticed their four-year-old sons becoming incredibly active and physical. In fact, it’s been one of my key themes over forty years that we must let all children feel okay about their need for movement, activity, and exercise. Mothers in many countries have told me that they felt enormous relief that their boys weren’t ‘bad’ for being lively. That just as with a big dog in your home or apartment, you need to run off all that energy. It’s actually helping them to grow their brain.

We also found new research about the ‘emotional eights’ when early hormone changes, about four years before actual puberty, cause them to have more intense feelings. Explaining to our little boys that “it’s okay, sometimes feelings get big” and helping them know the warning signs, when to walk away and chill for a while, and to be able to talk to you when they are sad or afraid, or feel like punching out their best friend. I always remember a little boy who heard his best friend was moving to another school - he hit him!

We males have to be able to stay with our grief sometimes. I once heard a dad saying to his son, who was struggling on the edge of tears “you are a great kid, you have such an open heart”, and then nestling against him with a sideways hug. The boy turned towards him in a full embrace and let the tears come. It was so healing.

When I began in the 1970s, the theory of the time was - raise kids the same, without any gender messages, and they will turn out the same. And that is very worthwhile to pursue. We have to make absolutely sure that we don’t box children in by saying girls must, and boys must. At the same time, if we can learn all we can about the biology of being a boy, and being a girl, then we can do equality better.

Next time I’ll write about the strengths, and vulnerabilities of being a girl, and how to make sure she is strong, equal,

We need to raise our sons to be good communicators with open hearts.

and comfortable in her own skin. So she can wrestle her own buffaloes!

Author - 10 Things Girls Need Most, Raising Girls, Raising Boys.

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It’s Your Life

Our favourite baby names QUEENSLAND parents are taking a real shine to the names Oliver and Charlotte.

Oliver was the most popular baby boy name in the Sunshine State for the eighth consecutive year in 2020.

Top 10 baby names in Queensland in 2020 Girls

Boys

1. Charlotte (359)

1. Oliver (525)

Meanwhile, Charlotte reclaimed the number one spot on the list of most popular baby girl names following a one-year hiatus.

2. Olivia (320)

2. Noah (383)

3. Isla (319)

3. Jack (324)

4. Amelia (295)

4. William (322)

Last year, Queensland welcomed 525 baby boys named Oliver. The name was much more popular than secondplaced Noah (383).

5. Mia (256)

5. Henry (307)

6. Ava (247)

6. Theodore (283)

7. Harper (227)

7. Elijah (273)

8. Willow (226)

8. Leo (267)

9. Grace (222)

9. Thomas (266)

10. Sophie (206)

10. Hudson (263)

There were 359 baby girls born in Queensland named Charlotte. It’s the fifth time in the last six years that Charlotte has been the state’s most popular girls name.

However, there’s some chance Charlotte could soon be dethroned. Last year there were 320 Queensland babies born who were named Olivia.

Some new names made the top 100 for both girls and boys last year.

Maverick made its entry into the top 100 boys’ names for the first time since reporting began in 1960, jumping from 169 in 2019 to 84 last year. The other big movers among boys’ names were Luka (154th most popular to 95th most

popular) and Gabriel (139 to 96).

Three girls’ names made similar leaps - Holly (139 to 79), Billie (109 to 52) and Hallie (137 to 88).

Of the 59,914 births registered throughout 2020 in Queensland, there

were more than 12,000 different first names recorded.

The name to hold the record number of registrations in one year is Jason, with 1017 boys given the name in 1972.

Jason held the top spot for most popular baby name from 1971-1973.

The most registrations in a single year for a girl’s name was in 1990, when Jessica peaked with 805 registrations.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said while Charlotte and Oliver have dominated the most popular name charts over the last 10 years, the state’s favourite baby names have differed at the start of each decade over the last half century.

“In 1970, David was the most popular boy’s name in Queensland and Michelle the most registered girl’s name,” she said.

“In 1980, it was Michael and Rebecca, 1990 Matthew and Jessica, 2000 Joshua and Emily, and 2010 Ruby and Cooper.”

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AUTUMN 2021 9

It’s Your Life

A paradise for families PARADISE Resort Gold Coast was recently voted Australia’s Best Family Resort for the 10th year in a row.

Yes, you heard that right - 10 years.

And if you’ve never been, then now is the time to book in.

Paradise Resort is one of those must-visit places for every family, regardless of how old the kiddies, and is renowned as a ‘cruise ship on land’.

This place is a mecca of holiday fun with an ice skating rink, waterpark, kids’ club, laser tag, daily activities, and loads of entertainment offered all year round, not to mention it’s only a few short metres from the iconic Surfer’s Paradise beach.

Plus, the resort has recently undergone a major renovation, with new bar and dining outlets and added plus an online ordering system so you can order your meals and cocktails from your poolside lounge, There are also heaps of amazing activities, including a miniature train, teen zone for the older kids and, coming later this year, is an adults-only pool and lounge bar. Take my money now!

So while the resort is famous for its onsite Kids Club, which caters for children 0-12years, the newly added teen zone ensures children 13-17 are taken care of as well so that parents can also have a much-needed break.

The water park is a favourite attraction at the resort.

10 AUTUMN 2021

The resort offers a range of hotel style accommodation throughout its 360 guest rooms catering for families as large as up to eight, including the popular themed Junior and King Bunkhouse rooms which feature brightly-painted bunk beds and family rooms with a second smaller bedroom.

The resort’s Jungle Gym.

The next stage of upgrades will deliver 66 new deluxe rooms in Dusty’s Digs by mid-2021. The deluxe rooms have been fitted with thoughtful little extras such as a microwave and toaster, USB charging points, a 55inch Smart TV to keep you connected to your favourite Netflix series and complimentary WiFi throughout.

The resort has a Stay Cation Package, which starts from $169 per night for a family of four and a range of room types to upgrade or sleep families up to eight.

The package includes daily continental breakfast, one Kids’ Club session for children 0-12years and one Teen Club session for 13-17years as well as unlimited use of the water park. It also offers full flexibility to change dates if you are affected by Covid and an option to pay off the holiday, with interest-free periodic payments. The package is valid for travel on selected dates until December 21, 2021. Subject to availability. Conditions apply.

An aerial view of the resort on Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise.

For more information, visit paradiseresort.com.au

The Chill Zone offers ice skating.

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

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AUTUMN 2021 11

It’s Your Life

Weaning your child off sugar

By Danielle Galvin LET’S talk about the sweet stuff: sugar.

Many of us eat way too much of it, including children.

In recent years, studies have shown how addictive it is. Over the summer months, many of us have watched as our children’s sugar intake increased, with way too many ice-creams, treats and sweets.

We asked for some advice from nutrition consultant at That Sugar Movement, Angela Johnson, about how to slowly wean your child off sugar or even start to reduce it slowly.

What advice do you have for parents who might be concerned about managing their child’s sugar intake around holidays?

After Christmas/the summer period I spoke to a few parents who were concerned that their child was consuming way too much sugar. First, try to keep things in perspective. The holiday season can involve multiple social events, extended periods away from home, and disruption of the usual weekly routine. Therefore, the consumption of homemade whole foods can decrease, while exposure to (and intake of) sweetened and industriallymade, ultra-processed stuff can increase. If your child or children consumed more sugary foods than usual over the summer holidays and Christmas period, know that this shift doesn’t need to be the new normal.

Starting today, you can take gradual steps to reduce the intake of added sugars and ultra-processed, packaged foods.

Each day, throughout and after the holiday period, aim to have at least one wholesome, homemade meal, and keep any snacks as fresh or minimally processed as possible. Lunches and snacks, whether at home or to have when out and about, are great opportunities to serve healthful whole foods, including vegetables, legumes, and sources of healthy fats and quality protein. It is helpful to prepare foods in advance for you or the kids grab and go as needed - think vegetable and egg muffins, portions of raw nuts and seeds, whole pieces of fresh fruit, plain yoghurt with berries, or pre-cut vegetables sticks with a favourite dip.

You may wish to explain to your children that the increase in sweet and ultra-processed foods over the holidays is temporary and now, as a family, we are having more of the foods that help us feel better, grow stronger, and have more energy.

Importantly, be sure to set a healthy, caring and kind example. You cannot expect your kids to eat healthier foods when you are consuming mountains of cake and cookies! At the same time, I recommend using neutral language with kids around food. Avoiding language around ‘diet’ or weight, or labelling sugar as a ‘poison’ or ‘bad’.

Similarly, try not to use words such as ‘treat’, especially if referring to ultraprocessed foods; instead such foods should be considered ‘once in a while’.

Keep in mind that our kids’ bodies are resilient. So long as you attempt to make real, whole foods the foundation of what your child eats, the once in a while cookie or cake or brief period of increased added sugar intake will not have long-lasting effects.

12 AUTUMN 2021

Angela Johnson, nutrition consultant at That Sugar Movement.

What are some signs your child might be sugar addicted?

Sweet-tasting foods are highly desirable.

Too much added sugar and sweeteners, and the ultra-processed foods they often come in, create a strong preference, habituation and desire for sweeter tastes, making subtler or bitter tastes less tolerable. While there is continued research into the area of food addiction, it is believed excessive consumption can impact the brain’s reward centre in a way that results in symptoms similar to addiction to other well-known addictive substances, such as intense cravings, shifts in mood, and energy highs and lows.

Angela Johnson has some tips for parents to wean kids off the sweet stuff.

I’ve read rewarding your child for good behaviour with a sweet treat is a bad idea - do you agree?

Here are other tips for helping your family reduce added sugar (and ultra-processed food) intake:

Using food as a reward (or punishment) is not ideal. It can set up a disordered relationship with food. Of course, you will feel there are times when tempting your child away from the playground with something tasty is the only way to get moving! Don’t be hard on yourself if you do. Try not to make a habit of it so your child won’t make the association between certain foods and behaviours, and if you offer something, choose a healthy whole food, such as a piece of their favourite fruit.

How do you wean your child off sugar, or work to lower their intake on a weekly/daily basis?

■ Focus on real whole food: Make the foundation of the food you offer real, whole food. Think vegetables, fruit, unsweetened dairy, nuts, seeds, and eggs. For drinks, offer water. Infuse with slices of orange or lemon if you need to make it more enticing. Swap out sugary cereals, sweet spreads and snack bars for something more wholesome. Slowly reduce the amount of sugar or syrup in recipes by experimenting with swapping some of the added sugar for mashed or blended fruit and vegetables, such as banana, stewed apple or steamed pumpkin.

When reducing intake of added sugar and ultra-processed food, be gradual, patient and consistent. Adapt one meal or snack at a time, swapping something sugary or ultra-processed for a whole food option. Importantly, do not give up too soon! Research shows repeated exposure is helpful to acquire a taste for something new - up to 8-10 times.

■ Have options available: Have prepared several options of tasty whole foods that include a source of fibre, healthy fat and/or quality protein. Kids can have the autonomy to choose from what is on offer, and enjoy a food that provides a source of sustained energy (and therefore, a reduced desire for sugar).

A really helpful guide for parents is this: The adult chooses what goes on a plate or into the lunchbox. The child chooses what and how much to eat. Try not to pressure the child into eating something they do not want, they will eat if they are hungry. Just be patient and consistent with the healthier foods you offer.

homemade meals and snacks, over time eating habits and taste preferences will adjust also.

■ Get them on board: Help your child understand why they will see a shift in the food they are served. For example, whole foods help bodies and brains grow strong and smart.

Get them involved in food preparation. Pair well known favourites with a new whole food or flavour. Trust that your child has an innate sense of what makes them feel better.

Above all, be gentle when weaning off a high sugar diet. The transition period toward a less-sweetened way of eating may feel tricky at first. Know that it needn’t be all or nothing. Your child does not have to abstain from sweet or packaged food altogether. A little is okay for most, just limit how much and how often. In fact, banning certain foods can make a child want them more!

■ Limit access: Keep sugary drinks, such as soft drinks and juices, and ultra-processed foods either out of the house or to a minimum.

It is recommended that children over two years limit intake to six teaspoons per day, and those under two shouldn’t have any added sugar at all. Remind yourself that every bite of healthier food makes a difference, so do not be hard on yourself - you are doing great!

■ Crowd it out: Limit added sugar and ultra-processed food intake by crowding out meals with real, fresh food like fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and plain dairy. By enjoying mostly

Finally, if you have serious concerns that your child is not eating well or refusing to eat at all, please seek out advice from a qualified health professional. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

It’s Your Life

George Georgievski is a best-selling author with his recipe books.

Lunchbox Dad’s secrets to success

By Danielle Galvin SCHOOL Lunchbox Dad, George Georgievski, was a little freaked out to hear he has something in the order of a quarter of a million followers across his social media accounts.

For your everyday Geelong dad (in his words) he sure does know how to make waves with his creative school lunchboxes, down to earth style, and seriously inspiring recipes.

It’s impossible not to see the appeal: he is a dad with a vision to make lunchboxes healthy and easy to put together.

It’s that simple.

His new recipe book is all about his new obsession, the Air Fryer, which follows his first book, Lunchbox Express.

In Air Fryer Express, he’s got tips and tricks to get the most out of your Air Fryer, as well as 60 recipes for parents on the go, keen for quick, easy, healthy and delicious meals.

If you don’t have an Air Fryer, prepare to be converted.

There are pizza scrolls, heavenly bread rolls, cheesy balls - and the dinner ideas and bar snacks are truly nothing short of inspiring for those of us who bemoan dinner time and making lunchboxes every day.

As for Air Fryers - he loves them.

“They are not expensive, I just think the world of them,” he said.

“They are so versatile, multifunctional, time saving, economical, I reckon they are the way to go.

“If you want to reheat something - it’s like a third of the time - you don’t have to preheat the oven. It is so quick and the fact you don’t need oil - or you use very little oil.”

It’s fair to say the success of Air Fryer

This is his second book, after Lunchbox Express.

Express has taken him by surprise.

It became the number one cookbook on Amazon based on pre-orders alone, and his first book was number two at the same time - with people buying his second book at the same time.

Georgievski’s not a chef, he says, and has a full-time day job.

His laidback approach helps him too, he is a straight talker, self-deprecating, engaging.

It all started on his Instagram account, when he got sick of seeing difficult recipes that many parents wouldn’t even bother with.

And he wanted to make it as easy as possible to well, to follow the rules “eat a few veggies, and three fruit”.

He wants others to see what he does and think that they can do it too.

There are 30 pages of lunchbox inspiration to inspire even the fussiest of kids.

“In the past, when we were kids, we didn’t have technology to occupy us, so we’d burn off the rubbish we ate ... now kids are so technology minded so we have to look after their intake of foods.”

On his Instagram account, you’ll find bento style lunchboxes, the ones he creates for his two girls each week, as well as cooking videos, instructions and more.

But his formula is simple: create wholesome, colourful, easy, delicious lunchboxes, and quickly. It’s not about how they look or spending hours baking.

He uses readily available ingredients, but he’ll put a spin on it.

There’s not a bland sandwich in

sight, there are mini croissants, baguettes, scrolls.

“My daughter made those scrolls (that you see in the recipe book) and we made them together, she’s eight. That’s how easy it is.”

The success of his books and the fact he’s got followers from all over the world still blows him away.

“My daughter’s calculated (them), she’s like ‘dad you’ve got nearly a quarter of a million (followers)’ and I’m like ‘don’t, that freaks me out’, so I don’t look at the numbers anymore! I look at the messages I get and try to respond to everybody, just food related questions.”

Air Fryer Express by George Georgievski, Published by Plum, RRP $26.99, Photography by Nikole Ramsay

Ancient Japanese art workshops for kids BRISBANE artist Elysha Rei’s recent exhibition at Noosa Regional Gallery titled, Furusato: Patterns from Pilgrimage featured a series of large-scale hand-cut paper works that adorned the gallery walls and floor.

aesthetic within my work. Practicing the ancient Japanese art of ‘Kirie’ or papercutting means there is no ability to erase lines or paint over a mistake. I am forced to trust my decisions and to invest in my designs with conviction.”

Inspired by unique patterns discovered on urban manhole covers on the road while travelling through regional Japan, Rei described the finished paper designs as a kind of mapping of her Japanese journey.

Discover this ancient Japanese art form these school holidays at Noosa Regional Gallery with internationally renowned Kirigami artist Elysha Rei.

“My journey through Japan was a life-changing experience,” says Rei.

Using scissors and Japanese folding methods, create your very own unique Kirigami snowflake designs. Make cards, artworks and decorations featuring your designs to take home and share!

“I realised my purpose as an artist was to continue the connection with my Japanese heritage, through studying and celebrating the Japanese design

Multiple sessions available for children aged 6-12 years only. Places limited.

Bookings essential. Book via ‘Learn’ at www.noosaregionalgallery.com.au

This art of Kirigami, says the artist, also helped her to connect with her ancestral heritage.

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Art of Kirigami ... Noosa Regional Gallery is holding workshops for kids with renowned Kirigami artist Elysha Rei.

AUTUMN 2021 13

Health

Poor sleep for teens eating badly EATING unhealthily and drinking too much soft drink has been linked with poor sleep among teens across the world.

The University of Queensland’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences researcher Associate Professor Asad Khan said a world first study examined unhealthy diets and stress-related sleep disturbances in students across 64 countries.

“Overall, 7.5 per cent of adolescents reported stress-related sleep disturbance, which was more common among females than males. Sleep disturbance increased with more frequent consumption of carbonated soft drinks, that often contain caffeine, and/or fast foods, that are traditionally energy-dense and nutrient-poor.

“Teens who drank more than three soft drinks per day had 55 per cent higher odds of reporting sleep disturbance than those who only drank

one soft drink a day. Males who ate fast foods on more than four days per week had 55 per cent higher odds of reporting sleep disturbance than those who only ate fast food once a week, while the odds were 49 per cent higher in females.

“Frequent consumption of soft drinks more than three times a day, and fast foods more than four days per week, were significantly associated with sleep disturbance in all but low-income countries.” Dr Khan said the findings were concerning because of the adverse impacts on teens. “As stressrelated sleep disturbance was more common among girls than boys, girls should be a priority target group for associated interventions that could target stress management and sleep quality.

“Creating school environments to limit access to carbonated soft drinks and fast foods, and introducing a sugar tax to lessen the sales of soft drinks may be beneficial.”

Toddler food ... a national audit of toddler food and drinks has found a concerning trend.

Audit uncovers concerning trend in toddler foods A COMPREHENSIVE national audit of toddler foods and drinks has found the majority were “ultra-processed” and sweetened despite being marketed as healthy.

PhD student Jennifer McCann from Deakin’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition found about 80 per cent of packaged foods were sweetened snack foods and 85 per cent were ultra-processed.

The study looked at 154 toddler specific foods and 32 toddler milk products available in Australian supermarkets and chemists.

Ms McCann said it was concerning because many parents believe the snacks are suitable to eat regularly.

“This research tells us that packaged toddler foods should only be eaten occasionally, if at all,” Ms McCann said.

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Most of the foods were highly processed sweetened fruit and cereal bars and ready-made frozen meals, many with added sugars.

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“Only 10 per cent of the snack foods aligned with the Australian Dietary Guidelines,” Ms McCann said.

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“Just over half included one of the five food groups from the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating but nearly half of these were also ultraprocessed.

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“The remaining snack foods were discretionary or occasional foods.

“Most of the milk products were highly sweetened and some had nearly twice the sugar content per 100ml of soft drink.

“There is recent evidence linking high intakes of ultra-processed foods in young children to cardiometabolic risks, asthma, overweight and obesity as well as lower overall diet quality.”

She said the products labelled with messages and claims that these foods are healthy and sometimes even necessary, which was of great concern.

“This is very concerning as the packaging is designed to give consumers a false sense of the healthiness of these foods.

“Toddlers need a variety of foods to supply essential nutrients and they also need different tastes and textures to prepare them for a varied diet as they grow.

“They should be eating family meals and fresh, unprocessed or minimally processed foods to achieve their nutrient and food based needs.

“We encourage consumers to carefully read product labels and ingredient lists when buying food for their children and question the on-pack claims and marketing of these products.”

Creamy, fresh milk for the family SITUATED on a farm about 12km south of Gympie in the Mary Valley District, family-owned dairy Cooloola Milk lovingly rears its herds to ensure delivery of the creamy Jersey milk you’ve come to love.

Cooloola Milk is Jersey milk which, on average, has a higher milk composition than other brands. They don’t do any processing other than milk and cream.

The family behind Cooloola Milk has been dairy farming since the 1930s.

Cooloola Milk started production in April 1999. It’s an intimate operation, with a staff of 15 and three contractors.

They employ their own drivers who distribute milk throughout the Sunshine Coast and as far north as Hervey Bay, through the South Burnett to Kingaroy, and have a vendor who distributes throughout Brisbane.

For fresh milk with a beautiful creamy taste, be sure to pick up a carton of Cooloola Milk. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

DENTAL

Your child’s oral health is important MAVEN Dental is keeping you smiling and Covid safe - they 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 locals throughout the Sunshine Coast.

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.

Maven Dental believes that 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 $1000* in basic dental services under the Child 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/cdbs Maven Dental has five convenient locations near you: Caloundra, Maroochydore, Noosaville, Noosa Junction and Sippy Downs.

Maven Dental is keeping kids - and their families - smiling.

A HEALTHY MOUTH EQUALS A HAPPY SMILE Did you know your child may be eligible for up to $1,000 * in dental?

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AUTUMN 2021 15

Education

Why don’t more men go into teaching?

By Danielle Galvin

secondary school, there was a huge jump to 39 per cent.

BACK in 2017, Macquarie University researchers tracked a worrying trajectory of a declining number of male teachers in Australian classrooms.

“That’s the big difference, it’s very obvious in primary schools,” he said.

The study lead them to ask the question: Are male teachers headed for extinction?

The research showed a steady decline in numbers in the past 50 years.

Granted the research is now four years old, but the question remains: are there enough male teachers out there?

Dr Matthew Zbaracki is Head of School of Education at the Australian Catholic University.

The former primary school teacher said the latest statistics, from 2019, estimated 18 per cent of teachers in primary schools were male. In

Do we need to do more to attract male teachers?

“I think there are a couple of reasons.

“One; there could be a gender stereotype around who teaches in primary school.

“Boys need to have role models that are men in the classroom instead of just females.

“I think it’s really important, learning styles and teaching styles are so critical.

“I think there’s a lack of respect around the teaching profession in general which has an impact as well.”

While there’s no suggestion that any gender performs better in the classroom or gets different results, Dr Zbaracki said there’s a couple of reasons why it’s important.

“The reason why they are important is that children need to be able to have these experiences with teachers of both genders, and they need to have role models as well.

“Being exposed to as many different teaching styles you possibly can, as well as positive role models (is important).”

He said partly there’s still a stigma still around men teaching, particularly in the junior years, but more needs to be done to build back respect for the teaching profession.

He hopes doing that will help attract more people to the profession.

The divide is even more stark when it

comes to early education.

In 2018, according to University of South Australia research, men accounted for between 2-3 per cent of the workforce.

In Dr Zbaracki’s view, all educators bring different teaching styles to their environments, regardless of gender.

He said male and female teachers engage students in different ways.

“It’s important we don’t get complacent and be aware of this type of issue.

“Those statistics are pretty shocking, 18 per cent in primary schools, that’s shocking.”

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She is passionate about preparing children for school to ensure they have a successful start and beyond. She believes learning should be fun and engaging and based on the interests of children in her care.

To find out more, contact Zoe at www. readysetprep-mooloolaba.com or 0478 840 070

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE TOOLS AND SUPPORT THEY NEED TO PREPARE THEM FOR THEIR FIRST YEAR OF SCHOOL Fun and engaging sessions tailored to suit your child’s needs Maximum 8 children per group session

E readysetprep.mooloolaba@gmail.com | P 0478 840 070 readysetprep.mooloolaba | readysetprep-mooloolaba.com 16 AUTUMN 2021

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School Readiness MOOLOOLABA

Classes are run in Zoe’s beautiful home classroom. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Education

Should schools provide lunches?

AN idea out of Flinders University could have parents rejoicing: what if schools provided lunches for Australian students?

Australia is that this public health strategy can deliver in terms of learning, student engagement and wellbeing.

Researchers from the university’s Caring Futures Institute investigated whether it would be more nutritious, and there would be better learning outcomes, if the school provided lunches.

“By children being provided with healthy meals at school, we think it will help children to concentrate in the classroom and support their learning.”

The institute’s deputy director Professor Rebecca Golley said it was a common practice in other countries such as the UK and would mean less room for treats high in sugar or salt.

It’s an interesting idea to improve learning outcomes and nutrition. classroom, school hall or school yard, compared with the current school food model in Australia where generally parents provide lunch to their child/ children, either as a lunchbox packed from home or purchased from a school canteen.

“A universal school-provided lunch model could help to ensure all children have access to food at school, reduce stigma of children not having lunch or having different types of foods to their peers, and help to ensure children are provided with healthy lunch options,” she explained.

“While there will need to be an initial investment to set-up the necessary infrastructure and getting the right policies and guidelines in place, what is emerging from some work around

“The meal would be prepared on site and served to children in their

In a separate study, the university’s research team examined the dietary intake of children aged 5-12 years during school hours. The study found 40 per cent of the energy kids consume at school comes from unhealthy food, with most children consuming no or very few serves of vegetables, protein-rich foods, or dairy during school hours.

Flinders University nutrition and dietetics researcher Brittany Johnson said good nutrition supports growth, learning and development.

“Australian families constantly face the challenge of packing lunchboxes that are nutritious, safe and quick, and that their children will eat.”

The Caring Futures Institute’s tips for healthier lunchboxes: ■ Keep lunchboxes and snacks basic: go back to the less packaged foods - grainy sandwich, vegie sticks, fruit and yoghurt, researchers say.

■ Reduce unhealthy foods by cutting portion sizes in half or limiting the number of days in a week your children eat these foods.

■ Head to the supermarket with clear plans and stick to them.

Avoid the snack aisle. If there are no unhealthy foods brought into the home this can make it easier to eat healthier alternatives from the five food groups.

Impressive new precinct opens at Flinders SENIOR Primary students have a dedicated new learning precinct at Matthew Flinders Anglican College in Buderim on the Sunshine Coast.

students’ turn to have their very own space to support them in their final years of primary.

“The Years 5 and 6 Precinct is designed to be agile, welcoming and flexible so that our teachers are able to personalise the learning for students.

The new two-storey precinct for students in Years 5 and 6 is an innovative facility, incorporating the latest technologies. It is the second precinct to open as part of the five-year Flinders Masterplan construction project.

“It is also a beautiful, spacious and light-filled space that enhances health and wellbeing.”

Head of Primary, Mrs Trudi Edwards said the College was committed to providing students with responsive and inspirational learning environments.

“At Flinders, we recognise the importance of having distinctive precincts and transitions to support and nurture our students,” Trudi said.

“Last year, Flinders opened the new Year 7 Precinct to support students as they transition to the secondary school,” she said.

“This year, it’s our senior primary

Junior primary students from Prep to Years 2 at Flinders are also enjoying their new nature playground, which opened in February this year.

The bespoke design features wooden decks, rope bridges, climbing walls, a mud kitchen, builders’ yard, water pump and creek bed.

The next primary school facility to open at Flinders in Term 4, 2021 is the innovative Wonderarium learning centre.

To learn more about the Flinders Masterplan, visit mfac.edu.au

A new learning precinct for senior primary students has opened at Matthew Flinders Anglican College.

Discover Flinders

Flinders is planning for a bright future and you’re invited to learn how.

Tour our impressive new learning precincts and nature play spaces created for our students as part of the Flinders Masterplan: • Years 5 and 6 Precinct - open now • Junior Primary Nature Playground - open now • Wonderarium Learning Centre - opening Term 4, 2021 Book your tour at www.mfac.edu.au

Stringybark Rd, Buderim 07 5477 3260 | Find us on

12484481-DL12-21

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

AUTUMN 2021 17

FOCUS ON GYMPIE REGION Gympie region is pure gold THE Gympie region is a great place for families to discover.

Located just up the road from the Sunshine Coast, Gympie is a place full of beauty, history and character.

The region boasts stunning white sand beaches, rolling hills and lush rural communities.

The city of Gympie is the main commercial hub with a long and interesting history. It is famous for gold mining and has been dubbed as the ‘town that saved Queensland from bankruptcy’.

The region is home to a number of beautiful beaches, including Rainbow Beach which is regarded as one of the country’s best beaches and a gateway to Fraser Island.

Gympie is also renowned for its fresh local produce. The Mary Valley, in the region’s south, is a thriving agricultural district known for its tropical fruit, and beef and dairy farming.

A great way to see the valley’s breathtaking scenery is on board the Mary Valley Rattler. On a meticulously restored train, you can enjoy a historical railway experience along old tracks that have been brought to life.

The Gold Diggers Statue, a sculpture that commemorates Gympie’’s gold miners.

For the history buffs, Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum is a must-see with the site comprising 30 display areas that offer great insight into the gold rush.

So what are you waiting or?

Just a 45 minutes’ drive from the Sunshine Coast, the Gympie region offers so much that’s so close by.

The township of Rainbow Beach.

Victory College provides students with the foundations to succeed.

The right foundations VICTORY College offers students a purposeful, Christian-based education where they are valued as individuals and given the right foundations to succeed beyond school.

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.

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18 AUTUMN 2021

“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.”

Victory College boasts a number of facilities including a modern hospitality centre, recording studio, the only 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. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

FOCUS ON GYMPIE REGION Great gold rush 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 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 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

The Mary Valley Rattler is running Hop on Board services over the Easter weekend.

The Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum.

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 covering Andrew Fisher an early Australian Prime Minister, as well as religion, family and floods.

Come Hop on Board THE Mary Valley Rattler looks forward to welcoming guests, with their Hop on Board services running over the Easter weekend.

Steam Man will join the kids for an Easter egg hunt at Amamoor where the train turns on the heritage turntable.

spending time with family and friends and what better way to connect than experiencing a heritage rail journey that all the family can enjoy,” Mr Green said.

See the website for holiday services www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au which are on sale now.

Over the school holiday period, additional services have been added to ensure no one misses out. The kids will love the chance to spot Steam Man on their journey.

The Mary Valley Rattler is a not-for-profit organisation operating with assistance from a large group of volunteers and is administered by a voluntary board.

Mary Valley Rattler General Manager Micheal Green says the volunteer team are gearing up for a bumper school holiday period.

Support through ticket sales, cafe and gift shop purchases assists with the ongoing restoration and preservation of the historic Mary Valley Rattler experience.

“We know people are keen to be

Discover Gympie Gold these school holidays!

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AUTUMN 2021 19

Reality Bites

Boy driven to design cars gets a wild ride

By Melissa Grant WHEN 10-year-old Jake Field sent a letter and a Mustang design he created to Ford, he was hopeful of getting a response. Not in his wildest dreams did he anticipate a Ford Mustang would end up in his family’s driveway.

Jake Field with the Mustang that his family was loaned from Ford.

“I’d almost given up hearing back from anyone then I got a parcel in the mailbox,” the Queensland boy said.

“I was so excited just to get a letter ... then I read the letter asking if I wanted to have a loan of a Mustang and reading that blew my mind! I couldn’t stop talking about it - I was so excited.”

The parcel also contained a Ford Mustang cap and licence plate.

Mustang-mad Jake had written the letter to Max Wolff, Design Director for Ford International Markets Group and China. Jake shared a design he created for a new Mustang.

Jake checks out the Mustang.

was old enough to apply for the Ford Australia Graduate Program.

“You’re a little too young to join our 2021 Graduate Program, but we’d love for you to apply for perhaps the 2035 intake of our Ford Australia Product Development stream,” Mr Wolff wrote.

“Please get back in touch once you’re old enough and we will set up a meeting with our Product Development team.”

His Mustang was a convertible with a supercharged V8 engine, titanium alloy frame, custom 20 inch chrome rims and a built-in iPad.

Jake said the loan of the Mustang was “awesome”. Jake’s mum Kristine, dad Chris and little brother Harry were also thrilled.

“I love cars especially the mustang (my ultimate dream car) and would love to get into car designs when I’m older. I would like to share with you my mustang design I created,” Jake wrote.

“We had the Mustang for a week, which was so much longer than we thought and we were sad to give it back,” he said. Jake says his dream job is to design cars - for Ford.

Max replied, offering Jake the opportunity to meet with Ford’s Product Development team in Australia once he

“I’d love to work in the car design industry and would like to apply for the Ford graduate program,” he said.

The Mustang design that 10-year-old boy Jake Field sent to Ford.

Mum opens up about name disappointment Since our youngest son was born in mid-2020, we have had many people ask us what we would have called a little girl. We’ve been happy to share the name when asked but I have also been open with my disappointment. Some people even suggested using the name for any future pets we might have. Not out of the question, but not quite how we imagined honouring our family members!

By Nicole Williams LIKE many young children, I spent time daydreaming about what my life would be like as an adult - my career, the person I would marry and the names of our future children. As I got older, settled into a career and found someone to spend my life with, the idea of children became more than a daydream.

When my husband and I decided that children would hopefully be in our future (the distant future at that time), we discussed names and settled on a girl’s name very quickly. The names, both first and middle, had special meaning to our families and we fell in love with the combination.

We didn’t find out the gender for either of our two successful pregnancies and it was a long search before we settled on a boy’s name. Again, the names we selected had significance to our families but, personally, didn’t capture my heart in the same way.

Turns out we were destined to have two beautiful little boys whose names ended up being perfect for them. While I never experienced gender disappointment, I will admit to a little 20 AUTUMN 2021

Nicole with her two boys.

heartbreak at the realisation that our carefully selected, and much loved, girls name would never be a part of our family.

I have never thought ‘what if’ we’d had a girl and I am in love with our complete family of four (although I am outnumbered, even including the dog),

Picture: ROB CAREW

so it is a unique feeling to mourn the combination of a few letters. I had spent years, and two long pregnancies, imagining the reactions of our families when we called to tell them the name of our newborn, murmuring it to calm an unsettled baby in the middle of the night or calling out the name at the playground.

I am not sure if it is an uncommon feeling or if it just goes unspoken. We feel many things as new parents and much of what we truly experience was considered unmentionable for years before I became a mum. The taboos of parenthood are slowly being broken down and the real feelings - the adoration alongside the terror, the relentlessness alongside the joy - are finally being normalised.

Therefore I know, that while it may not be a common experience for many parents, my feelings of sadness and disappointment are valid. We will never have a little girl to bestow with a special name, but that combination of letters will always hold a special place in my heart. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Reality Bites

Maria Faalafi and her daughter, Talia.

Passion leads to online venture

By Melissa Grant LIKE most mums, Maria Faalafi found going shopping often proved difficult with a toddler in tow.

So she turned to online shopping to find the eco-friendly products she was after.

However, there was one big problem.

It was impossible to find all the products she needed on one website, which meant she had to visit many sites and cough up multiple delivery fees.

affordable. That’s how I came to the idea of ECO Marketplace.”

ECO Marketplace is a site where eco businesses sell a variety of eco products.

If you visit ecomarketplace.com.au you will find a large range of products, from sustainable seed pencils to zero waste beauty items.

In a short time, Maria has been able to source more than 700 products from dozens of merchants.

Her business is growing quickly, with new merchants signing up every day.

That’s when the Buderim resident had her lightbulb moment.

“I’ve been doing it for less than a year,” Maria said.

“When I was first looking for eco products I’d be scrolling website upon website, eBay and Amazon, and found it hard to find what I needed. I wanted to find products that were good for me, my family and the environment,” Maria said.

“I’m getting new products all the time and new vendors as well, and some really cool things - even I’m surprised.”

“I decided I didn’t want to sell my own products, but I wanted to help other businesses doing the ‘right thing’ through one channel, making eco products more easily accessible and

However, each business must pass a criteria to show they are eco-friendly.

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Maria’s website is not only good for consumers - it’s also great for small businesses as it allows them to reach a large target audience.

One of Maria’s favourite products is a greeting card that can be planted by simply covering with soil in a sunny

spot with regular watering.

“Seeded cards changed my life actually ... it’s like the gift that keeps on giving,” she said.

The majority of products are Australian made, and many are made by hand. Maria says the growing business allows her to have an income while caring for her four-year-old daughter Talia at home.

“It’s good because I can do things from home and I can work late at night or early in the mornings,” she said.

“I want to spend as much time with her before she starts school. She can still have a full play area in the office so she can stay with me.”

Before going on maternity leave, Maria was an engineer drafter - a job with very little flexibility.

It was while working as an engineer drafter that Maria became interested in eco-friendly products.

Aged in her twenties, she started feeling unwell. She experienced severe migraines, rapid weight loss, blurred vision, dizziness, chronic fatigue and

digestive issues. While doctors tried to diagnose her condition, Maria decided to ditch unnecessary chemicals in her life, including food and beauty products.

“I spent years trying to find out what was wrong with me,” Maria said.

“I remember thinking, let’s just cut out certain things and change your lifestyle - see if you feel better and I did.

“It became a passion of mine because I felt so much better.”

Eventually, Maria was diagnosed with several food allergies and reactive hypoglycaemia, a condition where blood sugar levels drop to low after a meal. Maria’s passion for eco-friendly living only grew when she became a mum.

“Once I had my little one, Talia, I think I became more passionate for eco living, eco friendly products and things like that just thinking about everything that’s going on (on the planet) and what I’m going to leave to her?

“After having Talia, I wanted to have everything as natural as I could.”

AUTUMN 2021 21

Books

Teaching girls how to love themselves

By Melissa Meehan NOW that the glass ceiling is smashed, girls are told they can do anything they want - but the fear of embarrassment or judgement can often create a hurdle to success.

But if we can teach them to like themselves and have the confidence to achieve anything then the sky is the limit, according to a new book by Kasey Edwards and Dr Christopher Scanlon.

In a world full of parenting books that can often leave you feeling overwhelmed and guilty, Raising Girls Who Like Themselves tells girls their flawed is refreshingly different.

Not only does it work from seven basic ideas, but it clearly shows ways to introduce them into an already busy family life. And, authors Kasey and Chris, who share two daughters themselves, have proven it’s possible because they’ve done it all themselves.

“We were very aware of the issues ahead, some of the statistics for girls are really scary,” Kasey said.

“We were talking to a friend about it at a party and she said, we don’t have time to research and find all those things out, can’t you put it in a book?

Good advice ... authors Kasey Edwards and Dr Christopher Scanlon have girls of their own.

there, but by following their seven qualities and getting them right between toddlers to tweens your daughter’s life will be easier.

“And that’s how it started.”

Thanks to their ‘day jobs’ as researchers and journalists, the pair had the privilege of being able to call on leading parenting experts as well as those with a great knowledge of social and cultural issues.

“Mainstream advice at the moment doesn’t seem to be working. We all want to raise girls who thrive, but we still have horrific rates of anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self-harm,” Kasey said.

“Girls are drowning in anxiety and doubt. The prescription at the moment just isn’t working,” Chris added.

So what makes their book so different to the rest?

“Girls need to like themselves,” Kasey said. “We believe that if she knows who she is and genuinely likes who she is they will achieve every dream and want.”

Because she loves herself.

And you won’t feel guilty once you finish the book, because the steps are practical and easy to slot into already busy family life and all that comes with trying to be a good parent.

Raising Girls Who Like Themselves.

Chris said: “They’ll have the confidence to achieve and won’t be defined by failure. And from there they will have good physical and mental health because it’s natural to care for what you love.”

And by extension, she will expect the same from those around her.

Both Kasey and Chris agree there is so much parenting information out

Alarming statistics ■ More than 55 per cent of Australian girls aged eight and nine are dissatisfied with their body ■ A quarter of 14-15 year-old girls have had thoughts about self-harming in the previous 12 months ■ Fifty-one per cent of girls say that girls often feel pressured to take ‘sexy’ photos of themselves and share them ■ The third most common chronic illness for young females is eating disorders.

Children’s books...

Round and Round the Garden

How to Make a Friend in 6 Easy Steps

Illustrated by Matt Shanks

Dhana Fox & James Hart

Little ones will love this very cute Australian take on the classic nursery rhyme Round and Round the Garden. In this book, the kids are playing in the garden with magical Aussie creatures around them.

All Rosie the shark wants is a friend. So she reads a book about how to make one.

“Round and round the billabong like a kangaroo. One hop. Two Hops. Wiggle your nose too!”

There are so many cool animals featured in this beautifully illustrated book, including a lorikeet, crocodile, wild brumby and a big wombat.

Ready to forge a new friendship, she swims down to a shipwreck where there are a heap of sea creatures.

Then, she starts going through the six steps outlined in her book. Easy, right? Wrong!

Although each step is pretty straightforward, making friends is not as easy as Rosie thinks … because she’s a shark!

Lola Online #1: #TheSecretUpstairsFanClubParty Shannan & Tayla Steadman A fresh and funny fiction series for the YouTube generation.

Characters leap off the page in this book that explores friendship, managing online presence, sibling rivalry and country music loving felines!

Leading little lady Lola has her own YouTube channel, a little brother, and a lot to say as well as a cat that loves country music. When Lola’s crazy top fan hijacks her birthday party plans, drama ensues.

A fun, rhyming read in a special hardback edition for kids aged 2+.

A playful read that introduces the concept of making friends.

For kids aged 3+

Perfect for reluctant readers aged 7+

Scholastic Australia, RRP $15.99

Scholastic Australia, RRP $17.99

Scholastic Australia, RRP $15.99

22 AUTUMN 2021

Friday Barnes 9: No Escape

The Lake

R.A Spratt

A scary and suspenseful read from best-selling young adult author Natasha Preston.

Girl detective extraordinaire Friday Barnes returns with a new mystery that needs to be solved.

In this instalment, Friday has been released from prison but is a shell of her former self. She has sworn she won’t be solving mysteries again. But you guessed it ... you can’t keep her away from some muchneeded detective work.

Friday’s uncle wants her to fly to Italy to help him protect the Uffizi Galleries from thieves. So she goes, even though her ex-boyfriend/nemesis is living there.

Natasha Preston

The Lake is about a summer camp filled with dark secrets.

Esme and Kayla are excited to be returning to Camp Pine Lake as counsellors in training.

That’s despite the fact they once did something bad there when they were campers.

However, they have moved on and are both looking forward to a summer camp filled with sun and flirting. Until... they get a note.Their secret is about to resurface.

For kids aged 9-12 years

A thrilling read for kids aged 12+

Penguin, RRP $15.99

Penguin, RRP $18.99 www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Kids Calendar

What's on

this autumn

EVERY THURSDAY

28 MARCH & 23 MAY

PREGNANCY AQUA CLASSES

SUNNY COAST BABY & KIDS MARKET

Noosa Council has partnered with Alchemy in Motion physio Ocean Kabikwa to commence a pregnancy aqua class for women who are 4-40 weeks gestation.

The weekly classes are held on Thursdays from 7am - 8am at the Tewantin State School Pool in Cullinane St, Tewantin.

The classes will include cardio, toning, stretching, relaxing and pelvic floor.Cost is $10 a session. Bookings are essential by calling Alchemy in Motion on 5474 9093.

22, 25 & 26 MARCH

An indoor baby and kids market where you will discover handmade and secondhand baby and kids clothes, shoes, toys, puzzles, cots, prams and more. There are free bounty bags and activities for the kids. Hot food and coffee is available. Entry $2 per adult.

Kids free. 28 March: 9am-12pm at Talara Primary School (Talara St, Currimundi) 23 May: 9am-12pm at Mountain Creek Primary School (Lady Musgrave Dr, Mountain Creek)

6-9 APRIL

For more information, visit www. sunnycoastbabykidsmarket.com.au

KIDS BALLOON TWISTING Noosa Civic is hosting Kids Balloon Twisting with Miss Donna.

UNTIE YOUR TUMMY

10am - 12noon daily. No bookings required.

A workshop that explains how stress impacts gut health and what you can do to keep your tummy in top condition.

For more information visit noosacivic.com.au

You’ll discover the domino effect that stress has on the nervous system, hormones, digestion, metabolism and more. Learn about stress triggers, and methods to keep calm and relaxed.

You’ll even enjoy a relaxing meditation with naturopath and nutritionist Leela Holland.

6-9 APRIL ROVING MAGIC WITH NICKLEBY Nickelby the Magician is performing at Noosa Civic. Known for his illusions and comedy, this is one event not to be missed.1pm - 3pm daily. No bookings required.

22 March: 10am-11.30am at Coolum 25 March: 10am-11.30am at Beerwah 26 March: 10am-11.30am at Kawana Spaces are limited and registrations are required. For more information, visit https://library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov. au/Whats-On/Stressed-Gut

24-25 MARCH PAINT A POT In these workshops, kids paint a design on a pot that they get to take home to plant seeds and watch them grow. For kids aged 5-12 years. Free. Bookings required via the Noosa Library ServiceMarch 24: 4pm-4.45pm at Cooroy Library 9 Maple St, Cooroy March 25: 4pm-4.45pm Noosaville Library 7 Wallace Drive, Noosaville www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

KIRIGAMI ART WORKSHOPS Discover the ancient Japanese art of paper cutting and folding! Create your very own unique ‘Kirigami’ snowflake designs at Noosa Regional Gallery with internationally renowned Kirigami artist Elysha Rei. Multiple sessions available for 6-12 year olds only.

Places limited. Bookings essential.

Book via ‘Learn’ at www.noosaregionalgallery.com.au

SUNSHINE COAST COLOUR FRENZY A fun run/walk with a whole lot of colour.

This event raises money for the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge.

8.30am-12pm, Lake Kawana For tickets, visit www.colourfrenzy.com.au

For more information visit noosacivic.com.au

6-23 MAY

25 APRIL

ANYWHERE FESTIVAL

LIGHT UP THE DAWN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

2 MAY

This ANZAC Day, RSL invites all Australians to unite safely, and honour and thank the nation’s veterans.

Based on the tremendous community response to this initiative last year during Covid, Australians are again being urged to come together in 2021 - in their driveways, on their balconies, or in their living rooms at 6am to commemorate Australia’s ANZAC traditions.

For more information, visit https://rslqld.org/

A festival where you discover performances and places in nooks and crannies! The Anywhere Festival is where local businesses and homes host performances so artists can create incredible work without all the financial burdens usually placed on them.

The performances will happen anywhere in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast (as well as Moreton Bay, Brisbane and Ipswich) between 6 and 23 May. The program will be revealed in late March.

For more information, visit https://anywhere.is/ AUTUMN 2021 23

Free Holiday Fun this April!

Kids Balloon Twisting with Miss Donna Dates: 6th – 9th April Times: 10am – 12noon daily No bookings required.

For more information visit noosacivic.com.au

Roving Magic with Nickleby Dates: 6th – 9th April Times: 1pm – 3pm daily No bookings required.

For more information visit noosacivic.com.au

Big W Woolworths 100 speciality stores 28 Eenie Creek Rd (Cnr Walter Hay Drive) Noosaville Ph 5440 7900 12483863-DL12-21

24 AUTUMN 2021

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au