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Ready, Set, BRUNCH!

30/12/2015

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Written by Nicole Wilson
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I was a breakfast or lunch kind of gal in my youth - well truthfully I was more of a lunch kind of person because I was not up and about before about 10am.  But now I have fallen in love with the concept of brunch as it takes into consideration two of my favourite things in life - sleep-ins and food!

My expectations are high when I go into a new place for brunch as this particular meal has to combine both breakfast and lunch into just one and it needs to keep me going until my next coffee break at 2pm.

I find that between 9.30 and 11 am are acceptable branching times that still provide you with the rest of the day to catch up with friends, see a movie, go exercising or my all time favourite hobby - shopping!
I am a little bias when it comes to brunch orders as I normally go for a ham and cheese croissant, smashed avocado on sourdough or eggs benedict - YUM!

My husband on the other hand, loves to have a big breakfast with the lot - baked beans, hash brown, bacon, mushrooms and eggs.  Since we have quite different palates when it comes to what we want from a brunch, we have been to nearly all the places in town.
I am a little bias when it comes to brunch orders..."
We have agreed, with some lengthy discussions and a few brunches later (for quality control purposes as we didn't want to tell you something that was wrong), that the best brunch locations in our opinion include:  Urban Crust and Coffee at Tiffany's (both open during the week and Saturdays), along with The Balcony and Hervey's Range Heritage Tea Room (open 7 days).
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 Urban Crust is located on Bayswater Road, opposite St Margaret Mary’s and is relatively new to the café scene in Townsville. I love their menu, which is quite simple, but everything that is on there is just delightful. They have a little table set up in the café for kids to use and also blackboard tables for the ‘big kids’ to draw on.
 
Coffee at Tiffany’s is a little gem that can be found on Charters Towers Road in the same complex as Astute Townsville Central and provides both inside and outdoor tables. The reason I love this place so much is that the staff are so friendly and helpful and they have an excellent selection of brunch items to choose from to suit everyone’s needs.
The Balcony...a great place to go before or after a visit to the Flinders Street Markets on a Sunday.
The Balcony on the other hand is a little more up-market, but the food is excellent. I had eggs benedict there the other weekend and I couldn’t get enough. The atmosphere is great, and since they are open all weekend it’s a great place to go before or after a visit to the Flinders Street Markets on a Sunday. 
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While the Hervey’s Range Heritage Tea Rooms are a little bit out of the way, this café provides city-dwellers, like myself, with a place to escape from the hustle and bustle Townsville and just relax. Their menu has a variety of homemade food to choose from (the scones are award winners), which just adds to the overall atmosphere of the place. When you are there, you can choose to sit inside or outside, and there are also little walking trails you can take around the property to stretch those legs after your meal. 

These are 4 of our favourite places, and as I have said, we have been to most places in Townsville.  If you have any suggestions for us to try please comment below and I will certainly go and experience some of the delicious food that Townsville Cafés have to offer.
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Written by Nicole Wilson

Nicole has lived in Townsville for 8 years and married her husband last year.  Currently on maternity leave from her high school teaching position, Nicole is enjoying the new challenges of becoming a mum after welcoming a beautiful baby girl in September
 Opinions expressed above are writers own.  Further information on cafés/restaurants mentioned can be found at -
Urban Crust (https://www.facebook.com/urbancrustaus)
The Balcony (https://www.facebook.com/thebalconyrestaurant)
Coffee at Tiffany’s (https://www.facebook.com/coffeeattiffanys)
Hervey’s Range Heritage Tea Rooms (https://www.facebook.com/heritagetearooms)
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Queens Gardens

24/12/2015

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Situated at the base of Castle Hill and in close proximity to The Strand and city, Queens Gardens is a popular destination for weddings, family picnics, tourists and a relaxing afternoon in the shade of a large tree.
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Take a walk through tropical gardens

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Say hello to the local residents

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Themed garden areas

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Let the kids burn off some energy on the play equipment

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Beautiful backdrop for your wedding ceremony

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Queens Gardens
Corner of Gregory & Paxton Streets
North Ward  QLD  4810
For information or to book the gardens for your event, contact the Townsville City Council Community Venues team on ‪1300 878 001 or visit the website‬
TCC Website
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New Years Eve Pictures in the Park

19/12/2015

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Are you looking for a family friendly event to see in the New Year?

Townsville City Council is presenting Pictures in the Park again this year, but for the first time the event will be held at both Strand Park AND Riverway simultaneously!
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FREE ENTRY makes this the perfect place to celebrate the New Year with your family in a fun and relaxed setting.

From 7pm til 12.30am
Both events will be showing the same movies, and both events will have two fireworks shows!

Bring a picnic rug and the family down to watch two movies, fireworks at 8:45pm and midnight plus food and coffee vendors will be on site.

Market Stalls will be set up at Riverway with a good selection of crafts, clothing, accessories and novelty items.
STRAND EVENT
RIVERWAY EVENT
Strand Park
90 The Strand
North Ward
Riverway Complex
Village Boulevard
Condon
Presented by Townsville City Council.  For further information please contact TCC on ‪1300 878 001‬ or visit the TCC Events website
All events featured on the Townsville Women Events Calendar are hosted by third party organisers and as such details may be subject to change without notice.
The information supplied is correct at time of publication and Townsville Women cannot be held responsible for any future changes to events by the organisers.
Please contact organisers directly for further information, tickets and event confirmation.
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Confessions of an Ex-Smoker

16/12/2015

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Written by Bec Townsend
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Smoking is bad for you.

We all know it. The health dangers have been screamed at us from doctors and medical professionals for years.  Smoking bans are so strict now that smokers are ostracized and sent to the far corners of carparks and deserted alleyways to avoid heavy fines and looks of disgust from passers by.  Ugly pictures on packets are meant as a deterrent. And the government has taxed the pack of ciggies to the point where the nicotine should be gold plated to reflect the price rises sometimes.

So why is that when I walked past a smoker the other day and caught a face full of second hand smoke I was caught between screwing my face up and fake coughing, and wanting to ask if I could have one?

I don't smoke.  At least I haven't smoked, not for a very long time. And yet every now and then I yearn for a drag.  I long for the initial head rush with that first hit of nicotine.
No, Rebecca, snap out of it!  Smoking is BAD.

A few years back I heard someone say "You never really quit smoking, you just stop putting the cigarettes in your mouth".  At the time I didn't think anything of it but it's starting to make sense to me as I struggle with these random moments of weakness.

I brought my first packet of smokes when I was 17 - Winnie Blues, very cliché, very 'Aussie'.  I was living out on my own so my parents didn't know.  I wasn't part of any big social scene so it wasn't a popularity or peer pressure thing.  I don't really know why I started or why on earth I continued for another 2 years.  Smoking wasn't really something I can say I enjoyed.

To state the obvious it tastes bloody horrible and it stinks!

When my parents found out about the smoking there was that horrible feeling you get when you hear "I'm so disappointed in you", and I'm pretty sure it took a while before mum even spoke to me again.
I brought my first packet of smokes when I was 17 - Winnie Blues, very cliché, very 'Aussie'.
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I tried quitting a couple of times but usually caved in after only a day or two and it wasn't until I fell pregnant that I had enough of a reason to stop completely.  In the years since there have been a few occasions where I've relapsed.  When my marriage ended I started smoking for a few months (don't think my parents knew about that one either, sorry mum & dad!), and when I went out to a pub on the rare occasion I'd have one too.

As with any addiction, its extremely hard to quit to begin with and the road to ongoing success is paved with temptation, cravings and even after years of a nicotine free life, it's still there in the background waiting for a weak moment where it can pounce.
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Just like Pinterest is a great distraction from housework, apparently pregnancy is a great distraction from smoking.
So how do you resist it?  Well that's where the previously mentioned saying comes into play - you simply don't put the cigarettes in your mouth.  Easier said than done but it is possible to be rid of the ciggies completely.  I have found that the best success for me personally came from changing habits and distraction.

Just like Pinterest is a great distraction from housework, apparently pregnancy is a great distraction from smoking.  After the baby was born I found that exercise, craft, computer games, and anything else to keep myself occupied and my hands busy meant that gradually the strong cravings left the building and I was on the path to long term success.

Quitting smoking was definitely the best thing I've ever done, followed closely by all but quitting alcohol (spot the addictive personality for those playing at home!).  But I am the first to admit that there are days I could happily puff away like a magical dragon.
So for anyone going through the agony of quitting smoking, keep faith that it does get better.  A life without smokes is definitely a healthier one.  But also know that there will always be days where a craving comes racing around a corner and smacks you in the side of the face like a 9 pound hammer!
If you would like help in stomping out the ciggies for good, visit the Queensland Government website or call 13 7848 (13QUIT).  There are lots of resources, tools and strategies to help you quit - use them!  Start living a better life today.
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Written by Bec Townsend

Part time blogger & full time rambler, Bec has lived in Townsville for almost 5 years and is the founder of Townsville Women.   She enjoys everything Townsville has to offer with her partner and a bunch of kids.
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Stable On The Strand

15/12/2015

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Follow the Star to Stable On The Strand!

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Stable on the Strand is one of Australia's most spectacular Christmas events delighting crowds of 40,000 over five nights.

Held for five nights from 18th December, Stable On The Strand is a fantastic event for everyone to enjoy.  There is plenty to see and do, including live entertainment and interactive kids activities, and with FREE entry Stable On The Strand is a great family night out.

Stable on the Strand 2015 will feature the Town of Bethlehem with the story of the birth of Jesus told interactively using live actors as wise men, shepherds, Roman soldiers, King Herod, and of course Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.  The kids will love to pat the  camels, chickens, goats, sheep, and a donkey, as well as taking a ride on the huge carousel in the Stable Village.

Immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere with a fabulous youth program, great children's activities, amazing entertainment on the Main Stage with local and guest artists, plus hospitality areas where you can enjoy the ambience of Stable on the Strand with a free tea, coffee and Christmas Cake.

Interact with Roman Soldiers

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Meet Mary, Joseph & little Baby Jesus

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A festival program jam packed with live entertainment

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Activities for the kids

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Stable On The Strand

18 - 22 December, 2015
5.30pm - 9.30pm each evening
Strand Park, The Strand
Further Information
The above information was provided by Stable On The Strand and is correct at time of publication. 
For further information on this event, please visit the website at www.stableonthestrand.com.au
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Are you vegan?

11/12/2015

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Written by Tori England
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Vegans come in all forms but what they all have in common is a plant based diet, that means no meat, dairy, eggs, honey and not to forget about products such as leather or consumables that have animal by-products or that test on animals.

Becoming Vegan is often driven by a compassion for animals but also has loads of health benefits and of course benefits for the environment.

Avoiding animal products is one of the biggest stands you can take against animal cruelty in particular. Have you taken notice just how many items or products around your home are made from or tested on animals? If not, I can guarantee there is something in every room of your house that is made from or tested on animals, from the most obvious; kitchen, to the least suspected wardrobe or bathroom cupboard.
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A well planned vegan diet has been proven benefits over the common diet, including the obvious increased energy and younger looking skin. So what do you use on your skin when choosing an anti-ageing system?

Arbonne’s RE9 Advanced is a botanically based and vegan certified anti-ageing system that has proven results. But that’s not all, Arbonne’s entire collection is the same, we have everyone’s consumables covered with shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant and shower gel just to name a few!
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Written by Tori England

Originally from Cardwell, Tori has lived in Townsville now for four years and enjoys many outdoor activities such as fishing, camping and motorbike riding.  She is a full time consultant with Arbonne as well as owning her own photography business
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For further information on any of the Arbonne products featured in this article, please contact Tori England on 0400 950 918, email toriengland@bigpond.com or visit her website to view a full catalogue
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Being A Mum - Coping with Bullying

11/12/2015

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Written by Bec Anderson
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My first child going to school was a lot scarier than I first thought it would be!  I couldn't believe that no one in my life had ever explained what it felt like leaving your child at school for the first, second, third, one hundredth time...

I have been extremely lucky in my journey to becoming a mum which has allowed me to take my children to work with me, have long periods of time off and work from home, because of this, my children have spent little to no time in daycare. So when it came to school I was suddenly faced with the reality of someone I didn't know "looking after" my child for more time then I would be each week. I went from 7 days a week to a measly 2 days a week. Now this was hard enough to deal with, however, things got worse...much worse.
On the very first day of prep my son was pushed off the top of the playground.

Awe Sad face mate!

You think these incidents are bound to happen and are one offs but in fact this was the start of the same child physically hurting my child everyday. It took some time, for us to realise how bad things were. Our son started to change. He went from being happy and stable to wetting himself both at night and at school during the day. He was crying every morning not wanting to get ready to go to school. He was getting tonsillitis regularly and was just not himself. 

He was spat at, bitten, hit in the privates, thrown sand at, pushed off the stage and kicked while on the ground crying from the fall, his hat stolen off him and thrown over the fence to name a few.
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Now as a parent I expected that the teachers and school would be doing their best to protect my child and help the child that was bullying him to change and become a better person. This was not the case. All of these incidents were witnessed by either parents or a lot of children, however, the teachers and other staff were choosing to stay out of it!

Now I am not talking about year 11 or 12 students where teachers and staff could end up hurt, I'm talking about PREP STUDENTS! A four and a half year old getting hurt on their watch.

I went to his teacher at first. Her responses included "I haven't noticed anything", "these are one off incidents because they are all different scenarios" and "he got sand thrown at him because the children were throwing it at his friend and he told them to stop. They then started throwing it at him. So it's his fault for getting involved". WOW! So I raised my child to stand up for his friends and that's a bad thing?

When I went to the school to take the matter further I left in tears having then felt like I myself was being bullied. I was told I was lying and my son was lying and changing things around to suit himself. I did not let it go though - I requested a meeting with all of the staff involved in caring for my son. In this meeting they said "what would you say if we said your son is the one with the problem" myself and my husband responded "tell us how to fix it and what you are going to do here to help him". That was the end of that conversation and subject was quickly changed. They couldn't give us anything.
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The following term was the last of the year. My son was sent to the office EVERY day of the term for play times. He was yelled at for things he swears he didn't do. He would tell me every afternoon through lots of tears, this child had done whatever to him and then the office ladies were "mean" to him. He lost all of his confidence and his schooling suffered.

Now this is from my side of things but think for a second what it was like for the parents on the other end! Their child that they undoubtably tried to raise with high standards & good morals was a bully! However, the school did not contact the parents! They got the whole class together & ask each and every child to speak in front of the entire class about things this child has done to them personally. That child was then singled out and in my opinion dealt with in an extremely bad way. The school contacted me and told me they had no idea how bad it was but yet they were not going to contact the parents and again there was nothing they could do besides separate him. If that was my child I would be livid if he come home and told me about it. Where was the support to help this child change his behaviour?

I believe there are many people in power that are bullies themselves. They join in on bullying! In my experience, a child being bullied by another child was then bullied by the adults who also bullied his parents and the child who started the bullying!
We changed schools, (if you are even considering it then go for it, the situation is obviously not satisfactory) the difference is amazing. My son's confidence is back, no more bed/pants wetting and is doing well in his schooling. Any situations at school are dealt with amazingly and so quickly.

Every school, workplace, playgroup etc claim to have a strict no bullying approach in theory these days but do they actually follow through or are we just raising the next generation to once again be a generation of bullies and victims?? 

My thought is - How can we ever expect to see a bullying free society when the effects of bullying start so early and are reinforced by adults? 

Let's not turn a blind eye, stand up for our children and the children and adults around us that need our support. Good luck to all of the parents out there who are getting close to that first year of school and let's hope all of your children starting school have the support they need and deserve to get through it a healthy, safe and happy child! Good luck to the parents and children out there who, in whatever year of schooling, are exposed to bullying. I hope you are in a school who support you & support to change bullying behaviour, not condone it.

"Being nice is the new black" I love this quote and I think more people should try it. 
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Written by Bec Anderson

After moving around in the Defence Posting cycles for many years Bec, along with hubby Mark, chose to plant roots and call Townsville home because of it's beautiful weather and family feel.
Bec is a busy mum of 2 just trying to make her way in the world of motherhood, while working part time and building up a cake making business.
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JCU Physiotherapy Clinic

10/12/2015

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Physiotherapists are health professionals who are trained to assess and treat the underlying causes of conditions altering the movement of the body.
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Are you in need of some Physiotherapy but finding it hard to secure treatment?

Did you know that JCU Health operates a not-for-profit Physiotherapy Clinic that is more than affordable AND you don't even need a referral!  Sounds great right?

The JCU Physiotherapy Clinic provides services to those who would have difficulty accessing physiotherapy in any other way.

The JCU Health Physiotherapy Clinic provides services to the community as well as staff and students of JCU. Clients are treated by JCU physiotherapy students in their 3rd and 4th years of the Physiotherapy Program, under the supervision of Clinical Educators.

The supervising Clinical Educators are fully qualified Physiotherapists and are present at all times during client assessment to supervise and guide students in their treatment of clients.

The JCUHealth Physiotherapy Clinic is committed to providing high quality musculoskeletal physiotherapy services to all its clients. The physio clinic is a training facility incorporating up to date methods for treating all musculoskeletal conditions.
Physiotherapy students are trained to provide-

* Quality assessment, treatment and client education including self management strategies for your condition
* At the first assessment a plan that can collaboratively address the management of your condition.

Who is Eligible?

Clients who have a Third Party Claim for motor vehicle accident or are able to claim through Workcover are INELIGIBLE to attend the clinic. Everyone else is welcome, including those with private health insurance.

Private health rebates will be charged. Those without insurance will pay an administration fee of $10 per visit.

No referral necessary – contact JCUHealth Reception to make an appointment – 4759 6300 

Opening Hours

Clinic operating hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 8.45am and 4.30pm, and Tuesday and Thursday between 9.30am and 1.30pm.

Consulting times may vary at different times of the year.

Location

The clinic is located on Level 1 of the Clinical Practice Building, 1 James Cook Drive with easy access to free parking and a bus stop.

Reserved car parks are available to clients. A permit is required to use these parks and can be gained from reception upon arrival.

More Info

For further information on the JCU Physiotherapy Clinic visit the website at http://www.jcuhealth.com.au/our-clinics/physiotherapy, email reception@jcuhealth.com.au or phone reception on 4781 4495

JCU Physiotherapy Clinic

Reception: (07) 4781 4495
Fax: (07) 4779 2739
Email: reception@jcuhealth.com.au
Level 1, Clinical Practice Building
1 James Cook Drive
Douglas. Q. 4814
The above information was provided by JCU Physiotherapy Clinic and is current at time of publication.  For further information on any services listed above, please contact the clinic directly using the contact details provided.
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Townsville Women Mobile App

3/12/2015

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The Townsville Women mobile phone app has been hanging around in the Google Play & App Store for a few months now.  Have you got it?  Do you even know what it's all about?

Here is a long overdue breakdown of what's included in the mobile phone and why it's an EASY option to access information and features of the website quickly and hassle free.
Home Screen

Upon opening the app you will find the main menu/home screen.

No tricks, no fancy gadgets - just easy to use and simple to navigate!  See what information you want to access and click on it!
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Business Directory

Search the directory categories for local businesses.  Use the map function to locate by suburb or to easily find the addresses.

Business websites and email addresses can be accessed directly from the app, or call the company immediately by clicking the phone number - no need to write the number down for later!

Business who advertise on the Townsville Women website are automatically listed in the business directory.  For more information on advertising packages please contact us.
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Community Directory

Here you will find information about community services such as police stations and school listings, along with the major shopping centres and details of the regular local markets.

Police Station addresses and contact details are listed with station numbers able to be phoned directly from the app (ALWAYS phone 000 in case of emergency though!).

The State School listings have full contact details for school offices, as well as if the school is 'zoned' (only accepts enrolments within the immediately surrounding area).
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Events Calendar

This link displays the website calendar with easy to access event information.

Click on an event heading to find out further information or click on the links provided to be redirected to the Event Host's website
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Social Wall

We are women.... we like to chat!  The social wall is another way to connect with local women in an online social setting.

Ask questions, give feedback, offer advice.  Choose a screen name and a profile picture and you're ready to interact with the social wall.
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Newsfeed

This menu option takes you to the articles list from the website.  Keep up to date with the latest articles across a range of topics.
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Facebook

Direct access to the Townsville Women Facebook page.

Keep up to date with new status updates without the need to scroll through a list of other Facebook pages or endless newsfeeds.
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Twitter

Direct access to the Townsville Women Twitter feed.
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Sign Up

Townsville Women sends out a weekly newsletter with articles, upcoming events, special offers from advertisers and competitions.

Simply enter your email address here to subscribe.
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Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you!  Use this part of the app to send us any info you think we should know such as events or local news, enquire about advertising or becoming a website contributor or simply to offer some feedback.
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The Townsville Women mobile app is currently available to download free from the Apple Store and Google Play Store
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