The Parents
Arlene & Shaun
Valentine
General Manager
Event and BCC Cinemas
Arlene Valentine balances managing Townsville’s two city cinemas with looking after her large family, including Trey (14), Rodger (12) and Gabby (7).
“We foster and offer regular respite for kids of all different ages,” says Arlene. “We cap it at six children as we like to stay very active and have an eight-seater.”
Activities the whole family enjoys include watching the latest movies at the cinemas and barbecues at Riverway or The Strand.
“As a family, we’re always on the go,” Arlene says. “When it comes to school holidays I ask everyone what they’d like to do and fishing off Magnetic Island and jumping on the trampolines at Launch Zone are always top picks. We also enjoy going to the Entertainment Centre, where we recently saw Eclipse an illusion and dance spectacular.”
Sky Shows are also a firm family favourite.
When it comes to school holidays I ask everyone what they’d like to do and fishing off Magnetic Island and jumping on the trampolines at Launch Zone are always top picks.
“We’ve been very lucky to book a unit at the marina for these nights and the amount of different aircraft that take part in the show is just unbelievable,” Arlene says. “The interaction between the radio stations and the pilots makes it a night to remember.”
The kids all do sports as well, so Arlene and her husband play tag team getting them all where they need to be most afternoons.
“I’m a busy working mum, just like many others – I work three day shifts and two night shifts, so on my days off I really love spending quality time with my family,” Arlene says. “My husband Shaun and I love our family that changes shape all of the time. We’ve had some amazing kids over the years. I love Townsville and think it’s the prefect size for bringing up a family.”
TOP 5 FAMILY FRIENDLY OUTINGS
01 Movies
There’s always lots of great new kids’ product released in the holidays (and the movies are very affordable with the vouchers that we take out to all the schools).
02 Launch Zone
My kids love going for a jump and dodge ball is Rodger’s favourite.
03 Riverway or The Strand
The weather is always amazing and it’s a great way to spend a few hours with a sausage sizzle or fish and chips.
04 Magnetic Island
The kids just love to get away and it’s very relaxing. They enjoy the ferry ride over and fishing and swimming.
05 Billabong Sanctuary
Educational and a great day for all ages as everyone loves to watch the wildlife.