DFM: Defence Family Matters magazine
September 2014
Welcome
In this edition, families discuss that special sense of being connected to a
neighbourhood and community.
Recently, we hosted a conversation on our Facebook page in which Defence
families described their favourite posting location. The response was captivating:
so many beautiful places, so little time.
On page 14 you can read some of these stories, and for our cover story on
page 10 we speak to families living in Tasmania, the Hunter region, and way out
in the Pilbara. Their stories of military life are inspiring and filled with the beauty
of the Australian landscape and the importance of strong social networks.
On page 17 young student Dylan gives an emotive speech about his father’s
absence from home during a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan, and on
page 19 law student Nicole Cooper talks about changing universities following a
posting and how this took her to Paris!
Check out page 27 for an intriguing insight into the brave new world of ‘virtual
currency’, and crossword aficionados will enjoy our inaugural puzzle on
page 33— the first correct answers sent to
DefenceFamilyMatters@defence.gov.au will win one of nine Centenary of WWI
stamp collector packs.
Finally, please tell us what you think of this magazine by completing our
readership survey—it’s available at www.defence.gov.au/dco. Defence Family
Matters is close to our hearts here at DCO and we want it to reflect your interests
and expectations.
RAY BROMWICH
DIRECTOR GENERAL DEFENCE
COMMUNITY ORGANISATION
Thirty seven years ago I could never have
imagined the life I would have!
My husband has taken me on quite a trip. I look back and think ‘wow!’ We
have lived in many places and experienced many exciting things.
The most special part has been the people we’ve met. It was quite a thrill to meet
the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their recent visit, but it’s the
opportunities I’ve had to meet our Defence families that I shall always remember.
I have enjoyed open days where I’ve been shown the activities our families are
involved in and the support groups that assist people as they move between
postings.
I’ve also seen the great things our in-school Aides and Mentors do. I recently
visited a great group of children at their final KidSMART session and it was lovely
to see how proud they were of their achievements.
I’m also a member of the Australian Military Wives Choir. We come together to
sing for the intrinsic joy of singing, and for friendship and support in our mobile
lifestyle. Our signature song, “The Military Wife”, is an original composition that
describes what we do. I always sing this song with pride and more recently with
tears in my eyes.
It has been a privilege to be Patron of the Defence Community and I thank
DCO and all the people who have touched my life during my time as your Patron.
I wish you a very happy and fulfilling experience, as you continue to be a part of
the Defence family that has been so enriching and good to me..
LINDA HURLEY
PATRON OF THE DEFENCE COMMUNITY
What is Defence Community Organisation?
We are a tri-service organisation within the Department of Defence that offers a
range of programs and services to help Defence families manage the military
lifestyle.
Services we provide include support from a social worker, assistance for
partners’ education and employment, help with childcare, assistance for
dependants with special needs, support for community groups, help for families
during crisis and emergency, education support for children, and assistance for
members leaving the military.
www.defence.gov.au/dco
Call us so we can call you
If you would like to receive contact from DCO during your military member’s
deployment, you must register with the Defence Family Helpline first.
We can also provide you with details about local events, SMART resilience
workshops, DCO’s range of support programs, deployment and relocation
resources, and information about your local community.
Want to read this magazine online?
DFM is available on our website. Visit www.defence.gov.au/dco and click on
‘Defence Family Matters’.
Want to contribute?
Do you run events or activities that may interest Defence families? Do you
provide support services of value to Defence families? Are you a family member
with a great story to tell? If so, send an email to
DefenceFamilyMatters@defence.gov.au
Your community
Out and about
Throughout the year, Defence Community Organisation’s regional offices host a
variety of activities, events and workshops for families experiencing deployment
and military member absence, posting and relocation, and to help them connect
to their community.
In this edition of Out and About we take a look at some of the events DCO held
around the country for National Families Week.
National Families Week encourages people to spend time with their families,
make contact with their extended family and take part in family activities in the
wider community. This year’s theme was “Stronger Families, Stronger
Communities”.
DCO NOWRA
The team at Nowra hosted a picnic at Penwood Miniature Railway at Jaspers
Brush.
The trains were of course the biggest hit with the kids, big and little. Each ride
took the families around the three kilometres of train tracks twice, with lots of
chances to wave at the other families, experience the crossing of the bridgeover-water and pass the impossibly cute train station, complete with waiting
passengers.
Military Support Officer Liz Waddell said the response from families was
outstanding. “We had 250 family members join us for a great day,” Liz said.
“We thoroughly enjoyed it and are glad families did too.”
DCO EAST SALE
We boarded the Thunderbird catamaran for our event—a trip on the Gippsland
Lakes. Family Liaison Officer Juliann Rogers said 25 families enjoyed the
afternoon trip. “Our first surprise of the day was seeing a group of seals waving
at us as they basked in the sun,” she said. “Some kids also fed the seagulls and
swans at Metung Village Green, where we stopped for a great barbecue lunch.”
Juliann said the day was a good opportunity for families to spend time together
while seeing the local sights.
DCO BRISBANE
Gallipoli Barracks opened its gates to the public in May and we chose this
event to celebrate National Families Week.
In its second consecutive year, the open day was a chance for both Defence
families and other local families to see military displays and live demonstrations.
DCO Area Manager Eileen Taylor said carnival rides along with rides in an
ASLAV (Australian Light Armoured Vehicle) and PMV (Protected Mobility
Vehicle) proved a hit with the kids.
“Patron of the Defence Community Linda Hurley also attended with General
Hurley and enjoyed meeting Defence families, personnel and other community
members,” she said.
DCO CANBERRA
Gold Creek Station was the venue for the Canberra event which included sheep
herding displays and the launch of children’s book Sticking Together, featuring
Rex D. Dog, by TV vet Dr Katrina Warren.
The Bush Capital Band inspired some fancy dancing, while the sausage sizzle
and the National Families Week cake proved popular.
Sharon from Gungahlin said it was a great experience for her children to watch a
sheep being shorn. “The weather is cold,” she laughed, “but the company is
warm and the kids really enjoyed playing with Rex D. Dog on the farm.”
DCO DARWIN
We held our event at the Territory Wildlife Park, just south of Darwin. Around
400 people enjoyed outdoor games, encounters with baby crocodiles and a BBQ
lunch cooked by the region’s Commanding Officers.
“They wanted an opportunity to acknowledge families and serving lunch was their
way of saying thank you,” said DCO Community Development Officer David
King.
DCO AMBERLEY
For our event, we took a step back in time on the Queensland Pioneer
Steam Railway.
Before boarding the train, children took the chance to have their faces painted,
while parents enjoyed a coffee. Then it was time for a fun and relaxing ride from
Bundamba to Box Flat Station.
DCO Area Manager Roslyn Munro thanked everyone who attended and
contributed to the great day out.
“Everyone had a wonderful time and appreciated the chance to experience a
piece of Ipswich history, while enjoying the company of other Defence families,”
Roslyn said.
DCO NORTH QUEENSLAND
In Townsville, we marked National Families Week by unveiling the Defence Wall
of Inspiration at Jezzine Barracks. Painted by local artist Garth Jankovic in
partnership with Defence families, the mural captures Defence marches held in
the city. DCO Area Manager Kim Copeland said participating family members
‘were very proud of the final product’.
A family fun day followed, with highlights including the 1RAR band, military
displays, a working dog display, police and fire service exhibits and hockey and
AFL coaching. Kim said the stream of DCO balloons attached to children’s arms
and prams could be seen all the way down The Strand.
DCO WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Our activity was held in the magnificent Kings Park, overlooking Perth city and
the Swan River. Highlights included activities organised by the trainers from
HMAS Stirling—the tug-of-war was particularly fun!
Military Support Officer Wesley Snowden said kids were also given Nature Play
WA passports to further encourage outdoor activities. He said the day was a
good chance for DCO staff to chat with Defence families, new and old. “The
geographical spread of Defence in and around Perth can present us with
challenges, however our Defence families always seem willing to make the
effort.”
DCO TINDAL
We chose a Friday for our event and kicked off with games from Life Be In It.
Family Liaison Officer Shaz Lauder said the huge earth ball was a hit with the
kids. Network Tindal also ran a biscuit decorating activity. “It was messy and
sticky and the children loved it.” Face painting was another highlight of the
afternoon.
“Some families stayed on in the evening to watch a local game of AFL, while
others took advantage of a free movie under the stars,” Shaz said.
DCO HUNTER
Oakvale Farm and Fauna was the setting for our event, where families got up
close and personal with a menagerie of native and domestic animals including
ducks, wombats, emus and kangaroos.
Children were able to see the hard work and “koala-ifcations” it takes to care for
native animals and their habitats. Family Liaison Officer Vanessa Jenkins said
families participated in the chalkboard project where participants identified family
and community strengths.
“The kids loved drawing their family’s ‘superpower’ and the adults wrote valuable
advice on the fun things to do in the Hunter region.”
DCO PUCKAPUNYAL
We had a bush dance to celebrate National Families Week, complete with bush
band Bushwahzee who entertained with great music and dance calling.
The Puckapunyal Primary School Choir opened the evening with a great
version of ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’, while other highlights included dinner,
provided by the school, lucky door prizes and the Hokey Pokey—our final dance
of the night.
Connect with your community
The Defence community is a rich and vibrant one. There are associations,
groups, organisations, community houses, social groups, and playgroup
networks from coast to coast for Defence families to access. Get out there
and connect with your community!
Defence Community Organisation awards grants to non-profit groups that help
military families network and engage with their local community, build their
personal growth, and support child and youth development. We profile five of
these organisations in each edition of Defence Family Matters. You can view
them all at www.defence.gov.au/dco or call 1800 624 608 for more information.
SA | YMCA
The YMCA runs school holiday camps for Defence kids in South Australia. The
camps give kids an opportunity to meet other Defence children and through
outdoor recreation take part in team challenges, and problem solving activities.
Last December we went to Wallaroo and enjoyed fishing, swimming, kayaking
and cooking. More recently, campers had fun at the Roonka Water Activity
Centre near Blanchetown, taking part in archery, canoeing and raft-building.
Feedback from the parents of previous campers has acknowledged that their
kids enjoyed the experience partly because the other children also understand
the military lifestyle.
08 8200 2519
www.sa.ymca.org.au
courtney.blake@sa.ymca.org.au
QLD | Toowoomba Defence Families Support Association
We hold regular playgroups at our community house and weekly coffee club
meetings at various locations. We also run a craft morning and walking group on
alternate Fridays.
During the year the association also hosts family picnics, fundraising events,
workshops and after school activities. Look us up on Facebook—where we
update our page weekly with the coming weeks’ programs and events.
Corner Anzac Ave and O’Quinn Street, Toowoomba
0412 209 989
tdfsa_co-ordinator@hotmail.com
WA | Pearce Community Toy Library and Social Club
We have great toys and educational items for children from
0–18 years. The library is also a great way to meet others in the local area. Drop
in and say hi!
Items start at $1 per week up to $5 for larger items. We also have bulk hire
arrangements for parties. Membership is $35 and $15 for volunteers.
The club also has a social group—you don’t need to join the library to join us on
social meet-ups.
Friday 9.30–11.30 am
Family Services Centre, RAAF Pearce
08 9571 7491
pctlsg@gmail.com
VIC | East Sale Family Group
We have a range of groups to support Defence families in our area. Our regular
events include the Little Hoots Playgroup, coffee club, our monthly book club and
our coffee and dessert club held every second Friday.
The group also has a health and wellbeing club, which is currently running a boot
camp twice a week. We offer subsidised yoga passes and there’s self-defence
and first aid courses in the pipeline.
We have a huge range of craft and sewing supplies at our community centre and
a great range of books and magazines to lend.
Playgroup: Mondays 9.30–11.30 am
Coffee Club Wednesday 10 am–12 pm
Building 559, Wapati Avenue, RAAF Base East Sale
03 5146 6171
eastsalefamilygroup@gmail.com
NSW | Blamey Community Group
Located on the patch at Kapooka, we run regular morning teas on Mondays and
playtime on Wednesday. We also run numerous other events throughout the
year—come along and meet some new people! Events include girls’ nights
out and in, craft days and nights, trivia, bingo and Pizza and Play nights.
The group has partnered with the RAAF Wagga Community house which hosts
morning teas on Tuesdays and playtime on Thursdays.
Playtime: Wednesdays 9.30–11.30 am
Kapooka Community Centre, Sturt Ave, Kapooka
02 6971 2015
blameycommunity@gmail.com
From the Pilbara to the Apple Isle Home is
where you make it
MIA GINNIVAN
Defence families often find themselves posted away from family, friends
and hometowns. While often daunting, this can bring new and exciting
opportunities.
We look at the experiences of three families who are not only mobile, but
adventurous and determined to enjoy their time in the Hunter, the Pilbara and
Tasmania.
The Lee family travelled further than most to begin their posting and five years
later continue to enjoy the lifestyle and surrounds of the Hunter region in New
South Wales.
Maryke left South Africa with husband Peter, a RAAF member, and children
Gabriel, now 7, and Asher, now 5, to start a new life.
Daughter Leviah, 3, was born in Australia.
“It’s a relaxed environment and it has a very country feel,” says Maryke of her
home in the Hunter.
Maryke notes the beaches of the region as a highlight, while her kids also enjoy
finding new parks to play in each weekend.
“The small things people take for granted, we didn’t have in South Africa,” she
explains.
“Just taking the kids to a park is great.”
Maryke has found a good support network through groups on base including
playgroup and the Williamtown Craft Group.
“It’s more the social network, than the craft we are doing.”
She’s also found the group to be a great source of information and advice.
While being so far from family can be challenging, Maryke manages to keep
everyone up to date.
She uses Skype to talk to her parents and sends instant messages via
WhatsApp, while Facebook has also proven very handy.
“I can post photos on there and everybody can see how the little ones are
growing and the awards they get at school.”
Maryke says based on their current posting, her family can confidently look
forward to a future in Australia.
“I’ve really enjoyed every minute of it.”
Belinda Toohey arrived in Karratha, Western Australia with her family last
Christmas and hasn’t looked back.
Belinda moved from Canberra with her husband Scott, an Army member, and
children Bayden, 13, Isobelle, 9, and Hannah, 8.
Daughter Josie, 5 months, was born in Karratha shortly after, while eldest son
Joshua is at university in Brisbane.
“We prefer our posting here. It’s nice and warm and it’s a real outdoor lifestyle,”
she says.
Before this two-year posting, the Tooheys moved back and forth between
Brisbane and Canberra.
Belinda says she doesn’t have a ‘hometown’.
“I’m from nowhere. My parents were both Defence.I’m from wherever!”
She considers the natural surrounds of the Pilbara as one of her highlights so far.
“It’s gorgeous and it’s sunny. “There’s not many trees, but it’s so unique.”
“The red dirt gets under your skin and you love it.”
She laughs when explaining how she’ll never get the red dirt out of her furniture
or car.
Belinda says the local community is friendly and welcoming, particularly due to
Karratha’s transient population.
“Everybody knows what you’re going through in a new location and they become
your family, Defence or not—they’re mostly mining families.”
Her children have settled in nicely “with no shortage of new friends.”
“It’s really a town of young families. Every second woman is pregnant or has a
baby—there are kids everywhere!”
The local Defence community is also an important support network and the
Tooheys enjoy the fortnightly gathering at the Pilbara Regiment’s mess, which
includes a barbecue and kids’ activities.
The family has made trips to Broome and Karijini National Park and took
advantage of Defence accommodation at Exmouth.
“They’re just the most beautiful locations that we would never get the opportunity
to see if we didn’t get a posting here.”
Belinda acknowledges that while Karratha is quite isolated, she can always fly to
the East Coast if she needs to.
“The regiment is supportive and DCO is always there to help if needed—like they
were for me.”
Belinda was flown to Perth after experiencing complications following Josie’s
birth and DCO made the travel arrangements so Scott could join her.
Despite the distance from major cities, Belinda and her family are enjoying their
Pilbara home.
“What a great experience for all of us.”
On the other side of the country, Stacey and Steve Porter are enjoying their
posting to Hobart, with Tasmania offering even more than they’d hoped.
The couple moved from Canberra around 18 months ago with their daughters
Alexandra, 15, and Georgia, 12.
Stacey is the Commanding Officer Navy Headquarters, Tasmania, and Steve is a
civilian who manages the Anglesea Barracks mess.
“We’re extremely lucky to live at the barracks we work at—one of the oldest in
Australia,’ says Stacey.
Steve agrees and explains that “the greater Defence community really goes out
of its way to make people feel welcome.”
He says this includes the ex-service community and cadet groups the
couple often meet through Stacey’s role.
The Porters’ daughters have settled into Hobart life, making new friends, joining
a soccer club and enjoying family trips around Tasmania.
“They really like the idea of living in town,” Steve says.
He explains it’s a five-minute walk to shops and cinemas in the heart of the city
and about a ten minute walk to school.
Stacey and Steve thought they’d find the Apple Isle to be a place of great natural
beauty and say it’s exceeded their expectations.
“You hear about the forest and the rivers, but the East Coast of Tasmania is a
sensational place to visit,” Steve says.
To keep in touch with family and friends on the mainland, Steve and Stacey
prefer the phone and the occasional email, while Alexandra and Georgia
catch up with their Canberra friends via Skype and Facebook.
The Porters are looking forward to the rest of their posting and predict it will be
one they always treasure.
“In terms of quality of life, it’s been fantastic and with a job that I love,” Stacey
says.
We love a sunburnt country
MIA GINNIVAN
We ran a Facebook activity earlier this year to find out where you loved
living as part of a military family.
Responses came from far and wide and even the USA! Here are just a few of the
comments that caught our eye.
Cath Martin has been on six postings and explained that Wodonga in Victoria
was her favourite.
“The support and friendship offered by the Defence community there is amazing
and unique,” Cath said.
“Groups such as Bandiana Neighbourhood House and NECANA are always
there to offer advice and support and run wonderful activities.”
Samantha Manus is on her first posting and said she enjoyed life on the South
Coast of New South Wales.
“There’s a walking track through the bush that leads straight to the most pristine
beaches I have ever seen,” Samantha said.
“Some nights the most adorable kangaroos hang out on my front lawn!”
Amanda McCue currently lives in the USA, but said Tindal near Katherine in the
Northern Territory was her favourite posting.
“The landscape is breathtaking. We had amazing adventures, but the absolute
best part about it is the people,” Amanda said.
Kirsty Smith said she treasured her posting to Perth, where “the gorgeous West
Australian Coastline was literally over our back fence.
“We bought ourselves a campervan and travelled around as much of WA as
possible in our three years there.”
The DFM team would like to thank everyone who shared their favourite postings
SMART workshops for Defence Kids
MIA GINNIVAN
KidSMART participants from Jerrabomberra Public School near Canberra
were joined by Linda Hurley for their final workshop session in June.
In one of her last engagements as Patron of the Defence Community, Linda
presented the students with certificates and told them about her own family’s
experiences of postings and changing schools.
Linda also asked the students to name their highlights from the four-week
workshop.
“I was very impressed with the activities they were doing,” Linda said.
“The children were able to share their experiences, knowing the other children
were from similar family situations.
“The children involved today had all experienced having a parent away for an
extended period,” Linda said.
KidSMART workshops are run by Defence Community Organisation staff to help
primary school aged children manage issues arising from posting, parental
absence and deployment.
School principal Chris Hunter said the program supported students who go
through anxious times when their parents go away.
“The contact with people who know their situation and care, does make a
difference with how [the children] perform at school during this time and how they
cope at home when a parent is missing,” Chris explained.
Kym Mullins whose daughter Karley, 8, took part in the workshop said her
daughter had “developed really good resilience skills” during the program.
“I think it’s been good that Karley and the other children have learnt strategies to
deal with stress,” Kym said.
“This may be stress I’m not yet aware of.”
To register your interest in attending a KidSMART workshop in your area contact
the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
Take a peep at PEEP
SARAH BECK
I spoke to Mary Jacobsen about her experience with the Partner Education
and Employment Program, and life as a Defence family member.
For the last seven years my Army husband Danny and I have been posted to
Melbourne, Brisbane, Kapooka, and then back to Brisbane. We’ve also been
busy raising our children, Jordan, 7, and Eve, 4.
I used the Partner Education and Employment Program to complete a Diploma in
Beauty Therapy and Certificate II in Nails during our Kapooka posting. I went to
TAFE three to four days a week and to my nails course two nights a week, while
my husband was recruit instructing and working long hours. As you can imagine,
with two little kids, it was a juggling act!
I’d been out of the workforce for five years and PEEP was a huge help as we
wouldn’t have easily found the money for me to study. It’s really the best thing
I could have done for me and my family, because I’m working in a job I love.
I’m expanding my skills in my job all the time. Now, not only do I work in a beauty
therapy role, I run the reservation office and dabble in human resource and
personal assistant work for the CEO of my company.
The plan for the future is to apply for manager roles when we post to a new
location. I think that spas are so beautiful and couldn’t imagine working anywhere
else.
I think of our postings as a new adventure for our family. In each posting we
make a point to travel around and see what the area has to offer us. To me,
that’s the biggest highlight of being a Defence family.
DCO provides funding for employment and education expenses to assist
recognised partners of Defence members to better position themselves for
employment when posted with their partner.
www.defence.gov.au/dco/partners
www.defence.gov.au/dco
1800 624 608
My two heroes
DYLAN STAFFORD
Last year my dad, Kris Stafford, was deployed to Afghanistan. It’s not until
someone isn’t with you that you realise how big a space they occupy in
your life.
For him to be away and to be somewhere where he could be killed because of
his service to help people he didn’t even know, was really stressful for me. But it
also gave me great pride in the man that he is.
My sister, Elizabeth, was six when dad left and my brother, Riley, was two. I was
15. We all grew up while he was away—having birthdays, grazing knees,
wrecking ankles, achieving milestones at school, and even having tantrums when
things just got too tough (the smaller people that is!).
Luckily, Facebook came to the rescue—yep, it can be good to have social media!
But Facebook is not talking, seeing, hugging or hearing. For me the biggest
challenge was only getting to speak with him about five times.
I was always close to tears when I heard his voice.
Living with a mum and younger siblings was not like having another man in the
house. I survived by keeping busy bike riding, and seeking out others to be with.
Having good mates helped.
At other times, everything was just too hard. I just wanted to escape. I knew my
mood and grades were slipping and there wasn’t much I could do. I had to trust
that when he came back it would all get better. I am glad to say that it did.
I gained a lot through this experience and I have seen how strong my mum is
and how she made things easier for all of us.
So, now I have two heroes—my dad who is one of the bravest people I know and
my mum, who is one of the strongest people I know.
This is an excerpt from Dylan’s Anzac Day assembly speech at Bremer State
High School in Queensland.
Staff Profile: Jane Logan
My visit to Gallipoli
MIA GINNIVAN
Defence Community Organisation’s Jane Logan went to Gallipoli in April as
part of a volunteer program and considers the experience life changing.
A social worker in DCO’s Townsville office, Jane has always had an appreciation
for the sacrifices military families have made in Australia.
Jane’s work includes supporting Defence families, particularly during absences,
running FamilySMART workshops and one-on-one counselling.
She often travels to Cairns and Tully and has travelled as far as Mount Isa to
meet families.
Jane came across the Conservation Volunteers Gallipoli Program during her
DCO duties and applied, realising it would allow her to visit her great-grand
father’s resting place.
“My great-grand father was a veteran of the Boer War and was killed in action in
August 1915 at Quinn’s Post, Gallipoli,” Jane said.
Jane’s application was accepted and in April she flew to Turkey with 29 others.
“We spent ten days touring the battlefields, commemorating soldiers in the many
cemeteries at Gallipoli,” she said.
Jane conducted a service for her great-grandfather, which included reading his
final letter, the Ode and the laying of poppies.
“The thing I found confronting is when I got to his gravesite, I read ‘believed to be
in this cemetery’.”
“I realised I would never truly know his final resting place.”
Jane also reflected on her great-grandmother’s experience following the war.
“She never had the opportunity to visit the land where her husband remained and
continued to raise six young children on the farm on her own.”
From 24 to 25 April, Jane worked for 30 hours straight at the Anzac Cove and
Lone Pine services, assisting with crowd movement and helping those with
mobility needs.
Jane recommends the program to others with an interest in volunteering and
World War I history.
“There’s a sense of fulfilment in helping others when you travel.”
www.conservation volunteers.com.au
Reader profile: Nicole Cooper
A change is as good as a holiday... to Paris
GRAHAM ORAMS
Changes aren’t always welcome in our lives, but sometimes they can lead
to exciting opportunities, and even a trip to Paris!
Nicole Cooper was studying law at James Cook University when her partner—an
Environmental Health Officer with the Air Force—was posted to RAAF Amberley.
Because of the posting, Nicole had to switch to Central Queensland University,
which led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Nicole was selected to fly to Paris as part of a youth delegation to attend an
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development forum.
The trip was organised by Global Voices, an organisation formed to give young
Australians a voice on the global stage, and paid for by her new university.
“I was interested in experiencing big, multi-lateral organisations and seeing the
research they were doing in interest areas,” Nicole said.
“I also wanted… to show people that even though you’re a distance student you
can still get involved in some really great things.”
As part of the trip to Paris, Nicole wrote a paper on addressing Indigenous
disadvantage through better education and culturally-sensitive employment
programs.
Nicole said moving around as a Defence partner had made her more adaptable
and had better enabled her to work under pressure.
She did, however, concede there had been some challenges along the way.
“The posting cycle seems to coincide with exams [and] a couple of times when
we’ve had to move I’ve had an exam on uplift day,” she said.
Nicole and her partner are looking at posting to Tindal at the end of this year and
Nicole is hoping to work with Indigenous support legal centres in the Northern
Territory.
If you’re about to be posted or need help planning a posting, see the ‘On the
move’ section of the DCO website or call the Defence Family Helpline.
www.defence.gov.au/dco
1800 624 608
Your wellbeing
The military lifestyle presents a unique set of circumstances to families, and how
well we cope with these is strongly related to our wellbeing and the wellbeing of
those around us.
Wellbeing is a complex combination of a person's physical, mental, emotional
and social health factors. Your wellbeing is about how you feel about yourself
and your life: it’s about the whole person.
In this and future editions of DFM, Defence Community Organisation’s Julia
Esprey-Barton will discuss issues around personal and community wellbeing.
Caring for the carer
The work of the carer is richly rewarding, deeply meaningful, yet unpaid,
challenging, demanding and isolating.
It’s a skilled balancing act, often demanding way beyond what is visible to others.
There are seldom public accolades, no promotions, and often little recognition.
The role of carer is of immense value to society. Here, I discuss some simple and
deliberate actions you can take to ensure your own needs aren’t neglected
during your carer’s journey.
SEEK OUTSIDE SUPPORT Don’t try to handle a demanding situation alone.
Sharing the anxieties and responsibilities of carer’s work with someone you trust
can ease the burden and give you a fresh perspective. You can get outside help
without breaching the privacy of the person you are caring for.
ACCESS RESOURCES The network of Commonwealth Respite and Carelink
Centres around Australia are there to link carers with local and national
communities, aged care and support services. Centres can also help you access
respite services.
BE INFORMED There are a range of websites that provide information and
advice on mental and physical health. The At Ease website is a portal for
veterans’ mental health, while the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website has a
comprehensive health and wellbeing section. BeyondBlue and Lifeline are
excellent resources for mental health support, and the Better Health Victoria
website contains detailed information about health conditions and treatments.
BE HEARD Carers Australia is a national non-profit organisation that represents
Australia’s carers. It advocates to influence policies and services and delivers a
range of services in support of carers. You can have your say on their online
forum, call, or send an email. They have a range of publications and resources
on their website.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF Getting plenty of sleep, eating well, and exercising
regularly will help you feel clear-headed and calm. Staying connected to others is
one of the most powerful supports for a carer—so don’t hesitate to seek help
from friends, family or a community group, or a professional counsellor or
therapist.
RESOURCES
at-ease.dva.gov.au
www.health.gov.au
www.beyondblue.org.au
www.lifeline.org.au
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres
www.commcarelink.health.gov.au | 1800 052 222
Carers Australia
www.carersaustralia.com.au
02 6122 9900
Carers provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have
a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other
drug issue, or who are frail aged.
Gettin’ our app on
Our online FamilySMART Resilience package has proved very popular
since we launched it in September last year, so we’re going one step
further and entering the app world.
Specifically designed for use on your smartphone, our FamilySMART Resilience
app is now in production, and we’re looking for keen volunteers to help us test it.
Your ‘psychological resilience’ is your ability to manage stress and adversity and
adapt to change. Our FamilySMART app is designed to help users explore the
five essential characteristics of resilience—purpose, perseverance, self-reliance,
balance and self-awareness.
The app contains a range of exercises to help you learn techniques to cope with
stressors and challenges, and become more positive, self-confident and resilient.
If you’re interested in being part of the final testing of the app before its official
release, send us an email.
DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au
www.defence.gov.au/dcoTogether
World mental health day
To support World Mental Health Day, celebrated on 10 October each year,
Defence holds activities throughout the month to recognise the importance
Defence places on good mental health.
This year’s theme is ‘staying connected’, which reflects the value that family,
friends and strong social connections bring to maintaining good mental health.
Keep an eye on www.defence.gov.au/dco for detailed information over the
coming months.
Childcare vacancies available
NATALIE FINDLAY, MISSION AUSTRALIA EARLY LEARNING
Mission Australia delivers childcare and long daycare services to Defence
families, and there are vacancies available now.
Defence’s network of childcare centres are local, community-based options for
Defence families seeking quality and nationally consistent education and care for
their young children.
Newly-posted families can receive priority access to Defence centres in locations
where the local community is unable to accommodate them.
I spoke to Kristy Godfrey, centre manager for Williams Early Learning Centre at
RAAF Laverton, about starting care and changing centres.
What are the main challenges you see for Defence families with young children?
Locating local services and creating new networks—I think that many families
face isolation, particularly when the serving member goes away on course or is
overseas and leaves the other parent in a new state to care for the children.
How can Mission Australia assist Defence families to manage these issues?
Our centre managers have plenty of experience helping families transition from
one centre to another and helping parents who are using childcare for the first
time. Given their local knowledge, centre managers can further support families
by introducing them to other local services.
What are the first three things Defence families should do to prepare for starting
childcare or transitioning to a new childcare centre?
Phone the centre to put your child on the waiting list.
Visit the centre and speak with the manager and educators.
Start orientation, as children who have been through an upheaval usually require
more orientation to settle in and become comfortable.
Visit the Mission Australia website for placement availability, and check out the
MyChild website to find other childcare options.
www.maearlylearning.com.au | www.mychild.gov.au
llness no barrier to learning
MIA GINNIVAN
I spoke to Defence family member Rachel Birkin about the Ronald
McDonald Learning Program and how it’s helping her daughter Jamie, who
missed a lot of school due to illness.
The program, run by Ronald McDonald Charities, assists children who have
suffered serious illness or injury to catch up on missed education after absences
from school.
Rachel lives in Darwin with her family—husband Stuart, a RAAF member, and
children Ashley, 10, and Jamie, 8. In 2012, Jamie was diagnosed with leukaemia
and sent to Adelaide for treatment.
Rachel and Stuart stayed at Ronald McDonald House for 11 months, each
supporting Jamie in Adelaide for 10-week stints, while the other stayed in Darwin
with Ashley.
“They don’t treat childhood cancers in Darwin,” explained Rachel.
To her surprise, Rachel found the Ronald McDonald Learning Program was
available in Darwin, offering 40 tutoring sessions with a teacher to help children
catch up at school.
While Jamie missed almost a year of schooling midway through year one, she
was able to re-join her class and friends in year two and began tutoring sessions
just over a year ago.
Rachel is positive that her daughter can catch up on her schoolwork, despite her
medication, which can affect her memory.
“If nothing else, through her own sheer determination to do so,” she said.
Rachel said the tutoring had also helped with Jamie’s confidence.
“She can see herself getting better at things… she can see her own progress too.
For her, it’s a good chance to catch up on the basics.
“The tutoring is paid for, and private tutoring is expensive. If kids have had a lot
of medical expenses it can be just too much,” Rachel said.
The Ronald McDonald Learning program is for students in both primary and
secondary school.
1300 307 642
www.learningprogram.rmhc.org.au
Just keep walking
MIA GINNIVAN
Looking for a way to improve your fitness? Want to meet people in your
new community? Or just want to go for a walk?
The Heart Foundation’s walking groups are located in all states and territories
and with more than 1200 nationally, there’s probably one near you.
The Foundation’s website allows walkers to quickly find their closest groups and
view details such as meeting times, locations and the general pace of each
group—slow, medium or fast.
Heart Foundation CEO Mary Barry said there were more than 19 400 participants
in the walking groups who enjoyed both health and social benefits.
“It can help you stay motivated to exercise regularly, while providing you with
social support and health information,” Mary said.
“Walking also offers other benefits—being active on a regular basis helps you
sleep better and improve your strength, balance and co-ordination,’ she said.
“We encourage people to ‘walk and talk’, so it’s very much a social outlet as well
as an activity program and everyone is welcome.”
Heart Foundation walking groups are free to join—participants just need comfy
shoes and clothing.
In Canberra the foundation also has a running group, which Defence partner
Sally Coyle has joined.
Sally said she had improved her running technique and “met a great group of
like-minded people, including other Defence members and partners.
“It’s been pretty cold over the last few weeks, but with our high visibility vests we
are a sight on the Canberra streets!”
To find your local group visit the Foundation’s walking website or call the
Foundation’s information service.
www.heartfoundation.org.au/walking | 1300 36 27 87
Run Club Canberra 02 6269 2652
Singing from the same songbook
MIRANDA BALL
The Australian Military Wives Choir has been singing up a storm around
Canberra since 2012, and would like their mellifluous tones to reach across
the country.
I spoke to Catherine Morris and Sarah McDonald, who have been singing with
the choir in Canberra during their postings.
Recently, Sarah was posted to Richmond, New South Wales, and she’s keen
to see similar choirs spring up around the country.
“I wanted to join a choir because singing made me happy and rather than be
discouraged when choirs were full or required an audition, I decided to start one
with our musical director Cath Parsons,” Sarah said.
“Now that I’ve been posted to Richmond, I’d like to find other interested singers
for a new choir,” she said.
“In fact, I’m really keen to help other military wives start their own choirs,
wherever they are.”
Joining the choir requires no audition and no singing experience—new members
are always welcome.
The Canberra branch has performed at the Australian War Memorial on a
number of occasions, including Anzac Day services, and Catherine loves the
work they do in the local community.
“We performed at the National Library as part of the Canberra centenary
celebrations, the Moorshead Home for Veterans and at DCO’s Welcome expo,”
explained Catherine.
“While the name of our choir includes the word ‘wives’, we welcome any woman
who has close links to serving military personnel—partners, wives, sisters
mothers and even members.”
For advice on how to start up a similar choir in your region, contact
Sarah McDonald.
militarywiveschoir canberra@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/ AustralianMilitary WivesChoirCanberra
The Australian Military Wives Choir was recently awarded a grant from Defence
Community Organisation to help them expand their activities in support of the
Defence community. For more information about our community grants, visit
www.defence.gov.au/dco.
Kids’ videos now online
MIRANDA BALL
Defence Community Organisation’s deployment support videos, Don’t
Forget it’s Bin Night and Going Solo, are now up and running on our
website.
These two informative videos are useful tools for starting discussions about what
deployment will mean for your family, and we encourage families to watch them
together.
Going Solo—Dealing with Absence in Defence Families outlines strategies and
ideas for helping younger children cope with a parent’s absence during
deployment. As military families describe their personal experiences, the video
provides tips to handle all stages of deployment, from preparing for the member’s
absence to reuniting as a family when they return home.
Don’t Forget it’s Bin Night—Stepping up when Mum or Dad is away examines
how deployment affects families with teenagers and provides some ideas for
older children to both cope with the parent’s absence and see the possibilities for
personal development it brings.
www.defence.gov.au/dco
Who’s a good dog?
VIRGINIA TAPIA
DEFENCE HOUSING AUSTRALIA
Defence Housing Australia recently launched their second children’s book
Sticking Together, featuring that lovable hound, Rex D. Dog.
Following the success of Rex’s first book Let’s Get Moving, Sticking Together
provides education and support for Defence kids experiencing life while their
mum or dad is deployed away from home.
Launched by celebrity vet Dr Katrina Warren at Defence Community
Organisation’s National Families Week celebrations in May, the book follows Rex
D. Dog as his dad goes away with the Army. Along the way, Rex celebrates his
birthday, makes a new friend, and realises that the most important job of all is
supporting his family.
“It has the most beautiful message about how wonderful and important pets are
as part of our family,” Dr Katrina said.
Sticking Together is a light-hearted story for four to eight-year-olds. Order your
free copy today from the Defence Housing Australia website.
www.dha.gov.au/rex
What’s the risk in a bitcoin?
ADF FINANCIAL SERVICES CONSUMER COUNCIL
Bitcoin is a form of digital currency created and held on the internet.
Bitcoins do not physically exist as coins or notes—they’re produced by
people on computers all around the world using specialised software.
You can buy bitcoins with real money and they’re stored in an online ‘wallet’. All
bitcoin transactions are recorded in a public ledger stored on the internet that
anyone can see and access.
Bitcoins are generated by a specific mathematical formula run by open source
software—this means that anyone can check the code to ensure it’s doing what
it’s supposed to.
Exchanging bitcoins for goods, services, trade and investment is fast by regular
banking standards, and generally avoids large transaction fees. No single entity
owns or controls bitcoins and their exchange is anonymous, which makes the
idea of digital currency very appealing to some. However, there are significant
risks you should consider before buying any.
FEWER SAFEGUARDS Because bitcoins are not legal tender, if you buy, sell
and store them using software that fails or is hacked, you are not protected and
have no legal rights. You could lose significant amounts of real money.
VALUES FLUCTUATE Bitcoin value can fluctuate wildly depending on its
popularity at a given time. The number of people using the currency and the ease
with which it can be traded or used influences the fluctuation.
THEFT Just as your real wallet can be stolen, a hacker can steal the contents of
your digital wallet—and there is little hope of getting it back.
CRIMINALS LIKE IT The anonymous nature of bitcoin makes it attractive to
criminals who use them for money laundering and other illegal activities.
Bitcoin is part of a category of money known as virtual currency that is rapidly
growing in popularity. Be sure to understand the risks before investing.
www.moneysmart.gov.au
www.asic.gov.au
www.adfconsumer.gov.au
Supporting veterans, members and their
families
VETERANS AND VETERANS FAMILIES COUNSELLING SERVICE
Eligibility for support services from Veterans and Veterans Families
Counselling Service has recently expanded.
More Defence families can now access free and confidential counselling around
the country, due to changes in eligibility arrangements.
VVCS support services are now available to current and former serving members
who have border protection service, served in a disaster zone either in Australia
or overseas, served as a submariner, were involved in a serious training
accident or have been medically separated.
Repatriation Commissioner Major General Mark Kelly said the expanded access
included the partners and dependent children of the newly eligible service men
and women, with issues arising from the member’s military service.
“In addition, the partners, dependent children and parents of members killed in
service-related incidents will be eligible for our support,” Major General Kelly
said.
“VVCS has been supporting Australian veterans, along with their partners and
dependant children with issues arising from the member’s military service since
1982,” he explained.
“In addition, other members of the veteran and ex-service community, as well as
current serving members, who are referred to VVCS by the Australian Defence
Force, have had long standing access to VVCS services and support.”
1800 011 046
www.dva.gov.au/vvcs
Support services are now available to current and former serving members who
have border protection service, served in a disaster zone either in Australia or
overseas, served as a submariner, were involved in a serious training accident or
have been medically separated.
VVCS has been supporting Australian veterans, along with their partners and
dependant children, since 1982.
Changing places
SARAH BECK
Partners of military personnel are sharing their stories as part of an
Australian War Memorial project exploring the everyday lives of Defence
families.
The Partner’s Project is collecting interviews with partners who are sharing their
experiences about the impact deployment and posting has on their lives.
Lieutenant Natalie Boulton and Captain Richard Boulton took part in the project
and told their stories about life on both sides of deployment.
Richard remembered thinking their kids would be a lot more upset than they
actually were when Natalie was deployed as a doctor on HMAS Newcastle.
“They were trying to be more supportive of me actually,” he explained.
“It was a complete role reversal,” said Richard, who was deployed in 2012 as the
Commanding Officer of HMAS Melbourne. “To be with the kids on the wharf and
waving goodbye to their mum was an interesting perspective.”
Natalie recalled the same moment as she watched her family from the departing
ship.
“I’m the one going, and they’re left on the wharf with dad—the three of them as
the ship was pulling away looked completely terrified.”
Natalie said telling her story was “therapeutic” in some ways as it prompted her
to think about events and feelings she previously “hadn’t given much importance
to”.
“Reflecting on being away from your family makes you question what is really
important in this life,” she said.
“Sometimes it’s hard to combine egalitarian ideals and dreams to make a
difference to other people’s lives and the world in general with the responsibility
of having a family and being there for them first.”
If you’re a Defence partner and have a story to share, contact the Australian War
Memorial.
Interviews are held in recording studios in Canberra, but the memorial is also
interested in hearing from interested partners outside the ACT.
filmsound@awm.gov.au
Leaving the military living the change
WENDY ADDISION
At some point in their career, all military members will transition out of the
military and back into civilian life. It’s a process that involves the whole
family, and planning early will make your transition as smooth and
successful as possible.
Positioned on or near military establishments, ADF Transition Centres can link
members into Defence and Australian Government support services and help
with the administrative aspects of the transition.
Military personnel and their families can make an appointment to visit an ADF
Transition Centre at any time, not only when they are planning an imminent
separation from Defence.
Partners or parents are also welcome to attend an ADF Transition Seminar with
their ADF member. Seminars are held throughout the year and provide
information, advice and resources to help plan the move to civilian life.
Some military personnel may be eligible for entitlements to assist with the
transition to civilian employment, including vocational work experience, career
coaching, résumé writing, approved absence for career transition activities, and
financial counselling.
These entitlements are described in Defence’s Pay and Conditions Manual.
It’s never too early to think about transitioning to civilian life, and advice and
assistance is never far away. To start, visit the Transitions website or call the
Defence Family Helpline for advice.
1800 624 608
www.defence.gov.au/ transitions
Defence Families of Australia
ROBYN RITCHIE, NATIONAL CONVENOR
Defence families demonstrate optimism, self-reliance, trust and hope as
they navigate the military lifestyle.
We are generally ‘glass half full’ and ‘can-do’ people, and this gives us the
strength to support our ADF personnel as they fulfil their military commitments.
Regular postings mean that Defence families are used to re-establishing careers,
support networks and friendships in new communities.
It takes incredible courage to uproot your household and your career and move
to a new community. Some may feel alone and unsure how to seek out new
employment and friendships, and it can be daunting to manage this while caring
for and comforting children as they navigate a new school and new curriculum. It
takes masked confidence and trust to leave older children behind rather than
disrupt the last few years of their education.
DFA understands the journey that our families travel to maintain healthy
relationships and a happy family life. I encourage you to be optimistic and
confident that we will continue to advocate and work with you to ensure timely,
relevant support and assistance is available when and where you need it.
DFA works hard to ensure Defence policy remains relevant to the modern
Defence family, but we can’t do that without your continued input and ideas. Our
Annual Survey is one effective way to bring your opinions to our forum, but there
are also many others. Register on our website to receive regular newsletters
from us, and keep in touch with your local DFA representative.
1800 100 509
convenor@dfa.org.au
www.dfa.org.au
www.facebook.com/ DefenceFamilies ofAustralia
Bulletin board
New website
With support from Defence Housing Australia, we have launched an updated
website that focuses on our advocacy work and directs families to the Defence
and community organisations that provide support services. Register on our
website to receive regular newsletters and keep up to date with our latest news.
www.dfa.org.au
National conference
The feedback from this year’s DFA Family Survey has been incorporated into a
report that was presented to Defence officials for discussion at our annual
national conference. A list of recommendations that come out of the conference
will be available on our website later this year.
Talk to us
Informal consultation is something we do constantly, so don’t feel you must wait
until the next survey to let us know what should be on our agenda for improving
the lives of Defence families.
Advocacy work
Over the years we’ve advocated for in-home childcare in service residences,
increased funding for partners’ education and employment, and helped expand
eligibility for support from the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling
Service. Visit our website to see more of our achievements.
New charter
Recently, the Chief of the Defence Force and the Assistant Minister of Defence
signed a new charter for DFA, outlining DFA’s responsibilities to provide advice
and feedback to Defence on issues affecting military families. This charter
acknowledges DFA as the recognised forum for families to raise issues affecting
them individually or collectively. You can read the charter on our website.
Join us!
From time to time, vacancies come up on the DFA executive for people who want
to help improve the quality of the Defence family lifestyle. There is one position
coming up in Adelaide—check out our website or send us an email to find out
more. Members of DFA are appointed by the Minister and afforded a great
opportunity to advocate directly to the Minister, Defence chiefs, and stakeholders
like Defence Housing Australia and Toll Transitions.
About Defence Families of Australia
Defence Families of Australia is your advocate. We are a ministerially-appointed
group of volunteers who represent the views of Defence families. Our aim is to
inform government and Defence on the needs of the family, and our goal is to
ensure quality of life for all Defence families by providing a recognised forum for
their views and by reporting, making recommendations and influencing policy
that directly affects military families. In turn, this enhances the capability of the
Australian Defence Force.
We consult with Defence’s own support agencies, like Defence Community
Organisation and the National Welfare Coordination Centre, acting as an
advocate, not as a support provider.
Defence families can contact us to represent them regarding an individual
situation or to advocate an issue concerning many families.
National delegates
ACT and southern NSW
Cara Cook act.sthnsw@dfa.org.au
Central and northern NSW
Toni Watch central.nsw@dfa.org.au
North Queensland
Rachael Grogan nth.qld@dfa.org.au
South Queensland
Caetlin Watch sth.qld@dfa.org.au
Western Australia
Paul White wa@dfa.org.au
South Australia
Jacqui Bennett sa@dfa.org.au
Victoria and Tasmania
Linda Bradfield vic.tas@dfa.org.au
Northern Territory and Kimberley
Alison Penny nt@dfa.org.au
Take a break
LEILA FETTER
Crossword
The first nine correct entries emailed to DefenceFamilyMatters@defence.gov.au
will win a Centenary of WWI stamp collector pack, which includes stamps and
postcards.
Trivia quiz
Answers will be available on our Facebook page.
1
What was Julius Caesar’s surname?
2
True or false: Benjamin Franklin was the third
President of the United States?
3
What is the only team to have played at the top level in every season of
the National Rugby League?
4
Name the Australian speed skater who won
gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics when all his
competitors crashed out.
5
How many colours represent the question
categories in trivial pursuit?
6
Name the point where the Sydney Opera House now sits.
7
Machu Picchu is in which country?
8
What were the names of Harry Potter’s parents?
9
According to the nursery rhyme, how many
blackbirds were baked in a pie?
10
What substance makes the leaves of plants green?
Kids’ art competition
Calling Defence kids aged 8 and below
Use the flysheet that came with this edition of Defence Family Matters to draw,
paint or collage a picture of your favourite posting location! Return your art using
the Reply Paid envelope, and winners will feature in our December edition. Don’t
forget to include your name, age and contact information, and do get your
parents’ permission to participate in this competition.
Parents please note: Defence will not use or publish any artwork or personal
information without your express permission. We will not be returning artwork by
post—so if you love your child’s work, make a copy!
About Defence Community Organisation
Need advice, support or connection with your local community? Call the all-hours
Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608
The Defence Community Organisation offers a range of programs and services
to help Defence families manage the military way of life.
The best way to access these services or gain referral to a local DCO office is to
contact the Defence Family Helpline at DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au
or on 1800 624 608.
The Helpline is available 24-7 and is staffed by qualified human services
professionals including social workers and psychologists.
You can also email the Helpline on DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au
Defence Family Matters magazine is brought to you by Defence Community
Organisation
Defence Family Matters
Department of Defence
PO Box 7920 Canberra BC ACT 2610
www.defence.gov.au/dco
DefenceFamilyMatters@defence.gov.au
Fax 02 6265 8852
ISSN 1447-929x