Defence Family Matters
To find out about events for ADF families in Richmond, visit our Eventbrite page. You'll be able to RSVP, add events to your calender and share with friends.
Download the bulletin [PDF 3.9MB] for the latest from DCO, and information about events and support available in your region.
RAAF publications - Welcome to Richmond
To receive updates from the team at DCO Richmond about upcoming programs, events and our monthly newsletter please register by emailing DCO.Richmond@defence.gov.au to request the mailing list registration form.
Community groups & centres
The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation supports kids living in families affected by mental illness. The program provides recreational educational camps and other activities, giving kids a break, in a fun, positive and safe environment. Kids have the opportunity to meet other kids in similar families and develop new friendships.
Kookaburra Kids Head Office
PO BOX 681 Gymea 2227
(02) 9525 7474
Website: https://kookaburrakids.org.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kookaburrakidsfoundation/
Is your local community centre that strives on supporting and uplifting the spouses, families and serving members of the ADF at RAAF Base Richmond.
Located on base (13 McNamara Avenue) we host activities that cater to a whole range of members and families. Our regular open hours are 12.30pm-14.30 Wednesday & 10.00am-12.00pm Friday every week and anyone is welcome to join us.
Some of our activities include:
To keep up to date with our Centre you can join our FB group @DRFC or email richmondfamilycentre@gmail.com for more information.
The Defence Special Needs Support Group is a non-profit benevolent volunteer organisation established to assist ADF families with a family member with special needs.
More info: DSNSG Richmond
Monthly social gatherings held at various locations. We invite single ADF members, members who are MWDU, Defence empty nesters and Defence families who have no children to join us.
Contact: Facebook
Meet at various locations at Rouse Hill town Centre for a catch-up with a coffee an evening out or a movie.
For more information: Contact Michelle 0422 954 340
Kissingpoint Cottage is a tri-service community house in the Sydney district of Ermington/Dundas. Our aim is to support military partners and their children in a fun and friendly environment where everyone understands the unique lifestyle and challenges faced by Defence families.
If you are new to the area or would simply like to make some new friends, come along and try some of our weekly sessions. We would love to meet you!
Wednesday 10am to 12 noon
Playgroup (0-5yrs): Casual membership - $4 per family. A great opportunity for your child to participate in a session of craft, activities & free-play, while you socialise with other mums. Please bring a piece of fruit, drink bottle and hat for your child.
Thursday (every 2nd and 4th Thursday) 10am to 12 noon
Story Time (0-5yrs): Casual membership - $4 per family. Bring your child along for a quiet morning of stories & craft. Please contribute a piece of fruit for morning tea.
Friday 10am to 12.30pm
Adult Craft Group & Kids Crèche: Casual membership - $6 for craft; $12 for Crèche per family. Come along to our Friday craft group - bring your own project, participate in a pre-planned craft activity or simply have a cuppa & a chat. Your children will be cared for on-site by our very experienced babysitter.
When: Payday Thursday
Where: the house with the orange fence, just behind Timor Barracks, 282 Kissing Point Road, Dundas NSW.
More information: call 02 9874 4052, send an email to kissingpointcottage@gmail.com or visit the Kissingpoint Cottage Facebook page or feel free to simply drop in. We are open Wednesday to Friday.
When: Every second Friday morning at Hotel Pennant Hills
Time: 10am
More information: Allison 0413 184 323 | Facebook: north west Sydney Defence Club
When: Thursday morning fortnightly
Where: The Little House of Coffee at the Flower Power Garden Centre, Orchard Hills
Time: 10am
Contact: Indah 0400 774 876
Facebook: Penrith Defence Spouse Group
When: Every second Friday morning at Hotel Pennant Hills
Time: 10am
Contact: Allison 0413 184 323
Follow us on facebook: at north west Sydney Defence Club
Would you like to sing with the Australian Military Wives Choir? The Choir is a place for fun, friendship and the sharing of music. No experience necessary! We invite ADF members, partners, sister, and mothers to join us
When: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month
Where: Five Dock RSL, 66 Great North Road Five Dock
Contact: amwc.sydney.west@gmail.com
Online: www.amwchoir.com
Open Arms provides counselling and support services to Australia's military community. If you have served one day of continuous full-time service in the ADF you can call them for support. They also support families, reservists and some peacekeepers. Call Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 for free, confidential counselling and group programs to support mental health and wellbeing.
Regional info
The following resources and websites can give you a good grounding in local information and services available.
You can also talk to your Unit Welfare Officer for more information.
