Defence Community Groups

This page lists Defence Community Groups across Australia, and provides expanded information on services and fun stuff on offer by some of those groups. If your group wishes to have an expanded profile on this website, then please email DCO Feedback

Across Australia and at High Commissions and Embassies overseas, are Community Groups existing for the benefit of Defence families. Community groups such as Neighbourhood houses at bases, Toy Libraries, Coffee and Chat clubs, Craft Groups, and a whole host of other activities to help out Defence families.

Below is a list of Community Groups operating in your State or Territory. Click on the link below to discover what groups are in your local area.

Membership and contact details may occasionally be out of date. If that is the case, please email DCO Feedback and let us know. We will try and track down the correct information.

Alternatively you can call the nearest DCO office to that group, who will be able to supply up to date contact details.

List of Defence Community Groups and their Contact Details

The contact list for Defence Community Groups and Centres (Word , 154KB )registered with the Defence Community Organisation is available on the DCO webpage.

Expanded profiles for some those groups, highlighting services provided, are listed by state in the index below. If you represent a Community Group and wish to have an expanded entry listed on this site, then please email DCO Feedback

Index

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Queensland
• Victoria
• Tasmania
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Northern Territory
• Online or Internet based
• Overseas

Australian Capital Territory

Scroll down the page to find a community group of interest.

ACT Association for Gifted & Talented Children (NSWAGTC)

ACT Gifted Support is a local support group affiliated with the NSWAGTC, made up of volunteers, all parents of gifted children. Please note that this is an ACT community group and not exclusive to Defence families.

They aim to provide support for gifted children and their families by way of organising fun and education activities, guest speakers, family days and general information and guide to other resources. The group also provides support and information for parents of Twice Exceptional/Gifted Learning Disabled (GLD) children.

To our mailing list please email act@nswagtc.org.au . For more information please see the website listed below, or call Jacqui on 0412 630 693.

ACT Gifted Support Website: http://nswagtc.org.au/act/

Gungahlin Defence Families Playgroup (Nicholls)

Defence families in the North and North West suburbs of Canberra are invited to join the Gungahlin Defence Families Playgroup. If you have been posted to Canberra we are a group of parents and kids who meet every Thursday between 0930 and 1130 at the Nicholls Community House situated next to the Gold Creek Primary school on Kelleway Avenue, Nicholls.

We have a different craft activity for the kids every week, lots of indoor and outdoor toys, a cubby house, a video, DVD and book library to borrow from, and a delicious morning tea for the mums and dads. BYO morning tea for the kids. If your children are 0-5 years old bring them along and meet some new friends.

The Playgroup is run by an enthusiastic Committee who are happy to accept contributions from our members. Membership to the ACT Playgroups Association is mandatory and costs $29 per annum. GDFP charge $2 per family per week that goes towards the ongoing costs of the Playgroup (tea and coffee facilities etc.)

If you have any questions please call:

Mrs Suzanne Barnes (Co ordinator) - 6241 2795

Mrs Janelle Ahern (Treasurer) - 6253 9313

Mrs Lezley Okamato (Secretary) - 6242 8141

or email us at gungahlindfp@gmail.com.

Duntroon Community Centre

Opened originally in 1981, the Duntroon Community Centre (DCC) has always offered Defence families a place to go for companionship and support. Moving to our current location in July 2003, the DCC of today is a fabulous facility (located on the grounds of RMC Duntroon) which offers a diverse array of programs and activities, available to both military (all services) and civilian families.

Examples of DCC groups and activities include:

• A licensed 3 year old Playschool, offering a play based, child centred program in a caring and nurturing environment supported by a qualified teacher and assistant.
• Playgroups
• Craft Groups (including a quilting machine)
• An Evening Bookclub
• Kids art classes
• BBQs
• Cake Tin Hire

For more information, please visit our website at
www.duntrooncommunitycentre.org.au

New South Wales

Scroll down the page to find a community group of interest.

HMAS Albatross (Nowra Area)

Shoalhaven Defence Families Association

The Shoalhaven Defence Families Association is a volunteer group made up of predominantly Defence spouses. They conduct regular activities at their neighbourhood house, 'Kookaburra Retreat', four days per week during NSW school terms. These activities include a Playgroup, an exercise group ("TTT - Trim, Taut & Terrific"), Sewing group, craft group and a book club. They also hold regular community education courses according to member interests. In the past these have included First Aid, mechanics courses, homeopathy, cooking classes and specific crafts. The SDFA is also responsible for the production of the local quarterly Defence community newsletter, the "Timeout".

Contact: Rachel
Phone: 02 4421 5766
Email: shoalhavendfa@gmail.com


Kookaburra Retreat' is located at Flat 1 & 2 Canberra Drive NOWRA HILL NSW 2540 (across from HMAS Albatross main gate).

HMAS Creswell (Jervis Bay Area)

Banksia House

For those of you who are new to the area Banksia House is a volunteer organization comprised of defence spouses that run and participate in regular activities for defence families. These activities include playgroup, kid’s craft, and adult craft. We offer our premises as a venue for parties or you can come and use our computer, printer and photocopier. We also have a huge range of toys to keep the children busy! Banksia House is a home away from home and a great place to come to make friends or just have a cuppa.  We also undertake fundraising events such as family disco nights and sausage sizzles.

Adult Craft

Playgroup

Committee Meeting

President :

RAAF Richmond (West of Sydney)

RAAF Richmond Mums & Bubs Group

“We are a social group who meet for a cuppa and chat at a child friendly facility.”

Where:   Windsor Baptist Church  -  Kids Space(Next to the Church’s Bargain Barn)

739 George St  (Between Richmond/Blacktown Rd & the Mobile Service Station)
               South Windsor

When:    Wednesdays 1030-1200 or whatever time you can make. We don’t usually break for school holidays but will stop over Christmas and resume at the start of the school year.

Cost:        $3 per visit or $20 per term (tea/coffee provided)

The facility is all at ground level, with easy access for prams and parking at the front door (no traffic or roads to cross). It is air-conditioned and open planned for easy supervision of children with an indoor Babies area and fully fenced outdoor play area. We are within walking distance to Bligh Park.
              
We are not a religious group (apart from the venue).

You and your family are welcome to join us anytime.
Group Contact: Tanya Baldwin 02 4776 2899

RAAF Wagga

Forest Hill Defence Community Group Inc

The FHDCG was established to support Defence Members and their families. It provides an opportunity for individuals to meet new people and learn new crafts and skills in a fun and friendly environment. The group meets every Wednesday evening and their program includes a range of craft, recreational and social activities.
Call DCO on (02) 6931 0011 for contact details.

RAAF Wagga Playgroup

Held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 12pm. The playgroup has an inside and outside play area and is situated at the RAAF Army Navy Community House (RANCH) (behind the gym). All Welcome.
Contacts : For information on the playgroup please contact the DCO Wagga Office on 02 6931 0011

Buddies in the Suburbs ( Friendship Support Group)

We have some wonderful volunteers in a suburb close to you.  They can help with local information for example where the local shops are or Doctors.  DCO would like to encourage all Defence Families to contact the Buddy in your suburb; it’s a great way to make new friends and establish a support network in Wagga Wagga.
Our Buddies can be contacted in the following suburbs:

Bourkelands
Central Wagga
Forest Hill
Glenfield Park / Lloyd
Kapooka
Kooringal / Lake Albert
Tatton
Special Needs Buddy

For more information about Buddies in the Suburbs please call the Family Liaison Officer (Kate) on 6931 0011.

Kapooka

Blamey Community Group

The Blamey Community Group is all about giving you the opportunity to meet, mingle, socialise, gain friends, share skills, participate in activities & events and allow those with children the chance for their kids to meet new friends too (no matter the age)!

We provide the opportunity and the venue for you and your family to get involved in a range of exciting activities, such as: craft group, morning tea club, market days, guest speakers, children’s activity days, girl’s night out, baby massage, adult book club, cooking class & baking days, fitness group, family movie nights, special school holiday activities (drama club, disco), tiddlywink storytime and much more!

Come along to the Kapooka Community Centre on a Monday, Thursday or Friday and join in with the fun, get a feel for what we do, have a chat to some of our members and enjoy meeting new people and we know you will have so much fun you will want to return – time & time again

Contact the BCC Co-ordinator on 02 6971 2015 for more information on what’s coming up!

Kapooka Playgroup

Kapooka Playgroup meets at the Kapooka Community Centre on Wednesday mornings during school term from 9.30am - 11.30am. 

The Playgroup committee would like to invite all Defence families with children under school age, to come along and enjoy the friendly atmosphere and child friendly play areas. For more information call DCO on 6931 0011

Blamey Community Group Yardsale - 17 September 2011 (Word,304k)
.

RAAF Williamtown ( Hunter Region )

WILLIAMTOWN SUPPORT GROUPS

Williamtown Umbrella Support Group Inc.

This group oversees a number of the Defence groups and is always looking for spouses interested in running activities or taking on Executive roles. For details of their next meeting please email wlm_usg@yahoo.com .

Williamtown Craft Group

This group meets every Wednesday (except school holidays) from 10.00am to 12 noon. The Craft Group is an opportunity for spouses to meet other spouses in the area. Child minding is available and coffee and tea is provided. A donation of $3 is appreciated for the morning’s activities. Email wcraftg@hotmail.com  or visit www.williamtowncraftgroup.zoomshare.com  for more information.

Toy Library

The Toy Library is located on Base. The Toy Library loans toys, DVD’s, CD’s, games and puzzles. For opening days or membership enquiries please email wlm.toylibrary@hotmail.com  or visit
www.williamtown-toylibrary.webs.com

RAAF Williamtown Playgroup

RAAF Williamtown Playgroup operates on Base every Tuesday and Thursday from 10.00am – 12 noon. The playgroup is a place where parents and carers with children aged 0-5 can socialise and encourage development in a child friendly environment. For more information email williamtownplaygroup@hotmail.com .

Williamtown Welcome Baskets Group

This group has been operating for many years, distributing welcome baskets to help families settle into the area. These baskets are very well received by members and their families. For more information about this group please contact williamtown.welcomebasketsgroup@y7mail.com .

Defence Special Needs Support Group

DSNSG Williamtown provides information and support for Defence families with special needs in the Williamtown, Port Stephens, Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie areas. Contact the local Coordinator, Cheryl Jones on 4982 8882, mob. 0407 263 696 or email williamtown@dsnsg.org.au . Alternatively visit www.dsnsg.com.au  or contact the National Coordinator, Margaret Fisk on 1800 037 674.

New to the area?

Want to meet new friends and find out about your local area? Or perhaps you just want to get out of the house for a couple of hours? Buddies groups have been established to help you do just that. These groups of spouses/ partners meet on a regular basis for morning teas, dinners, movie nights and other social events.

The morning teas usually take place in someone’s home (usually the coordinators). Children are more than welcome – it’s a great opportunity for them to interact
with others and make new friends.

There local groups running are:

NEWCASTLE BUDDIES
Newcastle and surrounds

Newcastle Buddies is a group for Defence partners & families who reside in the Newcastle area - to help us get to know each other, support each other, have fun together and make new friends!  We will organise regular events & invite you through facebook - feel free to come along to any of these.  On the Facebook group site, please share your favourite activities & spots in the area, restaurants, playgroups, gyms, doctors, dentists, sporting facilities, shops, holidays destinations, community events ... basically anything you feel will help your fellow Novocastrians.  Come and say hello

Coordinator: Maricel (Cel) Abraham
Mobile: 0409 546 536
Email: newcastlebuddies@gmail.com
Facebook Group: Newcastle Buddies

BUDDIES IN THE BAY
Nelson Bay/Salamander Bay/Corlette & Anna Bay
Coordinator: Debra Mould
Ph. 4981 1444
Mob. 0423 766 378
Email: debra.mould@det.nsw.edu.au 

HUNTER BUDDIES
Thornton/Ashtonfield/East Maitland
Coordinator: Brenda Carlson
Mob: 0401 018 281
Email:Hunterbuddies@live.com.au

TERRACE BUDDIES
Raymond Terrace and Medowie
We are a support group for Defence partners who live in the Raymond Terrace, Medowie and Williamtown areas, who meet on the first Wednesday of the month, with the location changing between friends’ homes, cafes & parks.

We also have lunches, social events and themed parties, and we try and throw in a ladies & couples night too.

We generally meet during the day, this way it doesn’t take us away from our families, and it’s usually the time that we’d like the company, when the children are at school and hubbies at work.

Children are always welcome, just bring along their favourite toy or blanket, a drink and some snacks. 

This group is about support, so you are more than welcome even if you’re children are at school, or even left home.
 
Please feel free to offer suggestions or to host a get-together, as this is your group, and we try to accommodate everyone.  This group isn’t just about numbers though – It is about the get-together’s and getting together is an important part of helping each other out as much as we can
 
We are on facebook, so look us up at Terrace Buddies, as all of our events are posted on our page, so keep an eye out for them.  Sometimes it’s just nice to get out and have a chat, especially with friends that understand.

We’ve moved plenty of times and have had to make friends too.
Please don’t hesitate to let any of us know if we can help make your posting that little bit easier.

Email terracebuddies@bigpond.com  or call Bron – 0405 846 245
Hope to see or hear from you soon.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday 4th January – Welcome 2012! @ Fighter World Café – 10am
Wednesday 1st February –Terrace Buddies Welcome Meet & Greet @ Raymond Terrace Bowling Club – 9.30am
Sunday 12th February – Williamtown Meet & Greet @ Fighter World Museum – 10am-2pm Wednesday 7th March – TBA

If you are interested in setting up a Buddies Group in your area,
please contact the Defence Community Organisation Hunter on 4034 6973.
We can help you get the word out.

For more information on the above support groups contact
DCO Hunter on 4034 6973

Williamtown Pre-School

Williamtown Pre-School caters for the pre-school child aged 3-5 yrs. Our hours are 8.30 - 4.00 pm or 9.30 - 3.30 pm. Ours fees are very affordable and we offer reduced fees for those children the year prior to staring school. 

We offer school readiness programs, gross motor programs and an environment rich in learning. Being on the Base enables families working on base the opportunity to visit during their lunch break and  to meet other families in the same situation as them.

We are Community Based and operate with a Committee made up from our families. We are not for profit so all monies goes back into the pre-school.

Williamtown Pre-School

19 Henderson Rd RAAF Base Williamtown 2314

Ph 02 4034 7642

Email wlmpres@gmail.com  

Defence Families Maitland

We are an informal group of Defence spouses located in the Maitland area, in suburbs such as East Maitland, Ashtonfield and Thornton.  All of us know how hard it is to have no family support nearby and to find good GP's, shopping, schools, childcare, etc. in a new posting.

Our aim is to provide a support network for defence families in the area through regular meet-ups, dinners, and other social events. 

Our members consist of those with young children, those with school aged children and ladies who work or study. Those without children are particularly welcome as it can be sometimes hard to make social contacts in a new posting straight away. So we cater for everyone.

For more information, contact:
Emma - Ph 0452 223 641
or
Karen - Ph 0416 144 088

Email: defencefamiliesmaitland@gmail.com

Find us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/defencefamilies/

Hunter Connection

Hunter Connection is an online information resource for Defence families in the Hunter. 

The idea behind Hunter Connection is to compliment the existing Defence support groups by providing a space where we can share more than just quick snippets on Facebook.

Where we can provide Defence families with a variety of resources to help them get to know their region better.

We appreciate your input as word of mouth recommendations is what Hunter Connections is all about.

So let’s get together to make our stay here in the Hunter region the best it can be.

Please send recommendations and reviews to:

hunterconnection.nsw@gmail.com

Singleton Military Area (Hunter Region)

Little Diggers Playgroup

Defence families posting into the Singleton area are invited to join the Little Diggers Playgroup, located on the Singleton Military Area at the DC Hall. We are a group of parents and kids who meet every Monday between 10-1 at the DC Hall situated next to the DCO Office on base. For those new to the area with school aged children, we would love to see you too and come for a cuppa and a chat! We continue playgroup throughout school holidays so older children are welcome during this time.

We have a different craft activity for the kids every week, lots of indoor and outdoor toys and one of the best playgrounds in town. BYO morning tea for the kids.

Fees: Weekly fees: $2 per single child family
                           $3 per 2 children and more

These fees go towards supplies and our end of year christmas party.

For further information you can join us on Facebook, just look for Little Diggers Playgroup

Singleton Toy Library

The Toy Library is located at the same building as the Playgroup and is open on Mondays during playgroup hours. We have a range of toys for babies, toddlers and older children, including slides, swings, DVDs, puzzles and board games. There is an annual fee of $10 per family and 2 items can be borrowed for a fortnight at a time at the cost of $1 per item.

Sydney

Anklebiters Playgroup, Randwick Barracks

Located at the Howell Club, Randwick Barracks NSW 2031 (next to DefCredit). Please contact Ethel Lang at DCO Sydney 02 9393 3314 for more information .

Kissingpoint Cottage, Dundas

Above: Kissingpoint Cottage

Kissingpoint Cottage is a Defence Community House that was established at in 1996 for service members and their families. Located in Dundas, Sydney, it provides a venue for Defence spouses and families to interact, and assist new families with settling into the area and meeting new friends.

The centre is supported through the Family Support Funding Program, as well as sponsorship and fundraising to help provide services.

Activities and services available at Kissingpoint include:

• Courses run by accredited instructors, with costs subsidized by the cottage
• Coffee/Information Mornings
• Committee Meetings
• Craft Mornings and Nights
• Internet access
• Playgroup

Kissingpoint would love to hear from any families in the area or transferring to Sydney and will forward a copy of our monthly newsletter giving more details and calendar of events.

Anyone interested in having a look around at the Cottage, which includes a great playground for the children, can make an appointment at any time.

Northern Beaches Defence Families Playgroup

When:  Every Thurs 1000 - 1200   Last day 6 Dec 2007 reopening 24 Jan 2008 
Where:  28 Field Battery Depot 40 South Creek Rd Dee Why.
Contact: Ph Pamela  99722469 or Claire  99822179 

Defence Spouses Coffee Mornings ( Inner West/ Ryde/ Epping ).

This is a small, friendly group of Defence spouses and their children that meet up each month in a local café or at the park. It is a great way of meeting some other Defence spouses in the area and making some new friends.

Dates: Alternate first Thursday or Friday of each month. Our next one will be on Thursday, March 3rd

Time: From 10.30am

Venue:Various venues around Sydney. Our next morning on March 3rd will be held in The
           Dragonfly Café at Eden Gardens, corner of Fontenoy & Lane Cove Rd North Ryde.

Contact:Mia Bartlett 0438 760 212 shanebartlett@optusnet.com.au.

Liverpool Military Area

Playgroups in the Liverpool LGA area

The following list includes playgroups offered by a number of different agencies.
You will need to contact the agencies themselves for further details.

Playgroups in the Liverpool LGA area (PDF,34k)

Waratah Interest Group (WIG) Inc.

WIG is a non-profit incorporated association that functions as a body where various interest groups, based in the Liverpool Military Area, can obtain umbrella public liability insurance.
Contact: DCO Liverpool on 02 8782 4864

WIG Newsletter - Jan 2011 (PDF,1.02MB)

Coffee, Craft & Chat

Come along and have a chat and a cuppa, no need to participate in craft.  This craft group meets on Monday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the DCO (Old) Partridge Club, Bapaume Road, Liverpool Military Area (LMA).
Contact: DCO Liverpool on 02 8782 4864

Fridays Playgroup

9.30am to 11.30am at the DCO (Old) Partridge Club, Bapaume Road, LMA
Contact: DCO Liverpool on 02 8782 4864

Little Learners Toy Library

The Toy Library is open every 2nd Saturday mornings from 9.30am to 11.30am and is located in building D58 on the corner of Anzac and Moorebank Avenues, LMA.  It officers fortnightly borrowing.

Contact: DCO Liverpool on 02 8782 4864

Upcoming Events / Resources

For more information on upcoming workshops/ information sessions and resources, download the following Flyers.

Communications Resource Room (PDF,790k)

Liverpool Community Events Calendar

Queensland

Scroll down the page to find a community group of interest.

Canungra (Hinterland of the Goldcoast)

Canungra Yoga

Yoga is held every Mon morning 9.15 and Tues evenings 6.15 at Kokoda House, all classes run for 1hr 15 mins cost $13.00 Phone DCO 07 5618 6405

Canungra Play Group

Play Group Tues and Thurs from 9.30 until 11.30. Kokoda House Toy Library is also open at the same time. Phone 07 5618 6405

Canungra Movie Night

First Tues of every month a group of Ladies meet at Harbour Town, have dinner and see a movie. Popular night out. Phone DCO for more info. 07 5618 6405

Canungra Craft Morning

Wednesday mornings a group meet to work on various craft. People need to check what craft is running on the day. Phone 07 5618 6405

Enoggera (Brisbane), Sthn QLD

Gallipoli Barracks Community Centre

Gallipoli Barracks Community Centre is Located on Rattey Street, Gallipoli Barracks. Follow the signs to ADCU, there is parking out the front. For more information please checkout: www.gbcommunitycentre.com or call 0447 950 627

We have a range of regular activities including:

Craft: Tuesday 09:30am
A non-structured craft group of all ages. Please bring along your current project and get to know some fellow crafters!
Children welcome.

Playgroup: Wednesday 09:30am
A group designed for everyone. All ages are welcome, from pregnancy through to school age. Please dont feel shy about coming along without kids either, we would love to meet you! We have plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the littlies occupied, along with a regular structured activity each week. Please bring along a hat and some morning tea to share (or just for your little one).

Mums and Bubs: 10:00am
Another group for all ages but particularly new mums and those with young children. This is a lovely group of women that are warm and welcoming to all newcomers. Bring along some morning tea and meet some other mums and their bubs!

Girls Night In: Last Friday night of the month
Girls Night In is run by Defence partners and is a fun night in the centre or sometimes away from the centre that is open to all partners. Children are welcome to almost all events unless otherwise specified. It is a great way to relax and meet up with friends, old and new!

Pamper Days: Pamper Days are run at different times through out the year at the community centre. A range of beauty professionals are brought in to pluck, wax and beautify attendees along with a variety of local business women offering a private look at there products and services. These range from environmentally friendly cleaning products, cosmetics, candles and handbags to tarot card reading.  Kids are welcome.

Scrapbooking and UFO's (unfinished objects): 2nd friday of the month 7pm-10pm
Bring along your scrapbooking and any ufo's and join in with some other army partners to have a great night of socialising and being crafty. The centre is stocked with some craft supplies and tools that you are more than welcome to use when you come along.

Gallipoli Barracks Community Centre Committee
Rattey Street Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera QLD
1800 501 559
0447950627
www.gbcommunitycentre.com

Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre

730 Gympie Rd Lawnton QLD 4501
 
Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre has successfully delivered the Kids Friends Mentoring Program since 2002 and has now received some funding from Defence to support Defence families.The program aims to provide young people (aged 6 to 16 years) with an opportunity to link in with a trained volunteer to build a healthy mentoring relationship for a period of at least one year. This can be especially useful for children living with one parent due to service separation, for those experiencing difficulty at school or at home or those living with illness or disability in their family.

For further information on the program contact Cathy McCabe at Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre during office hours on 07 3205 2955.

Pine Rivers Family Association

Alf Shaw Park, 190 Stanley Street, Strathpine.
Centre telephone number: 07 3889 6095

President,
Marion Gridley: 3881 0134 or 0412 583 608

PRFA Groups:

Squiggly Wigglies Playgroup
Kat Kilpatrick: 0409 621 246

Craft Group
Gwen: 07 3882 2884
Fridays, 10 am – 12 noon, and
First Tuesday of month 7 pm – 9 pm.

The centre has craft and playgroup each week. The president is Marion who can be contacted on 07 3881 0134. For information on playgroup phone Marion on 0412 583 608.

DEFENCE FAMILIES OF AUSTRALIA (DFA)
www.sth.qld@dfa.org.au
Nicole Dooley: 0431 902 675

DEFENCE NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP (DSNSG)
DSNSG National Office: 1800 037 674

Coffee mornings are held on 1st and 3rd mondays each month from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
 

Cairns, Nth QLD

Defence Community Recreation Centre (DCRC)

The Defence Community and Recreation Centre (DCRC) is located at 3 Jensen Street Manoora and has something for all ages to enjoy.

Bellies and Bubs: For pregnant mums and children under 2 years old.  
When: Mondays, 9:30-11:30am.
Cost: $2 per family.

Xtreme Tuesdays: Craft, Coffee and Chat the morning away at DCRC.
When: Tuesdays, 9am-11am.
Cost: Varies. DCRC mixes it up with a different craft or activity every month.

Coral Kids Playgroup: Families and children under school age can attend, there are healthy cooking demonstrations and different craft activities each week. The mums can have a coffee and chat while their children play with dozens of toys in air-conditioned comfort or outside in our undercover all weather playground.
When: Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30am- 12pm.
Cost: $4 per family.

Ladies Luncheons:
When: The last payday Thursday of each month.
Cost: Varies, all restaurants are carefully selected to be affordable to everyone.

Girls Night Out: YES it is exactly as much fun as it sounds.
When: Once every 2 months.
Cost: Varies, Greek, Thai, Italian you name it, we will eat there.

Kids Fun Days: Activities for school aged children.
When: Varies
Cost: Varies, Bowling has been a big hit.

ADF Partners Personal Growth and Development: DCRC can arrange various course in First Aid, Self Defence, Yoga, Make up, Digital Cameras, Book Club, Job Search Techniques and Triple P parenting.
When: Courses run through-out the year, depending on numbers of interested participants. Please call contact DCRC Cairns for more details.
Cost: DCRC can subsidise a proportion

Contact: Fiona, DCRC Co-ordinator

Phone: 07 4053 9305

Email: dcrccairns@bigpond.com

Website: www.dcrc-cairns.com

Facebook page: DCRC Cairns

Oakey (Toowoomba)

Tri-Service Defence Families Support Association Inc.

Parent Access Visit Program – Extremely Cheap Accommodation

The Parent Access Visit Program is a service provided at both the Oakey and Cabarlah Defence Community Houses by the Tri-Service Defence Community Group. The service is available to Defence members who are non-custodial parents and who no longer maintain a family home for themselves and their dependants. The houses can be used for weekends and school holidays and gives the member a safe clean environment to spend time with their children. We charge a nominal fee to cover costs. Bookings are essential. For more information please phone Sharon Federoff on 0414493175.

Bush Telegraph - December 2010 (Word,6.55mb)

Playgroup

Playgroup is lots of fun for kids and parents. You and your children get to interact with others, do craft and enjoy a cuppa and cake. All you need to bring is your child’s morning tea. Cost is $2.00 per family.

Oakey Community House Corfe Rd

Oakey Playgroup - Tuesday - 9:30–11:30 and Thursday - 9.30-11.30

Oakey Sausage in Park - Wednesday - 10.00-11.00

Cabarlah Community House, Borneo Bks

Cabarlah Playgroup - Monday 9.30 - 11.30

 For more info call Sharon on 0414493175

RAAF Amberley (Amberley)

RAAF Amberley playgroup

The Amberley playgroup is held near the RAAF Base at 31 Gannett Street, Amberley. They meet every Monday and Wednesday (except School and Public Holidays) from 9.30 am until 11.30 am. The playgroup caters for children from birth through to school age. No child is too young for playgroup. Children learn through play and each week we have craft activities, along with play of equipment both indoors and outdoors.
Art, learning, water and sand play, painting, climbing, dolls, trains, drawing, bikes and outings are just some of the things available at the playgroup.
Session costs are $3 which includes tea and coffee plus a healthy (nut free) morning tea for you and your child. First session is free!
The Amberley playgroup is affiliated with the Playgroup Association of Queensland.
For more information please contact DCO Amberley.
Contact : DCO Amberley
Phone: 07 5361 1678
Email: dco.amberley@defence.gov.au

Playgroup now has a Facebook group: www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=2361831622#!/group.php?gid=115665051808611

12 Feb 11 Playgroup will be having a 'Welcome BBQ' & for more details contact Hannah on 0431 021 843.

Amberley Toy Library

Located at 332 Ripley Rd, Flinders View. Open first and third Monday and Saturday of the month 9.00am to 10.30am (excluding school holidays and public holidays). Phone 3288 0611 for more information.

Amberley Craft & Quilters Group

Located at Gannet House, Gannet St, Amberley. Meets on Monday nights 7:00 pm - 9.00pm. You can bring your jown project with you, join inon whatever’s happening on the night, teach us a new craft or simply have a cuppa and meet some new people. For contact details contact DCO Amberley on 07 5361 1678

Lakes Family Networking Group

The group meets the first Friday of the month at 10.00am. This is a great opportunity to meet other women form the Forest Lake/Springfield Lake area and develop networks within the Defence community. For more details contact Lynne at DCO Amberley on 07 5361 1678

3R's Defence Spouses Group: Resourceful, Resilient & Resplendent

Meets the last Thursday of the month beginning March 2011. The 3R's is open to spouses & partners of Defence Members & provides opportunities to learn new skills, learn about local area services & form support networks. There is a different topic each month & a guest is invited to come along & present on the day. Some of the topics presented have been Self Defence, Legal services, Planning for the future & Volunteering. For more information contact DCO Amberley on 07 5361 1678.

Ipswich

Ipswich Family Networking Group

Meets the third Tuesday of the month at 10.30am at various locations around Ipswich. Bring a friend if you don't want to come alone & have a coffee & chat in a relaxed atmosphere. For more details contact Nadine at Amberley DCO on 07 5361 1678.

Ipswich Central Junior AFL Club

We are a small family friendly club, operating out of Limestone Park in the heart of Ipswich,  offering Junior AFL to boys and girls -

Auskick Program - an introduction to AFL for boys and girls from age 5 to 12 years Junior & Youth Footy - boys and girls from U8 to U14 and boys only in U16.

We already have RAAF families that are members of our Club and we would like to invite new Amberley RAAF and other military families to our Club.

Please refer to our club website for details www.ipswichcentraljunior.aflq.com.au

Townsville, Nth QLD

Tropical North Family Centre Inc

Tropical North Family Centre is a tri-service Community Group providing a range of services and activities for all Defence families.

Membership to the Centre is $20 per annum which provides discounted activities such as Play Group, Craft Group, Coffee Club, various training and information courses, together with provision of monthly Newsletter and Centre updates.

The Centre is friendly, welcoming, fully air-conditioned, child friendly, and always open to new ideas and suggestions. Facilities are provided for Playgroup (0-4yrs), activities area for older children, Computer facilities, Adult Craft/Meeting Room which has TV/DVD equipment, fully equipped kitchen and a lounge area.

Regular Activities include but are not restricted to:

Mondays
Playgroup 9:30am – 11:30am

Tuesdays
Playgroup/Coffee Club
9:30am – 11:30am

Wednesdays
Craft Group
9:30am – 11:30am
(child care available)

7.00pm – 10.30pm

Thursdays
Playgroup
9:30am – 11:30am

Fridays
Playgroup/Coffee Club
9:30am – 11:30am

Family BBQ’s, and Craft Days are held monthly.

Services such as photocopying, laminating, fax, computer and internet access are also available.

The Centre is operated by a loyal and hardworking Committee, a Coordinator and dedicated Volunteers. The Centre is currently operating from 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday but is hoping to extend those hours in the near future.

The Centre welcomes any enquiries and encourages those with new additions to the family, with loved ones on deployment/courses, and those new to the area to call in, have a chat and cuppa, and view the Centre and its services/amenities first hand. If you have any queries regarding access to the Centre, please telephone 07 4752 1149 and a day pass can be arranged with 24 hours notice.

Contact Details :
Tropical North Family Centre
323 ABW RAAF Base
Ingham Road
Townsville Qld 4810
PO Box 208
Garbutt East Qld 4814

Phone: 07 4752 1149

Email: tnfc@bigpond.com

The Lavarack Barracks Family Centre

The Lavarack Barracks Family Centre is a central location for members and their families to meet discuss and share common experience in a safe, relaxed and comfortable environment.

You are welcome to come and chat, meet your partner or make friends over a good coffee. There is a mix of formal activities, such as playgroup, book club and craft, and the informal opportunities each week. In addition to the regular weekly events monthly events include the “Taste of Deployment” in which foods from those countries where troops are deployed is prepared and shared. Free bus trips to places of interest are a bonus we enjoy every couple of months. Units are encouraged to conduct their family social events at the centre.

Participation in events at this centre is free except for those groups who required state or national membership in order to enjoy additional benefits, such as playgroup.

Our aim is to foster relationships between Defence families. Come along Monday to Friday from 0900hrs. The centre is located in Building 501 at Lavarack Barracks – close to the main gate. It is staffed by the Brigade Welfare Officer and the Brigade Welfare Coordinator. Phone: 0438 558 812 for further details.

Victoria

Scroll down the page to find a community group of interest.

HMAS Cerberus

Cerberus Cottage Family and Friends

Above: Playground at Cerberus Cottage

Located at 16 Cook Road, HMAS Cerberus, the Cottage offers a number of activities. They include:

Playgroup aged up to five - weekly
Ladies Craft morning - weekly
Ceramics - weekly
Gym morning - weekly
Cuppa with the Family Liaison Officer - fortnightly

The Cottage also has access to a DCO computer to access spouses deployed or search the
job network and provides a referral to all services at DCO.

The Cottage also runs the Temporary Accommodation - Cook Road Lodge at HMAS Cerberus, which is available to any serving member (full -time or reservist) and their families and friends. The two bedroom cottage is fully self contained (including bedding).

The cottage now has a Facebook page. Simply search for Cerberus Cottage to find its facebook profile.

Simpson Barracks

Mactier Community Centre- where there is something for everyone
We meet in the Irwin Room, which is located in building 40 behind the service centre.

All groups warmly welcome new families.

We have... 

Groups For the Adults

Adult Fitness Group twice per week, once on Base and once in the Community
Coffee group
Simpson's Voice newsletter group

Groups For Primary School kids

After school sport group- Held at our Local Primary Schools

Groups for Preschool kids and their Mums/Dads

Playgroups -- Little Macs held at the Mactier Centre x2  per week, and in Mernda, and Streeton primary school Commencing in 2012
Music group

To read the latest Newsletter, follow the link below.

Simpson's Voice Newsletter - Dec - 2011-Jan - Feb - 2012 (2.49MB)

Simpson's Voice Kids Page Edition 2 - 2011 (PDF,510k)

For further information regarding these groups and our special events please contact:

Karlene - Mactier Community Centre Coordinator:

Phone: 03 8481 7211

Email:  mactier9@tpg.com.au or join our Mactier Community Centre face book group
or check out our website at  www.mactiercommunitycentre.com.au

RAAF Williams (Point Cook / Laverton Area)

WAGS Toy Library

Above: Just some of the toys available at WAGS

The Toy Library is located in Building 30 (same building as the Thrift Shop), next to the Base Pharmacy car park, Laverton. We are open on Thursdays 12:00 – 13:00 (Ext 62987). In the future it may also be open on Saturdays if there are sufficient volunteers for the roster.

Membership is open to the families all ADF members and public servants and costs just $20 per family per year. A $5 toy replacement fee is also charged for each child.

This allows you to borrow two toys per child each fortnight and a video per family (only one week at a time for Playstations, Nintendo’s, and Gameboys).

For those new to the library, there is a wide range of toys (over 950) from Baby activities to Roller Skates, Nintendo’s to Board Games

Where else can you borrow Air Hockey Tables or Jumping Castles for only one small yearly fee?

We need volunteers to lend a hand on Thursdays (or Saturdays soon) for an hour, so please lend a hand!

Please contact the toy library if you are interested in joining or helping out

President --03 9256 3938
Vice President--03 9256 3967

RAAF Williams Defence Family Centre

The RAAF Williams Defence Family Centre is located in Building L30, Tangmere Road, RAAF Williams (Laverton) 

Telephone:  9256 2299

The volunteers organise a sausage sizzle (every Thursday), and operate the Thrift Shop.  The Thrift Shop is open every Thursday from 10 am till 2 pm except during most school holidays.

Goods are sold on consignment, with the customer indicating how much they would like to receive.  When sold, the Thrift Shop retains a commission of 10%. 

All Thrift Shop commission is donated to Defence organisations and charities which may benefit individual members of Defence and their families.  So far in 2009 the following donations have been made:

$568 - Air Cadets for purchase of cymbals for their band

$250 – Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea

$300 – Leonard Cheshire Homes

$500 – Defence Special Needs Support Group

$995 – Welfare – replacement of tools etc for hire

$100 – Community house for incidental purchases

$400 - Air Cadets for annual trophies

In February 2009 we donated $750 to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, $750 to the CFA and $500 to the Queensland Flood Appeal.

$2,000 will be donated to the Children’s Christmas Treat later in the year

$200  - Food for Carols at Point Cook will be donated late 2009

As can be seen from this list, the Defence Family Centre contributes substantially to the Defence community and we ask for your continued support.  Therefore, if you have items in good condition which you no longer require, we will be happy to sell them for you.  Bring them along to the Thrift Shop on Thursdays, or if more convenient telephone, leave a message and your telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible. 

Williams Defence Community House

Williams Defence Community House is located at 12 Sir Richard Williams Ave RAAF Williams Laverton

Types of groups operating at the  House include; craft, scrap booking, playgroups, book club and other interest groups. Groups run during school term.

For more information please contact:

Tel:03 9369 1916

Email:     coord@williamsdefencecommunityhouse.com

Website: www.williamsdefencecommunityhouse.com

Bandiana (Albury Wodonga Military Area)

Bandiana Neighborhood House

The Bandiana Neighbourhood House is located on Wattle Road at North Bandiana Barracks (directly opposite the Military Post Office).   We are a NOT-FOR-PROFIT organization who runs independently from Defence although we are located on Defence land.

The House provides a range of childcare, courses and activities for both Defence and Civilian families.

Membership - Annual membership $20

All families wishing to utilize the Occasional Care, Kindy &/or Friday Night Care are required pay the Annual Membership.  Other activities are available at member and non-member rates such as courses, playgroup and craft & cuppa.

Application forms can be obtained from the office or feel free to contact our Manager, Karen Ramsay, for emailed or faxed copies.

We are a registered child care provider and offer the following childcare:

Take A Break - Occasional Care is provided by qualified carers. 
Sessions are very popular due to affordable rates and fill up fast, so you need to book a place.

Tuesday         9.15 am          -           2.15pm           Take A Break Occasional Care
Thursday        9.15am           -           2.15pm           Take A Break Occasional Care
Friday            9.15am           -           2.15pm           Take A Break Occasional Care

3 – 5 Year Old Kinder is great preparation for your children’s pre-school years.  We give them the opportunity to develop skills and have fun in our well equipped facilities.

Wednesday   9.15am           -           2.15pm           3 – 5 year old Kinder

Occasional Care is great if you require less than the 4/5 hours offered in the above programs.

The cost is only $7 per hour and vacancies are dependent upon how many permanent or full session bookings are in place. 
Its important to CALL AHEAD if you just need an hour or two break.

Playgroup is offered every Monday during the Victorian school term.  Parents and their children meet from 9.30am  – 12.00pm.  Member Cost is only $3 per family, Non-Member $4  per family.  We have a great facility and the kids love it.  Your first playgroup visit is free.

Friday Night Care – every pay Friday we offer very affordable child care by qualified carers on site at the Neighbourhood House.

This is a great service and is very well utilised so bookings are essential.  Timings are approximately 6.30pm – 10.30pm and at only $20 for the first child and $10 each child after (in the same family) it is a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your partner. 

Other activities presently available:

Craft & Cuppa
Come along and bring any craft item you are working on. Relax and enjoy the company of others. Or just bring a smile and watch what is happening, you might get some ideas and help from the group. Some equipment and materials available for use. 
MONDAYS 12:30pm to 3:00pm – Cost $3 per session
Babysitting can be arranged, however there are minimum numbers

COURSES

Cherish the Children – Learn CPR
This is an Annual update of CPR qualifications
Timings to be confirmed.
Costs available from the Neighbourhood House
Running in May, June 2011

Expressions of Interest
The following are a selection of courses we are considering for the future. If you are interested in attending any of the following please contact the House to register your interest:

Senior First Aid, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, MYOB
If you have any suggestions for other courses you are interested in please let us know.

This information is current as at March 2011.

Bandiana Neighbourhood House
P O Box 42, Wattle Road
Bandiana  Vic  3694
Phone (02) 6055 2137
Facsimile (02) 6055 4395
Email:bandiana@iinet.net.au

Bandiana Neighbourhood House Newsletter - July 2011 ((PDF, 137K) Update - August 2011 (Word,28k)

Sale (RAAF Base East Sale Region)