Australian Capital Territory
News
Events
Community groups and centres
Regional information
NEWS
2013 Welcome event
Visit our Welcome event page to find out more about the 2013 Canberra Defence Expo Day.
DCO Canberra newsletter—Capital Interest
Find news, articles and information about local events, groups and activities in Canberra.
Summer 2012 edition
Defence families without children—DENNK
Register your interest in connecting with other ADF members or Defence families in the community without children. Send an email to susan.moran@defence.gov.au or download a flyer with more information.
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EVENTS
2013 Welcome event
Visit our Welcome event page to find out more about the 2013 Canberra Defence Expo Day.
One hundred years of Canberra—come to events throughout 2013!
Twenty thirteen is the year Canberra turns 100. Throughout the year there will be celebrations, events, and much, much more.
More Information: See the Canberra100 website for more information about events, celebrations and family fun for Canberrans over 2013.
Saturday 2 March 2013
Canberra Expo 2013
Defence families are invited to come to this fun, interactive event to meet other families and find out more about the local Canberra community.
Where: Queanbeyan Showgrounds, entrance through Glebe Ave, Queanbeyan.
When: Saturday 2 March 2013; 10 am–1 pm
More information: Download a flyer. Please also see this Showground and parking map for the Canberra 2013 welcome.
Military Wives Choir
Are you the spouse of an ADF member? Would you like to join a group of warm and friendly women to sing well known tunes, with a view to singing in the community this Christmas? No experience required, no audition necessary—just come along to enjoy singing together!
Where: Duntroon Chapel
When: First and third Thursday evening each month 7.30 pm–8.30 pm (and then every fortnight)
More information: Download a Flyer or call Sarah McDonald on 0424 782 002 or email militarywiveschoircanberra@gmail.com
DCO Summer Floating Coffee Club 2012-2013
New friends are always welcome. Come and meet Defence Support Representatives and other Defence Spouses.
More information: Download a flyer or contact DCO Canberra on 02 6265 8777 or email dco.canberra@defence.gov.au
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COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CENTRES
ACT Gifted Support
ACT Gifted Support is a local support group affiliated with the NSW Association for Gifted and Talented Children, made up of volunteers, all parents of gifted children. Please note that this is an ACT community group and not exclusive to Defence families.
The group provides 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.
Duntroon Community Centre
Where: Duntroon Community Centre, Gymkhana Road, RMC Duntroon, ACT
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)
- evening bookclub,
- kids’ art classes, and
- BBQs.
More information: Visit www.duntrooncommunitycentre.org.au for details of what Duntroon Community Centre has on offer.
Gungahlin Defence Families Playgroup
Where:Nicholls Community House (next to Gold Creek Primary School), Kelleway Avenue, Nicholls, ACT
When: Every Thursday 9.30 am—11.30 am
Welcome: Parents and children
Details: 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 to meet some new friends.
We try to include many activities in our year which include visits to Kidcity, Questacon, and CSIRO, visits from Action Buses, Fire and Police representatives and, of course, the Christmas party!!
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.)
More information: Michelle Copeman (Coordinator) 0413 305 650, or gungahlindfp@gmail.com
REGIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANBERRA
For personalised advice about your local area, call the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
Getting started
The following resources and websites can give you a good grounding in local information and services available.
Canberra Connect
An ACT government portal for local services and information.
13 22 81 or www.canberraconnect.act.gov.au
Canberra and Region Visitors Centre
Connect with services, activities or information you need.
1300 554 114
330 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson
Canberra – Create your future
Find a range of information about living in Canberra, including a virtual tour.
www.canberrayourfuture.com.au
Territory and Municipal Services
Find comprehensive information on aspects of local life including transport, recreation, pet ownership and essential services.
www.tams.act.gov.au
Visit Canberra
Discover events and activities in the Canberra region.
www.visitcanberra.com.au
Queanbeyan City Council
Find a range of information about living in Queanbeyan.
www.qcc.nsw.gov.au
Download a Welcome book
The Welcome to Canberra booklet contains detailed regional information to help you to get to know Canberra and surrounds.
Defence postings in Canberra
Bases
HMAS Harman. Visit the website or the Defence intranet site.
Defence Establishment Fairbairn.
Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), located on the King’s Highway midway between Queanbeyan and Bungendore. Visit the Defence intranet site.
Training
Royal Military College Duntroon (RMC-D). Visit the RMC-D’s website.
The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). Visit ADFA’s website.
The Australian Defence College,Weston Creek. Visit the College’s website.
Offices
Department of Defence offices are scattered throughout Canberra including Russell, Campbell Park, Brindabella Park and Deakin.
Note: to view the Defence intranet sites for bases, the ADF member will need to use a computer with access to the Defence Restricted Network. These sites often have a wealth of information about the bases, facilities and services available.
You can also talk to your Unit Welfare Officer for more information.
DCO Office
Find your local Defence Community Organisation office by clicking on the Area Office tab in Contact us. You can connect with your local office and team by calling the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
Schools and education
For information about the local school and education systems, click on the Local education tab in our Support for children's education section.
You can find which local schools have Defence Transition Aides or Mentors in place by clicking on the Aides and Mentors tab in the Support for children’s education section.
Childcare
Find your nearest Defence childcare centre by clicking on the Defence childcare centres tab in Contact us. Alternatively, you can search for different childcare options in your local area at mychild.gov.au or call the government-run Childcare Access Hotline on 1800 670 305.
Visit www.playgroupaustralia.com.au to find local playgroups.
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