Darwin

Including Palmerston.

News
Events
Community groups and centres
Regional information

NEWS

2013 Welcome event
Visit our Welcome events page to find out more about welcome functions in your region. You can also 'Like' our Facebook page at to receive real-time updates in your news feed.

The Top Ender Magazine
Visit www.thetopender.com.au for the latest edition.
The Top Ender is a professional publication put together for all Defence families in Darwin. It is used to keep families informed in many different areas including different community groups on the four bases. There are stories written about things people have done in Darwin and to let others know what is on at various times of the year.
We are a Bi-monthly publication and run mainly by volunteer staff. The Top Ender is always on the lookout for stories, or pictures and even classifieds. There is something in there for all ages. At different times of the year we include special information such as cyclone season or tax time. In the end the Top Ender is there for the families, making their time in the top end that much nicer.
More information: 08 8947 2657 or thetopender@aapt.net.au 

EVENTS

2013 Welcome event
Visit our Welcome events page to find out more about welcome functions in your region. You can also 'Like' our Facebook page at to receive real-time updates in your news feed.

24 February 2013
Welcome to the Top End
Where: Palmerston Recreation Centre Frances St, Palmerston
When: Sunday 24th February 10.00AM until 1.00PM
For more information about any of these events, call DCO Darwin on 08 8935 7900.

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COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CENTRES

DARWIN
Billeroy Road Community Centre Inc.
The Billeroy Road Community Centre is a tri-service facility offering a wide range of programs and activities for Defence families. The centre is spacious & fully air-conditioned for those tropical days. We boast fabulous child friendly outdoor areas with plenty of shade & play equipment to keep the kids busy. In order to participate in our activities, you need to be a member, but membership is FREE! We look forward to meeting you.
Where: 12 Billeroy Road (main entrance road into the married quarters), RAAF Base Darwin
When: Open Monday 9 am–12 noon, Tuesday to Friday 8 am–1 pm

PLAYGROUPS
Little Jumping Jetts: Mondays 9 am – 11 am for children aged 0-4 years. This is a structured group with planned activities during each session. Parent participation is required. Please bring a piece of fruit to share.

ME Time: Affordable short term care for under fives each Wednesday from 9 am–12 pm. This program is designed to give parents a short break from their little ones. Parents can go to the pool/gym or even just relax at home with a cuppa and a good book. Parents must stay within the Base or married quarters area.

Mums & Bubs: A group for Mums, bubs and bellies. Come along and chat with other mums over a cuppa while the littlies play or doze. A Community Health nurse attends the first Thursday of each month to weigh babies and offer advice for parents. Toddlers welcome. Thursdays from 11 am–1.30 pm.
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Cuppa Club: Get together and chat over a frothy cappuccino while the kids play. Relaxing way to unwind at the end of the week. Friday mornings from 9am.
FOR THE BIGGER KIDS
Youth Zone: Supervised monthly activities for kids aged five to 13 years. Program designed to encourage teamwork and promote physical activity away from the computer. Helps children form new friendships when posted to Darwin. Last Friday of each month from 6.30pm – 8.30 pm.
JUST FOR THE GIRLS
Wax ’n’ Stuff: Evangeline Beauty visits the centre pay week Friday to pamper you with treatments like pedicures, waxing, manicures, facials and massages for substantially reduced rates.
Bi Girls Playgroup: Social networking group for ladies to meet other partners during pamper days, chick flick nights, dinners, coffee mornings or other fun.
CRAFT
Talk ’n’ Do: BYO Craft projects. Chat to other crafters or use the Centre’s sewing machines or quilting accessories. Off-pay-week Saturdays, 10 am–5 pm.
EXERCISE
Booty Camp: (Dry season) Eight week fitness program suitable for all fitness levels. Join our qualified fitness instructor for a range of different activities each week. $8 per session.
More information: 08 8923 5170 or billeroy@chariot.net.au

The Darwin Olympic Sporting Club Inc.
The Darwin Olympic Sporting Club Inc is a family-centred sporting organisation with a proud history spanning over 40 years, currently offering Soccer and AFL. We would like to extend a warm welcome to any Defence Families interested in joining our club. We are currently seeking male and female players to join us for the 2012 Soccer season for Juniors from U6 through to U16 and Seniors for U19, C grade, Reserves (B grade men's and women) and A grade (men's and women).
If you are interested in helping out this season, we require sports trainers, first aid volunteers, team managers and coaches. Please contact Nik on 0416 222 861 if you would like to discuss how you could assist us.
Where: Malak Oval
When: Games run from mid-April to end of September
More information: Juniors: Lisa on 0412 463 185, Women: Kat on 0439 509 438, Men: Steven on 0401 932 515. Visit the website at www.darwinolympic.com or email darwinolympic@gmail.com

Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House
The Larrakeyah Neighbourhood house offers a number of programs for Defence families. We also have equipment and nursery items for hire.
Where: 20 Stevens Terrace, Larrakeyah Barracks, Larrakeyah Barracks
PLAYGROUP
Parent-run activity. Please bring a piece of fruit to share for morning tea. Cost is $2per child or $2.50 per family.
When: Wednesday and Thursday, 9 am–11 am
CRAFT MORNING
Informal meeting for parents to conduct a craft event with their child. Cost $2 per child.
When: Last Saturday of the month, 9 am–11 am.
KIDS NIGHT
Coordinator-run activity. A light snack and cordial provided. Cost is $5 per child.
When: Last Friday of the month, 5 pm–8 pm.
WALKING CLUB
When: Tuesday and Thursday, 12 pm–1 pm.
BOOK CLUB
Cost $2.
When: First Monday of the month, 6 pm–8 pm
COFFEE MORNING
Informal meeting for parents to catch up. Cost $2.
When: Friday, 9 am–11 am
LOVELY LADIES DINNER NIGHT
Monthly event. Informal visits to local restaurants.
When: Every month, 6 pm–10 pm
More information: 08 8935 5498 or larrakeyah@bigpond.com

North Australia Area Family Support Committee Inc.
NAAFSC Inc is a not-for-profit Defence community group located in Darwin. The committee manages the Coonawarra Community House.
Where: Coonawarra Community House, Building 53, Melville Road, Defence Establishment Berrimah
NAAFSC Activities: The activities are a great way for ADF members, spouses, parents and children to meet others families. Often families posted to Darwin are a long way from their support network so rely on other people in similar situations for support.
Learn to swim: Classes are available for children from six weeks old to teenagers. We start with Mums/Dads & Bubs classes all the way up to the advanced swimmers who are perfecting their technique. Classes start at $10 for half hour lesson and are taught in the Base Pool by a qualified Swimming Instructor. Classes are very popular and are a great way to meet other people.
Aqua Aerobics: This is a great program for members and their partners to meet new people, get some exercise and have a good time. Classes are run by a qualified Aqua Aerobics instructor, at the DEB Base pool.
Pilates: Pilates classes have proven very popular with both men and women. These classes are a great way to stay fit and meet people. Classes are run in the air-conditioned DEB Gym, with a qualified Pilates Instructor.
Playgroup: Another way to meet other Defence families, while letting the children enjoy the fabulous outdoor play environment at the Coonawarra Community House. Playgroup is on Mondays from 9am to 11am. Children from newborn to 5 year olds are catered for. Playgroup is also an excellent way of finding out what is going on for Defence families around Darwin.
Other activities: We have previously held blue light discos, children’s tennis lessons, dance classes, information sessions for parents and special events for things like Mothers Day. We regularly hold coffee mornings and walking groups and are open to new ideas from our community.
More information: 08 8941 0411 or coonawarracomhouse1@bigpond.com

TS Darwin, Australian Navy Cadet Unit
A youth development organisation for young people between 12.5 and 19 years of age.
Where: Defence Establishment Berrimah, Northern Territory
When: Parades are held on Wednesday, 6.30 pm–9.30 pm
More information: 08 8984 3326, tsdarwin@cadetnet.gov.au or www.cadetnet.gov.au/ANC/TSDarwin

PALMERSTON
Palmerston Football Club Inc.
The Palmerston Football Club Inc is the only soccer club in Palmerston. The Women's and Juniors’ training grounds are just 5km from Robertson Barracks. The Men's training ground is just 3km from the Coonawarra Defence Establishment. Our club accommodates many Defence family players both young and old.
Preseason training for the Men's and Women start in late January and the Juniors start on the first Wednesday in March, with games running from April to September.
More information: Email info@palmerstonfc.com.au

Robertson Barracks Family Group
Robertson Barracks Family Group runs for all Defence families. We hold regular playgroups, coffee mornings, adult craft groups and dance classes as well as social events throughout the year. The centre is largely run by volunteers as well as two paid coordinators. New members are always welcome!
Where: Lone Pine Chapel Multi-user Centre, Robertson Barracks
More information: 08 8935 3710 or rbfg07@yahoo.com.au

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REGIONAL INFORMATION FOR DARWIN

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.
NT: Share our story
Explore the regions of the Northern Territory, and find upcoming events, things to do and must-know information.
www.travelnt.com
The Territory
An excellent at-a-glance resource to familiarise you with living, working and exploring in the Northern Territory.
www.theterritory.com.au

DARWIN
City of Darwin
A wealth of information about every aspect of Darwin living.
www.darwin.nt.gov.au
Tourism Top End
Regional information, and things to do and see in the Northern Territory.
www.tourismtopend.com.au

PALMERSTON
City of Palmerston
Community services, recreation and essential information about living in Palmerston.
www.palmerston.nt.gov.au

ALICE SPRINGS
Alice Springs Town Council
A variety of useful information for Alice Springs including a community calendar and information on climate, environment and services available.
www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au
Central AustraliaTourism
Things to do and see in Central Australia.
www.centralaustraliantourism.com

GOVE PENINSULA
Gove Online
Information and insights into life at Gove, including a community noticeboard.
www.goveonline.com

Download a Welcome book
The Welcome to Darwin booklet contains detailed regional information to help you to get to know the Darwin area.

Defence postings in Darwin and surrounds include:
Robertson Barracks (Palmerston). Visit the Defence Support Group’s intranet site .
HMAS Coonawarra / Larrakeyah Barracks. Visit the website or the Defence intranet site .
RAAF Base Darwin. Visit the website or the Defence intranet site .
Jindalee (Alice Springs)
Nhulunbuy (Gove Peninsula).
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.

Darwin Family Day Care
Darwin Family Day Care has many day care positions reserved for Defence families throughout the Darwin area. Call 08 8945 2945.

The ADF Family Health Trial

The ADF Family Health Trial offers access to free basic health care to the dependants of ADF members in regional or remote locations, including Darwin, Nhulunbuy and Alice Springs. Families can be reimbursed for GP visits, all Medicare-recognised services, and a range of allied health care such as dental care, optometry and physiotherapy.

For more information or to register for the trial, visit the ADF Family Health Trial website or contact the ADF Family Health team on 02 6266 3547.

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Tindal and Katherine

News
Events
Community groups and centres
Regional information

NEWS

2013 Welcome event
Visit our Welcome events page to find out more about welcome functions in your region. You can also 'Like' our Facebook page at to receive real-time updates in your news feed.

EVENTS

2013 Welcome event
Visit our Welcome events page to find out more about welcome functions in your region. You can also 'Like' our Facebook page at to receive real-time updates in your news feed.


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COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CENTRES

Tindal Preschool
reschool develops skills your child will use every day for the rest of their lives. Environments are ever-changing and we need to adapt by stimulating creativity, teaching problem solving and reasoning skills, experimenting, exploring and inventing.
All children’s learning (social, physical and mental) is developed through carefully structured activities. Our aim is to ensure that the Preschool year maximises each child’s potential.
Preschool in the NT is a part-time sessional programme available to all 4 -5 year old children (must turn four by 30th June in year of entry). It is operated by the NT Dept of Education as the first stage of schooling using the NT Dept of Education Curriculum, equipped with educational curriculum linked resources and qualified teaching staff. It is designed to bridge the gap between home/childcare to full-time schooling. Preschool sessions work out to be around only $1.20 each day.
More information: 08 8971 7127 or tindal.ps@latis.net.au


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REGIONAL INFORMATION FOR TINDAL AND KATHERINE

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.
Katherine Town Council
Council services, community events and recreation information.
www.ktc.nt.gov.au
NT: Share our story
Things to do and places to go in Katherine and surrounds.
www.travelnt.com/katherine-and-surrounds.aspx
Tourism Top End
Find a visitor guide and information on Katherine’s many attractions.
www.tourismtopend.com.au/regions/katherine-region
Visit Katherine
Information about all aspects of living in the Katherine and Tindal area, from attractions to weather, local businesses to upcoming events.
www.visitkatherine.com.au

Download a Welcome book
The Welcome to Tindal booklet contains detailed regional information to help you to get to know the Tindal and Katherine area.

Defence postings in Tindal and Katherine include:
RAAF Tindal. Visit the website or the Defence intranet site.
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.

The ADF Family Health Trial
The ADF Family Health Trial offers access to free basic health care to the dependants of ADF members in regional or remote locations, including Katherine. Families can be reimbursed for GP visits, all Medicare-recognised services, and a range of allied health care such as dental care, optometry and physiotherapy.

For more information or to register for the trial, visit the ADF Family Health Trial website or contact the ADF Family Health team on 02 6266 3547.

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