Amberley and Ipswich

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.

DCO Amberley newsletter
Find news, articles and information about local events, groups and activities in Amberley.

DCO Amberley Bulletin
A monthly bulletin detailing goings-on in Amberley.
April 2013 edition

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.

Community grants information session for Amberley-based community groups
Are you a member of a not-for-profit incorporated communtiy group that supports Defence families in the Amberley area? If so come to the community grants information session on 20 February.
When: Wednesday 20 February 2013, 10–11 am (refreshments will be provided)
Where: DCO Amberley Office, Hudson road
Please RSVP by Tuesday 19 February to DCO Amberley.
More information: see the Community Grants flyer to Amberley groups and families.

Amberley Connections - internet security workshop
Senior Constable Kerrin Sheedy, from the Crime Prevention Unit Ipswich Police District, will be giving a presentation on advice and strategies to protect your family regarding risks associated with the use of the internet, mobile phone and multi-media.
When: Tuesday 23 April 2013, 10 to 11.30 am
Where: Spurgeon Room, RAAF Amberley
RSVP: by Monday 22 April 2013 to DCO Amberley.
More information: call DCO Amberley on 07 5361 1678 or send an email.

TeenSMART Deployment workshop
A workshop for teenagers to help them manage change during deployment.
When: Monday 29 April 2013, 4.30 to 6.30 pm
Where: DCO Amberley, RAAF Amberley
RSVP: by Monday 22 April 2013 to DCO Amberley.
More information: call DCO Amberley on 07 5361 1678 or send an email.

DCO Amberley PEEP Information Morning
Invitation open to Defence partners, Morning tea will be provided but no childcare is available.
When:Tuesday 19 Mar 13
Where: Spurgeon Room, RAAF Amberley, 10 – 12noon
Please RSVP by COB 11 March 2013.
More information: contact DCO Amberley on Tel: 07 5361 1678 or email to dco.amberley@defence.gov.au

Deployment Support Function
The purpose of the function is to give Defence families the opportunity to meet other families experiencing deployment, Unit and DCO representatives. Invitations are be open to Defence families who currently have a member deployed, recently deployed or preparing to deploy.
Come along for some school holiday fun. Entry, skate hire and pizza will be provided.
When:Thursday 04 April 13, 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Bundamba Skateway, 21 Agnes St, Bundamba.
More information: or to RSVP contact DCO Amberley on 5361 1678 or email to dco.amberley@defence.gov.au

COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CENTRES

AMBERLEY

Amberley Connections Partner Groups
Amberley Connections is open to spouses and partners of Defence Members and provides opportunities to learn new skills, learn about local area services and form support networks. There is a different topic each month with a guest speaker. Some of the topics this year will be: PEEP; Internet Security, Womens Health; Finanace & Budgeting
When:19 Mar 13; 23 Apr 13; 30 May 13; 18 Jun 13
More information:  Call DCO Amberley on 07 5361 1678  or email to dco.amberley@defence.gov.au

Amberley Craft and Quilters Group
You can bring your own project with you, join in on whatever’s happening on the night, teach us a new craft or simply have a cuppa and meet some new people.
Where: Gannet House, Gannet Street, Amberley
When: Mondays, 7 pm–9 pm
More information: Call DCO Amberley on 07 5361 1678 or email to dco.amberley@defence.gov.au

Amberley Toy Library
Where: 332 Ripley Road, Flinders View
When: Open first and third Monday and Saturday of the month, 9 am–10.30 am (excluding school holidays and public holidays)
More information: Call 07 3288 0611

Lakes Coffee GroupThis is a great opportunity to meet other women form the Forest Lake/Springfield Lake area and develop networks within the Defence community.
When: Coffee Club, Orion Shopping Centre, Springfield Lakes - 10 am
More information: Call DCO Amberley on 07 5361 1678

Ipswich Coffee Group
Bring a friend if you don't want to come alone&have a coffee&chat in a relaxed atmosphere.
Where: Queens Park Café, Queens Park, Ipswich at 10am
When: Third Thursday of every month, 10 am (unless advised to the contrary)
More information:  Call Nadine at DCO Amberley on 07 5361 1678 or email to dco.amberley@defence.gov.au

RAAF Amberley Playgroup
The Amberley playgroup is held near the RAAF Base at 31 Gannett Street, Amberley. They meet every Monday,Wednesday & Friday(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!
More information: Contact DCO Amberley on 07 5361 1678 or dco.amberley@defence.gov.au. Or visit the playgroup’s Facebook page at  www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=2361831622#!/group.php?gid=115665051808611

Amberley Defence Families
Amberley Defence Families has been created for families of Defence members based at Amberley. There is no pre-requisite – your family can consist of babies, young children, teenagers or no kids. The group offers the opportunity to chat and meet with other Defence families. There is the occasional get-together organised by admin, however it is predominately a group to share our knowledge of all things local. Feel free to ask questions about anything and share any of your experiences as a Defence family.
More information: Contact DCO Amberley on 07 5361 1678 or dco.amberley@defence.gov.au. Or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/208316972543411/

IPSWICH

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. The Auskick Program is an introduction to AFL for boys and girls from age 5 to 12 years, and Junior&Youth Footy is for boys and girls from U8 to U14 and boys only in U16. We already have RAAF families who are members of our Club and we would like to invite new Amberley RAAF and other military families to join.
More information:  www.ipswichcentraljunior.aflq.com.au

REGIONAL INFORMATION FOR AMBERLEY AND IPSWICH

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.
Ipswich City Council
Find a whole range of useful information, including the latest Ipswich news, local attractions and services, and community directories.
www.ipswich.qld.gov.au
Discover Ipswich
Discover all Ipswich has to offer from art galleries and markets to parks and gardens, as well as a wide range of events and activities for all the family.
www.discoveripswich.com.au
Ipswich Visitor Information Centre
14 Queen Victoria Parade, Ipwich (alongside Queens Park)
07 3281 0555

Defence postings in Amberley and Ipswich include:
RAAF Base Amberley. 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 local Child Care Information Service on freecall 1800 637 711.
Visit www.playgroupaustralia.com.au to find local playgroups.

A Teenagers Guide to Rosewood and Distict 2013
In this guide you will find information about our district and especially, what's on, where to
go and who to contact.
More information: Download a Guide

Top

Brisbane and surrounds

Including Canungra

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.

DCO Brisbane Bulletin
Find news, articles and information about local events, groups and activities in Brisbane. Summer 2013 edition

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 or download the Welcome event flyer for more information.

KidSMART: Deployment workshops—March 2013
DCO Brisbane is conducting workshops that will assist children to learn how to manage change, and how to stay connected with their absent parent.
More information: Download a flyer about KidSMART workshops

FamilySMART: Reintegration workshop — April 2013
This workshop has been developed to assist members and their partners in adjusting to life following a deployment and covers topics such as connecting as a couple, dealing with changes, and children and readjustment.
More information: Download a flyer about the FamilySMART reintegration workshop

FamilySMART: Deployment workshop — April 2013
This workshop helps partners of deploying members manage the changes that come with deployment and will cover topics such as family preparation and readiness, reactions and coping strategies, communication and connection, and children and deployments.
More information: Download a flyer about the FamilySMART deployment workshop

Double Income No Kids social group — DIINKS
Come along to one of our social events in April and May and meet and greet with other DIINKS in child-free social settings.
More information: Download a flyer about the upcoming DIINKS events

Brisbane Community Connections—meet other Brisbane Defence families during the fourth week of each month
Come along and meet other Defence parents and family at local parks in the community. Family Liaison Officers Pat and Rosie will also be there to provide advice and information about your local area. The gatherings will occur on the fourth Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of every calendar month over 2013.
More Information: Download a flyer about Brisbane Community Connections

Meet the FLOs on Wednesdays at the GBCC
Family Liaison Officers Pat and Rosie will be available each Wednesday from 9–12 pm at the Gallipoli Barracks Community Centre (GBCC) to provide advice and information about your local area.
More Information: Download a flyer about meeting Brisbane FLOS at the GBCC

 

COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CENTRES

Double Income No Kids social group — DIINKS
Come along to one of our social events in April and May and meet and greet with other DIINKS in child-free social settings.
More information: Download a flyer about the upcoming DIINKS events

Gallipoli Barracks Community Centre
Where: Gallipoli Barracks Community Centre, Rattey Street, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera (parking out the front)
The Gallipoli Barracks Community Centre (GBCC) hold a range of activities and events throughout the calendar year and are always looking for new activities and groups that would to utilise the centre, so we would love to hear your ideas and suggestions!
When: see below for what's on offer
—Monday: Little Berets Playgroup [starts 9:30 am]—Little Berets Playgroup is for all ages. Come along have a play and get to know some other mums! Please bring a plate to share (or morning tea for your little one) a drink and a hat!
—Tuesday: Craft [starts 9:30 am]—Come along and enjoy our non-structured craft group. Bring your own activity and get to know some other members that enjoy craft!
—Wednesday: Toy Soldiers Playgroup [starts 9:30 am, $2 per family for craft]—Toy Soldiers is a structured playgroup with organised craft and activities. All ages are welcome from pregnancy and newborn through to school age. Please don't feel shy about coming along without kids either, we would love to meet you! We have plenty of indoor and outdoor toys to keep the littlies happy while you enjoy a cuppa and get to know some of the other lovely ladies! Craft and morning tea operate on a roster system so bring a hat and some morning tea for your little ones.
—Other Events: We also run other events like Girls Night In on the first Friday night of the month and Scrapbooking and UFOs (unfinished objects) on the second Friday of the month 7 pm–10 pm. Several times a year the centre also hosts a pamper day where beauty professionals are brought in to pluck, wax and beautify attendees (kids also welcome)!
More information: Call 0434 507 370 or 0421 164 790; gallipolibarrackscommunitycen@ymail.com
gallipolibarrackscom.wix.com/gbcc

Pine Rivers Family Association
Pine Rivers Family Association groups include craft and playgroups.
Where: Alf Shaw Park, 190 Stanley Street, Strathpine
More information: Centre president: 07 3889 6095, playgroup: 0409 621 246, craft group: 07 3882 2884

Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre
The Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre is a not for profit community owned and operated organisation for individuals and families in the Pine Rivers district.
The Centre responds to personal and community needs within a safe and welcoming environment. Support services are offered to community members using an approach which values each individual and their strengths. We provide a voice for the community by building and maintaining partnerships and offer low cost meeting space for local community groups and organisations.
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.
The centre also runs numerous family-themed courses such as parenting courses, self-improvement courses and other classes like kids cooking.
Where: Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre, 730 Gympie Road, Lawnton
More information: Contact the Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre during office hours on 07 3205 2955. Also see the Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre website.

CANUNGRA

Canungra Yoga
All classes run for 1hr 15 mins cost $13.00.
Where:  Kokoda House
When:  Mondays 9.15 am and Tuesdays 6.15 pm
More information:  Call DCO 07 5618 6405

Canungra Play Group
Kokoda House Toy Library is also open at the same time.
Where:  Kokoda House
When:  Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30 am–11.30am
More information:  Call DCO on 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.
More information: Call DCO on 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.
More information:  Call DCO on 07 5618 6405

REGIONAL INFORMATION FOR BRISBANE

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.
BRISBANE
Brisbane City Council
A range of useful information about all aspects of living in the thriving city of Brisbane. You can also request a new resident’s kit by calling the Council on 07 3403 888.
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Visit Brisbane
Discover all Brisbane has to offer, with details of events and attractions and top things to do and see.
www.visitbrisbane.com.au
CANUNGRA
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Information about community, local services and facilities, and events and activities for Canungra and its beautiful surrounds.
www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au

Disaster Management
Useful information to help you be prepared in the event of extreme weather and cyclones, plus handy emergency contacts.
www.disaster.qld.gov.au

Download a Welcome book
The Welcome to Brisbane booklet contains detailed regional information to help you to get to know Brisbane and surrounds.

Defence postings in Brisbane and northern Queensland include:
Gallipoli Barracks (Enoggera). Gallipoli Barracks has a number of facilities available for use by Defence families.
Victoria Barracks (Brisbane City).
Bulimba Barracks (Bulimba).
Visit the Defence Support Group’s intranet site for the Brisbane and Bulimba Barracks.
Kokoda Barracks (Canungra). Visit the Defence Support Group’s 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.

Top

 

Cairns and Far NorthQueensland

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.

DCO Nth Qld newsletter - Gone Troppo
Find news, articles and information about local events, groups and activities in North Queensland. Gone Troppo March to April 2013 edition

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.

COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CENTRES

Defence Community Recreation Centre (DCRC)
Where: 3 Jensen Street, Manoora
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. Mondays, 9:30-11:30am.
Xtreme Tuesdays: Craft, Coffee and Chat the morning away at DCRC. Tuesdays, 9am-11am. 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. Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30am- 12pm.
Ladies Luncheons: The last payday Thursday of each month. All restaurants are carefully selected to be affordable to everyone.
Girls Night Out: YES it is exactly as much fun as it sounds. Held once every 2 months.
Kids Fun Days: Activities for school aged children.
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. Courses run through-out the year, depending on numbers of interested participants.
More information: Call the DCRC Co-ordinator Fiona on 07 4053 9305 or dcrccairns@bigpond.com. Visit the website at www.dcrc-cairns.com or search for DCRC Cairns on Facebook.

REGIONAL INFORMATION FOR CAIRNS AND NORTH QUEENSLAND

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.
CAIRNS
Cairns Regional Council
All you need to know about living in Cairns, including the latest news, laws and regulations, environment, community services, and local activities, attractions, and events.
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
Cairns Living
Detailed local information, including markets and shopping guides, information on suburbs and schools, sports and activities.
www.cairnsliving.com/living.php
WEIPA AND THURSDAY ISLAND
Weipa Town Authority
Explore life on the Cape, with information on public services, arts and culture, sports and recreation and local regulations, as well as important information about health, extreme weather and pests.
www.weipatownoffice.com
Cape York Information
A collection of links to local attractions, services and general interest information for Cape York.
www.capeyorkinfo.org
Torres Shire Council
A rundown of local services for Thursday Island.
www.torres.qld.gov.au/thursday-island

Disaster Management
Useful information to help you be prepared in the event of extreme weather and cyclones, plus handy emergency contacts.
www.disaster.qld.gov.au

Download a Welcome book
The Welcome to Cairns, Welcome to Thursday Island, Welcome to Weipa booklet contains detailed regional information to help you to get to know the Cairns area.

Defence postings in Cairns and Far North Queensland include:
HMAS Cairns. Visit the website or the Defence intranet site.
51st Battalion Far North Queensland Regiment (51 FNQR) in:

• Cairns.
• Weipa.
• Thursday Island.

Visit the 51 FNQR website or Defence intranet site.
Australian Defence Facility (Thursday Island).
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.
Cairns Schools Directory

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 Cairns, Thursday Island and Weipa. 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.

Top

Darling Downs and Toowoomba

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 Bush Telegraph—newsletter of the Tri-Service Defence Families Support Association
Find news, articles and information about local events, groups and activities in Darling Downs March 2013 edition

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.

Term 2 2013 Events Flyer
The Toowoomba Defence Families Support Association has released a calendar of events for the upcoming term.

COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CENTRES

Toowoomba Defence Families Support Association Inc.
TDFSA is a Community House and Playgroup providing a range of services and activities for all Defence families and civilian families. Membership to the Centre is $5 (Defence) $10 (Civilian) per annum which provides activities such as Playgroup, Coffee Club, Craft, Dinner Dates, Book Club, borrowing library, regular family events, fundraising and much more.

The Centre is friendly, welcoming, air-conditioned/heated, child friendly, and always open to new ideas and suggestions. We provide support, fun and friendship for all ages. The Centre has a toy room, fully equipped kitchen, baby changing facilities and a lounge area. Outdoor facilities include a sandpit, swings, slide, climbing gym and plenty of outside equipment and toys for the kids.

Regular activities include but are not restricted to:

Tuesdays: Coffee Club (various cafés around town) (9.30 am)
Bring a friend and come along for a coffee and a chat while you meet new people. Children are welcome.
Wednesdays: Dinomites Playgroup (9:30–11:30 am)
Thursdays: Kiddies Troupe (9:30–11:30 am)
All ages are welcome, from pregnancy through to school age. Please don’t feel shy about coming along without kids; we would love to meet you. We have plenty of indoor and outdoor equipment and toys to keep the littlies busy, as well as craft activities. Please bring along a hat and some morning tea for you little one. Tea and coffee provided. Cost is $3 per family.
Fridays: Craft and coffee (9:30–11:30 am)
Need to finish of a sewing or craft project, machine not working or just wants some company? We have a couple of sewing machines and an overlocker that you can use. If you are crafty and want to share your skills with others please contact the Co-ordinator below. Cost $3 per session.

The Community House is open as a Drop-in Facility Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am–2 pm. The urn is always hot so please call in, have a chat and a cuppa, flick through our magazines or borrow a book. Come and view the Centre’s services and facilities first hand. We also have a Facebook page that is regularly updated with what is happening for the week.

Where: Corner O’Quinn and Anzac Ave, Toowoomba
Coordinator: Joanne Wurth
Contact Number: 0404 030 575
Email: tdfsa_co-ordinator@hotmail.com
Facebook: (search for) Toowoomba Defence Families Community House and Playgroups

REGIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT DARLING DOWNS AND TOOWOOMBA

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.
Toowoomba Regional Council
All you need to know about living in Toowoomba, including the latest news, laws and regulations, environment, community services, and local activities, attractions, and events.
www.toowoombarc.qld.gov.au
Toowoomba and Darling Downs
Things to do and see in Toowoomba and Darling Downs.
www.toowoombaholidays.com.au
Oakey Community Website
A community directory for residents of Oakey.
http://oakey.qld.au

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

Defence postings in Darling Downs and Toowoomba include:
Borneo Barracks (Cabarlah). Visit the website or Defence intranet site for the 7th Signal Regiment at Borneo Barracks.
The Army Aviation Training Centre / Swartz Barracks (Oakey). Visit the Defence intranet site.
Or visit the Defence Support Group’s intranet site outlining base services in Darling Downs.
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.

Top

Townsville and North Queensland

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.

DCO North Queensland newsletter—Gone Troppo
Find news, articles and information about local events, groups and activities in North Queensland. Gone Troppo March April 2013

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.

Post Operations Psychological Screen (POPS)
Partners and adult family members in the Brisbane region are now welcome to take part in the Post Operational Psychological Screening, or POPS, process with their ADF member. 

The role that families play in supporting a member’ s mental health and wellbeing after a deployment is critical, and it’s important that they are engaged in the recovery process right from the start.

To arrange a Family POPS appointment, please contact the chain of command and ask to speak with the Family POPS Unit Liaison Officer, and download the following documents for more information.
Family Inclusive Post Operations Psychological Screen (POPS) campaign
ADF Members Post Operational Psychological Screening (POPS) Campaign

COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CENTRES

Blue Skies Preschool and Kindergarten
Blue Skies is situated on RAAF Base Townsville and accepts enrolments from both Defence and Civilian families. The Centre has close ties with base facilities which offers exciting extensions to our program.
Where: RAAF Base, Garbutt
When: Monday – Friday 9:00am - 2:30pm in accordance with Education Qld school terms.
More information: 07 4752 1153 or blueskies@hotkey.net.au

Geckos @ Lavarack
Geckos is a tri-service community centre providing a range of services and activities for all defence families. Geckos provides a mix of formal and informal activities such as playgroups, coffee club and craft group each week.
Where: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks, Townsville
When: Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm
More information:Bus. Hours: 07 4411 7031 or 07 4411 1741
After hours: 0438 558 812
HQ3BDE.family.nq@defence.gov.au
Facebook: search for Geckos

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. The Centre provides activities such as playgroups, coffee club and craft group.
Where: RAAF Base, Ingham Rd, Garbutt
When:Monday to Friday 9am – 1pm
More information: 07 4752 1149 or tnfc@bigpond.com 

REGIONAL INFORMATION FOR TOWNSVILLE

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.

TOWNSVILLE
Townsville City Council
Information about all aspects of living in Townsville, including facilities and recreation, community and events and important environment and cyclone info.
www.townsville.qld.gov.au

MOUNT ISA
Mount Isa City Council
All you need to know about living in Mount Isa, including the latest news, laws and regulations, environment, community services, and local activities, attractions, and events.
www.mountisa.qld.gov.au

Disaster Management
Useful information to help you be prepared in the event of extreme weather and cyclones, plus handy emergency contacts.
www.disaster.qld.gov.au

Download a Welcome book
The Welcome to Townsville and Welcome to Mount Isa booklets contain detailed regional information to help you to get to know the Townsville and Mount Isa areas.

Defence postings in Townsville include:
Lavarack Barracks. Find information on the 3rd Brigade and family support at Lavarack at the Army website or Defence intranet site.
Ross Island Barracks (South Townsville).
RAAF Base Townsville. Visit the website or the Defence intranet site. More base information can be found on the Defence Support Group’s intranet site.
Mount Isa / 51st Battalion Far North Queensland Regiment (51 FNQR). Visit the 51 FNQR website or 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.
Townsville Schools Directory

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 Townsville and Mount Isa. 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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