Albury Wodonga

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 Albury Wodonga News Sheet
Find news, articles and information about local events, groups and activities in Albury / Wodonga. February 2013 edition

Community Circles: enhance your local Albury-Wodonga community—25 March [two sessions]
Come meet with local DCO Family Liaison Officers and other Defence partners and family members to discuss ways to enhance the local Defence community. Bring your ideas, thoughts and experiences as a Defence family member and pitch in! There are two sessions of this event being held (see below)
When: 9.30 am–10.30 am AND 5.30 pm–6.30 pm, Monday 25 March [please nominate session in RSVP]
Where: DCO Conference Room, Building 109, North Bandiana
RSVP: Please RSVP to DCO Bandiana by 21 March
More information: See this flyer about the Community Circles event.

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

Bandiana Neighbourhood House
The House provides a range of childcare, courses and activities for both Defence and Civilian families. We are a registered childcare provider and provide various childcare options including occasional care, kinder and playgroup. All families wishing to utilise the childcare are required pay the annual membership fee of $20. Other activities are available at member and non-member rates such as courses, yoga and craft groups.
Where: Wattle Road, North Bandiana Barracks (directly opposite the Military Post Office)
More information: 02 6055 2137 or bandiana@iinet.net.au

NECANA Association Inc.
The NECANA Association is a volunteer organisation whic supports Defence families in the Albury Wodonga Military Area by running programs and activities specifically designed and developed for them. Regular activities include the Pac-aPicnic Program, the weekly NECANA Coffee Club, the Teens in Action Programs and the annual Defence Family Fun Day. A band of skilled and enthusiastic volunteers put together a monthly newsletter for the Defence community, the NECANA newsletter.
More information: 0434 710 056 or necana@iinet.net.au

REGIONAL INFORMATION FOR ALBURY WODONGA

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.
Albury City Council
An excellent resource for information about living, working and playing in Albury, including a comprehensive community guide and map.
www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au
City of Wodonga
All the services, facilities, attractions and events information you need to get started in Wodonga, including a comprehensive community guide and map.
www.wodonga.vic.gov.au
Visit Albury Wodonga
A tourism site for the twin cities, including things to do and see and a downloadable visitors’ guide.
www.visitalburywodonga.com

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

Defence postings in Albury Wodonga include:
The Army Logistic Training Centre. Visit the Defence intranet site .
Joint Logistics Unit (Vic). Visit 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.

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Melbourne and surrounds

Including Melbourne, Macleod and the Mornington Peninsula.

News
Events
Community groups and centres
Regional information

NEWS

Simpson’s Voice—newsletter of the Simpson Barracks
Find news, articles and information about local events, groups and activities in Melbourne.
Dec 2012 - Jan-Feb 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

Cerberus Cottage Family and Friends
Cerberus Cottage offers a number of activities including playgroup, ceramics and craft activities, cuppas with the Family Liaison Officer and fitness activities. The Cottage also has computer access and provides 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).
Defence Family Forum | Defence Community Organisation | Australian Government Department of Defence
Where:16 Cook Road, HMAS Cerberus
More information: 03 5983 0274 or coordinator@cerberuscottage.com.au or 03 5983 0274. You can also search for Cerberus Cottage on Facebook.

Mactier Community Centre
Something for everyone! We have coffee groups, fitness activities, after school support groups, playgroups and more.
Where: Building 40 (Service Centre building), Simpson Barracks, Watsonia, Melbourne
More information: Contact the centre on mactier9@tpg.com.au or 03 8481 7211. Alternatively, visit www.mactiercommunitycentre.com.au or search for Mactier Community Centre on Facebook.

WAGS Toy Library
Membership is open to the families all Defence members and APS employees 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, Nintendos, and Gameboys). For those new to the library, there is a wide range of toys (over 950) from baby activities to roller skates, Nintendos to board games. Where else can you borrow Air Hockey Tables or Jumping Castles for only one small yearly fee? Please contact the toy library if you are interested in joining or helping out.
Where: Building 30 (next to the Base Pharmacy car park), RAAF Base Williams, Laverton
When: Open Thursday 12 noon– 1 pm
More information: 03 9256 3938

Williams Defence Community House
Where: 12 Sir Richard Williams Avenue, RAAF Williams, Laverton 3027
Craft (subsidised child minding available) – on hold because the facilitator is sick
Scrapbooking - Tuesday evenings
Meditation - Tuesday 12.10 pm to 12.50 pm
Tai Chi – Wednesday 12 to 1pm
Wippa Snappa's Playgroup – Tuesday and Thursday 9.30 am to 11.30 am
Yoga – Friday 12 to 1pm
More information: 03 9369 1916, email: coord@williamsdefencecommunityhouse.com or www.williamsdefencecommunityhouse.com

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REGIONAL INFORMATION FOR MELBOURNE

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.
City of Melbourne
The Melbourne City Council website, with extensive information about city services, transport, facilities, and local activities and events.
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au

More information: Local Councils covered by DCO Southern Victoria

Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre
1800 804 009
3598 Point Nepean Road,Dromana
www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org
Visit Melbourne
Things to do and see in Melbourne and surrounds.
www.visitmelbourne.com

Mornington Peninsula and Cerberus
www.mornpen.vic.gov.au           (Mornington, Mount Martha, Somerville, Hastings, Crib Point, Rosebud)

www.frankston.vic.gov.au         (Frankston, Carrum Downs, Seaford, Langwarrin)
Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre
1800 804 009
3598 Point Nepean Road,Dromana
www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org
Simpson Barracks Area
www.banyule.vic.gov.au/        (Bundoora, Greensborough,Viewbank, Macleod, Watsonia,Yallambie)

www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au         (Bundoora, Epping, Mernda, Mill Park, South Morang Whittlesea)

RAAF Base Williams Area  

www.hobsons.vic.gov.au            (Altona, Newport, Seabrook, Williamstown)

www.wyndham.vic.gov.au             (Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Wyndham Vale, Point Cook)

Defence postings in Melbourne include:
Victoria Barracks (Southbank)and Defence Plaza. Visit the Defence Support Group’s intranet site
RAAF Base Williams (Laverton and Point Cook). Visit the website or the Defence Support Group’s intranet site.
Simpson Barracks (Macleod). Visit the Defence Support Group intranet site.
HMAS Cerberus (Crib Point). Visit the website or the Defence intranet site.
Defence Plaza & Defence offices.
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.

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

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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Puckapunyal

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.

COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CENTRES

REGIONAL INFORMATION FOR PUCKAPUNYAL

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.
Puckaonline
An online resource to orient Defence families to the Puckapunyal and Seymour region.
www.puckaonline.com
Mitchell Shire Council
Services, regulations and community information for Mitchell Shire, to which Puckpaunyal belongs.
www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au
Seymour Visitor Information Service
Old Courthouse, Emily Street, Seymour
03 5799 0233
info@seymourvisitors.org

Defence postings in Puckapunyal include:
The Puckapunyal Military Area. Visit 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.

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

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 Sale and Puckapunyal. 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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Sale and South-East Victoria

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.

Umbrella Newsletter – East Sale Family Group
Find news, articles and information about local events, groups and activities in East Sale.
Summer 2012 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.

23 March 2013
Easter Family Fun Day
East Sale Family Group Inc wishes to invite all military, APS and contractor personnel and their families to an Easter family fun day. Tickets are $10 per family or $5 for a single ticket and can be purchased from Defence Bank.
When: Saturday 23 March, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Wapiti Avenue, RAAF Base East Sale
More information: Download a flyer

COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CENTRES

EAST SALE FAMILY GROUP INC.
The East Sale Family Group Inc was established to enrich the lives of families within the Defence community. Welcoming Defence families into an environment that empowers individuals through shared contacts, interaction and knowledge. We currently offer a number of fabulous groups to facilitate this. Annual membership is $10 per year (including one free term of playgroup)
Easter Family Fun Day
When: Saturday, 23 March 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Wapiti Avenue, RAAF Base East Sale
More information: Download a flyer
Little Hoots Playgroup
Please bring a piece of fruit to share and a healthy lunch for your children.
When: Monday, 9.30 am–12 noon
Coffee Club
Meet some of the other families over a tea/coffee. Children welcome.
When: Wednesday, 9.30 am–12 noon
Sewing Society
Bring along any project you like, tuition available for $10.
When: Third Sunday of the month
Twilight Creations
Spend some time working on any craft you like. Project nights are held regularly for those who need some inspiration.
When: Monday, 7 pm
Health and Wellbeing Group
Various programs run throughout the year, including group personal training, mummy fitness classes, pilates and more. Or if you just need to find a fitness buddy to help you stay motivated, contact our group leader who may know just the right person for you. Like our Facebook page to stay updated about, and register your interest in, upcoming programs.
Photography Group and Book Club
Currently seeking expressions of interest for both of these groups. Fantastic resources available. Contact the group for more details.
The Umbrella newsletter
The Umbrella newsletter is produced by volunteers and is posted out to local Defence Families four times a year. Please pass on your address details to the Coordinator or FLO to ensure you receive a copy in your mailbox. The Editor welcomes inclusions that may interest Defence Families, email your contributions or suggestions to umbrellasale@gmail.com. Download the latest edition in the News section above.
More information: eastsalefamilygroup@gmail.com or 03 5146 6171. Visit the Facebook site at www.facebook.com/esfg.inc

Sale Neighbourhood House
Lots of different people come to the House for lots of different reasons - to volunteer, to work, to play, to learn, to share, to teach, to relax or just to say hello and unwind. The House offers health and wellbeing classes, craft and cooking courses, childcare and many other programs.
Where: 19-23 Leslie Street, Sale
When: Open Monday to Friday, 9 am–3 pm
More information:http://snh.net.au or 03 5144 5747  

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REGIONAL INFORMATION FOR SALE

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.
Tourism Wellington
Attractions, information, facilities and more for central Gippsland (including Sale).
www.tourismwellington.com.au
Wellington Shire Council
Events, programs and community and service information for Wellington Shire (to which Sale belongs).
www.wellington.vic.gov.au

Defence postings in Sale
RAAF Base East Sale.
The RAAF Base East Sale website has extensive local information available for Defence families, including education and lifestyle information, and entertainment, job opportunities and housing in Sale.
You can also visit 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.

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

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 Sale and Puckapunyal. 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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