Perth and surrounds

Including Perth, Pearce, Rockingham and Garden Islands.

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 Western Australia Bulletin
Find news, articles and information about local events, groups and activities in Perth.
December '12 to January '13

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.

Easter Morning Tea
Families of members deployed on HMAS Toowoomba and HMAS Dechaineaux can come along to an Easter morning tea in Rockingham.
Where: Churchill Park, Rockingham Foreshore. Meet in front of the cafe.
When: Tuesday 26 March, 9.30 am – 11 am
RSVP: Send an email to DCO Western Australia
More information: Download the morning tea flyer
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COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CENTRES

PEARCE

Pearce Toy Library and Social Group Inc.
Where: Family Services Centre, BLD52 (next door to DEFCREDIT), RAAF Base Pearce
When: Friday, 9.30 am – 11.30 am, except public holidays and Christmas stand down
More information: 08 9571 7491

Bullsbrook Neighbourhood Centre
The Neighbourhood Centre is a community house for Bullsbrook families, providing excellent opportunities to make new friends and learn new skills. The centre offers courses during school terms for a minimal cost, with childcare provided.
Where: 43 Bowman Street, Bullsbrook More information: 08 9571 1008
More information: 08 9571 7491 

PERTH

Karrakatta Community House Inc.
Karrakatta Community House is located in two houses, side by side, at Irwin Barracks. One of the houses is dedicated to courses or seminars held over the year, such as craft activities or first aid courses. The other house serves as a babysitting venue for when courses are held, run by qualified carers, and equipped with toys, sleeping, and feeding facilities. It is also used as for a playgroup on Mondays.
Where: Stubbs Terrace, Irwin Barracks, Karrakatta
When: Open Monday 9.30 am–11.30 am for playgroup, Tuesday 9.30 am–12.30 pm and Friday 9.30–12.30 pm for courses
More information: 08 9385 0554 or karaka@bigpond.net.au

The SASR Auxiliary
A community group to support members and families of the SASR.
More information: 08 9285 6666
The Toy Library contains over 250 toys catering for babies through to teenagers. We can also cater for birthday parties or other special events at no extra cost.
The Library operates on a volunteer basis.  There is an annual membership fee which is reduced if you volunteer once a term.  Most toys are $1 per week to hire and the hire period is flexible (usually 2 weeks).  We encourage Defence partners to become members and volunteer in the Toy Library in order to meet new people and settle into their new community.
The group provides welcome boxes to new families in the Pearce community. These contain vital information about services in and around the Bullsbrook area. The group also meets periodically for morning teas and social functions. 
More information: Call DCO on 08 9571 7015, or a committee member on Friday on 08 9571 7491

ROCKINGHAM

Marilla Community Centre
Marilla House is a Defence-sponsored Community Centre.  It’s the perfect place to meet Defence and non-Defence families, make new friends or catch up with some old friends. So if you need some time out of the house, come along to Marilla House where the kids can have some fun while you enjoy a chat and a coffee.
PLAYGROUP
Open for 0-5 years of age. There are semi-structured weekly themed programs, various craft, activities, mat sessions with singing and story time. Please bring along a piece of fruit to share for morning tea. Assorted Sandwiches are provided for the children. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9.30 am–11.30 am.
Where: 26 Dargin Way, Rockingham
More information:  08 9527 9850 or marillahouse@westnet.com.au

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REGIONAL INFORMATION FOR PERTH AND SURROUNDS

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.
Government of WA
This website is your doorway to Western Australia’s information and services, including health, business, law, community, education, recreation, tourism, transport and local area information.
www.wa.gov.au
Western Australia Tourism Commission
The official tourism website, with information about things to do and see, travel and vital information about WA.
www.westernaustralia.com

PEARCE
City of Swan
Information about local life, services and events in the Swan District (which includes the Pearce area).
www.swan.wa.gov.au

PERTH
City of Perth
Information on all aspects of living and working in Perth.
www.cityofperth.wa.gov.au
Experience Perth
Things to see and do in Perth.
www.experienceperth.com

ROCKINGHAM
City of Rockingham
A great and comprehensive resource for residents of Rockingham. Includes a downloadable activity guide listing local sporting, cultural and recreational activities.
www.rockingham.wa.gov.au
Rockingham Directory
The annual Rockingham Directory contains council information, local business details, emergency numbers and a community information directory.
For a copy, call the Rockingham City Council on 08 9528 0333.

Department of Communities
With sections for youth, women, parents and families, the department has a wealth of information about community resources in WA.
www.communities.wa.gov.au

Community Link and Network WA
CLAN WA helps strengthen families in WA by encouraging healthy relationships, effective parenting, support networks and community participation.
www.clanwa.com.au

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

Defence postings in Perth and surrounds include:
HMAS Stirling / Fleet Base West (Garden Island). Visit the website or the Defence intranet site.
Campbell Barracks (Swanbourne).
Irwin Barracks (Karrakatta). Visit the Defence Support Group site on the Defence intranet.
Leeuwin Barracks (East Fremantle). Visit the Defence Support Group site on the Defence intranet.
RAAF Base Pearce. 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.

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Pilbara and northern WA

News
Events
Community groups and centres
Regional information

NEWS AND 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

Pilbara Regiment Family Group (PRFG)
The PRFG was set up to provide a social and supportive atmosphere for new families posted to this remote region. We do fundraising and apply to DCO for grants each year. The group organises activities for members such as first aid courses, tours to Millstream National Park, cruising the Dampier Archipelago and quiz nights. We also organise babysitting during the Regiment's Annual Ball and assist members from outstations (i.e. Newman, Tom Price, Port Hedland) to get to Karratha to be able to join in the Ball.
More information: 08 9185 3610 or prfamilygroup@hotmail.com

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REGIONAL INFORMATION FOR NORTHERN WA

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.
Government of WA
This website is your doorway to Western Australia’s information and services, including health, business, law, community, education, recreation, tourism, transport and local area information.
www.wa.gov.au
Western Australia Tourism Commission
The official tourism website, with information about things to do and see, travel and vital information about WA.
www.westernaustralia.com
Australia’s NorthWest
Discover more about this fascinating corner of Australia, including travel information, events and things to see and do.
www.australiasnorthwest.com
PILBARA REGION
Karratha Visitor Centre
Regional information, attractions, activities and things to do in the West Pilbara coast and Karratha region.
www.pilbaracoast.com
NORTH WEST CAPE / EXMOUTH
Exmouth Visitor Centre
Things to do and see in Exmouth and surrounds.
www.exmouthwa.com.au
Shire of Exmouth
Community and services information for Exmouth and surrounds.
www.exmouth.wa.gov.au

Department of Communities
With sections for youth, women, parents and families, the department has a wealth of information about community resources in WA.
www.communities.wa.gov.au

Community Link and Network WA
CLAN WA helps strengthen families in WA by encouraging healthy relationships, effective parenting, support networks and community participation.
www.clanwa.com.au

Download a Welcome book
The Welcome to Western Australia booklet contains detailed regional information to help you to get to know Western Australia.

Defence postings in the Pilbara and northern WA include:
RAAF Base Learmonth (Exmouth).
RAAF Base Curtin (Derby).
Geraldton.
Karratha (Pilbara). Visit the website or the Defence intranet site for the Pilbara Regiment.
Note: to view the Defence intranet sites, the ADF member will need to use a computer with access to the Defence Restricted Network.
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 Derby, Broome, Kununurra, Karratha, Port Hedland, Carnarvon, Tom Price, Newman and Exmouth. 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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