DCO is hosting welcome events across the country in early 2013
Posting in, posting out, staying where you are? All Defence families are welcome to attend a welcome event!
Welcome events are a great opportunity for Defence families to get to know their local area. They are always relaxed social occasions during which Defence families can meet each other and get to know more about the services and supports in their local area.
Some welcome events are low key – a coffee catch-up or craft day – while others are full-scale tradeshows with community stalls, local government representatives, ADF equipment displays and live entertainment.
Either way, DCO’s welcome events help our families build community and social networks, gain information about Defence and community-based services, and enjoy a day out with the family.
Although welcome events focus on new families posting into the area, they are open to all ADF members and their families.
Where and when?
More dates will be announced over the coming weeks, so keep an eye on this page and be sure to ‘like’ us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DefenceCommunityOrganisation to receive updates in your news feed.
> South Australia – Welcome Day 2013
Where and when: Saturday 16 February 2013, 11 am to 1 pm RAAF Base Edinburgh.
Features: Stalls featuring local community services, Defence services and RAAF Base Edinburgh facilities. Enjoy family entertainment, a free sausage sizzle and a RAAF versus Army soccer match.
RSVP: No RSVP required but further information can be obtained by calling 08 8305 6231.
> Townsville – Defence Welcome and Information Expo 2013
Where and when: Saturday 16 February 2013, 10 am to 3 pm, Townsville RSL Stadium.
Features: Information stalls and exhibits by local Defence, community and government services, opportunities to change your electoral enrolment or licence, pet registration, local recreational info, info on local employment opportunities, entertainment and a range of free activities for kids.
RSVP:No RSVP is necessary, but for more information email DCO.Townsville@defence.gov.au
or call 07 4753 6539. Turn up on the day and be prepared to have some fun!
> Western Australia – Welcome to the West 2013 family day
Where and when: Sunday 17 February 2013, Leeuwin Barracks, East Fremantle
Features: Bouncy castles, bungee tramps, baby animal farm and other kids’ entertainment, alongside 50+ community organisations and service providers who would like to welcome you to WA. The Army band will provide a musical performance, and there will be a sausage sizzle, soft serve ice creams and you can support the Navy Cadets to fundraise for their activities by purchasing cold drinks for $1.50. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the music, company and festivities of the day under the shade.
RSVP: To Shari Freeman on 08 9591 9355 or at shari.freeman@defence.gov.au
> Canberra—2013 Canberra Defence Expo Day
Where and when: Saturday 2 March 2013, 10 am to 1 pm, Queanbeyan Showgrounds. Please see this Showground and parking map for the Canberra 2013 welcome.
Features: An interactive day of displays and information from local community organisations, sporting and recreational groups, live music, activities for the kids, Bean Talkin' Lifeline Coffee Van, competitions, representatives from Defence service providers and much more!
RSVP:No RSVP is necessary but more information can be found by emailing jaimie.northam@defence.gov.au or calling 02 6265 8865. Turn up on the day and be prepared to learn something new about Canberra and be ready to have some fun!
> Nowra—The 2013 Shoalhaven Defence Expo Day
Where and when: Saturday 9 March 2013, 11 am to 2 pm, Air Museum HMAS Albatross.
Features: An interactive day of displays and information from local community organisations, sporting and recreational groups and activities for the children. Sausage sizzle available.
RSVP: by 1 March 2013 to Nikki.Ralph@defence.gov.au or 02 4421 3855.
> Brisbane—Gallipoli Barracks Community Centre Welcome
Where and When: Sunday 24 February 10 am–1 pm
Gallipoli Barracks Community Centre Welcome—come see what the centre can offer you and your family. Stay for the welcome BBQ and the magician!
More information: Download a Flyer
> Brisbane—DCO Brisbane Welcome and Family Expo
Where: and when: Sunday 14 April 2013, 10 am to 3 pm, at Duncan Oval, Gallipoli Barracks.
Features: The DCO Brisbane Welcome and Family Expo will be incorporated into the Gallipoli Barracks Open Day.
RSVP: No RSVP required but further information can be obtained by calling 07 3354 0573.
More information: Download the Welcome and family expo flyer
> Melbourne/Cerberus—Welcome Day at the Melbourne Museum
Where and when: Sunday 17 February 2013 between 10 am and 1 pm at the Melbourne Museum.
Features: ADF members and their immediate families newly posted to the DCO Melbourne and Cerberus areas are welcome to attend this event. Families can get it know each other, meet DCO staff and obtain information about local services. A Live Exhibit Handler will be on hand with different displays in the activity rooms throughout the day. Food can be purchased at own expense at the Museum’s café, or families can bring along a picnic to enjoy in the surrounding gardens. For more information visit the Melbourne Museum’s website. Various Defence related groups and organisations will be present along with DCO in the Activity rooms.
RSVP: RSVP is essential, by Wednesday 6 February. Please complete the RSVP form and email it to dco.melbourne@defence.gov.au. For more information call 03 9282 3028.
> Mactier Community Centre Expo [Melbourne region; Macleod]
Where and when: Wedneday 20 February 6.30–9 pm at the Mactier Community Centre, Simpson Barracks.
Features: Meet and greet with group coordinators and facilitators. Find out what the centre can do for you and your family.
RSVP: No RSVP required but futher information can be obtained from the flyer promoting the Mactier Community Centre Expo Welcome.
> Darwin – Welcome to the Top End Community Service Expo and Family Day
Where and when: Sunday 24th February between 10 am and 1 pm at the Palmerston Recreation Centre on Frances St.
Features: Community service information booths (recreation, health, Defence and more), information briefings (schedule to be advised), children's activities, ADF displays, community café.
RSVP: No RSVP required, but for more information call 08 8935 7900.
> Amberley – Family Welcome Day
Where and when: Wednesday 13 February 2013 between 10 am and 12 noon at the Ipswich RSL.
Features: Community organisations will be there to provide information about local services, programs and activities. Refreshments and children's entertainment will be available.
RSVP: Call 07 4631 4470.
> Sydney/Liverpool – Welcome Lunch
DCO Sydney and Liverpool invite all ADF members and their families in the region to join us for a welcome lunch. Come along, meet new families and help those recently posted to get to know the area.
Where and when:
>> Wednesday 23 January 2013 between 10.30 am and 1 pm at Kissing Point Cottage at 282 Kissing Point Rd, Dundas.
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Saturday 2 February 2013 between 11.30 am and 1.30 pm at Arthur Byrne Reserve, Maroubra.
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Saturday 9 February 2013 between 11.30 am and 1.30 pm at Wattle Grove Lake, Wattle Grove Drive.
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Saturday 16 February 2013 between 11.30 am and 1.30 pm at the Sutherland Multi User Depot, 13 Rawson Avenue in Sutherland.
Features: A light lunch and refreshments will be provided along with lots of entertainment for the kids. Local representatives will be available to provide information about local support services.
RSVP: Is essential. Please forward your RSVP one week prior to your chosen event to dco.liverpool@defence.gov.au, including your name and the number people you plan to bring along.
Where and when: Wednesday 20th February at the Base Community Centre
Features: Free morning tea with information stalls hosted by local community support agencies.
RSVP: juliann.rogers@defence.gov.au or ring Julie on 03 5146 6030
> Singleton – Welcome to Singleton Afternoon
Where and when: Friday 18 January 2013 between 2 pm and 6.30 pm at the Lone Pine Barracks.
Features: Run in conjunction with the School of Infantry, this welcome event is for newly arrived members and families to come together in a family friendly environment. Defence families will have the opportunity to meet and greet and gather local community agency information.
RSVP: None necessary, but for more information call 02 4034 6973.
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> Albury-Wodonga – Welcome and Information Evening
Where and When: Friday 22 February 2013, 4 pm to 7 pm, near the Gym, Gaza Ridge Barracks, North Bandiana.
Features: Displays from each of the military schools as well as numerous community groups and organisations with information stalls showcasing themselves. Refreshments will be available throughout the evening at a small cost.
RSVP: Please RSVP to DCO.Bandiana@defence.gov.au. If you have any questions about the event please contact Chris Gabriel on 02 6055 2130.
> Puckapunyal – Family Welcome and Information Expo
Where and When: Sunday 24 February 2013, 11 am to 2 pm, Puckapunyal Area Theatre, Puckapunyal.
Features: Displays from the military schools, fun activities for children, as well as numerous community groups and organisations with information stalls showcasing themselves.
RSVP: No RSVP required.
> Wagga Wagga – Defence Families and Community Expo
Where and when: Friday 8 February 2013, 3.30 pm to 7.30 pm, Kapooka Community Centre, Kapooka Drive, Kapooka.
Features: Community organisations will be there to provide information about local services, programs and activities.
RSVP: No RSVP required, but for more information contact DCO on 02 6931 0011.
Where and when: Saturday 23 February 2013, 10 am to 1 pm, HMAS Cairns.
Features:
A range of activities for Defence families.
RSVP: 07 4053 9300 or DCO.Cairns@defence.gov.au
> Richmond – Welcome Morning Tea
Where and when: Wednesday 30 January 2013, 10.30 am, The Brasserie, Best Western Colonial Motel 161 March Street, Richmond.
Features: Defence families from the local community as well as community organisations will be there to develop projects, ideas and initiatives to help build a connected Defence community.
RSVP: Please RSVP by 25 January 2013 by emailing dco.richmond@defence.gov.au or by calling 02 4587 1130.
> Penrith – Welcome Morning Tea
Where and when: Wednesday 6 March 2013, 10.30 am, Sapphire Café 1/31 Blue Hills Drive, Glenmore Park.
Features: Defence families from the local community as well as community organisations will be there to develop projects, ideas and initiatives to help build a connected Defence community.
RSVP: Please RSVP by 1 March 2013 by emailing dco.richmond@defence.gov.au or by calling 02 4587 1130.
> Rouse Hill – Welcome Morning Tea
Where and when: Wednesday 27 February 2013, 10.30 am, Coco Cabana The New Rouse Hill Town Centre, Corner Civic Way and Main Street, Rouse Hill.
Features: Defence families from the local community as well as community organisations will be there to develop projects, ideas and initiatives to help build a connected Defence community.
RSVP: Please RSVP by 22 February 2013 by emailing dco.richmond@defence.gov.au or by calling 02 4587 1130.
> Lower Blue Mountains – Welcome Morning Tea
Where and when: Wednesday 13 March 2013, 10.30 am, venue TBC.
Features: Defence families from the local community as well as community organisations will be there to develop projects, ideas and initiatives to help build a connected Defence community.
RSVP: Please RSVP by 8 March 2013 by emailing dco.richmond@defence.gov.au or by calling 02 4587 1130.
Where and when: Friday 1 February 2013, 10 am to 2 pm, Kittyhawk Club Room 17 AAFCANS (Frontline), RAAF Base Williamtown.
Features: Community organisations will be there to provide information on local activities and events. A jumping castle and face painting will also be on-site to entertain children as well as a free sausage sizzle.
RSVP: Entry tickets are free but will need to be booked by 30 January 2013 by calling DCO Hunter on 02 4034 6973. Tickets can be delivered or collected from the DCO Williamtown office.
> Raymond Terrace – Meet and Greet
Where and when: Monday 4 February 2013, 10 am, Raymond Terrace Bowling Club Corner Jacaranda Avenue and Port Stephens Street, Raymond Terrace.
Features: Guest speakers, community information stalls and show bags will there to provide information to attendees. Morning tea will be provided and lunch can be purchased from the Bistro.
RSVP: Please RSVP by 28 January 2013 by calling Terri-lea on 0421 023 615 or by emailing terracebuddies@gmail.com
Where and when: Saturday 9 February 2013, 10.30 am to 1.30 pm, Maitland Park near the swimming pool.
Inclusions: A sausage sizzle will be provided for Defence families to meet their local community.
RSVP: Please RSVP by 5 February by calling Emma on 0452 223 641 or by emailing defencefamiliesmaitland@gmail.com
Where and when: Saturday 23 February 2013, 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm, Gregson Park Corner Steel Street and Tudor Street, Hamilton.
Features: A sausage sizzle will be provided for Defence families to meet their local community with play equipment available for children.
RSVP: Please RSVP by 19 February 2013 to Michelle on 0414 498 029 or by emailing michelle.hughes24@hotmail.com
>Darling Downs - Welcome Event
This event was cancelled. For information regarding DCO programs, support and local area information please contact dco.darlingdowns@defence.gov.au
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