Defence Family Matters
To find out about events for ADF families in Townsville, visit our Eventbrite page. You'll be able to RSVP, add events to your calendar and share with friends.
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.
To receive updates from the team at DCO North Queensland about upcoming programs, events and our quarterly newsletter please register to our Mailing List: DCO NQ Mailing List Registration Form
Community groups & centres
AAFC provides an opportunity for young people aged between 13 and 18 to meet new friends, build confidence and leadership skills, while experiencing a variety of activities both in the air and on the ground.
Where: RAAF Base, Garbutt
When: Fridays 6.30 pm to 10.15 pm (during school terms)
More information: call 07 4752 1723, visit Australian Air Force Cadets website or email aafc101sqn@gmail.com
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 to Friday 9:00am - 2:30pm in accordance with Education Qld school terms.
More information: 07 4752 1153 or email blueskieskindy@gmail.com
The Defence Special Needs Support Group is a non-profit benevolent volunteer organisation established to assist ADF families with a family member with special needs.
More info: DSNSG Townsville
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 to 4pm
More information: Bus Hours: 07 4411 7031 or 07 4411 1741
After hours: 0418 782 092 Geckos website | email: HQ3BDE.family.nq@defence.gov.au |
Facebook: search for Geckos
Saints Eagles Souths Football Club Inc (aka Saints or SESFC) caters for boys and girls aged 5-18, men and women 18-50+.
Where: Clubhouse and junior training fields: Cnr Marron Cres, Balls Lane and Ross River Road, Mundingburra 4812
Senior training fields and home ground: Aitkenvale Park, adjacent to the Aitkenvale Library, Petunia St.
More information: SESFC website
Meet every Monday morning 9:30 am at Lavarack Chapel meeting room
Are you a woman connected to a currently serving member of the ADF? The AMC has a branch in Townsville and we'd like you to join us!
No experience required, no audition necessary, just come along to enjoy singing together.
Where: rehearsals are at Wier State School
When: 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of each month from 7.00pm to 8.30pm
Contact: amwc.townsville@gmail.com or visit Australian Military Wives website
Open Arms provides counselling and support services to Australia's military community. If you have served one day of continuous full-time service in the ADF you can call them for support. They also support families, reservists and some peacekeepers. Call Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 for free, confidential counselling and group programs to support mental health and wellbeing.
Regional info
The following resources and websites can give you a good grounding in local information and services available.
Useful information to help you be prepared in the event of extreme weather and cyclones, plus handy emergency contacts:
You can also talk to your Unit Welfare Officer for more information.
The Creche and Kindergarten Association Limited (C&K) is a not for profit organisation that has offered early childhood education and care since 1907. C&K Is currently taking enrolments now for 2015. To enrol visit the Creche and Kindergarten Association website or call us on 1800177092.
Defence Family Helpline | 1800 624 608
