Defence
Holy Spirit Catholic School runs a breakfast program for students from 8am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays every week. It is a great opportunity to meet other parents dropping off their children and to share a piece of warm toast. We are always looking for donations of bread, jam, vegemite and honey.... please no peanut paste or nutella as we are a NUT FREE SCHOOL. Looking forward to sharing toast with you all.
February 15th to August 15th - DCO’s Virtual Welcome
This year our welcome events will be a little different. For the first time we will be providing ADF members and families all over Australia with the opportunity to join us for a virtual welcome event through our new online platform.
At your convenience and from the comfort of home you can access a range of information about our services and programs, as well as local community information. Register for your ticket and we’ll email you the link and instructions on how to log in to the virtual platform, which opens on 15 February 2021.
Register Eventbrite DCO Virtual Welcome
When live from 7am 15th February 2021
March 3rd – weekly for 4 weeks – FamilySMART/KidSMART
DCO Townsville will be facilitating a combined FamilySMART/KidSMART four week absence support program commencing on Wednesday 3rd of March. This is an after hours program at Geckos, running from 5.30pm-7.30pm.
KidSMART is a program for children aged 5 and up.
Adults can attend FamilySMART without children attending KidSMART and vice versa.
KidSMART mascot Tyler Turtle will help children learn how to manage change, stay connected with friends, meet new people, cope when feeling stressed or anxious (particularly during times of parental absence and deployment), handle emotions, and learn relaxation strategies. This is a four week program facilitated in conjunction with FamilySMART.
FamilySMART will help you identify your strengths and become more resilient, self-reliant, and proactive, particularly during challenging times when your partner is away.
Please RSVP as numbers are strictly limited. This is a free event for Defence families and refreshments will be provided.
Register DCO Townsville's FamilySMART Eventbrite link
DCO Townsville’s KidSMART Eventbrite link
Where Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks
When 5.30pm-7.30pm Wednesday 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th March
March - Coffee Connections
Coffee Connections for Thursday March 4th sold out in a flash – with so many people obviously keen for another catch up over coffee, we’ve lined up a second coffee morning for Tuesday the 2nd of March! Registered for Thursday but Tuesday suits you better? Send us an email to let us know, and we can switch your day and free up a Thursday slot for somebody else.
Numbers are limited so secure your ticket through Eventbrite!
*ADDITIONAL* Tuesday Coffee Connections – 2nd March
Where Vitti Café on Gregory (3/42 Mitchell St, North Ward)
When 9.30am Tuesday 2nd March
Register DCO Townsville Tuesday Coffee Connections Eventbrite link
Being so close to the Easter long weekend, and knowing the Easter Bunny needs time to prepare, we’ve changed April’s Coffee Connections to the Tuesday instead of Thursday this week.
Tuesday Coffee Connections – 30th March – EASTER!
Where Otto’s at The Precinct – mezzanine level
When 9.30am Tuesday 30th March
Register DCO Townsville Eventbrite – bookings for this event not yet open – will be sent via e-Newsflash
March 10th - Walk & Talk
Our Walk & Talk walking-fitness group will take off again in March!
Meeting on the footpath in front of the Fish Inn at the Rockpool, we’ll walk to Tobruk Pool and back so make sure you wear a sturdy pair of walking shoes and bring a water bottle.
There’s plenty of parking available along Howitt St, and in the Jezzine carpark.
And while there’s a lot to love about our tropical climate, no-one enjoys sunburn and insect bites, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
In the event of adverse weather, our walk that day will be cancelled.
Where Footpath outside the Fish Inn @ the Rockpool, the Strand
When 5.30pm Wednesday 10th March
Register DCO Townsville Eventbrite – bookings for this event not yet open – will be sent via e-Newsflash
March 13th – Tropical Pool Party
Cool down with us at our Tropical Pool Party ! Grab your togs, towel, sunscreen and energy for an afternoon of swimming, splashing and sliding at the Northern Beaches Leisure Centre.
With free entry, enjoy a free sausage sizzle and drink and an afternoon out with friends and family.
Bring a picnic too if you’d like or the Centre’s kiosk will be open for you to purchase other food and drinks (coffee!) as well.
It’s sure to be a fun-filled afternoon!
Numbers are limited and RSVPs close Sunday 7th of March.
Where Northern Beaches Leisure Centre, Burdell
When 4.00pm-6.00pm Saturday 13th March
Register DCO Townsville Tropical Pool Party Eventbrite link
March 26th ‘Tropical Fridays’ – Adults Only Dinner Night Out
Fancy an adults-only night out? Then meet us for dinner on the deck at the Townsville Yacht Club! Our Tropical Friday themed dinner is sure to be lots of fun so get in the spirit by wearing your tropical-Friday threads – the brighter the better!!
Tickets are essential and are limited to two per registration.
Where Townsville Yacht Club (1 Plume St, South Townsville)
When 7.00pm Friday 26th March
Register DCO Townsville Eventbrite – bookings for this event not yet open – will be sent via e-Newsflash
Other
PEAP – Partner Employment Assistance Program – changes and eligibility extended
PEAP provides funding for initiatives to assist ADF partners with employment when they are relocated on posting, or if their ADF member is medically transitioning.
Check out the newly updated guidelines which includes extended eligibility to support
families impacted by COVID-19.
More information can be found on our website DCO's Partner Employment Assistance Program or for general enquiries, contact the DCO Townsville team on 4753 6539 or email dco.townsville@defence.gov.au