Geckos’ CamKids – Friday 23^rd July

In keeping with Geckos’ tropical themed week, bring the younger kids to CamKids and celebrate our glorious tropical winter weather!

Enjoy morning tea, games, lucky door and best-dressed prizes. 

For more information head to Geckos’ Facebook page. 

Tickets are essential and close on Wednesday.

Where             Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks Townsville

When              10.00am Friday 23^rd July 2021

Register          Geckos CamKids Tropical Spectacular

Kookaburra Kids – Program for ADF Families

Kookaburra Kids offers a range of programs specifically developed to support and empower young people from families experiencing mental illness.

Kookaburra Kids’ programs offer participants a much-needed break, whilst introducing them to new friends from similar situations, and equipping them with lifelong knowledge and resources to help them reach their highest potential.

Kookaburra Kids offer a program for ADF families! Check out their website for more information about their Defence Kids Activities and to register your child/children.

Keep an eye out for our August e-Newlsetter which will contain more Kookaburra Kids news.

The information contained in this bulletin is sent out on behalf of other agencies and groups. It does not necessarily indicate DCO support or involvement. The intention is to provide information to readers so that they can self-select and research its suitability for them individually.

Defence Member and Family Support

On 1 July our name changed from Defence Community Organisation (DCO) to Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS).

Our new name reflects our vision, what we do and who we do it for. While our name has changed, there will be no changes to any of the services or programs offered to ADF members and their families.

Find us online at www.defence.gov.au/members-families  

Saturday July 31^st – My Dad & Me – Ball games

ADF dads and their kids are invited to a morning that's all about dad and the kids. Each month offers different themed activities that allow dads and their kids to connect through fun. This month our theme will be ball games, so don’t forget your hats and water bottles!

Keep an eye out on DMFS social media for monthly details and remember, this is a mum free zone, so let her enjoy the morning off!

Where:           Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks

When:            9.30am - 11.00am, Saturday July 31

Registrations open soon @

Parent Course: Engaging Adolescents – Tuesday August 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th

Open Arms is presenting a three session program for parents and carers of adolescents aged 11 and up which will help you to develop a new understanding of adolescents and give you the skills to build a positive and respectful relationship with your teenager, assist your teenager to determine appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, and develop strategies for dealing with unacceptable behaviour.

The program is free for current and ex-serving ADF members and their partners.

Sessions run from 9am – 11.30am on Tuesday August 3, 10 and 17.

To register, contact Open Arms ASAP on 1800 011 046 or email openarms.northqld@dva.gov.au

Defence Member and Family Helpline

For advice, support or local community information, contact our all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline. Run by Defence Member and Family Support, the Helpline is the best way to access the programs and services that we offer to help Defence families manage the military way of life.

The helpline is available 24/7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.

Phone 1800 624 608, or email memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au