Defence
Defence Families of Australia (DFA)
Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is the official body appointed by the Government to represent the views of Defence Families.
What we do:
- Inform the Government and Defence on the needs of ADF families (DFA team members are partners of current serving members)
- Advocate on behalf of families across a range of issues
- Provide a forum for families to raise issues and concerns
- Inform families on assistance and services available.
Do you need someone to advocate for you? Reach out to the Northern Queensland delegate:
Larissa Ostermann
T: 0418 796 561
Facebook: DFA Northern Queensland
Coffee Connections – Thursday 5th August
Fancy a coffee and picnic in the park this month? Come join us at The Treehouse on the Strand. The café is opposite Tobruk pool and depending on the weather and how many youngsters attend, we’ll head across the road to ANZAC Park for a picnic in the park and games.
The Treehouse incorporates the café as well as an ice-creamery, pizza and fish-n-chip shop.
Picnic tables & blankets and board games like hopscotch and checkers can be provided so bring the kids!
Where: The Treehouse on the Strand
When: 9.30am-11.30am Thursday 5th August
Register: Coffee Connections @ The Treehouse Eventbrite
Couple’s Connecting - Relationship Workshop – Wednesday 25th August
The Defence lifestyle can present unique challenges and opportunities for couple’s throughout a member’s career; navigating absence and mobility while moving through various life stages.
Changes can mean, at times, that couples may need to dedicate time to re-connect and re-establish their relationship.
DMFS Townsville social workers are offering a two hour interactive relationship workshop that will provide Defence members and their partners an opportunity to learn new skills and strategies to maintain a healthy relationship. This session may be particularly useful to couple’s who are looking to re-connect following a period of service related absence. However, all couples may benefit from time to connect with their partner in a supportive environment.
Start time is 6pm however light refreshments will be provided from 5.30pm, so arrive a little earlier if you’re feeling peckish!
When: Wednesday 25 August 2021
Time: 5:30pm-6pm refreshments; 6pm-8pm Workshop
Where: DMFS Townsville Office – 340 Ross River Rd
RSVP: Eventbrite to come, you can register your interest at DFMS.townsville@defence.gov.au
*New* (DMFS) Book Club – Expressions of Interest
To gauge a 2nd book-club’s viability, if it’s something you’d be interested in, could you please complete our Mentimeter survey online or via the below QR code: https://www.menti.com/596n2f7q8c
The survey will close in 2 weeks (Friday 13/08/2021).
From this feedback, we’ll be in touch with you individually to provide the details – so be sure to include your contact details within the survey!
Geckos’ Mums, Bumps & Bubs – with Mum2You – Tuesday 24th August
Join us for Mums, Bumps and Bubs with a special visit from Mum2You.
Krystle is a qualified and experienced child health nurse that will discuss sleep, nutrition and answer any questions you may have. Krystle will discuss how to "speak baby" and this private session will allow your individual concerns or questions to be addressed.
Morning tea will be provided.
Tickets are normally $42 each, but Geckos is able to subsidise these to $5 per adult.
When: Tuesday 24th August
Time: 10am-12pm
Where: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks
Register: Geckos Mum2You-TryBooking
Geckos’ Sunset Cruise – 16th October – tickets on sale 5th August
This event is for persons over the age of 18yrs only.
What is included in your $50 ticket (usually $95)?
- 2-hour sunset cruise: 16th of October, 5pm - 7pm
- 1 x welcome drink for each guest
- Antipasto platters
- Live entertainment
Tickets open on Thursday the 5th August via the link below (Please note this event is for persons over the age of 18yrs only.)
https://www.trybooking.com/BTGPA
Departure Location:
SeaLink Ferry Terminal
Sir Leslie Thiess Dr, TOWNSVILLE, QLD 4810
If required, more information is available from the friendly team at Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks ph 07 4446 1238.
Lavarack Barracks Legacy Open Day – Saturday August 28th
This is a fundraising events with all proceeds from the day going directly to Legacy.
Your attendance and support will be greatly appreciated.
Defence Biz Network – 10am Wednesday August 11th & 25th
Defence Biz Network invites Defence members, partners, and veterans who have their own small business (or are looking to start one!), to join a networking group that understands the unique challenges that Defence partners' businesses face and is there to support each other through it all. Not everyone understands these challenges, however the members of this group do!
Meeting location TBC and more information can be found by emailing tsvdefencebiznetwork@gmail.com
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@