Defence
Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS)
With Telstra upgrades to our old phone lines, our local office phone number has changed, so please update your records J
Our new phone number is 07 4430 3879.
The Townsville office email address is dmfs.townsville@defence.gov.au
Gecko’s Posting Party – Wednesday November 3
Gecko’s annual posting party is here for Defence families posting out of the Townsville region in 2021.
Come along in your brightest tropical attire and get ready to party together to help your little ones to shake off their posting jitters with games, party food, face painting and great company!
Where: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks
When: Wednesday 3rd November 5pm-7pm
Register now @ http://www.trybooking.com/BTKLK
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
Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG)
DSNSG provides support, information, assistance and advocacy for all ADF families who have a serving member, or an ex- serving member, with a Special Need or who have dependants (child, spouse or other dependant) with Special Needs.
Cherie Davis is the local DSNSG Townsville Coordinator as well as the Assistant National Coordinator for DSNSG.
DSNSG provides:
· Advocacy to liaise with Defence and other Federal and State Departments concerning the issues that affect families with special needs, particularly those being mobile.
· Assist families with housing/posting issues, liaise with Defence Housing Australia, Toll Transitions, Defence Community Organisation, Defence Families Australia with family’s circumstances.
· Programs: Computer 4 Kids, Drive Safe, FYI, Posting Plans, Grants, Family Events
· Support Local Area Coordinators, Closed Facebook page for families to connect with other special needs families, unlimited resource of information
For more information, visit the DSNSG website, contact Cherie at townsville@dsnsg.org.au or phone her on 0417 182 233.
RSL QLD Scholarships – 2022 Applications now open
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@