Defence
Virtual Trivia - Friday 18th March
Are you ready to get your thing caps on?
Join DMFS Townsville for a Virtual Trivia Night on Friday 18th March.
Test your general knowledge and have some fun with other ADF families.
Participants require access to a personal device and internet connection.
Zoom link will be sent out via email on the day of the event.
Where: The comfort of your own home!
When: Friday 18th March 7pm-9.30pm.
Registration: Eventbrite
Open Arms
Townsville Open Arms group programs are available for registration in March. Interested participants, register for these group programs by calling Open Arms on 1800 011 046 as soon as possible.
123 Magic & Emotion Coaching
The 1-2-3 Magic and Emotion Coaching program teaches parents how to deal with their children’s difficult behaviour by using easy-to-learn and easy-to-use signalling system.
Where: Open Arms Townsville
When: Wednesday 16th, 23rd & 30th March, 9:00am - 11:30am.
Registration: 1800 011 046.
Sleeping Better
Sleeping better is an educational and skills based group program to help you manage disturbed sleep.
Where: Open Arms Townsville.
When: Thursday 31st March & Friday 1st April
9:00am - 4:00pm.
Registration: 1800 011 046.
These programs are free of cost for eligible participants.
Geckos Family Centre - Easter Bun-Anza, Saturday 9th April
Join Geckos for an evening of fun on Saturday the 9th of April, from 5-7:30pm.
There will be amusements galore, the Australian Army Band, a 2 course meal, lucky door prizes, Defence community stakeholders, a little treat for all children and a surprise visit!
*Please note this event is for Defence families only.
Where: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks.
When: Saturday 9th April 5-7:30pm.
Registration: Tickets are heavily subsidised and available via the link below.
https://www.trybooking.com/BXQWD
If you would like to keep up to date with Geckos’ upcoming events and activities, follow their Facebook page
RAAF Base Townsville Golf Club (RTGC)
The RAAF Base Townsville Golf Club (RTGC) commences the 2022 golf season on Thursday 3rd of February at Tropics Golf Club, Nineteenth Avenue, off Golf Links Drive Kirwan.
The RTGC is a thriving club but is always looking fore (excuse the pun) new members to enjoy a round of golf every pay Thursday afternoon.
Joining fees are $30 per annum plus $7 competition fee each Thursday.
The RTGC Constitution and further details concerning payment of annual subscription, competition fees and membership can be obtained from the club captain, WO1 Rodney Stone, raaf.tgc@defence.gov.au or OIC RTGC, SQNLDR Paul Howard.
Geckos Family Centre
For those new to the region, Geckos is located on Lavarack Barracks and provides services, support and activities to enhance social connections and family resilience within the Defence community of North Queensland.
Geckos offers many exciting events throughout the year and the team are looking forward to meeting all of the new families in the region.
Geckos Family Centre is open Mon-Thur from 9am to 4pm, and Fri from 9am to 3pm.
Geckos has a playground that is open all day every day - from dawn until dusk – with access to toilet, parking and cold water facilities.
If you would like to keep up to date with Geckos’ upcoming events and activities, follow their Facebook page
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
Australian Military and Veteran Families Study
ADF families, the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) is seeking current or former ADF members and families to take part in their Australian Military and Veteran Families Study.
The study is open to families of current ADF members and members who have left the ADF in the last five years, who have children under 18 or who are expecting or planning children. Participants need to be in families where the current or former serving member is under 40 (and over 18) years of age. The Institute would like to speak to:
- partners and former partners of ADF members, alone or in joint interviews with their ADF partner,
- partners and former partners of ex-serving ADF members, alone or in joint interviews with the former member, and
- ADF members and former members who are sole parents.
To volunteer to participate in the study contact the AIFS research team at amvf-study@aifs.gov.au
Further information on the study can be found by clicking here.
Markets
Strand Night Markets: the first Friday of the month from February to December at Strand Park from 5pm to 9.30pm
Willows Rotary Markets: in the car park of Willows Shopping Centre - every Sunday morning 7.30am – 11.30am.
Cotters Markets: every Sunday morning in the CBD.
North Shore Community Market – starting Saturday 26th March and then the 4th Saturday of each month thereafter.
Renegade Handmade: Marian School Currajong – 2022 details coming soon on their Facebook page.
Bushland Beach Markets: commencing March 2022 – keep an eye on their Facebook page for details.
*Please note – all days/dates are subject to change depending on COVID restrictions and weather
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