Defence
Get to know us before you need us: Meet Mary
DMFS Townsville welcomes Social Worker Mary to the team.
Mary is an Accredited Domestic and Family Violence Social Worker, with a trauma-informed approach and several years of experience working in domestic and family violence services, courts, and mental health services.
Mary enjoys bringing her public speaking skills and her bright energy to the role, especially when conducting briefings on base and attending Defence community events.
Mary is passionate about all ADF members being well informed about domestic and family violence and also prioritising their individual mental health throughout their Defence service and thereafter.
Members with Dependants Unaccompanied (MWDU)
Sometimes, when a member is posted, families may choose to remain in their current location while the military member moves alone to their new posting.
When families choose to live apart in this way, it is called 'Member With Dependants Unaccompanied' and is often referred to by the military as 'MWDU' or 'MWD(U)'.
Families choose this option for a range of reasons that support family stability. For example, 'going MWDU' allows partners to keep their current job, children to stay at their school, and family members to maintain consistent access to healthcare.
Choosing to go MWDU is an important family decision. Families should research the new posting location and discuss the implications of living apart and its possible affect on each family member before coming to a decision.
Resources
To help you make an informed decision about MWDU, DMFS have prepared a factsheet with more detailed information and advice, and a worksheet for you to work through with your family.
- Families living separatelyfactsheet.
Contact the Defence Member and Family Helpline or the local DMFS office to schedule an appointment with a Defence Social Worker if your family are considering MWD(U).
Dogs Day Out - Sunday 21 August
Where: Kirwan Dog Park
When: Sunday 21 August from 9:00am – 10:30am
Registration: Eventbrite - Dogs Day Out
Coffee Connections - Thursday 1 September
ADF members and families in Townsville, we’d love to see you at Grandmas, North Ward for this month’s Coffee Connections. Whether you’ve been in Townville for a while now, or have just arrived, everyone’s welcome.
This is a self-funded activity. Attendees are responsible for the cost of purchasing/providing their own food and drinks. Children are welcome under parent/guardian supervision.
Where: Grandmas, North Ward
When: Thursday 1 September from 9:30am - 11:30am
Registration: Eventbrite - Coffee Connections
Tropical Fridays, Barefoot Bowls (adults-only) - Friday 2 September
Couples and singles, mums and dads, and other adult family members are invited to join us at barefoot bowling adults-only fun night out.
Enjoy a social evening with barefoot bowls and a BBQ on us. While the name of the game is barefoot bowls, socks / thongs / completely flat soled shoes are permitted on the green. While we’d love to see your brightest tropical themed outfits, please keep in mind that the bowls club dress rules require neat casual clothing and no singlets.
Where: Cutheringa Bowls Club, West End
When: Friday 2 September from 6:30pm
Registration: Eventbrite - Barefoot Bowls