Defence
Save the date: Dr Seuss Picnic
Who doesn't love Dr Seuss! It has been a part of all our childhoods and the whacky author with his famous tongue twisters can bring a smile to the faces of both adults & children. Join us for a Dr Seuss themed picnic in the park. Come dressed as your favourite Dr Seuss character & BYO picnic. There will be lots of fun activities for the young & the young at heart. Pop Tuesday 18 August in your diaries and watch this space for further details.
Returning the end of July: My Dad & Me
Kids of all ages love spending time with their dads. Our monthly My Dad & Me program will return on Saturday 25 July. Get your running shoes on for some Backyard Olympics fun. ADF kids & their dads from toddlers to tweens can join in the fun. Remember: This is a Mum free zone so give her the morning off. More info will be posted to Eventbrite in coming weeks.
The calm after COVID - stepping out of isolation
For many we are entering a new phase of COVID-19 which is stepping out of isolation and re-integrating into post isolation life. Isolation may have been a period that allowed you time to develop a new skill, bake some bread and reflect on what you want your life and relationship to look like moving forward. For others it may have been a challenging time for you and your family.
Therefore moving into this next phase may leave you experiencing feelings of uncertainty, confusion, fear, grief or apprehension. Given the diverse range of experiences people have been through during this time, it is important to consider how you are feeling now and what you can do to keep yourself and your family strong moving into the next phase. Whatever your experience it is completely normal and it is important to know that there are strategies for you and your family as you step out of isolation. The four C’s were established to help cope with the stepping out phase of isolation.
Four Cs for Coping With Post-Isolation
- Control. Focus on what you can control versus what you can't. For example, you can wear a mask when you leave your home and bring sanitizer wherever you go. Also, you can rearrange your work environment to make you feel more comfortable such as moving desks apart or creating a policy or routine for sanitizing. Make a plan of action steps that will help you to feel safer and more secure when outside of your home. Follow all state and Fed health advice and policies.
- Clarify. Before you see friends, family or co-workers be clear with yourself and others about what your boundaries are. Let them know how often or in what context you feel comfortable seeing them. Be specific. A hug is not OK but 6 feet apart is alright.
- Calm. Before you leave the house, do some deep breathing exercises to reduce your anxiety level. Deep breathing is important for reducing your blood pressure and creating a sense of calm.
- Choose. Choose your pace. You don't have to jump back in fully. Take your time. Pace yourself. Go out for short amounts of time to habituate to being back in public places.
If this has raised any questions or concerns for you, DCO provides free confidential counselling to member’s and their families. If you would like support, please phone the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 and asked to referred to the Townsville office.
Exploring Townsville: Magnetic Island
You don't have to travel far to enjoy a holiday at home. There is so much to see & do on Maggie and it is only a short ferry ride away. Be prepared to set your watch to island time. Plan a day trip or a weekend stay. Your visit can be as relaxed or adrenaline filled as you like or maybe a bit of both. Jump on a jet ski, cuddle a koala, visit the day spa, go horse riding or eat out at one of the many restaurants. Relax and swim in the bays or take a hike on one of the Fort walks. The possibilities are endless.
Defence Family Helpline
For advice, support or local community information, contact our all-hours Defence Family Helpline. Run by the Defence Community Organisation, 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.