DEFENCE CLUB
Defence Club
Hi all. Plenty of events are coming up around town. Just click on the links below and it will take you through to obtain the tickets. Lot’s of thing’s happening in the school holidays.
September school holidays with Geckos
The school holidays will be upon us in no time! We have arranged our program for the September-October break.
Please ensure you DO NOT purchase a ticket if you are unsure you can attend. Failing to show up on the day means another family will miss out. However, we know plans can change so contacting Geckos early if you are no longer able to attend, will ensure another family is offered your tickets. Refunds WILL NOT be offered AFTER the event unless you have been unable to attend due to extenuating circumstances.
Geckos will be offering:
- Monday 22 September - Movie day: Kangaroo - 10am-12pm
https://www.trybooking.com/DEEHK
- Wednesday 24 September – Queensland Museum Tropics – James Cameron CHALLENGING THE DEEP - 9:30am - 12:00pm
https://www.trybooking.com/DEIMN
- Thursday 25 September - Urban Climb 9:30am - 12:30pm (12 - 17 yrs old only)
https://www.trybooking.com/DEJRM
- Monday 29 September - Movie day: The Bad Guys 2 - 10am - 12pm
https://www.trybooking.com/DEEHS
- Thursday 02 October - Ninja Parc 10am - 12pm (3 - 7 yr olds will require parental supervision around the course)
https://www.trybooking.com/DEKAG
Tickets are open now for all events.
The Oasis Townsville
Our third block of Creative Connections, School Holiday Workshops are just around the corner!
6 sessions run over two weeks will focus on providing kids a creative outlet and opportunity to socialise these school holidays. Run by Creativity Hood, this program will be a hands on creative experience split into three different workshops:
Polymer Clay; week 1: Turtles Workshop and week 2: Dragon Eyes Workshop (suitable for children of all ages)
Modge Podge Collage Treasure Boxes Workshop (suitable for children 8years+)
Kids Painting Workshop; week 1: Sunflowers and week 2: Starry Night (suitable for children of all ages)
Follow the link below to register now! Please make sure to state the date, workshop and amount of children you would like to register.
https://services.chillidb.com/.../3d2184de-b8d9-4990.../7
My Dad & Me: Silly Scientists – 27 September
ADF Dads and father figures join us as we garner our inner ‘Mad Scientist’. Come along and take part in science experiments for children.
For outside play, don’t forget your hat, sunscreen and water bottle.
We’ll provide morning tea, however, feel free to bring a healthy snack for your children if preferred. As always, this is a mum free zone, please give her the morning off.
Date: Saturday 27 September 2025
Time: 0930-1130
Venue: Geckos Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks
My Dad and me: Silly Scientist
DMFS & Battlefield to Footy Fields – NRL Kids Coaching Clinic – 1 October
Bring the kids for a fun day of rugby league at our NRL Coaching Clinic for kids aged 6-12 years old.
All skill levels welcome - learn to pass, kick and score with friendly coaches. Plus, enjoy a free BBQ and awesome giveaways.
Come along, get active, and join the footy fun with other Defence kids!
Date: Wednesday 1st October 2025
Time: 8.30am – 1.00pm
Venue: Joe Baker field, James cook University
My Dad and me: Fishing fun 11th October
Townsville ADF Dads and their kids are invited to enjoy some bonding time while fishing off the banks of the serene Ross Creek.
Thanks to our friends from Reeling Veterans, this activity, rods and bait are free for our Dads and their kids who want to wet a line, enjoy the tropical NQ weather and visit one of Townsville’s recreational fishing spots. But if you fancy yourself as the next Rex Hunt or E.T., feel free to bring your own gear!
Lunch time Kids Club
The Prep and Year 1 students will be picked up on Monday’s at lunchtime.
Our Kids Club Days are on as follows;
Monday 1st Break - Preps
Monday 2nd Break - Yr 1
Wednesday 1st Break - Yrs 2 - 6
Parental Absence
If there are parents deployed or out on exercise and you find that your child is struggling with parental absence please give me a nudge with either an email mbrennan6@stclarestsv.catholic.edu.au or pop in to the hub, which is the classroom off the multi-purpose hall and let me know so that I can offer some support to your child.
If your Defence member is discharging or discharged could you also let me know as it helps me support your child with the changes that are happening within the family, as they can be affected by these changes as well.
Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS)
If you need help during a crisis or support during deployment, posting or relocation, Defence Member and Family Support offer a range of support to help ADF members and their families manage challenges when they arise.
The DMFS Helpline – 1800 624 608 – is the first point of call for Defence families seeking support, information or connection with their community. It is available 24-7 and staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.
Defence social workers help you to address personal and family issues through brief counselling services, referrals to community providers, long term support planning and crisis intervention.
DMFS support services are free for ADF members and families. Emails received by the Helpline will be responded to within 24 hours. memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au
Families with Special Needs
Moving can be a challenging process for any family, but when you have a family member who has special needs, the complexity and stress can be even greater.
Defence offers additional assistance to Defence families who have a resident family member with special needs. These practical support services are designed to make the relocation process smoother and more accommodating.
Families can also access support through the Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG). The DSNSG serves as a national support network for families with special needs, offering resources, guidance, and a community of individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Defence families.
More information on assistance measures can be found on the DSNSG website https://www.dsnsg.org.au/
or by emailing
Memberships:
memberships@dsnsg.org.au
National Administration and Liaison Officer:
nalo@dsnsg.org.au
Partner Employment Assistance Program
Are you an ADF partner looking to enhance your employability?
There have been some positive changes to the PEAP program. Partners can now claim $1500 every financial year that can go towards professional employment services, professional licenses and many things that will enhance your employment skills.
We also pay re-registration fees for those partners whose jobs require them to be registered.
To find out more and to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria: visit
Maree Brennan
Defence Mentor