Defence Community Organisation Richmond · TROPFEST Join others in the community for a FREE night...
Transcript of Defence Community Organisation Richmond · TROPFEST Join others in the community for a FREE night...
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Defence Specific Services ................. 1
Defence Community Groups……......2-3
Hawkesbury Happenings ................ 4
Sydney Hills Area ............................. 5
Parramatta and Surrounds .............. 6
Penrith .............................................. 7
General Information……………..…….8-9
Mobility & Parental Absence……….10-11
Out & About……………………………...12-13
Defence Family Helpline…………....14
Points of Interest
DCO Welcome to Richmond expo and family day
Welcome to RAAF Glenbrook and Defence Establishment Orchard Hills
Lunar New Year Celebrations
Hawkesbury Communities Pool Party!
Defence Community Organisation Richmond
Newsletter Bulletin dated FEB 19
Once a fortnight a group of Defence spouses from various backgrounds meet to make
new friends, find out about the area and generally discuss anything and everything
whilst having a great time!
We meet at the ‘Little House of Coffee’ on the grounds of Flower Power (cnr of The
Northern Rd & Castle Rd, Orchard Hills) every pay day Thursday from 10am-12pm to
enjoy a coffee, cake or meal together. There is free parking, wheel chair/pram access
and plenty of seating at the coffee shop.
A few times throughout the year we also organise evening get together at various
restaurants in and around the Penrith area. These are fun filled nights where spouses
who work (and may not be available to meet during the day) can attend and still be part
of the group.
For more information, join the groups Facebook page ‘Penrith Defence Spouse Group’
PENRITH DEFENCE SPOUSE GROUP
The Defence Richmond Family Centre (DRFC) is your local community hub that strives
to support spouses, families and serving members of the ADF at RAAF Base Richmond,
RAAF Glenbrook, Defence Establishment Orchard Hills and surrounds.
Located on RAAF Base Richmond at 13 McNamara Avenue (opposite the playground/
park), the DRFC host a variety of activities that cater to a wide range of members and
families. Everyone is welcome to come along!
Current activities include:
Playgroup - Held at the Centre—come along for a cuppa and something sweet while
socialising with other spouses. The kids can play while you relax in the lounge, morning
tea provided for adults, please bring snacks and a drink for your children.
Play Group (W ednesday 12;30pm —2:30pm, and Friday 10am-12pm - Held at the
Centre, free play, craft and outdoor games. Morning tea provided for adults, please
bring snacks and a drink for your children.
Those without young children are also very welcome to attend for a cuppa and to
socialise with other spouses.
To keep up to date with the Centre, join the Facebook group ’Defence Richmond Family
Centre’ or email [email protected] for more information.
DEFENCE RICHMOND FAMILY CENTRE
The Defence Special Needs Support Group Inc. is a non-for-profit benevolent
volunteer organisation established to assist Navy, Army and Air Force families with a
family member with special needs.
To find out more about DSNSG, visit the groups website at www.dsnsg.org.au 2
DEFENCE SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP
Defence Families of
Australia (DFA) is the
official body appointed by
government to represent the
views of Defence Families.
Its aim is to inform
government and Defence on
the needs of the family. Its
goal is to ensure quality of
life for all Defence families
by providing a recognised
forum for their views and by
reporting, making
recommendations and
influencing policy that
directly affects families. In
turn, this enhances the
capability of the Australian
Defence Force.
DFA consults with Defence's
own support agencies, like
the Defence Community
Organisation (DCO) and the
National Welfare
Coordination Centre
(NWCC), but acts only as an
advocate, not as a support
provider.
Defence families can contact
DFA to represent them
regarding an individual
situation or to advocate an
issue concerning many
families.
DFA National Delegate Central NSW
Victoria Holland
Free Call 1800 100 509
M: 0418 728 859
W: www.dfa.org.au
DEFENCE
FAMILIES OF
AUSTRALIA
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Hills District Defence Spouse and Families meet regularly for morning teas, evenings
out and more! Everyone is very welcome to attend. For more information, please email
[email protected] or find us on Facebook. Alternatively, contact Michelle on 0422
954 340.
DENNKS (DEFENCE EMPTY NESTERS NO KIDS)
KISSINGPOINT COTTAGE
Kissing point Cottage is a tri-service community house located at 282 Kissing point
Road, Dundas (next door to Timor Barracks).
If you are new to the area or would like to make new friends, come along and try
some of our weekly sessions. Contact (02) 9874 4052 or email
[email protected] or visit the Kissing point Cottage Facebook page.
We hold regular playgroup sessions and story time for young children.
The centre offers Casual membership—$6 for craft; $12 for crèche per family for
Friday Craft Group. Bring along your own project or participate in a pre planned
craft activity, or simply join us for a cuppa.
DENNKS Richmond has been successfully operating over the past four years, meeting
monthly. DENNKS offers an opportunity for single ADF members, members who are
MWDU, Defence families who have older children (teenagers or adults) or no
children, to meet in a safe, friendly environment.
Activities undertaken have included: ice skating, motor bike rides, a day outing to the
Sydney Rocks historic area, meals at various locations and theatre restaurants.
If you would like to be involved in organising activities/events please contact via our
Facebook page www.facebook.com/dennksrichmondnsw
HILLS DISTRICT DEFENCE SPOUSE AND FAMILIES
Open Arms provides free and
confidential, nation-wide
counselling and support for
war and service-related
mental health conditions, such
as post traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), anxiety and
depression, sleep disturbance
and anger. Support is also
available for relationship and
family matters that can arise
due to the unique nature of
military service.
Open Arms provides the
following services and
programs:
Counselling for individuals,
couples and families
Veterans Line – after-hours
crisis telephone counselling
Group programs – for a range
of common mental health
issues including anxiety,
depression, sleep and anger
Support for clients with
complex needs – treatment
and services coordination
Crisis Assistance Program –
emergency support for former
ADF personnel in times of
crisis
Open Arms can also provide
education and information on
matters relating to veteran
mental health and wellbeing,
as well as referrals to other
appropriate services if
required.
To confirm your eligibility or
to find out more, please call
Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
OPEN ARMS
AUSTRALIAN MILITARY WIVES CHOIR
The choir is a place for friendship and the sharing of music. No experience necessary.
Partners, members, sisters and mothers are welcome.
Meet at Five Dock RSL, 66 Great Northern Road, Five Dock on the 1st , 3rd and 5th
Thursday of the month. Please email: [email protected] — for venue
confirmation prior to
attending, as the venue will be
changing in the very near
future.
For more information:
www.amwchoir.com
or visit www.amwchoir.com
HAWKESBURY HAPPENINGS
This is a session for 3-5 year olds, involving stories,
rhymes and craft that explore different themes and
topics.
It is held every Thursday from 11am-Midday (except
during school holidays) at Richmond library, 29 W
Market St, Richmond. The sessions are free and there
is no need to book!
For more information, visit http://
www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au
EAST RICHMOND PARK RUN
Want to get fit and meet people?
Parkrun is FREE to join but organisers do ask that you register before your FIRST event and
bring along a printed copy of your barcode. Participants run for their own enjoyment.
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in whatever your pace!
Every week the group grab a post parkrun coffee at Pies on the Go, 264 Hawkesbury Valley
Way. Next to Hawkesbury Tourism Office and opposite the RAAF Base, Claredon – a great way
to increase your fitness and your social network!
For more information, including course map and café locations, please visit http://
www.parkrun.com.au/
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STORYTIME AT RICHMOND LIBRARY
One of the Hawkesbury’s oldest running markets.
On every Sunday 9am-3pm in the historic township
of Windsor. Quality handmade homewares, arts,
local craft, clothing, fresh produce and food and
entertainment. Wheelchair access.
Windsor Mall, George Street, Windsor. For more
information, please call 4572 7348 or 0418 869 685.
WINDSOR MALL SUNDAY MARKETS
HAWKESBURY
COMMUNITIES
POOL PARTY!
Hawkesbury City Council has
been holding the annual
community pool party
celebration at Richmond Pool
for many years. Last year more
than 1000 locals came along to
join in the fun on the dunk tank,
the jumping castle, the maze,
outdoor games, a giant water
slide and enjoyed snow cones
and a sausage sizzle!
The Hawkesbury Communities
Pool Party is on again! Head to
Richmond Pools, East Market
St, Richmond on Saturday 16th
February from 11am-2pm and
join in the fun! Cool activities
planned for the day include a
waterslide, sausage sizzle,
giveaways for the kids and much
more!
This FREE community event is
proudly brought to the
Hawkesbury community by the
Hawkesbury City Council.
For more information, please
see Council’s ‘Hawkesbury
Events’ Facebook page or visit
http://
www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/
news-and-events/events/
upcoming-events
Makers & Bakers is a group designed for people who love talking all things food, sharing recipes
and enjoy making handmade crafts.
The group meet on the first Thursday of the month from 6:30pm-7:30pm at Castle Hill Library, 14
Pennant Street, Castle Hill. The group is free to attend.
Visit the cafe to purchase a coffee or tea or a special treat if you like! PLEASE NOTE: There will be
no cooking or food sharing at this event.
Suitable for adults. Bookings essential online.
For more information, or to make a booking visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/makers-and-
bakers-tickets-52928297964
Free child restraint fitting days are held each
year to assist families with the correct use
and fitting of child restraints in their cars to
ensure the safety of young children.
The use of the correct child car restraint and
its correct fit by an RMS approved restraint
fitter is vital to ensure the safety of young
children in the event of a car accident.
If you would like to have your restraint
checked at the next Child Restraint Checking
Day BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL.
Places are limited and dates fill up quickly so
please book early to avoid disappointment.
Bookings for only one vehicle per family
will be taken on each date.
Bookings are only available for residents
of the Hills Shire and are limited to a
maximum attendance of 2 days per year.
Please provide your address, the
number of restraints to be checked and a
time, between 9am and 2pm, when you
would like a booking.
The next Child Restraint Fitting Day will be
held on Wednesday 20 Feb 19.
To Book contact Council's Road Safety
Officer on 9843 0145 or email
SYDNEY HILLS AREA
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BAULKO WALKERS WALKING GROUP
Join Heart Foundation Walking and take positive steps
to help reduce stress, have a healthier body, build
stronger relationships, and most of all, be happy. The
group meet every Tuesday and Sunday from 6:15pm-
7pm.
Meet at Torry Burns Reserve Car Park, Torry Burns
Reserve, Baulkham Hills .
For more information, please contact Jackie Russell on
0430 670 775.
MAKERS & BAKERS
CHILD RESTRAINT FITTING DAYS
PARRAMATTA AND SURROUNDS
TROPFEST
Join others in the community for a FREE night under the stars in Parramatta Park when Tropfest
premiers their 16 incredible finalist films. The atmosphere is electric and the film screening is well
attended by local and International film celebrities and thousands of Sydneysiders and city visitors.
Come and experience an amazing night of fun, film and food in Parramatta! Great food. Good times.
Tropfest will be held on 9 Feb 19 from 5pm-11pm at The Crescent, Parramatta Park. FREE entry.
Tropfest is one of the Crescent Summer Series five free events for people of all ages. For more
information visit the Crescent Summer Series website.
MARKET BY THE RIVER
The market is held on the 1st Saturday of each month in Halvorsen Park, 40 Seamist Avenue, Ermington
from 9am-2pm and features an exciting line up of high quality fresh food, drink, artisan and handmade
stalls.
Halvorsen Park is right by the river, offering a beautiful backdrop for browsing through stalls, enjoying the
delicious food and drink on offer, and catching up with friends and family.
For more information, please visit https://www.marketbytheriver.com.au/
FIRST
SATURDAY
OF EACH
MONTH
LUNAR NEW YEAR 2019
Celebrate the Year of the Pig at Lunar New Year in Parramatta, complete with a culture-filled program,
delicious food, entertainment and free activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Sit back and enjoy beautiful traditional and contemporary cultural performances from China, Vietnam
and South Korea; take part in interactive kid-friendly activities and workshops (including calligraphy,
lantern making, and cooking classes); and enjoy a Lunar feast fit for a king at one of the many delicious
food stalls.
Don’t miss lantern garden installations, firecracker displays, dragon and lion dancers and more,
including a fireworks finale at 9:00pm!
Friday 15 Feb 19 from 5pm-9:30pm at Centenary Square, Church Street, Parramatta For more
information, call 1300 617 058 or visit www.discoverparramatta.com 6
Parkrun is a FREE weekly 5km timed event held every Saturday from 8am.
Parkrun events take place at Sydney International Regatta Centre, Entry via Gate A, Old Castlereagh Rd,
Castlereagh and Jamison Avenue & Tench Reserve, Penrith.
The events are FREE to join but organisers do ask that you register before your FIRST event and bring
along a printed copy of your barcode. Participants run for their own enjoyment. Everyone is welcome to
come along and join in whatever your pace!
Every week the group grab a post parkrun coffee at various cafés– a great way to increase your fitness and
your social network!
For more information, including course map and café locations, please visit http://www.parkrun.com.au/
PENRITH
PARKRUN - PENRITH LAKES & NEPEAN RIVER
RAAF GLENBROOK AND DEFENCE
ESTABLISHMENT ORCHARD HILLS WELCOME
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WOMEN’S SOCIAL
CONNECTION
GROUP
Meeting every week on Friday’s
until Dec 19, Believe Support
Connect provides innovative
and creative group work
programs to assist in
empowerment and resilience.
These programs are $2.00 p/
person.
Begin the New Year with these
invigorating new workshops!
The purpose of these programs
is to have an interactive day
getting to know other women
and to take a moment to enrich
our lives.
The Women’s Social Group is
based on “self-care”. Self-care
is defined as doing positive
things to increase our general
happiness and wellbeing. Self-
care is important to maintain a
healthy relationship with
ourselves. It produces happy
feelings and relaxation, which
improves confidence and self-
esteem.
Next meeting on Friday 1 Feb
19 from 10:30am at Penrith
RSL, Tindale Street, Penrith.
Bookings are essential.
For more information or
to register your
attendance, please contact
Michele Ellery on 0423 709
630.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The organisation behind the One Tree Defence Childcare Unit - Little Eagles and One Tree
Defence Childcare Unit - The Blue House Outside of School Hours Care in Richmond are
getting to know new families this month.
Both services re-opened on the 7th January. Over the Christmas break, they were spruced up
and areas re-painted and staff were involved in a two-day induction and training program.
It was announced in August that One Tree Community Services had secured the contract to
deliver childcare services for Defence families under the formation of the Defence Childcare
Unit. The contract to provide these services was formally run by Mission Australia Early
Learning (MAEL).
Claire McManus, General Manager says around 89% of staff moved across from Mission
Australia Early Learning (MAEL) to take up posts with the Defence Childcare Unit.
“We were really pleased that MAEL staff decided to come on board as they already know these
children well. We want to give them a sense of belonging in a community which is close-knit,
while we are fully aware that these children will be moving on again soon.”
The two centre managers are Tammy Stoodley at One Tree Defence Childcare Unit Little
Eagles and Leanne Collier at One Tree Defence Childcare Unit The Blue House OSHC.
The new regional manager is Lydia Hatzedemetrakis who has worked in early learning for
more than twenty years. Born in Melbourne, Lydia enjoys spending time with her family and
friends and is an ardent Hawthorn AFL fan.
“I am really excited about working with educators at the One Tree Defence Childcare Unit
Little Eagles and the One Tree Defence Childcare Unit The Blue House OSHC.”
“It is important to me to ensure the
children are happy and engaged in
what they are doing every day. I want
to get to know the team and the
children as individuals, so we are able
to inspire and develop them to their
full potential which also includes
myself.”
“I am a strong believer in coaching
directors and bringing out the best in
everyone, so we can achieve
Exceeding National Quality Standard
ratings. I managed to meet those
ratings in six of my centres during my
last role.”
“Of course, having a registered
training organisation attached to us
means that we can offer quality
training, so educators will benefit
from that. There may also be the
opportunity for parents to train to
become educators too,” Lydia
explains.
INTRODUCING THE NEW TEAM AT LITTLE
EAGLES AND THE BLUE HOUSE
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Pictured: Regional Manager for Little Eagles—Lydia
Hatzedemetrakis
CREATIVE KIDS
VOUCHER
The NSW Government is
helping kids get creative
with the new Creative Kids
program.
From 1 January 2019,
parents, guardians and
carers can apply for a
voucher with a value of up
to $100 per calendar year
for each student aged 4.5 to
18 years old enrolled in
school.
The voucher may be used
with a registered activity
provider for registration,
participation and
membership costs for
creative arts, speech, drama,
dance, digital design,
coding, and music lessons
and activities.
The voucher can be used at
any time during the
calendar year it was issued.
To use the voucher, give the
details to your registered
activity provider.
The program runs year-
round, so kids can get
creative at any time.
To find out more about the
Creative Kids Voucher, or to
apply, visit https://
www.service.nsw.gov.au/
transaction/apply-creative-
kids-voucher
NEW FORMAT ADF MEMBER AND FAMILY
TRANSITION SEMINAR
Defence Community Organisation (DCO) has made changes to ADF transition seminars to
provide a more tailored approach for members and their families to manage the transition
process. Now held over one day with an expo-style floor plan, attendees can tailor their
experience according to their circumstances.
Members and their families can now attend information sessions most relevant to their needs
and visit the numerous stallholders supporting ADF transition.
Whether you are thinking about transitioning to civilian life or just looking for information on
the transition process, you and your family can attend a seminar at any point in your career. Visit
the DCO website to find a seminar in your local area.
Defence Community
organisation provide a one-day
Australian Defence Force
member and Family Transition
Seminar to help serving
personnel and their families
prepare for leaving Defence.
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TAFE NSW - RANKS TO RECOGNITION
The Ranks to Recognition Program has been developed by TAFE NSW in association with the
Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the NSW Veterans Employment Program (VEP).
The program supports the VEP to empower contemporary veterans as they transition from the
Defence Force, to civilian employment, by recognising their prior learning, identifying skill gaps
and providing training to obtain a formal qualification to enter a new career.
TAFE NSW will identify the individual units that the veteran will be required to obtain a
nationally recognised qualification.
Ranks to Recognition students will have access to TAFE NSW support services including
counselling, disability
services and study support
to complete their
qualification, which will
equip them with the skills
they need to gain
employment.
To register your interest or
to find out more, please call
1300 923 758.
TAFE NSW - VETERANS EDUCATION PROGRAM
If you require further education or training to pursue a new career path you may be eligible to
have your enrolment costs covered by the Veterans Education Program for approximately 1400
Smart and Skilled courses to be studied at TAFE NSW.
To be eligible for funding through the Program you must meet a number of eligibility
requirements including:
you have served between one day and eight years’ service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)
you discharged from the ADF in the last five years
For more information please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions below or contact the
Veterans Employment Team on 1300 838 233 or [email protected]
Hunter Street Organic Markets
Weekly Thursday - Saturday
9am - 3pm
10
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere
of the Olive Tree Markets.
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DC
O S
ER
VIC
ES
AND
FEATURES OF LIFE FOR A DEFENCE CHILD
Defence Families Maitland
Mobility and parental absence are the
two MAJOR INFLUENCES on the life of
children who have a parent in the ADF.
The Defence Community Organisation (DCO) is
committed to providing Defence families with
advice and support services that will assist
parents to support their children during times
of relocation and parental absence.
Education Liaison Officer, Ken Welsh, has
provided the following information on the
assistance available for ADF families.
To contact Ken, or to find out more about DCO
services, visit www.defence.gov.au/dco or
contact the all-hours Defence Family Helpline
on 1800 624 608.
MOBILITY
Moving can be as
CHALLENGING as it is
exciting – sometimes MORE
so!
Each time a Defence family
with SCHOOL-AGED
children is posted they accept
that challenge and set about
PLANNING for the m ove.
Understanding the education
system in the new state or
territory, discovering what
schooling options are available at a
locality, contacting particular
schools, and accessing special
education services are just some of
the tasks that must be dealt with to
enable a smooth transition for
these children.
As well as the possible academic
disruption, Defence children may
also deal with social and emotional
concerns as they lose their friends
in their old location and try to
make new ones in another place.
The familiarity of the old
neighbourhood is replaced by the
strangeness of the new and the old
school routines are quite different
to the way things happen in their
new school.
DCO, through the local Education
Liaison Officer (EDLO) can assist
families through this relocation
process. EDLOs provide relevant
Newcastle Buddies
and quality advice and guidance to
all Defence families on the
academic, social and emotional
impact of relocation on their
children.
There are articles, fact sheets and
booklets for both parents and
children that can help the whole
family through the relocation
process.
ADF members can also access
Education Assistance to provide
additional tutoring to children who
change schools as the result of a
posting. Boarding school
allowances, tertiary
accommodation assistance,
reunion travel, special needs
assistance and reimbursement of
the loss of a scholarship are also
available under certain conditions.
All these entitlements are set down
in PACMAN chapter 8.
DEPLOYMENT AND
PARENTAL ABSENCE
The reactions of the children of
ADF members to the deployment
or absence of their parents vary.
Some are very resilient but for
some children the emotional
response can cause them to be
distracted at school and some may
even become disruptive in class
and misbehave at other times as
well. For this reason EDLOs also
provide information and advice
about deployment and parental
absence to both the deployed
member and their partner.
Once again there are resources
available to assist the member, the
partner, the child and the school to
deal with this challenge in the lives
of Defence children.
Some of the concerns DCO can
assist families with are:
What are a child’s needs likely to
be at various stages of
deployment?
What are some of the reactions
that I should look for and what
causes them?
How does the age of a child affect
the responses and needs that
arise?
How can I support this child
before, during, and after this
stressful time?
To speak with your EDLO, or to
find out more about DCO services,
visit www.defence.gov.au/dco or
contact the all-hours Defence
Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
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Enjoying lunch at the RAAF Richmond
Christmas Treat and Open Day. Photo
used with permission.
Ladies from the Richmond Defence Family Centre selling yummy baked goods at the RAAF
Richmond Christmas Treat and Open Day. Photo used with permission.
Medics were all smiles at the RAAF Richmond Christmas Treat and Open Day. Photo used
with permission.
Checking out the MP vehicle at the RAAF
Richmond Christmas Treat and Open Day.
Photo used with permission.
Catching ducks at the RAAF Richmond Christmas
Treat and Open Day. Photo used with permission.
Enjoying treats from the Richmond Defence
Family Centre stall at the RAAF Richmond
Christmas Treat and Open Day. Photo used
with permission.
Catching up with Santa at the RAAF
Richmond Christmas Treat and
Open Day. Photo used with
permission.
Face painting fun at the RAAF Richmond Christmas Treat and Open Day.
Photo used with permission.
Eating fairy floss at the RAAF Richmond Christmas Treat and Open Day.
Photo used with permission.
Enjoying family time at the RAAF
Richmond Christmas Treat and Open Day.
Photo used with permission.
Cooking up a storm at the RAAF Richmond
Christmas Treat and Open Day. Photo used
with permission.
Getting up close to the Fire Truck at the RAAF
Richmond Christmas Treat and Open Day.
Photo used with permission.
Checking out the DCO resources at the RAAF
Richmond Christmas Treat and Open Day.
Photo used with permission.
This information is being sent out on behalf of other agencies and groups and does not necessarily indi-cate DCO support or involvement. The intention is to provide information to readers so that they can self select and research its suitability for them individually
If you no longer wish to receive our community information brief then please reply with your request in writing to [email protected]
From the DCO Richmond Team