INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Defence Specific Services ......... .1

Community Groups………………..2-3

Newcastle ................................ .4

Singleton.................................. .5

Tamworth ................................ .6

Maitland .................................. .7

Port Stephens………..……………...8

General Information………....…..9

Plan your next holiday…………..10-11

Points of Interest

Nobby’s lighthouse reopens!

Menin Hall Theatre program

Tamworth toy library

Defence Partner Dinner

Medowie Job Club

Defence holiday

accommodation special

VETERANS HEART HEALTH PROGRAM

Veterans Heart Health

Program is a fully funded 12

month health and fitness

program for returned

veterans and peacekeepers.

Both group and individual programs are available and include nutritional

advice and healthy lifestyle education. Subsidised gym memberships are also

available. A White Card or Gold Card is NOT required for participation.

To confirm your eligibility, visit http://www.veteranshearthealth.com.au/

eligibility/

Find out more about the program by calling 1300 246 262.

The Defence Family Helpline is your first point of call for support, information

and connection with your community. You can call the Helpline on 1800 624

608 or email on DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au (receive a response

within 24 hours).

DEFENCE FAMILY HELPLINE

Newsletter Bulletin Dated JUNE 2018

Defence Community Organisation - Hunter

WILLIAMTOWN PRE SCHOOL

PARENTS OF DEFENCE MEMBERS

The Parents of Defence Members group provides an opportunity for parents of

current serving Defence Members to meet in a relaxed environment and provide

support to each other. For more information, contact Christina on 0414871870 or

email christina.jones@ocare.com.au

RAAF Williamtown Playgroup operates from the Ferodale Oval Club House,

Medowie each Tuesday and Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. The playgroup is a

place where parents and carers with children 0-5 yrs can socialise and encourage

development in a child friendly environment. For more information, email:

williamtownplaygroup@hotmail.com

HUNTER DEFENCE SUPPORT NETWORK

WILLIAMTOWN PLAYGROUP

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SOLID ROCK MINISTRIES

A place of support and encouragement for Christian Defence partners and serving

members. Coffee and Word mornings held regularly. For more details contact

Sandy Simmons on 0402222410 or Email sandysimm@gmail.com

The Hunter Defence Support Network (HDSN) was formed in 2015 as a single-

purpose community support and advocacy group focused on improving the lifestyle

of ADF members and their families.

HDSN works in partnership with the ADF and the Hunter Community to raise

support for base programs and activities. They educate the community and

advocate for base interests. To learn more about HDSN, visit https://

www.hdsn.org.au/ or ‘like’ their Facebook page ‘HDSN’.

The Toy Library is located at the RAAF Williamtown Family Room on the RAAF

Base. They have a range of toys, DVDs, CDs, games and puzzles for loan at very low

cost. Please contact The Toy Library via email wlm.toylibrary@hotmail.com for

further details, including opening times.

WILLIAMTOWN PRE SCHOOL is a not-for-profit organisation for children 3-5

years old. The pre school is managed by a management Committee comprising

of ADF parents on a voluntary basis. The preschool is situated in Raymond

Terrace. For more information, please contact the preschool on 4987 7009 or

email: wlmpres@bigpond.com

WILLIAMTOWN TOY LIBRARY William Tribe pictured with his

mother, Amy, at the Australian

Defence Force Academy Appointment

Ceremony in Newcastle.

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DEFENCE PARTNER

SUPPORT GROUPS

Defence partner support groups are

coordinated by volunteer Defence

partners who are willing to support

others in their local area by planning

social activities and linking families in

their local communities.

BUDDIES IN THE BAY Nelson Bay/

Salamander Bay/Corlette/ Anna Bay

Coordinator: Stacey 0413968922

Facebook: Defence Families in the Bay

Email:

stacey.hartwich@spcc.nsw.edu.au

TERRACE BUDDIES Raymond

Terrace and Medowie Coordinator:

Coordinator: Kay 0419 227 681

Facebook: Terrace Buddies Email:

thewanderingredhead@hotmail.com

DEFENCE FAMILIES

CENTRAL COAST

Central Coast Area

Coordinator: Catherine Sherrin

Facebook: Defence Families Central

Coast Email: csherrin@tpg.com.au

DEFENCE FAMILIES

MAITLAND East Maitland/

Ashtonfield/Thornton Coordinator:

Tahlia 0428 387 452

Facebook: Defence Families Maitland

Email:

defencefamiliesmaitland@hotmail.com

NEWCASTLE BUDDIES

Adamstown/Maryville/Elermore Vale/

Fletcher/Warrabrook Coordinator:

POSITION VACANT - Please contact

DCO if interested. Phone 4034 6973.

Facebook: Newcastle Buddies

Email:

DEFENCE EMPTY NESTER NO

KIDS (DENNKS) –

Williamtown Coordinator:

Vicki 0408407344 Email:

roaminaround1@yahoo.com.au

SINGLETON BUDDIES

Coordinator: Rachelle 0417 111 049

SINGLETON DEFENCE

PARTNERS

Facebook: Singleton Defence Partners

2018 Email:

singletondefencepartners@gmail.com

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WILLIAMTOWN DEFENCE FAMILY GROUP

Williamtown Defence Family Group Inc. (WDFG) is a not for profit organisation

operated by a volunteer management committee. We undertake projects that

support Defence members and their families to connect and integrate in the

Williamtown community. From coffee catch ups to making tribute poppies and

organising deployment care packages we have a variety of existing activities for

you to enjoy. Activities are hosted at both on and off base locations.

If you have a passion for volunteering, a great idea you’d like to get started or

want to make friends and become more involved in your community then

contact us! Email: wlm.dfgroup@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/

groups/WilliamtownDFG/

The Buzz Facebook page operates under the Williamtown Defence

Family Group and is a community Facebook page for Defence

members and families in the Williamtown area. Facebook:

www.facebook.com/thebuzzwilliamtown

THE BUZZ FACEBOOK PAGE

SINGLETON LITTLE DIGGERS PLAYGROUP

Every Monday 9:30am-12:00pm at the Community Hall, Lone Pine Barracks,

Singleton. Defence Mums, Dads, babies and children of any age welcome! Bring

a $2.00 donation per child (or $4.00 for a family) and a piece of fruit to share.

We have weekly indoor activities set up and an outdoor playground. Many toys

and things to keep the kids busy while you have the chance to get to know other

Defence families!

Please join our Facebook group ‘Singleton Little Diggers Playgroup’. If you have

any questions please contact Beth on 0432 668 959 or Amanda on 0416 041

609.

DEFENCE SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP

The Defence Special Needs Support Group Inc. is a non-profit benevolent

volunteer organisation established to assist Navy, Army and Air Force families

with a family member with special needs. Website: www.dsnsg.org.au For local

support please contact DSNSG Williamtown Coordinator Tahlia Macpherson

via email tahlia.macpherson@dsnsg.org.au

NEWCASTLE

Hunter Street Organic Markets

Weekly Thursday - Saturday

9am - 3pm

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VVCS - BEATING THE BLUES PROGRAM

NOBBY’S LIGHTHOUSE

REOPENS!

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Beating the Blues is an educational and skills based 2 day group program assisting

participants to understand the situations and thinking patterns that can contribute to

depression and to develop strategies to manage depression symptoms more effectively.

Through this program participants will:

Develop an understanding of the signs and symptoms, situations and thinking

patterns that can contribute to depression

Understand the impact of thinking patterns of depression and learn strategies to

challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours

Develop strategies and learn techniques to monitor and constructively manage stress

and depressed moods

Scheduled for delivery in Newcastle on 25-26 June 2018. To find out more, or to register

your interest, contact VVCS on 1800 011 046.

FREE KOOKABURRA KIDS ACTIVITY

SINGLETON WELCOMING COMMITTEE

Nobbys Lighthouse grounds will

reopen to the public from 10am to

4pm every Sunday from the 3rd

June.

Come and enjoy the sweeping

views of the city and the Pacific

Ocean from Nobbys Headland.

Bring a picnic and enjoy one of

Newcastle's most iconic sites.

Entry is Free.

Parking is located adjacent to

Nobbys Beach at Camp Shortland.

The lighthouse is an 800-metre

walk from the car park, with a

steep climb at the end, but it's

worth it.

Operating Hours

10.00am - 4.00pm

Details

Features Free Entry

Bicycle Parking

Parking nearby

Pets

Outdoor

Public Toilet

Accessibility

Wheelchairs And Mobility Aids

Accessible Toilets

For more information, phone

49294644.

SINGLETON

DCO HUNTER ‘FIRST COFFEE ON US’ - SINGLETON

MENIN HALL

THEATRE

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This popular group meets on the first Wednesday of the

month and offers a friendly welcome mat to all

newcomers in town. FREE to attend.

Date: Wednesday, 6 June 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Address: Singleton Library, 8 - 10 Queen Street

Contact: 6578 7500

The SMA Cinema is held at Menin

Hall Theatre on Singleton Army

Base. Movies are shown on

Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays

from 6:30pm.

The cinema is open to anyone who

can gain access to the base! Entry

is FREE.

June 2, 3 and 5

Sherlock Gnomes (G/86m/

Paramount)

A Quiet Place (M/90m/

Paramount)

June 9, 10 and 12

Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel

Pie Society (M/123m/Studiocanal)

The Mercy (MA/102m/

Studiocanal)

June 16, 17 and 19

Crooked House (M/113m/

Roadshow)

Breath (M/115m/Roadshow)

June 23, 24 and 26

Life of the Party (M/105m/

Roadshow)

Gringo (MA15+/110m/Roadshow)

For more information, please call

Menin Hall Theatre on 6575 0283.

SINGLETON WELCOMING COMMITTEE

DCO staff from DCO Hunter office hosted a First Coffee on Us morning tea, on Wednesday

16 May 18.

15 Defence partners enjoyed a lovely morning tea with barista coffee and tea on offer with a

lovely selection of sweet treats to share. The Singleton Diggers Club was the venue and the

kids enjoyed exploring the indoor playground nearby.

Defence partners had the opportunity to connect and discuss what they would like to see

available in their local Defence community. See some of their great ideas listed below! DCO

are happy to discuss how they can support these events, if you would like to share an idea or

create an event, contact DCO Hunter via email DCO.HunterRIMS@defence.gov.au Thank

you to all who attended and contributed to the event.

DCO Hunter’s ‘First Coffee on us’ Singleton event was well attended.

Singleton Defence partners are pictured with DCO Family Liaison Officer, Heatherlea Kelly (left).

WALKING GROUP POT

LUCK DINNERS

ALL INCLUSIVE

GROUPS

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

MOVIE NIGHTS

USER PAYS EVENTS

SOAP MAKING

CAKE DECORATING

CRAFT GROUP

SCRAP BOOKING

GAMES

BUNTINGS

LINKING IN WITH

EXISTING COMMUNITY

EVENTS

MONTHLY CATCH UPS

The Tamworth Toy Library is a not-for-profit organisation which was established in 1983 to

provide children and their families of Tamworth with good quality, fun and educational toys.

Initially it only catered for children with disabilities and then it expanded to provide toys for

all children.

The Library promotes learning and development through play. They encourage ‘play to

learn’. Play is very important for the growth of children, it helps children grow emotionally,

physically and intellectually. The library has a wide variety of toys for children aged 0 to 6

years, including a number of toys for ‘all abilities’ providing for children with special needs.

One member called the group, ‘The best kept secret in town!’

The Tamworth Toy Library operates from 1/6 Denne Street. For more information on the

Tamworth Toy Library, including opening hours and joining fees, please call 6762 6692 or

‘like’ the groups Facebook page Tamworth Toy Library.

TAMWORTH

TAMWORTH TOY LIBRARY

Keeping Kids Safe is a 5 week

program that offers tips for

parents and carers in creating

a safe environment in which to

raise your child/ren.

The course is designed to

promote the care and

protection of children and

young people including how to

keep your child safe from

abuse, and the effects of abuse

on children. Keeping Kids Safe

aims to empower parents by

increasing their knowledge and

understanding of abuse and

neglect of children.

Keeping Kids Safe is run from

our premises at 62 Gunnedah

Road and is free to attend. The

program is held on specific

dates from 05 Jun 2018

starting at 10:00am.

For more information or to

register your interest in

attending, please call 6763

2333 or email

admin2@tfss.com.au

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MAITLAND RIVER RUN

KEEPING KIDS SAFE

PROGRAM

MAITLAND

RHYTHM & DANCE CLASS - METFORD

‘

DEFENCE FAMILIES MAITLAND - PARTNER DINNER

Defence Families Maitland will be getting together at Billabong’s Restaurant, Banks St & New England

Highway, East Maitland on Saturday, 2nd June from 7:30pm to enjoy a night out.

If you are a Defence partner who would like to meet new people and enjoy some time out, please come

along! Everyone is very welcome. Attendees must pay for their own meals and drinks.

For further information or to RSVP, please call or text Tahlia on 0428 387 452.

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MAITLAND RIVER RUN

The Maitland River Run – offering a picturesque 4km course in and around The Levee and River Bank

of Maitland’s CBD, the event is open to novice and elite competitors. You can either run/walk the 1 Lap

4km course, 2 lap 8km course or 3 lap 12km course. There will also be a 1609m (one mile) sprint event

open to serious and novice runners who would like to “Run the Mile”!

Registration opens from 7:30am, first race starting at 9:00am.

Date: Sunday 3 June 2018

For more information, please visit http://maitlandriverrun.net/home/

Join other Defence partners for

dinner in Maitland on 2 June.

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For more information, please call 4934 5350.

PORT STEPHENS

PCYC Singleton were successful

8

DEFENCE FAMILY EVENT IN THE BAY

NATURE WALKS AND

HIKING

Port Stephens is blessed with a

diverse range of terrain, animals,

birdlife and vegetation types and

the weather is mild and

comfortable.

Nature walks and hiking in Port

Stephens is a year round pastime.

It is ‘safe’ for backpackers and

hikers and although there may be a

few snakes or spiders that don’t

take too kindly to human company,

there is nothing in the bush that

will eat you!

Take advantage of the cooler

weather and go for a nature walk

or try hiking at Tomaree National

Park.

Morna Point, 5.5 Kms, 2.5

Hours, Easy.

Tomaree Head, 2.4 Kms, 1.5

Hours, Moderate.

Boulder Bay to Fingal Head,

5.5 Kms, 2.5 Hours, Easy.

Boulder Bay to Samurai

Beach, 12 Kms, 5 Hours,

Moderate.

The Spit, 2.4 Kms, 1 Hour,

Moderate.

Stephens Peak, 1.8 Kms, 1.5

Hours, Moderate.

For more information, including

bushwalking safety, visit http://

www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/

safety/bushwalking-safety

8

Defence Families in the Bay recently enjoyed a social catch up on Friday 11 May at the Little

Beach Boathouse.

The cold wind outside didn’t keep families away and the group had a great turnout with just

under 20 people attending!

Thank you to ‘Bay Buddy’ Stacey for organising and hosting this event!

If you would like to learn more about Buddies in the Bay, please contact Stacey on 0413 968

922 or email stacey.hartwich@spcc.nsw.edu.au Alternatively, you can visit the groups

Facebook page ‘Defence Families in the Bay’.

BUDDIES IN THE BAY - CASUAL CATCH UP

Please note: attendees must pay for their own food/drinks.

Soldier On provide support to

those who have served

Australia and their families.

GENERAL INFORMATION

WILLIAMTOWN DEFENCE FAMILY GROUP

WESLEY LIFEFORCE SUICIDE PREVENTION

TRAINING - FREE

Educating, empowering and resourcing local Australian communities.

Date: 5 June 2018

Time: 9.00am - 4.00 pm

Venue: Soldiers Point Bowling Club

Cost: FREE

Register for this event by calling 1800 100 024.

Please note that Wesley LifeForce is not a counselling service. Workshops may not be

suitable for those recently bereaved by suicide.

For more information call 1800 100 024 or email lifeforce@wesleymission.org.au

One of the many ‘Deployment Care

Packages’ forwarded to ADF

personnel on deployment around the

world thanks to WDFG and their

wonderful volunteers.

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COOGEE APARTMENTS, NSW

PCYC Singleton were successful

10

10

AMBASSADOR APARTMENTS,

SURFERS PARADISE, QLD

PLAN

YOUR NEXT

HOLIDAY

Situated two streets back from Coogee Beach and a pleasant 20-minute stroll to

playgrounds for the kids. Coogee Apartments is located within easy reach of the

Sydney CBD, Museums, Art Galleries and Taronga Zoo.

There are two apartments available for let. Apartment 18, on the upper level (third

floor - no lifts), is a two-bedroom ensuite that has a queen size bed in the main and

the second is a double, the lounge has a queen size pull out sofa.. Apartment 4 on

the lower level (second floor) is also two-bedroom ensuite, more suited to a family

with a couple of kids or a group who are happy to share. It has a queen size bed in

the main bedroom, the second bedroom has one double bunk bed, and a single bed,

the lounge has a queen size pull out sofa. This great apartment can accommodate up

to a maximum of six people.

The finishes to both apartments are of a high standard. The lounge and meals area

is a delight to have the family gathering, and the kitchen and laundry are fully

functional with all you will need. For those that would like to relax, there is a great

BBQ area and a pool on site.

For more information, including room and rates, please visit http://

armyholidays.com.au/accommodation/coogee-apartments-nsw/?

bcsi_scan_df02536b67b844ee=QlLIG08nXH5TeO/

Qtq6DofOV7T8EAAAAyOfSBA==:1

PACK UP THE CAR AND HIT

THE ROAD STAYING AT SOME

OF THE AMAZING HOLIDAY

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

AVAILABLE AROUND THE

COUNTRY AT DISCOUNTED

RATES AVAILABLE

EXCLUSIVELY TO DEFENCE

PERSONNEL.

The Ambassador Apartments are situated on Chevron Island in the heart of Surfers

Paradise on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Within walking distance of the city centre and

beaches, the apartments cater for families, couples and single holiday makers.

The apartments are air-conditioned, fully self-contained and well-appointed with

excellent kitchen facilities, fully equipped laundry, a large flat screen TV, Foxtel,

DVD player and free Wifi (limits apply). All units have an ensuite and a walk-in

robe to the master bedroom and built-in robes in the other bedrooms. Everything is

provided in the apartments, including linen and towels.

The complex has a private outdoor recreation area with a heated swimming pool,

BBQ facilities and secure underground parking.

For more information, visit http://www.raafholidays.com.au/accommodation/

ambassador-apartments

Coogee Beach, NSW Ambassador Apartments, Surfers Paradise, QLD

COOGEE APARTMENTS, NSW

BULWARRA SEASIDE APARTMENTS, TERRIGAL, NSW

Soldier On provide support to

those who have served

Australia and their families.

AMBASSADOR APARTMENTS,

SURFERS PARADISE, QLD

11

KATOOMBA LODGE, NSW

Katoomba Lodge is owned and operated by RSL LifeCare and available for veterans

for short stay use. It is a fully furnished two bedroom home featuring a queen double

bedroom, second bedroom with sleeping for four in two bunks, modern well-

equipped kitchen, new bathroom and laundry, lounge room opening onto deck with

television and DVD and heating.

The home was bequeathed in trust many years ago for veterans. In 2013 it was fully

refurbished. Katoomba Lodge is ideally placed just over an hours drive from Sydney

and 10 minutes walk to the world famous Three Sisters and bushwalks into the

Jamison Valley. Ten minutes walk to the Scenic Railway, 15 minutes walk to

Katoomba shops, only minutes drive to Wentworth Falls, Leura and Blackheath and

an hour drive to Jenolan Caves.

For enquiries and bookings, please contact Penny Joy on 8978 4285 or

penny.joy@rsllifecare.org.au

The Blue Mountains, NSW

Bulwarra Seaside Apartments is a wonderful family holiday destination overlooking

the beautiful Terrigal Beach, on the NSW Central Coast, where you can relax, soak up

the sun, surf and enjoy the seaside village atmosphere that Terrigal is renowned for.

The resort boasts a 25 metre lap pool, a shaded toddler's wading pool, gas BBQ's,

outdoor entertainment facilities, a shaded children’s playground and plenty of

grassed areas for the kids to enjoy.

Bulwarra Seaside Apartments offer four types of accommodation; one bedroom

apartments, two bedroom apartments, two storey villa apartments, and two different

free standing cottages. Each of these are air-conditioned and come with a fully self-

contained kitchen, bathroom, TVs and DVD players. Sheets, pillow cases and towels

are also provided for our guests.

Bulwarra Seaside Apartments is a registered not-for-profit cooperative whose charter

is to provide affordable holiday accommodation for serving and former members of

the Australian Defence Force and their families.

For more information, please visit http://bulwarra.com.au/index.php

Terrigal Beach, NSW

To find more amazing discounted holiday destinations for your

Defence family, around Australia and the world, search the

internet for ‘Defence Holiday Accommodation’.

St George’s Defence Holiday

Suites situated at Rainbow Bay,

near Coolangatta on

Queensland’s famous Gold Coast

offers modern self-contained

accommodation including a

range of studio and apartment

accommodation with

interconnecting rooms for larger

groups. It also offers a large

community social area.

St George's provides affordable

holiday accommodation for

current and former service

personnel, their spouse and their

dependent school age children.

For serving and ex-service

personnel St George's provides a

perfect beachfront short break

location.

For more information, visit

https://www.stgeorges.net.au/

ST GEORGE’S DEFENCE

HOLIDAY SUITES, GOLD

COAST, QLD

St George’s Defence Holiday Suites

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This information is being sent out on behalf of other agencies and groups and does not necessarily indicate 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

DCO.HunterRIMS@defence.gov.au

DCO is on Twitter! DCO_AusDefence and Facebook Defence Community

Organisation. Follow us to keep up to date with the full range of DCO services and

activities.