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 richmondfamilycentre@gmail.com 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

E: central.nsw@dfa.org.au

W: www.dfa.org.au

DEFENCE

FAMILIES OF

AUSTRALIA

3

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

mpnickols@gmail.com 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

kissingpointcottage@gmail.com 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: amwc.sydney.city@gmail.com — for venue

confirmation prior to

attending, as the venue will be

changing in the very near

future.

For more information:

www.amwchoir.com

amwc.sydney.west@gmail.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/

4

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

avernicos@thehills.nsw.gov.au

SYDNEY HILLS AREA

5

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

7

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

8

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.

9

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 VeteransEmployment@veterans.nsw.gov.au

Hunter Street Organic Markets

Weekly Thursday - Saturday

9am - 3pm

10

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere

of the Olive Tree Markets.

10

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.

12

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 DCO.HunterRIMS@defence.gov.au

From the DCO Richmond Team