Defence Community Organisation Hunter
Newsletter Bulletin dated June 2017
THE DEFENCE FAMILY HELPLINE 1800 624 608
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 [email protected] (receive a response within 24
hours)
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.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Defence Specific Services ..................1
Defence Community Groups.............2
Community Services .........................4
Newcastle...........................................4
Singleton............................................5
Tamworth ..........................................6
Wider Hunter ....................................7
General Information .........................8
Education and Training ....................9
National Families Week ....................10
NATIONAL FAMILIES WEEK
Points of Interest

Hunter Valley Wetlands
The DCO Hunter team would like to extend our gratitude to the Defence families who
joined us at the Australian Reptile Park and Hunter Valley Zoo to celebrate National
Families Week on Sunday 21 May 17.

Defence Partner - Coffee Catch Up Singleton

Supported Playgroups - Tamworth

NEW Mini golf - Beresfield
We were thrilled with the overwhelming response to both events and proud to deliver
them to Hunter Defence families.

National Families Week Celebrations
- photographs of Hunter events
Thank you also to the organisations who attended and those who provided support on the
day.
Photographs from the day can be viewed on Page 10 and 11 of this Newsletter.
WILLIAMTOWN PLAYGROUP
RAAF Williamtown Playgroup operates from the Ferodale Oval
Club House, Medowie on 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.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.williamtownplaygroup.com
The Defence Special Needs Support Group has been helping Defence
families with special needs from across Australia since 1993
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
WILLIAMTOWN CRAFT GROUP
This group meets every Wednesday (except school holidays) at the
RAAF Williamtown Family Room on the RAAF Base from 10:00am
to 12 noon. The craft group is an opportunity for Defence partners
to meet. Coffee and tea is provided. Your first two visits are free, so
please come along and say hi!
Email: [email protected]
SINGLETON LITTLE DIGGERS PLAYGROUP
Singleton Little Diggers Playgroup operates on base every Monday
in the Community Hall - 10.00am to 12.00pm for a low cost weekly
fee. Bring a piece of fruit to share. Address: Infantry Drive Lone
Pine Barracks, Singleton. Contact: Renae 0419123255 Facebook
page Little Diggers Playgroup
SOLID ROCK MINISTRIES
2 A place of support and encouragement for Christian Defence
partners and serving members. Coffee and Word mornings from
10am—RAAF Williamtown Family Room—Term 1 dates :
Monday March 6, 20 & April 3. For more details contact Sandy
Simmons on 0402222410 or Email [email protected]
WILLIAMTOWN DEFENCE FAMILY GROUP
This group oversees a number of activities and is always looking for
partners interested in setting up new activities or taking on
committee roles to assist with the running of their existing groups.
Email: [email protected]
THE BUZZ FACEBOOK PAGE
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.
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebuzzwilliamtown
WILLIAMTOWN TOY LIBRARY
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 for opening times. Email: [email protected]
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
[email protected]
WILLIAMTOWN PRE SCHOOL
HUNTER ‘BUDDIES’
GROUPS
‘Buddies’ are 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: Debra
0423766378
Email:
[email protected]
TERRACE BUDDIES Raymond
Terrace
and
Medowie
Coordinator: Gerry 0412 594 411
Facebook: Terrace Buddies Email:
[email protected]
DEFENCE FAMILIES
CENTRAL COAST Central Coast
Area Facebook: Defence Families
Central
Coast
Email:
[email protected]
DEFENCE FAMILIES
MAITLAND East Maitland/
Ashtonfield/Thornton
Coordinator: Tahlia 0428 387 452
Facebook: Defence Families
Maitland Email:
[email protected]
NEWCASTLE BUDDIES
Adamstown/Maryville/Elermore
Val e/ Fletch er/Warra brook
Coordinator: Michelle 0414 498
029 Facebook: Newcastle Buddies
Email: [email protected]
DEFENCE EMPTY NESTER
NO KIDS (DENNKS) –
Williamtown Coordinator:
Vicki 0408407344 Email:
[email protected]
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 49877009 or
email [email protected]
SINGLETON BUDDIES
Coordinator:
Rachelle 0417 111 049
3 NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE BUDDIES COFFEE CATCH UP
Newcastle Buddies will be hosting a Defence Partner Coffee Catch Up on Wednesday 07
June from 10am at Habitat Café, 513 Glebe Road, Adamstown.
Defence partners are invited to come along and make new connections, share experiences
and enjoy some time out while sipping on a coffee in the hip café.
There is a cute play area for young children which includes a play kitchen and caravan.
A DCO team member will be on hand to discuss the assistance available in managing the
challenges associated with living a mobile Defence lifestyle.
Everyone is very welcome to attend. Please register your interest via text message to
Newcastle Buddy, Michelle on 0414 498 029.
HUNTER VALLEY WETLANDS
When you visit Hunter Wetlands Centre you’ll be amazed at how much there is to do and see.
There are many activities on offer to help you discover the magic of wetlands…..and most of them
are free! Here’s our top picks to start you off….

Walking/Bike Trails

Dipnetting

Wildlife

Self-guided/Guided Ecotours

Feeding Talks

Discovery Zone & Playground

Orienteering

Picnics and BBQs

Giftshop
Hunter Valley Wetlands
1 Wetlands Place, Shortland
Open 7 days 9am - 4pm
*Closed in shoes hat, sunscreen and insect
repellent are strongly recommended. Some activities including canoeing require closed in shoes to
be worn.
For more information, including entry prices, visit http://www.wetlands.org.au/page4655/
Visitor-Information.aspx
4 SINGLETON
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HIGH TEA
Monday 12 June from 3pm - Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend
You are invited to enjoy a wonderful high tea at Singleton Diggers, York Street from 3pm.
Menu includes: mixed ribbon sandwiches, assorted cakes and pastries, scones with cream and
jam, mini quiches, tea/coffee.
Members $18 | Visitors $21
BUDDIES IN THE SUBURBS—SINGLETON
COFFEE CATCH UP
Singleton Buddy, Rachelle, will be hosting a Defence Partner Coffee Catch Up on Thursday
20 July from 10:30am at Singleton Diggers, York Street.
Defence partners are invited to come along and make new connections, share experiences and
take some time out while enjoying a coffee.
A DCO Team member will be on hand to discuss the assistance available in managing the
challenges associated with living a mobile Defence lifestyle.
Everyone is very welcome to attend. Please register your interest via text message to
Singleton Buddy, Rachelle on 0417 111 049.
‘Buddies’ are Defence partners who are willing to support others in their local area by
planning social activities and linking families in their local communities. These activities
allow partners to meet one another, to form friendships, offer support and share local
knowledge. Buddies are volunteers and each group is run independently.
MOVIES AT THE BASE CINEMA
June 3, 4 and 6
Smurfs : The Lost Village (G/90m/Sony)
Free Fire (MA15+/91m/Sony)
June 10, 11 and 13
Alien Covenant (MA15+/122m/Fox)
Snatched (MA15+/91m/Fox)
June 17, 18 and 20
King Arthur (M/126m/Roadshow)
The Zookeeper's Wife (M/126m/Roadshow)
June 24, 25 and 27
Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (M/136m/Disney)
Pirates of the Caribbean : Dead Me Tell No Tales (M/129m/Disney)
The SMA Cinema is held at Menin Hall Theatre on Singleton Army Base. Movies are shown on
Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30pm.
For further information, call Menin Hall Theatre on 6575 0283.
5 TAMWORTH
SUPPORTED
PLAYGROUPS
Supported Playgroup provides a
broad range of educational and
social activities to enhance the
skills and interactions of families
and children in a safe and fun
environment.
We welcome families from all
cultural and religious
backgrounds.
Playgroup staff:

Value play and having fun

Respect and value differences
TAMWORTH FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE
Healthy Home, Happy Family
Specific dates from 31 May 2017 10:00 AM .
Our popular skills group is back in 2017 with new topics and guest speakers! Learn tips to
keep the kids amused at our one off craft and play sessions, or participate in longer programs
covering issues such as budgeting, health and safety, home organisation, nutrition and
exercise and more!
Sessions start in Term 2 on Tuesday Mornings from 10.00 - 12.00 pm. Dates are May 30th,
June 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th 2017.
For more information, visit www/tfss.com.au or call Tamworth Family Support Service on
6763 2333.

Encourage participation and
sharing

Want you to feel safe and
secure

Encourage not discourage
Supported Playgroups
assist families by:
can

Preparing children for the
transition into school

Distributing requested
information regarding parenting
skills and child development

Referrals to other services
What you will need:

A healthy morning tea for
your children. (We have a roster
for parents morning tea)

A water bottle

Hats and play clothes
because we can get messy
-
Gold coin donation (helps cover
the cost of tea/coffee and
resources)
There are supported Playgroups
near you (excluding school
holidays)!
Oxley Vale Public School
Tuesdays 10.00 am to 12.00 pm
Contact the Coordinator
6763 2309
PEEL STREET MARKETS
Tamworth Peel Street Markets have a great variety of over 50 stallholders who regularly attend
the monthly market.
About the Markets
Formerly known as the Peel Street Cottage Craft Fairs, the Tamworth Peel Street Markets are
held monthly on the 3rd Sunday, 8am till 1pm. The Markets began in August 1996 when the
First Stage of the Peel Street beautification was opened by Tamworth City Council.
From small beginnings these markets have grown considerably in size, now hosting over (50
and up to 70) stalls, providing an outlet for the market Industries such as arts, crafts, hobbies
and hand made, home grown products.
Look forward to a relaxing Sunday morning and come to the Tamworth Peel Street Market
with its great mix of stalls.
The Calala Rotary - Rotary Club of Tamworth on Peel recently took over the running of the
markets from the Tamworth Business Chamber with an objective of distributing all profits
from the coordination of the markets to local community organisations.
Our market experience will provide you with a
chance to browse; to taste; to chat; to eat and to
enjoy. With further developments underway we
are keen to ensure that the market is a real asset
to our community and would love to hear from
new exhibitors and farmers looking for a regular
spot to supply some of our community’s finest
produce. We would also love to hear suggestions
from the community.
Hillvue Public School
Wednesdays 10.00 am to 12.00 pm
Contact the Coordinator on
6763 2309
6 For more information on how to exhibit at the
market or to just drop us a suggestion or
comment please contact, our Markets Coordinator at Calala Rotary on 0456537389 or
[email protected]
WIDER HUNTER
ALL ABILITIES NETBALL IN MAITLAND
Maitland is about to host a netball tournament unlike any other.
The All Abilities Netball Competition is open to all local people aged 5 to 16 living with a
disability.
Though people outside the age bracket who wish to take part are also encouraged to
contact organisers.
The competition is the result of a partnership between Ability Links NSW, disability
service provider Endeavour and Maitland Netball Association.
Anyone interested in joining the competition should contact Ms Curtis (from the
Endeavour Group) on 0447 387 944 or Nicola Young (from the
Maitland Netball Association) on 0438 347 930.
MINI GOLF OPENS IN BERESFIELD
Beresfield Golf course offers a casual and social way to play golf, a great new mini golf
course and the new sport of FootGolf (soccer on the golf course).
FootGolf (nine holes) is a fun, faster way to enjoy a golf course and is a great way to spend
some active time with family and friends.
The new 18 hole mini golf course, which opened in May, will make it a choice family
destination. Group prices are available for parties and there is a kiosk and barbecue facilities
on site!
For more information, including special introductory prices, visit
www.beresfieldgolf.com.au or call 4966 4665.
‘Stepping Out is a must for all personnel. Make sure it’s on your transitioning /
discharge ‘to do’ list’
STEPPING OUT (TRANSITION PROGRAM)
Are you or your partner about to separate from the ADF or have you separated from the ADF
within the last 12 months? If yes, then the Stepping Out program may be for you.
The Stepping Out group program is a 2-day program developed for ADF members and their
partners who are about to, or have recently separated from the military.
In the program, examine your transition process and what it means to go from military life to
civilian life as an individual and as a family – in both practical and emotional terms.
This free program is facilitated by the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service
(VVCS) and is considered as ‘on duty at another location’ for current ADF members attending
the program.
To be delivered in Maitland on 19 & 20 July. For more information or to
register your attendance, contact VVCS on 1800 011 046.
7 GENERAL INFORMATION
TIME APART
My partner is deployed and no-one has contacted me …… is unfortunately something DCO hear
way too often from spouses/partners. It is not that we don’t want to speak to Defence spouses
but rather we need your permission before we can call you.
There was a time when Defence members would tick a box on a form to indicate that they would
like DCO to call their partner during their absence. However, current privacy legislation
requires that consent for contact must be provided by the family member requesting it. Defence
members are not able to provide consent on behalf of their family members.
Only YOU can provide permission for DCO to contact you. If you would like to receive regular
telephone calls or emails during your partners deployment (or another service absence), please
register with the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 or
[email protected]. Alternatively, DCO Hunter has a consent form that you
can sign. This form is available through the Hunter Area Office on 4034 6973 or
[email protected], the member may receive it during their pre-deployment
training or it may be sent ‘home’ by the member’s unit.
Time apart from families due to deployments, training or other Service requirements is a
challenging part of Defence life. DCO offer services to help you plan for absence and support
you during separation. This includes resources such as booklets, videos and bears, information
about communication and adjustment at different stages of deployment, member and family
care plan, regular deployment support calls, advise and referral, counselling, and assistance in
an emergency.
Please go to the DCO website at www.defence.gov.au/dco for more information or to download
resources.
TYPE ‘O’ BLOOD DONATIONS NEEDED URGENTLY
The Blood Service is in urgent need of O type donors right now to ensure they meet patient
demand over the next three weeks. Please phone on 131495 or visit www.donateblood.com.au to
book your appointment. You can donate blood, plasma and platelets at the Newcastle and
Maitland donor centres.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service Donor Mobile will also visit RAAF Williamtown
Monday 05 June - Thursday 08 June 2017 from 1030-1630 in the Canteen Car Park.
WILLIAMTOWN DEFENCE FAMILY GROUP
MOTHERS DAY MORNING TEA
Williamtown Defence Family Group hosted a very special Mothers Day Morning Tea recently
for mothers from Defence families.
Mothers were invited to come along and enjoy the morning tea
together. There was a delicious array of delectable cakes and slices
on offer as well as tea and coffee served in the prettiest china.
Two deserving mums came away with lucky door prizes and each
mother that attended received a small gift.
8 WDFG Mother’s Day Morning Tea The morning tea provided Williamtown Defence Family Group an
opportunity to acknowledge the incredibly important contribution
mothers make, particularly those in Defence families.
TERRACE BUDDIES COFFEE CATCH UP
Bay Buddy, Debra, hosted a Defence Partner Coffee Catch Up on 01 May 17 from
10:00am at Salamander Tavern.
Defence partners were provided with a wonderful opportunity to make new connections,
share experiences and have some time out while enjoying a coffee.
Thank you to Bay Buddy Debra and all those who attended the Bay Buddy Coffee Catch
Up. We hope Terrace Buddies will ‘catch up’ again soon!
FREE BUILDING CONNECTIONS PROGRAM—
INTERRELATE
Bay Buddies enjoying a Coffee Catch up 9 Meeting the inhabitants at
Hunter Valley Zoo.
Family fun at the
Hunter Valley Zoo.
Taking time out for lunch
at Hunter Valley Zoo.
Enjoying a day out at
Hunter Valley Zoo.
Collecting resources at
Hunter Valley Zoo.
Hunter Defence families celebrate National Families Week.
Hunter Defence families were invited to join in National Families
Week celebrations on Sunday 21 May 2017. Singleton families
attended Hunter Valley Zoo, Nulkaba and the Williamtown event
was held at the Australian Reptile Park, Somersby.
Families were provided free entry to the popular venues, along with
the opportunity to enjoy a fun and interactive experience with live
shows, themed exhibits, a sausage sizzle lunch and the chance to
engage with other Defence families, representatives from various
Defence community service providers and DCO staff.
There was an overwhelming response to both events, with over 680
Defence family members joining in the fun.
National Families Week is an initiative of Families Australia and
DCO Hunter was proud to deliver National Families Week events to
Hunter Defence families.
Enjoying time together with friends
at Hunter Valley Zoo.
Defence Community Organisation
personnel getting to know Defence
families at the Australian Reptile Park.
Getting up close with a
Reticulated Python,
the largest species of python in the
world, at the Australian Reptile Park.
Enjoying the Spider World exhibit
at the Australian Reptile Park.
Family fun at the
Australian Reptile Park.
Getting together with Australian Reptile Park
employees for a picture with a Galapagos Tortoise.
Spider painting during
National Families Week
at the Australian Reptile Park.
Getting up close and personal with a Burmese
Python during National Families Week at the
Australian Reptile Park.
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 Hunter Team