Postings

Upcoming postings and changes are on the agenda for some Defence families. The Defence Community Organisation website has well laid out information to guide through the process of relocation. See http://www.defence.gov.au/dco/ , scroll down to see the section titled ‘Moving and relocation’. Worth mentioning is ‘Moving with kids’ and subsection ‘Support for children’. Of note, KidSMART programs are fun and interactive resilience-building programs for children where they learn practical tips for dealing with moving to a new location and school (call Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 to sign up).

If you are relocating and have not already had the chance to do so, could you please advise the Front Office. This assists with school administration and also my planning for preparing the children for farewells. Thank you.

Defence Community Organisation (DCO) Canberra E-News August/September Highlights

What  Defence Christian’s Dinner

When  Friday 31 August 2018, 7-10.30pm

Where  ADFA Cadets Mess

Info Hosted by Military Christian Fellowship. Key note speaker is Dr John Dickson (PhD). He started out as a professional singer-songwriter, now works as an author, speaker, historian, senior pastor, and media presenter. He has published 15 books, three of which have become television documentaries. Follow link http://mcf-a.org.au/events/defence-christians-dinner-2018/  Enquiries: 02 6266 4950 or email mcf.office@defence.gov.au .

What  Father’s Day

When  Saturday 1 September, 2-4pm

Where  Weston Park, Yarralumla

Info BYO picnic rug and chairs. Light refreshments provided by DCO and beverages by the Salvation Army Sallyman Truck. Limited tickets available for an 18‐hole round of mini golf at the Yarralumla Play Station (first in, best dressed!).

What  Lifeline Bookfair

When  Friday 7- Sunday 9 September

Where  Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Flemington Rd & Northbourne Ave, Mitchell

Info  Huge range of books, movies, music, games, comics and more, at low prices! Entry by gold coin donation. Fundraiser for Lifeline’s local 13 11 14 crisis support and suicide prevention service. To find out more follow the link

http://www.act.lifeline.org.au/item/sept‐2018‐bf

Kookaburra Kids

Kookaburra Kids offer free camps and activities for kids aged 8-18years who have a parent with a mental health issue due to military service (this can be the serving member or the spouse). The next primary aged camp will be held at the end of October; registrations are now being taken. Referrals can be made via https://kookaburrakids.org.au/how-you-can-help/refer-a-child/ or call 6109 0408 and ask to speak with Nick.

DCO Canberra E-news is published bimonthly and now available on the DCO Canberra website: http://www.defence.gov.au/DCO/Community/Canberra/Default.asp . E-News includes handy information such as upcoming events, contact details for social groups and links to DCO resources. When it is published, a link can be emailed to you if you are on the DCO Canberra mailing list. This list is opt-in, opt-out, so simply send an email to dco.canberra@defence.gov.au to update your preference. Alternatively, ‘like’ the DCO Facebook Page to receive information and updates.

Feel welcome to visit or contact me on 6249 8869 or send an email to sonja.mingay@cg.catholic.edu.au .

Sonja Mingay
DSTA

Work hours: Mon-Wed 9am-3pm, Thu 9-11am