Defence Family Matters
Including Adelaide, Edinburgh, Port Wakefield and Woodside.
To find out about events for ADF families in Adelaide, visit our Eventbrite page. You'll be able to RSVP, add events to your calendar and share with friends.
RAAF publications - Welcome to Edinburgh
With the internet and social media flooded with a range of COVID-19 information and advice, it’s important to make sure the information you’re seeking comes from an official source. To help you, we’ve put together a list of official websites where families can get up-to-date information about a range of COVID issues like travel restrictions and border closures, non-essential travel and fines, testing locations, school arrangements, jobs and business information.
If you are looking for national information and contacts about COVID-19, see the Coronavirus tab on our Emergency and Crisis webpage.
We have also developed a Coronavirus Advice webpage which has a range of information and resources about wellbeing, tips to manage in isolation, how to support kids, maintaining healthy relationships and information about reunion leave arrangements.
For more mental health and wellbeing information and resources see our Health and Wellbeing webpage.
Information about Defence’s involvement in the whole-of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including live blog updates can be found at the Defence response to COVID-19.
We’ve also put together some other educational resources that may help families with children during COVID-19 restrictions.
Community groups & centres
Community group facilities are currently closed due to the COVID-19 restrictions, but you can still get involved with their online activities and virtual catch-ups. If you want to get in touch with a community group in your area, follow them on Facebook to keep up-to-date.
The Australian Military Wives Choir is looking for women in the Defence community to lead a group of women's voices. The AMWC has enjoyed rapid growth and significant community support since it began in 2012 and is eager to expand throughout Australia. The Choir recently received funding from DCO, and a significant proportion of the grant was to aid in setting up new groups in regions across the country, including Adelaide.
More info: Australian Military Wives Choir | amwc.coordinator@gmail.com
The Defence Special Needs Support Group is a non-profit benevolent volunteer organisation established to assist ADF families with a family member with special needs.
More info: DSNSG Adelaide
The North East Defence Community Inc. (NEDC) is a tri-service community group based at RAAF Base Edinburgh. They organise events and activities to help Defence families and couples develop a support network. It's all about making new friends and enjoying Defence life in Adelaide!
The group offers a variety of regular family meet-up sessions, school holiday activities, crèche days, a library and equipment for hire.
For more information, see the NEDC family Facebook page, email nedc.edinburgh@rocketmail.com, or call the NEDC Coordinator on 0491 070 762.
The Defence Special Needs Support Group is a non-profit benevolent volunteer organisation established to assist ADF families with a family member with special needs.
More info: DSNSG Woodside
The Woodside Defence Families Association provides support to Defence families in many ways, offering a variety of activities, events, information and support. Our association welcomes new and current unit members and their families to the Adelaide Hills area.
We work closely with the Unit, RHQ and the Padre to provide information and support for everyone. We encourage partners and families to be part of the association by visiting our Playgroup and Community Centre buildings or following us on Facebook.
Where: Buildings 125/126 Woodside Army Barracks
More information: Call the WDFA on 0421 164 207. You can also email wdfa10@gmail.com, visit Woodside Families website or look us up on Facebook.
Open Arms continues to provide 24/7 counselling and support services to Australia's military community during COVID-19. If you have served one day of continuous full-time service in the ADF you can call them for support. They also support families, reservists and some peacekeepers. Call Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 for free, confidential counselling and group programs to support mental health and wellbeing.
Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling | Group Programs | Facebook
Regional info
The following resources and websites can give you a good grounding in local information and services available.
