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
Community groups & centres
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.
Activities and events include:
Morning Tea and Playgroup - Each Monday and Wednesday [except public holidays or Christmas time] from 9.30 onwards, usually concluding at lunchtime. Opportunity to socialise with members and for children to participate in craft and play activities. There are loads of toys, books, play equipment and puzzles.
We have a different craft activity for the children each week. We have a wonderful undercover playground area and a range of outdoor toys. There is a cubby house and sports equipment as well. There is a verandah with comfortable furniture and BBQ facilities. Children of all ages are welcome and we have facilities for even the little ones, including high chairs, bouncers and a cosy baby space.
Monthly Social Events - We organise a range a range of events to suit everyone. See our Facebook page for what is coming up. These include family BBQs, lunches at local places of interest, movie nights, excursions to children friendly venues, sporting and fitness activities, local community volunteer work, craft group, book club, information sessions.
Special Occasion Events -Easter, Anzac Day and Christmas are celebrated with special events by the WDFA.
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 provides counselling and support services to Australia's military community. 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.
Regional info
The following resources and websites can give you a good grounding in local information and services available.
