Defence Family Matters
To find out about events for ADF families in Brisbane visit our Eventbrite page. You'll be able to RSVP, add events to your calendar and share with friends.
To receive the DCO Brisbane Bulletin (about upcoming programs, events and community resources) please register for our mailing list. Please provide your name, email and mobile number to: DCO.Brisbane@defence.gov.au.
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 Kookaburra Kids Foundation supports kids living in families affected by mental illness. The program provides recreational educational camps and other activities, giving kids a break, in a fun, positive and safe environment. Kids have the opportunity to meet other kids in similar families and develop new friendships.
Kookaburra Kids Head Office
PO BOX 681 Gymea 2227
(02) 9525 7474
Online: Kookaburra Kids website | Facebook
The Gallipoli Barracks Community Centre (GBCC) holds a range of activities and events throughout the year and are always looking for new activities and groups that would like to utilise the centre. We would love to hear your ideas and suggestions!
Due to Covid 19 the Community Centre is currently closed however they have some virtual activities in place. Follow them on Facebook to see what activities you can join in with from home. https://www.facebook.com/teamgbcc/
Please email the GBCC Coordinator at GBCC_Coordinator@outlook.com | Facebook
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.
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.
More information: Australian Military Wives Choir website | Facebook | email amwc.coordinator@gmail.com
Connecting the people of North West Brisbane with their local community. Picabeen offers a wide range of services including young parents' playgroups, computer and English classes, the Triple P Positive Parenting Program, and tai chi and holistic human development classes. To find out more about their online programs, follow them on Facebook or visit their website.
Where: 22 Hoben Street, Mitchelton
More information: visit www.picabeen.org.au or call 07 3354 2555 | Facebook
Encircle is a not for profit community owned and operated organisation for individuals and families in the Pine Rivers district.
The Centre responds to personal and community needs within a safe and welcoming environment. Support services are offered to community members using an approach which values each individual and their strengths. We provide a voice for the community by building and maintaining partnerships and offer low cost meeting space for local community groups and organisations. To find out more about their online activities, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
Where: Encircle, 865 Gympie Road, Lawnton
More information: Contact Encircle during office hours on 07 3205 2955 | Facebook
Playgroup for you and your little ones aged 0-5 years is held Thursday mornings from 9.00am – 11.00am at the Studio Village Community Centre, Morning tea provided.
Where: 87 Village Way, Oxenford (exit 62)
More info: Contact Playgroup Queensland on 1800 171 822 or Studio Village on 07 5529 8253 | 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.
You can also talk to your Unit Welfare Officer for more information.
The Creche and Kindergarten Association Limited (C&K) is a not for profit organisation that has offered early childhood education and care since 1907. For more information or to enrol visit the Creche and Kindergarten Association website | call 1800 177 092 | Facebook | Instagram.
