Defence Community Organisation

Community groups & centres

Brisbane

Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation

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

Website: Kookaburra Kids website
Facebook: Kookaburra Kids

Gallipoli Barracks Community Centre

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!

• Monday: Little Berets Playgroup (for all ages), 9:30am–11:30am, $2 per session
• Tuesday: Pilates, 10:00am, $8 per session, child minding available for $2 per child
• Tuesday: Pilates - 10 am $8 to attend with child minding available for $2 per child.
• Wednesday: Mini Commandos, 9:30am–11:30am, ideal for 18 months and up, work on gross motor skills like climbing, balancing and jumping, $2 per session
• Thursday: Mum's, Bubs and Bumps, 9:30am–11:30am, for mums and babies aged from 0–2, $2 per session
• Thursday monthly: Music class, 10:00am–10:45, $5 per session
• FAB Lunch: First Monday of the month from 12pm, contact GBCC for further information
• Girls Night In: Last Friday of the month from 7pm, contact GBCC for further information

Please email the GBCC Coordinator for further information about these groups and others at GBCC_Coordinator@outlook.com.

Defence Special Needs Support Group

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 Brisbane

Australian Military Wives Choir

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 information: Australian Military Wives Choir website 
Contact: amwc.coordinator@gmail.com

Picabeen Community Association Inc.

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.
Where: 22 Hoben Street, Mitchelton
More information: visit www.picabeen.org.au or call 07 3354 2555

Encircle

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. 
Where: Encircle, 865 Gympie Road, Lawnton
More information: Contact Encircle during office hours on 07 3205 2955. Also see the Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre website.

Canungra

Studio Village Defence Playgroup

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

Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling

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.

• Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling
• Group Programs

Regional info

Getting started

The following resources and websites can give you a good grounding in local information and services available.

Brisbane

• Brisbane City Council - A range of useful information about all aspects of living in the thriving city of Brisbane. You can also request a new resident’s kit by calling the Council on 07 3403 888.
• Visit Brisbane - Discover all Brisbane has to offer, with details of events and attractions and top things to do and see.
  
• Moreton Bay Regional Council - Moreton Bay Regional Council encompasses the northern suburbs of Brisbane.   Information about the local community, local services and facilities, events and activities can be found on their website or by contacting 07 3205 0555.
  

Canungra

• Scenic Rim Regional Council - Information about community, local services and facilities, and events and activities for Canungra and its beautiful surrounds.
• Disaster Management - Useful information to help you be prepared in the event of extreme weather and cyclones, plus handy emergency contacts.
  

Defence postings in Brisbane and northern Queensland

• Gallipoli Barracks (Enoggera). Gallipoli Barracks has a number of facilities available for use by Defence families
• Victoria Barracks (Brisbane City)
• Bulimba Barracks (Bulimba)

You can also talk to your Unit Welfare Officer for more information.

Creche and Kindergarten Association Limited

The Creche and Kindergarten Association Limited (C&K) is a not for profit organisation that has offered early childhood education and care since 1907. C&K Is currently taking enrolments now for 2015. To enrol visit the Creche and Kindergarten Association website or call us on 1800177092.