Defence Family Matters
To find out about events for ADF families in Cairns, visit our Eventbrite page. You'll be able to RSVP, add events to your calendar and share with friends.
To receive updates from the team at DCO North Queensland about upcoming programs, events and our quarterly newsletter please register to our Mailing List: DCO NQ Mailing List Registration Form.
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 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 Cairns | Facebook
Little Diggers Community Centre (LDCC) in Cairns is a Defence-sponsored community group that aims to help Defence families feel confident, resilient and connected in Cairns. LDCC welcomes Defence and non-Defence families from all over Cairns, making it a great place to meet other local families, make new friends and catch up with some old friends. Contact the coordinator or following them on Facebook to find out more about the online activities.
More information: email info@littlediggerscairns.com.au | 0498 505 494 | Facebook
Cairns Defence Community Support Group (CDCSG) is a new group of defence partners who provide an opportunity for the community to connect as a group. They host a range of activities, source services and find out information about the local area and what it has to offer. Their primary goal is to build and support a stronger community, stronger families and stronger friendships.
They hold a range of regular events like Coffee catch-ups, chat and play, family dinners, Ladies dinners, family events, trivia, online book club and lots more Visit them on Facebook or contact the coordinator, Hannah, to find out more.
Contact: email cairnsDCSG@gmail.com | Facebook | Instagram
My Space in collaboration with GSL: a Good Start to Life continue to offer the DF Enable program
My Space Inc supports young people and their families who are affected by a disability or mental health disorder. Through their collaboration with a Good Start to Life (GSL) they understand the frequent and extended absence of one parent is likely to result in disruption to the family unit and the mobile nature of Defence life can disrupt a family’s connection with the community. These challenges can be amplified when the family cares for a dependent with additional needs, possibly balancing this care with the care of other siblings.
My Space Inc provides a range of support programs for families who have a dependant with additional needs. Some of their activities include their school holiday program, gaming days and movie nights, weekday after school respite activities and coffee playdates for parents and children.
For more information about their activities or intake process, contact Lachlan on 4031 0123 or by email lachlan@gslservices.com.au
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.
State Emergency Service: 132 500
Ergon Energy Emergencies: 13 16 70 or 000
You can also talk to your Unit Welfare Officer for more information.
