Defence Family Matters
To find out about events for ADF families in Canberra, visit our Eventbrite page. You'll be able to RSVP, add events to your calendar and share with friends.
Send an email to DCO Canberra to join our mailing list. You'll get the latest information and updates from DCO Canberra, your local Defence community and the Canberra region.
Community groups & centres
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.
Where: Kookaburra Kids Head Office, PO BOX 681, Gymea 2227
More info: Kookaburra Kids website, Kookaburra Kids Facebook, phone 02 9525 7474
The Australian Military Wives Choir, Canberra is a choir for women who support Military personnel in the Canberra region. As a no audition, no experience necessary group, they welcome new members. Despite their name bearing the word wives, they welcome any woman who has close links to serving ADF members. Perhaps you're a female ADF member or a close family member - a partner, wife, sister or mother.
Where: Duntroon Chapel
When: First, Third and fifth Thursday evening each month from 7pm
More info: Email canberra@amwchoir.com, AMWC Facebook | AMWC website
The Defence Special Needs Support Group provides support, information and assistance to Defence families across Australia. The Canberra coordinator is Claire MacFarlane-Rowles.
More info: Email canberra.north@dsnsg.org.au or canberra.south@dsnsg.org.au, DSNSG Canberra website
Duntroon Community Centre, Gymkhana Road, RMC Duntroon, ACT
Opened originally in 1981, the Duntroon Community Centre (DCC) has always offered Defence families a place to go for companionship and support. Moving to their current location in July 2003, the DCC is a fabulous facility (located on the grounds of RMC Duntroon) which offers a diverse array of programs and activities, available to both military (all services) and civilian families.
Examples of DCC groups and activities include:
More info: Visit Duntroon Community Centre website for details on how to become an annual member and to find out more abut what the centre has to offer.
The playgroup has a different craft activity for the kids every week, lots of indoor and outdoor toys, a cubby house, a video, DVD and book library to borrow from, and a delicious morning tea for the mums and dads. BYO morning tea for the kids. If your children are 0-5 years old bring them along to meet some new friends.
Activities are held throughout the year including visits to Kidcity, Questacon, and CSIRO, visits from Action Buses, Fire and Police representatives and, of course, the Christmas party!
The Playgroup is run by an enthusiastic Committee who are happy to accept contributions from our members. Membership to the ACT Playgroups Association is mandatory and costs $35 per annum. GDFP charge $4 per family per week that goes towards the ongoing costs of the Playgroup (tea and coffee facilities etc.)
Where: Community House (next to Gold Creek Primary School), Kelleway Avenue, Nicholls, ACT
When: Every Thursday 9.30am-11.30am
Welcome: Parents and children
More info: President/Coordinator 0491 279 816, email gungahlindfp@gmail.com
Solid Rock Ministries is a group that provides support and encouragement for Christian Defence spouses and serving members, but all are welcome. They meet every Monday morning during school terms and also meet for other events, such as dinners, and host an annual retreat.
When: Weekly on Monday mornings 10:00-11:30am and fortnightly Monday evenings 7:00-9:30pm
Where: Soild Rock Community Centre, Parkinson Street, Weston
More info: If you would like to make contact first, or have any questions, please email Julianne McMaster at solidrockdefence@gmail.com or visit the Solid Rock Defence Facebook page
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.
Department of Defence offices are scattered throughout Canberra including Russell, Campbell Park, Brindabella Park and Deakin.
