Defence Family Matters
To find out about events for ADF families in Melbourne, visit our Eventbrite page. You'll be able to RSVP, add events to your calendar and share with friends.
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 Victoria | Facebook
The Simpson Community Centre, formerly the Mactier Community Centre is located in Building 40, Simpson Barracks, Greensborough Road, Macleod.
The Simpson Community Centre runs groups and programs to meet the needs of their membership, with the aim of promoting community engagement and self-confidence. Book club, coffee and cake and playgroup are among the regular activities. Contact the centre to keep up to date with what is happening.
A quarterly newsletter, the Simpsons Voice, is available online and the Simpson Community Centre also administer and encourage use of their very active online community.
The Coordinator is located in the office in front of the - Simpson hot desk area and is in the office - 9.00am – 2pm Monday – Thursday
For more information on what the Simpson Community Centre provides, follow them on Facebook.
More info: Simpson Community Centre website | Call 0499 018 304 | Facebook
Open Arms continues to provide 24/7 counselling and support services to Australia's military community during COVID-19. 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 | Facebook
Regional info
The following resources and websites can give you a good grounding in local information and services available.
Defence Member and Family Helpline | 1800 624 608
