Defence Family Matters
To find out about events for ADF families in Puckapunyal, 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 centre connects Defence families with one another and the wider community through numerous programs and activities. This includes a range of children's programs such as dance, Tumble Tots and Story Time. The centre has a fitness program including Zumba, tennis and bootcamp. There's also a coffee club, craft group, mums and bubs, school holiday activities and several social events throughout the year.
Visit their website or follow them on Facebook to find out about their online activities
More information: (03) 5735 7719 | puckapunyaldncentre@gmail.com | website | 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.
More information: DSNSG Puckapunyal | 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
For personalised advice about your local area, call the all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline on1800 624 608.
The following resources and websites can give you a good grounding in local information and services available.
