Defence Family Matters
To find out about events for ADF families in Richmond, visit our Eventbrite page. You'll be able to RSVP, add events to your calendar and share with friends.
The Air Force Association publishes the Welcome to Richmond handbook, which is available on their website.
To receive updates from the team at DMFS Richmond about upcoming programs, events and our monthly newsletter please register by emailing DMFS.Richmond@defence.gov.au to request the 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 may be limited 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.
Due to current Government COVID-19 guidelines operating days/times may vary and restrictions may apply. Please contact the group’s coordinator for the latest up to date information.
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
More information: https://kookaburrakids.org.au/ | Facebook
Due to current Government COVID-19 guidelines operating days/times may vary and restrictions may apply. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page.
The Australian Military Wives Choir is a choir for women who support military personnel. 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?
More information: Send them an email, or check out their Facebook page for details about online rehearsals and activities.
Due to current Government COVID-19 guidelines operating days/times may vary and restrictions may apply. For more information, please call the Centre on 0447 911 830 or email richmondfamilycentre@gmail.com
The Defence Richmond Family Centre (DRFC) is your local community hub that strives to support spouses, families and serving members of the ADF at RAAF Base Richmond, RAAF Glenbrook, Defence Establishment Orchard Hills and surrounds.
The Centre is located on RAAF Base Richmond at 13 McNamara Avenue (opposite the playground/park) and everyone is welcome to come along!
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 Richmond | Facebook
DENNKS invites single ADF members, members who are MWDU, Defence empty nesters and Defence families who have no children to join us.
For more information: follow them on Facebook
Due to current Government COVID-19 guidelines operating days/times may vary and restrictions may apply. For more information, please contact the group’s coordinator.
Meet at various locations at Rouse Hill town Centre for a catch-up with a coffee an evening out or a movie.
More info: Contact Michelle 0422 954 340
Due to current Government COVID-19 guidelines operating days/times may vary and restrictions may apply. Kissingpoint Cottage continues to offer virtual support and activities/kits are available for contactless collection/delivery. For more information, please contact the group’s coordinator.
Kissingpoint Cottage is a tri-service community house in the Sydney district of Ermington/Dundas. They support military partners and their children in a fun and friendly environment where everyone understands the unique lifestyle and challenges faced by Defence families.
If you are new to the area or would simply like to make some new friends, follow them on Facebook and try some of their weekly online sessions. They’d love to meet you!
Where: 292 Kissing Point Road, Dundas
More info: Tel: 02 9874 4052
Email: kissingpointcottage@gmail.com | Facebook.
Due to current Government COVID-19 guidelines operating days/times may vary and restrictions may apply. Please contact the group’s coordinator for the latest up-to-date information.
Contact: Indah 0400 774 876 | Facebook
Due to current Government COVID-19 guidelines operating days/times may vary and restrictions may apply. Peppercorn Children and Families continues to offer their full level of service delivered via telephone, text, email and Facebook. The service is providing online craft and story times. For more information, please contact the group’s coordinator.
They provide a range of community services for residents in the Hawkesbury. They offer leisure and educational programs, family and early childhood support services, community transport, activities and events for seniors.
Where: 320 George Street, Windsor
When: Mon – Fri 8.30am-4.00pm
More information: dropin@peppercorn.org.au | https://www.peppercorn.org.au | 02 4577 9804 | 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.
You can also talk to your Unit Welfare Officer for more information.
Defence Member and Family Helpline | 1800 624 608
