17 March 2025
Navy families were welcomed to Sydney at a Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) event at Luna Park, in the lead up to Navy Week.
DMFS Area Manager for Sydney and Liverpool, Aspasia Iosifidis, said the welcome events, held across Australia, are a staple in the DMFS calendar.
“Newly posted Defence families come together with the Defence community at our welcome events, making new friends, renewing established friendships and discovering the available support networks,” Ms Iosifidis said.
“The event brings together stallholders from across the community so Defence families can meet key ADF and community support organisations in one place, with a focus on supporting our ADF families.
“It is a real honour and extremely rewarding to facilitate connection between Defence families in the Sydney areas. I spoke to many families on the day and their feedback and gratitude was astoundingly positive.”
Petty Officer James Whittle and partner, Able Seaman Serena Whittle, who have been serving in the ADF for 21 years and five years respectively, attended the Sydney welcome event with their children.
“Both of our kids have seen multiple posting locations in their life, with Sydney being the newest addition,” Petty Officer Whittle said.
“The event was great fun and gave my kids, Charlotte and Jack, an opportunity to see what Sydney has to offer.
“The welcome events are really important as they give families an insight into the services available for them in their new location.”
All Defence personnel and their families are encouraged to contact DMFS for support at any time during their posting cycle. Visit the ADF Members and Families page for more information, or call the 24/7 helpline on 1800 624 608.
