Defence News
Hi and welcome to another Defence Article for our school newsletter. I cannot believe we are nearing the end of term three already. Where did the time go? A lot of my term has been spent learning the role of Defence School Mentor and all that it entails. The most important thing for me is to ensure that our Defence students are supported, whether by me personally or other staff here at RVSSC.
IMPORTANT
To ensure these supports can be implemented, it’s important that Defence parents and/or partners provide up-to-date information to me as the Defence School Mentor. Therefore, if you know that you are transitioning, being posted/relocating or being deployed, I would appreciate you informing me as soon as possible please.
Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre
RSL Queensland has secured the location for a new Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre at 260 Brisbane Street, West Ipswich, set to open mid-2026 RSL Queensland+1Local Ipswich News.
The 800 sqm centre will bring together RSL Queensland and Mates4Mates services—offering clinical care, rehabilitation gym, wellbeing support, social connection programs, and shared meeting spaces for other providers RSL Queensland+1Local Ipswich News.
It’s supported by a $5.4 million grant from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, aimed at serving more than 10,000 veterans and their families in the Ipswich area plus 5,000 Defence personnel from RAAF Base Amberley
Celebrate the centenary of The Queensland Digger
In 2025 we celebrate 100 years since The Queensland Digger (now Queensland RSL News) was first published. That’s a centenary of telling veterans’ stories. Our readers are part of this milestone, so we’d like you to participate in our celebration. We’d love you to tell us:
- Do you have any special memories of our member magazine over the years?
- Did you read any articles that were inspiring or even life-changing?
- Has it helped you reconnect with long-lost friends?
Please email editor@rslqld.org if you have any photos, stories to share or ideas to help us celebrate the centenary.
DEFENCE CLUB
Defence Club is held EVERY WEDNESDAY, FIRST BREAK in J207. It's an opportunity for Defence students to get to know each other, have some fun, share stories, and feel supported. Remember that nobody gets Defence challenges like you & your Defence peers.
COMMEMORATIONS
Vietnam Veterans Day – 18th August 2025. I represented the school for this commemoration at the Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch. I found it quite emotional and particularly enjoyed the release of white doves signifying peace, love, hope, and the ascension of the departed souls. Just beautiful.
Remembrance Day – 10th November 2025. The date RVSSC will be commemorating here on school grounds. An EOI has been sent to Defence students and cadets who may wish to participate.
Remembrance Day – 11th November 2025. Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch have sent an invitation to their commemoration. An EOI will be sent early next term for such.
AVCAT Scholarships – Applications Open 18 August 2025
Applications open: 18 August 2025 & then close 31 October 2025. Results announced: February–March 2026
Visit avcat.org.au to read the Application Guide and apply when applications open.
An ADF Families Event- ADF Equip- Relocation and Science Lab- Holiday Fun
When- September 29th at 10am-2.30pm
Where- Gallipoli Barracks Community Centre
The sessions will focus on tips and support for coping with relocation. At the start of each session, children will take part in an informal activity to get to know each other. Following this, they will participate in structured activities to improve their management of Defence-related relocation challenges.
There will be a short lunch break from 12-12.30. Please ensure you child brings a full lunch and water bottle to enjoy at this time. If your child has any food allergies, please let us know in advance so we can ensure their safety and the safety of others
After the program Join us for some extra fun!
Science Lab - Explorers Session 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Join us for an exciting, hands-on experience where imagination meets exploration! This interactive session will spark curiosity through captivating demonstrations that inspire wonder in children of all ages. After watching jaw-dropping experiments in action, kids will step into the role of young scientists, working in small teams to create their own amazing experiments. It’s a fun and engaging way to explore, learn, and discover together!
Register Here- ADF Equip and Science Lab 2025
SUPPORT
Always remember Defence Families can contact the DMFS Helpline: 1800 624 608 for any assistance or support. https://dfa.org.au/
larms102@eq.edu.au or call 3819 5333.