Defence News
Hi and a welcome back to our Defence Families for Term 4, 2025.
IMPORTANT
If any families are relocating for 2026, you can obtain the CDF Signed School Support Letter through the DMFS Helpline 1800 624 608 and EDLOs are available to assist in each location.
DFMS
Coffee Connections Thursday 16th October 2025 from 9:30am
Join DMFS for a Coffee Catch Up at The Café Providence 6 Amity Way Ripley, please note this is a self-funded event
ADF Member and Family Transition Seminar- Brisbane Thursday 30th October 2025- 0830-1600 Joint Transition Authority is bringing the ADF Member and Family Transition Seminar to Brisbane! If your family is considering transition from full time service or a change in service category, face-to-face transition seminars are a great opportunity to learn more about transition as a family.
Please refer to Defence Parents email sent by DSM 08/10/25 for further information and registration
RSL NEWS
Greater Springfield RSL Sub-Branch
A new executive team at Greater Springfield RSL sub-branch.
Executive team President – Glenn West (ex-Navy)
Secretary – Matt Burgoyne (Current RAAF Sgt – 35sqn)
Treasurer – Stephanie Shipman (Ex-Navy)
Vice President – Aaron Thomas (Current Army Reserve Officer – Captain)
Assistant Secretary – Brad Barr (Current Navy – CPO)
“The RSL family is an amazing organisation, that was formed at a time where memorial halls and pubs, were the only location to meet anyone in the community. The RSL family has for over a century, conducted itself at these locations accordingly. Here is a home truth not often said, but it needs to be. The reality is, today’s RSL family fails to meet the needs of the modern veterans and their families. This is what we seek to change. We have been given an RSL mandate, that geographical boundaries do not apply to us. Traditional RSL cultures, do not apply to us, on areas of how we connect with modern veterans and their families. We are 100% focused on delivering an RSL family to the Greater Springfield region and beyond, a modern RSL sub-branch, that directly meets and exceeds the needs of the veteran community. If any veteran wanted to jump onboard this journey, we simply encourage them to join and get involved. It’s going to be a wild adventure!”
Defence Families are encouraged to join the Greater Springfield RSL Sub-Branch, but don’t need to. They would like you to connect with them however.
Regards, Glenn West – President, Greater Springfield RSL sub-branch.
M: 0448837252. admin@greaterspringfield.rslqld.net.au
Event
1st Nov 2025 – Family BBQ Lunch at the circle - Robelle Domain commencing 1100. ALL Defence Families are invited to attend. Entertainment for both parents and children.
AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA KIDS FOUNDATION (AKKF)
https://kookaburrakids.org.au/whats-on/
AKKF - DEFENCE KIDS
https://kookaburrakids.org.au/defence-program/
Program for Current and Former ADF Families
The program dedicated to supporting the unique needs of children from serving and ex-serving ADF families has been made possible by the Australian Government.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is funding the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation to deliver the Defence Kids Program across Australia, which provides camps, activity days and age-appropriate mental health education focusing on coping skills and resilience, while allowing children to bond with peers who are facing similar challenges.
Who is Eligible?
To refer a young person to this program, no mental health diagnosis is necessary, and all young people aged 8 to 18 from a Defence or Veteran family are welcome to join the program.
Camps
10 – 12 October – Booloumba Creek Adventure Camp, Sunshine Coast QLD
Activity Days
15 November – YMCA Adventure, Joyner QLD
DEFENCE CLUB
Defence Club is held EVERY WEDNESDAY, FIRST BREAK in J207.
COMMEMORATIONS
Remembrance Day – 10th November 2025. 8:30am in the Raptordome. The date RVSSC will be commemorating here on school grounds.
Remembrance Day – 11th November 2025. 10:20am at Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall, 63 Nicholas St Ipswich. RVSSC will be represented at this commemoration.
SUPPORT
Always remember Defence Families can contact the DMFS Helpline 1800 624 608 for any assistance or support. https://dfa.org.au/
DMFS South Queensland hosts a variety of programs to support the community, our team consists of our Area Manager, Military Support Officers, Defence Social Workers, Education Liaison Officer, Family Liaison Officers and Business Support Officer. We have a range of services to support with the stress and challenges that Defence life can bring to not only the member but their family as well. For more information as the latest posting cycle approaches please click the link below to access our family Information guide
There are also several external service providers available to Defence members and their families for support. Feel free to contact me or check the DMFS October 2025 Newsletter for this information.
larms102@eq.edu.au or call 3819 5333.