Defence families welcomed to South Australia

More than 900 Defence personnel and their families attended the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) welcome event in Adelaide recently.

CAPTION: Wing Commander Craig Keane with Defence Member and Family Support staff members at the 2024 South Australia welcome event. Story by Chelsey Ballard.

The event showcased South Australian support services, sporting clubs and community groups to newly posted personnel and their families.

Area manager for South Australia Kate Crawford said that often when posted to a new location, sometimes without close family support, it feels overwhelming.

“The welcome event allowed DMFS to link key community support services directly to personnel and their families to minimise the overwhelming feeling that comes with posting to new locations,” Ms Crawford said.

“Families were encouraged to access resources to help them continue to build their resilience and establish themselves in the South Australia Defence community.”

Defence families had the chance to meet each other and begin developing their own informal network of support in their new posting location.

At the end of the night, there were many parents leaving with smiles after a busy, fun and entertaining evening.

For Wing Commander Craig Keane, it was fantastic to see families take delight in the services and fun activities provided on the night.

“It was really exciting to see the large numbers of families enjoying the sights and sounds of the Adelaide zoo exhibitions,” Wing Commander Keane said.

“This event was a great example of DMFS being fundamental to the wellbeing of our families.

“Knowing what I know now, I wish I had used the DMFS offerings while my kids were younger.

“A sincere thank you to DMFS for planning and delivering such an amazing event for our most important asset: our people.”

Defence families are encouraged to contact DFMS for support. Visit the ADF Members and Families page for more information.

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