NQ welcome event a hit with Defence families

Hundreds of Defence personnel in Townsville kicked off the new posting cycle at a Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) welcome event at Townsville Stadium recently.

CAPTION: Defence members hold a ‘Hello from Townsville’ frame up at the 2024 welcome event in Townsville, Queensland. Story by Chelsey Ballard. Photos by Rachel Baker.

As new postings can be a challenging time for families, welcome events are organised to encourage fellow Defence families to connect.

Area Manager for DMFS in the Northern Territory, Rachel Baker, said the welcome event helped new and existing ADF personnel and their families connect with the Townsville community, and to get the most out of their posting.

“Families were able to engage with a variety of exhibitors, showcasing a range of programs and services,” Ms Baker said.

“Over 120 exhibitors, ranging from sporting and interest groups, education, employment and training organisations, and local tourism had stalls at the event.

“The attendance was pleasing, with over 1000 people engaging with us to find out more about the ways Defence supports our families.

“It is great to see so many families attending the welcome event; it means we are able to engage directly with our Defence families to provide advice and support.”

CAPTION: Defence families attend the 2024 Welcome to Townsville event, hosted by Defence Member and Family Support, to welcome Defence families to the area.

For newly appointed Deputy Commander 3rd Brigade Colonel Boniface Aruma, and his family, the event was appreciated to help make the transition from Papua New Guinea.

“The welcome event was certainly informative and helped with my family’s move to Townsville,” Colonel Aruma said.

“My wife established contact with local organisations where she can be involved in the community, and my sons were able to sign up for a local junior rugby league team.

“We also discovered organisations that can help my young adult children with pursuing practical skills, education and job opportunities.

“My family and I have never experienced a welcome event such as this before, and it has really helped us.”

Welcome events are one of the ways DMFS brings families together. DMFS also runs support programs for mobility, absence from home, critical incidents, command and community engagement.

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

CAPTION: Area Manager for Defence Member and Family Support in the Northern Territory, Rachel Baker, with a friendly dog at the 2024 welcome event in Townsville – held to welcome new Defence families to the area.

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