The Top Ender Magazine February March 2021 Edition

The Top
Ender
Tri-Services Magazine Inc
FEBRUARY | MARCH 2021
A MAGAZINE CREATED BY DEFENCE FAMILIES FOR DEFENCE FAMILIES

THE TOP ENDER TRI-SERVICE MAGAZINE
February/March 2021
COVER IMAGE
Australian Defence Force Flags at the Bombing of Darwin Commemorative
Ceremony, 2018.
COMMITTEE
Chairperson Amanda Letcher
Treasurer Dan Campbell
Secretary Madison Collier
General Members Deborah Muir, Deb Herring, Emma Thom
CONTACT US
COMMUNITY CO-ORDINATOR
Denna Menz
admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
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chair@thetopendermagazine.org.au
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ENDER
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FEATURES
10 THE BEST JOB EVER - AJM TRAVEL
12 TALES OF A TOP END MUM
24 THE SAFETY OF OUR SHORES
42 A QUIET HERO
46 CELEBRATING OUR ARMED FORCES
SUPPORT
16 DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS
17 DFA NT
18 DCO NATIONAL & NT
20 ROBERTSON BARRACKS FAMILY GROUP
21 LARRAKEYAH NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE
22 NETWORK TINDAL
23 DEFENCE DANDELIONS PLAYGROUP
25 OPEN ARMS
28 DSM DIRECTORY
32 FROM THE PADRE’S PEN
34 DEFENCE HEALTH
40 MATES4MATES
COMMUNITY
3 FROM THE COMMITTEE
4 WELCOME FROM THE TOP
26 DOCTORS NOTES
27 PETS IN THE NT
29 DSM - LARRAKEYAH PRIMARY
30 COMMITTEE NOTICEBOARD
31 COMMITTEE IN THE COMMUNITY
33 OVERCOMING ISOLATION
36 WHAT’S ON / DIARY DATES
37 LET’S GO, BOWL PATROL!
38 GROM - ENGINEERING CALCULUS
39 SAVING AT THE SHOPS
CONTENTS
44 FISHING FOR THERAPY
45 SCOUTS - REDCYCLE
48 DSM - DRIPSTONE
50 HMAS GLENELG FITNESS
52 CYCLONE SEASON
54 RLLT HOLIDAYS
62 DIRECTORY
SPOTLIGHT
WELCOME FROM THE TOP - P4 - P7
A QUIET HERO - P42
ARMED FORCES BIRTHDAYS - P46
COMPETITIONS
EASTER COMP - P14
FOR THE ADULTS - P33
FOR THE FAMILY - P59
FOR THE KIDS - P61
LIFESTYLE
SAVING AT THE SHOPS - P39
RLLT HOLIDAYS - CAIRNS - P54
MOSQUITO WATCH - P56
WHATS THE TIDE DOIN’ - P57
KIDS CORNER
CROC COVE COMP - P59
KIDS SPACE - P60
TEEN SPACE - P61
FROM THE COMMITTEE
IMPORTANT DATES
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
If you wish to submit an article, event, photo,
advertisement or would like to contribute some
ideas for the next edition of The Top Ender
Magazine, please contact us. Submission Deadline
for April/May edition is: 18 February 2021.
DISTRIBUTION DAYS
Distribution Day (formerly known as Stuffing Day) is
a chance for you to meet our community and make
new friends, while we label the magazine for posting.
Light refreshments are provided and children are
always welcome.
Next Distribution Day: 11 April 2021
MONTHLY MEETING
Come along to our next committee meeting where
we finalise article selections, discuss community work
and magazine planning. You can input as much or as
little as you like. Light dinner is provided and children
are always welcome. Each meeting is held on the last
Thursday of each month.
2021: 25 February, 25 March, 29 April, 27 May
Contact admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
for further details.
FEBRUARY MARCH 2021
Indigenous performers, July 2017
WELCOME
Posting season is almost over, so we’d like to welcome
all those arriving into the Northern Territory, as well
as welcoming back those who get to enjoy another
year here in the Top End.
Without the DCO Welcome Expo this year, we’ve
focused this edition of the Top Ender Magazine on
introducing you to our Defence community. We have
some exciting competitions, interesting feature articles
and of course, lots of essential information to help you
get the most out of life in the NT.
The Top Ender Magazine aims to support the Defence
community through community houses, fundraising
activities and more. If you have ideas to help Defence
organisations, support networks and build stronger
relationships with our community, come along to our
next committee meeting!
Bombing of Darwin Commemorative Ceremony
Distribution Day, November 2020
Distribution Day, November 2020
2W WThe W.T Top Ender H E | TTri-Services O P E NMagazine D E RIncorporated M A G A Z I N E . O R G . A U
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 3

Welcome from the Top
Happy New Year to all Defence
families and welcome to those who
have recently arrived in the Northern
Territory. On reflection, 2020 was an
extraordinary year for our nation, with
two domestic emergencies —
Operations BUSHFIRE ASSIST and
COVD-19 ASSIST — testing the ADF’s
preparedness and adaptability. The
demand for ADF support was intense,
requiring more high readiness
capabilities in more places, more often.
This resulted in many of our people
spending more time away from
home, which was only possible with
the love and support of family and
friends. With this in mind, I extend
my sincere appreciation to
everyone who supports the ADF in
the Top End.
The ADF has provided ongoing
support to the NT Government’s
COVID-19 response since March 2020,
and these efforts are likely to continue
into 2021. I particularly appreciate
those ADF personnel who remained
on task over the Christmas and New
Year period. The sacrifice made by
these members and their families is
significant. Whether you were attached
to a headquarters element in Darwin
or Alice Springs, a member of the
quarantine compliance monitoring team
in support of NTPOL or working to
facilitate the repatriation of vulnerable
Australians from abroad, your
contribution is valued and has helped
ensure the health and safety of all
Territorians.
As I reflect on the year that has passed,
I am inspired by the resilience
demonstrated by all Australians and I
am particularly proud of the
contribution of our service personnel.
The attitudes, professionalism and
compassion, in challenging
circumstances, has been impressive.
Supported by our families and friends,
we truly have served the community
within which we live and work. This has
been both humbling and incredibly
rewarding. I commend all Defence
families for enabling this support,
particularly in the midst of so much
uncertainty. I have also been impressed
with the resilience and spirit that the
wider Top End community has shown.
In the face of dynamic circumstances
and considerable ambiguity, the
community has remained united,
supported one another and
demonstrated true Territorian spirit.
While 2020 provided many
unprecedented challenges, we must all
prepare for what 2021 may bring.
Notably, the 1st Brigade has retained its
role as the Australian Army’s Ready
Brigade, while the Patrol Boat and
Regional Force Surveillance Groups will
continue to protect our maritime
borders. The RAAF will continue to
play a critical role in the repatriation of
Australians from overseas, while also a
key enabler for all ADF contingency
operations. Being ‘Ready’ requires —at
times — high operational tempo to
support both domestic and offshore
operations, as well as the need to
maintain high readiness forces for a
range of contingencies. This is a no-fail
mission.
While we must maintain our strong
readiness culture, I encourage all service
personnel to maintain an effective
work-life balance, where possible. I aim
to have our people at home with
families for important events, including
school holidays and major festive
periods. While travel opportunities
were limited throughout 2020, the
New Year brings with it renewed hope
for domestic and overseas travel. I
encourage all personnel to make the
most of their Remote Location Leave
Travel (RLLT) entitlements and take
the opportunity for downtime
whenever it presents.
The ADF’s service to the nation during
2020 confirms the need to foster
important relationships through
community engagement. Our role
within the community is critical and
important for the ADF’s reputation, as
well as our own individual well-being.
This is particularly important in the Top
End, noting the challenges from
geographical dislocation with the rest of
the country.
I encourage all ADF families
to enter the New Year with
a sense of purpose and
positivity. Immerse
yourselves in all that the
Northern Territory has to
offer, and explore the many
unique and vibrant natural
and cultural attractions
available. I sincerely hope that you
embrace the challenges and rewards
that a posting to the Top End provides.
Defence’s greatest asset is its people,
including our families. I look forward to
engaging with as many of you as
possible throughout 2021.
Australian Army
Brigadier Ash Collingburn, DSM
Senior ADF Officer in the NT and
Commander 1st Brigade
Hi everyone, Happy New Year to all
and I hope that 2021 finds you in a
good place. For those new to the NT,
welcome to the Top End Navy and
wider ADF Team in HMAS
Coonawarra, the Larrakeyah Defence
Precinct (LDP) and Defence
Establishment Berrimah (DEB), and to
what is a unique and wonderful part of
Australia.
To those who have continued to work
at sea and ashore over the Christmas/
New Year period in support of
operations, I thank you for your Service
during what is traditionally a time of
pause for most Australians. In particular
too, I wish to thank family members for
your understanding, sacrifice and the
important ongoing support you provide
to your loved ones. You too are very
much a part of our team, and I am very
grateful of your strong support.
Although 2021 has arrived, the
challenges of COVID-19 remain with us
as they do across the globe, and I note
the additional difficulties this has
presented for many of us, including not
being able to visit family and friends in
2020, and having plans disrupted at
short notice recently. I remain
impressed by your efforts to manage
these issues, and more broadly of our
contribution to Government efforts
here in the NT and across Australia to
manage COVID. We look ahead with
much optimism as we build on National
efforts which will see us progressively
emerge from the current pandemic
over the coming year.
I was very excited to return to Darwin
in December, having enjoyed a
previous posting here in 2011/12.
During that period (and I’ll pick up
where I left off in this regard) I sought
as much as possible to experience the
unique beauty and cultural diversity of
the Top End; I encourage you to do
the same. Whether you’ve been here
for a while or are newly arrived,
acquaint yourself with the many natural
and cultural attractions that are part of
the annual rhythm of Darwin and the
Top End, and engage!
For newcomers, I strongly endorse the
DCO Darwin Welcome ADF Families
Event to be held on January 23 at a
local venue. You will meet your local
DCO Darwin team, learn about the
wide range of support and networking
services available to you, and also meet
some of the amphibian locals who
sport a very wide grin – but don’t get
too close! We will continue to provide
opportunities throughout the year for
connection and access to information
on all available services through
information events in LDP and via
regular Navy Divisional System
interaction.
Having joined our Team in the Top
End, you are now part of a large,
diverse and growing Navy presence,
with more than 700 uniformed
personnel in a variety of roles spanning
Navy and Joint positions. The Navy
(and ADF more broadly) constitute a
significant part of the Darwin/NT
community. Indeed, our families inject a
depth and breadth of diversity through
their engagement in work, schools,
sporting activities, and other social
engagements. We are well respected
and enjoy a good reputation, to which
you will make a direct contribution as a
member of the wider community, and
by participating in various HMAS
Coonawarra community-based
activities. These events are a great
opportunity for us to share with the
community our great pride in our Navy.
The year ahead will be another busy
one with ongoing operations and
exercises at sea, and the essential work
ashore in support. All this while we
build future capability including
infrastructure upgrades above and
below ground in HMAS Coonawarra
and across LDP and see work progress
on our waterfront infrastructure.
In closing, I trust you will make the
most of the professional opportunity
and challenge provided by our work in
the Top End, and hope you and your
family find your time in this unique part
of Australia enriching and enjoyable. I
very much look forward to seeing you
at work and in the community
throughout the year. Be ‘Fit to Fight’, be
safe, remain connected and prosper.
Australian Navy
Commander Moses Raudino
Senior ADF Officer in the NT and
Commander HMAS Coonawarra
4 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 5

Welcome to the North
A very warm welcome to all Air Force
personnel and their families posted to
RAAF Base Darwin. The recent posting
cycle has been like no other and for
those who undertook a removal over
the Christmas period, I thank you for
your patience. The Northern Territory
is very proud of its impeccable record
for COVID-19 management; we have
enjoyed freedoms beyond those of
other states thanks to robust border
controls and strong community
compliance. You are now part of this
community, and I’ve every confidence
you will see why so many people love
the Northern Territory.
Some of you may not have been to the
Northern Territory before or
considered Darwin as a preferred
posting location. Rest assured, you’re
not alone. Many Air Force members
come to Darwin with apprehension
about the climate, distance from major
cities on the east coast and flying time
to see family. In almost every case,
these members depart Darwin at the
end of their posting having thoroughly
enjoyed their time here, many wishing
they could have stayed longer to
complete their ‘Northern Territory
bucket list’.
During your posting you will have
opportunities to explore a very
distinctive part of Australia, and learn
about rich indigenous cultures in the
region. For those who enjoy activities
close to the city, the Mindil Beach
Sunset Markets and Parap Markets offer
an excellent opportunity to experience
the diverse multicultural aspects of
Darwin. You will also find shopping,
schooling and employment
opportunities are comparable with
many larger cities.
I encourage you to visit many of the
unique destinations within driving
distance from Darwin, including Kakadu
National Park, Litchfield National Park
and Katherine Gorge. You will see
firsthand the rich indigenous history at
each site and there are many more
opportunities for you to learn about
various local indigenous cultures during
your stay. Whether you have a small
car or fully-equipped four-wheel drive,
you will find plenty to see and do.
Some planning is required to make the
most of your posting, as many of the
Northern Territory’s best destinations
are seasonal and the peak recreation
season usually coincides with our peak
exercise periods.
There is a diverse range of units
permanently stationed on RAAF Base
Darwin, including 13 Squadron, 114
Mobile Control and Reporting Unit,
Headquarters 452 Squadron, 452
Squadron Detachment Darwin, 2
Security Force, 2 Expeditionary Health
Squadron, Estate and Infrastructure
Group and Chief Information Officer
Group. RAAF Base Darwin also hosts a
six-month deployment of United States
Marine Corps personnel and their
aircraft under the United States Force
Posture Initiative.
RAAF Darwin is a relatively small base
by east coast standards, though finds
itself at the forefront of activities
pertinent to Australia’s national
interests. Each unit on RAAF Darwin
plays a crucial role to the capability of
the base and every one of you makes
an essential contribution. Through
2020, RAAF Darwin assisted the
movement of troops in support of
bushfire relief efforts, conducted
international engagement activities and
received many Australians repatriating
from abroad due to the COVID-19
pandemic.
2021 will be an equally busy year, with
the earlier arrival of the Marine
Rotation Force Darwin due to
quarantine requirements and Exercise
Talisman Sabre being held in northern
Australia this year. Importantly, 2021
marks the 100th birthday of the RAAF
and many activities are scheduled to
commemorate this important
milestone. I encourage you to
participate in Air Force 2021 events
and involve family and friends where
possible.
Darwin has strong links with Defence
pre-dating World War Two, and you
will notice high levels of public support
towards Defence personnel. Many
Australians are well versed in events
surrounding the attack on Pearl
Harbour, however, have little
knowledge of the Bombing of Darwin
executed by the same strike force.
Some buildings on RAAF Darwin still
bear scars from World War Two, along
with other sites in the Darwin area.
Your posting presents a great
opportunity to better understand our
military history, and to be proud the
contribution the RAAF has, and
continues, to provide in support of
Australia’s national interests.
You will find a strong sense of
community within all Defence
establishments in the Northern
Territory, and RAAF Darwin is no
exception. If you are having any
difficulties following your recent move,
please do not hesitate to contact your
unit, the Defence Community
Organisation, or any of the other ADF
Community Groups or forums in the
area. Remember you are not alone, and
we are here to ensure your posting in
Darwin is enjoyable.
Welcome to RAAF Darwin!
Australian Air Force
Wing Commander Andrew Anthony
Senior ADF Officer RAAF Base Darwin and
Commanding Officer Number 13 Squadron
I would like to take this opportunity to
welcome our uniformed and civilian
Defence members and their families
posted to RAAF Base Tindal in 2021. I
also welcome back the Team Tindal
members and families returning from
2020 and trust you had a happy and
restful Christmas/new year break. I would
also like to recognise the large body of
contracted workforces we have at Tindal
and the key role they play in developing
and maintaining the bases estate and
infrastructure. The numbers of
contractors will increase as project works
commence, and I welcome you as part of
our community.
If this is your first venture into the
Katherine region and/or Northern
Territory, I encourage you to take the
time to look around and discover all that
is at our doorstep – it is truly an amazing
part of the world. The regional tourist
opportunities include Nitimuk National
Park with thirteen stunning gorges,
Mataranka and Katherine Hot Springs, and
the internationally renowned Litchfield
and Kakadu National Parks. However, this
is just a taste of the many natural
attractions that could take years to
discover.
The Katherine region has a strong
community feel with many opportunities
to engage in the towns’ sporting and
social clubs and organisations, and the
Tindal Community strongly supports and
benefits from these important local
entities. Participation in the local sporting
and club activities will also assist in your
transition into the Territory way of life. I
would like to thank the Katherine Region
for your strong ongoing support to RAAF
Tindal and its personnel over more than
30 years of the bases existence as an
operational base.
The base here at Tindal remains the last
of the traditional Air Force bases due to
its large composition of nearly 550
uniformed personnel. The airbase itself
celebrates over 30 years of ongoing
support primarily to the F/A-18 Classic
Hornet, but far greater is the bases ability
to generate large-scale operations and
exercises. As with all Airbases across
Australia, RAAF Tindal could not survive
without the provision of multiple
capabilities. These capabilities are
provided by either larger Squadrons such
as 17SQN and 75SQN; or smaller
detachments like 452SQN (Air Traffic), 2
Expeditionary Health Squadron, 2
Security Forces Squadron, 2 Squadron,
Estate and infrastructure Group and Chief
Information Officer Group – just to name
a few of over 10 detachments living at
the base and working together to support
the generation of Air Power. In addition
to this is the solid contractor support
network including Ventia and Wilson
Security. Together we form Team Tindal,
a diverse and effective team that
consistently provides strong contribution
to Defence operations, disaster relief and
major exercises supporting both domestic
and international partners across the Top
End.
We are at the start line of a very exciting
time for RAAF Tindal. Over the next 7
years, this base will see a transformation
from a fast jet operational base to a truly
multi-role airbase, capable of projecting
large-scale, multifaceted defence effects in
support of Australia’s interests. You will
witness major facilities and project work
take place during your tenure as the base
transitions into a significant defence asset
and capability for the projection of Air
Power. It is an exciting time to be part of
Team Tindal.
2021 will be yet another busy year with
Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 being the
premier large-scale activity, and multiple
medium scale Australian and international
engagement exercise periods throughout
the year. While these will be surge
periods, please take the time to enjoy the
activities our Tindal Community has to
offer. The base boasts impressive
sporting facilities, such as sporting ovals,
gym and a newly refurbished and reopened
swimming complex. These
facilities house several sporting teams like
the Tindal Magpies Sporting Association,
which is home to football, netball, softball
and rugby teams. During the dry season,
the outdoor Moonlit Cinema is a great
opportunity to grab a picnic (or sausage
in bread) and take in a movie under the
stars with friends and family.
Tindal’s community support program is
largely driven by the Network Tindal
organisation and its newsletter – “The
Tindal Community Times”. The
community operates from the recently
opened Community Centre, which has
many and varied activities, arts and crafts
for the whole Tindal community, with
activities for all ages.
Most importantly though, if there is one
thing I really want you to remember, it’s
this; you are not alone during your Tindal
posting. The Base has multiple support
agencies to help you. Along with the
Network Tindal, the base also offers
support via the Base Chaplains and
Defence Community Organisation – all
residing in location to support and assist
you and your families. Please make the
time to introduce yourselves, as these
organisations are central to the
experience you will have whilst on your
Tindal posting.
Air Force 100th Anniversary
31 March 2021, marks 100 years of
service that the Royal Australian Air
Force has given to the nation. It is a time
for us to reflect on the things achieved
and be proud of who we are. It is also a
time to look forward and play our part in
developing the Air Force of the future.
Please join me in marking this milestone
in our history through several base and
Katherine events held this year.
Lastly, I say – A big welcome to Katherine
and I sincerely hope that you enjoy your
time here in the Northern Territory.
Australian Air Force
Wing Commander Shane Smith
Senior ADF Officer RAAF Base Tindal
6 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 7

Joel Bowden
A warm welcome to our
relocating Defencepersonnel.
A big Territory welcome to all
Defence personnel across Army, Navy
and Air Force who have joined us in
Darwin and Palmerston with their
families. I have no doubt that you will
find your experiences in the Top End
enriching and I congratulate you
on the next stage of your journey as
you serve our country with pride.
I wanted to reach out and introduce
myself to you as your Federal
Member in Australian Parliament for
Solomon, representing Darwin and
Palmerston. My electorate is
regarded as a Defence Force town
with more than 12,000 serving ADF
members and their families living in the
Northern Territory. Like you, I served
in the Australian Defence Force for 13
years, with the Parachute Infantry,
Commandos and the Defence
Cooperation Program in Timor-Leste. I
also had the opportunity to work
abroad in Afghanistan and other
countries.
I was recently hosted onboard HMAS
Ararat by Lieutenant Commander
Martinussen and visited Larrakeyah
Barracks with my colleague, Shadow
Minister for Defence, Richard Marles. It
was impressive to see the infrastructure
upgrade works that are underway as
part of the Larrakeyah Barracks
Redevelopment Plan and I look forward
to seeing the progress of the
redevelopment throughout 2021.
As a proud veteran, I am incredibly
passionate about the commitment and
Luke Gosling
contribution of our Defence Force to
protect our nation and the sacrifice that
you all make. I am always advocating for
our veterans, current serving men and
women and their families in National
Parliament.
Therefore, it’s important that relocating
personnel are aware of who their local
Federal representative is and where to
find me should they need to raise any
concerns or just have a cup of tea and
a yarn. It’s always a real honour to
catch up with those who are serving, to
get a better sense of the demands of
their jobs and to thank them for
keeping our borders secure and our
nation safe.
I am aware that 2020 was a challenging
year for everyone, so the achievements
of Defence personnel and continuous
support from the Defence community
are a credit to you all — I thank each
of you for your dedication and service.
I know that the holiday period can also
be a stressful time for many, so look
after your families, colleagues and
mates, and if you are concerned or
facing hardship, don’t hesitate to seek
support and advice through your
command group, health service and/or
DCO.
I hope that you start the new year
rested and refreshed, and to those who
remained on watch, at sea and ashore,
or on notice to respond, I thank you
for your devotion to duty. Our
community was able to relax and
celebrate because you remained alert.
Your wellbeing and that of your family
is extremely important to me and I
would encourage you to pop into
our office in Casuarina (opposite
KFC) at any time. My door is
always open to you.
2020 is done and dusted - have a
great 2021 and I look forward to
seeing you around the Top End.
Luke Gosling MP
Member for Solomon
Luke Gosling is the Federal Member of
Parliament for Darwin and Palmerston and
served in the ADF for 13 years.
Co-Chair Parliamentary Friends of Veterans
Welcome to Darwin and the Top End.
Darwin is great city for families and anyone who enjoys
sunshine, beaches and our laid-back lifestyle.
My wife and I moved back to the Northern Territory with
our four children after a decade in Melbourne. We love it
here in Darwin.
There’s a saying that ‘nothing in Darwin is more than 20
minutes away’ and it’s almost true. There are no traffic jams,
no sitting in the car for an hour to commute to and from
work every day. This gives you more time to see what our
thriving multicultural community has to offer.
The Nightcliff foreshore is a great space to enjoy Darwin’s
natural beauty. There are great spaces for people of all ages
to enjoy the sunset - scenic walking tracks, cycle paths,
playgrounds, exercise equipment, swimming pool, café and
street food.
Vendors selling culinary delights from across the globe are an
iconic part of the Darwin lifestyle and along the foreshore
each night there are many options available. A favourite for
my family is the wood fired pizza. There are tables set up
under strings of lights or you can bring your own picnic set
up and enjoy the evening. The City of Darwin website has a
list of all the street food vendors and what nights they
operate. https://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/street-food-vendor
There is nothing quite like our dry season, which provides
perfect weather for our outdoor markets. Darwin and the
Top End has a strong culture of outdoor markets, including
Palmerston on Fridays, Parap on Saturdays, Mindil and
Nightcliff on Sundays. But if you want to go where the locals
go, its Rapid Creek on Sundays. The Rapid Creek Markets
are bursting with life, offering everything from locally grown
produce, handmade pastries, noodles, plants and freshsqueezed
juices. Rapid Creek markets offer many South East
Asian delights including laksa, pawpaw salad, Mie Goreng,
Thai desserts and much more.
We’re an active lot in Darwin and sport is high on our
agenda. For a city with a relatively small population, we play
an impressive range of sports. In Darwin, if you want to have
a go at a sport, everyone is welcome. There’s tennis, golf,
rugby, league, soccer, swimming clubs, triathlon clubs, paddle
boarding groups, athletics, dance schools, cycling and many
more. AFL is extremely popular across the Territory, with
many clubs offering great juniors' programs and adult teams.
The NT Football League offers live games and great
entertainment for football lovers and you might recognise a
few familiar club names and colours.
Top End locals are welcoming and people from all over the
world have made this tropical city their home. I urge our
newcomers to get out and enjoy everything on offer here.
You’ll make new friends, love the lifestyle and find plenty to
explore. Give it a go … you might find that you’ll stay here
for good!
Joel Bowden MP
Member for Johnston
Joel Bowden is also the General Secretary at
Unions NT.
8 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 9

The Best Job Ever!
It required long, tedious hours, with no earnings. It was the
most challenging time of my career. My obligation was to
take as much worry away from my clients as possible. As
much as I wish I were making sales instead of refunding trips,
I had to do the right thing for my clients. My focus was
directed at educating clients about their options to postpone
rather than cancel so they could make the best decision for
themselves. I made it 100% right for the needs of every
client!
As the world shut down, I went to work!
Rewind to March 2020 (NO PLEASE DON’T), many
travellers who “did their own travel booking online” would
have heard a message like this “Your call is important to us.
All our representatives are currently assisting other
customers. Your estimated wait time is two to three hours.”
When they were finally able to speak to a live person, in
many cases, they were not offered much help.
Did I have this message on my answer phone? NO – I was
available 24/7
What the pandemic has taught me is that having a
professional travel manager help plan your trip has made
Travel Agents more apparent.
As a dedicated Travel agent, I worked tirelessly around the
clock to get clients home safely, applied for refunds or
credits for future travel and helped them rebook a future
trip. I truly served as an advocate for them and did
everything I could to help protect their travel investment.
Despite the impact the coronavirus has had on the travel
industry, I am remaining optimistic about the future of my
business. I am focused on preparing for the surge in
international travel requests as I know this will happen once
my clients feel it is safer and international borders reopen. I
know it will take some time for the travel industry to fully
recover and travel will look a little bit different, but I know
that travel agents will play a significant role in the industry’s
resurgence.
With guidelines and policies fluctuating for suppliers and
travel destinations on an almost daily basis, it can be a lot to
process by yourself. Travel agents will be the key to helping
travellers navigate this new world and provide guidance on
safe destinations and tourist activities. We are here for
clients who want to know that they will be safe when they
travel. It is our mission to ensure everything is in place,
protected and safe for every one of our clients. When things
don’t go to plan, you have someone advocating on your
behalf to protect your travel investment.
I still feel I have the best job ever, even with the curveball’s
thrown in the mix throughout 2020! Please contact me with
any questions – I am truly here to help you safely navigate
your next journey!
Bon Voyage for now!
Andrew J McFarlane
Director, AJM Global Journeys
Broome
Where the Outback Meets the Ocean
People visit Broome for many reasons. For
some it is the gateway to the Kimberley’s or
the starting point on a drive along the
famous Gibb River Road. For others it is the
perfect Dry Season Beachside Holiday
Destination.
I visited Broome last Dry Season, so I highly
recommend these Top10 things to see and
do while you’re there.
Ready to book?
Both Qantas & Airnorth fly to Broome
regularly. Contact me to talk all things
Broome for your next RLLT Holiday
Package!
TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Spend time on Cable Beach, whether it’s a run, walk, SUP, Camel ride or
simply a Coldie enjoying the spectacular sunset
Explore China Town, the heart & soul of Broome. It is a dining and retail hub
See the history of the Pearl Luggers
Go to the movies, the oldest outdoor theatre in the world
Shop at the Courthouse local markets
Have a Matso’s (alcoholic) Ginger Beer at Matso’s Brewer (Yum!)
Visit Willy Creek a fascinating insight to the pearling industry
Bon Voyage for now!
Andrew J McFarlane
Director, AJM Global Journeys
Take a trip to Horizontal Falls
See Cape Levique, the northernmost tip of the Dampier Peninsula, it’s
a big day however well worth it!
See the Stairway to the Moon when the tide is at its lowest and there is a full moon
10 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 11

Tales of a Top End Mum
Part 2
The stress of arriving in Tindal was worth it, even
though my forehead now resembles a highly
anxious Shar Pei. We resolved the hire car issue that was
originally booked in my 2 year old’s name and convinced our
case manager we wouldn’t fit our family of 5 (plus luggage)
into a sedan. We endured the (almost) 1-bedroom
quarantine from hell, which turned into a pretty delightful 2-
bedroom apartment quarantine and finally no longer needed
to spend our days trying to contact our rarely available case
manager. But, we all survived, despite what felt like anything
and everything that could go wrong during our move to the
Top End.
So... As I write this, I am settled but already ‘husbandless’ -
sigh. Only 3 weeks into our relocation, he was sent off as
part of the Covid Taskforce. I waved goodbye with a
grimace, completely unaware of my underarm rash caused
solely by an excess of sweat, then stepped into survival
mode like a Boss Lady... and I mean; ‘Serious Boss Lady
Status’ was achieved that day. No tears, just a camouflage
headband and red lipstick. I was determined not to lock
ourselves inside craving social interaction, so with a nervous
smile and a dirty sweat moustache that screamed ‘I live in
Tindal now’, I packed up my kids and started exploring what
the local Tindal community has to offer. I found sanctuary at
the park only 100m away from our house with its enormous
shade, the sparkling pool and the welcoming vibes of the
Community House. We all got involved at Playgroup and
Music Time, meeting so many new friends through our
adventures and started to feel ‘at home’.
whinging baby crickets. That’s how many it felt like there
were! Here in Topsy Turvy Town (otherwise known as
Tindal), the birds never sleep and the bats are still flying
around with an imagined sense of purpose at 8am. Weird,
but ok Tindal, I accept you for who you are. I’ll save my
complaining about the vampire flies and mosquitos for next
time.
Thanks to the epic storms, we have endured 2 blackouts in
our 10 weeks here, the second blackout lasting 4 sweaty
hours. Crowning myself as ‘Mother of the Year 2020’, I
alternated from one child to the next child, fanning them
with a giant piece of cardboard (embellished with stickers
and texta, of course) to try and help cool them to sleep. No
joy. The solution? Lots of cool showers, sips of iced water,
icepacks to cuddle and a fairly relaxed text message to my
husband that we should definitely invest in a 2100 kVA
generator or battery-operated ice room for situations like
these.
Christmas shopping in Tindal can be a bit of
a nightmare for busy mum’s like me because
there’s barely anywhere to buy gifts. But, if you run
out of time to plan ahead and order gifts online, you can
still make it work. I’m happy to report that Katherine has
a Mini Target, a discount store, Newsagency, Post
Office and even a Pharmacy that has a few little
surprises to pull you through. In saying that, my kids are
little enough that they would be happy with a jar of
olives, pack of stickers, and an endless supply of pickles. I
don’t know how their taste buds developed like that,
they just did - ok?
As for my 2021 goals – Visit Katherine Gorge in the dry
season, publish my children’s book, write an actual novel
and FINALLY get to visit interstate family.
I’m still #teamtindal, but I have one main complaint -
I’ve still only seen one dingo!
Written by Katie B.
Community Contributor
I managed to visit the Mataranka thermal pool before the
frequent monsoonal rains raised the water level to
dangerous heights. Words can’t describe the serene beauty it
offers. The crystal water, the vibrant shrubs and the
precautionary check to make sure there are no crocodiles
lurking. There isn’t, it’s fine, but I’m still terrified of any water
that isn’t the pool on base.
It seems that we are now entering a different stage of the
wet season. Torrential rain brought out an abundance of
crickets at one point. I can’t really find the words to describe
just how many there were, but imagine if every cricket in the
world met in Tindal for the ‘Annual Cricket Chirping
Competition’ accompanied by every single one of their 683
Family - Katie B.
I’m becoming more ‘Tindalised’ as time goes on. My blow
dryer has taken a long holiday and I no longer care if I get
rained on because it washes away my sweat. I walk
everywhere, despite looking like I’ve just survived 5 rounds of
a WWE match and thankfully, we asked for a car fridge for
Christmas – Hallelujah, A CAR FRIDGE! I’m a city slicker,
remember? We don’t usually cruise around with car
fridges.....Eeeek!
Celebrating over 30 years of quality Christian Education in Palmerston
08 7922 5600
www.pcs.nt.edu.au
12 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 13

E AS TE R
C OMP E TI T I ON
..
.
The Easter Bunny needs your help!
He’s lost his easter eggs throughout the magazine.
Find all the Easter eggs and you could win a very
chocolatey hamper from
Pure Indulgence Fine Chocolates.
Email us the total number of Easter Eggs you’ve found
by close of business March 4 th 2021. Open to all ages!
admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
14 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 15

From your Delegate
Moving Towards Improved Wellbeing
2020 was anything but an ordinary year and 2021
provides the perfect opportunity to take steps to
improve our mental and physical wellbeing.
Setting Good Habits
When we talk about habits, one thing is clear: not all
habits are good. But, just like bad habits have the
potential to significantly impact our lives in a negative
way, good habits can lead us towards a happy, healthy
and successful life.
Some tips to build good habits include:
Start with small adjustments
Be positive
Commit to your decisions
Create a plan to succeed
number of 386 events nationally. Here in the Top End,
the fantastic range of events promoting Social
Connection included:
• Darwin RSL’s Poppy Craft Mornings, Barefoot Lawn Bowls
Competition, Curry Cooking Night and Poppy Planting
and Remembrance Service
• Veteran Sport Australia and Darwin Off Road Cyclists’
Mountain Biking and BBQ
• Veterans Australia NT Inc.’s Visit to the Darwin Military
Museum, Bounce into the Build-up and Live Country
Music and Bush Band
• Palmerston RSL’s Parkrun
• Mates4Mates’ Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Learn to Cook
Thai, Clay Pottery Class, Go-Karting Family Fun Day
• Robertson Barracks Family Group’s session on
Recognising Mental Health Crises Through Social
Connection and Positive Mental Health Connections
Through Therapy Dogs
• Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House’s Canapés With
Friends and Dinner With Friends
Firstly, to our new families - Welcome to the Northern
Territory! I hope by the time this is published you are
starting to find your way around this unique part of
Australia.
My name is Jessica, and I am the National Delegate for
Defence Families of Australia - Northern Territory and
Kimberley. I have been a Defence spouse since 2009
and my family have undergone many postings since
then, so we are familiar with the challenges of
relocation, housing, schools and moving to the Territory.
Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is the
official government appointed advisory body
representing the views of Australian Defence Force
Families. Our role is to directly inform the Minister for
Defence Personnel and the Chief of the Defence Force
on issues affecting families.
Keep up to date by following the DFA Northern
Territory Facebook page. I regularly upload content
that I think you will find relevant and engaging about
life in the Northern Territory.
https://www.facebook.com/DFANorthernTerritory/
DFA Webinars
We have received feedback from partners that they
wanted to know more about Defence life – so we ran
three webinars during March 2020, with one for each
service.
These webinars looked at the first five years as an
ADF partner. During this time, information was also
provided on how COVID-19 and ADF operations was
affecting families.
To watch these recordings please visit the DFA
website at: https://dfa.org.au/webinars-2/
Please note, these were recorded in March 2020, so
any COVID related information was relevant at the
time the recordings were made.
Build a routine
Get support from family,
friends and your community
Celebrate your achievements
along the way
Invest time working on these strategies and let good
habits help you to make the most out of life.
Social Inclusion
Good health isn’t just about physical activity and eating
well, social inclusion is just as important as other healthy
lifestyle choices.
Loneliness and social isolation can have negative impacts
on your physical and mental health, so investing in
social inclusion and how we interact with the world
around us can have positive effects on a healthy
lifestyle. It can enhance our psychological well-being and
improved health habits.
Last year’s Veterans’ Health Week theme of Social
Connection is one of the most important aspects of
mental health and wellbeing, and 2020 showed us that it
is more important than ever to remain connected with
our families, friends and local communities.
Despite all the challenges 2020 threw at us, last year’s
Veterans’ Health Week was a great success, with a total
• Network Tindal’s Ceramics Course, BBQ and Base Run/
Walk
• Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association’s Tech
Tune Up and Try Out
In 2021, I encourage you to take the opportunity to
get out and about and become involved in our local
community. Darwin and Katherine are friendly towns
and if you are new, or looking for new ideas to become
involved, there is plenty on offer. Community and
sporting groups are always looking for new members so
get out there and make those social connections. It’s
great for your overall wellbeing!
If you have any questions about entitlements you may
be eligible for, transitioning from the ADF, or what
veteran support services are available in your local area
call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
Meghan Bailey
Deputy Commissioner, NT
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
The National Convenor of DFA is based in Canberra,
and 8 National Delegates are formally appointed by the
Minister for Defence Personnel. DFA advocates
on issues which are brought to our attention by families,
serving ADF members, Commanding Officers and
Defence stakeholders. Through the DFA network, we
are able to discuss issues concerning families at both
regional and national levels, to seek clarification and
resolution. Please contact DFA if you have been
unsuccessful in resolving a concern through either your
local relevant channels or national channels.
Jessica Hanison
NT Delegate
DFA
16 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 17

DCO National
A New Name for DCO
Defence Community
Organisation - NT
In 2020, we took the time to reflect
on our purpose and vision for the
future and we’re excited to
announce that we will officially
change our name from Defence
Community Organisation (DCO) to
Defence Member and Family
Support (DMFS) from 1 July 2021.
DCO was formed in 1996 when the
three Services’ family support
organisations were brought
together. Since then, DCO has
grown to have a nation-wide
presence with on-the-ground
services delivered from local area
offices and ADF transition centres.
It’s important that Defence
members and their families see
DCO’s services as something
accessible to them as part of their
community. Recently we’ve received
some feedback that families may
think DCO is not part of Defence
and that our programs and services
are not available to them.
To overcome that misconception,
we undertook staff and stakeholder
consultation last year, within
Defence and also with Defence
Families of Australia, the
Department of Veterans’ Affairs and
a number of ex-service
organisations. This consultation
helped us develop a new name that
people could look at or hear and
immediately know what we do and
who we do it for.
So what does this name
change mean for families?
There will be no changes to the
services we currently provide to
Defence families. The local area
offices around Australia will remain
and there will be no changes to the
Defence Family Helpline number
1800 624 608 or email.
Leading up to the change, you’ll
start to see DMFS increasingly used
so by 1 July 2021, there won’t be
any surprises. Families can expect to
see a couple of changes online as
we update our factsheets, guides,
forms and office email addresses to
reflect our new name. Families can
also expect to see name changes to
our social media channels,
(Facebook, Instagram and Twitter),
our Google business listings and on
ForceNet.
So when will the name
change formally take
place?
We have selected 1st July 2021 to
officially change our name because it
coincides with DCO’s 25th
anniversary. This is a chance to look
back on where we’ve come from,
where we are and where we are
going in the future.
Defence Community Organisation’s NT
team hope that December and January
treated you all kindly and that, as you
settle into your 2021 routine, you take
the time to check out the great activities
and resources available to you.
In addition to the Top Ender, the Off
the Leash magazine and website https://
www.offtheleash.net.au/ is also a great
guide to what's on across the Top End.
It has something for everyone – local
gigs, book and film reviews, youth
activities, what’s happening in the Arts
scene.
For those with small children, do not
underestimate the wonderful air
conditioned libraries, or the activity
room at the museum. The cinemas also
provide a wonderful retreat and the
Wave Pool is fun for big and little kids
alike. A number of sports will be up and
running in late January. For those new
to Darwin, yes AFL is a wet season
sport; cricket is a dry season sport; and
all sports and community groups are
always looking for new players, officials
DCO
defence.gov.au/dco
defence.gov.au/DCO/Family/Partners/PEAP
and volunteers alike. A big plus in
Darwin and Katherine is that you will
never get caught in that traffic snarl as
you are in transit from one activity to
another –access is easy. The School
Sports Vouchers are also a great way for
families to be introduced to new sports
or activities.
Defence Community Organisation’s NT
team look forward to meeting new to
and returning Darwin and Katherine
ADF members and their families at our
February and March activities, plus
reconnecting with those who are in their
second, third or additional years in the
NT. You will see us at meet and greets
and unit welcomes; plus at the
community groups – Network Tindal,
Robertson Barracks Family Group, and
Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House.
Please take the time to come and chat,
and we can connect you with your local
community and services, or just reach
out.
Defence Community Organisation’s
Defence Family Helpline is the best way
to access the programs and services that
we offer to help Defence families
manage the military way of life. The
Helpline is staffed by qualified human
services professionals including social
workers and psychologists and provides
advice, referrals and local community
information. The Defence Family
Helpline can be contacted 24/7 on 1800
624 608 or via email
defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au.
See our website
www.defence.gov.au/dco for more
information about local events and
activities or follow Defence Community
Organisation on social media to stay upto-date
with news and events for
members and their families in the NT.
Again, from myself and the DCO NT
team, welcome to the Top End.
Di Elson
Area Manager
DCO, NT Team
CONNECT WITH DEFENCE COMMUNITY ORGANISATION
Defence Family Helpline
1800 624 608
defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au
Stay tuned for updates on our social
media channels, - we’re really
excited to start this new chapter
supporting Defence members and
their families!
Hello from the DCO NT team!
Welcome back! We hope you all had an enjoyable break.
To all the new families, a huge welcome to the Northern
Territory from the Defence Community Organisation NT
team! We have some exciting events and activities
planned for 2021, with something for everyone. Follow us
on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or ForceNet for up to
date event information and links to tickets. You can also
find out what events are coming up by checking out the
national events calendar on our website https://
www.defence.gov.au/dco
Are you looking for work and want to
become job-ready?
initiatives to assist ADF partners become job ready. We’ve
extended the eligibility criteria to all ADF partners, so you can
apply for PEAP if you’ve been in location a while and your
employment circumstances have changed, or if you’re looking
to get back into the workforce. You don’t have to wait until
your next posting, or if your ADF member is medically
transitioning to be eligible.
You can find a range of information and resources about PEAP
on the DCO website. Visit the PEAP webpage on https://
www.defence.gov.au/DCO/Family/Partners/PEAP.asp for more
information or to download the factsheets, guidelines or
application forms.
Sukhjot Kahlon
Each year, Defence Community Organisation DCO hosts events around the
country to welcome families to their new location. The Palmerston family
attended the Canberra event held at Royal Military College Duntroon.
Photo by Corporal Kylie Gibson
Our Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP)
provides up to $1,500 funding towards employment-related
Family Liaison Officer, Darwin
DCO, NT Team
18 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 19

Robertson Barracks
Family Group
Over the last 5 months, the Robertson Barracks Family
Group centre has been under renovation. During this
time, we have made the most of what Darwin has to
offer by heading out to catch up each week. The
opportunity to venture out to different coffee shops,
play centres and parks has been warmly welcomed and
it has been a great opportunity to support local
businesses as well.
Unfortunately, without our usual space, we have had to
postpone quite a few activities, however we are able to
now add these activities to our 2021 plan! Everyone on
the RBFG committee are looking forward to reopening
our centre in late January. Throughout 2021,
we will have a few of our usual sessions returning each
week and we have some new and really exciting things
coming! Our Monday coffee & cake will be back, as well
as Friday playgroup and lunch and dinner catch ups. A
few NEW sessions we will be organising include sensory
play, nature-based sessions and.......... LEGO CLUB! We
cannot wait!
Our kids club bunch (ages 6-12) were able to utilise
the amazing Salvation Army building at Roberston
Barracks to hang out and use the table tennis table, air
hockey table, board games and tv’s. They also met up at
Flip Out, where they had a stack of fun and it was a
lovely opportunity for parents to catch up as well. We
look forward to running more of these sessions in 2021.
Our little play-groupers, (ages 0-5) have been loving all
the adventures off base with their friends, attending
Adventureland, the Play Shack, the Jape Markets indoor
playground and so many more activities during the last
school term of 2020. We finished off with a bang,
where we hosted our annual Christmas party! We were
lucky enough to have face painting by our favourite
fairy, a bouncing castle, a beautiful Christmas craft
activity by Playgroup NT and a visit from Santa! Santa
brought beautiful books for every child and it was a
wonderful morning to share with all of our Robbo
families! Thank you so much Santa for visiting us and
making our morning extra special!
In October, DVA held their annual Veterans Health
Week and with their support, RBFG were able to host 3
VHW activities. Thank you to Lauren Keys for running a
fantastic mental health session, it was very informative
and there were some great ideas and strategies to help
and support others in
need. We also held two
‘Mind your Paws’ dog
therapy sessions, this was
a great opportunity to
chat with one another and
make social connections
with the 2 gorgeous dogs,
Harlow and Scout. Kristy
does amazing work with her pair of 4 legged friends in
our community and it was a pleasure to be able to have
her come in and support us for these sessions!
After a challenging year for all Defence families, RBFG
felt it were fitting to host an end of year cocktail event
at the Landmark in Palmerston. It was a great night with
delicious food and drinks, and we mustn’t forget our
generous lucky door prize of a $150 spa voucher, which
was kindly donated by the Australian Military Bank.
Thank you everyone who attended, we look forward to
hosting more of these events throughout 2021!
The Robertson Barracks Family Group
support all defence members, families and
spouses from the Tri-services. We offer a
range of social activities for children and
adults. Please feel free to head over to our
Facebook group Robertson Barracks Family
Group for all event information or email
robertsonbarracksfamilygroup@gmail.com
and we will assist you.
We hope you had a safe and
wonderful Christmas break,
and we look forward to
meeting you in 2021!
Samantha Maloney
Centre Coordinator
RBFG
Larrakeyah Neighbourhood
House
The past few months have been filled to the brim
with our Christmas activities! It was wonderful to
see everyone who came along to these events,
enjoying the Christmas festivities.
I am the Community Support Coordinator for the
Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House. My family and I
have been living in Darwin for the past three years
and we are loving all the amazing things Darwin has
to offer! I have been in the role for more than a
year and have enjoyed meeting so many amazing
Defence families, as well as watching other families
make new connections that grow to become lifelong
friendships.
Many of our amazing families are preparing to
leave Darwin and we wish them every happiness in
their new location and hope that new adventures
will be even better than life in the Top End.
If you are new to the Top End this year -
welcome! We hope that your experience in
Darwin will be filled with many exciting adventures
and you find plenty of opportunities to make some
amazing lifelong friends. My advice to you would
be to get out and try to attend as many of the
wonderful events and programs that our Defence
community has to offer - it has been a great help
to me and my family. Make sure you also join all
of the local Facebook groups to ensure that you
stay up to date with the latest information.
Our programs and activities are designed to help
all members of your family settle into their new
location, engage with other families and embrace
life in the Top End. We offer a weekly program
including Bumps & Bubs, Playgroup, Yoga for
beginners, Coffee catch ups and Kids Club. Our
monthly events may also include Ladies Nights,
luncheons and craft nights, plus we even run
special six-week programs, such as; Introduction to
Pilates, Self Defence and Drama classes. Our
Community House also organises special
events throughout the year, including;
Australia Day, Easter Celebrations, Children’s
week, First Aid courses and our Annual
Christmas Party. Our goal for 2021 is to
continue organising fun and engaging activities
for the whole family to enjoy, with the
possibility of some new and exciting initiatives
that we look forward to sharing with you!
www.larrakeyahhouse.com.au
larrakeyahhouse@hotmail.com
We kickstart every year
with our ‘Australia Day
Welcome to the Top End’
event. This year’s event was
slightly different with some
exciting changes and we hope you
were able to enjoy the day with
us!
We look forward to welcoming
you to the Larrakeyah
Neighbourhood House very soon.
Charné Saunders
Centre Coordinator
LNH
20 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 21

What a year it has been!
Network Tindal
We finally took ownership over the beautiful Community
House and had started opening it up for community groups
and events. Playgroups, book club and gamers had only met
a handful of times before COVID hit, which saw the closure
of our house and a big pause placed on our events.
Just at the time our community needed the most support
and connection, we weren’t able to give it to them. It was
time to think differently and to connect virtually. Book club
met via zoom, and so did the gamers!
Yoshi, our previous Community Coordinator, worked
tirelessly to make take home packs for important
community events like Mothers’ Day, ANZAC Day and
Easter. These were well received and appreciated by a
community that had children home from school, adults
trying to work from home and families separated by
lockdowns and borders.
Tindal was unique in that we had members return from
operations and exercises and then placed in quarantine –
we delivered boredom buster packages and our Facebook
page was flooded with offers of assistance and puzzle swaps!
Upon the easing of restrictions, we celebrated with a huge
community event – the COVID welfare committee ensuring
that we all had a great time!
Upon return to our new normal, the Community House reopened
and has become a hub for activities as well as a
popular venue for children’s birthday parties and now, end
of year events.
We now regularly have the following community groups
utilising the house: playgroups, music and dance, after school
drop ins, gamers, book club, boot camp and crafters.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteer
coordinators for the work they put into these events. We
are now also opening the house on a Sunday morning,
which has proven to be popular .
We have had the opportunity to
apply for and receive some grant
funding that has allowed us to run
a self-care course and a ceramics
course as part of Veteran’s Health
Week as well as a base-wide BBQ
too.
We have benefited from
partnering with Debbie Marshall
(our DCO Family Liaison Officer)
and Patricia Thompson (our RAAF Indigenous Liaison
Officer) to run our first school holiday program – which was
hugely popular and well attended. We look forward to
being able to support our community in this way again in
2021.
Yoshi, our Community Coordinator resigned in September
and left big shoes to fill. We ran a recruitment process
which yielded no applicants, so the committee decided to
re-advertise the position in January when new people have
posted in. In the meantime, I stepped down from my role as
Chairperson and have been working as the Community
Coordinator for 10 hours per week. Thank you to our
amazing group volunteers who continue to open the house
and provide opportunities for our community to connect..
Moving into 2021, we are excited to meet new members
and their families and look forward to supporting their
transition to Tindal. We will have a significant focus on
supporting our community members who may be in LIA,
posted unaccompanied or are part of our Veteran
community. We would love to hear your ideas to help
accomplish this!
Good luck and best wishes if you are posting out this year,
thank you for your contribution to our community. If you
are staying on, we look forward to
seeing you at Network Tindal events
in 2021.
Lauren Bruhwiller
Centre Coordinator
Network Tindal
Defence Dandelions
Defence Dandelions Playgroup runs at Playgroup House during the school
term on Thursday mornings from 09:30am to 11:30am on the corner of
Defence Dandelion Playgroup is a peer support
group for family wellbeing (particularly those
families experiencing PND, PTSD, Anxiety and/or
Depression, however no diagnosis is necessary). It
is a safe space where Defence families are invited
to enjoy a cuppa while the kids play happily in our
amazing, newly renovated space. We have a large
outdoor area with a sandpit and playground where
we often set up messy and water play activities to
cool down in the steamy Darwin weather. Inside,
we have a comfortable area with lounges and
carpet for babies to explore while the bigger kids
enjoy the playroom, which is filled with toys, books,
dress- ups and a home corner. We also have a
highly popular play gym, featuring; soft gym flooring,
padding on the walls and obstacle courses set up to
burn all that energy in air-conditioned comfort.
Playgroups are relaxed sessions where parents,
caregivers and children can socialise and learn
through play in a fun environment. Each week we
love planning themes and activities to provide an
enriching playgroup experience for our members
and to foster a safe, caring community space where
we can support each other. I would like to
introduce myself as the new Defence Community
Support Coordinator, along with Cindy (the
playgroup facilitator), who run the playgroup
sessions. As we are also Defence spouses ourselves,
we understand the unique circumstances faced by
Defence families living in the Top End.
If for any reason the Defence Dandelions is not the
most suitable playgroup for you, Playgroup NT have
many other programs, from relaxed community
playgroups that are run by volunteer parents or
caregivers, to playgroups specific to families with
special needs, those who are culturally and
linguistically diverse or those who experience postnatal
depression and/or anxiety. The extensive
range of playgroups are run at various locations
around Darwin, Palmerston and the rural area, and
we also support playgroups run by other
organisations, such as those specific to Defence
families, including the Larrakeyah Neighbourhood
House, Robertson Barracks Family Group, and
Network Tindal.
McMillans Road and Marrara Drive.
HENRY WRIGLEY DRIVE
If you have a young family and wish to widen your
support network while posted to the Top End, we
encourage you to attend our fun activities and
programs for all ages.
Jessica Schultz
Defence Community Support Coordinator
Playgroup NT
HOW TO FIND US
We're located on the corner of
McMillans Road and Marrara Drive,
Marrara (next to Darwin Toy Library).
McMILLIANS ROAD
LARRAKIA PARK
FOOTBALL STADIUM
MARRARA TENNIS CENTRE
DARWIN SQUASH CENTRE
PLAYGROUP NT
ABALA ROAD
CONTACT DEFENCE DANDELIONS
If you are interested in attending or would like further
information please contact us at
defence@playgroupnt.com.au, on (08) 8945 7775 or
message ‘Defence-Dandelions Playgroup’ on Facebook.
MARRARA DRIVE
LEE POINT ROAD
22 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 23

The Safety
The Safety of our Shores
My name is Kerryn. I have been
married for 20 years and living the
“Army wife life” for the past 10 years.
I’ve always been a creative person,
whether it be playing musical
instruments or singing, photography or
writing a book. But poetry had never
really been an activity that I had
explored.
of our Shores
The sand between my toes
The safety of our shores
The laughter and the freedom
Enjoyed naively by those
Who go about their days
Unaware of the true cost
Of those who guard our country
So our innocence is not lost
I long to scream “You have no idea!”
But it would fall upon deaf ears
They don’t want to believe the reality
That their freedom isn’t theirs
But if they have the luxury
Of being so naive
Then we’ve our home grown heroes to thank
For their job with no reprieve
And when those special days come ‘round
Don’t let it be cliché
But honour and remember those
Who have fought for your today
-
© KP 2014
However, in 2014, I discovered I just
needed the right stimulus and the
words just flowed from the depths of
my soul. My heart was racing and the
words just poured out onto the page,
almost quicker than I could write.
They say the war is over
It’s far away from home
Yet loved ones who remain here
Fight their own wars alone
So feel that sand between your toes
The sun upon your face
Enjoy your laughter and your freedom
Let their courage not go to waste
My husband was away on his first
deployment for 5 months. We didn’t
realise at the time that there would be
3 more trips within the following 18
months! Our sons were 10 & 6 at the
time. It was also around the time that
‘ANZAC Girls’ was airing on TV – a
show that impacted me deeply.
Getting to know each character every
week, seeing the incredible conditions
and the sacrifices that these young
Nurses endured, was so profound.
I remember sitting at the beach one
day, realising that all these people
wandering past me would have
absolutely no idea what was going on in
my world. They were happily enjoying
themselves, while I sat there feeling
guilty for enjoying a nice day out,
knowing my husband was sweltering on
the other side of the world, trying to
stay safe while helping his comrades.
I realised that it is fantastic to see
people enjoying freedom, but I
wondered if they truly realised how
lucky they were and if they understood
that there were people literally fighting
right now, to give them that freedom. I
didn’t begrudge anyone but felt an
immense sense of pride for all military
personnel who had made sacrifices for
our freedom.
So…. the words flowed out. I had a
lot of thoughts to communicate, but I
also didn’t want to be
critical of anyone who
doesn’t live this life. I
wanted it to be raw and
real, but also encourage
people to appreciate what
they have and why they
have it. I am inspired to
see the growing number of young
people attending ANZAC &
Remembrance Day services. Some
children may not be able to fully
understand the meaning behind these
events, however they are developing an
appreciation for the incredible freedom
that we could easily take for granted.
Since writing my heart-felt thoughts
into a poem, it has struck a chord with
many who have read it while also being
shared hundreds of times across
multiple social media platforms. My
greatest honour is that my poem has
now been accepted into the Australian
War Memorial in Canberra as part of
their National Collection.
My hope is that it brings respect and
encouragement to all military personnel
(past present and future) and their
families who continue to stay strong on
the home front, while also encouraging
others to appreciate the ongoing
commitment and sacrifice that it takes
to protect our freedom.
Written by Kerryn P.
Community Contributor
Writer of the poem ‘The Safety of our
Shores’
Open Arms
Compassion, resilience and support
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (Open Arms)
is Australia’s leading national provider of high quality, free and
confidential counselling and support services for Australian
veterans and their families.
Open Arms staff members have specialist training in the
military experience and understand that service in the ADF
brings a unique set of challenges – both for those who serve
and for those who support them. It also brings opportunities
to learn first-hand the importance of resilience, mateship and
compassion, and other skills we can use to strengthen our
own wellbeing and to assist others in times of uncertainty.
The past year has presented many challenges for our veteran
community—leaving some feeling anxious and unsure about
what the New Year will bring.
The foundation skills for living well are:
- staying connected to friends, family and community
- using exercise as a quick and effective way to distract yourself
from negative thoughts and manage emotions
- sleeping well
- eating well
While you are establishing or recalibrating these areas of
your life, you can also try:
- getting your information from reliable sources
- balancing your exposure to media
- calming your emotions with our self-help tools
- practising kindness and gratitude
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude leads to better sleep,
physical and mental health, self-esteem and resilience. It is also
associated with increased empathy, decreased aggression, and
building stronger relationships.
Setting aside a time and place to deliberately think of what
you are thankful for is important. Doing this with others
allows you to inspire and be inspired by them.
Friends and family can be a great source of support, but
sometimes we are better served by that extra help from
outside your usual circle. If you or someone you know wants
someone to talk to, even just for a chat, Open Arms is
available 24/7 by calling 1800 011 046. We are here to help.
We also host Safe Zone Support, which offers anonymous
and free support with specialised counsellors who have an
understanding of military culture. They’re here to listen and
help on 1800 142 072. Safe Zone Support is available 24/7
and calls are not recorded.
We are stronger, together.
24 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 25

Happy New Year to all and welcome to the
Territory to all who posted up over the
break! This year’s Wet season has already
been the best for a little while - while we
welcome the rain and tropical storms,
unfortunately with the Wet season also
comes some additional health risks.
Mosquitos
First of all, the rain means mosquitoes are out in force.
Fortunately, there’s no Dengue or Malaria in the NT,
but there are plenty of other mosquito-borne diseases,
such as Ross River virus, Murray River encephalitis and
Barmah Forest virus. The peak season for Ross River
virus is from December to March - with the majority of
NT cases reported in Darwin. Symptoms usually come
on quickly with very sore muscles and joints, fevers,
headache and a rash on the trunk and limbs. There’s
no specific treatment, only rest and pain killers. Most
people get better within a few months but some can
have ongoing symptoms for over a year! The best
prevention is by protecting yourself from mosquitos -
cover up, use insect repellent, mosquito coils and
mosquito nets while camping.
Melioidosis
Something else to watch out for is Melioidosis.
Melioidosis is caused by the Burkholderia pseudomallei
bacterium that lives in the soil up here all year round.
During the Wet, when the water table rises, the
bacteria washes out from the soil and can be found in
puddles and even airborne in windy conditions! People
become infected through cuts on their skin or breathing
in the bacteria - patients usually present with high
fevers, a chesty productive cough, and severe
shortness of breath - and they get admitted to hospital
for treatment with antibiotics. The best prevention is to
wear waterproof shoes when walking in the wet,
muddy soil, and wear gloves when gardening. If it is
windy and dusty then wear a mask. Fortunately, children
are less likely to get infected but just to be safe, avoid
letting them play in muddy areas and in wet, soggy
sandpits.
Box Jellyfish
Stinger season is from October to May, and the advice
from the NT Department of Health is very clear; “do
not enter the sea”. Box Jellyfish can have heads as big as
basketballs and tentacles of up to three metres. They
have 24 eyes (of four different types), actively hunt, can
swim as fast as an Olympic swimmer, and have the
fastest acting venom ever studied. It’s so fast, it can kill a
person in just three minutes! There have been around
seventy documented deaths from Box Jellyfish in
Australia, and fourteen of these were in the Top End -
all of whom have been children. They could be
anywhere and they are
hard to see in the
water, but they’re
more likely to be found
after heavy rainfalls and
in calm seas -
unfortunately, this can
also mean river outlets
and close to boat
ramps. You’ll know if
you’re stung as there
is an immediate and
severe pain, a rash in the shape of the tentacle on your
skin, and this can lead to cardiac arrest within minutes.
Immediate First Aid is to get the person out of the
water, call for help and dial Triple Zero (000), apply
vinegar (keep a 2L bottle in your car if you go to the
beach regularly). If vinegar is not available, remove any
tentacles (carefully, using a stick so you don’t get stung
too!), And rinse with sea water (not fresh water). Keep
monitoring the person, apply ice packs for local pain
relief, and get ready to start CPR while waiting for the
ambulance. To protect yourself, simply stay out of the
sea - but, if you do decide to enter the water, covering
up all exposed skin could provide some protection.
While the Territory has fortunately remained mostly COVID-
19 free, we do unfortunately face other health issues not seen
in other parts of the country. Stay safe and keep well, and if
you have any concerns, please see your doctor.
Dr Andrew Flint
HMAS Coonawarra
Medical Officer, Royal Australian Navy
From fur-babies to service dogs, dogs are an
important part of our lives. We have a
responsibility to keep them happy and
healthy. When a new threat appears, we owe
it to them to be prepared to act.
Australia is luckier than most countries in terms of
disease, we don’t have to worry about rabies or
ebolavirus. We thought we were safe from Ehrlichiosis,
but it has recently been identified in the Northern
Territory and Western Australia. Ehrlichiosis is a tickborne
disease which can be fatal. For example, during
the Vietnam War, many US Military dogs perished from
Ehrlichia(1). As a vet, I have seen the devastating effects
of this disease first hand whilst working in Thailand with
stray dogs. This disease means that performing basic and
even life-saving surgery has huge risks as Ehrlichia makes
any bleeding difficult to stop. Part of what makes this
disease so tragic is that it is preventable. Protecting
your dog from Ehrlichiosis is as simple as putting on a
collar. Year round tick prevention is the only way to
prevent infection and you can do this by using flea/tick
collars, monthly spot-on/oral medications and by
environmental control.
Symptoms are similar to other tick-borne diseases such
as lethargy, poor appetite, sore/stiff joints and bleeding
disorders can be common (e.g. bleeding from the
nose). If your dog shows any of these signs or you find a
tick on them, you need to take them to the vet.
Ehrlichiosis is a notifiable disease which means that any
possible infection must be reported. If your dog is not
currently on tick prevention, talk to your vet about how
to add this into your pets routine care. Even if you have
never seen a tick on your dog before, all it takes is one
bite. Tick prevention may seem an additional cost but
the alternative bears a higher price. The treatment for a
dog with a severe case of Ehrlichiosis may cost
thousands and could jeopardise the life of your pet.
Protect your dog today! For more information talk to
your vet or visit: https://nt.gov.au/industry/agriculture/
livestock/animal-health-and-diseases/ehrlichiosis-diseasedogs
References
Parap
Veterinary
Hospital
(08) 8981 9767
Parap Veterinary Hospital is the only ASAV Accredited Hospital in the Darwin/
Palmerston region. The ASAV Hospital Accreditation Scheme recognises
companion animal practices that achieve the highest levels of quality health care
and practice management in innovative, state-of-the-art hospital facilities.
Written by Parap Vets
Parap Veterinary Hospital
1. Harrus S, Waner T. Diagnosis of canine monocytotropic ehrlichiosis
(Ehrlichia canis): an overview. Vet J. 2011 Mar;187(3):292-6. doi:
10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.02.001. Epub 2010 Mar 11. PMID: 20226700.
2. Little SE. Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis in dogs and cats. Veterinary
Clinics: Small Animal Practice. 2010 Nov 1;40(6):1121-40.
Defence
Discount
Available!
26 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 27

Defence School Mentors
Directory
DARWIN PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Alawa Primary
Katie Wedel
Katie.wedel@ntschools.net
Durack Primary
Cassie Knight
cassie..knight@ntschools.net
Essington College
Chris Mayes
chris.mayes@essington.nt.edu.au
Holy Spirit Primary
Christine Crimmings
Christine.crimmings@nt.catholic.edu.au
Larrakeyah Primary
Jodie Murdoch
Jodie.murdoch@ntschools.net
Leanyer Primary
Christos Kastaniotis
christos.kastaniotis@ntschools.net
DARWIN MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOLS
Darwin High
Kerry Gray
Kerry.gray@ntschools.net
Darwin Middle
Carolyn Mu
Carolyn.mu@ntschools.net
Dripstone Middle
Kristine Rushforth (leaving)
Kristine.rushforth@ntschools.net
O’Loughlin Catholic College
Katherine Peel
Katherine.peel@nt.catholic.edu.au
Palmerston College
Sheryl Schmode
Sheryl.schmode@ntschools.net
Mackillop Catholic College
Sue Lowery
Suw.lowery@nt.catholic.edu.au
Defence School Mentors
Jodie Murdoch is the Defence Support Mentor at
Larrakeyah Primary School. She has been working within
the School community since 2011. When Jodie started at
the school, they had 350 students with 55 students from
Defence families. Now the school is bustling with 540
students and the largest enrolment of Defence students
for 2021, being 104.
Based on her passion for supporting the needs of
Defence families in her DSM role, she organises a
Defence lunch group every Wednesday, which is always
packed with fun activities. The activities vary from week
to week and generally include colouring competitions,
POGO stick challenges and Hermit Crab races. All
activities have some relevance to life in Defence and
Jodie finds engaging ways to teach children about
resilience and the benefits of meeting new people while
exploring our amazing country.
In addition to her lunchtime activities, Jodie also oversees
the “Jodie Bus” (an imaginary bus) two days per week
and collects the Transition and Year 1 Defence students
from their classrooms at the end of the school day and
‘drives’ them to the base gate. Not only does this fun
initiative give parents a few extra minutes to arrive at
school in the afternoon, but the excitement of ‘travelling
on the Jodie Bus’ is a highlight of the day for the kids.
Jodie is a nurturing soul who farewells up to 30
students who post out of Darwin each year and
provides a warm welcome for new Defence students
as they transition into their new school community.
As a DSM who genuinely enjoys caring for Defence
families, Jodie has made a personal commitment to
enriching the lives of Defence children. During the
COVID-19 lockdowns, Jodie created kits for all her
Defence children and included “Worry Woggles”. The
“Worry Woggles” are designed to provide comfort
for children who feel worried but are unsure how to
talk to a parent. Jodie also organises school
community events, such as Remembrance Day,
ANZAC Day and a Father’s Day sausage sizzle, plus an
end of year Pizza Party!
Based on her long-term commitment to the
Larrakeyah community, Jodie is a valuable asset to the
Larrakeyah Primary School and the students always
enjoy spending time with her, which is evident
throughout the following testimonials from some of
Jodie’s students;
Ludmilla Primary
Vanessa Schiller (leaving)
vanessa.schiller@ntschools.net
Rosebery Primary
Amanda Guerin
Amanda.guerin@ntschools.net
Sacred Heart Primary
Margaret Howe
Margaret.howe@nt.catholic.edu.au
St Mary’s Catholic Primary
Justine Mitchell (leaving)
Justine.mitchell@nt.catholic.edu.au
Wanguri Primary
Amanda Metcalfe
Amanda.metcalfe@ntschools.net
Palmertson Christian / Marrara Christian / Sattler Christian
Colleges
Alice Kempster
alice.kempster@ntschools.net
Casuarina Senior College
Mike Whitmee
mike.whitmee@ntschools.net
TINDAL/KATHERINE SCHOOLS
Casuarina Street Primary
Renee Lace
Renee.lace@ntschools.net
Katherine South Primary
Leonnie Matthews
Leonine.matthews@ntschools.net
St Joseph’s College
Tammy Taylor
Tammy.taylor@nt.catholic.edu.au
Send us your feedback:
If your school has an amazing DSM who deserves a
“shout out” in the Top Ender Magazine, please email
us your feedback so we can feature your DSM in the
the next edition of The Topender Magazine.
Written by Denna Menz
The Top Ender Community Coordinator
28 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 29

The Commitee Noticeboard
BECOME A COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR
We welcome all contributions from our Defence Members
and their families. We’re looking for stories about Defence
life, history, helpful guides to living in the NT, family
experiences, travel adventures and more. If you have
something you’d like to share in the next edition of The
Top Ender, submit it today. If published, you will receive a
$100 Community Contributor voucher!
VOLUNTEER WITH US
$100
COMMUNITY
CONTRIBUTOR
VOUCHER
We always welcome new general members and volunteers at The Top Ender Magazine. There is
no time obligation, we just ask that you join us for our monthly meetings wherever possible.
You can input as much or as little as you like and will be supported by our community along the
way.
If you would like to increase your volunteer hours, contact us today or come along to our next
committee meeting (also available via Zoom) to find out more.
POSITION VACANT
Our Community Coordinator is posting to a new location, so
we are looking for the right person to fill this paid contract
position. To find out more visit our website at
www.thetopendermagazine.org.au or get in touch today to
get a copy of the Position Description and apply now!
There are also opportunities to join our committee as a Vice
Chairperson. These positions look great on your Resume and
are crucial to the continuation of our magazine.
ADVERTISE WITH US
Check out our new Rate Card on the back inside cover!
FEEDBACK
We would love to hear from you!
Contact us at
admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
LOCAL
CLASSIFIEDS
Calling all Defence members and
their families! Do you operate your
own business? Do you have a sidehustle,
hobby or passion that you’d
like to share with our community?
Get in touch now to be featured
for free in the next edition of The
Top Ender Magazine.
We’re launching a classified section
specifically to support businesses
run by our Defence community.
By providing feedback on The Top Ender Magazine, we can keep making improvements
that benefit our community.
Committee in the Community
ARE YOU OUR NEXT COMMUNITY COORDINATOR?
The Community Co-Ordinator oversees the day-to-day
operations of the organisation and ensures that it operates in
accordance with the Committees decisions, constitution,
relevant legislation and funding requirements.
We’re looking for a self-motivated, organised and reliable
person with sound communication and strong office and
bookkeeping skills. They will have the ability to work
independently, meet strict deadlines, support the Committee
and be a positive contributor to the team who will champion
the NT and the unique lifestyle it affords its residents.
This is a Part-Time position of up to 24 hours per fortnight, 9-
12pm Monday - Thursday (Negotiable days and operating
Winner Winner
Christmas Competition Winners
1 st prize: Myles from Larrakeyah
2 nd prize: Catherine from Eaton
3 rd prize: Liana from Casuarina
Dec/Jan Crocodile Hunt Competition
Winner: Joshua (aged 5) from Parap
Win for your Spouse
Monica won $100 for Anthony
TEMPORARY
ACCOMMODATION BAGS
As part of our commitment to the Defence community
in the NT, The Top Ender Magazine has sent out over
100 ‘self-isolation’ packs for Defence members
isolating in hotels around Darwin.
Now that the need for self-isolation is becoming less (thank
goodness!) We’re adapting the remaining packs to be sent out
over the posting season.
If you or someone you know would like to have one of our
remaining packs delivered to their temporary accommodation,
please get in touch! We have limited quantities left, so get in
quick!
Community Initiative by Deb Herring (CDDA)
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
hours), based at our child-friendly office on Defence
Establishment Berrimah. This position does include some
flexibility to work from home on certain days.
The salary is above award rate, negotiable based on your
experiences, with incentivised bonuses which are negotiable
upon increase in revenue, fundraising generation, and
performance reviews.
For more information, please visit our website at
www.thetopendermagazine.org.au
To apply for this role, email
chair@thetopendermagazine.org.au
SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS
We’re seeking information about Sports
Associations in the Top End. Can you
provide information, including season
dates, ways to join and cost to join?
We’re compiling a list of Sports and
Recreation groups to share these
amazing organisations with our Defence
community. If your sports or recreation
group are interested in advertising,
please get in touch!
Thank you
Our out-going Community Coordinator, Denna
Menz, has been invaluable to The Top Ender
Magazine over this past year.
We wish to thank Denna for her hard work and
organisation in the role and wish her the best of luck
for her next adventure! We’d also like to thank Luke
Menz for his chef skills and contributions to our
yummy meeting dinners, and the kids for participating
and helping out with our Kids Corner puzzles.
30 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 31

From the Padre’s Pen
Actions, Reactions and Over-reactions…..
The words we say and think have a powerful biochemical effect on our
bodies. There’s some pretty interesting science behind all this. Our
everyday thoughts and feelings create biochemical reactions to mental and
emotional stimuli. These reactions occur not just in the brain, but also in
virtually every system of our body. We know that the brain, nerves,
immune and digestive systems are all capable of releasing and receiving
many of the same peptides. All these systems are chemically linked to our
central nervous system.
What a difference it makes saying “maybe you’re mistaken’” to someone,
instead of loudly declaring “You’re wrong!” Or genuinely enquiring… “Are
you sure?” as opposed to blurting out, “You’re lying!” How we speak to
others influences how we all experience our external life.
How we speak to ourselves influences how we experience things in our
internal life. Imagine if we could total up all the emotions we have felt in
the past week. What would be really interesting would be the words we
attach to each event that created those emotions.
What tends to happen is: EVENT > WORDS > EMOTIONS.
An event gives stimulus to words and thoughts that we use to describe
that event. These words lead to the feelings we experience from that
event. Personally, what I have found so important are the words we attach
to the experience. The words we use to describe the event become our
experience.
Too often we ‘catastrophize’ events by using ‘habitual vocabulary’,
repetitive words that we lazily use instead of thinking and defining
situations before speaking. We’re like a tradie with a dozen tools in his
toolbox who lazily continues to grab the hammer to try and fix everything.
He ends up doing more damage than fixing. We do the same with the
words we use.
So often we overreact and yell out “I’m devastated!”, when in fact we’re
really just a bit disappointed…” We boldly declare “This is a disaster!”
when, with a little bit of effort, we can fix this situation pretty quick.
We all know that putting things in ‘perspective’ is a powerful process. My
three children are now all adults but getting them through their teenage
years, I would often say to myself when dealing with a ‘so-called’ disaster:
“If this is the worst thing that happens this year... It’s a pretty good year”.
It’s a quick and useful way of putting things into perspective.
Another tool I’ve learnt for my toolbox is “Don’t give a $100 responses to
50c problems.” Naturally I’m an ‘over-reactor’. I wasn’t born that way but
it is a learnt behaviour. In fact, I come from a long line of over-reactors.
When a stimulus happens, an event, an accident, something that looks like
a problem or a ‘disaster’, I now try to evaluate the situation quickly and
not over-react to something simple or easy to navigate through. I learnt
this lesson well when my son was young and accidentally broke the TV
remote. I ‘spent’ a lot of negative emotion overreacting. It ended up
costing me $5 to fix the remote. I realised my son’s feelings are worth a
lot more to me than $5.
“Don’t give a $100 responses to 50c problems.” It sometimes helps to
put a dollar value on the perceived problem as we learn to evaluate
situations and circumstances that are just ‘not worth’ the negative
emotional energy and damaged relationships that come from over-reacting.
In the Bible Proverbs 16:32 it says: “Those who are slow to anger are
better than the mighty. Whoever can rule their spirit mightier than the one
who captures a city”.
CHAPLAIN Shaun Foster
ADF Chaplains in the NT
Navy On-call: 0409 662 823
Shaun Foster HMAS Coonawarra
Australian Christian Churches
08 8935 5388 | 0400 514 375
Kelvin Harris Fleet North/HMAS Coonawarra
Anglican
08 8935 5183 | 0457 712 743
Army On-call: 0427 713 963
Glen Elsegood 8/12 Regiment
Anglican
08 8925 2457 | 0429 345 167
Joel Vergara Regional Support
Roman Catholic
08 8925 2662 | 0409 778 462
Chris Lindsay 1 CER
Presbyterian
08 8925 6414 | 0418 428 337
Garth Mayger 1 CSSB
Roman Catholic
08 8925 9005 | 0419 869 187
Phil Riley HQ1 BDE
Anglican
08 8925 2018 | 0407 283 050
Steve Maggs 5 RAR
Baptist
08 8925 2754 | 0408 684 783
Roger Cowan 1 AVN
Baptist
0429 891 274
Airforce Darwin On-call:
0477 308 064
Airforce Tindal On-call:
0427 890 054
Mitchell Herps RAAF Tindal
Anglican
08 8973 6032 | 0438 493 232
Andrew Knox RAAF Tindal
Anglican
08 8973 6033 | 0457 803 372
Angela Stanfield RAAF Darwin
Anglican
08 8923 5016 | 0417 953 396
All three services provide a 24/7 on-call number
for emergencies. Each Unit/Ship/Base has its
own chaplain who can assist. If you chaplain is
not available, please contact the on-call number
for your Service. Denominational or faithspecific
ministry can be arranged as required.
Overcoming Isolation
A posting to the Top End often means that serving personnel can spend many months away every year. This
experience can be isolating for many spouses and dependents who find it difficult to settle into life in the
Territory, especially when family and friends are located interstate and may not be able to travel during 2021. If
isolation is something that you struggle with or you know someone who feels lonely, here are some actions you
may consider to help overcome isolation:
FOCUS - It can be extremely beneficial to work out
some goals that you can focus on during times of
isolation. This could be as simple as focusing on a
home workout program, small business idea, garden
area or a family project to help pass the time. Most
importantly, focus on your health and wellbeing while
also looking out for those around you.
GET INVOLVED - If you’re not too sure how to meet
new people, you might consider getting involved with
a community group, sports club, volunteer program or
social events that will help you to build new
connections and a strong support network. Have you
tried competitive ten pin bowling, indoor volleyball or
fundraising? It can be a lot of fun and a great way to
get involved with the Top End community.
HOBBIES - If you don’t have many personal interests,
but find yourself feeling bored and lonely during times
apart, you might consider trying some new hobbies to
help pass the time. This could include learning a new
skill (knitting, painting, cake decorating), keeping a
journal of your adventures and daily activities, bicycle
riding, bonsai or cooking. There are so many ways to
pass the time without even leaving home. You might
be surprised what activities you can find to keep you
busy and inspired.
LEARN – Even if you are busy with full time
employment or staying home with children, the nightly
routine can feel lonely and isolating. You may use
some of your spare time to learn something through
flexible learning options (look at Charles Darwin
University, Darwin Adult Short Courses or Open
Universities for ideas). Alternatively, you can find
thousands of books or DVD’s in your local Library or
videos on YouTube to learn just about anything from
origami to servicing a motor vehicle. Learning new
skills will also help you to feel more confident and
independent, so it’s a positive way to pass the time
and reduce feelings of boredom.
CLOSE CONTACT – Despite most travel restrictions
being lifted, you may find that interstate travel may be
limited throughout 2021. In the event that travel is still
not an option, maybe consider the option of writing
regular emails, thank you cards, a family newsletter or
hand written letters to stay in close contact with loved
ones interstate. A hand written letter can take longer
than an email, however it is always exciting to receive
a handwritten note in the mail. Try to stay in contact
through social media support groups and video calls to
loved ones, where possible.
There are a number of support
groups available to provide help
through the difficult times, so
please remember that you are
never alone and reach out if you
are feeling overwhelmed or
unable to cope.
Written by Deb Herring (CDDA)
Career Development Association of Australia
Top Ender Community Contributor
WIN
FOR YOUR LOVED ONE
If you could win
$100 to treat
someone special,
what would you
spend it on and why?
Email your answer, name
and phone number to
admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
before 4 March 2021 to be in the draw.
Winners will be notified by email/phone
and announced in the next edition of
The Top Ender.
32 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 33

Defence Health has been providing valuable
health care benefits to Defence families since
1953, so we truly understand the unique
demands on serving families.
The posting period is one of the most demanding
times when families need a little bit of extra support. It
can be a particularly challenging time for young children
- making new friends, getting to know a new teacher
and finding their way in a new school. That’s why
Defence Health is focused on providing support for the
valuable work of Defence School Mentors (DSM).
A New Initiative
Defence Health
Making Connections Matter
DSM, Katie Thornton, came to us earlier this year with
a clever initiative to keep military families connected
within the classroom. Defence Health immediately
jumped on board to support her innovation; the Making
Connections Matter program.
We know that family connection to the classroom is
important and serving families miss out on so many
school highlights that other families take for granted.
Defence Health has supported Katie’s program by
installing webcams to connect absent-from-home ADF
caregivers with their child’s classroom.
The webcams allow caregivers to virtually attend the
classroom for special award presentations,
performances, celebrations and assemblies. They are
also provided with opportunities to engage with their
child’s teacher and friends or discuss the benefits and
challenges of being a Defence family.
Not surprisingly, the students, teachers and
parents have embraced the Making
Connections Matter program. Teachers can
incorporate cultural and geographic
elements of the curriculum, depending on
where a caregiver is deployed. Parents also
get the opportunity to participate in student
conferences and day-to-day classroom
experiences, which helps many Defence
students to feel supported and less
isolated and disconnected from their
caregivers.
Connecting with Our Community
This initiative has also encouraged
opportunities to connect outside of the
classroom too! Cassie Knight, who works
for Defence Health and is also a DSM,
recently facilitated a classroom video call
with a Durack School parent who is
currently deployed to East Timor. During
the call, the deployed parent had a
colleague join in the discussion as her father
was a Vietnam Veteran currently living in
Darwin. Coincidently, Cassie unexpectedly
met the veteran-father at a Veterans’ event
in Darwin the following week - it’s a small
world when we’re all connected!
Since Katie Thornton started her trial
program at Medowie Public School in rural
New South Wales, Defence Health is proud
to have implemented a nationwide program
to schools with Defence School Mentors. If
you would like to implement this valuable
program into your school, please contact
your DSM. It’s true that Making
Connections Matter and everyone benefits
from this fabulous program!
Children at Medowie Public School participate in the trial
Students from Alawa Primary School in Darwin taking delivery of the
webcam supplied by Defence Health
Contact Us
1800 335 425
info@defencehealth.com.au
PO Box 7518, Melbourne
VIC, 3004
34 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 35

What’s On
in February and March
Let’s Go, Bowl Patrol!
Ten Pin Bowling
10 February | 2 sessions
Cyclone awareness information sessions, Darwin
NT Emergency Service will provide cyclone awareness
information to assist families to prepare for the cyclone
season.
10:00am to 11:00am
5:30pm to 6:30pm
17 February | 10am -12pm
Connect over coffee, Darwin
Join DCO at Adventure Land for a chat, coffee and
networking with other ADF families. Includes a short
“Be Crocwise” talk with Park and Wildlife Rangers and
an opportunity for you to ask questions.
From 15 - 20 February
Bombing of Darwin | Various Events
On 19 th February 1942, Darwin was bombed in two
separate Japanese air raids becoming the largest single
attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia.
There are multiple events and remembrance
ceremonies listed below:
15 - 20 Feb Sea Darwin - Bombing of Darwin Cruise,
Stokes Hill Wharf $20.00 per adult
19 - 20 Feb Bombing of Darwin Experience, Royal
Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility 50% off entry
18 - 20 Feb Darwin Military Museum, East Point
Reserve 50% off entry
19 Feb - 8:15 am to 9am USS Peary Memorial Service,
The Esplanade, Darwin FREE
19 Feb - 9:30 am to 11am Bombing of Darwin
Commemorative Service, The Cenotaph, Darwin FREE
20 Feb - 10am to 11am Ecumenical Service, Adelaide
River War Cemetery
Starts 8 March
Northern Territory Travelling Film Festival (NTTFF)
celebrates and showcases the outstanding short film,
television and video productions from the NT,
capturing the stories, culture and landscape of our
iconic region and the people that call it home.
Ends 21 March | Every Sunday
Flix in the Wet
Darwin Entertainment Centre. Two films are screened
on Sunday Afternoons over 9 weeks with the eclectic
programming that you expect from the Darwin Film
Society.
Dates to Remember
12 Feb Chinese New Year (year of the Ox)
14 Feb Valentines Day
16 Feb Shrove Tuesday
17 Feb Ash Wednesday
19 Feb Bombing of Darwin Anniversary
19 Feb Bombing of Darwin Anniversary
1 Mar St David’s Day
Australian Army & Navy Birthdays
3 Mar World Wildlife Day
17 Mar St Patrick’s Day
21 Mar Harmony Day
31 Mar Australian Air Force’s 100 th Birthday
Bowl Patrol is an 8-week program organised by Planet Ten
Pin in Nightcliff, which teaches children between the ages
of 6-12 about the principles and fundamentals of Ten Pin
Bowling. The program has been running for the last three
years through Planet Ten Pin and is managed by Terry and
Deb, who are passionate, understanding and patient
coaches. Although bowling is generally known as a fun
activity for all ages, Ten Pin Bowling is also an independent
and competitive sport for all ages. The well-known
entertainment facility has been running in Nightcliff since
1976 and provides party rooms, catering, league
competitions, Halloween parties and other fun events
throughout the year!
Terry and Deb are a friendly couple who both served in
the Australian Defence Force. Deb was in the Air Force
between 1977-1982, then Terry enlisted into the Australian
Army in 1982. Back then though, it wasn’t possible to be
co-located with a serving spouse, so Deb made the difficult
decision to retire from the Air Force to focus on starting a
family and completing her Bachelor of Nursing.
Bowl Patrol costs only $99 for 8 weeks and can be covered
by the NT Government School Sports Voucher.
Participants also receive a t-shirt and a hat, plus the option
of joining a league after reaching a certain level of
competence and skill. The program is also suitable for any
person with disabilities and the Bowl Patrol team provide
dedicated coaching and support as part of their
commitment to the community.
For more information and to find out about other events in the region during 2021, check the Tourism Top End Website
www.tourismtopend.com.au/events
We also recommend checking the websites in different towns and councils, as well as organisations like the Waterfront Precinct.
This is not a complete list of events, and they are subject to change. Please confirm with the organisation before attending.
TICKET REQUIRED
36 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 37

Saving at the Shops!
I was recently discussing with an
‘Engineering Buddy’ of mine, the
future of electric motorcycles. We
shared our opinions (based on our
obvious differences in emotional
bias) regarding noise and
environmental factors. For most, the
thought of an electric motorcycle
conjures up images of those “orange
open-hire scooters” that we often
see, loitering throughout our Capital
Cities. Most are ridden by tourists
who use the opportunity to release
their “inner child”, but quickly
discover that they really aren’t “allterrain
machines” or suitable for
“gutter jumping” in the Darwin
stormwater system. For most riders,
the lacklustre acceleration that these
machines provide has obviously
been engineered to cater for the
average person’s abilities.
Furthermore, the handling of these
‘motorbikes’ can only be described
as an unstable skateboard with a set
of handlebars and no suspension or
straight-line stability - they are slow
for a reason.
Now let’s compare this to some of
the well-known motorcycle brands
and their electric bike offerings:
Harley is currently producing its
“Live Wire”; with its 78 kilowatt,
(105 horsepower - in the old
language) electric motor, switched
to Sport Mode. It will propel its
Rider from 0 – 60 mph/100kmh in
around 3 seconds. To put that into
context, that is 0.4 secs slower than
a Ducati 1199 Panigalle, Kawasaki
Ninja H2, or BMW S1000RR. Not
much difference between them, but
the Live Wire will obviously lose out
in top speed as it is limited to 110
mph/177 km/h. This is more than
enough for most NT tourists to
manage on our sidewalks! If you like
four wheels, rather than two; picture
a 2020 Porsche Carrera S, racing the
Live Wire, side-by-side to 100km/h
and this is no slow Beetle. The
sidewalks won’t be the place to test
the Live Wire’s performance, but
let’s remember that comparison.
Some people seem to think that you
can get away with more on an
electric motorcycle because they are
quiet. The future of electric bikes is
something that the internal
combustion engine junkies will
begrudgingly have to deal with in
the next five to ten years. But, do
we know the science behind how
fast and slow things move, speed up
or slow down?
Enter my learned ‘Engineering
Buddy’. There are several
calculations every rider should
know. Let’s take our Live Wire for
example and look at acceleration,
assuming constant acceleration. The
Live Wire achieves: 0 – 3 seconds to
100 km/h,
Formula for Velocity:V = U + A/T
V = (velocity)
U = standing start from 0 km/h
A/T = acceleration/time: 100km/h,
which is 100000 metres/hr, divided by
60 divided by 60 = 27.7m/s divided
by 3.0 seconds = 9.25 metres per
second.
So, our Live Wire’s Velocity: V = 0
+ 9.25 = 9.25 m/sec2, which is
nearly 1.0 G of acceleration. As
identified in our earlier comparison,
the Ducati, H2 or BMW are
accelerating at over 1.0 G
acceleration.
Why is all of this physics so
important, you ask? Well,
acceleration is what we enjoy
about motorcycles and not every
affordable car will exceed the
acceleration of a Live Wire,
Kawasaki H2, BMW S1000RR or a
Ducati 1199. But, (and this is a ‘BIG-
BUT’), cars stop or decelerate
consistently faster than bikes under
average conditions. Why? Well there
is little the car driver has to do
other than depress and keep
pressing the brake pedal, allowing
the ABS to independently control
the deceleration of those four fat
tyres on the road surface. Some
steering correction may be required,
but the Driver does not have to
balance their car, proportion force
between a separate hand/foot
operated braking system and they
don’t need to panic. They don’t
panic because they have a
protective “cage” around them.
To brake a motorcycle at 1.0 G
deceleration, requires some skills
and practice to perfect. A driver of a
modern car can come to a complete
stop without too much effort. Keep
in mind that an elite Moto GP rider
and motorcycle can decelerate as
quickly as 1.8 G, compared to a
similarly skilled Formula 1 drivers at
5.7 G. They are both using state-ofthe-art
machines, but the resultant
weight-shift, centre of gravity
positions and down force varies for
each machine. These factors cause a
significant difference to their
stopping abilities. Now lastly, keep
in mind that the best braking you
did whilst learning to ride, was at
about 0.4 – 0.6 G rate of
deceleration. It's important to be
cognisant of these factors when
creating space between the car in
front (for example; a 3-second gap)
and accelerating at 1.0 G, because
stopping is much harder than
accelerating.
Safe riding,
GROM
One of the quickest ways to save money is to
look at how you plan meals and shop for
groceries.You may leave a little in the budget for
weekly takeaway meals, but there are some
simple ways to stretch your money further with
meal planning and online grocery shopping.
THE BENEFITS OF MEAL PLANNING
To create a successful meal plan, it’s important to only
consider meals that your household enjoy and think of ways to
get creative with items you already have at home. As most
households spend between $100-$200 per week on food, this
can be a significant area of spend leakage for the household
budget.
If you are not comfortable with setting up a complete
household budget, you could start by setting a simple goal to
reduce your grocery expenditure. A meal plan could include 3
meals per day or just nightly meals to help you stay organised.
Once you have worked out your meal plan, you can create a
structured shopping list to help you buy only what you need
for the week or fortnight. This reduces the likelihood of buying
additional meal options that may go to waste.
Meat is the most expensive ingredient when meal planning, so
it pays to split meat into smaller portion sizes and stretch it
further. For example; you could cut 1 or 2 chicken schnitzels
into portions for multiple chicken schnitzel wraps or use 1kg of
mince across 2 meals, instead of cooking additional leftovers
that often end up in the bin. Alternatively, when cooking
spaghetti, lasagne, pasta bake or tuna bake, it’s a clever strategy
to prepare a large batch that can be separated into meal
portions and frozen in foil containers from the supermarket.
Your ‘future self’ will thank you on busy nights when you can
take a home cooked meal from the freezer and leave it in the
oven to cook while you focus on the nightly routine.
Some good tips for meal planning; ensure that you look a day
ahead to ensure that you are thawing meat overnight and have
everything ready to go. It is also a great idea to chop
vegetables for a couple of meals and store in containers to
reduce your preparation time for each meal. Plan consecutive
meals that have similar ingredients to help you prepare
multiple meals at the same time (ie; diced capsicum for baked
potatoes, spaghetti and fried rice).
THE BENEFITS OF ONLINE GROCERY
SHOPPING
Online grocery shopping is the best way to save money at the
supermarket. Not only can you purchase straight from your
previous shopping list, but you can also order from the specials
list (half price, if possible) and stick to your allocated budget as
you “add to cart”. Always review your order before submitting
to see whether you have duplicated items or purchased
unnecessary ‘extras’. You could also keep an additional
shopping list of household items that can wait for a sale (50%
off), as this is often where the biggest savings are. A good tip
to reducing your grocery bill is to never shop when you are
hungry or short on time as you are more likely to purchase
extra items.
COST OF CONVENIENCE
If you are really wanting to save on your grocery bills, consider
the additional cost of convenient meal options. This is
especially true when you consider the difference between
homemade spaghetti ($10) and takeaway pizza ($40+). It
makes sense some nights to find a convenient solution,
however you can significantly reduce your food budget by
making most meals ‘from scratch’, preparing multiple meals in
bulk or choosing some convenient options for each meal (ie;
pasta packets) to reduce your cooking time when life is busy.
10 MEALS UNDER $10
Chicken drumsticks with mash and veggies
Spaghetti Bolognaise
Vegetable Lasagne
Fried rice with chicken and veg
Stuffed baked potatoes
Beef casserole or stroganoff
Honey mustard chicken with mash or rice
Tuna bake
Chicken schnitzel wraps
Beef stirfry
For many families, the cost of returning to school can be
financially demanding, including school uniforms, stationery,
fees and other costs. Here are some easy lunch snacks that are
budget-friendly:
FUN LUNCH SNACKS UNDER $1 PER SERVE
English muffin mini-pizzas
Popcorn
Fruit skewers
Savoury skewers (cheese, cabana, capsicum, cherry
tomato, pickle, cucumber)
Nachos
Vegemite or salami scrolls (puff pastry)
Mini fruit muffins
Chicken or beef meatballs
Cucumber and carrot sticks with dip
Yoghurt
Written by Deb Herring (CDDA)
Career Development Association of Australia
Top Ender Community Contributor
38 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 39

Mates
4
Mates
Mates4Mates is also for the entire family. We know that when one person is impacted by trauma, anxiety or stress, among
No one should have to go through injuries and
mental health issues alone – which is why
Mates4Mates is now delivering services in the
Northern Territory.
To help ensure that local current and ex-serving members,
and their families, are supported when they need it most –
whether that’s for physical injuries, challenges like anxiety
and depression, or isolation, Mates4Mates has started to
provide much-needed support in the region.
Mates4Mates is a national charity providing support and
rehabilitation services to the Defence community, from
psychology and exercise physiology appointments, to
wellbeing activities like group fitness and trauma-informed
yoga, coffee support groups, and rehabilitation workshops.
Our programs are evidence-based and led by a team of
health professionals experienced in working with members
of the Defence community. Our purpose is to help you,
and your family, find a way forward from any challenges
that arise as a result of service.
We first launched in the Territory last year after the
Department of Veterans’ Affairs enlisted us to build the
Territory’s first Veteran and Family Wellbeing Centre. We
currently have Centres in Brisbane, Townsville and Hobart,
and programs in outreach areas.
While developing a Centre takes time, and the doors won’t
open until 2022, we knew that some services couldn’t wait.
So, in October 2020, we launched our first activities. These
focused on bringing local Defence families together and
providing a supportive network for anyone impacted by
service.
By December, we had also launched telehealth services for
psychology and exercise physiology appointments, with the
aim to deliver these face-to-face in the future.
This year, we have added a few more wellbeing activities
and workshops to our local services, along with more
online programs, so that those living right across the vast
Territory can participate.
By the time we open the doors to our new Centre in
2022, we will have a full suite of services on offer.
There’s estimated to be over 12,000 Defence Force
members and their families living here in the Territory. As
an organisation, we are proud to provide evidence-based
support, where it’s needed most.
So, if you need support, or know someone that may
benefit from our activities, please get in touch. I’m available
to meet with you and help find out what services are right
for you.
other things, it can have a significant impact on partners, children, parents, or grandparents. If you’re an immediate family
member of someone currently serving, or a veteran, you can also access our services.
I’ve been very thankful to meet so many from the Defence community already and look forward to meeting many more.
I’ve been living in the Territory for more than 40 years and am very ingrained in the local culture and proud to call this
region home.
Joining an organisation that makes a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of people has also been very motivating.
Annually, Mates4Mates provides around 25,000 connections to the Defence community, over 4,400 psychology
appointments, and 8,400 social connections.
In 2021, with our expansion into the Territory, we will be reaching even
more people in need.
One of our values as an organisation is collaboration, so we will also be
partnering with other local businesses and service providers to ensure the
best possible support and care is offered across a range of options.
You don’t have to tackle life’s challenges alone. Our staff all understand
what it means to serve, with many having served themselves and they are
here to help. We can also refer you to other organisations that help with
areas like employment, financial services, homelessness and more – many
of which will also be available direct from the Veteran and Family
Wellbeing Centre, as soon as it opens in 2022.
To get in touch with me, you can reach out via nt@mates4mates.org.
For more information about Mates4Mates, visit mates4mates.org or phone
1300 462 837.
Written by Jan Peters
Northern Territory Regional Manager
Mates4Mates
40 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 41

‘A Quiet Hero’
By Norman S Cramp, from the wartime diary of Petty Officer Harold
Ronald Healey, RAN 20751 (Retired) August 2019.
Harold Ronald (‘Tim’ or ‘Nuts’ to all who knew him)
Healey was born at Williamstown, Victoria on 23rd
October 1916, the only child of Frederick and Alice (nee
Goff) Healey.
‘Tim’, as we shall call him, joined the RAN on 10th April
1935 with rank of Seaman following which he moved
through the ranks to Able Seaman, Petty Officer and Chief
Petty Officer. He married Edna Grace Kirk at Hawthorn,
Victoria on 6th November 1937 and four years and four
months later found himself in the fight (and fright) of his
life.
It is not known as to when Tim joined the HMAS
Deloraine’s company, but he sailed in her for Darwin on
26th December 1941, after ‘spending the most miserable
Christmas Day in my life’ on board, anchored in Sydney
Harbour. The Deloraine sailed for Darwin via Brisbane
and Townsville arriving at Darwin on 7th January 1942.
His big, and terrifying, adventure was about to begin!
Shortly after arriving in Darwin, he suffered a bout of
dengue fever that hospitalised him for a short period, but
to make matters worse, he and his shipmates realised
‘there was no beer anywhere in the town’. On 16th
January 1942, he reported a ‘big submarine scare’ and an
order for the ship to be ready for sea immediately. The
sighted submarine was one of four Imperial Japanese Navy
(IJN) submarines that were operating off the coast of
Darwin, NT at that time and could well have been the one
that Tim and his mates would engage in a few days’ time.
On 20th January, Tim journaled that ‘HMAS Deloraine is
off on a submarine hunt’ and that it ‘turned out to be the
most exciting day of the war for me’. He reported that at
1300 hours, an Able Seaman (AB) on lookout on the
bridge had casually informed his chain of command that
“there’s a torpedo coming right at us, Sir”’. The Captain
had a look and exclaimed – ‘Good Lord, so there is – Hard
to Port!’. The Deloraine turned and as a result the
‘torpedo missed our stern by three feet’, Tim recorded.
It is not clear what duties Tim had on board during that
time, but after the call-to-action stations went out he
recorded, ‘just as I had taken over the wheel, the
submarine started to surface about twenty feet away from
us on our port [left] side’. He recorded that the Deloraine
‘let go’ with a depth charge from ‘the port thrower’ that
‘landed smack on his [the submarine’s] conning tower’ and
that a Catalina flying boat hovering above ‘let go a load of
bombs’ that also appeared to have damaged the
submarine. The Skipper and crew were sure the submarine
was done for, but Tim journaled; ‘just to make sure, we
dropped every depth charge we had in the ship and we
blew enough oil [from the submarine] to the surface to
steam this ship for Sydney’.
To make doubly sure of the ‘kill’, HMAS Katoomba also
dropped depth charges on the now stricken submarine.
Later on the 20th, crew from HMAS Kookaburra and
Platypus attempted to dive on the submarine but the
attempts failed due to equipment failure, tidal rip and bad
weather. The USS Holland, a US Navy (USN) submarine
repair ship, also sent divers down. Reports on the damage
to the submarine were completed but the submarine was
not entered. The thrill, and fear, associated with the sub
hunt and its demise was over and Deloraine returned to
port.
Unbeknownst to Tim and the crew of HMAS Deloraine,
they had just sunk the IJN submarine I-124 that had been
laying sea mines in the entrance channels to Darwin
Harbour and along the coast, as well as conducting
reconnaissance of shipping movement to and from the
harbour. The I-124 remains where she settled on the sea
floor on that fateful day in January 1942 with all 80 crew
members entombed within her. She was declared a war
grave by the Australian and Japanese governments in 1985
and, as a result, no diving or interfering with the vessel is
permitted.
Throughout the remainder of January and into early
February 1942, the Deloraine carried out patrolling duties
in the Bathurst and Melville Islands areas and convoy duties
for various Allied ships as far afield as Thursday Island. On
18th February, the Deloraine was steaming back to Darwin
after convoy duty to Thursday Island, when she passed a
USN destroyer, (most likely the USS Peary) and a USN
Cruiser (USS Houston). Both ships had been on convoy
duty escorting American and Australian troops to reinforce
the garrison at Ambon. No one knew it at that time, but
both ships’ fates were sealed and Tim’s moment of truth
and bravery was about to arrive.
At 1700 hours on 18th February, the Deloraine ‘secured to
buoy in Darwin harbour’ and at 2000 hours the Captain
was taken off the ship to the Darwin Hospital – illness
unknown. On 19th February 1942, all hell broke loose in
Darwin and Tim’s life changed forever.
On that day, the first day of air raids on Darwin by
Japanese forces, he journaled that ‘Today will live in my
memory forever as long as I live. I will never be able to
forget the horrors that I have seen today – horrors which
no mortal man could do justice to’. He also wrote that at
‘approximately 1030 (hrs), I heard the old familiar sound of
bombs falling. I looked up in time to see the [Stokes Hill]
wharf go up in the air and a stick of bombs hitting the
Neptunia [sic]’. He said, ‘The Japs were raiding Darwin and
as our ship has only a 12pdr gun which is useless against
high level bombing, we had a first-hand view of the raid
and what a raid it is’.
At that stage of the war, Tim reported the Darwin area as
being ‘a proper hot bed of submarines’ with many reports
of asdic, (‘A/S’), contacts and resultant depth charge
attacks by various Allied warships. However, there were no
more IJN submarines sunk in the area.
He mentions a USN destroyer, (most likely the USS Peary,
although he never named her), that was ‘blazing astern
(she sunk later)’, ‘a stick of bombs straddling the [HMAS]
Platypus’, the Zealandia ‘that was ablaze from a direct hit’,
the Moana Loa ‘that was ablaze from a direct hit’ and that
‘the town was wreathed in smoke from numerous hits’.
Besides that, ‘the aerodrome was a pall of smoke, death
was riding wild and then the dive bombing and machine
gunning started’. The HMAS Swan was hit with, as Tim
recorded, ‘four dead and Christ knows how many
wounded’. He recorded that the Japanese ‘machine gunned
the boom defence vessels repeatedly’, ‘dive bombed the
HMAS Warrego repeatedly without hitting her’, machine
gunned the Deloraine twice ‘without hurting anybody and
they dive bombed the hospital ship Manunda until they hit
her just aft of the bridge. Her hull is riddled with shrapnel
holes’.
He continued to journal and added that a troopship full of
American soldiers (the ship being either the Portmar or
the Tulagi) was hit resulting in several soldiers being
wounded. In fact, a number of American soldiers on the
Portmar were killed that day. He also mentions that ‘I was
bombed for six months, night and day, but I’d crack under
another raid like that. They missed nothing and they used
1000 bombs’.
After the Japanese had departed, Tim and his crewmates
noticed a man ‘in the water near the jetty’ - meaning the
Stokes Hill Wharf. Tim et.al ‘went away in the motor boat
to pick him up and when we got there we found hundreds
in the water. The two ships at the jetty were blazing and
the jetty itself was ablaze. The water was no more – we
were steaming through a sea of oil and some of it was afire
and there were some men in the fire getting nicely
roasted’. He and his mates picked up eight Malay crew
members from the Neptuna, after which Tim turned the
boat toward the jetty only to be told by ‘jabbering’ Malays
not to approach the ship as she was full of depth charges.
Tim is honest enough to say ‘I could feel my knees start to
shake as there was the ship full of deadly explosives afire
from stem to stern and us only about fifty yards from her’.
He turned the motorboat toward a nearby beach and
when he pulled in about ‘twenty yards off it’, he ordered
the Malays to jump overboard and swim to the beach so
he could return for more survivors. The Malays however
refused to leave the boat so Tim ‘jobbed one of them and
slung him over [the side] and the rest soon followed’.
Returning to the jetty area, he heard a man calling out -
‘help me dig, I’ve got a broken leg’. Tim stopped to pick
the man up but, by the time the man was in the boat, five
more men ‘were trying to clamber in and as our boat is
very small, she was in danger of being sunk. So, I went full
ahead and jumped on their hands and they had to let go’.
Tim rescued a lot of men that day and picked up two more
survivors before heading to HMAS Platypus to drop the
injured men off.
While coming alongside Platypus, the Neptuna ‘blew up,
bits of her flew everywhere’ with one piece of steel plate
‘that must have weighed 2 cwt [hundredweight]’ flying
through the air’. He goes on to mention other ships that
were ablaze and rescuing survivors from various ships
(including the Portmar) and from the fire-covered sea.
Finally the raids finished and Tim had survived that terrible
day. He and his mates had taken their lives into their own
hands and placed themselves in harm’s way to help their
comrades, but it had taken its toll. Later that day he wrote,
‘I have never prayed for darkness before, but I prayed for it
today. I wish the sun would never rise again and I wonder
what tomorrow will bring forth. There is a lot that has
happened today that doesn’t appear in this book, mainly
concerning cowardice of personnel but I never know
where this book will finish up, so I won’t put it on record,
but I will remember it – Christ I’ll remember it!’
On 20th February, he commences his diary entry by
writing, ‘No raids today, thank God. One alert and a lot
has happened, but we are still alive’. He mentions the
devastation around the harbour and town, that the
‘aerodromes are wrecked’ and that ‘the hospital was
bombed and machine gunned’. He also mentions that ‘again
today I saw much cowardice that I am not going to log’ and
that ‘the Manunda put thirty bodies ashore today. They
had died overnight. The bodies lay on the beach
surrounded by millions of flies and of course, in this
climate, they went rotten. The Manunda took them all back
[that night] as she is sailing tonight and is going to bury
them all at sea’. He finished that day’s entry by writing ‘I
did the biggest thing today I have ever done since I have
been in the Navy’. An understatement to be sure!
Tim recorded that there were no raids on the 21st, but
HMAS Warrnambool was attacked on the 22nd when she
was ‘about 40 miles from Darwin’, HMAS Katoomba sailed
for Thursday Island and the freighter Barossa, that had
been towed to a sandbank, exploded. On 27th February,
he recorded that ‘The official list for the day of the raid is
now 500 killed and 1000 casualtys [sic]’. The Deloraine
(with Tim on board) remained in the Darwin area for
another five months, during which time she was attacked
by a long-range bomber on 5th March and survived several
other air raids.
The Deloraine left Darwin for Thursday Island, Townsville
and Brisbane on 12th July. She sailed from Brisbane to
Sydney on 23rd July and whilst at sea, received a message
that a merchant ship had reportedly sighted a Japanese
submarine off Newcastle. Tim’s laconic diary entry was ‘we
might have some fun yet’.
His diary ends on 25th July, but his war didn’t end then. He
served throughout the war and was discharged from the
RAN on 25th August 1947 with the rank of Regulating
Petty Officer. Post-war he and Edna were shopkeepers in
Collingwood and Orbost, Victoria, where they both played
golf for many years. After retiring they moved to Nelsons
Bay, NSW where they were living when Tim suddenly died
of a heart attack at Newcastle Hospital on 6th April 1982.
Like many war veterans, Tim spoke little of his wartime
experiences and buried any ‘demons’ deep within himself.
Given his actions on 19th February 1942 and his decision
not to speak about that horrible day and many others that
he undoubtedly witnessed, it is fair to say that Harold
Ronald (Tim) Healey was a quiet hero.
42 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 43

Luke Gosling
Amessage
fromLuke
Awarmwelcometo
ourrelocating
Defencepersonnel.
AbigTerritorywelcome
to allDefencepersonnel,
acrossthearmy,navy,
andairforcethathave
joinedusinDarwinand
Palmerstonandamassive
welcometoyourfamilies.
Iwantedtoreachoutand
introducemyselftoyouas
yourfederalmemberinthe
AustralianParliamentin
theseatofSolomon.
Likeyou, Iservedin
theAustralianDefence
Force(ADF).Iservedfor13
yearsintheArmy,withthe
ParachuteInfantry,
Commandosandthe
DefenceCooperation
PrograminTimor-Leste.
It’simportanttomethat
relocatingDefenceForce
personnelareawareofwho
theirlocalfederal
representativeisand
wheretofindmeshould
theyneedtoraiseany
concernswithmeorjust
haveacupofteaanda
yarn.
Yourwellbeingandthat
ofyourfamilyis
extremelyimportantto
meandIwould
encourageyoutopop
intoourofficein
Casuarinaatany
time.Mydoorisalways
opentoyou.
2020isdoneand
dusted,haveagreat
2021andlookforward
toseeingyouaround
theTopEnd.
Luke Gosling MP
Member for Solomon
Co-Chair Parliamentary
Friends of Veterans
Luke Gosling is the Federal
Member of Parliament for
Darwin and Palmerston and
served in the ADF for 13 years.
CONTACT LUKE
Luke.gosling.mp@aph.gov.au
08 8928 0180
lukegosling.com.au
Fishing for therapy
Fishing is by nature a reflective and meditative activity
that forces you to slow down and enjoy your
surroundings. People fish for many reasons. Some food
and some for sport, while others just want an excuse to be
outside on our many wonderful waterways or get together
with friends.
No matter what gets them out there, any fisherman can
attest to the supreme sense of relaxation and calmness
that spending a morning or evening doing their favourite
activity provides. This very quality has made fishing a
popular therapeutic exercise used by counsellors and
therapists who work with veterans, people with chronic
illnesses, and others who have experienced trauma in their
lives.
I am a Member for Solomon who served in the Army for
13 years and is active in the veteran community. I believe
that fishing is a fantastic outlet for many veterans, their
families and the broader community. There’s really nothing
better than casting a line in a natural environment. The
calming effect of water relaxes the mind and can be very
therapeutic.
For many veterans I have spoken with, they feel a sense of
camaraderie in fishing with a group of people, which is
often what they miss from being in the military.
Fishing is a great outlet for veterans who may have
experienced symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression – it
encourages them to talk with each other and realise that
they’re not alone and that they’ve got this group of people
that understand what they’re experiencing and how
they feel.”
In Federal Parliament, I started the ‘Parliamentary Friends
of Recreational Fishing‘, because I know how important it is
to Territorians and the Territory economy.” It is estimated
that recreational fishing brings in around $80 million into
the Territory economy each year – making it not only a
great activity for families and veterans, but a significant
economic driver.
Matilda Woolley is a Year 5 Defence student
at Rosebery Primary School.
She has just received the "Australia Day
Student Citizen Award 2021" for outstanding
contribution to her school and community.
This award goes to one student from a
Northern Territory school every year.
Matilda, along with her parents, teachers and peers,
were very excited and proud that she has received this
award. Half of the award relates to her schooling and
the other half relates to her Community involvement.
She always tries very hard to do her best at school and
strives to help others.
Matilda is also involved with Scouts at 1st Palmerston
Scout Group and has enjoyed Scouting for 5 years. She
started as a Joey, then transitioned into cubs and has
recently moved up into the Scout age group.
Matilda has received both her Joey Scout Promise
Challenge & Grey Wolf Award, which are the highest
awards that a Joey and Cub can receive. A lot of work
and commitment goes into receiving these awards,
including lots of home projects and presentations at the
Scout hall, as well as group activities during camps,
bushwalking and bushcraft.
Earlier this year, Matilda was chosen to represent Scouts
NT (whilst wearing both school uniform and Scout
uniform throughout the day) at Parliament House in
Canberra, for the 2020 Plastic Summit. She learned
about soft plastic and the process of recycling. Soft
plastic is any plastic packaging that you can scrunch up,
which is commonly used to wrap food items that you
find in the supermarket. This type of packaging can be
placed into special ‘REDcycle’ bins at Coles and
Woolworths and then made into outdoor furniture and
other items. It is important to remember that soft
plastic cannot be recycled in your yellow recycle bin at
home, as the soft packaging can get caught up in the
sorting machines. After returning home from the
Summit in Canberra, Matilda also prepared a summary
of her experience and spoke at her school assembly
about the process for recycling soft plastic packaging.
Scouts
If you are interested in learning more about Scouts for
your child, please contact Scouts NT -
www.nt.scouts.com.au. Scouts is a great outlet for young
people to help the community, meet new friends,
improve self-confidence, develop skills and learn the
benefits of teamwork.
For more information about the REDcycle program or
find a local drop point, check out www.redcycle.net.au
or look for the specially marked bins at selected Coles
and Woolworths supermarkets. The REDcycle
Program makes it easy for consumers to keep plastic
bags and packaging out of landfill - together we can
make a difference to helping our environment!
Congratulations to Reeling Veterans – for their Fishing for
Therapy family fun day recently. An awesome day was had
by all at Barramundi Adventures. Thanks to everyone who
attended.
Luke Gosling
OAM MP is the Federal Member for Solomon
(representing Darwin and Palmerston)
Adding to Matilda’s impressive achievements to date,
she also participated in the "Clean Up Australia Day"
activities around Palmerston with her Scout group and
other members of the community, the same day that
she flew to Canberra for the Summit! Matilda is an
inspiring member of our community and has learned a
lot due to her opportunities through Scouts -
Congratulations on your well-deserved achievements,
Matilda!
44 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 45

$100
COMMUNITY
CONTRIBUTOR
VOUCHER
Together, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Australian Army and the Royal
Australian Navy form the Australian Defence Force, an organisation woven
into the fabric of our society. Despite a global pandemic the services each
celebrate significant birthdays in 2021, with its soldiers, sailors and airmen
and women deployed on the front line domestically and abroad.
The Royal Australian
Air Force celebrates 100 years in the air
Celebrating its 100th birthday on 31 st March 2021, Australia’s
involvement in the air began with the formation of the
Australian Aviation Corps in 1911 with a Flying School
opened at Point Cook, Victoria in 1912. In 1914 the Corps
was renamed the Australian Fly Corps. In the First World
War the Australian Flying Corps fought in support of the
Indian Army during the Mesopotamian Campaign in today’s
Iraq against the Ottoman Empire, and later in Egypt, Palestine
and the Western Front. In the inter-war years, the Australian
Air Corps was formed in 1920 and in 1921, the Royal
Australian Air Force (RAAF) was born.
During the Second World War, thousands of Australians
served with Commonwealth Air Forces, most notably the
Royal Air Force in the European theatre. The Second World
War and Japan’s rapid advance in the pacific saw the
threatening of mainland Australia for the first time in its
history. Despite devastating air raids on Darwin, the RAAF
played a crucial role in the Solomon Islands and New
Guinea campaigns, the latter in which the RAAF was
instrumental in inflicting the first decisive victory by allied
forces over the Japanese of the war.
RAAF pilots and aircraft were amongst the first to fly combat
missions in the Korean War and later served in the Malayan
Emergency and the Vietnam War. The RAAF continues to
provide a presence in Malaysia based out of the now Royal
Malaysian Air Force Base at Butterworth. RAAF combat
aircraft were again used during the 2003 Iraq War and the
RAAF would maintain a presence in the Middle East,
sustaining operations in Afghanistan and Iraq for over a
decade. In 2014 RAAF deployed an Air Task Group to the
Middle East as part of the global coalition to combat the
Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. In 2017, RAAF Maritime Patrol
Aircraft supported the Philippines during the Marawi Crisis.
The RAAF personnel and aircraft have provided regular
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief both
domestically and abroad including Aero-Medical Evacuations
following the Bali Bombing in 2002 and 2005; the 2004
Boxing Day Tsumani; the 2011 Queensland Floods, Cyclone
Yasi, Christchurch Earthquake and Japan Earthquake; and,
various cyclones in Fiji, Vanuatu and the Philippines to name a
few. Of note, the RAAF has been involved in global
operations in response to accidents and disasters including
the search for MH370 and the repatriation of Australians
after the shooting down of MH17. The RAAF continues to
provide support on a global scale in response to disasters
and as part of military operations.
The Australian Army celebrates 120 years
On 1st March 2021 the Australian Army celebrates 120 years
of dedicated service to the nation. Formed in 1901 through
the amalgamation of the six state Colonial Military Forces
following the federation of Australia, it would only be 14
short years until the Australian Army, and the nation, would
face its first true test of quality. The character traits of
Courage, Mateship and Sacrifice shown in the trenches of
Gallipoli would see the birth of the ANZAC legend with the
spirit of ANZAC becoming firmly embedded in the attitudes
of all Australians. Australian soldiers would later go on to
serve in combat during the Second World War, the Korean
War, Vietnam and Iraq and Afghanistan, developing a
reputation across the world as highly respected, capable and
professional force.
The Australian Army’s capability, however, is not limited to
times of conflict. Its officers and soldiers have served with
distinction in peacekeeping restoring and maintaining
stability in Bougainville, East Timor and the Solomon Islands
and continues to deploy peacekeepers to Israel, Mali, the
Sinai, and South Sudan.
Over its 120 year history, the Australian Army has come to
be relied upon to give humanitarian support in response to
120 years at sea – The Royal Australian Navy
turns 120
Initially formed as the Commonwealth Naval Forces on 1st
March 1901, following the federation of Australia with the
integration of the Colonial Navies’ ships and resources, it was
renamed the Royal Australian Navy in 1911. As with the
Army, the Royal Australian Navy served under British Imperial
command during the First World War operating in the
South Pacific and later the Mediterranean and North Seas.
The interwar years saw a dramatic decrease in the size of the
fleet and a shift in focus from defence against invasion to
protection of trade routes.
The outbreak of the Second World War again saw the Royal
Australian Navy fall under British command with its sailors
serving with distinction in areas such as the Mediterranean,
Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. The outbreak of war in
the pacific following the destruction of the allied navy in
South-East Asia saw the Royal Australian Navy begin to
operate more independently or as part of fleets from the
natural disasters at domestically and abroad. At home, fulltime
and reserve soldiers were ever present in the clean-up
and rebuild following Cyclone Yasi and the Queensland
Floods in 2011, Cyclone Debbie in 2017 and the 2020
Victorian and South Australian Bushfires. Likewise, overseas
our soldiers have deployed to areas such as Banda Aceh,
Indonesia in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake
providing critical aid to our near region neighbours and again
in 2020 to Fiji following Cyclone Yasa.
In 2020 the Australian Army deployed domestically to
support local communities combat the Coronavirus
pandemic ensuring the integrity of state border closures and
working with State and Federal Police supervising quarantine
facilities, an operation ongoing today.
United States Navy in the pacific. 2020 was a significant year
for the Royal Australian Navy with the posthumous
awarding of the Victoria Cross to Ordinary Seaman Edward
“Teddy” Sheean, the first Navy crew member to be awarded
Australia’s highest honour Australian Navy. Teddy Sheean
was killed in action with the sinking of the HMAS Armidale on
1st December 1942 after defying orders to abandon ship,
instead strapping himself to an anti-aircraft gun and continually
engaging Japanese bombers despite being wounded.
Following the Second World War, the Royal Australian Navy
again served with British and American sailors as military
operations in Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf
and Indian Ocean. Alongside the Australian Army, the Navy
has deployed on peacekeeping operations in East Timor and
the Solomon Islands.
An integral element of Australia’s Humanitarian Assistance
and Disaster Relief capability, the Royal Australian Navy has
regularly provided assistance to nations within our near region
including the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, the 2005 Banda
Aceh Earthquake and various Cyclones in the Philippines,
Vanuatu, Fiji and Australia. The Royal Australian Navy
continues to deploy ships to the Middle East Region as part of
international efforts to ensure maritime security and counter
piracy. Since 2006, the Royal Australian Navy has been a
leading contributor to Australian Border Protection
operations continually deploying ships and personnel against
threats of illegal maritime arrivals and illegal activity in
protected waters amongst others.
46 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 47

Fitting in at a new location isn’t easy, and yet with the
support of Dripstone Middle School Defence Mentor
Kristine Rushforth,Year 7 student Penny Down has
made Darwin feel like home.
After taking art classes at The Artful Room at Nightcliff,
Penny was thrilled to choose Art as an elective in Term
4. When asked to sketch a portrait based on the staff
photo of her favourite teacher, Penny didn’t hesitate to
choose Airlie White, a Defence spouse who has called
Darwin home for the past two years. Penny and Ms
White bonded after discovering that were both in the
same location in a previous posting and Ms White was
thrilled to be drawn by such a talented young artist.
Dripstone Middle School is a Defence family school-ofchoice
located in the Northern Suburbs of Darwin and
aims to nurture students to develop their talents whether
that be art, sport, music, languages or academic success.
Dripstone Middle School provides a dynamic learning
environment that caters to middle years students in Years
7, 8 and 9. Our school motto, “A Community of
Achievers”, demonstrates our commitment to
maintaining high standards of excellence and delivering
programs that are challenging and actively engage all our
students in curricular and extracurricular activities. We
encourage our students to challenge their personal best
and recognise their strengths, capabilities and potential.
For more information on Dripstone Middle School, please
contact DSM Kristine Rushforth. Prospective families can
find virtual school tours and an introduction to the DSM
program online - simply search for Dripstone Middle
School’s channel on Youtube.
Take a tour:
youtube.com/watch?v=WEv9tumQOp4&t=37s
Get to know DSM Kristine Rushforth:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDgeHA4U2i4
Kristine Rushforth
Defence School Mentor
Dripstone Middle School
Kristine.rushforth@ntschools.net
or the front office on
(08) 8983 7777.
Office Hours: Monday/Tuesday/
Wednesday 8:30am to 1:30pm
COME AND TRY
DRAGONBOAT PADDLING
Marina Boulevard, Cullen Bay (opposite Ferry Terminal)
Every Monday & Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30pm
Every Saturday (Harbour paddle) 7:45am - 9:15am
Fast, Fun, Exhilarating...
Suitable for all aged over 14 and all fitness
levels.
Enjoy a paddle on the sparkling waters of
Cullen Bay while you participate in this low
impact exercise.
Equipment provided. Please bring a hat,
water bottle and sunscreen... And prepare to
get a little wet!
Portrait of Airlie White, by Dripstone Student Penny Down.
ADVERTISE
HERE
For Advertising Rates for your
business. please see the inside
back cover or contact us for
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CONTACT
0417 423 414
info@arafuradragons.com.au
48 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 49

HMAS Glenelg Onboard
Fitness
Have you considered how the
crew of an Armidale Class
Patrol Boat (ACPB) maintain
their fitness and well-being
during extensive sea-time?
The Commanding Officer (CO) of
HMAS Glenelg, LCDR Jared Webb,
and his crew provided the Top Ender
Magazine with an insight into how his
ship’s company do just that.
LEUT Tyson Hales, the Executive
Officer (XO) of Glenelg, said:
“Physical training has immediate and
long-term health benefits – most
importantly, improving the quality of
life of our sailors.”
Each ACPB is equipped with the latest
Life Fitness Spin Bike or Assault Air
Bike and Concept II Rower for cardio
training. For those who train for
strength, equipment like kettle bells,
torsion bars, slam balls, strength bags
and medicine balls add variety to the
standard dumbbells and barbell
exercises.
Circuit training sessions designed by
the PTIs are popular with personnel
combining both cardio and strength in
their daily routine.
“Having time out of your busy day to
get some fresh air on the quarterdeck
really helps clear the mind” the XO
said.
LEUT Hales drives all sport, group PT
and adventure training activities while
ashore. At sea, he overseas internal
department competitions. “The
Charge, Ships Technical Officer, loves
to exercise and lift heavy weights and
is often seen just flexing his guns
shouting the mantras “You don’t get
these peeling potatoes” or “Can’t flex
cardio” he said.
The Navy’s Mental Health and Well
Being Action Plan 2018-2023 requires
Navy personnel to be Fit to Fight, Fit
to Work and Fit for Life.
According to the Chief of Navy (CN),
“Mental health and resilience is a
critical enabler for our modern Navy
and that this takes time and effort to
achieve”. Glenelg’s Command team
believe physical training plays a large
part in the CN’s statement. Research
indicates mental wellness through
exercise can assist in reducing anxiety,
depression, negative moods, low selfesteem
and it helps improve cognitive
function.
The limited space to train and store exercise equipment
has not deterred the crew of 25 with 90% training daily
during the designated times of 1600-1700. The CO, an avid
runner, recently completed 20,000 laps of his vessel.
Physical Training Instructors (PTI) are not billeted to an
ACPB, so the crew must remain diligent in their training to
ensure they are physically and mentally fit to conduct
assigned tasks, often in arduous conditions.
Two Sports Officers, ABML-C Catalano and ABBM
Dawson, liaise with HMAS Coonawarra’s PTIs to design
creative workouts to accommodate the limited space for
exercise and procure resistance and cardio equipment for
the crew.
“We enjoy working with the PTIs as they are ever
accommodating by delivering a top notch service” said AB
Dawson.
AB Catalano, a true advocate of the importance of
exercise, said: “Whilst doing PT you get a rush of chemical
endorphins. These trigger a positive feeling in the body
leaving you feeling happier, healthier and with a clear mind
ready to take on whatever is thrown at you”.
Glenelg has worked hard to follow the CNs directive. The
Command team understands the importance that exercise
plays to promote and maintain physically & psychologically
resilient personnel.
Life at sea has its challenges, and it is important to develop
a good exercise routine early to help maintain control over
your health. That is something the crew of HMAS Glenelg
know only too well when sailing around the Top End.
Written by CPOPTI Stuart Rowe
Community Contributor
50 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 51

STAY INFORMED
ONLINE
Weather and warnings - www.bom.gov.au
Information on emergency situations in the NT - www.securent.gov.au
Northern Territory Emergency Service - www.emergency.nt.gov.au
Update on power, water & sewerage services - powerwater.com.au or
follow @PowerWaterCorp on Twitter
EMERGENCY KIT
CHECKLIST
ALERTS
FREE severe weather alerts - register for SMS, email or voice alerts at
www.tiofi.com.au/alerts
CALL
NT Tropical Cyclone Information Service - 1300 659 211
NT Marine and Land Weather Warnings - 1300 659 214
Australian Tsunami Threat Information - 1300 878 6264
NTES emergency help in floods, storms & cyclones - 132 500
Power & Water Corp - enquiries 1800 245 092
or emergencies/faults 1800 245 090
Cyclone Season
Cyclone Season ends on 30 April each year. Darwin is no stranger to cyclones, with the
last big one a Category 2 cyclone in March 2018. Cyclone ‘Marcus’ brought with it strong
wind gusts of 130km per hour. It caused major damage to thousands of trees which, in
turn, caused infrastructure damage to houses, vehicles, fences, carports, sheds,
footpaths etc... Around 430 powerlines were downed leaving some 26,500 residents
without power immediately after the cyclone.
TUNE IN
ABC Darwin - 105.7 FM (official emergency broadcaster)
Or find your local ABC frequency - www.abc.net.au/reception/freq/
Frequency-NT.pdf
LISTEN OUT
Listen for local community safety announcements and Emergency Alert
messages sent to your phone.
The Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) is a distinct audio
signal that has been adopted to alert the community of an urgent safety
message relating to a major emergency/disaster. It will be broadcast on
public media (radio, television, sirens etc..)
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CYCLONE
You may be alone for up to 3 days, ensure your emergency kit will sustain you and your
household for that time.
Prepare your property for severe storms, cyclones and storm surges.
Warning: Never use portable generators indoors or in enclosed spaces
Listen for official warnings and advice
Follow instructions of emergency services
Fill your vehicle with fuel and fill any water containers you may have
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issues the following tropical cyclone services:
- OUTLOOK: Risk of cyclone formation within the next three days
- WATCH: Gales expected in 24-48 hours; forecast updates every 6 hours
- WARNING: Gales expected within 24 hours; updates at least every 3 hours
REMEMBER TO CHECK!
For loose or light materials that may need to be
secured
Your vehicle fuel tank is full in the event of
evacuation
Your emergency kit is ready to use
You all know where the strongest part of the
house is if you need to take cover
Your children, pets and neighbours are all safe
Your window shutters are closed or windows
taped/secured
You have enough water!
TIPS FOR KITS
Store in an easy to reach, dry place
Information sourced from https://www.pfes.nt.gov.au
52 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated
Check contents once per year to
ensure items still work and
consumables are FEBRUARY/MARCH still in date. 2021 53

First and foremost, before I begin
speaking about our wonderful
experiences using our RLLT Scheme
A, I must mention that if you have
little ones, please remember to pack
their car seat! We forgot - lesson
learned because the cost to hire one
is like selling a kidney! We rented a
car seat for one day, then visited good
ole’ Kmart to purchase a new one.
Now on a more exciting note; we
chose to use our RLLT to visit Cairns
and Port Douglas. As we are all very
aware, COVID-19 has certainly
restricted our travel options. Though
we are usually regular overseas jet
setters, we were excited to explore
our Aussie backyard. We spent the
first three days in Cairns staying at the
Novotel. Though it was nice, it was
best suited to the kiddos. Our room
was complete with a queen-sized bed
and a bunk, which had a television at
the foot of each bunk in the wall. This,
with their very own Xbox’s - yes, our
children were excited! Although it was
a lovely place to unwind, I would
recommend something a little closer
to the town centre if that is what you
are looking for.
During our few days in Cairns, we
took the scenic railway train to
Kuranda, through the Daintree, which
included an educational talk about
how the train track was built. After
the two-hour train ride, we arrived in
the beautiful town of Kuranda where
you also have the option to get on a
river cruise in the Daintree as well.
We were keen to experience the
Skyrail, however, it was under
maintenance whilst we were there.
We also embarked on a day tour to
Green Island for some snorkelling, a
trip on a glass-bottom boat and a
semi-sub glass bottom boat as well. It
was absolutely stunning and an
Exploring Cairns
and Port Douglas
RLLT Holidays
amazing experience, particularly for
our second child as it was his first
swim in a proper beach! Darwin born,
almost 5 years old and never
experienced an ocean swim - our
poor deprived child. We do have the
Larrakeyah base pool to thank for his
swimming and snorkelling abilities
without fear! To top off his first ocean
experience, he almost stood on a
huge turtle when he got in the water.
He was not too impressed with that
encounter, but the surrounding guests
and his big brother thought it was
“pretty cool”.
To add to our family adventure, we
enjoyed some fun in Muddy’s
playground. I highly recommend this
attraction! Remember to pack the
swimmers for the kiddos as there is
free water play and lots of fun play
equipment. It is suitable for all ages as
there are safe, separated sections for
the tiny tots as well. We also visited
the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, where
you can swim and enjoy the beautiful
views whilst enjoying a range of
delicious cuisines on offer.
This brings me to a very important
part of the experience... Shall I say,
indulging in Thai food while looking
over the water one night, followed by
wood fire pizza and wine the next.
Oh my goodness, Cairns delivered the
goods with freshness and reasonably
priced as well. It doesn’t get much
better than that!
After soaking up the Cairns lifestyle
for a few days, we moved onto our
next adventure - Port Douglas. We
chose to hire a car from the day we
arrived, which was the best decision
for exploring. We travelled along the
Great Barrier Reef Drive between
Cairns and Port Douglas
(approximately 70km) and the views
were simply divine; crystal clear, blue
waters as far as the eye can see and
surrounding mountains nearby. There
is also the opportunity to stop at any
of the 14 lookouts along the way!
After exploring the coastline, we
arrived in Port Douglas where we
stayed at Peppers Beach Club. Let me
tell you, wow wow WOW! Talk
about living like Royalty or a celebrity
at the very least. Thanks to the limited
number of tourists as a result of
COVID-19, we were blessed to be
given a spa room for our children and
an adjoining kitchen/lounge room with
a penthouse suite for us – why, thank
you! Complete with our very own
pool view from our top floor
apartment and topped off with a
delightful balcony spa, including an allimportant
privacy screen. Life could
not get much better. While the kids
were sound asleep in bed, we shared
a bottle of wine and relaxed in our
balcony spa, which was softly
illuminated by the cool blue night
glow of the pool.
The kitchen was fully self-sufficient
with all the appliances and accessories
you need. There was also a bar fridge
in each room, lots of cupboard
storage to unpack and feel at home,
plus a washing machine and dryer. I
am an ‘organiser’, so for this Mumma,
being able to wash and pack clean
clothes the night before leaving was a
dream. Then, to unpack the suitcases
right back into the cupboards at home
= domestic bliss!
Although the Peppers Beach Club
provided the perfect holiday
destination, we did also explore the
surrounding area during our time in
Port Douglas. We checked out the
local markets on Sunday, which was
great for little trinkets but very much
like most markets. On one of the
days, my husband and eldest son
spent the day together snorkelling the
Great Barrier Reef from a boat that
transported them to three snorkelling
locations.
Whilst they were snorkelling; myself
and my youngest son visited Rex
Smeal Park and Trinity Bay Lookout,
which provided stunning views and
easy travel between the sights. We
then indulged in a Thai massage for
30 minutes, which is suitable for kids
and only cost $35! I also did a sneaky
little shop to a boutique clothing store
in the Main Street of Port Douglas,
with gorgeous dresses for under $25
each. I think my indulgence was
justified to help support the gorgeous
community and boost tourism
following the impact of COVID-19. As
an additional bonus, I enjoyed filling
my wardrobe before our end of year
posting, without emptying our bank
account.
The following day, we drove 20
minutes to Mossman Gorge, which
was absolutely breathtaking and
completely child friendly. Very easy
walking paths, a beautiful bridge,
mountain views, waterfalls, a small bus
ride up to the gorge and we were
able to go for a swim in the rock pool,
all for only $30 with a family pass.
Finally, on our last day in Far North
Queensland, we
visited the Fig
Tree Playground
and had a
delicious lunch
from a café on the
boardwalk near
the playground,
which is another
activity I highly
recommend for
young families. We
flew back to Darwin with some
amazing family memories of Cairns
and Port Douglas, which was packed
with so many ‘must-do’ activities and
adventures!
Written by Kylie Kurtz
Top Ender Community Contributor
54 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 55

Mosquitos and Midgies
Thank you to the Department of Health for supplying the calendars of the Salt Marsh Mosquitos and
the Biting Midges. For more information on either of these pests, visit the Department of Health’s
website referenced below.
BITING MIDGES
Personal Protection
REFERENCES
Mangrove biting midges
Usually highest 3 days either side
of the full moon and to a lesser
extent 3 days either side of the
new moon. Relatively low
numbers occur during the wet
season, with an increase from
April to July. Highest numbers
occur between August and
December, coinciding with the
increase in high tide levels each
month during this period. Biting
midges (culicoides ornatus) are
most active in the 2 hour period
before and after sunrise and
sunset.
Mosquitos
The mosquitoes are largely
absent or occur in relatively
low numbers from February to
July. you will notice lower
populations before the
numbers increase coming into
May. This doesn’t mean you can
be complacent, so please follow
the below recommendations to
protect yourself and the family
from bites, especially near dawn
and dusk.
Try to limit your time outside during the immediate hours before
and after sunrise and sunset, particularly after heavy rainfall.
Wear appropriate clothing, such as full-length trousers, longsleeved
shirts, socks and shoes.
Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin or PMD (extract
of lemon eucalyptus – at a minimum concentration of 30%)
Mosquito lanterns and electric plug in devices and barrier sprays
help near outdoor patio or recreation areas. Apply directly to
screening shrubs and external walls and fences up to 2m high for
extended periods of good protection.
https://hdl.handle.net/10137/11382
https://hdl.handle.net/10137/11459
https://hdl.handle.net/10137/11453
https://hdl.handle.net/10137/11460
SALT MARSH MOSQUITOS
TIDES
NORTH COAST - DARWIN 2021
TIMES AND HEIGHTS OF HIGH AND LOW WATERS
TIME ZONE - 0930
MOON PHASES
NEW MOON
FIRST QUARTER
FULL MOON
LAST QUARTER
The Bureau of Meteorology gives no warranty of any kind
whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise in respect to
the availability, accuracy, currency, completeness, quality or
reliability of the information or that the information will be fit for
any particular purpose or will not infringe any third party
intellectual property rights. The Bureau's liability for any loss,
damage, cost or expense resulting from use of, or reliance on, the
information is entirely excluded. Tidal predictions for Northern
Territory Ports are supplied by the National Tidal Centre of the
Bureau of Meteorology, copyright reserved.
Tides provided with permission of NT Government, Department of Transport
https://nt.gov.au/marine/for-all-harbour-and-boat-users/check-the-tides/tidal-information-nt-ports
PIG HUNTING
You may need a permit to hunt in the NT
There are two types of hunting permits available:
- Pig hunting permit for reserves
- Waterfowl hunting permit
You must always carry your NT shooting licence and your
permit to hunt feral pigs. There are restrictions about where and
when you can hunt, and what firearms you can use.
ALERT African swine fever has been found in countries close
to Australia including Timor Leste. You should follow biosecurity
measures and report sick or dead pigs by calling 1800 675
888. Find out more https://nt.gov.au/industry/agriculture/
livestock/animal-health-and-diseases/african-swine-fever
Harrison Dam Reserve
You can use any category A firearm that is a shotgun -
except for a pump action or self-loading shotgun. Read
the Firearms Act 1997. You can use a hunting bow including
a recurve bow, reflex bow, long bow or
compound bow. Crossbows are not allowed.
Shoal Bay Reserve
There are particular weapons you must use during and
outside the waterfowl season when you are hunting feral pigs
at Shoal Bay Reserve.
Pig hunting during the waterfowl season
You can use any category A firearm that is a shotgun -
except for a pump action or self-loading shotgun. Read the
Act. You can use a hunting bow including a recurve bow,
reflex bow, long bow or compound bow. You cannot use a
crossbow.
Pig hunting outside the waterfowl season
The rules about hunting bows are the same as above, but
there are different types of firearms you can use outside of
the waterfowl hunting season.
Hunting dogs
If you want to take hunting dogs into a reserve, you must
have a licensed firearm or weapon with you. You must not
have more than three dogs with you while hunting in a
reserve.
Please visit the following website for further information
https://nt.gov.au/leisure/hunting-and-shooting
56 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 57

With our big rivers primed from monsoonal rain, now is
the time to tackle big barramundi. Look for dropping
water levels up on the floodplains where streams flow
into the big rivers and creeks. These little run off points
are where barra will be waiting in ambush for bait
flowing inward and can return you loads of fish in a
session. Some points of interest to start, the top of
Nourlangie Creek on the South Alligator River, Clear
Creek, Charlies Creek, Browns Creek and Bamboo
Creek on The Daly, Beatrice Creek, Scotts Creek and
Manton Creeks on The Adelaide River. Don’t ignore any
little run-off looking waterfalls on the river banks either
as they are always worth a cast. Generally, this early in
the year requires small lures for this purpose, so be
armed with 65mm Squidgy Slick Rigs, 3inch Wedgies,
Reidys Rubbers, ZMan 3” Minnows, Samaki Vibes and
trust me…DOA Terroreyz!!
It’s all in the timing, and the timing is near.
Get into Craig’s for the latest up to date info and we
will help you choose the best time and tide for your
preferred location and assist you to select the tackle
best suited to score you the fish of a lifetime.
Craig Grosvenor
Craig’s Fishing Warehouse
Shop 2, 1 Berrimah Road Truck City, BERRIMAH NT 0828
Ph: 08 8947 4867 | Fax: 08 8947 4806
Em: sales@craigsfishingwarehouse.com.au
Big river junctions are good places to scan around and
locate bigger fish and up the size of your lures to match
the bait you may see in the area. I like the 5-6” Airgaps
for this job as they look just like our top end mullet.
Trolling the mouths of the big rivers produce some
monster metre-plus Barra this time of year. Of course,
Shady Camp’s Sampan and Tommy Cut Creeks will be
jam packed with keen anglers trolling big Bombers,
Killalure BarraBaits and Big Ass B52’s. The Finniss River
copped plenty of rain this year, so it will also be firing
on all cylinders with quality fish.
Weedless Rigged 5”
Wedgetails
15% OFF ALL LURES
WIN A FAMILY PASS TO
CROCOSAURUS COVE!
Colour in our crocodile and send a photo with your name, age,
phone number and suburb to admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Entries close 4 th March 2021. Winner will be notified via email/phone
and announced in the next edition of The Top Ender.
Present this voucher at Craig’s Fishing
Warehouse to receive 15% off all lures
in store!
Valid until 1 st April 2021
This voucher is only found in The Top Ender Magazine and as such, this
offer is only applicable to recipients of this magazine.
CONGRATULATIONS
JOSHUA (aged 5)
FROM PARAP
WINNER OF
OUR CROC HUNT
DEC/JAN
58 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 59

Kids Corner
FIND ALL THE WORDS
BELOW IN OUR EASTER
WORDSEARCH!
BASKET
BONNET
BUNNY
CHICKS
CHOCOLATE
DAFFODILS
DUCKLINGS
EASTER EGG
EGGS
HOT CROSS BUNS
JELLY BEANS
LAMBS
RABBIT
Teen Scene
CODE BREAKER
Decipher the morse code using our key below to reveal a question you must answer. Send your
answer to the question to admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au for your chance to win 2 tickets to
Event Cinemas!
SPOT THE 7 DIFFERENCES
HELP THE RABBIT GET
TO HIS FRIEND, CHICK!
MINI MOVIE
REVIEWS
Seeking TV and
Movie fans to
submit reviews
of your favourite
film or television
show.
Send your review to
admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
60 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 61

The Top Ender
Office.......................................................................................................0419274735
Advertising..............................................admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Website........................................................www.thetopendermagazine.org.au
Emergencies and Useful Contacts
Emergency Services..............................................................................................000
Police Assistance Line................................................................................131 444
1800 IMSICK.......................................................................................1800 467 425
All Hours Support Line..................................................................1800 626 036
COVID-19 Helpline, NT.............................................................1800 0008 002
Crime Stoppers NT.........................................................................1800 333 000
Defence Family Helpline................................................................1800 624 608
Defence Housing Australia (DHA)........................................................139 342
Defence Switchboard......................................................................1300 333 362
Family Violence and Counselling.................................................1800 737 732
Health Direct.....................................................................................1800 022 222
Hospital, Darwin Private Hospital..............................................08 8920 6011
Hospital, Palmerston Regional Hospital...................................08 7979 9200
Hospital, Royal Darwin Hospital.................................................08 8922 8888
Lifeline..............................................................................................................131 114
Night Patrol........................................................................................1800 101 645
Poisons Information Line .........................................................................131 126
Power and Water.............................................................................1800 245 090
Secure NT........................................................................www.securent.nt.gov.au
SES Emergency Helpline............................................................................132 500
Snake Catcher....................................................................................1800 453 210
Tropical Cyclone Information NT..............................................1300 659 211
NT Defence Bases and Establishments
Defence Establishment Berrimah
Front Gate................................................................................08 8935 4269
Mess Manager..........................................08 8935 4422 / 0437 795 258
Larrakeyah Barracks
Front Gate................................................................................08 8935 5598
Officers’ Mess..........................................................................08 8935 5570
ORs’ Mess.................................................................................08 8935 5591
Sergeants’ Mess.......................................................................08 8935 5580
RAAF Base Darwin
Airmen‘s Mess.........................................................................08 8923 5517
Front Gate................................................................................08 8923 5549
Officers Mess...........................................................................08 8923 5482
Sergeants’ Mess.......................................................................08 8923 5505
RAAF Base Tindal
Airmen‘s Mess.........................................................................08 8973 6240
Front Gate................................................................................08 8973 6228
Sergeants’ Mess.......................................................................08 8973 6385
Robertson Barracks
Front Gate................................................................................08 8925 3700
Officers’ Mess..........................................................................08 8925 3548
ORs’ Mess.................................................................................08 8925 2514
Sergeants’ Mess.......................................................................08 8925 6702
Defence Community Houses
Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House............................................0447 586 591
Email...........................................................larrakeyahhouse@hotmail.com
Network Tindal.................................................................................0412 619 277
Email.....................................................................networktindal@gmail.com
Robertson Barracks Family Group..............................................0490 151 944
Email............................................................................rbfg07@yahoo.com.au
On-base Services
Canteens
AAFCANS
Robertson Barracks, Cafe Central....................................08 8925 2542
RAAF Darwin, Darwin Canteen........................................08 8981 2508
Robertson Barracks, Shout VC Canteen........................08 8925 6720
Tindal Cafe, Convenience & Fuel Station......................08 8973 6201
Navy Canteens
National Operations Manager...........08 8935 5144 / 0477 477 147
Larrakeyah, Outpipes............................................................08 8935 5144
Military Banks
Australian Military Bank
Larrakeyah Barracks...............................................................08 8981 2245
Robertson Barracks...............................................................08 8995 7800
Defence Bank
Larrakeyah Barracks...............................................................08 8935 5499
RAAF Darwin...........................................................................08 7923 2500
Robertson Barracks...............................................................08 8936 6400
Tindal..........................................................................................08 8965 1600
Hairdressers
Larrakeyah Barracks.........................................................................08 8935 5596
RAAF Darwin – Julie-Anne...........................08 8923 5153 / 0402 235 731
Robertson Barracks – Hair Dooz................................................08 8925 3300
Robertson Barracks – South End Barber Shop......................08 8925 6723
Uniform and Equipment
Robertson Barracks, Regional Clothing Store
Retail (Purchases)...................................................................08 8925 8828
CIP (Exchanges)......................................................................08 8925 8823
Tailor...........................................................................................08 8925 8831
Tim’s Medal Mounting.....................................................................0448 129 531
Bulletproof NT..................................................................................08 8947 0935
Chaplains
Army On-call......................................................................................0427 713 963
Navy On-call......................................................................................0409 662 823
RAAF Darwin On-call.....................................................................0477 308 064
RAAF Tindal On-call.......................................................................0427 890 054
Helplines
Lifeline (24hr)..........................................................................................131 114
Kids Helpline (24hr)...................................................................1800 551 800
Parent Helpline – Karitane (24hr)........................................1300 227 464
Parentline.......................................................................................1300 301 300
Defence Community and Veterans
Support Services
Defence Community Organisation (DCO)
Website................................................................www.defence.gov.au/dco
Darwin Office..........................................................................08 8935 7900
Tindal/Katherine Office..............................................08 8973 6186
Defence Families of Australia (DFA)
National Convenor................................................................1800 100 509
National Delegate NT and Kimberly – Jessica Hanison......0418 807 548
Email............................................................................................nt@dfa.org.au
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)..................................1800 555 254
Website.................................................................................www.dva.gov.au
Defence Service Home Loans.....................................................1800 722 000
Provider Enquiries..................................................................1800 550 457
Kookaburra Kids................................................................................1300 566 525
Website...........................................................www.kookaburrakids.org.au
Open Arms (24hrs) ...........................................................................1800 011 046
Website........................................................................www.openarms.gov.au
Legacy Northern Territory..............................................................08 8948 0830
Website........................................................................www.legacy.com.au/nt
National ADF Family Health Program.........................................02 6266 3547
Website..................................................................www.adffamilyhealth.com
Red Shield Defence Services – Salvation Army
Gerald & Mairi Mitchell...........................................................0400 642 881
Returned Services League (RSL)
Darwin...............................................................................darwin@rslsa.org.au
Darwin North.............................................................................08 8945 0701
Katherine (via Secretary)........................................................0407 130 095
Nhulunbuy...................................................................................08 8987 0600
Palmerston...................................................................................0488 001 862
Tennant Creek...........................................................................0499 564 031
Veterans Australia (NT) ........................sec@veteransaustraliant.org.au
Advocacy Assistance........................smatdp@veteransaustraliant.org.au
Useful Defence Contacts
Comsuper
ADF Cover..................................................................................1300 001 977
ADF Super...................................................................................1300 203 439
DFRDB..........................................................................................1300 001 677
Military Super (MSBS).............................................................1300 006 727
Defence Housing Australia (DHA)...........................................................133 342
Website....................................................................................www.dha.gov.au
Defence Relocations and Housing Manager NT......................0458 241 867
Toll Transitions.....................................................................................1800 819 167
Defence Tax Management Office (CTMO)...............................1800 806 053
Health
Australian Breastfeeding Association......................................1800 686 268
Autism NT.............................................................................................08 8948 4424
Bereaved Parent Support NT|SIDS and Kids NT....................08 8948 5311
24-hour Emergency Support Line.......................................0448 849 234
Birthline Pregnancy Support......................................................1300 655 156
Cancer Council NT
Alice Springs...............................................................................08 8953 5920
Darwin..........................................................................................08 8944 1800
Katherine......................................................................................08 8971 2022
Website..........................................................................www.nt.cancer.org.au
Carers Australia NT...........................................................................08 8944
4888
Website......................................................................www.carersnt.asn.au
Childbirth Education Association Darwin.............................08 8948 3043
Website..................................................................www.ceadarwin.asn.au
Community Care Centres
Alice Springs Community Health Centre...................08 8951 6711
Casuarina Community Care Centre.............................08 8922 7301
Katherine Community Health Centre..........................08 8973 8570
Karama Child and Family Health Clinic.......................08 8922 7301
Nhulunbuy Community Health Centre.......................08 8987 0435
Nylander Child Health Clinic..........................................08 8922 7301
Palmerston Community Care Centre..........................08 8999 3344
Tennant Creek Community Health Care...................08 8962 4218
Cradle Support Group.................................................................0438 272 353
Website..........................................................................www.cradle.org.au
Darwin Homebirth Group ........................................................08 8922 5522
Website..................................darwinhomebirthgroup.wordpress.com
Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG)
Website...........................................................................www.dsnsg.org.au
National Coordinator........................................................1800 037 674
Darwin Coordinator.............................................darwin@dsnsg.org.au
Katherine/Tindal Coordinator......................katherine@dsnsg.org.au
Down Syndrome Association NT............................................08 8985 6222
Website.................................................www.downsyndroment.com.au
Epilepsy Centre – Epilepsy Association of SA & NT........1300 850 081
Website.........................................................www.epilepsycentre.org.au
Family Planning NT.......................................................................08 8948 0144
Website.........................................................................www.fpwnt.com.au
Hearing Australia.......................................................................................134 432
Northern Territory Department of Health (DOH)..........08 8999 2400
Website....................................................................www.health.nt.gov.au
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline........................................1800 882 436
Top End Mental Health Service................................................08 8999 4988
Wellness Centre............................................................................08 8946 7176
Website..............................................www.cdu.edu.au/wellness-centre
Sports and Activities
Australian Air Force Cadets 8 Wing
AAFC 801 Squadron – Winnellie..................................08 8923 5713
AAFC 802 Squadron – Driver........................................0473 816 694
AAFC 803 Squadron – Tindal........................................0427 397 495
AAFC 804 Squadron – Alice Springs...........................08 8953 4484
Australian Army Cadets..............................08 8935 5174 / 08 8935 5488
Email............................................................aachq-nt@armycadets.gov.au
Australian Navy Cadets
Training Ship Darwin...........................TSDarwin@navycadets.gov.au
Training Ship Melville Bay...........TSMelvilleBay@navycadets.gov.au
Girl Guides NT...............................................................................08 8981 3628
Website...................................................................www.girlguides.org.au
Playgroups Association NT (PANT).......................................08 8945 7775
Website............................................................www.playgroupnt.com.au
RAAF Darwin Fishing Club – Sgt Tracy Sylvester..............08 8924 2045
RAAF Darwin Golf Club.............................................................0459 746 306
Swimming
Masters Swimming..............................................................08 8981 5919
62 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 63

Alice AUSSI.............................................thecullenanes@ozemail.com.au
Darwin Stingers..........................................................stingers@iinet.net.au
Palmerston Sharks.................................info@palmerstonsharks.com.au
Goldfishbowl Swim School.................................................08 8931 1000
NT Swim School.....................................................................08 8948 1000
Website.................................................www.ntswimschool.com.au
Palmerston & Rural Swimming Club
Head Coach Daniel Gerlach....................................0400 299 622
Swim Dynamics Swim School............................................0421 631 624
Website......................................................www.swimdynamics.com
Scouts NT...........................................................................................08 8948 0994
Website.....................................................................www.nt.scouts.com.au
Surf Life Saving NT..........................................................................08 8985 6588
Website.................................................................www.lifesavingnt.com.au
Local Government and Regional Councils
Alice Springs Town Council..........................................................08 8950 0500
Barkly Regional Council..................................................................08 8962 0000
Belyuen Community Government Council.............................08 8978 5061
Central Desert Regional Council................................................1300 360 605
City of Darwin...................................................................................08 8930 0300
City of Palmerston...........................................................................08 8935 9922
Coomalie Community Government Council..........................08 8976 0058
East Arnhem Regional Council....................................................08 8986 8986
Katherine Town Council................................................................08 8972 5500
Litchfield Council..............................................................................08 8983 0600
MacDonnell Regional Council......................................................08 8958 9600
Nhulunbuy Corporation.................................................................08 8939 2200
Roper Gulf Regional Councils......................................................08 8972 9000
Tiwi Regional Council.....................................................................08 8970 9500
Victoria Daly Regional Council....................................................08 8972 0777
Wagait Shire Council......................................................................08 8978 5185
West Arnhem Regional Council.................................................08 8979 9444
West Daly Regional Council.........................................................08 8901 3920
Government
Bureau of Meteorology..................................................................1800 659 214
Website...............................................................................www.bom.gov.au
Department of Human Services.............................................................132 468
Centrelink
Carers..........................................................................................132 717
Families........................................................................................136 150
Complaints and Feedback.........................................1800 132 468
Medicare
General Enquiries....................................................................132 011
myGov Helpdesk...............................................................................132 307
Motor Vehicle Registry NT...........................................................1300 654 628
Website............................................................................www.mvr.nt.gov.au
Road Report ......................................................................................1800 246 199
Website.............................................................www.roadreport.nt.gov.au
Animal Services and Animal Care
Injured Wildlife
Wildcare Alice Springs.........................................................0419 221 128
Wildcare Darwin....................................08 8988 6121 / 0408 885 341
Darwin Wildlife Sanctuary..................................................0473 992 581
Katherine Wildlife Rescue Services.................................0412 955 336
RSPCA (Darwin)....................................................................08 8984 3795
Pounds and Animal Shelters
Alice Springs Animal Shelter..............08 8950 0500 / 08 8953 4430
Darwin........................................................................................08 8947 2099
Katherine...................................................................................08 8972 5500
Palmerston................................................................................08 8935 9977
Snake Catcher....................................................................................1800 453 210
While the information contained in the Handy Directory is considered by the
employees and committee of the Top Ender Tri-Services Magazine Inc to be true
and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of
publication may render the information inaccurate. The information may change
without notice, and the Top Ender Tri-Service Magazine and those working on
its behalf, cannot be held in any way liable for the accuracy of any information
printed or stored, or in any way interpreted and used, by the reader.
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