The Top Ender Magazine August September 2022 Edition

The Top
Ender
Tri-Services Magazine Inc
AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022
101 YEARS YOUNG
CELEBRATING THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF WWII VETERAN
FREDDIE CULLEN OAM.
“MY DAD’S IN THE ARMY”
MEET THE ANIMATOR BEHIND OUR FAVOURITE AUSTRALIAN CARTOON
SERIES AND HIS VIETNAM VETERAN FATHER!
WIN A CRUISE!
CRUISE THE KATHERINE GORGE OR ENJOY THE DARWIN SUNSET WITH DEFENCE HEALTH,
PLUS MORE AMAZING PRIZES INSIDE FOR ALL THE FAMILY!
A MAGAZINE CREATED BY DEFENCE FAMILIES FOR DEFENCE FAMILIES

haileyburyrendall.com.au
THE TOP ENDER TRI-SERVICE MAGAZINE
August/September 2022
COVER IMAGE: Fred Cullen OAM
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chairperson Deborah Herring | chair@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Vice Chairperson Emma Thom | chair@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Treasurer Hannah Davey | treasurer@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Secretary Madison Collier | secretary@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Public Officer Paul Carter | public.officer@thetopendermagazine.org.au
General Members Amanda Letcher, Katie Bowman, Jaymee Coverdale,
Masela Draper, Emily Nichols
CONTACT US
More than
keeping the
game in check.
More than an
award-winning
author.
Phone: 0419 274 735
Postal: PO Box 35874, Winnellie NT 0821
Email: admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
WWW.THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU
COMMUNITY CO-ORDINATOR
Charlene Carter | admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
ARTICLES & CONTRIBUTIONS
Deb Herring | articles@thetopendermagazine.org.au
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Emma Thom | creative@thetopendermagazine.org.au
ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTIONS
advertising@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Published bi-monthly
All Rights Reserved.
Printed by Colemans of Darwin, Northern Territory.
In the spirit of reconciliation, The Top Ender Magazine acknowledges the Traditional
Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and
community. We pay our respect to their elders, past and present, and extend that
respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Our Middle School Captain, Ethan, is a
shining example of the Haileybury Rendall
School student. Well respected amongst the
community, Driven and Ethan’s determined, organised Haileybury and disciplined Rendall
approach School students to life, aslike well Emily as hishave charming their sights
personality, can be displayed in everything
set on success. Be it as a talented and
he does. Calm in the classroom as a keen
competitive gymnast or pursuing her love
student and collected on the court as a
qualified for storytelling basketball as areferee, Territory Ethan Young dreams Author of
being Awarda winner, doctor inEmily the future. is writing For now her though, future as
he a talented is focused all-rounder. on enjoyingWe school can’t lifewait to the to see
fullest how the andnext we think chapter that’s unfolds. a great call.
THE TOP
ENDER
TRI-SERVICES MAGAZINE INC
DISCLAIMER: The Top Ender Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated welcomes manuscripts, photographs or
other material for publication, however we do not accept responsibility for loss. Please ensure your copy fits to a
specified dimension and is received by the Designer on the Copy Deadline for the month. Copy can be accepted
on disk or via email. All artwork produced remains the property of the Top Ender and cannot be reproduced
without permission of the Designer. Editorial Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in this publication are not
necessarily those of the Editorial Staff or of the Defence Member and Family Support (formerly DCO) or
Department of Defence. All articles in this newsletter are printed on the understanding that they are the original
work of the authors and not necessarily those of the Editorial Staff or Designer. Editorial Staff reserve the right to
reject, edit or rearrange any item submitted. They are not responsible for the accuracy of items submitted but will
make every reasonable effort to verify information. Image Disclaimer: Images are used for editorial news
purposes and supplied by contributors. The credit of images will be provided, where required. The Top Ender
Magazine has the expressed permission to use images from the Defence Image Library. Advertising Disclaimer:
The Trade Practices Act provides severe penalties for false and misleading advertising. Because it is not possible
for this magazines’ staff to check the accuracy of advertising claims, the responsibility for accuracy lies with the
person or companies submitting material for publication in their advertisements.
The Top Ender Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated is a non-profit organisation, partially funded by the Family
Support Funding Program administered by the Defence Member and Family Support. Over 3000 copies are
produced bi-monthly and distributed free to defence families, members and units in Darwin, Palmerston and
Tindal. Revenue raised from advertising helps directly to pay for printing and production costs as well as
improvements to the facilities used by volunteers. Please contact our friendly team for more information.

FEATURES
04 INTERVIEW WITH FREDDY CULLEN OAM
06 MEET DON TATE
08 NEPTUNE SECURITY
10 “MY DAD’S IN THE ARMY!” JOE BRUMM
38 FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
SUPPORT
12 BRAVERY TRUST
13 THE ROYAL COMMISSION
14 DEFENCE MEMBER AND FAMILY SUPPORT
16 DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS
18 DEFENCE FAMILIES AUSTRALIA
19 CHAPLAINS CHAT
20 ROBERTSON BARRACKS FAMILY GROUP
21 LARRAKEYAH NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE
22 NETWORK TINDAL
24 BILLEROY HOUSE
24 LEGACY WEEK
25 R U OK? DAY
29 DEFENCE HEALTH
30 OPEN ARMS: PTSD COACH APP
COMMUNITY
25 HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC PRIMARY
26 PRINCES TRUST AUSTRLIA
27 KENTISH FAMILY DAY CARE
28 PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS
31 MARRAKAI MILITARY MUSEUM
32 HAVE YOU HEARD OF APOD?
33 WILLS AND POWER OF ATTORNEY
34 JAPE HOMEMAKER VILLAGE
35 WIN WITH OUR SPONSORS
36 GOLD MEDAL SERVICES
CONTENTS
37 ECO-FRIENDLY/BIODEGRADABLE?
40 COMMITTEE NOTICEBOARD
40 TOP END JOBS BOARD
42 WHAT’S ON
43 BROTHERS N BOOKS
44 CREATIVE SPOUSE SERIES
47 TALES OF A TOP END MUM
47 JIM’S DOG WASH BY DAVID
48 LUKE GOSLING
50 GROM
51 TOWARDS ZERO GRANT
53 DARWIN STREET ART FESTIVAL
53 ‘JOY’ EXHIBITION BY CINDY MAY
54 INFAMOUS THE SHOW
62 HANDY DIRECTORY
SPOTLIGHT
INTERVIEW WITH FREDDY CULLEN OAM - PG 4
MEET DON TATE - PG 6
“MY DAD’S IN THE ARMY” - PG 10
FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE- PG 38
COMPETITIONS
BLUEY GIFT PACKS - PG 11
PRINCES TRUST CARE PACKAGE - PG 26
WIN WITH OUR SPONSORS - PG 35
FATHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY - PG 39
KIDS ART PACK - PG 57
LIFESTYLE
PETS IN DARWIN - PG 52
INFAMOUS THE SHOW - PG 55
WHATS THE TIDE DOING? - PG 56
MOSQUITO WATCH - PG 56
KIDS + TEENS
TOWARDS ZERO GRANT - PG 51
LET’S TALK LUNCHBOXES - PG 58
RECONNECTING WITH GO-KARTS - PG 59
ABORIGINAL ASTRONOMY - PG 59
KIDS PUZZLES - PG 60 & 61
FROM THE COMMITTEE
Photo: 101 Year old Veteran Freddy Cullen OAM - PG 4
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 October/November edition is: 15th August
2022.
DISTRIBUTION DAYS
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2022
Distribution 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. Follow
us on Facebook or visit our website to find out
more.
Come along to our next committee meeting or
focus group 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.
Focus Group: 4 August
Meeting: 30 August
Contact admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
for further details.
WELCOME
Can you believe we’re over halfway through 2022
already?!
In this edition, we have some very special exclusive
interviews with the likes of WW2 Veteran Freddy
Cullen OAM, and Bluey creator Joe Brumm with his
Veteran dad Bob. Once again, we’re featuring more of
our creative spouses and veterans to highlight the
amazing businesses they have built.
With Father’s Day around the corner, we have some
amazing competitions for all the family too!
Got a story? We want to hear it! Visit our website and
discover all the ways you can get involved with The Top
Ender to support your local Defence community today.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
REMEMBER
SEPTEMBER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS -
GO KARTING EXPERIENCE
FATHER’S DAY - 4TH SEPTEMBER
Get involved with our go-karting activity
for Defence youth and their parents.
Dates to be confirmed.
Register your interest by emailing us at
admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Expressions of Interest: Towards Zero Grant Funding PG 51
Photo: Reconnecting with Go-Karts - PG 59
VIEW THE GIFT GUIDE AND COMPETITION ON PG 38
W2 WTheW.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
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 3

CELEBRATING 101 YEARS WITH
FREDDY CULLEN
OAM
We recently caught up with Freddy Cullen OAM, a WW2 veteran who celebrated his 101st birthday in
June this year! Freddy is an incredible gentleman, with a sharp mind and quick wit, so we are honoured to
share his story!
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR MILITARY BACKGROUND:
I enlisted into the Royal Australian Artillery on 3rd November 1942.
Before I enlisted, I was a Student Teacher in Ascot Vale West, but I wasn’t getting paid
very much once my student rent was deducted, so joining the Army was a good financial
decision for me. When I joined, I was getting paid more and had clothing given to me - it
was a gold mine for me back then! We had a canteen, cheap beers and I still managed to
save some money.
After initial training in Seymour (Victoria), I travelled on the troop train to Brisbane. Then
we transferred to a camp near Maryborough (QLD) on the coast. Training was pretty
arduous, but we often went swimming in the nearby river to cool off and have fun. We
knew nothing about proper hygiene in those days, so we struggled with maggots in our
food and terrible living conditions. We learned lessons about poor hygiene very quickly.
The Queensland coast was under a very real threat from the Japanese at that time. It was
our job to track the Japanese near the coast, but nothing eventuated. In 1942, we
embarked from Townsville to New Guinea on HMAS Katoomba. We had undertaken lots
of training in amphibious landings, which was arduous and very demanding, but we were
all extremely fit!
Once we arrived in New Guinea, we followed the Japanese along various rivers and
gullies. We had three batteries in the Regiment with a couple of hundred people and eight
guns in every battery - I was a Bombardier at the time. We used translators to help set
the guns and we needed to be very knowledgeable about which ammunition to use.
A few months into this campaign, I was looking for a clearing to set up a new gun position
at about 7:00am in the morning. Because of the dense forest and canopy, the vegetation
was too thick to effectively fire rounds, so I ventured a short distance from camp by
myself.
When I came to a cleared area without much vegetation, I was shot straight into the top
of my head by a Japanese sniper at Shaggy Ridge. It has been a long-standing joke for a
number of years that “I was shagged at Shaggy Ridge”. I was very lucky - the sniper had
climbed up a tree on the edge of the clearing and
had an open shot at me.
After I was hit, I was picked up an hour later by the
field ambulance. I was a jumbled mess, but I was still
alive. I was taken to a field hospital, then evacuated by air to the Army General Hospital. They patched
me up there, then flew me to Port Moresby where I waited for departure on the hospital ship heading
back to Australia. Coincidently, that was D-Day – 6 June 1944. I don’t remember anything until I got to
Australia... I must have been in a coma or still in shock. Amazingly, I still have the slouch hat that I was
wearing when I was shot, which has a bullet hole right through the top of it.
After I had healed from my wounds, one of my tasks was the Welfare Officer and helping other
servicemen with their pensions, entitlements and housing, until I retired from the military on 5 Feb
1947. At one stage, I had a caseload of over 100 widows, but I had a very good track record of
supporting them through the process. My advocacy work continued post-service as I commenced
working with the RSL in advocacy and welfare, which has been an important part of my life for 50
years. I was the President of the Ivanhoe RSL for 40 years.
After separating from the Army, I caught the ‘study bug’ and focused on my education and career
progression, which led to my appointment as the Head of the Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme. At
one stage, I had 6000 students under my wing. I had made a lot of great friends, including the future
Governor of Victoria, Hon Sir James ‘Jim’ Gobbo AC CVO QC.
WHAT SKILLS/LESSONS HAVE YOU
LEARNED IN THE MILITARY THAT YOU
USED THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE?
I have learned a lot about weather systems and
became a specialist in ballistic science. I also
learned the importance of having colleagues you
can rely on. Everyone needs a mate and it can
be pretty lonely existence without them. I had a
lot of close friends and it’s a wonderful aspect of
Army service. I am now the last living member
from my Regiment - my last mate recently
passed away. Mateship is something that has
endured right throughout my life. Remarkably,
the Medic who patched me up in New Guinea
in 1944 came to my 100th birthday celebration
last June.
FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM THE
MILITARY?
The Orderly Officer would come along in the
morning and check that we had shaved. I didn’t
have much facial hair back then, so I didn’t put
much effort into shaving. The orderly officer
came along and asked “Have you shaved this
morning, Gunner?”.
I confidently replied “Yes, Sir!” and he
responded, “You need to stand closer to the
razor!”
That officer was a terrific leader and he was
awarded a Military Cross in Guinea.
BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED?
Not to volunteer too readily for anything
(laughs).
Our sincere gratitude to Michael Marsh
(RAA) for organising this interview - we are
honoured to interview Freddy Cullen OAM
and hear about his incredible life journey!
Interviewed by Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
In July 2020, Fred Cullen OAM was recognised in the Governor-General’s Kindness in
the Community Awards.
Mr Fred Cullen OAM from the Weary Dunlop Foundation is a terrific example of
kindness in our community.
A veteran of the Second World War, Fred has been doing good works for most of his
From there, I went on to become the Director of Staff Training in Government, which focused on
life (and that’s a long time). At 99 years old, he still exudes kindness in his relationships,
management training for Government executives. During that time, I met with Digger James (head of
but never in a self-seeking way. His is an energetic and altruistic kindness that both
Veterans Affairs in Canberra at the time), who was a Military Cross winner after losing his leg. He
recognises the worth of people and works to improve their welfare. This shines through
supported me through my training role and his father was a WW1 veteran.
in his advocating for Veterans’ and war widows’ benefits, and in his tireless tin-rattling for
the Weary Dunlop Foundation and RSL over many decades. His genuine kindness and
thoughtfulness serve as an inspiration to all, encouraging us to examine our own
4 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated behaviours. Perhaps his kindness gives a clue to his longevity AUGUST/SEPTEMBER and contentedness. 2022 5

MEET VIETNAM VETERAN
DON TATE
to validating all aspects of my war service. I am one of a
cohort of veterans whose service histories were the subject
of defective maladministration by Defence. It took me 28
years to prove I had served with the 9th Battalion (with
whom I had been wounded), and 38 years to validate the
2nd D&E Platoon’s existence— neither of which I should
have had to do.
Bestselling author and Vietnam Veteran Don Tate
chats to us about his time in the military.
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR MILITARY
BACKGROUND:
I volunteered for service in Vietnam as an infantryman. Subsequently
served across four units as a reinforcement- which denied me, to a
great extent, that sense of esprit de corps that comes with belonging
to just the one unit. The alienation resulted in a certain amount of
psychological damage.
I was wounded in action with the 9th Battalion in July 1969- just as
man was about to walk on the moon. With most of the first section
of my platoon either killed or wounded, I ran forward with two
other men into a fusillade of fire to bring fire to bear on the Viet
Cong bunker complex, but was badly wounded in the run when a
bullet shattered my right hip, sending me cartwheeling through the
jungle.
I was to spend more than two years in military and repatriation
hospitals as a result.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WORK AS AN AUTHOR:
My memoir - The War Within - became a best-seller in 2008. It is a
large book (approximately 460 pages) and was described as an
examination of the dark crevices of a man’s mind, but personally, I
consider it to be an intimate portrait of a man’s life and how genes,
family, environment and a litany of physical trauma affect a man’s
character.
I wrote Anzacs Betrayed as a follow-up to The War Within to fully
explain the contentious 2nd D&E Platoon matter— a matter that
split the veteran community and resulted in widespread vilification of
the men who served in it. The platoon had been edited out of the
histories of the Vietnam War after a series of ‘in country’
controversies in May 1969 following a successful ambush at Thua
Tich. Only in 2008 did the federal government formally
acknowledge the platoon’s existence and its very successful actions
against the Viet Cong. The book is now out of stock.
My most recent book — Crucible: The Australians in Action in
Vietnam — is unique in that it takes a look at 370 interesting matters
from the war, not only detailing the great heroism but also the
appalling tragedies behind the headlines that come with such a
terrible war.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING YOUR FIRST
BOOK,‘THE WAR WITHIN’?
In 1999, I was stabbed twice in the back in a ‘thrill stabbing’ on a
main street in Brisbane, and concomitant with having lost my
teaching career as PTSD began to take hold of my psychological
state, meant I had to deal with my war experiences and the impact it
had on my life.
A psychologist suggested that I write a chapter every fortnight,
highlighting either a specific person or event that had some
substance, and it became the focus of discussion, which was cathartic
for me. Over time, she was so impressed by the quality of my writing
that she suggested I collate the chapters and put them into book
form, which I did. My book was published in a very short time by
one of Australian’s most prestigious publishers — Murdoch Books,
Sydney - who were delighted and stunned by the book’s eventual
success. Twelve years on, it is still selling.
HOW DID YOU MANAGE THE TRANSITION FROM
DEFENCE?
Transitioning from Defence was just as traumatic as combat, in many
ways. Spending the last eighteen months of my army career in
hospital — including almost a year in a full-body, plaster cast — was
horrific, insofar as these were the supposedly the best years of a
man’s life, and they were passing me by. I was medically discharged,
and found myself immediately unemployed, permanently disabled
and with no skills other than soldiering.
To make it worse, I had just met the woman I was to eventually
marry— and a man’s desires in such a situation as a military hospital
can have profound consequences. In such a
state of psychological disarray, I once dived
into the ocean in that plaster cast, and
almost drowned.
WHAT SKILLS/LESSONS HAVE YOU
LEARNED IN THE MILITARY THAT
YOU STILL USE REGULARLY?
I learned resilience and how to fight, and
both were essential components in my
struggles with the disability in the first place.
These skills also helped me to battle with
the military and government when it came
BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED?
My father taught me to use my fists as a boy— that it was
the easiest means to an end. He enjoyed a fight and passed
that on. Fighting, inculcated in me as a boy, and fine-tuned by
the army, has more or less become a way of life, but not
without cost. ‘If you get hit,’ he’d say, ‘don’t turn the other
cheek - hit ‘em back twice as hard!'
HAVE YOU VISITED OR LIVED IN THE TOP END?
I was invited to speak at Karama Library some years ago and
took the opportunity to explore the Territory. I thoroughly
enjoyed the waterfalls in Litchfield National Park and the
sobering war cemetery at Adelaide River - the top end has
such stunning panoramas.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE OR THING TO
DO IN THE TOP END?
I thought the military museum in Darwin was excellent. The
curators have done a fabulous job there. But without a
doubt, that sunset over the Timor Sea…Majestic!
Interviewed by Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
Vietnam Veteran Day
18 August 2022
Photo: Newspaper article about Don’s films of the Vietnam Conflict being
donated to the AWM. Originally printed by the Herald Sun.
Did you know
Don took a super 8mm movie camera into the
jungle with him in Vietnam. A keen
photographer, his historical wartime movies are
now in the AWM and valued at over $90,000.
You can see some short clips of the movies on
Youtube by searching 'Don Tate, Vietnam'
6 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 7

Matthew Jacques served in the RAN for
17+ years. He brings his uplifting,
positive and powerful energy, together
with his passion for the Navy ethos, into
what is fast becoming the most soughtafter
security business in the Top End.
Focused on supporting defence veterans
into civilian roles whilst utilising their
strengths attained from defence,
Matthew and his team continue to
demonstrate why Neptune will the
security company of the future.
INTRODUCING
PART ONE
You served for 17+ years, what made you enlist into defence?
When I was 7 years old, I witnessed by cousin enlist into the Navy and
I told him that I would be where he is one day. I got side-tracked by a
short soccer career in my early teens, but when I reached my 17th
birthday, I realised that my heart still wanted a career in the Navy and I
wanted to cook for my comrades.
I loved every second of my Navy career. My first posting was on
HMAS Kanimbla, feeding 1100 people in 2007. I then went to Darwin
to trial patrol boats and never left. I fell in love with feeding people,
friendly crews and doing a job that everyone appreciates.
So, you've gone from chef to security; how did that come
about?
I've got no business background, no study, no formal business skills, but
I had surrounded myself with people who are experts in their fields, so
I learned a lot from them and grew into the business. We sort of
stumbled through the first couple years, but over the last two years, we
have managed to find our feet and we have grown incredibly fast,
which presents new challenges associated with rapid growth.
Sometimes you get lucky in business, and I was definitely in the right
place at the right time in 2017.
How did Neptune Security evolve?
I originally had a sole trader business in 2010 called Just Jacques
Security, and I managed a couple of contracts around town, but I was
mainly subcontracted through a larger company. In 2017, the company
went into liquidation, and I basically took over every contract under my
original business name, but changed to a Proprietary Limited company
shortly afterwards - and that's how Neptune was born.
Neptune, what's in the name?
In Navy culture, we celebrate a ‘Crossing the Line’ ceremony when we
cross the equator, which typically features King Neptune. We also used
the trident as the basis of our company logo because I wanted a link
with the Navy that still represented what I’m about - loyalty, honesty,
integrity... The traditional values of Navy.
What has been your greatest achievement?
We have experienced a significant turning point this year
with new clients now reaching out to us - we are now
preferred supplier! Word of mouth recommendations are
the best type of marketing and we are seeing a lot of
recommendations across the NT as people are starting to
see the professional nature in the way we do business.
It’s not just our ability to provide quality security services,
but also the way we show up; we bring our WHS
knowledge, our Standard Operating Procedures, a focus on
cost efficiencies for our clients while also maintaining the
quality of our service. All of the operational elements that
we have been working towards are now falling into place
and we have positioned ourselves as a reliable and valued
supplier of security services.
With the success of our separate security divisions across
Private Investigations, Canine and Security, we have recently
launched Neptune Electrical, which will focus on CCTV and
alarm services. Our aim is to be a one-stop shop for
security.
What have been the key elements to your success?
We have been focused on business planning, developing
operations systems and surrounding ourselves with people
who are professionals in their field, which has helped us to
learn and grow, but it is also a big challenge to keep
learning new ways of doing business and new ways of
tackling problems with sustainable solutions.
We also have a growing team of 10 leaders who are on the ‘ground’ and
they understand the big picture, our Neptune values, what we are focused
on and know how to promote your ethos and run projects effectively. That
quality of leadership filters down to the rest of our team and drives a
culture of high performance.
What do you enjoy about being in business?
I love hearing people talking about Neptune and saying good things about
the work we have done. I have been in situations where people don’t know
who I am, but they are discussing security options and start discussing
Neptune in a positive way.
I enjoy the day-to-day challenge of business and trying to make things
better. I have long hours and big days, but it’s so rewarding at the end of
every day, especially when you win a new contract or you launch a new
service to our valued clients that makes life easier and safer for them. We
face many challenges; day-to-day problems, challenges with rapid growth,
challenges with maintaining our focus, but that’s the sacrifice of thinking big.
When we look at our safety outcomes in the community, we recognise that
we are actively supporting people and keeping people safe. It's about being
customer focused, being friendly, polite and helpful. We are there at the
end of the night, putting people into a taxi, doing things that make people
want to come back next time. And that's what we’re all about; we genuinely
care about keeping people safe.
How did you manage the transition from defence to civilian life…
The transition from defence is an interesting process with a lot of
uncertainty, but I believe that routine is a key element of defence life and
provides a sense of purpose. I have identified that routine keeps me focused
on my vision and goals, so I will continue driving that routine to ensure that
Neptune becomes the best security provider in the industry.
What do you love most about living in the territory?
I love living in the Territory. Our Top End community is filled with people
from all walks of life with so much diversity. During the dry season, we see
an influx of thousands of backpackers who also bring different life skills,
stories and a range of challenges from a security perspective. And then
during the wet, the tourists head south and it's mainly the locals hanging
around, so you get to meet some pretty interesting local people who have
some very cool life stories. The Territory is one of those places that you
either love or hate - I love it!
Interviewed by Char Carter
Community Coordinator
The Top Ender Magazine
CLOSE PERSONAL PROTECTION
We have a dedicated executive
protection team to safeguard your
wellbeing.
DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING
We can assist in random one off or
ongoing tests at your workplace, event,
or club.
MOBILE PATROLS
Have peace of mind that your property is
being watched over 24/7.
AVIATION SECURITY
We’re licensed to handle baggage &
passenger screening, passenger escort
and breath analysis.
MAJOR EVENTS
Security for corporate conferences,
sporting, community and school events
or festivals.
CROWD CONTROL
We provide protection for patrons and
assets at sporting events, concerts, and
venues.
CONSTRUCTION & MINING
SECURITY
From breath analysis, to patrolling and
monitoring CCTV.
K9 SERVICES
We have several K9s available for
additional security during major events.
8 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 9

“MY DAD’S
IN THE ARMY!”
With some obvious military
references throughout our
favourite Australian cartoon
series, Bluey, the Top Ender
team did some digging with
the Ludo Studios crew to find
the connection with the
Australian Army. With the
amazing support of Ludo
Studios, we had the pleasure
of interviewing Bob Brumm,
Vietnam Veteran and his son
Joe Brumm, the creator,
writer and series director of
the animated series Bluey.
INTRODUCING JOE BRUMM
- CREATOR, WRITER, DIRECTOR
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE BLUEY
CHARACTER AND WHY?
Rusty is my favourite character at the moment.
He’s based on my old dog and has a great
nature about him.
WHICH BLUEY EPISODE IS YOUR
FAVOURITE AND WHY?
My favourite from season one is Calypso, it was the first time I
really felt like I’d properly communicated the real-life experience it
was based on. I’ve got a new favourite episode, which is yet to
screen though.
WHAT IS A COMMON QUESTION THAT PEOPLE ASK
YOU?
Most people ask how long it takes to make an episode. The
answer is roughly 5 months per episode. One animator animates
about twenty seconds a week.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION BEHIND
THE CREATION OF BLUEY?
I wanted to be in a studio full of animators again. It was an
experience I’d had in London and had missed it in the intervening
years.
DID YOU PREDICT THAT BLUEY WOULD BE AS
POPULAR AS IT HAS BEEN?
I thought it would be popular in Australia, but it has been
surprising how well it has been adopted overseas.
WHAT IMPACT DID YOUR FATHER’S MILITARY
SERVICE HAVE ON YOU AS CHILD?
Dad was long out of his military experience by the time I was
born, but it had definitely stayed with him in numerous ways, so it
was natural that we were interested in it growing up. My brothers
and I were fascinated by the stories, and as we grew older and
Main Image: Bluey’s house with a portrait of Grandad. Below: Bluey Character Rusty. Courtesy of Ludo Studios.
learned more about the world, we became very proud of
dad who performed a very dangerous duty when called
upon to do so. It’s hard to imagine these days anything like
that ever happening to us.
WILL BLUEY EVER TRAVEL TO THE TOP END
FOR AN EPISODE?
That would be fantastic - I’ve never been personally but I
can only imagine how excited our art directors would be
to try and capture the landscape up there.
ARE THE MILITARY REFERENCES YOUR WAY OF
HONOURING YOUR FATHER’S MILITARY SERVICE?
Yes, a little bit. The show is based on my life and as Dad’s
experience was quite formative for him, it made sense to put that
element in the show as well. In addition to this, a lot of
servicemen and women who are away for weeks at a time tell us
that sitting down watching Bluey with their kids is a way for
them to start the reconnection process.
HOW DID YOU NAVIGATE YOUR WAY INTO THE
ANIMATION INDUSTRY?
I was doing a tour at the Art College in Brisbane at the end of
high school, and the animation room just really felt like where I
belonged. So, it felt natural to follow that path.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER
BUDDING ARTISTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN
ANIMATION AS A CAREER PATHWAY?
Lots of life drawing and lots of animating (off your own back) will
help. Be prepared to work hard and continuously improve your
drawing skills.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
I love playing soccer and touch footy at the moment, anything
physical and competitive which counteracts working at a desk.
INTRODUCING BOB BRUMM
- VIETNAM VETERAN
WHAT IS YOUR MILITARY
BACKGROUND?
I served two years in the Australian Army as
a conscript - a Nasho - between 1969 to
1971, serving in Vietnam for exactly one
year in 1970 - 1971. I was in Artillery, not
on the guns, but in a Forward Observer
team working with the Infantry, firstly 6RAR
then 2RAR. Six months of the latter was
with a Kiwi rifle company, both 2RAR and
6RAR being ANZAC battalions.
WHAT SKILLS DID YOU LEARN IN
THE MILITARY THAT YOU STILL USE
REGULARLY?
Some skills that I particularly recall (and still
try to apply) are tolerance, teamwork, perseverance and the value
of mateship. We learned quickly that you had to acknowledge,
accept and work with people from a diverse range of backgrounds
while serving in the Army, which has always stayed with me.
WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE WHEN YOU
TRANSITIONED FROM THE MILITARY?
When I left the Army, my personal stocks were pretty low and I
didn’t have much personal drive or ambition. It wasn’t all to do with
the military and the war, but they were the main factors. Getting
out of that hole was a long and hard experience. There was no
help in those days for the transition back into the ‘world’, other than
a re-skilling package - payment of fees and a living allowance
for one year of study.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER
RECEIVED?
A few years after leaving the Army, I went to an agricultural
college - the brutal advice given to the class on graduation
was: “remember - you know nothing. Keep your mouth shut
and your ears and eyes open”. It was true (well, fairly true)
and great advice.
Image: Bob Brumm serving in Vietnam.
WHAT DID YOU THINK WHEN JOE CREATED AND
LAUNCHED BLUEY?
Joe had been speaking for some time of doing his own show, so
while we were apprehensive as to how successful it may be, we
were amazed at the thought and skill and effort that went into the
pilots and early episodes - we were thrilled for him when the show
took off.
HOW MUCH OF YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE HAS
INFLUENCED MILITARY THEMES THROUGHOUT
BLUEY?
Many of the characters in Bluey are based to some extent on Joe’s
extended family members, so Grandad, who is obviously an Army
veteran, is loosely based on me and my experience. I also helped
Joe in a small way with capturing the action and language to go with
the military themed characters and episodes.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE BLUEY CHARACTER AND
WHY?
I have two favourite characters, Nanna Heeler and Grandad. I think
it’s very important as you get old that the younger generation make
light of old-person behaviours and traits that you might be
demonstrating. It helps to keep you young and engaged. Nanna
Heeler and Grandad show many of these traits, so the scripts subtly
and not so subtly take the mickey.
WHICH BLUEY EPISODE IS YOUR FAVOURITE AND
WHY?
Many favourites - “Army” of course, but “Sleepytime” takes the
show, and the animation, to new heights. I think it is fantastic!
FAVOURITE PLACE IN
AUSTRALIA?
Uluru is awe-inspiring on so many levels
each time we go there.
HAVE YOU EVER VISITED THE TOP
END? IF SO,WHERE?
Yes, we have been to the top end many
times and love it. We have travelled to
Kakadu and Darwin for work years ago
and explored the main tourist attractions
throughout the Territory - Ubirr,
Nouralangie and Katherine Gorge.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE
HOBBY / PASTIME?
I’m an avid reader (mainly non-fiction), as
well as travelling, keeping fit and playing
with the grandkids.
With sincere gratitude to Bob and Joe Brumm, and Ludo
Studios for supporting the interview and providing
competition prizes for our lucky readers!
Interviewed by Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
W I N
You could win one of two amazing Bluey
Gift Packs simply by telling us your
favourite Bluey character and why!
Each Gift Pack includes a large plush toy,
Ready Bed, Shadowlands board game
and Bluey’s family home set.
ENTER NOW AT
THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU/WIN
TERMS: Each Pack Valued at $175. Entrants can apply for both gift packs, if
desired. Open to NT-Based Defence Kids up to age 12. Closes 10 September
2022. Winners will be notified by email/phone and announced in the next edition
of The Top Ender. Enter online by visiting www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win
10 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 11

Bravery Trust Unites
Veteran Community
The Royal Commission
into Defence and Veteran Suicide
Darwin Hearing
Bravery Trust is a national military charity which supports
veterans who have been injured during service and
experience financial hardship. Phone 1800 BRAVERY for
assistance #BraveToAsk
A major fundraising and awareness campaign supporting veterans
who’ve been injured during service will be launched in October
this year.
Bravery Trek is a virtual trek which unites veterans and their
families with the broader community- in support of military
charity Bravery Trust.
Being a virtual trek, participants can run, walk, wheel or swim the
Trek in their own time at their favourite locations while showing
support for those who serve.
Bravery Trust CEO Belinda Wilson said it was inspiring to watch
the veteran community unite in support of some of the
community’s most vulnerable.
“Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges - large bills which
can be difficult to navigate when income is impacted by injury or
illness,” Ms Wilson said.
“As an independent charity, Bravery Trust can provide emergency
funding to veterans who’ve been injured or sustained illness
during service and face hardship.
“Sometimes veterans are awaiting a DVA outcome to be made
about their financial future, in other cases the need has arisen
suddenly and unexpectedly and there’s no time to wait for a
lengthy application process.
Photo: (Above) The Hon David Hurley, Governor-General of Australia, and Mrs
Linda Hurley are great supporters of Bravery Trek. Their Excellencies are
pictured with Bravery Trust Board Member Cheryl Cartwright about to walk the
first leg of last year’s Bravery Trek.
“Bravery Trust provides an immediate financial safety net for
veterans and their families in hardship and then we work longer
term to empower and connect veterans so they have the skills
and confidence to build a financially sustainable future.”
Bravery Trek is an annual fundraising and awareness drive to
engage the veteran community to reach out to more veterans
in need of assistance, as well as those who can refer a friend.
“Bravery Trek has initiated many conversations about what it
means to serve and the challenges facing contemporary veterans
– those currently serving or those who have recently served,”
Ms Wilson said.
“It is inspiring to see the broader veteran community unite to
show their support for those who serve and help raise vital
funds for those who need it now or in the future.”
Bravery Trek is in its third year.After commemorating the
Army in 2020 and the Air Force centenary in 2021, this year’s
Trek will honour the Royal Australian Navy.
Stay tuned for more details at braverytrek.com.au
Bravery Trust
@bravery.trust
Bravery Trust
ask@braverytrust.org.au
Photos: (Left) The Hon David Hurley, Governor-General of Australia, is Bravery Trust’s Patron In
Chief. (Right) Bravery Trust CEO Belinda Wilson is encouraging the community to get behind
Bravery Trek 2022 and help reach more veterans in need of support.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
invites you to share your story by making a submission.
The Royal Commission will continue to accept
submissions until 13 October 2023.
Making a submission
The online form is designed to capture information that is
relevant to the work of the Royal Commission and consistent
with the areas of inquiry set out in the Royal Commission's terms
of reference. That form is replicated on paper for use by people
who have no access to the Royal Commission's website.
The terms of reference for the Royal Commission are included in
the Letters Patent - https://
defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/about/letterspatent
Before you make a submission, please note that the Commission
cannot resolve individual disputes. It cannot fix or award
compensation or make orders requiring a party to a dispute to
take or not take any action.
The form includes questions about:
• you (e.g. your name, contact details, whether you identify as
being from a particular group)
• your submission (e.g. what is it about; is it about your own
experiences or made on behalf of someone else)
• which of the Royal Commission's terms of reference your
submission is about.
The form also enables you to provide the Royal Commission with
other comments including your views on what changes you
would like the Royal Commission to recommend.
Your submission may be made anonymously, and you do not
need to provide your contact details.Your submission will still
be reviewed by the Royal Commission even if it is anonymous.
However, if you don't provide contact details, we will be unable
to verify details in your submission with you or provide you with
appropriate support services, including counselling.
You may find that thinking about matters that relate to the Royal
Commission or the act of contacting the Royal Commission stirs
up strong memories and emotions - please do not hesitate to
reach out if you need support. Support services are listed in the
Support section of our website.
Hearing Block 7 - Darwin
From 17 October 2022
Please note, these are indicative dates
and may be subject to change. Venue
locations for each of the hearings will be
provided closer to the date.
How your information will be used
The information you give to the Royal Commission is provided
to help the Royal Commission with its work and will be used
only for the purposes of the Royal Commission. When received,
submissions are carefully considered by Royal Commission
counsellors, policy staff and the Solicitors and Counsel Assisting
the Royal Commission.
The information you provide may be published by the Royal
Commission during its proceedings or in its reports without
revealing the identity of the person or entity who supplied the
information. At the conclusion of the Royal Commission all of
its records, including submissions, will become subject to
requests under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI
Act). Royal Commissions are not subject to the FOI Act while
they are in operation.
Hard copy version of submission form
If you prefer to use a paper form, the Royal Commission would
still like to hear from you. You can download a printable version
from the website, print it out, fill it in, and mail it to: GPO Box
3273, Sydney NSW 2001.
If you are unable to print the form, you can ring the Royal
Commission on 1800 329 095 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm AEST
Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays) and we will post a
form to you.
Your assistance is very much appreciated.
For more information, please head to:
defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au
Extracted from The Royal Commission Website
https://submissions.defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/
general/submissions/
12 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 13

Defence Member
and Family Support
We are now at the back end of the dry and
many have taken the opportunity to explore
the NT and beyond with family and friends.
Preparing for postings
As we come off the back of the school holidays
the dry and what is still a busy time for ADF
members and their families noting the operational
tempo and busy exercise period, for some it is
also a time to start preparing as an ADF family for
posting.
Take the time to check out the posting
preparation resources on our website,
www.defence.gov.au/members-families. We
provide a range of mobility-related support
services to assist Defence families when relocating.
This includes providing proactive and preventative
services that focus on building Defence families’
knowledge, skills and resilience to manage the
potential impacts of the mobile lifestyle.
You may also wish to access the PostingConnect
website which Defence has developed as an
online posting platform to assist with domestic
postings.
Defence Member and Family Support are here to
help. Reach out to the Defence Member and
Family Helpline at any time for advice, support or
connection with your local community.
Our website has information on ADF member
and family content so be sure to bookmark our
URL and follow us on social media to keep up-todate
on planned events.
DMFS Activities
The DMFS NT Team continues to have a lot of
fun putting together activities and workshops for
our ADF members and families and meeting
people while we are out and about.
Our June and July activities have ranged from
dumpling making; munch to music; NT history;
take a break, let’s create; and most recently standup
paddle boarding and an ADF Equip workshop.
Keep an eye out on DMFS social media to see the
write ups and photos, and to register for our
upcoming activities.
Photo: Darwin history
and wartime experience by Sue Lynn
Who doesn’t love a dumpling or two?
Do you know how to make them?
Former Navy chef and Defence spouse
Cyndy Brennan shared her culinary
knowledge and helped ADF members
and partners to make their own
dumplings.
Cyndy demonstrated the different ways
to prepare and fold these dainty
delights and how to cook them in 3
different ways. The best bit was that we
were able to take them home to eat!
ADF families descended on
Doctors Gully, home to
hundreds of hungry fish to
get up close and feed the
wild marine life of Darwin
Harbour. On the high tide
hundreds of wild fish swim
to this shallow shoreline in
Darwin Harbour in search
of a meal of fresh bread.
The Aquascene Fish Feeding
Sanctuary is their
destination.
In the coming months, look
out for our new social
events, including another
Sunset soiree and resin
casting workshop.
ADF Members and families
enjoyed a history tour from a
unique angle - the seat of a
WWII truck. Once on board, we
travelled from the city to East
Point where we saw important
wartime sites and learned the
history through the narrated
tour.
Photo: Cyndy Brennan demonstrates dumpling
making by Jemmah Lowry
Photo: Feed me! By Di Elson
The best way to find out about our upcoming events is to register with
Eventbrite via our DMFS Darwin or Tindal website or dropping us an email
at DMFS.darwin@defence.gov.au, so we can add you to our mailing list for
eNewsletter. In the coming months, look out for our new social events,
including a possible trivia team night - it is guaranteed to be a lot of fun for
our members and families.
Catch us in the community
ADF families met up at the Coffee Club in Katherine for
our first DMFS ‘catch us in the community’ coffee meet on
31 March 2022. It was great to meet up with friends, new
and old, and hear about the exciting activities families had
planned for the school holidays. If you missed out on
attending this event then why not look out for our next
Catch us in the community, coming soon at DMFS Tindal
Eventbrite.
Photo: Friends catching up! By Sarah Jacka
Save the Date
Coming up in Tindal
Aug/Sep: Resin Cheeseboard Art - Tindal
Aug: DIY @ Mitre 10 - Katherine
Coming up in Darwin
17 Aug: Sunset and Stargazing
03 Sep: Dungeons and Dragons for beginners
ADF members and families are very
welcome to register for events in both
Darwin & Tindal
ADF Members and families enjoyed a history tour from a
ADF Transition Seminars
The 2022 ADF Member and Family Transition Seminar
schedule is now available. Seminars help you gain
information to plan and prepare for transition from the
ADF.
These seminars provide useful information for Unit
Command to support transitioning members. You can
chat with presenters, connect with a Transition Coach,
and visit the many booths that are there to support
you.
It is now mandatory to attend a Transition Seminar
within 12 months of your transition date. Both face-toface
and virtual seminars are available, and registration is
through CAMPUS. Partners are most welcome.
›› Members can register through CAMPUS by
searching for ‘transition seminar’.
Photo: Handcrafting gifts just in time for Mother’s Day By: Sarah Jacka
Take a break, let’s create jewellery
We had yet another successful ‘take a break, let’s create jewellery’
making evening at the DMFS Tindal office on 27 April 2022.
Families got the opportunity to make some beautiful handmade
gifts just in time for Mother’s Day. It was wonderful to see new
faces, and it was also lovely to see some familiar faces returning to
add to their personalised jewellery collection.
Photo: Dancing to the beats! By Sarah Jacka
Let’s Dance - Hip Hop Style
ADF kids in Tindal learned how to pop and lock hip hop style to
some awesome beats at the ‘let’s dance hip hop’ workshop on 30
April 2022. Michelle from MW Dance Studio had the kids giggling
throughout the whole lesson. At the end of the class, the children
performed their dance for the parents. It was a great way to start
the long weekend - meeting new friends and having a laugh, while
burning some energy.
Stay Connected
DMFS_AusDefence
Written by Di Elson
›› Transitioned members, family and support persons
can register by emailing
dmfs.transitionseminar@defence.gov.au.
1800 624 608
DMFS_AusDefence
If you have questions or require assistance contact the
transition team
memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au DefenceMemberFamilySupport Area Manager NT
at dmfs.transitionseminar@defence.gov.au.
Defence Member and Family Support
defence.gov.au/members-families
dmfs-darwin.eventbrite.com.au
14 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated dmfs-tindal.eventbrite.com.au
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 15

Veteran Health Check
Commemoration of Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was Australia’s longest military
engagement of the 20th Century; spanning a
decade between 1962 and 1972.We honour the
almost 60,000 Australians who served
throughout the war remembering the sacrifices
of the 3,000 wounded and 521 who died.
August 18th marks the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan,
one of the fiercest battles fought by Australians in the
Vietnam War
Tropical downpours and wet and muddy conditions were
endured by the men of Delta Company, 6th Battalion Royal
Australian Regiment as they faced 2000 North Vietnamese
and Viet Cong troops in 1966.
By the end of the day 17 Australians had been killed in
action, 25 were wounded, including one soldier who died a
few days later due to the injuries he had sustained. This
would prove to be the costliest battle for Australia in the
Vietnam War.
Vietnam Veterans Day is marked every year on the
anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, where we
acknowledge all members from the Australian Army, Royal
Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force who
served during the conflict.
As we reflect on their courage and camaraderie, we extend
our thoughts to those who returned home wounded,
injured or unwell, and those who continue to carry the
physical and emotional scars of their service and their
loved ones who continue to support them and may be
impacted by their service.
The legacy of Vietnam Veterans spans much longer than
wartime. Many used their experience to identify support
systems needed for the ex-service community, and played a
part in establishing them including;
• Open Arms – Veterans - Families Counselling Service
(previously known as Vietnam Veterans Counselling
Service VVCS) has been in operation for 40 years. Open
Arms provides a range of services including counselling,
wellbeing workshops and peer support programs.
• The Long Tan Bursary scheme, which provides
education funding to support eligible children and
grandchildren of Vietnam Veterans to meet the cost of
post-secondary education.
• Not-for-Profits such as Veterans Australia NT (VANT)
who started out as the Vietnam Veterans Association of
Australia, NT Sub Branch in 2001, and who changed
their constitution after recognising the need to support
younger veterans and their families, eventually changing
their name in 2017 to reflect the nature of membership
for all veterans.
At the Department of Veterans’ Affairs we support those
who serve or have served in the Australian Defence Force
and their families. To find out more about entitlements you
may be eligible for or what veteran support services are
available in your local area call DVA on 1800 VETERAN
(1800 838 372).
Open Arms is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week on
1800 011 046 for mental health and wellbeing support.
Written by Louise Ruhl
A/G Deputy Commissioner, NT
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Making your health a priority can be a challenge
where life and its busy schedules are concerned.
There may be a moment where you notice that
you’re not feeling as fit as you used to or sleep is
harder to come by because of the thoughts
gathering on your mind.
The Veteran Health Check is a simple, yet comprehensive
assessment that has been specifically designed to help
identify any physical or mental health concerns veterans
may have post separation from the ADF. The early years
after transitioning out of the ADF is when veterans are most
at risk; and this will help you act on any issues or concerns
early and stay well as you move into civilian life.
Even if you are feeling healthy it’s important to develop a
relationship with your GP and continue to see them on a
yearly basis, so they can get to know you and assist you to
proactively manage your health over the coming years.
There are two types of health checks available:
• ONE-OFF VETERAN HEALTH CHECK
If you a veteran transitioned on or before 30 June 2019,
you can access the One-off Veteran Health Check. This
type of health check is eligible for a benefit through
Medicare, so you do not need to be a DVA Veteran
Card holder to access this service. If your GP does not
bulk bill, you may be required to make a gap payment.
• ANNUAL VETERAN HEALTH CHECK
If a veteran transitioned out of the ADF on or after 1
July 2019, you are eligible for the Annual Veteran Health
Check. This service allows you to build a relationship
with your local General Practitioner (GP) as you will
have an appointment annually every year for the first
five years after you leave the ADF. You can access this
service through your DVA Veteran Card and it is at no
cost to the veteran.
HOW TO BOOK A VETERAN HEALTH CHECK
1. Find a GP. Every GP across Australia is able to conduct
the Veteran Health check. If you do not have a regular
GP, you can find one near you by searching “Health
Direct” or by calling 1800 022 222.
2. Call the GP practice and ask whether the GP accepts
the Veteran Card and/or bulk bills.
- One-Off Veteran Health Checks are eligible for a
Medicare rebate. At the time of booking ask if the
practice bulk bills and check if you’ll need to pay any gap
payments.
- Annual Veteran Health Checks are done using your
DVA Veteran Card at no cost to the veteran. You’ll
need to ask whether the GP accepts this card prior to
booking.
3. Book a 45 minute appointment. When you book you
will need to ask for a longer appointment than usual. Let
them know that this is for a Veteran Health check.
4. Bring along your DVA Veteran Card or Medicare card
to the appointment.
Each Health check will differ depending on your doctor and
needs. If you are worried about any particular aspect of your
health or family history you can discuss this with the GP.
It may be helpful to write a list of questions or concerns to
bring with you.
Your GP may provide, prescribe or refer you to relevant
health professionals for further testing or to DVA
services and programs (DVA may find treatment
and tests if you have an accepted condition.) All
information shared between you and your GP
will remain confidential and results will not be
shared with DVA, unless you ask them to do so
e.g. to support a claim. Ask the practice for their
privacy and confidentiality policies prior to your
appointment if you are unsure.
For more information on the Veteran Health
check please visit:
https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-treatment/
veterans-health-check or email
CSA.NT@dva.gov.au
You can continue to see your GP for regular
health checks anytime, even if you can no longer
claim for the one-off or Annual Veteran’s Health
Checks.
Contact Department of Veterans’ Affairs, NT
1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)
8:30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday
Written by Siân Howell
Community Support Advisor, NT
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
14 Winnellie Road, Winnellie 0820
16 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 17

Defence Families of Australia Update
Contact Defence Families Australia
Get in touch with us:
whether the current housing, removal and travel benefits for
families in this situation are suitable.
In the past, we have also raised concerns about the potential
for a member's housing entitlement to be used as a means of
coercive control against their partner.
We welcome the Commonwealth Government's funding
commitment for financial assistance and support to women
affected by family and domestic violence.
New-look DFA website
We recently redesigned our website to make it more
mobile friendly and responsive.
It's now easier to:
• Request a callback from our team at a time that
suits you
• Sign up for our quarterly newsletter, The
Advocate
• Find out about our current advocacy work
• View resources such as our publications, list of
defence life acronyms, and webinars.
Go to dfa.org.au to check it out! You can also follow
links to our social media pages where we regularly
post information, updates and events for defence
families.
Emma Milton
ADF Chaplains in the NT
Navy On-call: 0409 662 823
Shaun Foster HMAS Coonawarra
Australian Christian Churches
0400 514 375
Franco Siani Fleet North/HMAS Coonawarra
Churches of Christ
0400 514 375
Army On-call: 0427 713 963
Glen Elsegood 8/12 Regiment
Anglican
0429 345 167
Joel Vergara Regional Support
Roman Catholic
0409 778 462
Chris Lindsay 1CER
Presbyterian
0418 428 337
Garth Mayger 1CSSB
Roman Catholic
0419 869 187
Phil Riley HQ1 BDE
Anglican
0407 283 050
Steve Maggs 5RAR
Baptist
0408 684 783
Roger Cowan 1AVN
Baptist
0429 891 274
Airforce Darwin On-call:
0477 308 064
Airforce Tindal On-call:
0427 890 054
Christopher Buckley-Wilkshire RAAF Tindal
Churches of Christ
0437 702 645
Andrew Knox RAAF Tindal
Anglican
0457 803 372
Angela Stanfield RAAF Darwin
Anglican
0417 953 396
Chaplain’s Chat
“Why are you in the army?” was the question we got asked during a
school visit.
We had spent 15 minutes talking through the benefits of Army life, the things
we found hard (but rewarding) and what we hoped to accomplish, but this
teenager left us stumped. Why are you here? It’s a good question to ask and
while you’re reading this you may come up with any number of reasons; career
opportunities, a chance to see the world, maybe you just like waking up early or
enjoy lots of running? Can I offer one last thought into that mix? Perhaps you are
here because you want to serve others and to make sure the world is a better
place than when you found it? It’s a big idea in the Bible too - Jesus’ followers are
people who long to serve and make things better. This way of viewing our job
doesn’t lead to glory, and it probably won’t improve you pay packet on
Thursdays, but it just might give you a clear vision when work and life get
uncomfortable... You’re not here for comfortable: you’re here to serve and make
things better.
I was recently reading an article on people being scammed and the many
strategies scammers use to dupe individuals into giving up their money
and other precious possessions.As I read the article, I became more
convinced of how stupid those who were targeted must be;“How could
they fall for that?” and “I’d never be caught out by something like that!”
were consistently running through my mind, but, thinking back, I’ve been
caught out before.
Scammers are very good at what they do! They’d have to be considering the
punishments that they may incur. Almost by definition, if they weren’t good at it,
they’d probably find something easier to do! The whole article led me to thinking
through the ways people might try to scam me out of what I find most precious -
my finances or even my identity, and that got me thinking wider than just SMS and
internet scams. I started wondering if there were other ways people were being
scammed out of something precious.
Increasingly, I come across ADF members who feel almost as if they been
‘scammed’, because throughout their lives and their careers they’ve had goals,
reached them and then found life on the other side isn’t what they’d hoped. Maybe
the career peak turned out to be a false horizon with another mountain on the
other side. Maybe the cost of reaching their goal turns out to be too much as they
look back on broken relationships and missed opportunities. Maybe the effort of
shaping their whole being around attaining a goal has changed them from who they
were into someone they don’t want to be. In any event, I keep having
conversations with uniformed members who raise the idea that maybe they’ve
been scammed out of something precious.
It’s along those same lines that Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians when he
warns “see to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive
philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of
this world rather than on Christ…” The Church there was in danger of setting
aside what was truly precious, eternal life through Jesus, and chasing after ideas and
concepts that led away from a right relationship with God. See to it that no one
scams you out of what lasts, of what really matters, Paul might write to a modern
audience. Reading up on scammers and their clever techniques was a bit of an eye
opener, but not in relation to the secrecy of my internet passwords – it has helped
me to see that I need to pay attention to what really matters and to what I might
lose if I don’t.
Make sure you continue to focus on what’s truly valuable and precious to you.
Written by CHAP Glen Elsegood
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
8/12 Regiment
DefenceFamiliesofAustralia @DefenceFamilies
National Delegate WA/NT
available, please contact the on-call number for your
ADF, Darwin
and Kimberley
Service. Denominational or faith-specific ministry can
be arranged as required.
@defence_families_
Defence Families
nt@dfa.org.au
of_australia
of Australia
18 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated
0418 807 548
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 19

Robertson Barracks
Family Group
Larrakeyah
Neighbourhood House
EVERY WEEK
Monday
9am – Bumps and Bubs, a
social group for Bumps and 0-2
yrs, older siblings welcome
A d v e n t u r e t o
t h e p a r a d e g r o u n d
H i g h T e a
Tuesday
9am- Playgroup, a social group
with some structured play/
activities for 0-5yrs
Thursday
8:45am – Bootcamp, all fitness
levels welcome stay for coffee
after, children welcome too
Friday
9am- Alternating with a Walk
to Coffee, coffee and then
lunch every 3 rd week
W a t c h i n g
t h e O s p r e y
D e f e n c e D i n n e r @
U r b a n S p i c e
EVERY MONTH
Reading Between the Wines Book Club
First Tuesday of every Month
Monthly craft nights or cooking classes
Monthly partner dinners
R B F G t e a m @
D M F S S o i r e e
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Monday 9am - 11am Coffee Catch Up | Tuesday 9am - 10am Hippy Program | Wednesday 9am - 10am Zumbini | Friday 9am - 11am Playgroup
CONTACT: Sam Maloney, Centre Coordinator | www.rbfg.com.au
CONTACT: Kylie Wilton, Centre Coordinator | www.larrakeyahhouse.com.au | larrakeyahhouse@hotmail.com
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
“Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House Community Group” and “Reading Between the Wines”
20 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 21

Network Tindal Incorporated (NTI), is a volunteer organisation that coordinates support and multiple
community groups operating within the RAAF Base Tindal community.The vision of NTI is to create
community connections that support the physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of our community
whilst being posted to a remote and isolated location with limited access to other services.
Weekly Activities at the Community House:
Monday
Tuesday
– Playgroup 9:30 -11:30am
– Group Fitness (at the gym) 6pm-7pm
Wednesday
– Bubs and Bumps 10am – 11:30am
Thursday
Friday
– Crafternoons – 3:30pm-5pm
– Playgroup 9:30am-11:30am
– Lego legends 3:30pm-5pm
– Group Fitness (at the gym) 6pm-7pm
– Tabletop gamers 6pm-late
– Drop In’s 9:30am- 12pm
Network Tindal
Interest Groups Include:
• Sewing
• Crafters
• Board Gamers
• Table-Top Gamers
• Hobby Hut (Workshop)
• Cars and Coffee
• Pay Day Parmi’s
• Teens and Tweens
• Community Garden
• Tindal Kites Netball
Keeping Busy at Billeroy House
DVA ADVOCACY AND CLAIMS SUPPORT
Billeroy House have organised regular visits from a Level 3
Compensation Advocate, with visits scheduled over the coming
months. Appointment times book out quickly, however you can book
in for future sessions or add your name to a waiting list. Billeroy
House will advise what you will need to bring with you to start your
claims process. With a backlog of DVA claims awaiting action, it’s a
good idea to get started with the claims process as early as possible.
Contact Billeroy House to find out the program for advocacy visits
and to book an appointment.
For more information follow @NetworkTindalBuddies on Facebook
Katherine Outback Experience
Horsemanship Sessions
Over four sessions in May and June, Network Tindal supported a handful of
defence veterans, members and spouses to attend a specially designed
equestrian skill course at Katherine Outback Experience.
The course lasted for 3 hours and gave participants the opportunity to
learn some of the key skills of horsemanship including training, care and
horse riding. The venue, Katherine Outback Experience celebrates the
Northern Territory's rich pastoral culture and history and is owned by
multiple Golden Guitar winner and horseman extraordinaire, Tom Curtain.
The experience was moving for many participants, some even saying that
the horses seemed to know they had been having a bad day. While this
activity was not equine therapy, there were many elements that are
designed to support the mental health and well-being of participants.The
training, care and horse riding elements have been shown to increase
communication skills, empathy and emotional regulation.
Network Tindal and Katherine Outback experience were also able to offer
a number of sessions to
children which involved only
the horse-riding component.
For many children, this was
their first experience of riding
a horse and there was a lot of
excitement in the air. The
children were very respectful
of the horses and enjoyed the
opportunity to get up close
and personal to the beautiful
animals.
This type of activity is highly
valued in our community and
Network Tindal will continue
to seek opportunities to
enable us to provide these
sessions to the RAAF Tindal
community.
Network Tindal Sewing Circle
Twice a month, Network Tindal Sewing Circle try to meet to take on
new (or old) sewing projects, learn new sewing skills, help each other
with our sewing projects and spend time with other people who share a
love of sewing and creating. We have a diverse range of members in age
and experience, and it is open to anyone to come along on a regular
basis or whenever creativity strikes.
At our last sewing circle, one of our new members Kaelene, came along
to sew some tablecloths for the day-care centre where she is an
educator. This is also our local day-care centre on the RAAF base, Little
Geckos, where many defence families have their children enrolled.
The material we worked with was a stunning
display of aboriginal art in a few different designs
and vivid colours. It was a great team effort, with
Miss Kaelene and my daughter Gemma (who
attends the Preschool room at Little Geckos)
pinning the hem of the material. I manned the
sewing machine to hem the tablecloths, closely
supervised by Gemma to make sure my stitching
was straight. We made 4 tablecloths in the session
and they were ready to go for morning tea the next
day.
We all had a great feeling of achievement and
community spirit after completely this fun project.
It was wonderful to support our local day-care
centre and to provide our sewing skills for the
vibrant new tablecloths. We are looking to
complete more community projects like this for our
community here in Tindal and Katherine, so please
pass on any ideas to us through Network Tindal.
Sewing Circle Coordinator,
Prue Atkins.
Got a community sewing idea or project?
Contact Network Tindal!
FUNDRAISING
Billeroy House have stubby coolers for sale, which help us to raise
funds for future community support activities and events. The coolers
are a great father’s day present for the top end climate, contact
Billeroy House to purchase one (or a few!).
COMMUNITY EVENTS
WOW Day 11th May - A huge thank you to the SES Darwin for
sending a truck which went towards making our WOW Day a BIG
success at Billeroy House. Good idea Brookie to have a regular
morning tea at the same time.
First Responders Day 8th Jun - Billeroy House thanked all of the
Northern Territory first responders for their service at our regular
morning tea.
Community Meetings – Billeroy House is a comfortable and central
meeting place for many community groups, including; RSL Darwin,
Veterans Motorcycle Club, RAAF Darwin Fishing Club, Australian
Military Wives Choir and Nackaroo Committee Meetings, which are
held on a regular basis at our facility.
Clontaf Kids - The Clontaf kids have been visiting Billeroy House to
develop their Community Support Program. They have been helping
out with the gardening and developing a large vegetable patch - check
out the new addition to our veggie patch! Tammy from Bunnings also
attended to donate plants and supplies to Billeroy House for the
Clontaf kids’ projects. Thank you to all who have helped and
supported this program!
Greyhound Races Sunday 17th July - Billeroy House organised a
Greyhound race night event on Sunday 17th July during the running
of the Chief Ministers Cup. Entry was $5 per person and we
organised raffles and prizes with all proceeds going towards the local
veteran (and families) community - it was a great night filled with fun
and excitement!
Weekly Morning Tea – We hold a weekly morning tea at Billeroy
House from 1000hrs every Wednesday.All members of the defence
and veteran community are welcome to attend and enjoy our
delicious morning tea!
OPENING HOURS
Billeroy House is open on Mondays & Tuesdays by appointment only
as we provide regular home and hospital visits to veterans on these
days. Our door is open between 1000hrs to 1400hrs every
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. All veterans and their families are
welcome, so please drop in and find out more about our advocacy
and support services.
Written by Dan ‘Tank’ Tellum
Wellbeing Advocate Officer Level 2, Coordinator
RSL Billeroy House Veterans & Families Community Centre
08 8942 0381 | billeroyhouse@rsldarwin.org.au
22 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 23

Thursday 8 September 2022
Legacy Week
Holy Spirit
Catholic Primary School
To Live,To Love,To Grow In Christ.
Situated in the northern suburbs of Darwin, near
Lyons and Muirhead. Surrounded by tropical green
space and outstanding facilities.
It’s our national day of
action when we remind
Australians that every day
is the day to ask,‘are you
OK?’ and start a
meaningful conversation. R
U OK? is a harm
prevention charity that
encourages people to stay
connected and have
conversations that can
help others through
difficult times in their lives.
Our community at Legacy is devoted to enhancing the
lives of families of veterans who have served in war,
peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, and who
have died or become seriously injured either in
service or subsequently.
Buy a badge and help us support the families of our
veterans this Legacy Week 28th August – 3rd September
2022.
The Legacy Week appeal has been running since the 1940’s
and is a time for all Australians to show their support for the
widows and children whose loved ones have served our
country. The Legacy badge is a special emblem of support for
our veterans’ families, symbolising our nation’s greatest values
of mateship, compassion and fairness.
Legacy is supported by the work of our dedicated Legatees,
volunteers, staff members and widows. These individuals
make up a dynamic community of people, ranging from
schoolchildren to senior citizens. It is with their assistance
that Legacy is able to continue working to support our
veterans’ families. Volunteers can help by selling in their local
area in the first week of September each year.
Want to talk to someone about volunteering for Legacy?
• 1800 LEGACY (534 229)
• marketing@legacy.com.au
Legacy is an iconic Australian charity that was established in
1923 and founded on a promise made from one digger to
another – to “look after the missus and the kids.”
We have a Defence School Mentor employed full-time at
school to work with our defence students and families.
Our staff are committed to providing a safe and nurturing
learning environment that caters for the whole child. We foster
learning that enables students, families, school and community
to engage in a collaborative partnership for a life-long journey
of education.
Specialist subjects on offer to our students in the areas of
Physical Education, The Arts and Indonesian.
Out of School Hours Care available throughout the term,
including Vacation Care in the holidays.
R U OK? contributes to
suicide prevention efforts by
encouraging people to invest
more time in their personal
relationships and building the
capacity of informal support
networks – friends, family and
colleagues - to be alert to
those around them, have a
conversation if they identify
signs of distress or difficulty
and connect someone to
appropriate support, long
before they're in crisis.
Legacy badges may be little but the funds they raise make a
big impact in the lives of our veterans’ families - Legacy Week
is a time to give back to the families of those who have given
so much.
www.legacy.com.au
Gsell Street, Wanguri 0810 | 08 8927 3411 | holyspiritnt.catholic.edu.au
admin.holyspirit@nt.catholic.edu.au | Facebook:Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School Wanguri NT
24 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 25

About Prince’s Trust Australia
Prince's Trust Australia is a national charity that helps young people prepare
for the rapidly changing world of work, inspires veterans and their families
into entrepreneurship and self-employment, and champions resilient
sustainable communities.
Our work is inspired by our Founder and President, His Royal Highness
The Prince of Wales, and is driven by his vision for a more sustainable
future.
We also work in partnership with our colleagues across The Prince’s Trust
Group, a global network of charities transforming lives and building
sustainable communities in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New
Zealand and across the Commonwealth. Together, we promote, support,
and inspire people and their communities to flourish.
Since 2015, Prince's Trust Australia has been inspiring veterans and their
families with the confidence, skills and networks they need to explore selfemployment
through the Enterprise Programme.
The programme is guided by an Advisory Council, chaired by the
Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley
AC DSC (Ret’d) and attended by Major General Wade Stothart, Head of
People Capability at Department of Defence.
Visit: www.princes-trust.org.au
What is Enterprise?
Princes Trust Australia
The Enterprise Programme helps veterans and defence spouses explore
and refine business ideas, launch and grow businesses and enhance skills,
all while networking with likeminded people from the veteran community.
The programme is for transitioning ADF members, ADF veterans, and
civilian partners or spouses of current or former serving ADF members.
This includes current, separated and widowed partners.
W I N
You could win a Princes Trust Australia Care Package!
Care packages hold a special place in the lives of deployed troops, and for
family members.
Historically, care packages were sent from family members to their loved
ones abroad, and contained anything from milk powder to coffee, soap,
medicine, and fabric. And, anecdotally, Anzac biscuits handmade with love.
This year, Prince's Trust Australia have created care packages featuring a
wonderful selection of products by Australian veteran and ADF partner
businesses, all alumni of our business Enterprise programme.
These care packages will be gifted and shared across Australia and globally.
ENTER NOW AT
THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU/WIN
Upcoming Enterprise Online Sessions:
›› 2 nd , 4 th and 9 th August
›› 30 th August, 1 st and 6 th September
Upcoming Enterprise Connect Sessions:
›› 20 th , 23 rd , 27 th , 29 th September, 7 th , 14 th and 21 st
October
Register for Prince’s Trust Australia Enterprise
Programme via the website: www.princestrust.org.au/defence-members/enterprise-program
Social Media:
facebook.com/princestrustau
instagram.com/princes.trust.au
twitter.com/princestrustau
linkedin.com/company/princestrustau
Packs Include:
›› Custom made keyring made by Enterprise alumni Zach Briggs
and the team at Relic Design & Craft Co.
›› Soap made by Dave and his wife Shiree of Hop and Clover
Brewing, in collaboration with local Weemalah Farm Naturals.
›› Fresh coffee by Elaine Gallagher who runs Wellness Ignitor, a
coffee business that sells product online and through her coffee
van.
›› Sample organic skincare products from Indira Organics
›› Limited print artwork The Catch Up by Warrick Eady
›› Beeswax lip balm by Honey & Glow
TERMS: Total Prize Pool valued at up to $100. Open to NT-Based Defence members, veterans and their immediate families aged 18 and up. Closes 10 September 2022. Enter
online by visiting www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win. Read more about the people behind the product here: www.princes-trust.org.au/post/our-care-packages. Winners will be
drawn at random. Winners will be notified by email/phone and announced in the next edition of The Top Ender.
Beyond Service
On the 17th of June, I had the honour to attend the Beyond
Service webinar, presented by Princes Trust Australia.The
online event was also attended by His Royal Highness The
Prince of Wales and hosted by Prince's Trust Australia Chair
The Hon Julie Bishop.The Governor-General of Australia,
General David Hurley,AC, DSC, FTSE was also in attendance.
During the event, we had the pleasure of listening to the incredibly
inspiring stories of ADF veterans and partners who have benefited
from the Princes Trust programs, with some very encouraging and
supportive feedback from HRH The Prince of Wales.
I am grateful for the invitation to attend the event, which further
highlighted the amazing work of Princes Trust Australia and the
support they offer to the wider defence community in developing
valuable enterprise programs. Without the support and information
provided in these programs, it seems obvious that enterprise
development would be a significant challenge for the defence
community to attempt on their own. There are many veterans and
partners who feel that business ownership provides a level of
freedom and flexibility without the pressure of squeezing themselves
into traditional employment. It is wonderful to see these types of
programs being offered to anyone who has the insight to build a
business, while also managing injuries and lifestyle challenges.
A special thank you to Princes Trust Australia for the invitation to
attend.
Written by Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
Family Day Care
Kentish is a children and community services provider
with over 100 educators and 80 employees across the NT.
We have offices in Palmerston, Katherine and Alice
Springs. Kentish runs two long day care centres in
Moulden and Tennant Creek. Kentish also runs Family Day
Care (FDC) services and Out-of-Home-Care (OOHC)
services.
FDC is suitable for families seeking care and education in a small
group setting and for those who require childcare around shift
work or irregular hours. Over the COVID pandemic, FDC became
very popular as it creates a smaller and safer social circle for
children in care. FDC also gives the children a more stable
relationship with the same educator until they reach school age.
Becoming an educator
As a FDC educator you will run your own business from home.
You can have your own children as well as other children under
your care. Since it is your own business, you can choose your
clients, your opening hours and availability for weekends and
overnight stays and set your own fees. FDC educators can take
care of up to four children under the age of 5yo and three schoolage
children.
FDC operates under the same National Quality Framework
(NQF), so FDC parents are eligible for Federal Government Child
Care subsidies, just like any other long day care arrangements.
Kentish has an FDC coordinator who supports FDC educators and
provides free programs, giving all educators opportunities to upskill,
meet other educators and provide interesting activities for children.
Things to consider before becoming a Family Day
Care educator
FDC educators will need minimum of Certificate III in Early
Educator and Care or be willing to commence studies. As with any
businesses, your business expenses are tax deductible, you may
claim the cost to run the business such as educational materials,
toys, maintenance, electricity, car, cleaning expenses and
modifications to your home.
For more information visit Kentish.org.au. Send your enquiries to
admin@kentish.org.au
Please note: you will also need to research and discuss your
housing responsibilities with DHA or through your property
manager for private rentals.
26 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 27

ProstateCancer
AwarenessMonth
SEPTEMBER
Positive Conversations with your
Kids About Food and Exercise
September is National Prostate Cancer
Awareness Month
Prostate cancer in Australia
• Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer
in Australian men, claiming the lives of nine men
every single day.
• Nearly 18,000 men will be diagnosed this year.
• Many of these men will experience anxiety and
depression as a result of their cancer, facing a 70%
increased risk of suicide death.
• Men often suffer in silence – 72% do not reach
out for help with what they are going through.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed
cancer in Australian men, with about 18,000 men newly
diagnosed each year. More than 3300 Australian men
die from prostate cancer each year.
Prostate cancer has one of the highest survival rates of
all cancers, with 95% of men likely to survive five years
or more. About 220,000 Australian men are alive today
after a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
There are two proven risk factors that may increase the
chance of developing prostate cancer:
Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases
with age. The risk of getting prostate cancer by the age
of 75 is 1 in 7 men. By the age of 85, this increases
to 1 in 6 men.
Family history: You have a higher chance of developing
prostate cancer if you have a father, brother or son
who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The risk
increases again if more than one close relative has
prostate cancer. Risks are also higher for men whose
relatives were diagnosed when young. A family history
of other cancers, like breast and ovarian cancers, may
also increase your risk of getting prostate cancer.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
In the early stages of prostate cancer, there may be no
symptoms. In the later stages, some symptoms might
include:
• Feeling the frequent or sudden need to urinate
• Finding it difficult to urinate (for example, trouble
starting or not being able to urinate when the
feeling is there or poor urine flow)
• Discomfort when urinating
• Finding blood in urine or semen
• Pain in the lower back, upper thighs or hips.
Many of these symptoms are common. They may not
mean you have prostate cancer. But if you are worried
about your symptoms, it is important that you talk to
your doctor.
Prostate Awareness Australia
prostateawareness.org.au
Prostate Awareness Australia was established for the
workers and families in the Australian building
construction and allied industries. We raise funds to
help provide prostate awareness, prevention and
research so men can live longer, healthier and happier
lives.
Extracted from Prostate Cancer
Foundation of Australia
www.prostate.org.au
Photo: (Above) Defence Health: Positive conversations with your kids about food and
exercise article. Courtesy of iStock.
Good health is important in a child’s quality of life as it
can influence their future health, ability to learn, and
socialise. However, if statistics are anything to go by, the
health of our children is concerning.
Record numbers of Australian children are either overweight or
obese, and not getting enough exercise. They are also
developing some very unhealthy approaches to food.
A worrying trend
Currently, around 1 in 4 children aged between 2 and 17 years
are classified as not being in the healthy weight range, with 18
per cent being overweight, and 7 per cent obese. This is
compounded by children not getting enough exercise.
Furthermore, Aussie kids are eating too much ‘junk food’, with
an average 35 per cent of daily energy intake obtained from
discretionary foods. According to the Australian Dietary
Guidelines, discretionary foods are “foods and drinks that do
not fit into the Five Food Groups because they are not
necessary for a healthy diet and are too high in saturated fat
and/or added sugars, added salt or alcohol and low in fibre.”
Unfortunately, many children are not eating enough vegetables,
with only five per cent of our kids meeting their recommended
daily vegetable quota.
Involve and engage
Including children in the grocery shopping each week can also
help. Use this time to educate on the types of fruits and
vegetables you’re buying, and how they contribute to their
health. If your children are older and often ask you to buy junk
foods, explain why they are only ‘treat’ foods.
Use meal times as a way to get children engaged in the
food your family is eating. Ask them to help you prepare
dinner, or if they’re old enough, they may even be able to
plan and cook the meal. With younger children, discuss
what’s on their plate, and why it’s good for them.
Model healthy habits
While it’s important to talk to your kids about the value
of eating healthy food and getting exercise, there’s more
power in making it a lifestyle for the whole family. That
means all of us should be reducing the amount of junk
food in our diets, and increasing levels of exercise.
A great way to do this is to exercise as a family. You’ll
obviously need to choose activities to suit everyone in
the family; but some great ideas include playing frisbee,
playing in the playground, cycling, swimming at the local
pool, and walking.
Make sure you keep physical activities fun and exciting, and
focus on how great you all feel, after you’ve exercised. Where
possible, try to explain how exercise benefits your child (e.g.
they develop stronger bones and muscles, they sleep better,
they feel happier, etc.)
Keep it positive
If you want your kids to have a positive relationship with healthy
food and exercise, keep your conversation encouraging. Avoid:
• Body shaming your child or anyone else
• Talking about ‘fat’, ‘weight’, or focussing on appearance
• Discussions around ‘dieting’
• Talking about exercise in a negative way
• Labelling food ‘good’ and ‘bad’; focus on ‘everyday foods’
and ‘sometimes’ foods instead.
• Cutting out all junk foods—just limit the consumption of
them
• Making your child feel guilty when they have a treat
• Focusing on negative consequences (e.g. “If you eat junk
food all the time, you’ll gain weight.”).
Educating your children about food and exercise, and changing
habits is not always easy. It may even require you to do a little
research yourself, in order to educate them. However, the
lifelong benefits for you and your kids are well worth the effort.
Extracted from Defence Health Website
healthhq.defencehealth.com.au/2017/07/26/positiveconversations-kids-food-exercise/
28 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 29

Marrakai Military Museum
PTSD Coach App
What is PTSD Coach
Australia?
PTSD Coach Australia is a
smartphone or mobile device
application (App) that helps
people understand and manage
the symptoms of PTSD. PTSD
Coach Australia was adapted by
ACPMH and the Mental Health Programs section of DVA
(with permission) from a US app called “PTSD Coach”. The
adaptation included Australian content revision and new
functionality.
PTSD Coach Australia has been designed for use with
veterans and serving Defence force personnel. Apps are a
great way of providing information and tools to people when
and where they need to use them.
Veterans’ Legal Service
we offer free legal information and advice for
veterans and their families on most areas of law:
Contracts
Credit & Debt
Social Security
Human Rights
Discrimination
Unfair Dismissal
Consumer Rights
Adult Guardianship
Employment Rights
most non-criminal matters
Drop-in service
every Thursday from 10am
Mates4Mates Palmerston
A1/11 Palmerston Circuit
free & confidential
for veterans by veterans
freecall 1800 812 953
info@dcls.org.au | www.dcls.org.au
PTSD Coach Australia contains:
Up to date information about PTSD
Up to date information about PTSD treatment – what
works, and who provides it
A range of symptom management tools and techniques.
A PTSD assessment (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Checklist, Weathers et al. 1993) – allowing users to measure
the severity of their symptoms over time, plot the results,
and email them to a health professional.
A scheduler that allows people to manage all their self-care,
health appointments and activities.
Users can schedule reminders to use self-care tools at highrisk
times or to complete PTSD Checklist (PCL) assessments,
as well as enter any health or rehabilitation activity or
appointment into a private calendar. The app then sends
typical smartphone reminders to prompt the activity.
Information about where to find treatments and supports for
PTSD – in the Defence and DVA health systems, and in the
community.
Importantly: PTSD Coach Australia is not designed as a
stand-alone treatment or self-diagnosis – ideally, it makes up
part of a toolkit of resources for people managing PTSD
Extracted from Open Arms Website
https://www.openarms.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-01/
clinicians_guide_to_ptsd_coach_australia2.pdf
Our Community Coordinator Char Carter recently visited
one of the NT’s best hidden gems, the Marrakai Military
Museum.
When did you decide to start the museum and what was your inspiration
behind the museum?
The decision to open a military museum was based on a discussion with the
owner of the Corroborree tavern about 4 years ago... Then our hobby became
a museum!
Your passion is obvious, where do you find factual information?
The factual information that we provide is found through books,
documentaries, factual movies, word of mouth stories, internet research,
military history forums and groups.
What is the rarest piece in your collection?
Displayed for the first time in 75 years, our rarest museum piece is the Mark 8
motorized cockleshell canoe M H M S 22. The cockleshell was used by the
Australian Z Force Special Units in WW2, and is immortalised in both book
and movie,“The Cockleshell Heroes”.
Another interesting piece in our collection is the WW2 EAN Rebreather. This
item was used by the British and Australian commandos as well as Australia’s
Z-Force Special Unit. Produced in England, the Rebreather (a highly guarded
secret at the time) was used in both the European and Pacific war fronts.
What is the oldest piece in your collection?
The oldest item we display is a pressed flower from the battle fields of
France in WW1, which is over 104 years old. A German soldier found some
beauty amongst the horror and saved it in his diary.
Where do you source your items and how do you research their legitimacy?
We collect from a variety of sources, some local to Darwin and some items
have been found ‘out bush’. Many items are provided by private collectors
worldwide. We conduct a lot of research regarding each item and after being
a hobbyist for so long, we’ve become very proficient at identifying true relics.
Do you plan to expand past WWII into other conflicts?
The museum hopes to expand to cover all conflicts from Bore war to modern
conflicts. We have pieces waiting for display that range from Bore to
Afghanistan with Vietnam being our next goal.
What sets you apart from other military museums?
Specialising in WWII military items, we display actual uniforms and artefacts
from Australia, America, Germany, Japan and Russia; many of these artefacts
include personal items sourced and gifted from family members.
Can you explain your plan to engage with defence veterans,
especially those with disabilities?
Our plan, once feasible, is to create an inclusive space for
veterans from recent conflicts who can help with the museum,
including research, maintenance and visitor tours. Our goals
include the set-up of a closed workshop for museum
restorations and to start offering armoured vehicle rides
(operated by our veterans) based around the Bren gun carrier.
We want to see our disabled veterans getting involved and
using aides to perform jobs if they choose - just a small part of
our future planning!
What does the future hold?
As well as moving to a large venue, our aim is to expand to all
conflicts. In addition to the tank rides, we’d like to see a
shooting gallery (with canons and firearms on display) and a rifle
range. One of the things we really want to create is Marrakai’s
own Cenotaph for future ANZAC Days.
Is there anything further you would like to add?
This museum was built and designed by the two owners with no
government support or third-party assistance. We are happy to accept
donated items of memorabilia or to hold items in trust on display.
Marrakai Military Museum
36 Stephen Road, Marrakai NT
OPEN HOURS:
WED – SAT 9:00AM – 5:00PM
SUN 10:00AM – 4:00PM
0482 777 811
Marrakaimilitarymuseum@hotmail.com
30 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 31

Have you Heard of APOD?
Run by veteran families, for
veteran families.
APOD is an Australian owned
and operated organisation
founded by veteran families, for
veteran families.
Since 2012, we have been
working with businesses of all
sizes to deliver exclusive offers to
serving Australian Defence Force
personnel, reservists, allied forces,
veterans and their immediate family members.
We understand the sacrifices made in the name of service and
have been committed for over 8 years to creating the bridge
between businesses and the Australian defence community for
those organisations that want to say thank you for your service.
APOD’s mission is to make providing benefits and recognition
to our members simple and rewarding for businesses and to
provide our members with easy access to local and national
discount offers across all industries, not just travel and leisure.
Recognising those who serve.
APOD exists to recognise those who serve. We understand
that when one person serves, their whole family serves.
If you are a current or former defence member, reservist,
veteran, allied military personnel or an immediate family
member, we recognise the unique nature of your sacrifice in
service to your country and welcome you to join APOD, which
was created exclusively for you.
Serving Defence Members
Includes current serving military personnel from any service:
Army, Navy, Air Force, Reserves and Allied Forces.
Veterans & Former Defence
Includes all former serving military personnel including veterans,
reservists and allied forces, from any period of service, including
peacetime.
Immediate Family
Includes partners, parents, siblings and children of eligible
members, whether living or deceased.
Partnered with Department of Veterans’ Affairs
In partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA),
we are now able to extend membership access to all Veteran
Cardholders, through a DVA subscription to APOD.
This means that you receive free access to thousands of offers
through the APOD program whilst DVA continues to provide
this benefit to all Veteran Cardholders. Enjoy all of the benefits
of being an APOD member, including savings on everyday
shopping, accommodation, experiences, gift cards and special
offers.
Two easy ways for Veteran Cardholders to sign up:
1. New DVA Cardholders can sign up through MyService.
Simply tick the box to subscribe to APOD when applying for
your new Veteran Card. You’ll get an email from us with
instructions to verify your email address and create a password
so you can log in to the APOD website.
2. Existing DVA Cardholders can sign up through the APOD
website. You will need to have your Veteran Card ready to
provide your DVA File Number and name exactly as it appears
on your card to automatically authenticate your free APOD
access.
Extracted from APOD Website
apod.com.au
Will
Wills & Power of Attorney
As you know, every Defence member should have a valid will. This is a
legal document that dictates how their assets are to be distributed
when they die.
For a will to be valid it must meet certain criteria; you must have been
of sound mind when you executed the will, it must be in writing and
not have been previously revoked, and it must be witnessed
appropriately. Witnesses should not be beneficiaries, in most states this
is not allowed, and it’s not good practice.
We don’t recommend members use a will kit, instead they should use
a qualified legal professional. On-base legal officers will draft simple
wills for full-time ADF members for free. Wills should be reviewed
regularly and updated if necessary when personal circumstances change.
Power of attorney
While a will is something we recommend all members have, Powers of
Attorney (POA) are something they should consider carefully before
granting.
When you grant someone a POA, you are giving them the power to
manage your money on your behalf. That means they can operate your
bank accounts, buy or dispose of assets, and make financial decisions as
if they were you.
You can limit a POA, for example, you could make it valid only for a
specific period of time, or only allow transactions up to a certain dollar
amount.
There are different types of POA, for example:
• General – ceases if you lose mental capacity.
• Enduring – continues to operate after you have lost mental
capacity.
• Medical – allows your appointee to make decisions about your
medical treatment if you become mentally or physically incapable
of deciding for yourself.
Lynch & Co Lawyers is owned and operated by a
defence partner who specialises in Wills for defence
members and their families. Having a Will is the best
way to protect your family and assets, while also
reducing stress during the grieving process. If you are
unsure how to start the process of creating a Will, you
are encouraged to contact Lynch & Co for a
confidential discussion.
A 20% defence discount applies to current and exserving
members and their partners, starting from
$250 for a basic Will.
Have you thought about creating a personal profile,
including the following information:
• Bank details
• Funeral arrangements
• Social media accounts
• Superannuation funds
• Donations and bequests
It’s important that members understand the implications of granting
someone a POA, it’s a significant amount of power and responsibility to
hand someone, so it should only be given to someone they really trust.
You can encourage your members to improve their financial fitness by
using the resources available on our website.
For further information about Wills and Power of
Attorney, go to the DMFS ADF Member and Family
Transition Guide: https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/
default/files/2022-03/ADF-Member-And-Family-
Transition-Guide.pdf
Extracted from ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre
https://adfconsumer.gov.au/leadership/
32 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 33

W I N
W I T H O U R S P O N S O R S
We get it. Our sponsors get it. Defence life is haaard going, especially in the Territory. That’s why we’ve
partnered with some of our favourite local businesses to provide you with some extra special treats!
So, go on, treat yourself! Enter today and you could win one of the following awesome prizes!
1 x $200 Travel Credit
Catherine Kimberley - MTA Travel
Visit in-store for exclusive
DEFCOM offers!
Submit your favourite Top End experience/holiday photo to receive
$200 discount on next holiday booking!
*Conditions – min spend $2000.
1 x $50 Gift Voucher
Territory Wellness Health Food Store
Founded by Qualified Naturopath & Clinical Nutritionist, Georgina
Maika to help you understand how you can personally improve your
health & wellness.
Located at the Jape Homemaker Village.
2 x Deluxe Pedicure
SHE Nails Salon
SHE Nails Salon aims to make you feel relaxed and beautiful, with the
range of clean, quality nail care services.
Located at the Jape Homemaker Village.
1 x $100 Hair Voucher
integrity hair
Julie is the queen of making you feel relaxed and at ease while you get
a fresh new look! Located temporarily at the Carpark next to Mass
Meeting Hall at RAAF Darwin.
1 x $80 Massage Voucher
Rejuvenate Your Wellbeing
Emily uses different modalities such as massage, cupping and hot stones
to maximise your movement and become pain free. Located in Palmer
St, Katherine and Jones Pl, Tindal.
1 x $80 Lawn mowing Voucher
Matthew Nicholls
MATTHEW NICHOLLS
LAWN MOWING ~ STUMP GRINDING ~ MULCHING ~ SMALL TREE REMOVAL
Tick the lawn mowing off the to-do list with the help of Darwin local
Matty and his lawn mowing service valued at $80. Servicing the
Greater Darwin Region.
ENTER NOW AT
THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU/WIN
Darwin’s Outdoor & Lifestyle Centre
Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date on promotions and events!
TERMS: Total Prize Pool valued at up to $610. Open to NT-Based Defence members, veterans and their immediate families aged 18 and up. Entrants are
permitted to apply for multiple prizes. Closes 10 September 2022. Enter online by visiting www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win
Winners for each prize will be drawn at random. Winners will be notified by email/phone and announced in the next edition of The Top Ender.
3 5 6 B a g o t R o a d , M i l l n e r | 0 8 8 9 2 3 1111 | h o m e m a k e r v i l l a g e . c o m . a u
34 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 35

Military career with Australian Army
Introducing Dean Harrowell
Dean left high school and joined Defence as an Infantry soldier
in 1997.
After completing initial training at Kapooka, he was posted to
5/7 RAR as a mechanised infantry soldier, which involved war
fighting in and around the M113A1 PC and other agencies, such
as 2nd Cavalry and 1st Armoured Regiments as part of a Battle
Group.
During his career, Dean was promoted to Section Commander
and deployed to East Timor (twice), Solomon Island, Christmas
Island (on HMAS Warramunga) and finally, Iraq. Dean finished
his military career at the School of Infantry, training soldiers in
war fighting.
Transitioning out of Defence
When Dean discharged out of Defence for personal reasons, he
was not offered any courses or given any direction for life after
service. Reflecting back, Dean acknowledges that he didn’t really
seek out information about what was available to him and what
his future career options might be, so his transition was
challenging.
Initially, Dean bounced through a few jobs because a lot of the
working environments felt very strange compared to defence. It
was hard to relax and break away from the ‘yes Sir, no Sir’
environment that he was used to, and completing tasks ‘by the
book’ like his life depended on it. After a few years of trying to
find his feet, Dean feels that leaving school and joining the
military with no prior life experience was not a favourable
experience as he had no other skills to rely on.
Dean’s main goal in creating a new career pathway was to find
something he enjoyed doing and had a similar team environment to
the military, which he has been able to find at Gold Medal Services.
Advice to others transitioning out of Defence
Dean’s advice to anyone thinking about transitioning out of
Defence is simple:
• take ownership of your discharge,
• research your entitlements,
• take the opportunity to complete any courses that are
available to you, even if you are unsure of your career
pathway.
A Heavy Rigid drivers’ licence and White Card (Construction
Induction) are two of the most common courses, which will
provide opportunities to a wide range of career options. You can
also find many online veteran community forums or support groups
with ex-service personnel working in various industries, which is a
helpful resource to support you in a new direction.
Don’t underestimate the value of being an ex-defence member
and the transferrable experience you have gained when looking
for a new career. Most employers are looking for team members
who will show up for work, follow instruction, work hard and
take ownership of their work.These are all traits of a good
soldier and employers know this.
Life at Gold Medal Services
Dean’s current position at Gold Medal Services is the Manager of
the CCTV Inspection and Hydro Jet Vacuum Recovery Units (Jet
Vac) team. Dean manages six staff and his role involves:
• talking with and educating clients on sewer and storm water
asset maintenance
• organising and scheduling tasks, equipment and staff
• ensuring projects run smoothly and efficiently, within schedule
and budget
• ensuring that team members follow all safety procedures and
policies
• mentor team members to deliver best work practices in the
industry
• maintain trucks, vans and equipment to a high standard.
Over the years, Dean has learned about maintaining the equipment
and is a very ‘hands on’ manager. He also helps to operate the
trucks and CCTV equipment when required.
Dean feels that Gold Medal Services is a family and team orientated
environment in all aspects of the business. The company has set a
high standard for professionalism and quality of work, with all tasks
completed to Australian Standards and no compromise to safety,
quality of parts or equipment. Ongoing staff training is a high
priority for the Gold Medal Services team, and the company is very
supportive of continuous learning and improvement.
There is room to grow as a person, get more responsibilities and
qualifications. Gold Medal Services have a diverse range of jobs
and make an effort to reward and acknowledge hard work.
S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y
What is Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable?
I used to think terms like “eco-friendly”,
“sustainably sources” and “biodegradable”
meant that it was all good for the earth and
I was making better choices for the
environment, turns out they all mean very
different things… It’s a good idea to conduct
your own research about the products you
purchase and navigate clever marketing that
is often used to promote these terms.
Let’s explain what they mean first;
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Eco-friendly means “not harmful” to the natural
environment. From material gathering to manufacturing
processes, and to the delivery of the end product, we
can look at company ethics to determine whether it
has been manufactured with a focus on eco-friendly
processes and environmentally safe products.
›› Eco-friendly items should be biodegradable
without harming the environment, such as plastic
bags - they take years to dissolve and a variety of
chemicals can harm the soil and water during this
process
›› The item should be able to be reused and
recycled
›› The item is made of sustainable materials
Sustainable means Compostable
Biodegradability and Environmental Safety
Biodegradable means a product breaks down in
natural elements, water and carbon dioxide by
organisms like bacteria and fungi. The right
environment is required for materials and substances
to completely biodegrade, not all will biodegrade
completely or even at all if put in the wrong
environment. Some items will biodegrade quickly, these
are considered eco-friendly, whilst others may take
hundreds of years and leave traces in the environment,
this is not considered an eco-friendly material. It is
important to dispose of items correctly into the right
environment for that material, so it’s important to read
the packaging when disposing;
There are 3 different types of biodegradability:
›› Bio-Compostable
›› Oxo-degrade
›› Landfill biodegradable
Written by Amanda Letcher
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
What is REDcycle?
The REDcycle Program makes it easy for consumers to keep
plastic bags and packaging out of landfill. If a wrapper or packaging
is made of soft plastic and can be scrunched into a ball, it is most
likely suitable for recycling through the REDcycle program. You can
find REDcycle bins located out the front of most Coles and
Woolworths supermarkets, however you can search for exact
locations on the REDcycle website: www.redcycle.net.au
We can all play our part in protecting our environment for future
generations!
E X P R E S S I O N S O F I N T E R E S T
DEFENCE COMMUNITY
CAR BOOT SALE!
Whether you are relocating in 2022 or not,
you may be planning to declutter some
household items that are too good to
donate or throw away! This may include
clothing, toys, camping gear, household
furniture or anything that you no longer
have a purpose for. Sell some stuff, have
some fun and make some money!!
We are interested in hearing from the
defence community about a Defence Car
Boot Sale, to be centrally located in the
Berrimah or Winnellie area during
October. We will be promoting the activity
on social media and through defence
organisations and Defence School Mentors
to encourage loads of customers!
Please register your interest:
admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
36 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 37

FATHER’SDAY
FATHER’SDAYGIFTIDEAS
SUNDAY 4 SEPTEMBER
1.
5. 6.
8.
9.
GIVEAWAY
This year we’ve got some epic prizes to giveaway to celebrate Father’s Day!
Whether you’re spoiling dad, gifting a mate, or just want to treat yourself, we
encourage all our readers to enter... Good Luck!
Win a Cruise courtesy of Defence Health!
The winner can choose from either a Katherine Gorge
Cruise or a City of Darwin Sunset Cruise to the value of
$250!
Find out more about the cruises available here:
nitmiluktours.com.au/gorge-experiences/gorge-tours/nitnitdreaming-two-gorge-tour
| cityofdarwincruises.com.au
7.
11.
10.
Win a Fishing Gift Pack courtesy of BCF!
The gift pack includes a Fishing Rod, Reel, Lure/Soft
Plastics to the value of $200!
Visit BCF today: www.bcf.com.au
2.
Win one of two Vouchers courtesy of
Backyard Barber Darwin.
3.
12.
The vouchers include a 1 x Cut Throat Shave
and 1 x Hair Cut to the value of $50!
Visit Backyard Barber Darwin today:
backyard-barber-darwin.business.site
1. Army Shop • Army Corps Glass Decanter - $49.95 •
Army Travel Cup - $14.95 • Combined Arms Contact
Vietnam Puzzle 1000 Piece - $49.95, 100 Piece - $14.95
www.armyshop.com.au
2. Billeroy House Fundraiser • Stubby Coolers - $10
billeroyhouse@rsldarwin.org.au
3. Codey’s Art • “The Lazy Prawn Hunting Club” T-
Shirt - $40
codeysart.com.au
4. Brothers’n’Books • “The World’s Coolest Book
Club” T-Shirt - $39.99 (on sale) • “In Plain Sight” By
Veteran Shaun Austin - $22.50
brothersnbooks.com/store
4.
5. Tradie Underwear • Prostate Cancer
Foundation of Australia Man Front Trunk - $12
5% of all Tradie PCFA branded underwear sold will
be donated to PCFA.
www.tradie.com
6. Big Aussie Barbie • Merchandise Pack
(includes Apron, 10 Balloons and 10 Stickers) -
$10. Supporting the 200,000 Aussie blokes and
their families currently affected by prostate cancer.
For more information about hosting a Big Aussie
Barbie and fundraise for prostate cancer visit:
www.bigaussiebarbie.com.au
8. Second Rodeo Clothing • Tac Cap - $34.95
secondrodeo.com.au
9. Darwin Kart Hire • Go-Karting Arrive &
Drive Packages - From $36 per person.
darwinkarthire.com.au/arrive-drive
10. Vistaprint • Custom Print Mug - From $14.99
• Custom Print Cushion - From $34.99
vistaprint.com.au
11. NT Adventure Park • 2-Hour Quad Bike
Tour - From $120
www.ntadventurepark.com.au
Win a Shopping Voucher courtesy of Jape
Homemaker Village to the value of $100!
Visit Jape Homemaker Village today:
homemakervillage.com.au
ENTER NOW AT
THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU/WIN
TERMS: Total Prize Pool valued at up to $650. Open to NT-Based Defence members, veterans and their immediate families aged 18 and up. Entrants
are permitted to apply for multiple prizes. Closes 10 September 2022. Winners for each prize will be drawn at random. Winners will be notified by
email/phone and announced in the next edition of The Top Ender. Enter online by visiting www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win
12. Darwin Harbour Cruises • Charles Darwin
7. Tactically Jaded • ADF Undershirts - $35.00
tacticallyjaded.com.au/collections/undershirts
Sunset Cruise - From $64 per adult.
www.darwinharbourcruises.com.au
38 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 39

The Committee Noticeboard
BECOME A COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR
$100
COMMUNITY
CONTRIBUTOR
VOUCHER
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.
One lucky community contributor will receive a $100
voucher in each edition!
VOLUNTEERING WITH US
you're
a winner!
Congratulations
to our June/July
Competition
Winners:
We always welcome new volunteers at The Top Ender Magazine. There is no time
obligation, we only 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 along the way.
For more information, including the unique benefits available to our volunteers,
please visit www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/volunteer
TOP END JOBS BOARD
• Live in Darwin
SPOTTO
WANT TO BE A CHOCOLATIER?
If you love working with food and enjoy serving customers, then DARWIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY would like to hear from you!
We are looking for candidates who:
• Possess demonstrated customer service experience
• Work independently
• Are available to work Tuesday to Saturday and the
occasional Sunday
• Thrive in a busy team environment
• Love learning
PART-TIME OPTION
2+ years experience working with food
Typical hours: 10:00am –3:00pm
• Have attention to detail, especially cleaning tasks (including
bathrooms)
• Hold a current NT Driver’s Licence
• Have an NT Police Clearance or the ability to attain
• Have triple Covid vaccinations
• Hold a current WWCC or willingness to obtain
• Have a passion for chocolate!
FULL-TIME OPTION
4+ years experience working with food
Experience supervising others
Darwin Chocolate Factory are open to job share with the right candidates - multiple positions available.
Please send CV to Kirsty.mcinnes@unoms.com.au
SPOTTO
Disclaimer: Positions listed are available at time of printing, please contact the employer for up to date information.
Have a look for these things when Haveyou’re a lookout for and these things when Haveyou’re a lookout forand
these things when you’re out and
Have about. aSee look if you forcan these find things all 10! about. when Seeyou’re if can out find and allabout. 10! about. See See if if you can canfind findall all 10! 12!
PINK
A DRAGONFLY
FLOWER
A
BOAT
DRAGONFLY
SANDY
A DRAGONFLY
BEACH
THE
THE
NUMBER
NUMBER
7
9
BLUE
THE NUMBER
CAR
9
UMBRELLA
THE NUMBER 9
A
POLICE
FIRE TRUCK
CAR
A
POLICE
SCOOTER
CAR
A
POLICE
FISHING
CAR
ROD
A
COCKATOO
DOG A
PALM
DOG
TREE
DIGERIDOO
A DOG
STOP SIGN STOP SIGN STOP SIGN
40 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 41
GREEN CAR
PLAYGROUND
SPOTTO
GREEN CAR
PLAYGROUND
SPOTTO
GREEN CAR
PLAYGROUND
Darwin Triple Crown
Brooke Christie
James Cooper
Territory Wellness
Voucher
Wendy Dunn
SHE Nails Deluxe
Pedicure
Azeema Perkins
Tanya Roberts
Integrity Hair Voucher
Steven Cotten
Rejuvenate Massage -
Tindal
Tiffany Corless
Matty’s Lawn Mowing
Ayesha Marshall
Princes Trust Australia
Care Package
Monique D’Agostino
Officeworks Kid’s Art
Pack
Sienna Ammerlaan

AUGUST
TRADIES NATIONAL HEALTH MONTH
MS READATHON
GARMA FESTIVAL - 29TH JULY - 1ST AUGUST
https://www.missingpersons.gov.au/
What’s On
SEPTEMBER
BIODIVERSITY MONTH
PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
BLUE SEPTEMBER AWARENESS
DYSTONIA AWARENESS MONTH
LIPTEMBER
Brothers’N’Books
Your Favourite Recommended Reads
NATIONAL MISSING PERSONS WEEK - 31ST JULY - 6TH
AUGUST
https://www.missingpersons.gov.au/
DARWIN CUP CARNIVAL - 1ST AUGUST
The iconic Great Northern Darwin Cup is one of the largest
sporting and social event in the Northern Territory.
https://darwinturfclub.org.au/darwin-cup/
WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK - 1ST - 7TH AUGUST
https://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/
DARWIN ABORIGINAL ART FAIR - 5TH - 7TH AUGUST
https://daaf.com.au/
NATIONAL INDIGENIOUS FASHION AWARDS - 5TH - 7TH
AUGUST
https://nifa.com.au/
TELSTRA NATSIAA EXHIBITION OPENS - 6TH AUGUST
https://www.magnt.net.au/
NATIONAL INDIGENIOUS MUSIC AWARDS - 6TH AUGUST
https://nima.musicnt.com.au/
RED NOSE DAY - 12TH AUGUST
Red Nose is dedicated to saving the lives of children during
pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood and supporting bereaved
families.
https://rednose.org.au
DARWIN STREET ART FESTIVAL - 12TH AUGUST - 5TH
SEPTEMBER
https://www.darwinstreetartfestival.com.au/
KEEP AUSTRALIA BEAUTIFUL WEEK - 15TH - 21TH AUGUST
https://kab.org.au/
NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK - 13TH - 21ST AUGUST
2022 Theme: Glass: More Than Meets the Eye
https://www.scienceweek.net.au/
OSTOJIC CHARIOTS OF THUNDER SPRINTCAR SERIES -
19TH - 27TH AUGUST
https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/events/ostojicchariots-of-thunder-sprintcar-series
BOOK WEEK - 20TH - 26TH AUGUST
2022 Theme: Dreaming with eyes open...
https://www.cbca.org.au/cbca-book-week
SPEECH PATHOLOGY WEEK - 21 - 27 AUGUST
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
CANCER COUNCIL DAFFODIL DAY APPEAL - 25TH AUGUST
https://www.daffodilday.com.au/
LEGACY WEEK - 28TH AUGUST - 3RD SEPTEMBER
https://www.legacy.com.au/legacy-week/
WATTLE DAY - 1ST SEPTEMBER
http://www.wattleday.asn.au/
NATIONAL ASTHMA AWARENESS WEEK - 1ST - 7TH
SEPTEMBER
https://asthma.org.au/get-involved/what-is-on/asthma-week/
WALK TO WORK DAY - 2ND SEPTEMBER
https://www.walk.com.au/wtw/homepage.asp
FATHER’S DAY - 4TH SEPTEMBER
PKD AWARENESS DAY - 4TH SEPTMEBER
Australians are encouraged to register to be an organ and tissue
donor and to have a conversation about it with their family and
friends.
https://transplant.org.au/donatelife-week/
NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK - 4TH - 10TH
SEPTEMBER
https://www.napcan.org.au
NATIONAL STROKE WEEK - 5TH - 11TH SEPTEMBER
https://strokefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/prevention-programs/
national-stroke-week
NATIONAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION DAY - 7TH
SEPTEMBER
https://hpeday.com.au/
WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK - 5TH - 11TH SEPTEMBER
https://www.womenshealthweek.com.au/
THREATENED SPECIES DAY - 7TH SEPTEMBER
https://www.wwf.org.au/what-we-do/species/national-threatenedspecies-day
R U OK? DAY - 8TH SEPTEMBER
https://www.ruok.org.au/
DARWIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL- 15TH - 25TH
SEPTEMBER
https://diff.net.au/
SAVE THE KOALA DAY - 30TH SEPTEMBER
https://www.savethekoala.com/
KAKADU BIRD WEEK- 30TH SEPTEMBER - 7TH OCTOBER
https://kakadutourism.com/explore-kakadu/events/kakadu-birdweek-2022
BrothersNBooks is an online community where followers share their own experiences and book reviews.
BOOK REVIEW:
Book - Lost Connections: Why You're Depressed and How to Find
Hope by Johann Hari
Reviewer Background - The insight this book has on depression is
overwhelmingly accurate.
In the beginning I was slightly annoyed at the author. He has no psych
credentials, but he was basically saying that SSRI antidepressants don’t
work. As the book went on, I realised that everything he said was
right.
Antidepressants do have a time and a place, however if you’re not
dealing with the core reason for your depression or trauma, they’ll
only be a Band-Aid that also clouds your brain.
The books lessons and advice: Johann explains 9 causes of depression,
tells stories as to how he came across them, and backs it all up with
research and lived experience.
He covers similarities and differences between grief and depression,
benefits of psychedelic drugs in clinical settings, the importance of
compassionate acknowledgement, the effects of shame and
humiliation.
I found sympathetic joy meditation so beneficial. This is an extremely
valuable tool, and it can help your thoughts be less toxic – I have
been doing it since reading the book.
It is SO much easier to say ‘good on you, I’m happy for you’ than
feeling horrible when you know someone isn’t coming from a genuine
place.
Johann also mentioned social media and the unhappiness and toxicity
caused by people competing and comparing lives. It is much healthier
to be happy for other people’s achievements and feel joy for them
than it is to feel jealousy and have negative thoughts or make
negative/passive aggressive comments. When this happens – try to
feel compassion for the person being negative, but also show them
boundaries.
Results - I incorrectly believed I loved isolation. I was alone, lonely,
unhappy, bored, unfit, and I did toxic things to hide it.
I rediscovered myself and connected with people walking a similar
path to healing and found solutions. I took up photography, started
reading again, went to the beach, did jiujitsu and started studying
again.
I reconnected – to people, nature, my body, and to my values. Johann
doesn’t need university-based credentials, he backs up his claims with
facts from psychologists, psychiatrists, scientists and lived experience.
LIBRARY UPDATE:
The 9th BrosnBooks Community Library is now established
at Fussell House at the Concord Hospital in Sydney.
Fussell House offers residential accommodation for
veterans (and their nominated support persons/families)
receiving care at the National Centre for Veterans'
Healthcare. I have no doubt this space and the books
provided will provide many visitors peace of mind, calmness
and relaxation in times of great stress.
A massive thank you to Bronte Pollard
and his team for including a reading
space in this facility and including
BrothersNBooks in their important
work.
Fussell House was named after
Lieutenant Michael Fussell, who paid the
ultimate sacrifice while serving with the
SOTG in 2008.
Written by CAPT Dylan Conway
6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment
Editor at BrothersNBooks
Instagram.com/Brothersnbooks
For more information and to find out about specific events in the region, check out the Tourism Top End Website www.tourismtopend.com.au/event
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 42events, The and Topthey Ender are| Tri-Services subject toMagazine change. Incorporated Please confirm with the organisation before attending.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 43
$100
COMMUNITY
CONTRIBUTOR
VOUCHER

C R E A T I V E S P O U S E S S E R I E S
Sound Healing with Eliza
Eliza is a Defence spouse who recently relocated to Darwin with her two little
girls.
“After having each of my children, I found myself searching for ways to manage stress and
overall wellness in a way that aligned with nature. After gaining these different skills for my
own toolkit, I had a desire to share this with others who were like me and nurture our
community.”
Some of the holistic healing therapy practices Eliza offers are Sound Healing, Reiki,
Meditation, Crystal Healing, Essential Oil creations, Empowerment and Wellness Coaching.
Eliza loves to host Women’s circles and Self-care workshops and is very passionate about
helping women (especially Mum’s) to be the best version of themselves.
C R E A T I V E S P O U S E S S E R I E S
The Dried Petal Company by Sam
My new small business started out as an idea of a hobby and ‘side hustle’. I needed something
for myself to do that didn’t involve only being a mum or my day-to-day job - I wanted to do
something in my downtime that I enjoyed!
I have always loved flowers and I purchased myself a dried arrangement for my birthday in 2021. From here
my love for dried arrangements grew! I love that when you buy a dried arrangement, they last years and not
just a few days like fresh flowers, especially in Darwin!
The highlight of my new venture so far was being asked
to make arrangements for a wedding! It’s been a really
fun process and I feel so grateful to have been asked!
The Dried Petal Company
thedriedpetalcompany
“My goal is to help everyone find magic in the everyday.”
What is Sound Therapy?
Sound therapy covers a broad range of therapies that utilise sound to address different
kinds of physical and mental conditions. It's rooted in the belief that everything in the
universe - living or inanimate - is made up of energy and maintains a vibrational frequency.
Maintaining the ideal level of frequency is vital to a person's health and wellness; otherwise,
an imbalance could lead to a physical, emotional or psychological disorder.
French ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr Tomatis, discovered sound therapy in the late
1940s after restoring the hearing of opera singers and factory workers by playing to them
the sounds they could no longer hear. He found a link between the ear and the voice and
figured that if he could improve the way a person listens, he could improve their learning,
balance, coordination, posture, communication, and creativity.
What are the Different Kinds of Sound Therapy?
Several types of sound therapy have been developed ever since its inception to address all
sorts of physical, emotional and cognitive conditions. Some examples of these include:
• Music therapy is one approach to sound healing that supports physical rehabilitation
and self-expression.
• Auditory retraining therapy is another form of sound therapy that helps address
learning difficulties, especially in children.
• Vibrational therapy involves placing an instrument on a specific point on the body
which corresponds to an organ or tissue that requires healing.
• The Tomatis method involves the use of specialised headphones to listen to recorded
sounds that aim to increase the frequency levels in the brain and improve the way it
processes sound.
• Guided meditation employs chanting or the repetition of healing sounds using one's
voice to reach a meditative state, and release pain and stress.
A sound therapist may use one or more instruments when treating a client, depending on
the latter's needs. Each instrument holds a unique sound and vibration that correspond
with the body's frequency. Some of the instruments used in sound healing include:
• Singing bowls
• Rainstick
• Tuning forks
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Poor concentration
• High blood pressure
• Chimes
• Pan flute
• Tibetan tingsha
What are the Benefits of Sound Therapy?
• Sleep issues
• Pain management
• Cardiovascular disease
• Mood disorders
• Drums
• Shamanic rattles
Sound therapy balances energy and vibrational frequency levels to alleviate symptoms of a
physical, emotional or mental condition. It's especially beneficial for the following conditions:
• High cholesterol
• Learning disabilities
• Low self-esteem
• Absent-mindedness
0468 965 663
A Sacred Space
asacredspace_
the.essentialmama_
Is Sound Therapy Safe?
Sound therapy has no side effects, nor
does it have any contraindications.
Everybody, regardless of age, can benefit
from it. To get maximum results, clients
should openly discuss with the sound
therapist the kinds of sounds or music
that work for them.
Extracted from Natural
Therapy Pages
www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/
cognitive/sound_therapy
Hi, I'm Tammy, the designer and maker at Smitten by Tammy.
After many years working as a Social Worker in the disability sector and a variety of
middle/high schools around Australia, I decided it was time to re-engage with my
creative side - something that I had lost touch with since the world of 'adulting' took
over.
6 years ago, I bought my first few packs of polymer clay to see if it was a creative
outlet that I would enjoy - I did enjoy it and soon enough I was attending my first
local market in Sale (Victoria). It went well, really well, and I eventually became a
regular vendor at that market.
Smitten by Tammy was born from a deep love of colour and unique design. I don't
tend to follow trends, but rather I make what I love. I have had some people tell me
my jewellery is 'alternative' but I only see that as a good thing - a niche if you will...
My ultimate aim is to make unique, high-quality jewellery that is absolutely loved by
their wearer for many years to come - you could say they are smitten.
Recently my husband and I moved back to Darwin after a decade long hiatus down
south, so it made sense to finally take Smitten by Tammy online.
About my Jewellery
Smitten by Tammy
All pieces are made from ‘Premo’ professional grade polymer clay. All pieces are
100% made by hand, meaning no two pieces are alike.
All earring hooks and posts are hypoallergenic and are made from surgical steel. All
earring posts and findings are embedded within the clay (no glue) which makes for
unquestionable strength. All necklaces are hung on leather cord and are adjustable.
smittenbytammy.square.site
Smitten by Tammy
44 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 45

C R E A T I V E S P O U S E S S E R I E S
Counselling & Coaching
with Megan Cornish
Megan Cornish, Lead Counsellor with Rohan Watson
Counselling & Coaching, works with couples,
individuals and children (5+) through just about any
life challenge or opportunity. Having a particular
passion for couples counselling, Megan says it’s about
“finding the friendship again” and improving
communication in the relationship. "In the current
climate where everyone is coming out of Covid &/or
deployments, they're tired! They just need to know
that they are being heard."
Whilst specialising in trauma and behavioural management,
which Megan finds really interesting, she also has great results
working with issues from emotional responses (anxiety,
depression or anger), PTSD through to workplace issues and
parenting.
Having experienced working with (former) Melaleuca
Refugee Centre, Megan found counselling to be extremely
powerful and emotional yet fascinating too. Working with
new people with new experiences, Megan's message is,
My wellness career started in July 2017 while
undertaking a Diploma of Remedial Massage. My
motivation to start studying massage was based on a
natural interest in helping people to relax and ease the
stress of day-to-day living.
In 2018, I developed a flare for intuitive healing and decided
to commence Reiki training, which led to the completion of
all three levels of training to become a Reiki Master. I tuned in
to my healings and found myself leaning towards what the
body needed rather than what the client thought they
needed. In 2019, I was introduced into Access Consciousness
the Bars and the energetic facelift, which opened my mind to
new possibilities and opportunities to create more ease, joy
and glory for my clients.
In 2020, we found ourselves posted to Katherine and I
reorganised my business to work from home in Tindal.
Humming along with massage and healing sessions, I always
felt the need for more learning and growth. My intuitive
meditation training began due to my love and passion for the
need to slow down and embrace those moments of clarity. It
also opened my mind to helping other people to relax,
allowing them to get more out of life. In 2021, I expanded my
knowledge into wellness and massage with chair yoga and
helping people with specific injuries to improve their
movement in a seated position.
With a genuine determination to follow this pathway, I
“you’re not alone; it involves all areas including
environmental, social circles and families.”
The thing that stuck in my mind whilst chatting with Megan
was this: “Knowing I’ve made just a small impact, one small
thing that can change a life, that makes what I do
worthwhile.”
The best advice Megan says she received was: “learn to
make changes; learn before you run and then go for it.”
Having moved recently from Queensland with her defence
partner, Megan understands the defence lifestyle, and the
trials and tribulations associated with it - she’s here to help
you through the hard times!
rohanwatson.com.au
Suite 3, 1 Buffalo Court, Darwin
The Creation of
The Rejuvenation Hub - Katherine
started 2022 with the intention to start thinking big with my
business. After a float tank session in Darwin, I realised that
there was an amazing opportunity to bring something like
this to Katherine. By May 2022, my dream of creating my
own piece of heaven has manifested, and The Rejuvenation
Hub was ‘born’ in Katherine. After posting a social media
video with the message “I’m in town”, my business took off
within its first week and I was fully booked within hours. We
are now a few months further along and pieces of the puzzle
are starting to arrive – a Float Tank, Infrared Sauna and
Reformer Pilates Beds will help to shape this hub as your
space to create more for tomorrow. In collaboration with
Jenny from Roar Art Design, we will also have an art studio
to help get your creative energy flowing.
My vision is simple; create more for tomorrow. My passion
for rejuvenation has created a community space focused on
growth, validation and walking alongside clients and friends. I
don’t believe in strategic marketing, being imposing or guilting
people into returning. I am focused on fostering relationships,
healing others and providing a space to shut down the
noisiest voices in our minds - a place to create and to be
recreated.
Written by Emily Nichols
Committee Member and Business Owner
The Top Ender and The Rejuventation Hub
Tales of a Top End Mum
Part 11
With a house full of sick people and some soloparenting
time under my belt, this last couple of
months has been a bit of a blur consisting of snotty
tissues, excessive glitter and bucket loads of coffee!
There’s not much more I can add. Life in Tindal has
exceeded my expectations so far and I have immersed
myself in so many activities that I never imagined; swimming
in freshwater pools, camping in the NT wilderness,
organising trivia nights and participating in community
events. So, for this edition, I am taking a break and enjoying
the dry season with my young family.
Until next time!
Written by Katie B.
Community Contributor
Tindal
Jim’s Dog Wash
C R E A T I V E V E T E R A N S E R I E S
David is a recently retired veteran after 23 years of service and
has now turned his love of dogs into a full-time business!
Tell us a little about you
I am the product of a veteran father! My Dad
was in the Royal Australian Electrical
Engineers (Aviation Div), so it made sense
that I would eventually enlist, and I have
deployed to Western Sahara, East Timor, Iraq
and Afghanistan. These days I’m a
grandfather!
What motivated you to become a
groomer and join Jim’s Dog Wash?
I have so much love and respect for dogs. I
have thought about grooming for a couple of
years, so I took the big step this year and
joined the franchise. Jim’s provide great
training, which gave me the skills and
confidence to groom and care for dogs to a
high standard. I’m fairly new to the business
after only three months, but I have some
regular customers already!
You mentioned it’s been good for your
mental health, would you like to
elaborate?
I think dogs and pets provide support; they
give so much and only want to be loved. All
of the dogs that I groom have a history and
it’s not always visible on the outside what
they have been through – a bit like mental
health. Some of my dogs are from a loving
family and some are rescue dogs at the
RSPCA.
Working with dogs and caring for them gives
me a sense of purpose and the dogs seem to
reciprocate. It makes me enjoy
my work and when I hand
them back to their owners, I
feel a bond with each dog, and
this means they’ll remember me next time I
visit for a pampering session.
Do you have a favourite breed?
I have two Louisana Catahoula Leopard
dogs, which are both rescue dogs. I’ve also
had a Bull Arab who passed away last year,
who was a gentle giant. I’ve had multiple
breeds previously, but to be fair, they have
all been good dogs and they will always have
special place in my heart.
Do you only work with dogs?
Yes, I do. I have had some inquiries about
cats, but I think that will be a whole new set
of extra special skills, including a training
course on how to groom and manage cats. I
do have a cat of my own, and he is lovely,
but he would be a challenge to groom.
What do you think it is about you that
sets you apart from other groomers?
I treat other people’s pets with the same
care and attention that I give to my own
pets, and I take pride in my work. I always
want the dog to look great and the
customer to enjoy hugging their pet when
the groom is completed. I also like to do a
little bit extra when I am grooming, free of
charge - I want the customer to say, "Dave
did this” or “Jims Dog Wash did this”. I
If you haven’t seen it already, I am
very excited to launch a new
product as part of my Ember the
Dragon range of merchandise!
These super fun tees can be
personalised with your child’s name,
then coloured in with washable
markers (not included). The tees are
$25 including postage, or you can
enter the code TINDAL in the
online checkout for local collection.
The perfect Christmas gift!
katherinebowman.square.site
NB: Please allow 4 weeks for
delivery.
take pride in what I do and strive to provide
great customer service.
Is there a story you’d like to share or a
favourite experience?
I support the RSPCA by donating my time
and services every Monday to help them
groom the new dogs, so they look amazing
and hopefully it helps them to find a loving
forever home. Seeing them adopted is a
really rewarding part of my volunteer work.
What tips do you have regarding pet
care?
• Always brush and groom your dog
regularly, as this prevents matting and
knots.
• ind the time to walk your dog as they
will love you for it and it is also a good
stress relief for you too.
• ALWAYS invest in a tick collar or tick
treatment, the Brown Tick is nasty for
your dog.
Interviewed by Char Carter
Community Coordinator
The Top Ender
46 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 47

Authorised by L. Gosling, ALP NT, 3/266 Trower Road, Casuarina NT 0810
Vale Darwin Local, Tony Maia
I served in the Australian Defence
Force for 13 years.
Now, I serve the Northern Territory.
Please get in touch if you need
help on any Federal matters.
We have a long military history with Timor-
Leste from WW2 that continues through to
the current day with the Defence Cooperation
Program in Dili and the ongoing 1st
Brigade relationship that has seen 1CER and
other elements deploying as part of the
annual Exercise Hari’i Hamutuk with the
Timor-Leste Armed Forces (F-FDTL) and
other Defence Forces.
In 1942, war came to Darwin and the island of Timor
simultaneously on the 19/20th Feb. That is one of the
reasons you will always see the Timor-Leste Consul to
Darwin and often F-FDTL members at our Bombing of
Darwin ceremony at the Darwin Cenotaph.
About 20 years ago, in the years after INTERFET, I made a film
for Channel 9 about this long military history with Timor-Leste,
including the support of the local Timorese to the 2/2nd
Independent (Commando) Company, the 2/4th Company and
later our ‘Z Special’ operatives - Just search ‘Debt of Honour’
on Youtube to watch the film.
Part of our WW2 story is a Timorese Australian who passed
away recently in Darwin, Mr Antonio (Tony) Maia. He was a
young man when he was hiding and protecting commandos
from the Japanese in the villages of Eastern Timor-Leste.
During a contact with the Japanese, he was shot several times,
but he survived.
His extended family suffered at least seven deaths and his
wife Veronica’s family suffered many more killed during WW2.
So, you can imagine that when war came again to East Timor in
1975, Tony fought for his life and did his best to safeguard his
family and move them to safety. This was a very dangerous
time, and the family was separated for a while, but Tony
managed to organise the transfer of his family via Australia and
West Timor. As refugees, with the assistance of the Red Cross,
they got to safety in Portugal where the family of 6 was reunited
in 1977.
In 1985, the family migrated from Portugal to Australia where
Tony, his wife Veronica and their children made Darwin home.
Tony worked as an upholsterer while they raised their family.
Tony lived well into his nineties and was living in the Darwin
suburb of Karama with Veronica and other family members. His
son, Verdial, told me that Tony wanted his family to know how
close they came to being killed in the war and how fragile life
can be, so it’s important that we are grateful and that we hold
dear our values of standing up for one another, helping our
neighbours in Timor-Leste and upholding the rights and
obligations of being a citizen of our beloved country,
Australia. That’s a great message - Lest We Forget.
In this photo Tony is catching up with one of the Australian
2/2nd Commandos John ‘Paddy’ Keneally.
(08) 8928 01 80
luke.gosling.mp@aph.gov.au
Luke Gosling MP
@LukeGoslingMP
Luke Gosling OAM MP is the federal Member for Solomon,
representing Darwin and Palmerston in Canberra. He
served in the Australian Defence Force for 13 years.
48 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 49

GROM
Riding with Rose Coloured Glasses
Wearing ‘rose coloured glasses’ is a rather old (circa
1840) saying, which is often still used today to describe a
person’s ability to overlook reality in favour of achieving a
desired outcome and is driven by an unchallenged,
cheerful and optimistic view of things. Sadly, this mental
nirvana is usually not based on any rational information or
facts, but an emotional connection to an idea or goal. In
many cases, hard truth and critical analysis are not always
present when people decide to purchase a motorcycle,
thus excitement and adrenaline usually prevails.
It is not uncommon for new riders to charge forward with their
newly acquired L-plates in hand, ready to pounce on the first
motorcycle ‘bargain’ they see. Equipped with a fist full of freshly
pressed 100 hundred dollars bills and an unwavering ambition to
instantly buy the bike of their dreams, their first motorcycle
purchase can be a steep learning curve. For most riders, the
memory of purchasing their first motorbike is a moment they will
never forget. Motorcycle ownership changes our understanding of
transportation as purely a means of travel to an enjoyable journey
between destinations, which also comes with a feeling of
increased ‘coolness’ and endless excitement!
Amongst all this joy and anticipation, a wise rider benefits from
pulling together a rough spending limit, which needs to be realistic
based on market research and includes all 'out the door’ (OTD)
costs. It is important to calculate additional costs that will impact
your overall budget, such as; registration, riding gear, insurance,
any expected repairs (if second-hand), luggage racks, screens,
seating modifications and any upgrades required to suit the rider's
size and characteristics. It’s important to note that many secondhand
motorcycles in our region are commonly overpriced. This is
a simple supply and demand issue and is driven by other buyers
who purchase motorcycles with rose coloured glasses.
It’s a clever strategy to develop a purchase plan when looking for
a second-hand motorcycle. Create a list of ‘needs versus wants’
and research the features and common problems for various
models. A well-educated buyer is less likely to fall into the trap of
paying too much if they have the correct facts and figures on hand
when negotiating the purchase of a second-hand model.
If the budget allows for the purchase of a new motorcycle instead
of second-hand, purchasing from a dealer has been made
exceptionally easy, but it pays to be cautious of some of the
convenient dealership finance options as they need to be
researched against other loans and finance options. Look out for
inflated interest rates and hidden fees for a new motorcycle,
which is a waste of hard-earned dollars. Before signing any
purchase agreement or finance contract, read the terms and
conditions slowly and clarify any conditions that seem unclear or
ambiguous. It is also wise to find out about the warranty period
and post-sale service, as well as researching any product recall
notices on motorcycles and whether all recalls have been
completed prior to finalising the purchase.
A dealership will also have less profit margin on smaller models
and therefore, less room to negotiate purchase price. If a buyer is
not concerned about purchasing a current year model, it may be
possible to negotiate a discount on demonstration stock or
previous year models that the dealer is wanting to clear. It may
also be beneficial to purchase accessories and riding gear as a
package deal. The real profit to the dealer is through continued
connection to their store, which includes future equipment
purchases and bike servicing. Research Redbook and Bikesales to
better understand depreciation and market value, and remember
that the NT is geographically isolated, so a dealership will be
considering offers based on freight costs and local taxes.
And one last thing to remember – if choice of colour is not an
important factor, standard colours are generally less expensive
than metallic finishes.
In short, enjoy the ride and go forth without wearing rose
coloured glasses.
Ride Safe.
Written by GROM
Community Contributor
The Top Ender Magazine
injury risks in a crash
Overtwo-thirds(68%) ofun-helmeted
riders hadheadinjuries. Of these, the
majority (90%) had softtissueinjuries,
59% had brain injuriesand
31% had skullfractures.
hand
head
30% of crashed riders hadhandinjuries.
Almost all of these (90%) had softtissue
injuries;just17% had fractures.
knee
50% ofcrashed riders hadknee injuries.
Almost all of these (96%) had softtissueinjuries;
just6% had fractures.
foot
16%ofcrashed riders had injuries totheir
feet. Themajority (94%) had softtissue
injuresand 25% had fractures.
Figure 1.The typesofinjuries sustained byridersin crashes
leg
arm
56% ofcrashed riders hadarm
injuries. Almostall of these (91%)
had softtissueinjuries; just30%
had fractures.
81%ofcrashed riders had leg injuries.
Themajority of these (94%) had softtissue
injuries;just40% had fractures.
NOTE: This is the typical pattern of injury in motorcycle crashes before specialised motorcycle protective clothing was widely available. 4
ankle
Figure 2.Injury risk zones
Zone1hasthehighestlevel ofinjuryrisk.
These areasneedimpactprotectorsandhighly
abrasion-resistantmaterial.The European
standardsforjacketsand pantsrequirea
minimumof4secondsabrasionresistance:
thatis, 4 secondsofsliding across theroad
surfacebeforeyourgearwearsthrough.
Zone2 alsohas ahighinjury riskand
needshighly abrasion-resistantmaterialbut
noimpactprotectors.Multiplelayersaremore
likely tobeeffectivethana single one.
Zone3 has alowerinjury riskandrequires
onlymoderatelyabrasion-resistantmaterial
(minimum1.8seconds).
Zone4 hasa relativelylowinjuryrisk.
Materialtoprovideventilationandelasticity
can beusedin theseareas, buttheystill need
toprovideaminimumof1secondofabrasion
resistance.Regulardenimjeans have onlyhalf
thisresistance(0.6 seconds). 7
Images: (Above) The Good Gear Guide. The types of injuries sustained by riders in crashes and
Injury risk zones.
Towards Zero
Youth Road Safety
We are excited to announce that we
recently received a $4500 grant from
the NT Government Department of
Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics
for activities relating to road safety for
the defence community, especially
young people.
As part of our commitment to Road Safety
NT initiatives, we will be including road safety
information in every magazine edition and
launching a number of road safety activities
to support the safety of young and
inexperienced motorists. With many ADF
families across the Top End experiencing
periods of absence from a significant parent,
and the additional challenges of soloparenting
and covering the cost of regular
driving lessons, defence youth can often
struggle to obtain the experience and skills
they need to safely maintain a vehicle and
share roadways under a variety of conditions.
NT Motorcycle Safety
When preparing yourself for a motorbike ride, please
consider the following precautions to protect yourself:
1. Cover your whole body.
2. Use impact protectors over your joints.
3. Protect your skin with abrasion-resistant material in
vulnerable areas.
4. Check the seams on your gear. There should be more than
one line of stitching, and at least one line of concealed
stitching on exposed seams.
5. Check that all fastenings are secure and protected from
contact with the road or other surfaces in a crash.
6. Avoid external pockets or straps that could become tear
points or snag on something in a crash.
7. Use insulated, waterproof and windproof materials to
protect you from the weather.
8. Use reflective or light colours and ventilation to protect you
from overheating.
9. Check that all your gear fits you properly so that it will
remain in place in an accident.
10. Don’t carry anything in your pockets that could cause
further injury in the event of an accident.
For further information about ride gear and safety, head to:
https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/162513/the-goodgear-guide-for-motorcycle-scooter-riders.pdf
The Top Ender’s Road Safety Activities Launching Soon!
1. REGULAR MAGAZINE ARTICLES IN EVERY EDITION
We will be sharing relevant road safety information in every magazine edition
to help raise awareness for key safety issues across the Top End.
WIN DRIVING LESSONS
2. DRIVING LESSON VOUCHERS
We will be giving away 2 x 1 hour driving school vouchers for young
drivers within the defence community across Darwin, Palmerston and
Katherine in the next 6 editions. Each voucher is valued at $75 and will be
provided as a voucher to the winners’ preferred driving school.
• A1 TERRITORY DRIVING SCHOOL
• ONE2ONE DRIVING SCHOOL
• ABC DRIVING SCHOOL DARWIN
• ACHIEVE DRIVING ACADEMY NT
• DRV4LYF KATHERINE DRIVING
SCHOOL
Terms: Apply to win a one hour driving lesson. Strictly open to defence youth. Apply now at
www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win
3. SEPTEMBER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - GO KARTING
Get involved with our go-karting activity for defence youth (a
parent is also
welcome to participate or be a cheer squad!).
The 3 hour activity includes;
• Go-karting fun with other defence youth
• Youth road safety presentation
• Vehicle maintenance workshop
• Lunch and refreshments
• Free resources from NT Road Safety
Recommended Participant age: 7-17 years
4. JANUARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Defensive driving workshop for the wet season
Registration for school holiday activities is essential due to
limited availability. Strictly open to defence youth,ADF
members and veterans. Dates to be confirmed. Register your
interested by contacting us at
admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Further information
Contact Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics
Road Safety NT
1800 720 144
www.roadsafety.nt.gov.au
50 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 51

Pets in Darwin
Dangerous Foods for Dogs
Most people like to give their dogs some human food every
now and then as a treat. However, there are some foods that
should never be fed to your pets.
Some dangerous food items that you should keep away from your
pet include:
• Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
Chocolate can cause hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors
and potentially death when ingested at a toxic dose. Other
effects seen with chocolate overdose are vomiting, diarrhoea,
increased thirst, increased urination and lethargy.
The amount of theobromine present in chocolate varies with the
type. The general rule is the darker the chocolate, the more
toxic it could be. Dark chocolate contains the most
theobromine, significantly more than milk chocolate, while white
chocolate contains virtually none. The darker the chocolate and
the smaller the dog, the more dangerous the combination.
• Onions and garlic are members of the genus Allium. Onions and
garlic can be harmful to dogs and cats. Onion and garlic in any
form including raw, cooked, in powders and in supplements can
cause damage to red blood cells, which could result in life
threatening haemolytic anaemia. It usually takes several days after
ingestion for animals to start to show signs of illness. Leeks and
chives are also part of the Allium genus and also have the
potential for toxicity if enough are ingested.
• Macadamia Nuts can be dangerous to dogs. The toxic
mechanism in dogs is unknown. Clinical signs commonly
reported in dogs ingesting macadamia nuts include weakness,
depression, vomiting, incoordination and tremors. In most cases,
dogs develop clinical signs within the first twelve hours after
eating the macadamia nuts.
• Grapes, raisins and sultanas have been shown to cause kidney
failure in dogs. As with macadamia nuts, it is not understood
why grapes are toxic for dogs. Symptoms usually start several
hours after ingestion, most dogs will vomit, and they may have
diarrhoea. Symptoms of kidney failure can develop in 1-5 days
after ingestion. It is best to avoid giving any grapes, raisins or
sultanas to dogs.
• Xylitol is a sugar alternative that is used in some sugar-free lollies,
chewing gums and other food items. Xylitol has been shown to
cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver damage
in dogs and can be fatal. Make sure you keep any products
containing xylitol out of reach of your pet.
If your pet ingests any of these foods, please contact your vet
immediately. All of these foods have the potential to be fatal for dogs
(depending on the amount ingested) and waiting to see if signs of
illness develop may mean that it becomes too late for effective
intervention.
Written by All Pets Veterinary Hospital
allpetsvet.com.au
DIY Dog Wash!
Get your buddy squeaky clean with PETstock DIY Dog Wash
Services!
Easy access, safe doggy tie ups and an elevated tub makes bath
time a little more comfortable for you and your buddy. It is
recommended that all dogs (even those with short hair) receive a
bath every four weeks, so lucky there’s no appointment necessary
for the Dog Wash and it’s good, clean family fun at only $10 for
10 minutes.
Additionally, PETstock can provide you with shampoo,
conditioner, flea wash and a hair dryer. It doesn’t get much more
convenient than that!
Please note PETstock D.I.Y dog wash bays closes 30 mins before
the store closing to be cleaned.
PETstock Darwin
Jape Homemaker Centre,
365 - 366 BAGOT ROAD
Millner Darwin, 810
08 8985 1265
PETstock Berrimah
798 Vanderlin Drive
Berrimah NT 828
08 8947 4492
Prepare Your Pet
for Boarding
Are you planning to travel away from Darwin over standdown
but haven’t organised care for your pet? It’s a good
time to start researching your options and booking in early
to save you the stress of last-minute pet arrangements!
52 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 53
Boarding
Helga's Pet Resort
25 Francesca Cirt, Darwin · 08 8983 1717
helgaspetresort.com.au
The Furry Godmother
16 Larkin Avenue, Darwin International Airport · 1300 438
779
http://www.furry.com.au/
PETCLOUD Pet Sitting Darwin
80 Boulter Road, Berrimah
https://www.petcloud.com.au/
The Cat Castle
53 Freshwater Road, Jingili Northern Territory 0810
08 8985 5474
thecatcastle.wordpress.com
NOW OPEN
6/10 Palmer Street, Katherine!
Massage
Sound Therapy • Meditation
Coming Soon to the Rejuvenation Hub…
Float Tank • Infrared Sauna
PLUS
Paint’n’Sip and Art Therapy with ROAR ART Design
Rejuvenate Your Wellbeing now in two great locations:
4 Jones Place, Tindal | 6/10 Palmer Street, Katherine
0 4 3 8 5 7 6 9 4 0

The Darwin Street Art Festival (DSAF) is delivered by
Proper Creative, a partnership between David Collins and
Jesse Belle, both artists have a strong background in the rich
history of graffiti and street art in Darwin and the NT.
Initially funded by Northern Territory Major Events Company,
DSAF is now supported by the Northern Territory Government,
Activate Darwin and a number of other valued sponsors.
Since its inception in 2017 DSAF has transformed the streets of
Darwin into a spectacular outdoor art gallery that attracts
thousands of visitors each year.
Along with bringing to Darwin some of the biggest names in
street and mural art in the world, DSAF works hard to enable
and encourage local artists to increase their skills and be paid for
their incredible work, as well as allowing them as much artistic
vision and licence as possible.
Shadforth Lane in Darwin City is the locals-only laneway - all the
pieces in this lane are done by artists local to the Northern
Territory.
The pieces that you see in Darwin’s streets are vibrant, thoughtprovoking
and accessible to all - something that DSAF is
especially proud of.
If you’re visiting Darwin or even if you live here and want to
know more about our street art there are lots of options to tour
the art in our town and beyond.
SUBURBS: Aug 12th - Aug 20th |
‘JOY’
Exhibition by Cindy May
Images: Courtesy of Territory Savvy Facebook @territorysavvy
CBD: Aug 26th - Sept 5th
Extracted from Darwin Street Art Festival
darwinstreetartfestival.com.au
THE SHOW REVIEWS
We had the pleasure of
giving away some free
tickets to Infamous the
Show... Read what our
guests had to say!
FROM CIRCUS
TO CIRQUE!
Before federation, before the
ANZACS, before test cricket,
there was James Henry
Ashton.
James Henry Ashton began life along a very different path
to what we know of him today. Once a convict, he began
working as an equestrian, then a freeman in the 1800s,
then he created the Ashton Family Circus in 1851 - the
longest running and most memorable circus name in
Australia’s history.
I recall as a young girl, my Dad would take us to the circus
- we were all so excited! It was an extravaganza to behold;
the Ring Master, the lion tamer, the elephants, the
monkeys, the tight rope walker... they were all so exciting
to watch, but the most exciting acts were the acrobats... if I close my eyes right now I am
taken back to the big top, gazing skyward as the ladies and men of the flying trapeze
swing from the highest of high swings seemingly touching the big top, somersaulting in the
air to be caught at the other side, just in time to swing back again - it was breathtaking,
exhilarating and inspiring.
And it is still exhilarating today but in a much different style to what we might expect.
Today, James Henry’s descendants, Joseph Ashton and Bekki Ashton (along with their
families and their troupe), are changing the face of the circus as we know it. Today, we
get to see a whole new genre explicitly for an 18+ audience; a little bit circus, a little bit
burlesque and a whole lot of flirtatious adult entertainment!
“… Ahhh!!!!…mazing!!! Is the only word that comes to
mind after watching “Infamous”. Who came up with this
bewildering combination of burlesque and circus... it goes
down smooth like rum and coke!
Infamous is not for the faint hearted, with breath taking
suspense from trapeze artists flipping somersaults at dizzying
heights to tight rope walkers on unicycles juggling. Combine
that with the flexibility and strength of the suspended corde
lisses (fancy word for acrobat on a vertical hanging rope).
Burlesque combines glamour and striptease into a fine art. So,
expect lots of pasties and booty as some acts leave nothing
to the imagination. Did I mention the eye candy for both the
men and the ladies! It is 18+ for a reason! …” - Jessica
“What a fantastic night out! Good to
see with a group of friends or even a
date night with your partner. Didn’t
quite know what to expect but it’s safe
to say it exceeded any thoughts I had!
Very tastefully performed and some
hilarious acts with a bit of suspense
included. Would definitely recommend
booking for tickets!...” - Angela
“…There’s just something about circuses… from
feeling on the edge of your seat, wondering if the
performers will pull off their death-defying stunts to
that nostalgic vibe of going back to a bygone era,
when live entertainment reigned supreme.
Infamous has it all: highly skilled jugglers, boneless
contortionists, breathtaking aerialists and
exquisite trapeze artists.
The strength of the choreographed acrobatic
routine to the electrifying daredevil wheel of death
will keep you wanting more…” - David
GALLERY HOURS
WED: 12 – 5 pm
THUR & FRI: 10 am – 5 pm
SAT: 10 am – 2 pm
(during exhibitions only)
FREE EXHIBITION 2 – 17 SEPTEMBER 2022
Cindy May is a local Darwin-based artist with a playful style of
mixing colour and everyday items. Her iconic watermelon artwork
is cleverly displayed alongside Trampoline Ice Creamery at the
Darwin Waterfront as a dynamic representation of life in the Top
End.The exhibition is designed to make you feel job, awe, happiness
and connection.
Cindy’s exhibition ‘Joy’ will be on display in
Gallery One at the Harbour View Gallery,
managed by the Darwin Visual Arts Association,
between 2 – 17 September 2022.
Cindymaydrawings
cindymay.myportfolio.com
The Darwin Visual Arts Association (DVAA, or later, DVA Inc) is an artist-run space that is committed to the
advancement of contemporary art that is relevant in the local, national and international context. DVAA
provides a forum for the production and exhibition of Territory, Australian and International contemporary art
and related practices. DVAA supports local artists at all stages of their careers by building capacity for creative
practice and fostering critical dialogue
through exhibitions, artist studios, artist
talks, publications, resources, events and
special projects.
Extracted from Darwin Visual Arts
darwinvisualarts.com.au/
Ground floor – Gallery One, Harbour View Plaza, 1/8 McMinn St, Darwin 0800 | (08) 8981 9351 | 0477 886 070 | info@dvaa.net.au
Welcome to Infamous the Show
Where did you find the inspiration to create a unique refashioning of circus and
burlesque?
It was supposed to be a six-month tour but when tickets were selling out, we knew we
were doing something right! We were borrowing our contortionist from Sugar Blue
Burlesque and teaching her our Ragdoll act. She introduced us to her friends and the idea
was formed to create a burlesque show. In 2009, our first combined show was called
“Big Top Tease” incorporating the dancers and our circus acts. We recognised this was
something people wanted to see, and it grew organically - it’s now been five years!
Whilst our demographic is smaller than our family circus, Infamous has demonstrated that
this is a show people want to experience. It is sophisticated with a little sensual nudity
and a host of fun; it’s for the men, the women, the couples, the individual - it’s exciting,
exhilarating, breathtaking!
Eight generations have continued the Ashton family tradition, now with an exciting
refashioning of a family favourite that we hope will continue for years to come. The circus
stops for just two things; war and pandemics but even then, the Ashton Family legacy will
always continue - gifted by their forefathers with love, laughter and excitement.
Season Two of Infamous the Show returns to Darwin 29 July – 21 August
Bekki Ashton Interviewed by Char Carter
Community Coordinator
The Top Ender
Photos: Infamous The Show. Courtesy of Lu-Ella Oxley. References: Bekki Ashton and Ashton Entertainment
54 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated www.ashtonentertainment.com.au/about-us/
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 55
Photos: Infamous The Show. Courtesy of Lu-Ella Oxley

MOON PHASES
NEW MOON
FIRST QUARTER
TIDES
NORTH COAST - DARWIN 2022
TIMES AND HEIGHTS OF HIGH AND LOW WATERS
TIME ZONE - 0930
AUGUST SEPTEMBER
Time m Time m
0211 1.32 0248 1.15
1 0839 6.98 16 0904 7.39
MO 1434 2.17 TU 1525 1.32
2011 6.32 2115 6.79
2
0238 1.49
0903 6.92
TU 1510 2.07
2050 6.27
3
0306 1.75
0928 6.77
WE 1548 2.02
2132 6.15
4
0335 2.13
0952 6.54
TH 1629 2.03
2220 5.96
5
0411 2.59
1018 6.22
FR 1713 2.07
2315 5.73
6
0459 3.11
1050 5.84
SA 1802 2.12
7
0022 5.53
0607 3.62
SU 1135 5.42
1908 2.15
8
0154 5.47
0746 3.92
MO 1253 5.08
2037 2.03
9
0345 5.79
0934 3.80
TU 1453 5.10
2201 1.69
10
0500 6.33
1054 3.39
WE 1612 5.51
2307 1.25
11
0557 6.84
1152 2.89
TH 1710 6.03
12
0002 0.86
0645 7.27
FR 1241 2.39
1802 6.50
13
0051 0.61
0727 7.56
SA 1324 1.93
1854 6.85
14
0134 0.56
0804 7.68
SU 1406 1.57
1944 7.03
15
0213 0.75
0836 7.62
MO 1445 1.36
2030 7.01
17
0321 1.70
0929 7.03
WE 1602 1.46
2157 6.43
18
0349 2.34
0949 6.56
TH 1640 1.74
2240 5.99
19
0414 2.97
1006 6.04
FR 1717 2.08
2328 5.54
20
0449 3.56
1027 5.46
SA 1804 2.45
21
0030 5.16
0606 4.06
SU 1055 4.87
1912 2.73
22
0219 5.05
0814 4.24
MO 1306 4.35
2048 2.78
23
0422 5.41
1122 3.79
TU 1542 4.53
2215 2.54
24
0510 5.84
1147 3.39
WE 1636 4.96
2310 2.19
25
0547 6.22
1209 3.05
TH 1715 5.41
2350 1.84
26
0620 6.54
1230 2.73
FR 1748 5.84
27
0025 1.55
0650 6.83
SA 1252 2.40
1822 6.22
28
0057 1.34
0718 7.06
SU 1317 2.07
1857 6.52
29
0125 1.26
0744 7.20
MO 1345 1.76
1930 6.73
30
0150 1.30
0806 7.24
TU 1415 1.52
2005 6.83
31
0215 1.47
0827 7.17
WE 1447 1.36
2040 6.82
Time m Time m
0240 1.77 0306 2.56
1 0846 7.00 16 0854 6.52
TH 1521 1.33 FR 1550 1.52
2118 6.69 2205 6.28
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
2
0308 2.19
0908 6.70
FR 1556 1.43
2201 6.42
3
0341 2.73
0930 6.30
SA 1635 1.67
2251 6.05
4
0423 3.33
0957 5.81
SU 1721 1.99
2355 5.64
5
0532 3.91
1034 5.25
MO 1830 2.31
6
0134 5.40
0745 4.19
TU 1211 4.70
2022 2.39
7
0345 5.73
1003 3.80
WE 1515 4.90
2200 2.04
8
0453 6.31
1108 3.14
TH 1626 5.57
2306 1.56
9
0543 6.85
1153 2.48
FR 1721 6.25
2357 1.16
10
0625 7.28
1232 1.87
SA 1811 6.82
11
0039 0.93
0700 7.54
SU 1310 1.37
1857 7.21
12
0115 0.93
0731 7.64
MO 1345 1.01
1938 7.39
13
0148 1.13
0757 7.56
TU 1418 0.85
2017 7.34
14
0217 1.51
0818 7.32
WE 1450 0.90
2054 7.11
15
0245 2.01
0837 6.97
TH 1521 1.14
2129 6.73
17
0327 3.10
0910 5.98
SA 1621 1.99
2245 5.79
18
0355 3.64
0925 5.39
SU 1701 2.51
2337 5.33
19
0508 4.14
0926 4.79
MO 1807 2.98
20
0100 5.01
1955 3.19
TU
21
0400 5.26
1119 3.69
WE 1600 4.48
2152 2.93
22
0443 5.70
1127 3.27
TH 1636 5.05
2248 2.51
23
0515 6.11
1142 2.87
FR 1708 5.59
2328 2.11
24
0545 6.50
1201 2.45
SA 1740 6.11
25
0001 1.78
0613 6.84
SU 1225 2.00
1814 6.57
26
0031 1.56
0639 7.11
MO 1251 1.56
1847 6.94
27
0100 1.48
0703 7.27
TU 1319 1.17
1921 7.20
28
0126 1.53
0724 7.31
WE 1349 0.89
1954 7.33
29
0151 1.71
0745 7.23
TH 1420 0.76
2029 7.30
30
0218 2.03
0807 7.03
FR 1452 0.83
2105 7.10
MOZZIE WATCH
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.
SALT MARSH MOSQUITOS
AUGUST
M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12◌ 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27● 28
29 30 31
SEPTEMBER
M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10◌ 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26● 27 28 29 30
OCTOBER
M T W T F S S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10◌ 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25● 26 27 28 29 30
31
BITING MIDGES
AUGUST
M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12◌ 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27● 28
29 30 31
SEPTEMBER
M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10◌ 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26● 27 28 29 30
OCTOBER
M T W T F S S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10◌ 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25● 26 27 28 29 30
31
Aedes vigilax can
transmit Ross River virus
and Barmah Forest virus.
In Darwin, salt marsh
mosquito numbers
increase after each
succeeding spring tide
and heavy rain between
August and January. Very
high Ae. vigilax numbers
can usually be expected
between October and
mid-January, depending
on tides and rain. The
mosquitoes are largely
absent or occur in
relatively low numbers
from February to July.
Mangrove biting midge
abundance is 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 usually occur
between August and
December.
REFERENCES
https://hdl.handle.net/10137/11953
https://hdl.handle.net/10137/11952
https://hdl.handle.net/10137/741
DONATED BY OUR SPONSOR
W I N
KIDS, LET’S GET CREATIVE!
Do you love to draw, paint, sculpture, make or model?
Show us your artistic talents by sending a photo of your
artwork to feature in the next edition of The Top Ender.
One lucky entry will win an art pack valued at $50!
ENTER NOW AT
THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU/WIN
TERMS: Prize Pool valued at up to $50. Open to NT-Based Defence Kids up to age 17. Closes 10 September 2022. Enter online by
visiting www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win and submitting an original artwork (e.g. painting, drawing, sculpture, lego creation,
sewing creation etc...). Can’t attach a photo of your creation to our online form? Email it to us at
creative@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Winners will be notified by email/phone and announced in the next edition of The Top Ender.
HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
TO LIVE, TO LOVE, TO GROW IN CHRIST
Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School is an innovative, challenging, supportive and contemporary learning environment. We encourage all in
our community to reach their full potential and acknowledge and celebrate their efforts and achievements.
Gsell Street, Wanguri 0810 | 08 8927 3411 | holyspiritnt.catholic.edu.au
56 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 57

School is back in session!
Let’s Talk Lunchboxes
Avoid the 'sandwich' fatigue this term with some kid-approved lunchbox meals
to keep little tummies full all day. These lunchbox meals will wake up their
tastebuds and keep them energised while they learn and play.
Roll it up!
Pizzas are a favourite treat for kids, which is why they make a
delicious lunchbox meal. Adapt the humble pizza into pizza scrolls
with pita bread, wraps or puff pastry. You can also add some
chopped up veggies (such as; spinach, tomatoes and capsicum) to the
pizza sauce base for an extra nutritional boost.
Try the recipe
You’ll need:
• Tomato Paste (or pizza sauce base)
• Grated Cheese
• Chopped or Blended Vegetables
• Choice of wrap – we prefer puff pastry
• (optional) add ham or chicken as an additional filling
• (optional) basil or oregano for added flavour
Method:
• Preheat oven to 200ºC
• Spread your sauce base onto the wrap of choice (mix in blended
veggies, if required)
• Add cheese, veggies, or other fillings
• Roll tightly into a log
• Slice into 2cm round discs
• Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown
Pizza Scrolls will keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the
fridge or freeze on a tray for up to 3 months. Pizza scrolls can be eaten
hot or cold and safely reheated in the microwave, oven, air fryer or
sandwich press.
How to Hack Fussy Eating
Try not to make the vegetables the focus of mealtimes; simply add
them to the plate without comment. It may take many attempts
before your child is ready to try new foods, but offering regularly and
discussing the development of our tastebuds will encourage them to
try over time.
Make food fun! Talk to your children about eating the rainbow, a
fun way to encourage eating a variety of healthy foods that fuel the
development of our bodies and minds in different ways. You could
also label broccoli and cauliflower as ‘dinosaur trees’ and see
whether it changes eating patterns.
Finally, blending, crushing or chopping healthy options into curries,
sauces or crumbs will allow you to get some goodness into
mealtimes without too much of a fight with fussy eaters!
As parents, we know how frustrating it can be when your child
brings home a full lunchbox after a long day at school. If you have
tips or tricks to get more goodness into your kid's mealtimes, share
them with us via email: articles@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Make it a Muffin!
Savoury muffins are easy to pack and make the perfect on-the-go snack
for little ones. Fill each muffin with your favourite vegetables and
seasonings (blend the veggies for fussy eaters), top with cheese and bake!
Are you looking for something sweeter? Substitute the veggies for your
kid’s favourite fruits.
Try the recipe
You’ll need:
• 1 cup of Milk
• 1 Egg
• 2 tbsp Oil or melted Butter
• 1 cup of self-raising flour
• (optional) add your favourite fruit, veggies, herbs, spices or cheese
for flavour.
Method:
• Preheat oven to 180ºC
• Mix milk, egg, oil/butter and flour together
• (optional) add blended fruit or veggies to the mixture
• Fill lined muffin cups up to ¾ full
• (optional) Add chopped fruit or veggies and cheese to the top of
the mixture
• Cook for 10 minutes in the Air Fryer at 180ºC – or – 20 minutes at
180ºC in the oven.
Muffins are ideal for freezing, so make a batch, and you'll always have a
quick lunch ready to go. They keep for around two months in the oven, take
them out the night before, and you’re ready to go!
That’s a Wrap!
A fresh alternative to sandwiches are wraps. You can customise wraps in
many ways, like rice paper wraps with yummy chopped veggies or tortilla
wraps with chicken and smashed avo. Add some dipping sauce or
hummus for added flavour.
Reconnecting with Go-Karts
When my husband spoke to me about
our son starting go-kart practice at six
years old, I envisaged a supercharged
golf-cart with a top speed of 20km/h,
which seemed like a low-risk hobby
that they could enjoy together.
After a few months of hearing
them buzzing about their
experiences ‘at the track’ and
reviewing some of their training
footage and statistics together,
my subconscious mind
overheard my son ask how fast
he was travelling down the
straight...To my horror, my husband
casually replied, “that lap was 82km/h”
...WHAT!? 82km/h?! Not quite the
golf-cart experience I had in mind, but
it was too late... My son and husband
were hooked on go-karting.
Strange parcels started arriving from all
over Australia in my husband’s name,
then quickly disappearing into the shed.
Days in the shed rolled into nights. I
listened to them tinkering, clanging,
chatting and celebrating.
My husband was teaching our son about every part
of the go-kart and how to service it. They replaced
parts, cleaned parts and customised the kart to make
it comfortable.
Although our son is too young to race competitively until he is
seven years old, watching them bond through go-karting has
been a wonderful experience and something that I hope
continues throughout our son’s childhood, and into adolescence.
I also enjoy the sense of purpose it has given my husband and
how he can apply his racing knowledge to inspire and teach our
son. Go-karting is a lot of fun for families with clubs and
competitions all around Australia.
Benefits of go-karting:
• It’s reasonably safe and unlikely that go-karts will flip over
• It’s a national sport with clubs around Australia
• It reduces screen time
For your local go-karting experience in Darwin, contact: darwinkarthire.com.au
• It promotes new social connections and healthy
sportsmanship
• It increases concentration, confidence, focus and resilience
• It teaches vehicle maintenance, basic driving and defensive
driving skills
• It’s a fun activity for families, regardless of gender and age
(not suitable for children under 7 years)
• It encourages family fun and quality time
Aboriginal Astronomy
For over 50,000 years,Aboriginal Australians
have had a deep connection to the stars and
planets, and their movement across the sky.
This connection can be found in oral
traditions, art and ceremonies, and cultural
practices.The practical use of this knowledge
was applied to navigation, creating calendars,
and the harvest of food sources.
Most Indigenous groups across Australia were
hunter/gatherers who moved across their
countries to take advantage of seasonal food
sources. They practiced careful land management
techniques, such as fire stick farming, to increase
the food yield on the land. These practices were
guided by the seasons, and the change in seasons
was marked by changes in the night sky. This
understanding of the sky included eclipses, the
motion of the Sun and Moon and the Moon’s link
to tides, and the ability to predict the rising and
setting places of celestial bodies.
Celestial objects also form an important part of
the Dreaming, explaining the creation of the
earth, sky and people, and the astral beings that
influence life on earth. The spirit world was in the
stars, and after death the spirit would return to
the sky country. In some parts of Australia, oral
traditions of the sky are complemented by rock
art, stone placement and carvings that help to
illustrate and mark celestial events.
While each group had stories and practices
unique to their needs, several star stories are
common across much of Australia, one of which
is the Dark Emu that can be found in the dark
patches and streaks between the stars of the
Milky Way. Throughout the year, the position of
the Dark Emu signals different food sources and
tasks, which vary between groups across the
country according to local needs.
Although Aboriginal people have had these
connections to the night sky through many
thousands of years, it is only recently that
western researchers have come to
understand the deep traditional knowledge
of the night sky in Indigenous culture. There
is now much important work being done
with the traditional owners of these stories
to record them for future generations.
Written by Anna Ridley
Museums Coordinator
The National Trust
Written by Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender
Photo: By Robyn Wong
Photo: The Moon by Army veteran Daniel
Baster, taken from Durack.
58 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 59

KIDS CORNER
MISSION: COMPLETE PUZZLES
Which path leads
to the moon?
Decorate your
own spaceship!
A B C
ASTRONAUT
Find all ten words in
the wordsearch
above!
Spot the six
differences
between these
pictures
BLACKHOLE
COMET
GALAXY
MOON
PLANET
SATELLITE
SPACE
STAR
TELESCOPE
Crack the code
Decipher the morse code using our key
below to reveal a question to answer.
SUN
START
CRACK THE CODE ANSWER:
Find your way
through the solar
system to the Sun
th
ANSWERS: Crack the Code: What date was the moon landing? Answer: 20th July 1969
60 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 61

The Top Ender
Office.......................................................................................................0419274735
Admin.......................................................admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Advertising.....................................advertising@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 7971 0008
Mess Manager..........................................08 8935 4422 / 0437 795 258
Larrakeyah Barracks
Front Gate................................................................................08 7971 1189
Officers’ Mess..........................................................................08 8935 5570
ORs’ Mess.................................................................................08 8935 5088
Sergeants’ Mess.......................................................................08 8935 5580
RAAF Base Darwin
Airmen‘s Mess.........................................................................08 8923 5517
Front Gate................................................................................08 7929 4463
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 6186
Officers’ Mess..........................................................................08 8925 3650
ORs’ Mess.................................................................................08 8925 2514
Sergeants’ Mess.......................................................................08 8925 6703
Defence Community Houses
Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House............................................0447 586 591
Email...........................................................larrakeyahhouse@hotmail.com
Network Tindal.............................................................................................................
Email.....................................................................networktindal@gmail.com
Robertson Barracks Family Group..............................................0490 151 944
Email.....................................robertsonbarracksfamilygroup@gmail.com
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.........................................................................0427 968 918
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 7971 7130
CIP (Exchanges)........................................................................08 7971 6920
Tailor...........................................................................................08 7971 7043
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 Member and Family Support (formerly DCO)
Website...................................................................www.defence.gov.au/dco
Defence Family Helpline........................................................1800 624 608
Darwin Office.............................................................................08 8935 7900
Tindal/Katherine Office...........................................................08 8973 6353
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........................08 7929 4547
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 Military Wives Choir...............................................0416 878 261
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
62 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 63

RAAF Darwin Fishing Club............................................................08 8924 2045
RAAF Darwin Golf Club................................................................0459 746 306
Swimming
Masters Swimming.................................................................08 8981 5919
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
Have we missed something?
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.
ADVERTISE
HERE
For Advertising Rates for your business.
please see the inside back cover or contact
us for more information!
Email us at admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
to request alterations or additions to the The Top Ender Magazine and
Handy Directory.
ADVERTISE WITH US
For over 25 years, our not-for-profit publication has enabled targeted communication to Defence
personnel and their families across the Northern Territory. Released bi-monthly, each issue
contains valuable information, entertainment and support services to the Defence community,
alongside limited advertising space exclusively for local businesses and organisations.
COMPANY INFORMATION:
COMPANY NAME
BILLING ADDRESS
CONTACT INFO:
PHONE NUMBER
EMAIL
AUTHORISING PERSON:
TERMS & CONDITIONS
SIGNED:
MOBILE
RETURN TO:
The Top Ender Magazine
PO BOX 35874,
Winnellie NT 0821
advertising@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Full payment of your advertisement must be made prior to the Advertising Deadline applicable to the nominated publication edition. Without full
payment, the advertisement will be withdrawn. Cancellations must be received in writing by email. Cancellation fees for advertisement bookings
are as follows;
- Over one (1) month’s notice - No fee
- Within one (1) month, but before Advertising deadline - 50% fee
- After Advertising deadline - Non Refundable
A confirmation and invoice will be provided to you prior to the deadline.
I hereby confirm that all information supplied above is accurate and consent to proceeding with purchasing the advertisement selected
on the reverse of this form.
$350 + GST
per edition
Includes:
Black and white printed
advert
DATE:
Please select your preferred advertisement and the edition(s) you wish to book from the options below. Spaces are limited and subject to
availability. Should your selection be unavailable, we will contact you promptly.
Please tick your selection below
FULL PAGE
Content must be within 185mm x 262mm
Maximum Image size 210mm x 297mm + 5mm bleed
$1300 + GST
per edition
Includes:
Colour printed advert
Request Inside Cover Page
- Additional $450 + GST
Request Back Outside Cover Page
- Additional $550 + GST
Cover Pages are subject to availability. We recommend
booking these spaces in advance to avoid
disappointment.
Artwork Assistance is available upon request.
HALF PAGE
QUARTER PAGE
FOR BOOKINGS & INFORMATION CONTACT ADVERTISING@THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU
ABN
Content must be within 185mm x 130mm
Content must be within 90mm x 130mm
$200 + GST
per edition
Includes:
Black and white printed advert
$400 + GST
per edition
Includes:
Colour printed advert
$700 + GST
per edition
Includes:
Colour printed advert
EIGHTH PAGE
Content must be within 90mm x 65mm
$105 + GST
per edition
Black and white printed advert only.
PRICES UPDATED
SEPTEMBER 2021
All prices excl. GST
Contact us for more
advertising opportunities
EDITIONS
FEB/MARCH
APR/MAY
JUNE/JULY
AUG/SEPT
OCT/NOV
DEC/JAN
Image file types
accepted:
jpeg at 300dpi
tiff at 300dpi
png at 300 dpi
eps, psd and ai also
accepted

Goodstart CDU
opening soon!
LakesideDrive,CharlesDarwinUniversity
Ournewcentrelocatedonthegroundsof
CharlesDarwinUniversityisopeningsoon
☑ Openinghours6:30am–6:00pm
MondaytoFriday
☑ We’reopenallyearroundexceptpublic
holidays(andwedon’tchargefeeson
publicholidays!)
☑ Alsoincludedinyourdailyfeeare
nappies,wipes,sunscreen,cotandbed
linen,ahatandt-shirt
☑ Communicationandupdatesonyour
childprovidedviatheStoryParkapp
☑ Mealsprovidedincludemorningtea,
lunch,afternoonteaandalatesnack
Enquire now 1800 222 543
goodstart.org.au