The Top Ender Magazine December 2022 January 2023 Edition

haileyburyrendall.com.au
THE TOP ENDER TRI-SERVICE MAGAZINE
December 2022 / January 2023
COVER IMAGE: Anthony Field dressed in his Blue Skivvy as part of The
Wiggles. © The Wiggles
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, Masela Draper, Emily Nichols, Kristy
Lewis, Ian Anderson, Clare Corvia, Stella Taylor
CONTACT US
More than
keeping a brilliant the
game in check.
More than an
award-winning
teacher.
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 Zip Print 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 At Haileybury student. Rendall Well respected School, weamongst encourage the
community, Driven everyone and to Ethan’s determined, pursue their organised passions—even Haileybury and disciplined Rendall our
approach School teachers, students like to life, Jye. asAs like well a Emily proud as hishave Nykinia charming their andsights
personality, Yaruwu woman, canJye’s be displayed love for running everything has
set on success. Be it as a talented and
he seen does. her Calm compete in the in classroom the Indigenous as a keen Marathon
competitive gymnast or pursuing her love
student Project. When and collected she’s noton running the court longas distance, a
qualified for youstorytelling can find basketball her running as areferee, Territory Indigenous Ethan Young dreams Education Author of
being Award classes. a winner, doctor Teachers inEmily the like future. Jye is writing areFor what now her makes though, future ouras
he aschool talented is focused the shining all-rounder. on enjoying example We school ofcan’t educational lifewait to the to see
fullest how excellence the andnext we in the think chapter Territory. 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 ANTHONY FIELD
06 CYCLONE TRACY
14 TOBRUK DIARY
19 LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS
20 NEPTUNE PORU - PART 3
SUPPORT
11 LEGACY CENTENARY
13 EVERYMAN’S WELFARE SERVICE
16 NT VOICES BY DVLS
24 ADF TRANSITIONS
26 DEFENCE MEMBER AND FAMILY SUPPORT
27 PRINCES TRUST AUSTRALIA
28 DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS
30 DEFENCE FAMILIES OF AUSTRALIA
31 OPEN ARMS - ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
37 MATES 4 MATES
42 CHAPLAIN’S CHAT
46 VETERANS LEGAL SERVICE BY DCLS
58 DEFENCE HEALTH
09 FROG HOTEL
COMMUNITY
10 MOTHER TERESA ANZAC DAY AWARD
10 PINK LADIES LUNCH
11 NT OFFICERS BALL
13 SHUTTER SHOTZ
16 CHINESE NEW YEAR
20 DARWIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
22 NT CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS DSM
32 NETWORK TINDAL
32 PILBARA REGIMENT FAMILY GROUP
34 ROBERTSON BARRACKS FAMILY GROUP
34 LARRAKEYAH NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE
CONTENTS
35 BILLEROY HOUSE
35 SAINT BARBARA’S DAY
35 150 YEARS OF AUSTRALIAN ARTILLERY
36 COMMITTEE NOTICEBOARD
38 LUKE GOSLING
40 VETERAN GAMING AUSTRALIA
41 THE PILATES WAY
43 BOMBING OF PEARL HARBOUR
43 BROTHERS’N’BOOKS
47 GROM
49 TOWARDS ZERO - HOLIDAY TRAVEL
50 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
52 CREATIVE COMMUNITY SERIES
66 HANDY DIRECTORY
SPOTLIGHT
INTERVIEW WITH ANTHONY FIELD - PG 4
CYCLONE TRACY - PG 6
TOBRUK DIARY- PG 14
LAST MINUTE XMAS GIFTS - PG 19
CHRISTMAS FUN RUN - PG 50
CHRISTMAS AT THE WATERFRONT - PG 50
COMPETITIONS
THE WIGGLES GIVEAWAY - PG 5
WIN WITH OUR SPONSORS - PG 18
COUPLES DATE NIGHT - PG 18
TINDAL & PILBARA WIN - PG 33
YOUTH DRIVING LESSONS - PG 48
PRINCES TRUST GIFT PACK - PG 52
YOUTH MAGAZINE PHOTO - PG 61
KIDS ART PACK - PG 62
SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY PACK - PG 62
LIFESTYLE
SEVERE WEATHER SEASON - PG 08
TIME TO TRAVEL - PG 17
RESTAURANT REVIEW - PG 51
PETS IN DARWIN - PG 56
CONTROLLING CANE TOADS - PG 57
ELLA BACHE FANNIE BAY - PG 59
KIDS + TEENS
FAMILY GO-KARTING DAY - PG 48
YOUTHWORX NT - PG 60
YOUTH WEEK - PG 61
WET SEASON ACTIVITIES - PG 63
KIDS PUZZLES - PG 64 & 65
FROM THE COMMITTEE
WELCOME
Welcome to our very first full-colour edition! And
welcome to those of you who have recently posted to
the Top End!
We have squeezed so much into this final edition of
2022 with lots of competition prizes, last minute gift
ideas for Christmas, wet season activities to do at home,
events around Darwin and Tindal, plus an exclusive
interview with the OG Wiggle... Anthony Field!
We hope you are all coping in the heat and carve out
some quality time with family during this reduced tempo
period.
From the entire committee, have a happy and healthy
festive season!
UPCOMING
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 February/March edition is: 15th December
2022.
DISTRIBUTION DAYS
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.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
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: TBC - first week February
Meeting: TBC - Tuesday 24th January
Contact admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
for further details.
DECEMBER 2022 JANUARY 2023
FAREWELLING
Thank you to Daniel Campbell, Deb Muir,
Katie Bowman and Jaymee Coverdale for
their contributions, as they depart our
committee for new and exciting pursuits!
These exceptional people gave their valuable
time and talents to further develop our
publication. We are very grateful and wish
them all well in their future postings!
INTRODUCING
As we farewell some familiar faces, we also
welcome some new ones!
Please join us in welcoming Masela Draper,
Emily Nichols, Kristy Lewis, Stella Taylor,
Clare Corvia, Char Carter and Paul Carter
and Ian Anderson to our volunteer
committee.
GET
INVOLVED
$100
COMMUNITY
CONTRIBUTOR
VOUCHER
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.
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!
If you would like to volunteer with us, 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.
For more information, including the unique benefits
available to our volunteers, please visit www.
thetopendermagazine.org.au/volunteer
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
DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 3

THAT’S RIGHT...
IT’S OUR FAVE OG WIGGLE...
Between international tours and a busy schedule of fun projects, we
somehow managed to knock on enough doors to chat with Anthony
Field about his Army experience, mental health advocacy and incredible
journey with The Wiggles. It doesn’t take long to realise that Anthony is
incredibly humble and has a fantastic sense of humour that shines
through his loveable character as the blue Wiggle.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO JOIN THE ARMY?
My life always seems to cycle around Elvis... I was watching GI Blues and thought it looked
like fun, so I enlisted as a Rifleman on the 13 July 1982, then I went to Kapooka and
released it was nothing like the movie! I remember the first comment from my Recruit
Instructor; “you’re not smoking w**d on Bondi Beach now, Recruit Field”. I’m lucky I had
a sense of humour and never took it to heart - I loved it.
WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF TRANSITIONING
FROM THE ADF?
I transitioned from Army in1985. In those days, you only had a 3-year obligation and I was
loving Army life, but I had played in a band called the “Cockroaches” before enlistment
and they wanted me back.
I played the pipes and drums in parades for the Battalion and I remember a CPL
Royston writing on my farewell plaque;“there’s nothing out there for you!” [laughs]. I
was planning to join the NSW Police Pipe Band while playing with the ‘Cockroaches’,
but it closed down just before I transitioned, so I went to study Early Childhood
Education at University. It was not an easy decision for me to leave at the time - I
loved every minute of life in the Army and I have fantastic memories.
WHAT SKILLS/LESSONS DID YOU LEARN IN THE MILITARY
THAT YOU STILL USE REGULARLY?
I still carry my bags in my left hand so I can salute people randomly!
I also learned to play bagpipes in Army, which was a great tradition and
honour in the Infantry. We played at parades and funerals. The best
thing I learned was self-discipline and knowing that your actions and
decisions can affect the team, which also includes working
collaboratively in a group to help the team progress. My mates from 5/7
RAR have stayed in contact, which has been really meaningful for me.
The success of The Wiggles is based on showing the team how to
tour well, pack light and work as a team to perform as a group.
We all know how important it is to be reliable and resourceful.
We have a structure a bit like the CoC, which has been so
successful and our team have worked with us for 25 years because
they know they will be treated well. Sometimes we have veterans
working with us on tour and they have so many random skills
(forklift etc) and work harder than anyone! We recently had an
Army Engineer help us with one of our Wiggles projects.
As a Private Soldier in Army, I did what I was told and learned as many skills as I
could. But, when I left defence, I realised that I had to think for myself, which was a
big transition for a Private and I felt a bit unsure until I found my feet at University.
WIN
Tell us your favourite Wiggles song for a chance to win!
ANTHONY
FIELD
TERMS: Open to NT-Based Defence children up to 6 years old. Closes 10 January 2023. Five winners will be notified by email/phone and announced in the next
edition of The Top Ender. Five Prize packs valued at over $90 each kindly donated by Anthony Field and The Wiggles. Enter online by visiting www.
thetopendermagazine.org.au/win
HOW DID YOU GO FROM ARMY TO
CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT?
I’ve always loved music, especially Rock n Roll!
My sister suggested that I study pre-school
teaching, so I became qualified and then
gathered a few guys at University to join in
with my kid's idea. It was a beautiful accident.
There was apparently ‘no market for it’ and
ABC originally said that we would be lucky to
sell 500 tapes...
We then went to visit a lady in Double Bay
to ask her to manage us, and she replied;
‘what am I going to do with 4 guys, a guitar
and a dinosaur?’. After that, we just did it
ourselves and started organically.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO UNWIND
AND MANAGE STRESS?
I always use music to relax and manage stress.
I play tenor banjo, bagpipes, mandolin and
folk instruments. I can sometimes play for 3
hours per day, and it feels like I don’t have a
problem in the world.
I suffer from anxiety and depression, and
there have been many times that I would
have to stop the car on tour and get out. I
would often curl up in a ball and I suffered
really badly with panic attacks. I’m medicated
now, but music helps me so much. I had
PTSD from Boarding School, so certain things
trigger me, and I have learned to talk about
things when they start affecting me.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MENTAL
HEALTH ADVOCACY AND YOUR
BOOK “HOW I GOT MY WIGGLE
BACK?”
The book was written when my mental and
physical health was on track, but I started on
the rollercoaster again. I feel like it’s important
to remember that life is transient, and
happiness and sadness can pass. I now ask
myself; what can I do to help myself? I find solutions to feel better
so I can manage my mental health.
WHAT IS A COMMON QUESTION THAT PEOPLE ASK
YOU?
Are you going ok today, Anthony? I have a very supportive team
and generations of fans who thank me and lift me up - it’s such a
positive job!
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I’m inspired to be honest with myself and other people. I like
seeing great people doing great things, but it doesn’t have to be a
famous person. I love being Australian. I love our country and our
sports. I love our military personnel who get the job done without
much praise. I especially loved the Salvation Army van coming out
field and giving us tea and biscuits. It was always so inspiring to me
- I wanted to be them [laughs]! They don’t do it to be thanked,
they are just good people.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?
I have trusted a lot of people in business who may not have had
the right intentions. I like to be open and trust people, but it takes
me a while to get over being betrayed.
FUNNIEST MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE?
We have had a lot of funny moments on the road!
Paul Paddick (Captain Feathersword) is hilarious. One time, he
took Greg’s microphone and substituted it for the microphone
with a helium voice before we went on stage. We were in fits of
laughter for a long time!
At another performance, the girl who plays Dorothy the Dinosaur
was sick and my brother stepped in at short notice. He had
absolutely no idea what he was doing and the head fell off, but he
stayed on stage dancing around while Jeff was following him trying
to put the head back on.
Not that long ago, I was buying jellybeans at
David Jones when a lady mentioned that I
looked just like the blue Wiggle and I
probably wished I had his salary too!
[laughs]. It was funny, but extremely
awkward.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU
HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
From my Dad; “don’t be hard on yourself”,
which is good advice for everyone. You don’t
always get it right and sometimes you stuff
up.
WHAT CAR DO YOU DRIVE?
I drive a big Jeep Gladiator and I love it!
When I was in the Army, all the guys had
Torana’s. We’d talk about fixing up the SLR
5000 to be the coolest of the Rifleman. My
first girlfriend’s mum was not impressed with
my Torana...
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR
RECENT COVER ALBUM?
ReWiggled was released on March 11th and
it’s really good to listen to. So many Aussie
artists have covered The Wiggles songs, so
we thought it would be fun to return the
favour; Elephant, Thunderstruck, Bohemian
Rhapsody. We had so much fun making it
because we really challenged ourselves and it
was a lot of work to get it right. We have a
large adult following who has grown with us
and still love The Wiggles.
FAVOURITE WIGGLES SONG?
My favourite Wiggles song is Rock-a-Bye
Your Bear. It’s probably the first one that kids
do with their parents and the audience really
get into it.
WHO IS YOUR HERO?
Musically, Elvis. My Dad is my hero in life.
HOW DID IT FEEL TO WIN TRIPLE J’S HOTTEST 100 IN
2022?
It was such a great achievement for us and a very emotional
moment. I don’t normally get emotional about awards, but that
one really meant something to me. It’s hard to comprehend that
2.2 million Australian’s voted for us and recognised our
contribution to Australian music. I had a tear and Murray was
bawling his eyes out.
FAVOURITE BAND / SONG / STYLE OF MUSIC?
We always use this song before we go on stage - Cannibal by
Buster Poindexter. It’s definitely an 80s party song and I love the
energy it creates.
FAVOURITE PLACE IN AUSTRALIA?
Uluru, I love it - it’s so rugged and has the power to recharge your
body. It’s so historical and spiritual... A place where you really feel
something.
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE TOP END?
I have always enjoyed exploring Darwin. I also love the outback
and everywhere in between. It’s so different to living in Sydney. I
love the mixture of cultures and being barefoot. Darwin is still so
down to earth, and people can really be themselves without
judgement.
A sincere thank you to
Anthony Field for his
time taken to chat with
us and the generosity of
The Wiggles to donate
competition prizes for
our defence
community!
Interviewed by
Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine

REFLECTING ON
CYCLONE
TRACY
Just before Cyclone Tracy in 1974, I
was working at the Commonwealth
Employment Office in Darwin, while
my husband was the Navigator in
training on HMAS Arrow - Sub
Lieutenant Andrew Birtchnell.
When we were visiting Darwin several years ago, we visited
the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
(MAGNT) to see the Cyclone Tracy exhibit and noticed that
neither of our names appeared on the list of evacuees from
Darwin, so I thought our story may be interesting for the
upcoming 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy in 2024.
Although I was on the plane with other family members from HMAS Arrow, I
disembarked in Brisbane when the plane refuelled before the remaining passengers
continued onto Sydney, hence why my name does not appear on the evacuation list.
At that time, Andrew was in the Army Hospital at HMAS Moreton in Bulimba QLD
for about one week and was then transferred to the Navy Hospital at HMAS Penguin
in Mosman NSW while he recovered. Fortunately, Andrew made a full recovery and
remained in the Navy until retiring as a Commander in 2000.
Most of our possessions and LandCruiser miraculously arrived in NSW some
months later in a convoy driven by Sailors - thank you to those people who packed
everything we owned and delivered it to us!
Andrew returned to Darwin for the Inquiry on HMAS Arrow and visited our house
which had been reroofed and repaired. When we visited again in 2016, the house
across the street was still there and looked exactly the same as it did in 1974,
however our old house was a concrete parking lot, and the mature frangipani tree
was all that remained. Thankfully, we have some photos of our very short time in
Darwin just prior to Cyclone Tracy.
We have returned to Darwin several times since Cyclone Tracy, and we recently
visited Darwin for a brief visit after touring the Kimberley in August 2022. What a
fabulous city Darwin is today - especially the terrific Museum and the Waterfront
precinct!
Andrew was posted to HMAS Arrow as the Navigating
Officer in August 1974, after returning from 6 months of
training in the UK. When Arrow was redeployed from
HMAS Waterhen in Sydney to Darwin, we had already been
apart for 6 months, so we decided to get married which
would allow me to accompany him to Darwin. We were
married in August 1974, just five days before HMAS Arrow
departed Sydney for its new assignment in Darwin on 21
August 1974.
As the youngest married couple of the four patrol boats, we
were allocated an older house located at 4 Searcy Street,
Darwin (I believe this was originally the XO’s House). This
later proved to be a very fortunate twist of fate for us as the
house was well constructed and survived the cyclone almost
intact. Most of the other families we knew were living in the
new housing estate at Stuart Park, which was pretty much
destroyed during the cyclone. It was terrifying no matter
where you were in Darwin that night.
I had just turned 22 and was taking shelter in our Darwin
home by myself during the cyclone, with the assumption
that the Navy Patrol Boats were safely moored at the
cyclone buoys in the vicinity of Darwin Harbour and
Stokes Hill Wharf.
Early on Christmas Day 1974, the Secretary of the Captain
(NOCNA - Naval Officer Commanding Northern Australia),
arrived at my doorstep to notify me that my husband was in
Darwin Hospital and was ‘okay’. I still remember his words;
“the Arrow sank”.
Our undamaged LandCruiser was parked under our house,
so I gave him the keys and he said he would return for me
when he could. The rest of Christmas Day and the weeks
following are memories I will never forget.
Over the years since Cyclone Tracy, we have read several
accounts about HMAS Arrows’ crew on Christmas Eve,
however I’d like to clarify one particular story - the crew
member who was washed up alive on the beach at Stokes
Hill Wharf was my husband, the trainee Navigating Officer.
Andrew remembers choosing to jump overboard and then
being dragged underwater by the tangle of lines (ropes) but
somehow, he was miraculously washed through the wharf
and onto the shore.
I was later told by Barry Spencer (the Coxswain of HMAS
Arrow), that a man walking his dog early on Christmas
morning approached the crew sheltering on the wharf and
told them that one of their men was on the beach. When
he said “the one with the beard”, they suddenly realised that
the trainee Navigator was missing. They hurried over the
rocks and found Andrew lying motionless on the beach.
Andrew was rushed to the Emergency Department at
Darwin Hospital having almost drowned. Very fortunately, he
had partially inflated his lifejacket when he decided to jump
overboard rather than risk climbing onto the wharf at the
terrible moment when Arrow struck the wharf.
Fred (The Captain’s Secretary) returned mid-morning and
took me to Larrakeyah military base where I joined other
navy personnel and their families who were all camped
outside in a state of utter disbelief. We were all a bit dazed
and overwhelmed by what had happened over the last12
hours.
In the afternoon, I was taken to Darwin Hospital to visit
Andrew in the Intensive Care Unit. He was on oxygen,
scratched, bruised and a bit groggy, but alive. He was
evacuated from Darwin within a short period of time, which
I am fairly certain, was the first military plane out of Darwin.
When I returned to Larrakeyah later that afternoon, we
were very relieved to see one of the patrol boats cruise
into the Harbour after choosing to head to sea during the
cyclone. With limited shelter available, we all slept under the
stars that night and I spent the next morning sorting out our
possessions and storing our household items under our
partial roof. I was evacuated on the first Navy 748 plane with
other defence family members and a number of Navy
personnel who were also injured.
Written by Jennifer Birtchnell
Community Contributor
The Top Ender Magazine
Images:
HMAS Arrow Wreck Image Credit: Commonwealth of Australia ©
Defence Image Library
All other images supplied by Jennifer Birtchnell
References:
https://www.dva.gov.au/newsroom/latest-news-veterans/hmas-arroweye-storm
https://www.abc.net.au/news/emergency/2014-12-24/cyclone-tracy/
5981404
THE CHRISTMAS
CYCLONE
Cyclone Tracy was originally reported as a category four cyclone, however some
meteorologists today believe it may have been a category five shortly before it
made landfall.
At midnight on Christmas Day wind gusts greater than 100 kilometres per hour
began to be recorded. The centre of the cyclone reached East Point at 3:15am and
made landfall just north of Fannie Bay at 3:30am.
Tracy was so strong it bent a railway signal tower in half. The city was devastated
by the cyclone. At least 90 per cent of homes in Darwin were demolished or badly
damaged. Forty-five vessels in the harbour were wrecked or damaged. In addition
to the 65 people who died, 145 were admitted to hospital with serious injuries.
Within a week after the cyclone hit, more than 30,000 Darwin residents had been
evacuated by air or road, more than two-thirds of the population at that time.
Cyclone Tracy remains one of Australia's greatest disasters.
6 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 7

NORTHERN AUSTRALIA
TO TAKE PRECAUTION AHEAD OF THE
SEVERE WEATHER
SEASON
The Bureau has released its long-range forecast for the
coming severe weather season – and communities should
prepare now as there's an increased chance that the first
tropical cyclone in the Australian region is likely to be early
this season. Northern Australia, including the Top End, should
also be prepared for an early start to the rain this wet season
after various meteorological phenomena have aligned.This is
all a result of a negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) across
the Indian Ocean, and now a third La Niña event in a row.
Sea surface temperatures are currently warmer than average around
much of the Australian coastline and are expected to remain so until
mid-late summer. We're also seeing these conditions across the
eastern tropical Indian Ocean (around north-west Australia), which has meant
we've seen a negative IOD for many months. A negative IOD increases the
chances of above average rainfall across much of southern and eastern Australia
during winter and spring, which has proven true this past year.
Meanwhile in the Pacific Ocean, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation has entered
a La Niña phase again for the third year in a row. This is characterised by
warmer than average waters around northern Australia, and cooler than average
across the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Three La Niña events is a
rather uncommon occurrence and has only previously occurred three times
since Bureau records began in 1900. These were 1954-57, 1973-76 and 1998-
2001. La Niña typically increases the chance of above-average rainfall for
northern and eastern Australia and sees an earlier start to the northern wet
season, plus an above-average number of tropical cyclones in a season.
WET SEASON: NOVEMBER - APRIL
During the 2022-23 season, the forecast is for around a 60% chance of an
above average number of tropical cyclones in the Northern Region.
(source: Bureau of Meteorology)
When a negative IOD coincides with a La Niña event like we're experiencing
this year, we have the recipe to potentially see very wet conditions and
widespread flooding. We saw this in 1974, the wettest year on record in
Australia, and again in 2010-11. This year, 2022, has evolved similarly as many
regional and metropolitan areas have experienced record-breaking rainfall and
flooding, including areas of south-east Queensland and the Northern Rivers of
New South Wales earlier this year, and more recently- Sydney, which broke its
annual rainfall record on 6 October.
The Australian tropical cyclone season runs from 1 November to 30
April.According to the Bureau's official tropical cyclone outlook, there
is an increased chance of tropical cyclones developing earlier in the
season. Typically, Australia has an average of 9 to 11 tropical cyclones
each year, with around 4 crossing the coast in an average season. This
season we have a greater than 70% chance of at least 11 tropical
cyclones, which is the long-term average impacting the Australian region.
In the event of a natural disaster or
emergency resulting from cyclones,
floods or fires,Australia’s Defence
Force are often called upon to assist
State and Territory Governments
through Defence Assistance to the
Civil Community (DACC).
This is one area that the Bureau’s
dedicated Defence Weather Services
(DWS) team of Meteorologists
provide valuable support to Defence.
The DWS team provides reliable,
tailored and accurate weather
information prior and during
significant weather events. The
Bureau's National Security and Space
Program also provides Defence with
a quarterly Global Seasonal Outlook
to support planning in structure,
posture, preparedness and
prioritisation.
This enables Defence personnel and
assets to respond to DACC taskings
in a timely and professional manner.
Written by Krystelle Venn
Senior Meteorologist
Townsville Defence Weather Services
Office for the Bureau of Meteorology.
FROG HOTEL
The wet season brings LOADS of amazing
frogs to our garden and I love creating a
frog village to encourage breeding. My kids
also love looking for frogs throughout the
garden and watching them transform from
eggs to tadpoles and then to frogs! The
transformation is amazing to watch and it’s
a great way to learn and bond as a family of
all ages.This is a super fun wet season
activity for kids during the school holidays.
We have created frog hotels since arriving in
Darwin many years ago, so I thought it might be
time to share some ideas:
MATERIALS:
• PVC Pipe in various widths (30mm - 100mm
works well)
• PVC Bends or Adapters to suit pipe widths
• Bowl, shell pool or shallow bucket (seal holes
with silicone)
• Various sized rocks and pebbles
• Plants with lots of green foliage
• Silicone, saw and scissors
Image Credit: Holman Industries. https://www.
holmanindustries.com.au/how-to-make-a-frog-hotel/
Image Credit: May Gibbs. https://maygibbs.org/news/
mini-frog-hotel/
References:
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/
threatened/publications/factsheet-frogs-australia
https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/
wildlife/2020/04/a-guide-to-making-a-frog-hotel-withfrog-expert-jodi-rowley/
PROCESS:
• Find a shady spot in the garden to set
up your frog hotel
• Cut about 8 PVC pipes into various
lengths, adding bends and adaptors to
create various sized openings for frogs
to explore.
• Place the pipes into the bowl and
secure the base of the pipes by
layering with pebbles and rocks
around the base.
• Add water to the base over the rocks.
• Wait and enjoy the experience of
watching frogs enjoying your ‘hotel’.
You can also use a shell pool or plastic
tub with a small amount of water in the
base, adding some pebbles, larger rocks,
PVC pipes and plants to climb over and
explore.
Written by Amanda Metcalfe
Defence School Mentor
Wanguri Primary School
FROG
POPULATIONS
ARE DECLINING!
Australia has many different frog species, with
over 200 described and probably more to be
discovered. However,Australia's frog
populations are declining, as are populations
worldwide, for reasons that are as yet
unknown.This is a disturbing trend, because
the presence of frogs is a good indication of a
healthy environment.
Frogs are cold-blooded animals belonging to a
group known as amphibians. Usually, they start life
as tadpoles in an aquatic (water) environment, and
transform into frogs to become terrestrial (landbased)
animals. About 4000 frog species have been
identified worldwide, with 214 known in Australia.
Many of Australia's frogs are found nowhere else in
the world.
Although a few Australian frog species, such as the
green tree frog, are flourishing in human
environments, many species have suffered dramatic
population declines since the 1980s. Fifteen species
of Australia's frogs are currently endangered, twelve
are listed as vulnerable and four have become
extinct. Of particular concern is the disappearance
of frogs from pristine habitats.
Image Credits: Amanda Metcalfe
HAVE YOU SEEN
THE FROGID APP??
Australia’s frogs need your help
Take part in Australia’s biggest frog
count! Recording frog calls with the
FrogID app will help provide our
scientists with valuable data for the
protection and conservation of frogs.
Download the FrogID app, create
FrogID account, find, record and help
match your frog
calls.
For more
information and
family-friendly
frog activities,
head to: https://
www.frogid.net.
au/
8 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 9

MOTHER TERESA CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL WINS
ANZAC DAY AWARD
ANZAC DAY
AWARD NOMINATIONS
In 1923, Legacy made a promise to help veterans’ families carry on with
their lives after the loss or injury of their loved one. It was a simple
promise that Legacy keeps today; providing the same stability, guidance
and assistance that a partner would normally provide to his or her family.
100 YEARS OF KEEPING THE PROMISE
In the trenches of the Western Front during World War I, a
soldier said to his dying mate “I’ll look after the missus and kids”.
This became known as The Promise.
NT winner!
Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School
students interviewed local peacekeeper
veterans from their community. The
students were then inspired to create a
school Peace Garden, to acknowledge
peace and service. The whole school
community was involved in designing and
constructing the garden and we are proud
that we won the State Prize for the
ANZAC Day Awards in 2022.
Written by Clare Corvaia
Defence School Mentor
Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School
Stay tuned to the DVA Anzac Portal
for more information about the 2023
round.
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
is proud to host the Anzac Day Schools'
Awards. This national competition recognises
the work of students, teachers and schools to
engage with veterans and honour Australia's
wartime history.
Judging criteria
Awards are selected by a panel of judges.
Entries are judged on the following criteria,
which are evenly weighted:
• Commitment to the annual theme.
• Engagement with veterans or currentserving
members of the Australian
Defence Force (ADF) - in person,
virtually or using primary source
materials such as video interviews with
veterans or letters from service
personnel.
• Evidence of student-led learning.
• Quality of research using credible
primary and secondary sources.
• Innovative learning activities.
• Demonstrate understanding and
empathy through reflection.
• Overall quality and presentation of
entry compared to others.
Judges will be looking for high-quality entries
that show evidence of:
• extended learning and engagement over
a long period (as opposed to a single
assembly)
• engagement over multiple classes or
year levels.
Reference: DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs)
(2022), Anzac Day Schools' Awards, DVA Anzac
Portal, accessed 01 Oct 2022, https://anzacportal.
dva.gov.au/research-education/competitions/anzacday-schools-awards
LEGACY CENTENARY
TORCH RELAY
In 2023, Legacy will be celebrating their centenary with The
Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 presented by Defence
Health, marking 100 years of service to those who have
sacrificed.
THE LEGACY CENTENARY TORCH RELAY ROUTE
The relay begins on ANZAC Day 25th April 2023 in Pozieres,
France. It will then travel to London, England where it will
continue its tour throughout Australia, stopping at all 45 Legacy
Clubs worldwide.
The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 is a 6-month campaign to
pay homage and acknowledge veterans’ families, saluting their
sacrifice. The torch will travel over 50,000km, through 100 stops,
carried by approx. 1,500 torch bearers to raise over $10 million.
Realising the dire circumstances of the tens of thousands of
veterans, widows and children left behind, those who returned
set out to help them. In 1923, Major General Sir John Gellibrand
formed the Remembrance Club in Hobart. Another returning
soldier, Lieutenant General Sir Stanley Savige, was inspired to
establish a similar club in Melbourne which was named Legacy.
In responding to the needs of families of veterans for almost 100
years, Legacy, in conjunction with the network of Legacy Clubs
throughout regional and metropolitan Australia, stands proudly as
the only veteran service organisation in Australia dedicated solely
to the care and support of our veterans’ families.
THE CANCER COUNCIL NT
Defence Health is joining Legacy Australia on our journey
in celebrating and commemorating our centenary year.
To find out more, download the Official “Legacy 100th
Torch Relay” App from the App Store and Google Play.
PINK LADIES
On the 14th of October, I attended the Pink Ladies
Long Lunch for 2022.This is the third time I have
attended this awesome yearly event, where
everybody gets dressed up in pink.We enjoyed a
delicious lunch, a free glass of pink champagne (or
lemonade) on arrival and lots of silent auctions and
a raffle to raise funds.
There was also a Burlesque performance by Tina Colada,
and we were entertained by Ange Coles, a local singer
and guitarist who performed during the luncheon.
Over $180K was raised this year, which is an awesome
result and the proceeds will help to fund cervical cancer
clinics, especially in remote areas (including Tindal).
LONG LUNCH
Written by Masela Draper
OCTOBER 14 2022
NT OFFICERS BALL
Written by Masela Draper
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
The annual NT Officers’ Ball was held
on Saturday 15th of October, in a large
marquee behind the Darwin Casino.
The theme this year was “Royal” to
commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s
Platinum Jubilee. Even with the Queen’s
passing, the committee chose to
continue with the “Royal” theme as a
tribute to Her Majesty’s reign.
For anyone new to the NT, the Northern
Territory Officers’ Ball is a key social event in
the Top End Defence calendar. It provides
an opportunity for tri-service officers and
partners to come together from all NT
bases and celebrate the unique lifestyle we
experience together in the Top End.
The evening was hosted by Captain Moses
Raudino, with Brigadier Foxall also giving a
short speech.
It was a magical night with
no storms or rain, which
was handy for the ladies
attending! The food and
company were fantastic, the
venue was superbly
decorated, and the Army
Band was excellent - a good
time was had by all!
As 83% of Cancer NT’s funding is raised through events
like this, it is a great opportunity to support the work they
do and learn more about how they support the ADF. In Committee Member
the next edition of the Top Ender, we will be showcasing
Cancer NT and their amazing work for the defence
The Top Ender Magazine
community in the Top End.
10 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 11

C R E A T I V E V E T E R A N S S E R I E S
Shutter Shotz
Shutter Shotz came to fruition
because of Anthony’s desire to
share his passion for
photography.
As a former member of the ADF,
Anthony got to move around the
country quite a bit and was lucky
enough to witness some
spectacular sights. So much so, he
had to capture them on his Sony
Alpha A3300 camera! He enjoys
creating beautiful artwork whilst
continually developing his skills and
believes that it doesn’t feel like
work when you find a passion or
hobby that you love, especially if
you can earn money from your
passion!
I asked Anthony what region/
subject he found most interesting
and why:
“I would have to say that Western
Australia has been the most
interesting region so far.The sheer
beauty of the beaches, seascapes
and landscapes should be seen by
everyone. I’m inspired by nature
and the natural beauty of the many
places on earth. I have a
photography ‘bucket list’ that
keeps growing, which I hope to
tick off eventually.”
Anthony’s favourite inspirational
quote comes from Ansel Adams
(American landscape photographer
and environmentalist known for his
black-and-white images of the
American West): "Photography is
more than a medium for factual
communication of ideas. It is a
creative art."
Anthony feels that this hobby is
one of his best stress relievers;
shifting the focus away from the
daily routine creates an inner peace
which can only be found in nature.
Anthony’s hero is his grandfather, a
Vietnam veteran, who inspired him
to continue the family’s defence
legacy - one of his proudest
moments was marching beside his
grandfather on ANZAC Day.
Written by Charlene Carter
Community Coordinator
The Top Ender Magazine
Find Anthony’s artwork on basic canvas, floating frames, acrylic
and metal, with a defence discount using code: VETERAN10
Terms: Proof of eligibility is required
https://shutter-shotz.square.site/
https://www.facebook.com/anthonyhfoto/
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 | admin.holyspirit@nt.catholic.edu.au
EVERYMAN’S
WELFARE SERVICE
The EVERYVET’S team is raising
money to purchase a custom-built
trailer that will have multiple uses.
Firstly, we will use the trailer to conduct
a ‘Backyard Blitz’ style program for the
community. We will do one-off property
repair, maintenance, and minor
construction projects for those less
fortunate in the community, especially
veterans or widows of veterans. The
trailer will have interior shelving to hold
tools such as lawn mowers, whipper
snippers, drills etc, for which we are also
fundraising to purchase.
Secondly, we will use the trailer for
veteran camping trips. The trailer will be
able to have the interior shelving
removed to allow for it to be filled with
swags and other camping gear to allow
us to get away from the hustle and
bustle of city life. It will have the
capacity to put canoes or other
adventure craft on top.
In addition, the trailer will also be used
by EWS Rep’s during major military
exercises, such as at Shoalwater Bay,
where it will be utilised to carry stores
and goodies for the troops in the field.
This will mean that less time will be
spent doing runs to resupply in local
shopping centres, which can take up a
whole day.
Other features of the trailer will be a
pull-out BBQ for sausage sizzles during
our activities, fridge, battery bank and
solar panels. Side awnings on the side of
the trailer will give us a place to rest out
of the sun and will feature additional side
walls to make an enclosed space for
sleeping in.
For more information on Everyman’s
Veterans League and our activities visit:
www.everyvets.org.au
You can donate online to support this
project - https://www.everymans.org.au/
donate-now/
CONTACT
Everyman’s Welfare Service
12 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 13
02 6053 5288
PO Box 8 BANDIANA MILPO VIC 3694
admin@everymans.org.au

TOBRUK
THROUGH THE EYES OF LANCE CORPORAL
DENIS WILLIAM HORAN
Denis Horan was a farmer's son, from the
Mallee region in Victoria. He was raised
during the great depression and had
experienced his fair share of life’s
difficulties and struggles.
One standout achievement which was no small
feat - when Denis was just 14 years old (in 1933)
under the leadership of his inspirational teacher,
Ellis Bankin, he rode a bicycle from the Mallee to
Melbourne return on dirt roads!
Keeping in mind this was during the great
depression when food and money were scarce.
However, that didn’t stop the crowds turning up
to cheer them on, even giving them food along
their journey. It was a true show of the
Australian spirit, helping others, and was an
inspirational story for that time. Bankin
reportedly stated; “the trip gave the boys extra
equipment for life”.
Undoubtedly, this life experience contributed to the
grit and determination shown by Lance Corporal
Denis Horan (Service Number:VX47991) during the
Siege of Tobruk with 2nd/24th Infantry Battalion.
Denis enlisted on 23 July 1940 and began his journey
after saying goodbye to his sisters. Denis wasn’t alone,
he had enlisted with his 2 friends from the Mallee, Len
Brown and Les Wright. There are a few images of
Denis and Les, and we can only imagine the trouble
they would have caused together. Unfortunately, Les
Wright was the only man to come home from this trio.
Lance Corporal Horan survived Tobruk and was
evacuated in October 1941. Unfortunately, on the
voyage away from Tobruk, the ship HMAS Nizam was
met with disaster, as 20 men were swept overboard.
Denis was one of these 20 men, and one of very few
to be rescued alive, with many not recovered and lost
at sea. His injuries were too severe, and he
succumbed to them later that day. Denis was laid to
rest in Alexandria, Egypt.
Lance Corporal Denis Horan's descendants would like to honour
his memory with the following memorable and sometimes
humorous highlights from his diary entries:
Dec 6th 1940 - Ashore. Very dirty & a few
peculiar smells. Les, Len & myself had good day.
7th April - Planes machine gunned us & later
were shelled. Soon learnt to flatten out. Just
been issued with beer when shells came, didn’t
spill any.
9th April - Next day we relieved 23rd. Was under
our first fire. Went forward to within 500 yards
of enemy tonight.
Wed 16th - Good few giving themselves up. No
food for 3 days & no water for 2.
Thurs 17th - Some shells landed close today,
thought my birthday had come early.
Friday 25th April - Anzac Day. Our artillery
shifted & are sending Jerry some love. He
returned it this morning.
Mon 12/5/41 - Just after last entry (30th
April) dive bombers came over. Then a barrage &
then the troops. They forced a way in a fair way
& dug in. On patrol one night & was under
machine gun fire for half hour. Len Brown killed
& Les wounded.
24/5/41 - Was up line for 2 more days. 23rd
attacked Jerry. They came right through a
section of us, with tanks & carriers. We got all
the back wash. Awful seeing cobbers getting
knocked.
5/6/41 - We all have greatest admiration for 23rd
after their attack. I didn’t think any man could live in
the barrage they went through.
19/6/41 - Enemy quiet. I went out 5500 yards on
patrol last night & found out a few things. Bren
carrier just got shelled. Haw Haw calls us the Tobruk
Rats. No mail for 3 weeks. Boat broke down.
25/6/41 - Quiet. Plane dropped pamphlets telling us
to surrender & so forth. Mail arrived. On another
patrol tonight.
1/7/41 - Shot a gazelle & am sending antlers home.
Very good eating. First fresh meat for 3 months.
17/7/41 - D Coy patrol went out 5 miles and got
stuck into some Italians, with good results. Jerry has
two search lights which he tries to pick up the
patrols with. Just like I imagine Pentridge (old
Melbourne Prison) to be, only the prisoners are playing
up more & very soon will escape.
4/8/41 - We are resting now. I have been recommended
for a stripe.
Monday 25/8/41 - And all’s well. I am now a Lance
Corporal.
Oct 15th - Recommended for second stripe. Won’t be
long before we go out. Birthday quiet. Weather rotten.
Dust storm.
Image Credits: Provided by Norm Letcher
The total losses in the 9th Division and attached troops
from 1st March to 15th December amounted to 832
killed, 2,177 wounded and 941 prisoners
Reference: https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/tobruk
$100
COMMUNITY
CONTRIBUTOR
VOUCHER
Submitted by Norman Letcher
and Amanda Letcher
Descendants of Lance Corporal Denis
William Horan
The Top Ender Magazine
14 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 15
Image: Sands of the Lybian Desert

Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year) is observed on
Sunday January 22nd 2023, starting the Year of the Rabbit.
Have you heard about the NT Chinese Museum?
The NT Chinese Museum provides a comprehensive account of the
Chinese people in the Top End of the Territory from 1874 to the
present day through photographs, memorabilia, heritage objects and
family history.
The Museum presents a story of grit and determination and the
contribution of the Chinese people to the development of the
Northern Territory. A particular focus is the impact of World War II:
the bombing of Darwin, the fate of China Town and the contribution
by the Darwin Chinese people in their service to Australia.
Stay up to date with Chinese New Year events and activities!
Join in the family fun day for Darwin's community to participate and
experience Chinese New Year cultural activities and entertainment. Come
down and enjoy the special Chinese dishes on offer and learn finer points of
Chinese cooking from local celebrity chefs!
DarwinChineseNewYearFestival
CHINESE
NEW YEAR
The NT Chinese Museum welcomes
school groups and contact by researchers.
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, contact:
museum@chungwahnt.asn.au
Admission fees
• Adult $4.00
• Concession $3.00
• Children $2.00
• Family (2+2) $10.00
chungwahnt.asn.au | 25 Woods St, Darwin
HOW NT VOICES
CAN CHANGE CANBERRA POLICIES
Jasmine Stanton is a former Navy officer and Army Reservist,
and is now the Director of Australia’s Defence and Veterans
Legal Service (a free, nationwide body). She lived in the NT
as a very young child and has been assisting NT veterans to
participate in the Royal Commission.
The voices of NT veterans and their families must be heard in
Canberra to help right past wrongs and create life-saving changes.
In recent months the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran
Suicide has held hearings in Darwin. They provided a crucial
opportunity for Territorians to shape Australia’s response to a
national crisis.
Thankfully, the Royal Commission is now creating some change at a
national level. After receiving the inquiry’s interim report, the Federal
government apologised for “policies, processes and cultures that
have… been counterproductive, causing distress to our Defence and
veteran communities”. Crucially, the government has also accepted a
number of the Royal Commission’s initial recommendations.
THE FIGHT GOES ON
However, the struggle to uncover the truth and prevent further
injustices is far from over – and Territorians have a crucial part to play
in that process. Until 13 October 2023, the Royal Commission will
continue to accept submissions from everyday Australians with
firsthand experience of the mental distress experienced by current
and former ADF members. I am keen to help Territorians make
submissions to the inquiry.
SPEAKING UP IS HARD
Speaking up is often extremely difficult - and engaging with a Royal
Commission can be especially daunting. Worse still, too many
veterans and serving Defence Force members are unaware of the
services that are available to help them speak up about issues being
examined by the Royal Commission. The Defence and Veterans
Legal Service, for example, is a specialist nationwide body that
provides free, independent and confidential legal support to them
and their families.
If you are considering making a submission to the Royal Commission,
contact the Defence and Veterans Legal Service on 1800 33 1800 for
free, confidential and independent legal help. You will not be alone;
about 50 Territorians have already sort our assistance to ensure their
voice is heard in Canberra.
Written by Jasmine Stanton
Director
Defence & Veterans Legal Service
TIME TO TRAVEL
School Holidays are here and many of you will choose to use your time off to go
on an adventure or explore the Outback on your way to your next posting.
So whether you need a road trip soundtrack, travel recommendations, tide information or ways to
keep entertained on the long drive, we’ve got you covered!
WORTH THE VISIT
SPOTTO
Scan the QR Code to
listen now!
WEATHER WATCH
We asked our committee what places Month High / Low Rainfall
Have a look for these things when you’re out and
they think are worth about. See the if you visit canor findare
all 10! December 33℃ / 25℃ 13 days
SPOTTO
on their list to see in the NT!
January 32℃ / 25℃ 17 days
Have a look for these things when you’re A DRAGONFLY
out and
How many of these spots have you visited February 32℃ / 25℃ 16 days
about. See if you can find all 10!
already? SPOTTO THE NUMBER 9 March 32℃ / 25℃ 15 days
A DRAGONFLY Have SPOTTO a look POLICE for these CAR things when you’re
Check
out
theand
Tides with NT Government, Department of Transport:
FLORENCE FALLSabout. SeeSALTWATER if you can find CAFE all 10! https://nt.gov.au/marine/for-all-harbour-and-boat-users/check-the-tides
SPOTTO THE NUMBER 9 Have a look A for DOG these things when you’re out and
DE LA PLAGE about. SeeTRAILER if you can BOAT find CLUB all 10! Pest Calendars
Have SPOTTO a look POLICE for these CAR things when you’re ASTOP DRAGONFLY
outSIGN
and
Biting Midges 2022 - https://hdl.handle.net/10137/11953
SPOTTO
Salt Marsh Mosquito 2022 - https://hdl.handle.net/10137/11952
about. SeeYELLOW if you canWATERS
find all 10!
Have a look A for DOG these things when you’re JOHNN THE GREEN A DRAGONFLY
out NUMBER and JOHNNS CAR 9
Have a look for these things when you’re out an
about.
SPOTTO
about. See if you can find all 10!
SeeJABIRU
if you can find all
ASTOP DRAGONFLY SIGN SPOTTO 10!
COOINDA
POLICE PLAYGROUND
THE NUMBER CAR 9
BERRY SPRINGS MARRAKAI MUSEUM
ROAD TRIP SPOTTO
THE AGREEN DRAGONFLY NUMBER CAR 9 Have a look APOLICE for DOG PERSON these CAR things EATING when you’re Have out a look and for these thingswhen Ayou’re DRAGONFLY out and
about. Have See ifa you look canfor find
SPOTTO these all 10!
WILDLIFE POLICE PLAYGROUND CAR PARK about. See UBIRR if you
STOP PICNICLOOKOUT
can find all 10!
SPOTTO THE NUMBER 9 A DOGSIGN
TABLE
things THEon NUMBER your 9
Have a look FOGG A GREEN CAR travels. See if youHave canafind lookall for10!
POLICE for DOG PERSON these DAM CAR things EATING when you’re POINT AIRPLANE
STOP DRAGONFLY
outSIGN
STUART and
A DRAGONFLY POLICE these CAR things when you’re out an
about. A WINDMILL about. SeeHIGHWAY if you can SIGN find all 10!
SeeADELAIDE PICNIC
if you can
STOP SIGN TABLE RIVER find all 10!
A DOG
MARY PLAYGROUND
THE GREENUMBER RIVER CARRETREAT
9 SPOTTO THE NUMBER 9 A DOG
DALY
AGREEN STOP AIRPLANE DRAGONFLY
WATERS
SIGN CAR
JUMPING APOLICE PLAYGROUND
PERSON CAR CROC EATING CRUISE Have a look APOLICE ROADHOUSE
for these CAR things when RED ASTOP you’re DRAGONFLY
CAR SIGN out and
about. See
KANGAROO if you can find all 10!
CAHILLS
THE PLAYGROUND
GREENUMBER CAR
CROSSING
9
CRAB PICNIC A DOG PERSON CLAW TABLE EATING ISLAND
A DOG
CARAVAN THE GREENUMBER CAR 9
POLICE APLAYGROUND
PERSON CAR EATING
AIRPLANE STOP PICNICSIGN
TABLE CATTLE
ASTOP DRAGONFLY SIGN
‘100’
POLICE PLAYGROUND
SPEED
CAR
SIGN
APICNIC DOG PERSON TABLE EATING
GREEN AIRPLANE CAR ROAD
THE GREENUMBER TRAIN
CAR 9
POLICE A DOG PERSON
CAR
EATING
SAVE
THIS
STOP AIRPLANE PICNICSIGN
TABLE PLAYGROUND POLICE PLAYGROUND CAR
STOP PICNICSIGN
TABLE
SOUNDTRACK
GREEN AIRPLANE CAR A PERSON EATING GUESS A DOG PERSON EATING THE
GREEN AIRPLANE CAR
Listen PLAYGROUND to our favourite Aussie
PICNIC TABLE STOP PICNICSIGN
TABLE PLAYGROUND
classics
on Spotify! AUSSIE ICON
A PERSON EATING AIRPLANE
GREEN AIRPLANE CAR A PERSON EATING
Ideal for your next road trip, whether
Can you guess
PICNIC TABLE
PLAYGROUND
you’re posting or escaping the heat of the
the famous
PICNIC TABLE
Wet Season, AIRPLANE you can be rocking to The Australian A PERSON fromEATING
AIRPLANE
Top Ender Magazine’s Road Trip Classics!
their silhouette?
PICNIC TABLE
Featuring ACDC, Daryl Follow AIRPLANE
our
Braithwaite, Midnight Facebook Page
Oil, John Farnham,
to see if you’re
Daddy Cool, Men At right! Answer
Work, INXS, Cold
published on 10
Chisel, Savage Garden, January.
Eskimo Joe, ICEHOUSE
and many more!
16 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated Tourism NT/Sean Scott
DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 175

Christmas
W I N
W I T H O U R S P O N S O R S
WIN WITH SPONSORS
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!
LAST MINUTE LOCAL GIFT GUIDE FOR
CHRISTMAS
BETTER WORLD ARTS CHRISTMAS BALL
Individual Designs by Northern Territory Artists -
$12
https://aboriginalbushtraders.com
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 $50 Shopping Voucher
Jape Homemaker Village
Located in Millner, Jape Homemaker Village
hosts a wide range of brands.
BEARD & BLADE
Safety Razor Shaving Kit - From $50
Available at Shavershop, Paper & Pen,
Only One Earth Co. and None of
Yours Beeswax NT.
LITTLE MISS ELLIE
Santa Sack - $39.95
https://www.littlemissellie.com.au
CW DARWIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Boxed Chocolates - From $10
https://darwinchocolatefactory.com.au
KRAKENWOOD
Unique wooden boards - From $30
Krakenwood Industries
THE DRIED PETAL CO
Flower Decor - Prices vary.
The Dried Petal Company
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 $200 Travel Credit
Catherine Kimberley - MTA Travel
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.
ENTER NOW AT
THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU/WIN
TERMS: Total Prize Pool valued at $560. 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 January 2023. 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.
IAN ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY PRINTS
8”x12” Prints - $50 | A3 Prints - $125
ian.anderson53@telstra.com
COLOUR & GRACE
Handmade Polymer Clay Earrings - From $12
Colour & Grace
PAPER & PEN
Soy Candles and more gifts - Prices vary.
Paper and Pen Darwin
THE TERRITORY BABY STORE
Outdoor Adventure Card Pack - $24
Wooden Toy Excavator - $69.95
www.theterritorybabystore.com.au
W I N
C O U P L E S D AT E N I G H T
Includes:
• Fishing Charter
• Darwin Harbour Cruise
• One night accommodation at Hudson Parap in a
One-Bedroom apartment
TERMS: Open to NT-Based Defence members, veterans and their immediate families aged 18
and up. Closes 10 January 2023. 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.
‘Tis the season for celebration with
special surprises from APOD.
This December, APOD members can
unlock a gift box filled with an amazing
giveaway every day for 12 days and make
Christmas even more unforgettable for you
and your loved ones.
APOD business partners Garmin,Ampol,
Samsung, Quiksilver, Beaurepaires, Sunglass
Hut, Ergoflex, Endota Spa, Hertz, RVCA,
Daily Blooms and a mystery partner are
participating in this giveaway to recognise
the defence and veteran community this
Christmas.
To enter the giveaway, visit the APOD
Christmas Giveaway page on www.apod.
com.au.
HOW TO ENTER:
Every day for the first 12 days in December, one gift box
will be enabled on the APOD Christmas Giveaway page.
So, on the 2nd day there will be 2 gift boxes enabled, 10
gift boxes enabled on the 10th day and so on for 12 days.
To see the offer giveaway, click on the gift box that’s
enabled.
Then login using your APOD details.
Complete each action on the page. This qualifies you to
get into the draw to win your preferred offer giveaway.
Come back next day to unlock the next giveaway and
enter. You may enter each giveaway as many times you
want. Unbox all 12 boxes for most chances to win!
On 15th December, APOD will announce the 12
giveaway winners.
Detailed T&Cs are mentioned in the APOD Christmas
Giveaway page.

PART THREE
HELPING TO MAKE YOUR
COMMUNITY SAFER AND SECURE!
Last time we interviewed Neptune, there was
something fascinating on the horizon...Are we
ready to hear what Neptune have been
working on? We are excited to share that
Neptune Holding Group has recently launched
the Northern Territory Public Order Response
Unit (PORU)!
What is PORU?
The primary role of the Public Order Response Unit is to help
alleviate and mitigate risks to public safety across the NT, which
includes anti-social behaviour, community hazards and vulnerabilities.
This model is strategically designed to complement existing public
services, including Police, Ambulance, Transit and Public Housing
Safety, and Larrakia Nation. We are focused on public safety and
protection of public assets, personal equipment, infrastructure and
information.
Why introduce this new branch?
This has been under development for 12 months after we
recognised that there was a gap in security services, and we wanted
to develop a model that helped alleviate some of these pressures.
What has helped you to develop and implement PORU?
Our team is agile, resilient and community focused, and we believe
that the foundation of our success and growth is based on our
ability to communicate and engage respectfully to achieve an
effective outcome. Every team member within the unit is ex-military
or has a law enforcement background, which has helped us to
develop and implement robust systems and processes.
We also organised a series of trials in various suburbs to test our
model before the official launch. The trials have been highly
successful, and the canines have also been a massive help. We’ve
managed to build a positive reputation with many people in these
communities who are ‘living rough’ and also the younger generation
who witness and replicate anti-social behaviours. We take the time
to identify the reason for their behaviour and alleviate some of the
risks to the public by building relationships, as well as connecting
vulnerable people with services that can help them.
Essentially, we have empowered our highly talented and highly
skilled group of individuals to utilise the life skills they have
learned during their time in the military, making our team the
highest-quality security unit in the NT.
Neptune is 100% veteran owned and most of our workforce are ADF veterans! It’s important for us to continue the sense
of ownership we felt when we served in the Defence Force, which is now focused on protecting our local community.
How do you provide strategies to enable young people to move
forward and change their behaviours, so they’re not caught up in
the cycle?
When we were building the Public Order Response Unit, we engaged with
every service possible to make sure that all those stakeholders understood
our vision for what we wanted to achieve – we are not trying to take any
jobs. We regularly communicate with Larrakia Nation, NT Housing and
other community service providers about strategies to alleviate the
challenges we face in these areas. If we can reduce low-level behaviour
before it escalates, the NT Police can focus their resources in the areas they
are most needed, rather than dealing with antisocial behaviour. This is why
our service is so valuable as part of a holistic approach to community safety
and prosperity.
What happens if you are unable to de-escalate a situation?
We do everything we can to resolve and de-escalate a challenging situation,
however we are required to contact NT police if a situation escalates. There
is a common misconception that security officers can’t do anything to detain
a member of the public, however we are highly trained to respect our
professional boundaries and have detained people during the trial phase
when required.
Where do most of your requests come from?
At the moment, we are contacted by Shopping Centres and other security
companies when they need us. The general public cannot contact us
directly.
Many groups, especially the ‘rough sleepers’, have asked us to do welfare
checks, which we do regularly. In the 20 weeks we have been operating, we
have created a lot of connections and gathered a significant level of intel that
we communicate to organisations, which is beneficial for their service
delivery as well. That is one of the biggest benefits about multi-organisation
collaboration - our intel has helped other organisations to go out and
support those in need.
Have you witnessed a change in anti-social behaviour?
Most people understand when their behaviour isn’t appropriate, and they
know it’s better for them to listen to us than potentially be arrested. If we
can diffuse, de-escalate and connect these people with services in a
supportive way, we can continue to increase public safety and that also
means that we’ve done our job. Of course, we sometimes approach people
who like to push boundaries, but they’re getting used to seeing us around
these areas and our positive reputation makes it easier to ask someone to
stop their behaviour, which they generally do. .
We have also been asked to provide security and surveillance support
around Darwin International Airport to reduce the number of vehicles
being stolen, and I’m happy to report that no thefts have occurred since
the time we started.
Most of our services are focused on building relationships and trust in the
community, so the response has been positive. We estimate a 50%
reduction in antisocial behaviour in our areas of operation, which indicates
that we can achieve our overall mission to create a safer community.
Where to with PORU from here?
Using personnel from our current team and in conjunction with local
personnel who understand the environment and cultures, we are now
looking at implementing a team in Alice Springs. We aim to mitigate some of
the risks by implementing local personnel who understand the area of
operation. We will model the success of the Darwin units to develop
systems and processes throughout Katherine and Alice Springs where it’s
also needed, which will cement our future as a reliable and reputable
response system across the NT.
Interviewed by Char Carter
Community Coordinator
The Top Ender Magazine
UP, UP AND
AWAY...
Did you know that Darwin
Airport became Darwin
International Airport on the 14
December 1991?
The 14th of December marks 31 years
since Darwin International Airport
opened the Northern Territory and all
that it offers, to the rest of the world!
People visit the Northern Territory,
whether for pleasure or business, and
explore some of the amazing secrets
on offer across our different regions.
Written by Amanda Letcher
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
Images: shutterstock.com
https://www.iangandersonphotography.com
References:
https://www.darwinairport.com.au/news/darwinairport-terminal-celebrates-25-years
20 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 21

WELCOME TO
BEAUTIFUL DARWIN!
We know posting is never easy! The stress of the
relocation, meeting new people, finding where the local
shops and restaurants are. It’s a lot to take in.
Fortunately, Marrara Christian College and NT Christian
College can take a bit of this stress out of your move to
the NT.
Meet Alice Kempster, their Defence School Mentor. Alice’s
husband has served for over 20 years, so she certainly knows the
ups and downs that come with being an army wife and mum.
With 4 kids of her own, she understands exactly what it’s like for
kids to have to transfer between schools, having to find their feet
and make new friends.
For more information contact Marrara Christian College
on (08) 8920 2000, admin.mcc@ntschools.net or visit
mcc.nt.edu.au or ntcc.nt.edu.au
“Marrara Christian College is a place where young people
are loved, valued, disciplined, encouraged and nurtured
throughout every stage of their education. This is achieved
through the provision of a challenging, broad-based
Christian curriculum which is delivered by dedicated
teachers, working in close partnership with students and
their families,” says Principal Joel van Bentum.
Marrara Christian College and NT Christian College are part
of the NT Christian Schools family which have schools in
Darwin, Palmerston, Coolalinga, Alice Springs, Nhulunbuy and
Gäwa and are part of the Christian Education National (CEN)
network.
Part of Alice’s work entails assisting and encouraging students as
they transition into their new school, access support programs
and adapt to changes that arise throughout the year due to
parent deployment, training exercises and unaccompanied
postings. She also assists families and helps them integrate into
their new community and transition between schools and the
different education systems.
If you’re looking for a school, another stress relief is that Marrara
Christian College and NT Christian College are conveniently
located on one campus, the College accommodates for children
from ELC all the way to Year 12. The Early Learning Centre,
Kingdom Kids, is open to enrolment for children from 3 to 5
years of age with convenient operational hours from 7am to
6pm. In the NT, children begin their full-time schooling
in Transition from 5 years old (must turn 5 before 30th June of
enrolment year). For over 40 years, Marrara Christian College
has provided high quality Christian Education for students from
Transition to Year 9 with NT Christian College being their
Senior Years Education Provider for Years 10-12.
The Marrara Campus is centrally located to all Service Residence
locations and close to RAAF Base Darwin and Robertson
Barracks. The school bus service is easily accessible from the
Larrakeyah Barracks and HMAS Coonawarra, with routes that
cover Darwin and Palmerston. For those that need it, there is
also Outside School Hours Care services available after school.
Marrara is also the sporting hub of Darwin with the Marrara
Sporting Complex minutes away. Here you will find everything
from netball, rugby, soccer, athletics, gymnastics and so much
more. Making your child’s after school sports activities easily
accessible from the College.
22 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 23

ADF TRANSITIONS
Deciding to transition from service into civilian
life is a significant move in your career.
Your transition journey might include moving
from the ADF into paid civilian employment,
joining the reserves, retirement, undertaking
further study, volunteering or stepping back
from Continuous Full Time Service.
Early engagement with the transition process is crucial
to understand your options and set you up for success.
You can access programs at any time throughout your
career and up to 24 months after your transition is
complete.
Moving through your transition and managing change
can be challenging. ADF members and their families
are our most important capability for the defence of
Australia and its national interests. If you are looking to
maintain connectivity with the ADF, you could
volunteer or transfer into a Reservist role.
ADF members and their families can contact the Defence
Member and Family Support Helpline on 1800 624 608 for
information and advice to support their member through
Transition and understand how this change will impact on their
family.
When you are ready to begin exploring what transition might
look like, reach out to an ADF Transition Centre (ADFTC).
Through an ADFTC, you are connected to a Transition Coach.
Coaches work with you and your family to design and develop a
Game Plan. This individual Transition Plan is tailored to your
circumstances and post-transition goals.
Defence encourages all members to engage with a Transition
Coach during their career and attend an ADF Member and
Family Transition Seminar.
Image: ADF families learning about available supports at an ADF Member and Family Transition
Seminar. Credit ADF Transitions.
Image: Transition Coaches work with members and their families to develop a post-transition plan.
Credit ADF Transitions.
ADF MEMBER AND FAMILY TRANSITION
SEMINARS
Ready to start the ball rolling? It is recommended you attend
a transition seminar within 12 months of your intended
transition date to help you be as prepared as possible.
You do not need to be actively transitioning to attend a
seminar.
All members and their families are encouraged to educate
themselves and consider transition preparation by learning
about the supports available. Family members are welcome
to attend seminars and are encouraged to do so.
Seminars ensure that you and your family are wellequipped
to navigate your move to civilian life. They
provide practical information on programs and
services from:
• Transition coaches (coaching aligned with your
needs, including career transition)
• Joint Health Command (JHC)
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
• Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation
(CSC) (military superannuation)
• ADF Financial Consumer Services Centre
• Education institutions
• External Service Organisations (ESOs).
There are also Navy, Army and Air Force information sessions focused on increasing your understanding of how to work
flexibly across the ADF Service spectrum through the ADF Total Workforce System.
ADF member and family transition seminars are accessible throughout the year in both face-to-face and virtual formats.
For more information about transition seminars (including how to register), download the ADF Member and Family
Transition Guide or visit Defence’s website at www.defence.gov.au/dmfstransition
SNAPSHOT OF THE DEFENCE FORCE TRANSITION
PROGRAMS AVAILABLE
Defence provides an extensive range of programs to assist
you to prepare for and navigate this journey depending on
the needs of yourself and your family.Your Transition Coach
can help you determine which program is right for you.
DEFENCE MEMBER AND FAMILY SUPPORT
Defence Member and Family Support provides services and
support to ADF members and families to manage all stages of
military life, including transition.
To access our support services contact the all-hours Defence
Member and Family Helpline on
1800 624 608.
JOB SEARCH PREPARATION WORKSHOP (JSP)
A face-to-face or virtual workshop including how to build your
resume skills and apply for jobs. The workshop provides
ongoing access to a library of resources.
CAREER TRANSITION TRAINING (CTT)
Financial assistance for education and vocational training to
support your post-transition goals.
CAREER TRANSITION COACHING (CTC)
Intensive individualised specialist coaching to help identify
motivators, skills and career options and develop the tools to
pursue these goals.
PERSONALISED CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT
PROGRAM (PCEP)
Provides up to 3 months of career development and job
placement support. PCEP includes six individual coaching
sessions with an employment specialist.
TRANSITION FOR EMPLOYMENT (T4E)
T4E supports ADF members who require additional supports
through their transition journey.
ON THE JOB EXPERIENCE (OJE)
Provides opportunities for members to undertake work
experience in their chosen post-transition field.
FUNDING FOR FINANCIAL ADVISORY SERVICES
A financial contribution of up to $1000 for professional
financial advice to assist ADF members and their families plan
for financial security after transitioning.
PARTNER EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
(PEAP)
Provides funding to assist ADF partners with finding
employment, or re-establishing professional licences, after
relocating.
APPROVED ABSENCE (AA)
Permanent members can apply for Approved Absence leave
for transition-related activities such as time to search for
accommodation, job interviews, appointments and more.
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
24 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 25

Defence Member and Family
Support
PRINCES TRUST
LAUNCH LAB
ADF members and families are invited to join us for an afternoon of fun and information. A
range of community groups and organisations will be there to provide information about the
support services assistance and activities available in the area. There will be displays by local
groups, along with a variety of fun craft activities and games for the kids.
Throughout November, Princes Trust Australia facilitated a number of free
online workshops as part of their new Launch Lab initiative for veterans and
partners! The aim of Launch Lab is to support ADF families to have the
confidence, enterprise capabilities and networks they need to pursue selfemployment
and prepare for the rapidly changing world of work. I attended
both of the veterans sessions and found the group to be supportive, engaging
and encouraging, regardless of the variety of enterprise pathways, skills and
experience.
Under the new Launch Lab initiative, Princes Trust Australia have designed
four action-packed sessions to help you think critically about your business
idea, strengths, capacity, and the world of work at large.
›› Philosophies of Success
›› Contemporary Work
›› Motivation and Values
›› Affect and Communication
Please contact PTA or subscribe to their regular emails
for program updates and launch dates.
DID YOU KNOW?
Princes Trust Australia also have a
defence community business directory
that is a great resource in addition to
APOD for supporting defence community
enterprises. Check out the PTA website
for a comprehensive list:
https://www.princes-trust.org.au/defencemembers/business-directory
Written by Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
Stay Connected
1800 624 608
memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au
defence.gov.au/members-families
Welcome to the Top End
Defence Member and Family Support is hosting a community connection expo.
WHERE
WHEN
MORE
INFO
Welcome to Katherine!
WHERE
WHEN
MORE
INFO
Darwin Convention Centre
Saturday 11 February 2023, 9.00am – 1.00pm
dmfs.darwin@defence.gov.au
Join the DMFS Darwin mailing list
by scanning the QR code
Defence Member and Family Support is hosting a community connection expo.
RAAF Base Tindal Gymnasium (basketball court)
Thursday 19 January 2023, 12.00pm – 4.00pm
dmfs.tindal@defence.gov.au
Join the DMFS Tindal mailing list
by scanning the QR code
DMFS_AusDefence
DMFS_AusDefence
DefenceMemberFamilySupport
dmfs-darwin.eventbrite.com.au
dmfs-tindal.eventbrite.com.au
Di Elson
Area Manager NT
Defence Member and Family Support
ARE YOU NEW TO
THE TOP END AND
LOOKING FOR
EMPLOYMENT?
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT PARTNER
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?
The Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) provides
funding to improve the employability of the partners of ADF
members when they are relocated.
Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) is responsible
for the policy, management and day-to-day administration of
the PEAP through its Community Support Program (CSP)
team. Funding is available to eligible ADF partners when
families relocate to a new location on posting, or when ADF
members transition for medical reasons, which includes
professional employment services up to $1500 per posting.
For more program information and fact-sheets, head to:
https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/relocation/
partner-employment-assistance-program
Defence Member and Family Support are here to help. Reach out to the Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608 at any
26time Thefor Top advice, Ender support | Tri-Services orMagazine connection Incorporated with your local community. Our website has information on ADF member and family content
DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 27
so be sure to bookmark our URL and follow us on social media to keep up-to-date on planned events.

END OF YEAR REFLECTION FROM
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER
From COVID and an election, to the death of Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the ongoing Royal
Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, 2022
has been a big year for everyone across the country.
Here in the Top End, these events have also affected us
but throughout it all, our commitment to veterans and
families has never wavered.
In September, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh provided
the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence
and Veteran Suicide’s Interim Report and tabled the Government’s
formal response in Parliament. The Interim Report made 13
recommendations falling across a number of themes; simplifying
legislation, improving claims processing, reducing the claims backlog
and a group of recommendations relating to the sharing of
information and general administration. The Government has
already implemented one of the recommendations (recommendation
5), agreed to nine, agreed in principle to one, and noted two others.
The Government’s response can be found on the DVA website and I
urge you to read it. In relation to the claims backlog, DVA has also
increased transparency for veterans and families by publishing
claims processing information online.
In August, Minister Keogh, the DVA Secretary Ms Liz Cosson AM
CSC, and DVA staff paid tribute to Corporal Reg Hillier, 1RAR, on
Vietnam Veterans Day. Reg was the only Territorian killed in the
Vietnam War. We also commemorated all those who never came
home at a moving service conducted by Veterans Australia NT at
Reg Hillier House in Bees Creek.
During his visit to Darwin, Minister Keogh visited the new site for the
Darwin Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Stuart Park. This site is in
addition to the Palmerston site and will be a wonderful asset with
Mates4Mates providing services to support veterans and families at
both sites. Services include a range of social connection activities,
advocacy, mental health, employment, education and skills, and
referrals. To keep updated on the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs and
their services, follow the Mates4Mates Northern Territory Facebook
group.
This year we also celebrated other great achievements and
anniversaries, such as 75 years of Australia’s involvement in
peacekeeping operations. We acknowledged the tens of thousands
of military, police and civilian personnel who have been part of
peacekeeping operations across the world since 1947. Our
commitment to peacekeeping reflects our country’s spirit of always
being ready to lend a helping hand. We acknowledge the families and
loved ones of our peacekeepers too - thank you for your service.
Another highlight this year was the return of ADF Exercise Pitch
Black and Kakadu to the Northern Territory. Exercise Pitch Black saw
the Northern Territory host approximately 2,500 personnel and up
to 100 aircraft from around the world. Participants came from
Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Korea,
Singapore, Thailand, UAE, US and UK. Significantly, Germany, Japan,
and the Republic of Korea participated fully for the first time.
Exercise Kakadu saw more than 15 vessels, 30 aircraft and around
3,000 personnel from more than 20 countries participate. As a proud
Territorian, it was wonderful to showcase this amazing part of
Australia we call home, while supporting the ADF to conduct these
important exercises.
While Christmas and New Year is a time of celebration and
spending time with loved ones for most, it can also be a time of
grief and loneliness for others. In the spirit of the season, we hope
you can extend your festive tables and spare an extra minute to say
hello to your neighbours, friends and loved ones or find a way to
spread some extra cheer.
If you find yourself in need of extra support during this time Open
Arms — Veterans & Families Counselling provides support for
current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families. Free and
confidential help is available 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit www.
openarms.gov.au.
For those posting out of the Territory in 2022, be sure to make
contact with your local veteran or defence family community group
in your new posting location. DVA is accessible in most major towns
with our Veteran Support Officers providing services on more than
50 bases around Australia. If you would like to book an appointment
on base, you can email VSO@dva.gov.au
From everyone in the Darwin DVA team, we wish you a safe and
merry festive season. DVA will offer limited services over the
Christmas/New Year period, with the Darwin offices reopening on 3
January 2023. You can contact 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or
visit the website www.dva.gov.au for further information on available
services.
Written by Louise Ruhl
A/G Deputy Commissioner, NT
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
7 TYPES OF REST
When we hear the word ’rest’ it is common to associate it with
sleep or doing nothing. But have you ever wondered why, even
after a good night’s sleep, you still feel tired? There is a chance you
have a deficit of rest in another area of your life.While sleep is
primarily a physical type of rest, Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith, who
explores this concept through her Ted Talk:The 7 types of rest
that every person needs, identified rest as belonging to seven
separate categories or themes that we need to fulfil in order to
feel vibrant, happy and energetic on a regular basis.
It’s also an easy misconception to think that going on a holiday will solve the
problem of tiredness, but oftentimes we set ourselves a full itinerary to
make the most of our time away. Unless a vacation includes restorative
activities, we can return from it feeling more tired than when we left. So,
let’s take a look at the seven types of rest:
1. Physical: There are two subcategories that help us achieve this type of
rest. Passive physical rest, which includes sleeping and napping to allow
our body to recover through a lack of activity, and active physical rest,
which helps us relax our muscles and improve circulation by doing
things like gentle stretching, walking and yoga. For those who do lots of
physical exercise, these additional activities are crucial for muscle
recovery and gain.
2. Mental: We are constantly processing information and making
decisions for the means of survival, without the added requirements of
work, family, social life and other commitments. If you find yourself
unable to switch off when you get to bed, you are likely in need of
mental rest. Listening to a sleep talk-down, writing a to-do list for the
next day, and journaling whatever thoughts are floating through your
mind can help with quietening the mind in preparation for a restful
sleep. We may also need a break from decision fatigue, and it can be
beneficial to delegate tasks to others when you need support.
3. Spiritual: If you are a follower of a faith-based or spiritual practice, you
may include meditation or prayer time into your day, but if you aren’t,
spiritual rest can include having relationships with people or places that
are uplifting and enhance your sense of belonging and connection.
Partaking in a project that gives you a sense of purpose and links you
with likeminded people and community is another great way to refill
this bucket.
4. Emotional: Emotional rest is to allow yourself space to take a break
from giving all of our energy and reserves to others. We might not
want to acknowledge how we are truthfully feeling or ask for support
with the things that weigh heavily on us. But doing so creates space for
deeper relationships, new insights and a moment to breathe. We don’t
need this depth and vulnerability in all of our relationships, just having
one or two trusted people really helps. This could be a chaplain, peer
worker, counsellor or trusted friend.
5. Social: Your amount of social rest may vary depending on whether you
are an extravert or introvert, but the important thing is knowing what
fuels you and what drains you. If you know you prefer time to
yourself and your day is full of time with people, be sure to schedule
some time-out. Likewise, if you are a social person, try and spend
more time with the people who you enjoy being around.
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 are 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.
DVA’s Non Liability Health Care (NLHC)
provides access to free mental health
treatment for anyone with one day full-time
ADF service and certain reservists for all
mental health conditions, whether related to
service or not. Prior to making an
appointment, please check with your treating
professional if they accept the DVA White
Card as payment.
6. Creative: Creativity isn’t reserved for people who are
good at art – this is necessary for everyone, especially
decision makers or those who require innovative
thinking and logical reasoning on a daily basis.
Immerse yourself into environments that bring a
feeling of wonder and awe; museums, art exhibitions,
beautiful architecture or the great outdoors are places
that inspire creativity. When was the last time you sat
outside and watched a sunset, played a musical
instrument or strolled through a garden?
7. Sensory: We now live in a world where we are
surrounded by screens, bright lights and noisy
soundscapes. Taking time to unplug and properly
switch off each day, sometimes multiple times a day,
can improve productivity by calming the nervous
system. Give yourself an hour before bed each night
to dim the lights and ditch the devices, which helps to
wind down and prime our bodies for sleep.
If you have been experiencing symptoms such as ongoing
tiredness, sleep issues or changes in mood and mindset we
encourage you to have a chat with a health professional to
discuss factors that may be impacting your lifestyle. For an
easy self-assessment, check out the Healthy Sleeping tool
available through Open Arms – Veterans & Families
Counselling High Res app. Find out more at https://www.
openarms.gov.au/living-well/sleep-well.
Yours in Health,
Written by Siân Howell
Community Support Advisor, NT
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
28 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 29

A warm hello to fellow Territorian families.
My name is Georgia Usher and I am the new
National Delegate for Defence Families of
Australia for the Northern Territory and
Kimberley regions.
My partner and I are both ex-serving RAAF members, after I
transitioned to civilian life a few years ago. During my time in
the service, I was posted to RAAF Darwin, East Sale,
Amberley and Canberra. We now call Darwin home and
continue to feel connected to our wonderful Defence
community. I am also a mum of two and am thrilled to have
the opportunity to represent DFA as the National
Delegate for this region.
My background is security advisory and audit, where I have
worked with a number of State and Federal Government
agencies. An integral part of my experience has been focused
on providing advice and education to audit agency staff
regarding negotiation and achieving outcomes for clients and
legislative compliance.
View our
Advocacy Map
by scanning
the QR code
My DFA role will allow me to connect with ADF members,
spouses and families who are experiencing the same
lifestyle challenges that I have experienced as a serving
member and partner. I can’t wait to get out and about over
the next few months and meet the families who are
representing our ADF. I look forward to making a difference
and helping families who need DFA’s assistance.
DFA is the Ministerially-appointed national advisory body for
families of current serving ADF members. As advisors to
Government and Defence, we advocate for ongoing
improvement in the policies and practices which impact
Defence families.
At the heart of this work are the interests of families like
yours. Our work in advocating for positive policy change is
informed by your needs and experiences. If you would like
to discuss the advocacy work that DFA is undertaking or
have a matter that you believe should be brought to our
attention, please do not hesitate to contact me.
In the meantime, please follow us on social media for
updates on our advocacy work, or go to our website at dfa.
org.au to find out more about what we’re currently working
on.
Written by Georgia Usher
National Delegate
DFA NT & Kimberley
With the festive season upon us, most ADF
members like to enjoy a well-deserved break
over stand-down, so it’s likely that many
personnel will increase their alcohol consumption
to relax after a busy year.
The ON TRACK with The Right Mix app has been
designed for serving and ex-serving ADF personnel and
veterans.
MANAGE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
The app will help you manage your alcohol consumption
by tracking your drinks and providing information on the
impact it may have to your budget, fitness and wellbeing,
with the following features;
• Track your drinking and spending in real time or
add drinks to previous sessions.
• Set a budget for a night out and get a reminder
when you've reached your budget.
• Learn how much exercise you need to do to burn
off the alcohol you've consumed.
• Get a personalised wellbeing score based on the amount you drink.
• Track your drinking, wellbeing and spending through weekly and monthly
graphs.
• Find out where to get professional help if alcohol is impacting on your daily
life.
• Email your ON TRACK drinking history to yourself or a health clinician.
AUSTRALIAN GUIDELINES
The Australian Guidelines covering alcohol use are set by the National Health and
Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
The 2020 Guidelines recommend we do not drink any more than four standard
drinks on any one day, and no more than 10 drinks per week. Alcohol affects
everyone. How it affects you depends on how much you drink, your health, your
age and other factors.
Listen to your friends and family - have they commented on how much you’re
drinking? If so, your drinking might have become a problem, even if you don’t feel
like it has.
IS YOUR
ALCOHOL
CONSUMPTION
ON THE RIGHT TRACK?
FIND SUPPORT
For free and confidential counselling, book
an appointment with your GP or call Open
Arms on 1800 011 046. Support is available
24/7 for veterans and their family. For
immediate danger, call 000.
Contact Defence Families of Australia
Get in touch with us:
DefenceFamiliesofAustralia
@defence_families_
of_australia
@DefenceFamilies 0418807548
Defence Families
of Australia
nt@dfa.org.au
PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH RISKY DRINKING
Heavy drinking is associated with heart disease, cancer, liver disease and dementia,
and a range of mental health conditions because people often drink in an attempt
to manage the symptoms of post traumatic stress (PTSD), depression or anxiety.
Having more social connections, getting better at problem solving and learning to
manage unpleasant feelings are really important ways of changing your drinking
behaviour. You might like to consider other enjoyable and rewarding activities you
can do instead of drinking.
Extracted from Open Arms
https://www.openarms.gov.au/resources/
apps-and-online-resources/right-mix-app
References:
https://www.openarms.gov.au/living-well/drink-responsibly
https://www.openarms.gov.au/signs-symptoms/alcohol-andsubstance-use/alcohol-use
30 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 31

NETWORK TINDAL
TINDAL TREATS & PILBARA PRIZES
WIN FOR CHRISTMAS
AWARD WINNERS
FOR 2022 ARE:
Tindal Kites Whistling
Best and Fairest - Rachael Smart
Runners up - Kayla Wruck
PLAYERS PLAYER - Lizz Ferrie
Tindal Black Mixed
Best and Fairest - Regan Parks
Runners up - James Murphy
PLAYERS PLAYER - James
Murphy
Tindal Kites Soaring
Best and Fairest - Angela Giles
Runners Up - Sarah Griffin
PLAYERS PLAYER - Angela Giles
Tindal Kites High School
Best and Fairest - Riley Prime
Runners up - Addison Covill
PLAYERS PLAYER - Caitlyn
Hordern
At the start of 2022, the Tindal Kites Netball Club
was founded; we built the club from the ground up,
which included designing uniforms, getting club
sponsorships and building our teams...
We started the year off with three Indoor Netball teams,
consisting of two ladies teams and one mixed, playing fast 5
games they may only be six-minute quarters, but in wet
season that's more than enough! The indoor season goes for
8 weeks, then the real competition starts.
Throughout term 2 and 3, the Tindal Kites played in the
Katherine Netball Association Competition, where we had
two ladies teams in B Grade, a mixed team, Middle Primary
team (for year 3 and 4 students) and a High School team.
It was quite the competition this year with the High School
team finishing 4th, Tindal Kites Whistling finished 7th, the
Tindal Black Mixed team finished 4th and Tindal Kites
Soaring finished 3rd!
When it came to finals, unfortunately only one Tindal team
made the Grand final, and Tindal Kites Soaring took out the
2022 Premiership beating Katherine's Pink Buffalo's 20 to 14!
Tindal’s own Angela Giles took out Best on Ground for the
final, as well as Runner Up for Katherine Netball Assocation
Best and Fairest... She also cleaned up with the Tindal
awards, taking out both Best and Fairest and Players Player
for Tindal Kites Soaring 2022 – Congratulations Angela!
The next indoor season has just started and to say it's a
sweaty job playing netball in the wet season is an
understatement, but it sure beats playing in a dress on a
Saturday morning in the dead of a southern winter!
Written by Natasha Reece
Chairperson
Network Tindal
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.
We have recently applied for a number of grants for Tindal youth and events, however we were not successful in securing
any additional funding for Defence community events, so our committee have decided to have some fun with competition
prizes and options for the Tindal and Pilbara defence communities! Prizes will be posted to our lucky winners!
SELF-CARE WELLNESS PACK
Treat yourself to a stay-cation at home and create
your own day spa of relaxation.
Valued at $50 per pack.
SPA TREATMENT VOUCHER
Enjoy some pampering at The Rejuvenation Hub
(Tindal) and Revive Beauty & Wellness Spa (Pilbara)
Valued at $150 per voucher.
WOOLWORTHS GIFT CARD
Spend and save this festive season with a Woolies
gift card for those extra treats!
Valued at $100 per voucher.
CAMPING VOUCHER
Get ready for your next adventure at Katherine
Camping (Tindal) and Karratha Sports (Pilbara)
Valued at $100 per voucher.
YOUTH DRIVING LESSON
Sponsored under our Towards Zero Grant from the
NT Government. Redeem at Drv4Lyf Katherine
(Tindal) and Drive Safe Karratha (Pilbara)
Valued at $75 per lesson.
MOVIE TICKETS
Watch the latest blockbuster at Katherine Star Cinema
(Tindal) and Karratha Red Earth Arts Precinct (Pilbara)
Valued at $50 per voucher.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY
ACTIVITY PACK
Includes markers, activity books, a puzzle, art crafts, tie
dye, play doh, cookie cutters, kids easy recipe book,
baking set, rock painting kit, seedling set, bubble wand,
holiday bingo game, small Lego set, bracelet making
set, mystery egg and Sunnylife Inflatable Outdoor
Octopus Sprinkler.
Valued at $150 per pack.
ENTER NOW AT
THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU/WIN
THE PILBARA
REGIMENT FAMILY GROUP
Getting out and exploring the natural wonders in our region is one thing
families in the Pilbara Regiment love to do.
Recently we got together to enjoy the natural phenomenon of Stairway to the Moon
at Hearson’s Cove. This event only takes place a few months of the year, when the full
moon rises over a low tide and creates an effect that looks like you could literally walk
on stairs to the moon. The September occurrence was not long after Father’s Day, so
we celebrated with a BBQ on the beach and the kids could decorate stubby holders as
presents for dad. Thanks to DMFS for supplying the craft items for that activity.
All our depots are ramping up for Christmas with various social events planned. We
also continue to provide morning tea at Karratha’s Mintu Wanta Mess every second
Friday and would love to see lots of members there.
Written by Kylie Thompson
PRFG now has a website. For more information
on who we are and what we get up to, please
visit: https://sites.google.com/view/pilbararegiment-family-group/home
TERMS: Total Tindal Prize Pool valued at $675. Total Pilbara Prize Pool valued at $675. Open to Tindal and Pilbara based Defence members, veterans and
their immediate families aged 18 and up. Entrants are permitted to apply for multiple prizes. Closes 10 January 2023. 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.
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
SUBMIT YOUR STORY
We're looking for stories about Defence
life, history, tips about living in the NT,
family experiences, travel adventures and
more! Submit your story, image, recipe,
artwork, review or recommendation today!
One lucky Community Contributor will receive a $100 gift
card in every edition! We welcome all contributions from
Defence members, their families and local organisations.
SUBMIT: www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/submissions
32
Community Support Coordinator
The
PRFG
Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 33
$100
COMMUNITY
CONTRIBUTOR
VOUCHER

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
BILLEROY HOUSE
VETERAN SUPPORT
During September, Billeroy House received a call from our RSL
Secretary about a veteran who was in Darwin Private Hospital.
He had a difficult couple of months due to ill health and was due
to be transferred into Palliative care. The person who was
nominated as his Next of Kin was overseas at the time, so it was
requested that Dan supported the veteran as he did not have any
family in Darwin. Dan accepted the nomination as Next of Kin
and Executor.
Dan & Kristy (one of our amazing volunteers who visited twice
daily with drinks and treats) had visited the veteran in care on
most days. Darwin RSL would like to sincerely thank Kristy for supporting the veteran
during this time, and thanks to Adam Mendam for assisting Dan with cleaning and
removing the veteran's personal possessions from his unit.
It was the veterans wish to have a simple funeral and Darwin RSL agreed to support the
cost if the veteran’s personal funds were not sufficient to cover expenses.
This veteran did not understand what his service meant to his country. He did not
understand what was available to him through veteran support services, such as DVA.
Dan supported him to become recognised with DVA, however, he passed away 2 days
after funding out that his service had been recognised - a special thanks to Dan Tellam
for his unwavering support and advocacy for defence veterans and families.
Earlier this year, another veteran passed away without being recognised as a DVA veteran;
his family received no support from DVA.
We cannot stress enough, the importance of registering with DVA. DVA is there to
support veterans. If a veteran is not recognised with DVA, their family receives no support
in the event of illness or death. If there is one thing to learn from these recent
unfortunate events; please REGISTER with DVA and make sure you have a current will.
DISABLED CHAIR LIFT
The Billeroy House disabled stair lift chair in now back in
service after spending $700 on a new battery. We had to
redesign a battery facility as the new batteries are bigger
and more reliable. The Navy provided the help we needed
to restore the chair lift at no charge. The service included
a new bracket to allow an electric bicycle battery to be
fitted to the chair so we will never have a problem with
sourcing batteries in the future.
SAINT
BARBARA’S
DAY
04 DECEMBER
St. Barbara, (died c. 200 CE; feast day
December 4), was a legendary virgin
martyr of the early church. Respected as
one of the 14 Auxiliary Saints (Holy
Helpers), she is invoked in
thunderstorms and is the patron saint of
artillerymen and miners.We
acknowledge the 4th of December as
Saint Barbara’s Day.
According to legend, dating to the 7th
century, she was the daughter of a pagan
who kept her guarded in a tower to
protect her from harm. When she
professed Christianity and refused marriage,
the father became enraged and took her to
the provincial prefect, who ordered her to
be tortured and beheaded. The father
himself performed the execution and, upon
his return home, was struck by lightning and
reduced to ashes.
Written by Amanda Letcher
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
References:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Barbara
Photo: Narelle Woodhall
LARRAKEYAH
NEIGHBOURHOOD
HOUSE
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Monday 9am - Bumps and Bubs
Tuesday 9am - Playgroup
Thursday 8:45am - Movement
Friday 9am - Coffee Out and About
CONTACT
Keylie Wilton
Centre Coordinator
www.larrakeyahhouse.com.au
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
“Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House
Community Group” and “Reading
Between the Wines”
Larrakeyah Neighbourhood
House were honoured to
support Veterans’ Health Week
recently and we organised a
Laksa cooking class with
Darwin Adult Short Courses. It
was a very interactive class, led
by their amazing Chef Jenny.
Thank you to everyone who
attended, I hope you’re
continuing your healthy cooking
journey.
As the end of the year approaches,
it’s always bittersweet saying
goodbye to ADF members and
good friends as they move onto
new posting locations. But, there’s
always a build-up of excitement
moving to a new location, exploring
what it offers and meeting new
people. We can’t wait to welcome
everyone into our community in
2023 and wish everyone a safe and
Happy Holidays.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Billeroy House Morning Tea every
Wednesday at 1000hrs
Billeroy House Christmas Fun Run
Friday 02 December 2022
Billeroy House 4th Birthday
celebrations, Fun Run and BBQ
Breakfast
Friday 03 March 2023
FUNDRAISING GIFTS
Our fundraising stubby coolers are the perfect Christmas
gift for $10 each!
Written by Dan ‘Tank’ Tellam
Wellbeing Advocate Officer Level 2, Coordinator
RSL Billeroy House Veterans & Families Community Centre
08 8942 0381 | billeroyhouse@rsldarwin.org.au
OPENING HOURS
Mon - By appointment
Tue - By appointment
Wed - 1000hrs to 1400hrs
Thu - 1000hrs to 1400hrs
Fri - 1000hrs to 1400hrs
150 YEARS OF
AUSTRALIAN
ARTILLERY
On 5 Nov 2022, members of 9th
Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian
Artillery congregated at Randwick
Barracks as one of six guards to celebrate
Australian Artillery's 150 years of service
to Australia.This parade was scheduled for
2021, however due to travel restrictions
resulting from the COVID pandemic, the
parade was postponed.
The parade also celebrated the
presentation and consecration of the new
Banner of Her Late Majesty, Queen
Elizabeth II.
Written by 9th Reg RAA
Community Contributor
The Top Ender Magazine

COMMITTEE
NOTICEBOARD
NEW TOP ENDER HEADQUARTERS
A HUGE thanks to Char, Kristy, Masela, Paul and Amanda
for helping with the relocation of our office from the Sahara
Room to the DEB Officers Mess. We also wish to
acknowledge the help and support of DEB Base
Management Services for offering a new location and
assisting with the relocation of our office equipment.
you're
a winner!
Congratulations to our October/
November Competition Winners:
VETERANS’ HEALTH WEEK FUN
This year’s theme for Veterans’ Health Week was ‘Eat Well’ and the
Mates4Mates Palmerston team had a great time teaching local
veterans and families all about the importance of nutrition, as well
as some new cooking skills.
Veterans heard from a nutritionist on why maintaining a healthy balanced
diet is so important for our physical and mental health, as well as enjoying
a sushi-making class and a curry cooking class.
The Annual Veterans’ Health Week Table Tennis Masters also took place
over three weeks, with Peter taking out the title for the second year in a
row!
TOP ENDER VALUES
Our committee have some BIG goals for 2023 and we are excited
to continue the Top Ender Magazine’s incredible 26-year legacy
with a number of new initiatives and a refresh of our
organisation’s values. We are...
Collaborative – working together with a range of stakeholders to
increase our relevance and reach into defence community, while
balancing an open-minded approach to strengths, weaknesses,
synergy and inclusion.
Enterprising – being creative and seeking new ways to connect
with a broad demographic through new opportunities, while also
empowering other organisations through positive engagement and
promotion to develop a thriving defence eco-system.
Dan Keighran Signed Book
Alex Duffield - Dewi Rohler
Steven Cotten - Mark holland
Graham King
Couples Date Night
James Notaras
MTA Travel Voucher
Samantha Murphy
Territory Wellness Voucher
Sweta Tamrakar
SHE Nails Deluxe Pedicure
Jessica Halbert
Kayla Wruck
Integrity Hair Voucher
Melissa Mackenzie
$100 Jape Homemaker Village Voucher
Madeleine Brown
Rejuvenate Massage - Tindal
Jeremy Little
Lawn Mowing Voucher
Azeema Perkins
Princes Trust Australia
Care Package
Jessica Pham
Officeworks Kid’s Art Pack
Mikelangelo Valenzuela
Image: VHW Sushi Cooking Class
JOIN MATES4MATES FOR HOLIDAY FUN
Mates4Mates will be holding a vast program of family-friendly
events throughout the summer holidays! The activities will be
available to all veterans, Defence Force members and their
families. To find out what’s on, email nt@mates4mates.org.au or
visit www.mates4mates.org
Mates4Mates will be closed from Friday, 23 December 2022 to
Monday, 2 January 2023. The Palmerston centre will re-open
on Tuesday, 3 January 2023.
If you need support over the holiday period, there are many
organisations that offer 24-hour support.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Open Arms: 1800 011 046
HOW TO COPE WITH THE HOLIDAYS
The holiday season can be a challenging time for veterans and their
family members who have been impacted by service. Post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), isolation and other challenges related to the
holidays can be overwhelming or trigger an increase in symptoms.
Holidays can bring out the best in people but can also cause stress and
tension. Shopping centres become more crowded and noisier, and an
increase in social activities can cause an exacerbation in anxiety and
depression. While some might find it difficult to acknowledge the
challenges of the holiday season and find it hard to reach out for help as a
result, there is support available.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take time for yourself and step
away from any situation if needed. Remember, you are just as deserving as
anyone else in celebrating the holidays and you can use this time to
engage in self-care and activities that are important to you and those you
care about.
Three tips for mentally preparing for the holiday season:
1. Communicate with loved ones. While discussing your mental health
requires you to be vulnerable, it will allow your family or friends the
opportunity to support you where they can and help them to
understand what you are experiencing
2. Seek professional support. Talk to a mental health specialist, for
example a psychologist, counsellor or social worker, to develop an
individualised plan that will provide effective strategies for you to use
over the holiday period.
3. Create a self-care plan. Find the things that help ‘fill your cup’ and give
you a better headspace to deal with the stress of holidays. This might
be daily visualisations, exercising, taking time out in nature, or making
a plan of events to attend, ensuring you don’t feel overcommitted.
Written by By Tamsin Wallace
Mates4Mates Psychologist
NEW HUB ON TRACK
Mates4Mates is happy to report that the refurbishment and building
works on the new Stuart Highway Veteran and Family Wellbeing
Centre is on track to open in 2023. This new centre will house
Mates4Mates and their regular activities and services as well as other
key providers to offer support to veterans, Defence Force members
and their families.
Transparent – ensuring that our reporting and relationships are
transparent with a strong focus on integrity.
Humanistic – understanding and respecting the needs and views
of others based on various life experiences, while being
approachable and willing to grow in our own self-development.
Advancing – focusing on finding solutions, creating new systems,
advancing forward and developing skills to improve operations
and efficiency, which develops capability and trust with internal
and external stakeholders.
Youth Driving Vouchers
Raymond Dunleavy
Anna Lindsay
RoadTrip Kits
Tammy Hosken - Chloe Ellis
Grady Humphries - Joanne Bahr
William Bunyan - Jessica Halbert
Ange Padman - Natasha Holzberger
Angela Gordon - Joshua Stary
Image: NT Administrator visit
WELCOMING A SPECIAL GUEST
IN PALMERSTON
Recently, Mates4Mates was thrilled to welcome Her Honour the
Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO,The Administrator of the
Northern Territory, to the Palmerston centre. Her Honour spent
time with veterans listening to their stories and hearing more about
how Mates4Mates is helping veterans and their families find support
and mateship through the centre.
Any veterans, Defence Force members and their families looking for support or more
information can email nt@mates4mates.org.au or visit www.mates4mates.org
36 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 37

THE FORGOTTEN
AUSTRALIAN PATROL OFFICERS - KIAPS
But the 300 remaining Kiaps alive today want recognition
for their fallen comrades, not themselves. Many Kiaps I
have met don’t want praise, but still fight for their fallen
mates. In Darwin, we’re honoured to have Kiaps like
Graham Watts and Mike Press pictured here celebrating
ANZAC Day.
As Graham told me, he “‘was only comfortable recognising
the earlier Kiaps who had preceded us from the end of
World War Two as they did the hard yards, pioneered the
patrol tracks into the unknown villages and set up policies
and procedures for us to follow. They were the heroes, and
we followed in their footsteps.”
Backing our Veterans
this Federal Budget
with $3.6 million
to build supported
accommodation
Image: Graham Watts and Mike Press KAIPS
There is a good chance you may have never heard of the Australian
Patrol Officers called “Kiaps” who provided basic services like
security and administration to Papua New Guineans over decades,
and the likely reason is that Kiaps have never been given even an
obscure corner of our Australian story.
Kiaps were Australian government officials who patrolled Papua New
Guinea’s remote regions from 1878 to 1978.
They helped administer rural Papua as an Australian territory inherited from
Great Britain, and New Guinea as a League of Nations mandate and then a
United Nations trust territory.
Theirs was a dangerous job.
The Kiaps’ mortality rate was as high as four times that of Australians serving
in the Vietnam War.
Of the 2,000 Kiaps who served, 88 died from violence, disease, aircraft
crashes, volcanic eruptions, and executions by the Japanese during WWII.
But the fallen Kiaps received no recognition.
The government didn’t even repatriate their remains, which their families had
to do if they could afford it.
Too long left in the shadows of our collective memory, the Kiaps who did
not return deserve some recognition. It was not until 2013 that federal
Minister for Education Jason Clare, the then-Home Affairs Minister, awarded
them the Police Overseas Service Medal, thirty-five years after the last Kiap
came home.
Mike Press, who spent 18 years patrolling the Southern
Highlands and West and East Sepik Provinces, recalls: “My
many patrols involved law and order, census taking,
promoting health and hygiene, with nurses and health
workers often accompanying our patrols, and economic
development... We built roads by hand and improved
agriculture by setting up vegetable nurseries.”
Papua New Guinean leaders have recognised the Kiaps’
contribution to their country’s development.
These included the Bougainvillean politician and diplomat Dr
Alexis Sarei and former prime ministers Sir Julius Chan and
Sir Michael Somare, who invited some Kiaps to stay after
independence.
What the Kiaps did for PNG is today called nation-building.
While there remain sensitivities given the legacies of
Australia’s colonial past in the Pacific, the shared historical
legacy of the Kiaps’ work can strengthen our indispensable
partnership with Papua New Guinea.
“I have always appreciated your ever-ready helping hand. I
will always remember you … with great respect ... On
behalf of the Government [of Papua New Guinea], the
people and myself, thank you.” Dr. Sarei said in his tribute to
his Kiaps.
It’s time that Australia also said thank you.
One way to show the Kiaps the nation’s gratitude would
be to build a memorial in Canberra commemorating those
who died during their service. Most surviving Kiaps support
this initiative and ask for nothing extravagant or expensive,
only a nook of the national imagination for their mates.
Luke Gosling OAM MP is the Federal Member
for Solomon, representing Darwin and
Palmerston in the federal Parliament in
Canberra. He served in the Australian Defence
Force for 13 years, and worked in Timor-Leste,
Afghanistan and Cambodia.
The Scott Palmer Services
Centre will be established in
Darwin to support veterans
and first responders who
are homeless or at risk.
It will be co-located with the
new $1 million Darwin Men's
Shed and linked in with
employment, health and
counselling services to help
those who have done so
much for this country to get
back on their feet.
Authorised by L. Gosling, ALP NT, 3/266 Trower Road, Casuarina, NT 0810
38 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 39

VETERAN GAMING AUSTRALIA
VGA
Written by Sam Harris
CAN PILATES HELP ME LOSE WEIGHT?
What has been happening with Veteran Gaming Australia
(VGA) since our last feature in The Top Ender Magazine?
Care Packages
VGA supply gaming well-being packages to help veterans stay socially
and emotionally connected during times. The care packages contain a
selection of gaming equipment including, new PC and accessories,
Playstation 4s, Steam gift cards, Game Pass subscriptions and
accessories (such as headsets, keyboards, mouse and controllers), all
of which help in providing enhanced communication means for
veterans to enjoy their favourite games. To date,VGA have given out
eight care packages within the veteran community.
Tournaments
Tournaments are competitive events in which Veterans compete
in specific games for the title of top team. With the added
benefits Veterans may have from sitting down and playing a game
socially, tournaments held allow a greater depth for Veterans to
get to know one another, greater communication & critical
thinking strategies as they try to outwit the other opponents. The
competitive environment while playing boosts self-confidence of
the gamers and allows further career opportunities to present
themselves from both the VGA and Veterans Twitch streams held
throughout the tournaments. Cool gaming and technology prizes
are regularly on offer throughout these tournaments which also
help boost self-confidence throughout.
VGA is always looking for ways to connect veterans with events
and their industry idols, so if you are wanting to find out further
information or would like to help, please visit: https://
veterangamingaustralia.com.au/become-a-sponsor
Education
VGA has been providing education to parents and children on
how to create safe spaces around technology and digital gaming to
ensure that healthy gaming and wellbeing is at the forefront. We
know that technology and digital gaming can have so many
positives when utilised in a healthy way and we love empowering
parents and their children with the knowledge to help them
maintain Technology & Healthy Gaming practices. Some of the
ways we convey this information is through our Youtube and
Twitch channels, as well as discussions throughout family game
sessions and community events. We are also exploring options to
implement new programs into schools to provide education on
technology use with our lived experience in Healthy Gaming &
Technology – stay connected for future updates!
CONNECT WITH US
VGA Email - enquiries@veterangamingaustralia.com.au
VGA Website - www.veterangamingaustralia.com.au
VGA Care packages -
veterangamingaustralia.com.au/care-package-application
VGA Air Assault -
veterangamingaustralia.com.au/air-assault-application
Specialised Studio
Private, Duet and
Small Groups
As a Pilates teacher I often get asked;“Will Pilates help me lose weight?”
The short answer is no.
Before I launch into how Pilates or exercise may or may not contribute to your weight loss
journey, it is important to understand that the most effective long-term approach is 80% diet
and 20% exercise. However, this may differ from person to person depending on health
conditions and circumstances.
When it comes to exercise and weight loss, it’s simple – exercise increases the number of
calories your body “burns off” (refer to the Centre of Disease Control website). Pilates does
not burn massive amounts of calories in comparison to other physical activities and may
not contribute significantly to reducing adipose (fat) tissue, but it does benefit your weight
loss journey in so many ways.
Pilates should prioritise accuracy of movement over speed or intensity and may consist of
lower repetitions and/or resistance levels compared with other types of training, which results
in less calorie burn. When you are participating in a good Pilates session, we go for quality of
movement over quantity!
Pilates may indirectly help improve your weight loss journey in several ways, such as;
›› increases physical capacity to move, especially helpful for those who are relatively
inactive and/or managing injuries or health conditions.
›› builds confidence and strength in movement and physical activity
›› improves cognitive and psychological mindset and increases motivation in other
behaviours through achievement of personal and physical goals
›› enhances knowledge and body awareness of correct and safe movement (transferable to
other physical activities)
›› improves skills and courage to try (or return to) other physical activities previously
avoided
›› tones muscles
›› improves posture and appearance of the body (a ‘placebo’ of weight loss). The body
looks quite different when it stands tall, with the spine is lengthened and shoulders back.
A major factor of weight loss is what you eat. Your food intake needs to be sufficient in
calories, nutrients and minerals to fuel the many different systems of your body, inside and
out. If not, your body may not work properly. Be cautious of fad diets - their marketing may
appear to be fabulous, but it may not offer scientific or safe evidence to support your needs.
For information around healthy eating and safe weight loss
visit eatforhealth.gov.au.
If you have concerns about our weight, I encourage you to
speak to your GP or consult a qualified specialist, such as a
dietician or psychologist.
Written by Lizzi Webb
Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction,
B Ex & Sport Science, BA (Dance), APMA
Level 4
The Pilates Way
VGA Facebook - facebook.com/groups/veterangamingaus
Images: The Pilates Way, Lizzi Webb
References:
VGA Discord (Platform & Game Specific Chats, Movie Room, Voice chats) -
Move better, feel better, live better!
www.thepilateswaydarwin.com
discord.gg/QJTpqRd5ea
Centre for Disease Control - https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/
VGA Youtube - youtube.com/channel/UC3uQeXOl-Ob3mvHu3WDRfNw
VGA Shirt Order - Password: VGAFAMILY -tacticallyjaded.com.au/
physical_activity/
0424 261 264 | 5/74 Winnellie Rd, Winnellie
www.thepilateswaydarwin.com | thepilatesway@live.com.au
collections/veteran-gaming-australia
40 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 41

CHAPLAIN
CHAT
This year sees the first big posting cycle across
defence since COVID-19 halted all non-essential
relocations. For many, this may be their first move
from or to the NT. Each posting relocation brings
great opportunities for something new; new
friends, new sights and at times, new challenges.
For the defence member, this is a normal part of
career growth and progression. For our loved
ones, this becomes a time of great uncertainty,
both in the nature of the good things to come, but
also for the loss of established networks.
One thing I have noticed - at the core of change is the
opportunity for ongoing growth of personal and family
resilience. At a personal level, one needs to love yourself as
you are. Over time, the relational and work things you can do
will change and your personal resilience will improve.
For those of you coming to the NT with families, it is likely that
two aspects of this posting will create the most challenges.
Firstly, the remoteness from the rest of Australia, and for some,
the separation from their interstate support network of family
and friends. The second aspect is that the majority of NT
based defence members are posted to operational positions
that require members to be away from home for extended
periods. I would suggest that this challenge provides the
perfect opportunity for defence families to engage in the full
range of local services and supports available to them,
including military unit open days, family days, involvement with
local DMFS supported family centres and connection with
other support agencies (ie; Open Arms, Mates4Mates etc).
On a final note, for those members and their families who are
Christian, this period is a time to reflect on the birth of Christ.
May his blessings be upon you and your families as you move
around this season. For those of other faith traditions, may you
find strength and comfort from within your faith. And for all
defence members and their families, please know that you are
always very welcome to reach for and receive support from
the Defence Chaplaincy network, regardless of your faith.
Festive blessings,
Written by CHAP Garth Mayger
Roman Catholic Army Chaplain
1 CSSB
WE REMEMBER
BOMBING OF
PEARL HARBOR
Sunday, December 7, 1941, was supposed
to be a day of rest for the military soldiers
at Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor naval base on the
island of Oahu, but the Japanese naval
forces had been planning an attack for
months.At 7:55am, 350 Japanese fighter
planes launched a series of bombings in
two waves without warning and attacked
the United States Pacific fleet (naval
vessels) moored in the harbor, which
prevented a U.S. counter-attack.
Thousands of lives were lost that day.
Following both attacks, 19 U.S. naval vessels
were sunk or damaged; 188 aircraft were
destroyed. In all, 2,280 servicemen and women
were killed, 1,109 were wounded. Sixty-eight
civilians also lost their lives. The attack lasted
just under two hours.
The day after the attack, the United States
declared war on Japan, officially entering World
War II. In the nearly four years that followed,
the U.S. Navy sank all of the Japanese aircraft
carriers, battleships, and cruisers that
participated in the Pearl Harbor attack.
Extracted from Kids National
Geographic
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/
article/pearl-harbor
BROTHERS
’N’BOOKS
In a rut? Read a book!
Brothers N Books is an online community of book reviews designed to
encourage a supportive environment for shared experiences, wellbeing
and personal development. Brothers N Books raise funds to implement
fully stocked libraries into defence hospitals and community centres, as
well as an epic annual readathon to raise funds for Legacy, with a goal of
donating $50,000 in 2022! The power of defence community and
mateship is enough to drive social change - it starts with one book!
BOOK REVIEW:
Book - Greenlights; Autobiography by
Matthew McConaughey
My background - From an early age I was
able to choose my own adventure,
without much nurture or guidance but
with strong values and work ethic. I lost
my mum at an early age and with a
business owner as a father, I had to figure
out a lot on my own. Fortunately, like
McConaughey, I did get a strong values-based upbringing (although the values did
differ, as well as the freedom to discover the outdoors and adventure.
The books advice - Matthew McConaughey’s story, his ‘bumper stickers’, ‘notes
to self’ and ‘prescriptions’ really resonated with me - ‘live life so that you can look
forward to looking back’ is by far my favourite bumper sticker. His life experiences
and how they moulded his view on the world, plus what he learnt to work for
and what he learnt to let pass, really clicked with me. I strongly recommend
listening to the Audiobook version, to get a more engaging and comedic
experience.
Results - More motivation to maximise my life experiences, to get off the couch
and do STUFF.
I have more inspiration to work hard for what I want and more wisdom to not
let the small things get to me;‘an honest man’s pillow is his piece of mind’.
GET YOUR
MERCH
N E W T S H I RT
SISTERS N BOOKS - RRP $50
Available in the online store:
https://brothersnbooks.com/store/
Written by CAPT Dylan Conway
6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment
Editor at BrothersNBooks
42 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 43

25 REASONS
TO BECOME A
FAMILY DAY
CARE EDUCATOR
Darwin’s Outdoor &
Lifestyle Centre
Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date on promotions and events!
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
SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER
STARTS 8AM
ALAWA HALL, LAKESIDE DRIVE
BRING ALONG YOUR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS FOR
OUR RECYCLING PROGRAM:
Plastic bottle caps (clean please), Plastic ONLY bread tags, Dishwashing liquid
bottles (including caps), Dishwashing tablets flexible packaging (including snap
locks and zip locks), Air freshener aerosol cans and spray bottles (including spray
and trigger heads, not pump), Plug-in air fresheners and refills (including plastic
outer packaging), Clip-on car fresheners and refills (including plastic outer
packaging), Pens, textas & highlighters that no longer work, CDs & DVDs,
Disposable razors, Nespresso aluminium coffee pods , All brands of empty skin
care product packaging including; glass or plastic tubes, tubs, bottles, lids,
droppers, jars and pumps, and flexible plastic skin care packaging.
NB: Cardboard bread / bag tags break easily, please put them in a used envelope
to recycle them at home.
If it’s not on list, please don’t be offended if it is refused... not everything is
recycled!
Sponsored by Charles Darwin University
To register for a FREE stall, contact esther@uselessplastic.org
There are multiple reasons why people love being Family
Day Care Educators with Kentish:
• Be home with their children while generating income.
• Want to have the flexibility of being self-employed.
• Are enthusiastic about working with young children.
• Prefer to work in a home setting, rather than an early learning
centre.
• Flexible work hours to suit their lifestyle.
• Ability to set their own fee rate.
• They have partners working shift work, can offer hours that
suit them, rather than standard business hours. E.g., working
weekend, offering overnight care to other shift working
parents.
• Love the flexibility of taking holidays when they want.
• Know there is a strong demand for FDC educators all the time
and they will rarely have vacancies.
• Opportunity to positively influence the lives of young children.
• Create stability in a child’s life and shape their lives.
• Love dynamic and rewarding work.
• Are lifelong learners and have a passion for sharing their
knowledge.
• Are needed by busy parents juggling work, children, and home.
• Become an important part of their children’s families and the
community.
• Get to explore the city and have interesting outings with the
children.
• Know that being an FDC educator is a noble profession.
• Kentish provides supportive and caring environment.
• Kentish has numerous cultural and heritage programs for both
the children and the educators so they get to learn about
Aboriginal art and culture firsthand.
• Weekly playgroup facilitated by Kentish.
• FDC educators automatically become Kentish members and
have access to all Kentish celebrations.
• FDC educators have access to fully qualified childcare team
leaders and coordinators.
• Kentish has Child Care Centres and access to relief educators
when FDC educators are on holidays.
• Kentish provides regular activities and get-togethers with other
FDC educators.
• Kentish provides all the documents and templates to run your
FDC business.
For more information visit www.kentish.org.au or email
admin@kentish.org.au

VETERANS LEGAL
SERVICE
Rachael Bowker, Executive Director of DCLS, said she is very
excited about the new collaboration of services and what it can offer
local veterans in the Northern Territory community.
FIRST OF ITS’ KIND IN NT
Twelve months ago, after seeing a need for specialised legal
assistance, Darwin Community Legal Service (DCLS)
announced an exciting new partnership with the
Mates4Mates program to deliver free legal advice sessions
for veterans and their families.
Applying a network and wellbeing model, the DCLS
Veterans’ Legal Service is a collaboration with Mates4Mates
and other Ex-Service Organisations (ESO’s) to support over
10,000 veterans and families in the NT.
The DCLS Veterans Legal Service (‘DCLS VLS’) is one of two known
community-based Veteran’s Legal Services in Australia. The other is
provided by Townsville Community Law, which is another
community based legal service with a very similar service profile to
DCLS.
Both Townsville and Darwin are garrison cities for Navy, Army and
Airforce personnel, with strong participation in the Defence Force
Reserves and large ex-service cohorts.
Coordinated by our Community Lawyer, Matthew Gardiner, this
program is offered by members of the DCLS legal team who have a
defence force background and a heightened understanding of the
complexities that veterans and their families face.
The Veterans Legal Service provides free legal information, advice
and representation on most areas of law, including:
Discrimination
Social Security/Centrelink
Employment
Credit and debt
Consumer issues and
complaints
“There is a significant gap in the provision of free
legal services for veterans and their families” “We
are pleased to be able to partner with Mates4Mates
to close this gap and that we have the expertise
within DCLS to be able to offer this service” -
Rachael Bowker
The Veterans Legal Service operates on a walk-in
basis every Thursday from 10am at Mates 4 Mates
office in Palmerston located at Unit 1A/11
Palmerston Circuit.
This free and confidential service offers general civil
legal advice for veterans, by veterans.
Anyone wanting more information can freecall 1800
812 953 or email info@dcls.org.au
This program benefits Territorians due to the large amount of
service personnel and ex-service personnel who currently fall
through the gaps when it comes to pro-bono legal services.
Since its’ inception in 1991, DCLS has expanded its geographical
coverage and the range of matters for which it provides assistance,
and is proud that in their 30th year of operation they have
expanded their scope of services to further support the community.
DCLS’ Veteran’s Legal Service has established ongoing relationships
with local ESO’s, service organisations and continues to develop
relationships throughout the defence community. Currently the
service receives referrals from service organisations, such as unit
padres and other family support groups.
The DCLS VLS approach aims to expand and improve veterans’
access to legal assistance services, especially by:
• Destigmatising access to legal help for working on every-day
and larger problems
• Enculturating how legal help can be used by veterans and family
members, who aim to help others, and
• Enabling veterans and family members to further their own
wellbeing through activities that contribute to positive change,
including having their voice, improving responses and
contributing to reform.
For the first time, the 2021 Census asked a question about military
service.
The key findings included that:
• There were 581,100 people who had served in the Australian
Defence Force (ADF), which equates to 2.8% of the Australian
population aged 15 years and over.
• One in twenty (5.3%) Australian households (dwellings) had at
least one person who had served in the ADF (that is, at least
one person who was either currently serving or had previously
served in the ADF).
• 13% of previous service members needed assistance with the
core activities of self-care, mobility or communication.
• Three in five (60%) previous service members had a long-term
health condition.
GROM
FIRST AID
Throughout my life, I have always encouraged riders to
seek out new training opportunities and enjoy their
motorcycles more. Motorcycles are fun and I have many
great memories associated with life on two wheels, but
it’s important to continuously develop skills and
knowledge for safe riding.
Most of my professional work has required a current first aid
qualification and knowledge of how to respond in emergency
situations, which is a necessary proficiency that we can’t get
away from. It is part of life to continue developing our skills, but
it seems less ‘painful’ when we personally see value in the final
goal, we believe in the principles being taught and we can apply
it to our day-to-day activities - you may already consider the
acronym WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?)...
In my opinion, the benchmark of a proficient training facilitator
is their ability to deliver fun-in-training, whilst still hitting training
targets and engaging with a group of learners. I have been in
many courses over many years where an element of fun was
missing, and the level of discussion and unnecessary complexity
detracted from training outcomes. In many training scenarios,
the facilitator simply follows the process to achieve training
outcomes without understanding the audience. Fun in training
is important as it assists greatly with making learners feel
comfortable; comfortable learners absorb more.
This realisation was my take-away from a recent CPR
requalification course. I thoroughly enjoyed the course - it was
time conservative, inclusive and pitched at the appropriate level
of learner understanding. It was focused on practical skills,
whilst delivering theory in simple and understandable chunks.
There’s plenty of evidence to support the benefits of repetitive
practice with establishing automatic mind and muscle memory
responses. These automatic responses are critical in a medical
emergency, where there may be a requirement to perform
effective CPR. Life and death situations are complex and
become more challenging when the patient is someone you
personally know.
Attending a medical emergency is a highly stressful situation,
and I can say this with some experience. Unfortunately, I have
assisted a few riders with injuries where poor choices have
been made on a motorcycle. I never expect to apply my first
aid skills or to empty my first aid kit during a social ride, but
accidents can happen. There is always a potential risk when you
participate in a group ride with other riders who have varying
skills, experience and attitudes towards safety.
Riders face many possible emergency situations as they are far
more vulnerable than being a passenger in a vehicle. It’s
important to respond correctly to a right-of-way violation,
where a vehicle crosses the path in front of a motorcycle. It can
easily result in a medical emergency for the rider and, most
likely, the driver will walk away. Are you prepared to apply lifesaving
skills that you learned through current first aid training?
It is difficult for riders to predict an accident until emergency
braking and human error are better understood. Using your
brakes at a set of lights with an appropriate amount of warning
rarely requires a great amount of thought or emergency
braking. However, when the riding scenario alters in response
to an unpredictable threat, the rider's ability to react with hard,
effective, emergency braking is a complex challenge without the
necessary skills. Emergency braking is not a skill that most riders
train for, and a rider’s survival or complexity of their injuries will
ultimately be dictated by the rider’s real-time ability to make
autonomous, precise actions, whilst trusting their bikes braking
performance implicitly. Riders need to target ‘worst-case
scenarios’ and practice emergency braking through ongoing
rider training in a safe and controlled environment.
In first aid and road safety, knowledge is power.
Ride safe,
Written by GROM
Community Contributor
The Top Ender Magazine
46 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 47

FAMILY
GO KARTING
DAY
The weather was hot but the wheels were hotter as 40 participants
took to the track at The Top Ender Magazine’s Family Go-Karting day
held at Hidden Valley on Sunday 25th of September. It wasn’t just the
weather that was hot, the competition between kids and parents was
on fire too!
Vroom! The engine comes alive as the pit master pulls the starter cord. The
smell of petrol and anticipation fills the air. Ripples of clicks as visors come
down. Hands clutch the wheels a little tighter. A quick test of the brakes
and they’re off!
Participants were asked to describe their go-kart experience:
“Did you see me? I was sooo fast! I overtook so many people!” said a dad
enthusiastically as they exit. Crowds of kids looking excitedly at the
leaderboard to find out their rank. Breathlessly bickering about who overtook
who and who was the fastest.
“Stay hydrated with some water!” Charlene squeaked over the chatter.
“Sanga’s are ready” shouted Mark … what a great event, what a great feed and
what a great day!
“Can we do this again?” asked my boys as we drove home - Jessica and David
“We came out to Darwin Go Kart track to have a bit fun; I’m not
a big go-karter myself but I can tell it is a load of fun. The
adrenaline was pumping but as my confidence increased so did
my competitive nature and that is when the fun really began!! It
was a blast.” - Paul
“It was amazing, unbelievable, adrenaline is going through the
roof” - Ashley
“It was good, someone hit me, I spun out!” - Adam
The event was partially funded by The Top Ender Magazine
and an NT Government Towards Zero grant, focused on
improving road safety awareness and driving skills. Special
thanks to Char for hosting the event and a big shoutout to
Paul and Mark for cooking the BBQ goodies donated by
Woolworths!
Written by Charlene Carter
Community Coordinator
The Top Ender Magazine
“We had such a great time at the Go Karting event. The boys had an opportunity
to channel their Mario Kart heroes resulting in father/son rivalry on (and off)
the track which lasted for hours after the event. We may even need to
return to the track for a rematch in future! We then topped up our own fuel
tanks (pun intended) with a beautiful BBQ sausage sizzle lunch which we all
enjoyed. Thanks Top Ender Magazine for hosting such a great event.” -
Liana
“It was exhilarating, there’s no other word for it” - Dewy
“It was amazing, so much fun, I loved it! I tried to drift.. it didn’t work!” -
Ryan
WIN DRIVING LESSONS
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 5 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. Two winners will be selected at random. Entries close 10 January
2023. Apply now at www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win
48 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 49

RESTAURANT REVIEW
CHAR RESTAURANT
Admiralty House, The Esplanade | admiraltyhouse.com.au
Starter/Appetiser: Popcorn Chicken Karaage and Wagyu Beef Meatballs
What we loved about the dish: This was a good size starter that sets the scene of
the meal to come. The combination of flavours blended beautifully to make every
mouthful a pure delight, we were left wanting more and we weren’t disappointed.
Main Meal: Roast Pork Belly with Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes and Pan Roasted
Duck Breast with Rocket n Pear Salad
What we loved about the dish: The chef has designed these dishes so that the jus
brings the plate together to enhance the individual flavours of each dish. The
flavours of the duck were sensational, especially when combined with the rocket,
pear and balsamic salad! The pork belly was roasted to perfection, so it simply
melted in the mouth and you can never have too many of those roasted potatoes -
hello, duck fat!
Dessert: Panna cotta
What we loved about the dish: Together we enjoyed the panna cotta as a shared
dish to round out the night; it was a light easy eating dessert and not to be missed.
The flavours and textures include delightfully preserved lemon, delicious puree, a
subtle hint of citrus lime and a toasted crumble – a true gift from the Dessert Gods!
Bookings Essential
Price Range: $$ - $$$
Fully Licenced
Recommended for: Couples, Date Nights, Friends,
Colleagues, Meetings, Special Events.
Gluten-Free Options
Dairy-Free Options
About the Setting
We first noticed the ambient hum of quiet chatter inside as we were
directed to our seats, not near the window but with good views of
outside. There is optional seating outside, gently lit with soft lights
through the trees. Service was fabulous, as was the music which was
set at a level where it didn’t interfere with conversations. The staff
were inviting, friendly and more than happy to assist with our dining
experience.
Reviewed by Charlene & Paul Carter
The Top Ender Magazine
DARWIN
WATERFRONT
DARWIN
WATERFRONT
MEMBERSHIP
The Darwin Waterfront
Membership loyalty card
gives unlimited access to
the Wave Lagoon for 12
months, plus a minimum
10% off at more than 30
participating Waterfront
restaurants and shops!
Family
(2 adults, 3 children)
$125 per year
Adult
(over 15 years)
$50 per year
Child
(under 15 years)
$35 per year
Seniors
$20 per year
CHRISTMAS AT THE WATERFRONT
Come and see our brand new
Christmas tree - the largest in the Top
End!
• 25 November: Christmas Tree
lighting event and carols
• Santa at the Beach Shack:Thursday,
Friday & Saturday night
• Movie nights in the Wave Pool: 8
December & 15 December
• Candlelight Christmas: 9
December
• Movie nights at Stokes Hill Wharf:
11 December & 18 December
• Santa & Prawn Jetski Show at
Stokes Hill Wharf: 11 & 18
December
• Kids activities: 17th – 22nd of
December (9am – 11am daily)
• Christmas Pool Party: 20
December
SHUTTLE BUS
Did you know there is a free
Shuttle Bus for the Darwin
Waterfront?
Shuttle stops:
Stop #1 Stokes Hill Wharf
Stop #2 Darwin Convention
Centre (Rear Car Park)
Stop #3 Vibe & Adina Hotels
Stop #4 Waterfront Parklands &
Recreation
Stop #5 Wharf Two Residential
(Anchorage Court)
Stop #6 Cruise Ship Terminal
(outside the terminal gates)
Stop #7 Deckchair Cinema
(between 4pm to 9pm only)
Stop #8 Indo Pacific Marine
50 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 51

C R E A T I V E C O M M U N I T Y S E R I E S
Colour & Grace
C R E A T I V E C O M M U N I T Y S E R I E S
Poppy Patch Creative
@colourandgrace1
An entrepreneur at just 14 years old,
Gracelin Fowler is an inspiration not
just for teens, but for anyone
considering creating a business from
their hobby - Gracie is an inspiration
to all entrepreneurs.
I’ve always said, “if you aren’t happy doing
what you’re doing, find what you love and
do that” and Gracie epitomises this motto.
Her joy for business and the expansion of
her enterprise, together with the
confidence which comes from her success,
demonstrates that when you put your
heart into what you do, anything is possible.
“it’s not a job when you love what you do…”
- Char Carter
Here’s what we found out about this
talented young defence teen:
TELL US ABOUT COLOUR & GRACE
AND HOW IT CAME ABOUT:
I started Colour & Grace four years ago
when my mum was looking for some
earrings to match a dress she had. She
couldn’t find the right pair of earrings
anywhere, so I researched how to make
earrings and started experimenting. I made
some beautiful earrings to match mum’s
dress, then people wanted to buy them. I
then started selling my earrings at the
Mindil Beach Markets, and most recently
started clay earring therapy workshops.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DEVELOP A
SIDELINE BUSINESS?
I always received lots of questions at the
markets about how I made the earrings, so
I decided to show people through the clay
earring workshops. The workshops are very
relaxing and allow people to wear their art
proudly.
YOU’VE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOUR
YEARS,WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR
BIGGEST SUCCESS?
My biggest success was starting my own
business at such a young age. I am now 14
years old but started when I was 10 years
old. I learnt how to talk to customers,
handle money, process payments and
manage a business budget. People are
genuinely surprised when they come to a
workshop and discover that a 14-year-old
is teaching them how to make earrings,
but the feedback has been excellent.
DO YOU HAVE A STORY THAT STICKS
IN YOUR MIND ABOUT THE SUCCESS
OF YOUR BUSINESS?
I also design custom orders and was very
excited to create a matching set of
beautiful ivory and pink earrings for five
bridesmaids. The bride contacted me and
discussed a design, and together we made
the perfect earrings. I was very nervous
making such special earrings, but they
turned out perfectly.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR
BUSINESS?
I love interacting with people and seeing
the delight on their faces when they find
the perfect pair of earrings. I love my loyal
customers. I have one lady in Perth who
places a big order a few times per year, as
she loves the colours and designs I create.
My earrings are fun, fresh and exciting.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST
CHALLENGES FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
My biggest challenge is not being able to
access things I need for my business due to
my age. For example, to have a square card
reader account, which I use for credit card
payments, you have to be 18 years old.
Also, I can’t access a debit card to purchase
supplies online due to my age. This has
been a huge challenge but with the support
of my parents we were able to overcome
this hurdle!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO
ANOTHER YOUNG PERSON
THINKING OF STARTING A BUSINESS?
Just do it! If you have a business idea, find a
way to make it happen.
Set yourself small goals to start with and
don’t be disappointed if things don’t work
out as you plan. It took me a while to
work out what the best clay was to use,
and many trays of earrings ended up in
the bin at the start.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST
INFLUENCE?
My mum has been my biggest influence as
she has always encouraged me to follow
my dreams. My mum works hard and has
inspired me to work hard and always try
my best - she is also my biggest fan!
DO YOU VIEW YOUR ART AS THERAPY?
Absolutely! Art is relaxing and makes you
stop thinking about what is going on in the
world while you are so focused on your art.
Every workshop participant comments on
how relaxed they feel afterwards.
HOW HAVE YOU LEARNED TO BE SO
RESILIENT?
I am dyslexic, so schoolwork is not my
favourite thing. My brain is not designed to
sit in a classroom and learn the way schools
teach. This weakness has also been a
strength as it has taught me to work a lot
harder.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR
OTHER DEFENCE YOUTH IN DARWIN?
I’ve been lucky to have spent many years in
Darwin, but my best advice is to see your
defence mentor at school if you ever need
someone to talk to.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR
DEFENCE COMMUNITY TO KNOW
ABOUT YOU?
I run workshops for youth programs,
groups of friends or for parties, and I also
create custom earrings to match any outfit!
Please contact me for more information.
If you’ve not seen her work, Colour &
Grace attend a variety of markets and offer
workshops to small groups, both young and
old.
Interviewed by Char Carter
Community Coordinator
The Top Ender Magazine
My best friend and I established Poppy Patch
Creative in 2020, as we both shared a huge love for
handmade craft.
Like many families, the last two years of uncertainty
provided a time for us to reflect on what we love and as
Mums, we wanted to help support our families by starting
a small business which first involved crochet and
developed from there. I have now been given the reigns
to continue what we started and to grow Poppy Patch
Creative into a new adventure.
I have a particular love for pram caddies, baby accessories,
and would like to develop into leather work and leather
handbags. I hand make each item for the online store,
including the card slots in your purses! Poppy Patch
Creative has also recently been involved in fundraising
for Heartkids SA and raised over $4,500 in an online
auction.
You will find Poppy Patch Creative online, and I offer an
option for custom requests if you have something in mind.
We can also ship Australia wide. Please don't hesitate to
get in touch and I would love to work on something to
suit your needs. By supporting my little business, you are
supporting my family and for that I am truly grateful.
PRINCES TRUST
AUSTRALIA
"Take a bet on yourself. Find something that you are passionate
about and the rest will be easy.”
Inspiring advice from our inaugural Beyond Service Awards
Commonwealth Bank Business of the Year Award winner Stuart
Alexander of Great Barrier Reef Safaris.
We're delighted to announce the inaugural winners of the Beyond
Service Awards!
Celebrating the depth and breadth of skills and experience veterans and
Defence Force families bring to Australia’s small business landscape, our
2022 Beyond Service Award winners are:
Stuart Alexander: Commonwealth Bank Business of the Year Award and
Environmental Warrior Award | https://greatbarrierreefsafaris.com/
Matt Lewis: Power of One Award | https://www.mxmmadebymatt.com.
au/
Bec Waller (posthumous): Defence Family Business Award | https://
apod.com.au/
David Ballantyne: New Mission Award | https://homefrontaustralia.com.
au/
Special thanks to Their Excellencies the Governor-General and Mrs
Hurley for hosting the Awards.
The 2022 Beyond Service Awards are proudly sponsored by Gold
Sponsor Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and Silver Sponsors PwC
Australia and BAE Systems Australia.
Poppy Patch Creative
poppypatchcreative.com.au
poppypatchcreative@gmail.com
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
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
January 2023. 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.
52 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 53

20%
DEFCOM
DISCOUNT
356 Bagot Road, Millner
(08) 8923 1188
www.jape.com.au
TERMS: Must present DEFENCE ID. Offer excludes Jape
Commercial Interiors & Factory Outlet. Discount off RRP.
54 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 55

PETS IN DARWIN
HEARTWORM IN PETS,
WHAT ONE MOSQUITO BITE CAN DO
Heartworm (Dilofilaria immitis) is a preventable disease
that is prevalent throughout the world and in Australia.
Heartworm can be transmitted by a single infected
mosquito and can carry significant health implications for
your pet, which can be potentially fatal.The high wild dog
and dingo populations in northern Australia, combined with
the considerable number of mosquitos, makes the top end a
high-risk area for heartworm.
Dogs are the definitive (primary) host for heartworm; however, cats
can also be infected. Mosquitos are the vector that transmits and
spreads heartworm. The lifecycle starts when an adult mosquito
feeds on a heartworm infected dog. After a cat or dog is bitten by
an infected mosquito, the larvae are transmitted into the host
where they will continue to develop as they migrate through the
tissues and blood towards the heart. Eventually, about 6 months
after the initial mosquito bite, the heartworms will have reached
their adult stage and can start reproducing, which completes the
lifecycle.
It is this final location in and around the heart that causes heartworm
to be so problematic and potentially fatal. If a heartworm is
dislodged from its attachment in the heart, it will end up in the lungs
which can cause severe damage and/or death. Additionally,
heartworms can lodge themselves within the chambers of the heart
and the large blood vessels attached to the heart, which
compromises the blood flow and eventually results in heart
remodelling and congestive heart failure. Heartworm in dogs is
usually treatable if detected early, however it is a lengthy process
(the total treatment time is normally around 10 months). Treatment
involves killing the worms slowly to minimise the potential damage
to the lungs during this process. Pets must be strictly confined for
months during treatment to reduce the risk of life-threatening
complications.
In the initial stages of infection, dogs do not usually show any
symptoms. It is not until infection is advanced and heart failure
starts to occur that we see coughing and breathing problems
begin. Heartworm testing (a blood test) should be performed in
animals that have not been on consistent heartworm prevention,
even if they appear healthy.
Fortunately, heart worm is completely preventable.The most
reliable protection in dogs is an injection which can be given by
your vet from 12 weeks of age onwards. For adult dogs, this
injection provides protection for 12 months. The alternative to an
injection is a monthly treatment, and there are multiple products
available. The only drawback on these products is that they have a
narrow window for prevention, which is why they must be given
punctually every month. If your dog has missed doses of heartworm
prevention, talk to your vet about whether heartworm testing is
needed. It is important to be aware that these products only kill the
early life stages of the heartworm, and if your pet’s preventative
treatment has lapsed or doses have been missed, your pet may still
go on to develop advanced heartworm disease despite restarting the
preventative treatment. For cats there is no injectable option and
spot-on or tablets should be used for prevention.
Written by All Pets Veterinary Hospital
allpetsvet.com.au
CONTROLLING
CANE TOADS
Cane toads are a major pest in the Northern
Territory (NT) and are toxic if the toxin is ingested
or rubbed into your eyes.
Adult cane toads are large, generally 9cm to 15cm long, but can
grow up to 24cm. They are heavily built and the skin on top is
rough, dry and covered in warts. The colour can vary from grey,
olive, yellow-brown to red-brown.
STEP ONE
Wear eye protection
and gloves (or
doubled-up plastic
bags). Grab the toad
and seal in a plastic
bag.
STEP TWO
Humanely dispose of
bagged toads in a
refrigerator at 4℃
for one hour, then
transfer to a freezer
for at least 16 hours.
STEP THREE
Wash your hands
thoroughly with soap
afterwards, before
touching anything
else.
HOW TO CONTROL
CANE TOADS
You can help control the cane
toad problem in the Northern
Territory (NT) by doing all of
the following:
• use yellow fluorescent tubes
for lighting around your home instead of white
fluorescent tubes, as cane toads are attracted to
the white light
• regularly check any water containers in your
garden for cane toad eggs or tadpoles - this
includes pools, ponds and water features - and
empty any containers that you are not using,
such as pot plant saucers
• remove any cane toad eggs you find by lifting
them gently out of the water and placing the
eggs in your compost bin, bury them, put them
in the sun to dry out or place them in a sealable
plastic bag to dispose in the bin - wear
disposable gloves when handling eggs
• check your load when travelling into parts of
Australia not inhabited by cane toads - they will
often hide in camping gear, pot plants or boxes
of fruit
• collect and dispose of cane toads safely, but
make sure to identify it as a cane toad first.
Extracted from NT Government Website
https://nt.gov.au/environment/animals/feral-animals/cane-toads/
Frozen Cane toads can be buried or
composted as a safe natural fertiliser,
just make sure you keep them away
from pets. You can also take live cane
toads to a toad detention centre at
one of the following locations:
• The Shoal Bay Recycling Centre
Darwin
• Archer Dump Palmerston
• Berry Springs Primary School
• Fred's Pass
56 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 57

Digestive wellbeing is vital as we go about our day-to-day life relying on the
fuel that is food.And we’re learning more about how our gut affects other
aspects of our overall health.
Gut problems are widespread. According to The Gut Foundation, half of Australia’s
population will complain of a digestive or gut problem of some kind over a 12-month
period. That could be mild discomfort from indigestion, through to serious conditions
such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). There is also mounting evidence the gut can
affect mood, concentration and energy levels.
FANNIE BAY
If our gut microbes become unhealthy – maybe as a result of diet or lifestyle – they
can alter our emotional state. Research indicates that a healthy and diverse range of
gut microbes can increase positive feelings – but further studies are needed to link the
findings to stress-related disorders.
Low levels of probiotics in the gut may lead to inflammatory skin conditions such as
acne, eczema and psoriasis. Research also suggests a potential link between joint pain
and rheumatoid arthritis and the bacteria in our intestines. Again, a low level of healthy
microbes could be the problem.
Things to avoid–or at least go easy on—are sugars, carbohydrates, caffeine, alcohol and
antibiotics, which can kill gut bacteria and stop them from multiplying.
If you or your family have any specific food sensitivities or allergies, it’s a sensible idea
to consult a health professional. For further information, head to Defence Health –
Health HQ or http://www.gutfoundation.com.au/about
Extracted from Defence Health
https://healthhq.defencehealth.com.au/2018/09/27/trustyour-gut/
Learn what
your skin loves
Ella Bache Fannie Bay has been operating
for over 25 years and are located at the
Fannie Bay Shopping Centre.We have a
great reputation with our clients due to
our multi award-winning salon and
therapists who have won National and
State based awards.We pride ourselves
on delivering a wonderful customer
experience and are passionate about
caring for our clients’ skin.
Ella Bache products are a unique and high-performance skin care
range, and the Fannie Bay salon offers an extensive range of
services:
Complimentary skin diagnosis - your expert therapist will
determine your skin type and any skin conditions and recommend
the correct products that will enhance your skin.
If you are experiencing breakouts and problematic skin, then a
Sort my Skin 30 min facial is for you. A Rebalance my Skin
treatment is a 45min facial designed to refresh your skin.
Experience one of our relaxing and indulgent one-hour facials:
Signature facial for a blissful essential oil facial massage
• Hydration Cellular Facial for dehydrated and dry skins
• Brighten my Skin with Vitamin C
• Clear my Complexion for an oilier skin type
• Stop the Clock for age prevention
• Turn Back Time is our premium facial
• Collagen treatments to plump the skin
LED Medilux Light Therapy treatments are brilliant for acne,
redness and anti-ageing.
We also offer laser hair removal, electrolysis for progressive
permanent facial hair removal, waxing, lash tinting and brow
services, lash extensions, manicures and pedicures, spray tans,
massage, body treatments, spa packages and gift vouchers.
Written by Debby Bell
Community Contributor
Ella Bache
NOW HIRING
Ella Bache Fannie Bay is a busy high-performance salon
located in Fannie Bay. We work with one of Australia’s
leading skincare brands – Ella Bache. Our team is growing,
and we are looking for a qualified, motivated and friendly
therapist to join our highly trained skin experts.
We are offering part-time or full-time positions. Please email
your cover letter and resume to Debby Bell at
complexions@iinet.net.au
Celebrating the latest in skincare, beauty and non-invasive
cosmetic technology in Darwin, the team of professional
Skin Therapists at Ella Baché Fannie Bay offers an extensive
range of treatments and high performance products that
focus on skin solutions as individual as you are.
BOOKINGS:
08 8981 7400
fanniebay@ellabachesalons.com.au
www.ellabache.com.au/pages/fanniebay
HOURS OF TRADE:
9-6pm Monday to Friday
9-8pm Thursday
8.30-5pm Saturday
ELLA BACHE FANNIE BAY
SHOP 9/9 FANNIE BAY PLACE
58 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 59

YouthWorX NT works with young people to support
their future employment needs. No matter where
your young person is in their journey to adulthood,
YouthWorX NT has different programs and flexibility
to support every young person's unique needs.The
age range best supported by YouthWorX NT is 15-24
years, however, if your young person is not within this
range, please reach out to the YouthWorX NT team
for guidance.
THE TOP ENDER
PRESENTS
YOUTH
WEEK
NT YOUTH WEEK
YOUR VOICE
We want to hear your voices! We’re planning ahead for NT Youth
Week and ask all defence youth to tell us what you want!
• What do you enjoy doing?
• What activities would you like to try?
• What do you want to know more about?
• What are the biggest challenges of living in the top end?
Send us your ideas and input through your DSM or use the QR
Code to fill out our feedback form!
There are many different stages our young people go through
once they are planning to leave school, or have left school.
This is the benefit of YouthWorX NT as their programs are
designed to suit school leavers by providing employment
support or transition advice into further education. This
service is also suitable for young people who have already left
school and require employment support and skills
development training, including social skills development. All
YouthWorX NT programs are person-centred and designed
to improve the skills of our young people, through NDIS or
without.
YouthWorX NT uses proven techniques to help our young
people become prepared for the workforce, through
empowerment by education in many areas to promote selfsufficiency,
such as:
• Social and business communication skills
• Money management
• Travel skills
• Understanding personal hygiene and presentation
• Understanding your rights in the workplace
• Teamwork
• Decision making
• Problem solving
• Planning and Organising skills
• Working independently
• Time management skills
• Prioritising skills
• Conflict resolution and negotiation
• Coping with challenges and building resilience
YouthWorX NT understands that not all young people
require or qualify for NDIS, so we recommend viewing their
website to research a number of different programs that suit
a wide range of goals for all abilities and backgrounds.
Stay up to date with other YouthWorX NT programs in the
upcoming Annual Defence Youth Guide (due for release in
April 2023), developed by The Top Ender Magazine team!
CAREER LAUNCHPAD
ENCOMPASS
The Encompass program is suitable for young people
requiring extra supports via their NDIS plan.
It can take a village to raise our young people - YouthWorX NT
understand this and help mentor through self-empowerment
techniques enabling the young person to identify their own
needs and future aspirations, and further identifying pathways to
reach those goals through 4 separate phases:
1. GUIDANCE AND EXPLORATION
– Work with your support team to explore your
strengths, goals and skills, then develop a plan
2. WORK PREPARATION
– Work readiness workshops, activities and work tasters
3. WORKPLACE OPPORTUNITIES
– Work experience placements, mentoring, internships,
and volunteering
4. POST PLACEMENT SUPPORT
– Personalised ongoing support for both you and your
employer
The Encompass program is a safe and inclusive workspace with
the involvement of the participant's families and stakeholders to
better support the journey into employment.
ELIGIBLE SUBMISSIONS CAN BE A:
PHOTOGRAPH
ARTWORK
SCANNED DRAWING
DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION
Submissions should be a high resolution JPEG,
PNG, PDF, AI, EPS, or PSD file with 300 DPI.
Smart phone images may not be suitable if not in a
minimum resolution of 1748px by 2480px or A5
paper size.
The theme of the design can be a combination of
celebrating life in the Top End, Youth and/or
Military.
Judges will be looking for designs that are eyecatching
and suitable for all youth, regardless of
gender or culture.
Runner up prizes may also be awarded and all
submitted entries will be included in a magazine
collage.
YOUTH MAGAZINE
COVER IMAGE
The Top Ender Magazine are
accepting design submissions for the
cover image of an upcoming Defence
youth magazine!
YOU COULD WIN
Your image or design on the front
cover of the magazine
PLUS
$250 Ultimate Teen gift card for
Rebel Sport, JB Hi-FI, Grill’d, Boost,
Rip Curl, City Beach, Timezone and
King Pin.
ENTER NOW AT
THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU/WIN
TERMS: Prize Pool valued at up to $150. Open to NT-Based Defence Kids aged 10 - 18. Closes
31 January 2023. Enter online by visiting www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win Winners will be
notified by email/phone in March 2023 and published in the Youth magazine.
W I N
60 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 61

DONATED BY OUR SPONSOR
W I N
W I N
SCHOOL HOLIDAY
ACTIVITY PACK
Packs include a selection of
goodies including
MARKERS, ACTIVITY BOOKS, PUZZLES,
ART IDEAS, TIE DYE, PLAYDOH, COOKIE
CUTTERS, KIDS EASY RECIPE BOOK,
BAKING SET, ROCK PAINTING KIT,
SEEDLING SET, BUBBLE WAND,
HOLIDAY BINGO, SMALL LEGO SET,
BRACELET MAKING SET, MYSTERY EGG,
SUNNYLIFE INFLATABLE OUTDOOR
OCTOPUS SPRINKLER
ENTER NOW AT
THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU/WIN
TERMS: Prize Pool valued at
up to $150. Open to NT-
Based Defence Kids up to age
12. Closes 10 January 2023.
Enter online by visiting www.
thetopendermagazine.org.
au/win Winners will be notified
by email/phone and
announced in the next edition
of The Top Ender.
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 January
2023. 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.
WET SEASON
ACTIVITIES
With the build-up well and truly arriving, it’s time to venture
indoors and find some cool activities for little ones! Here’s
our favourite indoor activities for this year’s build-up:
FASHION SHOW – not only is this a fun activity for all ages, it’s also
a great way to clean-out your wardrobes with clothes that you no
longer wear! Accessorise and turn on some music for extra fun!
SENSORY BIN – Fill a container with rice and bury plastic insects or
toys for little ones to find. You could also inspect each critter with a
magnifying glass and discuss what things look like.
TREASURE HUNT – Come up with some cryptic clues to hide
around your home, making sure that each clue leads to the next
adventure.
ICE CREAM SMASH / FUN SHAKES – Gather some supplies from
the supermarket to make your own ice-cream smash or fun shakes
with various mix-ins!
CREATE A FAMILY MEMORY BOOK – Select a number of family
photos to create a memory book, including notes about each photo
and your adventures as a defence family. You could include all of the
places you have lived, things you have seen, funny events and your
favourite memories.
CHARADES – an oldie, but a goodie. Write down some ridiculous
ideas and let the fun begin!
LEARN SOMETHING – with millions of videos on YouTube about
absolutely everything, it is possible to learn a new skill, such as;
sewing, origami, magic tricks or even a language! Darwin Adult Short
Courses also have a diverse range of courses available for some
well-deserved “me time”.
For more ideas and inspiration, check out: https://www.
thebestideasforkids.com/indoor-activities-for-kids/
Written by Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
62 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 63

K I D S
C O R N E R
SPECIAL
CHRISTMAS
SPOT THE
DIFFERENCE
FIND ALL 5
DIFFERENCES
What happens if you eat a
Christmas decoration?
A: You get Tinselitus!
HO
HO
HO
What is it called when a
snowman has a temper
tantrum?
A: A meltdown
DECORATE THE TREE
THE STAR NEEDS TO BE PUT ON
THE CHRISTMAS TREE, BUT WHICH
PATH SHOULD YOU USE?
C
PATH:
B
A
BAUBLE
DESIGN
COLOUR
IN THE
BAUBLES
WORDSEARCH
FIND ALL 10 WORDS
ANGEL
BAUBLES
CHRISTMAS
HOLLY
MISTLETOE
PRESENTS
GINGERBREAD
REINDEER
SANTA
TURKEY
CHRISTMAS
SNOWBALLS
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 2 cups of Desiccated Coconut (keep some leftover)
• Glass bowl
METHOD:
1. In the glass bowl, mix the 2 ingredients together so it's well coated
2. Once mixed together, portion into 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll
into balls
3. Finally, roll the balls back into the leftover desiccated coconut
4. Chill in the fridge for atleast 1 hour, then enjoy!
Source: https://lifestyleofafoodie.com/2-ingredient-no-bake-coconut-balls/
64 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 65

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
Joint Military Police Station (JMPS)......................................................13 11 67
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...........................................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
66 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 67

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.
per edition
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
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
Request Back Outside Cover Page
$400 + GST
- Additional $550 + GST per edition
Includes:
Colour printed advert
$700 + GST
Includes:
Colour printed advert
EIGHTH PAGE
Content must be within 90mm x 65mm
$250 + GST
per edition
Colour printed advert
PRICES UPDATED
SEPTEMBER 2022
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

Career Opportunities
at Goodstart
WeareseekingQualifiedEducatorsfor
rolesacrossourcentresinDarwin
Weoffer
☑ Afriendlyandsupportiveteam
☑ 4%aboveawardwages
☑ Flexibleworkarrangements
☑ 2personalwellbeingdaysayear
☑ Increasednon-contacttime
☑ Careeropportunitiesandpaid
professionaldevelopment
☑ 50%offyourchildcaregapfees
☑ Upto4weekspaidparentalleave
searchgoodstartcareers
Scantofindarolenearyou