The Top Ender Magazine April May 2023 Edition

The Top
Ender
Tri-Services Magazine Inc
ANZAC DAY
OUR SPECIAL ANZAC DAY
COMMEMORATION EDITION -
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND SERVICE
OF VETERANS ROBERT SHEWRING
OAM GAICD AND ELAINE EGAN.
YOUTH WEEK
SEE WHAT’S ON FOR THE 2023
YOUTH WEEK IN DARWIN
AND TINDAL
THANKS MUM
WITH MOTHER’S DAY IN MAY,
WE’VE GOT A SPECIAL GIVEAWAY
TO CELEBRATE
CREATED BY DEFENCE FAMILIES FOR DEFENCE FAMILIES

haileyburyrendall.com.au
THE TOP ENDER TRI-SERVICE MAGAZINE
April/May 2023
COVER IMAGE: Robert (Bob) Shewring OAM GAICD at Reg Hillier House
with Vietnam Artwork in the background.
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 Ian Anderson, Clare Corvia, Stella Taylor, Natasha
Diamond, Megan Hampton.
CONTACT US
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wonder.
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Phone: 0419 274 735
Postal: PO Box 35874, Winnellie NT 0821
Email: admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
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COMMUNITY CO-ORDINATOR
Charlene Carter | admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
ARTICLES & CONTRIBUTIONS
Deb Herring | articles@thetopendermagazine.org.au
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ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTIONS
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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.
Outside the box thinking comes from
Balance. being, quite It’s literally, something outside that we thebelieve box. strongly
in. In addition At Haileybury to theRendall invaluable School, lessons we encourage
all they of learn our students in class, to our pursue students all aspects are of
school provided life. the And opportunity students like to discover Bazzal just get
it. more Right about now, the’sworld got his around sightsthem on being by the
best getting cricketer in touchewith cannature—learning
be. But it’s his love for
debating the life skills which of teamwork, has sparked resilience, his desire to be a
lawyer. leadership We and knowdecision-making Bazzal headedalong
the right
path the way. for success—either We’re encouraged behind to seethe stumps,
or where in the thecourtroom.
path leads them.
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ENDER
TRI-SERVICES MAGAZINE INC
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4 DARWIN SADFO’S WELCOME
7 SIEGE OF TOBRUK
8 BOB SHEWRING OAM GAICD
11 IAN ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY
12 ELAINE EGAN 40 YEARS OF SERVICE
SUPPORT
16 DEFENCE MEMBER AND FAMILY SUPPORT
18 SOLDIER ON
21 MATES4MATES
22 DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS
31 OPEN ARMS
FEATURES
32 DEFENCE FAMILIES AUSTRALIA
32 ROBERTSON BARRACKS FAMILY GROUP
33 NETWORK TINDAL
34 PILBARA REGIMENT FAMILY GROUP
35 TINDAL SADFO WELCOME
36 BILLEROY HOUSE
38 VETERANS AUSTRALIA NT INC.
46 VETERANS MEDICAL GROUP
14 DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR DIRECTORY
15 WANGURI PRIMARY SCHOOL
19 BATTLE OF CORAL BALMORAL
24 MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION
26 ANZAC BISCUITS
COMMUNITY
27 READING BETWEEN THE WINES
28 PRINCES TRUST AUSTRALIA
30 BROTHERS ’N’ BOOKS
CONTENTS
34 KATHERINE WOMEN’S LEGAL SERVICE
37 KEEP KIDS SAFE ONLINE
42 LUKE GOSLING
44 EVERYMANS SERVICES - MOSES
45 ADF FINANCIAL SERVICES
48 COMMITTEE NOTICEBOARD
49 CHAPLAIN’S CHAT
50 SHARE THE DIGNI-TEA
51 DRY SEASON VEHICLE CHECK
52 GROM
53 TOWARDS ZERO
54 WOODBLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP
55 FROM THE HEART - PTA
56 RESTAURANT REVIEW
57 DARWIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY
57 IRACING ANZAC 6 HOUR
58 DENTAL CARE FOR YOUR PET
61 FAMILY DAY OR WEEKEND AWAY!
62 TRAVELLING ACTIVITIES
63 KIDS CORNER ACTIVITIES
66 HANDY DIRECTORY
COMPETITIONS
IAN ANDERSON PHOTO PRINT - PG 11
WIN FOR MUM - PG 24
ANZAC BISCUITS BOOK - PG 26
PRINCES TRUST CARE PACKAGE - PG 29
COUPLES DATE NIGHT - PG 40
WIN WITH OUR SPONSORS - PG 40
YOUTH DRIVING LESSONS - PG 53
WATERFRONT FAMILY MEMBERSHIP - PG 58
KIDS ART PACK - PG 58
FROM THE COMMITTEE
APRIL MAY 2023
WELCOME
At last, we say farewell to the Wet Season as we welcom the
beginning of the Dry!
At the beginning of this year we released the ‘Ultimate Top End
Guide 2023’ with many activities for the Dry Season!
This edition includes an exclusive interview with Veterans NT
President Bob Shewring OAM, with commemorations for ANZAC
Day. You can also win in our competitions, including a Mother’s
Day giveaway, plus we ramp up a fun-filled week for Youth Week
this Easter!
As always, we encourage you all to get involved with The Top
Ender and hope to see some new faces in our next meeting!
Disclaimer: This edition of The Top Ender Tri-Services Magazine contains names and
images of deceased people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The
magazine also contains war-related material and content, including images that may be
confronting and disturbing to some readers.
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 April/May edition is: 13th April 2023.
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 April
Meeting: TBC
Contact admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
for further details.
OUR
APOLOGIES
The Top Ender Tri-Services Magazine
committee wishes to advise that in our
Feb/Mar edition of the magazine there were
a number of technical concerns that affected
the readability and accuracy of some images,
which have been updated on our online
digital version of the magazine, available via
our website - https://www.
thetopendermagazine.org.au/magazine.
In addition, the article relating to the
Australian Military Wives Choir also
contained a number of inaccuracies, which
were unintentional and an oversight on our
behalf.
We sincerely apologise to the affected
parties and our readers for any confusion
caused.
Written by Deb Herring
Committee Member - Editor
The Top Ender Magazine
YOUTH WEEK
Vist our Eventbrite Page for the upcoming
Youth Week 2023 Program brought to you by
The Top Ender Magazine, supported by the NT
Government.
More workshops and activities being announced
in early April!
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
APRIL/MAY 2023 3

BRIGADIER NICK
FOXALL, AM, DSM
COMMANDER 1ST BRIGADE AND
SENIOR OFFICER NORTHERN TERRITORY
After living and working in Darwin for eight years over a
myriad of postings I can say, unequivocally, that I love the
Northern Territory!
This is one of the absolute best postings for a military family and will
make you not just Territorians, but also members of the greater 1st
Brigade family.
But, as is the case with every family, attention must be paid to ensure
that every member feels supported. You cannot be an effective
military member if you or your family feels isolated.
Luckily, the Northern Territory is an open community and when you
engage with Territorians you will find them to be welcoming, warm and
quirky – which makes a posting north fun and enjoyable.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is an important aspect of life in the
Top End. I encourage every family posted here to get out and explore the
Territory! Litchfield National Park, the Adelaide River and Kakadu are not
only some of the most beautiful parts of the NT, but opportunities to get
reacquainted with our country, its environment and rich history.
There is something about the land up here that provokes contemplation;
not only on what it is to be Australian but also what it means to be a
Defence member who has dedicated their life to protecting this country.
Your time in Darwin and the north will offer an important chance to
reflect which is often drowned out in the noise and distractions of
Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra.
So I implore you: seek out the unique opportunities on offer to you in the
Northern Territory. This is a community and professional milieu that
thrives on conversations, not emails. Embracing your new home will
opens doors not readily available down south.
The energy you invest in your new surroundings, the time spent
meeting neighbours and engaging in the rich social, natural and cultural
pastimes around you will pay off handsomely in terms of the memories
you will take away with you. Participate in the community. Engage and
have fun, and enjoy your posting here which I promise you will be all too
short.
There’s no way around it- the weather up here is noticeably different
from much of Australia, a fact many Territorians regard with pride. The
wet season can be a challenge, but Darwin has many water parks and
other attractions to ease the heat – not to mention soon it’ll be the dry
season and I guarantee you are going to want to stay once you have lived
through your first Dry in the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory has a proud and significant military history of
which you now are a part of.
I raised my kids here; they attended school, made close friends and have
nothing but fond memories of our time north. I hope you have the same
experiences with your families.
Welcome to Darwin.
“The energy you invest
in your new
surroundings, the time
spent meeting
neighbours and
engaging in the rich
social, natural and
cultural pastimes
around you will pay off
handsomely in terms
of the memories you
will take away with
you.”
The Ode comes from For the
Fallen, a poem by the English
poet and writer Laurence Binyon
and was published in London in
the Winnowing Fan; Poems of
the Great War in 1914. The
verse, which became the League
Ode, was already used in
association with commemoration
services in Australia in 1921.
"They shall grow not old, as we
that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor
the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them."
Extracted from Army Website
army.gov.au/our-heritage/traditions/ode
CAPTAIN MOSES
RAUDINO, CSC, ADC, RAN
COMMANDING OFFICER HMAS COONAWARRA,
SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER NORTHERN AUSTRALIA,
SENIOR AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE OFFICER
LARRAKEYAH DEFENCE PRECINCT AND
DEFENCE ESTABLISHMENT BERRIMAH
I would like to offer a warm welcome to Navy personnel new
to the Northern Territory (NT), and to all Defence members
posting into Larrakeyah Defence Precinct (LDP) or Defence
Establishment Berrimah (DEB) for the first time.
You are now part of a large, diverse and growing Navy presence in the Top End, with more than 700 uniformed
personnel. Navy, and Defence personnel more broadly, are an integral part of the NT. Our members and their
families are respected within the community and add much to the diversity and vibrant lifestyle of the Top End.
There is a great opportunity for us to share and engage with the community, our pride in service and in Navy.
This will be another busy year.
We will continue to contribute to the Whole-of-Government effort to protect Australia's borders and offshore
maritime interests. I want to thank those members who worked over the recent holiday period on Operation
Resolute at sea and ashore, providing essential support to the operation and to a range of other functions. Please
extend my thanks to your families for their sacrifice and support - you are a key part of Defence.
Navy’s work to prepare for the transition from the
current Armidale-Class Patrol Boat fleet to the
new Arafura Offshore Patrol Vessels will also go
on. That means in HMAS Coonawarra and across
LDP, we will continue to build future Defence
capability, including planned upgrades to
infrastructure.
The tireless efforts of our people to assist the NT
community (and more widely) during the
pandemic and more recently with weather related
emergencies, while maintaining the delivery of
Defence capability, has been impressive. I am
confident that the Top End Team stand ready to
continue this work.
Through all of this, Navy will continue to provide
input to key exercises conducted in the North this
year, as well support to a myriad of other taskings,
including visiting Australian and partner nation fleet
units.
“I want to thank those members
who worked over the recent holiday
period on Operation Resolute at sea
and ashore, providing essential
support to the operation and to a
range of other functions. Please
extend my thanks to your families
for their sacrifice and support - you
are a key part of Defence. ”
As I noted earlier, it will be a busy year; however, make the time to experience the unique beauty and cultural
diversity of the Top End. Acquaint yourself with the many natural and cultural attractions that are part of the annual
rhythm of the NT.
Navy Command will provide opportunities during the year to connect and provide information on available services
through information events at LDP and via the Navy Divisional System.
Make the most of every challenge and opportunity while you live and work in the Top End. I hope you and your
family will find your time in the north enriching and enjoyable. I look forward to seeing you at work and in the
community throughout the year.
4 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 5

WING COMMANDER
JIM COLLISSON
COMMANDING OFFICER NUMBER 13 SQUADRON
SENIOR ADF OFFICER RAAF BASE DARWIN
A warm welcome to all Aviators and their families posted to
RAAF Base Darwin.
RAAF Base Darwin has a strong and courageous history spanning
more than 80 years and is still a pivotal host for operations, exercises
and units that are at the forefront of Australia’s national interests.
Last year RAAF Base Darwin hosted Exercise Pitch Black after a long
hiatus. Pitch Black saw the return of around 4000 international
aviators to the Top End. RAAF Darwin also hosted the US Marine
Corps Osprey Squadron VMM-268, Exercise Diamond Storm,
Singaporean Air Force Training and a multitude of smaller exercises and operations.
This year will be equally busy, with the arrival of the US Marine Rotation Force Darwin, staging of Exercise Talisman
Sabre and Exercise Mobility Guardian, that will again see the return of thousands of Australian and foreign military
personnel to the Top End.
Our relationship with the US forces is very strong. RAAF Darwin maintains a very integrated partnership with the
USMC, sharing Mess facilities and accommodation, so I am sure you will develop many new friends from abroad.
Along the eastern Mediterranean coastline, located in Eastern
Libya near the border of Egypt, sits the port city of Tobruk.
It is 1941 and the 6th Australian Division are advancing west along the
Libyan coast. Their mission is to capture Tobruk from the Italians, which is
achieved during Operation Compass on the 21-22 January 1941 (the first
offensive of the Western Desert Force (WDF) in the Western Desert
Campaign of the Second World War).
Tobruk became a garrison for the Australian and British forces; however,
this victory was short-lived. In early March of 1941, one of Hitler's generals,
Erwin Rommel (nicknamed the Desert Fox), led the Afrika Korps and aided
their Italian allies in Libya. By April 1941, German forces had begun to
surround Tobruk, cutting off supplies via land.
Tobruk was besieged.
Between April to December in 1941, for 8 long months, Australian forces
played a prominent role in the town’s defences, notably the men of the 9th
Division, the 18th Brigade of the 7th Division and RAN ships of the famous
'scrap iron flotilla'.
The year 1941 was a dark one for the Allies.
SIEGE OF TOBRUK
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
The Germans conquered all before them but Tobruk held out against
Rommel and stood in the way of his advance towards Egypt and the Suez
Canal.
Image: 2/15th Battalion, November 1940, NT.
Courtesy of Australian War Memorial, awm.gov.au/
collection/C1216191
RAAF Base Darwin has a unique military history dating back to its opening in 1940 - the Base was severely
damaged in the Bombing of Darwin in 1942 and again by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. It still bears some of the scars
from these clashes, but on each occasion has stood resilient. Your posting presents an opportunity to better
understand that history, and the contribution RAAF has provided and continues to provide in support of Australia’s
national interests.
Members of RAAF Darwin enjoy fantastic support from the
broader Darwin community who are highly supportive of the
RAAF base and its activities and I encourage all of the new
aviators to invest their time in getting to know and support the
broader Darwin community to foster and grow our relationship.
There are many amazing experiences and places to explore in
the Top End and our relationship with the Darwin community
is a great gateway to discover those adventures.
You will also find a strong sense of community within RAAF
Base Darwin. If you are having difficulties following your move,
do not hesitate to contact your unit, the Defence Member and
Family Support, or any of the other ADF community groups in
the area. Remember you are not alone. We are here to ensure
you and your families are supported, and your posting to Darwin is enjoyable.
Each unit at RAAF Base Darwin plays a crucial role in the capability of the base and every individual is a critical
element of that capability.
Welcome to RAAF Base Darwin!
Hear from the Senior ADF Officer
of RAAF Base Tindal on page 35.
“There are many amazing
experiences and places to
explore in the Top End and our
relationship with the Darwin
community is a great gateway
to discover those adventures.”
The defiance of the defenders of Tobruk raised morale in the countries of
the British Empire and Commonwealth.
Those who served there became known as the 'Rats of Tobruk', so-called
because the German radio propaganda broadcaster 'Lord Haw Haw'
described them as rats living in the ground.
We Will Remember Them.
Written by Amanda Letcher
Community Contributor
The Top Ender Magazine
Image: 6th Division
Adelaide River Concert
1942. Courtesy of
Australian War Memorial,
awm.gov.au/collection/
C11262
Image: Siege of Tobruk Portrait Major General John
Joseph Murray (seated) with N278683 Captain John
Paterson Kennaway (left), NX12372 Captain William
Bayne Archibald Geikie (right). Courtesy of Australian
War Memorial, awm.gov.au/collection/C1288845
Image: Headquarters of an Australian Unit in Tobruk
during the siege. Libya,1941. Courtesy of Australian
War Memorial, awm.gov.au/collection/C13629
References:
DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) (2021), Libya and
the Siege of Tobruk 1941, DVA Anzac Portal, accessed 22
February 2023, https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-andmissions/world-war-ii-1939-1945/events/libya-and-siegetobruk-1941
Background image: Defenders of the Tobruk fortress
during the siege, suing capture italian anti-aircraft guns.
Libyan desert, 1941.
Courtesy of Australian War Memorial, awm.gov.au/
collection/C13651
6 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 7

CELEBRATING
BOB SHEWRING
OAM GAICD
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL AND
MILITARY BACKGROUND:
I am a third generation Territorian with a strong military
background. My father was part of the Mobile Force that
was sent to Darwin in 1935 to help build Larrakeyah Military
base and the facilities at East Point.
My Mother and family were evacuated from Darwin in
September 1941, just prior to the Bombing of Darwin in
1942. I was born in Geelong (Victoria) in 1946 and my
family returned to Darwin in the early 1950’s when my
father was posted as a Master Gunner (Warrant Officer
Class 2) with the Royal Australian Artillery Regiment. He
was in charge of all the fortifications at Dudley Point,
Larrakeyah and East Point and the mobile artillery pieces; 25
Pounders and Bofors.
I had a stable upbringing, spending some of my early years
with elders of the Larrakeyah indigenous people, fishing,
hunting and attending ceremonies. I attended Darwin
Primary School and Darwin High School. During this time, I
played water polo for the first ever NT Diving Team and
represented the NT in the SA Diving competition - I was
the runner up to indigenous local boy and mate, Robert
(Pegleg) Muir (dec.). In those days in Darwin (pre-TV)
everything revolved around sport, you either played it, or
supported it, there were no fences to properties, no need
to lock the doors and you could leave your keys in the
ignition and come back to find your car where you left it -
it was a wonderful time to be living in that era.
During Year 10, I ran away from school and went Ringing
(Stockman) at cattle stations south of Adelaide River. When
I returned to Darwin sometime later, my mother arranged
for me to meet with Mr Paddy Carrol, the head of the
Workers Union in the NT. It was an interesting one-way
conversation! It’s amazing to reflect on the influences
people have in shaping your destiny - you have to take
action if you want change. In hindsight, this was one of the
major turning points in my life. I wanted to work my way up
within the cattle industry, but I would never be in position to
own a cattle station by being an uneducated worker, and the
best way forward was for me to start an Apprenticeship. An
opportunity had been pre-arranged for me to start a
Carpentry Apprentice, which gave me more money and free
time for water polo, swimming, Aussie Rules for Wanderers,
shooting, fishing, cars and girls.
In January 1965, I made the decision to join the Regular
Army after completing 4 years of my Carpentry
Apprenticeship, however I was recommended for RAEME as
a Mechanic. Interestingly, I always wanted to be a Mechanic,
but in Darwin in the early 60’s there were no
apprenticeships in that trade, so a Carpentry Apprenticeship
made sense at the time.
I was trained as an Adult Tradesman Motor Vehicle
Mechanic and learned how to fix everything the Army
owned as a general Mechanic. We were also taught basic
Fitting and Turning, Welding and Driver Training in all pieces
of military equipment – what an amazing experience! I was
then posted back to Darwin with the RAEME Workshops
NT Command Larrakeyah.
As an Army mechanic in those days, we assisted with a lot of
road trips throughout the NT. On our adventures, we met
up with Woomera Research Teams clearing an area for
missile testing in 1966. We also met Harry Butler and a team
from National Geographic, Cadastral Survey team and
explorers looking for Lasseter’s gold. At a location called
Sandy Blight Junction we had to order in an arial drop of
spare parts for the vehicles, including 4 boxes of Victor
Bravo.We were also involved in a project called the
“Mukkanini Explorer” and an Army film team travelled with
us to document the trip.
During this time, I was promoted to Corporal, then
Sergeant. I was posted to Midland workshops in Perth WA,
then Canungra, then I was sent to Vietnam as the Sgt of 17
Construction Squadron Workshops RAEME. We were
responsible for maintaining and repairing all of the
equipment used by 17 Construction. During this time, we
had an excellent team of tradesmen and soldiers who just
got things done, worked hard and played hard (when
allowed) - a strong bond was formed with a group of these
soldiers that has endured for 50 years.
We repaired everything from D8 Bulldozers used on landclearing,
graders, dump trucks and all manner of equipment.
During this time, I was sent to Lai Khe - the home of the
“Big Red 1” US Army 1st Infantry Division and the US
Combat Engineers. During my deployment in Vietnam, I
severely dislocated my shoulder in an incident and was
advised that I needed surgery in Australia. I was medevac'd
to Penang Malaysia in a Hercules, alongside other wounded
and amputees, then transferred to Sydney before travelling
back to Darwin for surgery. I didn’t return to Vietnam and
was relocated back to Larrakeyah RAEME Workshops until I
discharged in January 1971.
Given my upbringing with several of my best mates being
Aboriginal and playing football for the Wanderers Football
Club, I was open to working in community-focused
organisations where I could share my skills with Aboriginal
youth. As I was looking for my next career pathway, I was
advised not to mention that I had been to Vietnam as I
probably wouldn’t get a job. I was also advised by a local
veteran organisation that I could “return when I had fought
in a real war” if I wanted to become a member - similar
experiences like this were perpetrated on a lot of Vietnam
veterans upon return from the Vietnam War.
After these incidents, I shut Vietnam out of my mind and got
on with life as a Manual Arts Teacher with the Aboriginal
Welfare Education Department, but I was a Tradesman not
a Teacher, so the Department sent me to South Australia to
complete a three-year Degree in two years, with a wife and
two kids in tow. Upon returning to Darwin, I was qualified
with a Diploma in Teaching (Tech) and an Advanced
Diploma in Education.
I worked through the NT Education system as a Teacher,
Senior Teacher, Assistant Principal of several High Schools,
Regional Coordinator for TAFE Katherine Region, Assistant
Director of Aboriginal Education and Principal
Education Officer NT Open College. After 25
years in Education, I accepted a redundancy from
the Department due to my challenges with anxiety,
depression and onset of PTSD.
I then set up a Multimedia and Communications
business which grew steadily over a few years,
however after attending my first Vietnam Veterans
reunion, my wife gave me an ultimatum to seek
help for my PTSD. I applied to DVA for help,
which took several years, and I was eventually
granted a TPI. After treatment, I re-joined the
Vietnam Veterans Association NT and have
dedicated my life to the veteran community.
WHAT SKILLS HAVE YOU LEARNED IN
THE MILITARY THAT YOU CONTINUE TO
USE THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE?
The leadership skills I obtained in the Army have
allowed me to navigate civilian life and to deal with
everyday challenges that life throws at you. I also
learned that you are part of a much bigger team
irrespective of what role you undertake – all roles
are important and dependent upon each other to
get the tasks done.
FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM THE
MILITARY?
The comradery from Vietnam - we were thrown
together with a small group of people we had
never met and the mateship has survived for over
50 years!
In 1987, the Vietnam Veteran “Welcome Home
Parade” (albeit many years too late) was a
watershed in my opinion that allowed 20,000
Vietnam veterans to hold their heads up proudly
for the first time and be publicly honoured
instead of being the subject of taunts and ridicule
for many years previously. Up until this point,
many of my friends (including myself) hid our
Vietnam service and got on with life.
BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED?
Early on in my childhood, my mother would recite
a poem that is written on the end of the World
War 1 “Furphy” water tanks; “Good Better Best,
Never Let It Rest, Till Your Good Is Better, And
Your Better – Best”. This poem always comes to
the fore when undertaking any task to confirm
whether this is your “Better – Best”.
Early in my military career, I was advised sternly on
several occasions that if I wanted to get ahead, “I
should keep my eyes and ears open, and my mouth
shut”. This was sometimes difficult to put into
practice as you can imagine. It was later added that
I should “read a few books” to gain knowledge on
the subject in contention and present my case with
evidence. It’s also great advice to “make the most
of every opportunity” that comes your way.
YOUR ADVICE FOR OTHER VETERANS
Take advantage of the Transition Seminars and
use that time before discharge to set yourself
up for the inevitable transition to civilian life.
You may have a small group of mates you
served with or deployed with; stay in touch
with them. This comradery is unique to the
military and may last a lifetime like it has for me.
Reach-out to your mates, their family
members and check in regularly - you may just
need it yourself one day, like I have at times.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS?
Visionary, Passionate, Mentor
WHAT AWARDS HAVE YOU RECEIVED?
2022 Order of Australia Medal – Queens Birthday Honour List
2022 Life member Veterans Australia NT Inc.
2020 Awarded Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Volunteers
Australia
2019 Awarded NT Senior of Excellence
2019 Awarded Highly Commended NT Volunteer of the Year
2016 NT Senior Australian of the Year
2015 Pride of Australia NT Medal (People’s Choice)
2011 Life Member Freds Pass Sport and Recreation Management
Board
1987 Churchill Fellowship Awardee
8 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 9

WHAT ORGANISATIONS HAVE YOU
BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH?
President of Veterans Australia NT Inc.
(previously Vietnam Veterans Association of
Australia NT) (10 years)
Vice President Palmerston RSL
Foundation President of Southern Districts
Football Club and Life Member
Member of the Freds Pass Sport and Recreation
Board (30 years) and Life Member
Past President of Darwin South Rotary Club
Past President of Darwin Rural Rotary Club
Past President of Darwin Legacy
Past President of Darwin RSL
Previous Director of the NT Australia Day
Council
Previous Board member of RSL SA/ NT and
Broken Hill State Board
Past President 17 Construction Squadron
Workshops Vietnam Association (3 Years)
Past President of National Seniors Topend Branch
(9 years)
Member of the NT Ministers Advisor Council on
Veterans Affairs (9 years)
Member of the NT Ministers Advisor Council on
NT Seniors (8 Years)
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST
ACHIEVEMENT?
As a Vietnam Veteran, I spent years lobbying
governments at all levels to bring home the only
NT Soldier to be killed in the Vietnam War - Cpl
Reg Hillier MiD. This was refused by the Minister
for Veterans Affairs at that time.
During my research, I established that there were
another 25 remaining Australian soldiers from the
Vietnam War who were buried overseas after
they were killed in action over 50 years ago.
These brave Australian’s remained in lonely graves
in foreign countries when their mates had been
repatriated. This was not right, and I was
determined to correct this ‘terrible wrong’.
On behalf of the Vietnam Veterans Association of
Australia NT, we founded ‘Operation Bring Them
Home” in 2014. As a result of ‘Operation Bring
Them Home’, these soldiers, who had made the
supreme sacrifice for their country, were
brought home to Australia on the 2nd June
2016, including Reg Hillier, who was re-interred
at Adelaide River War Cemetery as per his
family’s wishes.
As a result of this program, seven New Zealand
Vietnam Veterans who were buried overseas
were repatriated home to New Zealand in
September 2019.
Interviewed by Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
Pte Bob Shewring Age 19
1 RTB Kapooka 1965
Image: Bob Shewring aged 19 at 1.RTB Kapooka. Courtesy of Bob
Shewring.
Images: (left) Bob MC at Vietnam Veterans Day 18 Aug 2022, by
Darwin Photography Professionals Caroline Camilleri. (right) Receiving
2016 NT Senior Australian of the Year Award, photo courtesy of Bob
Shewring.
Images: (left) Bob at Investiture for OAM in Sept 2022, presented to
him by the Hon Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO (right) Presenting his book
on Reg Hillier, photos courtesy of Darwin Photography Professionals
Caroline Camilleri
IAN ANDERSON
MILITARY PHOTOS OF DARWIN
WIN
Win a $150 Photography Voucher for an
A3 Print (or smaller) including postage by
entering online at thetopendermagazine.
org.au/win
*Standard Top Ender Competition terms
apply. Check our website for more
information. Closes 10 May 2023.
IAN G. ANDERSON
PHOTOGRAPHY
LANDSCAPES // NATURE // HISTORY // MILITARY
PRINTS AVAILABLE
iangandersonphotography.com
ian.anderson53@telstra.com // 0418 806 379
10 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 11

ELAINE EGAN
40 YEARS OF SERVICE
We spoke to Elaine Egan about her time in
the military and how she balanced her
career with motherhood.
I enlisted into the Women’s Royal Australian Naval
Service (WRANS) on 4 Nov 1981 as a Medic and
transferred to Stores Naval after recruit training. I was
the first female at my first posting to HMAS Nirimba
after training, which was an interesting time of learning.
After reaching compulsory retirement age at 60, I
retired from full time service after 40 years and 7
months on my 60th birthday. I received a gold service
medallion (the size of a saucer) and my Fed Star in
December 2022 at HMAS Cerberus. I am still currently
serving in Navy Reserves.
I am proud to say that I am the 9th woman in the
Navy who has achieved 40 years of service.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF DEFENCE
LIFE:
My Dad served in the Navy and my Mum always
wanted to join, so I wanted to enlist since I was 14
years old. I feel immensely proud of serving my country
and doing something special - I feel extremely good
about helping people. I have also been in a submarine,
which is an interesting experience!
One particular Navy memory stands out for me when
a Patrol Boat had broken down in New Guinea and
we needed to coordinate the movement of supplies
from Sydney, which was logistically challenging with no
flights available to that part of the country. But we got
the delivery there via a rotary plane, then picked up
and delivered by a liaison officer. We received many
emails to thank us for our determined effort to help
them – that’s what I love about defence. Every day can
bring lots of different experiences, adventures and
challenges. Every base and posting is different. I was
never bored – there was always something new and
something to look forward to, along with meeting lots
of new people. I am finding it hard to let go of serving,
but being a Reservist is my opportunity to continue
wearing uniform and working towards defence
objectives.
HOW DID YOU BALANCE YOUR NAVY CAREER
& MOTHERHOOD?
ENTER NOW AT
It was challenging with my Navy husband away a lot
three children. At the time, a lot of my Navy chain of
command had wives at home looking after kids, so it
was easier for them to focus on the ADF and their
career - I faced a lot of challenges to get the support I
needed for my family.
I was always conscious of making up any time that I
had taken off for my family, including weekend duties. I
would often drive my kids to my husband’s parents in
Wollongong on a Friday night so that I could do my
weekend duty, then drive back on the Sunday to bring
them home for the school week – those days were
challenging, but I find that I feel better when I am busy
and I haven’t got time to focus on the hardship. I
would also complete courses and extra study while my
husband was away, so I would read my books and
course work for the next day after putting the kids to
bed; that’s what you do when you love your career. I
wasn’t able to go out sea very often and I went on a
few exercises from time to time, but I also knew that I
would provide capability at every posting by taking on
extra tasks and helping people ‘on the ground’.
My children often grumbled that I wasn’t able to attend
school or sports events, but a lot of parents struggle
with life balance, regardless of their employment.
There are always some feelings of guilt with parenting
and defence, especially moving the kids to new schools
and trying to settle in, but we somehow managed.
My three children are adults now and at one stage, all
of us were serving; my eldest daughter served 10 years
in the Navy and my son served 10 years in Army
before transferring to the RAAF 2 years ago. My
youngest daughter served 2 years in the Navy and my
husband served 9 years in the RAAF, then 25 years in
the Navy - overall, our family has served over 100
years in the ADF.
WHAT SKILL HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THE
MILITARY THAT YOU STILL USE REGULARLY:
A lot of people can do a supply job, but the skill of
knowing what to do in an emergency to help people is
something that you learn through defence. Not
everyone knows what to do or has coping skills to
switch on when things need to be done. Because of
my defence experience, I run towards problems
instead of running away from them - we are trained
to help people and manage emergency situations.
I understand that there are good times and bad times
in every job, but overall, I am extremely proud of my
service, especially on ANZAC Day.
and trying to balance my career and motherhood with
THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU/WIN
Interviewed by Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
12 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 13

DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR
DIRECTORY
WANGURI PRIMARY SCHOOL
DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR
DARWIN PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Alawa Primary
Katie Wedel
katie.wedel@ntschools.net
Durack Primary
Emma Saetta
emma.saetta@education.nt.gov.au
Ludmilla Primary
Jacinta Stewart
jacinta.stewart@education.nt.gov.au
Mother Teresa Catholic College
Clare Corvaia
clare.corvaia@catholic.nt.edu.au
Wanguri Primary School is situated in the Northern
Suburbs of Darwin. I became the Defence School Mentor
in March 2020, and have supported 223 students from
defence families as they have transitioned in and out of
our school, and during times of parental absence.
With the help of the School Council who
acknowledge how important our defence
families are to our school community, we
had enough money to build our space. We
soon designed and built an area to hold
our Anzac Day and Remembrance Day
Assemblies.
Good Sheppard Lutheran College
Kathleen Cobban
kathleen.cobban@ntschools.net
Holy Spirit Primary
Christine Crimmings
christine.crimmings@nt.catholic.edu.au
Larrakeyah Primary
Jodie Murdoch
jodie.murdoch@education.nt.gov.au
Leanyer Primary
Jennifer Quinn - Kent
jennifer.quinn-kent1@education.nt.gov.au
DARWIN MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOLS
Rosebery Primary
Kiah Mackenzie
kiah.mackenzie@education.nt.gov.au
St Mary’s Catholic Primary
Karen Jerrett
karen.jerrett@nt.catholic.edu.au
Wanguri Primary
Amanda Metcalfe
amanda.metcalfe@education.nt.gov.au
Palmertson Christian / Marrara Christian / Sattler
Christian Colleges
Alice Kempster
alice.kempster@ntschools.net
I created a space within the school grounds that is special to our
defence families which acknowledges the educational partnership
between Wanguri Primary School, our past, present and future
defence students, their families and Defence School Mentors.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs hold an Anzac Day Schools
Awards every year with some financial incentive, so I recruited a
teacher, Ms Kaye and her 4/5 class to put together an entry - our little
video called ‘The Memory Box’ was awarded 1st place for the
Northern Territory category and we were given $3,000 prize money
for our school!
In 2022, I found the Department of Veterans’ Affairs also had a
‘Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program’ and applied
for a Community Grant and was approved for $10,000 to go
towards our Defence Memorial Garden.
The Opening Ceremony for our Defence
Memorial Garden was held on
Remembrance Day 2022, and was
attended by members of 1CSSB who gave
a speech and conducted the Catafalque
Party, Mr Luke Gosling, Federal Member
for Solomon, and representatives from
DVA and DMFS, along with defence
families and members of our community.
I hope the Defence Memorial Garden can
be used by all staff and students at
Wanguri Primary School to acknowledge
the importance of the ADF, especially the
sacrifices of all serving members and their
families, and to use this space as an
outdoor area to learn about our military
history.
Darwin High
Ashleigh Hooper
ashleigh.hooper@education.nt.gov.au
Darwin Middle
Carolyn Mu
carolyn.mu@education.nt.gov.au
Dripstone Middle
Katie Pollard
katie.pollard@education.nt.gov.au
O’Loughlin Catholic College
Jennifer Quinn-Kent
jennifer.quinn-Kent@nt.catholic.edu.au
Palmerston College
Sheryl Schmode
sheryl.schmode@education.nt.gov.au
Mackillop Catholic College
Sue Lowery
sue.lowery@nt.catholic.edu.au
Casuarina Senior College
Jennifer Gladman
jennifer.gladman@education.nt.gov.au
Written by Amanda Metcalfe
Defence School Mentor
Wanguri Primary School
amanda.metcalfe@education.nt.gov.au
School Office:
(08) 8927 1655.
TINDAL/KATHERINE SCHOOLS
Casuarina Street Primary
Claire Stewart
claire.stewart@education.nt.gov.au
Katherine South Primary
Leonnie Matthews
leonnie.matthews@ntschools.net
St Joseph’s College
Tammy Taylor
tammy.taylor@nt.catholic.edu.au
Katherine High School
Verity Chapman-Mears
verity.chapman-mears@education.nt.gov.au
DISCLAIMER: List is accurate at time of print. Please
contact your school for most recent information and
updates.
References:
https://www.dva.gov.au/about-us/overview/consultationsand-grants/grants-and-bursaries/saluting-their-service
https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/education/anzac-dayschools-awards
14 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 15

Defence Member and Family Support
Things are now certainly getting busy as units, members and
families have had time to settle into operational tempo, work,
school and study routines. We have had great opportunities to
be out and about, meeting new and returned ADF members
and families, plus Command. It was also really exciting to
deliver our Welcome to the Top End and Tindal Events. A big
shout out to all those who supported and attended.
We understand that 2023 is again going to be busy, punctuated by
planned absences in support of deployments, courses and exercises,
plus short notice absences due to operational contingencies. We at
DMFS can assist you in preparing and planning for these absences
and have a number of resources to share, plus programs to
provide support in the event of an emergency.
Take the time to look at the Deployment support resources at
Deployment | ADF Members & Families | Defence and work
through the Member and Family Care Plan. Should there be a
family emergency, please reach out and we can assist. Additional
information is at Crisis support | ADF Members & Families |
Defence
Defence Member and Family Support are here to help. Reach out
to the Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608 at any
time for advice, support or connection with your local
community.
Our website is the best source of information on ADF member
and family content so be sure to bookmark our URL and follow
us on social media to keep up-to-date on planned events.
DMFS activities
The DMFS team are excited to have a series of activities ready to
help you ease into your new communities. Are you wondering what
activities we have coming up? Take the time to check our ‘Events’
page Local services and events | ADF Members & Families | Defence
For newly added activities and keep an eye on DMFS social media,
Eventbrite or eNewsletters, which you can subscribe to at our QR
codes. And remember, our events in Darwin and Tindal are
available to all Northern Territory ADF members and their families.
You can subscribe to our e-News by scanning the below QR codes.
DARWIN
Stay Connected
1800 624 608
TINDAL
DEFENCE MEMBER
DMFS_AusDefence
memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au
AND FAMILY SUPPORT
dmfs-darwin.eventbrite.com.au
dmfs-tindal.eventbrite.com.au
defence.gov.au/members-families
Written by Di Elson
Area Manager NT
Defence Member and Family
Support
DMFS_AusDefence
DefenceMemberFamilySupport
Photo: Always a friendly welcome at RAAF Base Tindal. By Debbie Marshall.
Welcome to Katherine Expo, Tindal
DMFS NT Tindal office has hit the ground running with a
Welcome to Katherine expo being held at RAAF Base
Tindal with our new members and families being welcomed
to the NT and Tindal/Katherine with lots of great
information on the day. We had over 60 stalls ranging from
base Welfare groups, the local FSFP funded community
group, and both local and Darwin based support service
groups, sporting and special interest groups.
Written by Debbie Marshall
Photo: Creating connections over a coffee. By Debbie Marshall.
Coffee on Us, Tindal
We hosted our first Coffee on Us in February and had a
fantastic turn up, with new members, spouses and partners
sitting down with our FLO and other defence spouses and
partners to talk about what great things Tindal and
Katherine can offer newly posted in members and families.
Lots of information, tips and tricks were shared and some
great connections were forged.
Written By Debbie Marshall
Photo: A cool place to be in Tindal. By Debbie Marshall.
Meet n’ Greet, Tindal
DMFS Tindal hosted the annual meet n’ greet at the base pool
where we were joined by our DSM’s, new members and their
families as well as some of our current families. It was great
afternoon escaping the wet season heat by cooling off in the pool. It
was very pleasing to see the children making connections and
friendships before starting school.
Photo: Building Resilience and managing mobility. By Dianne Fattore (DSW)
ADF Equip, Darwin
Children from ADF families in Darwin, participated in our DMFS
program - ADF Equip. This program provided children with the
opportunity to develop strategies in managing the challenges
associated with moving locations, and parental absence. The children
took part in activities, shared ideas with each other and made new
connections as they learnt how to improve their management of
adapting to new posting locations and parental absences.
Written By Di Elson
Skate n Glide, Darwin
Out of the heat and into the cold! Darwin
and Tindal ADF families enjoyed a freezing
cold afternoon of ice skating at our Skate n
Glide event. Thank you to all the families
who joined us!
Written By Jot Kahlon
Photo: Enjoying the cold! By Jot Kahlon.
Photo: Getting to know our animal friends. By Debbie Marshall.
Welcome to the Top End Expo,
Darwin
The DMFS NT Welcome to the Top End Expo
was back again in 2023 after a 2 year hiatus!
With 120 stalls, ADF members and families
enjoyed the opportunity to gather information
and connect with many of the different
services, sporting groups, FSFP funded and
special interest groups available in the Top End.
.It was great to be warmly welcomed by the
Darwin community
Written By Jot Kahlon
Photo: By DMFS Darwin Office.
MAGNT Coffee Meet & Greet
Discovery Walk at the Museum,
Darwin
ADF families both old and new joined the
DMFS Darwin team on an exploration tour to
discover the interesting and the wonderful
delights the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT
has to offer. After a morning of discovery and
learning families came together over a
refreshing cuppa at the Saltwater@Bundilla café
situated inside the Museum. A great time was
had by all.
Written By Annick Beyderwellen
Defence Member and Family Support are here to help. Reach out to the Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608 at any
time for advice, support or connection with your local community. Our website has information on ADF member and family content
16 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated
so be sure to bookmark our URL and follow us on social media to keep up-to-date on planned events.
APRIL/MAY 2023 17

SOLDIER ON APPOINTS NEW CEO
Soldier On is delighted to announce the
appointment of Ms Amy Cooper as Chief
Executive Officer, commencing on 6 March
2023.
Soldier On Chairman, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy AC
(Ret’d), welcomed Ms Cooper’s appointment following an
extensive and extremely competitive selection process.
“Ms Cooper is a skilled and accomplished leader who has
worked in both the government and private sectors. She
brings a wealth of experience across a range of sectors,
including health, aged care, disability, higher education,
government, non-profit, charity, and community services,”
he said.
Prior to joining Soldier On, Ms Cooper was the CEO of
the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association. She has
held executive and board positions with national peak
bodies, member-based professional associations and
health charities.
“Ms Cooper’s appointment marks an important new
chapter for Soldier On as demand for Soldier On’s
services increase and the Royal Commission into Defence
and Veteran Suicide concludes,” Mr Leahy said.
Mr Leahy extended his gratitude to Ms Prue Slaughter for
her role as Interim CEO over the past 12 months. “Prue’s
strong leadership and her energy throughout this period
has been exceptional, and the board is delighted she will
be continuing with Soldier On as Deputy CEO.
“The board and I look forward to working with this strong
leadership team to continue to drive the critical work with
veterans and their families by helping them readjust from
service life and thrive into the future,” Mr Leahy said.
Extracted from Soldier On Website
soldieron.org.au/updates/soldier-on-announcesappointment-of-new-ceo/
55 YEARS ON
THE BATTLE OF FIRE SUPPORT PATROL BASE
CORAL BALMORAL
You only need to listen to Redgum’s I was
Only 19 and Cold Chisel’s Khe Sanh to get a
sense of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam
War. Perhaps unfairly, less is known of the
Battle of Fire Support Patrol Bases Coral and
Balmoral – a series of actions fought by the 1st
Australian Task Force against North
Vietnamese and Viet Cong Forces between
12th May and 6th June 1968.
After South Vietnamese and allied forces successfully
repelled Viet Cong forces from Saigon (inflicting some
5500 dead in one week of fighting), the 1st Australian
Task Force had planned to deploy into an area referred to
by the Americans as the ‘Catcher’s Mitt’. Intelligence
reports indicated that the Task Force would encounter
small groups of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces
weary from defeat in Saigon...
Based on this advice, the Task Force positioned itself via
helicopter on the night of 11/12th May 1968. However, a
combination of delays and a lack of experience in
helicopter operations resulted in the Task Force deploying
to different locations than originally planned. This included
the guns of 102 Field Battery, which were eventually
brought into action late on 12th May with limited
defensive preparations (shell scrapes and the digging in of
3 out of 6 Artillery guns). Unbeknownst to the
Australians, the Task Force had just landed amongst the
North Vietnamese 7th Division, who had observed their
arrival and were ready to fight.
What followed over the next 26 days was some of the
bloodiest fighting of Australia’s involvement in the
Vietnam War. ‘Human waves’ of enemy were repeatedly
repelled with lethal Splintex rounds, often over the
heads of friendly positions, as they fought for their lives
against a vastly superior sized enemy. Similar attacks were
experienced at Balmoral, but eventually, Centurion Tanks
from C Squadron (1st Armoured Regiment) and US
Gunships were called in to finally disperse the enemy.
In total, 26 Australians were killed and 99 wounded during
the largest loss of life in a single battle for Australian’s
during the Vietnam War. On the eve of the 50th
anniversary of the battle, all units involved were
recognised and awarded the Unit Citation for Gallantry.
102 Field Battery was later awarded the honour title
‘Coral’ and today serves as 102 (Coral) Battery as part of
the 8th/12th Regiment RAA.
Written by a Community Contributor
The Top Ender Magazine
INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY
12 MAY
Each year on the 12th of May we celebrate
International Nurses Day to recognise the
invaluable contribution that nurses have
made and continue to make in our society.
Nurses have played a vital role in Australia’s military
history for more than 100 years. Today, both men and
women serve as Australia’s military nurses working in
remote and dangerous places, as well peacekeeping
missions providing essential medical treatment to
those ravaged by war or natural disasters.
CREATIVE COMMUNITY
Extracted from AWM
www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/international-nurses-day
18 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 19

ROYAL COMMISSIONS:
WORTH THE BOTHER?
Are Royal Commissions worth the money,
the tears and the effort?
This year we have witnessed how the Royal
Commission stories of ordinary Australians truly have
the power to re-shape policies and laws at the
highest level of our nation. However, more of those
stories must be told so that more life-saving reforms
are urgently made.
In response to the Royal Commission into Defence
and Veteran Suicide, in February the federal
government announced plans for sweeping changes
to legislation governing veterans’ entitlements. That
announcement was prompted by the stories heard
by the Royal Commission.
But here’s the problem
Having served in the ADF, I know that speaking up
can be especially hard for people from a Defence
background – and engaging with a Royal
Commission can be even more daunting. To make
matters worse, many veterans and serving ADF
members are unaware of the vital support that is
available to help them speak up about issues being
examined by the Royal Commission. The Defence
and Veterans Legal Service is a specialist nationwide
body that provides free and confidential legal
support to veterans and Defence members, plus
their families and supporters. Crucially, this legal
service is independent of the Royal Commission and
government agencies (including the ADF and DVA).
Costly but crucial
Written by Jasmine Stanton
Director
Defence and Veterans Legal Service
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran
Suicide is a costly undertaking but well worth the
expense. Underpinned by the submissions it receives,
this inquiry is recommending crucial reforms that are
being adopted by government.
Have you been thinking about making a submission
to the Royal Commission? They must be received
by October 13, but I fear that deadline will arrive
sooner than some expect. Now is the time to act
and to speak up. This opportunity – this
comprehensive inquiry – will likely never be repeated
in our lifetimes.
Jasmine Stanton is a former
member of the ADF and is
now the Director of the
Defence and Veterans Legal
Service, an independent
nationwide organisation that
helps people to participate in
the Royal Commission. For
free legal help, contact this
service on 1800 33 1800.
Images: Courtesy of Mates4Mates
BOMBING OF DARWIN
COMMEMORATION CRUISE
On the 19 February each year, we commemorate the Anniversary of the Bombing
of Darwin.Veterans and family members reflected and paid tribute to those who
lost their lives by journeying along Darwin’s seascape with the Mates4Mates team.
With real time commentary provided by local guides about Darwin Harbour and
Darwin’s importance as Australia’s frontline port, veterans listened to stories while taking
in Darwin’s WWll historical sites.
FINDING THE RIGHT WORDS
Recently at the Mates4Mates Palmerston Centre, veterans and family members
enjoyed a creative writing class that aimed to teach and encourage those who are
considering, or who have started, a writing project.
Author and veteran, Jennifer Crane shared her tips and tricks with those who attended
the two sessions to help kick start their writing goals.
Social connection activities like this creative writing workshop are just one way to
connect with like-minded veterans while also learning a new skill!
SKILLS-BASED RECOVERY PROGRAMS
FOR VETERANS
Service-related injuries come in many forms and there can’t be a one-size-fits-all
approach to recovery, which is why Mates4Mates offer a range of rehabilitation
options to meet the needs of veterans and their families in the Top End.This
includes their One-Day Wellness Program and Four-Day Wellness Program.
The one-day program allows veterans and family members to explore different ways to
practice mindfulness and learn psychological skills as they connect with others and
challenge themselves to complete an activity such as abseiling, jewellery making, mosaic
workshops, and more.
The four-day program invites veterans to participate in interactive group workshops,
facilitated by clinicians, that can help them to develop healthy coping mechanisms that will
support them in managing their mental and physical health now and into the future.
Mates4Mates will be holding a Four-Day Wellness Program in mid-2023, as well as
various One-Day Wellness Programs throughout the year for veterans and family
members in the Northern Territory To find out more, email ntactivity@mates4mates.org.
Skills for Recovery Programs are available to veterans and family members who are
registered with Mates4Mates.
THE MATES4MATES TEAM ARE HERE TO
SUPPORT YOU!
If you’re a current or ex-serving Defence Force member, partner, or family
member who is looking for a friendly, safe space to find mateship and maybe learn
a new skill, please reach out to the Mates4Mates Northern Territory team.
Mates4Mates are here to support families this school holidays!
The Mates4Mates Northern Territory team are running a variety of school holiday
activities throughout April to help keep the kids entertained.
If you’re a current or ex-serving Defence Force member or partner, and want to connect
with a like-minded community, why not sign the family up for a range of activities during
the school holidays such as visiting the wildlife park, slime crafts, hair braiding, heading to
the wave pool, and more!
Mates4Mates social connection activities are free and open to everyone in the Defence
community. To find out more, head to www.mates4mates.org/events or email
ntactivity@mates4mates.org.
Mates4Mates social connection activities are open to everyone in the Defence community.To
find out more, head to www.mates4mates.org/events or email ntactivity@mates4mates.org.
Information is correct as of 28 February 2023
20 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 21

A BRIEF HISTORY OF ANZAC
While we will always acknowledge the sacrifices the original
Anzacs made and the part they played in shaping the
broader story of Australia, on Anzac Day we now honour
the more than 1.5 million service men and women who have
served our country in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping
operations. It's also a time to remember the over 103,000
Australians who sacrificed their lives in our country's name.
The acronym ANZAC (Australian and
New Zealand Army Corps) was a term
originally used as telegraphic shorthand to
describe the dominion force.Whilst there
are differing stories from people laying
claim to its creation, the term is believed
to have come into existence in early 1915,
written as A. & N. Z.A. C. on
correspondence and property and being
shortened to ANZAC thereafter.
“Anzac Cove”, named by Commander of the
Australians and New Zealanders on Gallipoli Sir
William Birdwood, is a small beach on the Gallipoli
peninsula’s northern shore. Here and along the
adjacent coastline, significant fighting took place as
part of the wider Gallipoli campaign in 1915.
Australian soldiers began coming ashore here before
dawn on 25 April 1915 and were joined later that
Image: Anzac Cove, Turkey. December 1915. General William
Riddell Birdwood, known as The Soul of Anzac, at North
Beach on his last day at Gallipoli. Birdwood visited North
Beach on 19 December 1915 and this photograph may have
been taken on that visit. (Donor British Official Photograph
Q13683). Courtesy of Australian War Memorial.
day by the New Zealanders. The Anzacs’ part in the
Gallipoli campaign involved moments of great tragedy
alongside acts of enormous bravery. This and the fact
that it was the site of the Australian Imperial Force’s (AIF)
first campaign ensured that this part of the Gallipoli
peninsula would become a historical place of
remembrance. Though the term was unheard of before
1915, to be known as an Anzac soon became a source of
great pride to the soldiers of the AIF and New Zealand
Expeditionary Force.
Whilst the great majority of the AIF comprised men of
British ancestry, there were soldiers in the force from
many parts of the world. Men enlisted for many reasons,
including seeking adventure, joining with friends, a sense
of duty to King, country and Empire, and for work and
better pay than they could find at home. However many
who were not from Anglo-Saxon backgrounds, including
First Nations people, faced restrictive barriers to
enlistment. Despite this, some went to great lengths to
join.
These men and women carried an unmistakeable sense
of kinship with them as they endured battle and the
hardships of nursing the wounded. They drew comfort
from the mateship they shared and the courage with
which the bravest among them faced these ordeals.
These traits – mateship, courage and fairness – have
come to be regarded as central to the Anzac identity.
The AIF set a standard by which generations of Australian
service men and women have since measured
themselves.
Many who served on Gallipoli received decorations for
bravery in battle or exemplary service. Nine Victoria
Crosses, the British Empire’s highest award for valour,
were awarded to Australians during the campaign. Seven
were earned in the battle of Lone Pine, two
posthumously, and all but one during the unsuccessful
August offensive at Anzac. Men who earned this honour
might have felt that they were just one among many
worthy of such recognition, knowing that similar acts of
bravery often went unacknowledged in the violence and
confusion of battle. Those veterans who wore the
ribbon of the VC were especially honoured for the rest
of their lives.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs
respects and commemorates the service
and sacrifice of veterans, and acknowledges
the vital contribution of their families and
communities.
Image: Anzac Cove Beach, Gallipoli. 1915. Members
of Anzac Corps on the beach after coming ashore
from troopships.Courtesy of Australian War
Memorial.
Anzac Day 108th
Commemoration
Events 2023:
Darwin RSL Subbranch
Dawn service will
commence from 0600
at Bicentennial Park, the
Esplanade, Darwin City.
ANZAC Day | City of
Darwin | Darwin Council,
Northern Territory
Palmerston RSL Sub branch
Dawn service will commence
from 0600 at Memorial Park,
Palmerston.
Palmerston’s ANZAC Day | City
of Palmerston (nt.gov.au)
Adelaide River War Cemetery
Dawn Service will commence
from 0530, Adelaide River War
Graves
Lest we forget.
Written by Louise Ruhl
A/G Deputy Commissioner, NT
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
VOLUNTEER WEEK
15 - 21 MAY
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia’s largest annual
celebration of volunteering and will be held on 15 – 21 May
2023.
We are pleased to announce the theme for National
Volunteer Week 2023 is The Change Makers.
The week-long event recognises the vital support that the
millions of volunteers in our country provide to their
communities and encourages people to consider
volunteering.
National Volunteer Week 2023 is a celebration of our
power to drive change and ensure volunteering is inclusive of
all members of the Australian community.
Our vision for the future will see volunteering thrive - we
are the change makers.
If your organisation relies on the amazing work of volunteers,
there are a range of resources and thank you gifts available
through the Volunteering Australia website - https://www.
volunteeringaustralia.org/shop/
DID YOU KNOW?
Across Australia, it is estimated that over 5 million (5.025
million) people volunteered through an organisation or group
in 2020. This is almost one quarter (24.8%) of people aged
15 years and over.
Extracted from Volunteering Australia
volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nvw/
22 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 23

H A P P Y
M O T H E R ’ S D A Y
LOVE & LACE PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO SESSIONS - PRICES VARY
Oh mama I saw the world
And it was good
And full of kindness
Every step I took you held
my hand
And watched me grow
You'll never know
How much I love you
And I am not afraid, I'm not
afraid
I finally grew
Mama this one's for you
EMBELLA JEWELLERY
REFLECTIONS CUFF $245
MARRAKECH NIGHTS SARONG $39
AUSSIE BLUE OFF ORIGINAL $22
MOTHER’S DAY
G I F T G U I D E
Not sure how to spoil Mum this Mother’s
Day! Check out of selection of gift ideas that
are sure to put a smile on her face! We
celebrate all Mum’s on Sunday 14th May.
KOKO & JOS
10ml SASS NATURAL PERFUME - $55
INDIRA ORGANICS
VETERAN OWNED
100ml EXFOLIATING CREAM - $44
14 MAY
PAPER & PEN AT GATEWAY
MARGARITA COCKTAIL MIX
HANDMADE EARRINGS
KRAKENWOOD INDUSTRIES
2 SPOTTED GUM COASTERS - $30
WIN FOR MUM
Win one of these amazing gifts for the one who takes care of you, listens
to you, hugs you and loves you... No matter if it’s a mum, grandmother,
aunty, sister or best friend, show them you care!
$100 ANUKA SLEEPWEAR VOUCHER
$50 DARWIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY PACK
DAYLESFORD APOTHECARY
ROSE QUARTZ BATH SOAK - $33
DARWIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY
100g DARK COCONUT CHOCOLATE - $10
90min CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP - $30pp
MYSTERY EMBELLA JEWELLERY GIFT
$30 QBD BOOK VOUCHER
TERMS: Total pool prize minimum of $300. Open to Top End based Defence members, veterans and their
immediate families. Entrants are permitted to apply for multiple prizes. Closes 10 May 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.
INNER LIGHT HOLISTIC HEALING
60min ENERGY HEALING - $100 per session
MOORE BEAUTIFUL BERRIMAH
LASH LIFT AND LASH BOTOX - $79
24 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 25

ANZAC BISCUITS:
THE POWER AND SPIRIT OF AN
EVERYDAY NATIONAL ICON
In January this year, I entered an ANZAC biscuit baking
competition for a bit of fun, but I found so much more
than that! While waiting for the guest judge to arrive, I
was excited to see a number of other entries starting to
arrive, including a sweet lady named Joyce who was
associated with the War Widows Guild of Australia. By the
looks of her baked treats, Joyce knew exactly how to bake
a mouth-watering ANZAC biscuit!
The guest judge arrived and introduced herself as Allison Reynolds, the
author of Anzac Biscuits: The Power And Spirit Of An Everyday
National Icon. Although I live and breathe The Top Ender Tri-Services
Magazine, I had to hold onto my excitement about meeting Allison after
the judging round was complete – I didn’t want to influence her judging
with the promise of a magazine article, even though Joyce was definitely
stiff competition!
We run a regular book club at Larrakeyah
Neighbourhood House called Reading Between
the Wines, and we have asked our book lovers to
give us their book recommendations for Mother’s
Day. Here’s a summary of our favourites;
THRILLER
My favourite recent thriller is ‘The Butcher and the Wren’ by
Alaina Urquhart! Alaina is also the host of an unreal podcast
for crime enthusiasts called Morbid. But my favourite thriller
of all time is ‘Sharp Objects’ by Gillian Flynn (author of Gone
Girl).
READING BETWEEN
THE WINES
MOTHER’S DAY BOOK REVIEW
WIN
At the completion of the judging and lots of celebrations from
onlookers (I came third in the ‘with a twist category’ for my white
chocolate and passionfruit ANZAC biscuit), I introduced myself to
Allison and requested a number of signed copies of her books for our
competition prizes, which are available in this edition. I love sharing
Allison’s story about her amazing book!
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO RESEARCH AND WRITE A
BOOK ABOUT ANZAC BISCUITS?
I felt that it was a story that needed to be told and couldn’t believe that
there was so much history about the origin and tradition of the
ANZAC biscuit, but no one had written a book about it! As a culinary
historian, I found great pleasure in researching and writing this book
about a true national icon!
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT ANZAC BISCUITS?
I love the stories shared about ANZAC biscuits and what it meant to
people during war times. The concept of having a cuppa and a biscuit is
also an important time for people to reconnect and relax - no two
batches of ANZAC biscuits are ever the same, but they are always
delicious!
WHERE DO YOU DONATE THE PROCEEDS OF YOUR
BOOKS?
All proceeds from book sales are donated to the War Widows Guide
of Australia.
Win one of four signed Anzac Biscuit Books by
entering online at thetopendermagazine.org.
au/win
*Standard Top Ender Competition terms apply.
Check our website for more information. Closes
10 May 2023.
Interviewed by Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
CULINARY HISTORIAN
ALLISON REYNOLDS
BIOGRAPHY
‘The Hospital by the River’ by Catherine Hamlin is a great
read, as well as The Wild Swan.
ROMANTIC FANTASY
If you like fantasy mixed with romance, I would recommend
the Fae Chronicles (7 book series) and its attached side
stories by Amelia Hutchins (‘The Elite Guards’ 4 book series
and ‘Playing with Monsters’ 4 book series). There is a special
order in which to read them, so the entire story is
chronologically aligned - 15 books to read in total!!
SCIENCE FICTION
As for a sci-fi book, I thoroughly enjoyed Isaac Asimov (and
his now Apple TV show) Foundation. This is a story mixed
with humanity's urge to preserve and save, and the irritations
(in my opinion) of politics and the refusal to hear theoretical
and proven science. It's set a very long time in the future and
had me intrigued from page 1.
MURDER MYSTERY
I would recommend ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ as a good
murder mystery, which was recently released as a movie.
I have recently started reading novels again and have really
enjoyed Jane Harper, who writes crime novels set in rural
Australia. Jane wrote ‘The Dry’, which was released as a
movie starring Eric Bana.
ROMANCE
If you like romance novels, you can’t put down ‘The
Stopover’ by Australian author T L Swan or ‘Chasing Love’ by
Kat T. Masen (it's so good it hurts!).
JOIN US ON
FACEBOOK
Keep up to date with
our weekly program.
CONTACT
Kylie Wilton,
Centre Coordinator
www.larrakeyahhouse.com.au
f
f
Larrakeyah Neighbourhood
House Community Group
Reading Between
the Wines Book Club
26 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 27

PRINCES TRUST AUSTRALIA
SWEET DREAMS AND REGIONAL LIVING
The Luxurious Sleepwear Brand Empowering
Women across Australia
From her home in regional Queensland, e-
commerce expert Sarah Hadgkiss connects women
to luxurious, Australian made sleepwear through her
small business Aruke.
Sarah started Aruke on the belief that women are their best
when they feel their best.
Navigating early motherhood and life in the Australian
Defence Force has helped Sarah empathise with her
customers - her focus on luxurious, quality sleepwear
appeals to women looking for timeless designs and
comfort amidst the challenges of everyday life.
“Being in defence, nobody else gets it. They don’t
understand the struggles that you face, how stressful it might
be, the isolation, the loneliness, and then to put business on
top of that, it’s a hard thing to do.”
Sarah focuses on Australian and female-founded labels like
Ginia, Papinelle, and Gingerlily. Purpose-driven, Sarah also
donates a portion of her sales on Aruke to charity through
i=Change.
WITH THANKS
The Enterprise programme is proudly sponsored by
Accenture ANZ, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the
Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs,
Howden Group Holdings and SAAB Australia.
The Prince’s Trust Australia Enterprise programme received
grant funding from the Australian Government to support
veteran owned businesses.
This project received grant funding from the Australian
Government Family Support Funding Program to support
Defence families into self-employment.
ABOUT PRINCE’S TRUST AUSTRALIA
Prince's Trust Australia is a national charity that helps young
people prepare for the rapidly changing world of work,
inspires veterans and their families into entrepreneurship and
self-employment, and champions resilient sustainable
communities.
Our work is inspired by our Founder and President, His
Majesty King Charles III, and is driven by his vision for a more
sustainable future.
Since 2015, Prince's Trust Australia has been
inspiring veterans and their families with the
confidence, skills and networks they need to
explore self-employment through the
Enterprise Programme.
The programme is guided by an Advisory
Council, chaired by the Governor-General,
His Excellency General The Honourable
David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) and attended
by Major General Wade Stothart, Head of
People Capability at Department of
Defence.
Visit: www.princes-trust.org.au
For media enquiries, contact
media@princes-trust.org.au
Aruke Founder Sarah Hadgkiss is no stranger to the
pressures of small business. A mother of three,
including 2-year-old twins, and an Australian
Defence Force Army spouse, Sarah ran multiple e-
commerce businesses before launching Aruke in
August 2019.
“When you are starting a business, you come across
so many different emotions. You’ve got this big,
monumental plan or project you want to create.
How am I going to get from A to B? It can be really
overwhelming.”
Aruke is a combination of Sarah’s children’s names
and connects to her husband’s heritage in South
Sudan.
Sarah’s husband John McKuong Dhuol joined the
Australian Army in October 2016. His family fled
South Sudan when he was eight and spent ten years
in the UNHCR Kakuma Refugee Camp in northern
Kenya before emigrating to Australia. In Dinka,
John’s native dialect, Aruke means “to put a piece of
clothing on”.
Sarah joined the Prince’s Trust Australia Enterprise
Programme at the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“When I was in the Prince’s Trust program, it was nice to
talk to people that just get it.”
“You can get in your head with certain things and when you
talk to someone else who has a similar path, they can make
you feel understood, give you better ideas, expand your
thinking more and it's just a nice way to connect with
people”, she said.
The free Enterprise programme is the only one of its kind
in Australia and supports ex-serving and transitioning ADF
members and military spouses to launch and grow small
businesses.
“When you start comparing where you were to where you
are now, those little wins are kind of the best
feeling.”
“The Prince’s Trust allowed me to think outside
the box and got me to think that I’m not just a
sleepwear store, I can be so much more.”
Check out Aruke: https://
aruke.com.au/
To register for Prince’s Trust
Australia Enterprise
programme, visit our events
page: https://bit.ly/3weVjrw
We also work in partnership with our colleagues across The
Prince’s Trust Group, a global network of charities
transforming lives and building sustainable communities in the
United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and across
the Commonwealth. Together, we promote, support, and
inspire people and their communities to flourish.
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.
Contact Princes Trust Australia for more
information about enterprise events -
events@princes-trust.org.au
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 May 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.
28 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 29

The Book - The Laws of Human
Nature by Robert Green is a concise,
informative and interesting view into
the minds of others and ourselves.
BROTHERS
’N’ BOOKS
BrothersNBooks is an online
community where followers
share their own experiences
and book reviews.
Written by CAPT
Dylan Conway
6th Battalion Royal
Australian Regiment
Editor at BrothersNBooks
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/
f brothersnbooks
Book - The Laws of Human Nature
by Robert Greene
Background - Ever wondered why
people act a certain way around
you? Why they may take you for
granted, lie, treat you poorly or can't
see things from your point of view?
Interactions between ourselves and
others make up not only the
majority of our memories within our
day to day lives, but have the most
effect on our perception of
ourselves.
These Interactions also begin to
form our building blocks of our
confidence, success and ability to get
things done in the workplace,
relationships and personal
endeavours.
NEW COMMUNITY
LIBRARY
We are proud to announce that the 25th
Brothers N Books Community Library has
been opened at the mighty 2nd Combat
Engineer Regiment at the 7th Brigade -
Australian Army. A massive thanks to the
Madre who took on this initiative and great
to see books being taken already.
Another massive thanks to our sponsor of
this Community Library Defence Health and
also Coral Sea Raiding Co. who supported
us sourcing the books for this library.
They have done an awesome job to offer
their support for the work the charity does,
and it will no doubt lead to a number of
books being read - adding to the already
great capability the Unit provides!
"Literacy is a bridge from misery to Hope" -
Kofi Annan
The book breaks down everyday
interactions and human behaviours
into multiple chapters that are
founded in historic case studies,
psychological research and then
communicated in what the teachings
can be applied to in our day to day.
The book explains seemingly
unexplainable interactions that we
have with our peers, bosses and loved
ones into easily digestible nuggets of
wisdom and information that are not
only practicable, but enlightening.
Result - This book takes a look into
the mind of others and ignites an
ability to understand why certain
people act certain ways towards us
and others.
Often their actions, words and
emotions are simply projections of
inner turmoil, experiences or their
own anxieties.
Through reading this book I now have
a greater understanding of how and
why people act the way they do, and
it has relieved me of many anxieties I
held about why people act the way
they act, either toward me or
otherwise.
MANAGING LONELINESS
A posting to the Top End can be an isolating and lonely experience
for many ADF members and their families. It can take time to settle
into a new location, find new services and make new friends, which
can often be isolating while you navigate the transition on your
own.
Loneliness is not the same as being alone; we can be alone without
feeling lonely. On the other hand, we can be surrounded by
hundreds of people and still feel lonely. If you feel lonely, it is
probably because you don’t have the kind of close personal
relationships that make you feel secure, comforted and content.
Are you unhappy about your social relationships? Would you like
more social contact? Overcoming loneliness can be difficult, especially
if you are shy, so it's best to manage it with small steps.
WHY DO PEOPLE FEEL LONELY?
You may have recently lost a loved one (it might be helpful to also
learn about grief) or moved to a new area and you don’t know
anyone. Or you may lack the confidence or the know-how to meet
new people and form new friendships. Meeting people is a skill; you
might just be out of practice.
Loneliness can also be linked to depression, anxiety and/or PTSD. It's
easy to become withdrawn and isolated as you naturally feel
uncomfortable around people, and your ‘world’ seems to become
smaller.
DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH SOCIAL CONTACT IN YOUR
LIFE?
Do you have people you can talk to, go out with or ask for help? If
not, increasing your social support by building relationships with
others is a great first step.
Use the Social Connections tool on the Open Arms website to
identify the people in your life who you can spend more time with
and the support they can offer - https://www.openarms.gov.au/getsupport/self-help-tools/show-all-tools/behaviours/social-connections
DO YOU FIND YOUR THOUGHTS GET IN THE WAY?
It is not being alone, it is what we think about being alone. The
more we can think positively about ourselves, our lives, other people
and our futures, the more productive we will be.
Use the ‘Challenge your Thoughts’ tool on the Open Arms website
to help you to identify whether you are thinking in an unhelpful way,
then start to challenge and reassess unhelpful thoughts - https://www.
openarms.gov.au/get-support/self-help-tools/show-all-tools/thoughts/
challenge-your-thoughts
REDUCE LONELINESS THROUGH ENJOYABLE AND
REWARDING ACTIVITIES.
Connecting with others might be hard at first, but doing it through
enjoyable and rewarding activities will make it easier. When you are
alone, try to enjoy your own company and find comfort in things
you enjoy doing, such as baking or photography.
Use the Enjoyable and Rewarding Activities tool on the Open Arms
website to identify activities and plan how to
engage in them https://www.openarms.gov.au/
get-support/self-help-tools/show-all-tools/
behaviours/enjoyable-and-rewarding-activities
Sometimes people feel so lonely that their
mental health can decline quickly. If this is the
case for you or someone you know, please seek
urgent help from Open Arms – Veterans and
Families Counselling by calling the free and
confidential counselling support hotline for
veterans and their families on 1800 011 046.The
service is available 24/7.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
DARWIN
Thursday 13 th April | 9am – 5pm
2 Days
BEATING THE BLUES
DARWIN
Wednesday 19 th April | 9am – 5pm
2 Days
SLEEPING BETTER
KATHERINE
Wednesday 19 th April | 1630 - 1830
2 x 2hrs
OPERATION LIFE: SAFETALK
DARWIN
Friday 5 th May | 9am – 1pm
½ Day
DOING ANGER DIFFERENTLY
KATHERINE
Wednesday 17 th May | 9am – 5pm
2 Days
RELAXATION AND STRESS MANAGEMENT
DARWIN
Friday 19 th May | 9am – 5pm
1 Day
UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY
DARWIN
Every Friday 26 th May | 9:00am – 11:30am
6 Weeks
Extracted from Open Arms
openarms.gov.au/signs-symptoms/depressionand-loneliness/loneliness
30 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated
APRIL/MAY 2023 31

ROBERTSON
BARRACKS
FAMILY
GROUP
CONTACT
Sam Maloney,
Centre Coordinator
www.rbfg.com.au
ABOUT DFA
Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is
the official Australian Defence Force
(ADF) families advisory body to the
Minister for Defence Personnel and
Chief of the Defence Force (CDF).
Our organisation sits outside of
Defence systems, allowing DFA
independence and impartiality to act in
the best interests of ADF families.
We are connected to Defence family
communities in our regions, and are
largely veterans or family of Australian
Defence Force members.
To find out more about me and how
DFA can assist you, go to https://dfa.org.
au/northern-territory-and-kimberley
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
DFA at a glance in the NT
My name is Georgia Usher, and I am the
National Delegate for Defence Families
of Australia (DFA) for the Northern
Territory and Kimberley.
I am an ex serving RAAF member and
was a spouse to a RAAF member as
well. I was posted to RAAF Darwin, East
Sale, Amberley and Canberra. We live in
Darwin and continue to feel connected
to the Defence community. DFA
delegates throughout the country have
been working hard on advocacy for
Defence families. If you scan the QR
code below you will be linked to our
Advocacy Map and see exactly what we
are advocating for.
The five Focus Points are:
1. Communication
2. Family and Domestic Violence
3. Partner Employment
4. Education
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
5. Flexible Housing
Of course, there are more goals we have
that don’t directly fit into these five
categories and we will continue to
advocate for those as well.
9 - 11 AM - COFFEE AND CATCH UP
9 - 10 AM - HIPPY PROGRAM
9 - 11 AM - ZUMBINI
9 - 11 AM - MINI EXPLORERS
9 - 11 AM - PLAYGROUP
We love feedback from families, so if
there is something you think is missing
from our Advocacy Map please let us
know. We work on goals that make
your family life better by advocating
for changes in policy and procedure at
the highest level. DFA is the appointed
advisor to the Government and
Defence on all matters family! We are
here to support you and your family
so please reach out to me or any of
the delegates if you see something
that can be done better.
I have already met some amazing
families this year at the welcome event
in Tindal, the expo in Darwin and the
Robbo Family Day. I look forward to
meeting and hearing from more
families in the future.
Written by Georgia Usher
National Delegate
DFA NT & Kimberley
View our
Advocacy Map
by scanning the
QR Code
THE PILBARA
REGIMENT
FAMILY GROUP
CONTACT
Kylie Thompson,
Community Support Coordinator
sites.google.com/view/pilbara-regiment-family-group/home
Getting your groove on in a new year is always
tricky, but PRFG is onto it now!
Thanks to all the members and families who joined us for
the Unit Family Day at Dampier on Saturday 11th February.
The wind made things a little interesting for us and limited
us to just thrill rides on the RPC, however, this was enjoyed
by all!
We have some great activities coming up, including:
AquaRun Easter Family Day - Sunday 2nd April, 9am
Let the kids try their skills on the AquaRun and enjoy a dip
in the pool. Sausage sizzle and Easter treats provided!
Coffee Catch-Ups - last Monday of every month. Members
can join us at a local cafe and enjoy their first cuppa on us!
Check out our Facebook page for location details.
Stairway to the Moon - Saturday 6th May
KATHERINE WOMEN’S
LEGAL SERVICES
Katherine Women’s Information &
Legal Service (KWILS) is a specialist
Women’s Legal Service that has
operated in Katherine in the
Northern Territory for 25 years.
We can help all women, those who
identify as women, and non-binary people
in Katherine and across the Big Rivers
Region. We provide free civil legal advice
and representation, and wrap around
support services, to ensure holistic service
provision for women. We provide one on
one case work, while also working
towards deeper legal and cultural change
to redress power imbalances, address
violence against women and children,
gender and other inequalities.
In addition to individual legal assistance,
KWILS provides Community Legal
Education and undertakes advocacy and
law reform work, with a particular focus
on addressing societal and cultural
practices, assumptions, behaviours and
attitudes that contribute to violence
against women.
KWILS provides free civil law advice and
representation to all women of
Katherine and the Big Rivers Region, to
assist women to feel empowered and
safe in their decisions and lives.
We specialise in supporting women using
a gendered, holistic, culturally safe, and
trauma informed practice.
Come on out to Hearson’s Cove for a fun afternoon on
the beach, and then witness the magical Stairway to the
Moon as the moon rises over the mudflats.
Stay tuned to our members-only Facebook page to keep
up-to-date with future events this year. Please also check
out our website, https://sites.google.com/view/pilbararegiment-family-group/home,
for more information about
the Pilbara.
We work towards societal and cultural
change to end gender inequality and
gendered violence through community
legal education, law reform and advocacy
work.
Working to create change to social and
cultural beliefs, norms, and behaviours to
end violence against women, and achieve
gender equity.
Extracted from KWILS
Website
kwils.com.au
Contact Defence Families of Australia
Get in touch with us:
DefenceFamiliesofAustralia
@DefenceFamilies 0418807548
@defence_families_
Defence Families
nt@dfa.org.au
of_australia
of Australia
32 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 33

NETWORK
TINDAL
CONTACT
Samantha Schultz
NTI Community Support
Coordinator
@NetworkTindalBuddies
on Facebook
Network Tindal
Incorporated (NTI) is a
volunteer-led organisation
in the RAAF Base Tindal
community. In their aim to
“create community
connections,” NTI hosts a
number of events for
Defence Members and their
families throughout the year,
including a Welcome Ball,
Trivia nights, Ladies Night
and holiday celebrations. It
also offers a range of
regular activities at the
Community House.This is a
space for the Defence
community to gather for
playgroups, arts and crafts,
gaming groups and more.
December saw NTI
welcome a new Community
Support Coordinator,
Samantha Schultz.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect as we drove from Darwin
to Tindal.With two young kids in tow, we were prepared to make
the most of it in a new location, our first domestic posting away
from “home”. I had heard bits and pieces from friends who had
arrived there before us, and other perspectives from people who
had been there before. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit unsure
about it all. I knew I would miss my family and friends, and the
beaches and conveniences I’d had in Newcastle. I was also keen to
get out and see the amazing scenery and experiences the Territory
has to offer.
Fast forward almost a year and I found myself settled in our new
home, regularly attending the Network Tindal Community House
for craft, sewing or playgroup, and ready to head back to work after
a year on maternity leave. As a teacher in NSW, I had said before
arriving in Tindal that I wanted to try something different when it
was time to return to work. I had no idea what that would be. I
always enjoyed the relationships and sense of community in
schools, so when the Community Support Coordinator role was
advertised, I thought it would be a great experience and an
opportunity to immerse myself in the Tindal community.
Since beginning in December, I have enjoyed meeting many people
through our events and regular activities; whether it be Playgroup,
Bubs & Bumps, Creative Craft or Social Stitchers. I work alongside a
dedicated committee who are all striving to make postings to Tindal
a positive and memorable experience for all. I am looking forward
to seeing what the next 12 months will bring and what I can do for
the community.
WING COMMANDER
SHANE SMITH
SENIOR ADF OFFICER RAAF BASE TINDAL
Welcome to all new and returning members to RAAF Tindal.
It’s an exciting time to be a part of Team Tindal.
The base is midway through its transformation from a fast-jet
operational base to a multi-role air base, capable of projecting largescale,
multi-faceted defence effects in support of Australia's
interests.
RAAF Tindal is one of two RAAF bases with a resident 5th generation
squadron conducting training and operational tasks across the north
and Australia’s maritime approaches.
This year will be another busy one, with both large-scale and medium-scale Australian and international engagement
exercise periods planned.
Outside the surge periods, take the time to enjoy all Tindal and Katherine has to offer. Discover the natural and
cultural beauty on our doorstep, including Nitmiluk National Park, Mataranka and Katherine hot springs, and the
internationally renowned Litchfield and Kakadu national parks.
Join local organisations. Katherine is a strong community and the base population makes every effort to interact with
schools, councils, emergency services, sporting and community organisations.
I would like to thank the Katherine community for their
ongoing support of RAAF Tindal and our personnel over
more than 30 years.
Tindal boasts impressive recreational facilities such as
sporting ovals, gym and a very impressive swimming
complex.
During the dry season, the base Moonlit Cinema is a
great opportunity to grab a picnic or sausage sizzle and
enjoy a movie under the stars with friends and family.
They are always looking for volunteers to help out so
please consider giving them a hand to lighten the load.
Tindal's community support program is driven by the
Network Tindal organisation. Network Tindal operates
from the Community Centre and runs a weekly
program of activities, arts and crafts for all ages.
“Most importantly, remember you
are not alone during your time at
Tindal.The base has multiple
support agencies to assist you
and your family.Along with
Network Tindal, the base offers
support via the Chaplains and the
Defence Member and Family
Support team. ”
Most importantly, remember you are not alone during
your time at Tindal. The base has multiple support agencies to assist you and your family. Along with Network
Tindal, the base offers support via the Chaplains and the Defence Member and Family Support team.
You are living in one of Air Forces hidden gems so please make the most of your Tindal time – it will go very quickly.
I sincerely hope you enjoy your time in the Northern Territory.
At publication of this column, I will also have handed over my roles as Commanding Officer 17 Squadron and
Senior ADF Officer Tindal to Wing Commander Fiona Pearce. I wish Wing Commander Pearce every success, and
I know she can rely on the support of the Tindal community.
34 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 35

BILLEROY HOUSE
4TH BIRTHDAY SUCCESS
Billeroy House has been operating as a centre for
Veterans and families for four years. Successful
celebrations were held with over 100 participants taking
part in the fun run held on 3rd March.
We wish to thank the following supporters:Thomas Foods,
Bunnings, 104.9’s Dan & Sarah who broadcasted live on the
day.
This year we welcome the Wounded Soldiers from the
Soldier Recovery Centre, supporting us to ensure we continue
to provide one of the best Veteran support centres in town.
Our morning tea continues every Wednesday with a fabulous
spread offered to all who attend; be sure to drop in from
10am onwards.
We acknowledge the hard work and support of our
volunteers who keep our gardens schmick and our bellies
full; thank you to Alan, Brendan, Maria & Charlene.
Finally, it is with much gratitude for her support and sadness in
our hearts, we say goodbye to Tammy. Tammy worked
tirelessly with us through Bunnings, providing resources to our
Clontarf kids actively learning and tending their veggie patches.
We wish you all the best Tammy on your new journey - we
will miss you.
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
KEEP NETWORK YOUR KIDS SAFE TINDAL ONLINE!
DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR
CHILD IS TALKING TO?
With school holidays approaching and increased tempo
for defence families, youth may be spending more time
online, and parents may be facing the challenge of
tearing children away from a device with a screen.
However, a more serious and much darker concern is
the increased risks of a child becoming susceptible to
cyber abuse or exploitation.
Whilst it is not a comfortable topic to talk about there is no
escaping that the internet and digital communications are now a
critical part of children’s education and social development, and it
is vital for parents to stay alert and informed. A child may also
become subject to abuse or grooming through online gaming. A
predator can attempt to engage their victim and build trust or
subject them to inappropriate content or scenes. Although most
major online platforms have child safety measures in place, they are
of course not full proof and there many things a parent can do to
keep their kids safe online.
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE!
• Empower your child wherever possible, help them protect
themselves by building confidence and resilience. Teach them
to make wise decisions with appropriate education and tools
(rather than telling them what to do).
• Build good habits and help develop digital intelligence and social
and emotional skills (e.g. respect, empathy, critical thinking,
responsible behaviour and resilience).
PILBARA REGIMENT
FAMILY GROUP
Commissioner
www.esafety.gov.au
• Know the apps, games, and social media sites your kids are
using! Make sure they are age appropriate and learn how to
limit messaging or line chat and locations-sharing functions
within apps or games, as these can expose you child to
unwanted contact and disclose their physical location.
• Provide a supportive and communicative environment and give
them strategies to deal with negative online experiences.
• Talk to them about online safety – co-view and co-play with
your child online to better understand what they are doing and
why they enjoy an app, game or website. This also provides a
great opportunity to start conversations about online safety.
• Teach them to keep their location private. Most apps, networks
and devices have geo-tagging features which make your
whereabouts public and can lead someone directly to you.
These features should be turned off for privacy and safety
reasons. Digital photos also contain metadata (information
about time, date and GPS co-ordinates) which may reveal more
than you want to. Some social media platforms automatically
hide or remove this data, but not all, so do your homework and
know how much info you are sharing!
There are also many online
resources to inform parents
and provide tools to better
protect their children against
exploitation such as:
Australian Centre to
Counter Child Exploitation
www.accce.gov.au
ThinkUKnow
thinkuknow.org.au
Office of the eSafety
ECPAT (End Child
Prostitution and Trafficking)
www.ecpat.org
UNICEF
www.unicef.org
Extracted from Project Karma
www.projectkarma.org.au
36 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 37

VETERANS AUSTRALIA
NT INC.
OPEN EXTRAARMS LANDGROUP FOR NT PROGRAMS
DEFENCE COMMUNITY
Veterans Australia NT Inc. is a Not-for-Profit
Association in the NT.
We give assistance to Veterans and their families, by
providing Veterans with Compensation and Wellbeing
Advocates who are an integral component of our
Organisation. We assist Veterans and their families lodging
disability and injury claims and assist in obtaining
compensation outcomes for them and guide them
through the Department of Veterans Affairs requirements.
We conduct Commemoration Services, ANZAC Day,
Vietnam Veterans Day, INTERFET, Peacekeepers
Memorial days, and visits to schools and give talks on
Veterans in conflicts etc.
We also assist war widows with assistance in their
applications for help from the Department of Veterans
Affairs (DVA) and other assistance.
URGENT HELP NEEDED
We exist to assist Veterans and their families
in the NT and to continue this support we
need your assistance mainly in the form of
Volunteers to join us.We are growing and will
be providing a wide range of programs and
projects, now and in the future.
Some of us unashamedly are getting older and would
love other personnel, individuals and families to become
members of our wonderful organisation (that has existed
since 1988) to steer it through the future.
You do not have to be a Veteran to join us, anyone with
a desire to help veterans and their families is welcome.
We meet every third Sunday at 1030 hrs at 135 Bees
Creek Road, Bees Creek.
Our Motto (borrowed from The Vietnam Veterans
Association of Australia NT) states;
Honour The Dead
But Fight Like Hell For The Living
Written by Robert (Bob) Shewring
OAM GAICD
Veterans Australia NT Inc.
veteransaustraliant.org.au/
sec@veteransaustraliant.org.au
We lobby for better conditions and support for all
veterans and their families in the NT, including National
and International projects on behalf of Veterans and
their families. In 2016, we successfully repatriated 22
Vietnam Veterans buried in foreign graves overseas for
over 50 years (Operation Bring Them Home).
We arrange for Veterans and their families to get access
to emergency funds and assistance with accommodation,
relocation, employment and general well-being support.
Also, hospital visitations, prison visits, funeral services and
all manner of bereavement support, as well as
transportation of Veterans for hospital visits as required.
Written by Veterans Australia NT HQ
Reg Hillier House 135 Bees Creek Road
“Reg” by Robert (Bob) Shewring OAM
“ I produced a Photographic book on the
life of Reg Hillier MiD the only NT Soldier
to be killed in the Vietnam War, which
was launched on Vietnam Veterans Day
2022 at Reg Hillier House.
This book is available from Veterans
Australia NT for $30.00 all proceeds go
to supporting Veterans and their families
in the NT. ”
Requirement for Extra Land for current and future
use by Veterans and Their Families in the NT.
Veterans Australia NT Inc. have recently applied to
the NT Government Department of Infrastructure,
Planning and Logistics, for extra land to secure the
area for the anticipated number of veterans and their
families that will be residing in the NT over the next 1,
5, 10, to 25 years. To provide appropriate facilities for
Veterans and their families, to be flexible and agile to
react to any changes and to accommodate them.
We are cognisant of the fact that there are currently
approximately 9000 veterans living in the NT and the
majority of these are located in the north of the NT
Palmerston and the rural area accounting for the
majority. In addition, we get an influx of Veterans from
down South during the dry who number in the
thousands escaping the cold.
Also, the future build-up of the military in the Top End
is currently increasing and expectations are that it will
double in the next few years. This will put further
pressures on our current facilities and resources.
Our proposal is to secure this extra parcel of land for
future generations of Veterans and their families.
We need an area to conduct Equine Therapy for
Veterans and their families who are suffering from
physical and mental problems derived from their
military service. This land will also be available for
other organisations like Police, Fire and Emergency
Services.
Adjacent to this area is approx. 2.5 hectares will be
under cultivation and in separate paddocks to provide
hay for the horses to offset the costs needed to feed
the animals. This will also provide Veterans the
opportunity to gain skills in Agriculture, farming and
managing livestock.
We require other areas to house a Men’s Shed, a
Gymnasium, a memorial Garden and a safe area
where Veterans and their families can visit where a
lawned area with seating and playground equipment is
located for Veterans and their families to visit in quiet
contemplation and feel safe.
An area 1 - 2 Hectares for a 10 Bed Inpatient facility in
a safe rural setting with visitor accommodation for
Doctors, Psychologists, and family members from
remote areas of the NT (with the ability to expand in
the future) to cater for Veterans and their families
who are suffering from mental health issues such as
PTSD and High Depression also for Police, Fire and
Emergency Services, Corrections, Border Force,
Immigration, and Timor Leste Veterans.
We will also require an Assembly area to be used as a
multi-function one, from conducting parades for Air,
Army and Navy Cadets when they expand into the
rural area, and also double as a logistical hub to
support natural disasters and overflow parking.
Part of this land is required to protect parts of the old
WW2 Sattler Airfield adjacent to us. This area will be
detailed surveyed once the land has been allocated so that
we can rehabilitate some of the military installations including
Anti-Aircraft Batteries, machine gun posts and other artefacts.
This area will also provide 50 – 100 metre buffer zone
between the Airfield and proposed facilities. It will provide a
wildlife corridor and contain walking trails and horse-riding
trails.
A large area is required to house the Veteran Organisation
“Disaster Relief Australia NT” who are co-located with us
to accommodate their storage facilities, training area and
large hardstand area for their vehicles and to conduct
training exercises.
A mini-market garden to provide Veterans and their families
with a collective area to grow vegetables, but also get training
and assistance with growing plants and vegetables as therapy.
And anything else that will emerge as a need in the future.
Written by Veterans Australia NT
veteransaustraliant.org.au/
38 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 39

W I N
C O U P L E S
D AT E N I G H T
TOP END
SPONSORS
We’ve partnered with some of our
favourite local businesses to provide you
with some extra special treats! Enter today
and you could win one of the following
awesome prizes!
WIN
TINDAL TREATS &
PILBARA PRIZES
These competition prizes are exclusive for
the Tindal and Pilbara Defence communities!
Prizes will be posted to our lucky winners!
Tindal and Pilbara residents can also enter
our Top End Sponsors competitions!
Photo: Tourism NT/Daniel Tran
HAIR CARE VOUCHER
MASSAGE VOUCHER
Includes:
• $250 Sunset
Cruise Credit for
Darwin Harbour
or Katherine
Gorge
• Little Wonders
3-Hour
Babysitting
Voucher
exclusive to the
Darwin Region.
Photo: Tourism NT/Sean Scott
Integrity Hair has kindly donated a voucher for all your
hair care needs! Located at RAAF Darwin.
Valued at $100
TRAVEL CREDIT
Submit your favourite Top End experience/holiday
photo to receive $200 discount on next holiday
booking with Catherine at MTA Travel!
*Conditions – min spend $2000.
DELUXE PEDICURE
SHE Nails Salon aims to make you feel relaxed and
beautiful, with the range of clean, quality nail care
services. Win one of two Deluxe Pedicures!
Located at the Jape Homemaker Village.
SUNSET BOUTIQUE
Shop online with a $50 voucher for Sunset
Boutique, offering sustainable, lightweight textiles
ideal for our tropical climate.
The Top Ender supports Defence Spouse owned
business The Rejuvenation Hub with a massage
voucher to giveaway to a lucky Tindal/Katherine
winner!
Valued at $100
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.
CAMPING VOUCHER
Get ready for your next adventure at Katherine
Camping (Tindal) and Karratha Sports (Pilbara)
Valued at $100 per voucher.
LEGO SET
Become your very own Lego Master and build with a
new Lego Set!
Valued at $50 per pack.
TERMS: Open to Top End based Defence members,
veterans and their immediate families aged 18 and up.
Entrants are permitted to apply for multiple prizes.
Closes 10 May 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.
TERMS: 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 May 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.
TERMS: Open to NT-Based Defence members, veterans and their immediate
families aged 18 and up. Closes 10 May 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. Black-out dates may apply to bookings. Babysitting only
available in the greater Darwin region.
ENTER NOW AT
THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU/WIN
40 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 41

DELIVERING AFFORDABLE
HOUSING FOR NT VETERANS
Australians are struggling with the cost of
housing and our ADF members and veterans
are not immune from that.
That’s why, only nine months into its term, the
Albanese Labor government is delivering cost of living
relief for more Australian Defence Force (ADF)
members and veterans with a range of policies.
The first such policy is the $46.2 million expansion of
the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme
(DHOAS) to improve access to home ownership for
eligible defence personnel earlier in their careers.
These changes, which deliver on Labor’s election
commitment to support more ADF members and
veterans to purchase a home, will allow veterans who
served on or after 1 July 2008 to access the scheme at
any stage after they have left the service.
The federal government has also expanded the criteria
for accessing the scheme, halving minimum service
required for access by current ADF members from
four to two years for permanent service, and from
eight to four years for Reserve service
The access cap for veterans who have left the service,
previously of five years, has also been removed. This
enables more veterans to access the Defence Home
Ownership Assistance Scheme any time after they have
completed their service.
This reform means that a current serving ADF member
with two years of effective service, who had completed
their qualifying service period, and who was on a
mortgage of $500,000 would be able to access a
monthly subsidy payment of $422.
Or a veteran who had separated from the ADF seven
years ago, after completing eight years of effective
service, who had previously been unable to access
DHOAS, and who was on a mortgage of $850,000
would now be eligible to access a monthly subsidy
payment of $845.
As well as fighting the cost-of-living pressures facing
veterans, federal Labor is going hard to decrease the
shocking rates of veteran homelessness in our country.
It is a national disgrace that 5.3 per cent of the recently
transitioned ADF population experience homelessness
within 12 months. There is no other word for it.
The second policy the government is implementing in
response is a veteran toolkit for community housing
organisations. It’s an initiative between the Department
of Veterans’ Affairs and the Community Housing
Industry Association that is all about ensuring there are
stronger linkages between providers, services, and
veterans.
The resources provided include a veteran
homelessness toolkit which outlines the risk factors
contributing to veteran homelessness, service needs
and available referral pathways, and how to tailor
support for veterans and families - that is one of the
ways that the government is working hard to drive
down veteran homelessness.
A third government commitment for which I advocated
for a number of years is to build a $3.6 million
supported accommodation hub. The Scott Palmer
Services Centre will support the 10,000 veterans and
families in the Northern Territory. It will deliver a
variety of services including transition, employment, and
health support advice, as well as social connection and
advocacy support to veterans and their families.
Construction has already begun on the Scott Palmer
Services Centre, which will deepen connections with
DVA and Open Arms – Veterans & Families
Counselling as well as ex-service organisations like the
RSL and Mates4Mates. It will link veterans to programs
addressing the factors contributing to many of them
experiencing homelessness, such as drug and alcohol
addiction. This is the least we can do for former
Australian Defence Force members who are
overrepresented in the homeless population.
Finally, the government has proposed to establish the
Housing Australia Future Fund to deliver $10 billion in
ongoing investment returns to deliver new social and
affordable homes and other investments to address
acute housing needs. Its objective is to build 30,000
new homes in its first five years. As part of this national
Fund, $30 million is earmarked for veterans
experiencing homelessness.
The Albanese government is moving on cost-of-living
relief for veterans and for veterans experiencing
homelessness. Led by a prime minister who grew up in
social housing, we understand that access to safe and
affordable housing should never be a luxury for
veterans. It should never be the exception. It should be
the rule.
And I am committed to rolling this out in the Greater
Darwin area.
Luke Gosling OAM MP is the federal Member for
Solomon, representing Darwin and Palmerston in
Canberra. He served in the Australian Defence
Force for 13 years.
AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE
FESTIVAL (NT)
Returning to the Northern Territory from 22
April – 14 May 2023 with the theme Shared
Stories, the Australian Heritage Festival is an
opportunity for the community to access
events and exhibitions, gather stories and tell
them, celebrate through ceremony and
performances, share knowledge through talks,
walks and tours, and have fun bringing heritage
to life.
The National Trust looks forward to promoting realtime
or virtual events in cities, towns, for community
groups, businesses, Councils, conservation groups,
museums, galleries, libraries, churches, synagogues,
mosques, temples, retail centres, universities and
schools. To find out more information or to register
your event for the Australian Heritage Festival (NT),
head to: https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nt/
Written by National Trust NT
nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nt/
42 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 43

EVERYMAN SERVICES - MOSES
MOSES – MISSIONS OVERSEAS SPONSORSHIP
ENCOURAGEMENT SCHEME
Christian Community Caring for Defence is no
mere slogan, but action on the part of a growing
group of men and women who daily show their
love for our Defence personnel.At the end of 2017
and beginning of 2018, REP Warren CLARKE
undertook a 4-month overseas deployment serving
the Defence Force. He is far from all he is used to,
being one of our valued staff at Kapooka.
Like all Christians called to the mission field, our REPs depart
from family and loved ones when they volunteer for 4 months
without pay, to serve the ADF overseas. Their love for ADF
members shines through their dedicated service and the
Defence Force continually asks for Everyman’s REPs to be part
of an on-going component of their Overseas Operations. Sadly,
we cannot always send REPs due to the fact that they do not
have the financial resources to attend to this vital mission.To
that end we have initiated MOSES; Missions Overseas –
Sponsorship Encouragement Scheme where you can partner
in this extraordinarily important venture with us, to make
more REPs available to serve on Overseas Mission without
the concern of financial pressures at home. Please consider
how you might be involved in MOSES, and in so doing, share in
the tremendously satisfying goal of supporting this nation’s
finest, who put their lives on the line for our nation and
country.
Everyman’s is currently engaged in overseas mission serving the
Australian Defence Force in the various areas they deploy. This
gives our Everyman’s and Everywoman’s REPs opportunity to
minister to ADF members when they are away from loved
ones, and sometimes afraid in an unfamiliar environment where
the big questions of life are often prompted. What better place
for the Everyman’s REPs to be, as we offer counsel, comfort,
and the much-loved refreshments in the form of a cold drink,
an ice block and a snack? Most important is the smiling and
friendly Everyman’s face, always willing to sit down and listen to
any problems or concerns an ADF member may have when
they are far away from home.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
During our REPs time overseas, financial requirements at home
still need to be met and in some cases family needs to be
supported. You can elect to sponsor one of our overseas
missionaries to assist with their personal financial needs while
they are away. We invite you to share in our Overseas Missions
supporting our REPs overseas in your prayers, financially
through a one-off gift, or sponsorship for the period of
deployment (4 months).
You can donate online to support this project - https://www.
everymans.org.au/donate-now/
Extracted from Everymans
Website
everymans.org.au/projects/moses/
TOP TIPS FOR HOME OWNERSHIP
Are you posting this year and thinking of purchasing a
property in your gaining location?
Being employed with the ADF provides you a position of
strength when it comes time to buying a property. Here
are our top 10 tips to consider:
1. Shop around for your loan. There’s no need to
accept the first offer that comes along. Why not go
to several lenders, including those on the Defence
Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) list?
Don’t simply assume that a DHOAS lender will
always offer you the best deal. Take your time to
consider all the deals on offer because a small saving
now may add up to a considerable amount (often
tens of thousands of dollars) over the term of your
loan;
2. Think carefully about how much you can comfortably
borrow and service, understanding that interest rates
are likely to rise during the term of your loan,
resulting in an increase in your monthly repayments
or an extension in the term of the loan (or both);
3. Do a “stress test” on your repayments. That is,
calculate (or ask the lender to show you) what would
happen to your repayments if interest rates rose by,
say, 0.5% to 2%. You might be unpleasantly surprised
by the outcome, so ask yourself whether you could
afford the increase. If the answer is ‘no’, consider a
smaller loan or find another property that passes the
“stress test” (remember that only 20 years ago,
interest rates on mortgages in Australia were closer
to 10% and in the 1980s they were closer to 20%,
sometimes more….we’re not suggesting that will
happen again, but it is worth remembering that rates
are likely to vary, maybe substantially, during the term
of your loan);
4. Contemplate what the consequences would be on
your capacity to meet your mortgage repayment
commitments should you or a family member suffer a
loss of income or employment. In that regard, we
recommend having a fall back position, such as three
months’ of “rainy day” money in a bank account to
cover living expenses should the need arise;
5. Unlike many other countries, most home mortgages
in Australia are based on a variable interest rate. So
when rates are rising think about locking in (aka
“fixing”) your rate on part or all of current your
mortgage (subject to clearly understanding any fees,
charges, penalties and conditions in so doing);
6. During the term of your loan, don’t hesitate to
regularly assess whether your current loan is still
competitive. Provided you have reliably serviced your
mortgage (and especially if you’re still an ADF
member when you assess your options), you may
well find a better deal elsewhere;
7. Remember that property is a long term investment
(10 years plus). Therefore, don’t expect a capital gain
to accrue overnight. If it does, consider it to be a
bonus. And remember that property prices can and
often do fall, so factor that real possibility into your
mindset when considering a purchase;
8. Remember the old property adage…the three
important factors to consider when buying property
are “location, location, location”. This is especially
true when market sentiment turns negative. The key
point here is to buy the best quality property you can
afford in a desirable location, close to, for example,
schools, amenities, transport and populations centres.
That way, when you come to sell or rent the
property, it will be in demand, relative to lower
quality properties that are likely to be out of favour
with potential buyers and renters;
9. Your first acquisition doesn’t need to be the
property of your dreams. Maybe you could buy a
smaller apartment or house at a lower cost and then
slowly and carefully build your financial position until
you’re in a position to purchase the property that
you’ve always wanted;
10. Buying in a regional area can be a sensible and often
cheaper alternative to stretching your finances in a
capital city. This option has become increasingly
common as a result of the pandemic which has
encouraged a considerable number of family and
work relocations to the country regions of Australia,
combined with improved connectivity facilitating
working from home.
Extracted from ADF Financial Services
adfconsumer.gov.au/property-ownership-top-10-tips/
44 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 45

VETERAN MEDICAL GROUP
Accessing allied healthcare in the Top End is
very difficult. It is also very expensive.
VMG have elected to focus allied health
engagement around two areas of greatest
need: young families and mental health.
As a practice, VMG has a particular interest in Women’s
Health. This is generally a neglected area in healthcare –
usually because you are all too busy being fantastic to
focus on your own health. Too often these sorts of things
are left until they are real problems, when they could
have been solved with some good early interventions.
For young families, perinatal care is a really important area
to get help from allied health professionals as part of a
GP-led collaboration. Care begins with planning a family,
through the antenatal period (including with a GP sharedcare
model) and includes the post-natal period for both
Mum and Bub.
To do this, VMG has engaged:
The services of a GP who is approved as a shared-care
provider with RDH;
A midwife + lactation consultant;
A child-health nurse; and,
A physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic floor
management.
Looking at general mental health and well-being
interventions, and particularly with our other focus being
veteran's health, by bringing those allied health
practitioners (psychologists etc) in to consult with we can
actually then start to improve access by actually providing
good general practice care.
Moving forward, in addition to general health, we're
looking forward to providing psychology, physiotherapy,
practice nurses, diabetes educators and so on.
In the future, VMG will aim to implement “shared medical
appointments”. This style of appointment has been
proven to be a really effective way of managing specific
chronic conditions such as diabetes and weight
management. They work by having groups of patients
share an appointment with the GP and other health
providers. This means the health team can deliver the key
messages more efficiently, allow patients to ask questions
for the benefit of many. The real benefit is that it reaffirms
to people that they are not alone and that they can
support, and be supported by, others going through similar
circumstances, which in turn removes those feelings of
isolation.
WHY SHOULD WE ENGAGE VMG?
Defence has a unique culture so who better than a
defence doctor who understands the lifestyle and the
rigors of service life? At VMG, we know how to reach into
defence support services on behalf of our patients; we can
have the conversations with the Padre, we can engage
social workers and our serving members can deploy
knowing their families are taken care of while they’re
away.
In our defence community there are a lot of people with
complex medical needs and, in the Territory in particular,
access to quality medical care is almost zero; it’s
challenging and it’s identified by the ADF as a key
retention component.
THE ADF FAMILY HEALTH PROGRAM
The ADF Family Health program is an ADF initiative with
a very particular focus on helping meet the costs of
medical care for defence families in locations like Darwin,
Townsville and Katherine. Unlike allied health + specialist
services that are capped at $400 per person / year;
primary healthcare (GP) services are uncapped. This
enables VMG to slow everything down and put the value
proposition back into primary healthcare.
So, instead of the current system where a GP writes a
referral to your specialist every six months, VMG will
have a core group of professionals under the one roof
who will consult with you cohesively.
No Out-of-pocket expenses, how does that work?
Universal Healthcare is considered a right, and VMG is
firmly committed to that.
Medicare is a complex system that reimburses people for
services provided by Doctors – it doesn’t pay the doctor.
GPs, unlike hospitals, are private businesses that do not
receive any government funding. When a GP charges
more than the Medicare rebate amount, the patient has
to pay the GP the whole amount of money and wait to
be reimbursed by Medicare. VMG thinks that you being
out of pocket is an unnecessary barrier – and is happy to
accept the 90-day delay by Medicare to send us a cheque
so that you are always able to access healthcare.
This is made possible due to the ADF Family Health
Program covering the gap between the Medicare rebate
and what is charged by the GP. Sadly, around 80% of
families have never accessed a benefit from their ADF
Family Health entitlement; and many did not even know it
that GP services were unlimited. Worse still, GPs also
don’t know how to use the card and so many just get you
to pay the whole amount and then get reimbursed
through the ADF Family Health web portal or app.
VMG will never require you to pay us money. Using a
HICAPS terminal to bill ADF Family Health directly for
the services provided to you means that you will never
be out of pocket when you see one of VMG’s doctors.
WHY IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME FOR VMG?
A few of reasons. Bulk billing is dead in Darwin - there
are a lot of reasons for this, but the end result is that
ADF Families and veterans will face increasing costs to
access good quality primary health care. ADF families
deserve more than just 6 Minute Medicine.
The ADF is about to go through a significant period of
growth – and Darwin is the pointy end of the stick for
defence. To achieve this growth retention is going to be
critical. Plenty of research by support organisations such as
DMFS has demonstrated that access to health care, and
being able to afford paying for that health care, is essential
to retaining personnel in the NT. The CDF has identified
that the ADF Family Health Program is one of the key
retention initiatives.
HOW DO DEFENCE FAMILIES COME ON
BOARD?
You can book in one of three ways: via our website,
calling our friendly reception staff, or via the MediRecords
app. Our preference is to see you for a registration
booking whilst you and the family are well. Too often
illness becomes the agenda and we don’t get the time to
do all the other things that should be done. The face-toface
registration meets the Medicare rules to make the
family eligible for our after hours telehealth service (6 to
10pm weeknights at this stage).
Within the MediRecords app you can upload a whole lot
of information about you and your family. This includes
medical history, medications, measurements, results,
referrals and even notes to remind you of that thing you
can never remember to talk to the GP about when you
are in the appointment. All of this helps your GP figure
out your priorities regarding your health care; recognising
that this is often done over a number of appointments.
WHERE DO WE FIND YOU?
You don’t need to find us, we will come to you! We have
found that offering home visits takes out so much of the
stress of packing up the family and heading to your GP.
We can also see you over videoconference (if you have
registered). There are of course things we are unable to
do in your home, so we have a couple of options to see
us.
We have an ongoing partnership with Mates4Mates,
where we will have rooms at their new premises in Stuart
Park. We will continue to run pop-up community clinics
to assist in family + individual registrations, especially for
our Katherine/Tindal families.
Good for us, great for the families.
VMG Clinics
HOW TO BOOK
VMGCLINIC.COM.AU
08 7918 2555
@VMG_clinic
46 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 47

COMMITTEE
NOTICEBOARD
FAREWELLS
A heartfelt thank you to Amanda, Masela, Emily and Kristy for
their contributions towards TTEM goals during their time in our
committee! Wishing you every happiness in your future
endeavours!
Amanda was our previous Chairperson and lead the TTEM team through
a significant transition in 2020 and 2021, including an overhaul of our
overall operation, while also balancing motherhood and University
commitments. Her time and dedication over the last 3 years has been
instrumental in setting up TTEM for future success. Your contribution is
greatly appreciated, and we wish you every success in your future
adventures!
Masela contributed a number of articles relating to local history, events
and topics of interest, which have been greatly appreciated during her
time with our committee.
Emily has assisted with promoting the magazine in Tindal and making new
community connections to increase readership and engagement.
Kristy has assisted with IT upgrades and social media support on the
ground in Darwin, which has been a valuable skillset on our committee.
JOIN US
Are you our next Treasurer?
We are looking for another amazing
Treasurer for our magazine committee!
Please contact us for more info –
admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
you're
a winner!
Congratulations to our February/
March Competition Winners:
Giant Easter Hamper
Georgina Bowden
Couples Date Night
Vicky Kaltsas
MTA Travel Voucher
Jodi Jones
SHE Nails Deluxe Pedicure
Diego Ortega
Matthew Lorimer
Integrity Hair Voucher
Jessica Bradley
Cutthroat Shave + Haircut
Tristan Hedger
Princes Trust Australia
Care Package
Sandy Hedger
Officeworks Kid’s Art Pack
Amelia Kempster
Youth Driving Vouchers
Leena Wallis - Charlotte Sullivan
Tindal Treats & Pilbara Prizes
$100 Camping Voucher: Chloe Tomlinson
Kids Activity Pack: Christopher Cameron
ADF Chaplains in the NT
Navy On-call: 0409 662 823
Kelvin Harris HMAS Coonawarra
Anglican
0401 075 488
Esava Koro HMAS Coonawarra
Seventh Day Adventist
0423 451 989
Shaun Foster Patrol Boat Chaplain
Australian Christian Churches
0400 514 375
Army On-call: 0427 713 963
Glen Elsegood 8/12 Regiment
Anglican
0429 345 167
Garth Mayger Regional Support
Catholic
0409 778 462
Kelly Horne 1CER
Australian Christian Churches
0418 428 337
Chris Lindsay 1CSSB
Presbyterian
0419 869 187
Brendan Quirk HQ1 BDE
Catholic
0407 283 050
Shane Rogerson 5RAR
Anglican
0408 684 783
Anthony Doyle 1AVN
Catholic
0429 891 274
Airforce Darwin On-call:
0477 308 064
Airforce Tindal On-call:
0427 890 054
Christopher Buckley-Wilkshire RAAF Tindal
Churches of Christ
0437 702 645
Peter Taylor RAAF Tindal
Anglican
0423 686 109
Karen Haynes RAAF Darwin
Baptist
0408 765 660
All three services provide a 24/7 on-call number for
emergencies. Each Unit/Ship/Base has its own
chaplain who can assist. If you chaplain is not
available, please contact the on-call number for your
Service. Denominational or faith-specific ministry can
be arranged as required.
CHAPLAIN’S
CHAT
How’s your style? Your Conflict Resolution style.
Conflict is inevitable in any relationship. Simply put, we don’t
all see everything the same way. We have differences of
opinion, of point of view, of priorities. We all vary in the way
we understand so many of the complexities we encounter
every day.
How conflict gets resolved is a critical factor in the growth of
any relationship or any team.
Whether we are aware of it or not we all have different
conflict resolution styles.
‘Avoiding’ is a conflict resolution style. Many of us want to
evade conflict entirely. It can be the right style when the
controversy seems small or unimportant, however in many
situations it is really ineffective.
‘Accommodating’ is the style that tries to meet the needs of
others, sadly, at the expense of the person's own needs. The
accommodator often gives in to others even when it is not
warranted.
Some people are very ‘Competitive’. Life is all about winning.
They take a firm, immovable stand but often leave people
feeling hurt and resentful.
The ‘Collaborator’ tries to meet the needs of all people
involved. They acknowledge that every viewpoint is important
however, those involved can often feel that nothing has been
achieved.
Similarly, the ‘Compromising’ style tries to find a solution that
will partially satisfy everyone. Everyone is expected to give up
something and that is not always easy.
Most of us are aware that there is an alternative. It’s often
called “win-win”. The goal is to find a solution to the conflict
that meets the needs of everyone.
Resolving conflict ‘win-win’ requires three important attitudes
and behaviors:
1. the attitude that this present conflict is an opportunity for
positive change;
2. the willingness to journey together in the process of
searching for a solution;
3. the communication and problem solving skills required to
arrive at the destination of ‘win-win’.
We all want to resolve conflicts this way but are often not
properly equipped with the skills required.
So seek help. If you have a work or personal relationship in
conflict seek help. Chaplains are always available to help point
you in the right direction.
Written by CHAP Shaun Foster
Australian Christian Churches Chaplain
HMAS Coonawarra
48 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 49

DRY SEASON VEHICLE CHECK
Darwin will be hosting a High Tea event:
Saturday 3rd June 2023
12:30pm - 3:30pm
Grand Ballroom, DoubleTree by Hilton
Tickets: $99 per person or Table of 10 $959
https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/dignitea/darwin
Our 2023 DigniTea will unite passionate individuals
and raise funds to help us end period poverty in
Australia. Join us to hear from our special guests as
they share their stories, discuss period poverty and
empower us to create better futures for ourselves,
our families and the wider community.
DigniTea events consist of 8 different High Tea events
around Australia, held within May and June, in
celebration and recognition of World Menstrual
Hygiene Day (28th May). These events usually raise
over $450,000 and bring together over 5,000 people
to have a fun, entertaining afternoon to make a
difference for those doing it tough.
Grab your besties and secure your tickets to the sellout
High Tea of the year. Your ticket will include a
delicious high tea, bubbles on arrival and amazing
guest speakers as we come together to help girls and
women in need! You will laugh and cry as we unite
together to Share the Dignity.
We believe that everyone deserves to be afforded
the dignity so many of us take for granted.
Share the Dignity is a women's charity in Australia,
that works to make a real difference in the lives of
those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic
violence, or doing it tough. We distribute period
products to women, girls, and anyone who
menstruates who needs support. When someone is
doing it tough, the last thing on their mind should be
dealing with their period.
The dry season is here and it’s time to
shake out your camping gear and head
to some amazing NT sights! Before you
head off, it’s important to check that
your vehicle is safe and suitable for
longer journeys.
You should check all of the following:
• lights, wipers and washers are in working
order
• fluid levels (water, brake, radiator, battery)
• tyres and spares tyres - inflated as specified
• the vehicle is not overloaded
• you are carrying fresh drinking water
• you have a first aid kit and tool kit, including a
torch and whistle.
• your vehicle registration is current and covers
you for the entire journey.
If you are unsure about checking your vehicle, seek
advice from a reputable mechanic such as PKSC in
Darwin.
Regardless of where you intend to travel, always
advise a friend where you are planning to go and
when you expect to return.
NT REST AREAS MAP
Remember to rest when you feel tired or drowsy,
even if you are near your intended location.
VISITOR INFORMATION
The Top End Darwin Tourism Top End 6 Bennett Street, Darwin City
Telephone: (08) 8980 6000 or 1300 138 886 www.tourismtopend.com.au
Katherine Visitor Information Centre Corner Lindsay Street and Katherine
Terrace, Katherine Telephone: (08) 8972 2650 or 1800 653 142 www.
visitkatherine.com.au
Barkly Region Tennant Creek Visitor Information Centre Battery Hill Mining
Centre Complex, Battery Hill, Peko Road, Tennant Creek Telephone: (08) 8962
1281 or 1800 500 879 www.barklytourism.com.au
Central Australia Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre Corner Parsons Street
and Todd Mall, Alice Springs Telephone: (08) 8952 5800 or 1800 645 199
www.discovercentralaustralia.com
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
NT Police, Fire and Emergency
Services Police assistance: 131 444
Emergency (police, fire or ambulance):
000
Emergency alerts and warnings www.
securent.nt.gov.au
Bushfire advice and alerts www.nt.gov.
au/bushfires
Extracted from NT Govt Website
nt.gov.au/driving/safety/driving-safety-checklist
Weather events www.bom.gov.au
Road conditions telephone:
1800 246 199
www.roadreport.nt.gov.au
facebook.com/roadreportnt
Road safety information telephone:
1800 720 144
www.roadsafety.nt.gov.au
Reference:
DigniTea 2023 | Darwin (sharethedignity.org.au)
Image disclaimer:
This map demonstrates locations of rest areas, towns and
communities on the Northern Territory’s national routes and major
highways. It does not include all communities. This map was correct
at time of publishing but travellers should check ahead for the
availability of fuel and accommodation. Map is not to scale.
50 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 51

GROM
MOTORCYCLES AND ROAD TRAUMA
I was recently trawling through some data on road
accidents, deaths and injuries related to motorcycle
usage. It’s rivetting stuff, but I am one of those riders who
believes that zero harm from motorcycling is impossible,
but, I do believe that if riders are given honest data that is
not influenced by transport industry bias they will make
solid decisions on how to stay alive. Some riders just
won’t absorb the safety information, but that is a fact of
life. I suspect that many road safety agencies are under
considerable ongoing pressure to reduce road trauma.
The decisions to make realistic changes involves a
considerable amount of trial and error, which often hurts
all road users.
Reducing speed limits isn’t going to stop accidents from
occuring when a rider is oblivious to their riding environment
and is fuelled by ‘optimism bias’ - the belief that negative events
won’t occur. So, getting back to the data I found from BITRE; the
Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics.
In their words, BITRE claims that they provide economic analysis,
research and statistics on infrastructure and transport issues to
inform Australian Government policy development and wider
community understanding. They have been around since the
1970's, so they have extensive experience in this field. BITRE
claims that last year, 242 motorcyclists were killed on the
nation's roads – 20% of the total tally of 1,208 road deaths.
They report that more than 8,000 riders were hospitalised, while
an estimated 24,000 were injured but not hospitalised. There
were a total of 109 road deaths during the month of January
2023. The current figure is 10.8 per cent higher than the average
for January over the previous five years – this increase is
concerning!
There are approximately 950,000 motorcyclists in Australia with a
population of 26 million people. About 82% of the Australian
population are over the age of 18 and old enough to obtain a
license to ride, which equates to around 20 million people. When
you filter out those who are too old to ride, not interested, think
motorcycles are dangerous, couldn’t get a license or prefer dirt
bikes, road motorcyclists are a minority, yet we do a damn good
job of filling hospitals and cemetories.
Interestingly, the NT road deaths from a motorcycle
accident has decreased from 20.9 in 2019 to 17.9 per
100,000 people. Have we stopped riding? I don’t think so,
but there may be a trend or solution that we are yet to
discover and it might actually be working. Darwin has a
population of about 150,000 people, with an average age of
34.5 years. The NT has a population of 250,000 with more
males (51.8%) than females (48.2%). We have an average of
1.8 vehicles per household, so it’s highly likely that
motorcycle usage is increasing due to elevating fuel prices.
We have approximately 6,000 registered motorcycle users
throughout the NT.
One thing that is consistent though, the NT still has a high
percentage of road users dying in accidents on dry, sealed
rural roads - maybe that's where our focus should be?
Safe motoring,
Written by GROM
Community Contributor
The Top Ender Magazine
In the same way a government-funded body assesses
the safety risks of new motor vehicles via the
Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP),
a joint initiative between authorities in New South
Wales and Victoria aims to make it easier for
motorcyclists and protective clothing manufacturers
to select the safest options. Manufacturers in Europe
and the United States currently dominate the
motorcycle protective clothing market, but the guide
gives local apparel companies a chance to design their
own gear – based on forensic analysis of available
materials.With the majority of manufacturers in
Australia and New Zealand being generally smaller to
medium-sized enterprises, most are not in a position
to access a testing facility and conduct their own
research and development.
TOWARDS ZERO
ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV), also known as a quad bike or
four-wheeler, is any motorised off-highway vehicle designed to
travel on four low-pressure tyres, with a seat designed to be
straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control.
Like a motorcycle, an ATV is designed to be ridden “actively”
where the rider shifts their weight on the vehicle to improve
ride and handling.
There are two types of ATVs as designated by the manufacturer:
• type 1 are designed for use by a single operator and no passenger
• type 2 are designed for use by an operator and are equipped with
a passenger seat located behind the operator.
Difference between a quad bike and an off-road buggy
Buggies are larger, car-like vehicles with a built-in roll cage that can seat
between 2 to 6 people on bench or bucket seats. They have a steering
wheel and pedals similar to a car; with most models equipped with a
back tray for loads. Buggies are also known as a side-by-side vehicle
(SSV) or utility vehicle (UTV).
Both quad bikes and off-road buggies have their own unique advantages
and disadvantages for use in off-road recreational and agriculture
settings.
Quad bike
(4-wheel, saddle-seating style,
handle bar steering)
Unsealed roads
Off-road buggy
(4-wheel, side-by-side seating,
usually fitted with seatbelts)
Unsealed road surfaces may vary from a gravel road to a
graded natural surface (dirt) road. Two wheel drive (2WD)
vehicles can be driven on most gravel roads but four wheel
drive (4WD) vehicles are recommended for natural surface
roads. During wet weather some gravel roads may require a
4WD vehicle especially at river/creek crossings. Dust on
unsealed roads may obscure your vision and conceal ruts and
potholes. You should reduce your speed when driving in these
conditions. Always take care when overtaking and turn your
lights on to increase your visibility to other drivers.
Four wheel drive (4WD)
A four wheel drive road should not be entered unless you are
driving a 4WD vehicle. Surfaces on these roads are extremely
variable and you may encounter very difficult and dangerous
driving conditions. It is important that you are familiar with the
type of vehicle and aware of its limitations. Ensure that the
4WD function has been engaged.
Source: roadsafety.nt.gov.au/safety-topics/all-terrain-vehicles
WIN
YOUTH DRIVING LESSON
Sponsored under our Towards Zero Grant from the NT
Government. The 1 hour driving lesson is valued at $75 per
lesson and provided as a voucher to the winner’s preferred
driving school. Below are some of the local diving schools to
choose from.
• A1 TERRITORY DRIVING
SCHOOL
• ONE2ONE DRIVING
SCHOOL
• ABC DRIVING SCHOOL
DARWIN
• ACHIEVE DRIVING
ACADEMY NT
Terms: Apply to win a one hour driving lesson. Strictly
open to Defence youth. Entries close 10 May 2023. Two
winners will be selected at random. One winner is selected
from the Greater Darwin region and one winner is
selected from regional areas of Katherine/Tindal/Pilbara.
Apply now at www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win
Photo: (above) One of our previous winners.
NATIONAL ROAD
SAFETY WEEK
14 - 21 MAY
On average 43 people are killed and around 500
people are seriously injured on Territory roads
each year.
Every serious road crash has ongoing and
devastating effects for our families and communities.
Our goal is Towards Zero deaths and serious
injuries on Territory roads.
National Road Safety Week is an annual initiative
from the Safer Australian Roads and Highways
(SARAH) Group, and forms part of the NT
Government’s Towards Zero Road Safety Action
Plan, which aims to raise awareness that road safety
is everyone’s responsibility.
Source: drivesafe.nt.gov.au/events/national-road-safety-week
52 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 53

WATERBASED WOODBLOCK
PRINTING WORKSHOP
The Waterbased Woodblock Printing
Workshop was held at Darwin Adult
Short Courses in Term 1 (Feb/Mar)
this year and I thought it would be a
good opportunity to learn new
creative skills and try something
different.
Ukiyo-e (pictures of the floating world) was
developed in 17th Century Japan.
Traditionally Cherry Wood was used, but
now Shina-faced (bass) plywood and Lauanfaced
(Philippine mahogany) is more
commonly used for woodblock printing.
A design is traced onto the block. Specially
designed/made tools are used to carve away
the top layer of the ply to create the image.
The image can be carved in separate parts on
different blocks to enable different colours to
be used. Registration marks are carved onto
the block first to allow the paper to be
correctly aligned each time a different part of
an image is printed.
A wide variety of papers can be used, both
hand-made and machine-made. Japanese
paper (washi) commonly used for
woodblock printing is kozo which is made
from kozo (mulberry) fibres.
Overall, I really enjoyed the workshop and
found it very interesting to learn about the
history of this artform.The tutor, Jacqueline,
was highly experienced and specialises as a
freelance artisst in Japanese Block Printing.
What course should I try next?
Image 1S1A7675: Tracing Design.
Image 1S1A7677: Carving-1.
Image 1S1A7680: Carving-2.
Image 1S1A7688: Books on Printing.
Image 1S1A7688: Carving-3.
Image 1S1A7702: Ready for Printing.
Image 1S1A7705: First part of Print.
Image 1S1A7708: Second part of Print.
Image 1S1A7711: Final Print-Scottish Thistle.
Image 1S1A7720: Final Prints of the 5
participants.
Written by Ian Anderson
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
Navy veteran and mum of two
Sacha de Wit is getting creative to
build her own business with the
help of Prince’s Trust Australia.
Image: Swaggy Threads Star Founder Sacha de
Wit (right) with Alison Clift, Counsellor and
Founder of The Horselife Centre (left) at the
inaugural Sunshine Coast Veterans Market,
hosted by Yandina-Eumundi RSL on 15
October 2022. RSL President Tracey Gilmartin
is an Enterprise programme alumna.
In the Sunshine Coast village of
Pomona, Navy veteran Sacha de Wit is
growing a small business that combines
her passion for technology and her flair
for creativity. Swaggy Threads Star is a
bespoke machine embroidery business
that recreates images and logos on
fabric.
Sacha began the business two years ago
after popping into her mum’s house just
to have a play with a new embroidery
machine. Up to that point, the 45-yearold
had never considered doing
something creative as a career.
“I've always created - It's something
that's always been there but when
you're at school you're directed to
avenues which are less creative and
more career focused.”
The Sunshine Coast local was accepted
into the Australian Defence Force
Academy straight out of high school
and studied IT before embarking on a
career in the Royal Australian Navy.
Sacha left fulltime service in 2002 and
last served as a reservist in 2010 at the
rank of lieutenant.
Now, as a mum of a 17-year-old and a
four-year-old, Sacha is building a
business that works around her family.
And it all started with a burning desire
to push the limits of that embroidery
machine.
“It came with this really great software, I
found it intuitive straightaway. You can
do amazing things like shading with
threads so that you get that 3D effect
from a 2D object. And having that
FROM THE HEART:
RAN VETERAN BUILDS AN EMBROIDERY BUSINESS
computer background, it just ticked so many
boxes for me.” Sacha explained.
Sacha started creating wedding keepsakes with
her mum but demand for the products just
wasn’t there yet.
“There was a little shop in town that took
some of our creations and so we had a little
bit of success. Then we got another
embroidery machine that allowed us to
embroider t-shirts, which was game changing
for us. We started Swaggy Threads Star, going
down the avenue of putting my designs onto
t-shirts.”
Sacha was responsible for creating the designs
while her mum operated the embroidery
machine. The design starts as a drawing on a
page and then I digitise the image which
allows me to send the file to the embroidery
machine. Instead of printing in ink on paper,
we print in thread on fabric,”
Swaggy Threads Star also began offering a
service where customers could have their
own logos or designs put on textiles and
clothing.
“That’s more the avenue that I would like to
go down; allowing others to see their
drawings go from the page and reimagined as
threads on a t-shirt. I want to share that joy
you get from creating.” Sacha explains.
And while Swaggy Threads Star seems like a
world away from being a Navy officer, for
Sacha, both roles are at heart about service.
“Whatever the service or product is, it's about
what you can do with it for other people;
that's the driver coming from that service
environment. Recently I was working with a
girl who had a medical incident that
completely changed her life – using her
artwork, I recreated the images for her onto
t-shirts. She was sitting beside me as we were
going through the design on the computer
and deciding where she wanted to add
shading. I was looking out the side of my eye
and I could see the joy in her face; it was so
nice to do that for her.”
At the start of 2022 Sacha got an extra boost
of entrepreneurial confidence when she linked
in with Prince’s Trust Australia.
Images: Swaggy Threads Star e-
commerce pages in Etsy and
Instagram.
Check out Sacha’s business: https://
www.etsy.com/shop/
swaggythreadsstar/
Follow her business journey on
Instagram: www.instagram.com/
swaggy.threads.star
To register for Prince’s Trust
Australia Enterprise programme,
visit our events page: https://bit.ly/
3weVjrw
Sacha said PTA’s programs allowed her to network with other veteran business
owners and helped her with the “millions of ideas” running through her mind.
“It allowed me to move through those ideas and focus on what I needed to. I
also learned during Prince's Trust to identify a change intact as a redirection and
not as a failure.” she said.
Sacha said she planned to continue growing Swaggy Threads Star and potentially
work with some ex-service organisations and other veteran owned businesses,
made possible through the networking opportunities PTA provides.
“I'd also love to be a stallholder at the Handmade Canberra markets – maybe as
a collaboration with another PTA supported business, bringing multiple talents
together.” she said.
54 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 55

A DARWIN CHOCOLATE
FACTORY EXPERIENCE
RESTAURANT REVIEW
DE LAGO RESORT ON LAKE BENNETT
Lake Bennett, Chinner Rd | delagoresort.com.au
f De Lago Resort on Lake Bennett
The one-stop-shop menu covers breakfast, lunch and dinner,
making choices simpler! We visited during the lunch and
dinner menu.
LUNCH:
Beef burger – bigger than a mouth bite! Great flavour, good
condiments, light, a meal; this burger left you wanting to savour the
flavours
Chicken burger – the light buns allow you to enjoy the subtle flavours
associated with all parts of this delicious burger; cooked to perfection
the serving size satiated the hunger yet left you wanton!!
DINNER:
Korean chicken – rich and saucy, melt in the mouth deliciousness on a
plate, portion size spot on, perfect balance of flavours
S&P Squid – cooked to perfection, soft and subtle flavours popped on
the palate; the portion size was ideal leaving with the thought that it
truly was the best S&P squid you’d ever had!
ABOUT THE SETTING:
Situated 80km south of Darwin, Lake Bennett was
constructed in 1980 and now houses lakeside cabins,
permanent homes and the De Lago Resort set on 4.45
km2 tropical wilderness and is the perfect get-away just
one hour from the hustle and bustle of everyday living.
De Lago Resort offers a variety of accommodation
options from unpowered and powered sites to budget
and deluxe rooms. Located on the edge of the
gorgeous Lake Bennett, the inland water hole is great
for swimming, canoeing, fishing, relaxing and soaking up
some well deserved rest and relaxation.
De Lago offers a bistro style menu complimented by a
range of local and interstate beverages; from simple
burgers to delectable seafood, there is something to
suit all palates. Whilst the food is delectable, the
deluxe cabins are a charm and with private balconies
overlooking the gorgeous lake, sunset is a special treat!
Sit back and unwind, relax by the pool or take a walk
through the village, De Lago Resort on Lake Bennett is
the perfect spot to rekindle relationships, hang with
family & friends or simply just be!
Open: 8 am - Late, 7 Days a Week.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Bookings Required
Price Range: $ - $$
Fully Licenced: Happy Hour 4 - 6 pm
Recommended for: Couples,
Date Nights, Families, Kids,
Friends, Colleagues, Meetings,
Special Events, Birthdays,
Anniversaries
Gluten-Free Options Available
Vegetarian Options Available
Reviewed by Charlene & Paul Carter
The Top Ender Magazine
There is a thrill of excitement in the air
whilst we await the elusive chocolate fairy;
anticipation is rising, none of us have the
slightest clue what to expect! We’re
provided with pencil and paper; what! Noone
said we needed to draw, where are the
artists? There is a scurry as each participant
seeks to see who has drawn what; what are
we to do?
Designs done, hair nets on, it’s time to get down and
dirty!
Settling into position within the chocolate making room,
we’re each given a piping bag of warm chocolate, we
need to work super-fast to ensure it doesn’t set before
our designs are complete. All too soon, we’ve finished
our delicious masterpieces and the anxious wait
begins… So much fun, so much chatter, so many varying
designs.
iRACING
ANZAC 6 HOUR
Old Mate Racing League and APEX eSports
League are proud to present to the iRacing
community the Anzac 6 Hour at Le Mans as a
fundraiser for Veteran Gaming Australia.
Being run on April 23rd, we are combining the two
leagues in an Anzac series for a single race; APEX
bringing their V8s and OMRL bringing their GTs, the
LMDh is also being included for the speed demons
out there. The event will be able to be run by a single
driver, however teams are encouraged. So, get your
Anzac livery on and come support a great cause.
Entries will be $10 per CAR, entries are NOW
OPEN, and ALL entry fees go directly to Veteran
Gaming Australia.
For information on how to register go to: https://bit.
ly/3m9lr5r or you can make a donation to Veteran
Gaming Australia, with donated funds used to set up
Veteran Wellbeing packs and gaming stations at
various locations - https://donate.tiltify.com/@4dads/
vga-sim-racing
Written by Veteran
Gaming Australia
veterangamingaustralia.com.au/
Darwin Chocolate Factory offers a variety of
experiences from simple tastings to the creation of our
own designs. There’s fun in participating and supporting
a group of youth to draw and create during a unique
Chocolatier experience.
Whilst the experience moves quickly, the enjoyment of
creating unique designs and indulging is a memory that
will last a lifetime!
WANT TO EXPERIENCE A CHOCOLATE
WORKSHOP?
Check out our NT Youth Week program for our
chocolate session FREE for defence youth! Don’t
miss out – spaces are limited.
Written by Charlene
Carter
Community Coorindator
The Top Ender Magazine
EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE
KARTING THRILL AT HIDDEN VALLEY
Feel the cornering G-forces and experience
the sensation of racing at speed just 30 mm
off the ground!
67 Hidden Valley Road, Hidden Valley, Nt Northern Territory 0822
56 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 57

Dental disease is a common problem for
our pets, with 85% of pets over 3 years
of age suffering from periodontal
disease. Plaque (a mixture of food
particles, saliva and bacteria) attaches to
the surface of the teeth and needs to be
removed. If it is not removed, it will
mineralise to form tartar.The
accumulation of plaque on the teeth
leads to an immune system response that
causes periodontal disease.
Obesity is a common problem in Australia, How
can you tell if your pet has dental disease? The first
step is to look in your pet’s mouth regularly. If the
gums appear red or inflamed, if they have bad
breath or if you see pus at the gum line or broken
teeth – book an appointment with your
veterinarian right away. Despite very painful
dental disease, many pets will continue to eat
well and will not show obvious behavioural
changes.
DENTAL CARE
FOR YOUR PET
HOW IS DENTAL DISEASE TREATED?
If your pet has dental disease, treatment will usually involve a
general anaesthetic so that the teeth can be scaled and
polished, and properly assessed. If periodontal disease is
advanced, then some teeth are likely to require extraction.
DENTAL HOMECARE
It is ideal to start puppies and kittens on a homecare plan when
they are young and eager to learn and before they have
developed any periodontal disease. Between 4-6 months of age,
puppies and kittens should lose their baby teeth and get their
permanent ones (be cautious with brushing teeth during this
time as their mouth may be sore).
If your pet already has dental disease, make sure you get your
vet to examine them before commencing a homecare program.
Their mouth may be painful and a homecare program is unlikely
to address an existing problem.
Brushing teeth daily is the most effective dental homecare. Your
vet or veterinary nurse can help you with advice on how to
brush your pet’s teeth.
There are many other products that can be used to
help such as dental diets, dental chews, and powders
to reduce plaque attachment. Look for the VOHC
(Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval for
products that have been tested and shown effective
for reducing plaque.
By following a consistent homecare program you can
greatly improve your pet’s dental health. This will
mean less professional cleanings, less tooth loss, and a
happier, healthier pet.
Written by All Pets
allpetsvet.com.au
THE TOP ENDER
PRESENTS
YOUTH
WEEK
VISIT OUR
EVENTBRITE
PAGE BY
SCANNING
THE QR CODE
THE TOP ENDER
YOUTH WEEK
PROGRAM IS
COMING SOON!
We are finalising the
workshops and
activities for Youth
Week 2023 which will
include movies, gaming,
chocolate making and
more... Available soon
on our Eventbrite page!
58 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 59

DONATED BY OUR SPONSOR
W I N
PLAN A FAMILY DAY
OR WEEKEND AWAY!
SPLASHING AND FUN IN THE SUN
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 May 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.
RELEASE THE INNER COW BOYS AND COW GIRLS
Darwin Waterfront has you covered. Grab your family pass for
Wave Lagoon ($25 for 2ad &3ch). After the refreshing dip and
hitting the waves, you would have worked up an appetite,
experience an array of multicultural dining options. Before heading
home, make sure to stop into Trampoline Gelato for that refreshing
ice-cream treat. Hot Tip: Easy access parking (paid) is available at the
Darwin waterfront.
Location: Darwin Waterfront, Darwin City
Source: https://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/
Note: Open and operating all year round
Katherine Outback Experience - Enjoy live Australian music, from a different type
of stage. This is an experience for the whole family with hands-on adventure, a
show to sit back and watch. Better yet, look up their horse-riding adventure
options!... Something for the whole family!
Location: Near Katherine, Uralla NT
Source: https://www.katherineoutbackexperience.com.au/
Note: open May to September in 2023
W I N
1x Waterfront
Membership Family Pass
valued at $125
ENTER NOW AT
THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU/WIN
CALLING ALL GOLD RUSH FANS
FISH & CHIPS WITH A TWIST
Surprise the family with fish & chip night!! How boring? No, no, no... Not with
Darwin Harbour Cruise, enjoy the sunsetting and touring the Darwin harbour
coastline, where fish and chips will be brought to you. Let the adults sip a
champers while the kids have some juice, keep your eyes out for marine life in
this trip that should be experienced!
Location: Darwin
Picture this... You are attending the Pine Creek annual event
in June, and you are down by the river bed, swishing the
sand back and forth, anticipation is building to find your first
treasure.... You spot... The sparkle of gold!! The gold rush!
Help your family discover what the gold rush days were like
up here in the NT, Pine Creek is perfect for that adventure!
Plus I hear there are some great watering holes to be
discovered.
Location: Near Katherine, Pine Creek
Source: https://www.pinecreekrailwayresort.com.au/whatto-see-do/events
Note: Plan this adventure before June and reach out to the
Pine Creek Railway Resort for more info
Source: https://seadarwin.com/darwin-tours/sunset-fish-and-chips/
Note: ages 3 and up to jump onboard this cruise
Written by Amanda Letcher
TERMS: Prize Pool valued at $125. Open to NT-Based Defence
Members, Veterans, and their dependants. Closes 10 May 2023.
Community Contributor
Enter online by visiting www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win
The Top Ender Magazine
Winners will be notified by email/phone and announced in the
next edition of The Top Ender.
60 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 61

TRAVEL WORD SEARCH
IT’S THE DRY SEASON! WE KNOW YOU LOVE TO GET OUT AND EXPLORE THE
NT AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, SO TAKE THIS EDITION WITH YOU TO KEEP THE KIDS
ENTERTAINED WITH FUN TRAVEL GAMES DURING YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP!
FIND ALL 25 WORDS IN THE WORD SEARCH BELOW!
B A G S R E T A N S E R A
R I D O P O M N O E N C O
E P R E B M A I T A W A P
X B E D U A C M R T O M R
P R T E S T O A A B N E E
A D R I V E W L I E P R X
S T M H I L L S L L C A P
T R A V E L W L S T L S L
O R C A W E R P P H O T O
U M U W S T A Y L M U A R
R E S C A R A V A N D R E
E X P A K T P O Y H S S R
C A E M A S I G N S T A P
R M A P P W I L D L I F E
TERRITORY SAAVY
EXPLORE
BUS
HILLS
SIGNS
CARAVAN
CLOUDS
PLAY
SEATBELT
WILDLIFE
STARS
TRAVEL
CAMP
BAGS
PHOTO
TRAIL
ROAM
MAP
BIRDS
STAY
VIEWS
ANIMALS
CAMERA
TRUCKS
DRIVE
TOUR
ROAD TRIP SPOTTO
Original Design By: Colourbug Creations
KIDS CORNER
Jungle
SPECIAL
WHAT AM I?
I ROAR AND HAVE
STRIPES IN ORANGE
AND BLACK
I ROAM THROUGH THE
JUNGLE... I'M A CAT,
HOW ABOUT THAT!
TIC
A: TIGER
TAC
TOE
CAN YOU FIND THESE 9 THINGS ON YOUR NEXT ROADTRIP?
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
SOMEONE WALKING A DOG
WHITE FENCE
MANGO PLANTATION
CAR TOWING A BOAT
SOMEONE WEARING A JUMPER
PLAYGROUND
IBIS
RUBBISH TRUCK
ANTS NEST
WORD SEARCH
FIND ALL 16 WORDS!
62 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 63

CRACK THE CODE
USE THE KEY BELOW TO WORK OUT EACH ANIMAL CODE!
ESCAPE THE MAZE
START IN THE CENTRE
AND FIND A WAY OUT
OF THE MAZE!
DID YOU
KNOW
THE RAINFOREST IS
RESPONSIBLE FOR
PRODUCING 20% OF
EARTH’S OXYGEN!
Original Design By: Colourbug Creations
SECRET
WORD
COUNT AND CIRCLE THE LETTERS AT 1,4,6,9,12,14 THEN
WRITE THE LETTERS TO REVEAL THE SECRET WORD!
JOKE
CORNER
WHAT HAPPENS
WHEN A FROG’S CAR
BREAKS DOWN?
A: HE GETS
TOAD AWAY!
64 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 65

HANDY DIRECTORY
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
Mates4Mates.......................................................................................1300 4 MATES
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...................................................................................0439 850 866
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
66 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2023 67

Website...............................................................www.playgroupnt.com.au
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
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
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Ender Tri-Services Magazine Inc to be true
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