The Top Ender Magazine April May 2024 Edition

The Top
Ender
Tri-Services Magazine Inc
DAMIEN THOMLINSON
MEET THE EX-COMMANDO, MOTIVATIONAL
SPEAKER, BRAND AMBASSADOR, BEST-SELLING
AUTHOR AND ACTOR OF HACKSAW RIDGE.
ANZAC DAY
FIND A COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE
NEAR YOU, OR MARK THE OCCASION
WITH OUR ANZAC STORIES, ARTS &
CRAFTS AND RECIPES.
MOTHER’S DAY
DISCOVER LOCAL GIFT IDEAS FOR MUM
IN DARWIN, KATHERINE AND PILBARA,
PLUS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN OUR
MOTHER’S DAY COMPETITION!
CREATED BY DEFENCE FAMILIES FOR DEFENCE FAMILIES

THE TOP ENDER TRI-SERVICE MAGAZINE
April/May 2024
COVER IMAGE: Damien Thomlinson © 2024
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chairperson Deborah Herring | chair@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Vice Chairperson Emma Thom | chair@thetopendermagazine.org.au
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General Members Ian Anderson, Clare Corvia, Stella Taylor, Cyndy Brennan,
Viv Kleemann, Ayesha Marshall.
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Deb Herring | articles@thetopendermagazine.org.au
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2 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 1

FEATURES
04 DAMIEN THOMLINSON
07 ANZAC DAY EVENTS NEAR YOU
08 MOTHER’S DAY LOCAL GIFT GUIDE
SUPPORT
16 DEFENCE MEMBER AND FAMILY SUPPORT
18 DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS
22 ROBERTSON BARRACKS FAMILY GROUP
23 LARRAKEYAH NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE
24 THE PILBARA REGIMENT FAMILY GROUP
25 NETWORK TINDAL
28 PTA - BEYOND SERVICE AWARDS
37 DEFENCE HEALTH
38 ADF DISTRICT ALLOWANCES
40 MATES4MATES
41 OPEN ARMS PROGRAMS
42 DEFENCE FAMILIES OF AUSTRALIA
43 CHAPLAIN’S CHAT
COMMUNITY
11 HAPPY PAWS HAPPY HEARTS
14 AUSTRALIAN MILITARY WIVES CHOIR
15 A LASTING MEMORIAL
20 NORA HEYSEN - WAR ARTIST
22 OUTBACK APPLE CRUMBLE RECIPE
23 CELEBRATE AUSTRALIAN MADE WEEK
24 ANZAC BISCUIT RECIPE
25 VEGGIE SOWING REMINDER
27 COMMITTEE NOTICEBOARD
27 TOP END JOBS BOARD
30 LUKE GOSLING MP
CONTENTS
31 VALE FRED ‘FREDDIE’ CULLEN OAM
31 VALE CECIL ‘BOZ’ PARSONS
32 GROM
34 REMEMBERING MAITLAND MADGE
35 BE CROCWISE NT
36 HARWELL HOME CARE
44 LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
46 REPORTING CRIME
48 9 REASONS WHY KIDS QUIT SPORT
49 COMPETITIVE SPORT FOR KIDS
50 BENEFITS OF GARDENING
52 ALL PETS
53 SHOW US YOUR PETS
54 SNAKES OF THE NT
56 SAFETY4KIDS
57 KENTISH LIFE LONG LEARNING
58 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 4 KIDS
59 NT ROCKS
60 DARWIN FAMILY LIFE
61 SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR YOUTH NT
62 ASK HAYLEY - DEFENCE KIDZ
63 EASY POPPY CRAFT IDEAS
64 KIDS PUZZLES - ANZAC SPECIAL
66 HANDY DIRECTORY
COMPETITIONS
WIN FOR MUM - PG 8
WIN WITH OUR SPONSORS - PG 12
TOP END TREASURES GIFT PACK - PG 27
WIN V8 HOT PASSES - PG 33
KIDS ART PACK - PG 63
FROM THE COMMITTEE
APRIL MAY 2024
WELCOME
Welcome to the April/May edition of The Top Ender!
In this issue, we have an exclusive interview with ex-Commando Damien
Thomlinson, as well as a list of events, recipes and crafts to
commemorate ANZAC Day. We also celebrate Mother’s Day with a
local gift guide and exciting giveaway! Plus, the V8’s are returning again
this year with some Hot Passes up for grabs! Our usual sponsors are back
on page 12 with more ways to win and The Top Ender Magazine has
some treasures to be won in our latest gift pack giveaway!
As we approach the end of the financial year and next funding period, we
ask for your patience while we plan for the future of The Top Ender
Magazine. We welcome you to get involved and join us on our committee
or simply join us for a tea or coffee on the next Distribution Day!
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 June/July edition is:
12th April 2024.
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.
Next Distribution days: TBC - End of May
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
Committee Meeting: 10th April 2024.
Contact admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
for further details.
ANZAC DAY
LEST W E
F O RG ET
25 APRIL
CONNECT
Scan the QR Codes to view and engage
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Top Ender socials are the place to be to
get the latest information, enter exclusive
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Disclaimer: The Top Ender Magazine may include historically and culturally sensitive images, words, terms or descriptions; such material does
not reflect the magazine’s viewpoint but rather the social attitudes and circumstances of the period or place in which it was created.
Some of the images included within depicts the consequences of warfare, including human suffering or death, which some people may find
disturbing. Members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are advised that this magazine contains names, stories and images of
deceased people.
W2 WThe W.T Top Ender H E | Tri-Services O P E NMagazine D E RIncorporated M A G A Z I N E . O R G . A U
APRIL/MAY 2024 3

TRIGGER WARNING
This content may contain sensitive or distressing material that could trigger emotional or
psychological discomfort. Please proceed with caution and prioritise your mental and emotional wellbeing.
If you feel overwhelmed or need support, consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family
member, or mental health professional.
WHAT IS YOUR MILITARY BACKGROUND?
I was inspired by my Grandfather’s service as he was a Rat
of Tobruk and it dawned on me when I was 23 that I
wanted a new direction for my life. I was looking at a
photo of my Grandfather at the 83rd Rats of Tobruk
reunion and it changed my perspective of what I wanted
to do, and I felt better much about my life when I enlisted.
At the age of 25, I achieved my goal of becoming qualified
as a Commando and I deployed 3 times throughout my
ADF career. One deployment was a coup in Fiji, then
Timor before heading to Afghanistan when I was 28 years
old.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
I have two kids and they are both awesome. I don’t think
anything else tops the achievement of having two happy
and healthy kids.
My second greatest achievement is being qualified as a
Commando. That was the hardest long game achievement
of my life and there’s no getting lucky; it’s gruelling and
really tests every part of you. Becoming a Commando is
not about being in the right place at the right time. There
were lots of moments where I had to step up and learn
about myself, but it reinforced a lot of what I thought I
could do and my own capability.
To make things happen, you have to show up and you
can’t really do that sitting at home. The defence network
is so strong and there’s opportunity everywhere. I wish I
knew this when I was younger – the biggest part of the
battle is showing up and giving things a go.
Once I have achieved milestones, I tend to shift gears
and find new goals. I don’t like being complacent and not
achieving things, so my approach to life has enabled me
to do so many great things - I have been so lucky.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BOOK; WITHOUT
WARNING?
When writing the book, I wanted to take the reader
‘behind the curtain’ with what it feels like when life
changes instantly and without warning. The book includes
comments from my family, and I still haven’t read what my
DAMIEN
THOMLINSON
Meet Damien Thomlinson - Ex-Commando,
Motivational Speaker, Brand Ambassador,
Best-Selling Author and Actor with his role in
the ensemble cast of the Academy Award
winning movie Hacksaw Ridge.
sister wrote, but I wanted the
world to see what it was
really like and an honest view
of it all. It was an insight into
exactly who I was during
those times, and you have no
idea who has read your book
and whether people
understand your journey.
As well as losing my legs, I
had a traumatic brain injury,
brain swelling and injuries to
both of my arms. I have a
blank spot in my memory
from the incident and can
only remember a few days beforehand and being in
hospital back in Australia. I remember my CO and RSM
visiting me in hospital to present me with my medals and
replicas.
I have spoken to people who were there with me during
the explosion. I was being held down because I was trying
to run away even though I was severely injured. According
to my comrades, I was taking it well and I was fairly calm
until they turned off their white light head lamps to keep
our position safe. My comrades couldn’t work on me with
red light, so they used white light momentarily, but we
were in a very dangerous zone. Complete darkness made
the situation really confusing and caused some panic.
Our Recon Scout had suggested that we should sweep
the hill before we went on patrol, then our car flew up in
the air, so in hindsight, his intuition was accurate and that
scenario continues to replay in his mind. I don’t remember
the realities of the situation and it doesn’t impact me
personally because I didn’t see it – the brain is an
incredible organ and shuts down for a reason. But it’s
much worse for my comrades who were there and
witnessed it all. By all accounts, it was pretty hectic, and it
feels like a scene from a movie, not my reality.
When I was in ICU, I was very difficult to manage - I was
labelled “the worst patient they have had in North
Shore Private”, but I had a lot of ambition and I felt that I had something to prove. It wasn’t until a few
years later that I realised that truly successful people have nothing to prove.
I was always ready to move forward in my recovery, but I also needed to rest and adjust my expectations.
I just wanted to get better somehow - any sort of progress motivated me. My arms were also severely
damaged in the explosion, but I was still trying to do pull ups in the hospital bed to see some sort of
progress. The nurses had to remove any apparatus that I could use for fitness so that I could allow my
body to heal.
It was a massive life change and a lot to adjust to, but I tend to set a pretty high standard for myself and I
don’t consider that I have a disability. My brain hasn’t changed to think that my injuries limit me in any
way, and I often forget that I have prosthetics - I just keep saying yes and finding a way to make it
work, even though it is sometimes uncomfortable. Having prosthetics is a bit like playing golf; you can
spend hours practicing, but you have to learn the hard way and it’s based on feel, which is different for
everyone.
I realised that it’s a lot easier to give up when someone gives you permission to stop - I stopped when
my body stopped, which was probably a good approach. It’s amazing what you can do when you put
yourself in the driver's seat even when there is no expectation of you.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO COMPETE IN THE 2014 AND 2016
INVICTUS GAMES?
I was an active athlete and keen surfer prior to my injuries, and I
started snowboarding as a personal challenge after my recovery.
However, in 2013, I was training in the US and my
snowboarding coach told me not to do a particular jump, but I
did it anyway and broke my back. The doctors were a bit
concerned about my ability to walk again and it really dawned
on me then that I may be seriously disabled for life. But after
some recovery, I worked hard on my mobility and competed in
the 2014 and 2016 Invictus Games.
The 2014 Invictus Games were amazing! I took my old man with me, and I didn’t
quite know what the Invictus Games were about as that was the pilot year. I had
wanted to compete in snowboarding, however, because of my previous spinal
injury, I competed in javelin, wheelchair basketball, volleyball and rugby instead.
For the 2016 Invictus Games, I focused on competing in wheelchair basketball.
I am humbled for these experiences and thoroughly enjoyed the
competition!
“Once I have achieved milestones, I tend to shift gears
and find new goals. I don’t like being complacent and not
achieving things, so my approach to life has enabled me
to do so many great things - I have been so lucky.”
HOW DID IT FEEL TO BE PART OF THE CAST IN
HACKSAW RIDGE?
The experience on the set of Hacksaw Ridge was
amazing! Part of that opportunity was being in the
right place at the right time, but I was attending acting
school when the opportunity came along. I had been
acting there for a couple of years and one of the
teachers was going into a callback audition and I was
asked if I was interested in being part of the
ensemble cast. It was wild - I screen tested and the
behind-the-scenes work is a lot of fun. It was a
privilege to be involved in a movie alongside Sam
Worthington, Vince Vaughan and Mel Gibson, just
hanging out with them and hearing their stories.
The big scene was a bit challenging for me with the
explosions, but I did have support with me on the day. It
could have created some issues with repressed memories,
however it was a risk that I wanted to take and an
opportunity I couldn’t pass. The scene had to be realistic
and I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be
involved in telling that story. Losing my legs made me
realise that I just needed to be comfortable with myself and I don’t need to hold
myself back - I have a good level of self-awareness.
4 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 5

WHAT SKILLS DID YOU LEARN IN THE MILITARY THAT YOU STILL USE
TODAY?
Networking – how to connect with people you don’t know and to build
relationships. The military teaches you that no one knows everything and that
everyone has something good to bring to the situation. You don’t have to be
perfect, but when it’s your turn to perform, you need to turn up and bring
something good.
HAVE YOU VISITED THE TOP END?
I have visited the Top End a few times, including short stays in
transit.
I’ve seen the crocodiles and Mindil Beach Markets, but I
loved the feel of the place. You don’t feel that way in
Cairns or Townsville, but it is completely different to
anywhere else and has such a unique atmosphere – I
really enjoy the Top End.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU?
Everyone has been really generous with their time
and sharing my story, so I’m helping to pull some
veterans together at the moment for the “Service”
exhibition at Victoria Barracks this April. This is a
great platform for veterans to share their stories
and it is being acquired by the AWM after the
exhibition.
Military service doesn’t necessarily mean fighting
on the front line, there are so many other
sacrifices associated with a career in defence
and I think it’s important to be proud of those
sacrifices.
www.damienthomlinson.com/
Interviewed by Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
The Top Ender Tri-Services Magazine wishes to
sincerely thank Damien Thomlinson and Closer
Talent for helping to arrange this exclusive
interview.
ANZAC DAY
COMMEMORATION EVENTS
DARWIN RSL SUB-BRANCH
05 30 AM - Public begin assembling at
Cenotaph
05 50 AM- Veterans form up at ANZAC
Walk at Bicentennial Park, the Esplanade
and March to seating in front of
Cenotaph
06 00 AM - Dawn Service commences at
The Cenotaph, The Esplanade
09 00 AM - Parade moves off from;
– Esplanade
– Along Knuckey St
– Right into Cavenagh St
– Dismiss at Bennett St/Civic Centre
area.
For further information contact Darwin RSL Sub-
Branch 8941 5848 or email sec@rsldarwin.org.au
Road closures will be in place on Tuesday 25 April for
the Dawn Service at Darwin Cenotaph.
The RSL have advised accessible parking will be
provided at the Darwin Oval Car Park and along the
Esplanade, to access this please drive to the corner of
Smith Street and Harry Chan Avenue/Esplanade (see
image below), traffic controllers will give access to
those with Disability Parking
Permits.
The public parking is available at
Westlane Carpark from 5.00am
25 APRIL 2024
The 25th of April marks the 109 th anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and
New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army
Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they soon took in
that name endures to this day.
The Ode
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.
Lest we forget.
PALMERSTON RSL SUB-BRANCH
06 00 AM - Dawn Service - Memorial Park
(Please arrive by 05 45 AM)
09 00 AM - ANZAC Day March
Palmerston CBD
Form up at 08 30AM near Anaconda store
KATHERINE TOWN COUNCIL
Gun Fire Breakfast
05 00 AM - Katherine Country Club
Dawn Service
06 00 AM - Katherine Cenotaph, Railway
Terrace
Community March
09 00 AM - Katherine Terrace
ADELAIDE RIVER WAR MEMORIAL
Dawn Service: 0530 - 0630
Traffic management in place on Memorial
Terrace from 4:30am until 7:00pm. This will
affect the flow of traffic into and out of the
War Graves.
HISTORY OF THE ODE
The Ode of Remembrance has been recited to
commemorate wartime service and sacrifice since
1921.
The Ode is the 4th stanza of the poem ‘For the Fallen’
by Laurence Binyon. The poem was first published in
British newspaper The Times in 1914. The poem later
appeared in many anthologies of war verse.
In 1919, Binyon’s poem was selected to accompany
the unveiling of the London Cenotaph and was
adopted as a memorial tradition by many
Commonwealth nations. The poem was read at the
laying of the Inauguration Stone at the Australian War
Memorial in 1929.
Source: anzacportal.dva.gov.au
6 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 7

WIN for
Mum
TERMS: Total prize pool of $513. Open to Top End based Defence members, veterans and their immediate families. Entrants
are permitted to apply for multiple prizes. Closes 6 May 2024. 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.
CRISTINA RE
WINE GLASSES ROSE CRYSTAL
$69.95 • pilbarahomewareandgiftshop.shop
BALA BAMBOO
MORTAR AND PESTLE
$ 29.95 • pilbarahomewareandgiftshop.shop
Mums come in all shapes and sizes! 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 your mum, grandmother, aunty, sister
or best friend, show them you care!
♥
♥
♥
Embella Jewellery Gift Pack
SHENails Pamper Package
$50 Voucher Pure Indulgence
Chocolates
TRUCKER CAP – KATHERINE OUTBACK
EXPERIENCE
$40.00 • katherineoutbackexperience.com.au
ART UMBRELLA -
CORAL SANDS
DRIFTWOOD ON
MINDIL ACRYLIC BLOCK
$65.00 • paularnold.com.au
PULI PULI DRINK BOTTLE
$30.00 • aboriginalbushtraders.com
PILOS DESIGNS
TROPICAL HOOP
EARRINGS
$25.00 • paularnold.com.au
$40.00 • tactilearts.org.au
Mother’s Day
G I F T G U I D E
Celebrate all types of mums on Sunday
12th May. Shop from our curated list of
gift ideas brought to you from veteran
businesses or local Top End vendors.
12 MAY
CECILY WILLIS
TURQUOISE
TEACUP
$35.00 • tactilearts.org.au
FRIDA – BLACK
COCKATOOS – JOCELYN
PROUST TOTE BAG
$125.00 • songlinesaustralia.com
LOUISE DENTON LARAPINTA
COFFEE TABLE BOOK
$65.00 • tactilearts.org.au
JUST YOU BEAUTY
SALON GIFT VOUCHER
$ Varies • justyoubeautysalon.com.au
LADIES SHIRT -
PINK DOLLY’S DREAM
MRV ECO SUNGLASSES -
BAMBOO GEOBAY - TIGER
$70.00 • katherineoutbackexperience.com.au
$90.00 • pilbarahomewareandgiftshop.shop
GODDESS
WRAP RING
$45.00 • embella.com.au
AMALFI SARONG
$39.00 • embella.com.au
MACADAMIA OIL HAND &
BODY LOTION 500ML
$44.50 • aboriginalbushtraders.com
WANDERING FOLK -
WOVEN THROW
$140.00 • paperandpen.com.au
COOL PICNIC BASKETS
$99.00 • threebirdscreative.au
90 MINUTE MASSAGE
$130.00 • therejuvenationhub.com.au
SAND FREE BEACH
TOWEL - OCTOPUS
$65.00 • threebirdscreative.au
FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
$ Varies • The Sweetest Things
Florist
PAUA SHELL SMALL
DROP EARRING
$49.00 • embella.com.au
TROPICAL LOW HANDMADE SOAP
$12.00 • paperandpen.com.au
MEERABOO SOY CANDLE
$49.95 • paperandpen.com.au
PILBARA & KATHERINE - FIND IN STORE TODAY:
DARWIN & PALMERSTON - FIND IN STORE TODAY:
West Shore Collective/Pilbara Homeware and Gift Shop
The Quarter, Shop 3/20 Sharpe Ave, Karratha
Just You Beauty Salon
The Quarter, Shop 4, Sharpe Ave, Karratha
Katherine Outback Experience
115 Collins Road, Uralla
The Rejuvenation Hub
Shed 6/10 Palmer St, Katherine East - By Appointment Only
Paper & Pen
Shop 58 Gateway Shopping Centre
Aboriginal Bush Traders
Shop 4, 19 The Mall, Smith Street
Embella Jewellery
Shop 7, Star Village Arcade, Smith Street
Tactile Arts
19 Conacher St, The Gardens
Paul Arnold
Shop 4/27 The Mall, Smith Street
Songlines Australia
55 Stuart Hwy, Stuart Park
Three Birds Creative
The Sweetest Things Florist
DISCLAIMER: Prices correct at time of printing. Prices and availability of stock is subject to change at any time. Please contact the
5/18 8 The Hedland Top Pl, Ender Karratha
| Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated unit 3 /17 First street, Katherine
APRIL/MAY 2024 9
individual businesses for more information.

Do small things with great love
www.ceont.catholic.edu.au
For more than 100 years we’ve had faith in their future.
Our Catholic schools have been educating students in towns and communities from
Katherine to Alice Springs, from the city of Darwin
to Humpty Doo.
Catholic Education in the Northern Territory
offers a network of schools, a network of learning
communities built on our Catholic values.
Though we are spread out across the Territory,
we are connected through our commitment to
deliver quality education, provide leadership that
will transform young minds and to model the
values of our Catholic faith.
A network of schools
that create a lifetime
of connections
After 33 years in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), specifically the
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Kelley began her medical transition
from the Defence Force in early 2023.
Kelley says her mental health was in a ‘particularly bad state’ as she began her
journey of transitioning out of the ADF.
“I had become very anxious, depressed and socially withdrawn. My RAAF
coordinator reached out and asked if I would be interested in taking part in the
Happy Paws Happy Hearts Intensive Program,” Kelley says.
Happy Paws Happy Hearts is a national not-for-profit organisation that offers inshelter
and online programs, purposefully designed to connect socially isolated
people and animals. The charity's unique twist on “animal therapy” is to deliver
this training at local rescue shelters and wildlife sanctuaries around Australia.
In Darwin, Happy Paws Happy Hearts partners with the RSPCA
Darwin to provide hands-on time to their rescue animals awaiting
adoption, while providing a safe space and community for
vulnerable people to come together and share a mutual love of
animals, while learning new skills and giving back in a meaningful
way.
At first, Kelley was hesitant to join the program, but after learning the
focus was on helping the shelter animals at the RSPCA Darwin
(rather than people-focused, as this felt overwhelming), she decided
to give it a go.
“At that point, I was only leaving my house to attend medical
appointments and for food shopping, and I knew I needed to do
something to break out of the rut and have something to really look
forward to,” Kelley says.
EARLY LEARNING | PRIMARY | SECONDARY | BOARDING
Our schools are places of opportunity for
students, teachers and families.
There’s a special spirit in our Catholic schools
that makes everyone feel welcome and a part of a
community – a place where you can belong.
Our School Locations
Enrolling in the In-Shelter Intensive Program at Happy Paws Happy
Hearts Darwin in June 2023, Kelley learnt to train rescue dogs while
building social connections and self-confidence.
The Intensive Program is designed for ADF personnel and
veterans, first responders, and injured workers living with trauma -
participants in this program have seen improvements in
psychological wellbeing, life management skills, and an increased
sense of connection with themselves, their families, and the
broader community.
“I was nervous going into the first session, but the small group
environment was really comfortable,” Kelley says.
“I left feeling happy and excited to go back.”
After 8 months in the program, Kelley is now looking to become a
volunteer with Happy Paws Happy Hearts. During her time in the
Intensive Program, she loved seeing the positive difference in a dog’s
behaviour by working with them over time and having this behaviour
improve, resulting in their adoption.
“Spending time with the dogs is therapy in and of itself and feeling
like you’re doing something for their welfare... even on rough days,
I’d leave every session with a big smile on my face,” Kelley says.
Specifically, Kelley remembers working with a beautiful dog who was
not coping with living in the shelter environment, and her fear
response was considered aggressive - barking, growling and cowering
in the back of her pen.
Photo: Happy Paws Happy Hearts © 2024
“She was such a sweetheart. It was amazing
to feel that you’ve connected with a dog in
that way.”
Kelley says completing the Intensive Program
was “such a positive and rewarding
experience”.
“I felt like a bit of a flight risk going into the
program, and I’m so glad, proud even, that I
stuck with it,” Kelley says.
“I think caring for someone or something
other than yourself gets you out of your
own head and thinking about others. Feeling
like you have something to contribute during
a time of such uncertainty and knowing that
you’re helping provide the best possible
adoption outcomes for the dogs, [is
amazing].”
For more information on Happy Paws Happy
Hearts Programs, please call 1300 077 984 or
visit www.hphhfoundation.org and speak to a
friendly team member.
A place of welcome & belonging
“[In sessions], we focused a lot on learning a dog’s body language and
getting a read on the dog when approaching them. Just by sitting with
her quietly for a few minutes at the enclosure fence, she slowly
warmed to me, to the point where she would take treats from my
hand, wag her tail and get as close to me as she could,” Kelley says.
Written by Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
10 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 11

WIN
WITH OUR 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!
WATERFRONT PASS
Darwin Waterfront Membership
Family Pass. Valued at $125.
HAIR CARE VOUCHER
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.
ENTER NOW AT
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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 2024. 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.
You Save
LOCALLY
OWNED AND
OPERATED
6 CENTS
PER LITRE
*Only available at FX Palmerston.
Must provide proof of Defence
connection to redeem offer (e.g.
Defence ID, APOD Card, DVA Card)
FX PALMERSTON
(08) 8932 8275
Corner Roystonea Avenue & Temple
Terrace, Palmerston NT Australia 0830
Open for fuel 24/7 FoodXpress Cafe &
Market Open 06:00 - 19:00 every day.
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(08) 8947 6733
46 Coonawarra Road,
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Open for fuel 24/7
To apply your discount redeem in-store or at the console using pumps 1 – 8, 15 & 16 only.
Other pumps are configured as unattended dispensers and cannot be activated by the
console operator. For more information, contact us at sales@fuelxpress.com.au
12 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 13

Written by Elina Jansan
Darwin Coordinator
Australian Military Wives Choir
AUSTRALIAN
MILITARY
WIVES CHOIR
The AMWChoir is a ‘no audition no experience required’ choir.
Celebrating shared experiences, the AMWChoir creates safe
spaces for women and girls to sing from their hearts and make
connections with others connected to Defence.
AMWChoir Darwin meets on the first, third, and fifth Thursdays of
the month, but there is no expectation to attend every rehearsal.
Our repertoire includes contemporary pop, older favourites, show
tunes, seasonal and ceremonial songs, and original choral pieces,
and is shared across all locations.
For further information visit AMWChoir.com or contact Elina via
email coordinator.darwin@AMWChoir.com
WHAT IS
AROUND SCHOOLS?
AroundSchools helps parents to research and
engage with the schools around their areas.
Search for your school on the website and find
sports, activities, clubs and parks around the school
area.
A LASTING
MEMORIAL
NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S MEMORIAL IN DARWIN
At 10am on Monday 22nd January 2024, members of the National Servicemen’s
Association Australia NT Incorporated (NSAANT), gathered with family and
friends at the Darwin Military Museum, East Point, Darwin for (probably) their
last formal gathering and for a special event. That ‘special event’ being the
official opening and dedication of a memorial pathway made of pavers inscribed
with the names of 63 National Servicemen from the Northern Territory.
The memorial pathway, a lasting memorial to those men who did their duty and served
their country with pride and honour, was laid within the grounds of the Darwin Military
Museum (DMM) at the request of the NSAANT. Initially, the pavers were to be laid
within an existing pathway along The Esplanade adjacent to the Cenotaph. However, after
two years of discussions and delayed decision making with various stakeholders, the
members of the NSAANT sought an alternate venue for the memorial.
It was suggested by NSAANT member Major Jim Wright, a former President and current
Life Member of the Royal Australian Artillery Association NT (RAAANT) that established,
owns and operates the DMM, that the RAAANT be approached with a proposal to
accommodate the memorial path. This was done by NSAANT Immediate Past Hon.
Treasurer”, Mr. Mike Lane, on 9 August 2023 by email to the current RAAANT President
and DMM Director. The proposal and request was forwarded immediately to the
RAAANT’s Management Committee (aka: the Board) with a request for an electronic vote.
Within 24-hours, the RAAANT Board had voted unanimously to support the project,
transport the pavers from the City of Darwin depot to East Point and to have the pavers
installed within the DMM. The pavers were laid, and the pathway completed within a
month of the request being received.
It was agreed between the NSAANT and the RAAANT Board to host a morning tea and
to unveil and dedicate the pathway on Monday 22nd January 2024. At precisely 10am that
day, the group was called to order (attention) by Mr. Mike Lane following which the
Director DMM gave a short talk on the somewhat controversial history of conscription/
National Service in Australia over the previous 120 years. Mr. Lane then addressed the
group, spoke of the history of the NSAANT, paid tribute to previous NSAANT Office
Bearers and general members and thanked the RAAANT for ‘coming to our rescue’ with
regard to a lasting memorial. Mr. Lane then called upon the NSAANT’s Patron Mr. John
Antictomatis AO, former Administrator of the NT and National Serviceman, who spoke
briefly about the Association, of being proud to have served our great nation and that we
should all be proud of Australia and of being Australians.
At the conclusion of the formalities, Mr. Lane recited the Ode of Remembrance and all in
attendance vowed ‘’We Will Remember Them’’. At a signal from Mr. Lane, former National Serviceman Corporal Bjorn
Christie-Johnston, the lead Piper of the Darwin and Districts Pipe and Drums, struck up the pipe-band and led the
group to the path in which the pavers had been placed.
Finally, the Territory’s National Servicemen had a lasting memorial to their service in the defence of our nation.
After the function, Corporal Christie-Johnston wrote to Mr. Lane and I saying;
“Thank you both so much for making today such a memorable occasion.
The attention to detail was commendable: welcome on arrival; tables, chairs, cool drinks, morning tea/coffee and refreshments;
under cover; speeches were spot on (informative and not too long); numbers and mix of VIPs, guests and families was perfect
for the occasion and the venue.
The short walk to the pavers along a delightful discovery track, with the Pipeband leading the way ensured a wonderful sense of
occasion and enjoyment as well as the ideal opportunity to capture the theme of the event on camera.
It was indeed an overall smooth transition from an era of yesterday-year to the dawning of a new day’’.
In reply, the RAAANT Board members say;
“It was our honour and pleasure!’’
https://www.aroundschools.com.au/
Written by Dr. Norman S. Cramp. ASM., MA, MIM., PhD.
Director
Darwin Military Museum
14 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 15

Defence Member and Family Support
Things are now certainly getting busy as people have settled into the new year. We have had fantastic
opportunities to be out meeting new and returned ADF members and their families, as well as Command
across the bases. DMFS NT have hosted the Welcome to the Top End and Welcome to Katherine & Tindal
expos. A big shout out to all those who supported and attended.
We understand that 2024 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 those absences and have a number of resources to share, plus programs to provide support in the event of
an emergency.
Welcome to Katherine & Tindal, Tindal
A big shout out to the RAAF Base Tindal Community, and
our Katherine and Darwin stall holders for making the
DMFS community connection and Welcome to Tindal
Expo such a success. With over 300 people through the
Tindal Gymnasium, and a very relaxing finale at the pool
with water slides as well as a sausage or two courtesy of
RAAF Welfare, a great time was had by all. Thank you to
our wonderful Family Liaison Officer Deb as well as the
Area Office team and all our volunteers.
Welcome to the Top End Expo, Darwin
On Saturday, 10 February 2024, DMFS Darwin hosted
the Welcome to the Top End Expo. There were 126
stalls of different services, sporting organisations, and
FSFP funded groups to help showcase what the Top End
has to offer ADF members and their families. There was
even a chance to get up close with some animals who
call the NT home. Over 1200 attendees had a chance
to understand a little more about the fantastic
community available to them here in the NT.
Skate n Glide – The coolest event in town
Both Darwin and Tindal families joined DMFS Darwin in
escaping the heat with a session of ice skating at Darwin
Ice Skating. People of all ages took to the ice to test out
their balance and skating skills. It was wonderful to see so
many familiar and new faces.
Photos: Skate Day Tindal © DMFS
Skate Day, Tindal
DMFS Tindal in collaboration with the local community
group Network Tindal hosted a family skate day for our
new and previous posted members and families in
Katherine and Tindal.
The skate day was a great way for our new families to
meet our local defence community, and gain insights of
a Tindal/Katherine posting with lots of tips and hints
shared. It was especially pleasing to see the children
making some great friendships by the end of the session
with one parent saying ‘Thanks for organising; Taylor
made some beautiful friends’.
The session was attended by families, single members
and couples, with lots of rockin’, and rollin’, and even
a few spills on the rink. We even had some very
talented skaters reliving their youth. Our non-skaters at
the beginning were really getting the hang of the roller
blades and skates by the end of the day.
Network Tindal provided a lovely lunch and snacks to
help everyone keep up their energy.
Photos: Welcome to the Top End Expo - Tindal © DMFS
Stay Connected
1800 624 608
memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au
defence.gov.au/members-families
DMFS_AusDefence
DMFS_AusDefence
DefenceMemberFamilySupport
dmfs-darwin.eventbrite.com.au
dmfs-tindal.eventbrite.com.au
Photos: Welcome to the Top End Expo - Darwin © DMFS
Written by Di Elson
NT Area Manager
Defence Member and Family Support
Photos: Skate n Glide Darwin © DMFS
Partner Employment Assistance Program
(PEAP):
Are you a partner looking to enhance your employability
and take charge of your professional journey? Designed to
provide tailored support and funding for eligible ADF
partners, PEAP is a game-changer when it comes to
unlocking career opportunities. To assist in your job
search journey, PEAP offers funding of up to $1,500 for
professional employment services. The choice is yours—
you can opt to utilise the Defence provider or select a
provider of your choice within Australia. If professional reregistration
fees are required by legislation to secure
employment in your chosen industry, PEAP can assist you
with the costs. Reimbursement for the full amount of
professional re-registration fees is available, provided you
can demonstrate that you held registration in the same or
similar industry in your former location.
https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/
partners-dependants/family-programs/partneremployment-assistance-program
Connecting with your
Local Community:
Your local DMFS team can connect you with
your local community and services. You will see
us at meet and greets and unit welcomes,
including at community groups: Network
Tindal, Robertson Barracks Family Group,
Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House and the
Top Ender Tri-Services Magazine.
Advice and Support:
Defence Member and Family Support are here
to help. Reach out to the Defence Member
and Family Helpline on 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 so be sure to bookmark our
URL and follow us on social media to keep upto-date
on planned events.
Mailing List:
Are you on the DMFS NT
e-News mailing list? You
can subscribe to our e-
News by scanning the
below QR code or visiting
our website.
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 APRIL/MAY 2024 17
so be sure to bookmark our URL and follow us on social media to keep up-to-date on planned events.

WOMEN IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR
VOLUNTEERING: AN ACT OF SERVICE
Photo: Four WRANS in the Medical Records Section
of the Flinders Naval Depot Hospital at HMAS
Cerberus, where records of all depot staff are
maintained. Identified seated is WR/1855 Assistant
Writer Norma Bernice Twyford. © AWM
On Anzac Day we pay our respect to all those who have served in
Australia’s armed forces during times of peace and war, and we
acknowledge the families and loved ones who support them. This
includes the growing number of women who have helped shape
the armed forces, and who continue to play a vital role in our
military today.
Since the turn of the twentieth century, Australia’s armed forces have always
adapted to meet the changing needs of our nation, people and societal
expectations. This is nowhere more apparent than in the changing role
women have played within the ranks of our service personnel.
During the Second World War, in the face of increasing labour shortages
and a need to free up more men for service on the frontline, the military
turned to women. At this stage in history, women were primarily seen as
wives, mothers and homemakers. Women had been unable to join the war
effort in the First World War in the same capacities as men, for various
reasons. In the Second World War, the military established auxiliary arms of
each service to strengthen the armed forces. This expanded the duties and
opportunities women could access.
Women could join the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS), the Australian Women’s Army Service
(AWAS) or the Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force (WAAAF). In these services, they occupied traditional male
roles like mechanics, as well as traditional female roles like nurses. Women’s service freed men from working in technical
and on-base roles, enabling them to redeploy to the frontline.
Beyond the auxiliary services, women made their marks in other ways. Nurses volunteered in war zones, providing care
and medical aid to thousands. Some 3,000 women signed up for the Australian Women's Land Army, producing food
and textile fibres to support the war effort. Women in civilian industries also took on crucial roles in munitions
factories assembling fuses, loading and packing ammunition, filling shells with explosives, welding, making parts for
bombers, tanks and vehicles and carrying out quality inspections. Every task helped bolster the war effort and maintained
vital supplies. Up to a third of women of working age would participate in paid work during WWII.
Of the one million Australians who served in the war, women made up almost 7%. But while their contributions
were crucial to the war effort, women often faced inequality - they typically only received a fraction of what men
were paid to perform the same duties. But no matter their rate of remuneration, many women during this time proudly
demonstrated they were more than capable of doing the job.
When the war ended, despite women’s proven ability to participate in the workforce, there was a growing pressure
on them to return to their homes and their traditional roles as wives and mothers. This was challenging and ‘what
lingered was a sense of accomplishment and service, which many women were reluctant to walk away from.’
There is no doubt the efforts of women in the Second World War left a lasting legacy, paving the way for greater
equality and opportunity within the ADF. Today, women serve in full time positions with the same pay as their male
counterparts. The most recent census in 2021 showed that of the 581,100 people who have served in the ADF, 20.6%
(17,500) of those currently serving are female. The ADF continues to strive for greater gender diversity and inclusion,
recognising the unique strengths and perspectives women bring to its ranks.
As we commemorate Anzac Day, it is a time to acknowledge the women who have served, and honour those who
continue to serve today, upholding the values of courage, resilience, and service that define our nation.
National Volunteer Week is just around the
corner, running from May 20 to 26.
This year’s theme ’Something for Everyone’, highlights the
diverse passions, talents, skills and experience that people
bring to volunteering; demonstrating there is a place and a
role for everyone in the volunteer world.
More than 5 million people volunteer across Australia
each year – many of them part of the veteran and exservice
community.
In fact, data recently released by the Australian Institute of
Health and Welfare, revealed that across the years’ 2021-
22, veterans were more likely to volunteer and were more
active members of clubs and/or associations compared to
Australians who’ve never served.
Volunteers are the people power and the driving force
If you’ve been considering volunteering,
here is one organisation you could support:
Kookaburra Kids Foundation –
Defence Kids Program
The Kookaburra Kids Foundation’s Defence
Kids Program is dedicated to supporting the
unique needs of young people from serving
and ex-serving families affected by mental
illness.
behind many causes, events and community activities.
The contribution of volunteers help create more active,
energetic and connected communities.
Volunteering isn’t just good for communities, it’s good for
volunteers too – there are many health and wellbeing
benefits on offer. Spending time with likeminded people is
a great way to build social connections and strengthen
your sense of belonging in the community. All of which
can help you combat stress, reduce loneliness and feelings
of depression.
Volunteering can also give you a sense of achievement
and purpose - contributing your time, skills and energy
to a cause and knowing what you do matters can result
in a boost to your self-esteem and confidence. If the
benefits of volunteering could be encapsulated in a pill,
GP’s everywhere would be prescribing it.
Funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the program provides
camps, activity days and age-appropriate mental health education
focusing on coping skills and resilience, while allowing young people
to bond with peers who are facing similar challenges.
Volunteers form an integral part of the Kookaburra Kids team, working
alongside staff to run camps and helping to create a safe environment
for young people to express themselves freely within a supportive
network.
The volunteer program provides an opportunity for people from
diverse backgrounds to participate in programs that are engaging, fun
and contribute towards the positive well-being of young people’s lives in
their community.
The program offers volunteers flexibility in how they would like to
volunteer.
Volunteers can:
• Engage with and support young people during activity days
• Co-facilitate during online chat sessions
• Volunteer for adventurous weekend camps
• Assist with fundraising events
• Assist with administration projects
For more information and to sign up as a volunteer, head to:
https://kookaburrakids.org.au/get-involved/volunteer/
Contact Department
of Veterans’ Affairs, NT
1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)
8:30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday
Written by Louise Ruhl
Acting Deputy Commissioner, NT
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Written by Siân Howell
Community Support Adviser (NT)
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
14 Winnellie Road, Winnellie 0820
18 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 19

C R E AT I V E C O M M U N I T Y S E R I E S
NORA HEYSEN
WAR ARTIST
Daughter of renowned landscape painter Hans
Heysen, Nora Heysen established her own
reputation as a distinguished portrait and still-life
painter, becoming the first woman to win the
Archibald Prize and to be appointed an Australian
official war artist during the Second World War.
NORA HEYSEN, AM (1911–2003)
The fourth child of Hans and Selma Heysen, Nora
Heysen inherited an interest in drawing and painting; in
her teens she studied at the School of Fine Arts in North
Adelaide. In 1933 she had her first solo exhibition in
Adelaide. The following year she went to London to
continue her studies and also travelled extensively
throughout Europe. Coming home in 1937, she soon
moved to Sydney and entered two portraits in the
Archibald Prize for portraiture, winning with a portrait of
Madame Elink Schuurman.
After the war, Heysen continued to paint, but
didn’t seek publicity. “I wasn’t a social bird ever,”
she later said. Her great pleasures were her home,
her cats, and her garden. She also travelled widely.
Heysen continued to exhibit in South Australia and
New South Wales throughout her career. She had
her first retrospective exhibition in 1984 at the
Old Clarendon Gallery, South Australia, followed
by others at the National Trust S.H. Ervin Gallery,
Sydney, in 1989, and the National Library of
Australia, Canberra, in 2000.
In 1993, she was awarded the Australia Council’s
Award for Achievement in the Arts.
More recently, her work featured in the travelling
exhibition Nora Heysen: Light and life held in
2009.
SHARE
YOUR
STORY
Photo: Accession Number: 073883. Captain Nora Heysen at a
Casualty Clearing Station, at Finschhafen, New Guinea. © AWM
Photo:Accession Number: 085073. Heysen in her Melbourne
studio finishing paintings begun in New Guinea for the official war
art scheme. © AWM
Photo: Accession Number: 062802. Captain Heysen, official war
artist, Military History Section, in Melbourne in 1944. © AWM
Once the war began, Heysen did some volunteer work.
Her chance for a greater contribution came in 1943
when she was appointed an official war artist. “I was
commissioned to depict the women’s war effort. I
was lent around to all the Services; the Air Force,
Navy and the Army, to depict the women working at
everything they did,” she recalled.
In April 1944, Heysen was presented with a wider
scope for her work when she went to New Guinea.
The working conditions there were difficult for an artist.
The troops may have found her unconventional, but
she was committed to her work. “If I was going to do
war subjects I wanted to be as near as I possibly could.”
She spent seven months in New Guinea and returned
to Australia suffering from dermatitis.
Back in Australia Heysen depicted the activities of the
Army medical units at Sydney Hospital. In May 1945
she went to Queensland to paint the work of the
RAAF nursing sisters serving on the medical
evacuation flights. Altogether, she completed over
170 works of art while an official artist. She also met
Captain Robert Black, a doctor, whom she later
married.
Photo: Nora Heysen is reacquainted with her painting Transport
driver at the Australian War Memorial’s Through women’s eyes
exhibition in 1994. © Art Gallery of New South Wales Archive
Photo: Portrait of Nora Heysen, August 1980, by Robert Walker
© Estate of Robert Walker. Source: Art Gallery of New South
Wales Archive
Extracted from Australian War
Memorial
https://www.awm.gov.au/visit/exhibitions/
fiftyaustralians/23 & https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.
au/collection/artists/heysen-nora/
At The Top Ender, we’ve
been featuring the stories of
Defence community
members for many years.
If you have a story to tell or
know someone who
deserves recognition through
an article in this publication,
please use the QR code to
enter an submission.
We’re also always on the
lookout for creative
businesses run by our
Defence community. Share
them with us to be featured
in the next edition.
20 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 21

ROBERTSON BARRACKS
FAMILY GROUP
The biggest highlight for Robertson Barracks
Family Group so far this year was attending the
DMFS hosted Welcome to the Top End event -
it was great to meet so many new members and
families in Darwin! Thank you to DMFS for
organising such an amazing event and we look
forward to returning next year.
We hope to welcome many new families to our
Family Group and defence community events
throughout 2024!
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
9 - 11 AM - COFFEE AND C ATCH UP
CENTRE CLOSED
9 - 10 AM - PT SESSION @ EDGE
CENTRE CLOSED
LARRAKEYAH
NEIGHBOURHOOD
HOUSE
2024 has had a crazy start for Larrakeyah
Neighbourhood House - wild weather
threatened to dampen our Australia Day
"Getting To Know You Event"! We had
loads of people securing a spot under the
marquee at Darwin Sailing Club with
amazing platters, games and prizes to be
won. The rain held off and the wind kept
temperatures low while carrying thongs
away.
Photo: (left) Coordinators from left to right, Top Ender Magazine:
Charlene & Kelly, RBFG: Sam & Erin, and LNH: Karen
OUTBACK APPLE
CRUMBLE RECIPE
Friday
C O N T A C T
Sam Maloney,
Centre Coordinator
www.rbfg.com.au
INGREDIENTS | 6 Servings
9 - 11 AM - PLAYGROUP
Our activities are back in full swing. As we
welcome new families, returning families,
and families returning to Darwin, it is
excellent to see friendships developing,
strengthening and rekindling. No matter
what stage in your life, there is something
for everyone.
We look forward to more fun events in the
coming months and building our supportive
and friendly community.
C O N T A C T
Karen Jerrett,
Centre Coordinator
www.larrakeyahhouse.com.au
J O I N U S O N F A C E B O O K
Keep up to date with our weekly program.
Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House
Community Group
Reading Between
the Wines Book Club
Supplied by QLD Govt
Healthier Queensland
https://www.healthier.qld.gov.au/food/
recipes/outback-apple-crumble/
• 2 wheatmeal cereal biscuits, crushed
• 1 cup wholemeal self-raising flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons monounsaturated margarine, melted
• 1 tablespoon reduced-fat milk
• 800g can unsweetened apples or stewed diced apples (drained)
METHOD | 5 mins Prep • 20 mins Cook
1. Preheat oven to 180ºC.
2. In a large bowl, mix wheat biscuits, flour, sugar and cinnamon.
3. Mix margarine and milk together and add to dry ingredients. Stir
to form crumbly texture.
4. Spread apple over the base of a greased baking dish.
5. Sprinkle crumble over the apple and bake for 20 minutes until
golden brown.
6. Allow to cool
AUSTRALIAN MADE WEEK
15 MAY - 21 MAY
Have you been buying overseas items that
could be purchased locally from Australia?
During Australian Made Week between 15 –
21st May, aim to buy items that are proudly
made in Australia. By supporting locally
owned businesses and suppliers we are
helping our Australian economy to stay
strong.
Written by Amanda Letcher
Community Contributor
The Top Ender Magazine
Here in the Top End, we have some clever people handmaking
and producing goods locally. The Top Ender can
recommend the markets or local businesses, keep your
eye on our feature articles, competitions and
adverts to find out about discounts and
great deals. We love to support local
businesses, see our defence business
directory or advertising options on
our website!
Where to buy Australian Made -
australianmade.com.au/products/
where-to-buy-australian-made/
Source: https://australianmade.com.au/licensee-news/australian-made-week-back-and-bigger-than-ever-in-2023/
22 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 23

THE PILBARA REGIMENT
FAMILY GROUP
C O N T A C T
Kylie Thompson,
Community Support Coordinator
sites.google.com/view/pilbara-regimentfamily-group/home
ANZAC BISCUIT RECIPE
Extracted from DVA
https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/sites/
default/files/docs/ad-kit-anzac-biscuits.
pdf
INGREDIENTS
Friendly faces are all there is to be found in the Pilbara!
2024 has gotten off to a great start, with wonderful
turnouts at all our welcome events. In collaboration with
The Pilbara Regiment, the Family Day at Dampier was
enjoyed by all, despite not heading out on the boats this
year. Instead, the SUPs, kayaks and jet ski with biscuit were
enjoyed on the water, and games of cricket, target golf and
Kubb were held on the lawn.
We have a fantastic couple of months planned ahead,
including a Thai Cooking Class, Dive-in Movie night and
Golf Day. PRFG is all about increasing our health and
wellbeing this year, with commencing our walking and hiking
groups, and hosting yoga classes in the months to come.
Our members are out and about rocking their new PRFG
fishing shirts! Perfect for the Pilbara sun and showing off
some of the beautiful settings to enjoy in our region.
As always, we invite our members to join our private
Facebook page to keep up-to-date with upcoming events.
Our website, https://sites.google.com/view/pilbara-regimentfamily-group/home,
is a great way for others to find out
more about the Pilbara.
• 2 tbsps butter or margarine
• 2 tbsps golden syrup
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda dissolved in 2 tbsps boiling water
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup plain flour
METHOD | 15 mins Prep • 20 mins Cook
1. Heat oven to 160°C.
2. Melt butter (or margarine) and syrup in a pot.
3. Add dissolved bicarbonate of soda and water.
4. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, add the liquid mixture and stir.
5. Place small balls of the mixture (about 1 tsp) onto a greased tray.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly brown.
7. Lift biscuits onto a cake cooling rack and wait for them to cool.
NETWORK TINDAL
Network Tindal is a not-for-profit organisation based
at RAAF Base Tindal. We are proud to organise
regular activities and groups that cater for a wide
range of needs, with one of our groups being the
Tindal Community Garden group.
The community garden was created as a place for people to
gather and do some gardening, teaching each other some
skills and providing a place to collectively grow some
vegetables that benefit the community. We don’t produce
much at all, just some chillies here and there, some tomatoes
and loofahs, which have been great to make some natural
sponges. A fun fact is that loofah can be used to make a curry
– who knew! We also use the garden to swap plants,
particularly around posting in/out time. We have an area
where people can leave their plants, swap plants out if they
have some plant pups free to good homes or people can
leave behind their unwanted plants for someone else to
take away. We recently harvested the biggest, sweet potato
that we have ever seen, if only the Katherine Show was
around the corner!
The garden is open to everyone, anytime they want to pop in.
The current plants that are thriving in the garden are an
avocado plant, runner beans, chilli plants, curry leaf tree,
pawpaw tree (miniature), a pineapple plant and much more.
We ask that anyone who takes any of the produce pulls some
weeds or offers a donation to the garden by way of a plant/
money.
To keep up community engagement for this year we are going
to organise regular working bees, to keep on top of the
weeds that want to make the garden their home too and to
make sure that any produce is collected and distributed.
Along with some tea/coffee and a kid’s craft activity with
some breakfast, we will hopefully see some new faces and
have a regular gardening group.
Hopefully we can get some competition worthy pumpkins
growing so we can enter them into the Katherine Show in July
– Happy Gardening Tindal!
April and May are the ideal months to start gardening
in the Top End.
With most vegetables favouring the drier months for seeding
or planting, it’s the perfect time to get your hands dirty!
Check out the Vegetable Sowing Calendar for Darwin and
Katherine regions from the Department of Regional
Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources:
https://industry.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/228090/
is4_vegetable_calendar_darwin_katherine_08.pdf
C O N T A C T
Sam Schultz,
Network Tindal Coordinator
VEGGIE SOWING REMINDER
Written by Sam McMillan
& Tash Kiem
Community Garden Coordinators
Network Tindal
@NetworkTindalBuddies on Facebook
24 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 25

COMMITTEE
NOTICEBOARD
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CONTRIBUTOR
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NT, family experiences, travel adventures
and more. If you have something you’d like
to share in the next edition of The Top Ender,
submit it today.
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Contact: Dan Tellam 0439 659 271 or email secretary@rsldarwin.org.au
JOIN THE DARWIN TEAM - LITTLE WONDERS
Contact: Nicole at www.littlewonders.com.au
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS - DRAGONFLY PLAY & LEARN
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Contact: enquire at info@growingmindsfdc.com.au
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are subject to change and may
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to the organisation directly for
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26 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 27

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
BEYOND SERVICE AWARDS FINALIST JAMIE CHANNON
PRINCES TRUST AUSTRALIA
Inspiring Australia's veteran community into self-employment
We are proud to work with veterans and Australian Defence Force families through our flagship Enterprise
Programme. Since 2015, we've supported Australia's Defence community to build the confidence, skills and
networks they need to safely explore, start and grow small businesses in the rapidly changing world of work.
Keeping it cool for customers is easy when armed with Army skills
Jamie Channon has successfully taken
ownership of an established Sydney
business and he credits the Australian
Army with giving him the skills needed to
transition from tradie to boss.
The 42-year-old is now the owner and director of
Cold-Rite Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, a
company with about 10 employees.
And in his spare time, he’s also a reservist infantry
sergeant posted to the 4th/3rd Battalion, Royal New
South Wales Regiment. Jamie joined the Australian
Army Reserve in 2001 while completing his
apprenticeship in refrigeration and air conditioning.
During his military service, Jamie has deployed to
Solomon Islands, Timor Leste and the Torres
Straight Area of Operations, along with domestic
operations for COVID and natural disasters. More
recently, Jamie also worked in protective security,
which is where entrepreneurial inspiration first struck.
“I was looking after high net worth people in the
eastern suburbs of Sydney, billionaires, that sort of
thing,” he said. “I got to observe these people and be
a fly on a wall for a lot of things, not high-level business
meetings or anything like that, but just how they
interacted and their behaviours.”
“That’s when I thought, this is something I want to do. I
didn't want to become a billionaire, it’s not worth it,
but I wanted my own business.”
Jamie said he already had the skills needed to run a
company thanks to his time in uniform.
“In business, people talk about SWOT analysis -
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats,” he
said. “In the Army, you do a very similar thing when
you're doing mission analysis, and you do a course of
action development, and you're doing your enemy
analysis as well.”
“To take the military skills that I was learning and then
re-jig them into civilian speak, wasn't really that difficult
a thing to do. If you can read a set of orders, if you can
write a set of orders, even as a private, then you're
ahead of a lot of people in the civilian world. By
default, you're pretty much a project manager.”
Jamie created his own company, Channon Solutions, in
2022 and bought out Cold-Rite Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning.
His customers range from hospitality venues, such as
RSLs, and large food distributors, where a freezer
room could be the size of a football field, through to
pharmaceutical companies who require rooms where
both temperature and humidity are controlled. He is
also looking at branching into specialised systems for
archives.
But Jamie considers that his biggest success since taking
over Cold-Rite has been transitioning the company
from paper invoicing to a digital platform.
“In 90 days, we went from paper to digital and now
the guys all have an iPad, they all use the digital
platform, photos get uploaded, and we've got QR
code asset tags we put on the equipment.”
“Each time they go work on the equipment, they tap
into (the QR code), which adds to the story of that
piece of equipment.” Jamie said this system meant the
complete history of a piece of equipment could be
passed to clients within minutes, making it easier for
them to budget for replacements or repairs.
“With a refrigeration company, anyone can fix a
fridge,” he said. “Our point of difference is the
information we collect and our ability to distribute that
information to our clients in an easy-to-read process
for them.”
Jamie said he was pleasantly shocked to be a finalist in
the New Mission Award of the Prince’s Trust Australia
Beyond Service Awards, proudly sponsored by SAAB
Australia.
“It’s pretty cool,” he said, no pun intended. “I see a
lot of people on LinkedIn that are in the veteran space
and they're doing amazing things with body armour,
drones and all this. So, I was pretty blown away.”
This story was written by Courtney Snowden,
freelance copywriter and current serving ADF
spouse, based in Queensland.
An initiative of the Prince’s Trust Australia
Enterprise programme, the Beyond Service
Awards are designed to celebrate the
entrepreneurial achievements of Australia’s veteran
and family business community.
The 2023 Beyond Service Awards are proudly
sponsored by Gold Sponsor Commonwealth Bank
of Australia, and Silver Sponsor Saab Australia.
For further information, contact Prince’s Trust
Australia via email at: media@princes-trust.org.au.
LAUNCH LAB
Every entrepreneurial journey starts with an idea — Launch Lab
gives you the tools you need to make your idea a reality while
connecting you with likeminded veterans and family members across
Australia.
Whatever stage on your journey, Launch Lab helps you figure out
the life you want and, if appropriate, safely build a business to suit it.
Along the way, we'll support you to build the skills and confidence
you need to prepare for, and respond to, the rapidly changing world
of work. If you end up deciding self-employment isn't right for you,
or you need a sea change, you've got some great tools in the
toolbox to help you take your next step.
If you have already started a business or a side hustle, we encourage
you to start your journey with us here. This programme is great for
carving out much-needed time to work on your business, with the
right foundations to support your business' growth.
WHAT IT WILL COVER
– Explore career opportunities and build a business to suit you
and your goals.
– Understand key trends in the Australian small business
landscape.
– Identifying business opportunities.
– Applying human-centered design tools to support sustainable
business development and growth.
– Build confidence to innovate in life and work. Engage with new
entrepreneurial networks and communities.
BUSINESS BASICS
Business Basics is a self-directed online
programme, designed to complement
our Launch Lab sessions for those who
are after flexible learning.
The Enterprise programme empowers
veterans, reservists, and Defence
families to build the skills, networks, and
confidence they need to explore and
start small businesses in Australia.
Business Basics is great for those
wishing to build their business with
limited time, other work, life or caring
responsibilities, and/or anyone unable
to join Launch Lab.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
– Understand the Australian small
business landscape
– Identify business opportunities
– Understand your market and
customers
– Experiment with your business
idea
– Communicate your business idea
effectively
– Present your business idea on a
page
– Grow your entrepreneurial
mindset
HOW IT WORKS
This is a self-directed online
programme through Open Learning.
For more information, check out:
https://www.princes-trust.org.au/
defence-members-and-their-families
Visit: www.princes-trust.org.au
28 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 29

BOMBING OF DARWIN
When war came to Darwin’s skies in
1942, a city’s fate rested in the hands of
a few hundred patriots. With nothing
but their arms to save the innocent from
terror raining down, their anti-aircraft
guns and rifles fired back at hundreds of
screeching Japanese aircraft strafing the
city and its civilians.
Two of the heroes who defended our
northern capital were Gunners Wilbert
Darkie Hudson and Leslie Gardner.
Gunner Hudson was in the shower
when the attack began. He grabbed his
tin hat, boots, and a towel, and ran for
his machine gun – he fired it leaning on
an oil drum but couldn’t get the height
required so Gunner Garner offered his
back and they successfully shot down a
Japanese fighter.
He lost the towel in the fight and a local
Gin distillery have used this image for the
label on their limited-edition Navy
Strength gin called ‘The Naked Gunner’.
Then there was nurse Margaret de
Mestre, who was on the hospital ship
Manunda when the bombs began to fall.
Margaret was hit, however she
continued helping to save the injured
before dying from her shrapnel wounds.
Monday 19 February marked 82 years
since the first time Australian blood
was spilt on home soil in the Second
World War.
As Labor Prime Minister John Curtin said
the day after the attack, “Darwin has been
bombed but not conquered”. The legacy of
that day still lives on in the hearts of proudly
unconquered Territorians.
The shockwave of the bombing rippled far
beyond this city, remaking modern Australia
in its wake.
As well as killing an estimated 236 people,
this first of over 100 air raids on our
homeland left an indelible mark on our
nation’s psyche, forcing us to take the
defence of Australia far more seriously.
Our highest priority must always be to deter
and defeat armed attack on our territory.
The bombing of Darwin reminds us of the
high costs of failure and of the need for
constant readiness.
‘As we stand here today, under a peaceful
sky,’ Assistant Defence Minister Matt
Thistlethwaite reflected at this year’s
commemoration, ‘it’s hard to reconcile the
beauty surrounding us with the horror that
unfolded here…The spirit of Darwin, and
of Australia, never truly faltered.’
Luke Gosling OAM MP is the federal
Member for Solomon and a former
Army officer.
VALE
FRED ‘FREDDIE’ CULLEN OAM
Written by Deb Herring
Committee Member
The Top Ender Magazine
Vale 118262 SGT Frederick Albert Cullen OAM, 4 th Field
Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. Passed away peacefully
22 nd February 2024, aged 102.
We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences for the peaceful
passing of Fred ‘Freddie’ Cullen OAM on the 22nd of
February, 2024. Freddie served in Papua New Guinea during
World War II and dedicated his life to improving the wellbeing
of veterans and their families through his long-term
involvement with the RSL in Victoria. We were honoured to
interview Freddie in our Aug/Sep 22
edition and to hear his amazing stories.
A brilliant man with an incredible life –
vale Fred Cullen OAM. UBIQUE.
Thank you for your service.
We will remember them ~ Lest we
forget.
VALE
CECIL ‘BOZ’ PARSONS
I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Cecil
Parsons, known universally as ‘Boz,’ who has died at the age of
105.
Boz was a bomber pilot in World War Two. He completed
25 missions over occupied Europe before arriving in Darwin
and flying raids against the Japanese in New Guinea and the
Dutch East Indies.
He was twice mentioned in dispatches and was awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross for being “a capable pilot, [who
had] shown ability to carry out any type of operational flying
coolly and skilfully”, and “special missions by night in
conjunction with the Australian Army”.
Speech by Luke Gosling MP
Parliament House, Canberra
Tuesday, 27 th February 2024
After the war, Boz joined Connellan Airways, delivering the
mail to remote Territory cattle stations, before becoming a
teacher in Victoria. He still had his pilot’s licence when he last
visited Darwin ten years ago.
He is survived by Barbara, his wife of nearly 77 years, a fellow
RAAF officer and World War Two veteran.
Vale Boz Parsons, an inspiration to me and so many
Australians in and out of uniform.
Lest we forget .
30 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 31

FATHER BEAR
For those who can remember growing up reading
hard copy children’s books (either at bedtime or
school), there was a feeling of joy and fantasy when
listening to various stories. Deeper down, reading
also helped us to develop our vocabulary, establish
literacy foundations, expand our concentration and
engage our imagination. So many pf these
childhood stories fuelled our dreams, influenced
our childlike games and shaped our relationship
with the world around us.
My favourite series of books
was the Berenstain Bears. The
Berenstain Bears series was a
cartoon rendition of five
bears living in a treehouse,
facing the normal human
challenges we all had to deal
with. The series kicked off in
1962 with the Big Honey
Hunt, followed by 400 other
titles and 290 million books
sold. The Berenstain team
(Stan and Jan Berenstain,
and later Mike following the passing of
his parents) must have known some literary secrets that
kept readers coming back. My enjoyment was listening to
the adventures of this family of bears (Dad – a bumbling,
well-meaning carpenter, Mum – the housewife and
perfectionist, and three children), which were so true to
life in so many ways.
My most favourite book in the series was; The Bike
Lesson. In this sixty-two-page classic, Father Bear attempts
to teach Small Bear how to ride a new bicycle. The bike is
proudly delivered by Father Bear, and the story follows
Father Bear insisting that before Small Bear can ride his
new bicycle, he must learn some bike safety skills. Sound
familiar? Yes! However, Dad's ability to teach the required
skills is marginal... As Father Bear states; first comes the
lesson, then the fun.
Training involves a serious of short lessons on how to get
on, how to stop, how to turn, how to ride through
puddles, how to ride on the correct side of the road and
how to ride down hills. As you can imagine, Father Bear
demonstrates what not to do and is eventually dinked
home on top of the bicycle handlebars, sporting the
injuries of his training session. Father Bear lives to see
another day and Small Bear has possibly been taught the
same way many of us had our first motorcycle learning
experience...
Not everyone can train well, as motorcycle training follows
a structured plan that doesn’t stop during a rider’s career.
No single person knows everything about riding
motorcycles safely and well in the road environment.
There are plenty of Father Bears who have well-meaning
advice, but it’s important to test the depth and knowledge
of your trainer before jumping on a motorcycle!
Let’s start by understanding that motorcycle riding
development has not remained stagnant for the last
seventy years - a new motorcycle has to be understood
in terms of how it works and what keeps it working.
A good training session will identify and discuss;
>> The physics and mechanics of motorcycle steering,
braking, handling and rider inputs.
>> How the motorcycle is maintained and checked
within the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s
intended maintenance plans.
>> How the motorcycle fits the rider with available
adjustments or adapted with accessories and parts to
make riding comfortable and efficient.
>> When to steer and how much to steer, and when to
smoothly change torso position and lock onto the
machine. To effectively corner and feel the machines
movements makes street riding both enjoyable and
stimulating.
>> Braking systems and the methods of brake
application, including ABS, CBS and braking system
feedback. Modern brakes and tyres are now so far
advanced compared with the systems used when
motorcycles were first developed, so it’s important
to practice braking before heading onto the road
with a new motorcycle.
The ability to trust the potential of modern brakes and
tyres, is something that needs to be learned and relearned
when machines are changed. Riders must learn
how to ride their machine well, including body weight and
steering inputs, various riding environments and any
potential risks. Without adequate steering skills, you can
run wide on a corner and either join the koala’s or met
the front grill of oncoming traffic!
The ability to ride and stop safely is vital for rider
survivability and much more important than the ability to
ride fast. Stopping a motorcycle and becoming familiar
with the brakes, for all types of manoeuvres and speeds, as
well as controlled steering and travelling at slow speed, will
take you one step closer to knowing a lot more than
Father Bear did in his story!
Ride Safe,
Written by GROM
Community Contributor
The Top Ender Magazine
WIN
Enjoy the ultimate motorsport experience with
your mates! Don’t miss a second of the action with a 3-
Day General Admission Hot Pass! We have 2 x Double passes
for two lucky winners and their mates to come and go
throughout the entire event weekend and enjoy the incredible
atmosphere at Hidden Valley.
INCLUSIONS
• Entry for the full betr Darwin Triple
Crown experience
• Friday and Saturday night Nitro Up
North Drag Racing
• Access to the Supercars Pit Paddock
• Access to multiple shaded and open
General Admission viewing areas
BONUS
• Free public transport to
and from the event
• Free public parking
ENTER NOW AT
THETOPENDERMAGAZINE.ORG.AU/WIN
TERMS: Total Prize Pool valued at $500 (4 tickets shared between two winners). Open to NT-Based Defence
members, veterans and their dependant family members aged 18 and up. Closes 7 June 2024. Enter online at
www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win and tell us what page number you found the matching checkered flag on
in this edition. Winner will be notified by email/phone and announced in the next edition of The Top Ender.
Winner will need to be available on the weekend of 14-16 June 2024 to attend this event.
Proudly donated by
32 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 33

REMEMBERING
MAITLAND MADGE
We remember Private Maitland Madge, (Service No. 3483)
15th Battalion
PTE Madge was one of the earliest award recipients based on his bravery
on the Western Front in WWI. Between 5 to 11 Aug 1916, Madge was
acting as a messenger between Company and Battalion headquarters
under continuous enemy artillery fire. Due to the battlefield conditions
and high casualty rate for messengers, PTE Madge was severely injured
and received the Military Medal while recovering in hospital on 1 Oct
1916.
He returned to the battlefield in Jan 1917 and was wounded again on 4
Jul 1918, however he remained on active duty and refused medical
treatment. Upon his return to Australia in 1919, he was released from
service in Far North Queensland where he worked as a Security Guard.
At the breakout of WW2, PTE Madge again volunteered to serve in
the Australian Army at the age of 45. He landed in Singapore in 1941
and was experiencing significant health complications when he was
captured as a Japanese POW in February 1942. He survived over two
years at the Changi Camp, then succumbed to his illness on 7 Jun 1944
as a prisoner of war.
Private Maitland Madge MM is buried at the Kranji War Cemetery,
Singapore.
Lest We Forget
Photo: NAA: B883, QX1836 This image of
Madge was taken at the time of his enlistment
in 1941.
Enjoy the Top End's cool
waterways and beaches, but
beware of real crocodile danger.
Stay vigilant in our shared natural
habitat.
Saltwater crocs are common and
protected. They are especially
active during wet season months
(November to May). The Parks
and Wildlife of the Northern
Territory have an active crocodile management
program, and you should only swim where marked
safe.
How to stay Croc Wise
• Report trapped crocs
• Maintain a 5-meter distance from water, even on
beaches.
• Be cautious when boating and fishing
• Avoid reaching into water
• Dispose of fishing waste properly
• Camp at least 50 meters from water
• Keep campsites clean.
Visit becrocwise.nt.gov.au for more safety tips.
Remember, you are in croc country and it’s
everyone’s responsibility to Be Crocwise.
Adapted from Be Croc Wise
becrocwise.nt.gov.au
YOU ARE IN
CROC COUNTRY
Crocodiles are found in all waterways
across Northern Australia
CROCS CAN KILL
Don’t risk your life
BECROCWISE.NT.GOV.AU
Adapted from State Library of QLD
https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/first-indigenous-australian-decoratedworld-war-one-private-maitland-madge-mm-bravery-field
FULL LIST OF INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN
MEDAL RECIPIENTS FROM WW1 TO 2021:
World War One Distinguished
Conduct Medal
Cpl Albert Knight DCM
Cpl Edward James Phillip DCM
LCpl Richard Norman Kirby DCM
Pte William A Irwin DCM
Belgium Croix de Guerre
Cpl Ewan Rose MM
Sgt Vivian Augustus Andrews MM
Cpl Augustus P Farmer MM
Cpl Harry Thorpe MM
LCpl William A Knight MM
LCpl Frederick Prentice MM
LCpl Hector Ernest Brooks MM
Pte William Reginald Rawlings MM
Pte John Pearce MM
Pte Raymond C Runga MM
Pte Maitland Madge MM
Pte Frederick J Briggs MM
Pte Augustus Davies MM
Charles Hearps MM
Jack Roy Johnson MM
John Ferguson MM
Mention In Dispatches
Cpl William J Jonas MID
Pte Frank Steward MID
Pte Garnet Eustace Wilson MID
World War Two Distinguished Flying
Cross
Flight Lieutenant Dave Valentine Paul
DFC
Military Medal
Cpl Timothy Hughes MM MBE
Cpl Inky Ferguson MM
Tpr Clive Upright MM
Distinguished Service Medal
Sister Marion Leanne Smith DSM
Korean War
Cpl Charles Mene MM
Albert "Barney" Clothier MID
Malayan Emergency
Mention In Dispatches
Sgt Cecil Anderson MID
Vietnam War US Bronze Star
WO1 Jim Geedrick - also recipient of
the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry
WO2 Clarence Upton OAM
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry
WO2 Christopher Leonard Douglas
Mention In Dispatches
WO Roy Mundine OAM MID
Photo: Maitland Madge Headstone, Kranji War
Cemetery.
Cpl Norman J Womal MID
Leading Seaman George Ralph MID
War In Afghanistan
US Army Commendation Medal
Captain Chloe Dray
Outstanding Military Services Order of
Australia Medal (Military Division)
Lieutenant Commander Bertram Slape
OAM
Matthew Charles Burke OAM
British Empire Medal (Military
Division)
Flight Sergeant Harold James Allie
BEM
Conspicuous Service Medal
Chief Petty Officer Ray Rosendale CSM
Petty Officer William McBride CSM
Clinical Services
Home Care Services
We understand the veterans community and the
support that is needed. As a DVA Approved provider,
there is no extra paperwork or cost to you!
Give us a call and we can help you with individualised,
client centered care plans through our network of
Veteran partners in the Northern Territory.
1300 064 430
harwellhomecare.com.au
admin@harwellhomecare.com.au
ABN: 75 654 358 246
HARWELL
HOME CARE
34 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 35

HARWELL
HOME CARE
HARWELL HOME CARE
(DARWIN) - ONE YEAR ON
In April 2023, Harwell Home Care broke ground in
Darwin with one Registered Nurse and one client;
a new era for DVA Community Nursing
commenced. Geya Mc Manus, a Registered Nurse
with 30 years nursing experience needed to learn
quickly how to navigate the world of DVA. She
says “Everyday I learn something new, each client
with their individual needs is the driving force
behind my learning”.
Harwell Home Care is still providing in home care
for their first Darwin client who is so grateful for
the care, compassion and laughter she receives
from her visiting nurses. One year on, Harwell
Home Care currently has 21 clients and 23
nursing staff and a full-time Clinical Leader in
Darwin. Nationally, Harwell support 88 clients and
82 nursing staff.
With the Head office based in Queensland,
modern day technology helps the company keep
on track with the day-to-day operations. With a
passionate and dynamic team, CEO Joseph Hardy
keeps everyone on their toes as the company
continues to grow. Harwell Home Care has clients
in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Tasmania,
Cairns, and Darwin. The company offers a unique
opportunity for their nursing staff as they can
continue working with Harwell and travel around
Australia. Darwin’s loss is Cairn’s gain as RN
Chelsea hits the road after 6 months of fabulous
service in Darwin heading to Cairns.
1300 064 430
harwellhomecare.com.au
admin@harwellhomecare.com.au
With regular visits from Joseph Hardy CEO and
Rebecca Ibbotson Head of Nursing, Darwin’s team
stays connected to the outside world. Joseph and
Rebecca grasp every opportunity to meet with
GP’s, Discharge Planners and veteran associations,
as well as getting to know the best coffee shops in
town.
One year on, Harwell Home Care
currently has 21 clients and 23
nursing staff and a full-time Clinical
Leader in Darwin.
As Harwell’s first-year Darwin anniversary
approaches, Rebecca Ibbotson plans her next visit,
which includes a social get together with the
nursing team as she knows the importance of
staying connected with those who are providing
the real care. Rebecca enjoys visiting clients in
Darwin hearing stories of Cyclone Tracy and life in
the tropics. Harwell Home Care looks forward to
the next 12 months of caring for veterans.
Lest we Forget
AGEING IN PLACE
How to help your ageing parents get support
at home
Watching your parents get older and start to have
difficulties caring for themselves is tough. While you
can’t stop the ageing process, there are things that
you can do to help your parents remain comfortable
and safe at home for as long as possible.
HOW TO HELP YOUR PARENTS TO ‘AGE
IN PLACE’
Samantha Geelan, a financial advisor specialising in
aged care recommends having an open and honest
conversation with your parents, sooner rather than
later, about what ageing in place ideally looks like for
them.
“While challenging, these conversations are
imperative to achieve the best outcomes,” she says.
Where possible, include all relevant family members
to ensure that everyone’s expectations align, and to
consider alternatives if they don’t.
Also important is Advance Care planning, which
involves discussing and preferably documenting the
medical care they wish to receive, Geelan says. She
advises encouraging your parent/s to speak with
their doctor, carer and other family members to
clarify their requirements. They will need to arrange
the necessary legal documentation, and appoint
people they trust to act on their behalf for their
financial, medical and accommodation requirements
if needed.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR HOME CARE
OPTIONS
Understanding what options are available gives your
parents the greatest opportunity of living out their
later years on their terms, Geelan says. There are
two ways of doing this. “Educate yourself and your
parents to give everyone a better opportunity of
understanding the complexities of the aged care
space. Or seek specialised advice and assistance
from an expert.” She recommends looking for an
expert who will work collaboratively with all
parties—including doctors, solicitor and family
members.
If you choose to do things yourself, the best place to start is
the My Aged Care website, which covers information about
home care eligibility, what packages are available, current
waiting times and how to register. Once your parents are
registered, a trained assessor can talk to them about their care
needs and whether they’re eligible to receive funded services.
A variety of home care packages are available, ranging from
level 1 (the lowest level of support) to level 4 (the highest
level). There is also support available if you are caring for
someone at home who is nearing the end of their life.
START PLANNING EARLY
The latest figures show that 127,748 people are waiting for their
appropriate level of care, and current wait times for most home
care packages is longer than 12 months, Geelan explains. “If
government-subsidised assistance is needed for your parents to
remain at home, having a comprehensive ageing-in-place
strategy can provide a sense of empowerment and control,” she
adds.
“A well-formulated and executed plan can result in an optimal
financial outcome, minimise aged care or home care fees, while
retaining or maximising Centrelink or Department of Veterans
Affairs entitlements.
“Conversely, delaying action could lead to unwanted outcomes
that can be difficult or impossible to undo,” she says.
Geelan advises you seek professional assistance from people
like your accountant, solicitor, doctor, accredited aged care
professionals and home care providers.
“Do your research, ask your family and friends for their
experiences with any relevant professionals, providers or
facilities that you’re considering before you commit. And make
sure your parents feel comfortable with the individual or team
they will be working with to create their Advance Care Plan.”
Early planning gives your parents the best chance of getting the
care they need, when they need it.
Extracted from Defence Health
https://www.defencehealth.com.au/Support/Health-HQ/
2023/November/How-to-help-your-ageing-parents-getsupport-at-hom
36 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 37

ADF DISTRICT ALLOWANCES
District allowance compensates for service in a location in Australia that involves hardship. The
hardship must be caused by remoteness, harsh climate and cost of living. Eligibility will be a minimum
21 days, starting the day you commence your duties or day of posting arrival, until 1 day prior to
leaving the location.
All postings in the Northern territory qualify for the ADF District Allowance, however not all locations
allowances are equal.
DIVISION 1:
4.4.8 GRADING OF LOCATIONS:
Remote locations are graded A, B, C, D and E
according to how difficult they are. Annex 4.4.A
contains a list of currently approved locations and
grades.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
ALICE SPRINGS
DARWIN
JABIRU
KATHERINE
NHULUNBUY
TENNANT CREEK
TINDAL
*Excerpt from Annex 4.4.A
Guidance:
Example: The member is performing duty at
Numbulwar, an isolated location in the Northern
Territory. Nearby locations from Annex 4.4.A in
the general area include Tindal and Jabiru. Tindal is
a grade D remote location. Jabiru is a grade E
remote location. The CDF considers the
conditions of living in Numbulwar and decides that
members performing duty there should receive the
same allowance rate as Tindal.
4.4.9 RATE OF ALLOWANCE
U N D E R S TA N D I N G PA C M A N
CHAPTER 4: PART 4 LOCATION ALLOWANCES
GRADE
We advise all members to check they are on the
correct pay rate; this can vary between $1,055 to
$17,225 depending on remote location, where you
reside at that location, and who you reside with.
C
B
E
D
E
E
D
DIVISION 2: MOVING TO AND
FROM LOCATION
4.4.12 ON LEAVE AND
RETURNING TO DUTY
A member who takes Long Service leave may
still receive payment, but only if they or one of
their resident family members continue to live
at the remote location where they were
receiving the allowance prior to taking the
leave.
For Recreation Leave, compassionate or carers
leave, absence from duty due to illness or
hospitalisation, and paid maternity/paternity
leave, the member will receive payment for the
entire duration of the leave, provided they
return to duty at a remote location at the end
of that period.
No allowance will be paid while on Leave
without Pay.
Guidance:
Example for table item 1: A member
receives ADF district allowance while posted
to Darwin. The member is then posted to
Sydney but the member's resident family
remain in Darwin. The member goes on long
service leave. The member continues to be
paid ADF district allowance while the
resident family remains in the remote
location.
Non-example for table item 1: A
member is posted to Darwin and receives
ADF district allowance for this location. The
member goes on long service leave and
travels to Townsville. The member ceases to
be eligible for ADF district allowance because
they left the remote location where they are
posted.
4.4.14 PRIMARY SERVICE
LOCATION CHANGES
FROM ONE REMOTE
LOCATION TO ANOTHER
The member is eligible for ADF
district allowance at the rate for the
previous primary service location
until the beginning of their period at
the new primary service location.
Please see PACMAN for further
information on exclusions.
However, if the member’s primary
service location changes from one
remote location to another remote
location and they have
unaccompanied resident family
because their resident family remain
in the first remote location the
member is eligible for ADF District
allowance at the rate that is the
greater of the following.
• The rate the member received
at the remote location that was
the member’s primary service
location before they were
posted.
• Or, the rate the member would
receive at the remote location
which is their new primary
service location if they were a
member who had accompanied
resident family at that that
location.
Guidance:
Example: A member is posted to
Townsville, and is then posted to
Darwin. The member remains on
the Townsville rate until the date
the Darwin posting takes effect.
This includes periods the member
may have spent in transit.
Written by Amanda
Letcher
Community Contributor
The Top Ender Magazine
4.4.15 Primary service location changes from a remote location
to non-remote location
To clarify, this section applies if a member meets both of the
following conditions - their primary service location changes from
a remote location to a non-remote location, and they have
unaccompanied resident family because their resident family
remain in the remote location. Please see PACMAN for further
information on exclusions.
The member is eligible for ADF district allowance for the period
their resident family stay at the remote location.
Current
MWOD
Member without Dependants
MWD
Member with Dependants
MWD(U)
Member with Dependants
(Unaccompanied)
MBR
Member
ARF
Accompanied
Resident Family
UNDERSTANDING TERMINOLOGY:
• Accompanied Resident Family (ARF), formerly known as
Member with Dependants
• Unaccompanied Resident Family (URF), formerly known as
Member with Dependants (Unaccompanied) MWD(u)
At the core, Resident Family is a member’s partner or
child(ren) who either:
• lives with the member (categorised as ARF)
• lives apart from the member due to service, compassionate,
work or study reasons (categorised as URF).
RESOURCES:
New
MBR
Member
ARF
Accompanied Resident Family
URF
Unaccompanied Resident Family
Chap4Div4 https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/pacman/
chapter-4/part-4https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/
pacman/chapter-4/part-4/div-1
Eligibility: Chapter 4, Part 4, Division 1
URF
Unaccompanied
Resident Family
Annex 4.4.A. https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/
pacman/chapter-4/part-4/annex-4-4-a https://payconditions.defence.gov.au/pacman/chapter-4/part-4/div-2
ADF Categorisation-Framework - https://pay-conditions.
defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-05/categorisationframework-2023-05-04.pdf
38 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 39

HAVING A FIESTA IN THE TOP END!
Over the school holidays, our NT Mini Mates came along to the Mates4Mates Veteran & Family
Wellbeing Centre in Darwin for a hands-on ‘Paint and Create’ activity, making beautiful pieces of art
depicting their very own fun and festive Mexican cactus. With lots of laughter and a colourful mess
left behind, this guided painting workshop was the perfect opportunity for parents to engage in
important time spent with their children. Mates4Mates offer a variety of family-friendly activities
throughout the year, particularly over the school holidays, so that veterans, partners and children
can connect with like-minded families in a safe and fun environment.
INTRODUCTION TO POTTERY WITH MATES.
Mates4Mates offer a range of arts and crafts activities, from introductory courses on watercolour
painting to learning how to use a pottery wheel to creating a beautiful new piece of art. Over the
new year, Northern Territory veterans and family members came together for a relaxing and
social day, learning how to create beautiful home decor in an introduction to pottery course.
Engaging in arts and craft can be highly beneficial for your mental wellbeing as it allows you to take
time out to do something you enjoy and focus on a moment of mindfulness to de-stress.
OPEN ARMS?
UPCOMING EVENTS IN DARWIN & KATHERINE
RELAXATION AND STRESS MANAGEMENT
DARWIN
Thursday 4 th April | 9am – 5pm
1 Day
MANAGING PAIN
DARWIN
Wednesday 8 th May | 9am – 5pm
2 Days
UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY
DARWIN
Wednesday 29 th May | 9am – 5pm
2 Days
BEATING THE BLUES
DARWIN
Wednesday 5 th June | 9am – 5pm
1 Day
RECOVERY FORM TRAUMA
DARWIN
Wednesday 19 th June | 9am – 5pm
2 Days
DOING ANGER DIFFERENTLY
KATHERINE
Wednesday 17 th April | 9am – 5pm
2 Days
RELAXATION AND STRESS MANAGEMENT
KATHERINE
Friday 2 nd May | 9am – 5pm
1 Day
SELF-HELP TOOLS
High Res SMART (Self-Management and Resilience
Training) treatment tools are designed to help
serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force
(ADF) members and their families manage stress
and build resilience.
SMART is a field-tested approach to enhancing
stress management skills and improving resilience.
Scan the QR Code to find self-help tools for
thoughts, emoons, behaviours and physical
reacon tools to relax and gain control.
MATES4MATES HEALTHY
RELATIONSHIPS PROGRAM.
Mates4Mates skills-based group programs are designed by our
clinicians to help support veterans and their families now and into
the future. The Mates4Mates Healthy Relationships Program,
running in May and October 2024, is an online introductory
psycho-educational program which has been developed by a
Mates4Mates social worker to raise awareness and explore the
various elements and behaviours within relationships. Delivered
over four sessions, this online group program explores and
encourages discussion around the differences between healthy and
unhealthy relationships and how to identify and recognise
elements of unhealthy or abusive relationships. Visit the
Mates4Mates website to read more about this program:
mates4mates.org
Images: Courtesy of Mates4Mates
CHECK OUT OUR
UPCOMING EVENTS.
Mates4Mates runs regular social connection activities across
Darwin, Palmerston and surrounding regions, which are free
for veterans and their families. A great opportunity to
connect with others in the community who understand
you, regular activities include weekly walks, breakfasts,
aqua fitness sessions, craft workshops, school holiday
activities, and more.
Visit the Mates4Mates website to check out what’s on offer:
mates4mates.org/events
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, reach out to the
Mates4Mates Northern Territory team. To find out more, call 1300 4 MATES (62 837) or visit
the team at the Mates4Mates Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre located at 39 Stuart Highway,
Stuart Park (enter via Ramirez Road).
Information is correct as of 23 February 2024
40 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 41

ADF Chaplains in the NT
Navy On-call: 0409 662 823
CHAPLAIN’S CHAT
HEADING INTO THE DRY SEASON.
Congratulations families - you have almost made it through
the wet season and will soon be enjoying the cooler
weather!
This also means ADF exercises will be increasing. For some families,
this can be daunting. Please remember, you are not alone and there
are local support services - please refer to the directory in the back
of this magazine.
Major Exercise Diamond Storm will commence on 30 May and
will see over 1,400 Defence personnel deployed to the NT from
across Australia and America. Over 60 aircraft will take to the
skies from RAAF bases Darwin, Tindal, Timber Creek, Douglas Daly
Region and the Delamere Air Weapons Range. With flight times
varying across the exercise, you may wish to consider white noise
for any family members whose sleep may be disturbed by the jets.
If you live in the Katherine region, it is important to track watering
times during the week/weekend. You can find out more on the
Power and Water website.
This April, we will be celebrating Anzac Day and this can look
different to different families. With discussions around appropriate
language and activities making the media, our team believe that
veterans and families should be welcome to commemorate and
celebrate in a way that feels meaningful to them.
If Anzac Day brings up distressing emotions for you or a loved one,
please remember to reach out to any of the professional support
services listed in the directory section.
Contact Defence Families of Australia
Get in touch with us:
Written by Samantha Cooper
National Delegate Northern Territory and Kimberley
Defence Families of Australia
DefenceFamiliesofAustralia
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 how DFA
can assist you, go to https://dfa.org.
au
@DefenceFamilies 0418 807 549
View our
Advocacy
Map by
scanning the
QR Code
If you would like to share your own
Defence family experience which you
believe can be improved by a change in
policy, please don’t hesitate to reach out
to me on the details listed below.
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
Karen Haynes RAAF Darwin
Baptist
0408 765 660
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
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.
Many families, many people suffer from “The Five Minute
Syndrome”. It’s usually the Kids playing a computer game,
hanging with friends, not wanting to leave the birthday
party - “Can I stay just five more minutes.” And then five
minutes later, “Can I stay just five more minutes…”
As an adult we can often play a similar game. Just one
more DRINK. One more row of CADBURY fruit and nut.
One more SET OF GOLF CLUBS or one more PAIR OF
SHOES. One more swipe of the CREDIT CARD.
And here's where the mathematics begins to fall apart.
One more rarely adds anything. In fact, it’s worse. It
usually subtracts. Not always, but often, there’s a price to
pay for “one more”.
Whether it's meeting a curfew, sticking to a
commitment, driving or spending money, our natural
inclination is to live as close to the line as possible. It's
human nature to snuggle up close to THE EDGE OF
IRRESPONSIBILITY and stay there as long as possible. It's
human nature to try to get away with as much as possible
without getting in trouble, without being embarrassed,
expelled, fired, addicted or kicked out.
The CRAZY thing is we often recognise this behaviour in
others when we put on the ‘Parent Hat’ or the ‘Brother
or Sister Hat’. We see it IMMEDIATELY when someone
we love starts to SNUGGLE UP TO The EDGE of
COMPROMISE. We often react because we can SEE
where they're headed. We can see FOOLISHNESS in the
decisions of others but not in our own.
A really good Bible verse found in Proverbs 22:33 “The
prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep
going and pay the penalty.”
Prudent people are wise people. They see the danger
ahead. They know that one thing often leads to another
and they make decisions accordingly. The unwise, the
immature, the naïve see the danger ahead but often think
they are superhuman, smarter than everyone else, won’t
get caught and they keep going. What happens? They
(we) so often pay the penalty.
The maturity question is “What is the wise thing to do?”
The option you're considering; it may be legal, it may be
acceptable, it may be permissible, it may not be wrong,
but is it wise?
When facing major decisions, it is great to ask yourself:
In light of my past experience, my current circumstances
and my future hopes and dreams. What is the wise thing
for me to do?
Written by CHAP Shaun Foster
Australian Christian Churches
Patrol Boat Chaplain
@defence_families_
Defence Families
42 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated nt@dfa.org.au
of_australia
APRIL/MAY 2024 43
of Australia

Tips and Tricks of
Tip Two
LITCHFIELD
When you first get to Darwin
you think, with all good
intentions, that you are going
to make the most of the
waterfalls and national parks
whilst you are here, as
everyone is only here for a
short time... right ?
Well, that's certainly what I
thought when I arrived back in
the Territory after having some
time away. But, the reality is, dry
season hits and the tourists arrive.
The dream of having the
beautiful falls and pools to
yourself is gone, and you are
suddenly shoulder to shoulder
with nomads and kids thrashing
around with pool noodles as if
they are in a 90's rave!
Finding a spot at Buley Rockhole is
next to impossible without sharing it
with backpackers and their boom
NATIONAL PARK
Tip One
Planning is key - decide on the
falls you want to see before
making it everyone else’s choice
on the road. You will waste
much needed time stopping
somewhere you either can’t
swim at or doesn’t interest you.
Set off early - from Darwin, aim for a 7.00am departure.
There is only one cafe out at Litchfield and it’s very
expensive, so this leaves enough time to stop, get fuel
and any other last-minute needs from the service station.
boxes and cartons of tinnies...
And, carrying your entire backyard
and your cooked chook for your
picnic at Florence Falls is not an
option because of the stairs, so
you risk everything over heating in
the car whilst you race down to
say you have been. Sound familiar?
So, I have a question for you. Did
you really have a good time, or do
you now just do it because you
need to be a good host for your
interstate family coming to visit?
Let me tell you three tips and
tricks of Litchfield which I have
learnt over the years of being in
this wonderful Territory of ours.
Tip Three
Pack your pool noodles, picnic, drinks and
sunscreen and head out towards Berry Springs.
Yes, that’s right, Berry Springs! We are going to
do Litchfield National Park in reverse. This is my
top tip for Litchfield! You see, all of the tourists
and tour groups in big buses head out from
Darwin at around 7.15am after their hotel pickups.
They then head towards Litchfield via
Bachelor. Why wouldn’t they? That’s what
Google Maps tells you to do. All the travel blogs
also say to go via Bachelor and enjoy the
Butterfly Farm.
Some more detailed blogs go on
and talk about the Finnis River,
however, they are not currently
up to date and state that the
road to Finnis River is unsealed. I
have an update for you… the
road has now been sealed and is
called Litchfield Park Road! Turn
right onto Cox Peninsula Road
and head towards Berry Springs,
then take a left onto Litchfield
Park Road. You will cut out 40
minutes from your journey and
voilà! You’ve started Litchfield in
reverse!
The first falls you will come to
will be Cascades. The Cascades
is at the 'end' of Litchfield Park,
they are usually missed as it’s
another 10 minutes on from
Wangi Falls. Trust me, tour
groups usually chase the
afternoon sun and DO NOT
want to drive back to Darwin in
the dark with the wildlife on the
roads.
Cascades consists of two falls.
Turn left at the information sign
and walk to the ‘lower’ falls, or
turn right at the information sign
and walk to the ‘upper’ falls. The
lower falls has you walking over
streams and rocks with a
stunning plunge pool at the end,
deep enough to jump off the
rocks. The rocks are also flat
enough to have your picnic and
set up camp for a couple of
hours to enjoy the morning sun.
You can continue to climb up
the waterfall to get to the upper
falls. I wished someone had told
me this when I was given the
option in which way I went! The
upper falls consist of rock pools
which cascade into one another
- I guess that's how they got their
name.
The walk to the upper falls is
around 3km. I would only
recommend this walk if you are
fit and get enjoyment out of
exercise. For me, it felt like I had
been planted on Mt Everest and
I was trying to get to base camp
before sundown.
Walking the loop and ending it
with a refreshing swim amidst
Mother Nature's beauty is the perfect
way to enjoy Litchfield National Park. You
do need good walking shoes or you will
end up holding your thongs and doing it
all barefoot.
The next falls you will see is Wangi Falls.
Wangi is spectacular to visit during the
wet season and a great swimming spot
when it is open. Wangi has been closed
for swimming for various reasons over
the last couple of years, but make sure
you pull in as it is a great photo
opportunity.
Next is Tolmer Falls. No swimming is
allowed. Tolmer has a viewing platform
only.
Following on from there you will be
making your way to the next swimming
hole where you can unpack for a couple
of hours…Buley Rockhole! If you are in a
4WD, keep an eye out for a signpost
which is a 4WD track for 'The Lost
City' which is in-between Tolmer and
Buley. You will drive 10km into bushland
and reach impressive rock formations
which look like ancient city ruins.
Buley Rockhole is a place of relaxation
for the entire family, consisting of
several shallow and deep rocky pools
that are all an easy walk from the
carpark. Depending on how much time
you spent at the viewing platforms earlier
in your Litchfield journey, it should be just
before lunch that you arrive at Buley.
Other travellers will be moving onto their
lunch spot further along the track, so you
can pitch up and pick your favourite Buley
pool to enjoy for a couple of hours in
relative peace before making your way to
Florence Falls.
Florence Falls is always busy! Battle the
stairs and enjoy a satisfying dip at the end!
Making your way out of the park will
send you via Bachelor on the way home
- you can visit the Cultural Centre or
Butterfly Farm which is also a petting
zoo, great for young children. The
Butterfly Farm also has accommodation if
you were wanting to make your Litchfield
day tour into a weekend escape.
Enjoy exploring the Territory as a local!
Written by Bethanie Parsons
Community Contributor
MTA Darwin
44 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 45

REPORTING CRIME
For non-urgent Police assistance contact
the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, you
can remain anonymous.
The Police Assistance Line is a 24-hour reporting
tool for any crime or suspicious activity.
You can use the NT Police Online Reporting Tool
to make a non-emergency Police report.
To report a crime or suspicious activity anonymously
contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use
their Online Reporting Tool - https://pfes.nt.gov.au/
form/report-online
The online report tool should only be used if it is a
non-emergency such as;
– Vehicle incident
– Lost or stolen property
– Unlawful entry or break-in
In an emergency situation where you need
immediate Police assistance contact Triple Zero
(000.) You should still call Triple Zero (000)
immediately if the incident is life-threatening, needs
immediate police attendance, a crime is happening
now, or an offender is (or may be) still in the area.
Extracted from Neighbourhood Watch NT
https://www.nhwnt.org.au/reportingcrime
TIPS FOR LEAVING YOUR HOME SECURE
WHILE YOU ARE AWAY
TALK TO A TRUSTED NEIGHBOUR
Ask your neighbours nicely to take out and
bring in your rubbish bins and collect your mail.
Let them know your phone number, where
you'll be and when you'll be home so they can
contact you if anything were to happen to your
property. And maybe give them a little
something for their help.
BE MINDFUL OF BROADCASTING
YOUR HOLIDAY
With the age of social networking firmly upon
us, it's all too easy to forget that whilst we
believe we're connecting only with friends and
trusted souls, much of what we say is public,
searchable and ripe for people to take
advantage of.
Don't tell everyone on Facebook that you're
going on holidays in two days time, and don't
tweet about it either. If your home is
unattended while you're away, save the updates
and photos for after you're back.
LOOK AS IF YOU ARE HOME
Have some lights on timer switches so they automatically
come on for a period in the evenings. You could also put
a timer switch on the TV or a radio so there's some
noise and light. Leave a car in the driveway or secure
vehicles in your garage, or ask a neighbour to park in
your driveway every now and then. It could also be
beneficial to ask a friend to house sit for the odd night.
And hang some washing on the line (old towels will do!)
- it looks like you're still home.
CHECK YOUR CONTENTS INSURANCE
Long before you head off, make sure your home and
contents insurance is up to date and you have a copy of
the policy details easy to hand.
The last thing you want is to have a break in and find
you've let the insurance slip because you missed the last
payment. Sort it before you leave.
Adapted from from realestate.com.au
https://www.realestate.com.au/advice/8-tips-forsecuring-your-home-while-youre-on-holiday/
The dry season is an amazing time to travel and explore the NT, but it’s
important to keep your home secure while you are away! No one wants
to come home to find that someone has entered their home unlawfully.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for time away:
LOCK EVERYTHING!
Ensure the back and side gate are locked. Obviously make
sure all doors and windows are locked as well!
Set your alarm if you have one or consider getting a
dummy alarm - they come with stickers for windows to
ensure high visibility to 'visitors'.
Bring your spare set of keys inside or take them with you.
Set sensor lights. Remove ladders and gardening tools -
anything that might assist a burglar breaking into your home.
Take valuables with you if possible or lock them in a bolted
down safety box.
HOLD YOUR MAIL
If you're away for an extended period of time you might
also want to have the post office hold your mail.
CANCEL DELIVERIES
Don't forget to cancel your newspaper
or subscription delivery (ie; produce
boxes). It may be a good idea to organise
a gardener if you are away for some
time, so it looks like someone is keeping
the garden tidy and removing palm
fronds etc.
INSTALL CAMERAS
It is a great idea to install DIY security
cameras around your property, which
can be linked to your phone through
Bluetooth and set up to alert you to
movement. Footage can also be helpful
in the event of an incident, and you can
provide information to assist with any
investigations.
46 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 47

9 REASONS
WHY KIDS QUIT
SPORT
COMPETITIVE
SPORT FOR KIDS
1
3
5
7
1
It’s not fun
anymore
2
They are afraid to
make mistakes
4
Too much emphasis
on winning
6
No longer interested
in the sport
8
A+
Pressure to
perform
Not enough
playing time
It’s too
competitive
They have lost
ownership of
the experience
IS COMPETITIVE SPORT GOOD FOR KIDS?
Should you sign up your little tacker in a local sports
team? Should you encourage competitive sport at all?
There are arguments for and against kids competing in
competitive sport.
Sport offers invaluable life lessons in handling defeat, working
under pressure, self-discipline, and learning how to handle
positive and negative emotions.
Teacher and coach, Vince Massara, says competition fosters
resilience.
“Children learn vital resilience strategies through all aspects of
competition. They also learn how to work in groups, and as a
teacher, I have found that students who regularly compete in
sport are used to setting goals, recovering from setbacks, and
taking feedback.”
Self-proclaimed entrepreneur and founder of several health and
fitness businesses, Travis Jones, says competitive sport was
critical to his own success.
“In my opinion, so much of how I approach life and business
was formed from competitive sport. The importance of
supporting a team, leadership skills, learning to lose and good
sportsmanship comes from sport. You understand what it takes
to win, gain confidence, and build a ‘never give up’ attitude.”
The life skills that little ones can develop through sport are
enhanced due in part to the social element of organised team
sport.
We know physical activity improves mood and helps keep us fit
and healthy—which is great for our overall wellbeing. Sport also
promotes the growth of healthy bones and muscles.
Encouraging positive participation in sport is
important if you also consider that nine out of 10
teenagers in Australia are not meeting Australian
Physical Activity Guidelines.
So why wouldn’t we let out kids run amok on the
field?
Some people say that young children shouldn’t play
competitive sport.
“Very young children should be having fun and
developing basic motor skills playing unorganised
sport,” says Associate Professor Rochelle Eime, lead
author of a study of 14,000 girls in sport. The study
found that of the girls who began sport at ages four
or five, 60 per cent dropped out within four years.
But of those who started sport later, only 30 per cent
didn’t continue.
Starting kids too early and pushing them too hard is
a formula for failure and takes the enjoyment out of
the game.
Jones says on the point of kids being overworked and
becoming overly-competitive, “I don’t think the
sports do that, the parents or coaches do that. Kids
can’t feel overworked, unless they are being pushed.”
Practice, practice, practice
Smarter practice and training is better than more
practice and training. Making practice fun and full of
variety is actually going to better develop your
child’s skills.
Prioritising fun and safety in competitive sports for
kids is going to help ensure they remain engaged in
the game, creating a more productive and
enjoyable environment for them to learn and play.
And finally, make the goal ‘personal best’ rather
than ‘winning’ - it’s a much healthier and
productive mindset for young competitors.
9
Pressure from
parents and coach
Adapted from Play by the Rules
www.playbytherules.net.au
Extracted from Defence
Health
https://www.defencehealth.com.au/Support/
Health-HQ/2023/November/Is-competitivesport-good-for-kids
48 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 49

Benefits
THE
Gardening
OF
With the dry season upon us, it’s a great time to get outdoors and into the garden for
some botanical therapy - getting your hands dirty can be a pretty rewarding thing to do.
Not only do you get fresh, wholesome fruit and veggies for your whole family, but
you’ll also get a regular physical and mental boost. You can even build relationships that
support positive community health if you join or start a community garden.
Here’s what gardening can do for you:
A STRONGER BODY
f Healthy food means a healthy you –
studies show gardeners and their
children eat healthier diets than nongardeners.
f Gardening gives you regular physical
activity – improving endurance,
strength, mobility and flexibility.
And you’ll enjoy it so much, you
won’t even realise it’s a workout.
A STRONGER MIND
f Nature’s stress relief – Spending time in green
spaces can help reduce stress and increase your
sense of wellness.
f Find direction in the dirt –
Gardening gives you a sense of
purpose and drive to achieve an
end goal. In community gardens
this becomes a shared
experience.
f Skills for life – Learn
about horticulture and
sustainable environmental
practices.
For the kids
Gardening is also
great for kids – not
only will they get
outside and learn
about fruit and
vegetables, responsibility and nutrition,
they’ll love the thrill of eating and tasting
food they’ve helped to grow. There are
plenty of ways to get the kids involved, like
planting and watering, worm farms, weeding,
insect hunting, making pots and cooking up
the produce. Depending on their age, try
giving them their own patch to look after. It’s
a great way to spend more time together and
teach them about nature, food and
responsibility.
There are also more and more opportunities
for the kids to discover gardening at
kindergarten and school with
loads of educational
resources on the topic!
Just look online for ‘kids
gardening’ for more tips
and ideas.
Check out these tips and hints for success in the garden:
Pick the right
plants
Be smart about what you put in your
garden and choose plants that suit the
local climate and environment. Saline, dry or wet
conditions might affect what you can grow – so do
your research to avoid withered corn stalks and
rotten potatoes. Speak to your local garden centre
about seasonal planting.
Companion
planting
This is a method of grouping certain plants together
to promote healthy plant growth. The benefits can
range from attracting just the right insects, to
repelling predators, or simply providing shade and
cover. Find more information about companion
planting online or through your local gardening
centre.
Think outside the
planting box
Cucumbers are cool, but taking a step outside
‘traditional’ fruit and veg is cooler. Use your garden
to connect to other food cultures – try fruits and
vegetables from Indian or Asian cuisines or try your
hand at bush tucker.
Make it beautiful
Don’t forget that your garden gives
you more than a tasty feed. It should
be a feel-good zone for the senses.
Think about how you can create a feast
of sights, sounds, smells and tactile
experiences for a richer, more relaxing
experience. For those who are living in a
rental property, you can still create a beautiful
garden with pot plants!
Make
maintenance easy
Smart design can minimise ongoing
maintenance issues. Start your
garden small and don’t over invest
too soon. Maybe test your green
thumb with a few pots to begin
with, or if you are more ambitious be
sure to use low maintenance and recycled
building materials where possible.
Have fun!
Setting up a garden should be fun,
but if the going gets tough, it pays to
remember why you started your project to
begin with and find ways to enjoy the bumpier
parts of the journey. Celebrate achievements in
the garden, share your produce with friends and
just relax in the beautiful space you have created.
Grow to give
What happens when a bumper
harvest gives you more
pumpkin than you know
what to do with? Consider
getting in touch with a local food sharing project or
donating it to other community groups or locals in
need. Check out the local harvest website: https://
www.localharvest.org.au/
Enjoy your own garden this dry season and see
what you can grow!
Extracted from QLD Health
https://www.healthier.qld.gov.au/guide/hints-and-tips/ &
https://www.healthier.qld.gov.au/guide/health-benefits-ofgardening/
50 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 51

ALL PETS
PROTECT YOUR POOCH AGAINST PARVO!
The wet season has well and truly arrived in Darwin!
Along with the increase in humidity and rain, we’ve also
unfortunately seen an increase in the number of cases of
Parvovirus coming through the clinic.
WHAT IS PARVOVIRUS?
What are the
symptoms of
PARVOVIRUS
Parvovirus (or Parvo) is a highly infectious virus that attacks the
intestinal tract, and, in many cases, is fatal. The common early
signs being lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea.
HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
Parvo is mainly transmitted through the faeces or vomit of
infected puppies and dogs, but the virus can last in the
environment for many years, making it easy for any
unvaccinated pups and dogs to become infected, even if just out
on a walk.
Fever
Loss of
Appetite
HOW CAN WE PREVENT IT?
Vaccinate! It’s important to vaccinate your puppy and wait until
they are fully vaccinated before going for walks. Dogs require
annual vaccinations for the duration of their life to ensure they
stay protected.
Vomiting
WHO IS AT RISK?
Although any unvaccinated canine can get Parvovirus,
we most commonly see it in young puppies that have
not had the chance to be fully vaccinated yet, and still
have not fully developed their immune systems.
CAN YOU TREAT IT?
Lethargy
Diarrhoea
Parvovirus is very tough for those infected, especially in
the very young, and unfortunately not all will survive
even with treatment.
There is no cure for Parvo, but supportive care is given
to reduce the severity of symptoms and increase the
chances of survival. These include intravenous fluid
therapy and medications, anti-nausea medications, pain
relief and gastro protectants. The sooner treatment is
started the better the chances of survival.
SHOW US
YOUR PETS
COOKIE
KING PADDY
DOLLY & TEDDY
But remember, prevention is much more effective (and
less costly) than treatment!
If you’re not sure if your pup is vaccinated, contact our
clinic today!
Written by All Pets Veterinarian
allpetsvet.com.au
LOKI
Defence Pets of the NT... It’s your time to shine!
Share a photo of your pet with us on our Facebook page!
The Top Ender Magazine
52 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 53

SNAKES
OF THE NT
Key to snake identification
Nonvenomous
Mildly
venomous
Highly
venomous
Eats
Mammals
Eats
Reptiles
Eats
Frogs
Eats
Birds
Climbing
Most active
in the day
Ground
dwelling
Most active
in the night
Photo: Phil Mangion
Max. Length: 2m
Max. Length: 3m
Water Python Liasis mackloti, dark brown to black top, yellow belly, rainbow
sheen.
Photo: Brendan Schembri
Golden Tree Snake Dendrelaphis punctulata, tan to golden yellow, darker
top with lighter underbelly, lighter markings along body, slate grey to bluish
head and neck.
Photo: Brendan Schembri
Photo: Brendan Schembri
Max. Length: 3m
NT Carpet Python, Morelia spilota variegata - brown/black/cream banded
pattern, heavy bodied, large defined head and jaw.
For snake enquires or removals
please contact: 1800 453 210
Max. Length: 1.2m
Childrens Python Antaresia childreni, darker blotches (mottled colour),
defined head and jaw, lighter underbelly, grey brown to dark brown in
colour.
Photo: Phil Mangion
Max. Length: 1m
Banded Tree Snake (Night Tiger) Boiga irregularis, white with brown-red
bands, bulging eyes, slender bodied.
Photo: Ray Chatto
King Brown Snake

FAMILY DAY CARE
AT KENTISH
Safety is an important aspect of our
everyday life. Kids watch the
actions of older persons and will
generally pick up on habits that
they are exposed to regularly.
Parents can help by engaging with their
family and discussing personal safety.
Actions speak louder than words, so
remember that all adults are role
models to all children. Keep this in mind
and be a positive influence to the
younger people around you!
If you are an older brother or sister,
help your younger family members with
learning about the importance of making
good decisions and about putting your
safety first. Walk with them to school,
help them when crossing the road, assist
them with being bus safe, alert them to
dangers, and be positive with your own
actions and decision making!
Kentish is a children and community services
provider with over 100 educators and 80
employees across the NT. We have offices in
Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs.
Kentish runs two long day care centres in
Moulden and Tennant Creek. Kentish also runs
Family Day Care (FDC) services and Out-of-
Home-Care (OOHC) services.
FDC is suitable for families seeking care and
education in a small group setting and for those
who require childcare around shift work or irregular
hours. Over the COVID pandemic, FDC became
very popular as it creates a smaller and safer social
circle for children in care. FDC also gives the
children a more stable relationship as children get
to be with the same educator until they reach
school age.
Kentish provides free training and programs, giving all
educators opportunities to upskill, meet other
educators and provide interesting activities for children.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BECOMING
A FAMILY DAY CARE EDUCATOR
FDC educators will need minimum of Certificate III in
Early Educator and Care or be willing to commence
studies. As with any businesses, your business expenses
are tax deductible, you may claim the cost to run the
business such as educational materials, toys, maintenance,
electricity, car, cleaning expenses and modifications to
your home.
For more information visit Kentish.org.au. Send your
enquiries to: admin@kentish.org.au
Written by Samantha
Kentish Life Long Learning
A N S W E R I N G T H E
D O O R
Your home is a safe place and you
should never invite strangers in. Read
our special safety tips and ensure you
stay safe when answering the door;
• Never answer the door alone, even
if your parents are home
• Don’t invite strangers into your
home
• Tell a caregiver if someone is
waiting at the door
• Keep the doors locked when inside
at all times
B E C A U T I O U S O F S T R A N G E R S
We all love presents and lollies, but these we should never
accept from strangers! Be alert to your surroundings and always
be safe! Make good decisions and always say 'no, thanks!' to
situations that are not right.
• Never go anywhere with someone you don’t know
• Don’t accept lollies or treats from people you don’t know
• Never tell a stranger your name or address
• Remain aware of your surroundings
• Be alert to people following you
• Always play in an area where a caregiver can see you
• Find a caregiver if someone enters your yard
• If something or someone makes you feel unsafe, go back
inside and tell a parent
• Never get into a car with a stranger
• Never approach a driver you don’t know who calls out to
you.
Extracted from Safety4Kids
https://safety4kids.com.au/safety-zone/
BECOMING AN EDUCATOR
As a FDC educator you will run your own business
from home. You can have your own children as
well as other children under your care. Since it is
your own business, you can choose your clients,
your opening hours and availability for weekends
and overnight stays and set your own fees. FDC
educators can take care of up to four children
under the age of 5yo and three school-age children.
FDC operates under the same National Quality
Framework (NQF). FDC parents are eligible for
Federal Government Child Care subsidies, just like
any other long day care arrangements. Kentish has
an FDC coordinator who supports FDC educators.
56 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 57

WHAT ARE EARLY WARNING
SIGNS?
Early Warning Signs are our body's way of
communicating to us that we might not be feeling
completely safe.
Emotional feelings have corresponding physical
changes, and we can identify these by observing
what is going on in our bodies. Your child may
experience a number of physical reactions when
they are feeling unsafe.
Early Warning Signs can include butterflies in the
stomach, sweaty palms, increased heart rate or
wobbly legs, but everyone’s Early Warning Signs will
be unique to them.
FAMILY ACTIVITY
Print a map of the local area and help
your child to mark out some possible
routes that they could take to common
locations e.g.: school, the bus stop, the
park etc.
Discuss the pros and cons of each route
and work together to decide upon the
route they will take. For example, Route
A may take five minutes longer, but
Route B involves crossing several busy
roads. You and your child may decide
that the extra travel time is better than
having to cross busy roads.
If your child is travelling by bus they
should know their bus number and how
to identify their stop. They may make
note of any landmarks or distinguishing
features around their stop. You should
also agree upon a plan if your child misses
their stop.
Extracted from Neighbourhood Watch 4 Kids
https://www.nhw4kids.org.au/early-warning-signs
REACTING TO EARLY WARNING
SIGNS
Our Early Warning Signs are our first clue that we
are feeling unsafe and may need to get away from a
situation or use our Personal Network.
The Three R's help children to react faster to an
unsafe situation.
RECOGNISE
By listening to and trusting your Early Warning Signs
you can Recognise that you are feeling unsafe and
may need to take action to make yourself safe again.
REACT
After Recognising that you are feeling unsafe, you
should React to the situation by using key words
such as, stop, leave me alone, no or don't touch
me, getting away as quickly as possible from the
danger and finding a safe place or person.
REPORT
Once you are away from the immediate danger, you
should Report what happened. You can report to
someone in your Personal Network who can help
you feel safe again and can get further help if
needed. You could also report to someone in your
Instant Network including a school staff member or
other trusted adult. You may also need to report to
Police or Emergency Services.
PLANNING THE ROUTE
Take the route together
You and your child should have an agreed upon
route that they will take and this route should be the
same everyday. This ensures that you know where
your child is in the event of an accident. For
example, if your child injures themselves on their
way home and are unable to call you, you will know
the route to check.
You can help your child to prepare by ensuring
they know the possible routes in their community
and what safety hazards may be present on these
routes. When you’re ready to complete this section
with your child please go to the virtual
neighbourhood for a better understanding of what
could make a route safe or unsafe.
Go hunting for
painted rocks in
your local park or
paint some crazy
designs and hide for
others to find! It’s a
great way to get out
and about in the
community and get
creative.
WANT TO PAINT A
ROCK?
Use unpolished clean dry rocks. We
recommend natural river stones. Glass and
ceramic ones are not advisable as they can
shatter when dropped resulting in injury.
Acrylic paints & permanent markers work
best.
Rocks must be sealed prior to release so
they hold up to the elements.
Please make sure you write "NT ROCKS"
and the Facebook symbol on the back and
seal it so people know what to do with
their discovery and how to find us!
Pop your postcode on the rock so people
can see how far its travelled!
WANT TO FIND A ROCK?
You can search this group for your suburb
name, or local park name, to see if
anything has been hidden there recently -
just use the search bar at the top of the
group page. Be sure to check
comments for updates before
you head off to avoid
potentially looking for a
rock that has already
been found and
moved.
NT
ROCKS
FOUND A ROCK?
Our artists love to see pics
when their creations are found,
and love to see them move
from park to park spreading joy.
So, if you find a rock, please post a
pic stating where it was found then:
1. Rehide it - You can do this at the same
location or move it elsewhere. Be sure to let
us know you've found it and repost the new location
(including suburb) on the Facebook page when hidden
2. Keep it - Leave a comment on the 'hide' post advising that
the rock is no longer there.
NB: We support a "catch and release" system, but do
understand keeping your favourite from time to time. If you
choose to keep a rock that you have found, perhaps consider
trying your hand at painting some of your own for others to
find! We love to keep our wild rock population thriving so
please be considerate of others when hunting and
share the joy where possible.
Enjoy your search and being part of our growing
community! Join our Facebook group for a little
bit of creativity and nature play for kids and
parents that live in NT.
NT Rocks
Members: 6,900
58 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 59

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE TO
EVERYTHING FAMILY IN DARWIN!
SPECIAL EDUCATION
FOR YOUTH IN THE NT
MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY OF THE
NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Museum and Art Gallery of the NT (MAGNT) is a great
place to take the kids for a couple of hours. One of the huge
benefits is that it is indoors with air con, which in some of our
weather can be a complete blessing! My kids love watching the
turtles and fish outside in the Monsoon Gardens, to the left of
the front entrance - every Thursday morning at 10am there is
also FREE turtle feeding! My kids love visiting the regular
exhibits like Sweetheart, the sea life area and the boats
displayed. Plus, viewing any new or visiting exhibitions.
The MAGNT Discovery Centre is a fun and creative space for
kids and families. Drop in from 10:30am – 12:30pm* for free
activities; pull up a comfy bean bag and explore the children’s
book and puzzle library or just enjoy a bit of quiet time out
with your youngsters. * Open during School Terms Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays. During School Holidays Open Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday | 10:30am - 12:30pm
Museum Open: Daily 10am to 4pm, Closed Christmas Day,
Boxing Day, New Years Day and Good Friday
Address: 19 Conacher St, The Gardens
We hope you enjoyed this article and follow us online! I look
forward to seeing you out and about in Darwin!
Written by Amy Milford
Founder
Darwin Family Life
https://www.facebook.com/darwinfamilylife
https://www.instagram.com/darwinfamilylife/
My name is Amy Milford and I am the
proud founder of Darwin Family Life
which I started back in 2017. I am a
long-term Territorian; I grew up here
and now I am raising my family here. I
am a Mumma to four munchkins – my
eldest daughter is in Middle School
(years 7-9), my twin boys are 11 and
my youngest daughter is 7. I call my
life “my happy crazy chaos”.
Darwin Family Life is a like a big online
community. I run a closed Facebook
group of parents and caregivers called
Darwin Family Life Community Hub –
feel free to join, connect with others
and ask any questions about Darwin or
family related things.
On my website, I also publish school
holiday blog guides for all the fun
events happening around town to keep
kids busy, plus other various blogs, a
family event calendar, heaps of info
about playgrounds that you can visit
and so much more.
Join our newsletter here: https://www.
darwinfamilylife.com.au/join-ournewsletter/
Join our Parents Facebook group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/
darwinfamilylifecommunityhub
Students with a disability in the Northern Territory
have a right to access a full and inclusive curriculum
that meets individual needs.
The Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services
(SWIPS) provides wellbeing and inclusion services for
students in all government schools.
This includes students with hearing, mobility and vision
impairments, autism and intellectual disabilities.
These services are delivered by professionals including specialist
teachers, occupational therapists, speech therapists,
psychologists and social workers.
Their expertise supports schools where wellbeing, behaviour
and disability may affect students’ learning and access to
education.
TYPES OF SUPPORT
SWIPS works with schools to help with:
• autism spectrum
• hearing
• inclusion
• psychology
• vision
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• physical disability
• wellbeing and behaviour support
• early childhood intervention
• transition from school.
60 The Top www.darwinfamilylife.com.au
Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 61
It also:
• helps families and external services work together
• teaches school staff more about wellbeing and inclusion
strategies
• provides individual support services where specialised
expertise, assessment and referrals to external services are
required
• helps with critical incidents involving a school community.
HOW TO ACCESS SUPPORT
If you have concerns about your child’s learning or attendance,
talk to your child’s teacher. They know how your child is doing
at school.
With your consent, the school may request a service from
SWIPS.
The most appropriate professional will be assigned to you. They
will contact you to discuss your concerns around wellbeing,
behaviour or disability affecting your child’s learning.
Extracted from NT Govt
https://nt.gov.au/learning/student-support-services/
about-special-education-and-disability
CONTACT
For more information about SWIPS
programs and services, call 08 8944 9379 or
email sesupport.det@education.nt.gov.au.
Specialist schools - https://nt.gov.au/learning/
student-support-services/approved-specialistschools-and-centres
Special education and Mental Health
support organisations - https://nt.gov.au/
learning/student-support-services/supportorganisations
The following organisations provide social
emotional learning and mental health
programs in the NT:
• Anglicare NT
(08) 8985 0000
• Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
• CatholicCare NT
Darwin - (08) 8944 2000
Palmerston - (08) 8932 9977
Katherine - (08) 8971 0777
• Central Australian Mental Health Services
(CAHS)
1800 682 288
• Headspace
Darwin/Palmerston - (08) 8931 5999
Katherine - (08) 8912 4000
Karratha - 1800 290 626
• Holyoake - Alice Springs
(08) 8952 5899
• Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
• Kids Matter
1300 22 4636
• Mind Matters
1300 22 4636
• Open Arms
1800 011 046
• Parentline
1300 30 1300
• Relationships Australia
1300 458 600
• Somerville
Darwin - (08) 8920 4100
Palmerston - (08) 8935 1500
Katherine - (08) 8972 5100
Youth employment programs (free service)
https://youthworxnt.com.au/

Ask
Hayley
W I N
DONATED BY OUR SPONSOR
Welcome back Top Enders!
Some of you may have been here a while,
and some may be new, so I thought to
myself, what a good time to talk about
resources that are available to help you
navigate defence life, which can be
challenging at times.
The question asked for this edition is; “I’m
new to defence life- what resources are there
to help me?” The good news is there has
been some fantastic resources recently
released which are super helpful!
So let’s get straight to it…
ONLINE FAMILIES BOOKLETS:
For all defence families, the DMFS families book is a must
read. It provides lots of information about defence life and
supports available to all ADF members and their
families. It’s an incredibly helpful resource and easy to
understand.
To access this resource, go to : https://online.flippingbook.com/
view/897828592/
In addition, our Royal Australian Navy released a families
booklet. It has a lot of information about supports and
Navy life - I highly recommend this for Navy families.
To access this resource, go to: https://www.navy.gov.au/sites/
default/files/documents/ANP%205111-
Navy%20Families%20Handbook%20LOW%20RES%201.1.0.
pdf
FREE COUNSELLING / PROGRAMS
In addition to the booklets listed above, there are also a
range of fantastic services provided by Open Arms, who
offer FREE and confidential counselling to anyone who has
served at least one day in the ADF and their families. This
includes current/former/transitioning ADF, partners,
children, siblings, parents and carers.
For more info go to: https://www.openarms.gov.au or call
1800 011 046 for 24-hour crisis support.
ADF - ALL HOURS SUPPORT LINE:
The All-hours Support Line (ASL) is a confidential
telephone service for ADF members and their families
that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week - to
access this service, call: 1800 628 036
THE ADF FAMILIES HEALTH CARD:
The ADF Families Health card is also a resource that will
save you lots on medical fees and is still widely
unknown! So let me give you a quick rundown …
As a ‘registered dependant’ of your ADF member, you will
receive an allocation of $800 per person, per financial year
to use for health care treatment. In addition, you can also
access the GP for free!
If the GP does not have the correct machine to facilitate
this, it’s okay, you can claim back the costs through the
ADF Family Health Program App or send them an email
to be reimbursed.
For more info go to : https://adffamilyhealth.com
But remember… you have to be a ‘registered dependant’ ,
which means your ADF member has to fill out the correct
paperwork to be entitled to this! So get them moving if
they haven’t already!
There’s so many resources, and I will write another
article about further resources that are available, but
lastly I would like to acknowledge ‘Defence Families
Australia’ who advocate for…defence families!
They have National Delegates located across Australia
near most major bases who know the communities. You
can contact them if you would like advice on the best
point of contact to resolve an issue or you have been
unsuccessful in resolving an issue through existing channels.
They also advocate on behalf of defence families for policy
change, so keep in touch with your local Delegate.
To get in touch or for more information go to: https://dfa.org.
au
I hope this short list of resources helps you navigate
defence life! And remember we are all in this together,
reach out and stay connected!
With love,
Hayley
Written by Hayley Boswell
Founder
Defence Kidz
Ask Hayley for advice by emailing your questions to:
admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
@defencekidz
https://defencekidz.com.au/
Show us your best Poppy-inspired art
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!
TERMS: Prize Pool valued at up to $50. Open to NT-Based Defence Kids up to
age 17. Closes 10 May 2024. 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.
Thank a veteran this Anzac Day with quick
and easy to make poppy crafts for all ages!
SUPPLIES YOU MAY NEED:
Poppy structure: You can use card stock, paper, tissue
paper, coffee filters, cupcake liners, cardboard, paper plates
or egg cartons. You’ll also need scissors, glue and sticky tape.
Poppy decorations: You can use paint or felt-tip pens in red,
black, yellow and green. You may also use buttons, stickers,
foam/felt shapes, straws or popsicle sticks.
Egg Carton Poppies
Easy Poppy
Craft Ideas!
Cut out each egg holder, shape into a poppy, paint and
decorate however you like! These poppies can be arranged into
a wreath too by gluing on to a paper plate or cut-out circle.
Cupcake
Liner Poppies
Poppy Paper Plate
Cut out some corners, paint
the plate, glue a black centre
dot with paint/card/foam/felt
Use red cupcake liners (or paint white ones red!), cut
around the edges and layer two liners on top of each
other. Stick to a green popsicle stick or straw and
decorate using a black pen.
62 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 63

Kids
ANZAC
Corner
SPOT THE
DIFFERENCE
There are six differences
between these two pictures.
Can you spot them?
FINISH
PATTERN
Can you complete the
patterns below?
THE
C
O
L
O
U
R
I
N
3
3
3
6 6 6
3
3
Colour the image above by matching the colours with the numbers.
1
1
1
12
1
1
6
4
4
4
4
5
4
4
1=
Dark Green
2=
light Green
3=
white
R E M E M B R A N C E A
Did
you
know?
The first Anzac Day
was commemorated
on April 25, 1916
4=
Navy Blue
5=
light Blue
Maze
Start here
Runner
6=
Black
E R P O P P I E S T N H
A V D S E A R M E F K O
S E R V I C E J D A W N
I T L T W R E A T H X O
M E M O R I A L A R E U
B R R M M A R C H T S R
G A L L I P O L I A T A
U N O B I S C U I T S I
WORD
SEARCH
Find all 11 words
listed below and
circle them.
GALLIPOLI
POPPIES
DAWN
SERVICE
BISCUITS
REMEMBRANCE
MARCH
WREATH
VETERAN
HONOUR
MEMORIAL
Can you help this
soldier navigate
through the maze to
reach the poppy field?
With thanks to ‘Someone I love is in Defence’ for
providing the puzzles in this edition of The Top
Ender Magazine. For more printable resources visit
www.someoneiloveisindefence.com.au/
64 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 65

HANDY DIRECTORY
The Top Ender
Office............................................................................................................0419 274 735
Defence Community Houses
Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House................................0447 586 591
Defence Community and Veterans
Support Services
Health
Australian Breastfeeding Association....................................1800 686 268
Admin..........................................................admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Email.................................................larrakeyahhouse@hotmail.com
ADF Reserves and Employer Support NT/K
Autism NT...........................................................................................08 8948 4424
Advertising......................................advertising@thetopendermagazine.org.au
Network Tindal
Email.........................................................ADFRES.NT@defence.gov.au
Bereaved Parent Support NT|SIDS and Kids NT.........08 8948 5311
Website..........................................................www.thetopendermagazine.org.au
Email...........................................................networktindal@gmail.com
Phone........................................................................................0418 549 841
24-hour Emergency Support Line.............................0448 849 234
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 1190
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
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 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
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......................liza.gale@dsnsg.org.au
Down Syndrome Association NT.........................................08 8985 6222
Website..............................................www.downsyndroment.com.au
Epilepsy Centre – Epilepsy Association of SA & NT
Phone.........................................................................................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)
Phone.........................................................................................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
ORs’ Mess.....................................................................................08 8925 2514
Sergeants’ Mess..........................................................................08 8925 6703
66 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated APRIL/MAY 2024 67

Sports and Activities
Australian Military Wives Choir...................................................0416 878 261
Australian Air Force Cadets 8 Wing
AAFC 801 Squadron – Winnellie..................................08 8923 5713
AAFC 802 Squadron – Driver.........................................0473 816 694
AAFC 803 Squadron – Tindal.........................................0427 397 495
AAFC 804 Squadron – Alice Springs...........................08 8953 4484
Australian Army Cadets...............................08 8935 5174 / 08 8935 5488
Email................................................................aachq-nt@armycadets.gov.au
Australian Navy Cadets
Training Ship Darwin...........................TSDarwin@navycadets.gov.au
Training Ship Melville Bay.........TSMelvilleBay@navycadets.gov.au
Girl Guides NT......................................................................................08 8981 3628
Website........................................................................www.girlguides.org.au
Playgroups Association NT (PANT).........................................08 8945 7775
Website................................................................www.playgroupnt.com.au
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
Medicare
Carers...................................................................................132 717
Families.................................................................................136 150
Complaints and Feedback............................1800 132 468
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.................................08 8950 0500 / 08 8953 4430
Darwin.................................................................................08 8947 2099
Katherine.............................................................................08 8972 5500
Palmerston.........................................................................08 8935 9977
Snake Catcher..............................................................................1800 453 210
While the information contained in the Handy
Directory is considered by the employees and
committee of the Top Ender Tri-Services
Magazine Inc to be true and correct at the date
of publication, changes in circumstances after the
time of publication may render the information
inaccurate. The information may change without
notice, and the Top Ender Tri-Service Magazine
and those working on its behalf, cannot be held
in any way liable for the accuracy of any
information printed or stored, or in any way
interpreted and used, by the reader.
Have we missed something?
Email us at admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au
to request alterations or additions to the The Top Ender Magazine and
Handy Directory.
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haileyburyrendall.com.au
More
than a
school.
We encourage all of our students to chase their passion
— be it in the classroom, on the sporting field, or even the
outdoors. Take Claire from our Junior School, who balances
being a student leader and playing netball with setting up
a kitchen garden and a recycling initiative at the School.
So, while Claire grows her love for sustainability, we are
happy to sow the seeds for our students to thrive.