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The Top Ender Magazine November December 24 January 25

Welcome to another edition of The Top Ender Tri-Service Magazine for the defence community across the Top End. As we have moved into the wet season, Christmas and the relocation cycle, this time of the year can be really challenging for our community. It’s a time for new beginnings and adventures, with another exciting year ahead! In February 2025, we will be re-launching our latest edition of The Ultimate Top Ender Guide, which includes so many fun things to do in our region, so keep an eye out for the bonus guide and grab yourself a copy! We have recently changed our operations from a bi-monthly to a quarterly publication, however we are still focused on every edition being interesting and informative with lots of competitions to win! As always, we are grateful for the support of DMFS, our sponsors and advertisers who help to fund this magazine for you.  

Welcome to another edition of The Top Ender Tri-Service Magazine for the defence community across the Top End. As we have moved into the wet season, Christmas and the relocation cycle, this time of the year can be really challenging for our community. It’s a time for new beginnings and adventures, with another exciting year ahead! In February 2025, we will be re-launching our latest edition of The Ultimate Top Ender Guide, which includes so many fun things to do in our region, so keep an eye out for the bonus guide and grab yourself a copy! We have recently changed our operations from a bi-monthly to a quarterly publication, however we are still focused on every edition being interesting and informative with lots of competitions to win! As always, we are grateful for the support of DMFS, our sponsors and advertisers who help to fund this magazine for you.  

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<strong>The</strong>y shall grow not old,<br />

as we that are left grow old;<br />

Age shall not weary them,<br />

Nor the years condemn.<br />

At the going down of the sun<br />

and in the morning<br />

We will remember them.<br />

REMEMBRANCE DAY<br />

WE COMMEMORATE REMEMBRANCE DAY, AND LEGACY’S<br />

DEDICATION OF THE ‘SIMMONS ROOM’<br />

CYCLONE TRACY<br />

A PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF CYCLONE TRACY,<br />

50 YEARS ON<br />

PLUS CHRISTMAS<br />

BOREDOM BUSTERS, SPENDING TIPS,<br />

COMPETITIONS AND SO MUCH MORE!<br />

CREATED BY DEFENCE FAMILIES FOR DEFENCE FAMILIES


THE TOP ENDER TRI-SERVICE MAGAZINE<br />

<strong>November</strong>/<strong>December</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>/<strong>January</strong> 20<strong>25</strong><br />

COVER IMAGE: Poppies - in commemoration of Remembrance Day<br />

COMMITTEE MEMBERS<br />

Chairperson Deborah Herring | chair@thetopendermagazine.org.au<br />

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Secretary Paul Carter | secretary@thetopendermagazine.org.au<br />

Public Officer Paul Carter | public.officer@thetopendermagazine.org.au<br />

General Members Clare Corvia, Stella Taylor, Viv Kleemann, Ayesha Marshall.<br />

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Charlene Carter | admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au<br />

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Published quarterly<br />

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In the spirit of reconciliation, <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of<br />

country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our<br />

respect to their elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait<br />

Islander peoples today.<br />

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material for publication, however we do not accept responsibility for loss. Please ensure your copy fits to a specified<br />

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the Editorial Staff or Designer. Editorial Staff reserve the right to reject, edit or rearrange any item submitted. While we<br />

make every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of information, some of the content within <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> Tri-<br />

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has the expressed permission to use images from the Defence Image Library. Members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait<br />

Islander communities are advised that this magazine contains names, stories and images of deceased people. Advertising<br />

Disclaimer: <strong>The</strong> Trade Practices Act provides severe penalties for false and misleading advertising. Because it is not<br />

possible for this magazines’ staff to check the accuracy of advertising claims, the responsibility for accuracy lies with the<br />

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associated organisation, product or service.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated is a non-profit organisation, this project received Defence<br />

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as well as improvements to the facilities used by volunteers. Please contact our friendly team for more information.<br />

1 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 1


04 DEDICATION OF ‘SIMMONS ROOM’<br />

07 WE REMEMBER CYCLONE TRACY<br />

14 AMERIGO VESPUCCI<br />

18 CYCLONE TRACY - A PERSONAL ACCOUNT<br />

16 DEFENCE MEMBER & FAMILY SUPPORT<br />

<strong>24</strong> DEFENCE FAMILIES AUSTRALIA<br />

30 MATES4MATES<br />

34 NETWORK TINDAL<br />

35 THE PILBARA REGIMENT FAMILY GROUP<br />

36 LARRAKEYAH NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE<br />

37 ROBERTSON BARRACKS FAMILY GROUP<br />

40 OPEN ARMS<br />

42 CHAPLAIN’S CHAT<br />

43 SELF-COMPASSION<br />

47 DARWIN FAMILY LIFE<br />

58 FREE PARENTAL SUPPORT IN THE NT<br />

06 DEFENCE BLOOD CHALLENGE<br />

08 WE WILL REMEMBER THEM<br />

10 CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TIPS<br />

11 BOREDOM BUSTERS<br />

12 RELOCATION BINGO<br />

19 RAAF DARWIN SGT’S MESS DONATES<br />

TO CAREFLIGHT<br />

20 EMERGENCY KITS<br />

22 WAR MEMORIALS<br />

FEATURES<br />

SUPPORT<br />

COMMUNITY<br />

23 MILITARY DATES TO REMEMBER<br />

CONTENTS<br />

W W W.T H E T O P E N D E R M A G A Z I N E . O R G . A U<br />

<strong>25</strong> OKA TEPPANYAKI<br />

<strong>25</strong> IT’S A DATE!<br />

28 LUKE GOSLING<br />

29 THE LEGACY CHALLENGE<br />

33 FROG ID WEEK<br />

37 NT GOV. SCHOOL TERM DATES 20<strong>25</strong><br />

38 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH<br />

A DISABILITY<br />

45 FISHING IN THE BUILD UP<br />

48 SURVIVING DARWIN’S HUMIDITY<br />

52 GROM<br />

53 ROAD REPORT NT<br />

54 ALL PETS - PARVOVIRUS<br />

55 MIDGE AND MOZZIE CALENDAR<br />

56 PREPARE PETS FOR EMERGENCIES<br />

56 PREPARE PETS FOR TRAVEL<br />

57 SMART PRACTICE IN SPORT<br />

57 DELIBERATE PLAY TO IMPROVE<br />

SPORTING SKILLS<br />

60 DEFENCE KIDZ<br />

63 WET SEASON ACTIVITIES<br />

63 GINGERBREAD RECIPE<br />

64 DEFENCE KIDS CORNER<br />

66 HANDY DIRECTORY<br />

COMPETITIONS<br />

ROAD TRIP KITS - PG 13<br />

TOP END TREASURES GIFT PACK - PG 26<br />

WIN AN ICE MAKER - PG 26<br />

SHE NAILS - PG 27<br />

INTEGRITY HAIR - PG 27<br />

MTA TRAVEL - PG 27<br />

OFFICEWORKS KIDS VOUCHER - PG 62<br />

WATERFRONT PASS - PG 62<br />

FROM THE COMMITTEE<br />

NOVEMBER DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong><br />

WELCOME<br />

Welcome to another edition of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> Tri-Service <strong>Magazine</strong> for the defence community<br />

across the <strong>Top</strong> End. As we have moved into the wet season, Christmas and the relocation cycle, this<br />

time of the year can be really challenging for our community. It’s a time for new beginnings and<br />

adventures, with another exciting year ahead! In February 20<strong>25</strong>, we will be re-launching our latest<br />

edition of <strong>The</strong> Ultimate <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> Guide, which includes so many fun things to do in our region, so<br />

keep an eye out for the bonus guide and grab yourself a copy! We have recently changed our<br />

operations from a bi-monthly to a quarterly publication, however we are still focused on every<br />

edition being interesting and informative with lots of competitions to win! As always, we are grateful<br />

for the support of DMFS, our sponsors and advertisers who help to fund this magazine for you.<br />

Wishing you a wonderful festive season wherever you will be - see you again for our Feb – Apr<br />

edition!<br />

Safe adventures,<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> Team!<br />

UPCOMING<br />

SUBMISSION DEADLINE<br />

If you wish to submit an article, event, photo,<br />

advertisement or would like to contribute some<br />

ideas for the next edition of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong><br />

<strong>Magazine</strong>, please contact us.<br />

Submission Deadline for Feb/Mar/Apr edition<br />

is: 19th <strong>November</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>.<br />

DISTRIBUTION DAYS<br />

Distribution Day is a chance for you to meet our<br />

community and make new friends, while we label the<br />

magazine for posting. Light refreshments are<br />

provided and children are always welcome. Follow us<br />

on Facebook or visit our website to find out more.<br />

Next Distribution days: 29th <strong>January</strong> 20<strong>25</strong><br />

COMMITTEE MEETINGS<br />

Come along to our next committee meeting or focus<br />

group where we finalise article selections, discuss<br />

community work and magazine planning. You can<br />

input as much or as little as you like. Light dinner is<br />

provided and children are always welcome.<br />

Focus Group:13th <strong>November</strong><br />

Committee Meeting: 11th <strong>December</strong><br />

Contact admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au<br />

for further details.<br />

CONNECT<br />

Scan the QR Codes to view and engage<br />

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way to contact us with your ideas or<br />

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You can RSVP to our Focus Groups,<br />

Meetings, Events and Distribution Days<br />

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to connect with us by following and ‘liking’<br />

our page.<br />

Disclaimer: <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> may include historically and culturally sensitive images, words, terms or descriptions; such material does not<br />

reflect the magazine’s viewpoint but rather the social attitudes and circumstances of the period or place in which it was created.<br />

Some of the images included within depicts the consequences of warfare, including human suffering or death, which some people may find<br />

disturbing. Members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are advised that this magazine contains names, stories and images of<br />

deceased people.<br />

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 3


DEDICATION OF<br />

‘SIMMONS ROOM’<br />

LEGACY HOUSE<br />

27 TH AUGUST 20<strong>24</strong><br />

My name is Steve Martin, and I am here to pay<br />

tribute to a man who made today possible, Frank<br />

Oakley Simmons. Not long ago, I received a copy of<br />

Frank’s memoirs. It makes for sobering reading.<br />

Frank Oakley was born in Fitzroy Victoria on the 7th<br />

June 1921. Given up by his mother for adoption, he<br />

was made a ward of the state soon after his birth.<br />

Frank never knew his real family. He was fostered at<br />

the age of three months by the only real mother he<br />

knew, Mrs Mary Anne Simmons.<br />

Raised in the hard scrabble of what was then<br />

considered a low income and undesirable location,<br />

North Fitzroy in the 1920’s and into the depression<br />

years of the 30’s became Franks stomping grounds.<br />

Life was hard for a man of mixed race, both at<br />

school and in the early working years. It was during<br />

these formative years that Frank developed a strong<br />

moral compass, a desire to see natural justice and his<br />

sense of fairness and respect developed. <strong>The</strong>y were<br />

hard won.<br />

It was only after years of questions and research that<br />

Frank discovered he had Jamaican and / or African<br />

American ancestors who came to Australia in the<br />

late 1800’s or early 1900’s, but unfortunately details<br />

remained scarce.<br />

After Frank left school, he had many jobs, most of<br />

which entailed heavy menial labour and long days. It<br />

was during the Depression years that Frank joined<br />

the Citizens Militia, rising to the rank of Corporal.<br />

With the outbreak of WWII, Frank enlisted for full<br />

time service in 1941, transferring from the Militia to<br />

the AIF and although he wanted to go to an Infantry<br />

Battalion to be with his mates, the Army decided it<br />

was to be the Artillery for young Bombadier<br />

Simmons.<br />

On the way to the Middle East in June 1941, an<br />

altercation with a young officer on board his troop<br />

ship the ‘Queen Mary’ was to ultimately see him<br />

reduced in rank to Gunner. Not his first or last<br />

brush with authority!<br />

On arrival in Egypt Frank became the Gun-layer on<br />

a <strong>25</strong> lb. artillery piece in the 2/8 Australian Field<br />

Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA). Frank<br />

and some of his Regiment were posted across to<br />

the 6th Division AIF and he served in Palestine,<br />

Lebanon and Syria - it was during this campaign that<br />

Frank received serious burns.<br />

Frank and his mates rejoined their parent unit in<br />

1942, now with the 9th Division, 2nd Australian<br />

Imperial Force in Egypt. Frank would go on to<br />

participate as a gunner during the intense series of<br />

battles known as El Alamein. Frank’s regiment were<br />

engaged in the fiercest of the fighting on Ruweisat<br />

Ridge and his unit suffered the highest casualty rate<br />

of all artillery regiments involved. Frank didn’t talk<br />

much about this time.<br />

Later in the war, Frank traded his artillery piece for a<br />

Bren gun and fought with his unit on the island of<br />

Labuan and in Brunei during operation ‘Oboe’. At<br />

wars end, Frank was finally demobilized and returned<br />

to Fitzroy.<br />

After many more short-term jobs in both the<br />

construction industry and trucking, Frank travelled to<br />

Darwin as a truck driver and store man for a period<br />

of three months in 1961. He never left.<br />

Taking on several jobs in both the private sector and<br />

Government, Frank grew to love the laid-back nature<br />

of Darwin and its people. It was here that Frank<br />

blossomed.<br />

In 1965, Frank joined what was then the NT Civil<br />

Defence and Emergency Services and later in 1967<br />

joined the St John Ambulance Service, rising through<br />

the ranks to become a training officer and Inspector<br />

of cadets.<br />

In 1974, Frank happened to be the sole operator on<br />

the Emergency Services telephone switchboard<br />

when cyclone Tracy struck on Christmas eve.<br />

By this time, Frank had built his<br />

own house in Yeadon Circuit,<br />

Moil. His skill as a builder<br />

became evident when one of<br />

the most iconic photographs of<br />

the aftermath of the cyclone, a<br />

photo taken from the water<br />

tower on Parer Drive west<br />

towards the Casuarina High<br />

School showed Franks home<br />

still standing and mostly intact<br />

(left of image) amongst the wreckage of the entire<br />

suburb.<br />

It was during the early 1980’s that I got to know<br />

Frank. It was through a local cadet unit called the<br />

‘Legion of Frontiersmen’, which Frank helped run. It<br />

was during this time that he became a great mentor,<br />

not just to me, but to dozens of other young people<br />

of my generation here in Darwin.<br />

Frank Simmons SBStJ could be the first person to<br />

receive the Order of St John while in a stretcher...<br />

After serving in WW2, Frank came to Darwin for<br />

three months, and like many who stop in, ended up<br />

staying for the rest of his life. He joined the Darwin<br />

Combined Division in 1967 and by 1973, he was the<br />

Superintendent. Frank was heavily involved in training<br />

other St John staff as an instructor with Civil Defence<br />

(now NTPFES) and was inducted into the Order of<br />

St John as Serving Brother in 1979.<br />

So, why the<br />

stretcher? Frank had<br />

been conducting a<br />

training exercise a<br />

week beforehand<br />

where he fell from a<br />

cliff and broke both<br />

ankles. But, there was<br />

no way he was going<br />

to miss the ceremony<br />

at Government<br />

House. He was still all<br />

smiles!<br />

Extracted from: https://www.facebook.com/<br />

stjohnambulancent/posts/959532276175142/<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are at least five others with us here in the<br />

audience today and we are proud to be part of<br />

‘Simmo’s mob’.<br />

You will notice a recurring theme in this speech.<br />

Following the war, Frank lived a life of service - he<br />

gave freely of his time, his knowledge, his patience<br />

and his efforts. He asked for nothing in return. I<br />

came to know Frank as a man of integrity, of fierce<br />

loyalty, of compassion, dignity and respect. He was<br />

an Honourable man.<br />

Amongst my cohort, many came from homes like<br />

mine with hard working, good loving families and a<br />

stable life. We were there for the adventure of the<br />

cadets. Many however were not so fortunate. Frank<br />

understood them.<br />

To many, Frank became a father figure; a man of<br />

wisdom who offered support and a respect that they<br />

not known, a place of belonging and safety, a place of<br />

comfort and solace and a place of hope. A place<br />

where their damaged lives were given new meaning.<br />

I saw this often.<br />

Nominal roll image – extracted from: https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/<br />

veteran?id=459905&c=WW2<br />

Cyclone Tracy image - reference: Erismann, Beat. (1974, <strong>December</strong><br />

30) Cyclone Tracy damage in the northern suburbs of Darwin.<br />

Retrieved 20<strong>24</strong>, September 3, from https://hdl.handle.net/<br />

10070/27304.<br />

Continued on Next Page...<br />

4 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 5


Franks example rubbed off. ‘Simmo’s mob’ are<br />

professionals, successful business owners, senior fire<br />

fighters, youth leaders, members of the legal<br />

fraternity, police officers, tradies, mothers and<br />

fathers and many have served in our defence forces.<br />

<strong>The</strong>y are all mentors and exemplars in the own right<br />

and continue to contribute to the wellbeing of our<br />

society here in the Northern Territory and<br />

elsewhere- thanks, Simmo.<br />

Frank joined NT Legacy in the 1970’s and he<br />

epitomized the ethos of the Legatee, always getting<br />

things done in the background without desire for<br />

acknowledgement or reward, using his bus to<br />

transport families of the fallen to events and<br />

activities, always seeing an urgent minor repair to<br />

the building and fixing it, performing maintenance<br />

and logistical support.<br />

He is remembered as the Legatee that just got things<br />

done. Frank remained a Legatee until his passing.<br />

When Frank passed away in 1995, he had no known<br />

relatives and he bequeathed his house to Legacy NT.<br />

DEFENCE BLOOD CHALLENGE<br />

Australia’s longest running blood challenge, the<br />

Defence Blood Challenge (DBC), has launched again<br />

for 20<strong>24</strong>. Defence personnel will aim to give more<br />

than 11,000 donations of lifesaving blood or plasma<br />

over the next three months, from 1 September to 8<br />

<strong>December</strong>.<br />

To organise a blood or plasma donation, visit a Blood<br />

Service Mobile Donor van at your Defence<br />

establishment or contact the Darwin Lifeblood<br />

donor centre – 17 Scaturchio St, Casuarina, 0811<br />

Call 13 14 95<br />

Check your eligibility online prior to making an<br />

appointment to donate - https://www.lifeblood.<br />

com.au/blood/eligibility<br />

Appointments can be registered online at Australian<br />

Red Cross Lifeblood -<br />

https://my.donateblood.com.au/app/appointments/<br />

location<br />

It is fitting therefore that today we dedicate this<br />

room to Frank Oakley Simmons - let it be that place<br />

of wisdom, of belonging, safety and support, that<br />

place of comfort and solace and that place of<br />

hope.<br />

Gunner Frank Oakley Simmons<br />

VX 51569<br />

Ave Atqe Vale<br />

You are not forgotten ~ Lest we forget<br />

In the presence of, His Honour, the Administrator<br />

of the Northern Territory, Mr Hugh Hege AO,<br />

PSM, Ms Jones, former Administrator of the<br />

Northern Territory, Mr John Anictomatis AO,<br />

heads of service of the Australian Defence Force,<br />

families of the fallen, serving men and women,<br />

fellow Legatee’s and distinguished guests.<br />

Written by Steve Martin<br />

Community Contributer<br />

1 ST SEPTEMBER TO 8 TH DECEMBER<br />

REFERENCES/SOURCES:<br />

www.lifeblood.com.au<br />

WE REMEMBER<br />

CYCLONE TRACY<br />

Cyclone Tracy, which hit Darwin in the small hours<br />

of Christmas Day 1974, killed 66 people and<br />

devastated 80 per cent of the city. In the days and<br />

weeks following the disaster, most of the traumatised<br />

population left the city.<br />

Darwin, indeed the whole of northern Australia, is<br />

no stranger to cyclones. However, Cyclone Tracy,<br />

which hit Darwin in the small hours of Christmas Day<br />

1974, was among the most destructive ever<br />

recorded in Australia.<br />

Its vital statistics make for frightening reading:<br />

Wind gusts reached 217 km/h before the<br />

anemometer was destroyed<br />

Gales extended to about 40 kilometres from the<br />

cyclone’s centre<br />

<strong>The</strong>re was a storm surge of 1.6 metres in Darwin’s<br />

harbour; an estimated 4 metres at Casuarina Beach<br />

<strong>25</strong>5 mm of rain fell in 12 hours overnight, 145 mm<br />

in the two half-hour periods on either side of the<br />

eye of the cyclone<br />

66 people were killed<br />

145 people were seriously injured; more than 500<br />

received minor injuries<br />

About 70 per cent of houses suffered serious<br />

structural failure<br />

<strong>The</strong> total damage bill topped $800 million.<br />

IMPACT AND AFTERMATH OF CYCLONE<br />

TRACY<br />

Cyclone Tracy crossed the coast near Fannie Bay at<br />

around 3.30 on Christmas morning. Had it struck<br />

during the daytime, the death toll could have been<br />

much higher. Most of those who lost their lives were<br />

killed by flying debris or crushed beneath their<br />

houses.<br />

In the immediate aftermath of the cyclone,<br />

evacuation of the majority of the population was<br />

considered essential given there was no running<br />

water, no sanitation, no electricity, little shelter and<br />

a high risk of disease outbreaks. More than 36,000<br />

people left Darwin, filling the planes that had arrived<br />

with supplies, equipment and specialised personnel.<br />

News of the disaster took hours to reach the rest of<br />

the country. <strong>The</strong> song ‘Santa never made it into<br />

Darwin’ captured the poignancy of the cyclone’s<br />

arrival on Christmas Day, as most Australians were<br />

preparing to celebrate the most significant religious<br />

holiday of the year with their families. People<br />

donated clothes and money, and opened their homes<br />

to Darwin’s refugees.<br />

Voluntary organisations swung into gear, many<br />

sending in teams as soon as news of the disaster<br />

broke. Joan Allridge, Vice President of the Red Cross<br />

who spent the hours of the cyclone under her<br />

kitchen table with two other adults, six children, one<br />

cat, four kittens, one dog and three birds recalled<br />

how essential those early fly-in support workers<br />

were.<br />

Most of Darwin’s population, herself included,<br />

emerged from the cyclone in a state of shock. <strong>The</strong>se<br />

days there is a much more sophisticated<br />

understanding of the psychological impact of being<br />

involved in major disasters, both for those who live<br />

through them and for the staff or volunteers who go<br />

in afterwards.<br />

On 28 February 1975 the Whitlam government<br />

established the Darwin Reconstruction<br />

Commission, which effectively rebuilt the city within<br />

three years. Darwin’s near complete destruction led<br />

to the introduction of improved building codes<br />

across Australia.<br />

We remember Cyclone Tracy<br />

Christmas Day <strong>25</strong> Dec 1974<br />

Extracted from<br />

https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/cyclone-tracy<br />

6 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 20<strong>24</strong> 7


TRIGGER WARNING<br />

This article contains names, images and biographies of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.<br />

This article contains war-related material, which some people may find confronting and disturbing.<br />

W E W I L L R E M E M B E R T H E M<br />

INDIGENOUS BROTHERS AT WAR<br />

LANCE CORPORAL WILLIAM ALBERT KNIGHT<br />

MM, (Service No. 105)<br />

William was born in 1893 at Toorale Station near<br />

Louth, New South Wales, the son of John and<br />

Elizabeth Knight. Eliza was a Gunu woman and the<br />

family had a strong connection to the Gunu Barkandji<br />

mob, the northern part of the Barkandji people<br />

around Bourke.<br />

Bill enlisted in <strong>January</strong> 1916 at the<br />

age of 23 and joined the 43rd<br />

Battalion in late 1916. He was shot<br />

in the wrist and admitted to<br />

hospital on 20 Oct 1917 and was<br />

then awarded a Military Medal in<br />

February 1918 for his bravery on<br />

the Western Front during the 4th<br />

Battle of Ypres.<br />

He returned home to Australia in May 1918 and was<br />

discharged in July1918 (wounded).<br />

CORPORAL ALBERT KNIGHT DCM<br />

Albert Knight was born in 1894. He didn’t attend<br />

school very often and worked on the outback<br />

stations around Bourke before enlisting in the<br />

Australian Imperial Force in <strong>November</strong> 1915 at<br />

Dubbo, New South Wales at the age of 21.<br />

Albert joined the 13th Battalion near Ypres,<br />

Belgium, in October 1916, the beginning of one of<br />

the harshest winters in living memory - trench life<br />

was miserable, and troops endured wet and<br />

freezing conditions. Albert became ill with influenza<br />

and was admitted to hospital in France until he was<br />

well enough to return to the front.<br />

As the winter weather abated, the scene was set for<br />

a continuation of horrendous fighting across the<br />

battlefields of northern France. <strong>The</strong> Germans had<br />

withdrawn to their strong defensive positions on the<br />

Hindenburg Line. British and Dominion forces,<br />

including Albert’s 13th Battalion, made a hastily<br />

planned attack near the village of Bullecourt that<br />

resulted in disaster. Tanks which were supposed to<br />

support the attacking Australian infantry broke down<br />

or were quickly destroyed. Infantry managed to<br />

break into parts of the German defences but<br />

supporting artillery fire was withheld because of<br />

uncertainty as to how far the allies had advanced.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Australians were eventually hemmed in and<br />

forced to retreat, suffering over 3,300 casualties.<br />

Among those wounded at Bullecourt was Private<br />

Albert Knight, who had suffered a shrapnel wound to<br />

his face. He was hospitalised, but his wound was not<br />

considered serious, and within a few weeks he was<br />

again well enough to return to his unit. In September,<br />

Albert was transferred to the 43rd Battalion, joining<br />

his brother Bill. He was promoted to Lance<br />

Corporal, and after the fighting at Passchendaele,<br />

Albert became known for his bombing and scouting<br />

skills.<br />

While serving on the Somme battlefield in May 1918<br />

Albert placed his foot on an unexploded Mills bomb.<br />

<strong>The</strong> explosion seriously wounded Albert’s foot, and<br />

he spent the next two months in hospital. Albert<br />

returned to his unit in July, as it appeared more likely<br />

than ever that the Germans would be defeated. In<br />

August, Albert was promoted to temporary<br />

Corporal.<br />

On 30 September 1918, Albert was leading an attack<br />

on entrenched enemy positions in the French village<br />

of Bony. Australian bombing parties were pinned<br />

down by heavy enemy machine-gun and trench<br />

mortar fire, unable to advance towards their<br />

objectives. Albert moved with his Lewis Gun section<br />

then pushed forward with another noncommissioned<br />

officer to pinpoint the enemy position.<br />

<strong>The</strong>y moved across open country in broad daylight<br />

and within full view of the enemy lines for around<br />

275 metres with only shell-holes for protection.<br />

Despite the danger, Albert was able to get to a spot<br />

where he could locate and plot the positions of the<br />

enemy weapons firing on<br />

the Australians. After<br />

returning to the lines, this<br />

information was used to<br />

allow artillery fire to<br />

successfully take out the<br />

enemy positions. For great<br />

gallantry and devotion to<br />

duty, Albert Knight was<br />

awarded the Distinguished<br />

Conduct Medal, and was<br />

soon promoted to Corporal.<br />

<strong>The</strong> fighting ceased on 11 <strong>November</strong> 1918, and<br />

Corporal Albert Knight DCM, along with thousands<br />

of other Australian servicemen and servicewomen<br />

whose lives had been embroiled in this conflict, made<br />

the long journey home. After returning to Australia<br />

aboard the transport ship Nestor in July 1919, Albert<br />

worked in the bush around Bourke. He died on 15<br />

October 1973, and was buried in the local cemetery.<br />

PRIVATE JOSEPH KNIGHT (Service No. 6763)<br />

Joseph was the youngest of three boys, born at<br />

Toorale Station, near Louth NSW in 1895 to parents<br />

John & Eliza Knight.<br />

Joseph enlisted 6 months after his older brother, on<br />

17 July 1916 as a 21-year-old and disembarked in<br />

Devonport England on 10th <strong>January</strong> 1917 to join<br />

13th Battalion. On the 10th of February 1917, Joseph<br />

was admitted to hospital with a misdiagnosed fever<br />

and died of Acute Pneumonia in Isolation Hospital,<br />

Wiltshire England on 16 February 1917. His grave is<br />

located at plot 100 in the war cemetery at Wiltshire<br />

England.<br />

Extracted from AWM<br />

https://www.awm.gov.au/learn/schools/<br />

resources/anzac-diversity/aboriginalanzacs/albert-knight<br />

REFERENCES AND FURTHER INFORMATION:<br />

• WILLIAM ALBERT KNIGHT - https://vwma.org.au/<br />

explore/people/332716<br />

• ALBERT KNIGHT - https://vwma.org.au/explore/<br />

people/290488<br />

• JOSEPH KNIGHT - https://vwma.org.au/explore/<br />

people/331367<br />

• ABC Australia, “Message Stick: 480 ANZAC”,<br />

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXN3H6wsnj8<br />

.<br />

• Bill Gammage, “Albert Knight (1894–1973)”, http:/<br />

/adb.anu.edu.au/biography/knight-albert-6986<br />

.<br />

• National Archives of Australia, service records,<br />

Albert Knight,<br />

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/<br />

Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4817816<br />

• National Archives of Australia, service records,<br />

William Albert Knight https://recordsearch.naa.gov.<br />

au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?<br />

B=4375183<br />

• National Archives of Australia, service records,<br />

Joseph Knight<br />

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/<br />

Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=7372921<br />

• https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/knight-albert-<br />

6986<br />

• https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/aboriginal-medalrecipients-ww1<br />

Images: Group photo extracted from - https://www.thewesternherald.com.<br />

au/single-post/the-knight-brothers-decorated-indigenous-soldiers-of-wwi<br />

This old photograph taken in France in 1917 shows a group of Australian<br />

Diggers from the 43rd Battalion – Albert Knight is standing on the far left,<br />

and his brother William is seated at the left. <strong>The</strong> photo was kindly provided<br />

by Austin Bourke of Dubbo via David Huggonson of Brisbane.<br />

HONOURS AND AWARDS (WAR DIARY)<br />

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R26131<strong>24</strong><br />

NOTE: This information may have discrepancies due to lack of identifying<br />

materials and records.<br />

Indigenous stories are mostly untold and not part of the documented history of<br />

Australia's involvement in WW1. Contemporary researchers such as Philippa<br />

Scarlett, David Huggonson, Desmond Crump and others have taken the time to<br />

painstakingly research their contributions to the war efforts.<br />

SHARE YOUR STORY<br />

At <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong>, we’ve<br />

been featuring the stories of<br />

Defence community<br />

members for many years.<br />

If you have a story to tell or<br />

know someone who<br />

deserves recognition through an article in this<br />

publication, please use the QR code to enter a<br />

submission.<br />

8 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 9


CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TIPS!<br />

BOREDOM BUSTERS<br />

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”. Christmas<br />

is definitely coming early this year, with decorations<br />

already hitting some retail stores!<br />

<strong>The</strong> holiday season is usually a happy, busy time of<br />

year, but it can also be hectic, stressful and very<br />

expensive. If you’re traveling to see friends and/or<br />

family you’ll find that, like many other costs, travel<br />

costs seem to have increased considerably, no matter<br />

which mode of transport you plan to use. If you’re<br />

not careful, you can easily start the New Year with a<br />

debt hangover.<br />

Create a holiday budget<br />

Write down all the additional costs you expect to<br />

incur, such as travel or fuel costs, travel insurance,<br />

food, gifts, pet costs, and planned activities. Have you<br />

set enough money aside to cover these additional<br />

costs? If not, how can you pare them back to<br />

something that’s manageable and within budget?<br />

Track your spending. Whether you use an app,<br />

spreadsheet or pen and paper, keeping track of what<br />

you spend will help you stay within budget.<br />

Look for discounts<br />

When you know what you want to buy, use the<br />

internet to search for sales, discounts, or a good<br />

price for each item. Many websites offer free<br />

delivery which could save you time and money.<br />

Sometimes even a small delivery fee could be<br />

cheaper than using your own petrol to go out<br />

shopping.<br />

Only enter debit or credit card details online if the<br />

website is secure, easily identified by the padlock<br />

symbol before the website address.<br />

If you decide to shop on sale days, like Black Friday<br />

or Cyber Monday at the end of <strong>November</strong>, don’t<br />

be tempted to buy things not on your list, sale items<br />

are even cheaper if you don’t buy them at all.<br />

Check the online retailer<br />

It’s very easy to set-up an ecommerce site online<br />

these days, in fact you can set one up and be trading<br />

within a day. So, it’s important to be wary of shonky<br />

and poorly managed online retailers out there.<br />

Before you buy, make sure to check out the online<br />

retailer’s returns policy, their customer reviews (on<br />

their website, on google, and on social media) and<br />

their business locations.<br />

Deferring payment<br />

If you are considering spreading out payment for<br />

holiday costs by using a credit card or a buy-nowpay-later<br />

(BNPL) scheme, make sure you have<br />

budgeted to make the repayments within the<br />

interest-free period, or by each BNPL payment due<br />

date. Try to keep credit to a minimum because it<br />

requires discipline and tight control to stay out of<br />

trouble.<br />

Some things you may not know about BNPL<br />

schemes:<br />

• Some providers perform credit checks which<br />

can negatively impact your credit score<br />

• Most say they may inform credit reporting<br />

agencies if one or more payments are missed,<br />

which could negatively impact your credit score<br />

• Lenders must count BNPL accounts as debt<br />

when assessing debt to income ratios for a loan<br />

application, which means BNPL accounts reduce<br />

your borrowing capacity<br />

• Using BNPL schemes may indicate to a lender<br />

that you cannot adequately manage your<br />

spending, which can impact your borrowing<br />

capacity<br />

• <strong>The</strong>y may appear to be similar services, however<br />

the terms and conditions are different for each<br />

provider, so read the fine print carefully.<br />

Free activities<br />

If you are looking for things to do, there are often<br />

free activities on offer at local parks or beaches,<br />

check local council websites to find out what’s on.<br />

<strong>The</strong> key messages here are to plan your spending,<br />

don’t spend more than you can afford, and<br />

minimise the use of credit, so you are less likely to<br />

start the new year with a debt hangover.<br />

DISCLAIMER<br />

This article has been written for education purposes<br />

only and the information it contains must not be<br />

treated as general or personal financial advice. You<br />

should consider your specific needs and think about<br />

consulting a qualified accountant or a licensed<br />

financial adviser of your choice prior to making<br />

personal financial decisions.<br />

Feeling like you are stuck, burnt out, need some fun in your life? Start this New Years checklist and see<br />

how many you can tick off! You will be amazed at how these activities can get you back on your way to<br />

feeling fulfilled:<br />

Organise or attend a quiz, trivia or bingo night<br />

Schedule a day with nothing to do<br />

Spend an evening with good friends<br />

Go out to dinner<br />

Send a card to a loved one<br />

Bake something to share with others (e.g.<br />

family, neighbours, friends, work colleagues)<br />

Make a video call with someone who lives far<br />

away<br />

Declutter your wardrobe<br />

Learn to play a musical instrument<br />

Go to the ballet or opera<br />

Light scented candles, oils or incense<br />

Spend time alone<br />

Exercise<br />

Put up a framed picture or artwork<br />

Go Birdwatching<br />

Do something spontaneously<br />

Organise a picnic<br />

Plant a terrarium<br />

Play lawn games (e.g. bowls, croquet, bocce)<br />

Work on a jigsaw puzzle<br />

Donate old clothes or items to charity<br />

Engage in arts and crafts: Sketching, painting<br />

Go horseback riding<br />

Sit outside and listen to nature<br />

Visit national parks<br />

Go to a local market, fair or fete<br />

Plant some seasonal flowers<br />

Plan your next camping trip<br />

Learn a new language<br />

Upcycle or creatively reuse old items<br />

Go to the botanic gardens<br />

See a live stand-up comedy show<br />

Bake home-made treats<br />

Pick up the camera and head out on a<br />

photography expedition<br />

Care for an indoor plant<br />

Pick up any book and start reading<br />

Schedule 5 minutes per day of deep<br />

breathing<br />

Borrow books from the library<br />

Explore an art exhibition<br />

Written by Amanda Letcher<br />

Community Contributer<br />

Adapted from the Fun Activities Catalogue<br />

Extracted from<br />

https://adfconsumer.gov.au/shopping-online-christmas/<br />

https://adfconsumer.gov.au/take-charge-of-your-spendingthis-christmas/<br />

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/-/media/CCI/Mental-Health-<br />

Professionals/Depression/Depression---Information-Sheets/<br />

Depression-Information-Sheet---06---Fun-Activities-Catalogue.pdf<br />

10 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 11


MERRY CHRISTMAS!<br />

No matter where you are, who you’re with and how you’re celebrating, the<br />

team at <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas<br />

and a prosperous New Year! Wherever this year takes you, we hope the<br />

journey isn’t too long and the weather isn’t too hot. We look forward to<br />

hearing your stories when you return!<br />

Relocation Bingo!<br />

WIN<br />

ROADTRIP KITS<br />

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!<br />

In last year’s Christmas edition, we gave away our super<br />

popular <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> Roadtrip Kits for families<br />

relocating from the NT with a long drive ahead!<br />

This year, we are offering 5 x Roadtrip Kits for relocating<br />

families, including our very own TTEM Activity Book, lollies,<br />

games, torch (batteries not included) and handy travel<br />

items that we often forget about, all in a drawstring bag to<br />

keep it together in your car!<br />

Wet season<br />

rain on moving<br />

day<br />

Christmas in<br />

transit<br />

Neighbour<br />

takes care of<br />

the bin for<br />

you<br />

Child or pet<br />

vomits on<br />

packing day<br />

Forgot a<br />

drawer of<br />

items<br />

Lost box<br />

Case manager<br />

is MIA<br />

No hospital<br />

visits this<br />

move!<br />

Pets are<br />

booked for<br />

travel<br />

Check list<br />

completed!<br />

Eating on the<br />

floor<br />

Leave not<br />

approved<br />

Home<br />

inspection goes<br />

to plan!<br />

No Way!<br />

Packer arrives<br />

late<br />

Vehicle<br />

delivered,<br />

on time!<br />

Kids get along<br />

for the whole<br />

trip!<br />

Your new<br />

house is<br />

perfect!<br />

Nothing is<br />

damaged on<br />

delivery!<br />

Temp accom<br />

is unsuitable<br />

Damaged box<br />

Just for fun, cross off each one as you experience it during your posting adventure. Remember, if you<br />

are having a hard time reach out, you are NOT alone, and if you need professional support reach out<br />

to ESO’s such as Mates4Mates, Open Arms and DMFS.<br />

To enter, tell us in <strong>25</strong> words or less, why you would like a<br />

Roadtrip Kit while you travel and we will contact 5 lucky<br />

winners by the end of <strong>November</strong>. Roadtrip Kits can be<br />

posted, so entries are accepted from defence families<br />

across the <strong>Top</strong> End.<br />

Written by Deb Herring<br />

Committee Member<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />

TERMS: Open to <strong>Top</strong> End based Defence members, veterans and their immediate<br />

families aged 18 and up who are posting/moving to a new location. Closes <strong>24</strong> Nov<br />

20<strong>24</strong>. Enter online by visiting www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win<br />

Winners for each prize will be drawn at random. Winners will be notified by<br />

email/phone and announced in the next edition of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong>.<br />

WIN<br />

Bethanie Parsons has now partnered with<br />

Global Travel, and to celebrate she’s offering<br />

one lucky reader $300 to go towards their<br />

next travel and accommodation package, as<br />

well as 20% off travel insurance! All you have<br />

to do is answer this, in <strong>25</strong> words or less, “why<br />

do you need a holiday?” <strong>The</strong> more creative<br />

the better! T&C’s apply.<br />

I’ve never been overseas<br />

I need some me time!!!<br />

It’s too hot!<br />

Send me to the snow!!<br />

TERMS: Open to <strong>Top</strong> End based Defence members, veterans and<br />

their immediate families aged 18 and up. Entrants are permitted<br />

to apply for multiple prizes. Closes 5th <strong>December</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>. Enter<br />

online by visiting www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win<br />

Minimum spend $3000. Winners will be notified by email/phone<br />

and announced in the next edition of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong>.<br />

12 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 13


AMERIGO VESPUCCI<br />

As we bid farewell to the Amerigo Vespucci, which<br />

began its "World Tour" in July 2023 from Genoa,<br />

Italy, I’d like to share some interesting facts and<br />

experiences from this incredible Italian Navy training<br />

vessel, which is currently making its way to Singapore.<br />

It was recently moored in Darwin Harbour and<br />

attracted a whopping crowd who all lined up and<br />

piled in to get a glimpse of the “most beautiful ship in<br />

the world” - a claim made by the Italians and agreed<br />

by many around the world, a few locals considered<br />

Photos: <strong>Top</strong>: Left: Rebecca & Stephanie waiting to board, middle: 2 Amerigo<br />

Vespucci Naval crew agree to pose for a photo with Steph, right: looking<br />

across the deck and bowsprit. Right: So much rope. Above: Map showing the<br />

current route. Courtesy Viv Kleemann<br />

What is a poop deck?<br />

To understand why a poop deck is called a poop<br />

deck, we need to look at the origin on the word.<br />

<strong>The</strong> origin of the term “poop deck” derives from<br />

the French word for the stern (the back of the ship)<br />

“la poupe”. Poupe is pronounced the same as we<br />

pronounce “poop” in English.<br />

<strong>The</strong> poop deck served a few purposes. Being a<br />

raised deck, it gave the best viewpoint to navigate<br />

surrounding the seas, landmarks, and skies for<br />

navigation purposes. <strong>The</strong> poop deck also gave a fulllength<br />

view of the ship and all the crew, who could<br />

be seen and encouraged to work harder if they<br />

were seen to be slacking.<br />

https://cruiseshiptraveller.com/poop-deck/<br />

perhaps a bit arrogant, but I think you’d be hard<br />

pressed to find a more beautiful, awe-inspiring ship,<br />

so their claim remains unchallenged.<br />

Stepping on board was just like stepping back in<br />

time; the gangway was narrow with rope handrails<br />

and a sway that only comes with the ocean.<br />

Reaching the deck, you’re greeted with timber,<br />

brass, and rope, so much rope! Looking up, the<br />

masts seem to reach for the clouds. As you get<br />

your footing and follow the crowd across the deck,<br />

the stairs that greet you are reminisce of a 1920’s<br />

movie - grand, beautifully polished, teak timber<br />

leading up to the quarter deck. Here you’ll find more<br />

rope and the flybridge, where 8 men are required to<br />

steer the ship.<br />

Continuing around to the other side, down another<br />

grand stairway, to where Styers and Lanterns are<br />

kept on display as a beautiful reminder from years<br />

gone by, then up more stairs, to where a map<br />

displays the ships current route, two canons stand on<br />

display on either side of the deck and the bowsprit<br />

extends past the hull with the ornate figurehead of<br />

Amerigo himself. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to<br />

see the other areas below deck, but what we did see<br />

gave us a glimpse into the grandeur that must lie<br />

beneath. What a beauty!<br />

Written by Viv Kleemann<br />

Committee Member<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />

Photos: All other images supplied by Tour Vespucci Media<br />

EXTRACTED FROM: INFO SHEET - THE AMERIGO VESPUCCI<br />

SHIP HISTORY AND KEY DATA<br />

HISTORY<br />

<strong>The</strong> hull is of the three main decks type (deck,<br />

battery and tween decks) with quarter-deck and<br />

poop deck which are two superstructures rising on<br />

the main deck. Her typical black and white colour<br />

underlines the reference to the past: the white<br />

bands along the battery and tween decks are meant<br />

to reproduce the two cannon decks of the 19th<br />

century vessel that had given inspiration to the<br />

designer.<br />

<strong>The</strong> plating consists of steel plates, having various<br />

thickness, joined by riveting, an operation that must<br />

be workmanlike performed to assure the tightness<br />

of the ship. <strong>The</strong> figure-head, placed forward,<br />

shows Amerigo Vespucci and is realized in<br />

golden bronze. <strong>The</strong> typical prow decorations and<br />

the poop arabesque are in wood covered with pure<br />

gold foil.<br />

Other parts of the ship are in wood which differs<br />

according to the required characteristics: teak for<br />

the main deck and steering compartment;<br />

mahogany, teak and holy wood for the nautical<br />

fittings; oak, mahogany and walnut for the interior<br />

furnishing and the Council Chamber. <strong>The</strong> ship’s<br />

waterline length is 70 metres and the maximum<br />

length at bowsprit is 101.<br />

<strong>The</strong> hull’s full breadth is about 15 metres, but it can<br />

reach 21 metres if we include the volume of the<br />

boats overhanging from the ship’s side and 28<br />

metres between the extremities of the highest yard<br />

of the main mast. <strong>The</strong> maximum draught is 7.30<br />

metres.<br />

<strong>The</strong> ship is fitted with 11 boats: two speed-boats,<br />

two motor-boats, two fire-boats and four ship’s<br />

boats (oar- and sail- driven), employed for the<br />

training of the Cadets. Finally, astern, there is the<br />

typical “whaler” reserved for the Commanding<br />

Officer. Her full load displacement is 4100 tons.<br />

SHIP AND HER CHARACTERISTICS<br />

<strong>The</strong> ship itself is the oldest ship in commission in the<br />

Italian Navy and her Leonardesque motto is “Non<br />

chi comincia ma quel che persevera” (“Not the one<br />

who begins but the one who perseveres“). From a<br />

technical-structural point of view, the Vespucci is a<br />

sailing ship with auxiliary power plant. As concerns<br />

the sail rigging, she is a square-rigged ship, with<br />

three masts, firesail, main and mizzen (all equipped<br />

with yards and square sails) plus the bowsprit, in<br />

every respect, the fourth mast. <strong>The</strong> ship has also<br />

fore-and-aft sails, jibs on the bowsprit, stays<br />

between the masts and the spanker.<br />

POWER PLANT<br />

<strong>The</strong> propulsion is of the diesel-electric type: the ship<br />

is provided with two diesel engines connected<br />

to two electricity generating dynamos that supply a<br />

propelled electric motor. <strong>The</strong> two motors are<br />

FIAT eight-cylinder in-line diesel engines developing<br />

3000 HP.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Marelli electric motor can develop a speed of<br />

about 12 knots. <strong>The</strong> handling of the sails is carried<br />

out by means of cables, of different diameters, for a<br />

total length of about 20 km.<br />

ACTIVITY<br />

Since she entered service, the ship has carried out<br />

training cruises every year, except for 1940, because<br />

of the war events, and for the years 1964, 1973 and<br />

1997 for maintenance works. <strong>The</strong> training activity is<br />

carried out mainly for the Naval Academy Cadets,<br />

but also for the Students of the Military Naval<br />

School “Francesco Morosini”, Helmsmen as well as<br />

youth members of Sailing Associations such as the<br />

Italian Naval League and the Italian Sail Training<br />

Association.<br />

COMPLEMENT<br />

<strong>The</strong> crew, the real “motor” of the Amerigo<br />

Vespucci, consists of 278 men, including 16 Officers,<br />

72 Petty Officers and 190 Chief Petty Officers and<br />

Ratings, subdivided in the various Departments and<br />

Services. During the training Cruise, the crew is<br />

integrated by the Cadets and support personnel of<br />

the Naval Academy, for a total of 480 men.


Defence Member and Family Support<br />

As the year ends and we begin planning to welcome in 20<strong>25</strong>, many families have or are preparing to post to a<br />

new location. Whether you are leaving the Territory or arriving, take this time to link into your local DMFS area<br />

office and check out the various upcoming events. This is a fantastic way to meet our friendly teams and engage<br />

with the Defence community.<br />

Remember we are now entering cyclone season and we strongly encourage everyone to familiarise themselves<br />

with the Secure NT web page. This will help you understand the warnings, consider your cyclone emergency<br />

plan and prepare your cyclone emergency kit.<br />

Each year in <strong>January</strong>/February, DMFS NT host two superb welcome expos. <strong>The</strong>se events are for all ADF<br />

members and their families, so come along and take the opportunity to discover what the Northern Territory<br />

has to offer. Check out more information and our save the dates below.<br />

Military Life-Cycle<br />

Postings are now in full swing and many members and<br />

families are about to start their new chapter. DMFS have a<br />

range of useful resources to help you prepare for this time.<br />

Please visit our DMFS website and look under the Postings<br />

and Relocations page, located within the Military life-cycle<br />

section to access valuable information.<br />

If you need support in understanding childcare or<br />

schooling options in your new location, please reach out<br />

to the <strong>24</strong>/7 Defence Member and Family Support<br />

Helpline on 1800 6<strong>24</strong> 608 or catch the DMFS-NT team in<br />

our Winnellie and Tindal offices and out and about at<br />

community events.<br />

Photos: What’s the Scoop - Ice cream in the park, Darwin © DMFS<br />

Stay Connected<br />

1800 6<strong>24</strong> 608<br />

memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au<br />

defence.gov.au/members-families<br />

DMFS_AusDefence<br />

DMFS_AusDefence<br />

What’s the Scoop – Ice cream in the<br />

park, Darwin<br />

Whilst the rest of Australia survived winter, ADF<br />

members and their families joined DMFS Darwin for a<br />

well-earned school holiday treat in the sun. Coming<br />

together at a local park in Darwin on a cool dry season<br />

afternoon, children explored the playground whilst<br />

parents chatted about all things Darwin, from the dry<br />

weather to upcoming exercises, postings and absences. If<br />

you missed us this time, make sure you catch us at<br />

another park soon.<br />

DefenceMemberFamilySupport<br />

dmfs-darwin.eventbrite.com.au<br />

dmfs-tindal.eventbrite.com.au<br />

Written by Di Elson<br />

NT Area Manager<br />

Defence Member and Family Support<br />

Teens, Tweens and Tiny Tots Dry Season<br />

Ball, Tindal<br />

<strong>The</strong> Tindal Children’s Dry Season Ball was a red carpet<br />

affair. Dressed to impress, yet still able to dive under the<br />

limbo stick, there was lots of laughter as RAAF Base<br />

Tindal families enjoyed a magical evening. <strong>The</strong> dance floor<br />

was alive with teens, tweens, and tiny tots, all swaying to<br />

the rhythm of the Macarena. <strong>The</strong> music contended with<br />

infectious giggles, as younger children playfully chased<br />

balloons, and refuelled with the delightful feast. Parents too<br />

hit the dance floor and mingled over delicious nibbles and<br />

refreshing drinks, creating a perfect blend of fun and<br />

relaxation for all ages at the DMFS Tindal Teens, Tweens<br />

and Tiny Tots Dry Season Ball.<br />

Photos: Teens, Tweens and Tiny Tots Dry Season Ball, Tindal © DMFS<br />

DMFS NT Welcome events:<br />

Welcome to the <strong>Top</strong> End!<br />

Defence Member and Family Support is hosting a<br />

community connections expo.<br />

ADF members and families are invited to join DMFS and<br />

Command for a morning of fun and information sharing. A<br />

large range of local community groups and sporting<br />

organisations will be there, plus local, Territory and<br />

Commonwealth government services. It is a great<br />

opportunity to find out more about Darwin and<br />

surrounding areas and the supports available during your<br />

posting. We will have fun activities for families as well as<br />

military equipment displays from local Military Units. Enjoy<br />

the activities in air-conditioned comfort. Convenient<br />

parking is available on site.<br />

WHERE: Darwin Convention Centre, Stokes Hill Road,<br />

Darwin<br />

WHEN: Saturday 8 February 20<strong>25</strong>, 9.00am–1.00pm<br />

20<strong>25</strong> Welcome to Katherine & Tindal<br />

Defence Member and Family Support Tindal invite ADF<br />

members and families to our Welcome to Katherine &<br />

Tindal Expo! Bring the whole family along.<br />

Discover what the Tindal & Katherine region has to offer<br />

you and your family with over 60 exhibitors, including local<br />

community and sporting groups, Government organisations<br />

and other service providers. You will also be able to meet<br />

the Tindal and DMFS NT team in person.<br />

Join us from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at the base pool where we<br />

will have waterslides, food and drinks available to purchase<br />

– there will be something for everyone!<br />

WHERE: RAAF Base Tindal Gymnasium and Pool<br />

WHEN: Friday 31st <strong>January</strong> 20<strong>25</strong>, 3:00pm-6:00pm (pool<br />

access from 5:30pm)<br />

Connecting with your<br />

Local Community:<br />

Your local DMFS team can connect you with your<br />

local community and services. You will see us at<br />

meet and greets and unit welcomes, including at<br />

community groups: Network Tindal, Robertson<br />

Barracks Family Group, Larrakeyah<br />

Neighbourhood House and the <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> Tri-<br />

Services <strong>Magazine</strong>.<br />

Advice and Support:<br />

Defence Member and Family Support are here to<br />

help. Reach out to the Defence Member and<br />

Family Helpline on 1800 6<strong>24</strong> 608 at any time for<br />

advice, support or connection with your local<br />

community.<br />

Our website has information on ADF member<br />

and family content so be sure to bookmark our<br />

URL and follow us on social media to keep up-todate<br />

on planned events.<br />

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/<br />

local-services-events/area-offices/darwin<br />

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/<br />

local-services-events/area-offices/tindal-katherine<br />

Mailing List:<br />

Are you on the DMFS NT e-<br />

News mailing list? You can<br />

subscribe to our e-News by<br />

scanning the QR code or<br />

visiting our website.<br />

Handy Links:<br />

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/<br />

family-programs-services/support-for-families/<br />

partner-employment-assistance-program<br />

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/<br />

military-life-cycle/posting-relocating/movingchildren<br />

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/<br />

military-life-cycle/absence-from-home/deployment<br />

Useful QR codes:<br />

Member and Family Care Plan<br />

New letter to schools and child care<br />

Defence Member and Family Support are here to help. Reach out to the Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 6<strong>24</strong> 608 at any<br />

16<br />

time for advice, support or connection with your local community. Our website has information on ADF member and family content<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated<br />

so be sure to bookmark our URL and follow us on social media to keep up-to-date on planned events.<br />

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 17


CYCLONE TRACY<br />

A PERSONAL ACCOUNT<br />

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Cyclone<br />

Tracy. For me, it has always played a part in my life<br />

for as long as I can remember; it is part of who I am.<br />

I was only eight years old when Cyclone Tracy<br />

ripped through Darwin - I was living in Alawa with<br />

my family.<br />

My Father worked for the BOM (Bureau of<br />

Meteorology), and he believed that this cyclone was<br />

going to hit Darwin. As a family, we started to<br />

prepare for the arrival of the cyclone.<br />

<strong>The</strong> first thing I remember my mother and father<br />

doing was to fill the bath with fresh water, put tape<br />

on the windows and recording our voices and<br />

messages on the tape recorder to send to our<br />

grandparents in Perth, then being sent to bed.<br />

I remember the howling wind, (I have never heard<br />

anything like it since) and even now when it has been<br />

windy for a few days it gives me the gips.<br />

<strong>The</strong> next part, I remember vividly, and I am not sure<br />

what time of the night it was, but I remember sitting<br />

on my bed with my parents and brothers and sister<br />

and we were all praying. During this time, a set of<br />

headlights came into the driveway. My mum thought<br />

that my dad's work had come to collect him as he<br />

was meant to be at work. My father went out into<br />

the howling wind to see who it was and bought back<br />

two young men who had become lost because the<br />

streetlights were down and the street signs had been<br />

blown over. <strong>The</strong>se two young men came and sat on<br />

the bed with us and prayed. To this day we do not<br />

know who they were. <strong>The</strong>y stayed with us for the<br />

night and went on their way in the morning.<br />

While we were sitting on the bed, a piece of four-byfour<br />

roof beam came through the house and right<br />

under the bed we were sitting on. It had pierced<br />

through our house from the house behind us - it<br />

came through the bathroom, along the passageway<br />

and under the bed. I remember the house shaking<br />

and the high pitch whistling of the howling wind and<br />

things banging and crashing outside. Sometime after<br />

this, the manhole of the house came off and my dad<br />

had said once the manhole went, we need to move<br />

from the house. Luckily, we had a besser block shed<br />

under the house which the two guys and dad had<br />

cleared out, and put a tarp on the roof, as this was<br />

the floor of the house.<br />

We then prepared to<br />

move downstairs and<br />

each adult had a child. I<br />

remember myself, my<br />

brothers and sister<br />

wearing our yellow<br />

raincoats. <strong>The</strong> trip<br />

downstairs was slow<br />

moving, as the antenna<br />

from the house was<br />

blowing across the<br />

stairs and we had to<br />

wait until it swung away<br />

from us to descend the<br />

stairs - we ran!<br />

When the eye of the cyclone came over it was so<br />

quiet, so quiet that not even a frog or insect made a<br />

sound - it was like being inside it was a big void.<br />

<strong>The</strong>n the wind returned, I remember the sound of<br />

the wind coming back, the only way I can describe it<br />

would be like a freight train going full speed and you<br />

standing right next to it.<br />

As dawn broke, my dad realised that the cyclone had<br />

blown over and it was safe to come out. We<br />

emerged from the shed to see a big green tree frog<br />

sitting on the bench outside the shed. My mum found<br />

a small packet of silver cachous amongst all the debris<br />

and gave them to us to eat. <strong>The</strong>re was not a sound,<br />

not a bird to be seen or heard and absolutely no<br />

wind - it was so quiet.<br />

when) and we sat in lines waiting to be boarded onto<br />

planes out of Darwin. I remember being given<br />

melted ice-cream and a Salvation Army lady gave me<br />

a packet of Granita biscuits - I still had the biscuits<br />

when I arrived in Perth unopened!<br />

When we arrived, it was hot and I had no shoes, so<br />

my feet were burning. I vaguely remember a wire<br />

fence and people calling our names. This was the<br />

beginning of the next chapter of my life...<br />

Written by Clare Corvaia<br />

Committee Member<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />

RAAF DARWIN SGT’S MESS<br />

DONATES TO CAREFLIGHT<br />

Royal Australian Airforce Sergeants Mess Darwin,<br />

held their Corporal Sergeants Dining-In Night on the<br />

31 August <strong>24</strong>. This Dining-In Night also included<br />

special guests from NT St Johns, NTFRS and NT<br />

Police as a thank you for their support throughout<br />

the year. <strong>The</strong> Dining-In Night raised a total of $1000<br />

for a charity, selected by the appointed “Mr Vice” for<br />

the evening. CareFlight was selected by SGT Wallace<br />

as the charity for the evening due to the vital role<br />

they play in supporting remote and regional<br />

communities.<br />

On the 17th of September 20<strong>24</strong>, CareFlight<br />

received the donation of $1000 from “Mr Vice”<br />

SGT Wallace on behalf of the Sergeants Mess.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Dining-In Night is a cherished military tradition,<br />

filled with ceremonial rituals and camaraderie. A<br />

highlight of the evening is the “banter,” where<br />

lighthearted infractions (like wearing the wrong<br />

uniform or being late) are playfully called out.<br />

Symbolic fines are then imposed by the dining<br />

President and donated to a chosen charity—in this<br />

case, CareFlight!<br />

Photos: Careflight receives donation from RAAF Darwin SGT’s Mess,<br />

images courtesy of CareFlight.<br />

“Having worked alongside CareFlight, particularly<br />

during my time at Tindal, I’ve seen first-hand the<br />

essential service they provide, ensuring advanced<br />

medical care reaches those who need it most.”<br />

CareFlight expresses their sincere gratitude to the<br />

RAAF Darwin Sergeants Mess and everyone involved<br />

for their continued support - “we’re grateful to the<br />

Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin Sergeants<br />

Mess for their generous donation of $1,000, raised<br />

during their recent Dining-In Night”.<br />

If you would like to find out more about CareFlight<br />

or to donate online, head to; https://careflight.org/<br />

REFERENCES/SOURCES:<br />

https://www.facebook.com/CareFlight<strong>Top</strong>End<br />

Written by Ben Kleemann<br />

Committee Member<br />

RAAF Darwin SGT’s Mess Committee<br />

We went upstairs and we found that Father<br />

Christmas had delivered our toys, and they were<br />

found wrapped up in the mat; I remember a little<br />

toaster with foam toast. Our house had no roof,<br />

and one wall was completely gone.<br />

I am not sure when we moved to the Rapid Creek<br />

Kindy, but it was set up by some of my Dad's<br />

colleagues and I remember sleeping in a small room<br />

and watching a cockroach climbing up the wall. We<br />

then moved to Rapid Creek High School (not sure<br />

18 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 19


EMERGENCY KITS<br />

Your emergency kit should include:<br />

• battery-operated radio with spare batteries<br />

• torch with spare batteries, candles and<br />

waterproof matches<br />

• first aid kit and manual with any essential<br />

medicines that may not be found in a basic kit<br />

• a change of clothes for each member of the<br />

household (wind and waterproof, hats, leather<br />

gloves, strong protective closed-in shoes)<br />

• blankets or sleeping bags<br />

• toilet paper and essential toiletries, including<br />

sunscreen<br />

• special needs for infants (food, formula, nappies,<br />

toys), the aged or people with disabilities<br />

• money, including change for phone calls<br />

• important family documents (birth and marriage<br />

certificates, driver's licence, passports, insurance<br />

policies and photos)<br />

• strong and sealable plastic bags (for clothing,<br />

valuables, documents and photographs)<br />

• a mobile phone, spare battery and charger<br />

• extra car and house keys<br />

• a copy of your household plan<br />

• pet supplies<br />

• non-perishable foods (dried and canned - label<br />

cans and don't forget the can opener) (3 days<br />

plus)<br />

• 10 litres of bottled water per person (3 days<br />

plus)<br />

• portable cooker (if using gas remember to have<br />

spare canisters or bottles)<br />

• cooking equipment and eating utensils<br />

• A cloth face mask or multiple disposable masks,<br />

hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes<br />

• Advice on infant feeding in an emergency<br />

available at: www.breastfeeding.asn.au.<br />

To view the emergency kit list in a different language<br />

please visit NT Police, Fire and Emergency<br />

Service - https://pfes.nt.gov.au/emergencyservice/publications<br />

How to look after your emergency kit:<br />

• store your kit in a dry area of your household<br />

that is easily accessible without electricity<br />

• make sure every member of your household<br />

knows where the kit is stored<br />

• check the contents of your kit at least once a<br />

year to ensure items still work and consumables<br />

have not past their use-by date<br />

• batteries have expiry dates, water does go stale<br />

and non-perishables will perish over a period of<br />

time<br />

• a household emergency kit can also double as a<br />

camping kit<br />

• stock your kit at the beginning of the wet season<br />

and use it in the dry season each year.<br />

Extracted from NT Government<br />

https://securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-anemergency/emergency-planning/emergency-kits<br />

Image: https://www.abc.net.au/emergency/what-you-need-in-yourcyclone-emergency-kit/102612154<br />

20 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 21


Military Dates to Remember:<br />

WAR MEMORIALS<br />

Australians tend to gather around memorials on<br />

special days of commemoration, like Anzac Day and<br />

Remembrance Day. Memorials can come in all<br />

shapes and sizes, from the huge Australian War<br />

Memorial in Canberra to smaller cenotaphs, obelisks<br />

and walls in towns around Australia. You'll usually<br />

find the names of wars, conflicts or peacekeeping<br />

operations on a memorial. Sometimes they list the<br />

names of people who served or who died as a result<br />

of their service.<br />

HISTORY OF ITS SYMBOLISM<br />

Memorials provide a place for people to gather and<br />

remember those who served from their local<br />

community, region, state or country.<br />

War memorials are not really a new concept. In<br />

ancient times, the Romans celebrated military success<br />

with large stone monuments. However, these rarely<br />

displayed the names of soldiers. <strong>The</strong>y usually<br />

promoted the military conquests and victories of<br />

emperors and other<br />

leaders.<br />

After both the Second<br />

South African (Boer)<br />

War and World War I,<br />

the idea of building a<br />

monument to<br />

commemorate local<br />

people who had served<br />

became popular in<br />

Australian towns - many<br />

communities spent years<br />

raising the funds to build<br />

lasting memorials to the<br />

war dead.<br />

You'll usually find the names of wars, conflicts or<br />

peacekeeping operations on a memorial. Sometimes<br />

they list also the names of people who served or<br />

died during a war.<br />

DESIGN YOUR OWN MEMORIAL<br />

War memorials help us to commemorate. In this<br />

activity, you can get creative and design your own<br />

memorial.<br />

Use a cardboard box as the base of your memorial.<br />

You may like to add other shapes to your box or cut<br />

parts out of your box. Decorate your box with<br />

words, colours, symbols or pictures.<br />

Before you get started, plan your memorial by<br />

answering the following questions:<br />

1. Who will your memorial commemorate?<br />

2. What symbols will you include on the memorial,<br />

and why?<br />

3. What will you inscribe on the memorial?<br />

4. What colours will be used on the memorial, and<br />

why?<br />

5. Will each side of the memorial be the same?<br />

How will they differ?<br />

6. Where would you display the memorial if it<br />

were to be built?<br />

Extracted from DVA<br />

https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/commemoration/<br />

symbols/war-memorials<br />

<strong>November</strong><br />

10 Nov 1964<br />

Selective<br />

conscription<br />

introduced<br />

18 Nov 1943<br />

Battle of<br />

Berlin<br />

27 <strong>November</strong> 1941<br />

HMAS Parramatta sunk,<br />

138 crew lost<br />

4 <strong>December</strong><br />

Saint Barbara’s Day<br />

4 <strong>December</strong> 1990<br />

Royal Australian Navy involvement<br />

in the Persian Gulf approved<br />

22 Jan 1941<br />

Tobruk<br />

surrenders<br />

to Australian<br />

6th Division<br />

1 Nov 1914<br />

First Australian<br />

Troop Convoy<br />

leaves the<br />

Australian<br />

Shores<br />

2 Nov 1942<br />

Kokoda airstrip<br />

re-occupied<br />

11 <strong>November</strong><br />

Remembrance Day<br />

1918 Great War<br />

Armistice signed<br />

1934 Shrine of<br />

Remembrance opened,<br />

Melbourne<br />

1941 Australian War<br />

Memorial opened,<br />

Canberra<br />

7 <strong>December</strong> 1915<br />

Evacuation of ANZAC<br />

forces from Gallipoli begins<br />

7 <strong>December</strong> 1941<br />

<strong>The</strong> end of the Siege of Tobruk<br />

7-8 <strong>December</strong> 1941<br />

Pearl Harbour Attack<br />

8 <strong>December</strong> 1941<br />

Australia now at war with Japan -<br />

Some 17,000 Australians would die in<br />

the three-and-a-half-year war against<br />

Japan, 8,000 as prisoners of war<br />

5 <strong>January</strong> 1941<br />

Bardia Captured<br />

5 <strong>January</strong> 1945<br />

HMAS Australia damaged by<br />

Kamikaze aircraft, <strong>25</strong> crew lost<br />

3 Nov<br />

Kokoda Day<br />

12 Nov 1943<br />

Last Japanese<br />

air raid on<br />

Darwin<br />

19 <strong>November</strong> 1941<br />

Sinking of HMAS Sydney<br />

(II), 645 crew lost<br />

<strong>December</strong><br />

<strong>25</strong> <strong>January</strong> 1942<br />

<strong>The</strong> threat of a Japanese invasion<br />

and the proximity of Japanese forces<br />

to Australia demanded an increased<br />

commitment from the Government<br />

and public.<br />

10 Dec 1952<br />

‘Operation<br />

Fauna’ 1RAR<br />

20 Dec 1915<br />

Last Australian<br />

troops<br />

evacuated from<br />

Gallipoli<br />

17 Jan 1991<br />

Coalition air<br />

attacks begin<br />

against Iraqi<br />

forces in Iraq<br />

and Kuwait<br />

23 Nov1948<br />

Formation of<br />

the Australian<br />

Regiment<br />

1 Dec 1942<br />

HMAS Armidale<br />

sunk, 100 crew<br />

lost<br />

31 Dec 2014<br />

Conclusion of<br />

Operation<br />

SLIPPER,<br />

Afghanistan<br />

8 Jan 1958<br />

Last Australian<br />

servicemen<br />

return from<br />

Korea<br />

28 Jan 1991<br />

RAN Clearance<br />

Diving Team<br />

departs Perth<br />

for Kuwait<br />

15 <strong>November</strong> 1944<br />

Australian government<br />

approves sending of<br />

Australian Women's Army<br />

Service members overseas<br />

2 Dec 1914<br />

First Australian<br />

military aircraft<br />

despatched to<br />

war<br />

22 Dec 1941<br />

First United<br />

States troops<br />

arrive in<br />

Australia<br />

16 <strong>December</strong> 1944<br />

Battle of the Bulge. Germans launch<br />

their final offensive of the Second<br />

World War in the west in the<br />

Ardennes Forest, in Belgium.<br />

<strong>January</strong><br />

1 Jan 1901<br />

Commonwealth<br />

of Australia<br />

proclaimed<br />

11 Jan 1973<br />

Official cessation<br />

of hostilities in<br />

Vietnam by<br />

Australian forces<br />

31 Jan 1968<br />

Tet offensive<br />

commences in<br />

Vietnam<br />

Photo: Locals gather at a memorial honouring people of Ipswich,<br />

Queensland, who served in the First World War, unveiled in<br />

<strong>December</strong> 1917. [AWM H17698]<br />

REFERENCES/SOURCES:<br />

DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) (2023 ), Days of<br />

commemoration in Australia, DVA Anzac Portal, accessed<br />

17 May 20<strong>24</strong>, https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/<br />

commemoration/days<br />

https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_<br />

departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp23<strong>24</strong>/<br />

Quick_Guides/MilitaryAnniversaries<br />

https://www.rslaustralia.org/key-commemorative-dates<br />

https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/atwar/nov<br />

https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/atwar/dec<br />

https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/atwar/jan<br />

EVENTS:<br />

Army: https://www.army.gov.au/news-and-events/events<br />

Airforce: https://www.airforce.gov.au/news-events/flying-activities-events<br />

Navy: https://www.navy.gov.au/community-engagement/events<br />

Photo: All images courtesy AWM, awm.gov.au<br />

From <strong>Top</strong>: Remembrance Day, smoke rise from oil tanks hit during the first Japanese air raid, images from Op Slipper, Tobruk<br />

surrenders, Tet offensive commences.<br />

22 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 23


DARWIN CONNECTION FOR NEW DEFENCE FAMILY ADVOCATE<br />

In August, the Defence Families of Australia (DFA) was<br />

thrilled to welcome Charlotte Webb as the newlyappointed<br />

Defence Family Advocate of Australia.<br />

Charlotte, who spent time in Darwin as a defence family<br />

member and an Army Reservist, brings her lived<br />

experience to the forefront as the lead advocate for the<br />

families of 84,000 current serving Australian Defence<br />

Force (ADF) members.<br />

“I am genuinely passionate in advocating for defence<br />

families to ensure that they have a voice and feel heard at<br />

the highest levels of the decision and policy-making<br />

process,” said Charlotte.<br />

“It is an honour to be appointed as the Defence Family<br />

Advocate of Australia.”<br />

Charlotte said some of the fondest memories she has of<br />

defence family life was the time spent in Darwin.<br />

“It is such a special and unique place that is wonderfully<br />

inclusive and welcoming,” she said.<br />

“I encourage families to please reach out to our NT<br />

delegate Sam if they feel they have identified policy gaps<br />

that affect families in our Northern regions.<br />

“We know the tyranny of distance can reveal challenges<br />

you wouldn’t normally experience elsewhere.<br />

“This information is crucial in our core purpose of<br />

effecting positive change for Defence families.”<br />

Following the release of the Final Report from the Royal<br />

Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, Charlotte<br />

also reminded the community that meaningful, positive<br />

changes will take time.<br />

“Our team has worked closely with the Commissioners<br />

to ensure families' voices are heard and considered as<br />

part of their recommendations,” said Charlotte.<br />

“We also recognise that news reports about this may<br />

bring up strong emotions. Please remember that help and<br />

support is out there.”<br />

Charlotte has joined DFA after serving as the inaugural<br />

Riverina Veteran Wellbeing Centre Manager since 2021.<br />

Following the resignation of the former<br />

Defence Family Advocate and Deputy<br />

Defence Family Advocate in August 2023,<br />

DFA has been operating under caretaker<br />

arrangements, with the team at less than 70<br />

per cent of its full capacity.<br />

During this time, DFA has done significant<br />

work in contributing to ongoing national<br />

priorities and working groups, including the<br />

Royal Commission into Defence and<br />

Veteran Suicide Stakeholder Reference<br />

Group and the Defence and Veteran Family<br />

Wellbeing Strategy Steering Committee and<br />

Working Group.<br />

If you need support, please reach out to a<br />

support person or service provider. More<br />

at: https://defenceveteransuicide.<br />

royalcommission.gov.au/support<br />

Written by Samantha Cooper<br />

National Delegate Northern Territory and Kimberley<br />

Defence Families of Australia<br />

Photo: Defence Family Advocate, Charlotte and her daughters, in the<br />

NT. Courtesy DFA.<br />

CULINARY DELIGHT<br />

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Dessert:<br />

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This is an ‘experience’ not just a meal! It has surprises and<br />

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Frank and his family make you feel special from the moment you<br />

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You have to experience this while here in Darwin, one not to be<br />

missed and for ages old and young alike - take a group of friends<br />

for more fun! This is not your quiet romantic setting!<br />

Back in April 2023, I was lucky enough to win a<br />

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dinner sunset cruise and babysitting.<br />

We finally managed to redeem the package in May<br />

20<strong>24</strong> and it was well worth the wait!<br />

Nicole from Little Wonders was our babysitter and<br />

she was absolutely fantastic. It was our first time<br />

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IT’S A DATE!<br />

Bookings Essential<br />

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Recommended for: Couples,<br />

date nights, families, kids, friends,<br />

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Written by Sue Lynn<br />

Community Contributer<br />

Boarding the boat was easy, and the interior was<br />

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provided excellent service throughout the cruise.<br />

We loved the buffet-style dinner, which offered a<br />

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<strong>The</strong> highlight was undoubtedly the stunning sunset<br />

views. Enjoying a drink<br />

with my partner as the<br />

sun dipped below the<br />

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thank <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong><br />

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Contact Defence Families of Australia<br />

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Written by Holly<br />

Winner - Couples Date Night<br />

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@defence_families_<br />

Defence Families<br />

<strong>24</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated nt@dfa.org.au<br />

of_australia<br />

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> <strong>25</strong><br />

of Australia


COMMITTEE<br />

NOTICEBOARD<br />

BECOME A COMMUNITY<br />

CONTRIBUTOR<br />

We welcome all contributions from our<br />

Defence Members and their families.<br />

We’re looking for stories about Defence<br />

life, history, helpful guides to living in the<br />

NT, family experiences, travel adventures<br />

and more. If you have something you’d like<br />

to share in the next edition of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong>,<br />

submit it today.<br />

One lucky community contributor will receive a $100<br />

voucher in each edition!<br />

$100<br />

COMMUNITY<br />

CONTRIBUTOR<br />

VOUCHER<br />

WIN<br />

A selection of <strong>Top</strong> End treasures is up for grabs in our<br />

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ENTER NOW AT<br />

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Congratulations to our June/July/August<br />

Competition Winners:<br />

Father’s Day Giveaway<br />

Jessica Lee<br />

<strong>Top</strong> End Treasures<br />

Liana Tighe<br />

WIN with Sponsors - <strong>Top</strong> End<br />

MTA Travel Voucher - Emma Steele<br />

Integrity Hair Voucher - Dani Thomas<br />

Waterfront Membership Pass - Holly Jones<br />

Officeworks Kid’s Art Pack<br />

Samantha Turner<br />

QBD Books<br />

Ethen Condon<br />

TERMS: Total Prize Pack worth $160. Open to <strong>Top</strong> End based Defence members, veterans and their immediate families. Closes 5th<br />

<strong>January</strong> 20<strong>25</strong>. Enter online by visiting www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win<br />

Winners will be drawn at random. Winners will be notified by email/phone and announced in the next edition of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong>.<br />

WIN<br />

This edition we’re also partnering<br />

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awesome wet season giveaway!<br />

Make your drinks icy cold with<br />

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SHE NAILS<br />

SHE Nails has kindly donated a gift<br />

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WIN<br />

WITH OUR SPONSORS<br />

We’ve partnered with some of our favourite local businesses to provide you with some<br />

extra special treats! Enter today and you could win one of the following awesome<br />

prizes!<br />

Integrity Hair has kindly donated a<br />

voucher for all your hair care needs!<br />

Located at RAAF Darwin. Valued at<br />

$100<br />

TRAVEL CREDIT<br />

Submit your favourite <strong>Top</strong> End<br />

experience/holiday photo to receive<br />

$200 discount on next holiday booking<br />

with Catherine at MTA Travel!<br />

*Conditions – min spend $2000.<br />

ENTER NOW AT<br />

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TERMS: Open to <strong>Top</strong> End based Defence members, veterans and their immediate families aged 18 and up. Entrants are permitted to<br />

apply for multiple prizes. Closes 5th <strong>January</strong> 20<strong>25</strong>. Enter online by visiting www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win<br />

Winners for each prize will be drawn at random. Winners will be notified by email/phone and announced in the next edition of <strong>The</strong><br />

<strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong>.<br />

TAMINMIN COLLEGE<br />

Established in 1983, Taminmin College offers an<br />

innovative learning space for years 7 to 12, including<br />

Vocational Education Training (VET) and is the only<br />

school within the Northern Territory with an<br />

agricultural facility.<br />

Taminmin College prepares students for their<br />

future career.<br />

Set in expansive grounds a short distance from the<br />

Humpty Doo Township, Taminmin College is<br />

designed to meet the needs and interests of each<br />

student with diverse educational opportunities.<br />

Taminmin College<br />

Inspiring Learning – Empowering Futures<br />

TERMS: Ice maker valued at $300. Open to <strong>Top</strong> End based Defence<br />

members, veterans and their immediate families. Closes 5th <strong>January</strong> 20<strong>25</strong>.<br />

Enter online by visiting www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win<br />

Winners will be drawn at random. Winners will be notified by email/phone<br />

and announced in the next edition of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong>.<br />

Image for illustrative purposes ONLY, actual ice maker may vary.<br />

Challoner cct, Humpty Doo (08) 8983 7000<br />

www.taminmin.nt.edu.au<br />

26 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 27


LUKE GOSLING<br />

Australians understand and appreciate the service and<br />

sacrifice of our veterans - I am proud to be a fourthgeneration<br />

veteran.<br />

I am honoured to be appointed Special Envoy for<br />

Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and Northern Australia by the<br />

Prime Minister.<br />

Every day I talk with veterans and share their achievements<br />

and assist with their issues.<br />

I also lobbied hard for the Royal Commission into Veteran<br />

and Defence Suicide.<br />

<strong>The</strong> final report of this powerful inquiry was handed to<br />

government last month.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Report is an important body of work which marks<br />

the culmination of the most significant and comprehensive<br />

inquiry conducted into suicide and suicidality in the<br />

defence and veteran communities.<br />

We welcome the Report and thank the Commissioners<br />

for a thorough and compassionate inquiry. We also thank<br />

the families and veterans who shared their stories with the<br />

Commission.<br />

We will now work through the recommendations and<br />

provide a formal government response to the final report<br />

by the end of the year.<br />

In August 2022, the Interim Report of the Royal<br />

Commission was delivered to government, and we took<br />

swift action on all its recommendations.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se recommendations were centred on the transition<br />

of veterans and families including: simplifying and<br />

harmonising the claims system and eliminating the backlog<br />

we inherited on coming to government, enhancing access<br />

to support services and information access for families of<br />

those who have taken their lives, including in the<br />

transition of veterans to civilian life.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Albanese Government continues to demonstrate our<br />

commitment to improving the welfare of defence<br />

personnel, veterans and their families - we have been<br />

working to deliver this real change every day.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support<br />

(Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill is the Albanese<br />

government’s response to the first recommendation from<br />

the interim report of the Royal Commission.<br />

As it says in the title - to simplify and harmonise veteran<br />

compensation and rehabilitation legislation.<br />

This Bill is the most significant commitment from any<br />

Government towards simplifying veterans’ legislation since<br />

the introduction of the Military Rehabilitation and<br />

Compensation Act twenty years ago.<br />

All serving and ex-serving ADF personnel and their<br />

families should know that if they need support they can<br />

contact Open Arms for free, <strong>24</strong> hours a day, seven days a<br />

week, on 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au<br />

Luke Gosling OAM MP is the federal<br />

Member for Solomon and a former<br />

Army officer.<br />

PUSH<br />

PEER TO PEER NATIONAL<br />

YOUR<br />

FUNDRAISER<br />

FITNESS LIMITS<br />

FOR LEGACY KIDS<br />

1 – 11 <strong>November</strong><br />

Legacy invites ALL Territorians to ‘not give up but<br />

give back’, in the lead up to this Remembrance Day.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Legacy Challenge has been devised on the<br />

premise that everyday Territorians can take on the<br />

ADF basic fitness assessment requirements head-on.<br />

Sign up with your mates, work colleagues or sporting<br />

groups to sit up, push up and run alongside the ADF.<br />

Simply register your team www.legacychallenge.com.<br />

au. Pick the challenge settings that are right for you and<br />

set your fundraising target. Maybe some friendly rivalry<br />

between fellow work crews or sporting clubs could<br />

bolster your funds for Legacy families.<br />

Here in the NT Legacy offers programs and services<br />

aimed at providing social, financial and developmental<br />

support. Some of these services look different<br />

depending on the individual and their circumstances.<br />

Our work focuses on ensuring all needs are met as<br />

best as possible, providing for young families and<br />

children, ageing and vulnerable widows as well as<br />

dependants with a disability.<br />

AN EXCITING NEW FUNDRAISING<br />

INITIATIVE!<br />

ADF members, supporters and the<br />

community can challenge each other to<br />

undertake push-ups, sit ups, and a run/walk<br />

over 11 days in the lead-up to<br />

Remembrance Day to raise funds to support<br />

Legacy families.<br />

Get your team ready for the challenge<br />

between 1-11 <strong>November</strong>!<br />

By taking part in <strong>The</strong> Legacy Challenge Territorian’s<br />

can assist in providing essential services to those<br />

families who’s loved ones have given the ultimate<br />

sacrifice.<br />

A military style fitness challenge<br />

supporting our veterans’ families.<br />

SCAN TO SIGN UP<br />

REGISTER NOW<br />

legacychallenge.com.au<br />

28 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 29


Check out what the Mates4Mates NT team have been up to lately!<br />

Flying high in the <strong>Top</strong> End!<br />

Veterans and family members joined the Mates4Mates team at the<br />

Darwin Aviation Museum for a trip back in time, learning more about<br />

the <strong>Top</strong> End’s aviation history and wartime experiences.<br />

This trip offered the Defence community a chance to connect with one<br />

another and reconnect with past stories of the Australian Defence<br />

Force, building on the feelings of mateship and camaraderie that<br />

Mates4Mates helps to create.<br />

Mates4Mates offer a variety of social connection activities throughout<br />

the year, so that veterans, partners and families can connect with one<br />

another in a safe and supportive environment.<br />

Creating new art and<br />

mindful moments.<br />

Mates4Mates and Aussie Potz came together to introduce NT veterans<br />

and family members to the art of pottery, creating a safe space for the<br />

defence community to enjoy a moment of art and mindfulness.<br />

Veterans and families used the time to create beautiful artwork and<br />

home decor, get hands-on, and try something new, fun, and a little<br />

messy!<br />

Mates4Mates social connection activities provide veterans and family<br />

members with a safe space to connect with others, try new things, and<br />

find a supportive community.<br />

Supporting children through change.<br />

Defence families experience a set of unique circumstances and challenges which can be even more difficult for children and young people to<br />

manage.<br />

This includes frequent and unexpected relocation, extended periods of separation from loved ones, and exposure to physical and emotional<br />

stressors due to deployment cycles.<br />

During deployment, families may experience a range of feelings, including concern, worry, loneliness, and sadness. <strong>The</strong>se stressors may have more<br />

impact for children and young people, depending on what phase of development they are entering.<br />

Mates4Mates offers veterans and families access to a highly skilled team of psychologists, counsellors, and social workers who can provide support<br />

to parents working through difficulties impacting their family which comes with deployment and change.<br />

Visit the Mates4Mates website to read more: mates4mates.org<br />

Images: Courtesy of Mates4Mates<br />

Dinner under the stars with Defence.<br />

Joining forces with Spits and Giggle and the 1BDE Army Band,<br />

Mates4Mates brought together the local defence community for<br />

dinner and a show under the stars.<br />

Veterans and families had a chance to relax, have a laugh, and<br />

connect over some good food and great music.<br />

Mates4Mates social connection activities help veterans and family<br />

members to connect with others who understand their experiences<br />

within defence and find a supportive network of new friends.<br />

Get more<br />

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Join with Hospital and Extras Cover<br />

before 14 February 20<strong>25</strong> and enjoy<br />

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THE MATES4MATES TEAM<br />

ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU!<br />

If you’re a current or ex-serving Defence Force member, partner, or family member who is looking<br />

for a friendly, safe space to find mateship and maybe learn a new skill, reach out to the<br />

Mates4Mates Northern Territory team. To find out more, call 1300 4 MATES (62 837) or visit the<br />

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Learn more today<br />

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Information is correct as of 11 September 20<strong>24</strong><br />

*Conditions apply. This promotion is only available to new members joining Navy Health.<br />

30 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated For full terms and conditions visit navyhealth.com.au/novemberfebruary<strong>24</strong>-<strong>25</strong>offer<br />

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 20<strong>24</strong> 31


Discover the<br />

wonders next door<br />

WEEK<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> End and its surrounds offer a million<br />

reasons not to venture far for your next getaway.<br />

We often overlook our own backyards<br />

when planning a getaway, but there’s so<br />

much more to explore. Travel Gateway is<br />

your portal to discovering opportunities to<br />

completely immerse yourself in the <strong>Top</strong> End<br />

and surrounds. Best of all, you can purchase<br />

travel packs using your remote location leave<br />

travel (RLLT) allotment. We offer curated<br />

packages for locals and tourists, access<br />

to unique deals, and custom packages<br />

for travellers who want to tailor their trip,<br />

particularly if you don’t need flights.<br />

Forget Bali; Timor-Leste is the new hot<br />

destination for savvy Territorians. This<br />

pristine island in Southeast Asia is just a<br />

75-minute flight from Darwin and offers<br />

breathtaking landscapes, a peaceful island<br />

lifestyle, and opportunities for adventure<br />

and immersive cultural experiences – all<br />

without the crowds.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Discover Timor-Leste Package starts<br />

at $1,499 per person for a 4-day 3-night<br />

experience. This includes return flights from<br />

Darwin to Dili, superior hotel accommodation<br />

with breakfast, and a personal driver for day<br />

trips to beautiful spots like Balibo Fort, Alieu<br />

or Baucau. We understand that planning a<br />

trip overseas can be challenging, so we take<br />

care of dinner reservations and transfers.<br />

the country’s most stunning landscapes.<br />

Starting at just $1,199 per person, our<br />

WANT – Kununurra package includes return<br />

flights from Darwin to Kununurra with Nexus<br />

Airlines (including 23kg luggage), 4 days free<br />

long-stay parking at Darwin International<br />

Airport, 3 nights of accommodation in a<br />

Studio at Freshwater Apartments, and 3 days<br />

car hire with Thrifty.<br />

Explore the East Kimberley by wandering<br />

through the ancient rock formations in<br />

Mirima National Park, taking a dip at <strong>The</strong><br />

Grotto and marvelling at the vastness of Lake<br />

Argyle. If you’re craving more excitement,<br />

consider adding on experiences like<br />

helicopter tours with HeliSpirit or the Lake<br />

Argyle Sunset Magic Cruise.<br />

Ready to discover adventures in your<br />

own backyard? From Timor-Leste to the<br />

Kimberley and beyond, Travel Gateway<br />

is your key to unlocking unforgettable<br />

experiences within easy reach of the<br />

Territory. Visit Travel Gateway to book your<br />

next holiday today.<br />

Join our growing team of citizen scientists for our<br />

seventh annual FrogID Week from 8th – 17th of<br />

<strong>November</strong>, 20<strong>24</strong>.<br />

Have you seen the FrogID app?? Australia’s frogs<br />

need your help!<br />

Take part in Australia’s biggest frog count! Recording<br />

frog calls with the FrogID app will help provide our<br />

scientists with valuable data for the protection and<br />

conservation of frogs. From croaks and barks, to<br />

whistles and bleats, every frog species makes a<br />

unique sound.<br />

Why Frogs Count<br />

Australia has over <strong>25</strong>0 known species of frog, almost<br />

all of which are found nowhere else in the world.<br />

Some species are flourishing, like the Striped Marsh<br />

Frog. But others have declined dramatically since the<br />

1980s, and at least four have become extinct.<br />

Frogs play a crucial role in maintaining healthy<br />

ecosystems. As environmental indicators, they<br />

provide early warnings about changes in<br />

environmental health.<br />

FrogID is the Australian Museum's national citizen<br />

science project that is helping us learn more about<br />

what is happening to Australia’s frogs. All around the<br />

country, people are recording frog calls with the free<br />

FrogID app for our frog call experts to listen and<br />

verify.<br />

<strong>The</strong> FrogID project relies on frog calls to identify<br />

species, as many frog species are indistinguishable by<br />

appearance, we want to minimise disturbance to<br />

frogs and their habitat, and we want to know about<br />

the breeding season and breeding habitats of frogs.<br />

Extracted from FrogID<br />

https://www.frogid.net.au/about-frogid<br />

Download the free FrogID app, create FrogID<br />

account, find, record and help match your frog calls.<br />

By recording a frog call with the free FrogID app, you<br />

provide a unique, time-stamped, and geo-referenced<br />

audio recording that allows scientists to understand<br />

and conserve Australia's unique frog species.<br />

For more information, hop onto: https://www.frogid.<br />

net.au/<br />

SCHOOL RESOURCES<br />

https://www.frogid.net.au/schools<br />

Do you want to learn more about the Australian frog<br />

population, project data, scientific outcomes and<br />

related articles?<br />

<strong>The</strong> FrogID dataset version 5.0 has been released for<br />

download and can be accessed from the FrogID<br />

website. It will also be shared with the Atlas of Living<br />

Australia and state wildlife atlases across Australia.<br />

This dataset spans the first five years of the project,<br />

from 10 <strong>November</strong> 2017 to 9 <strong>November</strong> 2022, and<br />

includes 771,542 records of 208 species,<br />

approximately 82% of the known <strong>25</strong>4 frog species in<br />

Australia.<br />

Hop to FrogID science: https://www.frogid.net.au/<br />

science<br />

If you’d prefer to stay within Australia, Travel<br />

Gateway’s Kimberley package promises<br />

an unforgettable experience in one of<br />

travelgateway.com.au<br />

32 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 33


Tindal Kites, drawing inspiration from local birdlife for their name, is a proud and resilient team<br />

with no limit to the gracefulness and dedication shown on the court each week by their 46<br />

registered players. <strong>The</strong> teams are comprised of grade 3-4 and grade 5-6 students, defence<br />

members, teachers, nurses, doctors and a range of other professionals who are associated with<br />

RAAF Base Tindal.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Tindal Kites netball team is a beacon of<br />

excellence and community spirit in our small<br />

community. Under the exceptional guidance of<br />

Kylie Benedetti, Danielle<br />

Reid and Katelyn Wall (early in the season), the<br />

team has soared to new heights, showcasing<br />

remarkable talent and dedication across both<br />

junior and adult divisions. <strong>The</strong> congregation at<br />

the netball courts each week is a Thursday<br />

evening institution, with parents, friends and<br />

other family members sitting on the sidelines<br />

cheering the Tindal Kites on.<br />

Kylie Benedetti, Coach and Coordinator, is the<br />

driving force behind the Tindal Kites. She is<br />

renowned for her coaching philosophy which<br />

emphasises not only skill development but also<br />

the importance of teamwork, resilience, and<br />

sportsmanship. Kylie’s ability to connect with<br />

players of all ages has fostered a nurturing<br />

environment where athletes thrive. Danielle<br />

shows great patience and guidance supporting<br />

the junior players and also with her teammates.<br />

<strong>The</strong> junior teams of the Tindal Kites are a<br />

testament to Kylie’s commitment to nurturing<br />

young talent. <strong>The</strong>se budding athletes are trained<br />

with a focus on fundamental skills, game<br />

understanding, and physical fitness.<br />

<strong>The</strong> coaching team’s approach ensures that each<br />

player receives personalised attention, helping<br />

them to develop their potential and passion for<br />

the sport. <strong>The</strong> juniors have shown impressive<br />

progress in their resilience and teamwork.<br />

Written by Sam Schultz<br />

Coordinator<br />

Network Tindal<br />

C O N T A C T<br />

Sam Schultz,<br />

Network Tindal Coordinator<br />

@NetworkTindalBuddies on Facebook<br />

TINDAL KITES<br />

<strong>The</strong> senior teams are a blend of experienced<br />

players and emerging talents, creating a<br />

dynamic and competitive environment - the<br />

solidarity and mutual respect among the<br />

players mean that everyone is a winner!<br />

Congratulations must particularly go to the<br />

senior ‘Magic Kites’ team for making it through<br />

to the finals! <strong>The</strong>y may not have taken out top<br />

place, but we are proud of their efforts and<br />

outcome in a tough competition.<br />

In summary, the Tindal Kites netball team, under<br />

the remarkable leadership of coach Kylie,<br />

continues to inspire and excel, embodying the<br />

true spirit of sportsmanship and community.<br />

Members of the PRFG have been busy with so many<br />

different activities lately and there has been something<br />

for everyone.<br />

In June, we held our take on a colour run with our<br />

Rainbow Fun Day. One of our members, who also<br />

volunteers with the Dampier Volunteer Fire and Rescue<br />

Service, brought down one of the trucks for the morning<br />

to provide participants with a foamy mass of bubbles to<br />

run through and get lost in! <strong>The</strong> kids, and then the<br />

adults, ran around the park over and around various<br />

obstacles, getting bombed with colour powder along<br />

the way. <strong>The</strong> morning concluded with a bbq lunch and<br />

lots of comments of “best day ever”!<br />

Members, young and young-at-heart, have flaunted their<br />

creative abilities and produced some stunning<br />

masterpieces. <strong>The</strong> kids had their chance during our<br />

school holiday craft mornings, creating paddle-pop stick<br />

name plaques and paint pouring canvases. Our adults<br />

participated in a Paint n Sip at Karratha studio, Three<br />

Birds Creative. Local artist Jess took us through some<br />

techniques of using acrylic on canvas and everyone<br />

created their own Pilbara-esque sunset scape.<br />

C O N T A C T<br />

Kylie Thompson,<br />

Community Support Coordinator<br />

sites.google.com/view/pilbara-regimentfamily-group/home<br />

August has been an exceptionally busy month,<br />

with our usual yoga and coffee catch-ups, as<br />

well as a Women’s Self-Defence Workshop,<br />

Child of the ADF Medallion ceremony, our<br />

Regimental Ball, a Ladies Pamper Morning<br />

before the ball, and a Golf Day to round it off!<br />

<strong>The</strong> Self-Defence Workshop saw us get physical<br />

and learn some effective techniques to ward off<br />

an attack, with a few bruises and sore muscles to<br />

accompany afterwards. <strong>The</strong> team at Primal MMA<br />

also provided some useful and practical<br />

information on how to spot signs of abusive and<br />

toxic behaviours and how to manage and avoid<br />

these. <strong>The</strong> ladies, including a couple of our teen<br />

girls, who attended this workshop, came away<br />

feeling more confident about how to react in a<br />

sticky situation.<br />

As you can see, PRFG aims to provide a variety of<br />

opportunities for all its members and we<br />

welcome all members posted to the Pilbara to<br />

join in our activities. For those currently in, or<br />

soon-to-post to, the Pilbara, please join our<br />

members-only Facebook page to keep up-to-date<br />

with future events. Please also check out our<br />

website, https://sites.google.com/view/pilbararegiment-family-group/home,<br />

for more<br />

information about the Pilbara.<br />

34 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 35


Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House has been busy<br />

with weekly activities and events while planning our<br />

end of year Christmas Party and New Year Getting<br />

to Know You Event. To those that are leaving<br />

Darwin, we wish you all the best with your new<br />

adventures at your next posting and to the families<br />

posting to Darwin, we look forward to meeting<br />

you at one of our events or activities soon.<br />

<strong>The</strong> LNH Christmas Party will be held at Club<br />

Tropical in Lee Point! Animal Encounters will be<br />

bringing their petting zoo with our water slide and<br />

a special guest appearance with Santa. 20<strong>24</strong><br />

financial members will receive a 10% discount on<br />

their tickets. Make sure to sign up to be a 20<strong>25</strong><br />

financial member and receive a 10% discount on<br />

Getting To Know You plus other discounts and<br />

perks throughout the year.<br />

Saturday <strong>25</strong>th of <strong>January</strong> is set to be a fun day at our<br />

Getting To Know You event as we welcome new<br />

and returning families to LNH for 20<strong>25</strong>. Enjoy a full<br />

buffet lunch in Silks Darwin Function Room while you<br />

try your luck on the Mechanical Surfboard, meet the<br />

reptiles with <strong>Top</strong> End Critters and be entertained<br />

with Hyper the Clown.<br />

Hop on over to www.larrakeyahhouse.com.auto see<br />

what events are coming up or follow us on Facebook<br />

at Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House Community<br />

Group.<br />

C O N T A C T<br />

Karen Jerrett,<br />

Centre Coordinator<br />

www.larrakeyahhouse.com.au<br />

What a year it has been at RBFG!<br />

With too many events to count, invaluable<br />

partnerships made and friendships formed! RBFG<br />

committee and Coordinator would like to say a<br />

big Thank You to everyone who attended our<br />

events.<br />

RBFG will be taking a short break over Christmas<br />

from <strong>December</strong> 23rd to <strong>January</strong> 13th, 20<strong>25</strong>.<br />

20<strong>25</strong> looks to be a promising year ahead. Our<br />

first big event is our Welcome to RBFG on<br />

Sunday 23rd February 20<strong>25</strong> at the Darwin Ski<br />

Club. Join us for a fun day of water play, face<br />

painting, lunch and lawn games - tickets are<br />

available from <strong>January</strong> 1st at www.rbfg.com.au<br />

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for an up-todate<br />

schedule of our weekly activities and any<br />

special events we are running. If you do not have<br />

Facebook, send a message to 0487 606 347 and I<br />

can send you the information.<br />

We hope you have a wonderful break and we will<br />

see you all in 20<strong>25</strong>!!<br />

C O N T A C T<br />

Kelly Stephens,<br />

Centre Coordinator<br />

www.rbfg.com.au<br />

J O I N U S O N F A C E B O O K<br />

Keep up to date with our weekly program.<br />

Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House<br />

Community Group<br />

Reading Between<br />

the Wines Book Club<br />

Term Start Finish<br />

Term 1<br />

NT GOVERNMENT SCHOOL TERM DATES 20<strong>25</strong><br />

Wednesday 29th <strong>January</strong> Friday 4th April<br />

Term 2 Monday 14th April Friday 20th June<br />

Term 3 Tuesday 15th July Friday 19th September<br />

Term 4 Monday 6th October Friday 12th <strong>December</strong><br />

Extracted from<br />

https://nt.gov.au/learning/primary-and-secondary-students/school-term-dates-in-nt<br />

36 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 37


International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)<br />

is a United Nations (UN) day observed<br />

internationally. It aims to promote community<br />

awareness, understanding and acceptance of people<br />

with disability.<br />

Each year the UN announces a theme to observe for<br />

International Day of People with Disability. <strong>The</strong><br />

annual theme provides an overarching focus on how<br />

society can strive for inclusivity through the removal<br />

of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers for<br />

people with disability. This has been occurring since<br />

3 RD DECEMBER<br />

1992 when the General Assembly announced 3<br />

<strong>December</strong> as the International Day of Disabled<br />

Persons.<br />

In Australia, IDPwD is a joint effort between<br />

government, schools, organisations, community<br />

groups, businesses and individuals. IDPwD is an<br />

opportunity to be part of creating an inclusive and<br />

diverse community for the 5.5 million Australians<br />

with disability.<br />

Extracted from<br />

https://www.idpwd.com.au<br />

38 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 39


MEET HOLLY HARDING<br />

Holly is a Lived Experience Peer with Open Arms -<br />

Veterans & Families Counselling (Open Arms), based<br />

in Darwin. Open Arms provides mental health and<br />

wellbeing support to anyone who has served at least<br />

one day of continuous fulltime service in the ADF<br />

and their immediate families. Community and peer<br />

program advisors, like Holly, provide insight and<br />

support to clients through shared military<br />

connections and their own experience accessing<br />

mental health services like Open Arms.<br />

We caught up with Holly to find out a bit more<br />

about her lived experience, the work she does for<br />

Open Arms, and why she finds it so rewarding.<br />

WHAT IS YOUR CONNECTION TO THE<br />

MILITARY?<br />

<strong>The</strong> second area is client work. Peer advisors<br />

undergo mental health training, however we<br />

predominantly draw on our lived experience of<br />

defence life, as either a veteran or spouse of a<br />

veteran, and our own mental health challenges and<br />

recovery to support our clients.<br />

Clients generally value this less clinical approach and<br />

the opportunity to talk with someone who has a<br />

shared understanding of what they may be going<br />

through. We also have the freedom to leave the<br />

Open Arms office which means we can also support<br />

our clients to engage with social activities or talk in a<br />

place that is more comfortable for them.<br />

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU<br />

FACE?<br />

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO<br />

IS UNSURE ABOUT CONTACTING OPEN<br />

ARMS?<br />

Seeking help means you are not alone when<br />

addressing your challenges. Seeing a counsellor or a<br />

peer advisor is an outlet where you can get things off<br />

your chest to an unbiased listener who is obligated to<br />

maintain confidentiality, unless risk is involved. <strong>The</strong>y<br />

can help you develop a better understanding of<br />

yourself and, in turn, develop strategies that can help<br />

you get through difficult times. If you are unsure of<br />

counselling, then peer support could be a great<br />

option to help you identify what type of support you<br />

need. We can help you access that support in a way<br />

that is comfortable for you.<br />

HOW DO YOU REQUEST PEER SUPPORT?<br />

You contact Open Arms <strong>24</strong>/7 support by<br />

telephoning 1800 011 046.<br />

During this first point of contact, you can request to<br />

see a peer advisor.<br />

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPEN ARMS<br />

Visit www.openarms.gov.au or telephone<br />

1800 011 046 any time of the day or night.<br />

Written by Holly Harding<br />

Community and Peer Advisor<br />

Open Arms<br />

I am a defence spouse currently on our second<br />

posting to the NT. My husband has been in the<br />

RAAF for 18 years. We previously spent 5 years in<br />

Tindal, near Katherine, on a back-to-back posting<br />

and have returned this time to Darwin. This will be<br />

our third year in Darwin, and we are enjoying our<br />

time here.<br />

<strong>The</strong> NT holds a special place in our hearts. We<br />

moved to Tindal with our son when he was only 7<br />

weeks old and later had our daughter at the<br />

Katherine Hospital. We have always found the NT<br />

has a lot to offer in terms of adventure and fosters a<br />

laidback lifestyle which is certainly desirable in the<br />

busy world we live in.<br />

WHAT LED YOU TO JOIN OPEN ARMS?<br />

Open Arms was a service my family and I had used<br />

for support, and it was a service that I valued.<br />

I worked as a primary school teacher for 17 years in<br />

Queensland and the NT. My career and family<br />

responsibilities eventually led to burnout in 2021 and<br />

after posting from Queensland to the NT, I decided<br />

to try something new. I interviewed for the position<br />

of Community and Peer Advisor (Families) and have<br />

now been working at Open Arms for over 2 years.<br />

Being part of a defence family and living in a relatively<br />

small place, such as Darwin, means there are times<br />

where there is potential for a client to be someone<br />

you know. This rarely happens, however if it does,<br />

the person is referred to another peer.<br />

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF<br />

YOUR ROLE?<br />

Peer work is incredibly rewarding - being able to<br />

share an understanding of a difficult lived experience<br />

instils hope in our clients and shows that it is<br />

possible to recover from whatever challenges they<br />

may be going through at that time.<br />

I personally need to work in a place where I am<br />

helping people develop skills and I can do that at<br />

Open Arms. Seeing clients develop the skills and<br />

confidence to be able to advocate for themselves<br />

and develop a range of strategies that will continue<br />

to help them through the rest of their lives. It is a job<br />

where it is a reward to no longer be needed by your<br />

clients.<br />

WHAT DO YOU DO AS A COMMUNITY AND<br />

PEER ADVISOR?<br />

As a Community and Peer Advisor we have two<br />

main areas of work, the first being community<br />

engagement, which includes promoting knowledge of<br />

our services and reducing stigma around mental<br />

health. This is done through attendance at events,<br />

transition seminars, defence family days,<br />

presentations and group programs and attending<br />

regional meetings highlighting mental health issues.<br />

40 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 41


ADF Chaplains in the NT<br />

Navy On-call: 0409 662 823<br />

Kelvin Harris HMAS Coonawarra<br />

Anglican<br />

0401 075 488<br />

Esava Koro HMAS Coonawarra<br />

Seventh Day Adventist<br />

0423 451 989<br />

Shaun Foster Patrol Boat Chaplain<br />

Australian Christian Churches<br />

0400 514 375<br />

Army On-call: 0427 713 963<br />

James Manning 8/12 Regiment<br />

Australian Christian Churches<br />

0429 345 167<br />

Garth Mayger Regional Support<br />

Catholic<br />

0409 778 462<br />

Kelly Horne 1CER<br />

Australian Christian Churches<br />

0418 428 337<br />

Chris Lindsay 1CSSB<br />

Presbyterian<br />

0419 869 187<br />

Brendan Quirk HQ1 BDE<br />

Catholic<br />

0407 283 050<br />

Shane Rogerson 5RAR<br />

Anglican<br />

0408 684 783<br />

Anthony Doyle 1AVN<br />

Catholic<br />

0429 891 274<br />

Airforce Darwin On-call:<br />

0477 308 064<br />

Karen Haynes RAAF Darwin<br />

Baptist<br />

0408 765 660<br />

Airforce Tindal On-call:<br />

0427 890 054<br />

Christopher Buckley-Wilkshire RAAF Tindal<br />

Churches of Christ<br />

0437 702 645<br />

Peter Taylor RAAF Tindal<br />

Anglican<br />

0423 686 109<br />

All three services provide a <strong>24</strong>/7 on-call number for<br />

emergencies. Each Unit/Ship/Base has its own chaplain<br />

who can assist. If you chaplain is not available, please<br />

contact the on-call number for your Service.<br />

Denominational or faith-specific ministry can be<br />

arranged as required.<br />

CHAPLAIN’S CHAT<br />

FAITH BASED CHAPLIANCY<br />

According to the 2023 National Study of Health and<br />

Wellbeing, one in five people had a 12-month mental<br />

disorder diagnosis. For Gen Zs almost two in five people<br />

aged 16-<strong>24</strong> years diagnosed with a 12-month mental<br />

disorder diagnosis. For females in this age group, almost 1<br />

in 2 have a 12-month mental disorder. This is a huge<br />

problem we are trying address in society at large, but also<br />

in ADF<br />

I suggest an alternate way we view the current mental<br />

health crisis is through the lens of meaning and Spirituality.<br />

In doing so, we expose deeper cultural issues in order to<br />

broaden and strengthen how we support people's<br />

wellbeing and resilience.<br />

Psychiatrist Marc Roberts suggests that the erosion of<br />

those religious traditions in the west that gave life meaning<br />

or a purpose and that provided people with ready answers<br />

to the problem of how they ought to live, has possible<br />

consequences on the mental health of modern men and<br />

women. He argues that modernity, characterised by<br />

expanding scientific understanding and an erosion of<br />

religiosity, leaves men and women susceptible to nihilism<br />

and the variegated mental health problems that can arise<br />

as a consequence.<br />

This is where Faith based Chaplaincy come in. Faith-based<br />

Chaplains are remnants of historical powerful worldshaping<br />

influences which are a protective factor in shielding<br />

the people from this crisis of meaning. <strong>The</strong>y are living,<br />

breathing symbols of our culture's shared story, pointing to<br />

transcendence, significance, meaning and purpose.<br />

<strong>The</strong>refore, I suggest eradicating or reducing religious<br />

symbols and viewing Chaplains as irrelevant to the ADF or<br />

wider society is short-sighted, especially in times of peace.<br />

For uniting around shared beliefs, values and stories in<br />

times of conflict may provide spiritual resources that<br />

promote resilience and preparedness for conflict.<br />

Written by CHAP Peter Taylor<br />

Anglican<br />

RAAF Tindal<br />

REFERENCES/SOURCES:<br />

https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-andwellbeing/2020-2022<br />

ROBERTS M. (2007). Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 14, 277–281<br />

SELF-COMPASSION<br />

WHAT IS SELF COMPASSION?<br />

WHAT IS IT AND HOW DO WE HARNESS IT?<br />

Derived from latin, the term refers to how we’re<br />

with (com) suffering (passion). Having compassion<br />

for oneself is really no different than having<br />

compassion for others. Think about times when<br />

you’ve felt compassion for a close friend who was<br />

suffering.<br />

First, to experience compassion you have to actually<br />

notice that your friend is struggling or feeling badly<br />

about themself. Second, if what you feel is<br />

compassion (rather than pity), you realize that<br />

suffering, failure, and imperfection is part of the<br />

shared human experience. “<strong>The</strong>re but for fortune go<br />

I.”. Finally, you respond to your friend with warmth,<br />

understanding, and kindness – feeling the desire to<br />

help in some way.<br />

Self-compassion simply involves doing a U-turn and<br />

giving yourself the same compassion you’d<br />

naturally show a friend when you’re struggling or<br />

feeling badly about yourself. It means being<br />

supportive when you’re facing a life challenge, feel<br />

inadequate, or make a mistake. Instead of just<br />

ignoring your pain with a “stiff upper lip” mentality or<br />

getting carried away by your negative thoughts and<br />

emotions, you stop to tell yourself “this is really<br />

difficult right now,” - how can I comfort and care for<br />

myself in this moment?<br />

<strong>The</strong>se are the three main elements of compassion:<br />

mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness.<br />

Self kindness VS self judgement: Self-compassion<br />

means being kind and understanding toward<br />

ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate,<br />

rather than ignoring our pain or flagellating ourselves<br />

with self-criticism. We’re warm and supportive<br />

when confronted with the imperfection of life rather<br />

than cold or harsh. We’re helpful and encouraging,<br />

like a good friend, coach or mentor would be. This<br />

inner support allows us to feel safe and puts us in a<br />

better frame of mind to cope with challenges or<br />

make needed changes in our lives.<br />

Common humanity VS isolation: Self-compassion is<br />

rooted in our common humanity. When we struggle<br />

or make mistakes, there’s often an irrational but<br />

pervasive sense of isolation – as if “I” were the only<br />

person in the world having this painful experience.<br />

All humans suffer, however, not the same way or<br />

the same amount, but the very definition of being<br />

“human” means being vulnerable, flawed and<br />

imperfect. When we are self-compassionate, we<br />

recognize that our suffering connects us rather than<br />

separates us from others.<br />

Mindfulness VS over-identification: Self-compassion<br />

requires taking a balanced, mindful approach to our<br />

suffering so that we neither suppress or exaggerate<br />

it. Treating ourselves like we would a friend means<br />

we step outside our usual way of looking at things,<br />

putting our own situation into better perspective.<br />

Mindfulness allows us to turn toward our pain with<br />

acceptance of the present moment reality. It<br />

prevents us from becoming “over-identified” with<br />

difficult thoughts and feelings, so we aren’t swept<br />

away by negative reactivity.<br />

TENDER AND FIERCE SELF-COMPASSION:<br />

<strong>The</strong> quintessential question of self-compassion is<br />

“What do I need right now?” and more specifically<br />

“What do I need to help alleviate my suffering?” <strong>The</strong><br />

answer to this question changes depending on the<br />

circumstances. Sometimes what we need is to accept<br />

ourselves in all our human imperfection, to love<br />

ourselves as we are in the moment. But that doesn’t<br />

mean we necessarily want to stay as we are in the<br />

moment. If a herd of cattle is stampeding toward<br />

you, it’s not the time for self-acceptance, it’s time for<br />

action. Most people think of self-compassion as soft<br />

and gentle, but self-compassion can be fierce as well<br />

as tender.<br />

Tender self-compassion involves “being with”<br />

ourselves in an accepting way: comforting<br />

ourselves, reassuring ourselves that we aren’t<br />

alone, and being present with our pain. Fierce selfcompassion<br />

involves “acting in the world” to alleviate<br />

suffering. It tends to involve protecting, providing for,<br />

and motivating ourselves. Sometimes we need to<br />

stand tall and say no, draw boundaries, or fight<br />

injustice. Or we may need to say yes to ourselves, to<br />

do what’s needed to be happy rather than<br />

subordinating our needs to those of others. And if<br />

we’re stuck in a bad situation or habits that are<br />

harmful, it means doing something different. Not<br />

because we’re unacceptable as we are, but because<br />

we care.<br />

If tender self-compassion is metaphorically like a<br />

parent soothing his crying child, fierce selfcompassion<br />

is like Momma Bear who ferociously<br />

protects her cubs when threatened, or catches fish<br />

to feed them, or moves them to a new territory<br />

with better resources. Just as tenderness can be<br />

turned inward so that we nurture and care for<br />

ourselves, the fierce energy of Momma Bear can also<br />

be turned inward to stand up for ourselves. What’s<br />

essential is that like yin and yang, these two faces of<br />

self-compassion are balanced and integrated so that<br />

we can be whole. When both are present, it creates<br />

a caring force that can be used to transform<br />

ourselves and the world around us.<br />

Adapted from<br />

https://self-compassion.org/<br />

42 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 43


FISHING IN THE BUILD UP<br />

Darwin Group Program Opportunity<br />

Group registrations open<br />

Territorians call the period between October and<br />

<strong>December</strong>, the ‘build-up’. This is the pre-monsoonal<br />

season; rain is on its way and the humidity is rising.<br />

<strong>The</strong> build-up months can produce the best fishing of<br />

all the seasons in the <strong>Top</strong> End. <strong>The</strong> increasing cloud<br />

cover and rainfall ignites the barra action, especially in<br />

the saltwater estuaries and the lower tidal river<br />

reaches.<br />

<strong>The</strong> barramundi breeding season begins in around<br />

October each year, which brings big female breeders<br />

and the smaller mature male fish to congregate<br />

around river mouths and estuaries to spawn. It is<br />

especially important during the breeding season to<br />

carefully release the bigger barramundi you catch to<br />

keep fish stocks prolific for all.<br />

INLAND<br />

Inland waterways are also fishing at their peak during<br />

the build-up. <strong>The</strong> billabongs are warming up as the<br />

monsoon approaches and the freshwater barra are<br />

becoming increasingly active. A lot of barra and<br />

saratoga are caught in the <strong>Top</strong> End’s billabongs at this<br />

time of year, not only by flicking lures and flies among<br />

the aquatic vegetation and broken timber during the<br />

day, but also at night when barra move freely out in<br />

the open. Working noisy surface poppers or trolling<br />

along a moonlit patch of lilies in the cooler evening<br />

can lead to some thrilling action.<br />

Inland billabong and river water levels are at their<br />

lowest during the build-up, and this provides the<br />

opportunity to view large concentrations of bird and<br />

wildlife.<br />

BLUEWATER<br />

For the bluewater angler, offshore conditions are<br />

generally the calmest of the year between October<br />

and <strong>December</strong>, so it’s often possible to travel longer<br />

distances in large trailer boats, targeting the <strong>Top</strong><br />

End’s abundant sport and reef fish species. <strong>The</strong>se<br />

calm, windless conditions are also perfect for fly<br />

fishing.<br />

Spanish mackerel numbers slowly dwindle around<br />

Darwin and along the <strong>Top</strong> End’s west coast during<br />

the build-up, but mackerel are still prolific along the<br />

Arnhem Land coast and the islands in the Gulf of<br />

Carpentaria. It’s a different story with our two main<br />

reef fish, golden snapper and black jewfish. Both<br />

species congregate in large numbers on inshore<br />

reefs, headlands and in the estuaries around Darwin<br />

during the build-up.<br />

Extracted from NT website<br />

https://northernterritory.com/things-to-do/outdooractivities/fishing/fishing-seasons/the-build-up<br />

<strong>The</strong> program encourages a safe environment to allow all<br />

participants to improve their health and fitness at their own pace.<br />

<strong>The</strong> program covers a range of topics including:<br />

• Setting healthy goals<br />

• Nutrition and diet advice<br />

• Stress management<br />

• Developing better sleep patterns<br />

• Managing diabetes<br />

• Advice on lowering<br />

alcohol consumption<br />

• Managing your weight<br />

• Taking care of your body<br />

• Maintaining a healthy heart<br />

Registering Your Interest<br />

Registering your interest or checking eligibility is easy.<br />

Visit www.veteranshearthealth.com.au/eligibility<br />

or scan the QR code and follow the steps.<br />

Call us on 1300 <strong>24</strong>6 262 at any time to speak to one of our team.<br />

44 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 45


EXCLUSIVE IN STORE DEFENCE OFFERS<br />

Your home of lifestyle and the outdoors<br />

Darwin Family Life is a like a big online<br />

community. I run a closed Facebook group of<br />

parents and caregivers called Darwin Family<br />

Life Community Hub – feel free to join,<br />

connect with others and ask any questions<br />

about Darwin or family related things.<br />

Darwin Family Life also publishes a School<br />

Holidays Guide full of fun mostly free activities<br />

each school holidays so be sure to check out<br />

our socials and our website blog for these<br />

great informative holiday guides to keep the<br />

kids busy and entertained.<br />

Join our newsletter here: https://www.<br />

darwinfamilylife.com.au/join-our-newsletter/<br />

Join our Parents Facebook group here: https://<br />

www.facebook.com/groups/<br />

darwinfamilylifecommunityhub<br />

<strong>The</strong> Botanic gardens is full of various walks<br />

and places to explore, plus many pathways<br />

to enjoy a scooter too.<br />

Open from 7am - 7pm every day.<br />

Christmas time and New Years could vary.<br />

Entry to the gardens is free.<br />

Written by Amy Milford<br />

Founder<br />

Darwin Family Life<br />

GEORGE BROWN DARWIN BOTANIC GARDENS<br />

Our Botanical Gardens are a truly beautiful place. Just two kilometres<br />

north of Darwin city and open 7am to 7pm daily, entry is via Geranium<br />

Street or Gardens Road car parks. <strong>The</strong> Botanic Gardens boast many<br />

pathways and lovely shady areas to explore and have an adventure - why<br />

not pack a picnic lunch or check out Eva’s Cafe?<br />

If you have haven’t visited the Botanical Gardens in a while, it is well worth<br />

a trip with your family! Besides Eva’s Café for a bite to eat or a coffee/drink<br />

with the kiddies, there is the unique playground, dinosaur spotting, walking<br />

through various landscapes and also the Visitors Centre to enjoy.<br />

EVA’S CAFÉ<br />

This cafe was originally the historic Wesleyan Church.<br />

Eva’s is a great cafe to take the kids to - very family<br />

friendly! <strong>The</strong>y have toys set up and my kids are easily<br />

entertained here while we sit and enjoy our coffee.<br />

<strong>The</strong>y have a great menu too. Eva’s also can cater for<br />

various functions including high tea’s, weddings,<br />

birthday celebrations, baby showers and much more!<br />

Open Monday to Sunday 8am to 3pm - located close to the bottom car<br />

park (off Gardens Road) and entrance of the gardens.<br />

VISITORS CENTRE<br />

YOUR LOCAL<br />

GUIDE TO<br />

EVERYTHING<br />

FAMILY IN DARWIN!<br />

<strong>The</strong> Visitors Centre is AMAZING and opened in late 2019. <strong>The</strong> best<br />

access for the centre is via Gardens Road entrance. It’s well worth taking<br />

the family for a look. My kids love sitting and listening to the information<br />

stands and sitting in the multimedia room. <strong>The</strong>re is lots of history and<br />

information and it’s air conditioned, which is great when you want to<br />

escape the weather and elements!<strong>The</strong> Visitors Centre is 9am to 5pm daily.<br />

PLAYGROUND, DINOSAURS AND CROCODILES!<br />

Did you know the Botanic Gardens also has a kids playground area? Not<br />

far from Eva’s Cafe, it’s like a treehouse and you can climb up it. It has<br />

multiple levels and is great fun for the kids (and big kids! Aka Mum and<br />

Dad!) there’s also plenty of play space and areas to explore in the<br />

playground, plus the large log swing my kids all love jumping on and<br />

swinging together! I will admit I have jumped on too at times!<br />

And don’t forget to check out the dinosaurs while you’re at the gardens!<br />

If you head up towards the Cycad Garden area you will find a few<br />

dinosaurs there.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Gardens is also home to the 9m crocodile sculpture. You will find the<br />

croc sculpture over the bridge near the Africa Madagascar Garden. Kids<br />

love to check this one out!<br />

356-365 Bagot Road, Millner | homemakervillage.com.au<br />

https://www.facebook.com/darwinfamilylife<br />

https://www.instagram.com/darwinfamilylife/<br />

www.darwinfamilylife.com.au<br />

46 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 47


SURVIVING DARWIN’S HUMIDITY<br />

Surviving Darwin’s humidity is basically an extreme<br />

sport, but with a few pro tips, you’ll sweat slightly less<br />

than a cold can of beer at Mindil Beach:<br />

1. Hydrate or Evaporate: Drink so much water that<br />

your body thinks it’s a fish. Bonus points if you carry a<br />

water bottle like it’s your emotional support pet (I<br />

carry mine everywhere).).<br />

2. Dress Code: Darwin Casual: Loose, light, and<br />

breezy. Anything more, and you're practically<br />

marinating yourself. Think: "Did I get dressed in a<br />

wind tunnel?"<br />

3. Shade is Your Best Mate: If it’s not covered, it’s<br />

lava. Move like you're in a video game—just hop<br />

from one shady spot to another like you’re dodging<br />

an invisible sun laser.<br />

4. Embrace A/C Like It’s Your Lifeline: Air<br />

conditioning is not just a convenience here, it’s a<br />

lifestyle choice. Pop into any shop for that sweet, icy<br />

blast—you don’t even have to buy anything, just act<br />

like you’re “browsing.” I am about to visit a popular<br />

craft store and browse the dressmaking patterns!<br />

5. Cool Showers, Not Ice Baths: Keep it cool, not<br />

arctic. <strong>The</strong> goal is to stop sweating, not give yourself<br />

hypothermia.<br />

6. Waterfront Dip or Bust: Become a human<br />

popsicle at the Darwin Waterfront. Trust me, a<br />

plunge in the lagoon will make you believe in<br />

miracles.<br />

7. Plan Your Outdoor Time Like a Vampire: Out<br />

before sunrise, back by 10 AM. After that, you melt.<br />

Sundown? It's safe again. Enjoy!<br />

8. Frozen Treats = Life: If you’re not double-fisting<br />

icy poles, are you even living your best Darwin life?<br />

Or better yet, just eat an entire frozen mango like it’s<br />

your new personality.<br />

Follow these tips, and you will be enjoying the<br />

humidity… almost.<br />

Let us know your tips for staying cool!<br />

#DarwinLife #HumiditySurvival #SweatIsInevitable<br />

Written by Julie Puds<br />

Community Contributer<br />

I Love Darwin FB<br />

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48 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 49


Compassion<br />

Justice<br />

Love<br />

Wisdom<br />

Courage<br />

CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY:<br />

A BEACON OF HOPE AND EXCELLENCE<br />

In the vast expanse of the Northern Territory,<br />

Catholic schools are not just educational institutions;<br />

they are beacons of hope, resilience, and excellence.<br />

<strong>The</strong> year 20<strong>24</strong> has seen a remarkable surge in<br />

enrolments across these schools reflecting the<br />

enduring trust placed in Catholic education by<br />

families seeking quality education, affordability, and<br />

inclusivity for their Children.<br />

Why Choose Us?<br />

We help children realise their full potential in a nurturing environment where they<br />

feel accepted, supported, and empowered to thrive.<br />

Rooted in Gospel values, we offer holistic education, affordability, inclusivity, and<br />

cutting-edge partnerships.<br />

For more than<br />

100<br />

years we’ve had faith in their future.<br />

Our 18 Catholic schools in the Northern Territory have been educating students in<br />

towns and communities from Katherine to Alice Springs, from the city of Darwin to<br />

Humpty Doo.<br />

At the heart of Catholic education lies an<br />

unwavering commitment to providing a holistic<br />

and enriching learning experience. Infused with<br />

Gospel values, our schools prioritise<br />

academic excellence while nurturing students to<br />

become compassionate, ethical, and<br />

socially responsible individuals.<br />

Crucially, Catholic education remains accessible and<br />

welcoming to families from all walks of life. By<br />

keeping tuition fees affordable and offering financial<br />

assistance programs, we ensure that economic<br />

barriers do not hinder access to quality education.<br />

Inclusivity and diversity are fundamental principles,<br />

creating a nurturing environment where every<br />

student feels accepted, supported, and empowered<br />

to thrive.<br />

Our schools have entered into a Learning Alliance<br />

with renowned education expert Lynn Sharratt,<br />

embracing research-backed methodologies and<br />

innovative teaching practices to support student<br />

learning outcomes. This collaboration empowers<br />

our educators to adopt a data-informed approach,<br />

driving continuous improvement and academic<br />

excellence.<br />

Central to our ethos is the holistic well-being of<br />

our students. Through pastoral care programs,<br />

mentorship initiatives, and comprehensive support<br />

services, we ensure that each student feels cared<br />

for and supported in their personal and academic<br />

journeys. By prioritising holistic development, we<br />

enable students to realise their full potential and<br />

become confident, compassionate leaders of<br />

tomorrow, poised to positively contribute to<br />

society.<br />

In conclusion, Catholic schools in the Northern<br />

Territory are places where everyone is welcome,<br />

and excellence is pursued. Rooted in Gospel values,<br />

they offer holistic education, affordability, inclusivity,<br />

and cutting-edge partnerships, making them the<br />

educator of choice for many families. As we<br />

continue to grow and evolve, we remain<br />

committed to our mission of providing a beacon of<br />

hope and excellence in education.<br />

DARWIN<br />

Primary Schools<br />

Holy Family Catholic Primary School<br />

(Karama)<br />

Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School<br />

(Wanguri)<br />

St Mary's Catholic Primary School<br />

(Darwin)<br />

St Paul's Catholic Primary School<br />

(Nightcliff)<br />

Secondary Schools<br />

O'Loughlin Catholic College<br />

(Karama)<br />

St John's Catholic College<br />

(Darwin)<br />

WADEYE, PORT KEATS<br />

Primary & Secondary School<br />

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart<br />

Thamarrurr Catholic College P<br />

DALY RIVER, NAUIYU<br />

Primary & Secondary School<br />

St Francis Xavier Catholic School P<br />

SANTA TERESA<br />

Primary & Secondary School<br />

Ltyentye Apurte Catholic School P<br />

ALICE SPRINGS<br />

Primary & Secondary School<br />

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart<br />

Catholic College<br />

Secondary School<br />

St Joseph's Catholic Flexible<br />

Learning Centre<br />

WURRUMIYANGA,<br />

BATHURST ISLAND<br />

Primary School<br />

Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic<br />

Primary School P<br />

Secondary School<br />

Xavier Catholic College<br />

P<br />

PALMERSTON<br />

Primary Schools<br />

Sacred Heart Catholic<br />

Primary School<br />

Mother Teresa Catholic<br />

Primary School<br />

Secondary School<br />

MacKillop Catholic College<br />

HUMPTY DOO<br />

Primary School<br />

St Francis of Assisi Catholic<br />

Primary School<br />

KATHERINE<br />

Primary & Secondary School<br />

St Joseph's Catholic College<br />

Early Learning Centre<br />

Outside School Hours Care<br />

Pre-School<br />

Boarding<br />

Catholic Education offers pastoral<br />

care programs, mentorship initiatives,<br />

and comprehensive support services to<br />

students, ensuring that each student<br />

feels cared for and supported in their<br />

personal and academic journeys.<br />

By prioritising holistic development,<br />

we enable students to realise their<br />

full potential to become confident,<br />

compassionate leaders of tomorrow,<br />

poised to positively contribute<br />

to society.<br />

Catholic Education continues to<br />

grow and evolve.<br />

We remain committed to our<br />

mission of providing a beacon of<br />

hope and excellence in education.<br />

Where everyone is welcome, and<br />

everyone belongs.<br />

ENROL NOW FOR 20<strong>25</strong><br />

50 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 51<br />

(08) 8984 1400<br />

www.ceont.catholic.edu.au<br />

EARLY LEARNING | PRIMARY | SECONDARY


PILLIONS<br />

I have written previously about the mental and<br />

physical health benefits of motorcycles and recent<br />

studies have demonstrated that when we ride a<br />

motorcycle the mind and body is stimulated and<br />

produces Dopamine. This hormone is known to<br />

control mental, emotional and motor responses. As<br />

such, the endorphins being released into your body<br />

while you ride promotes a positive association<br />

between riding, happiness and freedom - many<br />

riders call it addictive, therapeutic or meditative.<br />

Riding a motorcycle, as we know, requires a higher<br />

level of focus and attention to your surroundings;<br />

more so than other transport modes. It also<br />

requires you to think quickly, but in a controlled<br />

manner. Impulse decisions can be life-changing on a<br />

motorcycle, so we need to better understand our<br />

own inherent risk perception and safety strategies<br />

when riding. We know humans tend to overestimate<br />

their skills, especially young riders in the 18<br />

– <strong>25</strong> age range. Sorry, but statistics don’t lie. Older<br />

riders generally have more experience and a mature<br />

perception of risk, quite possibly as a result of<br />

experiential learning from earlier years!<br />

When we age, we may lose some flexibility and the<br />

body starts showing visible signs of wear and tear,<br />

which leads to more caution on the road and an<br />

adapted approach to riding. That’s not to say that<br />

senior riders haven’t got the ability to throw on<br />

some leathers and carve up a racetrack. Many riders<br />

feel much safer on a controlled circuit with all of the<br />

safety mitigation, rather than riding on public roads.<br />

You can ride at various speeds, but the<br />

concentration and art of self-preservation is a<br />

constant thought.<br />

Most people would be aware of the foundations of<br />

a risk assessment; the comparison between severity<br />

and likelihood. <strong>The</strong> ability to perceive hazards and<br />

appropriately assess risk is affected by our own<br />

individual risk perception. A rider’s risk perception<br />

is influenced by numerous factors, including<br />

previous riding experiences. That doesn’t always<br />

relate to how long you have been riding, but it also<br />

refers to the number of riding hours in differing<br />

riding conditions and environments. Riding skills,<br />

confidence level, awareness of potential hazards<br />

and ongoing rider training are all factors that assist<br />

us in understanding and reducing the likelihood of<br />

an incident.<br />

We also know from the rider safety program that<br />

we should wear protective clothing, maintain our<br />

motorcycle and adhere traffic rules and regulations,<br />

which may reduce the severity of an incident. Those<br />

who already know how to ride a motorcycle would<br />

breeze through the rider safety program, however it<br />

can be a challenging experience if you are learning<br />

the basics of motorcycles and how to use<br />

motorcycle controls.<br />

Overconfidence with different types of motorcycles<br />

can be a pitfall. As I mentioned before, skill is a<br />

significant factor when considering your risk<br />

perception. To think of it in another way; would a<br />

confident dirt bike rider be fully confident in trial<br />

riding, ice racing, MotoGP or Drag Racing onboard<br />

a nitro-drag bike? <strong>The</strong>y all have the same basic<br />

primary construction, however riding skills,<br />

understanding equipment capability and the riding<br />

environment would differ greatly between these<br />

machines. This doesn’t mean to shy away from<br />

challenge or learning a new type of machine, but<br />

more so to increase understanding and learn from<br />

positive experiences in a planned way.<br />

Another measure of motorcycle control can be our<br />

own motivation, behaviour and the influence of the<br />

social environment, which is vast and varied. <strong>The</strong><br />

influence of social norms and peer groups is<br />

obviously recognised as an important aspect in the<br />

psychology of safety amongst motorcycle riders –<br />

does your social group have a safety culture when<br />

riding or do you take more risks?<br />

We are humans. We weren’t born with innate<br />

knowledge about everything. We had to develop<br />

analytical reasoning through the process of learning,<br />

remembering and organising information. Our<br />

parents, siblings, peers, teachers and mentors all<br />

assisted with this process to some degree.<br />

Throughout our lives, many people have invested in<br />

our learning and development. So, my advice to<br />

you as a rider, is to keep this in mind - the people<br />

who have invested time, money, effort and support<br />

are those who ride as a pillion with you. You never<br />

ride alone, as our actions on a motorcycle not only<br />

affect us, but so many other people too.<br />

Keep safe and enjoy the dopamine boost, but don’t<br />

let it overpower your analytical processes.<br />

Written by GROM<br />

Community Contributor<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> Road Report Website provides up-to-date road condition<br />

information on all Government controlled roads.<br />

Road conditions across the Territory can change rapidly<br />

depending on the time of year you travel. We have made it easy<br />

to stay updated with the latest information online, via free call or<br />

through Facebook Road condition information is automatically<br />

and simultaneously updated during normal working hours,<br />

Monday - Friday. Weekend reporting is provided during the wet<br />

season or other significant weather events as needed.<br />

If you are travelling through Aboriginal Land, permits may be<br />

required. Please contact the relevant land council for further<br />

information.<br />

MOBILE APP FOR ROAD REPORT NT<br />

Did you know that you can download a mobile App to check<br />

road obstructions from your phone or tablet?<br />

Download it from your App store today (Apple or Android).<br />

BENEFITS OF USING THE APP:<br />

• View information while out of service/range<br />

• Specifically designed for smaller screen sizes<br />

MAJOR ROAD REPORTS<br />

You can also view road maps for various regions and major road<br />

reports across the NT, including Stuart Highway, Barkly Highway,<br />

Victoria Highway and other major roads (for example; Cox<br />

Peninsula Road, Lasseter Highway, Litchfield Park Road etc).<br />

REPORT A ROAD FAULT<br />

You should report any faults or hazards that present a risk to the<br />

safety of road users.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se may include:<br />

• fallen trees<br />

• flooding or water over road<br />

• malfunctioning irrigation systems<br />

• litter or vandalism<br />

• road damage such as potholes<br />

• broken signs.<br />

For urgent road faults, call 1800 <strong>24</strong>6 199.<br />

Extracted from Road Report NT<br />

https://roadreport.nt.gov.au/home<br />

52 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 53


Parvovirus is a highly infectious virus,<br />

and sadly the Northern Territory sees<br />

the highest numbers of Parvovirus<br />

infection in Australia. It is an extremely<br />

contagious and potentially deadly<br />

disease. It is seen all year round in<br />

Darwin, but the highest number of<br />

casestend to be seenduring the build-up<br />

and early wet season.<br />

WHAT IS CANINE PARVOVIRUS?<br />

Canine parvovirus, otherwise known as<br />

parvo, emerged in Europe in 1976, and<br />

by 1978 it had spread worldwide. Parvo<br />

primarily attacks tissues with rapidly<br />

dividing cells such as those in the<br />

gastrointestinal tract and the bone<br />

marrow. Damage to the intestinal tract<br />

leads to loss of nutrient or liquid<br />

absorption. It also attacks the bone<br />

marrow, which means not enough white<br />

blood cells can be produced to fight off<br />

infections, increasing the risk ofsepsis. It<br />

is most common in puppies between<br />

six weeks to six months old, especially<br />

those that are not fully vaccinated,<br />

however, older dogs can contract the<br />

disease too.<br />

HOW DO DOGS CONTRACT<br />

PARVOVIRUS?<br />

ALL PETS<br />

PARVOVIRUS IN THE NT<br />

Parvovirus is extremely resilient and can<br />

survive in the environment for years.<br />

Faeces from an infected dog<br />

containsenormous amounts of virus<br />

particles, which contaminate the<br />

environment. A susceptible dog can<br />

then sniff or walk through a<br />

contaminated area and become infected.<br />

It can also withstand most household<br />

cleaning products (bleach is an<br />

exception), heat, cold and humidity, all<br />

of which makes the spread of the virus<br />

hard to control. This means it is easily<br />

transferred to your pups' paws and to<br />

your shoes, which can then be tracked<br />

into new locations.<br />

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?<br />

If your dog contracts parvovirus, signs<br />

will start appearing within three to seven<br />

days after they were exposed.<br />

Symptoms usually begin with:<br />

• High fever<br />

• Lethargy or weakness<br />

• Loss of appetite<br />

<strong>The</strong>n develop into:<br />

• Severe vomiting<br />

• Blood in faeces and/or diarrhoea<br />

• Severe dehydration<br />

• Shock<br />

If not treated, symptoms canbecome<br />

fatal within 48-72 hours after they first<br />

present.<br />

HOW IS PARVOVIRUS TREATED?<br />

If your dog is showing any of the above<br />

signs or symptoms, visit your vet<br />

immediately. <strong>The</strong>se symptoms are not<br />

exclusive to Parvovirus but your vet<br />

can run a quick test to determine<br />

whether your pup has contracted the<br />

virus. <strong>The</strong>re is no cure for parvovirus.<br />

Instead, intensive treatment is required<br />

to assist the body in fighting off the<br />

disease.<br />

This treatment will vary depending on<br />

the severity of the symptoms. But in<br />

most cases, it will require intensive<br />

hospital care for up to a week.Despite<br />

intensive treatment 1 in 10 pups don't<br />

survive.<br />

HOW TO PREVENT YOUR DOG<br />

FROM CONTRACTING<br />

PARVOVIRUS<br />

Prevention is always better than a cure.<br />

<strong>The</strong> safest and most effective<br />

prevention method against parvovirus is vaccinations. Puppies<br />

should receive a series of 3 or 4 puppy vaccinations, starting at 6-8<br />

weeks of age, and finishing at 16 weeks of age. Puppies should not<br />

go on the ground in public areas until two weeks after their final<br />

vaccination. It is important to ensure even after their puppy shots,<br />

booster vaccinations are kept up to date in order to protect them<br />

from this deadly illnesses.<br />

You can further prevent your pet from contracting parvovirus by<br />

reducing exposure. This includes:<br />

• Don't let your puppy on the ground in public areas, or areas<br />

with unknown status, until they have had their full series of<br />

puppy vaccinations.<br />

• If you are in a rental property with an unknown yard status,<br />

use fake grass or buy a patch of grass for training purposes<br />

• Keep your puppy or dog away from dogs who have not been<br />

vaccinated<br />

• Always collect and dispose of your dog’s waste<br />

• Decontaminate any surfaces, such as bedding, toys, and<br />

bowls, that may have been exposed to the virus. Bleach is the<br />

most effective in killing the virus but always speak to your vet<br />

about the best cleaning methods.<br />

• You won’t be able to decontaminate your lawn and garden,<br />

and if you have had parvovirus on your property, puppies<br />

should only enter if they have had their full series of puppy<br />

vaccinations.<br />

• If your dog has been exposed to the virus, isolate them until<br />

your vet tells you otherwise<br />

Written by All Pets Veterinarian<br />

allpetsvet.com.au<br />

MIDGE &<br />

MOZZIE<br />

CALENDAR<br />

High mosquito<br />

peaks<br />

Potenal for<br />

high mosquito<br />

peaks caused<br />

by rain<br />

Moderate<br />

mosquito peaks<br />

Very high bing<br />

midge peaks<br />

High bing<br />

midge peaks<br />

Moderate bing<br />

midge peaks<br />

Low bing<br />

midge peaks<br />

Full Moon<br />

New Moon<br />

Thank you to the Department of<br />

Health for supplying the calendars of<br />

the Salt Marsh Mosquitos and the<br />

Biting Midges. For more information<br />

on either of these pests, visit the<br />

Department of Health’s website.<br />

REFERENCES<br />

https://hdl.handle.net/10137/12354<br />

https://hdl.handle.net/10137/12355<br />

54 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 55


WHAT IS SMART PRACTICE<br />

IN SPORT?<br />

It is well accepted that practice is important in<br />

developing sporting skills. But the quality and type of<br />

practice is more important than quantity alone.<br />

Executing and refining the same complement of<br />

sporting skills is vital.<br />

A good example of this is limiting the use of ball<br />

machines when developing the batting skills of young<br />

cricketers. A ball machine does not offer the<br />

important visual cues for anticipating the line and<br />

length of an incoming delivery from a bowler in a<br />

game context. Expertise in cricket batting relies on a<br />

combination of anticipatory (i.e. reading the body<br />

cues of a bowler), decision making and technical skills.<br />

<strong>The</strong> best way to develop young batsmen and<br />

women is to get them to face a variety of bowlers<br />

with differing spin, swing and pace and a mix of left<br />

and right-handed.<br />

Practice, practice, practice but make it fun and<br />

relevant<br />

• Encourage children to practice their sporting<br />

skills in an ecological manner, for example,<br />

practice the full complement of skills within a<br />

context similar to that in competition.<br />

• Encourage children to embrace practicing<br />

under varying constraints (differing<br />

environmental conditions, under time<br />

pressure etc). This enhances skill progression<br />

and robustness, adaptability and coping skills and<br />

it can also be fun and challenging.<br />

For more information and resources for kids in<br />

sports, head to https://www.playbytherules.net.au/<br />

PREPARING YOUR PET<br />

FOR TRAVEL<br />

If you’re relocating or travelling with your pet, it’s<br />

important to have a plan and do your research.<br />

Find a reputable provider - there are a number of<br />

pet transportation companies within Australia, so it’s<br />

a good idea to look around at your options and seek<br />

recommendations from other defence families who<br />

have relocated with pets. You will save yourself a lot<br />

of stress and time by choosing the right service<br />

provider for your pet.<br />

Plan early - It’s a good idea to plan early for pet travel<br />

to ensure that you confirm your booking and don’t<br />

run out of time to organise at short notice before<br />

your relocation.<br />

Stay calm - Although it can be distressing to send our<br />

pets independently, it’s important to stay calm and<br />

reassure your pet that they will be safe. Believe it or<br />

not, our pets feed off our energy and can sense if<br />

you’re stressed.<br />

Travel kennel - Your pet will require a travel crate/<br />

kennel as part of their relocation, so it’s a good idea<br />

to give your pet plenty of time to become familiar<br />

with the crate. You can also include a familiar blanket<br />

or toy to reassure them during transit.<br />

Medication - If your pet requires medication, please<br />

consult with your chosen pet travel experts to<br />

ensure that medication is administered at the right<br />

time, if required.<br />

Travel by road – ensure that you take regular breaks,<br />

carry potable water, plenty of pet food and suitable<br />

restraints to ensure that your pet stays healthy and<br />

safe throughout the journey. <strong>The</strong> last thing you want<br />

is a seriously unwell or hungry pet halfway between<br />

Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. Remember:<br />

never leave your pet in a hot car or<br />

crate without air conditioning or<br />

fresh air.<br />

Written by Deb Herring<br />

Committee Member<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />

This concept applies equally to other interceptive<br />

sports such as tennis, hockey and water polo.<br />

DELIBERATE PLAY TO<br />

IMPROVE SPORTING SKILLS<br />

Deliberate play, or unorganised play and practice, by<br />

a child on their own or with family and friends is a<br />

valuable adjunct to organised sport. Deliberate play<br />

promotes movement problem solving, creativity,<br />

diversification, variability and adaptability of skills, selfchallenge<br />

and mastery.<br />

Classic examples of deliberate play from sporting<br />

legends include:<br />

• <strong>The</strong> late Sir Donald Bradman honed his batting<br />

skills by hitting a golf ball off a corrugated<br />

water tank with a cricket stump.<br />

• Former rugby league international Brad Fittler<br />

developed his football skills out of the front of<br />

his suburban Sydney home with a plastic<br />

football.<br />

• Former professional surfer and seven-time<br />

world champion Layne Beachley learned to surf<br />

at Manly beach on a foam surfboard.<br />

TIP: Promote deliberate play with children by<br />

setting up diversified and stimulating play<br />

environments.<br />

• Explore your environment inside and outside<br />

and use what you’ve got at your disposal<br />

including brick walls, fences, grassy, sandy and<br />

cement areas, the corridor or veranda in your<br />

house (great for balloon tennis, soccer and<br />

cricket with a soft ball).<br />

• Provide children with an array of age and sizeappropriate,<br />

bats, sticks, racquets and balls of<br />

varying sizes, and basketball targets that they can<br />

challenge themselves with on their own.<br />

• Encourage ambidexterity (e.g. hitting and<br />

throwing with left and right arms and kicking<br />

with left and right feet) and finding unique<br />

solutions to movement challenges. Children<br />

and athletes come in all shapes and sizes, so<br />

finding whatever movement provides the<br />

desired result is the key!<br />

• Promote and embrace creativity when it comes<br />

to setting your own rules — rules like hitting the<br />

ball over the fence is six and out.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Healthy Active Kids website has some great<br />

examples of deliberate play.<br />

http://www.healthyactivekids.com.au/teachers/peteaching-resources/games/outdoor-games<br />

Extracted from<br />

https://www.sportaus.gov.au/athlete_development/<br />

top_10_tips_for_parents<br />

56 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 57


FREE PARENTAL SUPPORT IN THE NT<br />

ONLINE, TELEHEALTH OR IN-PERSON SUPPORT AVAILABLE<br />

CATHOLIC CARE NT<br />

(08) 8944 2000<br />

darwin@catholiccarent.org.au<br />

Tuning into Kids: Tuning into Kids is an emotionfocused<br />

parenting program. It provides parents and<br />

carers with skills to ‘tune in to’ their child’s emotions,<br />

while managing their own.<br />

Circles of Security: This program is based on<br />

decades of research about how secure parent-child<br />

relationships can be supported and strengthened.<br />

Bringing up Great Kids: <strong>The</strong> more we understand<br />

our children the more we can help and support<br />

them. One of the ways we can do this is to think<br />

about memories of our own childhood and imagine<br />

the world from a child’s point of view.<br />

123 Magic: This program is based on establishing the<br />

role of parenting consisting of three tasks – working<br />

with behaviours that are based on communication,<br />

encouraging good behaviours and strengthening the<br />

parent-child relationship.<br />

ONLINE COURSES:<br />

Triple-P Parenting courses: https://www.triplepparenting.net.au<br />

Fear-Less Triple P Online: All kids feel anxious from<br />

time to time. But if your child is struggling with<br />

frequent worries, extra support can help. This selfpaced<br />

program helps you to get a better<br />

understanding of anxiety and learn evidence-based<br />

strategies to help them overcome it – safely and<br />

gradually. Help them develop their own toolkit of<br />

coping skills and become more emotionally resilient.<br />

This will not only support your child, but can also<br />

make the whole family feel more confident, calm and<br />

capable.<br />

Triple P online for Baby: Becoming a new or<br />

expecting parent is an exciting time. But it’s also<br />

normal to feel overwhelmed or uncertain. This selfpaced<br />

program can help. You’ll learn proven<br />

strategies to understand your baby's cues, nurture<br />

their development, handle challenges like crying and<br />

sleep, and build a strong bond as they change and<br />

grow. You'll also learn ways to take care of yourself,<br />

and align with your partner. Be equipped with the<br />

support you need to feel more confident on your<br />

parenting journey.<br />

Triple-P Online: Parenting is full of ups and downs.<br />

Sometimes it can feel like guesswork when it comes<br />

to improving behaviour and strengthening your<br />

relationship with your child. This self-paced program<br />

will empower you with proven strategies to<br />

confidently tackle any challenges that come your way,<br />

at every age and stage. From dealing with tantrums,<br />

building social skills, boosting cooperation, listening,<br />

self-regulation, and more. This isn’t a rulebook – it’s a<br />

toolkit to help you feel calmer, solve problems<br />

before they get bigger and support your child to<br />

reach their full potential.<br />

Family Transitions Triple P Online: Dealing with<br />

separation or divorce can be tough for parents and<br />

kids. In this self-paced program, you'll learn proven<br />

strategies help make the transition smoother for you<br />

and your child. Confidently handle challenges with a<br />

toolkit of tips and ideas to help you create a stable<br />

and reassuring environment for kids, manage<br />

emotions, reduce stress and co-parent more<br />

effectively. This program goes beyond coping skills<br />

and helps families to adapt and evolve in their new<br />

dynamic.<br />

ANGLICARE<br />

(08) 8985 0000<br />

anglicare@anglicare-nt.org.au<br />

Home Interaction Program for Parents &<br />

Youngsters (HIPPY) Services: HIPPY is a free twoyear,<br />

play based curriculum of fun activity packs.<br />

Starting when your child turns 3, your HIPPY Tutor<br />

will practice the activities with you during home visits.<br />

Each pack has activities for you to do with your child<br />

and ideas so that learning can happen anywhere and<br />

any time. HIPPY assists children to become curious<br />

learners and to achieve important developmental<br />

milestones. Self refer to be involved, covers Darwin<br />

and Katherine regions.<br />

<strong>The</strong> SHAK Youth Centre Services: <strong>The</strong> SHAK is a<br />

dedicated space for young people to connect with<br />

peers and support and currently operates from<br />

Sanderson Middle School. We offer a range of<br />

practical, safe and fun programs for young people.<br />

Anglicare NT works in partnership with CAAPS<br />

Aboriginal Corporation to manage and deliver<br />

programs at <strong>The</strong> SHAK. For ages: 5-12; 13-17; 18-<strong>24</strong>.<br />

Self refer to get involved. Covers Darwin region.<br />

Headspace Darwin Services: headspace Darwin<br />

provides ‘no wrong door’ advice and support for<br />

young people aged 12 to <strong>25</strong> in the Darwin and<br />

Palmerston region. By registering for support, you<br />

will receive contact to discuss your options whether<br />

that be at headspace Darwin or within our<br />

community.<br />

Our centre can support with:<br />

• mental health/social and emotional wellbeing<br />

• work and study<br />

• alcohol and other drugs<br />

• physical health<br />

• early psychosis<br />

We are a free, confidential and inclusive service<br />

which does not discriminate regardless of race,<br />

cultural background, religion, sexual orientation,<br />

gender, or abilities. For ages: 5-12; 13-17; 18-<strong>24</strong>. Self<br />

refer to get involved.<br />

https://www.ntcommunity.org.au/service/headspace/<br />

Headspace Katherine Services: headspace Katherine<br />

is a free and confidential service that can help young<br />

people aged 12 to <strong>25</strong> with their mental health and<br />

wellbeing. headspace Darwin provides assistance in<br />

four key areas: Mental Health,Physical and Sexual<br />

Health,Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and<br />

Vocational Support. Regular outreach visits occur in<br />

specific remote communities within the region.<br />

Clinical services are provided by registered allied<br />

health practitioners,which include private providers<br />

who deliver services under Medicare Benefits<br />

Scheme (MBS) and Access to Allied Psychological<br />

Services (ATAPS). For ages: 5-12; 13-17; 18-<strong>24</strong>. Self<br />

refer to get involved.<br />

Headspace Palmerston Services: headspace<br />

Palmerston provides ‘no wrong door’ advice and<br />

support for young people aged 12 to <strong>25</strong> in the<br />

Palmerston and rural area. By registering for support,<br />

you will receive contact to discuss your options<br />

whether that be at headspace Palmerston or within<br />

our community.<br />

<strong>The</strong> centre can support with:<br />

• mental health (which includes social and<br />

emotional wellbeing and peer support)<br />

• work and study<br />

• alcohol and other drugs<br />

• physical health<br />

• sexual health<br />

For ages: 5-12; 13-17; 18-<strong>24</strong>. Self refer to get<br />

involved.<br />

https://www.ntcommunity.org.au/service/anglicare-nthome-interaction-program-for-parents-youngstershippy/<br />

https://www.ntcommunity.org.au/service/anglicare-ntintensive-family-parenting-support-ifps-darwin/<br />

https://www.ntcommunity.org.au/service/anglicare-ntheadspace-katherine-primary/<br />

https://www.ntcommunity.org.au/service/anglicare-ntheadspace-palmerson/<br />

EXTRA RESOURCES<br />

Parentline Services: Parentline offers a safety-net for<br />

families by providing support when it’s most needed.<br />

This includes after hours, weekends, where families<br />

may feel isolated and where local services are<br />

unavailable. Parentline. Free counselling and support<br />

for parents and carers in the NT and QLD from<br />

8:00am-10:00pm, 7 days a week.<br />

1300 301 300<br />

admin@parentline.com.au<br />

https://parentline.com.au/<br />

Team Health Services: TeamHEALTH provide<br />

services and support to Territorians who have a<br />

mental health concern or are vulnerable and<br />

disadvantaged. This could include supporting people<br />

when they come out of hospital, or when they<br />

become unwell, to regain confidence and<br />

connections. Perhaps it’s gaining safe and secure<br />

housing, getting a job or gaining new skills. It’s about<br />

supporting them to undertake daily tasks that are<br />

often taken for granted. It’s listening to and<br />

understanding what an individual wants and utilising<br />

the strengths and resources they have or that are<br />

available to them – so they can create their best life.<br />

Types of support available:<br />

• Individual support for adults<br />

• Centre Based Support for adults<br />

• Support for Older Adults<br />

• Support Coordination for individuals with an<br />

NDIS package<br />

• Child, Youth and Family Support<br />

• Housing Support<br />

• Residential Support<br />

• Education and Training<br />

As an independent, membership-driven, not-forprofit<br />

association, we work with our members to<br />

support and strengthen AOD service delivery for<br />

people who experience harmful substance use in the<br />

NT.<br />

Our mission is to build and maintain a strong,<br />

sustainable and culturally diverse Alcohol and Other<br />

Drugs (AOD) sector that works together to reduce<br />

alcohol and other drug related harm across the<br />

Northern Territory.<br />

1300 780 081<br />

teamhealth@teamhealth.asn.au<br />

https://www.teamhealth.asn.au/<br />

Written by Amanda Letcher<br />

Community Contributer<br />

NT Mental Health Line<br />

Ph: 1800 682 288<br />

Lifeline<br />

Ph: 13 11 14<br />

www.lifeline.org.au<br />

Kids Helpline<br />

Ph: 1800 55 1800<br />

www.kidshelpline.com.au<br />

Suicide Call Back Service<br />

Ph: 1300 659 467<br />

Headspace<br />

Ph: 1800 650 890<br />

www.headspace.org.au<br />

Emergency Services<br />

Ph: 000<br />

REFERENCES/SOURCES:<br />

https://www.catholiccarent.org.au/our-service/parent-education/<br />

https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/free-parenting-courses/fear-less-triple-p-online/?gad_source=1<br />

https://www.ntcommunity.org.au/


Ask<br />

Hayley<br />

Hey, <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> friends! Welcome back to “Ask<br />

Hayley”!<br />

This editions question focuses on easing the<br />

transition, “How do I help my child adapt to a nondefence<br />

school?”.<br />

Transitioning to a new school is a significant milestone<br />

for any child, but when that school is outside the<br />

familiar defence community, it can feel especially<br />

daunting. As parents, our primary concern is ensuring<br />

that our children feel supported and confident as<br />

they navigate this change. Fortunately, with the right<br />

approach, you can help your child adjust smoothly to<br />

their new environment.<br />

Firstly, it’s essential to prepare your child for what to<br />

expect. Before the school year begins, take time to<br />

discuss the new school and how it might differ from<br />

their previous one. If possible, arrange a visit to the<br />

school so your child can explore the facilities and<br />

meet their teachers. Familiarise them with the<br />

physical space and the routine will help alleviate any<br />

anxiety they may have about the unknown.<br />

Open communication is crucial during this time.<br />

Encourage your child to express their feelings about<br />

the transition, whether they’re excited, nervous, or<br />

uncertain. Be a supportive listener, reassuring them<br />

that it’s perfectly normal to have mixed emotions<br />

about starting at a new school. Sometimes, just<br />

knowing that their feelings are valid can make a big<br />

difference in how they cope with the change.<br />

Building connections within the school community<br />

can also ease the transition. Consider reaching out to<br />

the school administration to inform them about your<br />

family’s defence background. This can help teachers<br />

and staff better understand your child’s unique<br />

experiences and provide the necessary support.<br />

Many schools offer parent-teacher associations or<br />

social events that can be excellent opportunities for<br />

both you and your child to make new friends and<br />

feel more integrated into the school community.<br />

It’s also important to celebrate your child’s unique<br />

background as a member of a military family.<br />

Encourage them to share their story with their<br />

classmates and teachers. This can be a great way for<br />

them to find common ground with new friends and<br />

help others understand their perspective. You might<br />

even suggest that your child prepare a short<br />

presentation or write about their experiences to<br />

share with their class.<br />

Making new friends is<br />

often the most challenging<br />

part of starting at a new school. Encourage your child<br />

to participate in extracurricular activities, whether it’s<br />

joining a sports team, a music group, or a club that<br />

aligns with their interests. <strong>The</strong>se activities provide<br />

natural opportunities to connect with peers, helping<br />

your child build friendships and feel more at home in<br />

their new environment.<br />

Consistency can be very comforting during times of<br />

change. Try to maintain some routines from your<br />

previous school setting, such as after-school activities or<br />

evening rituals. This stability can help your child feel<br />

more secure as they adjust to their new surroundings.<br />

Finally, remember that transitions take time, and it’s<br />

normal for your child to experience ups and downs as<br />

they settle in. Be patient and celebrate the small<br />

victories along the way—whether it’s making a new<br />

friend or mastering a new subject. Your positive<br />

attitude will be a source of strength for your child,<br />

reinforcing the idea that this new chapter is an<br />

opportunity for growth and new experiences.<br />

If your child is struggling with the transition, don’t<br />

hesitate to seek additional support. Many schools offer<br />

counselling services, Open Arms Counselling is free to<br />

military families and there are many online<br />

communities dedicated to supporting military families<br />

during transitions. Sometimes, just knowing that help is<br />

available can make all the difference.<br />

Moving to a non-defence school is undoubtedly a<br />

significant change, but with preparation, support and<br />

patience, it can also be a time of growth and new<br />

opportunities. Your child’s resilience, developed<br />

through the unique challenges of military life, will serve<br />

them well as they embark on this new journey.<br />

Until next time <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong>s,<br />

Stay Connected.<br />

Written by Hayley Boswell<br />

Founder<br />

Defence Kidz<br />

Ask Hayley for advice by emailing your questions to:<br />

admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au<br />

@defencekidz<br />

https://defencekidz.com.au/<br />

P L A Y , D I S C O V E R , G R O W<br />

L I T T L E F L Y E R S C H I L D C A R E<br />

A N D P R E S C H O O L<br />

Looking for a nurturing environment where your child<br />

can learn and grow? Look no further! At Little Flyers<br />

Darwin, we provide exceptional childcare and Preschool<br />

services tailored to meet the needs of every child.<br />

1 0 O S G O O D D R I V E<br />

E A T O N D A R W I N<br />

E N Q U I R E O N<br />

O U R W E B S I T E<br />

T O D A Y<br />

(08) 7970 0150<br />

littleflyersdarwin.com.au<br />

director@<br />

littleflyersdarwin.com.au<br />

60 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 61<br />

@insightearlylearningau


W I N<br />

Show us what Christmas looks like at your place<br />

Draw, paint, craft, however you want, show us the best part about<br />

Christmas time for you. Maybe you like baking gingerbread,<br />

decorating the tree, or eating all the yummy treats!<br />

One lucky entry will win an art pack valued at $50!<br />

TERMS: Prize Pool valued at up to $50. Open to NT-Based Defence Kids up to<br />

age 17. Closes 5th <strong>January</strong> 20<strong>25</strong>. Enter online by visiting www.<br />

thetopendermagazine.org.au/win and submitting an original artwork (e.g. painting,<br />

drawing, sculpture, lego creation, sewing creation etc...). Can’t attach a photo of<br />

your creation to our online form? Email it to us at<br />

creative@thetopendermagazine.org.au<br />

Winners will be notified by email/phone and announced in the next edition of<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong>.<br />

Can you spot the Gingerbread Men?<br />

Throughout this edition of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> we have hidden little<br />

Gingerbread Men! Find as many as you can, then tell us how many you<br />

think there are for your chance to WIN!<br />

One lucky entry will win a Darwin Waterfront Pass!<br />

DONATED BY OUR SPONSOR<br />

Last editions winner, <strong>The</strong>o Turner’s<br />

Defence inspired illustration!<br />

WET SEASON ACTIVITIES<br />

With the wet season setting in across the <strong>Top</strong> End,<br />

it’s time to venture indoors for air-conditioned<br />

comfort, but this can feel restrictive for parents with<br />

young families. We have collated some wet season<br />

activities to keep you entertained, comfortable and<br />

prepared for those long monsoonal days!<br />

• Bake and decorate gingerbread people<br />

• Create and decorate a gingerbread house with<br />

cardboard<br />

• Send hand written Christmas cards<br />

• Make playdough or slime<br />

• Build a cubby house or fort with sheets and<br />

furniture<br />

• Clean out wardrobes with a fun fashion parade<br />

• Create a discovery bag or box filled with<br />

interesting household items<br />

• Take funny photos and create a photo board or<br />

book<br />

• Catch up with friends via video calls<br />

INGREDIENTS<br />

• Download the Geocaching app for some fun<br />

adventures<br />

• Make fruity icy poles<br />

• Create a family calendar for next year<br />

• Plan a board game day and/or movie day<br />

• Learn about <strong>Top</strong> End reptiles on YouTube<br />

• Build a frog hotel and watch your backyard<br />

come alive with happy tree frogs!<br />

• Sort through all of your toys and build a mini city<br />

with household items<br />

• Have fun with a crazy hair day, including hair<br />

spray, accessories and headbands!<br />

Still stuck for ideas? Look at the Queensland<br />

Government’s Bordeom Busters website<br />

https://www.healthier.qld.gov.au/healthy-families/<br />

getting-active/boredom-busters/<br />

Written by Deb Herring<br />

Committee Member<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />

GINGERBREAD RECIPE<br />

RESTING TIME: 20MINS<br />

1<strong>25</strong> g unsalted butter, softened<br />

90 g (½ cup, lightly packed) brown sugar<br />

235 g (160 ml / ⅔ cup) golden syrup<br />

1 tsp natural vanilla extract or essence<br />

METHOD<br />

CHILLING TIME: 1HR<br />

375 g (2 ½ cups) plain flour<br />

2 tsp ground ginger<br />

1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda<br />

Plus, icing and toppings to decorate.<br />

Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, or until pale and<br />

creamy. Add the golden syrup and vanilla and beat to combine. Sift together the flour, ginger, cinnamon and<br />

bicarbonate of soda. Add to the butter mixture and beat on low speed until just combined and a soft dough<br />

forms. Divide the dough into 2 portions. Shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge<br />

for 1 hour.<br />

Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced). Line two large oven trays with baking paper.<br />

Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll out one portion of dough (leave the remaining portion in the fridge) on<br />

a lightly floured bench top to 5 mm thick. Use an 10 cm tall gingerbread man cutter to cut out shapes and<br />

then carefully transfer the shapes to the prepared oven trays using a palette knife, leaving a little room<br />

between each for spreading. Re-roll any scraps to make more shapes. Discard any off cuts from the second<br />

rolling. Repeat with the remaining gingerbread dough portion.<br />

Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the biscuits are just starting to colour and are cooked<br />

through. Cool on the trays.<br />

TERMS: Open to <strong>Top</strong> End based Defence members, veterans and their immediate families aged 18 and up. Entrants are permitted to apply for<br />

multiple prizes. Closes 5th <strong>January</strong> 20<strong>25</strong>. Enter online by visiting www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/win<br />

Winners for each prize will be drawn at random. Winners will be notified by email/phone and announced in the next edition of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong>.<br />

Make icing as per packet instructions, then divide the icing among a number of bowls and tint each with a<br />

different food colouring to desired colours. Decorate cookies with icing and various toppings to create a<br />

range of fun designs!<br />

Extracted from SBS<br />

Images: Courtesy Deb Herring<br />

https://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipe/gingerbread-men/tcxftd81y<br />

62 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 63


Defence<br />

KIDS<br />

Cor ner<br />

Grateful!<br />

Inside each ornament, write down<br />

something you are grateful for this year.<br />

<strong>The</strong>n colour it in!<br />

Almost 75%<br />

of the population<br />

in the Northern<br />

Territory are<br />

currently serving<br />

in the Defence<br />

Force!<br />

Did<br />

you<br />

know?<br />

Word Search<br />

Maze<br />

Runner<br />

Can you bring<br />

Christmas cheer to<br />

this soldier?<br />

With thanks to ‘Someone I love is in Defence’ for<br />

providing the puzzles in this edition of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong><br />

<strong>Ender</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>. For more printable resources visit<br />

www.someoneiloveisindefence.com.au/<br />

Start<br />

Here<br />

64 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 65<br />

www.<br />

someoneiloveisindefe


HANDY DIRECTORY<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong><br />

Office............................................................................................................0419 274 735<br />

Defence Community Houses<br />

Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House................................0447 586 591<br />

Defence Community and Veterans<br />

Support Services<br />

Health<br />

Australian Breastfeeding Association....................................1800 686 268<br />

Admin..........................................................admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au<br />

Email.................................................larrakeyahhouse@hotmail.com<br />

ADF Reserves and Employer Support NT/K<br />

Autism NT...........................................................................................08 8948 44<strong>24</strong><br />

Advertising......................................advertising@thetopendermagazine.org.au<br />

Network Tindal<br />

Email.........................................................ADFRES.NT@defence.gov.au<br />

Bereaved Parent Support NT|SIDS and Kids NT.........08 8948 5311<br />

Website..........................................................www.thetopendermagazine.org.au<br />

Email...........................................................networktindal@gmail.com<br />

Phone........................................................................................0418 549 841<br />

<strong>24</strong>-hour Emergency Support Line.............................0448 849 234<br />

Emergencies and Useful Contacts<br />

Emergency Services.....................................................................................................000<br />

Police Assistance Line......................................................................................131 444<br />

1800 IMSICK.............................................................................................1800 467 4<strong>25</strong><br />

All Hours Support Line......................................................................1800 626 036<br />

COVID-19 Helpline, NT................................................................1800 0008 002<br />

Crime Stoppers NT.............................................................................1800 333 000<br />

Defence Family Helpline....................................................................1800 6<strong>24</strong> 608<br />

Defence Housing Australia (DHA)..........................................................139 342<br />

Defence Switchboard..........................................................................1300 333 362<br />

Family Violence and Counselling...................................................1800 737 732<br />

Health Direct...........................................................................................1800 022 222<br />

Hospital, Darwin Private Hospital................................................08 8920 6011<br />

Hospital, Palmerston Regional Hospital....................................08 7979 9200<br />

Hospital, Royal Darwin Hospital...................................................08 8922 8888<br />

Joint Military Police Station (JMPS)..........................................................13 11 67<br />

Lifeline.......................................................................................................................131 114<br />

Night Patrol...............................................................................................1800 101 645<br />

Poisons Information Line ..............................................................................131 126<br />

Power and Water.................................................................................1800 <strong>24</strong>5 090<br />

Secure NT............................................................................www.securent.nt.gov.au<br />

SES Emergency Helpline.................................................................................132 500<br />

Snake Catcher.........................................................................................1800 453 210<br />

Tropical Cyclone Information NT................................................1300 659 211<br />

NT Defence Bases and Establishments<br />

Defence Establishment Berrimah<br />

Front Gate.....................................................................................08 7971 0008<br />

Mess Manager.........................................08 8935 4422 / 0437 795 <strong>25</strong>8<br />

Larrakeyah Barracks<br />

Front Gate.....................................................................................08 7971 1190<br />

Officers’ Mess..............................................................................08 8935 5570<br />

ORs’ Mess.....................................................................................08 8935 5088<br />

Sergeants’ Mess..........................................................................08 8935 5580<br />

RAAF Base Darwin<br />

Airmen‘s Mess.............................................................................08 8923 5517<br />

Front Gate.....................................................................................08 7929 4463<br />

Officers Mess...............................................................................08 8923 5482<br />

Sergeants’ Mess..........................................................................08 8923 5505<br />

RAAF Base Tindal<br />

Airmen‘s Mess.............................................................................08 8973 6<strong>24</strong>0<br />

Front Gate.....................................................................................08 8973 6228<br />

Sergeants’ Mess..........................................................................08 8973 6385<br />

Robertson Barracks<br />

Front Gate.....................................................................................08 89<strong>25</strong> 6186<br />

Officers’ Mess..............................................................................08 89<strong>25</strong> 3650<br />

ORs’ Mess.....................................................................................08 89<strong>25</strong> <strong>25</strong>14<br />

Sergeants’ Mess..........................................................................08 89<strong>25</strong> 6703<br />

Robertson Barracks Family Group..................................0490 151 944<br />

Email........................robertsonbarracksfamilygroup@gmail.<br />

com<br />

On-base Services<br />

Canteens<br />

AAFCANS<br />

Robertson Barracks, Cafe Central......................08 89<strong>25</strong> <strong>25</strong>42<br />

RAAF Darwin, Darwin Canteen..........................08 8981 <strong>25</strong>08<br />

Robertson Barracks, Shout VC Canteen........08 89<strong>25</strong> 6720<br />

Tindal Cafe, Convenience & Fuel Station.......08 8973 6201<br />

Navy Canteens<br />

National Operations Manager<br />

............................................................08 8935 5144 / 0477 477 147<br />

Larrakeyah, Outpipes.................................................08 8935 5144<br />

Military Banks<br />

Australian Military Bank<br />

Larrakeyah Barracks.....................................................08 8981<br />

2<strong>24</strong>5<br />

Robertson Barracks.....................................................08 8995 7800<br />

Defence Bank<br />

Larrakeyah Barracks.....................................................08 8935<br />

5499<br />

RAAF Darwin.................................................................08 7923 <strong>25</strong>00<br />

Robertson Barracks.....................................................08 8936 6400<br />

Tindal...................................................................................08 8965 1600<br />

Hairdressers<br />

Larrakeyah Barracks.................................................................0427 968 918<br />

RAAF Darwin – Julie-Anne.............08 8923 5153 / 0402 235 731<br />

Robertson Barracks – Hair Dooz....................................08 89<strong>25</strong> 3300<br />

Robertson Barracks – South End Barber Shop........08 89<strong>25</strong> 6723<br />

Uniform and Equipment<br />

Robertson Barracks, Regional Clothing Store<br />

Retail (Purchases).........................................................08 7971 7130<br />

CIP (Exchanges)............................................................08 7971 6920<br />

Tailor....................................................................................08 7971 7043<br />

Tim’s Medal Mounting............................................................0448 129 531<br />

Bulletproof NT...........................................................................08 8947 0935<br />

Chaplains<br />

Army On-call...............................................................................0427 713 963<br />

Navy On-call................................................................................0409 662 823<br />

RAAF Darwin On-call............................................................0477 308 064<br />

RAAF Tindal On-call...............................................................0427 890 054<br />

Helplines<br />

Lifeline (<strong>24</strong>hr)...........................................................................................131 114<br />

Kids Helpline (<strong>24</strong>hr).................................................................1800 551 800<br />

Parent Helpline – Karitane (<strong>24</strong>hr)...................................1300 227 464<br />

Parentline.......................................................................................1300 301 300<br />

Defence Member and Family Support (formerly DCO)<br />

Website...........................................................www.defence.gov.au/dco<br />

Defence Family Helpline................................................1800 6<strong>24</strong> 608<br />

Darwin Office.......................................................................08 8935 7900<br />

Tindal/Katherine Office...................................................08 8973 6353<br />

Defence Families of Australia (DFA)<br />

National Convenor............................................................1800 100 509<br />

National Delegate NT and Kimberly...................................0418 807 548<br />

Email............................................................................................nt@dfa.org.au<br />

Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)............................1800 555 <strong>25</strong>4<br />

Website...............................................................................www.dva.gov.au<br />

Defence Service Home Loans.................................................1800 722 000<br />

Provider Enquiries.............................................................1800 550 457<br />

Kookaburra Kids...............................................................................1300 566 5<strong>25</strong><br />

au<br />

Website......................................................www.kookaburrakids.org.<br />

Open Arms (<strong>24</strong>hrs) .....................................................................1800 011 046<br />

Website.................................................................www.openarms.gov.au<br />

Legacy Northern Territory........................................................0457 267 200<br />

Website..................................................................www.legacy.com.au/nt<br />

Mates4Mates...................................................................................1300 4 MATES<br />

National ADF Family Health Program................................02 6266 3547<br />

Website..........................................................www.adffamilyhealth.com<br />

Red Shield Defence Services – Salvation Army<br />

Gerald & Mairi Mitchell...................................................0400 642 881<br />

Returned Services League (RSL)<br />

Darwin..........................................................................darwin@rslsa.org.au<br />

Darwin North.......................................................................08 8945 0701<br />

Katherine (via Secretary)................................................0407 130 095<br />

Nhulunbuy..............................................................................0439 850 866<br />

Palmerston..............................................................................0488 001 862<br />

Tennant Creek.....................................................................0499 564 031<br />

Veterans Australia (NT) ............sec@veteransaustraliant.org.au<br />

Advocacy Assistance............smatdp@veteransaustraliant.org.au<br />

Useful Defence Contacts<br />

Comsuper<br />

ADF Cover.............................................................................1300 001 977<br />

ADF Super..............................................................................1300 203 439<br />

DFRDB.....................................................................................1300 001 677<br />

Military Super (MSBS)......................................................1300 006 727<br />

Defence Housing Australia (DHA)....................................................133 342<br />

Website...............................................................................www.dha.gov.au<br />

Defence Relocations and Housing Manager NT..........08 7929 4547<br />

Toll Transitions.................................................................................1800 819 167<br />

Defence Tax Management Office (CTMO)...................1800 806 053<br />

Birthline Pregnancy Support......................................................1300 655 156<br />

Cancer Council NT<br />

Alice Springs...........................................................................08 8953 5920<br />

Darwin.......................................................................................08 8944 1800<br />

Katherine..................................................................................08 8971 2022<br />

Website....................................................................www.nt.cancer.org.au<br />

Carers Australia NT.......................................................................08 8944 4888<br />

Website......................................................................www.carersnt.asn.au<br />

Childbirth Education Association Darwin..........................08 8948 3043<br />

Website..................................................................www.ceadarwin.asn.au<br />

Community Care Centres<br />

Alice Springs Community Health Centre.............08 8951 6711<br />

Casuarina Community Care Centre........................08 8922 7301<br />

Katherine Community Health Centre....................08 8973 8570<br />

Karama Child and Family Health Clinic..................08 8922 7301<br />

Nhulunbuy Community Health Centre.................08 8987 0435<br />

Nylander Child Health Clinic.......................................08 8922 7301<br />

Palmerston Community Care Centre.....................08 8999 3344<br />

Tennant Creek Community Health Care.............08 8962 4218<br />

Cradle Support Group.................................................................0438 272 353<br />

Website...........................................................................www.cradle.org.<br />

au<br />

Darwin Homebirth Group .......................................................08 8922 5522<br />

Website.............................darwinhomebirthgroup.wordpress.com<br />

Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG)<br />

Website............................................................................www.dsnsg.org.au<br />

National Coordinator.......................................................1800 037 674<br />

Darwin Coordinator...........................................darwin@dsnsg.org.<br />

au<br />

Katherine/Tindal Coordinator......................liza.gale@dsnsg.org.au<br />

Down Syndrome Association NT.........................................08 8985 6222<br />

Website..............................................www.downsyndroment.com.au<br />

Epilepsy Centre – Epilepsy Association of SA & NT<br />

Phone.........................................................................................1300 850 081<br />

Website........................................................www.epilepsycentre.org.au<br />

Family Planning NT.........................................................................08 8948 0144<br />

Website.........................................................................www.fpwnt.com.au<br />

Hearing Australia...........................................................................................134 432<br />

Northern Territory Department of Health (DOH)<br />

Phone.........................................................................................08 8999 <strong>24</strong>00<br />

Website....................................................................www.health.nt.gov.au<br />

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline......................................1800 882 436<br />

<strong>Top</strong> End Mental Health Service..............................................08 8999 4988<br />

Wellness Centre..............................................................................08 8946 7176<br />

Website...........................................www.cdu.edu.au/wellness-centre<br />

66 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> | Tri-Services <strong>Magazine</strong> Incorporated NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>24</strong> JANUARY <strong>25</strong> 67


Sports and Activities<br />

Australian Military Wives Choir...................................................0416 878 261<br />

Australian Air Force Cadets 8 Wing<br />

AAFC 801 Squadron – Winnellie..................................08 8923 5713<br />

AAFC 802 Squadron – Driver.........................................0473 816 694<br />

AAFC 803 Squadron – Tindal.........................................0427 397 495<br />

AAFC 804 Squadron – Alice Springs...........................08 8953 4484<br />

Australian Army Cadets...............................08 8935 5174 / 08 8935 5488<br />

Email................................................................aachq-nt@armycadets.gov.au<br />

Australian Navy Cadets<br />

Training Ship Darwin...........................TSDarwin@navycadets.gov.au<br />

Training Ship Melville Bay.........TSMelvilleBay@navycadets.gov.au<br />

Girl Guides NT......................................................................................08 8981 3628<br />

Website........................................................................www.girlguides.org.au<br />

Playgroups Association NT (PANT).........................................08 8945 7775<br />

Website................................................................www.playgroupnt.com.au<br />

RAAF Darwin Fishing Club.............................................................08 89<strong>24</strong> 2045<br />

RAAF Darwin Golf Club..................................................................0459 746 306<br />

Swimming<br />

Masters Swimming..................................................................08 8981 5919<br />

Alice AUSSI............................................thecullenanes@ozemail.com.au<br />

Darwin Stingers...........................................................stingers@iinet.net.au<br />

Palmerston Sharks..............................info@palmerstonsharks.com.au<br />

Goldfishbowl Swim School................................................08 8931 1000<br />

NT Swim School......................................................................08 8948 1000<br />

Website...............................................www.ntswimschool.com.au<br />

Palmerston & Rural Swimming Club<br />

Head Coach Daniel Gerlach................................0400 299 622<br />

Swim Dynamics Swim School..........................................0421 631 6<strong>24</strong><br />

Website....................................................www.swimdynamics.com<br />

Scouts NT.................................................................................................08 8948 0994<br />

Website.......................................................................www.nt.scouts.com.au<br />

Surf Life Saving NT..............................................................................08 8985 6588<br />

Website..................................................................www.lifesavingnt.com.au<br />

Local Government and Regional Councils<br />

Alice Springs Town Council...........................................................08 8950 0500<br />

Barkly Regional Council....................................................................08 8962 0000<br />

Belyuen Community Government Council...........................08 8978 5061<br />

Central Desert Regional Council................................................1300 360 605<br />

City of Darwin........................................................................................08 8930 0300<br />

City of Palmerston...............................................................................08 8935 9922<br />

Coomalie Community Government Council......................08 8976 0058<br />

East Arnhem Regional Council.....................................................08 8986 8986<br />

Katherine Town Council..................................................................08 8972 5500<br />

Litchfield Council..................................................................................08 8983 0600<br />

MacDonnell Regional Council.......................................................08 8958 9600<br />

Nhulunbuy Corporation...................................................................08 8939 2200<br />

Roper Gulf Regional Councils.............................................08 8972 9000<br />

Tiwi Regional Council..............................................................08 8970 9500<br />

Victoria Daly Regional Council...........................................08 8972 0777<br />

Wagait Shire Council...............................................................08 8978 5185<br />

West Arnhem Regional Council.......................................08 8979 9444<br />

West Daly Regional Council................................................08 8901 3920<br />

Government<br />

Bureau of Meteorology...........................................................1800 659 214<br />

Website........................................................................www.bom.gov.au<br />

Department of Human Services.....................................................132 468<br />

Centrelink<br />

Medicare<br />

Carers...................................................................................132 717<br />

Families.................................................................................136 150<br />

Complaints and Feedback............................1800 132 468<br />

General Enquiries...........................................................132 011<br />

myGov Helpdesk........................................................................132 307<br />

Motor Vehicle Registry NT...................................................1300 654 628<br />

Website....................................................................www.mvr.nt.gov.au<br />

Road Report ................................................................................1800 <strong>24</strong>6 199<br />

Website....................................................www.roadreport.nt.gov.au<br />

Animal Services and Animal Care<br />

Injured Wildlife<br />

Wildcare Alice Springs................................................0419 221 128<br />

Wildcare Darwin.......................08 8988 6121 / 0408 885 341<br />

Darwin Wildlife Sanctuary........................................0473 992 581<br />

Katherine Wildlife Rescue Services.....................0412 955 336<br />

RSPCA (Darwin)............................................................08 8984 3795<br />

Pounds and Animal Shelters<br />

Alice Springs.................................08 8950 0500 / 08 8953 4430<br />

Darwin.................................................................................08 8947 2099<br />

Katherine.............................................................................08 8972 5500<br />

Palmerston.........................................................................08 8935 9977<br />

Snake Catcher..............................................................................1800 453 210<br />

While the information contained in the Handy<br />

Directory is considered by the employees and<br />

committee of the <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> Tri-Services<br />

<strong>Magazine</strong> Inc to be true and correct at the date<br />

of publication, changes in circumstances after the<br />

time of publication may render the information<br />

inaccurate. <strong>The</strong> information may change without<br />

notice, and the <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> Tri-Service <strong>Magazine</strong><br />

and those working on its behalf, cannot be held<br />

in any way liable for the accuracy of any<br />

information printed or stored, or in any way<br />

interpreted and used, by the reader.<br />

Have we missed something?<br />

Email us at admin@thetopendermagazine.org.au<br />

to request alterations or additions to the <strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> and<br />

Handy Directory.<br />

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valuable information, entertainment and support services to the Defence community, alongside<br />

limited advertising space exclusively for local businesses and organisations.<br />

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ABN<br />

RETURN TO:<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Ender</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />

PO BOX 35874,<br />

Winnellie NT 0821<br />

advertising@thetopendermagazine.org.au<br />

Full payment of your advertisement must be made prior to the date on your invoice. Without full payment, the advertisement may be<br />

withdrawn or you may incur a late fee. Cancellations must be received in writing by email. Cancellation and Late fees for advertisement<br />

bookings are as follows;<br />

- Cancelled with over two (2) months notice - No fee<br />

- Cancelled within two (2) months, but before Advertising deadline - 50% fee<br />

- Cancelled after Advertising deadline - Non Refundable (100% fee)<br />

- Late Fees are calculated at 5% of total invoice amount. Late fees apply to invoices paid after the due date. Failure to pay arrears<br />

over 60 days old may result in legal action.<br />

I hereby confirm that all information supplied above is accurate and consent to proceeding with purchasing the advertisement<br />

selected below.<br />

ADVERT SELECTION:<br />

Advert Pricing (excl. GST):<br />

OUTSIDE BACK COVER $2035<br />

INSIDE FRONT COVER $19<strong>25</strong><br />

FULL PAGE $1430<br />

HALF PAGE $770<br />

QUARTER PAGE $440<br />

EIGHTH PAGE $275<br />

Advert Specifications:<br />

FULL PAGE<br />

Full Page or Cover Page<br />

Essential content<br />

must fit within<br />

185mm x 262mm<br />

Maximum image<br />

size required<br />

210mm x 297mm +<br />

5mm bleed<br />

Image file types accepted:<br />

jpeg /tiff /png at 300dpi<br />

eps, psd and ai also accepted<br />

HALF PAGE<br />

1/2 Content<br />

185mm x 130mm<br />

(5mm bleed optional)<br />

1/4<br />

PAGE<br />

1/4 Content<br />

90mm x<br />

130mm<br />

1/8<br />

PAGE<br />

1/8 Content<br />

90mm x<br />

65mm<br />

Pricing updated May 20<strong>24</strong>.<br />

All prices exclude GST.<br />

Cover pages subject to availability.<br />

Please tick your selections below:<br />

Please select your preferred advertisement and the edition(s) you<br />

wish to book from the options below. Spaces are limited and<br />

subject to availability. Should your selection be unavailable, we will<br />

contact you promptly.<br />

Advert Size/Type:<br />

OUTSIDE COVER<br />

INSIDE COVER<br />

FULL PAGE<br />

Short term:<br />

Select all applicable<br />

editions/years below:<br />

FEB/MAR/APR<br />

MAY/JUN/JUL<br />

AUG/SEP/OCT<br />

NOV/DEC/JAN<br />

20<strong>24</strong><br />

20<strong>25</strong><br />

2026<br />

Long term:<br />

Specify number of editions, or the<br />

start/end dates, or select ‘no end date’<br />

for all future editions until further<br />

notice:<br />

START:<br />

END:<br />

HALF PAGE<br />

QUARTER PAGE<br />

EIGHTH PAGE<br />

# of EDITIONS<br />

NO END DATE

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