Australian Military Wives Choir
The Australian Military Wives Choir is a choir for women who support Defence Force members. As a no audition, no experience necessary choir, they welcome new members at any time during the year. Despite the word wives in their name, they welcome any woman who has close links to serving ADF members such as girlfriends, partners, wives, mothers and sisters. They also welcome female ADF members.
More info: Email amwc.perth [at] gmail.comamwc.alburywodonga [at] gmail.com ( )for the rehearsal location. Alternatively, check our our Facebook page and website www.amwchoir.com.
Marilla Community Centre
Located at the Rockingham Navy Club, the Marilla Community Centre is open to Defence and the wider civilian community. The centre runs weekly programs to support the community and always welcome new members. The new Friday night family-friendly social is an ideal time to meet others and find out what is on offer.
More info: Visit their website, marillacommunity [at] gmail.com (email) or phone (08) 9592 7997.
Connect Groups
ConnectGroups is the peak body for self-help and support groups in WA. In offering a wide range of resources and services to the WA community, Connect Groups equips individuals and families with the education, training and activities they need to reach self-empowerment.
More info: Visit their website, info [at] connectgroups.org.au (email) or phone (08) 9364 6909.
Defence Special Needs Support Group
The Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG) provides peer support and a range of programs to support Defence families with special needs. DSNSG has coordinators and groups right across Australia including here in Perth, Rockingham and Bullsbrook.
More info: DSNSG has coordinators and groups right across Australia. To find a coordinator near you visit their website.
**Defence families with special needs**
Defence Community Organisation (DCO) provides practical assistance to Defence families who have dependants with special needs. This assistance especially focuses on reducing the impact of relocations and minimising any interruption to specialist services that the dependant needs.
In order to receive any of the assistance and support services available, you will first need to have your dependant with special needs formally recognised by Defence. Forms and details can be found on the DCO website.
Ellenbrook Toy Library
The Ellenbrook Toy Library is a non-profit organisation that caters for ages birth to 10 years. They have a wide range of DVD’s, games, jigsaws, dress ups and ride-ons. The library also has iPads available for families who live with special needs.
More info: Visit their website, ellenbrooktoylibrary [at] yahoo.com.au (email) or phone 0437 905 846.
Karrakatta Community House Inc.
Located at Irwin Barracks, Karrakatta Community House is dedicated to providing courses and seminars such as craft activities and first aid courses. They also offer a babysitting venue for when courses are held, run by qualified carers and equipped with toys, sleeping and feeding facilities.
More info: karraka [at] bigpond.net.au (Email), phone (08) 9385 0554 or like their Facebook page for regular updates.
Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling
Open Arms provides counselling and support services to Australia's military community. If you have served one day of continuous full-time service in the ADF you can call them for support. They also support families, reservists and some peacekeepers. Call Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 for free, confidential counselling and group programs to support mental health and wellbeing.
More info: Check out the Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling website and group programs.
Pilbara Regiment Family Group (PRFG)
The PRFG was set up to provide a social and supportive atmosphere for new families posted to the Pilbara region. The group organises activities for members such as first aid courses, tours to Millstream National Park, cruising the Dampier Archipelago and quiz nights. The PRFG also organises babysitting during the Regiment's Annual Ball and assists members from outstations (i.e. Newman, Tom Price, Port Hedland) to get to Karratha to be able to join in the Ball.
More info: Visit their website, regimentfamilygroup [at] gmail.com (email) or like their Facebook page for regular updates.
Relationships Australia (WA)
Relationships Australia WA is a non-profit community service organisation which provides a diverse range of innovative counselling, mediation, community education and professional development services.
More info: Visit their website or phone 1300 364 277 to learn more.
Soldier On – ‘Helping our wounded warriors’
Soldier On provides a suite of services and access to partner organisations to meet the needs of our wounded serving and ex-serving men and women so that they can start their journey on their road to recovery. They offer support staff, psychological assistance, links with local services and a support network of other veterans and families.
Soldier On also has Reintegration and Recovery Centres throughout Australia as part of its Reintegration and Recovery Network. These centres are located in Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and the Gold Coast.
More info: Visit their website, phone 1300 620 380 or like their Facebook page to find a centre near you and learn how to get involved. Soldier On are always looking for volunteers to fundraise and spread the good word!
The Partners of Veterans Association of Australia
The Partners of Veterans Association of Australia (PVA) is a nationwide support network for partners of past and present members of the ADF, offering support, friendship, information and understanding. PVA believes there is a great need for support for all partners/carers, widows/widowers and families of Australian veterans, both now and in the future.
More info: Visit their website to connect with your local WA branch, or find them on Facebook.
The SASR Auxiliary
The SASR Auxiliary offers regular opportunities for partners and families to meet through weekly playgroups and social and informative events such as education sessions, theme nights and parenting seminars. Babysitting is usually offered for all Auxiliary events.
More info: Visit their website to find out how to get involved.
