

Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause
A Guide for Defence Families and Veterans Dr Lise Legault, MD, FRACGP If you've been feeling unlike yourself lately, you're not alone. In Australia, around 1.5 million women are navigating perimenopause or menopause at any given time. For defence families and veterans, where the demands of service, frequent relocations, deployments, and the transition to civilian life already take a toll, understanding this change can make a real difference. What is perimenopause and menopaus
The Top Ender
May 282 min read


Life of a Defence Spouse
Our family's journey in the Australian Defence Force has been both exciting and challenging. Like many young women, I met and married my soldier in my hometown of Townsville, and our first posting with a 6-month-old baby boy was to Seymour, Victoria. We were lucky that our posting was to Greytown (a non-corps posting), which basically meant a 7-4 work life. With no family support, I took myself to the local Defence Community Centre for playgroup where I met other defence wi
The Top Ender
May 54 min read


Patient Homeschooling
Recently I was discussing the notion that a lot of parents have regarding homeschooling; “I don’t have the patience to home school”. Whilst it’s a nice thought that they feel we must have amazing patience, it’s not entirely accurate. I don’t know of a single family who chose to homeschool because they’re patient. What a lot of us have found is that through choosing this path we don’t need as much patience as we did with traditional schooling! Our children are no longer stress
The Top Ender
Mar 263 min read


Standing on the Shoulders
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had music that reflected contemporary military service, as well as commemorating what happened in the past?”. This was the topic of conversation on Anzac Day 2023 in Newcastle, NSW, that sowed the seed for creating music that honours historical service while being relevant to currently serving ADF members and their families. Standing on the Shoulders was written in a flurry of inspiration after Anzac Day 2023, with the words and music seemin
The Top Ender
Mar 262 min read


5 Book Recommendations for Mother’s Day
AUTHOR: Nicola Fraietta - local writer and book enthusiast Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross - Romantic Fantasy Goddess, Matilda is both Underling and Skyward, possessing hidden powers that the other gods would ruthlessly kill to acquire. When Matilda forms a bond with Vincent, a mortal man, their fated romance forces them to face warring gods. Matilda must decide how much she will sacrifice for the man that she loves and to protect her secrets. This highly anticipated read is
The Top Ender
Mar 262 min read


Simple Strategies for Mental Wellness When Your Partner Is Away
Life has a way of piling on responsibilities, and when your partner is away for work, whether for days, weeks, or longer, the domestic and emotional load can feel overwhelming. From managing daily routines to caring for children and maintaining a home, the weight of “doing it all” can take a toll on your mental well-being. The good news? A few simple, intentional strategies can make a big difference in maintaining your mental health and household harmony. Embrace Imperfection
The Top Ender
Mar 243 min read
