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Trigger Warning - This article discusses grief after death When someone dies suddenly, the shock can ripple through units, workplaces, families, and friendship circles, particularly when many of us are far from extended family supports, especially in the NT. As we sit with grief, the conversations we have with ourselves and with others is important. There is no “normal” way to grieve except the way each of us does it. Grief is universal, yet completely personal. You can los

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

Why did I choose to volunteer? Before I enlisted in the Infantry in 2016, I was unsuccessful on my first attempt based on an apparent lack of “life experience” - I was18-years-old and fresh out of high school and, in hindsight, they weren’t wrong. When I got home, I was defeated and crushed by the news. Not long after, I was sitting at the Horsley Park pub, and I noticed a bunch of local boys in yellow uniforms, spinning yarns about how “rough” the upcoming fire season w

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

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

By Jemmah Lowry – Sew Good Baby After having kids, and while my husband was deployed overseas, I found myself looking for something else to fill my days. I started sewing and subsequently started my own small business! My business enabled me to continue to care for my children, with the flexibility of working from home, while allowing me to be creative doing something I loved, and giving me a sense of fulfillment that I was also contributing to the family financially. It

As the wife of an ADF member, Jan Purcell has focused on her love of illustrating while exploring the country. We stumbled across Jan’s amazing talent on social media, and we’re excited to share her story! When did you start illustrating? I loved drawing from a young age. This passion for art led me to study interior architecture at university, where I honed my ability to draw in granular detail. When I first met my husband, I had no connection or real understanding of th

by Michelle Jarrett TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware that this story contains material dealing with suicide and suicidality that could be distressing for some people. If you need urgent or crisis support contact a 24/7 service that can help you, such as Open Arms 1800 011 046; Defence Member and Family Support Helpline 1800 624 608; or Lifeline 13 11 14. In the Top End, behind my husband’s Defence duties, Cowork Coplay held me through my hidden battle. Darwin is geographicall

Change is one of the few certainties in life, yet it remains one of the most psychologically challenging experiences we face. Whether it’s shifting careers, adjusting to new family dynamics, or relocating, especially within a structured environment like the military, change disrupts our routines, identity anchors and sense of stability. But psychology shows us that change, while uncomfortable, is also the doorway to growth. As Roy T. Bennett famously wrote, “Change begins a

Interview with Bron Millins - from RAFF Cook to Dog Handler Photo: Katja Lehnert of Canines by Katja 2026 Why did you originally enlist into the Air Force? From an early age, I had two career aspirations: to become a professional golfer or to join the Air Force. I come from a family with a strong Air Force background, so it was always on my radar to enlist. I was fortunate enough to achieve my first goal and spent four years competing on tour as a professional golfer. After c

June 2025 saw a significant change to the maternity options available to all families in the Top End with the cessation of private maternity services at Darwin Private Hospital (DPH). Despite this, the options for safe & personalised care have actually increased for families as a result of actions taken by NT Health and DPH. Safety It is important to highlight that Royal Darwin Hospital remains the safest place to give birth in the NT. RDH was the location all expectant mot

Making a career change or going back to paid work can feel challenging, but you’ve got this! Pull up a chair and a cool beverage, and check out these suggestions from Claire Harris, Director of Human Quotient Group. Be kind to yourself Making a change, thinking about what really matters now and considering your return to ‘the office’ (if you choose) can be fun! Celebrate your intentions and your progress to date. The Australian Blueprint for Career Development includes 12 key