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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

The Top Ender had the opportunity to catch up with Leading Seaman Rebecca Churches from the Young Endeavour during a recent visit to the Top End! We had some questions for Rebecca to celebrate International Women's Day and her amazing adventures within defence. How long have you been in the Navy? 7 ½ years. How long have you been posted to The Young Endeavour? 1 ½ years. Why did you decide to enlist into the Navy? To explore a world outside of my hometown, to challeng

It doesn’t matter what the question is; Op shopping is the answer! It’s the thrill of the hunt, the pure excitement of finding a like-new Mister Zimi dress for just $20 or a special edition Jumbuck Driza-Bone vest for my husband valued at $429, for only $50! Needing day care clothes? Op shop. Need to frock up for the Welcome Ball? Op shop. Kids wanting more books? Op shop. And luckily for us, there’s plenty of stores to choose from! Here’s a few to check out: KATHERINE Re

As a wife and mother of two energetic boys, I had hoped to postpone the inevitable camping trip for just a little longer. However, my eldest had other plans, excitedly requesting a family getaway filled with bonfires, marshmallows, fishing and bush walks. Camping, in my mind, conjured images of sleepless nights, bugs, and discomfort. But seeing the joy on my children’s faces made it impossible to say no. So, I began my search, Googling the best camping options around Darwin.

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

Living in Darwin is all about enjoying the great outdoors with your furry friends, from beach days to bush walks, there’s so much to explore! But with our tropical climate, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your pet stays happy and healthy. Here’s a quick guide to help you and your pet make the most of life in the Top End. Vaccinations Leptospirosis australis , a disease spread by rats and wildlife through contaminated water, this strain is not found in many

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

Normally, I would focus on some of the positives of motorcycling with so many obvious benefits, such as; easy to park, economical to operate, a closer connection to the environment and good for your physical and mental wellbeing. But in this edition, I am going to discuss some of the pitfalls of motorcycling. As with everything in life, there are positives and negatives to be aware of! Let’s start with speed... Many motorcyclists would remember the 2012 Victorian TAC advert

The rain and high humidity of Darwin’s wet season can create some additional risks for your pet. We will take you through some common problems and what you can do to help. 1. Parasites Parasites such as intestinal worms, ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes thrive in warm moist environments. In addition to causing illness and skin irritation, parasites can transmit diseases such as heartworm (spread by mosquitoes) and Ehrlichiosis (spread by ticks). Some parasites can also infec

There’s camping, and then there’s Gunn Point beach camping... No crowds, screens or schedules, just a 5km stretch of sand where you can drop a line, go searching for shells and sand dollars, and hunt for mud crabs by day, while roasting marshmallows over a campfire with an epic sunset by night. Situated a mere hour outside Darwin’s CBD, makes this spot an easy, unique beach camping experience for us Top Enders. Swimming may be off the cards due to the local Salties & Stinge