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“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

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

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

AUTHOR: Peta Johansen - Co-Founder of Magnify Her "Fear is information. Joy is strategy. Gratitude is grounding. Micro-steps are progress. And when women rise together, everything magnifies." Two years ago, I walked into the largest room I’d ever been - over 400 women from 40 countries at the Forbes 30/50 Women’s Summit in Abu Dhabi. Leaders, visionaries, and trailblazers surrounded me, and I felt that familiar knot in my throat and churn in my stomach. Who am I to be here?

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

Support women. Support mothers. Be patient. Be kind. In Darwin, the hospitality industry isn’t just built on food; it’s built on women. Women who lead kitchens, run venues, raise families, juggle full-time jobs and still show up every day with strength, creativity and heart. As a mother-daughter business ourselves, we see it all up close. Every week we turn up for shoots with cameras, ideas and Abi’s little boy, Jaya, on her hip, and the way these women welcome him says every

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