

GLAMPING
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.
The Top Ender
Feb 172 min read


The Psychology of Change: Moving Through Discomfort, Growth, and New Beginnings
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
The Top Ender
Feb 173 min read


All Recommendations for Dogs and Cats in The Top End
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
The Top Ender
Feb 33 min read


Top End K9 Services
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
The Top Ender
Feb 35 min read


Birthing in the NT
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
The Top Ender
Jan 93 min read


Top tips for exploring your next career step
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
The Top Ender
Jan 62 min read


CRASH COURSE: THE PITFALLS OF MOTORCYCLING
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 Top Ender
Jan 63 min read


Common Problems for Pets in the Wet Season
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
The Top Ender
Jan 62 min read


Beach Camping
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
The Top Ender
Jan 62 min read


Fishing in the Top End with Kids: Our Happy Place
Hi, I’m Yoshi — a proud member of the Top Ender community, and today I want to share a little slice of our life, and why fishing in the Northern Territory is our ultimate escape from the everyday chaos. We fish for all sorts of species, but my heart belongs to Barramundi. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of casting out, feeling that tug on the line, and watching a ‘barra’ leap from the water. The kids scream with excitement, Ben grabs the net, and together we land the ca
The Top Ender
Jan 62 min read


BELINDA A’BELL - FLOURISHING BLOOM PSYCHOLOGY
PLEASE BRIEFLY EXPLAIN YOUR MILITARY BACKGROUND: I joined the Air Force in March 2004 when I was18 years old. I initially joined as a Clerk Supplier with my first posting being to Newcastle NSW. After four years pf service, the Clerk Supply mustering ended, and I had a choice between Supply or Movements. I chose Movements and was posted to Townsville QLD as a Corporal. In my full-time career, I was deployed three times to the Middle East Area of Operations (two times as a Cle
The Top Ender
Nov 29, 20255 min read


Life After Service - Robby McKenzie
Interviewed By: Viv Kleemann I recently sat down with veteran artist Robby McKenzie and his Life After Service exhibition at the Darwin Visual Arts (DVA) centre, which was an increble insight into his defence career and pathway into art. Please tell us about your defence career: I enlisted into the Air Force in 2001 with a career in communications and security, and served 8 years full time. I then transitioned to Reserves and worked in defence industry until the end of 2022
The Top Ender
Nov 4, 20255 min read
