Serving your country in uniform is a rewarding career but relocations, deployments and time away from loved ones can take a toll on family life and leave Defence families feeling disconnected from their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why the Albanese Government is investing more than $2.3 million in 25 grassroots support programs that are strengthening ADF families\u2019 resilience across the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From working with the North Queensland Cowboys to life skills courses for Defence kids in Rockingham, the funding means ADF families can access specialised family supports as well fun and inclusive social programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The funding is being delivered through the Defence Community Grants offered to locally-based non-profit organisations as part of the Defence Family Support Funding Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh and the Member for Leichardt Matt Smith announced the program\u2019s latest round of funding at Far North Queensland Legacy Club in Cairns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Club will receive $83,333 to deliver its Legacy Links program, which helps Defence families in Far North Queensland build stronger social connections, improve wellbeing and navigate key life transitions associated with Defence service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A list of the not-for-profit organisations who are receiving FSFP funding is available on the Defence Community Grants: Family Support Funding Program<\/a> website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Matt Keogh, Minister for Defence Personnel:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe ADF\u2019s greatest capability is our people and we know military life places unique stresses on families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBuilding happier, healthier family relationships through the programs we\u2019re funding today is a really important way of easing those stresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese are successful programs that build resilience through a combination of specialised support services and fun social connections with local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI thank the grassroots organisations who are delivering these programs for the wonderful work they are doing with ADF families right across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matt Smith, Member for Leichardt:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n “The brave members of the military face a great deal of stress in their professional roles, which can often be passed on to partners and family in unique and unprecedented ways, particularly if they are required to move home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cADF families can now access specialised support, community groups and social programs that will help build new bonds when Defence members are relocated in the line of duty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHere in the Far North, the Legacy Links initiative reduces isolation, enhances resilience and ensures families feel supported, informed and connected throughout key Defence life transitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFNQ Legacy should be commended for their work in this space as a worthy recipient of grant funding from the Albanese Labor Government.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Defence Family Support Funding Programme Grant Recipients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Serving your country in uniform is a rewarding career but relocations, deployments and time away from loved ones can take a toll on family life and leave Defence families feeling disconnected from their communities. That\u2019s why the Albanese Government is investing more than $2.3 million in 25 grassroots support programs that are strengthening ADF families\u2019 … Continue reading “$2.3 million to support ADF family resilience”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39489","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-aussie"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39489","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39489"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39489\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39490,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39489\/revisions\/39490"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39489"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39489"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39489"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Location<\/td> Organisation<\/td> Grant $<\/td> Program<\/td><\/tr> National<\/td> Australian Military Wives Choir (AMCW)<\/td> $119,300<\/td> The Australian Military Wives Choir (AMWC) is a choir of female singers with significant relationship to a serving ADF member, providing opportunity for friendship, increased confidence and competence. They also raise community awareness of challenges faced by ADF families. The AMWC is a national organisation providing an immediate community to family members posting to locations nationally.<\/td><\/tr> National<\/td> Australian War Widows NSW Ltd<\/td> $35,597<\/td> This project will deliver a national online wellbeing and education program that connects Defence families regardless of location, posting cycle, or circumstances, offering wellbeing events and education sessions. Combining live, interactive facilitation with mailed wellbeing packs, the program provides accessible, stigma\u2011free opportunities for connection, skill\u2011building, and early intervention, supported by qualified social workers and specialist facilitators.<\/td><\/tr> National<\/td> NRL Wheelchair<\/td> $133,333<\/td> The program seeks to deliver a national NRL Wheelchair participation and community engagement program that supports currently serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, veterans, and their families to strengthen wellbeing, resilience, and social connection in response to the unique demands of military life. Through \u201cCome and Try\u201d participation days and targeted social, peer-support, and educational activities, the program provides accessible and culturally appropriate pathways for Defence families to engage in sport, enhance mental wellbeing, and reconnect with community during service, following injury, or through transition.<\/td><\/tr> National<\/td> The Fathering Project<\/td> $130,000<\/td> Defence Fathers & Families is a national, blended support program that strengthens the wellbeing, resilience, and parenting confidence of ADF fathers and their families by addressing the unique pressures of Defence life, including prolonged absences, relocations, and operational stress. Adapting The Fathering Project\u2019s evidence\u2011based Connect Program and community fathering model for Defence contexts, the initiative delivers online group programs, peer\u2011led Defence Dads groups, on\u2011base education sessions, and targeted engagement across priority locations.<\/td><\/tr> National<\/td> Relationships Australia Inc<\/td> $100,000<\/td> This project tailors the proven Neighbours Every Day campaign to better support ADF members and families by delivering \u201cTown Hall\u201d sessions in key Defence communities. It will surface lived experiences, identify connection challenges, and co\u2011design meaningful solutions. The initiative aims to strengthen belonging and improve social support through periods of relocation, transition, and deployment.<\/td><\/tr> Adelaide<\/td> Shooting Hoops Foundation (Adelaide 36ers not- for-profit program)<\/td> $133,333<\/td> The Adelaide 36ers Shooting Hoops Foundation\u2019s Wellbeing & PositiveConnections Program strengthens wellbeing, resilience and sense of belonging forADF families in South Australia by creating meaningful, inclusive community connections through sport, education and lived\u2011experience leadership. Responding to Defence families\u2019 challenges\u2014including relocation, separation, social isolation and limited youth engagement\u2014the program delivers school\u2011based resilience initiatives, mentoring from Adelaide 36ers athletes and veterans, and accessible family connection events that foster confidence, emotional regulation and peer support.<\/td><\/tr> Adelaide<\/td> YMCA of South Australia Youth and Family Services Inc.<\/td> $69,517<\/td> The YMCA Defence Communities Program strengthens wellbeing, belonging and social connection for Defence families through a suite of family camps, fun days and youth-focused Explorers programs designed to build community and long\u2011term support networks. Explorers\u2019 day programs create opportunities for Defence children aged 5\u201312 to build resilience, confidence and friendships with peers who understand the challenges of relocation and parental deployment.<\/td><\/tr> Albury
Wodonga<\/td>Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau<\/td> $132,000<\/td> The Defence Families Resilience and Empowerment Project supports military spouses in Albury\u2011Wodonga to build confidence, skills and community connection through a structured 10\u2011week employment and empowerment program with childcare provided. By equipping spouses with practical job\u2011readiness capabilities, linking them to local volunteer and employment opportunities, and fostering new social networks, the program strengthens wellbeing, independence and resilience within Defence families.<\/td><\/tr> Brisbane
Ipswich<\/td>Salute For Service Australia Ltd<\/td> $100,000<\/td> Salute For Service Australia Ltd proposes Defence Family Connect: Local Resilience, Safety and Community Pathways, a place\u2011based program designed to strengthen resilience, safety and local connectedness for ADF families navigating mobility, absence and disrupted support networks. Through facilitated resilience workshops, structured Family Navigation Clinic Days and a practical co\u2011designed Defence Family Toolkit, the project provides an integrated, trauma\u2011informed pathway that builds coping skills, fosters peer connection and reduces the burden on families to self\u2011navigate fragmented support systems.<\/td><\/tr> Cairns
Townsville<\/td>Far North Queensland Legacy Club Inc<\/td> $83,333<\/td> Legacy Links \u2013 FNQ Legacy Family Connect, Resilience & Transition Support Program, is a community\u2011based initiative designed to strengthen connection, resilience and wellbeing for ADF families across all stages of service in the Far North Queensland region. The program will deliver a regular facilitated Defence Family Social Group supported by a moderated online community to provide continuity of connection, local information and peer support. Backed by FNQ Legacy\u2019s trusted reputation and established safeguarding frameworks, this initiative reduces isolation, enhances resilience and ensures families feel supported, informed and connected throughout key Defence life transitions.<\/td><\/tr> Canberra<\/td> Gungahlin Defence Families Playgroup<\/td> $14,000<\/td> The Gungahlin Defence Families Playgroup (GDFP) is a long\u2011standing, community\u2011led initiative that has supported ADF members, veterans, and their families in North Canberra for more than 20 years. Focused on families with children aged 0\u20135, GDFP provides an accessible, low\u2011cost and reliable support network that helps families navigate the challenges of Defence life, including frequent relocations, limited local support networks, and service\u2011related absences.<\/td><\/tr> Canberra<\/td> Relationships Australia Canberra & Region<\/td> $69,117<\/td> The Defence Youth Connections Program supports Defence\u2011connected students in Years 7 and 8 through a structured, nine\u2011month series of after\u2011school sessions designed to strengthen social connection, resilience, and wellbeing during a key developmental transition. Facilitated by trained youth professionals, the program blends guided activities with informal social time to reduce isolation, build confidence, and foster genuine peer relationships in the context of frequent relocation and limited online connection pathways.<\/td><\/tr> Darwin<\/td> Lutheran Community Care Incorporated<\/td> $126,858<\/td> Lutheran Care will deliver a 16\u2011month, place\u2011based Defence family support program from its strategically located Berrimah facility The initiative combines structured parenting programs, facilitated deployment\u2011support groups, rapid integration assistance for newly posted families, community connection events, playgroups and digital engagement platforms to ensure ongoing support regardless of shift patterns or deployment status.<\/td><\/tr> Darwin
Tindal
(Katherine)<\/td>The Top Ender Magazine<\/td> $87,095<\/td> The Top Ender Tri\u2011Services Magazine is a not\u2011for\u2011profit publication created by Defence families for Defence families, delivering trusted, locally relevant information to more than 3,000 households across the Top End each quarter. The magazine provides practical relocation guidance, wellbeing content, community connections, historical features, youth\u2011focused activities and direct links to support services, helping Defence families feel informed, included and supported.<\/td><\/tr> Hunter<\/td> Hunter Region Botanic Gardens<\/td> $9,667<\/td> Hunter Region Botanic Gardens (HRBG) proposes to enhance the wellbeing of Defence families by providing a number of free Family Passes, offering year\u2011round access to tranquil natural spaces that support relaxation, exercise, and mental restoration. Complemented by ADF\u2011exclusive community events, free access to workshops and wellness activities, and participation in ADF open days, HRBG will create inclusive opportunities for connection and respite.<\/td><\/tr> Northern Territory<\/td> Relationships Australia Northern Territory Inc<\/td> $85,717<\/td> This project will create an innovative digital resource library\u2014centred on a professionally produced 12\u2011episode podcast series\u2014to address the unique wellbeing challenges faced by Defence families living in the Northern Territory. Drawing on Relationships Australia NT\u2019s long\u2011standing expertise supporting Defence personnel through Open Arms, the podcast provides accessible, stigma\u2011free guidance on local services, deployment\u2011related stress, community connection and practical adjustment to NT life, while simultaneously strengthening the capability of local service providers.<\/td><\/tr> Nowra
Wagga Wagga Sydney<\/td>RSL NSW<\/td> $133,333<\/td> Thrive Tribes for Defence Families is a place\u2011based wellbeing and community\u2011building initiative delivered across selected NSW garrison locations in partnership with RSL NSW, providing Defence families with an evidence\u2011based wellbeing education program that strengthens resilience, confidence, and coping capabilities. Centred on the independently evaluated How to Thrive for Individuals program and the BEACON Framework\u2122, the initiative combines practical skills development with intentional community connection through a flexible mix of face\u2011to\u2011face workshops, online sessions, and digital learning.<\/td><\/tr> Perth<\/td> Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Intersex Rights in Ageing (GRAI) Incorporated<\/td> $20,000<\/td> Pride in Service Book Club is a place-based, facilitated peer-connection program designed to support LGBTIQA+ ADF members, Defence families that include LGBTIQA+ members, and allies (note participation in the project is available to persons 18 years or older). The program will be delivered through monthly, in-person book club sessions in the Perth\/Peel regions, creating culturally safe spaces for connection, reflection, and shared experience. Each session uses shared reading as an accessible, non-clinical tool to support reflection, discussion, and peer connection. Reading materials are carefully curated to prompt conversation about identity, relationships, resilience, family life, and lived experience rather than literary critique.<\/td><\/tr> Puckapunyal
Seymour<\/td>Gnarly Neighbours<\/td> $133,333<\/td> The project delivers free, year-round programs to support Defence children and families in the Puckapunyal\u2013Seymour region, fostering resilience, confidence, and community connection. Weekly after-school sessions at The Neighbourhood youth hub combine skateboarding, creative workshops, and social activities to help young people build friendships and a sense of belonging. In-school programs at three high-Defence-enrolment schools support integration and engagement, while holiday programs keep families connected during breaks.<\/td><\/tr> Rockingham<\/td> Ngala Community Services<\/td> $107,408<\/td> Defence Kids \u2013 Connected & Confident is a targeted social\u2011emotional wellbeing program for Defence children aged 8\u201312, designed to build confidence, emotional literacy, coping skills and peer connection in response to relocations, deployments and disrupted social networks. Delivered in small groups by qualified Ngala practitioners using evidence\u2011informed, trauma\u2011aware and culturally respectful practice, the program combines weekly workshops, optional one\u2011to\u2011one mentoring and parent engagement sessions to strengthen skills at home.<\/td><\/tr> Sutherland Shire
Georges River Bayside
Randwick<\/td>Sutherland Shire Family Services Inc (The Family Co)<\/td> $126,284<\/td> The Family Co \u2013 Defence Family Support Hub is a wraparound, multi-access service supporting the wellbeing, resilience, and social connection of Australian Defence Force families. Delivered by experienced staff across two locations, the Hub services families in the Sutherland Shire, Georges River, Bayside, and City of Randwick LGAs\u2014areas with limited Defence-specific supports. Through tailored group programs, outreach, referrals, and online engagement, the Hub responds flexibly to the challenges of Defence family life while improving access to community and specialist services.<\/td><\/tr> Sydney<\/td> 3Bridges Community Limited<\/td> $70,000<\/td> The 3Bridges First Circle project will deliver intensive, early\u2011intervention support to Defence families with babies over two years, strengthening secure attachment, parental confidence, and healthy early development during a period of heightened vulnerability. Through flexible home\u2011based and community\u2011based supports\u2014including parent mentor visits, specialised playgroups, evidence\u2011informed parenting programs, and family support worker assistance\u2014 the project meets families where they are and responds to the unique pressures of Defence life.<\/td><\/tr> Sydney
Melbourne
Perth
Darwin
Adelaide<\/td>Waves of Wellness Foundation Ltd<\/td> $108,000<\/td> Waves of Wellness Foundation (WOW) will deliver surf therapy programs nationally for Defence families, providing evidence\u2011based early\u2011intervention mental health support that strengthens wellbeing, reduces isolation, and builds resilience during transitions. Each 8\u2011week program combines learn\u2011to\u2011surf instruction with guided mental health discussions, CBT\u2011based tools, and peer connection, facilitated by trained surf instructors and dual\u2011qualified mental health clinicians with lived experience of service\u2011related challenges.<\/td><\/tr> Townsville<\/td> Cowboys Charity Limited<\/td> $92,253<\/td> The Cowboys Community Foundation (CCF) will deliver a place-based wellbeing and connection project for Defence families across North Queensland, focusing on Townsville, Cairns and selected remote locations. As the community arm of the North Queensland Cowboys, CCF is uniquely positioned to engage Defence families through trusted, non-clinical and family-friendly settings that reduce barriers to participation and support early, preventative wellbeing. Delivered in partnership with local Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) teams, the project responds to the unique pressures of Defence life, including mobility, separation, transition and isolation.<\/td><\/tr> WA wide (online)
Perth<\/td>Women’s Legal Service WA<\/td> $129,251<\/td> Women\u2019s Legal Service WA will deliver a 16\u2011month hybrid legal education program tailored for women in ADF families, providing practical guidance on family, domestic and sexual violence, mobility\u2011affected family law, and safe pathways to support. Through workshops\u2014in\u2011person across key Defence catchments and online\u2014alongside reusable resources, including a Defence\u2011adapted Parenting from Afar through Connection and Trust (PACT) guide and companion microsite, the program offers confidential, independent legal education that reduces barriers to help\u2011seeking in close\u2011knit Defence communities.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"