Defence Life 2015

Annual Lifestyle Guide for Australian Defence Families

e f i L e c n e f e D

S E C I V R E S TY R E P O R P N O I T A C U D E E L Y T S E F I L

defencelife.com.au

2015

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DefenceLife Defence Life MANAGING EDITOR John Armstrong PRODUCTION Leann O’Donoghue ADVERTISING

Published by Strike Publications Pty Ltd P: PO Box 124, Ipswich Q 4305 E: info@strikepublications.com.au W: www.strikepublications.com.au ABN 41 010 922 335 Published by:

From the Editor

contents

Chris Nelson | Suzette Armstrong ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES (O7) 3282 9019

DefenceLife magazine aims to inform Defence personnel and families on a range of issues that impact on their lives both within the Australian Defence Force and as part of the local community.

This national edition covers lifestyle and career aspects of military service along with advice on the planning and actions required to meet personal and career goals when transitioning to civilian life.

DefenceLife outlines the issues in a general sense, assuming that individuals will seek appropriate specialist advice from Service and other authorities on specific issues that affect their lives and future.

As always, we welcome your feedback on the magazine.

John Armstrong - Managing Editor

Publisher’s Disclaimer

Defence Families

As Defence families settle into a new area there are many adjustments to be made, both for partners and children. There are organisations and initiatives that assist with relocations.

2 Defence Families Australia 2 Defence Housing Authority 3 Toll Transitions Relocation Service 4 Defence Community Organisaion 6 Military Lifestyle 8 Partner Education & Employment Program 10 Choosing Child Care 11 Defence Child Care Program 12 Health Matters

Defence Lifestyle

Living and working in each State and Territory of Australia offers different lifestyle for families, a variety of new places to see, and exciting new things to do.

QUEENSLAND

NORTHERN TERRITORY

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

NEW SOUTH WALES

DefenceLife is produced by Strike Publications Pty Ltd as a commercial venture. The views expressed in the magazine are not those of the Department of Defence. The magazine contains a variety of articles aimed at informing Defence personnel and families on a range of issues relevant to Service life and is not to be considered as authoritative source material. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and currency in the articles presented, reliance should not be placed on the information contained therein without reference to the relevant Department of Defence authorities.

All advertisements in this magazine are protected by copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher.

VICTORIA

TASMANIA

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Acknowledgements

Defence Career - Looking Forward

In compiling articles for this magazine, research material and media release images were obtained from several public access websites. These websites are duly acknowledged: Department of Defence - www.defence.gov.au • General information on Defence matters plus images of Defence people and operations Defence Community Organisation - www.defence.gov.au/dco • Information on family support programs Defence Personnel Executive - www.defence.gov.au/dpe • Career transition and resettlement information Tourism Queensland - www.tq.com.au Tourism Northern Territory - www.tourismnt.com.au Tourism South Australia – www.southaustralia.com.au Tourism Victoria - www.tourismvictoria.com.au Tourism New South Wales – www.tourism.nsw.gov.au Australian Capital Territory - www.tamsact.gov.au Tourism Western Australia - www.westernaustralia. com Tourism Tasmania – www.tourismtasmania.com.au • Images of places, people and events Education Queensland - www.education.qld.gov.au Education Northern Territory - www.det. nt.gov.au Education South Australia - www.decs.sa.gov.au Education Victoria - www.education. vic.gov.au Education New South Wales - www.schools.nsw.edu.au Education Australian Capital Territory - www.det.act.gov.au Education Western Australia - www.det.wa.edu.au Education Tasmania - www.education.tas.gov.au • Information on enrolment, curriculum, term dates. Please note that information in the articles was current at time of printing but latest developments should be checked with the relevant Defence and other authorities for currency and any changes to conditions.

Looking forward to a change of career and eventual retirement involves examination of a range of factors.

74 76 78 80 82 84 85

Transition Employment Education Military Super Facts Investment Property Transition Timeline

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Defence Families

Defence Families of Australia On the Move with DHA Defence Housing Australia, along with hundreds of Defence members and their families, are gearing up for another end of year peak posting period.

Defence Housing Australia provides housing and related services for Defence members and their families. DHA will support you and your family throughout your tenancy, from moving in, living in, and moving out of your home.

DHA will help you with: finding and securing your future Defence home – using DHA’s online HomeFind tool; your housing entitlements, including Rent Allowance or Living In Accommodation; arranging all your DHA housing maintenance requirements; Rent Band Choice Housing – this provides you with a range of housing choices to suit your lifestyle; and Fast Connect, a free service for the disconnection of major utilities and telecommunication services.

HomeFind is DHA’s online tool for allocating housing. This tool enables service personnel and their families to view houses that are within their housing entitlement. You will be able to view: floor plans; maps of the area, schools, hospitals and other facilities; full property descriptions of the yard, interior fittings flooring and appliance information; local region information (e.g. climate).

Call DHA on 139 DHA (139 342) between 8.30 am and 5 pm EST Monday to Friday. www.dha.gov.au/

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Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is the official body appointed by government to represent the views of Defence Families. Its aim is to inform government and Defence on the needs of the family. Its goal is to ensure quality of life for all Defence families by providing a recognised forum for their views and by reporting, making recommendations and influencing policy that directly affects families. In turn, this enhances the capability of the Australian Defence Force.

ADF families can contact DFA to represent them regarding an individual situation or to advocate an issue concerning many families.

DFA is made up of Defence spouses, and the organisation relies on the generosity of Defence spouses to offer their time to support the Defence community through DFA. Volunteering for DFA is a valuable and rewarding experience and makes a huge difference to improving the conditions of our unique lifestyle and our Defence community.

Mobility means that DFA has a regular turnover of volunteers, as families post in and out of locations. Living the lifestyle, spouses are well placed to represent other families from all over Australia.

DFA representatives have worked energetically to improve conditions for Defence families particularly in the areas of relocations, housing policy, spouse employment and children’s education.

DFA is recognised by Defence and its stakeholders to provide feedback on views and interests of ADF families.

The Convenor and volunteer Delegates work directly with Regional Managers and local Commanding Officers to clarify or resolve issues affecting families.

The Convenor meets regularly with the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Chief of the Defence Force, and the Heads of Defence Departments to report and make recommendations on behalf of ADF families.

DFA consults with Defence’s own support agencies, such as the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) and the National Welfare Coordination Centre (NWCC), but acts only as an advocate, not as a support provider.

Defence families can contact DFA to represent them regarding an individual situation, or to act as an advocate on an issue concerning many families.

Defence Families of Australia celebrated 25 years of representing Defence Families in Government and Defence forums during 2011 by holding a series of events and publishing a book, Voices. www.dfa.org.au

Toll Transitions’ Relocations Service Toll Transitions offers a range of services to help you to move to your new posting or to relocate should you have a Change in Personal Circumstances.

A Toll Transitions Case Manager will assist you with organising all your relocation requirements, including: arranging your removal(s) and storage; booking your travel and temporary accommodation; and calculating and arranging payments/reimbursement of your relocation allowances and entitlements You are encouraged to submit your Application for Relocation (AFR) documentation online. The Department of Defence sets the policy for ADF member relocation. Please refer to the ADF Pay and Conditions Manual (PACMAN) to familiarise yourself with your relocation entitlements.

If you are relocating on a posting, your Posting Order is the authority for your removal entitlement. Toll Transitions receives Posting Orders automatically from Defence however from time to time it may not have been received and you may be required to provide a copy for your move.

If your relocation is as a result of a Change in Personal Circumstances, you will be required to provide Toll Transitions with supporting

documentation to enable your entitlement to removal to be assessed and approved.

Upon receipt of your Posting Order from Defence, Toll Transitions will send to you a PreApplication for Relocation (Pre-AFR) letter. The Pre-AFR enables you to notify us of your plans to move including providing tentative move dates. Pre-AFR information also gives Defence Housing Australia (DHA) advance notification of your intent to vacate & occupy a residence.

Defence implemented a Whole of Relocation Cost model (WORC) for all domestic relocations within Australia from August 2013.

If there are valid reasons that dictate you must uplift on your preferred date, you must complete this form, gain unit approval and submit it with your AFR. Once your Application for Relocation (AFR) has been submitted Toll will determine the most cost effective date within the week of your preferred date and confirm with you within approximately two weeks.

During your posting, Toll Transitions’ online relocation system allows you to input, update and maintain your removal inventory details providing you with a current record of your goods. It also allows you to re-use your inventory, should you relocate again.

Toll Transitions has been appointed by the Department of Defence to provide ADF members and their families with a total relocation service.

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Defence Families

Defence Community Organisation Defence Community Organisation offers a broad range of programs and services to help Defence families face the challenges and make the most of the opportunities provided by the military way of life.

The DCO employs a range of staff to deliver services and programs, including professional Social Workers, uniformed Military Support Officers, Regional Education Liaison Officers, and Family Liaison Officers.

In addition, the DCO supports members and families, on behalf of command authorities, by providing assistance in the event of accident, illness or hospitalisation. DCO also assists in managing casualties and estates and provides family support at times of bereavement.

Social Workers Defence social workers are qualified professionals who are knowledgeable about the Australian Defence Force and the lifestyle of its members. Social workers are able to provide confidential services to assist you to understand and address personal, family and work-related problems.

Social workers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact your local DCO Office during business hours, or through the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.

Military Support Officer Military Support Officers (MSO) are uniformed members from the three Services who provide support, advice, and assistance to individual clients and undertake a liaison function with units and command. MSOs provide practical support to members and their families in

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relation to military matters. They also have a particular role with command and families in the event of illness or death of a serving member.

Regional Education Liaison Officer Regional Education Liaison Officers (REDLO) are professionally trained educators who understand both the different state education systems and the Defence environment. They are available to provide advice to Defence families and children on education issues, particularly matters relating to mobility and relocation. REDLOs can assist with the transition between the various state and territory primary, secondary and tertiary education systems.

Family Liaison Officer Family Liaison Officers (FLO) provide community-based information, support and assistance to individual members, partners and families, and to Defence sponsored groups.

These services are available at any time, however, FLOs are particularly proactive in regard to welcome activities in relation to new postings and settling in to a new area, or during the deployment of ADF members. If you wish to contact a FLO, contact the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.

The Helpline operates 24-7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals. www.defence.gov.au/dco

How do I become a recognised Defence partner?

Official recognition of a partner (dependant) by the Australian Defence Force is necessary to access certain benefits including relocation, housing and support services.

The process of being recognised as a Defence partner is known as Recognition as a Dependant. The process is open to spouses (married) or interdependent partners (de facto), including same sex partners.

A spouse or independent partner must normally have lived with the ADF member for a continuous period of no less than 90 days before making the application.

A spouse must provide evidence of marriage.

Documentation needed to recognise an interdependent partnership for a member includes a Statutory Declaration plus four items of documentary evidence.

The evidence must show that you have lived with the member together on a permanent basis in a bona fide, domestic, interdependent partnership for a period of not less than 90 continuous days; and have maintained a common household.

Why is next of kin important?

All ADF members are required to list a Next of Kin in the Defence Human Resources Database, PMKeys. If there is no recognised partner, Next of Kin may be an unrecognised partner, parent or friend.

Next of Kin are entitled to Defence support in the event of an emergency. It is extremely important to ensure that Next of Kin information on the PMKeys Database is up to date, including current addresses and phone numbers.

Remember to call the National Welfare Coordination Centre on 1800 801 026 to update your details if you go on holiday during the ADF member’s deployment period.

Changing your driver’s licence With the exception of the Northern Territory, Commonwealth, State and Territory authorities have agreed to the implementation of a Defence Driving Licence Scheme (DDLS) for ADF personnel and eligible members of their families.

Under the DDLS, personnel and their families’ driving licences will be recognised throughout Australia and thus no requirement exists to change a driving licence solely because of a transfer interstate. However, on expiry, licences are to be renewed in the current State or Territory of domicile.

Defence members and their dependants are able to drive on their interstate licence as long as they have been issued with the Driver Identification document issued by the Department of Defence (AB-135), available from the member’s administrative unit.

The DDLS does not apply to transfer of vehicle registration., which is linked to Compulsory Third Party insurance schemes supplied by the private sector.

DHA offers leasing opportunities Property is one of the most solid and secure investments available. DHA offers you the opportunity to avoid many of the risks and worries associated with conventional residential property investment.

As property professionals DHA can offer a leasing package that suits the needs of most investors. You will benefit from DHA’s medium to long term leases, reliable rent, restoration provisions at lease end and DHA Property Care services.

When evaluating your property, DHA ensures that it complies with the minimum housing standards and rental guidelines set by the Department of Defence.

Properties must also match DHA’s desired property profile and requirements for leasing in a particular location. Initial lease terms are generally three or six years, although longer terms may be negotiated.

During the term of your lease DHA undertakes all property management, including inspections and reporting on your behalf. The lease includes restoration provisions to ensure your property is returned in good order at the end of the lease. Where the total lease term is six years or more, DHA will paint the property internally.

Where the lease exceeds nine years DHA will also replace carpet and paint the property externally. www.dha.gov.au

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Defence Families

Military Lifestyle The Australian Defence Force has certain requirements of its serving members, which are formally agreed to and accepted as conditions of entry into the military. Families do not have to commit themselves to these requirements, but Defence knows that these military commitments sometimes impact as much on the family as they do on the serving member.

Some of these expectations include: • Conforming to a regulated lifestyle • Being physically and medically fit • Understanding & adhering to the military command structure • Being trained and qualified for the job • Being ready and willing to serve anywhere at anytime • Abiding by military law and the regulations of the Defence Force Discipline Act • Dress and grooming standards Separation and relocation are some of the key features of a military lifestyle. Defence knows that members perform at their best when they are confident that life at home will run smoothly while they are away. The best way to achieve this is by planning ahead about family requirements during separations and relocations, and having access to appropriate support services.

Family readiness is just as important for single members. Informing and involving parents, siblings, friends and other people who are important to you when preparing for relocations, separations and the unique demands of military service, are critical to sustaining these relationships.

SMART programs Without the emotional and practical support of their families, ADF members simply could not do the job they are required to do. An ADF member has to be confident that their family is healthy and happy before they can wholeheartedly commit to doing their job well.

A series of group programs that help Defence families manage stressful situations such as deployment, parental absence from home, moving house have been developed.

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TeenSMART TeenSMART workshops are for Defence teenagers to help them manage issues arising from deployment and relocation.

During these workshops Defence teenagers can meet and share their stories about being part of a military family. They can also learn some ideas and tactics to help them stay connected to their parents while he/she is away on deployment, and meet new friends when they move to a new posting location.

The workshop also covers other things, like managing change and coping when feeling stressed out. There are tips and hints for handling emotions, and some great relaxation techniques, too.

KidSMART KidSMART consists of a set of four week programs for primary aged kids to help them manage issues arising from posting, relocation and deployment. The KidSMART mascots, Tyler Turtle and Sam Super help kids learn how to manage change, stay connected with friends and meet new people.

Sessions are once a week for 1 to 1.5 hours per session and all children receive a story book to take home. The workshops also cover other things, like helping children to cope when feeling stressed or anxious, particularly during times of parental absence and deployment.

Kids can learn some techniques for handing emotions, and relaxation as well.

Contact the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 for more information or to sign up for a program.

Talk to children about deployments Time should be spent with children talking truthfully about deployment. Children of different ages need to be communicated with in ways appropriate for them to understand.

Very young children do not have the language to comprehend what is happening, so they may not understand that the separation may only be for a period of time. It is important for them to maintain a special relationship with another parent or carer to help them deal with the changes in their life.

For toddlers, it may not be helpful to talk about a parent going away too long in advance, as they have a different sense of time.

A couple of days in advance is plenty of time.

Preschoolers and school age children should be included in discussions about deployments much earlier, as they will know from conversations and preparations that something is going on. Dealing with reality is better than what they may imagine to be occurring.

In talking about the deployment, explain at the appropriate level why Dad and/or Mum is going, where, with whom, and for how long.

Sit down with the whole family and talk about feelings. Let children know that it is okay to talk about feelings (even negative feelings) by sharing your own feelings, and let each member of the family express how they feel about the separation.

Encourage older children to talk with the younger ones about previous deployments; how long it seemed, what they did, how they felt while Mum or Dad was away and when they returned. Discussing the rules of the house and making them 'House Rules' rather than 'Mum's' or 'Dad's' rules will also help during the

Defence Assistance for Special Needs The Defence Special Needs Support Group Inc was formed as a small group of Defence families were brought together by a common bond – they all had a family member with “special needs”. The families decided to help each other out with information and support, rather than going it alone.

The Defence Special Needs Support Group Inc. provides support, information, assistance and advocacy for all ADF families who have a dependant (child, spouse or other dependant) with special needs.

In addition, the Defence Special Needs Support Group also offers the following services.

• Posting Plans designed to assist families to locate appropriate services ie therapy, early intervention, support groups, respite and more in their new location.

• National Parent-to-Parent Network links special needs families who are posted, to others with similar needs in the new location.

• Link Up links adults (usually spouses) with physical or medical special needs.

• Leaps N Bounds is a contact support group for those who have depression or other mental health problem.

• Access to Grants can assist families to obtain equipment or other particular requirements relating to the person with special needs.

DefenceLife 2014-10-17T15:11:55+11:00 • One of the Group is a program designed to

assist children aged 7 – 10 who have social skill difficulties.

• Computers 4 Kids assists families to access new or second hand computers.

• Stepping Stones Playgroup is a structured playgroup for children with special needs and their siblings.

• Home2Hospital assists families where the person with special needs has to spend some time in a hospital far from their home.

• sibMates assists “at risk” children who have a brother or sister with special needs. It provides them with support via spending time with a volunteer Host Defence Family.

• Get Real Teen Group Program – activity based program for special needs teens and their siblings.

• Family and Emergency Care Plans – a specialised care plan which can assist in the event of emergencies • Deployment, MWDU Support – support to families whilst the member is deployed or MWDU www.dsnsg.org.au

Appointing Power of Attorney At time of deployment it’s a good idea to consider appointing a Power of Attorney.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives another person/s or organisation power to make decisions on your behalf, relating to personal and/or health related matters and/or financial matters.

There are two types of Powers of Attorney, a General Power of Attorney which is only valid while you are living and have mental or physical capacity to deal with your affairs, or an Enduring Power of Attorney which remains valid even if you become mentally or physically incapacitated. If you die, both types of Powers lapse and your executor will then administer your estate in accordance with the directions of your will.

You should only appoint someone whom you trust implicitly to act on your behalf.

When you no longer require the person to act as your Attorney it is a good idea to have a revocation document signed revoking the power.

Serving members can receive further information by contacting a legal representative.

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Defence Families

Stay Connected Defence Family Matters Defence Family Matters is a free lifestyle magazine designed for Defence families.

In DFM you can find articles celebrating Defence families, advice and tips for managing deployment, family member absence, relocation and posting and other aspects of military life. The magazine also publishes information on family support services available from Defence and the community, and news about changes in the Defence environment that affect families.

The magazine is sent out three times a year (in April, July and December) to all ADF members who have one or more dependants and are permanent or continuous Service.

Defence Community Organisation When you move to a new location, call the Defence Family Helpline to request a copy of the Welcome Guide for that posting location.

Also ask DCO to include your personal email address on the Community Email Database so you can keep in touch with upcoming DCO activities and news from Defence Community Groups.

Start a Group DCO offers grants to community groups that deliver support and services of value to Defence families. Grants are one-off payments which must be spent before the end of the same financial year in which they are awarded. Any not-for-profit, incorporated group representing a significant number of Defence families can apply for a grant, provided they run programs which help overcome the effects of mobility and address the needs of Defence families.

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Have a PEEP The Partner Education & Employment Program (PEEP) is a Defence funded program developed to provide a comprehensive range of education and employment initiatives to assist partners of ADF members become job ready and access the workforce when posted.

Under Tier 1 of PEEP, Defence-recognised ADF partners will be eligible for a one off Education and Employment Allowance to the value of $12,000 for a period of ten years to cover all the following initiatives: Superannuation set up.

Professional Employment Assistance.

Education and Training (tertiary or vocational).

Personalised Resume Preparation.

Professional Re-registration Expense Payments.

Child care.

The funding is capped at $6,000 per posting for the agreed initiatives. Existing funding caps have been removed apart from child care which remains capped at $250 per child per year and the requirement for training to be completed within 12 months has been eliminated to allow partners to undertake tertiary education to develop a longer term career option.

Partners are encouraged to undertake tertiary studies through Open Universities Australia. This permits partners to continue their education wherever they may be posted.

Partners may also enrol in one unit of study or an entire degree.

Assistance under PEEP will attract Fringe

Benefits Tax (FBT) that may affect government payments such as family payments, HECS, Medicare levy and child support obligations.

Under Tier 2 of PEEP, partners may receive an in-financial year ‘one-off’ payment of up to $3000 which can be used for vocational courses, up to and including first time undergraduate courses. Tier 2 is available to the partners of Private to Sergeant (or equivalent) enlisted ranks and Lieutenant to Captain (and equivalent) officer ranks.

To receive assistance under PEEP the following eligibility criteria must be met: You must be recognised as a partner of a full time ADF member or Reservist on continuous full time service (CFTS). Where the partner is also an ADF member or a reservist on CFTS no entitlement to PEEP exists.

The $12,000 allowance is a one off allowance valid for ten years and is irrespective of whether the applicant has a recognized relationship with more than one member.

Assistance under PEEP must be taken up within two years of moving to your posting. It is not available to partners of ADF members who are relocating on discharge.

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Defence Families

Choosing Child Care Choosing the right child care can be a difficult decision for families. Your decision will depend on your family’s needs and the environment you and your child will feel most comfortable with.

As well as providing care, child care services provide an opportunity for your child to develop social, emotional and learning skills.

When deciding on the type of care that is best for your child, you may want to ask yourself: • How many hours of care do I need? The whole day? Just mornings? Just afternoons?

Just a few hours a week? Or just occasionally, like when I have an appointment and need someone to look after my children?

• Do I want my child cared for in a home environment or in a centre?

• What kind of qualifications and experience do staff members have?

• Does the centre offer a pre-school program?

• What is the carer-to-child ratio?

• Can I claim Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate if I choose a certain child care centre?

Below is a quick description of the different types of child care to help you make your decision.

Long day care Long day care is sometimes referred to as centre-based care and is generally provided in a building or part of a building that has been created specifically for use as a child care centre.

Centres usually operate between 7:30 am and

6:00 pm and offer professional care for children aged 0-6. Children are usually grouped in rooms according to age and developmental stage. Child care is usually available for all day or part of the day at a centre. Some centres offer morning or afternoon sessions.

Family day care Family day care is where a professional carer looks after your child in the carer’s home. This type of care is sometimes known as home-based care. Carers work mainly with children aged 0-6 who are not yet at school, but can also provide care for older school-aged children.

The number of children each carer can have in their home is determined by state and territory government laws.

Some carers may offer care overnight or on weekends. This may suit parents who are ‘on call’ or work shifts. Some carers are selfemployed but work in partnership with a family day care scheme.

In home care In home care is similar to family day care but the professional carer looks after the child in your child’s home. However, it is not widely available and usually only an option where other forms of care are not suitable.

In home care services are for families with children who cannot be cared for by other child care centres or whose circumstances mean that an existing child care centre cannot meet their needs.

Outside school hours care Outside school hours care centres provide care for primary school aged children, before and after school (7:30 am -9:00 am and 3:00 pm -6:00 pm), during school holidays and on pupil-free days.

Vacation care is a type of outside school hours care that includes indoor and outdoor activities. These centres are sometimes run by the same organisation that runs before and after-school care.

Centres are usually located on primary school sites in the school hall and/or playground. Some centres are located in a child care centre, community facility or outside-school hours care centre near the primary school.

Many centres offer a snack as well as the Active After-school Communities exercise program.

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Kindergarten programs Kindergarten programs provide a world of carefully constructed play that early childhood experts agree develops children’s abilities and helps prepare them for school.

By participating in play, art, music and movement and interacting with others, children develop their social and language skills as well as their physical abilities. Kindergarten services typically operate during school terms, with varying opening hours.

Child care waiting lists There may be situations where there are no vacancies at a child care centre you wish to use.

Some child care centres have waiting lists to help determine the next placement. However, the Australian Government has Priority of Access Guidelines to ensure there is a fair child care system.

The system ensures that, where there are vacancies or a waiting list for child care centres, places are allocated to families with the greatest need for child care. These guidelines apply to approved, long day care, family day care, in home care and outside school hours care centres.

Child Care Rebate The majority of child care centres are approved child care services. This means that families using the service may be eligible for Child Care Benefit and the Child Care Rebate.

Approved services must also show that they are meeting certain quality standards.

The Child Care Rebate is not means tested but to get it you must first claim for Child Care Benefit. The rebate is paid to you automatically if you are eligible for Child Care Benefit for approved child care.

Defence Child Care Program The Defence Child Care Program facilitates access to child care for Defence families in their new posting locality, when the local community is unable to meet demand.

The Defence Child Care Program facilitates access to centre based, family day care and outside school hours care for Defence members and their families. The Program currently operates 19 Long Day Care Centres and three Out of School Hours facilities which are managed on behalf of Defence under contract

by Mission Australia Early Learning Services (MAELS).

There is also a child care at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne managed by an independent management committee that offers priority to Defence members.

Access to places at Defence child care centres is determined through the application of the Defence Priority of Access Guidelines. This enables Defence families to have priority to available places in these centres, ahead of other families. The guidelines emphasise and support the requirement for Defence families to relocate for Service reasons (referred to as mobility) as the principal driver for child care provision. This is achieved through applying a point system based on family composition and mobility. The Mission Australia Early Learning Services staff in each Defence Child Care Centre maintain waiting lists for care and offer child care places according to these guidelines.

Salary packaging of Child Care Under the Defence Flexible Remuneration Packaging Scheme, Defence members are able to package their child care fees at employer sponsored child care centres. This includes all Defence Child Care Centres and other eligible Commonwealth Employer Sponsored Child Care Centres.

Salary packaging can be arranged between Defence and the Member, where you agree to forego part of your future entitlement to salary or wages, in return for a benefit in the form of child care to the same monetary value of the salary you would receive. The combined total of salary or wages and the benefit must not exceed the total of your normal salary.

When you ask Defence to pay for your child care as part of your salary package, you are

Family Day Care employment opportunities for spouses

choosing to forego all entitlement to Child Care Benefit (CCB) and the Child Care Tax Rebate. To be eligible for CCB, you or your partner must be liable to pay for the child care.

If you salary package the cost of child care fees, this means that Defence as the employer is liable for the cost of all child care fees that are paid under salary packaging arrangements, so Defence (not you) has the legal liability to pay the fees.

You must choose between either salary packaging OR receiving CCB and the Child Care Tax Rebate. Salary packaging is not beneficial for many families and it is very important that you understand the relative benefits of salary packaging against claiming CCB and the Child Care Tax Rebate.

A range of initiatives are available through either the Defence Child Care Program (DCCP) or the Department of Employment Education and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) to assist with the initial set-up costs involved in establishing a Family Day Care business.

Approved initial set-up costs include obtaining a First Aid certificate, public liability insurance, police checks, car safety certificate and registration fees. For further information or to apply for reimbursement of initial set-up costs, complete the application at www.defence.gov.au/dco/partners.

defenceLife 11

Defence Families

Health matters Work, and life generally, can be stressful, with the potential to affect your health and wellbeing.

One of the best ways to keep healthy and fend off ill health is to make active living a normal part of your daily life.

Whether it’s gardening, walking, swimming, cycling, tennis, taking the stairs, or walking to the corner store, it all adds up to active living.

As a minimum you should engage in 30 minutes of moderate activity four days a week.

And those 30 minutes can be accumulated in 10-minute segments. A brisk walk for example is ‘moderate’ activity. An active lifestyle will improve your health and your quality of life, boost your sense of self-fulfilment and increase your energy level.

Reflect on your own situation, and ask yourself: at present, am I active enough to benefit good health and keep my body fit? Yes or No?

If you answered “yes” you get a pat on the back. You are achieving health and fitness benefits. If you answered “No”, you probably live a sedentary lifestyle usually in a sitting position: at your desk, on the phone, in your car, at the computer, watching television or on the couch. If you are part of this group, give serious consideration to changing your lifestyle before it’s too late. There is no time for delay.

Sedentary lifestyles increase all causes of mortality; it doubles the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity; and substantially increases the risk of colon cancer, hypertension, osteoporosis, depression,

and anxiety. Scary stuff. Why not take the precaution of becoming active now before you are beset with health problems that will stop you from doing so later in life.

Pick an activity that you will enjoy and get started. Walking for example is the favourite activity for 70 per cent of our adult population.

Walking is safe, inexpensive and one of the best exercises around. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and the willpower to get up and go. If you haven’t exercised for some time, start off with small amounts of exercise and consult your doctor before engaging in strenuous exercise.

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Walking for good health

National ADF Family Health Program

Walking is low impact, requires minimal equipment, can be done at any time of day and can be performed at your own pace. You can get out and walk without worrying about some of the risks associated with other more vigorous forms of exercise. It’s also a great form of physical activity for people who are overweight, elderly or those who haven’t exercised in a long time.

Walk for 30 minutes a day

Benefits of walking

Footwear is important

You carry your own body weight when you walk. This is sometimes called ‘weight bearing’ exercise. Some of the benefits include increased cardiovascular and pulmonary (heart and lung) fitness, reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, stronger bones and improved balance, increased muscle strength and reduced body fat.

Try to walk for at least 30 minutes as briskly as you can most days of the week. ‘Brisk’ means that you can still talk but not sing, and you may be puffing slightly. Try to make walking a routine by walking at the same time each day. Remember, you use the same amount of energy no matter what time of day you walk, so do what is most convenient for you.

Walking is a low cost and effective form of exercise. However, the wrong type of shoes or walking action can cause foot or shin pain, blisters and injuries to soft tissue. Make sure your shoes are comfortable, with appropriate heel and arch supports. Take light, easy steps and make sure your heel touches down before your toes.

Physical activity does not have to be vigorous or done for long periods in order to improve your health. Regular walking can help you lose body fat, maintain a healthy weight, improve your fitness and reduce your risk of developing serious health issues.

The National ADF Family Health Program provides for free basic healthcare to dependants of ADF members.

Dependants of permanent ADF members and dependants of Reservists on continuous full time Service are eligible to register for the Program which has been implemented to cover some of the gap expenses of family visits to a general practitioner or allied health professional. For families who already have private health insurance, the Program benefits can be used in addition to your private health insurance benefits. $400 per family member per financial year will be available to use towards allied health services such as optometry, dental and physio. This can also be transferred between family members. The services accessed are considered a fringe benefit. All services must be listed under a Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Item Number to be eligible for a refund.

To register for the Program the ADF member must complete WebForm AD858-1 ADF Family Health which can be found at: www.defence.gov.au/health/Dependant_ Healthcare/i-healthcare.htm

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Defence Families

Make the most of life and stay happy Everyone wants to be happy but achieving that personal ambition is not as easy as just wanting it to happen. Pressures in life impact on our feelings of wellbeing, sometimes considerably, leading potentially to severe emotional problems.

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In the Defence family context, it seems that frequent transfers, as is the case in any military organization, affect a family’s feelings of wellbeing and happiness.

But looking deeper reveals that the overriding factor in achieving positive family outcomes is the family’s perception of the move and how well the family has integrated in the new location. The family’s sense of belonging and successful integration into the new community has been found to be a strong predictor of positive family outcomes.

A number of studies show that children of military couples actually enjoy a number of benefits from moving around, especially in the development of social skills and confidence in different situations – along with a broader education experience.

For children, a sense of wellbeing and happiness in the new location is very much dependent upon the parents’ behaviour and perception of what’s going on.

A number of programs exist to help people improve their situation. For example, some hospitals run programs developed for the Department of Veterans Affairs, aimed at people who perceive that their life is not all they want it to be.

Other challenges relate to ‘where to go from here’ after being in an institution such as the Defence Forces for a long time, which can lead to a quite stressful situation.

However, the problem with emotional stress is that it doesn’t really go away, and it’s better to work through those issues with a professional counsellor.

Healthy body + healthy mind The World Health Organisation defines good health as ‘a complete state of physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’.

Accordingly, Defence acknowledges that the mental and social areas of our lives are just as important as our physical bodies.

The Australian Defence Force Mental Health Strategy seeks to reinforce the concept of ‘well being’ in life for members and their families. It recognises that mental health is not just related to diagnosable mental disorders, but covers a broad range of lifestyle, mental wellbeing and job performance factors.

The strategy has a primary focus on prevention and evidence-based treatment to maximise retention and enhance the quality of life for Defence personnel. This strategy involves an educational campaign for ADF personnel and early intervention and preventative strategies for the ADF. It promotes programs that improve self-esteem, encourage a positive outlook and a feeling of acceptance and belonging. For further information visit the ADF Mental Health Strategy website, which contains various resources, fact sheets and mental health contacts.

For confidential advice, call the All Hours Support Line: 1800 628 036 (FREECALL within Australia) www.defence.gov.au/health

Remember to stretch Before any physical training session commences you should always start with a warm-up. This prepares the body for the activity to come, decreases potential for injury and reduces muscle soreness that can follow exercise.

Warm-up: To start with, do some gentle stretching. This could include shoulder rotations, upper body twists, calf stretches and ankle circles; follow with a low impact activity like running on the spot, light jogging or a brisk walk; finish with some general upper body movements such as light cross-body punching. A warm-up of around ten minutes will prepare your body.

Cool-down: As with the warm-up, a cool-down period is a vital component of any exercise program. This involves a gradual decrease in the intensity of exercise and level of activity, until the heart rate is returned to a resting state.

By cooling down you reduce the risk of blood pooling in working muscles and the likelihood of injuries. All you need to do is slow down gradually at the end of your exercise session, so spend 3-5 minutes reducing your pace, allowing your breathing and heart rate to return to normal. If you’re running for instance, slow down to a slow jog or walk for the last few minutes. If you’re cycling, switch to a low gear for the last part of your ride.

And finally, finish your exercise routine by stretching any of the major muscle groups you’ve just worked. Try to include your hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes and calves and hold each stretch without movement for around 15-20 seconds.

Maintain fluids: It’s incredibly important that you keep up your fluids before, during and after exercise. Remaining hydrated will allow you to exercise longer and safer. A banana or protein bar mid-session will give you a bit of extra energy, and always carry water with you.

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The Australian Public Service Benevolent Society (APS Benefits) is a not for profit co-operative that provides a wide range of financial and professional services to all current and ex-government department employees and contractors, their families and friends.

Having been in existence for over 100 years, the APS Benefits family has earned the trust of over 28,000 members and clients now offering the following financial and professional services listed.

APS Tax & Accounting

Richard Ferraro at APS Tax, Accounting and Business Services is an experienced CPA taxation accountant. Whether it is setting up a business, managing your superannuation fund or just obtaining quality service, Richard can help you.

APS Financial Planning

Timothy Foster provides access to advice and information on the important financial decisions we all face, whether it be superannuation, investments, pre and post retirement planning, life insurance, gearing, disability and trauma insurance, managed funds or savings plans.

APS Mortgage Broking

Sam Athans treats every mortgage as if it were his own. He has access to 20 mortgage lenders and has over 40 years experience in banking. Let us do the leg work for you.

APS Insurance (General Insurance Broking)

Danielle Rowe heads up our insurance broking team and is a salaried employee of APS Benefits.

With over 15 years experience in the industry, Danielle has access to products that include home and contents, motor vehicle, boat/caravan, landlord, public liability, income protection, life, disability & trauma insurance. The next time you receive your insurance renewal notice or want insurance for the first time, call Danielle on 1300 131 809.

APS Personal Loans

The APS Benefits personal loans team can assist members to obtain an unsecured loan, or they can apply online at www.apsbs.com.au. Either way, loans can be approved within 24 hours.

APS Funeral Cover. Adult & Child Cover Available.

APS Benefits Membership Coordinator Jesse Clarke can assist members to gain immediate funeral cover up to $20,000 for adults and $7,000 for dependent children (aged 2 to 15 next birthday). Do you have cover in the greatest time of need? Call us on 1300 131 809.

APS Savings

APS Savings Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of APS Benefits and offers a Fixed Term Investment product. Ask Sam Athans about the interest rate on offer and you will be pleasantly suprised. The term can be 6 months, 12 months or 24 months. Call us on 1300 131 809.

APS Wills & Estates

Phil Lambourne from APS Wills & Estates has over 25 years experience as a lawyer. Phil can help you with wills, powers of attorney, probate and estate administration. Is your will up-to-date?

Have you reviewed your will recently? It affects more than just you!

APS Benevolent Foundation

Recently launched, the Foundation is a registered charity and a deductible gift recipient.

Donations above $2 are tax deductible. The Foundation will enable the Society to expand our level of benevolence. Need to know more? Call us on 1300 131 809.

Further to this, APS is owned by its members, so any profits are channelled back to members.

Help spread the word by introducing new members and APS will send you, your nominated charity or your staff social club $50 for each new member you nominate. For more information call us on 1300 131 809 or visit www.apsbs.com.au.

Australian Public Service Benevolent Society Ltd Level 1, 16-20 Howard Street (PO Box 326) North Melbourne VIC 3051 Toll Free 1300 131 809 Phone (03) 9322 2000 Fax (03) 8327 8200 info@apsbs.com.au ABN 64 077 846 809

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Membership of APS Benefits automatically entitles you to a funeral benefit issued by APS Benefits. You should consider the Combined Product Disclosure Statement & Financial Services Guide (available from APS Benefits or our web site on www.apsbs.com.au) before making a decision to become a member of APS Benefits or buy any products offered by APS Benefits. Financial services provided by Australian Public Service Benevolent Society Ltd are provided under its AFSL No. 244115. APS Financial Planning Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 305923) of Patron Financial Advice (“Patron”). Financial services provided by APS Financial Planning Pty Ltd are provided under Patron’s AFSL No. 307379. APS Savings Disclaimer: This is not a bank product, it is an unlisted APS Note. No independent assessment has been made about the risk to investors losing any of their principal investment. Applications for APS Notes can only be made on the Investment Application Form which accompanies the prospectus issued by APS Savings Ltd. Please read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to make an investment. APS Wills & Estates: Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

Queensland

d n a l s n e e u Q n i g n i k r o w d n a g n i Liv

Brisbane

With a population of just over 1.2 million, Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city and the state capital of Queensland. Brisbane is considered to be one of the most vibrant and fastest growing centers in Australia today.

Culture South east Queensland is one of the most popular Defence posting destinations because of the lifestyle, weather and variety in employment opportunities for Defence personnel and families. These families tend to live in three main areas: Brisbane, Ipswich and the Darling Downs.

The cultural heart of Brisbane is the Queensland Cultural Centre at the South Bank Precinct where the Queensland Art Gallery, State Library and Queensland Museum provide a variety of cultural pursuits. QPAC is also the ‘second home’ to some of the state’s leading performing arts companies including the Queensland Theatre Company, Queensland Ballet, The Queensland Orchestra and Opera Queensland.

Brisbane has many other noted theatre venues, among which are The Powerhouse Theatre at New Farm which offers a mix of theatre, workshops and art programs, and LaBoite Theatre at Kelvin Grove which presents exciting theatre in an intimate roundhouse format.

Parks and Gardens Brisbane is home to two world-class botanic gardens: the City Botanic Gardens and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. The City Gardens, located on the banks of the Brisbane River adjacent to Parliament House, were established in 1855 and are popular with visitors and city workers alike.

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The Brisbane Botanic Gardens are located at the base of Mount Coot-tha in the historic inner suburb of Toowong, only 7 kilometres from the CBD. The gardens feature a magnificent tropical display dome, a lagoon, Japanese gardens, themed gardens on 52 hectares and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

In the heart of Brisbane, the 16-hectare Roma Street Parkland is a green oasis of subtropical plants surrounding a one-hectare lake.

Across from the city centre, the 17-hectare South Bank Parkland stretches for more than a kilometre along the banks of the Brisbane River. The Parklands incorporates diverse landscape styles, from rainforests to lush lawn areas and formal gardens. Over 5.5 million people each year enjoy the recreation, entertainment and dining pleasures which South Bank parklands has to offer.

Defence The Army has the largest presence in Brisbane, with the major establishment, Gallipoli Barracks, located in the suburb of Enoggera. There is also a Naval establishment at Bulimba on the south side of Brisbane and an Army Promotion and Training Centre located in the Gold Coast Hinterland at Canungra. The RAAF base at Amberley is located in Ipswich about a 50 minute drive west of Brisbane.

CITY VIBE

WHAT’S HOT

The Cultural Precinct

Moonlight Cinemas

Located just across the river from the Brisbane CBD, the Cultural Precinct, South Bank is the arts and cultural hub of Brisbane.

Within a day in the Cultural Precinct, you can investigate your family history, measure yourself up against a dinosaur, see a show, admire the work of Australian artists, dine, shop and take in the great view of the city from the beautiful park surroundings.

The precinct is comprised of Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Museum South Bank, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and State Library of Queensland and is situated at the South Bank side of the Victoria Bridge.

See Australian and international artworks at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. See a play, opera, ballet at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre [QPAC].

The Queensland Museum is an exciting way to learn about natural history, cultural history and science, and the Sciencentre is especially popular with the kids. The State Library has something for everyone including books, multimedia, computers, internet, displays and activities.

From October to December swing on by every Friday at dusk for Green Jam Sessions; a free evening of smooth jazz, chilled beverages and great company held at QPAC’s Melbourne Street Green. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the working week and start the weekend wind down with colleagues, friends and family.

South Bank It’s hard to imagine Brisbane without this popular destination. Visitors and locals enjoy South Bank’s sandy beach, the open grassy picnic spots, the shops and dozens of eating places. There are cinemas, free live entertainment and many festivals and fireworks throughout the year.

Story Bridge Named after John Douglas Story, Brisbane’s Story Bridge links the inner city suburbs of Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point. Have a picnic or BBQ under the bridge at Captain Burke Park or eat out at the historic Story Bridge Hotel. For the more adventurous, take a climb over the bridge itself with Story Bridge Adventure Climb.

Grab a CityCat Even locals love to get out on the Brisbane River and it’s so easy and cheap to do with a journey on the CityCat. Take a cruise up and down the river, stopping wherever you like along the way – South Bank, University of Queensland, New Farm. The CityCats glide over the water and you’ll see multi-milliondollar houses, parks and the city centre. Travel under the Story Bridge and get a whole new perspective.

Mt Coot-tha Lookout Even if you only have an hour or so to spare, take the drive up to the top of Mt Coot-tha to get a view of the whole of Brisbane city. You’ll see the curves of the river, the lines of the freeway, the skyline of the CBD. Plus, on a clear day you can see south-west to the distant ranges and east towards Moreton Bay. Cafe, restaurant and lookout at the top.

Brisbane has the ideal climate to watch movies by moonlight, and this summer there is no shortage of outdoor cinemas; from free movies in the park to moonlit movies offering live music and more.

Moonlight Cinema, outdoors at the Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm Park, screens new releases, contemporary and classic movies from December to February.

Ben & Jerry’s open air cinema operates at Southbank Parklands from late September through to November.

Paniyiri Celebrating all things Greek, Brisbane loves this festival for the opportunity to eat lots of delicious Greek food. Fried haloumi, marinated baby octopus, and those heavenly honey puffs are what Paniyiri is known for. A cultural festival of Greek culture, history and the achievements of the local community, it wouldn’t be Paniyiri without the genuine Greek food, wine, beer and dancing. Yassou!

Musgrave Park, South Brisbane Saturday/Sunday 23-24 May 2015.

Caxton Street Seafood Festival Not being located next to any large bodies of water doesn’t stop Caxton Street in Paddington from throwing one of Brisbane’s biggest seafood festivals. For one enormous day, the street is closed to vehicle traffic and instead becomes a throbbing mass of people imbibing prawns, oysters and, yes, lots of beer to the sounds of live music on two stages. The focus is on having a good time and thousands throw themselves into it.

Ticketed entry, with a portion donated to charity. Sunday 7 June 2015.

Brisbane Exhibition - The ‘Ekka’ The Brisbane Ekka runs over ten days with two whole weekends of fun. Kicking off on Friday 7th August and wrapping up on Sunday 16th August, the Ekka provides incredible opportunities for children to explore the world while making friends closer to home. Cuddle a lamb, watch a chicken hatch, feed a calf, or milk a cow - there are lots of ways to get involved. Visit the beef pavilion, spend time watching events in the main ring, try your skill in side-show alley, and don’t go home before you’ve tried a traditional Ekka strawberry ice-cream.

Brisbane Festival Brisbane will be in full festive swing for three weeks in September as acclaimed international and Australian artists and productions, free outdoor events, homegrown productions and the cutting edge and offbeat burst across theatres, galleries, parks and public spaces.

The festival promises to intrigue, delight and inspire with its programme of dance, theatre, opera, classical music, visual arts, circus, sideshow and contemporary music.

Various venues, September 2015.

SunSuper Riverfire As a fitting finale to the Brisbane Festival, the night sky explodes, a thumping beat sounds and over half a million spectators on Brisbane’s riverbanks, backyards and balconies look up in awe. It could only mean one thing - Brisbane Riverfire! The celebration starts as early as 12noon, when people arrive to stake out their favourite vantage points.

The fireworks extravaganza is matched only by the inspiring soundtrack shaped by 104.5 TripleM. Best vantage points are South Bank Parklands, Kangaroo Point cliffs, Victoria Bridge, and the City Riverwalk.

Saturday 26 September 2015.

Woodford Folk Festival Woodford never was a purely music festival, nor a folk festival in the traditional sense. It’s much more than that - a celebration of wider folk culture, in all its facets. Music, dance, street theatre, visual arts, film, indigenous culture, circus, vaudeville, comedy, art and craft workshops, poetry and storytelling and environmental awareness and action are all part of the mix. Woodford is one of the biggest annual cultural events of its type in Australia. Held on a 200 hectare rural property in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the festival takes place over six days and nights each year. The final evening culminates in a spectacular New Year’s Day closing ceremony, the Fire Event. Come for a day or stay for the week, camping is available on-site. Come and join us for the party!

26 December 2015 - 1 January 2016

Brisbane MARKETS Brisbane’s outdoor markets are hugely popular. Shop for arts and crafts at Riverside Markets, Eagle Street every Sunday from 7am to 4pm, or at Southbank Markets Friday from 5pm to 10pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 5pm.

Fresh produce markets are run every Saturday 7am to 3pm at Davies Park at West End, and organic produce is available at Northey Street Markets at Windsor, Saturdays 6am to 10.30am.

The Farmers Markets at the Powerhouse, New Farm on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month (6am to 11.30am) offers a wide variety of seasonal produce, including cheeses, home-made ginger beer and freshly baked breads.

The Rocklea Markets operate every Saturday and Sunday from 6am to 12midday. On Saturday it’s a fresh food market, with delicious coffee, natural soaps, plants, and fresh fruit & veges. Sunday provides an opportunity to set up your own market stall for a fantastic trash & treasure sale.

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Queensland

Defence in Queensland

Queensland has one of the highest concentrations of Australian Defence Force establishments in Australia, with major military bases in southeast Queensland at Amberley near Ipswich, Enoggera in Brisbane and Oakey west of Toowoomba. In northern Queensland are RAAF Base Townsville and HMAS Cairns. Other smaller Defence establishments are at Bulimba in Brisbane, Canungra in the Gold Coast hinterland and Cabarlah on the Darling Downs.

NAVY The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) maintains a presence in South Queensland through its Navy Headquarters at Bulimba on the Brisbane River. Although there are no ships or commissioned establishments in Brisbane there is a high level of naval activity in and around South Queensland.

Navy Headquarters – South Queensland (NHQ-SQ) Navy Headquarters – South Queensland (NHQ-SQ) is the focal point of naval activity in South Queensland and supports RAN personnel who serve in the area. Bulimba Barracks is also home to the highly respected Queensland detachment of the Royal Australian Naval Band, Australian Naval Reserve Dive Team Eight, and Australian Naval Cadet Headquarters.

HMAS Cairns With a responsibility extending from Rockhampton to Thursday Island, HMAS Cairns has 900 Navy and civilian personnel and is the homeport for 14 Naval vessels. HMAS Cairns provides maintenance, logistical and administrative support for Cairns-based fleet units.

ARMY Brisbane Gallipoli Barracks, located at Enoggera, Brisbane is home base to more than 4,500 military and civilian members of the Australian Defence Organisation. It is one of the most centrally located barracks in a capital city, being only seven kilometres from the city centre. It is one of the largest Army bases

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in Australia and home to Headquarters 1st Division and the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters (Land), the integrated Regular/Reserve Headquarters 7th Brigade, Headquarters 16th Brigade (Aviation) and the Division’s subordinate units.

Amberley Although primarily an air base, Amberley now has a substantial Australian Army presence in the 9th Forward Support Battalion, the 21st Construction Squadron, and the recently established Chora Valley Lines driver and maintenance training facility.

Darling Downs The Army Aviation Centre located at Oakey 30km west of Toowoomba is home to the Australian Army Aviation Training Centre, the School of Army Aviation and the Army Helicopter School.

Borneo Barracks at Carbarlah on the Darling Downs is home to 7th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare) and the Electronic Warfare Wing of the Defence Force School of Signals.

Canungra Located in the Gold Coast hinterland, Kokoda Barracks in Canungra is home to the Defence Intelligence Training Centre. The famous barracks, once the location of the Jungle Training Centre and its training facilities, still runs courses ranging from pre-command courses to battalion live-fires.

Townsville Lavarack Barracks, Townsville is home to the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade, plus support and logistics units. It is one of the Australian Army’s largest military bases, home to about 4,500 soldiers. The brigade forms the major

combat component of the ADF’s Ready Deployment Force held at the highest degree of readiness for operations.

The arrival in December 2011 of the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment concentrated 3 Brigade units in one geographic location, which significantly improved Army’s ability to prepare and deploy high readiness forces in defence of Australia’s national interests.

AIR FORCE RAAF Base Amberley RAAF Base Amberley is the largest air base in Australia, employing more than 4500 people. It is 40kms southwest of Brisbane on the outskirts of Ipswich. Best-known over the past four decades as home to the F-111 strike aircraft, withdrawn from service in December 2010, it is now home to two squadrons of F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter/strike aircraft. The base is also home to 36 Squadron (C-17A Globemaster III heavy transport aircraft) and 33 Squadron (KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport).

The air base is also home to a strong Australian Army presence, with a force support battalion, construction squadron and a Defence driver training unit.

RAAF Base Townsville RAAF Base Townsville is an important forward operating base located north-west of Townsville, with more than 1000 personnel including Air Force, Army and Defence civilians. It is home to the RAAF’s King Air 350s of 38 Squadron and Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment with Blackhawk and Tiger Armed Reconnaissance helicopters.

Defence and Education

Each state government within Australia manages the school system within their state. This means that they provide funds and regulation for their schools.

Both public schools and private schools exist in each state. The curriculum taught in each state or school may vary but the learning areas are the same in all. Each state has a Vocational Education and Training (VET) or Technical and Further Education (TAFE) system.

VET prepares people for work in a career that does not need a university degree. Each state manages their system and meets at a national level to coordinate their effort. VET is transferable between all states. Typically, a VET/ TAFE course takes two years of study. The Federal government provides funding for universities in all the states but each is independent in its governance. Typically, a university course takes three or four years of study.

Definition of higher education In Australia, the term ‘higher education’ generally refers to education at degree level

and above. In the Australian Qualifications Framework, higher education courses are those leading to the award of associate degree, bachelor’s degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master’s degree or doctoral degree. Some courses leading to the award of a diploma or advanced diploma may also be accredited as higher education.

Almost all higher education in Australia is offered by universities.

A small but growing number of nonuniversity providers and overseas institutions also offer accredited higher education courses.

Vocational education and training Vocational education and training (VET) provides skills and knowledge for work through a national training system.

The system consists of a network of all State and Territory Governments, the Australian Government, along with industry and training providers that work together to provide nationally consistent training across Australia.

VET in schools allows young people to remain enrolled at school while completing education and training programs delivered by other learning providers in the community, such as TAFE and other Registered Training Organisations.

defenceLife 21

Queensland

Education and Defence Families Regular interstate transfers and deployments are all part of the job for Defence personnel, but often it is families who are affected most by the change of location and particularly the change of education system. To help alleviate some of the impact when transfering between schools, Defence provides a first-class educational advisory service.

The education system in Australia is open to all people. It offers an opportunity for all age groups and levels of ability. You can get into any level of education if you have the entry requirements. If at first you do not reach the entry standard, then you can do other study to get to the standard. Help is available for all people who suffer disadvantage.

School is compulsory for all children aged between five and fifteen years. These ages may vary slightly in some states. The government provides public schools. Churches and other groups provide private schooling. Public schooling is free and users pay fees for private schooling.

Education Support The Education Assistance Scheme (EAS) provides a range of financial support to Defence children.

Tutoring: School aged children on transfer to a new location may be entitled to 14 weeks of tutoring in any subject identified by the school as indicating a gap in the child’s learning.

Boarding School Allowances: Assistance may be available under the EAS to enable ADF families to access boarding school for a dependant in the critical years of schooling.

Special Needs Assistance: The EAS can provide assistance for assessment, therapy and additional support for students who are

a Catholic school for your child www.brisbanecatholicschools.com.au

22 defenceLife

teaching • challenging • transforming

receiving these services. Tuition fees may also be provided for a child with special needs.

Defence Scholarships: Defence sponsors four scholarships per year for dependants of personnel working in Defence Organisation, and is managed by AFS Intercultural Programs Australia and DCO.

Transferring to another school

Defence School Transition Program

The Interstate Student Data Transfer Note system is designed to transfer information between schools about students who move interstate, enabling new schools to support the educational placements of new students. Curriculum resource lists and a prospectus containing detailed information on school policies, courses, and enrolment procedures are available from schools.

The Defence School Transition Aide Program has two parts; Defence School Transition Aides in 133 primary schools and 50 Defence Transition Mentors in secondary schools nationally. This program is designed to facilitate the best possible educational outcomes for dependants of ADF members and to provide support during parental absences for service reasons.

Defence recognises that some children of ADF members may experience some disruption to both the academic and social aspects of their schooling each time they move. The different structures of the education systems between Australian states and territories can result in learning gaps. DSTAs support the smooth transition of mobile ADF dependants from school to school and across curriculum jurisdictions upon ADF relocations or postings. The DSTA is a school-based position which focuses on practical support integrated into the classroom, school and school community.

Some activities performed by DSTAs include: • being a point of contact for parents of new ADF children in the school • coordinating appropriate welcome and farewell activities • introducing ADF parents and children to the school and its facilities • supporting individual children during parental absences • providing opportunities for ADF families to meet other ADF families • enhancing the relationship between the school and their Defence community To find out which schools have DSTAs in your region, contact the Regional Education Liaison Officer at your local Defence Community Organisation (DCO) Office. www.defence.gov.au/dco

When transferring between schools: • consider timing - will the move coincide with the change of term?

• involve your children in discussions and decisions about moving - this may help allay any fears or concerns they have if you are moving from another state.

• discuss the forthcoming move with your current school and collect documentation outlining student achievement levels and education history - this will help with appropriate placement at the new school • prepare a list of your children’s particular needs - e.g. preferred subjects, sporting and other interests, transport needs, extracurricular activities • consider subject choices, special education provisions, transport to and from school, traineeship programs, and cultural and sporting opportunities • consider behaviour management, discipline and uniform policies, the school buildings and grounds.

MARIST COLLEGE ASHGROVE A Catholic boys’ day and boarding College in the Marist Tradition

With Gallipoli Barracks Enoggera as our neighbour we share a very strong community relationship.

Marist College Ashgrove is located on a leafy 23 hectare campus at the foot of the Taylor Range, just seven kilometres from the centre of Brisbane.

The College currently has 1600 students which includes 200 boarders.

Contact us today – enrol@marash.qld.edu.au

07 3858 4555 • marist@marash.qld.edu.au • www.marash.qld.edu.au The Trustees of the Marist Brothers, T/A Marist Schools Australia CRICOS Provider #00670F

defenceLife 23

Queensland

The Australian Curriculum

The Australian Curriculum is being developed as a learning entitlement for each Australian student to provide a foundation for successful, lifelong learning and participation in the Australian community. It acknowledges the changing ways in which young people learn and the challenges that will continue to shape their learning in the future.

PADUA

COLLEGE

The Australian Curriculum will eventually be developed for all learning areas and subjects: initially for English, mathematics, science and history; followed by geography, languages, the arts, economics, business, civics and citizenship, health and physical education, and information and communication technology and design and technology.

The Australian Curriculum includes a focus on seven general capabilities (Literacy, Numeracy, Information and communication technology capability, Critical and creative thinking, Ethical behaviour, Personal and social capability and intercultural understanding) and three crosscurriculum priorities (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia and Sustainability). Continuation of learning has been developed for the general capabilities to describe the relevant knowledge, skills and understanding at particular points of schooling.

The Australian Curriculum includes two goals: Goal 1: Australian schooling promotes equity and excellence.

Goal 2: All young Australians become successful learners, confident and creative individuals and active and informed citizens.

Padua College is an independent Catholic school educating boys from Years 5 – 12 in the northern surrounds of Kedron.

Padua College is a gospel centred community that strives to foster individual growth and the development of each student.

From the admonitions of St Francis, “Where there is love and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance”, we emphasise the value of each individual and aim at providing an education which is both relevant and personal.

P 07 3857 9999 I F 07 3857 9988 I 80 Turner Rd, Kedron Brisbane QLD, 4031 E admin@padua.qld.edu.au I www.padua.qld.edu.au

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The propositions that shape the development of the Australian Curriculum establish expectations that it is appropriate for all students. These propositions include: that each student can learn and that the needs of every student are important; that each student is entitled to knowledge, understanding and skills that provide a foundation for successful and lifelong learning and participation in the Australian community; that high expectations should be set for each student as teachers account for the current level of learning of individual students and the different rates at which students develop; that the needs and interests of students will vary, and that schools and teachers will plan from the curriculum in ways that respond to those needs and interests.

Increasingly, in a world where knowledge itself is constantly growing and evolving, students need to develop a set of skills, behaviours and dispositions, or general capabilities that apply across discipline content and equip them to be lifelong learners able to operate with confidence in a complex, information-rich, globalised world.

The Australian Curriculum is online at www.australiancurriculum.edu.au

Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School “a community to believe in” Students, staff and parents enjoy a welcoming, vibrant and dynamic learning community at Our Lady of the Assumption at Enoggera.

Its unique character is shaped by:

• Respect and Responsibility • Support for ADF students and families • Exceptional retention rates for our upper primary students • Technology integrated throughout curriculum (Prep-year 6) • Easy access to up-to-date technology • A creative curriculum • A caring community/ partnership for success

FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE 073355 2388

E penoggera@bne.catholic.edu.au W www.olaenoggera.qld.edu.au 9 Hurdcotte Street, Enoggera Qld 4051

National Assessment Program (NAPLAN) NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skill in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, punctuation and grammar. The results of the tests provide information for students, parents, teachers and principals about student achievement which can be used to inform teaching and learning programs.

NAPLAN tests provide point-in-time information regarding student progress across Australia in literacy and numeracy and are intended to complement teacher judgement and the wide range of formal and informal testing programs that are already used in schools.

NAPLAN test results are not intended to be used in isolation from other school-based

assessment programs. Schools should ensure that, along with whole-school planning for delivery of the VELS curriculum, a variety of assessment tasks is used to assess student learning.

All students are encouraged to take part in the NAPLAN tests. Special provisions are available to meet the needs of individual students and children with special needs.

Parents or carers of students who sit for the NAPLAN tests will receive a written report of their child’s achievement in September.

The student report will show your child’s results in the key areas of reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy. The report also shows the national average, the

range of results for the middle 60% of students nationally and your school’s average for each test. That means you’ll be able to clearly see how your child compares with other students in the same year of schooling.

Students Australia-wide in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit for the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) test in May.

Where young men forge their own path PREP TO YEAR 12 . BOARDING YEAR 4 TO YEAR 12

Mt Maria College is a Catholic Co-educational College in the Marist Tradition with 950 students in Years 7-12, located at Mitchelton. Our new campus provides a welcoming environment where each individual has the opportunity to develop their full potential in preparation for life and work in the real world.

For further information on the Brisbane Boys’ College journey, phone 3309 3658 or visit www.bbc.qld.edu.au

Faith-based lifelong learning in a Christian community 79% of students in 2013 achieved an OP of 1-15 Nurturing future community leaders through academic and vocational programs

Request an Enrolment Pack TODAY

defenceLife 25

Queensland

CITY VIBE Heritage Buildings

Ipswich Ipswich city is ideally positioned on the national road network - 40 minutes drive from Brisbane and its airports, and an hour from the Gold Coast.

Ipswich comprises an area of 1207 square kms and has a population of 180,000 people, and growing.

Ipswich offers all the modern facilities and attractions of a progressive city. From a city reliant on past economic strengths of coal mining, railway workshops and a variety of other manufacturing enterprises, Ipswich has transformed into a city creating new development, business and employment opportunities for its citizens.

As Queensland’s oldest provincial city, Ipswich has a rich history. It is renowned for its architectural, natural and cultural heritage.

Ipswich proudly preserves and operates from many of its historical buildings and homes, with more than 6000 heritage-listed sites.

Culture Ipswich Civic Hall was officially opened on July 19, 1975. At that time, the Civic Hall was largely seen as a community centre. These days, the facility is so much more, thanks largely to the Festival of Theatre Program. Through this vibrant, evolving initiative, Ipswich Civic Hall has reinvented itself as a stunning combination of premier entertainment venue and community-focused function centre.

Ipswich hosts regular national and local festivals and events such as the Queensland

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Open Golf Championships, Ipswich Cup - the city’s annual major horse race, drag racing’s finest at the Winternationals held at Willowbank Raceway, Queensland 400 V8 supercars at Queensland Raceway, and the Ipswich Festival.

Parks and Gardens Ipswich’s River Heart Parklands brings alive the Bremer River. The parkland is situated on 1.5 hectares of land, which has been transformed into a widely recognised leisure facility.

Queens Park contains significant cultural heritage values not only for Ipswich but for Queensland. It is perhaps Ipswich’s most wellknown landmark.

Defence RAAF Base Amberley is the largest operational base in the Air Force employing approximately 4,500 Service and civilian personnel. This accounts for about 10,000 people contributing to the Ipswich and Brisbane communities.

Defence is a major contributor to the economy of Ipswich. Defence personnel and families are regarded as important members of the Ipswich community.

Ipswich is a town rich in history. In the 1850s, Ipswich aspired to become the capital of Queensland. Although it lost this honour to Brisbane, it was a prosperous and confident city and this is reflected in its buildings which include imposing public offices, several of the oldest churches in Queensland, legendary pubs, numerous fine mansions and a large number of historic houses and cottages.

Ipswich Art Gallery Ipswich Art Gallery is located in the restored old town hall in the heart of Ipswich Central. The Gallery presents a program of changing exhibitions, heritage displays and art workshops. It is one of the most-visited regional art galleries in Australia. The Gallery is wheelchair and pram-friendly with a large internal lift.

Queens Park Queens Park contains significant cultural heritage values not only for Ipswich but for Queensland, as it was the first park to be developed in Queensland, first being surveyed in 1842. Within Queens Park you will find the Ipswich Nature Centre, where you will see a range of Australian wildlife, including emus, wallabies and koalas. Entry is free, and the kids will love it.

Nerima Gardens Located within Queens Park, Nerima Gardens are the Japanese Gardens of Ipswich. A place of peace and tranquillity, a place to meet nature and calm the spirit. Its close proximity to the Ipswich City Centre allows for easy access to shady gardens and a relaxing lunch time outing.

WHAT’S HOT CMC Rocks CMC Rocks, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest country and roots music festival, will move to the picturesque Willowbank Raceway site in south-east Queensland in March with multi-platinum selling Lady Antebellum set to headline alongside Australia’s own Troy Cassar-Daley.

The festival was first held in Thredbo’s Snowy Mountains in 2008. Following extensive attendance growth, the event moved to NSW’s Hunter Valley in 2011. Once again, the festival has grown in scope and popularity and promoters have decided to move to the expandable QLD site. The move will accommodate larger festival numbers, while retaining the CMC Rocks trademarks of huge international lineups, intimate songwriters shows, on-site camping and the late-night camper’s bar.

13 - 15 March, 2015.

Ipswich Festival The Ipswich Festival features a cultural and arts program as diverse and exciting as any on offer throughout the country. Combining local performers with the nation’s best, with entertainment ranging from the extremely popular Street Parade, to the exclusive black tie Mayor’s Festival Ball, with multicultural Global Fiesta and programs exclusively for children, the Festival includes Art Exhibitions, Theatre, Street Art, Craft Exhibitions, Orchestral Concerts and the acclaimed Jazz, Wine and Blues Day. 6 April - 3 May 2015.

Ipswich Cup The Ipswich Winter Racing Carnival kicks off in May and finishes with the biggest day of the year on the Ipswich racing calendar - Ipswich Cup Day on 13th June. It’s a great day for social networking, with fashions on the field, bands, and of course the horses and racing. Set yourself up in one of the many hospitality marquees or take a couple of picnic rugs and pick a spot on the lawn overlooking the winning post.

Saturday 13 June 2015.

Goodna Jacaranda Festival The Goodna Jacaranda Festival is held at Evan Marginson Park, Goodna on the last weekend in October. The park is surrounded by Jacaranda trees, some of which were planted as early as 1932 during the Great Depression. Each year as they burst into bloom the festival comes alive. Heaps of market stalls, art and craft, free admission, face painting for the kids, and a huge parade on the Saturday.

23 - 25 October 2015.

Winternationals Willowbank Raceway offers drag racing over the Queen’s Birthday Weekend.

The Winternationals is the largest championship drag race held outside of the US and includes slot-car races, kart and short circuit racing. Thursday and Friday offer the opportunity to watch the qualifying rounds and visit the pits, then races take place on Saturday and Sunday. Home of Queensland drag racing, 45 minutes west of Brisbane and 10 minutes from Ipswich, the Raceway hosts a variety of major national events, building on the growing popularity of auto sport. Next event 4 - 7 June 2015.

The perfect venue to enjoy an icy cold beverage before or after dinner while listening to a wide range of live entertainment.

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For more information, please contact Brothers on 07 3817 2999 I Wildey Street, Raceview I Website: www.brothersipswich.com.au defenceLife 27

Queensland

Welcome from Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale Welcome to Ipswich’s newest residents who have moved to RAAF Base Amberley and now call our city home.

Ipswich is the perfect place to live and the men and women who serve at Amberley are part of our city’s thriving community. I encourage all our new arrivals to get to know their new home city and enjoy all the fantastic facilities Ipswich has to offer.

We are proud to have a great relationship with our RAAF neighbours who do tremendous work for our country. Our city and its citizens have embraced our defence personnel and we hope you will embrace Ipswich as your own.

Ipswich is a great location for defence personnel and their families with so much to see and do. We are rightly famous for many things, from our rich heritage to an extraordinary history of railway and mining, and more recently our thriving arts scene and world-class recreation parks.

Our fabulous parks and recreation areas have first rate attractions such as the zero-depth water play area at River Heart Parklands and the free Ipswich Nature Centre at Queens Park.

Our vibrant cultural heart means fine food and entertainment is never far away with a trip to Top of Town well worth a visit. The Ipswich Art Gallery is the most popular regional gallery in Queensland with exciting exhibitions

featured throughout the year, including hands on activities at the Children’s Gallery.

The Ipswich Civic Centre and Studio 188 are also great choices for entertainment with a variety of local, national and international shows throughout the year, as well as regular band nights, poetry evenings, jazz sessions and stand-up comedy.

Council’s website www.ipswich.qld.gov.au and Discover Ipswich www.discoveripswich. com.au are great places to learn more about what’s on around the region.

Welcome once again to the City of Ipswich.

We think it’s the perfect place to live and hope you soon discover why.

Mayor Paul Pisasale City of Ipswich

Discover Ipswich Ipswich City has much to offer visitors.

Take one of the City’s many heritage trails and you will discover grand heritage homes, legendary pubs, beautiful parks and gardens – and the rich history of Ipswich.

For more information on tourist attractions and events in Ipswich go to the Discover Ipswich website at www. discoveripswich.com.au

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• RAAF ‘Super’ Base Amberley – largest operational Air Force Base in Australia • Ipswich is the centre of growth in South East Queensland • Outstanding investment, business and employment opportunities • Just 45 minutes from downtown Brisbane • Affordable lifestyle choices in a relaxed, family friendly city • Top educational facilities • World class family attractions, rich heritage and cultural offerings • Expansive green space and sporting options • Within easy reach of some of the world’s best beaches

to subscribe to ipswich City Council’s newsletters visit www.ipswich.qld.gov.au Free monthly orientation tours are available for new residents.

To book contact the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre on (07) 3281 0555.

Find out moRe about ipswiCh phone +61 7 3810 6666 | email council@ipswich.qld.gov.au www.ipswich.qld.gov.au

Queensland

Ipswich Art Gallery

The Workshops Rail Museum ‘The Workshops’ as it is affectionately known is a site steeped in history.

Whether you’re a rail fan or not, child or adult, this fabulous state of the art museum set in the historical railway workshops is well worth a visit.

The very first train to run in Queensland steamed from here to Grandchester, over 140 years ago.

For decades the site was the centre of rail construction, maintenance and technology for Queensland’s burgeoning rail industry.

The rebirth of the site in 2002 as a world class rail museum, coupled with the oldest continually operating railway workshops in Australia, makes for a visitor experience second to none.

Well-preserved engines and carriages capture the romance of the vintage era of rail travel and the interactive displays, films, simulated train driving and themed children’s playground are but some of the attractions so set aside at least a couple of hours to really appreciate your visit.

Just 40 kilometres west of Brisbane, the Ipswich Art Gallery is located in the restored old town hall in the heart of Ipswich Central. The Gallery presents a program of changing exhibitions and heritage displays, special events, family activities, complimentary performances and art workshops.

It is one of the most-visited regional art galleries in Australia.

A unique feature of the Gallery is a dedicated Children’s Gallery, Australia’s first dedicated art gallery for children. It is a place where children can imagine, create and discover.

The Children’s Gallery presents a program of changing exhibitions, activities and events.

These exhibitions and programs are designed to reflect children’s interests and provide opportunities for children to make their own art works, discover new ideas, interact with their families and play. Activities allow children to play, solve creative problems and investigate a variety of materials.

The Children’s Gallery is a wheelchair and pram-friendly venue with large internal lifts.

The gallery’s friendly volunteers are on hand to help you to find your way around, and to bring your visit alive.

Guided group tours of both the permanent and temporary exhibitions are available.

Visitors should allow an hour or two to really enjoy the range of permanent and visiting exhibits, and to allow time for children to interact with various displays.

Ipswich Art Gallery is located in the centre of Ipswich CBD, close to cafes and parks, and just a short walk from Ipswich Railway Station, bus stops and car parks.

Entry to the permanent and long-term exhibits is free, with only a small fee charged for some of the temporary shows. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm daily.

For more information about the Gallery go to www.ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au.

For information about tours and current exhibitions phone 07 3810 7222.

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Queensland

Top of Town

- funky shopping

Ipswich is on the verge of a renaissance.

With its well-preserved heritage buildings and gracious parks, a new wave of cafes and boutiques, tapas and wine bars, an awardwinning museum and art gallery, it has more than enough attractions to make it high on the must-visit list.

The funky little precinct of cafes, boutiques, hotels and wine bars known as Top of Town occupies two blocks of Ipswich’s oldest and best maintained heritage buildings, just on the west side of the city centre along Brisbane Street.

Within Top of Town are a bevy of characterfilled cafes and coffee nooks.

You’ll find Byron Byron Bay style coffee bars and gourmet providores that serve delicious sweet treats and gluten free meals, cheese from the Gold Coast hinterlands, and coffee brewed to perfection.

Head around the corner to Ellenborough Street and you’ll find charming laneway espresso nooks which mirror those found in Melbourne and Sydney, with the inviting aroma of espresso to tease your senses along with delicious sandwiches and refreshments to satisfy your palate.

For an old-fashioned taste of 1950’s Ipswich, Top of Town also houses vintage stores which will take you back to your childhood - cafes which are a vision of nanna’s kitchen, with retro formica tables and vinyl chairs, accompanied by vintage window displays and home-made food.

For the best eclectic shopping stick to the Top of Town precinct – you’ll find quirky homewares and collectables, gorgeous eclectic emporiums of unique fashion, furniture and gifts, home wares and accessories.

If the in-crowd is your thing, you can find rustic artsy bistros and tapas bars, boutique beers, and wine bars - Top of Town has it all.

Kitsch in the Swich

Retro fashion fiesta

Calling all Vintage Vixens and Retro Rockabillies - Kitsch in the Swich is back in 2015.

This retro fashion fiesta features vintage markets, live music, swing dancing, prom Queen and King pageant, pin-up parades, classic cars and vintage fashions galore.

The first Kitsch was held in 2013 as a vintage festival to showcase the nostalgic vibe of the Ipswich City Square and was such a success that it has become a bi-annual event.

Make a splash at Ipswich’s River Heart With predictions for a long, hot summer there’s no doubt that the River Heart parklands will be a huge hit for summer. With a zero depth water park and extensive play equipment, including a spider web style climbing frame and a 25 metre flying fox, the water park is a delight for kids and parents.

“It looks fantastic and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone enjoying this space,” Mayor Paul Pisasale said. “The new boardwalk is a boon to walkers and cyclists, and will allow people to view the Bremer River from a close vantage point that’s not been seen before.”

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With a fantastic program of events from 11am through to 7pm, you can learn how to do the sock hop or swing dance, attend a burlesque workshop, check out the free pamper parlour or find your own personal bombshell with a retro makeover.

Heaps of kids activities all day, and the classic cars will bring back memories of a time when life seemed much simpler.

The vibe and excitement at Kitsch in the Swich is something that everyone should experience ... so to all you cool cats, get your best threads on, and be there or be square!

It’s the place to be when it’s hot, for kids and families right across the Ipswich region. River Heart Parklands on the Bremer River at Ipswich combines a water park, playground and shady forest park for all the family to enjoy.

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The spectacular Scenic Rim The Scenic Rim is an arc of spectacular mountains lying from south of Beaudesert, around to the area south west of Ipswich, in South East Queensland. It is situated within Australia’s Green Cauldron which stretches from Byron Bay to the Gold Coast and west towards the Great Dividing Range. The sheer size of the caldera is breathtaking and shelters a huge diversity of rare flora and fauna, and subtropical rainforests.

This natural wonderland is a direct link back to the days of the Gondwana Land super continent. Rainforest, platypuses, bowerbirds, echidnas, luminescent crayfish, glowworms, kites and owls are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the nature-based experiences here.

Heading down off the range, through winding roads and farmland, the villages of the Scenic Rim reveal themselves shyly. Food and wine, romantic escapes, camping, bushwalking, country pubs, art, history and adventures are all here tied together by the landscape and the beautiful towns and villages dotted throughout.

The Boonah District and surrounds is known as the Heart of the Scenic Rim. A pleasant hour’s drive from Brisbane, and a 90 minute drive from the Gold Coast, the townships of Boonah and nearby Kalbar and Harrisville are easily accessible. They have a rich German history which is reflected in many sites around the area.

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defenceLife 33

Queensland

Springfield Located between Brisbane and Ipswich, Greater Springfield has become one of Australia’s fastest growing master-planned cities.

With the included areas of Springfield, Springfield Lakes and Brookwater, this new city is bringing together the very best in business, ICT, education, health, retail and entertainment to one central location.

The current population of Greater Springfield is more than 50,000 with an estimated population of 100,000+ by 2030.

Springfield is connected to Brisbane and the Ipswich CBD by the Centenary Motorway, and the recently completed Springfield Rail Line enables passengers to commute to Brisbane, Ipswich or the Gold Coast with ease.

At the heart of the city is Springfield Central Parklands, the perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle, featuring bike and walking trails, picnic spots, boardwalks, and kids play areas.

Visit Orion Town Centre for great shopping, a wide selection of specialty stores, and plenty of spots to eat and relax.

The Brookwater Gourmet markets held on the first and third Sunday of each month at Brookwater Golf Club is a great place to stock up on all your favourite foods.

Education City, which includes USQ Springfield, Bremer TAFE, St Peters Lutheran College and a number of other providors, provides a community environment which has been specifically designed to meet the needs of students from Australia and around the world.

Many Defence families have made their home in Springfield, with just a short and easy commute of just 20 minutes to RAAF Base Amberley.

IPSWICH DAY & NIGHT CHEMIST OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR 8.30am-9pm DECEASED ESTATES • “NO WIN NO FEE” Estate Claims (conditions apply)

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•• Property Settlements • Divorce • Children’s Matters

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• Leasing • Franchising • Business (Buying/Selling)

FIXED PRICE CONVEYANCING

• Buying/Selling • Phone us for advice before signing contract

34 defenceLife

Cnr Brisbane & Wharf Streets, Ipswich (opposite Coles)

BRISBANE ST EAST ST

Level 1 Shop 38, Orion Shopping Centre (via lift next to Merlo Coffee) P: 3470 3600 8 Downs Street, North Ipswich P: 3816 9555 11 William Street, Gatton P: 5462 1566 Web: www.mcna.com.au Email: enquiries@mcna.com.au

WHARF ST

Phone 3281 3999 COLES

Education across Queensland Education Queensland delivers highquality and accessible public education to around 70 per cent of all Queensland school students through the state schooling system. The Department is responsible for almost 1300 schools staffed by more than 36,000 teachers and attended by almost 480,000 students. All state schools are coeducational.

The school year usually runs from late January to mid December. It is divided into two semesters with two terms in each, and vacation breaks for Easter, winter, spring and summer.

Parents are free to send their children to the school of their choice, depending on available places. Most schools hold classes from 9 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday, except for public and school holidays and studentfree days.

Preparatory Year Children are able to attend a noncompulsory, full-time Preparatory year of schooling. Children must be aged five by 30 June in the year they enrol.

Primary Children must be aged six by 30 June in the year they enrol in Year 1 in Queensland.

For a child entering Year 1, schools require proof of the child’s date of birth, such as a birth certificate, passport or visa.

Secondary Students are eligible to enter the first year of Queensland secondary schooling, Year 7, after completing six years of primary education.

Getting set for Prep Children must be aged five by 30 June in the year they enrol for Prep. Parents can enrol their child in the Preparatory Year by contacting the school directly. Parents who are concerned their child is not ready to start Prep at that time can choose to start their child a year later - the year they become of compulsory school age (6 years and 6 months).

The Preparatory Year will provide the foundation your child needs to succeed at school by developing a positive approach to learning, independence and confidence, thinking and problem-solving skills, language skills, early literacy and numeracy, physical abilities, including gross and fine motor skills.

Prep is integrated fully into the rest of the school, and classrooms and other facilities are located on the same grounds as the primary school. This allows children to feel part of the broader school community and will help with their transition to Year 1.

Prep classrooms generally consist of an open space for group and individual activities with a carpeted area for storytelling and singing. Prep classes will comprise up to 25 students.

Your child may need to wear a school uniform, but this is up to individual schools.

What will your child do in Prep?

A key feature of Prep is that it makes connections between children’s prior experiences at home, kindy or childcare and what they do at school. In Prep your child will be actively involved in learning and will have opportunities to learn in many different ways for example through investigation and play.

Children are encouraged to develop independence and personal organisational skills. Working with other children and adults is also an important life skill that is part of the Prep program. Children will be: • using blocks and manipulative equipment and creating collages to develop early mathematical concepts and skills • drawing and painting to encourage oral language, reading and writing skills • initiating and participating in dramatic play to build an understanding of the world around them • playing and investigating independently, in pairs, small groups and as a whole class • participating in outdoor activities • participating in music and language experiences.

Queensland’s Preparatory Year gives all young Queenslanders the very best start to school by helping them make a smooth transition to Year 1 and sets them on the path to lifelong learning.

The affordable alternative Co-educational Kindy to Year 12 • State of the Art Science Labs • New Primary Campus • Film, TV, New Media & Technology Facilities • OSH Care • College Bus Service to surrounding areas

Visit our ll r ca website o ow for 0n 3437 900 d tour Achievement Belonging Care e id a gu wcc.qld.edu.au Stuart Street, Goodna defenceLife 35

Queensland

Early Phase of Learning The Early Phase of Learning, Prep to Year 3, introduces children to the world of formal education. Education Queensland aims to provide positive experiences that engage young minds and promote positive dispositions to lifelong learning. Research has shown a positive outlook helps to maximise early learning and development.

State primary schools offer a full-time, noncompulsory Preparatory Year of education before Year 1. Children must turn five by 30 June in the year they begin the Preparatory Year. The Preparatory Year is not compulsory.

Parents may choose to keep their children at home or to send them to an alternative early childhood education and care service.

Children must be six by 30 June in the year they enrol in Year 1.

Enrolment inquiries should be made directly to your local school.

Literacy and Numeracy

Education Queensland is committed to ensuring that all students develop a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy in the early years as a basis for progress in all

future learning. As they progress through schooling, students should develop effective literacy and numeracy skills to support successful participation in the post-school years in training, work, or further study.

This depends upon, but is not limited to, high levels of proficiency in English and Mathematics.

In order to ensure that all learners reach their potential in literacy and numeracy, schools have programs to monitor the performance of those at risk of falling behind and to provide targeted support.

All students are monitored throughout Years 1 to 3 and those not making adequate progress by the middle of Year 2 receive additional classroom support.

Empowering Young Women for over 150 years

Contact St Mary’s College now on Phone: 07 3432 5444 • enrolments@stmarys.qld.edu.au • www.stmarys.qld.edu.au • Call into reception at Mary Street, Ipswich 36 defenceLife

Have you found a family-friendly school?

Day, Casual, Temporary and Weekly boarding options for added family convenience for girls in Years 5 to 12.

Dedicated bus service before school, with a regular (3.00pm) and late (5.00pm) bus service after school.

Academic, sporting and cultural scholarships available in Years 7 and 8.

A more affordable Grammar School education.

Compare our Fees

Girls only from Years 7 to 12 Boarding from Years 5 to 12

•

Compare our Results

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Compare our Choices

(07) 3454 4401 • enrolment@iggs.qld.edu.au www.girlsgrammar.com.au

Co-education from Prep to Year 6 EEC (Pre-Prep & Kindy)

defenceLife 37

Queensland

Middle Phase of Learning

Students in the Middle Phase of Learning have distinctive and diverse needs which stem from the very significant developmental changes in this period, as well as from a broad Years 4 to 9 spans traditional range of individual students’ life circumstances, primary and secondary interests, skills and talents. The Middle Phase of Learning typically occurs across Years 4-9 and schooling and are a time falls into two distinct stages. of great physical, social, The first stage involves transition from the early foundational years. Students need to emotional and intellectual consolidate the foundations of literacy and change for young people. numeracy that they gained in the early phase of learning. For many students this is a time of expanding curiosity and eager exploration of a broader range of learning experiences.

For others, the challenges are daunting, their interest wanes and progress slows.

The second stage is characterised by the demands of intense physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of early adolescence. There is considerable diversity in how and when students move through this and in WMAC0728_DefenceLife_Layout 1 10/10/14 9:37 stage AM Page 1 the impact on their attitude to and success in learning.

West Moreton Anglican College Est 1994

Ipswich Queensland

Increasing literacy and numeracy skills and knowledge are the essential ingredients for learning in every subject and for effective communication and participation in adult life.

It is essential to maintain students’ interest and provide opportunities for them to “catch up” and make fresh starts when progress slows if they are to be ready for the senior phase of learning.

Students in the Middle Phase of Learning are going through an unmatched period of cognitive, physical, social and emotional change and growth. They begin to think more broadly about issues beyond the home and family, and they want to engage in authentic, meaningful learning.

Leadership, effective teaching and flexible and responsive approaches help ensure young people stay enthusiastic and engaged in learning. To assist this, class sizes have been reduced in Years 4 to 10 from 30 to 28 students, giving Queensland the smallest class size targets in the middle years of schooling.

West Moreton Anglican College is a co-educational school for Prep to Year 12 students, set on 38 hectares just minutes from Ipswich and the Amberley RAAF Base. The College offers: • Defence Families Introduction Events • Respect and Responsibility Behavioural Program • Buddy system for new students • Onsite after hours care • School bus from Amberley RAAF Base to WestMAC

Interested in joining forces with WestMAC? Please call (07) 3813 4555 for our prospectus.

Keswick Road Karrabin Ipswich Queenland

www.wmac.com.au IN PURSUIT OF INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE

38 defenceLife

WMAC0728

West Moreton Anglican College

Summer Schools Summer Schools are specifically designed for Years 5, 6 & 7 students who have been identified through NAPLAN (National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy) as requiring additional help in the areas of literacy and numeracy.

Summer Schools do not replace the existing support that your child is receiving at their school. Rather, this is an opportunity for your child to receive additional assistance in an enjoyable learning environment.

At Summer Schools, students are taught to understand the relationship between the language of chance and probability, and to justify their decision-making processes by using this knowledge.

Parents are encouraged to support their children’s learning. There are many things you can do to help your child practice their reading skills including reading a range of texts, discussing how language is used, asking your child to describe people, places or objects, and engaging in word building exercises.

“I have never seen my daughter so excited about doing school work. All she does is talk about what she has learned each day. Thank you for this opportunity.” - Summer Schools parent feedback.

“Summer Schools was great. I hope I get to go again next time.”

- student feedbank.

ENROLLING NOW FOR 2015 AND BEYOND At Claver we stand by the following: 4 A culture of learning for all 4 A dedicated, caring and highly qualified staff 4 A diverse curriculum to suit all students’ interests and passions 4 A community built on respect and inclusion 4 A preference for the poor and marginalised 4A community where outreach and social justice is lived 4 A College where students are encouraged to express a desire to aspire and achieve

IMMACULATE HEART CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

• Spacious grounds • Family friendly community • Up-to-date and forward thinking facilities planning and use of technology • Professional and approachable staff • Specialist music and P.E. teachers • Year 6 leadership opportunities • Bi-annual trip to Canberra for Year 5/6 • Outside School Hours Care • Choral Eisteddfods and Dancefever

Immaculate Heart Catholic Primary School

24 Old Toowoomba Road, One Mile Qld 4305 Ph 07 3812 1077 Web www.immac-heart.qld.edu.au

ST PETER CLAVER COLLEGE 10 Old Ipswich Rd Riverview Q 4304 Ph 07 3810 5900 I Fax 07 3282 3190 sriverview@bne.catholic.edu.au I www.spcc.qld.edu.au

defenceLife 39

Queensland

Senior Phase of Learning

The Queensland education and training system aims to set the highest standards of excellence and academic rigour by engaging young people with a challenging and diverse curriculum.

40 defenceLife

In Queensland it is compulsory for young people to stay at school until they finish Year 10 or turn 16, whichever comes first. Young people are then required to participate in education and training for: • a further two years, or • until they gain a Queensland Certificate of Education, or • until they gain a Certificate III vocational qualification, or • until they turn 17.

The Senior Phase of Learning provides young people with more options and flexibility for completing Years 11 and 12, or their equivalent. Schools and TAFEs are offering young people more choice and greater flexibility in the senior phase of learning.

Students can choose from vocationallybased subjects and courses, traineeships and apprenticeships, and university subjects.

Year 10 students throughout the state prepare Senior Education and Training (SET) Plans with the help of teachers and parents.

These plans map out a young person’s career and education goals and the learning options available to them in the senior phase of learning.

Students also have a learning account created for them with the Queensland Studies Authority. Young people are able to access

their own learning accounts over the internet to check their progress.

A Youth Support Coordinator program has been established across Queensland to assist young people. These 113 coordinators work with schools, TAFEs and the community to coordinate services to help young people resolve personal and family issues during the senior phase.

Year 10: SET-ting the scene for Senior A Senior Education and Training Plan (SET Plan) helps students structure their learning around their abilities, interests and ambitions. As part of the planning process, students think about their future, consider their abilities and investigate their options for careers and further education.

ROSEWOOD STATE HIGH SCHOOL “THOSE WHO CARE WIN” OUR VISION:

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WE OFFER • Academic/Vocational offerings • A positive and supportive learning environment • High level behaviour expectations • A pathway for anyone

Lanefield Road, Rosewood | Enquiries 07 5461 9400

THE

www.rosewoodshs.eq.edu.au

IPSWICH

State High School

Working Today for a Successful Tomorrow

Year 10 is an important juncture in a young person ‘s life.

As young people enter the senior phase of learning they will experience new types of learning and take on more responsibility for their learning. They will also have opportunities to think about future careers, begin to set goals, and undertake planning to realise their ambitions.

SET Planning is a formal process for young people (usually in Year 10) to develop a personal plan of action that guides them in their senior phase of learning, with help from their school/learning provider and parents.

The student, their parents or carers, and the school meet to develop the SET Plan, which details what, where and how a student will study during their senior phase of learning (usually Years 11 and 12). The plan is finalised by the end of Year 10.

The process for creating SET Plans helps young people learn about themselves, set realistic goals and explore how to achieve those goals. It is a great way to help young people take responsibility for their future.

SET Plans help young people establish the necessary path to achieve their career goals by working towards a Queensland Certificate of Education (or Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement), Certificate III or IV vocational qualification and/or a viable employment option.

Enrolling Now for 2015/2016 www.ipswichshs.eq.edu.au For more information phone:

3813 4488

or call into the school office at: Hunter Street, BRASSALL

defenceLife 41

Queensland

Queensland Certificate of Education The QCE is Queensland’s senior school qualification, which is awarded to eligible students usually at the end of Year 12. Every young Queenslander must be registered with the Queensland Studies Authority during the year before the young person’s compulsory participation phase begins. Generally, schools will register young people in Year 10.

Queensland Core Skills Test The QCS Test contributes information for the calculation of Overall Positions (OPs) and Field Positions (FPs), which are used to rank students for tertiary entrance. While the QCS test is not compulsory, those Year 12 students who are eligible for a Tertiary Entrance Statement must sit the test.

A student’s individual QCS test result is not used on its own in the calculation of their OP - instead, group results are used as part of the statistical scaling processes. A student’s individual result on the QCS Test is reported on the student’s Senior Statement or Statement of Results.

The QCS Test is drawn from the Common Curriculum Elements (CCEs), a set of generic skills identified in the Queensland senior curriculum that students work with across their subjects. The test assumes that candidates have basic levels of general knowledge and vocabulary and a Year 10 knowledge of mathematical operations. The Test consists of 4 papers - a Writing Task (of

600 words), a Short Response paper and two Multiple Choice papers. The results achieved for each of the 4 test papers are combined into one grade, ranging from A to E. Those sitting the test are asked to respond to a variety of stimulus materials, such as prose passages, poetry, graphs, tables, maps, mathematical and scientific data, cartoons and artistic works.

Year 12 students who are eligible for an OP must sit the test. Year 12 students who are ineligible for an OP may choose to sit the test.

Each year the Queensland Studies Authority conducts a common statewide test designed for Year 12 students.

CRICOS QLD 00244B NSW 02225M TEQSA PRV12081

When a student is registered, the QSA opens a learning account for them. The learning account records details of learning and results of any completed studies. Students are able to access their learning account through the Student Connect website.

The QCE offers flexibility in what is learnt, as well as where and when learning occurs.

Students have a wide range of learning options; these can include senior school subjects, vocational education and training, workplace and community learning, as well as university subjects undertaken while at school.

Most students are awarded a QCE at the end of Year 12.

Students who do not meet the QCE requirements at the end of Year 12 can continue to work towards their certificate - their learning account remains open, regardless of their age (however, credits expire after 9 years). The QSA will award a QCE in the following July or December, once a person becomes eligible.

All students who finish Year 12 receive a transcript of their learning account in the form of a Senior Statement, which is issued in December.

After finishing Year 12, students who become eligible for the award of a QCE will receive a Statement of Results. A Statement of Results is a cumulative transcript of their learning account. These will be issued every July and December.

GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

Help your child get ahead with

USQ’s Head Start program 42 defenceLife

usq.edu.au/headstart

1800 269 500

Is a friendly, inclusive and caring learning community.

Serving the rapidly-growing community of greater Springfield, we offer personalised learning and first class facilities.

Now enrolling for 2015.

Limited places available for an immediate start in some year levels.

For further information please contact: Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School 58 Opperman Drive, Springfield Lakes 4300 I Ph: 07 3437 5000 I www.goodshepherd.qld.edu.au

School Term Dates & Public Holidays 2015 Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

January 27 to April 2 (10 weeks) July 13 to September 18 (10 weeks)

April 20 to June 26 (10 weeks) October 6 to December 11 (10 weeks)

Australia Day

Monday January 26

Good Friday

Friday April 3

Easter Monday Monday April 6 Anzac Day

Saturday April 25

Queen’s Birthday Monday June 8 Labour Day

Monday October 5

St Augustine’s College AU G U S T I N E H E I G H T S

defenceLife 43

Business Directory - Ipswich

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Toowoomba Toowoomba is situated on the Great Dividing Range, strategically located at the junction of the Warrego, New England and Gore Highways.

With a diverse economy, and in close proximity to Brisbane and the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, it offers the best of urban and rural environments.

Covering almost 13,000 square kilometres, the Toowoomba Regional Council area offers a diverse range of lifestyle choices for its 158,000 residents. Inner city, suburban, country town, village or rural addresses ensure a range of options when considering your next residential environment. Irrespective of where you decide to call home, you will be only a short drive away from first class shopping, medical, educational, cultural, entertainment and recreation facilities expected of a modern, progressive region.

Toowoomba City boasts three major hospitals while several smaller hospitals are located across the area.

The Council operates the magnificent Empire Theatre which hosts national and international acts, three art galleries, 11 libraries, and these facilities combined with several privatelyowned art galleries, give residents plenty of cultural and learning opportunities.

Nine golf courses, numerous swimming pools, rugby league, rugby union, Aussie rules,

Exciting times ahead This year promises to be a remarkable period for the Toowoomba region with a host of major developments and significant infrastructure construction ready to start.

Our region will soon welcome: • Construction of the fully funded Second Range Crossing (starting mid 2015)

|

soccer, cricket, softball, netball, basketball playing fields and stadiums cater for sportsminded residents and visitors; from eight-yearolds to eighty-year-olds.

The Toowoomba region is home to two military bases. Borneo Barracks at Cabarlah, 20 kilometres north of Toowoomba, has been a part of the local landscape for over half a century. It is home to 7th Signals Regiment and the Electronic Warfare Wing of the Defence Force School of Signals.

The Army Aviation Centre is located at Oakey, 30 kilometres west of Toowoomba. Oakey is home to the Australian Army Aviation Training Centre, the School of Army Aviation and the Army Helicopter School.

Adjacent to the base is the excellent Museum of Army Aviation which is open to the public and hosts an annual fly-in.

Whether you are posted to Borneo Barracks or Oakey, you will appreciate the choice of lifestyles, facilities and services available in the Toowoomba region.

A new era of prosperity for the region

• Construction and opening of the Wellcamp Airport (by October) • Construction on the final link in Toowoomba CBD’s Outer Circulating Road (OCR) system • A new high-tech City Library and Stage 1 of the Civic Square • Work on the $330m Grand Central and Gardentown redevelopment

• The opening of the Toowoomba Regional Arts and Community Centre The developments we’ll see in 2015 will change the economic and social landscape of Toowoomba and the region forever. Our future has never looked brighter.

131 872 www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au

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Queensland

CITY VIBE The Empire Theatre Heritage listed, Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre boasts the latest purpose-built facilities as well as retaining the grandeur and superb acoustics of the original theatre built in 1911. It is the largest performing arts theatre in regional Australia. The architecture retains original existing elements from 1911 and complements them with modern seating for 1567 people.

With a varied program from rock to classical, ballet to comedy, the Empire Theatre has something for everyone.

Picnic Point Picnic Point is the best place to appreciate Toowoomba’s location on the top of the Great Dividing Range. Consisting of beautifully landscaped parkland with playgrounds, barbecue and picnic facilities and views over the Lockyer Valley, Picnic Point is a great spot for families and couples. There is ample parking, picnic benches, a cafe and restaurant, and various walking tracks.

Japanese Gardens One of the most beautiful parks in Toowoomba is the university’s Japanese Garden - Australia’s largest traditionally designed Japanese stroll garden. Opened in 1989, it comprises 3km of paths, 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants, and beautifully landscaped lawns. About 2500 azaleas are planted as a representation of hillsides in Japan where azaleas grow wild. The red bridges, the Central Lake, a waterfall and ducks complement this stunning garden.

Cobb & Co Museum Part of the Queensland Museum, the Cobb & Co Museum is home to the National Carriage Collection which features nearly 50 horse-drawn vehicles and galleries noting the natural and cultural history of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. From blacksmithing and silversmithing to leadlighting and millinery, there is much to see at the museum.

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WHAT’S HOT Ride the Range Ride the Range starts as the sun is rising over the Great Dividing Range. Cyclists start the challenge at Picnic Point Toowoomba, with the option of the full 112km ride, a slightly less challenging 85km, or a gentle 50km. The descent offers stunning views over the countryside as you cycle down along Flagstone Creek Road. View the spectacular patchwork of the Lockyer valley before the non-relenting challenge of the ascent back to Picnic Point in Toowoomba. The 50km ride finishes at Lake Apex Gatton, where riders are met by a bus which brings you and your bike back to Picnic Point.

29 March 2015

Easter Vintage Festival Highfields Pioneer Village is celebrating its annual Vintage Festival on Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Come and experience rural life in the Australian Pioneer days! Milk a cow, learn how to crack a whip or be a blacksmith. Enjoy billy tea and damper made on authentic camp ovens. Don’t miss the spectacular Grand Parade and baby animals in the nursery. Whether you love history, you’re a vintage machinery buff or just looking for a great day out you will have a wonderful time at the Easter Vintage Festival.

4-6 April 2015

Moving year 7 From 2015, Year 7 will become the first year of high school in Queensland.

Moving Year 7 is a significant reform that will benefit students at all Queensland schools.

Carnival of Flowers The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers grows bigger, brighter and more colourful each year. It is the longest running floral event of its kind in Australia as the premiere celebration of flowers, food, wine, culture, entertainment and all things spring! A vibrant floral street parade, spectacular public and private exhibition gardens, fabulous food, wondrous wine and exceptional entertainment, this 10-day event appeals to all age groups and reinforces Toowoomba’s reputation of ‘The Garden City’.

18 - 27 September 2015

Shakespeare in the Park Shakespeare Alfresco! Experience the magic of live performance in the great outdoors at the University of Southern Queensland’s annual Shakespeare in the Park Festival.

Attracting in excess of 40,000 theatre goers since its inception in 2004, the Festival continues to grow each year. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and settle in for a magical night as you’ve not seen Shakespeare before.

Dates to be advised.

By 2015 more than half the students in Year 7 will be turning 13. Educators agree that young teenagers at this age are ready for greater independence and the depth of learning that high schools provide.

In high school, Year 7 students will have access to specialist resources, such as science labs and science teachers, and they will be able to keep pace with students in other states and territories where Year 7 is already the first year of high school.

Queensland Year 7 students will also be better positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the new Australian Curriculum as it is rolled out over coming years.

Be Safe at Schoolies Safer ‘Schoolies’ activities takes place usually in the last week of November. Access is granted only to graduating Year 12 or TAFE equivalent students on proof of a valid Year 12 student photo ID. You must register to access the free activities on offer.

Be safe at schoolies. Remember to watch your mates.

It’s important that you stay with your friends at all times, tell others what you are doing, and don’t walk home alone.

Most importantly, make sure your parents know where you are staying, who you are staying with, and how you are getting to schoolies and home again.

Beyond school In Australia, higher education is the sector that offers university-level education, that is, at degree level and above. The Commonwealth, state and territory governments share responsibility for the sector.

Higher education courses are those leading to the award of an associate degree, bachelors degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or doctoral degree. Some courses leading to the award of a diploma or advanced diploma may also be accredited as higher education courses.

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships provide a pathway for students to successfully transition from school to work. The apprenticeships and traineeships aim to provide students with an increased ability to perform in the workplace, leading to increased career choices and opportunities to transition from school to full-time apprenticeships, employment or further education and training.

The Vocational Education in Schools (VETiS) Program gives students the opportunity to try a particular profession while still at school.

By participating in this program they learn about the skills and requirements of a particular job at school or through a local registered training provider, and can complete a number of work placements during the year.

SCHOLARSHIPS 2016 CHRIST-CENTRED FAITH

COLLABORATION

ENJOYMENT

SEEKING EXCELLENCE

UNLOCK HER POTENTIAL Fairholme

RESPECT

Fairholme offers a wide range of high quality, contemporary educational experiences within a caring Christian community.

Discover the key to your daughter’s success at Fairholme College.

FAIRHOLME JUNIOR Kindy – Year 6 FAIRHOLME MIDDLE SCHOOL Years 7 – 9 FAIRHOLME SENIOR SCHOOL Years 10 – 12 BOARDING AT FAIRHOLME Years 5 – 12

Enrol ONLINE today at www.fairholme.qld.edu.au

College TOOWOOMBA

Proudly a College of the Presbyterian Church of Queensland

or contact our Enrolments Officer for more information T 07 4688 4688 E enrol@fairholme.qld.edu.au

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Queensland

CITY VIBE The Strand Townsville’s Strand is without a doubt a must do whilst visiting north QLD. The Strand is situated along the shore line and has magnificent views of the Port of Townsville and Magnetic Island, as well as views stretching all the way out to Cape Cleveland.

The Strand incorporates a jetty, recreational park, restaurants, cafes, a series of headlands, a free water park, picnic areas and swimming pools and enclosures. Children enjoy the large water playground and various sights along the walk, and once you reach the northern end you will be amazed with the lagoon style in-ground pool.

Castle Hill

Townsville Townsville is an ideal location to live, from the family suburbs of Kirwan and Annandale to apartment style living in the cosmopolitan city centre. The housing styles range from traditional Queenslanders to contemporary rendered low-set homes. Distance from the City centre to Lavarack Barracks is approximately 9.5km and to the RAAF Base it is approximately 5km.

Townsville has excellent facilities for almost every sport, and boasts three national sporting

teams - The Townsville Crocodiles (mens basketball), The Fire (womens basketball) and The North Queensland Cowboys (rugby league).

Townsville has 18 high schools and 41 primary schools and offers tertiary education options through the Barrier Reef Institutes of TAFE and James Cook University. Townsville is also home to the Australian Technical College North Queensland which provides academic courses, business studies and trade training.

Townsville is the largest city in North Queensland and is one of the fastest growing cities in the state, with a population exceeding 170,000. Located roughly halfway between Brisbane and the tip of Cape York, Townsville is nestled on the shores of Cleveland Bay, alongside the Great Barrier Reef.

Castle hill dominates the Townsville landscape with its pink hues and from some angles it resembles a scene from Jurassic Park with the Palms in the foreground and the hill rising from the ground.

The lookout is worth the trip up the steep winding road for the magnificent views of the city as well as its historical significance. You haven’t been to Townsville if you haven’t been to the top of Castle Hill. Also a popular walk for the fitness enthusiasts.

Billabong Sanctuary Nowhere else in Australia can you interact with so many of Australia’s native animals. Visit Billabong Sanctuary for a fantastic day!

You can cuddle a koala, hold a wombat, and if you’re brave enough, there’s snake and crocodile handling too!

Nestled in 11 hectares (25 acres) of tropical bushland, the sanctuary is home to a magnificent variety of native mammals, birds and reptiles.

Stroll around the park with the friendly kangaroos and wallabies, take part in all the handling and feeding shows, or simply relax by the pool.

Independent School Registered Training Organisation Short Courses 54 Discovery Drive Douglas QLD 4814 p: 07 4779 2199 w: tecnq.com.au

Tec-NQ is Townsville’s only senior school with a dedicated trades program for Years’ 11 and 12 and we’ve helped hundreds of young men and women achieve an apprenticeship, setting them on the path for their future.

Tec-NQ students can finish Year 12 with an apprenticeship, their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), Certificate II qualifications in Business and IT and advanced progression in their chosen trade.

We are currently accepting applications so call on 4779 2199 or visit our website for more information.

Training tomorrow’s tradesmen and women

Tec-NQ Trade Streams: Construction. Engineering. Automotive. Electrical. Civil & Mining. IT. 48 defenceLife

WHAT’S HOT

GREAT Barrier Reef

Cairns Chinese New Year Chinese New Year 2015 - Year of the Sheep.

Celebrate the new Lunar Year in Cairns with a number of vibrant cultural experiences, from first class dining, street festivals, art exhibitions, traditional entertainment and games, and demonstrations. Cairns offers a rich Chinese heritage and provides strong links to Chinese culture. Cairns and District Chinese Association Inc. (CADCAI) are proud to host Cairns Chinese New Year.

21 February - 7 March 2015.

Magnetic Island Race Week

Join in the 2.5 km and 5 km ocean swims held off Strand Beach, Townsville held by the Townsville Open Water Swimming Association.

There`s also a Junior 1 km swim. The 5 km swim is a qualifier for the Magnetic Island to Townsville swim held later, in July.

31 May 2015.

The newest Queensland yachting event on the annual scene is the Magnetic Island Race Week. Now yachting enthusiasts can add another spectacular event to their calendar.

Taking place in the sheltered waters around Magnetic Island and Cleveland Bay, this weeklong regatta has earned a reputation for its live music, family entertainment, and quality food. Some people are most interested in the boats, while others are drawn by markets, live concerts, and entertainment for the kids.

27 August – 1 September 2015.

Townsville 400 V8 Supercars

Cyclone Sunday, Townsville

Witness Townsville’s biggest sporting event with fanatics coming from all over Australia to see their Petrol headed heroes. Set across 3 high-octane days of entertainment and racing, be part of the on-track action at North Queensland’s biggest sporting event as the new generation of V8 Supercars hit the track for three days of racing and a Saturday night concert. Kids can join in too with the all new Disney Pixar Fun Zone trackside. Kids 12 and under free admission with a paying adult.

10 - 12 July 2015.

Cyclone Sunday is a free communityawareness event for the public and new residents to Townsville. It informs the community on how to be ‘Cyclone Ready’ at the beginning of the Cyclone Season.

Held in Strand Park there are predominantly community and emergency organisations that have information available to assist residents prior to, during and after a cyclone. The local ABC radio station broadcasts live from the event.

8 November 2015.

Strand Swim, Townsville

make everyday fantastic!

One of Australia’s most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. It is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space.

The marine park stretches over 3000km almost parallel to the Queensland coast, from near the coastal town of Bundaberg, up past the tip of Cape York.

The reef, between 15 kilometres and 150 kilometres off shore and around 65 km wide in some parts, is a gathering of brilliant, vivid coral providing divers with the most spectacular underwater experience imaginable.

A closer encounter with the Great Barrier Reef’s impressive coral gardens reveals many astounding underwater attractions including more than 400 different kinds of coral, coral sponges, molluscs, rays, dolphins, over 1500 species of tropical fish, more than 200 types of birds, around 20 types of reptiles including sea turtles and giant clams over 120 years old.

Cairns Cairns is located in Far North Queensland, 350km north of Townsville.

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The Cairns region covers more than 1750km2 and includes several major national parks as well as the state’s highest mountain peak - Mt Bartle Frere.

Cairns is located right on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef.

The region boasts a tropical climate with two main seasons – the wet and the dry. Cairns is often used as a base for trips to the far north including the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation and Cooktown.

Cairns is an ideal location to live. There are many suburbs located at the foot of the rainforest overlooking stunning beaches or close to the heart of the city.

Cairns offers a large range of sport and recreation activities. There is something to suit all ages, genders and abilities, including soccer, tennis, touch football, cricket, beach volleyball, diving, snorkelling, bush walking and more.

Cairns has both public and private schools for all levels.

In Queensland, children under six years of age attend preschool, children from six years onwards attend primary school (years 1-6) and children 11 years and over attend high school (years 7 - 12).

Cairns also has a TAFE and is home to James Cook University.

HMAS Cairns is located 5km from the City centre, and the 51st Battalion is located 10km from the City centre.

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Queensland

Pool laws in Queensland

School leaving age The minimum school leaving age has been raised to age 17 to ensure that school leavers have the opportunity to maximise their preparation for further education, training, employment or a combination of these.

There is compelling Australian and international research which demonstrates that people with higher levels of schooling are more likely to make a successful transition to further education, training, or work. The research also demonstrates that early school leavers are two and a half times more likely to be unemployed, earn lower wages and have poorer quality of life outcomes; and that those who do not leave school early generally enjoy enhanced life choices and better economic and social outcomes.

Exemptions will only be granted where the principal considers that the student is a suitable candidate to complete his or her education through an apprenticeship or traineeship, that the student has written permission from his / her parents for this to

occur, and that the employer agrees to notify the Department of Education and Training in writing through the school principal if the apprenticeship or traineeship is abandoned or cancelled before the student turns 17.

All Queensland pools over 30cm in depth must be fenced. Under Queensland law, pool owners have to ensure their pool complies with the pool safety standard (2010) when they sell or lease their property. If the seller hasn’t provided a compliance certificate, the purchaser is required to get a current pool safety certificate within 90 days. The maximum penalty for non-compliance is $16,500.

In brief, the laws call for: - Mandatory inspections by local governments for immersion incidents of children under five in swimming pools.

These incidents will be reported by hospitals and the Queensland Ambulance Service, including voluntary reporting by doctors and nurses, - Child resistant doors that form part of the pool barrier will need to be replaced with a fence, - Wider application of pool safety laws to include indoor pools and pools associated with hotels, motels, caretaker residences, caravan parks, backpackers, hostels, mobile home parks and homestays.

All students Australia-wide must complete Year 10 of study. After Year 10 and until they turn 17, students must be either in school full-time, in approved education or training eg TAFE, traineeship or apprenticeship, or in full-time paid employment.

Offering Secondary Schooling in 2015 Enrolling Prep to Year 8 in 2015 Prep through to Year 12 by 2019 Offering: hA safe and welcoming Catholic environment hQuality learning Extensive sporting grounds hDefence School Transition Aide Support hQuality Outside School Hours Care service hInnovative technologies in our learning environment hBrand new secondary facilities hWell regarded by military families, for their children’s education Principal, Mrs Louise Vella-Cox, welcomes all enrolment enquiries and invites families to experience the Catholic school difference.

Gartrell Drive, Annandale Q 4814 | PO Box 1747, Aitkenvale Q 4814 T: (07) 4778 3444 | F: (07) 4778 3500 | E: anndle@tsv.catholic.edu.au

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Northern Territory

n i g n i k r o w Living and Territory n r e h t r o N e th

Equivalent in size to France, Italy and Spain combined, Australia’s Outback Northern Territory is bordered by Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia.

Blessed with an abundance of natural environments, the Territory is famous for its spectacular wildlife. This is an environment that ebbs and flows with the seasons, of contrast and colour, where change is the only constant.

The Northern Territory is made up of six council areas, each with its own unique attractions.

Darwin Darwin is arguably Australia’s most cosmopolitan city, boasting a population made up of people from more than 60 nationalities and 70 different ethnic backgrounds. The city’s multicultural mix is particularly highlighted by its many exciting ethnic cultural festivals and weekly food and craft markets.

The city was founded as Australia’s most northerly harbour port in 1869, and its population rapidly expanded after the discovery of gold at nearby Pine Creek in 1871. World War II put the city on the map as a major allied military base for troops fighting the Japanese in the Pacific. Today travellers can see evidence of Darwin’s World War II history at a variety of preserved sites including ammunition bunkers, airstrips and oil tunnels in and around the city.

Darwin’s traditional owners, the Larrakia people, are prominent and active members of the community, and many still adhere closely to their traditional beliefs and customs.

Darwin has evolved from its days as an incredibly laid back frontier town and while it still retains its relaxed charm, it has become a highly sophisticated city.

Palmerston The second largest city in the Northern Territory, Palmerston is a young, vibrant regional hub with a fast-growing future.

Located 20kms from the Territory’s capital Darwin, Palmerston is a diverse community with many young families calling the city ‘home’, along with defence personnel and a range of local businesses.

The young city boasts 30,000 residents, two existing shopping centres and another major retail centre under construction, a G.P Super Clinic, new water park precinct and recently upgraded sporting facilities, proving it has come a long way since welcoming its first resident 30 years ago.

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Northern Territory

Welcome from Darwin Mayor Katrina Fong Lim Welcome to Darwin and the Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory. I cherish the multicultural and cosmopolitan city we live in today – Darwin is a tropical, liveable city that creates opportunity and choice for our community.

Darwin was destroyed and rebuilt during the 1940s, and then again following Cyclone Tracy in 1974. These parts of our history have helped shape our people and our community to become strong and capable, connected, spirited and determined.

Our defence people do tremendous work for our country and as our city has embraced our defence personnel, we hope in turn you embrace the city and all it has to offer.

We are a culturally rich city where we enjoy our entertainment, cafes and restaurants, and our fabulous and famous local markets.

City of Darwin prides itself on the services it offers our community. We have three public swimming pools, four libraries and three community centres.

We offer many programs for families including story time sessions at our libraries, outdoor activities for kids during school holidays and many community events.

We encourage all new arrivals to enjoy Darwin and make the most of your time here. Council’s website is www.darwin. nt.gov.au where you can find out about community events as well as by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Welcome to the Darwin family, we look forward to enjoying your company.

Lord Mayor of Darwin Katrina Fong Lim

CITY VIBE Darwin Waterfront The Darwin Waterfront has been a welcome addition to the tropical city of Darwin. A short stroll from the CBD, The Waterfront Precinct is home to the Territory’s only Wave Lagoon.

Offering safe year-round swimming the Wave Lagoon is open daily and is a great spot to cool off, relax or ride a wave. The Lagoon and shallow toddler pools are chlorinated salt water with the depth varying from 2m at the deepest point.

Museum & Art Gallery of the NT The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory covers many aspects of the region’s art, natural sciences, history and culture.

Featuring fantastic permanent collections of Aboriginal Art and culture, visual arts and crafts, maritime archaeology and NT history, the gallery also features an excellent display of Cyclone Tracey which devastated Darwin in 1974. It’s great entertainment for all the family.

Mindil Beach Sunset Market From April to October, the Mindil Beach market folk come together for their worldfamous ‘show and sell’. Held every Thursday and Sunday 5pm-10pm, the Market regularly attracts crowds of up to 15,000. With local produce, authentic fare from different countries, some of the most colourful Territorians ply their wares and services, and a galaxy of excellent street performers keep you entertained.

Australian Aviation Heritage Centre The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre is one of the major aviation museums in Australia, with an impressive presentation of aircraft from the early pioneers and record breakers through World War II and the jet age.

There are two major displays. One is a massive B-52 bomber on permanent loan from the US Air Force and is one of only two on public display in the world outside the USA. The other major display is the F-111, one of six aircraft on loan to qualified civilian historical societies and aviation museums. The F-111 fleet was retired by the Air Force in December 2010 after 37 years of service. It is historically significant as it took part in the last bombing raid in Vietnam while it was in USAF livery.

BASSINTHEGRASS Music Festival

Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta

BASSINTHEGRASS is the largest music festival in the Northern Territory, and is held annually at the Darwin Botanic Gardens Ampitheatre.

Styled on the Big Day Out concerts held in other states, BASSINTHEGRASS brings renowned Australian bands to the Territory, as well as showcasing local emerging groups.

23 May 2015.

Make a date in your diary and start building your boat for this year’s Beer Can Regatta. Held at Mindil Beach, beach events for all ages, and entrance by gold coin donation, all proceeds from the day go to projects supported by the combined Lions Clubs of Darwin. Mindil markets will trade all day.

12 July 2015.

Enjoy Darwin!

Why not...

Visit one of our pools at Casuarina, Nightcliff or Parap?

Become a member for free at our libraries?

Visit our website or find us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on community!

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Deckchair Cinema, operated by the Darwin Film Society, is a unique cinema experience.

The outdoor setting, on the edge of Darwin Harbour is absolutely stunning. Watch the sun set over the sea, then sit under the stars and enjoy the tropical garden setting with a meal and a drink before the film.

Deckchair Cinema runs seven nights a week during the dry season (April to November) screening a range of movies that include family favourites, Australian and foreign films.

WHAT’S HOT

City of Darwin

Harry Chan Avenue, Darwin

Deckchair Cinema

www.darwin.nt.gov.au

The Darwin Festival The Darwin Festival is recognised as the premier festival for the ‘Top End’ of Australia and the Asia Pacific Region, for its quality, diversity and innovation in arts programming and presentation. Running for twelve days, the Festival is a feast of creativity, showcasing the Territory as a cultural destination of choice, attracting an audience of more than 75,000 annually. Festivities take place in a number of venues around Darwin.

August 2015.

Global Green Challenge - Darwin to Adelaide Global Green Challenge participants traverse more than 3,000 kms of the Australian continent from tropical Darwin to Adelaide, in cars powered by nothing more than the sun. The ‘Challenge’, to design and build a car capable of crossing Australia on the power of daylight, utilizes and showcases the most innovative research and development of alternative transport technologies. It’s a celebration of achievement, courage and the application of scientific knowledge in the field of solar technology.

October 2015.

Alice Springs Alice Springs is Australia’s most inland town, being close to the furthest point from the coast which is around 200km North West of Alice Springs.

Although there are many unsealed roads connecting Alice Springs to other Australian settlements and towns the Stuart Highway is the only fully sealed road in the area.

Alice Springs is one of the remotest places in the world, but it’s no country town. Alice Springs is a major communications and commercial centre. It has most of the services you would find in any Australian city.

CITY VIBE School of the Air Alice Springs School of the Air has been bridging education gaps caused by remote locations and providing schooling to children at cattle stations, roadhouses, Aboriginal communities and national parks with daily lessons via satellite broadband to children aged 4 to 13 years since 1951.

The school broadcast area covers 1.3 million square kilometres.

Gain an insight into remote education through the Visitor Centre. Set up as an initiative of the School Council, funds raised from admissions assist with student enrichment programs such as interstate excursions, in-town activities and provide funds for the purchase of expensive equipment.

WHAT’S HOT Lions Imparja Camel Cup

Royal Flying Doctor Service Since 1928 the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has provided 24-hour emergency medical services to those who live, work and travel throughout Australia. Visit the original Alice Springs working base (circa1939) to learn more about this unique service.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a nonprofit organisation relying on fundraising initiatives and community donations to purchase and medically equip its Pilatus PC-12 aircraft – at a cost of $6 million each.

Aboriginal Culture Centre For 40,000 years the red centre of Australia has been a traditional meeting place for the trading of Aboriginal artifacts, knowledge, art and culture. Now you can learn to play a didgeridoo, throw a spear or boomerang, and learn about Aboriginal culture and listen to dreamtime stories.

The quirky, annual Lions Imparja Camel Cup attracts visitors to Alice Springs from all over the world. While camels may have a reputation as dedicated ‘ships of the desert’, these magnificent beasts are certainly not short on personality.

Racing them can prove a nightmare for riders and handlers but fantastic viewing for spectators.

Entertainment is assured, with nine unique races scheduled around the dusty outback track.

11 July 2015.

Henley-On-Todd Regatta A boat race with a unique difference - on the dry sands of the Todd River. The Henley-On-Todd Regatta is a day of fun where teams and individuals race ‘boats’, in the dry bed of the Todd River in outback Alice Springs. Have fun and enjoy the hilarity as you watch seemingly sane people race in bottomless ‘eights’, ‘oxford tubs’, ‘bath tubs’ and ‘yachts’ through the deep coarse sand. Food and drink stalls are available, with all proceeds going to the three local Rotary clubs in Alice Springs, and ultimately back to the Alice Community.

15 August 2015.

The Territory -

not just another posting A new posting can be both exciting and challenging for Defence families.

The Northern Territory Government is committed to ensuring the NT is an attractive and family friendly posting for Defence personnel and their families. The NT offers Defence personnel and their families access to high quality facilities, including sporting facilities catering for the whole family.

For a snapshot of Life in Darwin and Life in Katherine, why not view our YouTube videos by visiting www.defencesupport.nt.gov.au and clicking on Welcome to the Territory. Or for your free DVD copy, please email Defencesupport@nt.gov.au For all further information please call (08) 8999 7772 or visit www.defencesupport.nt.gov.au and click on Welcome to the Territory.

www.theterritory.com.au defenceLife 53

Northern Territory

Education across the Northern Territory Stages of school School is compulsory in the Northern Territory from the age of six. However, children can enrol in preschools earlier than this and start Transition as they approach five years of age.

Preschool in NT is not compulsory, although it is highly recommended. Children can attend government preschools from the age of four.

At some non-government preschools, children can start earlier than this.

At age five or soon after, children start Transition, the first stage of primary school.

Children often enter Transition mid-term, depending on their birthday and the numbers of other children in that age group. Children are in Transition for up to 12 months and move into Year 1 when the school and parents agree they are ready.

Students attend primary school until they complete Year 6. For Years 7 to 12, children attend secondary school.

Most primary and secondary schools are open from 8.00am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday. Preschools offer morning and afternoon sessions for students.

Senior secondary schooling Senior secondary students generally work towards the Northern Territory Certificate of Education. The certificate is issued to students who meet the requirements and levels of achievement during their senior secondary studies.

There are two levels: Stage 1, generally Year 11, and Stage 2, generally Year 12.

Although most students complete the certificate in two years, it can be done part-time for as many years as required.

At least 22 approved units must be studied. Senior secondary students in the Territory undertake subjects developed and accredited by the Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South Australia (SSABSA).

The Australian Curriculum Northern Territory schools commenced teaching Australian Curriculum English and Mathematics in 2012 and Science and History at the beginning of Semester Two in 2013.

The NT implementation timeline approved by the NT Board of Studies provides details on the

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implementation of subsequent Australian Curriculum learning areas and subjects.

NT Curriculum Framework Since 2002 the Northern Territory (NT) has had a mandated Curriculum Framework that identifies learning outcomes for all Northern Territory students from Transition to Year 10. The NTCF describes what students are expected to achieve and is used to determine what has been achieved.

NTCF outcomes have been re-constructed into achievement standards to enable a consistent assessment and reporting methodology with Australian Curriculum achievement standards. NT schools continue to use the learning areas of the NTCF that are not yet replaced by Australian Curriculum learning areas and subjects according to the implementation timeline.

Year 10 curriculum Support materials are provided for Year 10 Australian Curriculum English and Mathematics. These include sequence suggestions, template learning and assessment plans and subject specific performance standards which are aligned to the Australian Curriculum achievement standards. Year 10 literacy and numeracy courses are offered for students who have not met the Year 9 achievement standards. Teachers design student specific programs to meet a students’ current ability and move them towards the year 10 achievement standards.

School leaving age In the Northern Territory it is compulsory for all students to complete Year 10 and then participate in education, training or employment until they turn 17.

Tertiary Entrance Rank The Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER) is one of the factors universities use to determine whether a student is eligible for a course. The Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCE) and TER issued to Northern Territory students are recognised nationally. The NTCE is the equivalent of senior secondary certificates across Australia.

Northern Territory

Kakadu National Park No visit to the Top End can ever be complete unless you experience the magnificent Kakadu National Park. It is supremely beautiful and immensely important for its Aboriginal history and unique ecology. World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park boasts more than 1,000 Aboriginal rock art sites making it one of Australia’s most important cultural treasures.

The 19,000 square kilometre park is 260km east of Darwin on the sealed Arnhem Highway. Most accessible in the dry season from May to September, it is at its most spectacular in the Wet as evening storms deluge the land creating massive lakes teaming with birdlife. Though you may not be able to see the entire park’s most beautiful places, such as Jim Jim and Twin Falls, any time is the right time to go to Kakadu.

Litchfield National Park Litchfield National Park, just an hour-and-a-half from Darwin, is a tropical oasis where visitors can experience the thrill of swimming beneath rushing waterfalls or marvel at rare magnetic termite mounds.

Jabiru The unique township of Jabiru is situated in the middle of Kakadu – a National Park of world heritage status - and perched on the edge of Arnhem Land. Initially established to service the Ranger Uranium Mine, Jabiru hosts a range of services for residents and tourists alike and is the gateway to many of the amazing sights in Kakadu National Park. Residents in Jabiru have the best of both worlds – only 250 km from the highlife in Darwin but far enough from the city to get the best from nature. Living in Jabiru is heaven for those who like to fish, camp, bushwalk or birdwatch. The Mirarr people are the traditional owners of the Jabiru area.

Katherine Often called the ‘Crossroads of the North’ because of its location, Katherine is the fourth largest town in the Northern Territory and is located 312 kilometres south-east of Darwin on the Katherine River. Katherine is a modern thriving regional centre that offers a wide range of services to communities from the Western Australian border to the Gulf of Carpentaria on the Queensland border. There is a modern air-conditioned shopping centre, hospital, sports grounds, parks and gardens as well as a large number of Commonwealth and Territory Government services.

Tennant Creek Tennant Creek, with a population of 3,500 people, is the only town of any size in the centre of the Northern Territory. It lies on the Stuart Highway 510 kms north of Alice Springs and 670 kms south of Katherine. The Barkly Region, which it serves, is a huge, and sometimes forgotten, expanse of 240,000 square kms between the tropical ‘Top End’ and the arid ‘Red Centre’. It is roughly the same size as the U.K. or New Zealand, and consists largely of open grass plains with scattered cattle stations, mines and aboriginal communities.

The Reading Army At St Paul’s Catholic Primary School, it is not unusual to see uniforms, but since 2013 it is not unusual to see more khaki and camouflage in the school grounds as the school has formed a partnership with Army to assist children with reading.

The “Reading Army” is a fairly simple concept, whereby soldiers come to the school for two hours each week to help teachers during the Junior Literacy block. Soldiers can be seen reading with and to children, helping them with their writing and spelling, playing games and assisting in other activities such as sports.

The school approached Army to form this partnership for a number of reasons. Firstly, classes can always use extra support, so having an organization that has a large numbers of employees close by made an obvious partnership possibility. Secondly, armies, like schools, work on timetables, and for a program like this to work we needed regular volunteers at regular times.

Additionally, Darwin schools have many families that work in the Armed Services and the school saw this as a way of supporting students who may have a parent serving overseas. By regularly seeing other soldiers in uniform, it might make it a bit easier for a student missing a mum or a dad who is serving overseas.

Since the beginning of the program, the soldiers have become a welcome part of the school. They attend assemblies, have taken part in Easter hat parades, gone on excursion and attended some of our religious ceremonies.

The soldiers assist on a volunteer basis, and appear to enjoy doing something a bit different from their normal duties. Some obviously enjoy working with children, and many have small children themselves and the program gives them an insight into how schools operate.

For the school, this program has been a real success. Our classrooms have an extra helper, and seeing soldiers in the rooms is highly motivating for our students. The program also works simply because it is a great opportunity to have a group of highly motivated and positive people come into our workplace each week - and that is just great for our community.

Article supplied by Anthony Hockey, School Principal.

Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible — We believe St Paul’s is an innovative, challenging, supportive and contemporary learning environment.

Cnr Trower Rd & Francis St Nightcliff, N.T. 0810 P: 08 8985 1911 E: admin.stpauls@nt.catholic.edu.au

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School Term Dates & Public Holidays 2015 Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

January 27 to April 2 (10 weeks)

April 13 to June 19 (10 weeks)

July 20 to September 25 (10 weeks)

October 5 to December 10 (10 weeks)

Australia Day

Monday January 26

Good Friday

Friday April 3

Easter Monday Monday April 6 Anzac Day

Saturday April 25

May Day

Monday May 4

Queen’s Birthday Monday June 8

Youth play a highly important role in the Darwin community. In fact, the Northern Territory is second only to the ACT with a higher than national average youth population in comparison to its total population.

Services for young people Darwin Council recognises its youth community as diverse, dynamic and requiring specialised attention.

Under the Youth Services banner, Council convenes the Youth Advisory Group (YAG), the GRIND youth website and events team which hosts an annual youth event or workshop.

YAG advises Council on a range of issues and makes recommendations on issues that affect young people locally. The group acts as a central point for youth issues at a Council level and also at different times hosts projects such as THE BIG GIG and the Youth Energy Precinct.

In early 2000, City of Darwin agreed to fund a youth publication. A very small group of young people got together to create the first edition of the paper and decided to name it GRIND. Over time, Youth Services at Council has developed GRIND with local young people so that it can involve as many different young

people as possible.

GRIND has evolved from a simple A3 newsletter into a fully interactive, multimedia website; reflecting how diverse the youth population is in Darwin. GRIND is an excellent way to showcase and demonstrate to the Darwin community just how vibrant, creative and active young people are.

Since the adoption of its first Youth Strategy in 2000, all youth events supported by Council such as THE BIG GIG, POPART, WILPOWER and the GRIND website were planned, hosted and delivered exclusively by young people for young people.

LAUNCH is City of Darwin’s primary youth participation program for young people by

young people. Annually, it presents a program of training, workshops and events.

LAUNCH Quarterly hits the street every three months with a full program of upcoming activities and opportunities for young people at the City of Darwin.

For young people, a free pocket size youth information card is produced and distributed to all students and youth service providers in the Darwin area.

For further information, please contact Council’s Youth Services Officer on 8930 0635, email youthprojects@darwin.nt.gov.au or visit the website: www.darwin.nt.gov.au/live/yourcommunity.

Fun Bus - Mobile Playgroup The Fun Bus is a mobile playgroup service jointly funded by Darwin City Council and the Northern Territory Government.

Parents, carers and children up to 5 years are invited to attend.

The Fun Bus operates weekdays 9.30 - 11.30 am between February and December, and during school holidays except December/January. It does not operate on public holidays.

There is no charge for activities, however you are asked to provide one piece of fruit per family to be shared at morning tea.

Further info call 08 8930 0556 or the Fun Bus 0419 031 651

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Northern Territory

Bombing of Darwin On 19 February 1942, World War II was brought to the shores of Australia when the Japanese dropped bombs over Darwin.

The Bombing of Darwin was the first of more than 90 Japanese air raids across the top end of Australia from February 1942 until November 1943. The first wave of 188 aircraft attacked Darwin at 9:58am on Thursday 19 February 1942.

243 people were confirmed killed and between 320 and 500 injured. Eight ships (Naval & Civilian) were sunk in the harbour including USS Peary, in which more than 80 American sailors were killed. A section of the wharf was destroyed, killing 22 waterside workers.

Over the next 21 months, Darwin, Adelaide River, Katherine and Milingimbi in Arnhem Land were bombed 64 times.

In recognition of this defining moment in Australia’s history, on 7 December 2011 the Governor-General proclaimed 19 February a national day of observance, to be known as Bombing of Darwin Day. 2015 is the 73rd Anniversary to tribute, honour and remember those who defended Darwin. The Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin is commemorated each year on 19 February at the Cenotaph, Bicentennial Park, Darwin and attracts many veterans who served in Darwin around that time.

The service begins at 9.30am with the sounding of the WWII air raid siren at 9.58am - the same time it sounded years ago as waves of Japanese bombers flew over the city.

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Defence in the Northern Territory Larrakeyah Barracks

ARMY

Headquarters Northern Command (HQNORCOM) at Larrakeyah Barracks in Darwin City is a Joint Operational Level Headquarters focused on the defence of Northern Australia.

NORCOM has evolved and today its primary concern is border security operations.

However, the facilitation of Defence activities, including Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC) in the north remains an important responsibility.

Also based at Larrakeyah Barracks is NORFORCE. NORFORCE is permanently assigned to a Joint Commander for ongoing surveillance operations in northern Australia.

The unit relies heavily on the commitment and local knowledge of the population of northern Australia, including a high proportion of Aboriginal soldiers to fulfill its role.

Defence Establishment Berrimah, formerly HMAS Coonawarra, is a multi-tenanted base that accommodates staff from Defence Support Central and West and the Chief Information Officer Group along with Defence contractors. The Australian Navy Cadet unit, Training Ship Darwin also calls Berrimah home.

Robertson Barracks accommodates Army’s only mechanised brigade (1st Brigade) as well as the 1st Aviation Regiment, which is the sole operator of the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters, and a company from the 1st Military Policy Battalion. The brigade’s vehicles include the M1A1 Abrams tank, the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) and the M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers. These capabilities allow the Brigade to conduct manoeuvres and protected close combat, meaning that the 1st Brigade is the most complete combined-arms organisation in the Australian Army.

The 1st Brigade units include two mechanised infantry battalions (5th and 7th Battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment), a tank regiment (1st Armoured Regiment), an armoured reconnaissance regiment (2nd Cavalry Regiment), 8/12 Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, 1st Combat Signals Regiment, and 1st Combat Services Support Battalion.

NAVY Larrakeyah Barracks is walking distance from Darwin CBD. Darwin is a vitally important Navy port - a gateway to Australia’s northern neighbours and the centre from which to conduct border, fishery and economic protection operations.

Darwin currently supports 10 Armidale Class Patrol boats and two Landing Craft Heavy ships, and plays host to major RAN and multinational exercises and operations involving Australian and foreign major warships on a regular basis. Almost 650 Navy men and women are based in the Darwin area.

AIR FORCE RAAF Base Darwin is located 7km from the Darwin CBD. It is home to 396 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing which commands the combat support units at most Australian bases, including the three bare bases in Far North QLD and WA. RAAF Base Tindal near Katherine and 320kms by road southeast of Darwin. The airfield is the home to a squadron of F/A-18 Hornet aircraft with No 75 Squadron. The squadron is supported by 322 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron; its mission is to provide fixed airbase support at Tindal and also support functions away from Tindal in any threat environment. RAAF Tindal’s contribution to the local community includes flood relief and Defence Aid to the Civil Community.

The ADF makes a significant contribution to the Territory’s resident population, with the Defence presence more than doubling since the early 1990s. The number of Defence personnel and their families is estimated at 15,000 which represents more than six per cent of the Territory’s population.

Australian Capital Territory

CITY VIBE National Galleries & Museums

Living and working in the Australian Capital Territory Canberra

Parliament House

Canberra, the nation’s capital, is located in the Australian Capital Territory.

The city is 150 kilometres inland and 571 metres above the Pacific Ocean, 281 kilometres from Sydney and 660 kilometres from Melbourne.

About 367,000 people live in Canberra. The area was chosen for the federal capital in 1908. Canberra’s special contrast of nature and urban living was planned in 1912 by master designer, Walter Burley Griffin, a Chicago architect who won an international design competition. Since then, Canberra has grown into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with national attractions of heritage and history.

Canberra is the home of the Australian story. When you want to learn and celebrate what it means to be Australian, our nation’s history and culture and our way of life, Canberra is the place to be. Discover the Australian National Collection in museums, galleries, libraries and archives, enjoy outdoor recreation in extensive natural park lands and get a taste of the thriving food and wine scene.

WHAT’S HOT Remembrance Day At 11.00 am on 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. Australians pause to remember those who fought and died for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts. Be at the Australian War Memorial for this important day of remembrance.

11 November 2015.

Floriade Canberra’s world-class spring festival Floriade returns in September with more than one million blooms on display throughout Commonwealth Park. Visitors to Australia’s

The vast wealth of Australia’s culture, history and way of life is housed in the national museums, galleries and attractions in Canberra.

These national icons offer an intriguing insight into the Australian character and democracy, and our journey from an indigenous continent to a modern nation. See the famous painting “Blue Poles” on a visit to the National Art Gallery or visit the National Portrait Gallery to see portraits of people who have shaped our nation.

largest celebration of spring can pick up gardening tips from experts in the field, listen to inspiring musical performances, enjoy culinary demonstrations by world-renowned chefs and keep the kids entertained with an exciting line up of activities.

September - October 2015.

Australian Independent Music Video Awards The Australian Independent Music Video Awards provide recognition and incentive to filmmakers and musicians creating original new works. Now into its second decade, the Awards are one of the few truly independent music video awards that is not owned/ controlled by media or corporate entities and of growing world recognition.

The awards were initiated by the Australian Independent Music Association and are now recognised as the most comprehensive global music video awards.

Saturday 27 November 2015.

The home of Australia’s Parliament and the meeting place of a nation, Parliament House is located on a 32-hectare site on Capital Hill and is the focal point of Canberra. The building is open to the public every day of the year except for Christmas Day. Additionally, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House brings the journey of Australian democracy to life, presenting its past, present and possible futures.

Australian War Memorial The Australian War Memorial is a first class museum and extensive archive, commemorating the sacrifice of Australian men and women who have served in war, assisting Ausralians to remember and to understand the enduring impact of war on Australian society.

Open daily 10am to 5pm with a moving Last Post Ceremony every day at 4.55pm.

Defence in the ACT Canberra is home to most of Australia’s defence leadership. Defence headquarters are centred mainly in Russell Offices, Brindabella Business Park and Campbell Park Offices.

The Australian Defence Force Academy Canberra provides future ADF officers with a university education, and is the primary training establishment for officers of the ADF. The Royal Military College Duntroon is situated approximately five minutes from the city centre, and it prepares candidates for careers as officers in the Army.

The Air Force’s RAAF Base Fairbairn is located approximately eight kilometres from the centre of Canberra, and is home to No 34 Squadron flying the VIP transport fleet based out of Canberra airport.

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Australian Capital Territory

Education across the ACT In the ACT it is compulsory for children to be enrolled in school from age 6. All students are required to participate in full-time education until they complete Year 10, and then participate full-time in education, training or employment until completing Year 12 or equivalent, or reaching 17 years of age.

Starting school Primary schools in the ACT offer child centred early childhood programs in preschool settings and high quality primary school education. Both short and long day sessions (to a maximum of twelve hours per week) are available in the year prior to Kindergarten.

Children must be four years of age on or before 30 April to enrol in a preschool program.

Children who are enrolling in an ACT Public Primary School for the first time at Kindergarten must be five years of age on or before 30 April.

High Schools High school education is available from Years 7-10. ACT high schools are dynamic, innovative and supportive learning

communities that provide challenging education programs and pastoral care.

At the completion of Year 10 students in the Australian Capital Territory may proceed to a secondary college. Enrolment for secondary colleges commences in September of each year. There is a very high retention rate in the ACT from Year 10 to Years 11 and 12 as secondary colleges have proved to be effective in preparing young people for both work and further education.

Senior Secondary Colleges The ACT’s senior secondary colleges cater for students in Years 11 & 12. The ACT college system sets a national standard in senior secondary education and includes tertiary pre-entry curriculum from the ANU and the University of Canberra.

School Term Dates & Public Holidays 2015 Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

February 2 to April 10 (10 weeks) July 20 to September 25 (10 weeks)

April 27 to July 3 (10 weeks) October 12 to December 18 (10 weeks)

Australia Day

Monday January 26

Canberra Day

Monday March 10

Good Friday

Friday April 3

Easter Monday Monday April 6 Anzac Day

Saturday April 25

Queen’s Birthday Monday June 8 Labour Day 60 defenceLife

Monday October 5

Transition Transition is a term to describe movement through the different stages in your child’s education.

This includes moving from home to early childhood education, from Pre-primary to Year 1, from primary to secondary school and finally onto further study, work or training.

There are other recognised periods of transition including moving from one school to another or moving between the years of secondary school such as from Yr 10 to Yr 11.

All of these periods of transition involve a certain level of emotional and practical adjustment for you, your child and your family and may result in your child experiencing some uncertainty and anxiety.

Depending on the transition, your child may have to deal with issues such as separation from you or siblings (when they start school), adjust to learning in a structured environment (when they progress to Year 1) and learning to adjust to a number of different teachers (when they go to secondary school).

Being prepared will make the transition easier on your child. Know the transport options, have uniforms organised and get stationery and books early so that you have time to label everything and your child can get comfortable with any new equipment.

Get your child comfortable with the new school environment. Their school may have organised an orientation program, but if they haven’t, make an appointment with the school for you and your child to visit. Make sure your child knows where they can store their belongings, eat their lunch and where the toilets are.

Understand that your child may experience peer pressure, fear of failure or be very keen to follow a dream. Try to allow your child to become part of the decisionmaking process in his or her school environment.

New South Wales

s e l a W h t u g in New So

n i k r o w d n Living a

CITY VIBE Sydney Harbour

Sydney As the most multicultural city in the Asia Pacific, Sydney’s cultural diversity has produced a society that is creative, open and friendly. Sydney offers a secure environment for families, with excellent facilities, transport and telecommunications.

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Sydney is Australia’s oldest and biggest city and is the gateway to Australia, set on one of the world’s most stunning harbours, which extends either side in a golden chain of easy-to-reach, inner-city beaches Sydney’s laid-back outdoor lifestyle and physical allure make it one of the world’s easiest and most pleasant cities to visit. All of its attributes lie within easy reach of the city centre.

Sydneysiders are famously obsessed by the outdoors and why not, with such a beautiful harbour, endless beaches and coastal walks. The opportunities afforded

by Sydney’s natural landscape and climate means access to its harbour and beaches are easy with outof-the-ordinary adventures commonplace. Sydney’s harbour is its natural playground, the dominant factor in so much of what the city has to offer.

The city has a wide-ranging cultural life, dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary and colonial architecture. Iconic beaches and five major national parks deliver unforgettable experiences.

Circular Quay is the stepping-off point for most attractions based around the harbour. The quay is a vibrant, bustling place with ferries leaving every few minutes to different parts of the harbour.

On the southern side of Circular Quay is a walkway that leads to the Sydney Opera House while on the northern side, a short walk takes you to the Harbour Bridge and The Rocks, one of the oldest, most attractive and most interesting parts of Sydney.

Sydney is the city to set your pulse racing, with the harbour at its heart.

Catch a ferry, take a harbour cruise or feel the wind in your sails on one of the world’s most beautiful harbours in the world. Kayaking in the quieter parts of the harbour is relaxing while a high-speed jet boat trip is pure fun.

Sydney Opera House One of the busiest performing arts centres in the world, the Opera House offers a diversity of performances that are challenging, dynamic, engaging and entertaining. The Opera House is on every visitor’s ‘must do’ list. But you haven’t ‘done’ the Opera House if all you’ve done is taken a photo. Go inside and experience the magic. See a show. Go on a tour. Take High Tea. Enjoy award-winning dining.

Or combine the best of everything with a package. Open 9am til late, daily. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Luna Park Entry to Luna Park is FREE! So come on down and enjoy the carnival atmosphere and spectacular views without spending a cent! If you want to enjoy the rides, select from a variety of passes, each designed to give you the maximum amount of fun and value for your budget. Soak up the atmosphere and the magnificent views while the kids enjoy the rides and games, or have a go yourself and relive your childhood.

WHAT’S HOT Sydney Festival The Sydney Festival has a huge program of events, that will reach an audience of around 1 million people. Presenting the very best international and national performing and visual arts, in theatres, galleries and concert halls across the city, the program is kaleidoscopic in its diversity, from burlesque circus to New York rap to Russian theatre; contemporary dance to traditional Indigenous arts practice. The program comprises around 300 performances and 80 events with over 1000 artists in at least 20 venues each year.

8 - 26 January 2015.

Twilight at Taronga Zoo Get set for a wild night out at the Taronga Zoo concert stage. Grab your friends and picnic baskets and get ready to go wild!

The 2015 Summer Concert Series celebrates its 20th anniversay and will feature Bernard

Fanning, Paul Kelly, Rufus Wainwright, loads of tribute bands such as Bjorn Again, and a big band finale with the James Morrison Big Band.

Come early and enjoy the zoo in the afternoon followed by an amazing evening at the Twilight Concerts. Bring your picnic blanket and hamper, concert starts after the zoo closure. No alcohol allowed.

30 January - 21 March 2015.

Royal Easter Show This annual horticultural show will educate, impress and amaze. Held in a range of venues at the Sydney Showgrounds, the show features flower displays, advice from gardening experts, and a sculpture walk. It’s a mecca for flower and garden enthusiasts, including water-wise and sustainable gardening practices, and new trends in plants.

26 March - 8 April 2015.

Sydney Harbour New Year’s Eve Sydney is the place to be on New Year’s Eve, and the fun starts early. The evening starts off with entertainment from 5pm, followed by an indigenous smoking ceremony at 8pm and family fireworks at 9pm. Following this, a flotilla of vessels switch on their lights and begin a spectacular parade around Sydney Harbour. A crowd favourite, the Harbour of Light Parade features specially lit vessels sailing on a 15km circuit around Sydney Harbour. Then the countdown starts to midnight, when the harbour is filled with a spectacular fireworks display featuring the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Defence in NSW New South Wales is home to a number of Defence units of all three Services. Most units are based around the greater Sydney and Newcastle areas with others at Singleton, Wagga and Jervis Bay. NAVY Located at Potts Point, Sydney Fleet Headquarters (FHQ) is adjacent to the Garden Island Dockyard and Fleet Base East on the southern shore of Sydney Harbour. The Headquarters supports maritime operations and is organised functionally, with major divisions for operations planning, command/control communications and intelligence, as well as logistic and administration support.

HMAS KUTTABUL provides administrative, training and logistics support to Defence personnel, both uniformed and civilian employed within the Sydney area.

HMAS Penguin’s primary role is to provide trained personnel to the Fleet and it is the home of the RAN Diving School, the RAN Hydrographic School and the Medical Training School.

HMAS WATERHEN is the parent establishment for Australia ‘s Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Force, Clearance Diving Team One and a variety of Support Craft.

HMAS WATSON is the premier RAN maritime warfare training establishment. It is the home of the Training Authority Maritime Warfare and is part of the Navy Systems Command.

The Royal Australian Naval College (RANC) is based beside picturesque Jervis Bay on the south coast of New South Wales and is responsible for training Navy’s future leaders.

HMAS Creswell is located on the south-western shores of Jervis Bay. Creswell consists of the RAN College and four other departments.

HMAS ALBATROSS at Nowra is home of the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. It is the largest operational Naval establishment and the Navy’s only Air Station.

AIR FORCE RAAF Base Richmond is the home of Air Lift Group and is the hub of the Air Force in New South Wales. Aircraft operating from RAAF Richmond include the C-130J operated by No 37 Squadron.

RAAF Base Williamtown 30 kilometres north of Newcastle is the primary fighter base for the Royal Australian Air Force, and home to most of the F/A-18A/B Hornet and BAE Hawk fighters. The base is headquarters to Air Combat Group, which commands Australia’s front line fighter and strike aircraft.

RAAF Base Glenbrook, in the foothills of the Blue Mountains is home to Headquarters Air Command and Combat Support Unit.

RAAF Base Wagga Wagga is home to the RAAF School of Management and Training Technology trade training schools and the No 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU).

For more information on Defence establishments go to defence.gov.au

Dr Gordon Saggers Dr Mark Wotherspoon Dr Helen Powis Dr Tai Lou Dr Charles Daniels – Specialist Orthodontist Glenda Ramirez – Hygienist Naomi Asuamah – Hygienist Kristy Thatcher – Oral Health Therapist We offer treatment under the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme which is Bulk Billed

ARMY The Sydney region is home to the Land Command Headquarters, HQ Logistics Support Force, HQ Force Support Group, with many units located at historic Victoria Barracks on Oxford Street, and at Randwick.

Holsworthy Barracks is the largest Army facility in NSW. Holsworthy is home to growing Special Forces presence including Headquarters Special Operations Command, 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), the Incident Response Regiment, the Special Operations Combat Services Support Company.

Lone Pine Barracks at Singleton is the home of the School of Infantry and the Special Forces Training Centre.

Kapooka at Wagga is the home of the Army Recruit Training Centre.

6921 5799 122 Best Street Wagga Wagga www.beststdental.com.au

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New South Wales

Education across New South Wales Schooling in New South Wales follows a curriculum based on stages of learning. Each stage is approximately equivalent to two school years as students move from Early Stage 1 in Kindergarten through to Stage 6 in Years 11 and 12.

Starting School Starting school is an important step in a young child’s life. Children develop at different rates and learn skills in different ways. It is the school’s task to respond to the needs, learning styles and rates of progress of individual students. Specialist advice and support is available to parents/caregivers of children with disabilities to help them access appropriate educational services. Talk to the school as early as possible about these services.

Orientation Day Most schools have orientation days towards the end of the previous year to welcome children to Kindergarten. Many schools also have transition to Kindergarten programs over several weeks in the second part of the year.

Preschool Preschools provide educational programs for children one year prior to enrolment in Kindergarten. A child may be eligible for enrolment in preschool from the beginning of the school year if they turn four years on or before 31 July that year.

Some preschools offer a half day session, with children attending either five mornings or five afternoons per week. Other preschools provide full day attendance for 2, 3 or 5 days per week.

The preschool program is designed to stimulate children’s thinking, communicating, investigating, exploring and problem solving skills. The program includes play-based activities that help children learn how to interact positively with other children and to recognise and accept their own feelings and those of others.

The program also supports the development of early language, literacy and numeracy skills.

Kindergarten to Year 6 Children may enter kindergarten at the beginning of the school year in NSW government schools if they turn five on or before 31 July in that year. By law, all children must start school by their sixth birthday.

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Kindergarten to Year 6 focuses on the key learning areas of English, Mathematics, Science & Technology, Human Society, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, Creative Arts and Languages.

Preparing for high school NSW students enter high school in Year 7.

Once you have determined which high school you would like your child to attend, the next step is to complete an expression of interest.

If your child is already attending year 6 in a public primary school you will receive this form during late term 1.

School leaving age Students must complete Year 10 (or its equivalent), then remain in approved education or training or a combination of education and paid work until the age of 17.

Starting Year 11 Students begin to prepare for their HSC in Year 11 so it’s important to get settled into a good study routine at the beginning of the year. Study requirements will increase markedly in Year 11 and more so in Year 12.

There are two types of HSC courses students can study: Board Developed courses which are set and examined externally, and which may contribute to the calculation of a Universities Admission Index (UAI), and Board Endorsed courses which are developed by schools, TAFE or universities, which count towards HSC but do not count towards the calculation of the UAI. The subjects you take may influence an employer to select you for a particular position.

In particular consider VET Framework courses which will give you specific competencies that are valuable in the workplace. VET courses give students work-related skills in a variety of industry areas and can count towards the HSC if students sit the HSC exam. Students will receive a nationally recognised qualification when they successfully complete their course.

Some VET courses are studied at school whilst others can be studied at TAFE.

Helping your child learn

School Term Dates & Public Holidays 2015

It is not just students who can find the HSC year a very stressful and difficult time. Family members also need support; they want to help but are often fearful of appearing to interfere.

This is frequently the year during which, in addition to sitting for the HSC, Year 12 students may: lose interest in school, have no plans for after the HSC, develop an intense relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend, gain a driver’s licence, experiment with legal or illegal drugs, have a part-time job, be a member of a sporting team, develop an eating disorder or suffer from depression.

All these are complications which can cause parents and caregivers additional concern. You are not alone. NSW HSC online provides information on the people and agencies that you can contact for help with personal, academic and career issues.

The most obvious forms of support parents can offer are the practical, physical things: • Provide a good place to study. Ideally it should be quiet, a comfortable temperature, with good ventilation, good lighting, adequate desk or table space and free from distractions such as TV, noise, telephone, conversations, little brothers and sisters.

• Provide good, balanced meals. Encourage sensible levels of sleep and some form of regular exercise. Encourage moderation in late night parties and alcohol consumption.

Less obvious but of equal or perhaps greater importance are the things you can do to provide a positive and understanding emotional environment.

• Be supportive and encouraging. Encourage confidence by reassuring them. If you have doubts, keep them to yourself.

• Highlight strengths and successes. Encourage your child not to dwell on failures. Reframe failures as “mistakes” and encourage them to see mistakes as something we can learn from.

Appreciate that most students will be experiencing quite a high level of stress, frequently without any obvious indicators. Many fear that they might let their family down or that they will not be able to match the performance of siblings or relatives. There are also many pressures other than examination pressures. Many students experience a sense of impending departure: leaving home, leaving lifelong friends, the prospect of starting university.

Appreciate that it is normal for people under pressure to become supersensitive and explosive from time to time. Family members are usually the first targets. Try not to overreact to such outbursts.

Encourage a reasonable balance between work and leisure. Planned leisure periods are an essential component of a good study program.

An occasional total escape for a few days may also be excellent therapy for a student who is feeling excessively stressed.

Encourage and allow your child to be as independent as you can possibly stand. The more independent he or she can be in meeting the demands of Year 12, the better prepared he or she will be to succeed at a tertiary level or in the workforce.

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

January 28 to April 2 (10 weeks) July 14 to Sept 18 (10 weeks)

April 21 to June 26 (10 weeks) October 6 to Dec 16 (11 weeks)

Australia Day

Monday January 26

Good Friday

Friday April 3

Easter Monday Monday April 6 Anzac Day

Saturday April 25

Queen’s Birthday Monday June 8 Labour Day

Monday October 5

Wagga Wagga Christian College

“The most welcoming school we have been part of, and particularly Defence friendly.”

Current Defence Family

Kindergarten to Year 12

www.waggachristian.nsw.edu.au

ph 02 6923 8888

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Victoria

a i r o t c i V n i g n i k r o w d n Living a Melbourne Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, sits on the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Lauded for its sense of style and elegance, Melbourne boasts glamorous festivals and events, Australia’s best shopping, a lively passion for eating and drinking, and a flourishing interest in the arts.

Melbourne and Victoria host some of Australia’s most prestigious events throughout

CITY VIBE National Gallery of Victoria The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), founded in 1861, is the oldest public art museum in Australia. The Gallery operates across two sites: NGV International, located on St Kilda Road in the heart of the Melbourne Arts Precinct, and The Ian Potter Centre NGV Australia, located at Federation Square. The NGV currently holds over 70,000 works of art.

Royal Botanic Gardens Visit Melbourne’s inner-city oasis. More than 10,000 plant species from around the world are presented in a kaleidoscope of colour and texture. Sweeping lawns, tranquil lakes and majestic trees are home to amazing wildlife.

Melbourne Cricket Ground The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is Australia’s largest, oldest and most popular sporting venue. The MCG has hosted countless international cricket matches, AFL Grand Finals, the 1956 Olympic Games and 2006

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Hugging the tip of the Australian east coast, Victoria is Australia’s second-smallest state, covering 227,600 sq kms - roughly the size of the British Isles. the year, including the Spring Racing Carnival culminating in the Melbourne Cup in November, the Australian Open Tennis Championships in January, the Formula 1™ Australian Grand Prix in March, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in March, and the International Arts Festival in October.

WHAT’S HOT Australian Open The world’s best tennis players kick off their year in Melbourne, with 2 weeks of tennis excellence held at Melbourne Park.

The Australian Open is a must-see sporting event, that blends the fun and enjoyment of tennis with social and cultural attributes which celebrate our love of the great outdoors.

12 - 26 January 2015.

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival

Commonwealth Games. It will also host the final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. The stadium houses the National Sports Museum, which includes priceless pieces of memorabilia in Australian sporting history.

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival spills through restaurant doors, down laneways, up onto rooftops, into bustling foodie precincts and deep into picturesque wine country. The Festival’s prestigious reputation attracts the world’s biggest culinary and wine personalities to its door to participate in a program that also showcases Victoria’s own celebrated chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers, sommeliers, producers and artisans.

27 February - 15 March 2015.

Yarra Valley

Spring Racing Carnival

The Yarra Valley is just under an hour from Melbourne, but you'll be rewarded for taking a few days to get to know it. Travel through rolling hills strung with vines, secluded natural valleys set against blue mountain backdrops and lush greenery and pastures, past towering trees and pristine rivers to verdant villages like Marysville and Warburton.

Enjoy the world’s greatest racing celebration over 50 glorious spring days in Melbourne.

Fashions on the Field, fabulous hats, champagne in the car park, and the racing Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup, Derby Day, Oaks Day and of course the Melbourne Cup when all of Australia stops to party on the first Tuesday in November.

12 September - 13 November 2015.

Twelve Apostles & Great Ocean Rd Travel along the Great Ocean Road to view the Twelve Apostles. Giant rock stacks rise majestically from the Southern Ocean and are the central feature of the rugged Port Campbell National Park. Sunrise and sunset offer particularly impressive views as the Twelve Apostles change colour from dark and foreboding in shadow to brilliant sandy yellow under a full sun.

Boxing Day Test Get out the zinc and the novelty hat and join up to 100,000 seasonal cricket fans for a sporting event that’s become a fixture in the festive season. The traditional Boxing Day Test at the MCG is the most anticipated cricket match each year in world cricket and this year will be no exception.

26 - 30 December 2015.

Education across Victoria

SIMONDS

CATHOLIC COLLEGE St Mary’s Campus 273 Victoria Street WEST MELBOURNE VIC 3003

St Brigid’s Campus 20 York Street FITZROY NORTH VIC 3265

Phone: 03 9321 9200

Fax: 03 9321 9299

Website: www.sccmelb.catholic.edu.au

Victorian government schools are part of a strong and vibrant education system providing every child with the opportunity to thrive, learn and grow. In Victoria, most children attend primary school from Prep to Year 6, and secondary school from Year 7 to Year 12.

Simonds Catholic College is an all boys secondary school across two campuses in the inner city of Melbourne.

We provide a safe and supportive learning environment in which each boy is individually known and is challenged to be all that he can be.

We focus on excellence and have high expectations of our students, emphasising the importance of effort and challenging our students to take responsibility for their learning.

Starting Kindergarten Starting kindergarten is an important milestone in the lives of both you and your child. To be eligible to enrol in a funded kindergarten program, your child must be at least four years old by 30 April of the year they are starting kindergarten.

School tours are available throughout the school year

Primary School - Prep to Year 4 Children must be five years of age or older by 30 April of the year they start school.

During the first years of learning, teachers aim to create a safe, happy environment where students are valued, praised, and encouraged.

In Prep to Year 4, students are encouraged to make sense of the world around them through real-life experiences. The Prep to Year 4 curriculum emphasises the importance of reading, writing, spelling, essential maths and problem solving skills.

For bookings or enquiries, please contact our Registrar, Nikki Williams on 03 9321 9206 or at nwilliams@sccmelb.catholic.edu.au

The Middle Years - Year 5 to 8 This period of schooling, referred to as the middle years, coincides with early adolescence. Schools have strategies in place for Years 5 to 8 to ensure students are challenged and their literacy and numeracy skills continue to grow. Middle years programs also support the development of relationships between primary schools and secondary schools, to ease the transition of students between the two.

Secondary School Enrolment During the first half of your child’s Year 6, you will be asked to nominate the secondary school your child will attend in Year 7. Parents of Year 6 students will be asked to complete enrolment forms for the secondary school of their choice early in the year.

As part of the transition from Year 6 to Year 7, students participate in an orientation day. This may include a school tour, meeting fellow students and teachers, and taking part in special lessons and activities.

School Term Dates & Public Holidays 2015

Years 9 to 10 In Year 9 students are beginning to see their future as adults. They are experiencing profound physical, social, emotional and intellectual development changes. Students in this stage often pass the age of compulsory attendance at school. They have a growing interest in the pathways they intend to pursue.

Years 10 to 12 In Years 10 to 12 students continue exploring pathways for the future to equip them for tertiary education or training and employment.

VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) - provides pathways to further study at university, TAFE and the world of work.

VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) - is a hands-on option for Years 11 and 12 students, offering practical work-related experience.

Within VCAL students can undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Leaving School before End of Year 12 Although there a host of benefits to completing Year 12, some students may feel that they are ready to move on from school before the end of Year 12, and who prefer to undertake an educational or training program provided by a TAFE institute or other registered training organisation. The school careers coordinator is best equipped to help a student explore the options and pathways open to him or her.

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

January 28 to April 2 (10 weeks) July 14 to Sept 18 (10 weeks)

April 21 to June 26 (10 weeks) October 6 to Dec 16 (11 weeks)

Australia Day

Monday January 26

Good Friday

Friday April 3

Easter Monday Monday April 6 Anzac Day

Saturday April 25

Queen’s Birthday Monday June 8 Labour Day

Monday October 5 defenceLife 67

Victoria

Defence in Victoria The Defence presence in Victoria has reduced in recent years, however the State remains a vital command, administration, training and Defence industry location.

NAVY

Area, which includes the key support bases at Bandiana and Bonegillia with the Army Logistics Training Centre (ALTC). Puckapunyal is the home of the Land Warfare Development Centre (LWDC), Combat Arms Training Centre (CATC), including the School of Armour and School of Artillery and the Distribution Division.

HMAS Cerberus The primary role of HMAS Cerberus is Navy personnel training. With the establishment of four tri-Service schools, this role has been extended to training Army, Navy and Air Force personnel. Despite change, the charm of HMAS Cerberus remains. Its historic presence, heritage buildings, chapels, sports facilities and gardens create a pleasant training environment.

AIR FORCE RAAF Base East Sale The Royal Australian Air Force’s RAAF Base East Sale, in Victoria’s Gippsland region, is the location of several specialist training schools including Central Flying School, Air Training Wing, Schools of Officers’ Training (OTS), Air Traffic Control, Aviation Warfare and Photographic Training Flight. RAAF Base East

ARMY The regular Australian Army presence in Victoria is concentrated at Simpson Barracks in Watsonia, Melbourne home to: the Royal Australian Signals; the famous Puckapunyal training area; and the Albury-Wodonga Military

e for Annual Lifestyle Guid Families Australian Defence

ife L e c n Defe

Sale is probably best known as home to the Roulettes aerobatic display team from Central Flying School. It is now also the location of Officer Training School.

RAAF Base Williams The Royal Australian Air Force’s RAAF Base Williams comprises two bases 20kms southwest of Melbourne at Laverton and Point Cook.

Each has a proud place in Australia’s military aviation history, Point Cook as the birthplace of the Air Force and oldest continually-operating military airfield in the world, and Laverton as the Air Force’s third base. The RAAF Museum is housed at Point Cook and the RAAF Central Band work from Laverton. The two bases were merged into one in 1999 and the main function of the two bases now is training.

Bookings are now open for DefenceLife 2016* *Published October 2015

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2015

DefenceLife is a must-have publication for Defence families on the move, bringing together information about Defence lifestyle, transfers to new locations and schools, career progression and eventual transition into civilian life.

DefenceLife is unique - the only magazine for Defence families that combines such a broad range of topics - in print and online.

Published annually - distributed hroughout the year Australia-wide to Australian Defence Force bases and to Defence Force families.

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Tasmania

a i n a m s a T n i g n i k r o w Living and Hobart Tasmania has an enviable lifestyle and a diverse natural environment ranging from temperate rainforest and mountains on the west coast to sandy beaches on the east coast.

The capital Hobart, and the northern centre of Launceston, have all the services and facilities of thriving modern cities combined with easy access to beaches, rivers, lakes and national parks.

Major Defence facilities in Tasmania are located at Anglesea Barracks in Hobart, Derwent Barracks at Dowsing Point and Paterson Barracks in Launceston.

The facilities are shared by Army, Navy and Air Force. Anglesea Barracks is the Headquarters for Defence in Tasmania, with

Education across Tasmania Government schools in Tasmania provide three levels of education: Kindergarten-Year 6, High School Years 7-10 and Senior Secondary Years 11-12.

Starting school age A child may start kindergarten at the age of four provided their birthday was on or before 1 January in the year they start. A child who has turned five on or by 1 January in any year must start school in that year.

Leaving school age Young people are required to complete the school year during which they turn 16.

Young people who have completed Year 10 or have turned 16 are required to participate in further education or training for a further two years or until they have gained a certificate III vocational qualification, or until they have turned 17.

Separated from mainland Australia by the 240 km stretch of Bass Strait, Tasmania is a land apart – a place of wild and beautiful landscapes; friendly, welcoming people; a pleasant, temperate climate; a rich history; and a relaxed island lifestyle.

Army, Navy and Air Force headquarters all located within the barracks.

16 Field Battery, an Army Reserve Field Artillery Battery, is the only artillery unit in Tasmania. It is the oldest continually serving battery within the Royal Australian Artillery, with its headquarters located at Paterson Barracks, Launceston, Tasmania and a depot also located at Derwent Barracks, Glenorchy, Tasmania.

School Term Dates 2015 Term 1

February 4 to April 2 (9 weeks)

Term 2

April 20 to July 3 (11 weeks)

Term 3

CITY VIBE Salamanca Place Salamanca Place is Hobart’s favourite hang out. It’s where the hip meets the homespun and everything in between.

Salamanca is lined with a long row of simple Georgian sandstone warehouses built in the 1830s. These mellow northfacing buildings once stored grain, wool, whale oil, apples and imported goods from around the world. Nowadays, you can wander under the heavy stone arches to find craft and design shops, jewellers, coffee shops, restaurants, the Peacock Theatre, subterranean bookshops, outdoor gear, and fashion boutiques or you can climb the stairs to the Salamanca Arts Centre.

Each Saturday at the Salamanca Markets you can buy anything from a handmade wooden toy or a hand-spun, hand-knitted sweater to fresh fruit and vegetables or a 50-year-old china plate. Across the road there are green lawns and park benches shaded by plane trees that twinkle with lights in the evenings.

Every Friday night from 5.30 to 7.30pm, the Salamanca Arts Centre Courtyard rocks to the sounds of Rektango. The band sets every toe tapping as they play gypsy, jazz and swing music. Mulled wine, beer and soft drinks to buy and when the months are cooler you can keep warm around winter braziers.

July 20 to Sept 25 (10 weeks)

Port Arthur Historic Site

Term 4

Just under an hour’s drive from Hobart, Port Arthur is the site of one of the oldest convict settlements in Australia.

Established initially as a timber station in 1830, it quickly grew in importance within the penal system of the colonies.

During its time, Port Arthur housed over 1200 prisoners, 128 guards and their families, and supported an infrastructure made up of penitentiary, prison, hospital, school, and industries of shipbuilding, shoemaking, smithing, brickmaking, and timber and flour mills. The last convict was shipped out in 1877.

October 12 to Dec 17 (10 weeks) Most students continue with education or training past the age of 16 by attending senior secondary college for Years 11 and 12, or enrolling in vocational education and training through a registered training organisation such as TAFE Tasmania, or undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Most employers require Year 12 or higher qualification, and there are plenty of pathways to continuing education in Tasmania.

defenceLife 69

South Australia

Living and working in South Australia Adelaide Adelaide is the capital of South Australia and is the fifth largest city in Australia. It is renowned for its well planned city streets with parks and gardens strategically placed throughout the city – ask the 1.1 million Adelaide residents, and they would say it is definitely a livable city.

Among the Defence population, Adelaide is also known as one of the Defence capitals of Australia with a large proportion of Army, Airforce and Navy members calling it home.

There are three main Army Barracks: Keswick, Warradale and Woodside, all within 40 minutes of the CBD. The Navy Headquarters are also located at Keswick Barracks and RAAF Base Edinburgh is located north of the city in the Salisbury council area. The Defence Science & Technology Organisation is also located at Salisbury adjacent to the RAAF Base, approximately 30km north of the city.

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) manages over 1200 homes for Defence members and their families in the South Australian capital.

Houses are located mostly in the northern

part of the city and have first rate access to schools, transport, shopping facilities and recreational activities. They are almost exclusively freestanding, single-storey homes appropriately sized for families, averaging 400600 sq. metres.

With such a large Defence population in Adelaide, there are lots of support services for Defence families. In addition to Defence Families Australia and the Defence Community Organisation, the Woodside Defence Family Association and North East Defence Community Group offer facilities and community programs such as a Community House, Craft group, walking groups, playgroups and social clubs.

Wine regions Some of the most famous wine regions in the world are dotted across South Australia.

You can visit nine distinct wine regions within an hour and a half of the Adelaide city centre - Barossa and Eden Valley, Adelaide Plains, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Southern Fleurieu, Currency Creek, Langhorne Creek and Clare Valley.

The Barossa, just an hour’s drive from Adelaide is known throughout the world as one of Australia’s leading wine regions, boasting more than 60 wineries. Established in 1842 by immigrants from England and

70 defenceLife

Germany, the region’s rich heritage is reflected in architecture, food and internationally renowned wines.

The Clare Valley is considered one of the most picturesque wine regions in South Australia. Less than two hours from Adelaide, the region boasts more than 40 cellar doors, most within 20 kilometres of the main town of Clare.

The McLaren Vale District, just 40 minutes south of Adelaide, was born in 1839 (the first vines planted in 1838) and since that time the McLaren Vale region has become one of Australia’s premier wine-producing districts, particularly renowned for its full-bodied reds.

CITY VIBE Adelaide Central Market The Adelaide Central Market has been operating for 140 years, and with over 80 stalls under one roof, it is a hub of activity with traders, artisans and shoppers who share a passion for food. The range of fresh food is extensive - fruit & vegetables, meat & poultry, seafood, gourmet cheeses, bread, cakes and more. You will want to return time and again for the delicious aromas, the vivid colours and atmosphere of an international melting pot of cultures.

National Wine Centre Looking over the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, the National Wine Centre is an architectural treat, but what it holds inside is the real attraction. Here you can discover winemaking from the ground up, take an interactive discovery tour which showcases the complete wine experience, and finish at the Concourse Cafe with wines to taste or purchase while enjoying a meal from their superb a la carte menu.

North Terrace North Terrace is Adelaide’s cultural boulevard. It contains many excellent examples of early Australian architecture which include the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, the University of South Australia, and Adelaide’s oldest church, the Anglican Holy Trinity Church.

Linear Park One of the best ways to see Adelaide is to travel the Linear Park Trail. Following the Torrens River, with bitumen trails winding through parklands, you can cycle or walk from the base of the Adelaide Hills in the west to Henley Beach in the east. Take a picnic lunch or stop along the way at one of the many cafes or pubs adjacent to the route.

Adelaide Zoo Get up close and personal with the animals at Adelaide Zoo. Adelaide Zoo offers a variety of behind the scenes tours - experience a unique opportunity to meet the pandas, assist in feeding the orangutans, or spend a few hours with the Children’s Zoo keeper - a fantastic way for kids to experience a range of animals in an encounter they will treasure for a lifetime!

WHAT’S HOT Santos Tour Down Under The Santos Tour Down Under cycling race in Adelaide attracts some of the biggest names in world cycling - the action is always exhilarating, the atmosphere intoxicating and the stars electrifying. From beaches to vineyards, the six-stage Santos Tour Down Under is a worldclass event that showcases the speed, skill and spectacle that is professional cycling.

17 - 25 January 2015.

School Term Dates 2015 Term 1

January 27 to April 10 (11 weeks)

Term 2

April 27 to July 3 (10 weeks)

Australia Day

Monday Jan 26

Term 3

Good Friday

Friday April 3

July 20 to Sept 25 (10 weeks)

Term 4

October 12 to Dec 11 (9 weeks)

Adelaide Fringe The largest Fringe Festival in the southern hemisphere, the Adelaide Fringe offers a huge twist of quirky fun and frivolity - including the legendary opening night party. With more than hundreds of shows and thousands of artists taking part each year, Adelaide Fringe is not to be missed.

13 February – 15 March 2015.

WOMADelaide WOMAD is the World of Music, Arts & Dance held outdoors in Adelaide's beautiful Botanic Park. WOMADelaide began in 1992 and has gone on to become one of Australia's favourite festivals, not only because of the unique and extraordinary music, but also because of its beautiful and friendly vibe. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and get set to dance.

6 - 9 March 2015.

Clipsal 500 The Clipsal 500 Adelaide V8 Supercar event is an adrenalin-charged motor race. Four days of V8 Supercar action, extreme machines, eight racing categories, grid girls, on-track stunts, spectacular air shows, motoring displays and the best support race program in the nation.

26 February - 1 March 2015.

Bay To Birdwood Classic On the last Sunday in September more than 1,500 historic cars and motorbikes line up for the Bay to Birdwood Classic Run. Starting from Glenelg at 7am, the excitement is palpable as these marvellous veteran, vintage and early classic vehicles ready themselves for the Run. It takes approximately one and a half hours for all entrant vehicles to depart - come and give them a send off they won’t forget!

27 September 2015.

Defence in SA South Australia is home to a number of major Defence establishments.

Facilities in the Adelaide area include the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), the Osborne construction and maintenance site for conventionally powered submarines at Port Adelaide, the Defence Technology Precinct adjacent to DSTO, and RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Easter Monday Monday Apr 6 Anzac Day

Saturday Apr 25

Queen’s Birthday Monday June 8 Labour Day

Monday Oct 5

Education across SA Reception to Year 12 The school year begins in late January and is divided into four terms of approximately ten weeks. Most children usually attend four terms of preschool and then begin school in Reception when they are five. Reception is the name given to the first year of schooling.

Students attend Primary school from Reception to Year 7, and then Secondary school from Years 8 to 12.

Choosing a Secondary school School districts have been established for most metropolitan secondary schools and some secondary schools in major country centres. In most cases, where a student lives outside of a declared secondary school district, their district school is the nearest school measured in a straight line from the student’s home address.

SACE Years 10-12 students study towards the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). To complete SACE students complete about two years of full-time study which most students spread over three years.

There are two stages to the SACE - Stage 1 which most students do in Year 11, and Stage 2 which is completed in Year 12. Each

NAVY Navy Headquarters South Australia (NHQSA) is located in Keswick Barracks, just on the southern outskirts of Adelaide, approximately 25 minutes’ travel from Port Adelaide and 40 minutes’ travel from the Submarine Construction Facility at Osborne. A small Naval Yard is located at the Birkenhead Naval Yard in Port Adelaide, which houses Diving Team 9.

ARMY Army Headquarters South Australia is currently located at Keswick Barracks, with military establishments at Hampstead and Warradale. The 16th Air Defence Regiment is located at Woodside Barracks in the Adelaide Hills, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from

subject or course successfully completed earns credits towards the SACE, with a minimum of 200 credits required for students to gain the certificate.

The Personal Learning Plan is offered by most schools in Year 10, and is usually the only SACE subject that students study during that year.

In addition to the Personal Learning Plan, students must complete a full year of English subjects and a semester of Maths in Stage 1.

During Stage 2, students study four fullyear subjects in addition to the compulsory Research Project subject. The Research Project is a one semester subject which allows every student to explore an area of interest in depth.

For compulsory requirements, students need to gain a grade C or better at Stage 1 and a grade C- or better at Stage 2.

The compulsory requirements are Personal Learning Plan (10 credits); Literacy - at least 20 credits from a range of English subjects or courses; Numeracy - at least 10 credits from a range of mathematics subjects or courses; Research Project - an in-depth major project (10 credits); Other Stage 2 subjects totalling at least 60 credits.

The remaining 90 credits can be gained through additional Stage 1 or Stage 2 subjects or Board-recognised courses such as VET or community learning.

Adelaide city. South Australia has a large Army contingent with units all over the state including 7RAR located at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

AIR FORCE The Royal Australian Air Force’s RAAF Base Edinburgh – along with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) – is located on the site of the Salisbury wartime munitions factory. The RAAF Base today consists of operational squadrons and support units. It is primarily home to 92 Wing’s AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft that conduct surveillance operations throughout Australia’s airspace, Aerospace Operational Support Group that conducts research and development.

defenceLife 71

Western Australia

Living and working in Western Australia Perth The big variety of landscapes and climates in Western Australia means there is always plenty of sunshine, making it a perfect year-round destination.

Western Australia is a land blessed with spectacular diversity where the deep reds of ancient interior rock formations contrast with the sparkling blue of the Indian and Southern Oceans and the lush greenery of the stunning southern regions.

The capital, Perth, is Australia’s western gateway. Perth offers an easy-going lifestyle and the beautiful Swan River and inner-city parks add to the relaxed, natural feel. Dual use paths make it easy to walk, ride or skate a circuit around the Swan River, and for water sports enthusiasts, sailing, windsurf and canoe hire is available.

Perth is a very safe, liveable, vibrant city with a diverse community. Whether a tourist or resident, there are a wide range of events, attractions and cultural activities to experience. The weather is fantastic, the beaches are clean and uncrowded, the spring wildflowers are stunning, and the city itself is located in a postcard perfect setting.

Broome and the Kimberley Coast Just a two-and-a-half hour flight from Perth, Broome is an exotic pearling town offering some deliciously indulgent eco-resorts dotted across its spectacular landscape.

Margaret River No trip to Western Australia is complete without a pit stop at Margaret River. Just three and a half hour drive south of Perth, there’s a fine supply of world-class wineries, boutique breweries, and restaurants overlooking sweeping vineyards and surf breaks.

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Hyundai Hopman Cup The Hyundai Hopman Cup has been serving up the very best in international tennis for many years, and as testament to the prestige and popularity that the tournament enjoys globally, the Cup consistently attracts the world's best tennis players to Perth. Held in the brand new, state-of-the-art Perth Arena, the 2015 Cup will showcase tennis superstars such as Sam Stosur, Bernard Tomic, Serena Williams, Agnieszka Radwanska, Jerzy Janowicz, Andy Murray, Eugenie Bouchard and Nick Kyrgios.

4 - 10 January 2015.

Busselton Jetty Swim The Busselton Jetty Swim is a world-class 3.6 kilometre ocean water swim around the iconic Busselton Jetty in south west WA. Since 1996, the swim has grown from a local event into an internationally recognised event attracting more than 1,000 competitors.

Defence in Western Australia Defence in Western Australia is located mainly in the populated southwest of the State with an increasing presence around the Pilbara and North West Shelf.

NAVY HMAS Stirling is located at Garden Island, which has an area of approximately 1,270 hectares. The naval base provides support to Western Australian home-ported units and to ships and submarines visiting the area.

Key members of the Defence establishment in Stirling include the Headquarters of the Australian Submarine Squadron; Submarine Training and Systems Centre; the Australian Clearance Diving Team 4; and the ANZAC and Collins Class sustainment offices.

WHAT’S HOT The Swim is open to swimmers of all abilities, from first-time novice entrants, singly or in teams, to experienced professional competitors.

7 - 8 February 2015.

Perth International Arts Festival The Perth Festival has grown since 1953 to become a festival of international standing. It is the oldest multi-arts festival in the southern hemisphere, and annually offers some of the world’s best theatre, music, film, visual arts, street arts, literature and free community events. The three week festival attracts more than 300,000 patrons to Perth as well as to the Great Southern region.

13 February - 7 March 2015.

ARMY The only ARA unit in Western Australia is the elite Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) located at Campbell Barracks, Swanbourne in Perth’s beachside western suburbs. Service in SASR requires the highest commitment of personnel to pass the gruelling ‘selection’ course, followed by intensive, specialised training in Special Forces roles.

Army Reserve units include the 13th Brigade and Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSU).

Headquarters 13th Brigade is located at Irwin Barracks, Karrakatta, situated between Fremantle and Perth.

AIR FORCE The Royal Australian Air Force’s RAAF Base Pearce is 35kms north of Perth. It is the only operational Air Force base in the west and is primarily home to 2 Flying Training School and 79 Squadron. RAAF Base Pearce is also home to The Republic of Singapore’s 130 Squadron.

The RAAF maintains RAAF Bases Learmonth and Curtin (near Derby) as bare bases ready to be activated when needed.

Education in WA

LookingFORWARD

Kindergarten Although attendance at kindergarten is not compulsory most children attend because parents understand that it helps give their child the best start to school.

Children may start in kindergarten if he or she turns four years old by 30 June in that year. Kindergarten is part-time, offering 15 hours each week.

Pre-primary Children who are turning five years old by 30 June can start Pre-primary at the beginning of that year. Pre-primary is the first compulsory year of schooling and your child will attend five full days a week.

Children usually attend the school closest to where they live. Most schools start between 8.30am and 9.00am and finish between 2.30pm and 3.00pm.

Years 1 to 7 Primary school starts in Year 1. Students must turn six years of age by June 30 of the year they start Year 1.

In the early years of primary school the main focus is on literacy and numeracy so that students learn to read and write, and understand mathematics. Students also develop knowledge and skills in science and technology through programs which build on their natural curiosity and inquiring minds.

Secondary Secondary school starts at Year 7 with most children beginning during the year they turn 12. The school leaving age is 17 years.

Students in Year 11 and 12 can start an apprenticeship or traineeship while still at school. Studying for the Western Australia Certificate of Education can be combined with training and work. There are three study options: allowing the student to try out different jobs in an industry they are interested in which can progress to an apprenticeship; completing a traineeship qualification while still at school; or starting apprenticeship training on a part-time basis at school which can be continued full-time after leaving school.

School Terms 2015 Term 1

February 2 to April 2 (9 weeks)

Term 2

Is it time to stay, or time to plan to go?

A career in the Australian Defence Force can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life, with the excitement and satisfaction of being well trained and engaging in adventurous pursuits unique to the ADF, but eventually everyone needs to plan to move on – into ‘civvy’ street.

Unfortunately, few equivalent jobs in the civilian sector offer opportunities ranging from basic employment roles through to technology based assignments, with the prospect of deploying overseas on combat related missions, peace-keeping and security related roles, so the transition into the civilian world can be challenging.

Career choices within the ADF are many, with opportunities to advance through the ranks and across various career streams. There are also opportunities to learn a trade, undertake tertiary level training and generally qualify for most professional pursuits. So the question is whether remaining in the Defence Force is a better option, at least until you are better prepared for the move.

Eventually, every member of the ADF will transition to a new working and family life in the civilian community. This may involve a move into the Defence Reserves, Defence Industry, starting a totally new career, establishing an own business, or just kicking back in retirement. Planning and informed action can enable such transition to occur as seamlessly as practicable while maximising your career and personal advantages.

There’s little doubt that effective planning and action during one’s career in the Defence Forces pays off when advancing through your military career, and when that day of separation finally arrives you want to be well prepared for what lies ahead. It is this planning leading to productive action that is vitally important.

PUBLISHER’S DISCLAIMER In Looking Forward we publish information from a range of sources, as a general guide for people to take action appropriate to their individual situation. The views are not those of the Department of Defence and we advise everyone to consult with relevant Service authorities on exact benefits and conditions before taking any action. Independent advice on business and financial

management is also advisable before making any decisions, financial or otherwise. That said, we hope the articles provide valuable information for those with the ambition to succeed – and we wish you every success with your chosen career path and eventual resettlement into civilian life, whenever that may occur.

John Armstrong, Editor Photos: Courtesy Department of Defence

April 20 to July 3 (11 weeks)

Term 3

July 20 to Sept 25 (10 weeks)

Term 4

October 12 to Dec 17 (10 weeks)

defenceLife 73

LookingFORWARD

Managing career choices - plan to stay - plan to go In any industry, including the Defence Forces, there’s always a vexed question for employers: what if I train them and they go… but what if I don’t train them and they decide to stay? Similarly, Defence personnel need to ask themselves: what if I plan to go and I stay… but what if I plan to stay, and I have to go? The former case enables individuals more choices, as they have planned for the inevitable but are also well prepared for the present. The latter may find an unplanned transition confronting and have a poor outcome.

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The training and retention of key staff is paramount in most organisations. For the employer it means better productivity leading to improved profitability, and for the employee it can mean greater rewards for longer productive service, plus greater opportunities for advancement and remuneration.

There’s little doubt that those who make the most of their current career while planning and preparing for their next career are inevitably the most successful.

Deciding to leave the Defence Forces is clearly a major step in anyone’s life, but one that is also clearly inevitable. This can either be a natural, seamless progression to a new career or retirement, or it can be fraught with frustration and disappointment. By committing to that inevitable separation long before it’s time to go, and by planning to go on your own terms, the transition can be both rewarding and beginning a new lease of life. The sooner this process begins the sooner you will have the options to stay, or to go on to bigger and better things.

One of the greatest challenges facing Defence personnel is to transition to civilian employment at a level equal to or better than their relative position within the Armed Forces.

For example, the tank commander or the armoured vehicle driver may not find a directly equivalent civilian position, but that should not preclude securing a job that is equal in skill level and standing to their military job.

Both soldiers have training in electronics; they manage a highly complex weapons system; they possess man management training; and they think globally in military tactics. The aim, therefore, would be to use this high level of military training as a base for supplementary training to bridge the gap between military and civilian industry qualifications.

In a way, this means managing two careers: your current Defence Force career and your intended post-Service career. Obviously, this gives you options when leaving the Services but it also enhances your career while serving in the ADF.

It’s not unusual for soldiers, sailors and airmen/airwomen who take on extra study and work experience to find success in rank and career progression while in the Services, then separate from the Defence Forces and immediately be recruited by a civilian employer. People with qualifications and experience that are transferable to the civilian sector are a valuable ‘commodity’.

Even if the idea of managing two careers is a little confronting there is help available through a combination of Defence websites, unit training and resettlement officers, along with civilian organisations specialising in career management services. It’s certainly in the Defence Forces’ interests to support any individual’s education and training ambitions as this, in turn, increases the skill level of the organization as a whole.

Before embarking on this path to an eventual new career, lifestyle and financial goals some self-analysis of your situation may help to show the way ahead, not only when you are seriously contemplating discharge or resignation but also in the initial stages of planning for the future with your feet firmly planted in the Defence Forces.

Immediate and Future Circumstances An analysis of your immediate circumstances may clear your mind as to your current position: why you are leaving, and how well prepared you are to leave the relative security of a job and a lifestyle that you may have experienced for a number of years. Searching questions can also reveal what needs to be done urgently and what can be done as time progresses. Typical questions leading to reappraisal of the situation or a specific course of action include: - Why are you seeking discharge, and are temporary circumstances forcing an earlier than ideal separation?

- Will you be seeking re-employment, and what are the prospects for a new career?

Somewhere to live and work is obviously a

major consideration and one that may have the greatest impact on your post-Service lifestyle, so you may need to consider: - Why you have decided or plan to settle in a particular area, and does that suit your family?

- What are the employment opportunities for you/your partner/your children in this area?

- What are the demands of your family in the areas of education and lifestyle pursuits?

Your financial situation is another major factor in successfully transitioning to civilian life and one that often receives less attention than it deserves. You may need to know: - What exactly are your present and future financial positions in terms of assets, cash resources and borrowings?

- How much money will you need to live, and will your new net income meet those costs?

- Will tax erode your pension entitlements, and have you investigated minimising tax?

- Will you work full-time, part-time or undertake volunteer work, and how does this impact on your take-home pay?

Personality Assessment Job opportunities in the civilian sector are very different from the potentially combatrelated duties experienced in the military and, as such, may require a different approach to interaction both at the employee and management levels.

Within the military an authoritative and single-minded attitude fits with potentially life-threatening activities undertaken, but a more conciliatory and cooperative attitude may be required in a civilian job. This can lead to confusion and frustration for ex-military people when trying to ‘fit in’ within the new organization, as what worked well in the

military may not go over well in a civilian workforce.

A degree of self-analysis may raise some human resources issues that need to be considered in preparation for that civilian job: - What type of person are you, and do you have the personality, tolerance, relationship and skills to ‘fit in’?

- Are you seeking a position of responsibility, and are you prepared to take on that position?

- Are you ambitious, are you prepared to take on the associated workload and responsibility?

- How well do you cope with competition, and do you have the skills to succeed?

- What is your attitude to seniority and your acceptance of what may be either a higher or lower position than you held in the military?

Employment Potential Of critical importance, especially to those not entitled to long-term Military Super entitlements, may be gaining employment commensurate with existing remuneration.

Many people, including military personnel, think of their remuneration in terms of base salary rather than taking into account benefits such as Service Allowance and generous employer contributions into Military Super Have you critically assessed your prospective net income in a new career, taking into account how Service-related benefits such as Service allowance, subsidised married quarter rent, subsidised home loan and other benefits add monetary value to your remuneration package?

Have you compared the long-term benefits of Military Super entitlements with that offered in civilian employment. This can be an important consideration for those planning to

separate without long term entitlements.

Do you intend to continue in your current type of employment, and what changes are needed to prepare you for the civilian equivalent of your current job?

Do you hope to change the nature of your employment, and have you completed training required to be competitive?

What skills do you have, and how can those skills be translated into civilian qualifications?

Skills obtained through Service training courses and employment are often ‘undersold’ by Defence Force personnel. You may need to seek assistance in expressing your Service skills in civilian terms.

Market Evaluation Many military jobs have a link to civilian job types, but many are in highly specialised areas such as communications, air transport and avionics. In deciding when to leave the Defence Force a critical assessment of your qualifications may include the following: - Is there a broad ‘market’ for your skills, particularly in the area in which you wish to live, and will this impact on that decision?

- Do you need to expand your skills and transform those skills into more of a civilian industry context, and is further education and training necessary to achieve this goal.

- Is your current military position too specialised for the civilian job market, and do you need to undertake additional or bridging training to redress that situation.

What use can you make of friends, newspapers, the public service, or people you know in the job market in gauging the demand for your skills and experience?

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defenceLife 75

LookingFORWARD

Job change for career options In the old days, well not that long ago, people entering the workforce thought in terms of a main career, staying with one company and gaining promotions along the way, only changing jobs when significant events encouraged a change – and that was certainly the situation within the Australian Defence Force.

But times change and that employment premise has changed markedly, with frequent job and career changes becoming the norm as individuals seek various paths, and jobs, along the way to achieving their career, family and life goals.

Factors contributing to this change of attitude cannot be categorized neatly into the Baby Boomer, Generation X and Y stereotypes but rather to a combination of different attitudes towards work that aim to achieve a balance between lifestyle and career.

Technological advances changing the nature of work can also influence career paths, as do the higher aspirations of employees for career advancement and remuneration. As the Australian population ages the reduction in the number of people actively seeking new positions is adding competition in the marketplace, especially in professions preferring younger employees, which is encouraging more of a migratory attitude to employment. Generation Y, and younger, actively seek changes in employment to achieve career goals.

Even though the global economic downturn has increased unemployment in countries such as the United States, Australia’s unemployment remains at historical lows, so people entering the workforce and those in work are now in greater demand than ever before – especially skilled people. This can be seen in the resources industries but also in related industries, especially those using advanced technologies. With many jobs within the Defence Forces having a strong technological base the prospects for soldiers, sailors and airmen/airwomen when they do leave the ADF are bright – provided their skills and experience align with civilian requirements.

Career Choices Changing one’s main career was often a mid working life decision following promotions within the one organisation, but that has also changed. Research shows a distinct change from age-related models toward more individually triggered career changes.

The Australian Defence Force is certainly not insulated from these career motivations, and it has identified recruitment and retention of

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skilled people as a critical factor in meeting its strategic capability development goals.

With the ADF actively competing in the human resource marketplace Defence Force personnel now have more options to their career path than ever before, but this means they need to make more decisions about their career directions to meet their current and future work/lifestyle objectives. It means that ADF personnel need to be more proactive in their careers within the Defence Force to enable choice while in the Services, and when they finally separate. Those who leave career development and educational preparation until a year or two before they leave the ADF are at a distinct advantage over those who have been proactive in the preceding years.

Consider these two case studies: ADF Member A joined as a 20-year-old recruit, entering the Army as a gunner, spending most of his career in field regiments and staff positions. He progresses through the ranks to Senior NCO level doing the required Service promotion courses and he achieves a high level of respect in his rank/roles. But he doesn’t undertake any civilian-related training or further his academic qualifications.

He decides to separate from the Army as a warrant officer after 22 years because of family commitments.

ADF Member B also joined as a 20-yearold recruit, entering the Army as an infantry soldier, spending most of his career in field regiments and staff positions. After a few years in the Army he realises that career advancement would enable choices in the direction of his Army career. So in addition to mandatory Service courses he begins external study with a view to tertiary qualifications, completing these studies in two years. At age 25 with five years service and corporal rank he is accepted into university to study engineering. As he is undertaking studies that are complementary to his Army job he is given

financial assistance to continue his studies. In his second year he applies for a commission and is successful. After completing officer training he focuses on his degree and obtains a Bachelor in Engineering at age 30. He embarks on a new career as an Army officer, continuing post-graduate studies and gains his Masters in Business Administration – again, helped financially by the Army. He progresses through the officer ranks and reaches lieutenant colonel rank at age 42, and decides to embark on a new career in the civilian sector.

Both men entered the Army on equal terms and had equal opportunities during their Army careers. The questions are: which ADF member progressed his military career best, will find transition into a career in civilian industry easier, has choices as to his future, and is able to negotiate a job/remuneration package that provides rewards for relevant experience and qualifications? Not only that, which member has more options during his Service career to change to an equivalent civilian occupation should he decide to do so?

Work and Lifestyle From a work/lifestyle perspective the challenge for the ADF in recruiting and retaining people has moved beyond traditional thinking of ‘a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work’ to a more holistic approach: providing a career path that doesn’t necessarily lock people into a Defence Force career, recognising that career change is inevitable, and may be frequent.

A worthwhile objective would be to evolve HR policy that allows for several careers within the Defence sector encompassing the Defence

forces, Defence industry, the Defence civilian workforce and the Defence Reserves – with the opportunity to move between these workforces as career aspirations dictate. The aim would be to increase the number of experienced people being retained within the Defence sector – military and allied-military.

Understanding why there is a need for transition is important to anyone’s decisionmaking process. An explanation for transition can be found in the six life roles (relationships with self and with work, friends, community, partner and family). Life roles go through cycles of initiation, adaptation, reassessment, and reconciliation – and an individual could be at a different stage in each role simultaneously.

Any conflict between two or more of these role cycles could spur the process of career change.

An additional factor is that career change has become more socially acceptable, as personal fulfilment is more highly valued.

Career decision-making is therefore seen as a series of continuous choices across one’s life span, not a once-and-for-all event. Thus, careers may be viewed as a sequence of life roles, with changes triggered by factors ranging from the ‘anticipated’ (marriage and children) to the ‘unanticipated’ (illness, divorce or layoff) and to ‘non-events’ (marriage or a promotion that did not occur).

People also seek change if their original aspirations are not met, conflict with other life roles, or changes to the career itself. Longer life expectancy, changing views of retirement, and economic necessity are other factors.

These new ways of looking at life/career cycles and the transition process suggest new

approaches for those contemplating career change. The search for a new career involves not only matching the person to the work, but also fitting the ‘occupational career’ into the ‘life career’.

Transition Considerations People contemplating transition need to assess themselves (their personal response to change), their situation (changes in roles, relationships, routines, assumptions), their support structure (does it exist and will it be disrupted by transition), and strategies (taking action to change the situation, change its meaning, or change oneself).

In adopting this holistic approach to transition management, people may need to consider: psychological, marital, and family counselling; assessing interests, values, obtaining detailed information about career options; learning about educational and training opportunities; and identifying and overcoming resource barriers such as financial needs and family needs.

It is this consideration of all factors, not just immediate pressures, that maximizes the prospects of successful transition through the phases in one’s life. Change is inevitable, only its frequency can be slowed, so a clear awareness of goals is vital in managing that change.

A significant difficulty in decision-making about career transition is making distinctions between jobs, work, and careers; and recognizing that transitions are an inevitable part of life and a continual challenge to redefining one’s self.

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LookingFORWARD

Plan your manoeuvre into tertiary study Applying for entry into tertiary study can, in a way, be likened to planning a military manoeuvre: you cannot simply apply all your combat power at the last minute to achieve the objective; you have to plan ahead knowing that the better the plan, the better the preparation, the smoother the process, the more assured will be the outcome.

Similarly, when planning for entry into tertiary study you may need to undertake a number of ‘manoeuvres’ before you actually key in your tertiary application responses. For example, knowing that you may be moving around the country, or even outside the country, can pose a major hurdle – and it’s therefore critical that you and your family can access sound educational programs regardless of location.

This article focuses on the opportunities and conditions applying to tertiary study in Queensland but the general principles apply in most Australian States. While the agencies may go by a different name the approach is similar nationwide, and prospective tertiary candidates can use this example as a guide to how they pursue study in other Australian states.

In Queensland, touching base with QTAC’s Tertiary Advice and Counselling Service on (07) 3858 1298 may well provide the initial contact you need. Counsellors will be able to help with any problems of location and particular study requirements. For example, there’s the nittygritty question of what sort of professional or academic ‘weaponry’ you are taking in with you to achieve a place in your desired course, and here there are a number of calibrations to take into account, including: Do you have a Year 12 pass that will be sufficient to gain a place in your chosen course? Do you have a trade and what is your rank? How long have you been in the military and what other employment experience do you have? Do you have any additional qualifications that could be taken into account?

There are also some tactical pathways that can work around not having formal academic qualifications. For example, it is important to note that if you do not have Year 12 or equivalent, you can apply as an alternative entry applicant, using previous qualifications

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and employment experience, which can include your time in the ADF. You can also apply for tertiary study through a pathway known as Personal Competencies Assessment (PCA). Briefly, PCA is like writing a wellconsidered and documented job application, complete with referees, addressing set criteria about your ability to successfully carry out your mission, which in this case is tertiary study.

You could also sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), which is recognised by all QTAC institutions as being an indicator of your ability to study at tertiary level. The results of the test can be used by itself or in conjunction with an alternative entry application; that is, an application without formal academic qualifications, such as PCA, to improve your standing. Most people who submit PCA applications also sit the test because the results can only be used to help their standing, or in military - speak to advance their position. In other words, a bad STAT result will not count against you. In some instances, the STAT can even be used to give you the necessary prerequisite subjects such as Maths or English that you may need to enter your chosen course.

As a part of your manoeuvre you may even consider a two-tiered approach: by choosing a tertiary course that is of interest to you, which is easier (less competitive) to get into than your preferred course but may not be your final goal. After a year of successful study in this course you may be able to use your results to ‘upgrade’ into your more desired course.

So, this ‘battle plan’ can be your stepping stone into tertiary study, which can be fairly complex depending on your current experience or academic status. However, it can be made immensely easier and more attainable if, in the first instance, a wellconsidered strategy is put into place.

‘CIVVY’ street Making the transition from the Defence Forces into civilian employment can be challenging, or it can be straightforward.

A lot depends upon the approach you take.

During a career in the ADF you will have built up confidence in your role, a solid reputation, respect and a modus operandi.

There’s a feeling of satisfaction of a job well done over the years and a familiarity of all things military. But in a new civilian job you will have to prove yourself all over again, and this can be confronting, especially for longterm ADF personnel used to the military way.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that the civilian work place is a different environment from a military base. Dress code and punctuality won’t be a problem to an ex-military person but relationships with fellow workers and management can be different from the chain of command in the military. A proven approach is to earn respect and confidence through your work ethic, confident demonstration of your skills and experience, and a cooperative attitude.

As well as the differences, there will be the practical application of what you learned in the military. You will need to utilise the skills you’ve learned and apply them in your new job. Importantly, while you may have been used to getting your own way, changes to established practices in the new job will need to be negotiated as a suggested change rather than a “let’s do it my way” approach.

If you want to advance in the new company, make yourself visible, work hard and focus on ways to make your area more efficient.

Take charge of your own career development, and don’t give up if you don’t get that first promotion.

As is the case in the military context, developing good channels of communication with mutual respect and cooperation is always a good approach.

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Take careful aim at post-ADF career Employment in a Defence-related industry or with a Defence service provider is an obvious career option for Defence personnel looking for a job outside the ADF. Surprisingly, the very changes in Defence culture since the emergence of outsourcing in the 1990s make a seamless transition into civilian Defence industries more problematic. Taking off the uniform on Friday and pulling on the contractor’s garb on Monday may not be as easy as it once was.

The advice from industry HR officers is to use the ADF resettlement system to get trade and other competencies mapped, and make plans years before separation.

Defence members will most likely need some form of gap training to transition into the civilian marketplace, and these problems will likely be exacerbated in the technical trades. The rise of outsourcing has removed many of the former competencies from Defenceowned engineering tasks. For example, the Air Force now conducts only flight-line level maintenance while deeper maintenance such as the overhaul of engines is outsourced.

Beyond Defence, an F/A-18 expert does not become an Airbus 330 expert overnight, and it is getting more difficult for ADF personnel to transfer their technical skills immediately. Formal civilian equivalent engineering training is now considered imperative.

Industry still wants skilled people coming out of the military because they are talented people who have commensurate skills, but they need to plan from a technical skills standpoint to minimise the amount of ‘gap’ training needed.

ADF personnel also face competition from within the now evolved Defence service providers, with more companies now training their own apprentices. The result is that ADF members leaving the military are not only competing with other ex-Defence personnel for employment but also with staff who have progressed within the company.

Companies may also have a policy of promoting from within first, and that is understandable, but this practice makes it harder for relatively senior ADF personnel to obtain equivalent level positions in industry. Senior ADF personnel such as warrant officers and flight sergeants who are managers of personnel may have to take a couple of steps downwards, and that may not be what they want to do.

That said, Defence service providers still want people who can successfully negotiate the change from Defence to civilian work culture. Understandably, Defence has to foster a workplace that is sympathetic to the many demands placed on its people. The ready supply of health facilities, an environment that places a high priority on the welfare of families as well as the systematic development of the careers of its people can lead to a level of dependence.

Everyday things such as Mess culture just evaporate when you get out.

The need to use resettlement assistance and resources wisely is paramount. Prior planning is critical. Seeking guidance from resettlement and career counsellors can help.

The bottom line is that anyone wanting a career within the Defence Industry sector should not assume a direct passage into the job of choice. They need to do their homework: talk to industry HR managers about the qualifications and experience they are looking for in particular job sectors, then take steps to improve where it is needed and reinforce or upgrade skills you already have.

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1800 269 500 defenceLife 79

LookingFORWARD

Dispelling the myths about Military Super

On separation from the Defence Forces the payment of benefits from the MilitarySuper scheme may be the first time that many people have a substantial cash/pension asset at their disposal. How substantial that sum will be depends upon a range of factors including years of service and pay level.

While the thought of planning for retirement is distant when in your twenties and thirties it is nevertheless the ideal time to start saving – to allow funds to grow over time into a substantial ‘nest egg’ – and this is particularly important now, as current superannuation rules provide for generous taxation advantages when withdrawing funds under Transition to Retirement provisions and Retirement Income.

From a retirement perspective, an informed knowledge of MilitarySuper benefits is important because both the MSBS and the older DFRDB scheme available to Defence personnel provide maximum benefits to those with long-term ADF service. These benefits reduce markedly with shorter periods of service. Knowing the potential financial outcomes – benefits and penalties – may make the difference between leaving the Services or continuing on to take advantage of long-term MilitarySuper benefits.

Most financial experts would advise people to be wary about taking the quick ‘bag of cash’ and then working out what to do with it.

Indeed, knowing the extent and provisions for such entitlements can be a significant factor in any decision to leave the Defence Forces.

It’s too late after discharge to realize that you could have been much better off financially by staying on until a more favourable time of departure.

MSBS While some may consider the Super ‘grass is greener’ when looking at other funds being offered, and hearing the advertising hype that surrounds such funds, the fact remains that compared with other retail and industry superannuation funds, MSBS is a very generous scheme in terms of employer (Department of Defence) contributions, retirement benefits and life-long pension entitlements.

At present, most employers contribute nine per cent of salary on their employees’ behalf to a super fund of their choice but he employer

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contribution into MSBS for Defence personnel ranges from 18 per cent of Final Average Salary (FAS) for up to seven years’ service, 23 per cent for service seven to 20 years, and 28 per cent for service past 20 years.

Final Average Salary (FAS) is an average of your annual salary for superannuation purposes over a period prior to your discharge date. Members must contribute a minimum of five per cent of salary up to a maximum of 10 per cent into the MSBS fund, which grows with accrued interest payments into each member’s MSBS account. The result is that over the period of service substantial sums are paid into each member’s account. Members also have five investment strategies from which to choose: Cash, Conservative, Balanced, Growth (default strategy) and High Growth.

For long-term members, any suggestion that you are better off in another fund needs to be questioned closely, taking notice of the facts and treating any sales pitch from another super fund with healthy suspicion. Issues such as management fees, fund performance and, importantly, rollover/exit fees need close examination beyond the pitch in the glossy brochure. All financial institutions have to provide a Disclosure Statement that detail terms and conditions related to the investment and the fund. Read this carefully and always obtain independent financial advice.

When considering the investment strategy, generally speaking, the Cash and Conservative options have lower exposure to Australian and International shares investments while the ‘Growth’ and ‘High Growth’ options have a much higher investment in shares.

The ‘Balanced’ option, as the name implies, has more equal portions of conservative and higher risk investments. Returns in ‘Growth’ and ‘High Growth’ can have higher returns over time but investors should be prepared for periods of negative growth.

Members may choose the strategy that suits their investment timeframe and individual

requirements. Historical data on fund performance is available on the MilitarySuper website.

The employer-contributed benefit is a defined benefit, which means that it accrues based on a formula and is not affected by the earnings of the MSBS fund. This means the entitlement is calculated at the time of discharge based on your FAS and your Accrued Benefit Multiple to determine the value of the benefit.

The employer benefit has two components, the ‘funded’ productivity and the ‘unfunded’ employer share. The ‘productivity’ is the compulsory three per cent superannuation that your employer (The Department of Defence) pays on your behalf. This benefit is paid directly into the fund and will accrue with fund earnings.

The employer share is the amount the Commonwealth Government will contribute to the benefit to make up the total employer benefit determined by the formula. As this amount is ‘unfunded’ it is paid from consolidated revenue at the time of claiming the benefit.

At or close to retirement age MSBS entitlements are very generous, especially the pension entitlements. As a general example, someone who retires at age 55 would only have to draw the MSBS pension for about 12 years to recoup the whole employercontributed benefit through their maximum CPI-indexed pension, and then that indexed pension would be paid for the rest of his/her life. Lump sum benefits for rollover or personal management are also substantial.

The MSBS Scheme is not a traditional Super scheme, it is primarily a Retirement Scheme, which attracts maximum benefits as the member approaches 55 years of age – at which time they can take the employer-contributed benefit, roll it over into another fund, or convert all or part of it to a pension. That Defence personnel can access their Employer

Benefit as a pension at the age of 55 is also an advantage.

One point of contention with the Scheme, however, is that it does not operate as a classic superannuation fund for members who resign before age 55. Although members benefit from the generous levels of employer-contributions during their service the employer share remains within consolidated revenue following discharge and grows only at the CPI rate until the funds can be accessed at age 55 as a cash benefit or rolled over into another fund. The Productivity component of the Employer Benefit is funded and earns interest at the fund return rate. Only the member-contributed funds may be withdrawn, rolled over or left in MSBS to grow as a ‘superannuation’ investment when the member leaves the Defence Force.

MSBS advantages as a retirement scheme need to be considered, therefore, in the context of any decision to leave before age 55.

There’s no doubt that while MSBS ‘looks’ like a superannuation fund, with investment strategies for member contributions, beyond that MSBS is unique in its operation and method of determining benefits. For those who stay long-term the benefits are virtually unmatched in comparison with other super funds. The criticism from Service personnel, however, is that the Scheme does not provide enough flexibility for those who may spend 10 to 15 years in the Defence Forces but will have a large portion of their entitlement locked up for a long time not earning interest beyond CPI adjustments.

Members may make personal contributions, salary sacrifice amounts and spouse contributions and may transfer amounts from other schemes into MilitarySuper. Ancillary contributions will accrue as a separate accumulation interest within the MSB Fund and fluctuate in line with returns achieved by the Fund. These contributions do not attract or add to the employer benefit.

However, the amount you can salary sacrifice into Super under concessional taxation rates has been reduced, so contributing progressively through salary sacrifice over a number of years is certainly beneficial from a taxation perspective.

To be better informed on this very important financial aspect of working life, MilitarySuper members need to make it their business to know more about their eligibility to contribute to, and receive benefits from MilitarySuper.

Regular MSBS seminars at Defence units, the MilitarySuper website (www.militarysuper.gov. au), the MilitarySuper Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727 plus the MilitarySuper Book available online from MilitarySuper will provide further information on the scheme.

DFRDB The number of Defence personnel with entitlements under the Defence Force Retirement & Death Benefit Scheme is reducing as time goes by, with no new members able to join this scheme since 1991. DFRDB is also weighted toward long-term service in the Defence Force – members with 20 or more years of service and having reached retiring age for their rank (commissioned officers only).

Under the DFRDB Scheme, members who leave the ADF on non-medical grounds having served less than 20 years are entitled to a resignation benefit. This arrangement also applies to those who have completed 15 or more years but have not reached the retiring

age for their rank. This resignation benefit is a lump sum comprising personal contributions to the scheme plus, in some cases, a gratuity.

Gratuities in the form of a one-off bonus are usually payable to other-rank members who have served 12 months but less than 20 years service.

Special conditions apply to the payment of gratuities to officers. Retirement pay for officers may be reduced if they have not reached notional retiring age for rank.

Special conditions apply to officers who were commissioned officers at the date they transferred from the old DFRB scheme and are deemed to be “in detriment”. This only applies to a limited number of Officers, and ComSuper will advise you upon discharge whether you are in detriment.

If you are entering some form of government employment after discharge, you may be able to elect to preserve your benefit. If this provision applies, you should find out how to arrange to effectively carry over your benefit to the new job. This option is only available to members who have not reached the 20-year mark.

In addition to your DFRDB benefit you are also entitled to a productivity benefit paid by the Department of Defence. If you are under your preservation age it must be paid into a rollover fund of your choice until you reach your preservation age and retire from the workforce.

If you have undergone a Medical Employment Classification Review (MECR) and the MECR Board has recommended that you are not medically fit for further service, you will be retired on invalidity grounds. Under these conditions, the DFRDB benefit you will receive is independent of any compensation or Department of Veterans’ Affairs benefit to which you may be entitled but it will impact on the amount of compensation payable.

Benefits are payable to your eligible dependants as a pension or to your estate as a lump sum in the event of your death.

All DFRDB benefits are subject to taxation dependent upon individual circumstances, such as the amount of pre-1983 service you may have.

The exact entitlements to MSBS and DFRDB benefits depend on several factors, so consultation with the relevant Defence authority, Defence Instructions and MilitarySuper is vital to knowing how your particular circumstances affect your entitlements. This will also provide the information you need to make informed decisions about the best superannuation package for your circumstances.

For example, both the MSBS and DFRDB provide for benefit to families in the event of invalidity and death of a member, which are inherent to each scheme. Details are available through the hotlines, website or by contacting MilitarySuper.

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Health benefits Health insurance for Defence members is offered by Defence Health Limited and Navy Health Ltd which are recognised as restricted entry health funds. Membership to both funds is available to all Defence personnel including Reservists, Defence civilians and contractors and retired Defence personnel. The funds are in a position to offer specially reduced premiums for a military family when one adult member is a full-time serving ADF member as the member is already covered by the ADF health system. Single membership is available, and the funds also offer insurance products.

Editor’s Note. This article aims to discuss some of the issues inherent in both schemes and Military Super generally to give Defence personnel have an idea of the main points of each scheme. It is not meant to be an authoritative source about particular aspects of the schemes, and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the Military Super Board.

defenceLife 81

LookingFORWARD

Sound investing requires risk management The stock market turmoil connected to the Global Financial Crisis, and the subsequent effects on the world economy have taught us that investment strategies involve degrees of risk. Risk may be with the actual investments, the strategy applied, or simply the prevailing investment climate.

Experience in the US and in Europe with investments known as ‘Derivatives’ shows that the degree of risk and the ownership of that risk is not always known to the investor because of the practice of onselling securities.

Nevertheless, this highly speculative form of investing should not dissuade people who want to provide for their future through an investment strategy. Done properly, perhaps prudently, investing can be an both aneffective long-term saving strategy and enabling growth in the investment cash-in value.

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The great advantage of long term investments is that losses are suffered only when cashing in the investment, so if investors can ride out downturns then the odds are that things will get better. If investors are forced to sell during a downturn because they have adopted a short-term strategy without risk strategies in place then they have to take the loss. This is when people can suffer severe financial and asset losses. This is particularly so when investors chase higher and higher returns, with commensurately higher and higher risk. When the correction inevitably comes it will likely be severe.

Most analyses show that long-term strategies employing risk management practices always beat the ‘get rich quick’ fad schemes. Clear evidence for this lies in the Global Financial Crisis and subsequent downturns during which many people speculated in a rising pre-GFC market only to see the value of their investment fall dramatically without enough warning to divest themselves of short-term securities. Worst case is when people borrow money to invest, and when the investment becomes a fraction of its bought value the lending institution calls in the loan, leaving the investor out on a financial limb.

The question is whether your investment decisions will lead to the right investment package that suits your future goals, circumstances and lifestyle?

This article aims to help you: * understand risk from a broader perspective * examine different types of investment risk * think about strategies to protect your investments by reducing your exposure to risk.

It’s important to understand and be comfortable with potential investment risks. Remember, it’s your money you are investing, and you need to monitor and make adjustments along the way. You don’t need to be speculative and constantly move money around chasing higher returns, but rather oversee what people and financial institutions are doing with your money.

No one is immune to risk but speculators are at greatest of risk. It’s easy to be a ‘high flyer’ when markets are buoyant but speculators come unstuck in an inevitable downturn.

Understanding Risk Most people think of ‘risk’ as the risk of shortterm capital loss. However, there are a number of other risk factors. For example: * will your savings buy as much or more in the future (at future prices) as they do today? * will you have enough money for your intended lifestyle and independence in retirement? * will you have timely access to your funds in an emergency?

Investors who take the super-safe option of keeping their money in a bank account or a capital guaranteed option are also exposed to risk: the very real risk that inflation will eat away at the value of their funds over time.

So, how do you manage risk and achieve your investment goals? In general, when you make an informed decision to take on some level of risk you create the opportunity for greater reward. This is a fundamental principle of investing called “the risk/reward trade-off.”

Mismatch Risk There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to investing. What is a perfectly sound investment strategy in one situation can be highly risky under different circumstances. This is called ‘mismatch risk’, which is an investment that is inappropriate for your particular needs and circumstances that could result in a loss of some sort. Minimise mismatch risk by focusing on your investment objective and timeframe.

Investment objective Think about your investment goals, in the short and long term. Are you investing for income, capital growth or a combination of the two? Your goals might include: saving for a deposit on a home, saving for children’s education in ten years time, or building wealth for retirement in 15, 20 or 30 years’ time.

Timeframe Sometimes you will want to invest for a short time only, perhaps for a specific goal; other times you may be able to take a longerterm view, aiming for growth of your capital.

Typically, the following guidelines apply: * Short-term (less than 12 months) - Cash

* Medium-term (at least three years) Emphasis on fixed interest with some cash and growth assets. * Long-term (more than five years minimum) with an emphasis on growth assets (shares and property).

Inflation Because of inflation a dollar today will not buy as much as it will ‘tomorrow’. Even if the rate of inflation remained at a relatively low three per cent for the next 15 years, a one dollar purchase made today will cost $1.56 in 15 years’ time.

Inflation is therefore an important consideration for all investors. If the after-tax return on your investments is less than the rate of inflation, then the real value of your money is in decline.

To protect your investments from the impact of inflation you need to achieve at least some capital growth. While fixed-term deposits and savings account type investments can provide you with a regular income, your capital value remains the same – but its value decreases with inflation. Many people fall into the trap of choosing these investments because they are regarded as safe, but there is a risk that they will not keep pace with inflation and their real value will erode over time.

Diversification Diversification means spreading your money across different investments to effectively spread the risk. The better you diversify your investments, the less likely it is that poor performance from one investment will have a major impact on the value of your total portfolio. However, diversifying into several funds can attract increased management and other fees that erode returns, so for smaller investors a single fund that has diversified investment elements may reduce these costs while offering adequate investment spread risk.

Market Market risk refers to volatility, or the extent to which the market value of your investment will fluctuate, moving down as well as up.

This is particularly visible in recent times when there has been volatile fluctuations in equity (share) values. Investments expected to produce higher long-term returns generally experience greater volatility in the short-term.

Volatility becomes a problem if you don’t have the timeframe to ride out the rough patches.

Historically, investors who stick with longterm strategies generally go on to recover and prosper.

Reinvestment If your priority is income then fixed income investments offer advantages but you are exposed to re-investment risk. Interest rates go up and they go down depending on the economic climate and circumstances, so a drop in interest rates when your investment matures means that your capital will then be re-invested at a lower rate. Your new investment will then provide a lower level of income, and because there is no capital growth component with a fixed income investment, there’s no extra capital available to boost your reduced income level.

Liquidity You may be forced to draw on money deposited in long-term investments to meet short-term needs. This can result in a loss,

from withdrawal fees or through having to sell investments when the market price is down.

By keeping some funds aside in an accessible, short-term investment such as a cash management trust you can avoid this situation.

Once you have your short-term needs taken care of, you can embark on a longer-term investment plan, confident that your long-term investments will remain just that - long term!

Advisers and Fees While sound investment advice is imperative for most people there is risk associated with choosing the right financial adviser and the right portfolio for individual needs. When buying anything, and buying an investment package is no different, shop around and check credentials, conditions, costs and control is very important. Some investment portfolios may incur significant fees in commissions and ongoing management costs, and they may not be as flexible as you would want – incurring substantial penalties for early withdrawals, etc – and they may be ‘top heavy’ in diversification, incurring more and more fees.

Credit Credit risk applies to debt-type investments such as term deposits, debentures and bonds.

The risk is that the company to which you have lent money may become insolvent and unable to meet interest payments or to repay your funds.

Information is the best means for avoiding credit risk. If you are considering such an investment, ask for information about the company’s credit rating, past performance, ownership, etc. This should give a good indication of the quality of the organisation - and be wary of investments that appear too good to be true; they usually are.

Diversification also helps reduce your exposure to credit risk.

Expectations What can you expect from different investments? While growth assets produce the highest average returns, they also experience the greatest volatility. Typically, investments with the lowest volatility produce the lowest average returns. Likewise, those with higher volatility produce higher average returns over the long term. For example, twelve-month returns from an investment in Australian shares over the past 25 years ranged from -43 per cent to 86 per cent. This means that if you invested $10,000 at various times over the last 25 years, 12 months later your investment could be worth anything between $5,746 and $18,613. If, however, you invested your $10,000 for the whole 25-year period it would be worth $226,127.

Consultation In establishing an investment strategy the Golden Rule is: spend a lot of time thinking about your requirements for future financial security, read as much as possible about the various investment products available, consult a qualified financial planner as to the various investment options, and armed with this valuable knowledge structure a portfolio that meets your requirements.

This consultation process is especially important for people who have demanding jobs and do not have the time or the expertise to effectively plan their financial future. Truly independent advice is critical to realising your future financial goals.

Salary sacrifice – Smart option Sacrificing salary may not seem like a way to actually save money, but by taking advantage of income restructuring you can ‘pocket’ more of your pay – or, more correctly, pay less tax on the money you receive as salary.

Under the Australian Defence Organisation’s salary packaging arrangements, personnel may choose to receive salary as a combination of cash plus approved benefits that are either tax-free or taxed at concessional rates.

The Australian Taxation Office approves of employees salary packaging by replacing some of their cash salary with benefits that lower taxable income. The Australian Government also supports salary packaging, especially sacrificing into superannuation because it encourages investment in retirement benefits that ultimately takes pressure off social security payments such as the age pension. Defence members are able to make additional superannuation contributions into the MSBS scheme.

Personnel can customise their salary package by choosing benefits that best suit individual needs. It provides the option to include a range of benefits that offer both convenience and the advantage of using income more effectively.

Items which can be accessed under a salary sacrifice arrangement include motor vehicles, income protection insurance, work related travel that Defence approves but does not pay for, which might include fares, meals and accommodation, and selfeducation expenses which are work related.

Savings gained by salary packaging compared to paying for the same expenses without packaging may be significant and will depend upon salary, the benefits selected, the amount spent on those benefits and other personal circumstances.

All permanent ADO members are eligible to salary package and ADF personnel and civilian employees located overseas are able to participate in salary packaging but are unable to package motor vehicles.

Reserve members on Continuous Full Time Service are able to salary package during their period of employment, provided that the arrangements can be accommodated within the period of employment.

Salary packaging is voluntary and can be entered into at any time.

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LookingFORWARD

Pros and cons of owning a franchise

Investing in property The most popular form of property investment in Australia is in residential property.

Other investment alternatives include office space, commercial property and retail property – and indirectly through managed investments such as property trusts and other investment packages that have a property portion.

All investment properties require essential management to protect the value of the asset and the returns (rent) from the property. The easiest, and safest, method is through real estate agents who provide a range of services including letting, rent collection, maintenance and itemized income versus expenditure details for tax purposes.

When buying an investment property the capital costs, initial costs and ongoing costs all need to be considered in the business sense: is the product (the property) marketable at the price (rent) that will provide an adequate return on the investment? Are the startup costs (Stamp Duty, Legal/Conveyancing etc), maintenance and other ongoing costs going to eat away at returns to the extent that the investment is not viable?

Ongoing costs that need to be considered: - Interest on borrowings.

- Insurance (building and contents) - Rates (if paid by the owner.)

- Maintenance (planned and unscheduled).

- Body corporate, which can be substantial if there are extensive public areas to maintain (swimming pool, lift, gardens, tennis court, etc) - and there may be unexpected arisings such as unplanned repairs and maintenance.

In Australia there are tax concessions available to property investors, with a range of income producing costs accepted by the ATO as deductions – to the extent that deductions that exceed revenue on one property may be transferred to other income-producing investments. When rental income does not fully cover the expenses, this is referred to as Negative Gearing.

The advice is to treat Negative Gearing carefully. The golden rule is that you reduce

Many people who want to get into their own business consider a franchise type business as a relatively ‘safe bet’, as franchises generally have an established brand, business model and support structure. tax through ‘gearing’ only when the net capital value of the property increases by much more than the net negative outgoings. This works well in a buoyant market but can be disastrous in a down market, and as property is typically a long term investment then the Negative Gearing aspect needs critical examination.

Then there’s Capital Gains tax to consider, which is applied to the assessed value of your property between when you bought it and when you sold it – after discounting for indexation. This is an area where expertise is important, and novice investors are urged to seek professional advice on ‘gearing’ and ‘capital gains’.

When selecting a property for investment purposes sentiment needs to be set aside, replaced with clear business thinking.

A property that is relatively low in capital purchase price, has low ongoing costs, commands good rent levels and has good potential for increasing capital value is obviously the best choice over one with high capital cost and high outgoings.

If too much is paid for the property (over capitalization) with low potential to increase in value then it’s probably not a good investment, especially if it has high maintenance costs.

Other investments to treat with suspicion are properties linked to investment seminars, Internet marketing schemes – and especially purchases off a plan, which can be highly speculative.

One aspect of investing in property is that it is a form of forced saving on an asset that over time will increase in capital value - sometimes markedly, sometimes marginally, and it has to be said, sometimes negatively. If treated as a long-term investment that commits funds to an asset that appreciates rather than something that depreciates in value, such as an expensive motor vehicle, then investing in property can provide rewards later in life when it is really needed.

There’s no doubt that people who invest in property wisely and not indulge speculatively will increase their asset value.

Investors in property have made a range of returns in the long term but in recent years the capital appreciation has slowed, and while there has been a recent upturn in demand the returns of the 70s and 80s are not back. Nevertheless, investing in ‘bricks and mortar’ remains popular because it is a tangible asset that is unlikely to go down in value over the longer term.

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However, owning a franchise business is the same as owning any other business: there are no guarantees of success, no easy way to profits, no easy management processes, and can cost a lot in terms of buying the franchise, setting up the business, and ongoing fees and charges.

Then of course there are the costs associated with the business premises, staff wages, stock, and so on. Typically, buying a franchise involves financial outlays upfront, which can be significant, so prospective franchise owners need to be confident that this type of business suits their aspirations, financial position and business outlook.

Pros: Franchises are normally turnkey businesses. Branding, premises design, marketing and systems are well established. The new owner/s follow an established formula and can be up and running soon after committing to buy the franchise. One real advantage of owning a franchise is that the business may have the backing of a much larger organization – and the product is normally tried and tested in the market. Conversely, in a non-franchised business the owner can be solely responsible for every aspect of the business: development, branding, marketing, etc.

Cons: The disadvantages of owning a franchise relate mainly to the type of person you are and the level of financial investment required. There are no easy businesses to be in, just different challenges in making and sustaining a profitable business. You may not like the restrictions placed on franchise operators – having to follow established norms without deviation so that the product is the same regardless of the outlet.

Having to pay a percentage of revenue to the franchisor can also impact significantly on the business, especially if revenue levels don’t meet expectations.

Remember this is your business – and if it’s not profitable then obviously it’s your risk. Ask yourself. ‘does this really stack up as a good business with real prospects for growth and profit, or is it just buying a new career?’

Summary: The bottom line is that success in a franchise, as with any business, rest with the owner’s capacity to ensure there is a market for the product or service, that the business volume is sufficient to make a profit, and that the business is managed effectively according to a formula established by the franchisor.

A successful transition from Service to civilian life depends to a large extent on effective planning and taking action to meet your career and lifestyle goals. This enables you to manage the separation on your terms. Generally speaking, the earlier the start the easier is the decision to go, or to stay, and the more prepared you are for the transition to the civilian workforce.

What to do now Whatever your time in the Defence Forces at present, now is the time to consider your future in terms of making the best of your Service career, laying out a plan for eventual separation, and generally planning for the future.

It’s understandable that Defence personnel just starting out in their careers, don’t want to think about the mundane planning for the future, which seems so far off. Who wants to think about superannuation, home ownership, financial planning and supplementary training when there’s good times to be had.

There’s no doubt, however, that people who commit some of their time and some of their resources to even a loose plan for the future benefit from time: time to watch investments grow; time to acquire a valuable education, training and skills; time provide for a family; and time to consider the next career move.

3-4 years prior to discharge Apply for a Transition Seminar. TriService transition seminars that consolidate information and advice on various aspects of transition are conducted in all capital cities and in Newcastle, Nowra, Bandianna and Townsville. Details are available from your Unit Resettlement Officer.

DFRDB/MSBS. Write to ComSuper for advice on specific entitlements. You will be entitled to a superannuation benefits from either the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) scheme or the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS). The benefit you will receive depends on which scheme you belong to and the method of discharge.

1-4 years prior to discharge Training. Use the Defence Assisted Study Scheme (DASS) to undertake training that may help you obtain qualifications necessary for your post-discharge employment. All ADF members serving on full time continuous service are eligible to apply for assistance, which provides sponsorship for short vocational, education and training courses undertaken in preparation for re-entry into civilian life.

12 months to go Career Transition Assistance. Find out from your Resettlement Officer about eligibility for benefits under the Career Transition Assistance

Transition timeline – be ready to leave Scheme. The CTAS is a tiered benefit based on completed years of ADF service, accessible for up to 12 months after separation and preserved on transfer to an Active Reserve element. The scheme is designed to assist with employment opportunities after you leave the ADF. Taxation. Write to the Australian Taxation Office and request Undeducted Purchase Price (UPP) if you have pre-1983 service. A taxation liability may exist on the receipt of a payment in consequence of your discharge.

Apply for a second Transition Seminar.

Areas covered include advice on: job seeking techniques and employment prospects; self employment; transition to the civilian work place/life style; benefits available, e.g. superannuation, housing, loans, compensation, veteran’s entitlements; and management of personal affairs, eg investment, taxation, wills.

6 months to go DFRDB/MSBS. Write to ComSuper requesting confirmation of entitlements. The DFRDB Authority manages the DFRDB Scheme and the MSB Board of Trustees manages the MSBS. ComSuper administers both schemes.

ComSuper website is www.comsuper.gov.au Previous Service. Ensure that any relevant previous service has been recognised for LSL purposes.

Apply for Discharge. Application for Resignation, Discharge or Transfer to the Reserves should be processed through your relevant Career Management Agency via your supervisor. You should apply for discharge/ resignation allowing at least three calendar months’ effective service before your intended discharge date.

Long Service Leave. If you wish to take LSL before your discharge, your application should be forwarded six months before the desired date of commencement. Eligibility for LSL accrues at the rate of three months for the first 10 years and 0.3 months for each year over 10 years. LSL may either be taken during service on full or half pay in which case tax is payable as for normal income.

Health Insurance. Before you leave the ADF you should consider carefully your health insurance needs. Changes to private health insurance, namely Lifetime Health Cover, have significant implications for members separating from the ADF. On ceasing full-time

service after 1 July 2000, you have two years or until you reach the age of 31, to join a health fund without detriment.

3 months to discharge Removal. Arrange an interview with the relevant removals staff.

Pay in Lieu of Long Service Leave. Your Unit Pay Centre will assist you to make an application for pay in lieu of LSL. Check with your future employer to ascertain whether it is possible to transfer LSL credits to your new employment.

Medical and dental examination. Arrange an appointment for final medical and dental examinations. You will need to organise treatment, where necessary, to be carried out.

Health insurance and ambulance. Reconsider your health insurance situation and make the necessary arrangements with DefenceHealth/ NHBS, private insurance health schemes and/or ambulance funds.

Tradesman Certificate. Ensure your Record of Training has been accredited by the appropriate authority.

Will. Ensure you have made arrangements to collect your will and/or make a new will.

Close to discharge date Housing. Tenants of Defence homes are expected to vacate their quarter on discharge or retirement, but an extension may be approved under certain circumstances. Seek written approval for an extension from your Service Housing Authority well in advance of discharge.

Housing Loan. You should establish your eligibility for a DSH Loan/Defence Home Owner Loan; Bank/Building Society Loan; and Home Purchase or Sale Expenses Allowance.

Repatriation and Compensation. If you are injured, or develop an illness linked to your service in the ADF, you may be eligible for compensation. The Military Compensation Scheme (MCS) provides members with compensation and rehabilitation cover. The Military Compensation and Rehabilitation Service website (www.dva.gov.au/adf/mcrs/) allows you to assess your eligibility.

Note: This timeline and schedule is not exhaustive, nor it is authoritative but merely a guide as to the type of considerations and actions required.

Members are strongly urged to seek advice from respective Service authorities when planning for a future separation from the Defence Forces.

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LookingFORWARD The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force.

Established in 1901, the RAN is Australia’s senior Service, formed out of the Commonwealth Naval Forces to become the small navy of Australia after Federation, consisting of the former colonial navies of the new Australian states. The Royal Navy continued to provide blue-water defence in the Pacific until World War II, when expansion of the RAN acquired aircraft carriers and other large surface vessels for blue-water operations.

Today the RAN is one of the largest and most sophisticated naval forces in the Pacific region, with a significant presence in the Indian Ocean, having recently celebrated its centenary with a massive event on Sydney Harbour.

The RAN continues a high operational tempo in support of military campaigns and peacekeeping missions worldwide.

On the personnel front, the New Generation Navy (NGN) program was established in 2009 under a Chief of Navy Directive to address the Culture, Leadership and Structural changes required for Navy to meet the challenges of delivering future capability.

NGN represents the energy and commitment of Navy’s people in creating an environment where people are empowered to perform at their best; where Navy – as a warfighting force – is trusted to defend Australia and its interests by being ready to fight and win at sea.

The Commonwealth Naval Forces were established on 1 March 1901, two months after Federation. On 10 July 1911, King George V granted the title of ‘Royal Australian Navy’.

During World War I the RAN captured many of Germany’s colonies in the South Pacific and protecting Australian shipping from the German East Asia Squadron. For the remainder of the war most of the RAN’s major ships operated as part of Royal Navy forces in the Mediterranean and North Seas.

During the 1920s and early 1930s the Royal Australian Navy was greatly reduced in size. As international tensions increased; however, the RAN was modernised and expanded. During the early years of World War II ships from the RAN again operated as part of the Royal Navy, with RAN ships serving with distinction in the Mediterranean. Following the outbreak of the Pacific War and the virtual destruction of the Royal Navy in Asia the RAN increasingly operated independently or as part of US Navy forces. By the end of the war, the RAN was the fifth largest navy in the world.

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Royal Australian Navy While the size of the RAN was greatly reduced after World War II, the Navy gained new capabilities with the delivery of two aircraft carriers. The RAN saw action in many Cold War era conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region and operated alongside the Royal Navy and US Navy off Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Following the end of the Cold War the RAN has participated in Coalition forces in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean and has formed a critical element in Australian-led operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

Fleet Command was previously made up of seven Force Element Groups, but after the New Generation Navy changes, this was restructured into four Force Commands: - Surface Force, covering the RAN’s surface combatants (generally frigate size or larger) -Submarine Force, operating the Collins class submarines - Mine Warfare, Hydrographic and Patrol Boat Force, an amalgamation of the previous Patrol Boat, Hydrographic, and Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Forces, operating what are termed the RAN’s “minor war vessels” - Fleet Air Arm, responsible for the navy’s aviation assets.

The RAN fleet includies frigates, submarines, patrol boats and auxiliary ships. The RAN today is tasked with the ability to defend Australian waters and undertake wider deployments.

The RAN has two primary bases for its fleet: Fleet Base East located at HMAS Kuttabul near Sydney, and Fleet Base West, located at HMAS Stirling near Perth.

There are three other ports, which are home to the majority of the RAN’s minor war vessels: HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin, HMAS Cairns in Cairns, HMAS Waterhen in Sydney.

The fleet is made up of 51 commissioned warships as of January 2013.

The main strength is the twelve frigates of the surface combatant force: eight Anzac class and four Adelaide class. Six Collins class boats make up the submarine service, although technical and manpower problems mean not all of the submarines are active at any time.

Amphibious warfare assets include the dock landing ship HMAS Choules, the heavy landing ship HMAS Tobruk, and three Balikpapan class heavy landing craft. Fourteen Armidale class patrol boats perform coastal and economic exclusion zone patrols, and four Huon class

vessels are used for minehunting and clearance (with another two commissioned but in reserve since October 2011). Replenishment at sea is provided by two ships, Sirius and Success, while the two Leeuwin class and four Paluma class vessels perform survey and charting.

The RAN also operates the sail training ship Young Endeavour, the support vessel ADV Ocean Shield, and two Bandicoot class minesweeper tugboats.

The Fleet Air Arm provides the RAN’s naval aviation capability - an entirely helicopter based force. Most of the Navy’s large ships are capable of operating helicopters, and frigates typically carry Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk.

RAN squadrons include: - 723 Squadron – Aerospatiale AS 350BA Ecureuil (Squirrel) and Agusta A109E. The squadron is the Fleet Air Arm’s primary helicopter training unit.

- 808 Squadron – currently being formed to operate the RAN’s six MRH 90s.

- 816 Squadron – Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk, providing Seahawk helicopters for use aboard Adelaide and Anzac class frigates.

The RAN has two Clearance Diving Teams: Clearance Diving Team One based at HMAS Waterhen in Sydney and Clearance Diving Team Four based at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. The CDTs have two primary roles: Mine Counter Measures, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, plus Maritime Tactical Operations.

There are several major projects in progress that will upgrades the capabilities of the RAN: - Sea 1390 Project will upgrade four Adelaide class guided missile frigates with enhanced weapons and electronics.

- Sea 1654 Project will upgrade the RAN’s replenishment and support vessels.

- Sea 4000 Project will acquire three Air Warfare Destroyers based on the Spanish Álvaro de Bazán class frigate, an Aegisequipped class.

- Two (27000+ tonne displacement) Canberra class Landing Helicopter Docks (the largest warships ever operated by the RAN).

- Sea 1000 to replace the current Collins class submarine.

The RAN maintains a readiness to deploy overseas in response to Australian Government tasking, to support coalition operations and humanitarian assist activities.

The Australian Army is one of the world’s most cutting-edge military forces, comprised of professional men and women who provide a versatile and modern team, protecting our country, our interests and our people. The Australian Army operates in a far more complex strategic environment than that of just a couple of years ago.

Threats can now come from a variety of unexpected sources, not necessarily associated with traditional warfare.

While times may have changed, the fundamental mission of the Army remains steadfast: to win the land battle, and protect the interests of Australia and its people.

To achieve this objective the Army has built a formidable reputation based upon teamwork, tradition, pride, courage, initiative and commitment to excellence. It’s a long and proud tradition and one that you have the chance to continue.

The Australian Army regularly deploys on domestic and global operations. Currently there are Army personnel carrying out a variety of humanitarian, peacekeeping and regional assistance missions in areas across the globe.

Success in each operation is founded in comprehensive and world-class training. Major exercises form an essential part of this process by testing people and capability, ensuring that the Army continues to be a world leading armed force.

The future land force will be shaped by the Army’s modernisation process, involving the transformation of the current Army into the Future Army, such that Army remains a capable, credible, and relevant force. This transformation will be achieved through a continuum of processes, decisions, and actions.

Modernisation includes the development and adoption of validated concepts and doctrine, adaptation and optimisation of force structures, and introduction and renewal of major systems, personnel policies, facilities and support architectures.

A major element of this transformation is Plan BEERSHEBA - the Army’s future structure.

Since the days of the Light Horse, the Australian Army has operated by combining different capabilities to the best military effect. This process, known as combined arms teaming, is foundational to Army and a vital component of the changes planned.

Plan BEERSHEBA, which was announced

by Government in November 2011 and re-affirmed in Defence White Paper 2013, is Army’s modernisation plan to maximise the effectiveness of the 36-month Force Generation Cycle and provide the widest range of sustained and effective Land Force capability for directed requirements within assigned resources.

Army’s Force Generation Cycle ensures that combat Brigades, specialist capabilities and

Australian Army part time forces consistently train together.

Army’s conventional deployable combat forces move through three 12 month phases in a 36 month cycle. The cycle concludes with the ‘ready’ phase when force elements will be held at high readiness and be deployed if necessary.

The 12 months prior to this is the readying phase when these force elements undergo an intense period of training and certification to ensure that they are ready to deploy. When force elements return from an operational deployment, or conclude a period of being held at high readiness, they will enter the ‘reset’ phase which provides time to conduct individual training, including career courses, to prepare them to begin collective training again in the ‘readying’ phase.

To optimise the Force Generation Cycle the Army will comprise three ‘like’ Multirole Combat Brigades with one at ‘Ready’ status, one being reconstituted (‘Reset’) and one being trained (‘Readying’). To maximise capability and meet Government requirements, Army will also better integrate its full and part time military components and its civilian workforce to operate together as a ‘total force.’

As part of these structural changes, Army is developing its contribution to the Australian Defence Force’s amphibious capability based on 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. The need for this capability was highlighted by the recent rapid deployments of the ADF to East Timor (1999 and in 2006), the Solomon Islands (2003) and tsunami relief operations in Sumatra (2005).

Plan BEERSHEBA will not change the vital role of the Headquarters of the 1st Division as the Defence Force’s deployable two-star Joint Headquarters and certifying authority for deploying forces. Given the credible and persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism, the Special Operations capability will remain a critically important and unique component within Army. Both organisations will modernise in parallel to Plan BEERSHEBA implementation ensuring that they remain interoperable

with Army’s Brigades.

As Plan BEERSHEBA is implemented, Army will take significant steps to becoming a digital, networked force equipped with improved B vehicles and ready to execute a comprehensive armoured fighting vehicle upgrade. Army’s understanding of amphibious operations in an international engagement and coalition framework will be mature. Army’s work force will be more flexible, enabled by role-specific physical employment standards and commonality of force structure between full and part time elements. Interoperability between Multi-role Combat Brigades, Enabling Brigades, Special Operations Forces and Headquarters 1st Division will evolve as digitisation rolls out, modularity increases and force generation processes stabilise.

This will be supported by the evolution of Army’s facilities and training areas to allow each Brigade location to become the hub of instrumented live, virtual and constructive combined arms training.

Implementing these changes will present its challenges, but there is a sound conceptual basis for Plan BEERSHEBA. Commonality of force structure, the ‘total force’ concept, digitisation and the development of training areas proximate to Multirole Combat Brigade locations will increase the modularity and interoperability of the land force. In concert with these changes, the experience and high calibre of Army’s people and the flexibility of the force generation cycle will be the basis of an agile and adaptable, world class Army.

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LookingFORWARD

Royal Australian Air Force

The deployment of F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter aircraft to the Middle East in October 2013, with No 1 Squadron, demonstrated clearly how quickly threat situations can change and why Air Power has to keep pace with technological change - and maintaining a force in being made up of platforms and people.

The RAAF employs about 13,500 men and women, supported by 2,800 Air Force Reservists and 900 civilian public servants, at 11 major bases and a host of offices across Australia. Air Force Headquarters is located in Canberra.

The Air Force Vision is to maintain a fighting force that “will be a balanced expeditionary air force capable of achieving the Australian Government’s objectives through swift and decisive application of air and space power in joint operations or as a part of a larger coalition force”.

The strategic objective is for RAAF to deliver highly capable air power capability within the Asia Pacific region, and to integrate with allied forces in coalition when required. Its motto is the Latin phrase Per Ardua ad Astra, translated as “Through Struggle to the Stars”, from Sir Henry Rider Haggard’s novel The People of the Mist.

Rank designations within the RAAF officer and other ranks are derived from the Royal Air Force. Rank is worn on slip-on rank epaulettes on the shoulders of the Service uniform. On the Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform (also called Auscam or DPCU) rank is worn centred on the front of the Auscam shirt/jacket.

The current version of the RAAF Roundel was formally adopted in 1956. Its design is a white inner circle with a Red Kangaroo surrounded by a Royal Blue circle. The kangaroo faces left, except when used on aircraft or vehicles, when the kangaroo should always face the front. Originally, the Air Force used the existing red, white and blue Roundel of the Royal Air Force. However, during World War II, the inner red circle was removed after an 11 Squadron Catalina was mistaken for a Japanese aircraft by a US Navy Wildcat in the Pacific Theatre.

The RAAF badge was accepted by the Chester Herald in 1939. It is composed of the Imperial Crown mounted on a circle featuring the words Royal Australian Air Force, beneath which scroll

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work displays the Latin motto Per Ardua Ad Astra. Surmounting the badge is a wedgetailed eagle.

The Air Force Today and Tomorrow In an authoritative publication on Air Power, ‘The Australian Experience of Air Power’, Australia’s security policy changes are described as going from a strategy in the 1950s of forward defence, with provision for expeditionary operations, to one of defence of Australia in the wake of the Vietnam War. As late as 1987, this defensive stance persisted with a policy of defending the sea-air gap across northern Australia, even though the RAAF force structure was offensive in nature, especially with the F-111 (now withdrawn from service), F/A-18 and the AP-3C Orion.

This need to defend in the sea-air gap led to the establishment of bare bases across Australia’s north, including RAAF Scherger on Cape York, RAAF Curtin near Derby WA and RAAF Tindal near Katherine NT (now a permanent base for F/A-18 Hornet fighters).

These bases would be needed to launch aircraft into the sea-air gap if a threat emerged.

This attitude changed in the mid-1990s, with the Government stating that the defence of Australia required the ADF to structure towards ‘defending Australian regional interests’. While this did not mean a return to ‘forward defence’ policy it did mean the ADF would become more capable in expeditionary operations.

Importantly, this led to the formation of Combat Support Group –a world first in providing organic support for air and other operations from a forward bare or permanent base. This became the task of Expeditionary Support Squadrons across Australia: to deploy to a forward operating base, secure the base and establish facilities. This enabled secure air operations to be conducted and maintained.

A defining moment in Australian air power came in 2000 with the release of the Defence

2000 White Paper, with a doctrinal change to an expeditionary approach – acknowledging less likelihood of the ADF having to defend sovereign territory against attack.

The RAAF needed to structure and organise as “an agile and versatile force, prepared to conduct and sustain a range of expeditionary operations, from those in our region to coalition operations much further afield.”

One problem in meeting the expeditionary commitments, potentially to different locations, centres on the reduction in personnel numbers over the past decade. However, with a force of around 13,500 the RAAF has continued to support a number of operations and missions overseas, which has resulted in a continuing high operational tempo.

This led to an ongoing program of ‘rebalancing’ the RAAF, aimed at distributing personnel and assets to where they are most needed – especially in the introduction of new technologies and weapon systems.

These new capabilities include Global Airlift with the C-17A Globemaster III, Air Defence and Ground Attack with the F/A-18F Super Hornet and potentially the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft with the E-7A Wedgetail, and Multi-Role Tanker Transport with the KC-30A. The RAAF is also serious about introducing a high altitude UAV capability to supplement the manned aircraft capability with the AP-3C Orion, and its replacement. Contenders for the UAV include the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk or the General Atomics Mariner.

The future of the RAAF will be shaped by a number of factors: its history in times of war and peace, lessons drawn from more recent operations as part of larger coalition expeditionary forces, emerging threats globally and regionally, and the prevailing doctrine in response to Government policies on the safeguarding Australia’s security.

LLY O

W N ED

IpswichLife

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THE FRESHEST WAY TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS IN THE IPSWICH AREA Ipswich’s premier lifestyle magazine IpswichLife is the only full colour quality lifestyle magazine wholly produced in Ipswich. That means the money stays here, the employment stays here and the support for Ipswich stays here.

- We deliver to the top Ipswich suburbs and to the air base at RAAF Base Amberley.

- We directly target the medium to high income demographic, those with spending power.

- Readers connect with informative, entertaining and uplifting stories that promote Ipswich.

- Located in the heart of the Ipswich CBD we are integral to the growth of the Ipswich business community.

- We know the vibe of the city, and we have preferred access to the city’s major stakeholders such as Ipswich City Council, Chambers of Commerce, major businesses and community leaders.

- We are truly local, and we intend to stay that way.

Delivered FRESH every fortnight THE ONLY MAGAZINE THAT REACHES TWO SIGNIFICANT MARKETS: IPSWICH + DEFENCE Partnering business with Defence The Defence market is by far the most lucrative of any comparable demographic group - and when the wider Ipswich community is added, this represents a highly sought after combined market.

- The Defence demographic combines stable, secure employment, in the ultimate 18 to 50 age group and a high spending groups with high disposable incomes.

- Defence estimates that RAAF Amberley’s presence injects more than $1 billion each year into the region’s economy.

IpswichLife is the only local magazine distributed throughout RAAF Base Amberley

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