It has been a fantastic couple of weeks around CPS as students really get stuck in to their learning and the ever growing list of events and activities on offer. It was truly wonderful to see so many of our ADF families able to make it out to cheer on all of our runners as they tackled the cross country this week. Those of us who have spent some time serving know the pain of long distance running (especially in cold air) and the students did exceptionally well!

I wanted to share some information as well as community opportunities that might be of interest as we head in to that time of year where the “winter hibernation” starts to creep in and there are less big events around Canberra.

Bus Travel

As with all things ADF life, we are all always learning! For example, did you know that you can apply for free bus travel for students in the ACT if a veteran or serving parent holds a DVA white card? Me either! The application has to be made in the name of the white card holder (not the spouse) and students must reside outside of 1km from the school grounds to qualify. If you are interested in exploring this further, please see the link below:

Please note that this is different to the NSW QCity bus system.

Duntroon Community Centre

For those that have been here for a while you may have heard that Duntroon Community Centre went through a period of uncertainty at the end of 2022 due to a lack of volunteer committee members. The good news is that it is up and running for 2023 with most programs returning and some new and exciting events to come. Duntroon Community Centre is accessible to ALL Campbell Primary and local families (both defence and civilian) and is located on Duntroon. If you have never been I strongly encourage you to pop in and check it out; they have fantastic facilities and resources including ski clothing and cake tin hire! There is a minimal annual membership fee to access the activities at member prices. You can find all the information at their website https://www.duntrooncommunitycentre.org.au/

Soldier On

Soldier On continues to be active locally supporting ADF and veteran families. With a big focus on employment along with social connection and advocacy there is a lot on offer for families. There are regular groups like wellbeing Wednesday, guitar band and coffee club as well as a range of one off events. If you are interested in volunteering or looking into events or programs you can visit their website https://soldieron.org.au/

Invictus Australia

Thanks to Prince Harry most of us have now heard of the Invictus Games, but did you know they partner with local sports organisations to provide athletic opportunities to veterans and families? The benefits of exercise for not just physical but mental health are well documented, as well as the opportunity for social connection and support. If you would like more information please visit their website https://invictusaustralia.org/

Integra Service Dogs Australia

This is a bit of a “new kid on the block” despite having been around for a few years. Integra Service Dogs Australia works with Veterans and First Responders and their families suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by enriching lives through highly trained Labrador assistance dogs. They have recently signed a partnership with RAAF chaplains to provide dogs to assist with support to serving members during their day to day work. For the animal lovers out there, there is an opportunity to support this not for profit through fostering of Labradors during training. Their website has the details here: https://isda.com.au/#  or you can see how they help veterans here: https://youtu.be/zawWCignb58

Lots of opportunity to get out and connect with the ADF community in Canberra. For wider community events please see the “Local News and Events” attachment to this email. As always should you have any questions or concerns I am available to CPS families Monday to Friday 9am – 3:30pm. Should you wish to make contact please call the front office or email me directly at Karyn.heitmann@ed.act.edu.au.