This week on the Military Life Podcast, you’ve got me, or should I say, I’ve got you!

I thought I would put together another episode for the new Defence Partners. The ones who are trying to get their heads around all things Defence life. The ones who are finding their feet when it comes to figuring out the good bits, the not-so-good bits and the…what the bits.

In PART THREE, I talk all about;

-Partner employment assistance program (PEAP)

-The ADF Family Health Program

-Mental health support via Open Arms and ADF Chaplains

-Help with sourcing childcare for Defence children

-Education Liaison Officers (EDLOs

-Defence School Mentors, the ADF Equip & ADF Aware programs

-The Education Assistance Scheme

-Education assistance for children with additional needs

-The various organisations that provide Defence kid-specific programs and resources

We also hear from a handful of Defence Partners who have previously detailed their spouse journey with us on past episodes.

As you will hear, our experiences are all unique yet have so many common threads that run so deep and connect us.

On the next episode of the Military Life Podcast, we’ll talk about remote postings, deployments, overseas postings, where to turn when your family is experiencing financial hardship, the support available when there is a relationship breakdown and so much more.

Below are all the links and resources discussed in this episode of the podcast.

Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP)

https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-07/Partner-Employment-Assistance-Program-Guidelines.pdf

Defence Provider (Busy Group)

https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-03/BUSYPEAPflyer.pdf

https://www.busyatwork.com.au/adf-transition-support-services/

Soldier On

https://soldieron.org.au/supporting-you/employment/

RSL Queensland

https://rslqld.org/find-help/employment

Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs

https://www.dva.gov.au/get-support/health-support/work-and-social-life-programs/work-and-social-support/veterans-and-families-hubs

NSW Veterans Employment Program

https://www.vep.veterans.nsw.gov.au/jobseekers/

Veterans SA

https://veteranssa.sa.gov.au/programs-events/

Cowork Coplay

https://coworkcoplay.com.au/

Frontline Labs

https://www.frontlinelabs.org.au/

The Kings Trust Australia

https://www.kingstrust.org.au/enterprise

ADF Family Health Program

https://adffamilyhealth.com/

ADF Family Health Program- Fringe Benefits

https://adffamilyhealth.com/fringe-benefits-tax/

Open Arms

https://www.openarms.gov.au/

Open Arms Programs & Workshops

https://www.openarms.gov.au/get-support/treatment-programs-and-workshops

ADF Chaplains Podcast Episode

https://militarylife.com.au/podcast/#episode117

Help with Childcare

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services/support-for-children/childcare

Education Liaison Officers (EDLOs)

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services/support-for-children/changing-schools

Defence School Mentor Program

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services/support-for-children/defence-school-mentor-program

ADF Equip Program

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services/support-for-children/adf-equip-program

ADF Aware Program

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services/support-for-children/adf-aware-program

Education Assistance Scheme

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services/support-for-children/education-assistance-scheme

Education assistance for Children with Additional Needs

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services/support-for-families/families-special-needs

Defence Special Needs Support Group

https://www.dsnsg.org.au/

Kookaburra Kids

https://kookaburrakids.org.au/defence-program/

Child and Family Resilience Programs

https://ecdefenceprograms.com/

Someone I love is in Defence

https://www.someoneiloveisindefence.com.au/

This week on the Military Life Podcast, you’ve got me, or should I say, I’ve got you!

I thought I would put together another episode for the new Defence Partners. The ones who are trying to get their heads around all things Defence life. The ones who are finding their feet when it comes to figuring out the good bits, the not-so-good bits and the…what the bits.

On PART TWO, I talk all about two big Defence Life topics;

-Housing options and Defence Housing Australia (DHA)

-TOLL the organisation tasked with moving us to and from our posting locations

We also hear from a handful of Defence Partners who have previously detailed their spouse journey with us on past episodes.

They answer the question- What have you learnt about Defence life?

As you will hear, our experiences are all unique yet have so many common threads that run so deep and connect us.

On the next episode of the Military Life Podcast, we’ll talk about the Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP), the ADF Health Program and related benefits, accessing FREE Mental Health support via Open Arms and other avenues, and so much more.

Below are all the links and resources discussed in this episode of the podcast.

DHA General Information and FAQ’s

https://www.dha.gov.au/housing

Becoming an Approved Agent

https://www.dha.gov.au/housing/formsold/agent

PACMAN (Pay and Conditions Manual)

https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/pacman

Family Categorisations

https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/understanding-family-categorisations

Rent Bands

https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/pacman/annex-7a

Rent Allowance

https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/rent-allowance

Assistance with Utilities Connections and Bonds

https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/pacman/chapter-7/part-10/div-3

Interest Free Loans

Army Relief Trust Fund

https://armyrtf.com.au/loans/general-loans/

Royal Australian Navy Relief Trust Fund

https://www.keepingwatch.org.au/about-us/ran-relief-trust-fund

RAAF Welfare Trust Fund

https://raafwelfaretrustfund.gov.au/

Flexible Housing Trial

https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/housing/flexible-housing-trial

DRHM (Defence Relocations and Housing Manager) to get in contact, use the email address below and your query will be passed on to your local DRHM

[email protected]

DHA Emergency Maintenance Line

139 342

DHA Maintenance Requests and FAQs

https://www.dha.gov.au/housing/maintenance

Living Apart (URF)

https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/pacman/chapter-1/part-3/division-3#subdivision-3-unaccompanied-resident-family

TOLL

https://tws.defenceuniform.movemaestro.com/

This week on the Military Life Podcast, you’ve got me or should I say, I’ve got you!

I thought I would put together an episode for the new Defence Partners. The ones who are trying to get their heads around all things Defence life. The ones who are finding their feet when it comes to figuring out the good bits, the not-so-good bits and the…what the bits.

We also hear from a handful of Defence Partners who have previously detailed their spouse journey with us on past episodes. Defence Partners Nicole, Rae, Katie and Amanda talk about what it’s really like to become a Defence Partner and live Defence life.

As you will hear, our experiences are all unique yet have so many common threads that run so deep and connect us.

On the next episode of the Military Life Podcast, we’ll talk about The Defence Housing Authority (DHA), TOLL, the ADF Health Program and related benefits, accessing FREE Mental Health support via Open Arms and other avenues, the Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP), other spouse career support and so much more.

Below are all the links and resources discussed in this episode of the podcast.

-Check out Online Resources and Defence Partner/Family groups and in-location Defence Community Centres

https://militarylife.com.au/defence-partner-info-hub/defence-community-centres-groups/

-Guides

*Defence Member and Family Information Guide

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/news-resources/defence-member-family-information-guide

*Navy Families Handbook and Newsletter signup

https://www.navy.gov.au/navy-people/family-support

*Army Families Handbook

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/family-support

-Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS)

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families

24/7 Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608

DMFS Location Specific Newsletter Signup

https://militarylife.com.au/dmfs-newsletter-contact-list/

-National Defence Community Events Calendar

https://militarylife.com.au/defence-partner-family-events/

-OPSEC (Operational Security)

https://militarylife.com.au/defence-partner-info-hub/opsec/

-How to sign up to ForceNet

https://www.forcenet.gov.au/

As part of celebrating 6 years of the Military Life Podcast, let’s revisit the first EVER episode with Defence Partner Natalie.

Natalie has experienced separation, multiple deployments, surprise pregnancies, mental health struggles, and so much more in the now 20+years (it was 15+ at the time of recording) that she has been a Navy Spouse.

This episode really has stood the test of time. Natalie’s experience of Defence life and her willingness to share her story so that others listening can hear and feel they aren’t alone was truly so amazing, and what this community is all about.

Being able to build a COMMUNITY of CONNECTION and BELONGING has been a privilege, and I am so thankful that Natalie took a chance and came on the podcast as my very first guest.

If anything we touched on in this episode has prompted you to want to seek help or support please keep the following contacts in mind.

*24 hour support via the DMFS (Defence Member Family Support) Helpline 1800 624 608

*Your local GP and your local DMFS office

*24 hour mental health support via the Open Arms helpline 1800 011 046

Ready to join the ML community? Click through the link to get connected xx

www.militarylife.com.au

This week on the Military Life podcast, I continue my Defence Family Focused conversations with the ADF Service Chiefs, prompted by National Families Week, which took place recently.

Episode 188 with Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley is a continuation of last year’s episode with the Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.

What is great about this being the second podcast episode focused on Navy families is that it shows a genuine willingness to connect, understand, and communicate directly with families continually.

Rear Admiral Buckley and I discuss a range of topics including;

-This year’s National Families Week theme ‘Lending a hand to Thrive: Supporting each other’, and how the Deputy Chief of Navy is helping families thrive.

-An update on the ‘Stay On Board’ family initiatives, including the Navy Families Handbook.

-Engaging with Navy families and how he uses lived experience feedback to inform what he does.

-The importance of understanding the changing needs of not only personnel but their partners and families and reflecting it in policy.

- What opportunities the Deputy Chief of Navy sees are available to continually challenge thoughts around the evolving experiences and role of the defence partner and family.

-We discuss the recent changes to PEAP (Partner Employment Assistance Program) and the negative impact the new reimbursement model is having for some Defence Partners.

-The roadblocks the Deputy Chief of Navy faces when it comes to balancing the needs of the Navy organisation, personnel, and families.

-The words of encouragement he would offer those defence partners and families who are new to Navy life.

Ready to join the Military Life Community? Click through the link to get connected xx

When I got the call that the Chief of Army Australia, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, wanted to come back on the Military Life podcast ahead of National Families Week 2025, I have to admit I was feeling a mix of emotions.

The one at the top of the list- PROUD.

Proud because it signalled that Defence Families are being thought about and considered.

Proud because it means there has been a shift in the way Defence Leaders are communicating with families, thanks to all of us and those partners who came before us.

Proud because it shows the genuine care, understanding, and so importantly, the connection being built each time Defence Leaders listen and learn, adjust policy and introduce new family initiatives.

And proud because each time Defence Leaders show us that Partners and Families deserve to be supported throughout our defence life journey, and acknowledged for our sacrifice.

Each conversation with Lieutenant General Stuart has been genuine and insightful with someone who, in his own words, isn’t interested in “legacy” but is committed to real and actual practical changes for Army families so that they can continue to thrive and choose to serve.

On episode 187, Lieutenant General Stuart and I continue our family-focused conversation and speak about;

- This year’s National Families Week theme ‘Lending a hand to Thrive: Supporting each other’ and how the Chief of Army is helping Army families thrive.

- An update on the new Army Families Handbook, the Army Partner Support Pilot Program and plans for future family initiatives.

- What he has learnt during his recent catch-ups with Partners and Families, and how he uses real-time feedback to inform and take action.

- Are the results of the ADF Families survey timely, relevant, and representative, and how do they direct policy change?

- What opportunities the Chief of Army sees are available to continually challenge thoughts around the evolving experiences and role of the Defence Partner and Family.

- We discuss the recent changes to PEAP (Partner Employment Assistance Program) and the negative impact the new reimbursement model is having on some Defence Partners.

- What words of encouragement he would offer those Defence Partners and Families new to Army life.

Ready to join the Military Life Community? Click through the link to get connected xx

www.militarylife.com.au

RE-RELEASED EPISODE

This week on the Military Life Podcast, I speak with my Husband Scott, who has, just days ago, returned from a 6 month deployment.

We speak about;

-The ins and outs of deployment from the Defence member’s perspective.

-What happens when the ship pulls away from the wharf and sets off on its journey?

-How it feels for the Military member to be away from their family for long stretches.

-Scott answers all those little questions you might have but never get the chance to ask.

Ready to join the ML community? Click through the link to get connected www.militarylife.com.au

RE-RELEASED EPISODE

This week on the Military Life Podcast, I speak with the National Music Director of the Australian Military Wives Choir, Cath Parsons, about her journey as a spouse and where the idea for the AMW Choir came from.

Cath and I also speak about;

-How the Choir went from being a handful of people in Canberra to locations around Australia

-Why the Choir is about what we do as spouses rather than what our military partners do at work

-How the Choir creates a safe space for spouses and why all singing abilities are welcome

-Why the Choir isn’t about rank or service with the main focus on connection and social inclusion

-Where to get involved and the types of songs they sing *hint, hint the Choir is far from boring when it comes to song choice; think Tay Tay and Bruno Mars.

To find out how you can join your local AMW Choir or to find out more about the AMW Choir, click through to the website for details https://www.amwchoir.com/

RE-RELEASED EPISODE

This week on the Military Life Podcast, I speak with Susan, who has just hit the one-year mark of being a Defence spouse.

Susan and I speak about;

-The huge changes she and her Husband went through during the first 12 months of living Defence Life.

-What Susan expected Military life would be like versus the reality.

-How she adjusted to going from seeing her Husband everyday to months of separation.

-The decision to give birth to their second child without her Husband by her side.

-The impact having a second baby alone and solo parenting had on her mental health.

-How she rose to the challenge and tackled everything that was thrown at her during the first 12 months.

Ready to join the ML Community? Click through the link to get connected www.militarylife.com.au

This week on the Military Life Podcast, I speak with Open Arms Community and Peer workers Jess and Sarah after the program recently celebrated its 5-year anniversary.

Jess, Sarah and I speak about;

-The Community and Peer program and how it aligns with the mental health supports Open Arms provides.

-Why the Community and Peer program was established and how important it is that Peer workers have lived experience.

-What draws Veterans and Defence Partners to become Community and Peer workers?

-Why Community and Peer Workers are an important part of the Open Arms ‘Stepping Out’ program

-How the support offered by the Community and Peer Workers differs from the other options available via Open Arms.

-Understanding when to connect with a Community and Peer worker VS seeing a psychologist or a counsellor through Open Arms.

-Why the Community and Peer program can be the first step to accessing other mental health supports and services.

-How to find out more information about the program and connect with a Community and Peer Worker.

Click here to visit the Open Arms website, learn more about the Community and Peer Program here, or call 1800 011 046 to speak with someone from Open Arms and connect with mental health support and services.

Ready to join the ML community? Click through the link to get connected www.militarylife.com.au