Defence Kids
Program for Current and Former ADF Families
The program dedicated to supporting the unique needs of children from serving and ex-serving ADF families has been made possible by the Australian Government.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is funding the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation to deliver the Defence Kids Program across Australia, which provides camps, activity days and age-appropriate mental health education focusing on coping skills and resilience, while allowing children to bond with peers who are facing similar challenges.
For Defence families the challenges can be vast, including and not limited to:
- A young person doesn’t like their new location.
- A young person is struggling to make friends.
- Mum has depression.
- Dad has anxiety.
- Mum’s away a lot.
- Dad has PTSD.
- Sister is anxious.
Who is Eligible?
To refer a young person to this program no mental health diagnosis is necessary, and all young people aged 8 to 18 from a Defence or Veteran family are welcome to join the program.
Where is the Program Available
Programs are available for all eligible young people aged 8-18 in ACT, NSW, NT, QLD SA, VIC and TAS.
- For NSW the programs are most accessible for all areas in the Sydney basin and extending as far as Nowra, Blue Mountains and Newcastle.
- ACT covers all ACT areas and encompasses southern NSW areas currently as far as Cooma and Bega.
- QLD have an office in Brisbane which encompasses the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast as well as an office in Townsville.
- NT is based in Darwin.
- SA is based in Adelaide.
- VIC is based in Melbourne.
- TAS is based in Hobart.
- WA is based in Perth and encompasses the area South to Rockingham.
How do you Refer a Child?
Anyone can refer a child (with parent guardian permission) to the program online at Refer a Child
What’s On!
See what Camps and Activity Days are on in your area. To book, just click on the activity or camp you are interested in (registered families only). To register a young person, click here.
May 2024
Camps
3-5 May – Camp Cottermouth, ACT
17-19 May – Camp Kindilan, Brisbane, QLD
17- 9 May – Point Walter Camp, Perth, WA
31 May- 2 June – Camp Mylor, Adelaide, SA
Activity Days
5 May – Ninja Parc, Townsville, QLD
18 May – Toboggan Hill Park, Nelson Bay, NSW
18 May – LED Skate & Golf, ACT
18 May – TwistED Science, Mornington, VIC
June 2024
Camps
7-9 June – CCC Camp, Central Coast, NSW
7-9 June – Batchelor Outdoor Camp, NT
14-16 June – Swan Valley Camp, WA
Activity Days
1 June – Art with Melanie, Hobart, TAS
2 June, Ten Pin Bowling, Launceston, TAS
15 June- Holey Moley Golf, Wollongong, NSW
15 June – Stand Firm Adventure, Cairns, QLD
15 June – Museum Fun Day, Adelaide, SA
21 June – Timezone Northland, WA
29 June – Mini Golf, Western Sydney, NSW
29 June – Wildlife Park, Darwin, NT
29 June – Palace Nova Cinemas, Adelaide, SA