Military Life

On this week's Military Life podcast episode, I speak with Siobhan Mullins, Defence Partner and Founder of the Paper Advocate-Simple DIY Divorce Separation Agreements. Siobhan and I speak about; -Her introduction to Defence life, starting a family, and her first interstate move -Learning how to connect and build a support network in a new location -Pivoting her career as a Family Lawyer to work alongside Defence life -Starting her new business and platform, the Paper Advocate -How the Paper Advocate is making separations and divorce simpler -The extra complexities Defence couples face when separating and divorcing -Where couples should start when they have decided to separate -What happens when couples want to move from separation to divorce -How to access the Paper Advocate and other resources Check out the Paper Advocate-Simple DIY Divorce Separation Agreements at the link below; https://paperadvocate.com.au/

On this week's Military Life podcast episode, I speak with Racheal Cosgrove-White Veteran and President of DEFGLIS the Defence LGBTI Information Service. Racheal and I speak about; -Who DEFGLIS is and why such an important organisation exists -Who does DEFGLIS support and represent -How DEFGLIS has changed and evolved over the years -The impact DEFGLIS has had on the lives of LGBTI defence members and their families -Why it is important to have a group like DEFGLIS -The safe and secure space DEFGLIS offers for LGBTI members and their families -Why DEFGLIS are working to stamp out discrimination in the workplace -Some of the ways DEFGLIS have helped change Defence policy & practices -Why it is so important DEFGLIS continue to advocate for policy change & education -The annual events DEFGLIS run to help connect the LGBTI defence community -The impact of not feeling as though you can come to work as your whole self creates -Why feeling misunderstood or unsupported at work leads to a 30% reduction in output, and how that impacts capability -How the LGBTI Defence community can reach out for help and support If you would like to find out more INFO about DEFGLIS or pass on the links to someone who might be interested, there are a few ways to do so; Website- https://www.defglis.com.au/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/DEFGLIS Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/defglis/ Ready to join the ML community? Click through the link to get connected xx www.militarylife.com.au

On episode 201 of the Military Life Podcast, Chief of Army Australia Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army Kim Felmingham, and I continue our family- focused conversation and speak about; -An update on what Army families have been telling the Chief of Army in 2025. -The importance of the RSM-A also engaging directly with Army families. -The evolution of Army's focus on families over the last 2 years. -An update on the Army Families Handbook and future plans for this important resource. -The Army Partner Support pilot program and plans to expand it in 2026. -What the RSM-A can do in her position to positively impact the experiences of families. -The importance of the consistent improvement of support and services for families. -Simple changes with big impact and how families can contribute to solutions. -We discuss whether there is room for an Army MakerSpace Initiative adapted for families. -The introduction of the new Army Personnel Support Unit (APSU). -Exciting changes ahead for the 2026 Chief of Army Symposium (family-related hint hint). -An update on changes to the Partner Employment Assistance Program and why the Chief of Army is determined to ensure the whole community has equal access. Check out the Army Families Handbook and the Army Families Newsletter via the link below https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/family-support Ready to join the Military Life Community? Click through the link to get connected xx www.militarylife.com.au

So, you've decided that now is the right time to start saving for or look at buying a house....yay, go you! If you're like me, you have so many questions (so many) and need answers STAT about the potential homebuyer grants, and ADF schemes and entitlements you and your military member may be able to apply for. But…. those answers need to be explained in plain old non-military speak, which is why Defence Bank's Regional Manager for Lending Distribution, Ashley Wills, and I talk you through ALL.THE.THINGS when it comes to saving for and buying a house. In this episode, Ashley and I talk about; -First steps once you decide to save for a house -Personal debts and how they can impact your borrowing power -Which Home Buyer Grants and ADF schemes, and entitlements you may be eligible for -DHOAS (Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme) explained -HPAS (Home Purchase Assistance Scheme) explained -HPSEA (Home Purchase or Sale Expenses Allowance) explained -The newly expanded Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme explained -The First Home Owner Grant and Super Saver Scheme explained -What is stamp duty, and the available concessions -How to factor in Interest rates and understand what you can borrow -Getting preapproval and why organising Power of Attorney is useful for Defence families For even more information and to check your eligibility for any of the grants, schemes and entitlements discussed in this podcast episode, click through the links below or get in contact with Defence Bank to talk about all of the above in more detail on 1800 033 139 or visit the website www.defencebank.com.au DHOAS- https://www.dhoas.gov.au/ HPAS- https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/buying-or-selling-home HPSEA- https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/selling-or-buying-home-using-home-purchase-or-sale-expenses-allowance-hpsea 5% Deposit Scheme- https://www.housingaustralia.gov.au/ First Home Owner Grant- https://www.firsthome.gov.au/ First Home Super Saver Scheme- https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/super-for-individuals-and-families/super/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/early-access-to-super/first-home-super-saver-scheme Home Loan Borrowing Power Calculator- https://www.defencebank.com.au/tools-and-advice/calculators/home-loan-borrowing-power-calculator/ Home Loan Repayments Calculator- https://www.defencebank.com.au/tools-and-advice/calculators/home-loan-repayments-calculator/ Stamp Duty Calculator- https://www.defencebank.com.au/tools-and-advice/calculators/stamp-duty-calculator/

On this week's Military Life podcast episode, Defence Partner Nicole, who is currently posted in the USA with her ADF member and two children, comes back on the podcast (for PART TWO) to give us an update and answer more of our overseas posting questions. Listen in to last week's episode for Part One of my chat with Nicole. If you would like to listen to my first episode with Nicole on the topic of overseas postings, where we discussed preparing for an overseas posting, arriving, and settling in, check out episode 173.

On this week’s Military Life podcast episode, Defence Partner Nicole, who is currently posted in the USA with her ADF member and two children, comes back on the podcast to give us an update and answer more of our overseas posting questions. Stay tuned next week for Part Two of my chat with Nicole. If you would like to listen to my previous episode with Nicole, where we discussed preparing for an overseas posting, arriving, and settling in overseas, check out episode 173.

This week on the Military Life Podcast, Part Two of my chat with Director General of Defence Member and Family Support Libby Cremen. We talk all things DMFS, including; -The Partner Employment Assistance Program and the recent changes to PEAP -The ADF Families Survey and how DMFS uses the data to improve programs & support -The importance of engaging with a range of Defence families to ensure representation of a diverse community -The new Defence Families Portal (to be launched soon) that will streamline access to information, support and services -Changes to the Family Support Funding Program (FSFP) & the support of Defence Community Centres -Available support when there is a breakdown of a Defence marriage/relationship -Crisis support when an ADF family member experiences family domestic violence (FDV) -Why DMFS is focusing on analysing existing defence family data and accepting the challenges faced by families are ongoing and need evolving solutions If you haven’t listened already, check out Part One of my chat with Libby, released last week. The links below provide more information about DMFS and the available help and support. Defence Member Family Support website https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families 24 Hour DMFS Helpline https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/crisis-support/helplines Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services/support-for-families/partner-employment-assistance-program ADF Families Survey https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services/support-for-families/adf-families-survey Family Domestic Violence Support https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/crisis-support/family-domestic-violence-support

This week on the Military Life Podcast, Part One of my chat with Director General of Defence Member and Family Support Libby Cremen. We talk all things DMFS, including; -Who DMFS are and the support and services they provide for Defence Families -Connecting with Defence Families early so that they “know us before they need us” -The 24-hour DMFS helpline and when and why to contact the helpline -Defence Social Workers, Family Liaison Officers, Education Liaison Officers, and Military Support Officers explained -The significance of the introduction of the Defence Member and Family Information Guide -Helping Defence Families to build support networks through DMFS Connection events -Real examples of how DMFS have recently helped Defence families in need of support Stay tuned next week for Part Two of my chat with Libby. In the meantime, check out the links below to find out more about DMFS and the available help and support. Defence Member Family Support website https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families 24 Hour DMFS Helpline https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/crisis-support/helplines Defence Member and Family Information Guide https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/news-resources/defence-member-family-information-guide

On this week’s Military Life Podcast episode and as the Defence Community start to receive news of postings and possible moves, I re-release PART TWO of my chat with Defence Partner and Declutter Expert Tara Tuttle. Tara knows the challenges of Defence Life and moving and packing and unpacking and all the things! Tara also knows the challenges Defence Families can face when it comes to organisation, clutter, holding onto things, feeling overwhelmed and how physical and mental clutter are often connected. In PART TWO, Tara and I talk about; -Just in case items and how they hold us down -When excess and clutter prevent us from living the way we want to live -Setting aside time to declutter and organise and starting small in order to avoid overwhelm -Taking time to find or create homes for our belongings when we post into a new location -How that can allow us, mentally, to feel more settled -How deciding to let go of stuff is just the first step in the process and how having a plan and committing to the whole process is key. PLEASE NOTE: This podcast episode was recorded a couple of years ago, and while the content is still so relevant, it should be noted that Tara does not currently operate the Life Coach/Decluttering business she mentions in this podcast episode and is no longer recording new episodes of her BeUncluttered Podcast. To listen to past episodes, check it out here Be Uncluttered Podcast | Facebook

On this week’s Military Life Podcast episode, and as the Defence Community start to receive news of postings and possible moves, I re-release PART ONE of my chat with Defence Partner and Declutter Expert Tara Tuttle. Tara knows the challenges of Defence Life and moving and packing and unpacking and all the things! Tara also knows the challenges Defence Families can face when it comes to organisation, clutter, holding onto things, feeling overwhelmed, and how physical and mental clutter are often connected. Tara and I talk about; -The two types of people when it comes to decluttering -How Defence Life can lead us to be less critical about our belongings -How saying yes to having LESS physical possessions or mental clutter allows us to make space for what is really important -All things decluttering and letting go Next week, in PART TWO of this podcast episode, Tara and I talk about just-in-case items and how they hold us down, when excess and clutter prevent us from living the way we want, setting aside time to declutter and organise, and so much more. PLEASE NOTE: This podcast episode was recorded a couple of years ago, and while the content is still so relevant, it should be noted that Tara does not currently operate the Life Coach/Decluttering business she mentions in this podcast episode and is no longer recording new episodes of her BeUncluttered Podcast. To listen to past episodes, check it out here

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 FOUR, I talk all about; -Remote Postings -Deployments and ROCL (Relief Out of Country Leave) -Overseas Postings -Financial Support -Relationship Breakdown -Defence Special Needs Support Group -DEFGLIS (Defence Gay & Lesbian Info Service) -DFA (Defence Families Australia) Below are all the links and resources discussed in this episode of the podcast. Remote Postings https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/perform-duty-remote-location Remote Location Leave Travel https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/remote-location-leave-travel-rllt ADF District Allowance https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/adf-district-allowance Deployment https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/deployment https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/military-life-cycle/absence-from-home/deployment Relief Out of Country Leave (ROCL) https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/pacman/chapter-17/part-8/div-3 Overseas Postings https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/military-life-cycle/posting-relocating/overseas-posting Military Life Podcast Episode- Overseas Postings Episodes 60, 69, 173 and 174 Financial Support, Services & Education ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre https://adfconsumer.gov.au/home-v2/ Emergency Support for Families Scheme https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/crisis-support/emergency-support-schemes/emergency-support-families-scheme The Navy’s Anchorage- Grants and Loans https://thenavysanchorage.com.au/ Royal Australian Navy- Keeping Watch/Relief Trust Fund https://www.keepingwatch.org.au/about-us/ran-relief-trust-fund Army Relief Trust Fund https://armyrtf.com.au/ RAAF Welfare Trust Fund https://raafwelfaretrustfund.gov.au/ Bravery Trust https://braverytrust.org.au/ Wounded Heroes https://www.woundedheroes.org.au/ Veteran and Families Hubs- RSL Lifecare https://www.dva.gov.au/what-we-help-with/advocacy-representation-advice/veterans-and-families-hubs Legacy https://www.legacy.com.au/get-support/ Rising Sun Charity https://risingsuncharity.org.au/ Relationship Breakdown https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/pacman/chapter-6/part-5/div-10 https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/pacman/chapter-8/part-11 Ex ADF Spouse Support Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1G3mEMXNAn/ Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG) https://www.dsnsg.org.au/ DEFGLIS (Defence Gay Lesbian Information Service) https://defglis.com.au/ Defence Families Australia https://militarylife.com.au/defence-partner-info-hub/dfa/ Past DFA Advocacy Maps https://militarylife.com.au/dfaadvocacymaps/ Helplines/Crisis Support Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608 A 24/7 helpline for services and information from Defence Member and Family Support. 1800 IMSICK 1800 467 425 A 24/7 phone service providing nurse triage and health support for members after hours or off-base. All-hours Support Line 1800 628 036 A confidential 24/7 phone service triaging access to medical, psychology and social work services. Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Office 1800 736 776 A confidential 24/7 phone service for those affected by sexual misconduct at home or work. Chaplaincy Services 1300 333 362 (ask to speak to the on-call Chaplain in the area) A 24/7 on-call chaplaincy service for pastoral care, support or advice. Support outside Defence The following helplines are not affiliated with Defence. Defence does not endorse or recommend any third party products or services. 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 National sexual assault and domestic violence counselling. Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 Help for...

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...

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 seg.drhm@defence.gov.au 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