What did it mean for you?

[RubyRedToes]

I posted here a few months ago asking how hard it really is to relocate etc once a partner joins the defence force, and now it's actually happening!

My partner starts in Nov/Dec and after the few months we're moving to Albury Wodonga. This is pretty big for me as I've barely been out of QLD, I have no idea what to expect!

We'll be renting out our house once we fix up a few things, I know there's defence community daycare etc and pretty much defence everything but I don't really know what else there is regarding options or things to do for me, as I'd like to study most likely next year or possibly return to the workforce.

Any info or tips anyone wants to provide is greatly appreciated :) xx

[Seacretsquirrel]

Ring the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) they are a great source of support for all families - everything from playgroup contacts to family days out (the last one we went to was in Melb and it was to the Melb zoo - free- for the day).

Also if you are religious there a often churches on the bases which I asume (we aren't religious) would be of great help to those who are - I believe there are a few different denominations around too.

My first move was when DH and I got together and I moved from Brisbane to Darwin with nothing but a bed and some house stuff in a trunk and a few boxes of books. I moved nearly 4000kms away from everything I had known (out of home and across the country in one foul swoop), I had never lived out of home and had just done my first 6 months in full time employment (after 5 yrs of uni).

But 8 years later we are back in Darwin (after 3 yrs in Melbourne) married for 5 yrs in Oct and have 2 beautiful (mostly) kids! I find I do get itchy feet a bit after being in one place for a few years and TBH I am about ready to move on (fingers crossed into our own home in Brisbane - while DH continues with Patrol Boats - or joins customs).

For us it is a great chance to make new friends and have a good clear out - no hoarding here!

As for stuff for you have a look at the SWAPP (or SWAAP???) program it is to help the spouses get into study/jobs in a new posting location. The help with some of the costs etc but there are limits and conditions (the usual hoops to jump through).
HTH

[RubyRedToes]

Thanks :) Yeah I'm looking forward to clearing all the clutter in my house when we move too!! I am really bad for keeping stuff "just in case"!
Will definitely check out the pathways you mentioned :) Thanks again!

[KJEmum]

Make the best out of every posting.

I'm not sure how good DCO would be where you are but if they do help, great. Always make yourself known to them. If your partner goes away, give them a call and ask them to notify you of any event .. get put on the mailing list.

With SWAPP which as been called something else now and new criteria etc. If you take advantage of this and want to do a course, your local DFA rep could help out and it needs to be done prior to 2yrs of being at your new locality. I missed out as this is our 3rd year. Never really thought about using their $$ for a medical terminology course. I think it should be once all kids are at school lol.

Anyways I don't always find it easy to make friends but I've managed. Some places are harder than others but if you have a positive outlook /attitude you will get somewhere. Might take a month or few.