Military Life

Welcome to the Military Life Podcast- a podcast telling the stories of everyday Australian Military partners. Listen in to hear from others who are living this military life (Defence Life), juggling all the things on the daily, just like you and I. Let's connect and support each other by telling our stories, celebrating our strength, focusing on self-care & lifting each other up.

182.An Assistance Dog saved my Veteran 11/20/2024

181.A Focus on the Wellbeing of Army Families 10/31/2024

181.A Focus on the Wellbeing of Army Families This week on the Military Life Podcast, I had the privilege of having an authentic, informative, and real defence family-focused conversation with the Chief of Army Australia, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart. I have now met and spoken with Lieutenant General Stuart several times, in various settings, focused on discussing a range of defence family topics. There have been ten-minute conversations at defence events and hour-long conversations in Lieutenant General Stuart's pretty impressive office in Canberra for this podcast episode (even though the recording was supposed to be a 30-minute chat). What can I say? The conversation was flowing. And you know what my conversations with Lieutenant General Stuart all had in common? It was a feeling that he had all the time in the world to speak with me and hear from all of you and that discussing defence families was as important to him as what it is to all of us. 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. In episode 181 we discuss; -Why focusing on purpose and people takes priority -Achieving as part of a team, and the team that should matter most is your family -Recognising that a defence members service is a collective effort and the vital role families play -Creating more opportunities for Army families to have agency over their lives through a variety of initiatives -Acknowledging that housing and where defence families live impacts so many other areas of our lives -The importance of staying in touch and engaged with the everyday experiences of Army families -How data-informed changes to policies that are flexible create more choice and better support for families -Being able to change policy quickly enough to have a real and tangible impact on the current challenges Army families are facing -Understanding the changing set of considerations, circumstances and priorities defence families have at different points of service life -The introduction of an Army Families Handbook and why it will be an evolving resource -What are capability bricks and why designing a health and well-being brick will help connect families -Why Lieutenant General Stuart's focus is not on leaving a legacy but rather on building an inheritance for defence members and families Ready to join the Military Life Community? Click through the link to get connected xx /episode/index/show/navywifelife/id/33703462

180.PART TWO-Helping Spouses take their Careers to the Next Level! 10/27/2024

179.PART ONE-15 year Defence Partner journey over 9 postings 10/17/2024

178.Let's CELEBRATE 175 Episodes with Words of Wisdom & Real Talk from Defence Partners PART 2 10/03/2024

177.Let's CELEBRATE 175 Episodes with Words of Wisdom & Real Talk from Defence Partners PART 1 09/26/2024

176.A Focus on the Wellbeing of Navy Families 09/05/2024

175.Buying & Selling-Making your Money and Defence Allowances work for YOU! 08/14/2024

175.Buying & Selling-Making your Money and Defence Allowances work for YOU! Posting to a new location is a huge life event. Whether you do it every few years or, like me, have long stretches between moves because you choose to URF (unaccompanied Resident Family), it can be a lot. Throw in selling a property, and the TO DO list can seem overwhelming. It’s understandable that maybe you just want to take a minute between selling in one location and buying in the next so that you can catch your breath, unpack, and explore your new location. Soooo, in the meantime, what do you do with the funds from the sale of your property, and which defence allowances can you access? Queue Defence Bank’s Regional Manager Lending Distribution Ashley to walk us through some of the options. In this episode, Ashley and I speak about; -First steps when it comes to selling a property, your mortgage and everything in between -The paperwork and admin you can get sorted ahead of time before selling and posting out -What happens once your property sale goes through and the funds are released to your bank -DHOAS (Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme) payments and what happens once you sell -Applying for a new DHOAS certificate and accessing payments when it comes time to buy again -Guidelines around accessing DHOAS when buying property upon transition out of Defence -What is the HPSEA (Home Purchase or Sale Expenses Allowance), who can access it and when -The costs associated with selling in one location and buying in another and what you can claim -What to do with funds from the sale of a property and how to make the money work for you -High-interest saving accounts, fixed-term deposit options, and the Salute Account explained Check out the Defence Bank website for further information about buying and selling a property, as well as DHOAS, HPSEA, and other home buyer allowances. You can also find out more about Defence Bank's high-interest savings accounts, fixed-term deposit options and the exclusive Salute Account, which rewards ADF members for service milestones. /episode/index/show/navywifelife/id/32569067

174.PART 2-Posting Overseas-Spouse Nicole's Experience 08/08/2024

173.PART 1-Posting Overseas-Spouse Nicole's Experience 08/01/2024

172.Shining a Light:Stories of Trauma & Tragedy, Hope & Healing 06/27/2024

172.Shining a Light:Stories of Trauma & Tragedy, Hope & Healing On this week’s Military Life Podcast Episode, Dr Peggy Brown, one of the three commissioners tasked with leading the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, speaks about the release of the lived-experience book Shining a Light: Stories of Trauma & Tragedy, Hope & Healing. The trauma-informed book, authored by journalist Patrick Lindsay AM, showcases the lived experience of suicide and suicidal behaviour of serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families. These experiences, which have been at the heart of the Royal Commission during its inquiries, were bravely and generously shared through submissions and evidence. Commissioner Brown and I also speak about; - What motivates and fuels her to get up every day and work toward making a difference as one of the Commissioner’s heading the 58th inquiry examining veteran suicide. -What she thinks needs to happen to ensure the outcomes of this Royal Commission are different and that some significant change occurs. -What the Commissioners learnt about defence and veteran families. -Her concern around Defence Families Australia being in caretaker mode for 12 months and working at 65% capacity at such a critical time. -Why it was important to encourage those with varied experiences and not just those who have been impacted by suicide to step forward and be heard. -Her frustration at the amount of work she believes Defence still needs to do to support families. -Thoughts around transition and what is needed to make it a better experience for veterans and their families with better outcomes. -What has happened following the release of the Royal Commission’s Interim Report, which made 13 urgent recommendations? -The proposed new entity to follow the Royal Commission and what the commissioners envision that new entity being responsible for. -How the everyday current serving ADF member and those in leadership positions connect with the findings of the Royal Commission and understand how they can be part of the change. - What happens when the final report is handed down in September 2024, and who determines whether the responses and the changes are good enough or what the veteran community needs? *The establishment of the Royal Commission was the product of tireless advocacy by a determined group of individuals with lived and living experience of suicide and suicidality in a military context. Over the past three years, the Royal Commission has received 5,889 submissions, published 1,011 submissions, received 6,662 phone enquiries, held 886 private sessions, heard 346 witnesses at hearings, and had over 164,000 Livestream views. Together with Commissioners Brown, Kaldis, and Douglas’s final report, due to be handed down in September, it is hoped the ‘Shining a Light’ book will help drive real and lasting change and lead to a greater understanding of the sacrifices made by those who defend our country, our ADF members and their loved ones-Us. If you would like to read the ‘Shining a Light’ book, follow the link below to access it for free. A variety of publicly available information regarding the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide can also be accessed via the website. *TRIGGER WARNING- There is some discussion of suicide in this episode. If this episode brings anything up for you, please contact FREE ADF mental health service Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or, in case of emergency, call 000. /episode/index/show/navywifelife/id/31911972

171.Female Leadership in a Male Dominated Field 06/20/2024

170.Open Arms-All you need to know about the NEW Model of Care & accessing Mental Health support 06/13/2024

170.Open Arms-All you need to know about the NEW Model of Care & accessing Mental Health support This week's Military Life podcast episode is about the FREE mental Health service available to Defence Partners, current ADF Members, Veterans, and their immediate Families—OPEN ARMS and the recently introduced Model of Care. This week I caught up with Leonie Nowland, First Assistant Secretary of Open Arms, and Dr Jon Lane, Senior Psychiatrist Advisor with Open Arms and member of the Open Arms National Advisory Committee. In this episode, we speak about; -Who can access support and services through Open Arms, and when -What they know about current serving families and their mental health support needs. -Understanding the Open Arms services the 43,000 clients access with 38% being current serving members and families. -The introduction of the first Open Arms Model of Care. Why now, how it was developed, and what does it mean for Open Arms clients? -The importance of setting the record straight when it comes to misinformation surrounding the new Model of Care. -The confusion around whether Open Arms clients will or won’t have a 3-6 month/10 session limit of support and…. is there a 3 month waiting period before accessing further services? -The Open Arms National Advisory Committee's purpose and representation of current serving families. -We discuss whether the experiences of Veterans vs Family Members are different and should be acknowledged. -Why Open Arms clinicians, peer support workers, and contractors are military-aware and what that means when it comes to partners and families. -Do you have to start fresh with a new Open Arms clinician when you post to a new location, or can you continue with your previous provider? -Current wait times defence partners, members, veterans, and immediate family are experiencing when it comes to accessing services. -The trauma defence partners and families experience living defence life and why it is important to acknowledge the various stressors encountered on a daily basis. -Understanding how and when Defence Kids and Teens can access mental health support via Open Arms and the current limitations. -Why Open Arms can’t provide services for Australian Defence Partners and Families who post to an overseas location. -Where to access and read the Model of Care Open Arms is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week FREE service. For further information or to access mental health support, you can call 1800 011 046 or visit the website Please note: Anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, their partner, and immediate family members can access support via Open Arms. Even if you are new to military life and haven't completed your paperwork (to be recognised as a couple), you can still reach out for support, and Open Arms will talk you through whatever you are struggling with and also, if needed, refer you to other services. Ready to join the ML community? Click through the link below to get connected xx /episode/index/show/navywifelife/id/31734022

169.PART 2-Military Life Community Connectors Explained 05/23/2024

169.PART 2-Military Life Community Connectors Explained Re-released Episode- Military Life Community Connectors EXPLAINED PART 2 Maybe you have heard about Military Life Community Connectors, or maybe you want to know more about them. This episode is all about who they are, what they do, and why I felt there was a need for the Military Life Community Connector Program. No one quite gets you like a fellow Defence Partner, but finding and connecting with other partners can be both tricky and nerve-wracking! It took me 10 years to find a Defence Partner friend. Partly because I didn't realise what I was missing out on. Partly because I was downright scared to step forward to connect. Partly because I was reluctant to put my hand up for support. Partly because I wasn't given the opportunity to connect and belong in my community. So, when I finally found what I didn't even know I was missing, that connection and support only fellow Defence Partners can give, I felt a weight lift off of me. I caught my breath. I felt like I belonged and wanted every Defence Partner to have what I had found. That's why I created the ML Community Connector Program and where Community Connectors come in! I wanted to give every Defence Partner the opportunity to CONNECT and BELONG in their community just like I had because I knew in my heart what a huge difference it made having Defence Partner friends in your corner who just got you and defence life. ML Community Connectors play a vital role for Defence Partners by bringing them together to create meaningful connections with each other, offering peer support and information, empowering Defence Partners with confidence to access local and defence community-related services, and acknowledging the importance of belonging. Community Connectors are amazing Defence Partners around the country who have stepped forward and put their hand up to volunteer to help connect spouses in their community- the defence community by providing consistent and welcoming spouse-focused events (on weekends and child-free) that ALL Defence Partners can attend. We currently have ML Community Connectors in Amberley and Enoggera QLD, HMAS Cerberus VIC, Sutherland and Williamtown NSW, Rockingham WA, Adelaide SA, and Canberra ACT. Community Connection events take place regularly (every 6 weeks or so). If you would like to become a Community Connector in your location, get in touch via [email protected]! Have a listen to Episode 168 (PART 1) first to find out more. If you would like to learn more about a Community Connection Event happening in your area, click through to your ML Closed State/Territory Facebook group for details (links below). ACT- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongact/ QLD- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongqld/ TAS- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongtas/ VIC- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongvic/ NT- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongnt/ SA- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongsa/ NSW- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongnsw/ WA- https://www.facebook.com/groups/mlstrongwa/ /episode/index/show/navywifelife/id/31434307

168.PART 1-Military Life Community Connectors Explained 05/23/2024

168.PART 1-Military Life Community Connectors Explained Re-released Episode- Military Life Community Connectors EXPLAINED PART 1 Maybe you have heard about Military Life Community Connectors, or maybe you want to know more about them. This episode is all about who they are, what they do, and why I felt there was a need for the Military Life Community Connector Program. No one quite gets you like a fellow Defence Partner, but finding and connecting with other partners can be both tricky and nerve-wracking! It took me 10 years to find a Defence Partner friend. Partly because I didn't realise what I was missing out on. Partly because I was downright scared to step forward to connect. Partly because I was reluctant to put my hand up for support. Partly because I wasn't given the opportunity to connect and belong in my community. So, when I finally found what I didn't even know I was missing, that connection and support only fellow Defence Partners can give, I felt a weight lift off of me. I caught my breath. I felt like I belonged and wanted every Defence Partner to have what I had found. That's why I created the ML Community Connector Program and where Community Connectors come in! I wanted to give every Defence Partner the opportunity to CONNECT and BELONG in their community just like I had because I knew in my heart what a huge difference it made having Defence Partner friends in your corner who just got you and defence life. ML Community Connectors play a vital role for Defence Partners by bringing them together to create meaningful connections with each other, offering peer support and information, empowering Defence Partners with confidence to access local and defence community-related services, and acknowledging the importance of belonging. Community Connectors are amazing Defence Partners around the country who have stepped forward and put their hand up to volunteer to help connect spouses in their community- the defence community by providing consistent and welcoming spouse-focused events (on weekends and child-free) that ALL Defence Partners can attend. We currently have ML Community Connectors in Amberley and Enoggera QLD, HMAS Cerberus VIC, Sutherland and Williamtown NSW, Rockingham WA, Adelaide SA, and Canberra ACT. Community Connection events take place regularly (every 6 weeks or so). If you would like to become a Community Connector in your location, get in touch via [email protected]! Have a listen to Episode 168 (PART 1) and 169 (PART 2) to find out more. If you would like to learn more about a Community Connection Event happening in your area, click through to your ML Closed State/Territory Facebook group for details (links below). ACT- QLD- TAS- VIC- NT- SA- NSW- WA- /episode/index/show/navywifelife/id/31434167

167.Emma & Elise and their Cowork Coplay Experiences 12/08/2023

167.Emma & Elise and their Cowork Coplay Experiences This week on the Military Life Podcast, I speak with spouses Emma and Elise about their participation in Cowork Coplay, an amazing program that aims to give Defence Partners the time and space to focus on their career goals and projects, be they related to study, business, or job-hunting. Emma and Elise went into the Cowork Coplay program, which ran in Adelaide in early 2023, with different expectations, and both walked out of the program with positive outcomes. Emma and I spoke about; -Why taking part in the Cowork Coplay program gave her the permission and courage to show up for herself and her goals -The supportive and understanding environment the Cowork Coplay program creates for participants -How the Cowork Coplay program helped her feel energised and realise she had so much to offer an employer -Understanding the value of her skills and deciding to take her career in a new direction -The confidence fellow participants gave her to be open to new opportunities, apply for jobs, and secure employment by the end of the program -Connecting with support, services and the Defence community and the positive impact it had on her wellbeing Elise and I spoke about; -The impact her remote job was having on her well-being and setting boundaries -How the career development sessions helped her get clarity around whether to stay in her current role or look for new opportunities -The incredible support and understanding that was offered by fellow Cowork Coplay participants -Being seen as more than JUST a Defence partner, setting intentions, goals and figuring out next steps to take action -The importance of having dedicated time to focus on herself and what she needed to get career focus -How the Cowork Coplay program helped her fall in love with her job again and see all of the positives it had to offer As we heard from Emma and Elise’s stories, it is so important Defence Partners are supported with innovative programs like Cowork Coplay to not only support their wellbeing but also provide the time and space for professional development by combining the things that matter: meaningful work, community and family. Cowork Coplay programs are delivered by Human Quotient Group, a veteran- and female-led Australian social enterprise. The program was created by Claire Harris, a Defence spouse, informed by feedback from the Defence community, her lived experience and professional expertise. The good news is that the Cowork Coplay program will once again get underway in Adelaide, South Australia, thanks to the support of and for the first time, the Cowork Coplay program will be available in Perth, Western Australia, with the support of . To find out more information or register your interest in participating, visit the Cowork Coplay website /episode/index/show/navywifelife/id/28986583

PART ONE Navigating our first Defence Move as a Family 11/30/2023

PART TWO Navigating our First Defence Move as a Family 11/30/2023

164.Someone I Love is in Defence-The Spouse business creating resources for ADF Kids 11/09/2023

164.Someone I Love is in Defence-The Spouse business creating resources for ADF Kids On this week’s Military Life *Parents Edition* podcast episode, I speak with Spouse and Defence School Mentor Bianca about her new business, ‘Someone I Love is in Defence’. Bianca and I also spoke about; • Her journey from being an ADF member herself, transitioning out & finding her feet as a Defence Partner • Navigating Defence life, starting a family and deciding to take up a role as a Defence School Mentor • How being a DSM opened her eyes to the need for more and varied resources for Defence Kids • Deciding to turn her ideas into activity sheets, colouring, activity and storybooks with specific themes for Australian Defence Kids • Why the support of her Navy husband and FREE entrepreneur courses through the Prince’s Trust and Frontline Labs were key to establishing and launching her business • The importance of the resources serving a dual purpose- to be entertaining and also facilitate meaningful interactions • How her activity sheets and books encourage conversations and Defence Kids to ask questions, express emotions, and strengthen their bond with their ADF member • Focusing on a variety of Defence Life topics like moving, deployment, living apart from your ADF member (URF) and the transition out of Defence • The importance of co-designing her resources and books with Defence Kids and parents • How to access free resources via her website and when the activity books and Army, Navy, RAAF books will be available for purchase Follow Bianca on her ‘Someone I Love is in Defence’ socials via the below links or sign up for her newsletter on her website to be the first to know when her colouring, activity and storybooks will be ready to purchase. Follow along on Facebook- Follow along on Instagram- /episode/index/show/navywifelife/id/28566213

163.Defence Partners Answer the Question-What was it like accessing Defence Family-related Support & Making Spouse Friends? 11/01/2023

162.Defence Partners Answer the Question-How do you Support your Mental Health? 10/19/2023

161.Defence Partners Answer the Question-How do you envision your Career working alongside Defence Life? 09/20/2023

160.Defence Partners Answer the Question-How Do you plan for a Family let alone Support Defence Kids 09/13/2023

159.Defence Partners Answer the Question-What was your Intro to Defence Life really like? 08/30/2023

158.Part 2-Mental & Physical Clutter and Defence Life 08/18/2023

157.Part 1-Mental & Physical Clutter and Defence Life 08/17/2023

156.No Choice but to Live Apart-Supporting a Child with Additional Needs Vs Defence Life 08/03/2023

156.No Choice but to Live Apart-Supporting a Child with Additional Needs Vs Defence Life On this week’s Military Life *Parents Edition* podcast episode, I speak with Defence Partner Chrissy who went on a blind date with an ADF member 13 years ago and never looked back. Chrissy and I also talk about; -Why, after backpacking solo for five years, the Defence lifestyle really suited her -How her attitude to the unknown of defence life changed once children came into the picture -Balancing Defence life with career & the needs of her son, who is autistic with a mild intellectual disability -Why their family is now living apart after her RAAF husband received a posting to Richmond -The reasons that forced her hand when it came time to decide whether to post with her husband -The lack of support and services available for Defence families with a child with additional needs -How living apart has been going and being faced with living apart for another 7+ years -Questioning whether choosing stability and support for their kids over living together was the right decision -Stepping back into the workforce after an eight-year gap and balancing all the things -Staying connected thanks to Facetime and spending quality time together on weekends Did you know that Defence Partners, defence children and those considered to be a recognised other person, who have additional needs, can apply to get those additional needs recognised? Defence may provide special needs benefits for resident family members with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, sensory impairments, learning or behavioural difficulties, speech disorders and other medical illnesses or impairments. To apply, your ADF member will need to download a copy of the Application for Recognition of member with dependant with special needs (AC832) form from the Web Forms portal on the Defence Protected Network (DPN). To find out more info visit the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) website here You can also access support online or in your area via the Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG) here /episode/index/show/navywifelife/id/27645639

155.Jeni from ep98-UPDATE on the First Few Years of Defence Life 07/26/2023

154.First Posting, First Deployment and Everything in between! 06/28/2023

153.DEFGLIS Supporting & Representing Defence Force LGBTI People & Families 06/15/2023

Military Life

TOPICS