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.

200.ADF Grants & Entitlements when Buying a Home 11/13/2025

199.Overseas Posting Update with Nicole PART TWO 10/30/2025

198.Overseas Posting Update with Nicole PART ONE 10/23/2025

197.Defence Member Family Support PART TWO 10/09/2025

196.Defence Member Family Support PART ONE 10/02/2025

195.Mental & Physical Clutter and Defence Life PART TWO 09/25/2025

194.Mental & Physical Clutter and Defence Life PART ONE 09/18/2025

193.Intro to Defence Life for New Spouses PART FOUR 09/12/2025

193.Intro to Defence Life for New Spouses PART FOUR 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 Remote Location Leave Travel ADF District Allowance Deployment Relief Out of Country Leave (ROCL) Overseas Postings Military Life Podcast Episode- Overseas Postings Episodes 60, 69, 173 and 174 Financial Support, Services & Education ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre Emergency Support for Families Scheme The Navy’s Anchorage- Grants and Loans Royal Australian Navy- Keeping Watch/Relief Trust Fund Army Relief Trust Fund RAAF Welfare Trust Fund Bravery Trust Wounded Heroes Veteran and Families Hubs- RSL Lifecare Legacy Rising Sun Charity Relationship Breakdown Ex ADF Spouse Support Group Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG) DEFGLIS (Defence Gay Lesbian Information Service) Defence Families Australia Past DFA Advocacy Maps 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 anywhere in the mental health journey. Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Support for kids anytime, any reason. Lifeline 13 11 14 Crisis support and suicide prevention. Mens Line Australia 1300 78 99 78 Helping men deal with relationship problems. Open Arms 1800 011 046 Counselling, group programs and suicide prevention for members, veterans and families. Safe Zone Support (hosted by Open Arms) 1800 142 072 Free and anonymous counselling line (separate to Open Arms). SANE Australia 1800 187 263 Helping Australians affected by mental illness. Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Free nationwide phone counselling service. /episode/index/show/navywifelife/id/38179410

192.Intro to Defence Life for New Spouses PART THREE 08/15/2025

192.Intro to Defence Life for New Spouses PART THREE 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) Defence Provider (Busy Group) Soldier On RSL Queensland Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs NSW Veterans Employment Program Veterans SA Cowork Coplay Frontline Labs The Kings Trust Australia ADF Family Health Program ADF Family Health Program- Fringe Benefits Open Arms Open Arms Programs & Workshops ADF Chaplains Podcast Episode Help with Childcare Education Liaison Officers (EDLOs) Defence School Mentor Program ADF Equip Program ADF Aware Program Education Assistance Scheme Education assistance for Children with Additional Needs Defence Special Needs Support Group Kookaburra Kids Child and Family Resilience Programs Someone I love is in Defence /episode/index/show/navywifelife/id/37832720

191.Intro to Defence Life for New Spouses PART TWO 07/24/2025

190.Intro to Defence Life for New Spouses PART ONE 06/26/2025

189.Revisiting the FIRST ever episode of the Military Life Podcast! 06/12/2025

188.A Focus on the Wellbeing of Navy Families 05/22/2025

187.A Focus on the Wellbeing of Army Families 05/12/2025

187.A Focus on the Wellbeing of Army Families 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 /episode/index/show/navywifelife/id/36531555

186.Deployment from the ADF Member's Perspective 01/15/2025

185.The Australian Military Wives Choir 01/01/2025

184.The first 12 months of being a Defence Spouse 12/18/2024

183.Open Arms Community & Peer Program-Celebrating 5 Years 12/11/2024

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

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