FAMILIES CENTRE HITS MILES TONE
A SPECIAL place for Defence families and children to build friendships and socialise has celebrated 10 years in operation.
More than 300 families gathered at the Geckos Defence Family Centre, Lavarack Barracks to celebrate the occasion on Sunday.
Warrant Officer Class 1 Nicky Rothwell, assistant co- ordinator at the centre, said it was a fun day full of children’s activities such as lucky dip competitions and mini golf.
“They paid $ 10 per family and had a full buffet lunch and there was rock climbing, face painting and a petting zoo.
“There were also three protected mobility vehicles, which look similar to tanks, and the kids had rides around the base.”
Geckos is Defence owned and operated and is funded by RSL Queensland.
It has regular events for families including women’s craft groups.
WO1 Rothwell took over operations this year and reached out to Defence families. “I asked them what activities they would like,” she said. “I am a Defence spouse as
well: I have a serving partner and a son who goes to school here in Townsville. I get where they are coming from.”
The centre staff are familiar with the challenges for Defence members, partners and families and the pressures they face such
as the absence of family members from home and the mobile lifestyle associated with Defence force service.
About 1200 spouses go through the centre every month where they can build
friendships, socialise and access information about Defence.
“Townsville is an isolated place and many families are posted from Sydney and Melbourne ... It’s one of the best things that has happened to Townsville.”