DEFENCE NEWS
Hi, my name is Mrs Lawrence. I am the new Defence School Mentor.
I started at St John the Evangelist High School in 2010 as a School Support Officer. In 2020, I transferred to St Michael’s and enjoyed my time back in kindergarten. I am currently working between both schools. I have been a Defence spouse and travelled around Australia with my husband for thirty-three years. I have experienced the challenges that relocating interstate with a family can bring.
I aim to connect the Defence families to be more involved in the community and am currently busy settling in our new Year 7 Defence students and our Kindergarten students. I am also presently liaising with Kookaburra Kids and Open Arms to see how we can connect to the services they provide to Defence families.
In 2005, our family moved back to Nowra after moving five times in five years to five different states. My children attended Cambewarra Public School and then completed high school at St John the Evangelist Catholic High School. My husband was a Rear Admiral in the Navy and was the Head Navy Engineer for six years. He was based in Canberra and commuted for nine years while my two teenage boys and I lived at Culburra Beach. I know the impact mobility and service-related parental absence can have on a family. I am very well known in the Shoalhaven. Due to my experience in different schools in the Shoalhaven, I have come to know many students, but I have always gone out of my way to make Defence students feel welcome.
My passions are AFL and Surf Life Saving. Our family have been a part of Bomaderry Tigers Australian Football Club and Nowra Culburra Surf Life Saving Club since 2005. My husband is the President of the Surf Club and he also coaches the Bomaderry Tigers Senior Women’s AFL team.
I am very passionate about all aspects of a Defence lifestyle. My oldest son has joined the Royal Australian Navy as a pilot and has finished a degree in the Australian Defence Force Academy. My youngest son is a helicopter technician with Sikorsky Australia working at HMAS Albatross. They are now both in their sixth year. I am very happy to assist any students who might be looking for similar career opportunities.
I look forward to meeting you all in 2024. Please feel free to contact me at any time.
Julie Lawrence
Hi there! I am thrilled to meet all of the new Defence families this year! Mrs Lawrence is available on Wednesdays and Fridays at St Michael's and on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at St John's High School
I'm Looking forward to getting to know everyone in 2024!
https://rsllifecare.org.au/veteran-services/veteran-wellbeing-centres/nowra/
Address: 124 Wallace St, Nowra NSW 2541
Phone: (02) 4428 5777
Email: nowravwc@rsllifecare.org.au
NOWRA WELLBEING CENTRE
I am in contact weekly with the Nowra WellBeing Centre.
They are incredibly supportive of all Defence families. I also have lots of support brochures if needed at school.
NEWSFLASH
WELCOME TO SHOALHAVEN - 9 MARCH 2024
TICKETS ON SALE
Shoalhaven ADF members and families are invited to join us at Penwood Railway. Come along for a fun-filled day, riding miniature steam trains and enjoying picnic facilities. The Penwood committee will be holding a BBQ.
Please bring along a picnic rug.
The day is an excellent opportunity to meet your local DMFS team and connect with other ADF members. A range of community groups and organisations will be present during the day to provide information on services, supports, and activities within the region.
Please review additional information regarding the event and safety requirements on Eventbrite.
When: Saturday 9 March 24
Time: 10am – 2pm
Where: Penwood Railway
215A Princes Hwy, Jaspers Brush 2535
To register to attend the Welcome to Shoalhaven event, please register for tickets through Eventbrite via the following link
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/an-adf-families-event-welcome-to-the-shoalhaven-tickets-777334898607
Tickets are available until 1 March 24 or until booked out.
We look forward to seeing you there.
KOOKABURRA KIDS
Kookaburra Kids has many exciting programs coming up in 2024 for Defence Kids in both Sydney and Shoalhaven!
2nd March – Nowra Treetops Adventure & Shoalhaven Zoo
15th-17th March – Camping Adventure at Port Hacking
23rd March – Wattle Grove One Wall Mural & Skate Workshop
Online Connect sessions running Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday
Australian Kookaburra Kids Families
RSL NSW
RSL LifeCare
RSL LifeCare Veteran Services
https://kookaburrakids.org.au/get-involved/refer/
https://kookaburrakids.org.au/defence-program/

INVICTUS AUSTRALIA - YOGA
We've got some exciting news! Get ready to strike a pose because Yoga with Invictus Australia is back! Starting this Thursday, 1st February, join instructor Diane every week from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for an invigorating yoga session. What's even better? It's a FREE program for the Defence Community. The Bomaderry RSL sub-branch proudly sponsors this incredible program. A big shout-out to them for their support!
Where: Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre Address: 124 Wallace Street, Nowra. Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to enhance your wellbeing and find your zen. Secure your spot now by booking in advance! Let's come together, breathe, and stretch towards a healthier and happier you
.https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/yoga-nowra-tickets-800514358997
SHOW & SHINE
17th February 2024
To enter call Ian 0408216467
Mrs Julie Lawrence
Defence School Mentor