Spending time together is a powerful way to build connection and support wellbeing. Soldier On’s family-friendly events are designed to bring veterans and their loved ones together in a relaxed and supportive setting.
ACT
5-Week Beginner Teen Pottery Workshops
A five-week hands-on workshop for teens aged 12–17, introducing pottery wheel throwing, hand building and decoration techniques.
Participants build skills each week while creating pieces to take home or share.
- When: Sunday 26 July, 4:00 pm (weekly x 5)
- Where: The Ceramic Studio, Mitchell
- Bookings: Check ACT events page for updates
NSW
Playgroup at The Yard
A relaxed outdoor playgroup where children explore messy play, arts and crafts, while parents connect with other Defence families in a welcoming environment. The Exploratorium with messy play, mud kitchens, concoctions, and water play, or inside in The Makery – the arts and crafts room, with a huge supply of materials to let kids imagine, design and create. And no set up and clean up! Sessions will be at The Exploratorium unless weather takes us indoors to The Makery.
Best suited for kids aged 2-8 years old. Spots for 10 children available – *only children require tickets. (Siblings under 2yo are welcome, and do not count in the 10 – *do not need a ticket). While the sessions are overseen by a The Yard facilitator, parents and guardians must supervise their children at all times. Look for Claudia & Cirsty.
- Where: The Yard Newcastle, Waratah
- When: Fortnightly during school term, Mondays, 9:30-11:00 am
- Impact: ‘This is fantastic, thank you so much for organising.’
- Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DKBJF
Stockton Breakwater Stroll and Coffee Catch-up
Start your morning with fresh sea air, great company, and a relaxed walk!
Whether you’ve just posted in or have been here for a while, whether you’re a current or a former serving Defence member, or family, join us for a leisurely walk, a drink and a chat. Make new friends or come with old ones! Current and ex-serving veterans, family members, children and fur babies welcome! Look for Karen and Claudia, our friendly Soldier On reps who will be hosting this fortnightly event.
- Where: Lexie’s on the Beach, 128 Mitchell Street, Stockton
- When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month (commencing 6 May 2026)
- Walk: 8:30-9:30 am Stroll to and along the Stockton Breakwater and back
- Coffee & Chat: 9:30–10:30 am at Lexie’s, where you can enjoy a coffee or a cold drink on us!
- Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DIOKC
NEST 6-week Cooking and Nutrition Program (Collaboration between Soldier On and University of Newcastle)
Join us for a 6-week Nutrition Education and Skills Training (NEST) cooking and nutrition program where each weekly 2.5-hour workshop will include learning about healthy eating habits, practical cooking lessons and sharing a meal together.
What you will learn:
- New food knowledge and cooking skills
- How to plan meals to reduce food waste
- How to save money on your food budget
- How to store food safely
- How to understand food labels
NEST offers a fun and supportive learning environment and is designed for a group of 12 participants who attend all six weekly sessions, held at the same time and day each week. To make it easier for families to take part, free onsite childcare is provided.
- Where: Medowie Community Centre, 44 Ferodale Road, Medowie (Port Stephens)
- When: 15 May, 22 May, 29 May, 5 June, 12 June, 19 June,10:30 am-1 pm
- Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DLRDN
NT
Settler’s Showdown
For fans of the tabletop game Settlers of Catan, here is a chance to play on a fantastic 3D printed set-up. Enjoy pizza, snacks and socialising with other gamers from the veteran and family community. Board game fanatic Roger will also be looking to recruit players for the Settler’s titles coming up this year. Designed for those aged 16 and over.
- Where: Veterans & Family Wellbeing Centre (entry via Ramirez Road), Stuart Park
- When: Sunday 17 May, 1:00-6:00 pm
- Bookings: Settler’s Showdown | Soldier On Australia
Family BBQ @ Casuarina Pool
A casual family event featuring a barbecue, free pool entry and entertainment for children, creating a great opportunity to connect and enjoy time together. Entertainment will be provided for the kids while adults will have the chance to socialise and catch up with friends old and new.
- Where: Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre
- When: Saturday 23 May, 11:30 am
- Bookings: Family BBQ @ Casuarina Pool | Soldier On Australia
Palmo Youth Gaming Event
A social gaming session for young people aged 12–18, designed to bring Defence families together in a fun and inclusive setting. With thanks to Kookaburra Kids we are excited to deliver 3 hours of awesome gaming fun for our older ADF and ex-serving family youth.
- Where: Palmerston Game Fishing Club, Marlow Lagoon
- When: Sunday 14 June, 1:00-4:00 pm
- Bookings: Palmo Youth Gaming Event | Soldier On Australia
QLD
Strike Zone Bowling
A fun, free ten-pin bowling event for veterans, partners and children, focused on connection, teamwork and enjoying a relaxed activity together. Perfect for all abilities — no bowling experience needed!
Open to veterans, current-serving ADF members, spouses, partners and children.
Children must be supervised at all times.
- Where: Zone Bowling Richlands, 407 Archerfield Rd, Richlands
- When: Saturday 30 May, 1:45 pm
- Bookings: Strike Zone Bowling | Soldier On Australia
Escape the Cube
An interactive escape room experience where families work together to solve puzzles and complete challenges. Suitable for children aged 7 and over. You’ll work together to uncover hidden clues, solve clever puzzles, and connect the dots before time runs out. Once the door closes, it’s just you, your team, and the mission to escape. ️
- Where: Cube Escape Rooms shop, 1/514 S Pine Rd, Everton Park
- When: Saturday 13 June, 1:45 pm
- Bookings: Check QLD events page for updates
