Military Life

203.First Interstate Move & Pivoting her Career

On this week's Military Life podcast episode, I speak with Siobhan Mullins, Defence Partner and Founder of the Paper Advocate-Simple DIY Divorce Separation Agreements. Siobhan and I speak about; -Her introduction to Defence life, starting a family, and her first interstate move -Learning how to connect and build a support network in a new location -Pivoting her career as a Family Lawyer to work alongside Defence life -Starting her new business and platform, the Paper Advocate -How the Paper Advocate is making separations and divorce simpler -The extra complexities Defence couples face when separating and divorcing -Where couples should start when they have decided to separate -What happens when couples want to move from separation to divorce -How to access the Paper Advocate and other resources Check out the Paper Advocate-Simple DIY Divorce Separation Agreements at the link below; https://paperadvocate.com.au/ [https://paperadvocate.com.au/]

202. DEFGLIS Supporting & Representing Defence Force LGBTI People & Families

On this week's Military Life podcast episode, I speak with Racheal Cosgrove-White Veteran and President of DEFGLIS the Defence LGBTI Information Service. Racheal and I speak about; -Who DEFGLIS is and why such an important organisation exists -Who does DEFGLIS support and represent -How DEFGLIS has changed and evolved over the years -The impact DEFGLIS has had on the lives of LGBTI defence members and their families -Why it is important to have a group like DEFGLIS -The safe and secure space DEFGLIS offers for LGBTI members and their families -Why DEFGLIS are working to stamp out discrimination in the workplace -Some of the ways DEFGLIS have helped change Defence policy & practices -Why it is so important DEFGLIS continue to advocate for policy change & education -The annual events DEFGLIS run to help connect the LGBTI defence community -The impact of not feeling as though you can come to work as your whole self creates -Why feeling misunderstood or unsupported at work leads to a 30% reduction in output, and how that impacts capability -How the LGBTI Defence community can reach out for help and support If you would like to find out more INFO about DEFGLIS or pass on the links to someone who might be interested, there are a few ways to do so; Website- https://www.defglis.com.au/ [https://www.defglis.com.au/] Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/DEFGLIS [https://www.facebook.com/DEFGLIS] Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/defglis/ [https://www.instagram.com/defglis/] Ready to join the ML community? Click through the link to get connected xx www.militarylife.com.au [https://www.militarylife.com.au]

201.A Focus on the Wellbeing of Army Families

On episode 201 of the Military Life Podcast, Chief of Army Australia Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army Kim Felmingham, and I continue our family- focused conversation and speak about; -An update on what Army families have been telling the Chief of Army in 2025. -The importance of the RSM-A also engaging directly with Army families. -The evolution of Army's focus on families over the last 2 years. -An update on the Army Families Handbook and future plans for this important resource. -The Army Partner Support pilot program and plans to expand it in 2026. -What the RSM-A can do in her position to positively impact the experiences of families. -The importance of the consistent improvement of support and services for families. -Simple changes with big impact and how families can contribute to solutions. -We discuss whether there is room for an Army MakerSpace Initiative adapted for families. -The introduction of the new Army Personnel Support Unit (APSU). -Exciting changes ahead for the 2026 Chief of Army Symposium (family-related hint hint). -An update on changes to the Partner Employment Assistance Program and why the Chief of Army is determined to ensure the whole community has equal access. Check out the Army Families Handbook and the Army Families Newsletter via the link below https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/family-support [https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/family-support] Ready to join the Military Life Community? Click through the link to get connected xx www.militarylife.com.au

200.ADF Grants & Entitlements when Buying a Home

So, you've decided that now is the right time to start saving for or look at buying a house....yay, go you! If you're like me, you have so many questions (so many) and need answers STAT about the potential homebuyer grants, and ADF schemes and entitlements you and your military member may be able to apply for. But…. those answers need to be explained in plain old non-military speak, which is why Defence Bank's Regional Manager for Lending Distribution, Ashley Wills, and I talk you through ALL.THE.THINGS when it comes to saving for and buying a house. In this episode, Ashley and I talk about; -First steps once you decide to save for a house -Personal debts and how they can impact your borrowing power -Which Home Buyer Grants and ADF schemes, and entitlements you may be eligible for -DHOAS (Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme) explained -HPAS (Home Purchase Assistance Scheme) explained -HPSEA (Home Purchase or Sale Expenses Allowance) explained -The newly expanded Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme explained -The First Home Owner Grant and Super Saver Scheme explained -What is stamp duty, and the available concessions -How to factor in Interest rates and understand what you can borrow -Getting preapproval and why organising Power of Attorney is useful for Defence families For even more information and to check your eligibility for any of the grants, schemes and entitlements discussed in this podcast episode, click through the links below or get in contact with Defence Bank to talk about all of the above in more detail on 1800 033 139 or visit the website www.defencebank.com.au [http://www.defencebank.com.au] DHOAS- https://www.dhoas.gov.au/ [https://www.dhoas.gov.au/] HPAS- https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/buying-or-selling-home [https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/buying-or-selling-home] HPSEA- https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/selling-or-buying-home-using-home-purchase-or-sale-expenses-allowance-hpsea [https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/selling-or-buying-home-using-home-purchase-or-sale-expenses-allowance-hpsea] 5% Deposit Scheme- https://www.housingaustralia.gov.au/ [https://www.housingaustralia.gov.au/] First Home Owner Grant- https://www.firsthome.gov.au/ [https://www.firsthome.gov.au/] First Home Super Saver Scheme- https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/super-for-individuals-and-families/super/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/early-access-to-super/first-home-super-saver-scheme [https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/super-for-individuals-and-families/super/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/early-access-to-super/first-home-super-saver-scheme] Home Loan Borrowing Power Calculator- https://www.defencebank.com.au/tools-and-advice/calculators/home-loan-borrowing-power-calculator/ [https://www.defencebank.com.au/tools-and-advice/calculators/home-loan-borrowing-power-calculator/] Home Loan Repayments Calculator- https://www.defencebank.com.au/tools-and-advice/calculators/home-loan-repayments-calculator/ [https://www.defencebank.com.au/tools-and-advice/calculators/home-loan-repayments-calculator/] Stamp Duty Calculator- https://www.defencebank.com.au/tools-and-advice/calculators/stamp-duty-calculator/ [https://www.defencebank.com.au/tools-and-advice/calculators/stamp-duty-calculator/]

199.Overseas Posting Update with Nicole PART TWO

On this week's Military Life podcast episode, Defence Partner Nicole, who is currently posted in the USA with her ADF member and two children, comes back on the podcast (for PART TWO) to give us an update and answer more of our overseas posting questions. Listen in to last week's episode for Part One of my chat with Nicole. If you would like to listen to my first episode with Nicole on the topic of overseas postings, where we discussed preparing for an overseas posting, arriving, and settling in, check out episode 173.