25/05/2026
June at Kookaburra Retreat
Winter is here, but there's plenty happening at Kookaburra Retreat to keep you warm, connected, and inspired throughout June!
This month we have a great mix of social activities, creative sessions, support programs, and opportunities to connect with others in our community. Whether you're joining us for a craft session, attending a workshop, enjoying a social event, or simply dropping in for a chat, there's something for everyone.
A reminder that our Circle of Security program begins this month, helping parents and carers build stronger relationships with their children. Creche is available for those who require it.
We have weekly fitness starting up on Fridays. We welcome Kelsey from OBOL Fitness who will be running the sessions.
Keep an eye on our page and website for the latest event details, bookings, and updates. We encourage you to book early where required, as places for some activities are limited.
Thank you to all our volunteers, members, and supporters who help make Kookaburra Retreat a welcoming place for defence and civilian families alike. We look forward to seeing you throughout June!
Weekly Programs
☕ Cuppa and Chat – Thursdays and Fridays - 9.30am - 2.30pm – Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at Kooka. Creche available 9.30am – 1.30pm.
🤫 Quiet at Kooka – Mondays 9.30am – 2.30pm – Perfect for those wanting to work or study.
🏋️ Fitness Sessions – Fridays 9.30am – 10.30am $5- Join Kelsey from OBOL Fitness for a fun and welcoming fitness class at Kookaburra Retreat. Suitable for all fitness levels, with no experience necessary. Come along, get moving, and enjoy a supportive fitness session in a friendly environment.
👶 Playgroup – Tuesdays - 9.30am – 11.30am $3 Click Here for Facebook group.
🧑🍼 Kooka Kids Creche – Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays 9.30am – 1.30pm – Our fabulous Nannies will look after your little ones so you can enjoy our programs and activities. $30 for one child. $35 for 2 children.
Monthly Programs and Extras
Circle of Security – Parenting Program - Thursdays 4th , 11th, 18th and 25th – 10am-1pm $5 – Join our supportive Circle of Security Parenting program this June and learn practical ways to strengthen your relationship with your child and better understand their emotional needs.
Designed for parents and carers of children aged 0–12, this evidence-based program will help you build confidence, respond to challenging behaviours, and create stronger emotional connections. ☕ Morning tea provided 🧸 Free creche available for children under 5
SDFA General Meeting – Friday 5thth 11am – Members and interested community members are warmly invited to attend our General Meeting to hear updates, share ideas, and help shape the future of Kooka.
First Friday Club April – 90’s Throwback - Friday 5th - 6.30pm $5 – Dust off your denim, grab your scrunchies, and get ready to rewind to the greatest decade of all! Join us for a fun-filled night of 90s nostalgia featuring: 🎵 Classic 90s hits 🧩 90s trivia and games 📺 Throwback memories 🍭 Retro treats 🏆 Prize for Best Dressed
Whether you were rocking flannel shirts, butterfly clips, cargo pants, or frosted tips, this is your chance to relive the decade that gave us dial-up internet, Tamagotchis, and iconic music! Bring a friend and come along for a relaxed evening of fun, friendship, and plenty of laughs.
Kooka Cruisin’ – Shoalhaven River Cruise – Sunday 14th June 10.45 – Email us to join the waitlist. A relaxing cruise along the beautiful Shoalhaven River – the perfect chance to unwind, connect, and enjoy great company.
Lunch and Laughs – Friday 19th 10.30am – Join us for a relaxed and social morning as we make and share lunch together – a great chance to connect, chat and enjoy a few laughs. Everything is supplied. RSVP essential.
Saturday Night Craft Group - Saturday 20th 6.30pm – Looking for a relaxed environment to catch up on a craft project? Do a craft you have missed from our weekday sessions? Bring along your projects or raid our stash of supplies. If you don't feel like crafting, you are still welcome to come and hang out.
BYO Crafternoon at Kooka – Friday 26th 11.00am – Bring along your current craft project—knitting, crochet, embroidery, scrapbooking, diamond art, colouring, card making, sewing, or whatever you're working on—and enjoy a welcoming space to create alongside others. ☕ Tea and coffee provided 🧁 Light refreshments available
Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just looking for some creative time out, we'd love to have you join us.
Coming up in July and beyond
· FFC July – Op Shop Swap
· FFC Aug – Murder Mystery Night
· Christmas in July Tour – Saturday 11th July 10am-8pm – A full day of fun with 4 stops including Spirit tasting, Chocolate making and Wine tasting.
Tickets on sale soon.
Creche Service Available:
Monday, Thursday and Friday.
Times: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$30 for one child. $35 for 2 children.
CONTACT & CONNECT
Website: www.sdfa.com.au
Follow us on Facebook and Insta for updates and event announcements
Located in the Pavilion next to the FAA Museum just outside of HMAS Albatross. 489A Albatross Rd Nowra Hill NSW 2540
QUICK REMINDERS
Drop-in Welcome: Forgot to RSVP or decided to come on a whim? Not a problem. We welcome drop-ins
Community Support: We're here to help you connect and settle into the Shoalhaven community
Flexible Participation: Join us when you can - we understand military life can be unpredictable
We look forward to seeing you! Whether you're new to the area or a long-time member, there's always a warm welcome waiting for you at Kookaburra Retreat.
Supporting Defence Families in the Shoalhaven Community
Programs receive Defence Community Grant funding from Defence Member and Family Support, a branch of the Commonwealth Department of Defence
