With the end of the 2017-arrival Defence families reaching the six month mark into their RAAF Amberley posting, we spoke to the Phillpotts family, Sergeant Peter Phillpotts, wife Amanda and children Nicholas and Joseph on re-adjusting back to Ipswich life, their support networks and how they cope with the stresses of relocating.
It’s not the first time the Phillpotts have called Ipswich home. Living here for seven years before being posted to Darwin, the family of four are enjoying being back in their Karalee home after four years of Northern Territory heat.
Despite this, the family have still faced the usual challenges of a “new” posting.
With Nicholas and Joseph starting Year 8 and 10 respectively at the start of the year, there were many challenges to overcome – like leaving behind their friends in Darwin and relocating to their fifth school, to differences in curriculum and structure.
Attending West Moreton Anglican College means the boys have access to a Defence Transition Mentor, which has allowed them to settle into the school year a lot easier.
“[Moving back] was a bit stressful, especially the new system with school,” Nicholas said.
“In the academic side of things, it was generally a lot easier in Darwin so there was a bit more effort required by us. The Defence Transition Mentor got us orientated and regularly checks in on us to see if we’re okay. It’s been a great help, especially at the start of the school year, to settle in.”
For Peter and Amanda, things have been a little smoother – as a non-destructive technician in the RAAF, Peter is back working alongside his previous team in Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) while Amanda has reconnected with familiar contacts in her role as a nurse. Four years away from Amberley has meant adjusting to a city that has grown significantly since then.
“Ipswich is a lot bigger since we left, there’s more traffic and from my point of view the Base is a lot larger,” SGT Phillpotts said.
“Defence is like a big family anyway, wherever you go you know someone. Where I’m working now, that’s where I left from last time I was here so I knew all the guys there when I returned.
“Even though the city is being built out, it still feels like the country and is far less busy than Brisbane.. yet everything is still quite close.”
Both Peter and Amanda stressed that they couldn’t have relocated without the help of the Defence support services available.
“There is support out there for people who struggle with their transition,” Amanda said.
“One example is the ability to access kids psychology services through Defence, who are then able to refer you to private psychologists whilst taking on the costs involved.”
The Defence Community Organisation is just one of the many support networks the Phillpotts have relied on during Peter’s RAAF career. If you’d like to know more about the services you are entitled to as a Defence personnel, partner or family, visit www.defence.gov.au/DCO/Community/Amberley-Ipswich.
