The Top Ender Tri-Services Magazine

The Top Ender Tri-Services Magazine A magazine keeping all NT Defence members and their families connected. We aim to inform, entertain and support the local defence community.

The magazine is a not-for-profit publication run by defence families for the Top End's Army, Air Force, Navy and Reservist community. The magazine has three casual employees and is steered by a committee of volunteers. We are supported by the Department of Defence and the Defence Community Organisation. We welcome submissions such as photos, articles and letters and encourage involvement in the magazine either through contributing to its content or behind-the-scenes in the day-to-day running.

Battle of Mouquet Farm | 8 August – 3 September 1916Following the capture of Pozières, Australian troops launched nine a...
26/08/2026

Battle of Mouquet Farm | 8 August – 3 September 1916

Following the capture of Pozières, Australian troops launched nine attacks on the heavily defended Mouquet Farm between 8 August and 3 September 1916.

The fighting was fierce, with the 1st, 2nd and 4th Australian Divisions suffering around 11,000 casualties.

More than a century later, we remember the courage and sacrifice of those who fought on the Western Front.

🌺 Read more on page 12 of The Top Ender Magazine.

Timor-Leste Navy Personnel Experience the Top EndFour members of the Naval Component of the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F...
25/08/2026

Timor-Leste Navy Personnel Experience the Top End

Four members of the Naval Component of the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) recently spent two weeks in sunny Darwin, joining their Australian counterparts at HMAS Coonawarra as part of an exchange program.

The placement provided an opportunity to share skills, experiences and knowledge, while strengthening the longstanding relationship between the Australian and Timor-Leste militaries.

During their time in Darwin, the group toured Coonawarra, inspected the newly refurbished facilities, took part in local Anzac Day commemorations and connected with their Australian counterparts.

And it wasn’t all work! 🌿 The team also had the chance to explore some of the Top End, including Berry Springs Nature Park and the Darwin Museum.

With the Defence Cooperation Program with Timor-Leste operating since 2001, these regular placements are an important part of building relationships, mutual understanding and cooperation between our two countries.

📖 Read the full story now on page 33 of The Top Ender!

💚 Improve your wellbeing, your way with RSL BeNot sure where to start when it comes to your health and wellbeing? RSL Be...
24/08/2026

💚 Improve your wellbeing, your way with RSL Be

Not sure where to start when it comes to your health and wellbeing? RSL Be is a free online program designed specifically for veterans, helping you take practical steps towards a healthier body, mindset and relationships.

Developed by RSL Queensland in partnership with Gallipoli Medical Research, the program offers evidence-informed tools, tips and resources across physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing.

From improving sleep and building healthier habits to understanding emotions and finding ways to stay active, you can choose the topics that matter most to you. Each module takes around 20 minutes and can be completed at your own pace, wherever you are.

🌱 Simple. Flexible. Practical. And designed with veterans in mind.

Read more about RSL Be in this edition of The Top Ender, and discover how you can start improving your wellbeing, your way.

🏍️ DEFENCE GETS 20% OFF MXGP! 🏍️That’s right! You can save 20% on 3-Day Hot Passes to the MXGP of Australia, coming to H...
24/08/2026

🏍️ DEFENCE GETS 20% OFF MXGP! 🏍️

That’s right! You can save 20% on 3-Day Hot Passes to the MXGP of Australia, coming to Hidden Valley 18–20 September 2026! 🔥

Get ready for THREE massive days of:
🏁 World-class motocross racing
💨 Massive jumps & high-speed action
🎶 Live entertainment
🐊 Wildlife encounters
🍔 Food, fun & festival vibes

Plus, kids 12 & under get FREE General Admission with a paying adult!

🎟️ Use code DEFENCE20 when booking NOW >mxgpaustralia.com.au

It’s an amazing Defence deal — book now so you don’t miss out!

Huge thanks to Veteran Gaming Australia for sending us such awesome content for both the Wellbeing Guide and August Maga...
21/08/2026

Huge thanks to Veteran Gaming Australia for sending us such awesome content for both the Wellbeing Guide and August Magazine 🎉 have you met Michael yet? He's been running some awesome activities in The Top End for families 😊

A Second Chance 🥇Former Squadron Leader Mark Oksanen faced stage 5 kidney failure, dialysis and a life-changing kidney t...
21/08/2026

A Second Chance 🥇

Former Squadron Leader Mark Oksanen faced stage 5 kidney failure, dialysis and a life-changing kidney transplant.

Just six months later, he was back training — and went on to win three gold medals and set a new javelin record at the World Transplant Games! 🏆

Read Mark’s incredible story on page 32 or on our blog > https://www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/post/mark-oksanen

And if you’re not registered as an organ donor, it only takes a minute. ❤️

🌴 Exploring the Pilbara and Beyond! 🚐Ready for your next family road trip? Kylie Thompson takes us from Karratha to Kalb...
20/08/2026

🌴 Exploring the Pilbara and Beyond! 🚐

Ready for your next family road trip? Kylie Thompson takes us from Karratha to Kalbarri, with stunning gorges, pink lakes, coastal lookouts, camping, and plenty of adventures along the way!

📖 Read the full story on page 20 of The Top Ender, or read it now on our blog >> www.thetopendermagazine.org.au/post/exploring-the-pilbara-and-beyond

🔧 Build a career that keeps Australia connected 🇦🇺Looking for a career that values your Defence experience, skills and c...
19/08/2026

🔧 Build a career that keeps Australia connected 🇦🇺

Looking for a career that values your Defence experience, skills and commitment?

Our advertiser Service Stream understands the unique strengths of Defence families, veterans and reservists. From teamwork and leadership to problem solving and resilience.

As a key Defence Industry Partner, Service Stream supports the essential services Australians rely on every day, while creating meaningful career opportunities across the Northern Territory.

From trades and maintenance to administration, operations, project support and leadership roles, there are opportunities to build a long-term career with a team that values service and community.

📖 Discover more about Service Stream and their commitment to Defence families, veterans and reservists on PAGE 29 of the latest edition.

🌐 Explore current opportunities: servicestream.com.au/defence

Vietnam Veterans’ Day | 18 AugustToday we pause to honour the service and sacrifice of all Australians who served during...
17/08/2026

Vietnam Veterans’ Day | 18 August

Today we pause to honour the service and sacrifice of all Australians who served during the Vietnam War.

Between 1962 and 1973, around 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, including members of the Army, Navy and Air Force. 523 Australians lost their lives and around 2,400 were wounded during the conflict.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day marks the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan (18 August 1966), where 108 Australian and New Zealand soldiers from D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, displayed extraordinary courage, determination and professionalism in one of Australia’s most recognised battles.

Today, we remember not only those who served, but also the challenges many Vietnam veterans faced when they returned home. Their resilience, strength and continued contribution to our nation deserve our deepest respect.

We honour the veterans, their families, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Thank you for your service.
Lest we forget.

📚✨ Raising little bilingual bookworms? This one's for you!For many Defence families, home isn't always where your extend...
17/08/2026

📚✨ Raising little bilingual bookworms? This one's for you!

For many Defence families, home isn't always where your extended family is. ❤️ Keeping language, culture and family connections alive can be one of the biggest challenges of posting and living away.

In our latest edition, meet Debora Oliveira, the mum behind Origins Press, who turned her own journey of raising a bilingual daughter into a beautiful collection of Portuguese-English colouring and tracing books for children.

🖍️ Read her inspiring story on page 45!

🎉 WIN a set of My First Bilingual Books!
If you're a Top End-based Defence family or Veteran you can enter now for your chance to win! T&C Apply, please see the latest edition for details.
👉 Enter here: thetopendermagazine.org.au/win

Tag a friend who would love these books!

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0820

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