Tips

Parenting at Home and Away

DCO launched a new guide written by an early childhood expert to help parents of young children prepare children for Defence life. Call the DCO Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 for your copy.

Permission to Inquire About Member Pay Records

Defence has created a process where partners can be granted access to Privacy Act protected records, such as a member's pay, for a period of up to 12 months. The member must complete a Permission to Inquire (Form AD214) from Webforms or a Defence Service Centre (DSC) and fax it to the DSC on 02 6455 1200. Families can then access pay information by calling 1800 DEFENCE.

Appointing an Agent during Periods of Deployment

The DHA Appointment of Agent form is required if the serving member who is nominated on the lease with DHA would like to nominate their partner or family member to act as an agent on their behalf. The agent can accept and vacate a service residence in the absence of the serving member. They are also able to request ongoing maintenance works to be conducted at the property. This form must be completed and returned to your local DHA Housing Management Centre prior to agent's approval being provided for that nominated family member.

Mental Health Tips from DCO

Be good to yourself - Make time regularly to do something nurturing - take a long bath, cook a special dish, or hire a babysitter and go out for a night with friends. Don't forget to give yourself credit for dealing with things as well as you have. Set yourself just once task a day and be satisfied with its completion.

Stay healthy and happy - Take good care of yourself. Exercise regularly , eat right and get enough sleep. Learn how to relax and manage stress.Get a massage, join a yoga or sports group. Don't turn to alcohol and other drugs for stress reduction. Source a natural therapist to maintain your equilibrium.

Stay positive - It's easy to see the negative side of a family member being away, but seeing the positive side has many more rewards. Find another military spouse who is alone to share activities and thoughts with. Spend time with upbeat friends - and try to be positive. Think of separation as a chance to grow.

Stay busy - Time passes much more quickly when you're busy. Try to see separation as a time to learn something new. Maybe you could take those TAFE courses you've always promised yourself. You could learn new job skills or volunteer for a support organisation.

Do something fun and exciting - Spend time each week doing something out of the routine. Go to the movies, the library or to the beach. Try to avoid sitting home feeling sorry for yourself.

Remember there is always someone to talk to 24 hours 7 days at the DCO Defence Family Helpline. Call 1800 624 608.

Further information about deployment or time away is also available on the Defence Health Service Internet

The Defence Mental Health Strategy website on the Internet is also a valuable source of information to assist members and families before, during and after time away.

For information about current Australian Defence Force Operations visit the Defence Global Operations webpage.