Healthy Relationships

Developing and maintaining relationships is a life-long commitment.

Even those who have been taught how to manage and sustain healthy positive relationships have difficulties from time to time. Relationships demand many things of us and as we grow these demands change and we need to be willing to change with them. The Defence lifestyle can provide further challenges to a relationship, thus it is necessary to ensure that friendship and positivity within the relationship maintains priority.

There are many ways to improve relationships. Defence Partners can read self-help books, talk to friends and family, seek professional help and attend courses.

Defence Programs

The Defence Community Organisation (DCO) run sessions and workshops on various relationship topics including dealing with absence.

Defence Partners can talk to DCO Family Liaision Officers or Social Workers to recieve individual counselling or attend group programs.

Chaplains also offer good programs to assist with building strong relationships.

Call the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 for more information or email DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au for a response within 24 hours. Contact the Defence Chaplain in your location. Keep an eye on the My Calendar Section for upcoming events in your location.

Veteran and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS)

ADF members who have served in eligible overseas operations may be referred to the VVCS by their health unit or chain of command.

Families and recently separated partners of eligible members can contact VVCS without a referral for assistance with counselling or a range of relationship issues. Group programs include a five day residential program designed for couples to attend together.

Counselling and group programs are fully funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Relationships Australia

Relationships Australia is an excellent source of advice and provider of courses on building better relationships, coping with children, remote relationships, relationship breakdown and stepfamilies.

Relationships Australia is a private provider which receives some government funding. There may be fees involved with attending courses.

Download Guides from the Relationships Australia website such as A Partner’s Guide to Successful Relationships and Renovate your Relationship: a Manual for Men.

Family Relationships Australia

Family Relationships Australia is a Federal Government initiative that aims to provide families with information to improve relationships or cope with separation.

There is a network of Family Relationship Centres in each state, a phone counselling line and online resources on relationship topics.

Families can also learn about family law issues and be referred to the centres for dispute resolution services.