DFA in the News
DFA Sponsored by Clive Peeters
DFA National Delegate Training
Scouting for ADF Families Program
National Defence Family Survey
DFA Seat at the Australian War Memorial
February 17th 2009
Clive Peeters Supports Defence Families
DFA was very grateful for the wonderful sponsorship of Clive Peeters, whom kindly donated 2% of their December sales to the organisation. Nicole Quinn, National Convenor, thanked Chris McLeod of Clive Peeters, Chris Hamilton of Frontline & Barnie VanWyck of RANCCF "for your continued support of DFA's aims to improve the quality of life for all ADF families, by making it possible for us to continue our web site development into the new year" The sum of $4425 will be utilised for maintaining DFA's growing web portal for providing Defence families a consolidated and concise information tool to enhance their lives.
Click here to view the Clive Peeters site which has a Defence Discount Plan
Check out the RANCCF web site containing lots of great specials, click here
Go to the Frontline web site by clicking here and learn about your benefits
February 16th - 20th 2009
DFA National Delegates Training 09
In recognition of the hard work DFA National Delegates dedicate throughout the year as volunteers, Defence Families of Australia, due to the generous support (through People Strategies & Policy Group) of Head People Capability, Major General Craig W. Orme, AM, CSC, bring the ND's to Canberra in February each year for professional training.
The theme of 09 training week was 'Bereavement Support' where DFA worked with other service providers in this area, such as DCO, NWCC, SASA, DFWA, DVA, TSS, RSL, ADFFSCC, IWG & Centrelink with the goal of improving the processes involved with supporting and administrating widowed partners.
This year DFA attended Canberra University to participate in an excellent professional management program "Confident Communicating" by Professor Anne Villers pictured above with DFA Executive - from left to right - Kym McKay (VIC & TAS), Nicole Quinn (National Convenor), Penny Davison (Nth QLD), Rowena Jimmieson (SA), Cath Scott (Communications), Julie Blackburn (ACT), Prof Anne Villers, Nicole Dooley ( Sth QLD), Julie Dryden (Central NSW), Annaliese McCammon (NT)
27th November 2008
Scouting for ADF Families Program
A new partnership has been formed between Defence Families of Australia (DFA) and Scouts Australia outlining a commitment to work together to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) families and the unique challenges of high mobility and long periods of absent from home. It involves waiving rejoining fees for mid-year transfers of ADF children, facilitating education presentations by the DFA Convenor and National delegates to Scout Groups/Leaders and a general education awareness campaign.
Another key part of this program is the issuing of the Defence Scouting Badge - a badge that can be earned by all Scouts, across Australia, and will have the Tri-service logo on (approved by VCDF through HPC's recommendation). It is hoped the creation of this badge will increase the awareness of Defence and their families to the wider community. To read more & view photos click here
30 October 2008
Sth Qld National Delegate Kym McKay & family launch ADF Family Survey with Minister Snowdon
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, formally launched the ADF Families Survey today at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane.
The survey invites spouses and partners of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members to provide feedback about how service life impacts on their family needs, and how they view the range of family support services offered by Defence. Please take time to participate in the survey by clicking here.
21 February 2008
Defence Families of Australia Unveil Memorial Seat & Plaque at Australian War Memorial
Media release: Contribution of Defence Families Recognised at War Memorial, The Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
20 February 2008
Media release: Defence Families Recognised
Defence Families of Australia was proud to make possible the inclusion of a family seat, set in the beautiful grounds of the Australian War Memorial today.
The functional seat (under a shady tree) and plaque are a symbol of the contribution that Defence families have made to our nation by supporting the Defence Member throughout ADF history.
Hosting the event was DFA National Convenor, Nicole Quinn whom was joined by Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, AO, DSC, CSM, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, the Director of the Australian War Memorial, Mr Steve Gower, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders, and all members of the DFA National Executive.
Also attending the event were respresentatives from all the organisations, stakeholders and departments that support Defence families - National Welfare Coordination Centre, Defence Community Organisation, Defence Special Needs Support Group, Personnel Executive, Defence Family Matters, Royal Australian Navy Central Canteen Fund, Army Relief Trust Fund, Returned & Services League, Defence Force Welfare Association to name a few.
Chester Ward, son of Emma Ward (DFA Administration Officer) and WGCDR Christopher Ward (East Timor 00, Iraq 02 & 06) read a poem that he wrote about being part of a Defence family, which you can read by clicking here.
May 18th 2008
The War on the Home Front
Frank Walker of the Sun Herald writes about how Defence families cope at home when their partners are 'absent from home'. Click here to read the great article.
