Media
Media Inquiries should be directed to the DFA National Convenor, Julie Blackburn on 1800 100 509 or convenor@dfa.org.au.
Launch of the ADF Family Covenant
ADF Helps with Victorian Bush Fires
Launch for the ADF Family Survey
Defence High School Trade Scholarships
Defence Attitude Survey Findings
Defence Families Take Their Message to Canberra
DFA Contribute to the Australian War Memorial
Launch of the ADF Family Covenant
May 09 at Duntroon, Royal Military College. The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC and DFA National Convenor, Nicole Quinn help launch the ADF Family Covenant.
The National Families Week event in Canberra this year was a great success, but in addition to mainstays like the sausage sizzle and jumping castles, the event had a particularly special element. The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC, took the opportunity to formally launch the Australian Defence Force Family Covenant.
The Covenant is a great initiative for the ADF. Sponsored by CDF and arranged in consultation with all three Service Chiefs, DCO and Defence Families of Australia, the Covenant articulates to ADF families how much their contribution is valued, and highlights to the Defence organisation just how important families are in the pursuit of our shared goals. The acknowledgement offered by the Covenant comes from the very highest level within Defence.
In his speech at the National Families Week event, CDF spoke about the ADF’s high operational tempo and the commitment that this tempo demands, not only of the ADF members but also of their families. Maintaining our tempo would not be possible if the ADF members did not have the support of their families. This makes families among the most crucial enablers of the ADF, and an acknowledgement of this is well overdue.
The Covenant, as the name would suggest, is not just a statement of acknowledgement and thanks, important though that acknowledgement is. It is a commitment from Defence to ADF families to continue to work and consult with them, to listen to the concerns they raise and to do whatever is possible to help them balance the demands of Service life with the needs of the family.
There are three copies of the signed Covenant. One is to be held by DGDCO. One will be kept by DFA. And the original is going to hang on the wall of CDF’s office. When Air Chief Marshal Houston’s tenure as CDF ends, this Covenant will be passed on to the next CDF, to ensure that the commitment to families remains in the forefront of the minds of all who hold that office.
Click here to read and download the A4 version of the ADF Family Covenant
Going Solo DVD
DFA assisted in compiling this great new resource for Defence families with the Defence Community Organisation. Previewed recently in Defence Family Matters this DVD is an informative guide for when your partner is away from home. To receive a copy email project Manager Joan Gilbert by clicking here
11th February 2009
Defence Support in Victorian Bushfires
Defence’s contribution to the continuing bushfire crisis in Victoria has expanded to approximately 300 personnel engaged in providing specialist and emergency support to government agencies with a further 140 personnel in the area on stand-by.
To assist government agencies with the Bushfire Crisis response and Defence’s support, the ADF has established a Victorian-based Joint Task Force (JTF) under the command of Brigadier Michael Arnold, the Commander of the Army’s 4th Brigade.
This JTF includes full-time and reserve Defence members, primarily from the Army’s 4 Brigade. Major contributing Units include the 4 Combat Engineer Regiment, 22 Construction Regiment, 4 Combat Service Support Battalion, 108 Signals Squadron and 4/19 Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment.
The JTF is currently operating in nine locations throughout the affected areas.
An Engineer Support Group that now consists of about 70 personnel, including 7 heavy plant machines, two chainsaw sections and logistics support is assisting with fire containment measures, re-opening of roads and fire fighting measures around the Victorian town of Yea.
A Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion aircraft will assist in the search for households affected by the fires in remote areas.
The Army is providing a variety of plant equipment which will operate in the Yea region including: a grader, two heavy bulldozers, two medium bulldozers, a light bulldozer and a front-end loader. Four Armoured Personnel Carriers fitted with communication and emergency evacuation capabilities have also deployed into Yea to assist the military engineers. Other military vehicles including trucks and four-wheel-drives are being made available to assist in rugged locations.
A Search Task Group comprising around 160 Reserve soldiers is headquartered in Kilmore. This manpower is providing four search teams to assist the emergency management agencies searching through rough terrain on foot near Traralgon, St Andrews, Flowerdale and Yarra Glen. Soldiers are well briefed and equipped to conduct this type of activity.
The bushfire emergency in Victoria has affected a large part of the state. Members of the public seeking further information can refer to the following sources:
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Victoria Bushfire Information Line 1800 240 667 and website: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/incidents/incident_updates.htm
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Red Cross Family Reunification Line: 1800 727 077
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National Welfare Coordination Centre: 1800 801 026
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Defence Community Organisation:
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Melbourne (incorporating MacLeod and RAAF Williams): 03 9282 3028
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Frankston/Sale: 03 9783 9344
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Puckapunyal: 03 5735 7731
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Albury/Wodonga: 02 6055 2130
A number of appeals have commenced for donations:
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Victorian bushfires 2009 - Appeal: 1800 811 700. A Red Cross, Victorian and Federal Government joint appeal.
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The Salvation Army’s Victorian Bushfire Appeal: 13 SALVOS (137258) or by going online to: www.salvationarmy.org.au/donations.
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The Department of Human Services www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency/ and then click on bushfire assistance for a link to financial and practical assistance for those affected.
The Defence Community Organisation (DCO) will be providing support to Defence families affected by the bushfire, and you can contact DCO through National Welfare Coordination Centre or directly through your local DCO office.
Please Update Your Details
During the posting cycle we wish you lots of energy with moving and safe travels to your new home. When you have settled in, please email us to update your personal details to receive information about your new posting locality
November 27th 2008
Scouting for Defence Families
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
October 30th 2008
Launch of the ADF Family Survey
Oct 30 at Gallipoli Barracks The Hon. Warren Snowdon and DFA National Delegate Kym McKay and family help launch the ADF Family Survey
THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Thursday, 30 October 2008 160/2008 THE FIRST NATIONAL ADF FAMILIES SURVEY LAUNCHED 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. "Defence has a wealth of information about how military service may affect families, but this is based on information gained from serving ADF members rather than obtained directly from their families," Mr Snowdon said. "The ADF Families Survey is the first of its kind in Defence and it offers a real opportunity for families to share their thoughts on a range of issues such as frequent relocations on posting, separation due to deployments and children's education. "Information from the survey will help improve existing family support programs and policies and give Defence a better understanding of the significant role that families play in the recruitment and retention of ADF members." Mr Snowdon said that it was important for Defence to take an evidence-based approach when developing conditions of service and employment packages that seek to meet the needs of ADF members and their families. "I encourage all ADF families to take part in the survey and help enhance the quality of life for the whole Defence community." Defence Families Australia (DFA) also welcomed the survey. "It is extremely positive that Defence is formally examining the issues concerning ADF families, and I urge everyone who is eligible to take advantage of the opportunity," said Nicole Quinn, DFA National Convenor. The ADF Families Survey has been mailed to a range of participants, including spouses and partners of full-time ADF members, couples where both parties are full-time ADF members, and full-time members who are single parents.
Completed surveys must be returned by 19 December 2008. |
Please take time to participate in the online survey by clicking here.
October 29th 2008
Defence Announces New Trade Scholarships
Australia is experiencing a critical skilled technical tradespeople shortage across all areas of industry. The Government has recognised this shortage and is seeking resolution through initiatives within Government, industry and educational bodies to increase the numbers of skilled tradespeople through training.
Defence will now offer up to 1500 Defence Technical Scholarships to selected Year 11 and 12 students from 2009. To read more about the DTS click here
October 22nd 2008
Defence Attitude Survey Findings
Ministerial Support & Public Affairs Wednesday, 22 October 2008 343/08 DEFENCE ATTITUDE SURVEY FINDINGS The Department of Defence today released a summary of the latest Defence Attitude Survey findings. The 2007 Summary of Results reflects the views and opinions of a 30 per cent sample of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and Defence civilian employees surveyed late last year. The voluntary survey gives Defence personnel an opportunity to comment candidly on a range of employment-related matters that includes leadership, conditions of service and remuneration, career intentions, wellbeing and family issues. Survey findings highlight perceptions of the positive aspects of working in Defence, as well as areas that may require more attention. The survey results are used as a reference along with other information such as demographic data obtained from the four-yearly Defence Census. This assists Defence in the development of personnel policies and programs to support its military and civilian workforce. Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664 |
To read the actual Defence Attitude Survey findings click here. Refer to page 11 for family specific data.
June 25th 2008
Defence Force Families Take Their Message to Canberra
The Hon. Warren Snowdon MP Minister for Defence Science and Personnel 81/08 Education, housing and spouse employment are key themes at this year’s Defence Families Australia (DFA) Conference. Bringing to Canberra Defence spouses from across the country, the 2008 conference entitled ‘Moving the Modern ADF Family’, will particularly focus on the pressures on ADF families as a result of the current high operational deployment. Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP said he hoped the DFA conference would not only highlight the challenges that ADF partners and children face, but also discuss solutions that best serve the family, as well as the nation. “The work our military does would not be possible without the love and understanding of their families. Retaining our servicemen and women also means supporting their families and children. “This support can be seen in the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme which provides progressively higher home loan subsidies to permanent ADF members who serve beyond the critical departure points of 4, 8 and 12 years. “Starting next week, the scheme represents a significant incentive for ADF members to remain serving and will assist them and their families in the current competitive housing market. “Similarly the Rudd Labor Government has begun to respond to concerns regarding health care, by trialling a free health care model for ADF families in Singelton in NSW, Pilbara in WA, East Sale in Vic, Cairns in Qld and Katherine in the NT. “In other areas too I remain committed to easing stress on our ADF families, and await with interest the conference’s resolutions on such issues as spouse employment, housing relocations, and education. “I also welcome the five newest national delegates into DFA, and look forward over their two year term to hearing ideas from their particular states. The new national DFA delegates are: Kym Mackay - Southern Qld; Penny Davison - Western Australia; Annaliese McCammon - Northern Territory; Trish Richards - Victoria and Tasmania; Brie McNab- Central NSW Media contacts: Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon): 02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689 Nicole Quinn (DFA): 02 6266 2334 or 0410 626 103 Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664 |
To visit Minister Snowdons website click 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.
February 21st 2008
Defence Families of Australia Unveil Memorial Seat & Plaque at Australian War Memorial
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.
The Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel 12/08
The importance, strength, self-reliance and courage of the families of Australian Defence Force members has now been officially recognised at the Australian War Memorial, with the unveiling of a plaque and a garden seat. Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, joined Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, Vice Chief of the Defence Force, the Director of the Australian War Memorial, Mr Steve Gower, and members of Defence Families of Australia in a ceremony at the War Memorial today. “In war and in peace, the men and women of our Australian Defence Force have been supported by their families. The work they do would not be possible without the love and understanding that families give. “Today provides a long overdue opportunity to recognise the families’ contribution,” Mr Snowdon said. “There are many challenges that go with being in the Australian Defence force family. “Our families face frequent relocations, they have to deal with a family member being away from home on training or deployment for weeks or even months at a time – all these factors add up to an increased level of pressure. “We are committed to easing these pressures as much as we can, but the first step is to recognise the contributions of our families,” said Mr Snowdon. The plaque accompanies a bench seat in the War Memorial’s Sculpture Garden. “By establishing this seat here in the sculpture garden we seek to remind the visitors to this place that every person who serves in the Australian Defence Force carries with them the love, the hopes and the fears of a family,” Mr Snowdon said. “We thank these families for their service to our country.” Media contacts: Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon): 02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689 Nicole Quinn (DFA): 02 6266 2334 or 0410 626 103 Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664 |