Volunteering for Defence Families of Australia
DFA relies on the generosity of Defence spouses to offer their time to support the Defence community through DFA. Volunteering for DFA is a valuable and rewarding experience and makes a huge difference to improving the conditions of our unique lifestyle and our Defence community in turn.
Mobility means that DFA has a regular turnover of volunteers as families post in and out of locations. Living the lifestyle, spouses are well placed to represent other families from all over Australia.
We welcome applications from all spouses in our Defence community, and encourage you to volunteer to gain invaluable experience in this Ministerially appointed role, which brings you to Canberra twice a year for training & the DFA National Conference where you have an opportunity to represent your family.
Read more about the origins of DFA by clicking here
2 Positions Currently Vacant
National Communications Officer
The National Communications Officer is a Canberra based position for a partner of a current serving member of the Australian Defence Force. The Communications Officer is selected by the Convener, and appointed by the Minister responsible for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science.
The National Communications Officer works a dedicated day each week in the Canberra office and plays an integral role in helping DFA achieve its primary aim of increasing effective communications in the wider Defence community.
The National Communications Officer is responsible for disseminating information on DFA activities and Defence information relating to Defence families to local service newsletters, organisations and appropriate Defence related publications and their web sites.
They also play an active role in drafting and promulgating DFA web site content, so previous experience in this area is most desirable. Additional training and future professional development in this field will be provided to the successful applicant. Web managing aspect of this role also requires a few hours week
The National Communications Officer is part of the DFA Executive and as such actively participates in decision making and contributes to discussions and submissions on DFA activities and initiatives. The Communications Officer also supports the National Convenor, National Policy Officer and the ACT National Delegate representing DFA at meetings and briefings as needed.
A requirement of the role is excellent writing and computing skills to assist with achieving the dynamic demands of this exciting job including twice yearly participation in a DFA professional development training week and conference
For further enquires and an information pack please contact Emma Ward on (02) 6266 2768 or email Emma.Ward@defence.gov.au.
National Delegate for North Queesland
National Delegate’s act as an official spokesperson for Defence Families of Australia. ND’s also representative all families in their region by developing and maintaining excellent working relationships with local Command, Chaplains, Regional Managers of DCO, DHA, TOLL, Defence Relocation & Housing Managers and any integral Defence community groups. This includes attending consortium or stakeholder meetings at least once a quarter for each.
If you would like to know more about becoming a voluntary National Delegate firstly please read the selection criteria and duties for this unique Ministerially appointed role. For more information also read the section below on National Delegates or you can contact us on Ph: 1800 509 100.
If you are still interested in applying after reviewing ND duty statement please address the selection criteria and attach your resume and email us
National Delegates (ND)
National Delegates are selected by the Convenor and members of the National Executive, and appointed by the Minister responsible for Defence Personnel, Materiel & Science. We have nine National Delegates in regions across Australia.
Have a read about the spouses who currently volunteer on Our Executive
National Delegates are partners of current full time serving members of the Australian Defence Force; have prior involvement with the DFA and/or knowledge, empathy and understanding of Defence families. Delegates liaise with local DFA members, Base Commanders, Managers and staff of DHA, DCO, Toll Transitions and Defence.
National Delegates develop and maintain excellent working relationships with Regional Managers of DHA, DCO, Defence support services, Toll Transitions, Commanding Officers/Units in each region and family groups. They also hold regional meetings before and after the DFA Annual Conference, prepare submissions on current issues as required; and provide feedback to the Convenor on local and national issues.
For more information on becoming a National Delegate see the Selection Criteria and Duties from our Operating Guidelines.
Click here to download DFA National Delegate Duties
Senior Representatives (SR)
DFA tries to have a Senior Representatives on all bases in Australia. Senior Representatives are partners of current full time serving members of the Australian Defence Force. They are selected by the National Delegate and the National Convenor.
Senior representatives are in regular contact with DFA Family Network Members. They provide feedback to the National Delegate and Convenor on local issues and concerns that families have raised ensuring confidentiality and privacy of individual families. They advise families on the processes for making formal complaints, keep families informed of DFA activities, refer families to the appropriate person within the Defence organisation and attend regional meetings with the National Delegate. Senior Representatives in Very Remote Localities may also need to attend an annual workshop in Darwin to specifically discuss very remote localities and their effect on families.
For more information on becoming a Senior Representative see the Selection Criteria and Duties from our Operating Guidelines.
Click here to download DFA Senior Representative Duties 07 PDF
Project work
There may be some scope to help DFA using your specific skills. This could involve developing and implementing short projects which could help DFA or families on a particular issue or program. For example if you have a strong background in education and policy, you may offer to volunteer your input in the preparation of a DFA submission on consistency to a national curriculum. You may be a professional trainer and could offer to volunteer to train other DFA volunteers in certain skills.
DFA Family Network Members (FNM)
When you register on our website you automatically become a DFA family network member. FNMs can contribute to policy discussion relating to families at any time by leaving feedback on our website or by discussing issues with your National Delegate or our National Convenor. By becoming a family network member and leaving your feedback DFA is better able to represent the diverse and challenges facing a modern Australian Defence Force Family. Register now or Contact Us
If you are interested in volunteering for DFA in your area, please contact your local National Delegate or email families@dfa.org.au