Author: defencefamiliesaustralia278598976
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Get to know the Defence family ‘Core Four’
With more than 10,000 different service providers, companies and community groups across Australia supporting the Defence and veteran community, it is not surprising to hear people feel lost navigating the Defence family support system. Regardless of where you are in your Defence family journey – whether you have just enlisted or completed training, are moving…
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Defence need to take a people-centric approach
As the Department of Defence undergo significant reform and restructure, there are understandably aspects of ‘old ways of working’ that come up as not having been administered well. In light of recent news about some marine specialists having to repay any money paid to them incorrectly, DFA are advocating for Defence to take a people-centric…
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Interruptions to local Defence community engagement opportunities
As an independent, government-appointed advisory body, Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is provided administrative support by the Department of Defence. Recently, Defence has rescinded longstanding travel conditions for the DFA team. This means local travel within a DFA National Delegate’s region, which comprises between 4,000 to 25,000 ADF families and stakeholders, is no longer supported.…
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Lessons learned as the inaugural Defence Family Advocate
An opinion piece by Sandi Laaksonen-Sherrin, Defence Family Advocate of Australia It has been a great honour and responsibility to be the first Defence Family Advocate of Australia, and the to lead the Defence Families of Australia (DFA) team since 2021. In August 2023, I will be stepping out of this role to welcome my…
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The Cost of Service: The Importance of Supporting Australian Defence Force Families for a Growing Defence Workforce
An opinion piece by Defence Families of Australia Families play a vital role in providing essential social services to society. This is particularly evident in the context of Australian Defence Force (ADF) families. The ADF is a core component of the nation’s security, and the wellbeing of their families is crucial to maintaining a healthy…
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Submission on the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal Inquiry
Document: DFA submission on the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal Inquiry To the Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Matt Keogh MP, Defence Families of Australia (DFA) write in support that the recommendations made by the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal Inquiry into recognition for members and families of Australian…
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‘Taking turns’ the recipe for success for dual-serving couple
A pragmatic approach to raising their young family together and taking it in turns to progress their careers is how dual-serving couple Emma and Sam are managing Defence family life. The couple, who are both in the Navy, met shortly after commencing training almost a decade ago. “As with most Defence relationships, the next few…
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Submission on the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding
Defence Families of Australia (DFA) write in response to the request for submissions for an Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding.
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Focus on Defence family advocacy this National Families Week
The national advisory body for families of current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members has released the latest version of its Advocacy Map highlighting completed and ongoing work in conjunction with National Families Week (15-21 May 2023).
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‘Back in the driver’s seat’: Program empowers Defence families to steer their careers
Participants of a pilot program tailored for immediate family of current and former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members have been left energised and empowered to regain control of their professional futures. Families of ADF members often make career sacrifices to support their loved one’s military service. This is largely attributable to frequent moves due…