Category: Blogs
-
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…
-
Education Resources and Advocacy for Defence Families
*Note: information is current as of August 2023, but as DFA is not the service provider, things like eligibility may change from time to time and families should contact the scheme providers directly. As highlighted in our blog on the DFA Top 5 Advocacy Themes, education is a key area of advocacy for DFA. We…
-
DFA’s Top Five Advocacy Themes
As the official Defence families advisory body to the government, Defence Families of Australia (DFA) have advocacy goals that we work towards. You can view them all in our latest Advocacy Map, which is grouped by themes that reflect the things that affect Defence families most – our Top Five Advocacy Themes. In August 2022, the…
-
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…
-
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…
-
‘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…
-
‘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…
-
Advocacy and Resources for Defence Family Employment
A key area of advocacy for DFA is Defence Family Employment, which is raising awareness of the skills, experience and potential of partners, working aged children, and other immediate Defence family members. DFA also provides advice to dozens of organisations to build their focus and programs in Defence family employment. Families of ADF members are…
-
Growing together as a family of two
Raising a child and serving with the Australian Defence Force are two distinctly life-changing experiences, and doing both as a single parent has its share of additional challenges. For serving member Dee, raising eight-year old Ryan and navigating her own 18-year career with the Navy has been a balancing act. “There have been hard times,…
-
A taste of adventure for Townsville family
A little misunderstanding online over 10 years ago marked the start of an exciting journey for Defence family Gabby and Adam. When Mexican-American Gabby saw Adam’s online profile location as being in SA, she thought he was in San Antonio, Texas. As the couple continued to get to know each other (and established that Adam…