Resources
The following organisations work with Defence to assist families:
The Defence Family Helpline
1800 624 608
This is the first point of call for support, information and connection with your Defence community. You can also email the Helpline on memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au and receive a response within 24 hours. This helpline is located within Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) previously DCO, which also offers a broad range of programs and services to help Defence families.
Defence Housing Authority (DHA)
139 342
Provides housing and services for ADF members and families.
Toll Transitions (TOLL)
1800 819 167
Provides moving services for ADF members and their families
Open Arms
1800 011 046
Provides free counselling for veterans and their families.
ADF Family Health Program
1300 561 454
All recognised dependants of full-time ADF members are eligible to register for the National Family Health Program.
1800RESPECT
1800 737 732
Confidential information, counselling and support service for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.
Defence Special Needs Group (DSNG)
A support group for ADF families with special needs.
Defence LGBTI Information Service (DEFGLIS)
Provides supports and represents ADF LGBTI personnel and their families.
Engage Portal
An online portal that current, transitioning, and former ADF members; their families, and/or those involved in their support can use to locate support services.
Chaplains
Provide support to members of the ADF and their families to work through a range of life issues, especially as they apply to military service.
To contact a Chaplain please call the Defence Service Centre on 1800 333 362 and ask for the Duty Chaplain in your area.
ADF Consumer Centre
Provides financial and consumer education service for ADF members and their families.
At Ease – Family (DVA)
DVA’s portal to online mental health information. It provides self-help tools and information to support mental health and wellbeing and is a gateway to websites and free mobile apps about stress, PTSD, alcohol management, resilience and suicide awareness and prevention.
PostingConnect
Defence has developed PostingConnect to guide ADF members and their nominated representative (nominee) through the posting process.
We understand the important role partners, friends and families play supporting members with posting activities. PostingConnect has been designed to allow a nominated representative to access the platform so they can assist with the posting process.
Find out more about PostingConnect by visiting the website. https://ext.defence.gov.au/postingconnect
Early Childhood Defence Programs
The Early Childhood Defence Programs (ECDP) project creates, pilots and evaluates free open access research-based resources and supports for young children and their families, carers and educators to support their understanding and ability to cope with military family life.