The Alliance (ADSO) is the Defence Family’s advocate to governments, parliaments and the Australian people. It’s role is to care for the well-being of the Defence Family and protect their service entitlements.
Defence Community Dogs provides highly trained Assistance Dogs to Australian Defence Force Veterans. Trained in specific tasks to support mood, depressive and anxiety disorders including PTSD. The dogs who graduate from our program help Veterans to rebuild their lives – and literally save their lives. Watch the video to meet Mick and Lola and see […]
Dear members and friends, Since the last newsletter, there has been a steady flow of activity in the Defence and veteran community space that has kept DFWA National busy.Despite Covid-19 restrictions across much of the east coast, the work goes on. Like many organisations, DFWA is embracing technology to ensure that business continues—at […]
Many parents will undoubtedly know at least something about the Australian CurriculumAssessment and Reporting Authority. It is instituted to ‘….inspire improvement in thelearning of all young Australians through world-class curriculum, assessment and reporting’. But what is ‘world class’ about the Authority looking for a fight? Veterans and many other Australians are curious about why there […]
More than 720 events that focus on veteran wellbeing will kick off across Australia on 16 October as part of our country’s largest Veterans’ Health Week to date. The Australian Government has provided a record $540,000 funding for Veterans’ Health Week activities that focus on enhancing the overall health of our veterans and their families. […]
The Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) welcomes the release of the fourthAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Report on suicide amongmembers of the ADF and Veteran communities. It is timely. In speaking on behalf of DFWA, its National President, Mr Kel Ryan, said that the report is a salutary reminder that we all must […]
The Australian Government has today received a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) into the rate of suicide among serving and former-serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Report outlines that of the almost 373,500 men and women who have served over the past 36 years, tragically 1,273 have taken their […]
Bases across Australia are set to host a larger contingent of US troops and military equipment as part of a new deal struck between the nations. Minister for Defence Peter Dutton and Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne have confirmed plans to bolster the United States’ military presence in Australia after meeting with Secretary of State […]
The announcements of Australia’s new security partnership with the United States and United Kingdom, and that we will be working with them to build nuclear-powered (not nuclear armed) submarines in Australia, is the most important defence initiative of our time. We know that the security outlook in our region is changing quickly. We owe it […]
To the veterans and members of the Australian Defence Force, families, friends, and others in the wider Defence community who have engaged with my work. I am writing to let you know that my appointment as the interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention concludes today. It has been my very great privilege […]
ANNOUNCING the SAS will from now be commanded by a full colonel delivered an unintended insult to every serving Australian lieutenant colonel. Read More
You would no doubt be aware that the AWM is undertaking a significant development. Details can be found here, including a fly-through video https://www.awm.gov.au/ourcontinuingstory/ourplans You are encouraged to participate in the public consultation process being run by the National Capital AuthorityNCA-public-consultation-letter-FINAL3-1Download It is important that as many veteran and ex-services voices are heard as part of […]
Commentary: Whatever Floats Your Boat
I see no ships but hardships. Sail on! Finally, some sense on subs | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)