News & Updates - 2023
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| 14 December Meet the latest graduates of the Defence Community Dogs program Defence Community Dogs conducted its latest graduation ceremony at the Honour House at the Bathurst Correctional Centre, NSW on 23 October 2023. This activity marks the transfer of the DCD assistance dogs from their inmate trainers to ADF veterans. |
| 14 December Navy Victoria Network's DECEMBER HERO  Vice
Admiral Sir John Augustine COLLINS KBE CBJohn Collins was among Australia's most well-known Naval Officers of the Second World War. Born on 7 January 1899 at Deloraine, Tasmania, he joined the first class of cadets at the Royal Australian Naval College, Geelong, in 1913. He graduated as a Midshipman in January 1917 and went on to serve with the British Grand Fleet, operating out of Scapa Flow, during the First World War. His first ship was HMS Canada and he later joined HMS Spencer as Gun Control Officer with the rank of Sub-Lieutenant. Collins was attending gunnery school when the First World War ended and returned to Australia in 1921, joining HMAS Melbourne. He attended several gunnery courses in England as well as qualifying as a deep-sea diver. In 1928 Collins became Gunnery Officer on HMAS Australia with the rank of Lieutenant Commander, then returned once more to Australia where he was given command of HMAS Anzac. In June he was promoted to Commander. In 1932 he attended the Naval Staff College at Greenwich and the following year began work as a commander in the Admiralty's Plans Division. Three years as Executive Officer on HMAS Sydney followed. When the Second World War began, Collins was given command of HMAS Sydney and sailed for the Mediterranean. A skilled and respected captain, Collins was also a humane man. Having once sunk an Italian destroyer, he lingered to rescue survivors despite the submarine threat, leaving a cutter and provisions when finally forced to leave. His most conspicuous success, however, was the sinking of the Italian cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni in July 1940. Collins became a National hero and was to wear that mantle for the remainder of his life. Continue reading this fascinating story at: https://navyvic.net/heroes/collins.html |
01 December Applications
for Veteran Wellbeing Grants now open!Ex-service organisations (ESOs) and the community groups they support can now apply for funding opportunities under the Veteran Wellbeing Grants (VWG) program. The VWG program funds sustainable community-based projects and activities provided by eligible ESOs to benefit the health and wellbeing of veterans and families. The 2023–2024 round has $3.777 million in Government funding available for projects and activities that aim to: More..... |
| 01 DecemberLaunch
of Defence family and domestic violence prevention and
response strategy The government has released the Defence Strategy for Preventing and Responding to Family and Domestic Violence 2023–2028. Family and domestic violence is incompatible with Defence’s values and behaviours of service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence, and to include and value others. Australian Defence values are about having the courage and integrity to do what is needed, to do what is right. More..... |
| 21 NovemberMajor
funding boost for veteran services and support The Government is further delivering on our commitment to improve access to services and supports for veterans and their families. Today I’m proud to announce that almost $17 million will go towards improving veteran and families services, supports and coordination where they’re needed most. The Veteran Wellbeing Grants One-Off Program was established to complement and build on the Government’s existing Veterans’ & Families’ Hub program, in support of large scale projects that will benefit the health and wellbeing of veterans and families. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has made it clear there is no time to waste in improving services and supports to the veteran community. More..... |
| 01 NovemberVeterans
to receive better access to a GP The Government is committed to ensuring the veteran community is provided with the best possible services and supports. With increasing costs of living and rising costs for business, the veteran community has told us they are finding it harder to find GPs who will treat them without out of pocket costs. That changes today. From today it will be easier to access a GP for more than 276,000 Australian veterans. In line with the tripling of the bill billing incentive, the Government is investing $33.3 million to triple the Veteran Access Payment (VAP) for certain GP services. More.... |
| 08 OctoberGet
involved this Veterans’ Health Week Today marks the beginning of Veterans’ Health Week 2023, an opportunity for the veteran community to renew their focus on improving, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Through partnering with ex-service and other community organisations, the Australian Government is supporting events and activities all over the country that shine a light on improving the wellbeing of the veteran community. This year’s theme is Mental Wellness Matters. Improving the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and families and reducing the risk of suicide is a key priority of the Australian Government. More..... |
| 07 AugustConsultation
on new mental health and wellbeing strategy underway The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has made it abundantly clear that more needs to be done to support the mental health and wellbeing of Defence personnel, veterans and families. We’re taking action. Today I hosted a round-table meeting with mental health experts to hear their professional perspectives on the practical steps we need to take to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the broad Defence and veteran community. More..... |
| 04 AugustApplications
for Veterans' Health Week 2023 funding now open Veterans' Health week is an important opportunity for Australians to reflect on the service and sacrifices of veterans and veteran families, and acknowledge that sometimes, this service can take its toll on their health and wellbeing. This year, Veterans’ Health Week 2023 is focused on “Mental Wellness Matters”, encouraging veterans and veteran families to renew their focus on maintaining good mental health and seeking support when it’s needed. More..... |
| 01 AugustRSL
Victoria to lead new veteran hub in Surf coast Following a successful grant application, the Australian Government has today announced that RSL Victoria has been awarded a $50,000 grant to develop a business case to establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in the Surf Coast / Geelong region. This expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network will see the more than 6,600 veterans and their families in the Surf Coast and Geelong region access improved specialist services close to home. More..... |
| 19 JulyNew
era for Australian Defence Force careers The Australian Government has officially launched ADF Careers, marking a new era for Australian Defence Force (ADF) recruitment. Today’s launch follows the commencement of Defence’s new recruiting capability partner, Adecco Australia and is a key milestone in Defence’s journey toward a modernised ADF recruiting system that supports candidates through a quicker recruiting process and delivers an expanded, ready and enabled ADF. More..... |
| 14 JulyHonouring
the 56th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter
Flight Vietnam unit Today we pay tribute to the pilots, observers, naval airmen and support staff who served in the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) unit. On 14 July 1967, the Australian Government announced the formation of the RANHFV to support allied forces in Vietnam, serving with the United States Army 135th Assault Helicopter Company. The unit was formed in response to a request for assistance by the United States Government. To prepare for their tour of Vietnam, in just eight weeks Australian navy personnel trained for a different kind of mission, concentrating on tactical landing and take-off for the insertion and extraction of troops from dangerous land zones flying Huey helicopters. More..... |
| 14 JulyVeteran
Employment Program launch Today the Albanese Government has launched its $24 million Veteran Employment Program, an initiative aimed to boost veteran employment opportunities, as well as help businesses benefit from the diverse skill sets that veterans bring. With more than 6,000 veterans transitioning from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) every year, they can bring fantastic skills gained in the ADF to the civilian workforce. Skills like leadership, teamwork and the ability to work under pressure. The new Veteran Employment Program will support veterans into good quality jobs by boosting recognition of their skills and experience while supporting further education and training for veterans wanting to move into the civilian workforce. More..... |
| 02 July VALE DENNIS GIST It is with deep sadness we inform you of the passing of a Past President (1988-1990) of our Association ABCK Dennis John GIST, R62365, on the 02 July 2023. Aged 77. On behalf of our members the President and committee send their sincere condolences to his family. |
01 July Launch
of the Australian Submarine AgencyThe Australian Government has taken the next step towards delivering Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines, with the launch of the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA). With its official establishment today, the ASA will be responsible and accountable for the management and oversight of the nuclear-powered submarine program. The Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead as the Agency’s inaugural Director-General. More..... |
| 27 JuneIncreased
supports for Defence families The Government is continuing to invest in Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and their families through improved health and wellbeing services. The recently announced Defence Strategic Review reinforced that personnel are our most important capability, and the importance of investing in the growth and retention of a highly skilled Defence workforce. We’re prioritising Defence people, and their families. That’s why Defence families will have access to increased allowances and more health and wellbeing services under a further expanded ADF Family Health Program from 1 July. More..... |
| 16 JuneLong
Tan Bursaries awarded to veteran families 50 years on from the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, the advocacy of Vietnam veterans lives on. In recognition of the sacrifices made by Vietnam veteran families, the Long Tan Bursary was established to provide the descendants of Vietnam veterans with support for the cost of tertiary education, ensuring they gain the skills and qualifications needed to pursue their chosen career. In 2023, thirty-seven children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans have been awarded $12,000 bursaries to continue their education post-secondary school. More..... |
| 14 June$20
Million in Grant Funding for improved Veteran and Families
Support With so many organisations around the country doing fantastic work to support the wellbeing of veterans and families, the Australian Government is delivering a $20 million targeted funding program to improve veteran and families services, supports and coordination at local and regional levels. This one-off program will complement and build on the existing Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ & Families Hub program, in support of large scale projects that will benefit the health and wellbeing of veterans and families. Ex-service and veteran focused organisations will be invited to apply for grants ranging between $150,000 and $5 million to benefit local veteran communities. More..... |
| 19 May$5.5
million boost to projects for veterans and families Ex-service and community organisations are set to benefit from more than $5.5 million in grant funding to help deliver wellbeing projects and commemorative activities for veterans, defence personnel and their families. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said he was particularly encouraged by the number of community groups recognising Vietnam veterans through Veteran Wellbeing Grants and Saluting Their Service Grants, 50 years since the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. “I am pleased to announce that 57 organisations have been awarded a share in $3.5 million in funding under the Australian Government’s Veteran Wellbeing Grants program to support veterans and families,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
06 May Vietnam
government furious about release of Australian commemorative
war coinsVietnam's communist government has demanded Australia cease issuing commemorative coins that, it says, show the flag of the toppled US-backed South Vietnam, a claim Canberra has denied. In April, the Royal Australian Mint issued 85,000 sets of gold and silver $2 coins to mark the 50th anniversary of Australian troops withdrawing from southern Vietnam. South Vietnam's yellow and red flag was banned by the Vietnamese government. More..... |
| 17 AprilTeam
Australia named for Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 31 athletes will represent Australia at this year’s Invictus Games in Dusseldorf Germany this September. Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs, The Hon Matt Keogh MP, said the combined Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Invictus Australia team, was a credit to the nation. “On behalf of all of us sport-loving Australians, I wholeheartedly congratulate all the incredible members of Team Australia, who will not only represent our country at this year's Games, they will represent all those who have served our nation in our ADF,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
| 16 AprilLargest
ever Exercise Talisman Sabre to be held in Australia Australia will host the largest ever Exercise Talisman Sabre this year across northern Australia, with approximately 30,000 military personnel to participate, almost double the number involved in 2021. Now in its tenth iteration, Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force and United States military, reflecting the closeness of our Alliance. Confirmed participating partner nations in Talisman Sabre 2023 include Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, France, United Kingdom, Canada and Germany. More..... |
| 04 AprilBetter
access to information for ADF personnel & veterans The Government has implemented a further five recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s interim report. Changes have been made to improve information access from the Department of Defence and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) for members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), veterans and their families. This includes the establishment of Information Access Units within the Department of Defence and DVA, additional education material on the information access process, how and why redactions occur, and updates to both Departments’ websites. More..... |
01 April Commemorative
medallion to mark 50 years since the end of Australia's
involvement in the Vietnam WarThe Prime Minister and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs have launched a commemorative medallion to honour those who served in the Vietnam War. The medallion is a small but meaningful way to honour the service of Vietnam veterans and to recognise the sacrifice of those who never returned home and that of their families. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Some 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, more than 3,000 were wounded and 523 tragically lost their lives. We must honour those who served and the families that support them. More..... |
| 05 MarchOlder
Australians keen to take up the Commonwealth Seniors Health
Card More than 10,000 additional older Australians and veterans have had their cost of living pressures reduced after being granted a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card following eligibility changes last year. In the first four months since the Albanese Labor Government introduced increased income thresholds, an additional 10,893 older Australians have been granted the card who would not have been eligible previously. The annual income thresholds increased in November following the passage of legislation. These increased to: $90,000 for singles, up from the previous limit of $57,761; and $144,000 for couples, up from the previous limit of $92,416. More..... |
| 16 FebruaryVeterans’
Legislation Reform Consultation Pathway takes shape The proposed pathway seeks to reform more than a century of veterans’ entitlement legislation, providing veterans the support they not only need, but deserve. The Pathway for consultation anticipates: * New claims under existing schemes will cease after a transition period, from which point all new veteran claims will be dealt with under an improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA) as the sole ongoing Act. The MRCA currently services the majority of claims. * All benefits under existing schemes will continue unaffected, with only new claims or claims relating to deteriorated conditions to instead be covered by the single ongoing Act. More..... |
06 February Anniversary
of the arrival of Australian Naval Clearance Divers in
VietnamToday marks 56 years since the arrival of the Australian Naval Clearance Diving Team Three in South Vietnam, an elite group who put their lives at risk clearing underwater mines and obstacles during the Vietnam War. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the task that faced the Australian Naval Clearance Divers was complex and dangerous. “Their work did not have the same profile as that carried out by other elements of the Royal Australian Navy such as the large surface vessels or the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam, but it was absolutely vital to the safety of military and civilian shipping during the Vietnam War.” More..... |
30 January New
program aims to improve outcomes for Australian veteransFor a large portion of Australians, medicine is a vital part of life which they need to manage on a daily or weekly basis. The need for prescription medicine is particularly significant within the veteran community, with over 30,000 Aussie veterans requiring five or more unique medications to cure or relieve symptoms of health conditions. However, the mismanagement of medications remains prominent. To combat medication misuse among veterans, Veteran Benefits Australia (VBA) have introduced Medication Management Programs. These programs are fully funded services for DVA Gold Card holders, with eligible veterans receiving all their medications free of charge and packed into easy-to-use medication packs, all delivered to their door each month. More..... |
27 January All
Navy DinnerIf you are visiting HMAS Cerberus for their Open Day on 19th March 2023, you may be interested in attending an All Navy Dinner. The RAN Communications Branch Association (RANCBA) is hosting a dinner on Saturday 18 March 2023. You and your partner are invited to join them at the Frankston RSL, 183 Cranbourne-Frankston Rd, Frankston commencing at 1800. For further information, click here to view the flyer..... |
27 January |
| 18 January$4.551
million in grant funding available for advocacy services Ex-service organisations (ESOs) are encouraged to apply for a share of $4.551 million funding through the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said applications for grants are now open and encouraged ESOs that provide compensation and/or wellbeing advocacy services to veterans and families to apply. “ESOs play a vital role in supporting the veteran community, providing localised services and support to current and former serving personnel,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
| 13 JanuaryMore
than $1 million to salute their service Community organisations across Australia will share in more than $1 million in grant funding to recognise veterans and preserve Australia’s military history in the latest round of the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program. The grants have been awarded to more than 80 community groups and ex-service organisations, schools and councils for important local projects that commemorate the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Saluting Their Service is an ongoing national grants program, with applications for the current round now open. More..... |
| 10 JanuaryAnniversary
marks the start of commemorative year for Vietnam Veterans Tomorrow marks 50 years since the 1973 proclamation of the end of Australian involvement in the Vietnam War. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said 11 January also marks the beginning of the official Vietnam 50 commemorations for 2023. “More than 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, over 3,000 were wounded and 523 lost their lives in the longest conflict Australia was involved in during the 20th Century,” Minister Keogh said. “This was a war that was at times contentious at home, and for some veterans their service not recognised as it should have been. More..... |
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Videos of Interest
Vietnam Veterans'
Commemorative Walk
The
Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk in High St.,
Seymour, commemorates the
60,000+ service personnel and the 11 tracker dogs who served during the
14 years of the Vietnam War. The Walk incorporates a meandering red
earth path set in native trees and grasses that resemble rubber trees
and rice paddies. These two plants being synonymous to Vietnam. Along
the length of the Walk are walls with the names of all the Australian
personnel who served in Vietnam. Contemplation areas are incorporated
into the Walk as a place for people to sit and reflect on the sacrifices
of those that went before us serving our country. Click image to view
the video.
Music: "I Am Australian" is performed by the Royal Australian Navy band.
Under A Rising Sun
In
2013, I had the pleasure of reading a poem, "Under A Rising Sun", written by one of our members,
Laura Benney, aged 13, at the Seaford RSL Anzac Day service.
Laura's great great grandfather, paid the ultimate
sacrifice when he was killed on the Western Front in 1916. It is in
tribute to him that she penned these words.
Click here or
the image to view the video.
War Service
Check your ship's eligibility for war service.....