News & Updates - 2022
Archives2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
27 December VALE ex-CPOCK David G. Dwyer OAM, R62631. It is with great sadness we inform you of the passing of our Secretary / Marketing Manager David "Speed" Dwyer on 27 December 2022. On behalf of the President, Committee and Members we extend our sincere condolences to his family. His name has been inscribed on our website's Memorial wall alongside his shipmates. LEST WE FORGET. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 23 December Grey Funnel Line - December 2022 This edition of the GFL contains a report from our President on the serious illness of our Secretary / Manager David 'Speed' Dwyer. To download the newsletter in .pdf form click here. Or, you can read it in book form below. NOTE: To read it in Flipbook form, click on the "Full Screen" 
button. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 December VALE ex-POLIN Robin Dix, R62737. It is with great sadness we inform you of the passing of member Rob Dix on 06 December 2022, aged 81. On behalf of the President, Committee and Members we extend our sincere condolences to his family. His name has been inscribed on our website's Memorial wall alongside his shipmates. LEST WE FORGET. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
01 December Options
for older Australians and eligible Veterans to work moreFrom today, pensioners over Age Pension age and eligible Veterans will be able to earn more income from working without reducing their pension, just in time to take advantage of seasonal jobs. Eligible Australians would have the opportunity to engage in the workforce if they chose to do so at a time of workforce shortages without losing any of their income support payments. They will immediately be able to earn an additional $4000 before their Government payments are reduced. More..... |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 29 November Grey Funnel Line - July 2022 Edition To download the newsletter in .pdf form click here. Or, you can read it in book form below. NOTE: To read it in Flipbook form, click on the "Full Screen"
button. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
24 November Boosting
home ownership for our ADF members and veteransThe Albanese Labor Government is delivering cost of living relief for more Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and veterans with key changes passed today in the Federal Parliament to help them buy their own home. The $46.2 million expansion of the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme will improve access to home ownership for eligible defence personnel earlier in their careers. The changes will also allow veterans who served on or after 1 July 2008 to access the scheme at any stage after they have left the service. More..... |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 24 NovemberVeteran
and Family Counselling Centre Officially Opens in Melbourne The Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence, Matt Thistlethwaite, officially opened the Open Arms office in the Melbourne CBD on Friday 18 November, giving veterans and families’ updated facilities including private counselling suites and spaces for peer support sessions, group programs and workshops. Staff and ex-service organisation (ESO) representatives joined the Assistant Minister to celebrate the occasion, which included the launch of a new video celebrating Open Arms 40th Anniversary. More..... |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16 NovemberRelease
of Defence and Veteran Suicide Monitoring Report A report released today into the rate of suicide among current and former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel reaffirms that suicide prevention must be a matter of national priority. The report, Serving and ex‑serving Australian Defence Force members who have served since 1985 suicide monitoring: 1997 to 2020, prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, is the fifth annual suicide monitoring report commissioned by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh says the death of any current or former serving ADF member is a tragedy felt deeply by all in the Defence and veteran communities. “Sadly, this latest report found that 1,600 ADF members and veterans with service after 1985 died by suicide between 1997 and 2020,” he said. More..... |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 NovemberIdentifying
our fallen and overseas ANZAC services Three Australian soldiers of the First World War have been formally identified more than 105 years since they were killed on the Western Front. Minister for Veterans Affairs’ and Defence Personnel, The Hon Matt Keogh MP said identifying the soldiers, whose remains were found in 2006 and 2010, was the result of historical, anthropological, archaeological and DNA analysis by the Australian Army. “After giving their lives more than a century ago, it is remarkable that we can now name these three individuals who served our nation, and hopefully bring some peace to their descendants this Remembrance Day,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25 OctoberVeterans
prioritised in Federal Budget The Australian Government is investing in a better future for Defence personnel, veterans and families, responding to important recommendations put forward by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and delivering on commitments from the Federal Election. More..... |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 24 October HMAS Sydney Memoral Service The Annual Memorial Service for the loss of HMAS Sydney II and her 645 crew, will be held on 19th November at 12:00pm in the Sanctuary, Shrine Of Remembrance, Melbourne. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
23 October President's Report Members, the latest report from our President is now available download..... |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19 OctoberPlan
your own commemoration this Remembrance Day The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has released a digital kitbag to help families, schools and community groups conduct their own commemorative service on Remembrance Day. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said that during the First World War the kitbag was a soldier’s connection to home, a place to safely store your possessions alongside practical things like a trench coat, helmet and tin opener. “With this modern day digital kitbag you can download all the tools you need to conduct your own Remembrance Day service in your community or at home,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17 OctoberGovernment
seeks your feedback on veterans' legislative reform Consultation on reforming veterans’ legislation has commenced today with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) seeking submissions from the community. The Australian Government recently agreed to Recommendation 1 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Interim Report, which called for the development and passage of legislation to simplify and harmonise the framework for veterans’ compensation, rehabilitation and other entitlements. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs the Hon. Matt Keogh said the Government is determined to deliver on its commitment to implement this recommendation in accordance with the timeline set out by the Royal Commission. More..... |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
13 October Memorial
Service for VADM Ian MacDougall AC AFSMServing and ex-serving members of the RAN are cordially invited to attend the Memorial Service for former CNS VADM Ian MacDougall AC AFSM to be held at 1000 on 24 November at the Garden Island Chapel HMAS Kuttabul. Shuttle Buses will run to the chapel from the Kuttabul Cowper Wharf Road gangway from 0920. Please ask all those planning to attend to register their intention with the Commanding Officer’s Secretary AB Ben Lovett on email: and indicate if they need to be allocated car parking on board. The very restricted parking near the chapel will be limited to senior officers and to the MacDougal family and those with mobility difficulties. The latter will need to provide car registration numbers with their registration. There will be lift operating to take members using wheelchairs to the chapel from ground level. After the service the MacDougall family’s reception for all those attending the service will be at the nearby Naval Heritage Centre 1100 – 1215. Shuttle buses will then return guests to the Cowper Wharf Road Gangway. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 06 OctoberService
pension and other pension increases to hit bank accounts
from today Australians on a pension will today be waking up to see a boost in their bank accounts, thanks to the largest pension indexation increase in more than 12 years and the largest increase to allowances in three decades. Those receiving a pension will receive the full payment boost in the first normal pension pay cycle following the formal indexation to rates on September 20. For most, including those on the Service Pension, that first boosted payment will occur today - while some have been receiving their updated payments over the past fortnight on the day of their specific pension payment. More..... |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 01 October Veterans’ Health Week 2022 kicks off today Get out your kitchen utensils and put on your best apron as Veterans’ Health Week 2022 kicks off for 2022. With this year’s theme focusing on “Eat Well”, Veterans’ Health Week is an opportunity for ex-service organisations and community groups around the nation to host events to promote healthy eating habits and improve people’s knowledge of nutrition. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said while Veterans’ Health Week officially runs from 1-9 October, events span right across the month of October. More..... |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 01 October Albanese Government takes action on veteran and family support The Albanese Government has this week passed two vital pieces of Legislation supporting Defence personnel, veterans and families. Legislation extending the Incapacity Payments for Veterans Studying Pilot Program, and the Defence, Veterans’ and Families’ Acute Support Package will both go a long way to ensuring veterans and families get the support they need and deserve. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said extending the pilot program until June 2023 means that veterans undertaking study as part of their Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) funded return to work rehabilitation program will continue to receive incapacity compensation payments calculated based on 100 per cent of pre-injury earnings. More..... |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
01 October |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 28 September |
Supporting
Invictus boost veterans' sport The Australian Government has delivered on a $9 million commitment to enable Invictus Australia to deliver a key sports program and various international military games. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said he is pleased to honour the commitment made to Invictus Australia, to support wounded, injured or ill veterans through the power of sport. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 26 September |
Veterans'
minister apologises to military personnel over defence
suicide rates after 'successive governments' failed The veterans' affairs minister has apologised in federal parliament to serving and former military personnel who have been let down by his department and Defence over numerous decades. He said in some cases, the policies, processes and cultures that evolved over time in Defence and the Veterans' Affairs Department had been counterproductive, "causing distress to our defence and veteran communities." More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 26 September |
Government response to Royal Commission into Defence
and Veteran Suicide Interim Report The Albanese Government has today responded to the 13 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s Interim Report. The Royal Commission’s Interim Report is the culmination of the inquiry’s work to date, encompassing over 2,000 submissions, 178 private sessions and testimony from 208 witnesses. The Interim Report’s 13 recommendations fall within three key themes: improving the claims process, Royal Commission administration and access to information by loved ones. The Government has implemented one of the recommendations already (recommendation 5), agreed to nine, agreed in principle to one, and noted two others. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16 September |
Veteran
service honoured through local grants Community organisations across the nation will receive funding from the Australian Government to deliver projects honouring our nation’s veterans and safeguard Australia’s military history. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said an impressive range of projects would receive funding under the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program. “The Australian Government is providing over $400,000 to more than 50 community organisations who have come forward with proposals dedicated to commemorating the service and sacrifice of our service personnel, veterans and families,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16 September |
Schools
awarded for honouring peacekeepers Schools around the nation have been praised for their creative projects honouring Australian peacekeepers as part of the annual Anzac Day Schools’ Awards. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the national competition is an exciting opportunity for students to engage with veterans and learn more about Australia’s wartime history. “This year’s theme was chosen to complement the 75th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in international peacekeeping operations, which we commemorated this week,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14 September Tell Your Story - Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14 September NVN'S Special edition of BROADSIDE 
BROADSIDE -- SPECIAL EDITION
VALE Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022 In this Special Edition of BROADSIDE, the NVN team are deeply saddened and join the Defence Force and ex-Defence Force members in mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. In her honour, we are reproducing the Semaphore article “Vale HM Queen Elizabeth II” written by John Perryman of the Sea Power Centre Australia. It highlights the relationship she had with the Australian Nation and particularly the unique relationship with the Royal Australian Navy.
The Special Edition of BROADSIDE is now available to
read at:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13 September |
75
years of Australian Peacekeeping Australia’s reputation as a global citizen will be commemorated tomorrow in Canberra with a service recognising the 75th anniversary of our involvement in peacekeeping operations to be broadcast live on the ABC. The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh MP said more than 66,000 Australian men and women have served in more than 60 international peacekeeping operations since 1947, and tragically 16 have lost their lives while serving. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 09 September A Toast to the Queen..... Ian Coate - Artist / Illustrator has produced this great piece honouring Queen Elizabeth II.  |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 09 September |
 Defence
to honour Her Majesty the QueenDefence will undertake important ceremonial duties to honour the life and death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Defence has a long, proud association with Her Majesty who held a number of Honorary Military Appointments with the Australian Defence Force. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, The Hon Richard Marles MP, said the Queen dedicated her life to service of the entire Commonwealth and will be revered and remembered for generations to come. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31 August |
Commemorating
those who served in Malaya and Borneo Each year on 31 August we recognise the Australian defence personnel who served in the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Confrontation. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said it is important to never forget the 39 Australians who died in Malaya, and the 23 Australians who died during the Confrontation. “On Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Day it is important that we acknowledge our personnel who served in Malaya, a military commitment by Australia of some 13 years,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25 August |
$4.45
million to support local veterans Veterans’ advocacy services today received a boost, with more than 119 ex-service organisations (ESOs) across Australia sharing in $4.45 million of funding under the Australian Government’s Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the BEST grants program helps fund a range of support services delivered by ESOs, to provide localised advice and assistance to veterans and families through wellbeing and compensation advocates. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 23 August |
Experts
gather to examine Veteran Employment The Federal Labor Government has held the first of two Veterans Employment Round Tables, as precursor consultations to the Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit to better understand practical solutions to get more Aussie veterans and defence families into work. Australian Defence Force Personnel and Veterans have sought after skills; with the ability to work well under pressure, agility and leadership skills highly sought after in the workforce. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 20 August |
Funding
applications now open for Veterans' Health Week Ex-service organisations and community groups can now apply for funding to help host events promoting healthy eating as part of this year’s Veterans’ Health Week. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said hosting or participating in a Veterans’ Health Week event is a fantastic way to support veterans and families locally, raise awareness of particular health concerns that veterans may face and promote better health and wellbeing through healthy lifestyle choices. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17 August |
Recognising
Vietnam Veterans Tomorrow, on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, Australia pauses to recognise the men and women who served in the Vietnam War, 60 years after the first Australian defence personnel were sent to South Vietnam. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the Vietnam War was era-defining, and the longest conflict Australia was involved in during the 20th century. “The some 60,000 Australians who served in Vietnam deserve our utmost gratitude and respect; 521 gave their lives in the conflict and over 3,000 were wounded,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15 August |
 Important
change coming to the way you receive some DVA correspondenceThe Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is making a change to the way you receive some letters from us. This change will give clients a better and more accessible experience when you are using online services. Commencing on 10 August, if you have a MyService account you will start receiving a number of your letters, including letters advising of decisions and outcomes of claims, digitally in your myGov inbox. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 August |
Royal
Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide E&OE transcript Press Conference Canberra THE HON MATT KEOGH MP, MINISTER FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE PERSONNEL: Good morning, everybody. The Albanese Labor government welcomes this interim report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and we are committed to a better future for our serving personnel, veterans and families. We will now look into implementing these recommendations that have been made. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 August |
Government
welcomes Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
Interim Report The Australian Government welcomes the Interim Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide by Commissioners Nick Kaldas APM, the Hon James Douglas QC and Dr Peggy Brown AO. The Government will carefully consider all the recommendations contained in the report and issue a full response in due course, but the Defence and veterans’ community should know that this Government is committed to taking action to reducing incidents of suicide in the Defence and veteran communities. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 111 August |
 Release
of Royal Commission Interim ReportOn 11 August 2022, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide released its Interim Report, which provided a number of recommendations to help prevent those who have served in the Australian Defence Force from taking their own life. The interim report’s recommendations include increasing resources to address the claims processing backlog, simplifying veterans legislation, improving access to information for families, improving the transition to civilian life, and access to mental health, financial and medical support services for veterans. DVA thanks the witnesses who have provided testimony in public and private hearings, as well as all those who have made submissions. em> More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 07 August |
Funding
boost for veterans' wellbeing The Australian Government has today committed $55 million to better support the wellbeing of Australian veterans. This commitment consists of $22 million in funding to provide psychiatric assistance dogs to veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and $33 million to extend access to free medical treatment for veterans. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program matches highly-trained dogs with veterans diagnosed with PTSD to support them through their clinical recovery. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25 July |
EXPOSURE DRAFT LEGISLATION: TAXATION OF MILITARY
SUPERANNUATION BENEFITS Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services The Albanese Government is introducing legislation to ensure that no veteran pays higher income tax because of the Federal Court decision in Commissioner of Taxation v Douglas (the Douglas decision). A draft bill, Treasury Laws Amendment (Measures for a later sitting) Bill 2022: Taxation of military superannuation benefits, and associated draft explanatory material, have been released for public consultation. The Douglas decision found that certain veterans’ invalidity pension payments in the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) and Military Superannuation Benefits (MSB) schemes are superannuation lump sums for income tax purposes rather than superannuation income stream benefits. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 28 June |
Census
showcases garrison city service Townsville’s status as Australia’s largest garrison city has been confirmed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in the release of the Census 2021 results today. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the results of the Census 2021 has shown that Townsville hosts the highest number of residents with military service. “Around 14,200 current and former ADF personnel call Townsville home, comprising 8,700 veterans and 5,500 current serving ADF members,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 28 June |
Making
history: Half a million veterans in Australia For the first time ever, it is known that 581,139 Australians have reported they have served or are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), as announced in the release of the Census 2021 data today. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said that there are 496,276 veterans and 84,865 current serving ADF members, and understanding these figures along with other demographic and lifestyle data is history-making. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 24 June |
 Re-dedication
ceremony honours former HMAS Sydney II sailorMore than eighty years after HMAS Sydney II was sunk, the Royal Australian Navy has re-dedicated the remains of Able Seaman Thomas Welsby Clark in the War Graves at Geraldton Cemetery, Western Australia. Previously referred to as the HMAS Sydney II unknown sailor, Able Seaman Clark was formally identified after extensive DNA research in 2021. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP said the re-dedication ceremony honoured the bravery of Able Seaman Clark and his 644 shipmates. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 24 June |
Report
into veterans' claims now public A key report into the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ (DVA) claims processing system has today been made public. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the report found 37 initiatives which would improve the department’s processes, reducing the wait times for veterans and their families. “We must reduce this claims backlog. It simply isn’t good enough to have people who have put on a uniform and served our country wait for such a long time to access the support they are entitled to,” Minister Keogh said. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 22 May |
 VALE ex-LSSV
William Thomas , R94331.It is with great sadness we inform you of the passing of member Bill (China) Thomas on 22 May 2022, aged 74. On behalf of the President, Committee and Members we extend our sincere condolences to his family. His name has been inscribed on our Memorial wall on the website alongside his shipmates. LEST WE FORGET. |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 08 May Indo Pacific 2022 - Q&A with CO HMAS Sydney, CMDR Andrew Hough HMAS Sydney will feature as the backdrop to this year's Indo Pacific 2022 Conference in Sydney. Watch as CO HMAS Sydney, CMDR Andrew Hough talks to us about this opportunity for the ship and its company. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15 April |
 Seeking your ideas and input to shape first-ever ESO Summit.
The Victorian Veterans Council
is preparing to host the state’s first Ex-Service
Organisation Summit during winter 2022.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 March |
 Anzac
Day resources for our schools, ex-service organisations and
community groupsMore than 17,000 schools, ex-service organisations and community groups have been sent Anzac Day commemorative packs to help ensure Australians never forget the extraordinary sacrifice by our servicemen and women. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the annual materials are provided free by the Australian Government to support Anzac Day commemorations around the country. “Anzac Day is one of our most significant and sacred national days and we are committed to ensuring schools and other groups in our community have easy access to resources to help mark it in an appropriate way,” Minister Gee said. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 22 February |
 A
Strong Voice For Victorian VeteransTwo new members have been appointed to the Victorian Veterans Council, renewing the veteran community’s representation to the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane today announced the appointment of Commodore Greg Yorke CSC RAN to the position of Chair and Lucy Saaroni as a Board Member of the Victorian Veterans Council. Commodore Yorke has more than 40 years’ experience working for the Australian Government, primarily in Defence positions. He joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1974, completing more than eight sea postings, and has held numerous senior leadership positions in the Navy, including Senior Naval Officer Victoria since 2018. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
07 February Congratulations
to our esteemed member Gary Taylor on his award of
the OAM on Australia Day. Full details below:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 01 February |
$27
Million for new Veteran Wellbeing Grants The Australian Government is investing $27 million to help fund bigger, better and more innovative programs to support the wellbeing of current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and their families. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the new Veteran Wellbeing Grants program would help find and develop new ways to help the veteran community. “I want to see ambitious and innovative ideas from right across the community that are going to make a real difference in the lives of our current and former service personnel and their families,” Minister Gee said. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 01 February |
01 February Australian Defence Force Retirees Association Inc. Federal Court Hearing Yesterday’s short hearing of Clinton McKenzie’s matter in the Federal Court took an unexpected but positive turn from ADFRA’s perspective. Justice Perry recognized the potential significance of the outcome of the matter for a large number of former members of the Australian Defence Force, their widows, widowers and dependent children and orphans. Accordingly, her Honour issued an order requiring the Federal Court Registrar to attempt to arrange Pro Bono legal assistance for Clinton. Download the document..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31 January |
VALE ex-CPO(Butcher)
Joseph Erin Alexander R54051. It is with great sadness we inform you of the passing of member Joe Alexander on 28 January 2022, aged 81. On behalf of the President, Committee and Members we extend our sincere condolences to his family. His name has been inscribed on our Memorial wall on the website alongside his shipmates. Funeral Service, to be held at the Tobin Bros Chapel, 604 Esplanade, Mt Martha, 1100, Friday 11 Feb 2022. The Family invite any former shipmates & friends to join them. Masks must be worn and attendees be fully Vaccinated. LEST WE FORGET. |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 30 January |
30 January Australian Defence Force Retirees Association Inc. DFRDB Update - January 2022 Email from Jim Hislop Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, This is an important Update we are about to go to court our case looks sound, but it will be up to the judge. Please register to watch the case the Update provides you with the necessary details and a large show of support would be delightful to see. Our presentation will last for about one and a half hours, and I assume CSC will take about the same time. Regards Jim Full details on how to register to watch the case..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 29 January Osborne House, Geelong The Inaugural Training College for RAN Officers |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 22 January |
VALE ex-CPO(Butcher)
Douglas Alfred SYMES R34931. It is with great sadness we inform you of the passing of member Doug Symes on 20 January 2022, aged 95. On behalf of the President, Committee and Members we extend our sincere condolences to his family. His name has been inscribed on our Memorial wall on the website alongside his shipmates. LEST WE FORGET. |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19 January |
 Email
from Department of Veterans' Affairs re Defence Force Income Support
AllowanceDear Veterans, There have been concerns reported last week by veterans and their families via social media relating to payment changes with the recent cessation of the Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA). I am writing to provide further information that will assist you in answering any questions you may receive from concerned veterans. Information in relation to the changes was provided via an email from the DVA Secretary in early December 2021 regarding the passage of the Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (Exempting Disability Payments from Income Testing and Other Measures) Act 2021. From 1 January 2022, the Disability Compensation Payment (formerly known as Disability Pension) became exempt from the income test under the Social Security Act 1991. Centrelink payments such as the Age Pension will increase as a result, removing the need for DFISA. In addition, Rent Assistance became available or increased for some veterans. Those who had previously received DFISA found that on the first payday of 2022, 13 January, part of the DFISA payment was reduced. On payday 27 January, there will be no DFISA paid. However, social security payments from Centrelink will increase accordingly. The part payment on 13 January is because the effective date of 1 January falls in the middle of a pay period. As Centrelink paydays differ for each person, they do not align with DVA veteran paydays. Veterans can check pay day amounts in their Centrelink online account and their DVA MyService account. Veterans and their partners do not need to do anything, as the payments will be made automatically. Unfortunately, some of the letters advising of the changes to veterans were delayed, meaning some veterans did not receive a personal explanation as to why their DFISA payment had been reduced prior to 13 January. We are sorry for any distress this has caused veterans and their families. Further information can be found on the DFISA page of the DVA website under “What’s New”. Warm regards Vicki Rundle PSM Acting Secretary Department of Veterans’ Affairs DFISA Talking Points..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 January |
Commemorating
the 50th anniversary of the end of Australian involvement in the
Vietnam War Planning is underway for a range of significant events around the country to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War in 2023. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Andrew Gee, announced that the Australian Government has committed $6 million to ensure this important milestone is marked with appropriate respect and appreciation for all those who served and those who gave their lives in Vietnam. More..... |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Request for Committal of Ashes to the
Sea.
Download form.....
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.....