Publication:Sea Talk Spring 2004/Defence Families of Australia

A message from the new Convenor, Maureen Greet

Hello to you all

I was appointed on August 30 and have taken over from Caragh Waller who has now relocated to Adelaide.

Just a little bit of background on me: I have been married to Neil, who is an Army Engineer, for just over 17 years. We have two sons aged 15 and 12 we have moved around the countryside with us during this time.

We have been fortunate enough to live on both sides of the country and overseas during this time and I have personally experienced the highs and lows of this unique lifestyle we have ... ranging from the sick children when hubby is away, trying to find a new job/school/home each time we arrive in a new location, to the fun you have meeting new people and starting new challenges!

Although married to an Army type, I have lived at Williamtown (and been totally outnumbered!) and understand separation issues that relate to Navy partners as Engineers also spend long periods of time away from home. I have recently left the Defence Housing Authority to take up this appointment, having worked with them for the past three years both in the Hunter Valley and Brisbane Housing Management Centres (HMCs).

Prior to working with DHA, I was a National Delegate during the NCGSF (National Consultative Group of Service Families) days in the Hunter Valley/Sydney region and South Queensland region. I truly believe the knowledge I have gained from working with the Authority has consolidated with my experience and gives me the ability to have a very balanced point of view when issues arise.

I have been thrown in the deep end and started my new role at our National Conference in Canberra. This has been a hugely productive week with excellent discussions with key stakeholders in and outside of Defence. Issues discussed included childcare, family support and remote localities, just to name a few. We had an excellent presentation from the National Welfare Coordination Centre - what a fabulous resource that we can be tapping into when our partners are deployed.

I am very excited about this new role and providing an opportunity for Defence Families to have a voice about issues that affect the quality of that life. I encourage each of you to contact your local National Delegate with both positive and negative feedback on any issues. Our web site is located at: www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dfa for further information.

Childcare DFA has been working closely with DCO on how the childcare needs of Defence families can best be met. DFA has recently been invited to join a Child Care Project Team, coordinated by the Defence Community Organisation. This team will be examining some innovative ways of addressing this issue and DFA is pleased to be included.

YOUR DFA DELEGATES CALL THEM TO REGISTER INTEREST OR COMMENT

• North Queensland - Kylie Sidwell - (07) 4755 0492
• South Queensland- Kylie Hutchins - (07) 3869 1120
• Central/Nthn NSW - Peta Renwick - (02) 9771 0910
• Victoria/Tas - Ruth Tindale - (03) 9974 2080
• South Australia - Katie Lewis - (08) 8289 9616
• Northern Territory - Sharon Schmidt - (08) 8932 2602
• Western Australia - Kate Mathews - (08) 9385 6181
• ACT/Sthn NSW- Robyn Ritchie - (02) 6255 5563