Publication:Sea Talk Spring 2005/Defence Families of Australia
RAN Central Canteen Fund Sponsorship
Defence Families Australia would like to thank the Royal Australian Navy Central Canteen Fund (RANCCF) for their generous sponsorship to redevelop the DFA web site.
The new site will deliver up-to-date information and increase the number of families we can reach and ask for feedback, as well as allowing easy access to voice their opinions during policy reviews and comment of current topics.
DFA consulted widely because the Executive is committed to representing our members without bias and we searched for a sponsor that was also dedicated to the members of the ADF and their loved ones.
RANCCF provided DFA the way to accept sponsorship and still provide an independent voice for families.
We are working away and investigating site functionality and content that will make this website a central point for families.
We will be back in touch soon with a launch date. In the meantime, you can familiarise yourself with the work of RANCCF by checking out their website www.ranccf.com
Changes to DHA process - making the move easier
DFA have been discussing options with the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and Defence to get more houses on HomeFind. Over the last posting cycle we received numerous complaints of frustration from families about lack of properties to view when moving to new posting locations.
DHA, with input from DFA, have developed a letter that is being sent out as soon as they receive the posting order.
The beauty of this letter is the simplicity of it. You can pick a timeframe when you would like to move without having to actually lock in any dates.
Once you return the form in the reply paid envelope, DHA will give you a 'preview pin' that lets you view homes through the DHA website and when you see something suitable you can reserve the home.
Then you need to get your paperwork finalised as soon as possible and you will receive another pin so you can lock down the home you selected.
Another pivotal part of this process is, as soon as you return your card, your home will be listed on HomeFind for a family coming to your location to view.
This means everyone has more properties to view so that we can get schools, employment, childcare etc. sorted out and have some peace of mind.
You can also choose to have the relocation pack sent to your home address, as we have found that the spouse does the majority of the paperwork anyway.
Of course, the serving member ultimately must sign off on the Application for Relocation and Inventory.
You can get more detailed information on this at DHA's website: www.dha.gov.au or by phoning 1800 249 711.
We would also like to get your comments on how you found this process worked for you and your family. Please email your local delegate, whose details can be found at www.dfa.org.au.
