Publication:Sea Talk Spring 2008/Defence Families of Australia News
Defence Families of Australia News
Defence Families of Australia (DFA) represents the views of Defence families in a recognised forum, makes recommendations and influences policy that directly affects them.
This year’s annual national conference was a great success. It was held in Canberra June 23 – 27, with the theme Moving the Modern ADF Family.
National delegates, representing all regions around Australia, had the opportunity to raise and discuss many of the unique issues which Navy families face as a normal part of our lives.
Housing, removals, education, childcare and remote localities are themes we actively raise each year and DFA continues to advocate improvement for families in these conditions.
High on the agenda for Navy families this year was the need for a national consistency to a curriculum and the option to live in an area close to a preferred school. Navy families are also feeling the sustained absences from home due to the high operational tempo. Increasing numbers of families are requesting to live in a third location where they have the support of family and friends. Families are also saying they would like more support in their community.
During the week we had the opportunity to raise these and many other issues with senior Defence personnel and other service providers.
DFA wishes to thank the conference speakers who clearly value the work of DFA and generously gave us some of their valuable time - the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon, Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, Head of Personnel Executive, Directors of Personnel, Head of DCO, Director of Entitlements, DHA and Toll senior executives, to list a few.
The national executive also has the opportunity to have dinner with the new deputy chiefs and their wives and RADM Davyd Thomas is extremely keen to engage with DFA in relation to issues facing navy families.
More detailed feedback from the conference will be sent out in our post-conference e-bulletin. To receive the bulletin you just need to register on our website (it is free). Conference minutes and outcomes will also be available on our website soon.
New Navy national delegate for central NSW
Brie McNab (pictured opposite) is a Navy spouse and our new national delegate for the Sydney Central NSW region. Brie has a background in corporate procurement, logistics and supply chain, and is a committed supporter for all families located in Sydney, Richmond, Liverpool, Nowra and anywhere in between. If you live in the region and you have any issues, concerns or feedback, please contact Brie. Her contact details are on our website.
How can you be involved in DFA?
Please register on our DFA website. It is free. Our website was recently redeveloped to provide user friendly access to information at a local, as well as national level for Defence families. We have included helpful information on posting locations, policies and issues impacting on families according to life cycles and circumstances.
We would love to hear from you. In order to truly represent all ADF families we need to hear your views and experiences, both good and bad on policies which impact on you. You can leave feedback on policies or share “tips” for living the Navy life on our website. You can also make direct contact with the national delegate in your region – www.dfa.org.au.
As always, I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Nicole Quinn
National Convenor
