News & Articles of Interest

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27 Feb 2015	NVN's February newsletter NOTE from Webmaster: If you are a member and haven't been receiving your monthly newsletters by email, the email address you supplied on joining is incorrect or out of date. To correct this, contact the webmaster at: and he will copy and amend your address.
27 Feb 2015	The RAN in Korea The Australian International Airshow 2015 pays tribute to Anzac and the heroes of military aviation. On 31 August 1951, the Majestic class aircraft carrier, HMAS Sydney (III), under the command of Captain David H. Harries RAN, departed Australian waters to join the Commonwealth naval forces participating in the Korean War. It was a historic occasion, being the first time that any Dominion carrier had gone into action. Embarked were RAN Fleet Air Arm squadrons 805 (Sea Furies), 808 (Sea Furies) and 817 (Fireflies). More.....
27 Feb 2015	Naval Historical Society Association(Vic) -- President's musings.....
26 Feb 2015	Admiral Sir Victor Albert Trumper Smith, AC, KBE, CB, DSC, RAN The Australian International Airshow 2015 pays tribute to Anzac and the heroes of military aviation. Admiral Sir Victor Albert Trumper Smith, AC, KBE, CB, DSC, RAN, was born in Sydney on 9 May 1913. He was named after his uncle, Victor Albert Trumper, the great Australian cricketer. He entered the Royal Australian Naval College in 1927 as a Cadet Midshipman, and became a Midshipman in 1931, a Sub Lieutenant in 1934 and a Lieutenant in 1936. His first ship was the cruiser, HMAS Canberra (I). More.....
26 Feb 2015	Minister for Defence – Statement on Iraq and Afghanistan and Operations in the Middle East Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise today to update the Parliament and the Australian people about Australia’s missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. IRAQ – OVERVIEW Last month the Prime Minister and I visited Iraq and the Middle East Region. More.....
24 Feb 2015	Understanding DVA Card Arrangements FAQs What are DVA health card arrangements? The health card arrangements are the main way the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), on behalf of the Australian Government, provides convenient access to health and other care services for veterans, war widows and eligible dependents. Our arrangements are based on providing access to clinically appropriate and required treatment, which is evidence-based. More.....
24 Feb 2015	Addition to Projects of Concern list Joint Project (JP) 2008 Phase 3F — Australian Defence Satellite Communication Capability Terrestrial Enhancement — has been added to the Projects of Concern list. Acting Chief Executive Officer, Defence Materiel Organisation, Harry Dunstall, said the project had been raised with the Minister for Defence, Kevin Andrews, who had directed DMO to work with BAE Systems to get the project back on track. More.....
23 Feb 2015	HMAS STUART & SCRAP IRON FLOTILLA ASSOCIATION Annual Lunch – 27th March 2015 Guest of Honour: Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC, a great Australian Historian. The Scrap Iron Flotilla Association has held a reunion each year for more than 50 years. The purpose being to renew friendships, foster goodwill and ‘Carry the Banner’ into the future. We encourage all Service and ex-Service men and women, their descendants and friends to attend our lunch. Come and join us! Download the flyer.....
23 Feb 2015	YOUNG AND JACKSON – THE PLAY Young & Jackson is the prequel to Don Reid's award-winning comedy Codgers which toured nationally and is now a feature film. Like Codgers, Young & Jackson is a tender, funny and mischievous portrait of Australian men (and one young woman) dealing with the tensions of their times. Yet there is a serious intent at its heart - it sounds the depths of the reality of active duty. Both plays are inspired by the reminiscences of some old mates of the playwright's who met at Flinders Training Depot in 1945 when aged only 17. More..... Download the Flyer.....
22 Feb 2015	ADF Gap Year set to expand in 2016 Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert this week announced the highly successful ADF Gap Year program will return for 2016, with applications opening on 2 March 2015. Mr Robert, together with the Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, recently visited RAAF Base Wagga and the Army Recruit Training Centre, Kapooka where they watched current ADF Gap Year members undertake their initial training. More.....
21 Feb 2015	Conclusion of Community Consultation about In-Person Service Delivery The Veterans’ Access Network (VAN) is DVA’s major first point of contact for handling enquiries from the veteran and general community. It helps people understand and access the services available to them. VAN staff respond to enquiries over the phone, via MyAccount, through email, and in-person. DVA recently held a four week consultation to seek community views on whether the provision of stand-alone VAN offices in Tweed Heads in NSW and Geelong in Victoria is still the most appropriate way to support veterans, or if other alternatives that meet their changing needs should be considered. The consultation period closed on 20 February 2015 and the feedback received is now being analysed. The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator The Hon Michael Ronaldson, will make an announcement regarding VAN services at these sites following review of all relevant material, including community input.
20 Feb 2015	Advanced medical facilities trialled In a crucial step toward becoming fully operational, HMAS Canberra recently embarked a team of medical professionals to set up and test the Primary Casualty Reception Facility onboard the newly commissioned ship. The team of 24 is made up of personnel from the Permanent and Reserve Navy and Army. They have a variety of specialisations and include doctors, nurses, medics and allied health professionals. More.....
20 Feb 2015	Defence Chiefs talk tactics on countering Daesh The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, met in Saudi Arabia this week with more than 20 senior military leaders from the international coalition to discuss ongoing coalition operations in Iraq to counter Daesh (ISIL). “Effective action against Daesh requires strong cooperation between international partners. More.....
20 Feb 2015	Transcript – Press Conference, Melbourne Minister Andrews: Good morning. I’m very pleased to be here this morning and be joined by the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett and the Acting CEO of the Defence Material Organisation, Mr Harry Dunstall. The first responsibility of a national Government is the safety and security of its people. In our case the safety and security of all Australians, and everything that is done through the Defence portfolio must be seen through this prism. More.....
20 Feb 2015	Strategic direction of the Future Submarine Program Today the Government announces the acquisition strategy for the Future Submarine Program. This announcement sets out further details of the competitive evaluation process that will be undertaken by the Department of Defence. Submarines are an essential component of Australia’s naval capability and the Government will ensure that the future submarine provides the best possible capability and value for money for Australian taxpayers while maximising the involvement of Australian industry. More.....
16 Feb 2015	Gallipoli Centenary Attendance Passes Released More Australians will be offered the chance to attend the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli as the next call on the ballot’s waitlist has been activated. Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, said 304 double passes have been released to the next Australians on the Gallipoli waitlist. More.....
13 Feb 2015	Taskforce keeps up the pace With Christmas and the New Year behind them, Royal Australian Navy personnel deployed as part of Combined Task Force 150 have been straight into a year of deterring and disrupting terrorism related activity on the high seas in the Middle East Region. More.....
12 Feb 2015	Press conference with Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral David Johnston, who gives an update of Australian operations in Iraq Ladies and gentlemen, are you all ready to go? For those of you who haven’t been to one of the operational updates, my name is Vice Admiral David Johnston. I am the Chief of Joint Operations. What I will do this morning is give you an update on operational activities in the Middle East region that covers what we have been doing for the last few months. More.....
12 Feb 2015	Calling for applications for Defence medals Veterans, Australian Defence Force personnel and their families should apply now for their unclaimed medals, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Darren Chester, announced today. More.....
12 Feb 2015	Veteran Health and Wellbeing Projects Get Funding Boost Forty projects that benefit the veteran and defence communities have received a funding boost under the Australian Government’s Veteran and Community Grants program. Grants, worth $681,368, are supporting organisations across the country to continue to conduct a range of activities, programs and services that enrich the quality of life of our veterans and their families. More.....
11 Feb 2015	Defence Minister Visits Australian Submarine Corporation At ASC, I confirmed that decisions on Australia’s replacement submarines will be based on a competitive evaluation process, managed by the Department of Defence. This process will take into account Australia’s unique capability requirements as well as considerations such as cost, schedule, technical risk and value for money. More.....
10 Feb 2015	Remembering Those Lost on HMAS Voyager II All Australians are today encouraged to remember the 82 crew members who lost their lives in our greatest peacetime military tragedy, the sinking of HMAS Voyager II. The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, said that on the night of 10 February 1964, HMAS Melbourne II, an aircraft carrier, and HMAS Voyager II, a Daring Class Destroyer, took part in night flying exercises off the coast of Jervis Bay, NSW. More.....
08 Feb 2015	Navy League of Australia (Vic Div) February newsletter......
06 Feb 2015	“Was the Navy Ready for Vietnam? Lessons and Legacies 50 Years On” An invitation to a public seminar hosted by the Australian Centre for the Study of Armed Conflict and Society & the Sea Power Centre - Australia. Tuesday 24 March 2015 - UNSW Canberra (ADFA) Lecture Theatre North. Invitation and Program.....
05 Feb 2015	Operation SLIPPER veterans to be recognised People who deployed as part of Operation SLIPPER will have their service recognised with a series of marches across Australia on 21 March. Marches in every state and territory capital, and in Townsville, will honour about 35,000 Australians who took part in the operation. More.....
04 Feb 2015	RSL Urges Changes to Defence Force Pay Determination Procedures In a submission to an inquiry by the Defence Sub Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament's Joint Committee Foreign Affairs Defence & Trade into the Defence Annual Report 2013/2014, the RSL has called into question the pay determination procedures for members of the Australian Defence Force. More.....
04 Feb 2015	Semaphore 1: 2015 - The Anzac Centenary While discussing the RAN involvement in the Gallipoli campaign, this Semaphore also outlines the various anniversaries the RAN will commemorate this year. Download.....
02 Feb 2015	Community feel at Cerberus It was all things community last week at HMAS Cerberus, with Defence Community Organisation welcoming new Defence families and friends to the region. Around 100 people attended and highlights included a Navy rock group, go-karts and a jumping castle. Military Support Officer Warrant Officer Dale Granger said families enjoyed the event held in conjunction with Commanding Officer HMAS Cerberus Captain Stephen Bowater. More.....
30 Jan 2015	ANZAC Naval Commemorative Ball 2015 The Naval Commemorative Committee Victoria, invite all serving ADF personnel, Australian and Allied Veterans along with family and friends, to attend the ANZAC Naval Commemorative Ball on Saturday 17 October 2015 at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. Dance to the Music of the RAN Dance Band. The Ball is open to all serving and former members of the ADF, NZDF, Reserves, Cadets, families, friends, Police, Emergency Services, our Allies and the General Public. Navy Ball Flyer..... Navy Ball Information page..... Navy Ball Booking Form.....
29 Jan 2015	Easier Access to Mental Health Support for Veterans The Abbott Government has made it easier for veterans to access mental health support under new arrangements announced today. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson said tackling the mental health challenges for veterans and their families was a key priority in the Abbott Government’s plan for improving services for Australia’s service men and women. More.....
29 Jan 2015	Defence Minister announces the gifting of two Landing Craft to the Philippines The Australian Government will gift two recently-decommissioned Landing Craft Heavy vessels, including a package of spare parts, to the Philippines Government, the Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews announced today. More.....
27 Jan 2015	Navy Tall Ship STS Young Endeavour Rounds Cape Horn The Royal Australian Navy operated Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour rounded Cape Horn on Australia Day, 36 days into a 12-month circumnavigation of the world. Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett AO, CSC, RAN congratulated the 36 seafarers on board the square-rigged tall ship, including 12 Royal Australian Navy crew and 24 alumni crew specially selected for the passage. More.....

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Request for Committal of Ashes to the Sea. Download form.....

Current Repatriation Benefits for Gold Card Veterans -
As of 01 January 2018
This is a list of products that are available on a Doctor's prescription for Gold Card Repatriation Patients. Download the list.....

DVA Mobile Apps

The new Operation Life mobile application is designed to help those at risk deal with suicidal thoughts and is recommended to be used with the support of a clinician.

The High Res (High Resilience) app helps you manage stress, build resilience and optimise performance on the go.

The PTSD Coach Australia app can help you learn about and manage symptoms that commonly occur after trauma.

ON TRACK with the Right Mix mobile app from the Department of Veterans Affairs helps you to keep track of the number and types of drinks you consume; the amount of money it's costing you and lets you know about the impact the alcohol has on your wellbeing and fitness levels.

Guide to the assessment of rates of veterans’ pensions
Guide to the assessment of rates of veterans’ pensions (GARP) is used to assess the extent of incapacity from war caused or defence caused injury or disease for the purposes of determining the rate of pension. Download.....

Planning ahead kit
Overview: Planning Ahead is a publication designed to help veterans and their families prepare for bereavement. There is also a checklist that can be used to record the contact details of important people, businesses and organisations that may need to be notified in case of your death. Download.....

DVA Concessions Fact Sheets
Factsheet CON01 - Concessions in NSW
Factsheet CON02 - Concessions in Vic
Factsheet CON03 - Concessions in QLD
Factsheet CON04 - Concessions in SA
Factsheet CON05 - Concessions in WA
Factsheet CON06 - Concessions in Tas
Factsheet CON07 - Concessions in NT
Factsheet CON08 - Concessions in ACT

War Service

Check your ship's eligibility for war service.....

News & Articles of Interest

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DVA
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