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Navy Week Victoria 17-24 Oct 2015 |
Click here to view all events during Navy Week in Victoria 2015. |
| 29 Sep 2015 |
Understanding DVA 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. The Australian Government provides more than $5 billion in funding in health treatment, services and support to veterans and their families every year. More..... |
| 26 Sep 2015 |
 Spirit
of Anzac Centenary Experience travelling exhibition opens in
LauncestonThe Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience travelling exhibition was officially launched today in Launceston. The interactive experience includes more than 200 artefacts normally housed at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. More..... |
| 26 Sep 2015 |
Defence analysis: Not much cheer in new Cabinet (article from the Townsville Bulletin 23 September) The cheers greeting Stuart Robert’s ministerial elevation to Veterans’ Affairs barely drowned out the stale champagne fizz from the Canning by-election victory leftovers. Even that momentary euphoria evaporated when it became obvious Robert had also been given responsibility for Human Services, covering a broad range of social and health services including Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support. Veterans’ concerns that their hard won entitlements would eventually be subsumed into the “social security” pool have been realised thanks to Turnbull’s new ministry. More..... |
| 26 Sep 2015 |
NVN's
September 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and haven't been receiving your monthly newsletters by email, the email address you supplied on joining is incorrect or out of date.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. |
| 24 Sep 2015 |
 Innovation
core to Navy businessAs part of a recent trip to HMAS Stirling, Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett held a roundtable discussion on innovation with sailors and officers. The roundtable included Warrant Officer of the Navy Martin Holzberger and representatives from the Anzac Systems Program Office, the Submarine Training Centre, Western Australian based ships and the Submarine Force. More..... |
| 24 Sep 2015 |
ADF tests latest amphibious capability The Australian Defence Force is testing its newest amphibious capability ahead of the upcoming cyclone season. Exercise SEA RAIDER in Far North Queensland involves some 1400 troops embarked in HMAS Canberra with medium lift helicopters, landing craft and small boats, trucks, troop carriers and other vehicles. More..... |
| 23 Sep 2015 |
 On
The Record – Paul FarrellI believe it is important to go on the record following the allegations made in Paul Farrell’s article ‘Revealed: senior military figures suppressed allegations of sexual misconduct at navy training base’ (The Guardian Online, 23 September 2015). The article misrepresents the culture of one of Navy’s premier training establishments based on individual perceptions and comments taken out of context. The media inquiry made to the Department by Mr Farrell did not permit a significant timeframe to reply, thereby reducing the potential for balanced and accurate reporting. More..... |
| 22 Sep 2015 |
 Minister
for Defence – Transcript – Press Conference ABC News 24MARISE PAYNE: Ladies and gentlemen thank you so much for joining me here this morning, I wanted to take this opportunity whilst still in Canberra and between briefings to speak to you about what I regard as an extraordinary honour and a very humbling appointment of myself as Australia’s Minister for Defence. There is clearly no more important obligation or duty for Government than protecting the safety of our nation and of our people, and the role of Minister for Defence in that capacity in the cabinet is a very significant one. And I take it on with a great sense of responsibility, a great sense of history and honour, as I said, and a very significant obligation to our nation. More..... |
| 21 Sep 2015 |
 Navy League of Australia - September newsletter - now available to download..... |
| 20 Sep 2015 |
 Ministerial
ReshuffleStatement from Senator The Hon. Michael Ronaldson Over the last five years, both in Opposition and in Government, it has been my honour to represent our nation’s veterans and their families. While there is more to do, I am proud of the efforts we have made in the portfolio and our significant moves to engage and support contemporary veterans and their families. Veterans’ mental health is a policy area that I have taken a deep personal interest in. More..... |
| 20 Sep 2015 |
 Support
to helicopter training project on trackA major step towards delivering a comprehensive helicopter training system for the Australian Defence Force occurred on 12 September with the commencement of a $157 million construction project at HMAS Albatross and Jervis Bay Airfield. The project is in support of the Helicopter Aircrew Training System which will allow for a higher level of training prior to conversion to operational flying squadrons such as those that fly the MRH-90 Taipan and MH-60R Romeo helicopters. More..... |
| 20 Sep 2015 |
 Statement
from the Minister for DefenceIt has been a great honour to serve as Australia’s Minister for Defence. The safety and security of the people of Australia is the first priority of government. During the last nine months, there have been significant achievements in Defence. The fragile trust between Defence and Government was restored. More..... |
| 19 Sep 2015 |
ADF exercises rapid deployment to North West Australia About 1000 Australian Defence Force personnel have started deploying under Exercise NORTHERN SHIELD 2015 to Exmouth, North Western Australia, at short notice to test security response arrangements. Exercise NORTHERN SHIELD is an Australian Defence Force (ADF) training activity where high-readiness forces deploy quickly to North Western Australia in response to a simulated security threat. More..... |
| 19 Sep 2015 |
Australia
welcomes Japanese defence reform I welcome the decision of the Japanese Government to reform its defence policies to enable Japan to play a greater role in promoting peace and security in our region and internationally. The reforms to Japan’s defence policies will enable the further strengthening of Australia’s defence and security cooperation with Japan. This includes Japan’s full participation in the CEP for Australia’s next generation of submarines. More..... |
| 18 Sep 2015 |
 No
change to eligibility for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign MedalThe Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Darren Chester, today announced the Australian Government has accepted the recommendation of the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal that the Australian Government does not have the legal authority to change eligibility for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. More..... |
| 18 Sep 2015 |
Pension
increase for veterans Veterans, their partners, war widows and widowers across Australia will see an increase to their pensions from 20 September 2015 as part of the bi-annual indexation process. As pension rates are calculated on a daily basis, the next pension paid after the 20 September increase (on payday 1 October 2015) will be paid partly at the old rate and partly at the new rate. The first full payment at the new pension rates will be 15 October 2015. More..... |
| 16 Sep 2015 |
Statement
on Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and Operations in the Middle East Maritime and Peacekeeping Operations In addition to our commitment in Afghanistan and Iraq, the ADF continues to support vital work in maritime security and peacekeeping operations in the wider Middle East and around the world. Since 1991 Australia has conducted near continuous maritime security operations in the Middle East Region in support of international efforts to promote maritime security and stability. More..... |
| 15 Sep 2015 |
Better
Online Alcohol Management Support For Veterans And Serving ADF
Members The Right Mix website has been enhanced to provide better support for veterans and serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members in order to help them manage their alcohol consumption, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson said today. The Right Mix has been updated based on the latest research into the effects of alcohol consumption. More..... |
| 14 Sep 2015 |
Funding
Round Opens For Vietnam War Commemorative Grants Funding applications for initiatives that recognise the contribution of Australian servicemen and women who served our country during the Vietnam conflict are now open, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, announced today. The Vietnam War Commemorative Grants have been established under the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Programme. More..... |
| 14 Sep 2015 |
Australia and India in first maritime exercise The inaugural bilateral maritime exercise between India and Australia, AUSINDEX15, has commenced, with an opening ceremony held in Visakhapatnam, India, over the weekend. Building on the personal relationship of Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abbott, the Minister for Defence, the Honourable Kevin Andrews MP, recently visited India to further develop, with his counterpart Minster Manohar Parrikar, the Framework for Security Cooperation. More..... |
| 12 Sep 2015 |
Leaders of Ex-Service Organisations Appalled by Delay in
Veterans’ Reform Bill The leaders of the Ex-Service Organisations listed below1 are concerned that the passage of the Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 has been delayed in the Senate. The Bill introduces much needed reforms that have not only been discussed by that leadership group but has their full support, including the support of their families. More..... |
| 11 Sep 2015 |
Blueprint
for Defence and Security Cooperation Between Australia and the
Republic of Korea 1. Senior Dialogues and Consultation Activity or proposed activity (a) Australia and the Republic of Korea (ROK) hold biennial Foreign and Defence Ministers’ 2+2 meetings. (b) Both sides hold Foreign Ministers’ meetings in either country or in the margins of plurilateral events at least annually. More..... |
| 11 Sep 2015 |
Construction begins on $157m project at HMAS Albatross Construction began today on a $157 million project to provide support facilities for the new Helicopter Aircrew Training System at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW. Federal Member for Gilmore, Mrs Ann Sudmalis, represented the Minister for Defence, Kevin Andrews, at a sod turning ceremony today to signify the start of building works. More..... |
| 11 Sep 2015 |
 Navy
League of Australia - Victoria Division, Centenary Celebration
DinnerCelebration of Centenary of Navy League in Victoria and to remember all those who over 100 years gave voluntary service to the Australian Community through the League. The Celebration dinner will be held at the Box Hill RSL on Saturday 14 Nov 2015. Download the flyer with full details..... |
| 11 Sep 2015 |
 Navy
League Victoria Centenary - First Day CoversA. A Limited edition 150, signed and numbered First Day Covers with the Navy League's copyright personalised label stamp on each cover and cancelled by australia Post's special Centenary Pictorial cancel on Friday 9th October 2015 at the melbourne Post Office Shop. Price $10 per cover. B. Limited print run of 320 personalised Centenary label stamps - 150 used on First Day Covers and 150 on 6 different post cards, limited printing of 25 of each design, signed and numbered Post Cards. Price $15 per Post Card or Set of 6 for $50. Full details and Order Form..... Post card designs..... |
| 11 Sep 2015 |
Vic
Vets Vie for Creative Kudos The creative talents of Victoria’s ex-service community will be celebrated at today’s official launch of the 2015 Victorian Veteran Community Story Writing and Art Competition (SWAC) exhibition. “I congratulate the organisers on the continued popularity of this exciting event, which has this year attracted 503 entries and generous sponsorship from the corporate and community sectors,” the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson said. More..... |
| 10 Sep 2015 |
Suicide
Prevention App Supports Veterans Anywhere, Anytime The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, released a free mobile phone app to help serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deal with suicidal thoughts. "Operation Life is an important initiative that has been developed in consultation with specialist veteran mental health specialists. This is specifically targeted towards assisting those with the unique challenges and circumstances that military service can present,” Senator Ronaldson said. More..... |
| 09 Sep 2015 |
 Historic
World War II Corvette HMAS Castlemaine Has
Her Bottom CleanedCastlemaine was docked at the BAE Systems shipyard, Williamstown, over the period 14-28 August 2015. While at BAE Systems the ship was dry docked in the Alfred Graving Dock and the hull was cleaned and painted. When the opportunity came to assist with the docking, BAE Systems volunteered. The General Manager of BAE Systems Williamstown Operations Peter Leahy said “Even though our current environment is challenging, the team felt it was a great opportunity to give the ship a new lease on life so that she might continue her community service.” The crew of the Castlemaine thank BAE SYSTEMS, EPTEC (cleaning and painting), KOREVAAR Marine (tug services for the moves), Port Phillip Sea Pilots and International Paints for their assistance, which made the docking possible. More photos in the Gallery..... |
| 09 Sep 2015 |
Joint press conference – The Syrian and Iraqi humanitarian
crisis; Australia to extend air operations against Daesh into Syria PRIME MINISTER: Today the Government is making two important announcements about the humanitarian and security crisis in the Middle East. The first is that Australia will resettle an additional 12,000 refugees from the Syria/Iraq conflict. These will be permanent resettlement places over and above Australia’s existing humanitarian programme of 13,750 this year rising to 18,750 in three years’ time. More..... |
| 09 Sep 2015 |
Australia
to extend air operations against Daesh into Syria The Government has decided to extend Australia’s air strikes against Daesh into Syria. This marks the next phase of Australia’s contribution to the international coalition effort to disrupt, degrade and ultimately defeat the Daesh death cult. The decision to expand air operations into Syria has been given careful consideration. More..... |
| 08 Sep 2015 |
Labor
Caught Out Playing Games With Veteran Legislation Labor’s Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, David Feeney, has been exposed playing games with important legislation that will make a real difference for Australian veterans and their families. Legislation to provide veterans covered under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) with access to the same appeals pathway as those who are covered under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) was due to be debated in the Senate yesterday. More..... |
| 07 Sep 2015 |
HMAS Melbourne departs for Operation Manitou Family and friends farewelled HMAS Melbourne and her ship’s company as they set sail for a six-month deployment as part of Operation MANITOU - the Australian Defence Force contribution to the international coalition against terrorism. The deployment will be the 61st rotation of a Royal Australian Navy ship to the region since 1990. Melbourne will relieve HMAS Newcastle on station. View the video..... |
| 07 Dec 2015 |
 Pacific
mission enhances health, partnershipsThe Australian Defence Force has completed Exercise Pacific Partnership 2015, an annual United States-led humanitarian and civic assistance exercise aimed at strengthening international relationships with partner and host nations in the Asia-Pacific Region. Over 16 weeks, from 17 May to 8 September, military personnel from Australia, the United States, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Canada, Fiji, Timor-Leste and Singapore provided medical care and completed building projects in a number of South-West Pacific and South-East Asian nations. More..... |
| 07 Dec 2015 |
Two
years of achievements in Defence Since the Abbott Government was elected two years ago today, there have been significant achievements in Defence. In this time, the Abbott Government has a demonstrated a steadfast commitment to investing in defending and protecting Australia and its national interest. Certainty has been restored to Defence. The Government’s flagship achievement in Defence is the commitment to implement a continuous build of surface warships in Australia. This will provide certainty for Navy, the Australian Defence Force and defence industry. More..... |
| 07 Sep 2015 |
Expressions of Interest - The Victorian Reserve Officers'
Dining In Night The Victorian Reserve Officers' Dining In Night has been arranged for Friday 13th November 2015. The venue remains unchanged (University House, Melbourne University). All Victorian Reserve Officers and Warrant Officers and their partners are most welcome. Full details in the Reunion page..... |
| 07 Sep 2015 |
Labor
Snubs Veteran Community and Supports Lawyers Over Veterans The Opposition’s stunning backflip on providing a streamlined single appeal pathway for appeals under veteran compensation claims is proof that Labor has abandoned the interests of Australia’s veterans and is now completely at the beck and call of backroom puppeteers. More..... |
| 07 Sep 2015 |
Defence launches Pride Network A network to support Defence Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) personnel was launched at the inaugural Military Pride Ball at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney on Saturday. Acting Director General, People Strategy and Culture Nikki Curtin said Defence Pride would support LGBTI members and their allies. “Defence is proud of its evolving nature and recognises the correlation between diversity and capability,” she said. More..... |
| 04 Sep 2015 |
 HMAS Sydney Decommissioning 07 November 2015HMAS Sydney IV will decommission on Saturday 07 November 2015 after 32 years of service to the nation. During the conduct of maritime operations spanning the globe she has steamed 959,627 nautical miles and been involved in operations in the Middle East, East Timor, Fiji and the Solomon Islands; earning a Meritorious Unit Citation during the first Gulf War in 1991. More..... |
| 04 Sep 2015 |
Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience Travelling Exhibition
Opens Today The Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience travelling exhibition was officially opened today by the Prime Minister, the Hon. Tony Abbott, in the Albury-Wodonga region. The travelling exhibition is highly interactive and includes more than 200 artefacts normally housed at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. More..... |
| 02 Sep 2015 |
Australian
Veterans Travelling to PNG to Mark the 70th Anniversary of Victory
In The Pacific Seven Second World War veterans who served in, or directly supported, the New Guinea campaigns from the Battle for Wau in January 1943 onwards, will travel to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson announced today. More..... |
| 02 Sep 2015 |
Minister
for Defence – Australia’s Defence policy and relationship with India Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. And thank you to the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) for hosting. The IDSA is a welcome and prestigious Indian voice in the international strategic and defence think tank community. More..... |
| 01 Sep 2015 |
Minister
for Defence – Opinion Editorial for The Hindu, India Building on the personal relationship of Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abbott, I am pleased to visit India for the first time as Australia’s Defence Minister. India is the emerging democratic super power of Asia. It is therefore sensible that the relationship between India and Australia be developed and strengthened. More..... |
| 01 Sep 2015 |
 HMAS
Sydney II Veteran, Honoured at SeaAt dusk on 30 August, amidst the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean, the crew of HMAS Sirius gathered on the flight deck to celebrate the life and service of Richard "Dick" Vincent Radcliffe, in the vicinity of the HMAS Sydney II wreckage. More..... Scattering of Ashes Service..... |
| 31 Aug 2015 |
Defence to finalise sale of former naval transmission
station at Darriman, Victoria The Department of Defence has today confirmed that the sale of the former Omega Tower site at Darriman, Victoria, was agreed in August 2015. The Omega Tower was removed from the site in April this year because of public safety concerns. Since that time, Defence has completed various due diligence activities in order to sell the site. The Contract of Sale was exchanged in August following an expression of interest process, and Defence will finalise the sale in October. All proceeds from the sale will be re-invested in support of the Australian Defence Force. |
| 31 Aug 2015 |
 HMAS
Canberra Initial Operational CapabilityThe Royal Australian Navy’s Amphibious Ship, HMAS Canberra, has completed a graduated operational test and trials program to achieve a key milestone towards Initial Operating Capability. The program included integration of landing craft as well as trials for both the crew, ship and aviation systems. The Navy’s S70B Seahawk, Army’s S70A Blackhawk and the joint MRH-90 Taipan helicopters have now all been evaluated for operations from the Canberra class ships. More..... |
| 31 Aug 2015 |
Shipyard visit by Tonga’s Chief of Defence Staff Today Head Maritime Systems Rear Admiral Mark Purcell hosted Chief of Defence Staff, His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Tonga Brigadier Lord Fielakepa, at the Forgacs Shipyards in Newcastle, to view a just completed landing craft that will join the Tongan Naval Component next month. The Australian Government is gifting the new Landing Craft Medium, worth approximately $5 million, to the Kingdom of Tonga as part of our Defence Cooperation Program. More..... |
| 28 Aug 2015 |
Resilience
and stress management tools for veterans and ADF members now online The High Res website, which helps veterans and serving members of the Australian Defence Force manage the unique mental stresses of military service was launched today by Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson and Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon. Stuart Robert MP. “The High Res website will help our serving members, veterans and their families manage stress and build psychological resilience,” Senator Ronaldson said. More..... |
| 26 Aug 2015 |
 One-stop Navy application now availableThe centuries old naval personnel management, or Divisional, system is getting a fresh new look with the creation of a mobile application to augment the information flow to Navy personnel. The 'Navy People' app is now available for download on Apple or Android devices from the App Store or GooglePlay. More..... |
| Archives News Newsletters |
DVA
Information of Interest
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.....