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30 Mar 2016	HMAS Canberra returns from Fiji HMAS Canberra returns to Australia today following its successful maiden deployment to Fiji in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Winston. HMAS Canberra was loaded with 60 tonnes of emergency relief supplies, three MRH-90 helicopters and around 760 Australian Defence Force personnel including engineers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. More.....
29 Mar 2016	Specialist counselling for veterans Veterans who may be concerned following the release of the Senate Committee report into the mental health of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and veterans are encouraged to call the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) on 1800 011 046, DVA Secretary Simon Lewis PSM said today. More.....
29 Mar 2016	New Generation to learn the Importance of Commemoration Dan Tehan, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, has launched a large-format picture book aimed at teaching young Australians about the importance of commemoration. Minister Tehan said the book, Here they come: A day to remember, is for primary school students up to Year 3. It explores the experiences, feelings and motivations for different members of the community attending a commemorative ceremony. More.....
29 Mar 2016	Commemorative Posters Depict Life on the Western Front Two posters depicting the different experiences of Australians on the Western Front in 1916 have been released in the lead-up to Anzac Day to commemorate the thousands of lives lost in battles on the Western Front. Dan Tehan, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, said posters are produced and distributed every year to support the observance of Anzac Day. More.....
28 Mar 2016	Landing craft move to a new home The Royal Australian Navy’s final three Landing Craft Heavy – ex-HMA Ships Balikpapan, Betano and Wewak – were officially signed over to the Philippines Navy at a ceremony held at Darwin’s HMAS Coonawarra naval base recently. More.....
28 Mar 2016	NVN's March 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and haven't been receiving your monthly newsletters by email, the email address you supplied on joining is incorrect or out of date.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.
26 Mar 2016	Navy League of Australia(Vic-Tas Div) February newsletter is now available to download.....
26 Mar 2016	Naval Historical Society of Australia (Victorian Chapter) President's March musings are now available to download.....
26 Mar 2016	Students look inside Navy tradition HMAS Cerberus, in Victoria, held its first Ceremonial Divisions for 2016 on 18 March. The Melbourne catchcry is ‘four seasons in a day’ but the weather gauge was firmly stuck on ‘cold, wet and please turn up the thermostat’ for the parade as more than 500 sailors, soldiers, airmen drew on their discipline to stand still and proud while guests watched a tradition play out before them. More.....
25 Mar 2016	Australian support for Fiji continues Today we announce that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) deployment to Fiji under Operation Fiji Assist will transition to a new phase. Australia will continue to assist Fiji as it moves from response to recovery in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Winston. Australia’s largest naval vessel, HMAS Canberra, has successfully completed its first operational deployment and will depart Fiji today. More.....
25 Mar 2016	Innovation across the Submarine Force The wellbeing of junior submariners is the focus of an innovative program which has been created and coordinated by a junior officer and a Chief Petty Officer from the Submarine Force at HMAS Stirling. Program Manager Lieutenant Karin Leepere said the mentoring scheme is designed to address the specific needs of submariners. More.....
24 Mar 2016	Joint press conference by Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Malaysian Minister of Defence, the Hon Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Topics: 2016 Defence White Paper, Australia-Malaysia relations, counter-Daesh campaign. Read.....
24 Mar 2016	Joint press conference by Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Indonesian Minister of Defence, Gen. (Retired) Ryamizard Ryacudu Topics: 2016 Defence White Paper, Australia-Indonesia relations, South China Sea. Read.....
24 Mar 2016	Australian-Indonesian Navies hone skills with Cassowary Australian and Indonesian naval patrol boats have today successfully completed Exercise Cassowary in waters off Darwin. The Australian Armidale Class Patrol Boat – HMAS Wollongong joined two Indonesian patrol boats, KRI Sampari and KRI Layang, for the four-day exercise that focused on maritime surveillance, security and interdiction operations from 21 – 24 March. More.....
24 Mar 2016	Fleet’s discipline and pride on show for Governor-General The flight deck of HMAS Adelaide, with Sydney Harbour as the backdrop, provided a spectacular setting for Fleet Base East Divisions on 24 March. The Royal Australian Navy Band and Guard marched onto the deck, followed by 600 Navy personnel from five warships home ported to Garden Island, Sydney. More.....
23 Mar 2016	Sailor’s bravery at sea recognised posthumously A sailor who sacrificed his life to evacuate his mates during a fire at sea 18 years ago has had his courage recognised with a posthumous Bravery Medal. A Government House announcement on 17 March stated Leading Seaman Marine Techinican Bradley Meek would receive the award for “bravery in hazardous circumstances, thereby losing his life, following the outbreak of fire in the main machinery space aboard HMAS Westralia on May 5, 1998”. More.....
23 Mar 2016	Officer forecasts from the South Pole Lieutenant Wade Lamberth has been braving blizzards, ice and freezing conditions while plying his professional skills as the Royal Australian Navy's deployed meteorology officer in Antarctica. He said the highly sought after Australian Antarctic Division role to support Australian researchers, mainly based at Davis Station, took his Navy skills to the extreme in one of the world's most remote areas. More.....
23 Mar 2016	Defence and Industry Conference 2016 The 2016 Defence and Industry Conference will be held at the National Convention Centre Canberra on Wednesday, 15 June. Deputy Secretary Capability and Sustainment Group (CASG), Mr Kim Gillis said the 2016 D+I Conference provides a critical platform for Government-to-business and business-to-business interactions. More.....
20 Mar 2016	Veteran Pensions Set to Increase Veteran pension payments will increase in March in line with the biannual indexation process. Pension recipients including veterans, their partners, war widows and widowers across Australia will see the increase from 20 March 2016. Due to pension rates calculating on a daily basis, the first pension paid after the indexation on payday 31 March 2016 will comprise both the old and new rates. More.....
18 Mar 2016	Dragon boaters fiery finish The HMAS Cerberus dragon boat team have competed against the top Victorian clubs and held their own. After a season of rigorous training and competitions the Cerberus team competed in the 200m and 500m Premier Open division at the Victorian Dragon Boat Association annual state titles held at Docklands, Melbourne. More.....
18 Mar 2016	Release of Senate Reference Committee report into the mental health of Australian Defence Force members and veterans The Government welcomes the contribution of the Senate Reference Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade’s report into the mental health of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and veterans and will carefully consider the Inquiry report and its recommendations. More.....
15 Mar 2016	Students Honoured in Annual Simpson Prize The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of Anzac, Dan Tehan, today presented awards to the winners and runners-up in the Australian Government’s 2016 Simpson Prize. “The Simpson Prize is a prestigious national history competition and whether a winner or a runner up, all the students who have participated should be very proud of their achievements,” Minister Tehan said. More.....
14 Mar 2016	Indigenous ADF members inspire others to serve Minister for Defence Senator the Hon Marise Payne, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion and Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Michael McCormack MP, have joined Indigenous Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, and community leaders, to launch a marketing campaign to attract a future generation of Indigenous people into the ADF. More.....
14 Mar 2016	Defence Indigenous Development Program - a graduates perspective An innovative program that provides a pathway for Indigenous people from remote communities into Defence is getting top marks from its participants. Seaman Star Caleb Ober is currently undertaking his Boatswains Mate category training at the Boatswains Faculty in HMAS Cerberus after he graduated from the Defence Indigenous Development Program in 2015. More.....
12 Mar 2016	HMAS Canberra hosts senior delegation in Fiji Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has thanked the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, for the Australian Government's efforts in response to Tropical Cyclone Winston, the most devastating cyclone ever to hit Fiji. More.....
11 Mar 2016	Minister for Defence – FIVEaa Radio Adelaide radio interview with Leon Byner Topics: South Australian jobs, Navy capability, shipbuilding. More.....
11 Mar 2016	First viewing of next generation Air Force Balloon The Royal Australian Air Force launched a new cutting-edge hot air balloon, linking the oldest and newest forms of aviation in a distinctive design, reflective of Air Force’s evolution into the 21st century. Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies AO, CSC, unveiled the new and striking helmet shaped hot air balloon in Canberra today. “For more than 25 years, the Air Force Balloon has travelled throughout Australia, inspiring an interest in aviation among young people, and promoting the professionalism of the Air Force and its personnel,” Air Marshal Davies said. More.....
11 Mar 2016	HMAS Parramatta Anti Ship Missile Defence Upgrade more than skin deep HMAS Parramatta, the fifth Anzac class frigate built for Australia and the sixth to enter the Anti-Ship Missile Defence Upgrade programme has commenced preparations to undock in mid April. While the most obvious and striking changes are the addition of a ‘cupola' mast to house the CEA Phased Array Radar, and a coat of the new Royal Australian Navy 'haze grey' paint, these are just two of a complex web of engineering changes and maintenance tasks delivered by BAE Systems, Saab Australia and Naval Ship Management, at the BAE Systems shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia over the past 12 months. More.....
10 Mar 2016	White Paper myths busted by Defence Chief Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin held a round-table meeting with members of the Australian media on 1 March to discuss future capabilities outlined in the 2016 Defence White Paper. The first topic addressed was the possibility that a capability gap would arise between the retirement of the Collins class and the commissioning of the future submarines. More.....
10 Mar 2016	Freedom to manoeuvre for relief force Four Royal Australian Navy Hydrographic Surveyors have been searching for the 'perfect beach' - not for relaxation - but importantly in support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-led Australian whole-of-government relief mission, Operation FIJI ASSIST 2016. The Deployable Geospatial Support Team have conducted numerous surveying operations around Koro Island in Fiji, which was severely damaged by Tropical Cyclone Winston on 20 February. More.....
09 Mar 2016	Chief of the Defence Force visits Operation Fiji Assist The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin has completed a two day visit to Australian Defence Force personnel currently helping the people of Fiji recover after Tropical Cyclone Winston. Around 900 ADF personnel are currently deployed on Operation Fiji Assist as part of the Australian Government contribution. More.....
08 Mar 2016	The Centre for Defence Industry Capability The Prime Minister, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today announced the new Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) will be headquartered in Adelaide. The headquarters will both foster and drive innovation in the defence industry right across Australia and open up export opportunities. More..... Doorstop interview.....
08 Mar 2016	Ex-service Members' Health and Their GP (from Dr Roderick Bain OAM) Members Could you give maximum publicity within your contacts to the following web site www.racgp.org.au/afp/2016/march/ which is the internet version of the Australian Family Physician magazine issued to all members of the Australian College of General Practitioners. This is their March edition principally devoted to the Defence Community and their health care. All veteran family members should be encouraged to discuss the material with their GP so he/she does bother to read it and they are likewise familiar with it too. I co-authored the DVA portion of one article but collectively it brings all defence community related medical information together in the one place; a first in general practice and long overdue. Regards, Rod. B. Dr Roderick Bain OAM MBBS FRCA FANZCA Member RACGP RSL (NSW) State Councillor Medical Advisor to RSL National Board
08 Mar 2016	Maritime security bolstered and relationships strengthened to reduce threat of piracy Indian Ocean maritime security has been bolstered and international relationships strengthened as 450 naval and coast guard personnel from 18 nations gathered in the Seychelles for Exercise CUTLASS EXPRESS. The annual exercise, which included East African and international naval forces, seeks to enhance cooperation and combat threats to maritime security in the region. More.....
06 Mar 2016	HMAS Darwin seizes large weapons cache HMAS Darwin’s boarding team has uncovered and seized a large weapons cache, following a boarding of a fishing vessel during their deployment to the Middle East Region as part of Operation MANITOU. After assessing the vessel to be stateless, 1989 AK-47 assault rifles, 100 rocket propelled grenade launchers, 49 PKM general purpose machine guns, 39 PKM spare barrels and 20 60mm mortar tubes were seized from the vessel that was headed towards the Somalia coast. More.....
05 Mar 2016	Defence participates in the 2016 Sydney Mardi Gras Today a contingent of 150 members from the Australian Defence Force marched alongside their families, friends and Defence public servants in the 2016 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade. Defence participation in the Sydney Mardi Gras is an opportunity for members to demonstrate pride for their Service and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex members. More.....
04 Mar 2016	OP FIJI ASSIST 2016 begins major amphibious move Personnel, plant equipment, tools, heavy vehicles and aid were just some of the material either flown off by Army and Navy MRH-90 Helicopters, or by sea on Landing Craft, as Australia’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission gathered significant momentum. HMAS Canberra, stationed off the Coast of Fiji’s Koro Island, began amphibious operations in earnest, with a major muscle move of material and personnel. More.....
03 Mar 2016	Navy Chief Awarded Silver Commendation The life of a Navy Physical Trainer isn’t all about weight lifting, mirrors and cardio workouts, there’s a lot of work that goes into how to improve not just a person’s quality of life through fitness, but also in making sure facilities and training are top line. CPOPT Dion McCrabb, at HMAS Cerberus in Victoria, was awarded a Navy Silver Commendation recently for his tireless work in ensuring the facilities at the Navy’s largest training base are the best they can be. More.....
04 Mar 2016	A year in the ADF to kick start your career YOUNG Australians have been encouraged by Assistant Minister for Defence, Michael McCormack to consider a year in the Navy, Army or Air Force. Mr McCormack officially launched the 2017 ADF Gap Year Program at the Melbourne ADF Careers Expo, attended by students from more than 70 schools and universities across Victoria. More.....
02 Mar 2016	ADSO Calls On The Government To Fully Support Its Veterans Military service to the nation is a bond that unites all generations of veterans. The unique demands placed on ADF members and their families in too many cases results in significant physical and mental health problems and family stresses. It is for this reason Governments have legislated for specific provisions to support our service personnel and their families. More.....
02 Mar 2016	Regional jobs boost through Defence White Paper investment Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash and Assistant Minister for Defence Michael McCormack have welcomed major investments in regional Australia to be delivered under the 2016 Defence White Paper. “The Coalition Government will increase Defence spending by $29.9 billion for a total investment of $195 billion over the next decade,” Senator Nash said. “Much of this investment will be in rural and regional Australia, where most defence facilities are based. More.....
01 Mar 2016	CN: Royal Australian Navy's 115th Birthday Address at the Navy Memorial, Canberra This morning the Navy’s largest Australian White Ensign is flying from the Flagstaff at Regatta Point because the RAN is celebrating its birthday at sea, in our shore establishments and here in the nation’s capital. Today is the 115th anniversary of creation of the Navy by the Federal Parliament on 1 March 1901. The legislation that enabled the Commonwealth Naval Force and the Commonwealth Military Forces, as defined in the constitution, was passed into law just eight weeks after the Federation had been proclaimed on 1 January 1901. More.....
29 Feb 2016	25th Anniversary of the First Gulf War I seek leave of the House to make a Ministerial statement relating to the 25th Anniversary of the First Gulf War, which ended on the 28th of February, 1991. I rise to deliver this statement to remind the House of the debt of gratitude our nation owes to the brave men and women who served in the Persian Gulf in 1990 and 1991. More.....
28 Feb 2016	Cerberus celebrates with community The Westernport Festival in Hastings, Victoria, is the largest annual civilian event in the HMAS Cerberus neighbourhood, and gives base personnel the opportunity to stand alongside other groups to celebrate their community. The festival is traditionally led by the Royal Australian Navy Band. This year's festival also included Navy participants from local Navy Cadet unit TS Tingira and members of the Navy Steam Club. More.....
28 Feb 2016	HMAS Melbourne returns from Middle East After five successful narcotic seizures in the Middle East and 203 days away from home, Royal Australian Navy frigate, HMAS Melbourne was welcomed back to her homeport of Sydney today. Around one thousand family and friends joined the Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, CSC and Bar, RAN, to welcome the ship’s company home from duties as part of Operation MANITOU. More..... HMAS Melbourne, White Paper, Tax Reform doorstop interview.....
28 Feb 2016	Statement on Lone Pine Commemorations The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Dan Tehan, has announced that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will plan a wreath laying ceremony at Lone Pine on the afternoon of the 24 April 2016, and in accordance with arrangements for the centenary of the Battle of Lone Pine last year, on 6 August the Department will hold a Lone Pine commemorative service for those who wish to pay their respects at the time and place the battle began. More.....
27 Feb 2016	Australian support to Fiji expands The Australian Government has sent HMAS Canberra to Fiji as part of Australia’s ongoing support to Fiji in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Winston. This will be the first deployment of HMAS Canberra in support of an Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operation (HADR) overseas. HMAS Canberra, with approximately 880 personnel, is expected to arrive in Fijian waters from early next week. This will boost the substantial Australian aid effort in Fiji, which is already providing humanitarian relief to over 40,000 people. More.....
26 Feb 2016	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.

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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

DVA Information of Interest

DVA
Information of Interest