News & Articles of Interest

HMAS Cerberus Facebook page For all the latest news coming out of Cerberus, visit their Facebook page.....
30 Apr 2018	Anzac Day in Singapore a moving experience A team from HMAS Success has attended the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Singapore’s Kranji War Cemetery as part of their deployment to South East Asia. The Kranji War Cemetery commemorates a significant chapter in Australia’s wartime history when during World War II, Australian Forces as a component of Commonwealth Forces, assisted in the defence of Malaya and Singapore against the advancing Imperial Japanese Army. The Singapore Memorial is situated in the Kranji War Cemetery and both are dedicated to their sacrifice. More.....
28 Apr 2018	NVN's April Newsletter - download..... NOTE from Webmaster: If you are a member and haven't been notified that your monthly newsletter is available to download, the email address you supplied on joining is incorrect or out of date.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.
28 Apr 2018	Stronger Enforcement of UNSC Resolution on North Korea Australia will deploy a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to Japan to contribute to the enforcement of United Nations Security Council resolutions in our region. This is part of Australia’s active role in efforts to maintain economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea. The deployment supports the international campaign to address North Korea’s illicit trade and associated networks. More.....
27 Apr 2018	New online database reveals the artefacts of the Gallipoli battlefield The results of five seasons of archaeological surveys of the First World War battlefield at Anzac on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey have been catalogued into a unique digital archive. Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester today announced the Anzac Gallipoli Archaeological Database, which was created by the University of Melbourne. More.....
27 Apr 2018	Australia and Indonesia unite to improve maritime security A coordinated patrol between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) to improve security along the shared maritime border has concluded this week in Bali, Indonesia. Coordinated maritime patrol AUSINDO CORPAT 2018, the eighth iteration of the exercise, began in Darwin on 16 April following seven days of joint exercises between the two nations’ defence forces. More.....
25 Apr 2018	Sir John Monash Centre opens on Anzac Day 2018, the Centenary of the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux The centrepiece of Australia’s Anzac Centenary 2014–18, the Sir John Monash Centre, opens in France today, honouring more than 295,000 soldiers who served on the Western Front and the 46,000 who died there. The Sir John Monash Centre, named after the commander who led Allied troops to victory at the famous Battle of Hamel in 1918, is located alongside the historic Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, north of Paris. The Centre was officially opened by Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP, and the Prime Minister of France Édouard Philippe. More.....
25 Apr 2018	Anzac Day 2018 at Casey Research Station, Antarctica
25 Apr 2018	Anzac Day in Antarctica A veteran Defence Force Naval Officer has led Australia’s southern-most Anzac Day dawn service at Casey research station in Antarctica. Commander Rebecca Jeffcoat has been with the Royal Australian Navy for 28 years and is now spending a year on the ice as Australia’s Casey Station Leader. Commander Jeffcoat said it was inspiring to be part of a unique Antarctic commemoration. More.....
25 Apr 2018	Film Anzac Day Victoria school Villers-Bretonneux "DO NOT FORGET AUSTRALIA" Dear Australian friends, For those who do not yet know me, my name is Guillaume Fournet, I am a teacher in the class of CM1 at the Victoria School in Villers-Bretonneux, France (9 to 10 years old pupils). In recent years, I have collected addresses of our Australian friends who came to visit or sent us mail so that I can keep them up to date with events linked to Australia. For the centenary of the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux and ANZAC Day, our class has produced a 25 minute long documentary called « DO NOT FORGET AUSTRALIA, the duty of remembrance in Villers-Bretonneux ». The pupils and myself are extremely proud to present this film, which won the Sadlier-Stokes award in this centenary year! We will be given our prize on 25th April by an Australian personality: his excellence the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull just after the commemoration at the Memorial!!! Watching the film, you will follow the pupils as they make moving discoveries: the Australian National Memorial, Adelaïde Cemetery, the Franco-Australian Museum, the Victoria School... The film is subtitled in english. If you enjoy it, you are kindly asked to share it with your contacts, and with as many schools as possible. This will allow to highlight the work of our little French pupils of Villers-Bretonneux and participate in the duty of remembrance! With our kind regards, The pupils of the class of CM1 from the Victoria School and their teacher, Mister Fournet The file is quite large and is 25 minutes in duration. The film can be downloaded with this link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-jxprIH_yT9CQAMePOwFgYbfQvi4biCH/view?usp=sharing
25 Apr 2018	Express trains to Melbourne for hundreds of sailors The Royal Australian Navy has marched through the heart of Melbourne with a 1000-strong contingent to mark Anzac Day. More than 700 personnel from HMAS Cerberus and Navy’s Recruit School on the Mornington Peninsula travelled in their ceremonial winter uniforms from Frankston to the historic Flinders Street Station via special metro rail services, joining 300 more Navy members on Swanston Street before marching from Melbourne Town Hall on Swanston Street to the Shrine of Remembrance at Domain. More.....
24 Apr 2108	A collective approach to regional security in the Indian Ocean Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, is representing Australia at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) joining his counterparts to increase understanding and cooperation between navies of the Indian Ocean Region. The symposium strengthens important military relationships by providing an open and inclusive forum for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues. More.....
24 Apr 2018	Proud to Serve
24 Apr 2018	Navy To Lead ANZAC Day Parade in Melbourne Navy serving Father and Son, Captain Darren Greville GROGAN CSM RAN, Captain Sea Training Group and his Father WOWTR Martin Greville GROGAN OAM, Manager, Museum of HMAS CERBERUS, have been given the honour to lead the Parade this year. HMAS CERBERUS are sending an 800 strong contingent for this important milestone in our Military history.
23 Apr 2018	Royal Australian Navy Ships visit Vietnam Royal Australian Navy’s HMA Ships Anzac, Toowoomba and Success have completed a port visit to Vietnam, as part of a three month South East Asia deployment. During the port visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Anzac, Toowoomba and Success conducted a logistic resupply and local engagement with Vietnam People’s Armed Forces and local government officials. More.....
22 Apr 2018	Underwater survey video of the wreck of HMAS AE1
22 Apr 2018	Australian Government supports outstanding French sites Two of the sites on the Australian Remembrance Trail along the Western Front will be enhanced and preserved, ensuring the contribution of Australians in the First World War is never forgotten. Ahead of the official opening of the Sir John Monash Centre, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester announced funding of €95,000 (around A$150,000) for projects in Vignacourt and Naours. “The small French village of Vignacourt has become famously associated with the Thuillier Collection, a large collection of well-preserved glass plate negative photographs of Allied soldiers from the First World War which was discovered in 2011 after almost a century,” Mr Chester said. More.....
21 Apr 2018	Unknown Australian Soldier identified 101 years after death Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Darren Chester MP, today confirmed the identity of a World War I Australian soldier previously recorded incorrectly as an illegal absentee. Mr Chester said the previously unidentified Australian soldier was formally identified by an Australian Army Identification Board on 29 August 2017 as Private Edward Attfield, regimental number 1701. “It can now be confirmed Private Attfield lies in Old Cairo War Cemetery in Egypt. He had previously been declared a deserter by mistake,” Mr Chester said. More.....
20 Apr 2018	Australian warships “challenged” by Chinese ahead of Vietnam visit A task group of three Royal Australian Navy ships was reportedly involved in what was termed as a “robust interaction” with Chinese PLA Navy ships in the South China Sea, according to a report by Australian Broadcasting Corp. The three Royal Australian Navy ships, frigates HMAS Anzac and Toowoomba and auxiliary oiler HMAS Success, were reportedly involved in an interaction with Chinese warships while en route to Vietnam, where they arrived for a port visit on April 20. More.....
19 Apr 2018	21 Pacific Patrol Boats to be built in WA As part of our strong commitment to regional maritime security, Australia will gift Timor-Leste two new patrol boats following the finalisation of the shipbuilding arrangements. The new arrangements follow the agreement between Prime Minister Turnbull and Prime Minister Alkatiri in November 2017 for the provision of these two new boats to Timor-Leste. More.....
18 Apr 2018	Expanding services for veterans and their families in partnership with Australia Post A program to improve easy access to general information about mental health services, counselling, rehabilitation, and transition and support services for veterans and their families has been launched in Mount Gambier, South Australia and North Lakes in the Moreton Bay area of Queensland as part pilot the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is conducting with Australia Post. More.....
17 Apr 2018	Australian OPVs to feature L3 Technologies’ systems Luerssen Australia has granted a contract to L3 Technologies for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) SEA 1180 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). L3 Communications Australia is to provide the integrated communications, bridge, navigation and platform management systems for all twelve OPV platforms. More.....
17 Apr 2018	HMAS Vampire remembered The sinking of HMAS Vampire (I) and the loss of nine of her crew has been commemorated during a small ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. Personnel from HMAS Cerberus, including a catafalque party and bugler, and members of the Naval Association of Australia came together at the shrine to mark the 76th Anniversary of the battle that claimed Vampire, a ship of the famous Australian ‘Scrap Iron Flotilla’, off the northeast coast of Sri Lanka on 9 April 1942. More.....
17 Apr 2018	Australian Defence Force demonstrates cooperative engagement capability The Australian Defence Force’s ability to defeat enemy air threats has been boosted with the successful testing of the new Cooperative Engagement Capability, the first use of this cutting edge technology by a nation outside the United States. Over the past few weeks off the coast of South Australia, Air Warfare Destroyers HMAS Hobart, and NUSHIP Brisbane, successfully tested the Cooperative Engagement Capability, which combines radar and fire control data into a common picture, allowing one ship to engage an adversary based on the other ship’s data. More.....
16 Apr 2018	Putting veterans and their families first - new study to improve advocacy services A MAJOR study to improve advocacy services for veterans and their families has commenced under the leadership of the former Chair of the Defence Abuse Response Taskforce, Mr Robert Cornall AO. Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester said the study was part of the Turnbull Government's ongoing commitment to put veterans and their families first and delivers on a significant part of the Government’s response to the concerns raised in the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Reference’s committee report: The Constant Battle: Suicide by Veterans. More.....
16 Apr 2018	ADF Senior Leadership Appointments The Government will recommend to the Governor-General a number of command changes to the Australian Defence Force. Following confirmation, Lieutenant General Angus Campbell AO, DSC will be appointed Chief of the Defence Force when Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC completes his tenure in July. The Government will also recommend the Governor-General appoint Vice Admiral David Johnston AM as Vice Chief of the Defence Force. Following confirmation of the preceding appointments, other senior appointments will include: Rear Admiral Mike Noonan AM to Chief of Navy. More.....
16 Apr 2018	Sounding Papers Vietnam’s Maritime Security Challenges and Regional Defence and Security Cooperation CMDR Anh Duc Ton, PhD Vice Dean, Coast Guard Faculty Vietnamese Naval Academy Introduction According to the National Security Law of Vietnam, national security is defined as the stable, sustainable development of the socialist regime and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the nation. Based on this definition and the Vietnam Defence White Paper (DWP) 2009, the most fundamental challenges to Vietnam’s national security are a potential decline in Vietnam’s economic growth trajectory; interference by hostile forces in the country’s internal affairs; the ongoing disputes over territorial sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction in the South China Sea; and non-traditional security threats. More.....
16 Apr 2018	Semaphore 3/2018: RAN in Southern Russia 1918-20 The guns on the Western front had fallen silent and the Armistice had been signed but in Eastern Europe there was no peace. In Russia the civil war between the Imperial ‘White’ Government and the Bolshevik ‘Reds” was dragging on into its second year and soon the RAN would also become involved. When the war ended there were seven Australian warships serving in the Mediterranean. These were the destroyers HMA Ships Huon, Parramatta, Swan, Torrens, Warrego and Yarra and the light cruiser HMAS Brisbane. Additionally some RAN officers were attached to ships of the Royal Navy serving in the region. On 12 November 1918, the day after the Armistice was signed; Parramatta, Torrens and Yarra steamed through the Dardanelles and began operations in the Sea of Marmara enforcing the terms of the Turkish surrender. By early December they had been joined by the other three destroyers and Brisbane. More.....
14 Apr 2018	US, UK, France launch strikes on Syrian chemical facilities US, French and UK forces launched strikes on Syrian chemical facilities in the morning hours of April 14 in response to chemical attacks used by the Syrian government early April. US guided missile destroyer USS Higgins and USS Laboon, guided missile cruiser USS Monterey and Virginia-class submarine USS John Warner (SSN-785) were joined by French FREMM frigate FS Languedoc and a UK Royal Air Force Tornado jet in launching Tomahawk land attack missiles and MBDA-made cruise missiles referred to as Scalp in French and Storm Shadow in UK service. The allies fired a total of 105 weapons at the targets. More.....
12 Apr 2018	Royal Australian Navy Aircrewman The Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm is seeking internal applicants for one of the most exciting roles in the ADF.
12 Apr 2018	Sunken WWII cruiser USS Helena located in Solomon Sea An expedition crew aboard the Reserach Vessel R/V Petrel discovered the sunken World War II cruiser USS Helena in the Solomon Sea in late March. The cruiser, which is the first-ever recipient of the Navy Unit Commendation, was sunk by Japanese cruisers in July 1943, during the Battle of Kula Gulf. Over 730 of the 900 crew of USS Helena survived the sinking with help from nearby ships and coast watchers. More.....
11 Apr 2018	Australian, French navies exercise at sea Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Anzac and French Navy ship FS Vendémiaire have conducted a passage exercise off the East coast of Australia to support training and build interoperability between navies. Both ships conducted boat transfers and cross deck operations, where six personnel from each ship spent an afternoon experiencing life at sea in a foreign warship. More.....
11 Apr 2018	Royal Navy sending third warship to Asia Pacific The UK defense ministry confirmed on Wednesday it is sending amphibious transport dock HMS Albion to North East Asia to support UN sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Albion set sail from the Devonport Naval Base in February this year and was initially scheduled to spend five months in the Mediterranean Sea as flagship of NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2). Neither the navy nor the defense ministry explained why this change of tasking occurred. More.....
11 Apr 2018	HMAS Vampire Commemorative Service 2018 Photographs (courtesy Chris Banfield) from the HMAS Vampire Commemorative Service held at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne on 08 April are now on the Gallery page.....
09 Apr 2018	Nine Australian soldiers identified from the Battle of Fromelles Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester today announced nine World War I Australian Soldiers who fought in the Battle of Fromelles in France have formally been identified at the 2018 Fromelles Identification Board. These soldiers were originally recovered from unmarked mass graves adjacent to Pheasant Wood in France along with a further 250 Australian soldiers who fought and died in the 1916 Battle of Fromelles. They are now buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Fromelles. More.....
09 Apr 2018	Naval Historical Society of Australia (Victorian Chapter) President's April Musings are now available to download.....
06 Apr 2018	Royal Navy opens Naval Support Facility in Bahrain A new naval support facility in Bahrain for Royal Navy operations was officially opened in a ceremony on April 5. The facility will be the hub of the Royal Navy’s operations in the Gulf, Red Sea and Indian Ocean. The base will be capable of meeting the needs of British warships operating in the region including the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. The carriers, or any other ships, will not be able to come alongside as the facility has no dry docks. The facility is designed to support operations by providing accommodation, admin, workshop and warehouses. More.....
06 Apr 2018	First Recruits of 2018 graduate One hundred and twenty nine proud people from around Australia marked the first major milestone in their naval careers last week as they graduated from the Royal Australian Navy’s Recruit School. Families watched on as General Entry 359 - Shipp Division marched on to the HMAS Cerberus Parade Ground with the Royal Australian Navy Band, dressed in ceremonial white uniforms and ready for inspection. More.....
06 Apr 2018	Future Submarine Trial Win for Bisalloy and BlueScope Aussie steel makers Bisalloy and BlueScope have had yet another win after a new contract was signed with Naval Group Australia to produce up to 250 tonnes of specialised steel. The steel produced will be tested to determine whether it meets the specification for the pressure hull of our new Future Submarines, which is an essential safety requirement. More.....
05 Apr 2018	HMAS Adelaide evacuates new Recruits HMAS Adelaide has successfully embarked a large number of recruits from Royal Australian Navy Recruit School, HMAS Cerberus in Victoria as part of a civilian evacuation exercise. Adelaide personnel were sent ashore via embarked helicopter to secure a landing area and screen civilian evacuees. The ship’s two LHD Landing Craft then negotiated choppy seas off Westernport Bay to evacuate more than 100 non-combatant role players from shore to the ship where sailors and soldiers provided the necessary care required using extensive onboard facilities. More.....
05 Apr 2018	Research into the wellbeing of serving and ex-serving personnel released The largest study undertaken to examine the impact of military service has confirmed the Federal Government’s focus in assisting veterans to transition into civilian life. The first stages of research examining the health and wellbeing of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel during service and following their transition back into civilian life has been released by Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester. More.....
04 Apr 2018	HMASBayonet - Mast dedication ceremony 12th of April 2018 A Dedication Ceremony is to be conducted at Hadfield Park which is situated in High St, the main street of Wallan, on the 12th of April 2018 commencing at 11am. Had she survived, HMAS Bayonet would have been 50 years old this year. The good news is the Main Mast from the Attack Class Patrol Boat did survive the sinking of Bayonet in 1999. The mast was removed from Bayonet just prior to her sinking off Cape Schanck and is the only surviving major component of the hull, so Bayonet lives on. The mast remains in good condition, complete with attachments, such as the speaker and navigation lights, however it has not been repainted and remains just as it was while in service. Following 28 years as a private reminder of the Attack Class Patrol Boats a decision has been made to share this piece of naval history, and as such, a ceremony is to be conducted which will see the mast dedicated as a memorial, not only to those who served in Patrol Boats, but further, to all those who have served in the Royal Australian Navy. The ceremony is open to all and it’s hope past members of Bayonet's crew will make a special effort to attend. For details contact LCDR Michael Marley, RANR, Rtd. 0490 123 400
04 Apr 2018	US Navy eyes metallic 3D printing The US Office of Naval Research has awarded Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) a $2.6 million two-year contract to supply technology solutions that will ensure the manufacturability of metallic parts from additive manufacturing (AM) machines. The contract, awarded through the Quality Metal Additive Manufacturing (Quality MADE) program, could move the US Navy closer to being able to build parts for critical naval applications, further bolstering fleet readiness. More.....
03 Apr 2018	New Navy history website launched Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett has launched a new website for the Naval Historical Society of Australia at an event at Cockatoo Island. The new website is a rich resource, which informs readers, researchers and students about the events, naval heritage sites, people and ships throughout Australian naval history. President Naval Historical Society of Australia, Captain David Michael said the new website was a comprehensive database. More.....
03 Apr 2018	Naval shipbuilding college to meet naval shipbuilding needs The Naval Shipbuilding College will be established and managed by the Naval Shipbuilding Institute to work with shipbuilders to understand their workforce requirements throughout the different stages of project construction and sustainment, while leveraging a national network of education and training providers to deliver the specific skills required. More.....
03 Apr 2018	Semaphore 2/2018: The Navy and the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan 1945-1952 On 2 September 1945 at 9.40 am an Instrument of Surrender was signed by the Japanese Government on board the US Navy battleship USS Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay, thereby bringing the hostilities of World War II to a close. Japan was a defeated nation but it was to be another six years before the Japanese Peace Treaty came into effect. During the intervening period the nation was occupied by Allied forces, with the bulk of the occupying forces provided by the United States 8th Army. A British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) was also formed and the Australian Government quickly confirmed it would be part of this force. BCOF participation in the Allied occupation of Japan was announced on 31 January 1946 and the first Australian ground forces arrived on 21 February 1946. By this time RAN warships had already been operating in Japanese waters for many months. More.....
03 Apr 2018	Semaphore 1/2018: Australian Naval Anniversaries and Commemorations Throughout 2018 the Royal Australian Navy will pause to commemorate a significant number of important anniversaries, each of which forms a part of the rich historical tapestry of both the Navy and our Nation. At the heart of these commemorations are the Navy’s people, the men and women who serve at sea, ashore and in the air in the pursuit of maintaining maritime security, safeguarding our shores and protecting the saltwater highways on which Australia’s economic survival depends. Many of the anniversaries covered in this Semaphore newsletter highlight wartime achievements and sacrifices while others serve to remind readers of the inherent dangers of day-to-day life, living and working in a diverse maritime environment. More.....
02 Apr 2018	Navy Clearance Divers support to Commonwealth Games
01 Apr 2018	Distribution of Gold Cards to Atomic Survivors Any RAN Veterans who served on HMAS Fremantle or HMAS Diamantina in the Monte Bello region during 1957-59, particularly those who were denied the gold card, please contact: Jim Marlow, the National Secretary of the Australian ex-Services Atomic Survivors Association, as soon as possible on: Tel: 08 9455 1337 or Mobile: 0411 411 849 or email:
31 Mar 2018	HMAS Adelaide in Melbourne HMAS Adelaide sailed into Melbourne last week, returning for the first time to the city where she was built. The ship came alongside at Station Pier near St Kilda Beach to resupply following a busy program of exercises off the east coast. The port visit also provided the ship’s company with weekend respite. Commanding Officer, Captain Jonathan Earley said Melbourne is always a special port to visit and it’s great for HMAS Adelaide to be back in the city where she was fitted out. More.....
30 Mar 2018	Royal Australian Navy warship refuels at Gore Bay first time since 1901 Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate HMAS Parramatta has taken part in a refueling trial at the Gore Bay facility in Sydney Harbour, one of Australia’s oldest fuel import and storage facilities. As informed, the event marked the first time since 1901 that a warship, other than navy tankers HMA Ships Westralia in 1993 and Sirius in 2017, had been refuelled at the site. More.....
29 Mar 2018	One month until Australia's 2018 Commemorative Program begins April will mark the start of a significant program of military commemorations in Australia and overseas, with 2018 culminating in the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Armistice Day, 11 November 2018, will mark the end of the most important commemorative period in Australia’s history - the Anzac Centenary spanning 2014-2018. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester encourages all Australians to attend the domestic and overseas commemorations throughout 2018 to recognise the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have fought to defend our country in all wars and peacekeeping operations. More.....
29 Mar 2018	US Navy Honours the Service of Vietnam War Veterans The Naval History and Heritage Command held a commemoration ceremony in honour of Vietnam War Veterans Day at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy's Cold War Gallery located on the Washington Navy Yard, March 29. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, designates March 29 of each year as Vietnam War Veterans Day. The ceremony honoured and recognized the heroism of the Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Soldiers who served during the Vietnam War. "I think this commemoration is particularly important because when they came home Vietnam War veterans did not get the recognition for their courage and valour that they deserved," said retired Rear Adm. Sam Cox, "Hosting this event is an opportunity to do the right thing even though it's well overdue." More.....
28 Mar 2018	Independent inquiry into the system of compensation and rehabilitation for veterans The Turnbull Government has today announced a Productivity Commission inquiry into the system of compensation and rehabilitation for veterans. The Commission is the Government's independent research and advisory body on a range of issues affecting the welfare of Australians. This inquiry will examine whether the system of compensation and rehabilitation for veterans is fit for purpose now and into the future. It follows the Government’s response to a report by the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, Foreign Affairs and Trade on suicide by veterans and ex-service personnel. More.....
28 Mar 2018	Enhancing space surveillance capabilities for the ADF A new project focused on improving Navy vessels’ safety, speed, and fuel consumption, through the better use of unmanned aerial platforms has commenced. Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said the new $1.1 million Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC) project aims to enhance Australian defence capability and build industrial capacity in sensor and on-board data processing technology for unmanned aerial systems and small-satellite platforms. More.....
27 March 2018	Schiebel’s Camcopter UAS completes Australian Navy testing The Royal Australian Navy has completed validation and verification trials of Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 unmanned air system (UAS), the UAS manufacturer has announced. According to Schiebel, the S-100 was equipped with a Wescam MX-10S payload showcasing its ability to deliver imagery to commanders. The tests were carried out at at the Jervis Bay Airfield facilities in New South Wales, Australia. 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.....

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