defence family matters

defence family matters, or dfm, is a free lifestyle magazine designed for Defence families.
In dfm you can find articles celebrating Defence families (from new baby arrivals to community achievements), advice and tips for dealing with common challenges like relocating and deployment, information on family support services available from Defence and the community, and news about changes in the Defence environment that might affect families.

The magazine is sent out three times a year (in April, July and December) to all ADF members who have one or more dependants, and are permanent or on Continuous Fulltime Service.

Current issue

pdf (9.5 mb) or word (633kb)

The dfm Spring Summer 2012 edition will be arriving in homes from 10 December onward.

Want to become a contributor?

We welcome contributions from Defence family members, ADF members and community organisations supporting Defence families.

The deadline for the next edition is Friday 15 February 2013. Click on the 'Submissions' tab above for deadlines, the submission template and the editorial policy.

Contact us
We welcome any questions or feedback you might have.

defencefamilymatters@defence.gov.au | Phone: 02 6265 8822 | Fax: 02 6265 8852

Mailing address:
defence family matters
DKN-1-116
PO Box 7921
Canberra BC ACT 2610

Past issues

Need a hard copy of a past edition of defence family matters? Email defencefamilymatters@defence.gov.au and let us know which issue/s you want, how many you want, and where to send the issue/s to.

2012/2011/2010/2009

dfm Autumn 2012 (Text only version)	dfm Winter 2012 (Text only version)	dfm Spring Summer 2012 (Text only version)
dfm Spring 2011 (Text only version)	dfm Winter 2011 (Text only version)	dfm Autumn 2011 (Text only version)
dfm Spring 2010 (Text only version)	dfm Autumn 2010 (Text only version)	dfm Winter 2010 (Text only version)
dfm Summer 2009 (Text only version)	dfm Winter 2009 (Text only version)	dfm Autumn 2009 (Text only version)

Submitting content for dfm

Article deadlines and publication dates

Submission guidelines

All submissions should be written in our dfm template and emailed to defencefamilymatters@defence.gov.au.

Attach any images as separate image files to the email. Do not insert them into the Word file, as this will corrupt their resolution and make them unusable.

Word count

Please limit your articles to the following word counts. If you're planning on more than one page, please negotiate this with the editor prior to submission as space is limited.

One page article with:

• no pictures: 550-650 words
• one small picture: 500-600 words
• one large picture: 400 words
• a large heading: 500-600 words

Two page article with:

• no pictures: 1000-1300 words
• one small picture: 1000-1200 words
• one large picture: 900-1000 words
  
• two pictures (one large, one small): 800-900 words.

Changed address?
Missing your copy?
Want your dependant to get your copy?
Don’t want the magazine or you get two or more copies?

Changed address?

Change of address information is through PMKeyS if you’re an automatic recipient
dfm is sent to full-time service personnel who have one or more dependants. We use the PMKeyS database, the Defence employee pay information system, for the mailing list. The magazine also goes to Reservists who are on Continual Fulltime Service at the time the list is created. If you have a dependant but don’t believe the magazine is relevant to you then please let us know. When you move, the Service person of your family needs to log on to PMKeyS Self Service (PSS) on a Defence computer and update 'My Personal Details'.

Those members who cannot access a Defence computer can change their details via an AD 150—ADF Personal Data PMKeyS form. Their personnel administrators will be able to provide a copy of the form and process the request.

Did you subscribe independently?
For those recipients who do not automatically receive the magazine, such as part-time Reservists, or family members or friends who have separately subscribed, please send your name and old and new address details to defencefamilymatters@defence.gov.au

Missing your copy or want extra copies?

Are you at an address we cannot deliver to?
We cannot deliver to Blocks, Ships, Live-in-lines, Barracks, Rooms, Cabins, or Messes.
Due to the high volume of returned mail from those addresses we do not send to the above. If you have the above type of address and cannot change your contact address, then email defencefamilymatters@defence.gov.au with your employee ID number and your preferred address. However the address has to be either a residential address or PO Box number.

Did you not get a copy, or did your copy go to an old address?
If you’re at a residential address and you missed out or the magazine went to an old address then it may be because your address changed after we prepared the last distribution list. Lists are prepared in February, April, July and October.

To request a copy please send an email to defencefamilymatters@defence.gov.au and let us know which copy or copies you would like.

Want extra copies?
We have spare hard copies of the magazine of the last six issues. If you’d like extra copies then please send an email to defencefamilymatters@defence.gov.au and let us know which copy or copies you would like.

Want your dependant to get your copy?

If you’re separated from your dependant, such as with Members With Dependants (Unaccompanied), we can add your dependants to the additional distribution list and, once you’re together again, you can let us know to delete the additional magazine. Please email us at defencefamilymatters@defence.gov.au to make this arrangement.

Don’t want the magazine or get two copies?

If you don’t want the magazine
If you would like to opt out of future editions please email defencefamilymatters@defence.gov.au with your name, employee ID number, and your current address and we will remove you from future distribution lists. Please make the subject line ‘Opt Out’. If you then accidentally receive a copy in the future then let us know.

If you’ve left Defence and are still getting a copy
If you’re an automatic recipient then you will no longer receive a copy once the next distribution list is prepared (lists are prepared in February, April, July and October).
If you’re not an automatic recipient please email defencefamilymatters@defence.gov.au with your name, employee ID number, and your current address and we will remove you from the distribution list.

Get two copies?
If you and your partner receive a copy of the magazine please nominate one of you to be taken off the distribution list. Email defencefamilymatters@defence.gov.au with your name, employee ID number, and your current address.