About the Defence Family Forum

Here delegates and stakeholders with an interest in support for the families of Australian Defence Force personnel will find information and advice about the Defence Family Forum to be held at Darling Harbour Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 30 April to 2 May 2012.

The Defence Family Forum gives Defence families an opportunity to explore the military way of life, the future of family support, and Defence families’ role in leading and shaping the wider Australian community.

Defence will use the thoughts, ideas and information gathered at the Forum to engage Defence and civilian community organisations in collective support of Defence families.

About the Defence Community Organisation

The Forum is hosted by the Defence Community Organisation (DCO).

On behalf of the three Services, DCO offers a broad range of programs and services to help Defence families make the most of the challenges and opportunities provided by the military way of life.

Services provided by DCO include professional assessment and support from a social worker, support for partners’ education and employment, help with childcare, support for Defence community groups, help for families during crisis and emergency, education support for children, and assistance for members leaving the ADF to make a successful transition to civilian life.

We recognise that the strength of the Defence force is in the family and the strength of the family is in the community. DCO works with Defence families and community organisations to develop ideas and initiatives which help build a strong, connected and resilient Defence community.

DCO has offices in all states and territories offering a wide variety of services and programs.

A copy of the Hamilton Report can be accessed via the link below.

Hamilton Report 1986 (PDF, 2.24mb)