Index
Community Groups and Centres
There are 32 Defence Community Centres and Neighbourhood Houses located near all major military establishment areas and at other locations in the community around Australia where family oriented activities can be held. In addition there are a range of community groups.
The centres provide a meeting place for Defence community support groups. These groups help spouses provide mutual support, share information and promote strong family morale, particularly during times of high operational tempo. Some key Defence support groups are the Defence Special Needs Support Group, and Defence Families Australia.
While the demands created by mobility and deployment cannot be completely resolved, fostering self-help groups of Defence spouses can lessen the impact on members and their families. Since these groups are in themselves mobile, an investment in any one location has the potential to benefit the wider Defence community as families are posted around Australia.
To find a Community Group or Centre near you, you can download a list of Defence Community Groups and Centres(Word, 153k) or speak to your local Family Liaison Officer to find out what's available in your area. Alternatively, visit the Community Groups page
To find a list of Community Events in your area, go to the Community Events page.
If you are a member of a not for profit Defence Community Group and are having difficulty obtaining affordable insurance, you can apply to join the umbrella insurance, negotiated by DCO in conjunction with the Defence Insurance Office, provided by Marsh Pty Ltd. This includes public and products liability, contents and volunteer workers. Complete the application form (PDF, 2MB) and forwarded it to your local DCO office for assessment.
Family Support Funding Program
The Defence Family Support Funding Program, or FSFP, provides grants to incorporated groups of Service families and community organisations for self help projects that assist in overcoming the effects of mobility. The FSFP allocates approximately $1 million in grant funds each financial year.
Grant applications close on 30 April each year and funding is available early in the next financial year. Seeding grants are available throughout the year for new projects subject to funds availability.
Full policy and eligibility details are provided in the Family Support Funding Program Guidelines ( Word, 104k )
Who can apply?
Any incorporated non profit group can apply. As an example, community groups, Defence family support committees or voluntary associations with an appropriate committee structure representing the interests of a significant number of ADF families can apply for an FSFP grant provided they meet the objectives and guidelines of the program.
Uses for FSFP Grants
Family Support Funding Program grants have, in past years, supported many new and innovative projects. There are no limits to the types of projects that can be initiated by ADF families so long as they assist in reducing the effects of mobility and meet the needs of the families.
As an example, the following types of projects have been successfully funded in recent years:
- Establishment and operation of a neighbourhood house, family or community centre
- Establishment and operating expenses for a local ADF families welcoming group, craft group, skills course or spouse support group
- Assistance with establishment/operational costs of a Defence family newsletter
- The subsidy of a youth activity program for teenage dependants of serving members
FSFP Online
How Do I Apply?
1. Login to the FSFP Grant Request System https://osd.defence.gov.au.(Not available from the DRN)
2. Complete the application form using the built-in prompts and save as DRAFT (See Grant Request System User Guide)
3. The DRAFT application should then be taken to the local prioritizing meeting.
4. Following the meeting, make any adjustments or amendments as required and save as FINAL.
5. Area Manager comments should then be added together with the priority and submitted to DCOHQ. (See Grant Request System DCO AM User Guide).(Word, 1.37Mb)
Steps for a New Community Group
1. The Coordinator of a new community group contacts DCOHQ (Jodie Laughton 02 6127 2305) for a password. The password will then be sent to the Area Manager for on-forwarding to the Coordinator.
2. The Coordinator logs in to the DOSD https://osd.defence.gov.au.(Not available from the DRN)changes the password, and is taken to the Organisation Registration page of the GMA where organisational details are recorded and saved.
3. The Coordinator can re-access at any time to check or change registration details or to crate and update a Grant Request.
Steps for an Existing Group
1. For known Coordinators, please contact your Area Manager for your password
2. The Coordinator logs in to the DOSD https://osd.defence.gov.au.(Not available from the DRN)changes the password, and is taken to the Organisation Registration page of the GMA where organisational details are recorded and saved.
3. The Coordinator can re-access at any time to check or change registration details or to crate and update a Grant Request.
Volunteering
Thinking about volunteer work?
Looking for a social activity?
Would you like to help your local defence community?
Would you like to participate in:
- A Defence Community House
- Local Defence Newsletters
- Welcoming Groups
- Playgroups
- Craft activities
- Other community activities
With the help of volunteers, Defence Community Groups provide socialisation and support to Defence families around the country. Volunteering with a Community Group is a challenging and rewarding activity. Defence Community Groups in your area are looking for committee members who enjoy meeting new people and having fun. No previous experience required as committee training is provided by the Defence Community Organisation. To find out more about joining a group in your area, call your local DCO Area Team for contact details of the groups in your area.
Volunteering can be a great way to make a difference in your local community, and is a chance to build new skills and meet new people. Volunteering Australia provides a range of facts, figures and opportunities for volunteering across Australia.
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