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Service
families group renamed
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L-R
National Convenor of the DFA Judy Swann, the Minister Assisting
the Minister for Defence Mrs Danna Vale, Patron Mrs Julia
Anderson and CDF, General Peter Cosgrove.
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The
Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is the new official name for
the National Consultative Group of Service Families (NCGSF).
The group’s Patron, Mrs Julia Anderson, wife of Deputy Prime
Minister John Anderson, officially launched the new name and logo
at their annual dinner last month.
Despite a substantial growth in members and an increasing awareness
of the group within Defence, the NCGSF has often battled with its
long name.
National Convenor Judy Swann explained, “For 16 years we have
been an effective group within Defence, made up of Defence spouses
and representing the interests of families- but our name has always
been hard to pronounce and remember!”
The DFA’s new mission statement “A Voice for Defence Families”
captures the exact purpose of the group when it was formed in 1986.
Ms Swann said “We provide a forum for Defence families to have
a say about Defence life and what things could be improved to enhance
their quality of life. As Defence spouses ourselves, we know what
it’s like out there and how the ADF could help you with deployments
or relocations”.
The ADF has a strong history of listening to this group and many
policies have been introduced or improved as the result of the great
work of the voluntary spouses
“With the support of the Minister and the senior levels of
the ADF, we are able to improve areas of Defence policy that affects
Defence families- if the families are happy, the member is happy
and more likely to enjoy a fulfilling and lengthy career with the
ADF,” said Ms Swann.
Dinner guests included CDF General Peter Cosgrove, Chief of Army
Lt-Gen Peter Leahy, Chief of RAAF Air Marshal Angus Houston, Chief
of Navy VADM Chris Ritchie, as well as Minister Danna Vale and Parliamentary
Secretary Fran Bailey.
The guests were impressed by Mrs Anderson’s strong support
for the group and the volunteer work the group performs in representing
the needs of Defence families.
The DFA currently has over 250 members. If you would like more information,
please call Judy Swann 1800 100 509 or visit www.defence.gov.au/dfa.
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