Better deal for Army families
Volume 11, No. 44, June 01, 2006

ADF families will receive increased support from the DCO with the announcement of two new initiatives in the midst of National Families Week celebrations.

The DCO Emergency Support for Families Scheme and the Partners in Defence Welcome Program were launched by CDF ACM Angus Houston during a family fun day at RMC on Mother’s Day.

In making the announcements, the CDF acknowledged the important role that families played in support of the organisation.

“We know the military lifestyle brings with it many special opportunities,” ACM Houston said.
“It also brings challenges that impact every member of the Defence family.

“I have no higher priority than to ensure the well-being and the morale of our people and their families.”

The Emergency Support for Families Scheme, put to the test in an emergency the evening before its official launch, is designed to provide short-term practical measures of assistance to ADF families during a crisis situation when the member is absent from the home for service reasons.

The Partners in Defence Welcome Program includes a package of resources specifically developed to assist families in becoming familiar with the military lifestyle and the programs available to them.

National Families Week saw nation-wide celebrations. More than 300 people joined Music in the Park in Canberra.
Family fun days were held in other areas with high Defence populations.

For more information on the DCO programs visit the web site www.defence.gov.au/dco/.