Briefs

• Callers can now register
  
  Beryllium info service
  A beryllium information service is now operational via the ADF Defence Service Centre, Cooma, providing an opportunity for concerned Defence personnel and the public to register their names.
  
  Individuals who believe they were exposed to beryllium as a result of Defence-related activities will be offered the opportunity to register their details with the Defence Service Centre.
  
  This beryllium information service is now available and concerned individuals are encouraged to ring 1800 000 644.
  
  The beryllium register will record each caller’s personal and potential exposure details.
  
  Individuals who register will be contacted in writing regarding the appropriate course of action for their individual circumstances.
  
  A Defence Health Service beryllium fact sheet will make up part of all information packages sent out along with other specifically targeted advice.
  
  
• Politicians join program
  
  Learning about ADF
  The Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program (ADFPP) has been launched for 2005.
  
  It’s an initiative that gives Senators and Members of Parliament a taste of what it is like to serve in the ADF.
  
  Program participants spend time at the working level with both Defence and civilian personnel in the ADF, allowing them greater insight into the conditions of service and greater understanding of the current responsibilities
  
  
• Minister appeals to vets
  
  Unclaimed medals
  
  The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, De- Anne Kelly has urged former National Servicemen to apply for the Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal.
  
  More than 320,000 former National Servicemen were identified as eligible at the time of the medal’s creation in 2001.
  
  However, only 120,000 have come forward to date to claim their entitlement.
  
  Those who believe they are eligible should fill out an application form, available through State branches of the National Serviceman’s Association and the Returned and Services League of Australia, electoral offices of MP’s and Senators, or through the Defence Honours and Awards website at:
  
  www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dpe_site/honours_awards/ or toll free on 1800 111 321.
  
  
• Albatross means business
  
  High commendation
  
  Dave Robinson, of the Aviation FEG at HMAS Albatross, has been awarded a Secretary’s Commendation for his outstanding achievement in developing and sustaining a range of business improvement activities for the Navy Aviation Force Element Group.
  
  And it is not just the Aviation FEG that has benefited from Robinson’s expertise and forward thinking.
  
  He is regularly called upon to provide advice and guidance to other FEGs and to NHQ.
  
  Robinson helped the Commander Navy Region Hawaii with activity based management issues and was funded by the USN to travel to the States to present at their ABM symposium

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