ADF one big happy family

Volume 48, No. 9, June 01, 2006

Melissa Betts and sons Kaden and Cody, one of many ADF families set to benefit from the anouncement of the expansion of the Defence Scholarship Program and Emergency Support.

Photo by AB Lincoln Commane

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

The Defence Community Organisation’s (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 Duntroon on Mothers Day.

Secretary of Defence Ric Smith used the occasion to announce the expansion of the Defence Scholarship Program for high school students of Navy, Army, Air Force and APS families.

In making the announcements the CDF and Secretary acknowledged the important role that families play in support of the organisation.

“Today we are gathered together to celebrate National Families Week and most particularly the contribution of our families to the achievements, morale and ongoing capability of the Defence Organisation,” ACM Houston said.

“We know the military lifestyle brings with it many special opportunities — it also brings challenges that impact on 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 the evening before its official launch, is designed to provide short term practical 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.

Since its inception in 2000, Defence’s scholarship program has provided 24 young people with the opportunity to travel and live in another country for a year. From this year, the number of people able to experience life and study overseas as part of the program will double, with eight scholarships now available.

• Music in the Park

More than 300 people joined in Music in the Park — DCO’s National Families Week celebrations in Canberra last month. The RMC Army Band, activities such as face painting, a velcro wall, jumping castle and sausage sizzle lunch, proved popular with adults and children alike.

• Nation-wide celebrations

Family functions held around Australia were also successful. Defence families took part in a range of celebrations including family fun days, lunches, barbecues, ten-pin bowling, kite flying, a movie day, golf adventure and sunset concert.

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