Defence Community Organisation

We are changing our name

On 1 July 2021, we will change our name from Defence Community Organisation (DCO) to Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS).

The new name reflects our vision, what we do and who we do it for and will strengthen our position within the broader community as a Defence-led service.

While we are changing our name, there will be no changes to any of the services or programs currently offered to ADF members and their families. The local area offices around Australia will remain and there will be no changes to the Defence Family Helpline number 1800 624 608.

Families can expect to see a couple of changes online as factsheets, guides, forms and office email addresses change to the new name. You can also expect to see name changes to social media channels, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, google business listings and on ForceNet.

Defence Family Matters is out now!

The latest issue of Defence Family Matters is out and on its way to mailboxes and offices around the country!

It’s been a long and challenging 2020 and most of the families interviewed in this issue have been impacted in some way by COVID-19.

In our cover story, we talk to Wim whose six-week road trip from Victoria to visit family in Amberley has now reached ten months due to border closures and his own health. In our feature story, Lily shares how joining a ‘Girls of Courage’ camp gave her the opportunity to push herself to new heights. We also catch up with more of our Defence families around the country at the activities, events and workshops hosted by our regional offices.

View the online version

Chief of Defence, General Angus Campbell writes to ADF families

It has been a long, tough year, and those in the Defence community have had to deal with significant change and uncertainty. General Campbell has written to ADF families acknowledging the ongoing sacrifices they make in supporting the ADF, especially during a difficult 2020.

“A heartfelt thank you to our Defence families for all that you do. Your support is vital to ensuring our ADF members are able to continue to serve,” said General Campbell.

www.defence.gov.au/dco/cdf-letter.asp

Time is running out to get your new Defence Common Access Card (DCAC)

What you need to know

From 1 July 2021 – only new DCACs will be valid for access to Defence sites.

What you need to do

Visit a Defence Pass Office with your ADF member to replace your DCAC – your ADF member can book an appointment through the DCAC Upgrade Portal.
Take your existing DCAC with you when you collect your new DCAC so that it can be returned for deactivation and disposal.
View our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Call 1800 DEFENCE or email yourcustomer.service@defence.gov.au for further support.

CDF message to ADF families

Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell has released a message to ADF families following his press conference about the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) Afghanistan Inquiry. Read the statement.

A range of welfare support is available for current and former serving members and their families, and anyone else who is affected by the IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry. If you need support or advice visit https://afghanistaninquiry.defence.gov.au/welfare-support.

For more information visit https://afghanistaninquiry.defence.gov.au/.

Financial support for you and your family

Whatever your financial circumstances, the ADF Financial Service and Consumer Center (ADFFSCC) has a range of resources to help you and your family. This includes if you are navigating the financial aspects of transition.

The ADFFSCC has information from experts on saving, budgeting, investing, and insurance.

Through the ADFFSCC website all ADF members and their families have access to a range of services, such as:

• guidance on what to consider when selecting a financial advisor
• a referral program to a list of qualified financial advisors who will give ADF members personal financial advice that is free from remuneration-based conflicts
• the Compare Your Package (CYP) tool which allows full time ADF members the ability to estimate the value of their financial and non-financial benefits.

For those who are transitioning or thinking about stepping out into civilian life, the ADFFSCC Transition checklist is a great starting point and has suggested actions to make sure you and your family are financially ready for your transition.

ADF partner deploying and not sure what to expect?

Join experienced DCO experts for our new webinar series “Deployment: embracing the challenge’. The webinars feature a range of tips, strategies and resources to help partners, parents and kids with a member absent from home, who has recently returned from deployment or are going to deploy soon. It’s also a chance to ask questions.

Follow us on social media, or visit our event calendar below for information about session times, dates and how to get tickets. To see the range of deployment support and resources available, see Deployment and time apart.

Our COVID-19 webinar series

The DCO webinar series covers a range of topics like healthy relationships, kid’s education during and after COVID-19, communication and healthy connections and how to stay physically, mentally and emotionally strong, plus the support available.

If you missed one of our recent webinars and want to find out about the questions asked, visit the Q&A section on our Webinars page.

You can also contact the Defence Family Helpline 24/7 on 1800 624 608 or email defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au.

Support for families affected by travel restrictions

While federal, state and territory governments have begun to ease travel restrictions, we know that some reunion and other travel by Defence personnel and their families may still be affected.

In exceptional circumstances, Commanders may be able to approve essential travel. However, all Defence personnel must comply with relevant state and territory travel restrictions unless an exemption has been granted.

If you or your family need help or information, reach out through the member’s chain of command or call the 24/7 Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608. For current information on state and territory guidelines on travel, refer to https://www.australia.gov.au

Support for our Reservists

Reserve members supporting Operation COVID-19 Assist under SERVOP C arrangements can access our full range of support services, including absence from home and crisis support.

During the COVID-19 pandemic these services will be delivered online and through the 24/7 Defence Family Helpline. Reservists ceasing SERVOP C contracts can also get assistance with their transition back to civilian life.

For details, see the factsheet: Supporting Reservists—OP COVID-19

Good news for ADF partners looking for employment!

With a difficult employment market and increased numbers of people competing for the available jobs, the eligibility criteria for the Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) has been changed to support families during COVID-19. Where previously partners who’ve relocated had to apply within two years of moving to a new posting location, you can now apply for up to $1500 for employment services anytime during the posting cycle!

Get all the details and the application form on the Partner employment page. Advice and assistance is always available from the 24/7 Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 or email defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au.

COVID-19 support and information

With the global outbreak of COVID-19, many members of the Defence community are dealing with anxiety and uncertainty as well as significant changes in their day-to-day lives.

Defence is working to ensure personnel are well supported and is taking preventative measures, including training and access to medical support and leave. Information on the Defence response to COVID-19 is available on a dedicated webpage, which is updated daily.

If you or someone in your family are unwell, talk to your doctor and follow their advice. Defence families affected by COVID-19 or struggling to cope can contact our all-hours Defence Family Helpline or see Coronavirus advice.