Defence Community Organisation

Free post-transition health checks

Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester has announced that, from 1 July 2019, all ADF personnel leaving full-time service can access a fully-funded comprehensive health check with a GP every year for the first five years. Your GP can make referrals for additional tests, treatment or assessment, and can refer you to relevant DVA services or programs. For details see the AT-Ease website.

2019 ADF Families Survey

The ADF Families Survey has now closed.

Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the survey and told Defence about their experiences.

The results of the survey will be released in late 2019.

Defence Family Matters is out now!

The latest issue of Defence Family Matters for 2019 is out now and on its way to mailboxes around the country!

ADF members and their families from a wide range of backgrounds share stories about resilience, finding a good balance, and making the most of the opportunities created by military life.

The gift of life

Born with Biliary Atresia, 3-year-old Kate Burrows has already had two lifesaving liver transplants. Her parents strive to raise awareness around organ donation, particularly among #YourADF members.

Read Kate’s story in The Gift of Life.

Townsville floods fail to dampen spirits

Dual-serving couple Laura and Liam transferred from the Irish Defence Force to the Australian Army only to be caught up with other ADF families in the 2019 Townsville floods. They talk about the inspiring community spirit and resilience of their new home in Townsville floods fail to dampen spirits.

While the city was being inundated with water, one unit at Lavarack Barracks was being inundated with babies. Three families became first-time parents during the natural disaster!

Partner employment support expanded

Recent changes to the Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) eligibility criteria means more ADF partners are being supported in finding work when they post to a new location.

Eligible partners can now apply for up to $1500 funding for employment-related services for up to two years following the member’s post-in date. Partners of members transitioning from Service on medical grounds are also now eligible.

Read more about the changes in the latest issue of DFM.

ForceNet for families

Defence’s ForceNet communication platform has been extended to include ADF family users and a free app is now available from the App Store or Google Play.

Current ForceNet users can invite family members over 18 years of age to register through their ForceNet profile page or Defence families can register at http://www.forcenet.gov.au

Transition to civilian life

Our ADF Transition coaches are now supporting members and their families making the transition from the permanent forces for up to 12 months post-transition.

If you’d like to know more about what’s involved, check out the new short animation explaining the process and all the support available for Your Transition

More transition support available for members and their families

ADF members and their families can now access more transition support services to assist them during their career and when they decide to transition from Defence. Read the full story on the changes to ADF Transition support.
More transition support available for members and their families