Defence Community Organisation

CDF message to ADF families

Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, has thanked families for their ongoing efforts in supporting the ADF.

Read the letter from General Campbell to ADF families.

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

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.

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.

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.