Chester release – Free Suicide Prevention Training for the Veteran Community
Chester release – Veterans’ views sought to shape future engagement
Chester release – 70 years since the start of the Korean War
Chester release – Census night 2021 will count our veterans
Chester release – Health and Stimulus packages support veteran community
Minister Chester media release – Veterans to be counted on 2021 Census
In this edition of Army News
https://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/
An interesting read National-Servicemen-in-Combat
Courtesy Dave Wilkins OAM and 5RAR Website
Dear ESORT Members
National Consultation Framework review – Information Sheet
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs reviews the National Consultation Framework (NCF) every three years to ensure mechanisms for consultation between the Department, Commissions and the ex-serving community remain effective and fit-for-purpose. As you’re aware, a review of the existing NCF structure commenced in mid-2019 and will include input from the broader serving and ex-serving community via an online survey conducted by an external research company, ORIMA.
In order to obtain input from as broad an audience as possible, the Department will promote the survey through a range of media, including social media, DVA and Defence newspapers, transition forums and Deputy Commissioner forums. Furthermore, the Department is requesting NCF member organisations promulgate details of the NCF Review and survey to your members, through your established communications networks. Input is encouraged from any serving and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force, as well as family members. Input is also encouraged from people acting as representatives of ex-service organisations and other organisations that support the veteran community.
This survey will commence on Monday, 29 June 2020 and be open to the public until Sunday, 26 July 2020. The survey can be accessed via the DVA website, at
www.dva.gov.au/about-us/overview/consultations-and-grants/how-we-consult-ex-service-community.
DVA would be grateful for your assistance in promoting input from your members and local veteran community. Together, we can ensure the entire veteran community continues to have a strong, effective and consultative relationship with DVA into the future.
Please refer to information below discussed at the ESORT Zoom/teleconference held on Wednesday 10 June 2020:
Verbal communication protocol – IGADF persons
ESORT letter from Open Arms – LivingWorks Start
The LivingWorks Start online training takes approximately 60-90 minutes to complete at the participant’s own pace and in an internet-enabled location of their choice. The training can be accessed by contacting Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or via the Open Arms website link www.openarms.gov.au/get-support/treatment-programs-and-workshops/suicide-intervention-an-mental-health-literacy-workshops
DVA’s Veteran Access Network (VAN) is one of our most important access points for our clients, and while we need to look at temporarily suspending our face-to-face office locations, we continue to provide enhanced online and telephone support to our veteran community and their families.
Veterans will have access to the services they need and rely on from DVA. The temporary shift in service delivery, to an online and telephone based approach, aligns with social distancing requirements due to COVID-19.
DVA’s number one priority will remain the health and wellbeing of the Australian veteran community including, focussing our efforts on supporting essential services for veterans and their families.
DVA services can be accessed online through the DVA website and MyService or telephone on
1800 555 254. Skilled DVA general enquiry staff will work through your enquiry, and veterans with more complex needs will have the option to pre-book a telephone appointment with a VAN officer.
Interviews between veterans and VAN officers will be conducted by telephone in the first instance.
For the safety of both the veteran community and staff, DVA staff face-to-face service delivery at VAN offices, shopfronts and Services Australia locations have been temporarily suspended.
Service delivery will not be impacted, just provided differently. This is a short-term measure until the current COVID-19 situation eases and face-to-face service delivery can return to normal.
Members of the veteran community who require assistance should access MyService, lodge an online enquiry or call 1800 555 254.
Regards,
Liz
Hot off the press, Infantryman for April 2020
Below from last December
Latest release is here 190815 Media release – Minister Chester – Outgoing Australian War Memorial Director thanked
VA064 – Minister Chester – Australia marks Reserve Forces Day
This is the current issue of the Infantryman
Below for April 2019
Below for December 2018
Infantryman December 2018 FINAL
Below for August 2018
Below for March 2018
Infantryman final 2 March 2018
Below is December 2017
Infantryman December 2017 Dec 4
Below is the August 2017 issue
I have posted a number of videos on Youtube of film that I took on 6RAR’s second tour in 1969-70. Each video is about 5 minutes long. There is no commentary, just appropriate sounds of aircraft/guns/armour and background music. I originally did these for the National Vietnam Veterans Museum so they could be used on a free standing TV operated by the viewer alongside the museum item on display (eg, film of guns firing next to a 105mm howitzer).
One special film is when I went on a flight with Jade 8 (between operations) and witnessed an airstrike by Canberra bombers from the air. Years later after contacting Chris in Texas, he said he had taped the cockpit conversations between the Forward Air Controller (himself) and a flight of Canberra bombers on a similar airstrike. I have included that to add to the authenticity. I believe the film of the bombs dropping from the Canberra is unique in that can only be done from the perspective of a Forward Air Controller.
Vietnam War Aussie Armour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FATinuPC4Aw
Vietnam War Aussie Artillery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7mDAMNvPYY
Vietnam War Aussie Airstrike https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au0W75-aTOs
Vietnam War Aussie Infantry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9tpxCqskFE
Vietnam War Aussie Hueys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtoTbN3BHhI
Vietnam War Aussie Navy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdS926B_xVU
Vietnam War Aussie R&C Vung Tau https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdAe0lZhSnM
Yet again, a highly enjoyable and successful Dinner with fabulous food, great friends and wonderful comradeship.
A selection of photos below
Greek Night – 4 May 18.
A highly successful evening with more than 65 guests enjoying a feast provided by Tim, Tas, Con & Sia.
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What a great afternoon of eating drinking and generally making merry with wonderful friends along with our two very learned wine experts in William Smidmore and Mike von Berg. Of course without the wonderful team of workers who made it all happen and come together and of course the Caterers who did a fabulous job and making life a little easier for the team – if I mention names then sure as eggs somebody will be left out and we cannot let that happen.
So a great day had by all. Cheers. Mrs. Vice (aka Lynn Graham)
And photos – courtesy of Penelope & Bruce Forster – below, as always, click on photos for better viewing and captions.
