Given the ongoing nature of the bushfires and the impact on many regions, DVA is providing a further update for ESOs.

We recognise that the recent bushfires have had a devastating impact on local communities, but it is important that the ongoing support to veterans’ organisations and the community continues.

A new grant round of the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program has opened for applications today and closes at 11:00 pm (AEDT) on 17 February 2020.

If your organisation has been impacted by these bushfires, and you think it may affect you in lodging your application for a BEST grant, please contact the Community Grants Hub as soon as possible on 1800 020 283 or support@communitygrants.gov.au for help with your application.

The priority for many authorities and communities is of course the ongoing fire-fighting, containment and recovery operations, and a reminder from my email last week that DVA will continue to provide services and assistance to members of the veteran and defence communities.

Health and Financial support

If you or members of your organisation need further support from DVA during this difficult time, please visit the DVA website (dva.gov.au) for information on the disaster assistance services offered. The Open Arms counselling service is also available 24/7 to veterans and their families (contact 1800 011 046).

DVA services and support

Veterans and their families can access DVA’s Veterans’ Access Network (VAN) for assistance on 1800 555 254 for a wide range of issues, including replacement of aids and appliances, ensuring availability of pharmaceuticals, and arranging transportation to medical appointments.

If any other services or support you receive from the Department are impacted by the fires, or if you need extra support in requesting these services, you can call 1800 555 254 for assistance.

Veterans’ Home Care

Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) program clients affected by fires should contact their service providers or assessment agency to re-establish disrupted services.  Eligible, affected veterans who need new services or services in a new location should contact their assessment agency.  VHC Assessment Agencies may be contacted on 1300 550 450.

Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme (DSHI)

With ongoing bushfires across the country DSHI is committed to assisting our policyholders. In an emergency dial 000. Always follow the advice and direction of emergency services. If you need to make a claim due to bushfire damage, please contact us as soon as you’re safe and able to do so. Our team will be able to help you manage your claim. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us, if you are impacted please contact us on 1300 552 662.

National Bushfire Recovery Agency

The Prime Minister has announced the establishment a new agency with an initial $2 billion for a national bushfire recovery fund to coordinate a national response to rebuild communities and livelihoods after the devastating fire-front has passed. More information can be found at: www.pm.gov.au/media/national-bushfire-recovery-agency

Mark Cormack

Acting Secretary

7 January 2020

The impact of the bushfires is being felt across the nation, including by members of the veteran and defence communities. Health and safety is the priority during this time, and we encourage Australians to listen to the experts on updates on conditions and how to be prepared.

The ABC, as the national broadcaster, provides up-to-date information on all alerts and warnings.

Further information, often live, is also available on a range of state and territory government websites.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is providing support to veterans and their families wherever possible, and it is important that members of the veteran and defence communities are aware that they can access a range of services, including the following:

• The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment – one-off financial assistance to eligible Australians adversely affected by the bushfires. For more information on eligibility, and how to claim, visit the Department of Human Services website or call 180 22 66.
• Defence Service Homes Insurance – To lodge a claim or for assistance please contact 1300 552 662 or visit the Defence Service Homes Insurance website.
• Open Arms counselling support (24/7) – veterans and their families requiring emergency counselling support can call 1800 011 046.
• Crisis payments – a one-off payment to financially assist eligible people following a range of defined circumstances. For information about the crisis payments and eligibility please read Factsheet IS121 – Crisis Payments
• Other assistance – DVA’s Veterans’ Access Network (VAN) can be contacted on 1800 555 254 to assist with a wide range of issues, including replacement of aids and appliances, ensuring availability of pharmaceuticals, and arranging transportation to medical appointments.

If any other services or support you receive from the Department are impacted by the fires, or if you need extra support in requesting these services, you can call 1800 555 254 for assistance.

Mark Cormack

Acting Secretary

Department of Veterans’ Affairs

3 January 2020

Fred Fairhead has completed an updated account of the battle.

Details are here Flyer

Infantryman December 14.12.2019

http://armynews.realviewdigital.com/#folio=1

ON TARGET: We strengthen ties with the Singapore Army during Exercise Matilda – Centre.

BRIDGE OF COURAGE: A new suspension bridge connects Far North Queensland training areas – Page 23.

TOP PERFORMANCE: Special operations course tests optimal human performance – Page 24

The Client Satisfaction Survey is a key tool for DVA to learn more about our clients’

experiences so we can improve the way we serve veterans and their families.

As per previous years, I am writing to provide you with notice of the release

of the DVA Client Satisfaction Survey results via the Minister’s announcement on today

29 October 2019.

Attached is a copy of the survey results in the form of:

• a two-page Factsheet showing a high-level summary of overall satisfaction,

and;

• the Results Summary report, a more detailed breakdown of all survey results.

These are now available on the DVA website: www.dva.gov.au/survey.

The results from this survey and future surveys will continue to help inform DVA on

where we can focus services and supports for veterans and their families, to ensure

we are responding and adapting to client needs.

If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback, please contact the

Survey team directly, at Client.Survey@dva.gov.au.

DVA CSS 2019-Fact Sheet – FINAL Published

DVA CSS 2019-Results Summary – FINAL Published (1)

I am pleased to let you know that the Government’s Australian Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and their Families First) Bill 2019 has passed Federal Parliament today.

This legislation formally establishes the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant which includes an oath, lapel pin and Veteran Card which are available for veterans and eligible reservists.

With the passing of this legislation we will now start to send out the lapel pins and oath to those who have already registered via mail in the coming weeks.

The new Veteran Card, which is a redesign of the existing DVA health cards, continues to provide access to treatments and benefits and will soon provide access to thousands of offers from businesses across Australia as a part of a new benefits program.

We are expecting to launch the benefits program very soon and will be sending information packs in the mail to Ex-Service Organisations and RSL Sub-branches which includes promotional material and a set of frequently asked questions to help you support veterans to ensure they get the most out of the program.

Veterans and reservists can continue to register for the Covenant online through MyService, by calling DVA on 1800 555 254, or by visiting your local Veterans Access Network office.

For more information about the Covenant, please visit https://www.dva.gov.au/benefits-and-payments/australian-defence-veterans-covenant

Regards Liz,

Some Questions Answered.

ESORT – Questions and Answers for Partner Service Pensions – eligibility alignment

100719 version REDRESS OF DFRDB PENSION INJUSTICE FOR FORMER ADF PERSONNEL

Latest release is here 190815 Media release – Minister Chester – Outgoing Australian War Memorial Director thanked

VA064 – Minister Chester – Australia marks Reserve Forces Day

VA061 Minister Chester Statement – Veteran Treatment Cycle

This is the current issue of the Infantryman

Infantryman August 2019

Below for April 2019

Infantryman April 2019

Below for December 2018

Infantryman December 2018 FINAL

Below for August 2018

Infantryman August

Below for March 2018

Infantryman final 2 March 2018

Below is December 2017

Infantryman December 2017 Dec 4

Below is the August 2017 issue

Infantryman August 2017

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

There are strong reasons to support this campaign.

https://chuffed.org/project/protecting-the-rar

Duty First

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.

a

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.

Here are a few photos of our highly successful dinner.  As always, by selecting a photo you will be able to view a better photo as well as the caption for it.

And some nostalgic memories of our May 2013 Regimental Dinner

Click on the image for improved viewing, 1967 I think.

Join Army

Please view the latest news on the RCB campaign here RCB Update

There is an extensive history to this campaign under the Advocacy tab (above).

The Casualty List has been off line for some time, here it is revived.

Note by clicking on the sub-headings, unit or coy/pl for example, you can then filter your searches.

http://www.thecasualtylist.com/