Defence Community Organisation

COVID-19 support and information

While most people are not expected to experience severe illness, some ADF families may be concerned about the global outbreak of COVID-19.

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.

Childcare centres prepared for COVID-19

Defence childcare provider, One Tree Community Services, are monitoring requirements to support families and staff as the COVID-19 outbreak progresses. To help reduce transmission, they have increased focus on children’s hygiene such as hand-washing and have implemented heightened cleaning procedures.

Consistent with the Department of Health guidelines, the One Tree exclusion policy means that any child or staff member who is unwell will be sent home. They are also required to inform the Department of Education of any childcare families being tested for COVID-19 for reporting purposes.

Families are asked to support Defence childcare centres in protecting the health and wellbeing of all children and staff. If you have concerns, contact your centre or call the all-hours Defence Family Helpline.

New patron for Defence Community Organisation

We’re honoured to welcome Belinda Johnston, wife of Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral David Johnston AO, RAN, as the new Defence Community Organisation Patron. Read about Belinda and her important role as Our Patron.

Defence Family Matters is out now!

The latest issue of Defence Family Matters for 2019 is out now and on its way to mailboxes and Commanders 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.

In our cover story, Emma talks about raising her son Caleb, who lives with CHARGE syndrome. In our feature story, Jessica shares the heartbreaking story of the premature birth of her daughter Scarlett, and how the family created memories with her during her short life. Plus, there’s lots more from families across the country.

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.

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