25 Sep 2018

Cathy McGowan - Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme

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03 Sep 2018

Air Force Newspaper 6 Sep 18

click here for  Air Force Newspaper 6 Sep 18

03 Sep 2018

VVCS changes name to Open Arms

Veterans support gets a new look

The Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) is getting a new name and a new look.

From October, VVCS will become Open Arms, with the tagline veterans and families counselling.

“This new brand better represents how the service has evolved and is more recognisable,” National Manager Dr Stephanie Hodson said.

“Open arms are a very powerful symbol of support, safety, and security, particularly for Vietnam veterans, whose lifeline was the Huey helicopter.

“The Hueys would either take them out to safety, or provide critical supplies. But to let the pilot know where to land, one soldier had to stand in a field with open arms, completely vulnerable.

“Our new logo reminds us of those brave soldiers, while also representing so much to contemporary veterans —families welcoming soldiers home, land crew directing planes—and, of course, our policy to welcome those who need support.

“This brand change comes at a time when we are expanding eligibility to anyone who has served for one day or more and their immediate family, who can now seek counselling about any issue they face.   

“It was developed after extensive consultation with Vietnam and contemporary veterans, current personnel, reservists, partners, families, and peer network advisers across Australia.”

The nationally accredited service has been the cornerstone of the Australian Government’s veteran mental health support for more than 35 years, when it was established to support Vietnam veterans.

It provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling to former and current Australian Defence Force personnel and their families.

“As a contemporary veteran, I fully understand and appreciate the amazing legacy the Vietnam veterans have provided to my generation.

“Since 1982, we have provided more than 1.6 million counselling sessions to close to 300,000 veterans and family members,” Dr Hodson said.

“With this more memorable brand that clearly represents what we do, we hope to better connect with current and former ADF personnel and their families, so that even more can get the support they need.”

If you need support, call 1800 011 046 any time of day or night. 

For more information about the name change please visit - http://www.vvcs.gov.au/openarms/index.htm

26 Aug 2018

DVA E News Aug 18

DVA E news - click here

15 Aug 2018

Cost of Living Service

Minister and the Premier announced that a new Cost of Living Service being delivered by Service NSW, is now available at 10 Service NSW Centres across the state, including Wetherill Park, Wynyard and Parramatta.

The program will be rolled out across NSW by later this year.     A copy of the media release is attached.     There is a link at the bottom with further details. 

The NSW Government offers more than 40 rebates and refunds across 12 agencies which could save people hundreds of dollars a year.    Pensioner concession card holders could be eligible for savings of almost $1100 if they are eligible for the Low Income Household Energy Rebate, CTP refund, Appliance Replacement Offer, Pensioner Water Rebate and free rego.

A family with two children could save more than $800 with potential savings on the FuelCheck app, Free Rego, Active Kids vouchers, the Family Energy Rebate and more.

The new service is a one-stop shop that allows people to make an appointment to meet a cost of living specialist at a Service NSW centre, where they can find out what refunds and rebates they may be eligible for.     Once these are identified, the specialist will help them to make the claims.

Appointments can be made online, over the phone or by visiting a Service NSW centre.     Anyone can make an appointment, it isnt means tested and its free.     You dont need to live in one of the 10 areas to arrange an appointment.