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Vol 28 No.3 Spring 2012

 

Vetaffairs is distributed to more than 270,000 members of the veteran and ex-service community and has been mailed out to clients since 1998. It provides regular, up-to-date information of interest to the veteran community, including important information about government policies, programs and initiatives. There is also a strong emphasis on health promotion and educational information that promotes veterans’ well-being, independence and quality of life.

Members of the veteran and ex-service community are also able to place short, free notices in the Noticeboard and Reunions section of Vetaffairs, where they can seek to reacquaint with former service colleagues or advertise upcoming reunions.

Vetaffairs is distributed free of charge and accepts no paid advertising. It is available on the Department's website below and interested readers can be added to the online subscription mailing list by completing a request for an electronic version of Vetaffairs newspaper form. Audio and print copies of Vetaffairs are available upon request to Vetaffairs Administration.

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1

Second World War veterans honoured in Pacific commemorations

Australian veterans returned to former battlegrounds in late August to mark the 70th anniversary of their involvement in important engagements of the Second World War: the Battle of Milne Bay, and the Timor Campaign.

Audio version of Second World War veterans honoured in Pacific commemorations (MP3 4.0 MB)

Pensions and allowances rise

Veterans’ pensions have been increased from 20 September following the latest round of indexation adjustments. Pension rates are calculated on a daily basis, so the pension paid on payday 4 October 2012 will be paid partly at the old rate and partly at the new rate.

Audio version of Pensions and allowances rise (MP3 3.2 MB)

 

(PDF 555KB)

2

Letters to the Editor

Audio version of Letters to the Editor (MP3 5.5 MB)

News from the Department – DVA Secretary Ian Campbell

Each year, DVA is proud to lead the delivery of Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli in Turkey alongside our colleagues from Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand and other Australian and New Zealand Government agencies. We are approaching a significant milestone, with 2015 marking 100 years since the original Anzacs landed on the shores of Gallipoli.

Audio version of News from the Department (MP3 5.7 MB)

Vale Sir Richard Kingsland, DFC

Sir Richard Kingsland, DFC passed away in Canberra on Monday 27 August. Sir Richard was a former Chairman of the Repatriation Commission and Secretary of the then Repatriation Department and the Department of Repatriation and Compensation.

Audio version of Vale Sir Richard Kingsland, DFC (MP3 2.1 MB)

 

 (PDF 223KB)
3

Anzac Centenary appointments

Ms Deborah Thomas and the Hon Arch Bevis have been appointed to the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board.

Audio version of Anzac Centenary appointments (MP3 1.7 MB)

New AWM head

The Hon Dr Brendan Nelson has been appointed Director of the Australian War Memorial following the retirement of Major General Steve Gower AO AO (Mil) (Ret’d).

Audio version of New AWM head (MP3 816 KB)

New pension rates from 20 September 2012

Audio version of New pension rates from 20 September 2012 (MP3 3.5 MB)

Gallipoli iBook

DVA is committed to ensuring that the significant role Australia’s servicemen and women played in our nation’s history is never forgotten. To reach younger generations DVA embraces new technologies such as social media.

Audio version of Gallipoli iBook article (MP3 3.0 MB)

Special Rate and Intermediate Rate pension claims

Special Rate and Intermediate Rate (IR) disability pensions are payable to veterans who are severely incapacitated and unable to earn a normal wage, solely due to their service-related disabilities.

Audio version of Special Rate and Intermediate Rate pension claims (MP3 2.5 MB)

 

 (PDF 216KB)
4

MyAccount – thousands registered

DVA’s new online service, MyAccount, offers around the clock access to a range of DVA services through the internet. MyAccount was launched in May (in Tasmania) and it is now available to all DVA clients.

Audio version of MyAccount - thousands registered (MP3 5.0 MB)

The Wizard

DVA recently released an online Entitlement Self Assessment Wizard. While MyAccount is for clients, anyone can use the wizard. 

Audio version of The Wizard (MP3 1.0 MB)

35 years of RSL Day Clubs in Australia

Celebrations were held in July to mark 35 years of RSL Day Clubs in Australia. Day Clubs are one way in which DVA and the RSL work together to help reduce social isolation for veterans and war widows.

Audio version of 35 years of RSL Day Clubs in Australia (MP3 4.1 MB)

Book your transport online

Did you know that eligible VEA clients can now pre-book their transport online via My Account?

Audio version of Book your transport online (MP3 756 KB)

Claim your travelling expenses online

This table compares the benefits of submitting travel claims using MyAccount (VEA clients only) and the D800 Claim for Travelling Expenses Form.

Audio version of Claim your travelling expenses online (MP3 1.8 MB)

 

 (PDF 434KB)
5

Bambi Kindergarten

Bambi Kindergarten celebrated its 60th anniversary in May 2012. Situated on former Department of Defence land at Ingleburn, NSW, the kindergarten was established in 1952 by the wives and widows of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel serving in Korea.

Audio version of Bambi Kindergarten (MP3 2.5 MB)

Minister visits Queensland War Widows

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, addressed 200 members at the Annual General Meeting of the Queensland War Widows’ Guild and the Queensland Vasey Housing Auxiliary in August.

Audio version of Minister visits Queensland War Widows (MP3 1.5 MB)

Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital

In recognition of the close relationship between war widows and the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, additional pieces of the hospital’s stained glass window were unveiled on Anzac Day 2012. 

Audio version of Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital (MP3 778 KB)

Anniversary

The Queensland War Widows’ Guild marked the 65th Anniversary of its formation with a luncheon attended by the Guild’s Patron, Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC the Governor of Queensland, other dignitaries and some 350 members.

Audio version of Anniversary (MP3 619 KB)

Scholarships for children of war widows

The War Widows’ Guild of Australia NSW has established two tertiary scholarships for the son or daughter of a NSW war widow.

Audio version of Scholarships for children of war widows (MP3 789 KB)

Assistance to widows and families

The Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith, recently announced an initiative to support families of ADF members who have been killed or seriously injured while serving the nation.

Audio version of Assistance to widows and families (MP3 1.1 MB)

Widows keen to help other widows

For Carol Coombe of Port Broughton, the benefits of getting together with fellow widows at the recent Kate Rhodes OAM Memorial Conference “Widows Helping Widows” in Adelaide were enormous.

Audio version of Widows keen to help other widows (MP3 1.3 MB)

Vietnam Veterans’ Day

Vietnam veterans held a Memorial Day on 19 August at Springwood in NSW.

Audio version of Vetnam Veterans' Day (MP3 776 KB)

 

 (PDF 691KB)
6

New memorial honours the crews of Bomber Command

In late June, more than 100 Australian veterans gathered in London’s Green Park to witness the official dedication of the Bomber Command memorial by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Audio version of New memorial honours the crews of Bomber Command (MP3 3.5 MB)

Australian Memorial, Wellington, New Zealand

On Tuesday 7 August 2012, the New Zealand Transport Minister, Gerry Brownlee, and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister, Christopher Finlayson, announced additional planning details for the New Zealand National War Memorial Park.

Audio version of Australian Memorial, Wellington, New Zealand (MP3 2.5 MB)

70 years since Australia’s worst maritime disaster

A new memorial marking Australia’s worst maritime disaster, the sinking of the Montevideo Maru during the Second World War, was unveiled at a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial on 1 July.

Audio version of 70 years since Australia's worst maritime disaster (MP3 2.4 MB)

Timor-Leste Family Study completed

Findings from Australia’s first study into the impact of military service on families were released on 20 September, revealing the importance of social support for partners and children.

Audio version of Timor-Leste Family Study completed (MP3 3.9 MB)

 

 (PDF 2.9MB)
7

On Base Advisory Service

DVA’s On Base Advisory Service (OBAS) was implemented on 1 October 2011 and offers a new channel for serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members to access advice and information on DVA services.

Audio version of On Base Advisory Service (MP3 4.4 MB)

Debunking the myths – Widowed partners’ eligibility for the Gold Card

Audio version of Debunking the myths - Widowed partners' eligibility for the Gold Card (MP3 3.3 MB)

90th Birthday aerobatics

Second World War veteran Nancy June Templeton celebrated her 90th Birthday in style on 1 June. The Air Force Base at Point Cook in Victoria arranged a special flight for Nancy, to remind her of her five golden years working as an Aircraftwoman.

Audio version of 90th Birthday aerobatics (MP3 1.6 MB)

 

 (PDF 508KB)
8

Dr Killer's column – Health Matters

I’d like to start this column by congratulating all those community-minded veterans and war widows who have been involved (in any way) with RSL Day Clubs. This is a terrific program that helps volunteers and members alike.

Audio version of Doctor Killer's column - Health Matters (MP3 6.5 MB)

Exercise physiology and gym memberships

Exercise physiology is a specifically designed physical activity program that assists people to recover from major injury or illness and manage chronic disease. DVA introduced funding for exercise physiology treatment in 2007.

Audio version of Exercise physiology and gym memberships (MP3 2.3 MB)

The Korea War Veterans Association NSW has instigated the creation of Korean War Memorial and MIA bronze plaques for placement at War Memorial sites throughout Australia.

Audio version of Korean War Veterans Association NSW article (MP3 1.0 MB)

Seeing an optometrist?

Optometrists provide a range of services to our veterans and war widow(er)s. Eye care is very important and you should visit your optometrist every two years to maintain good eye health.

Audio version of Seeing an optometrist? (MP3 2.2 MB)

Easier access to treatment and appliances

DVA is streamlining the process for health providers to provide health care treatment and appliances to DVA clients.

Audio version of Easier access to treatment and appliances (MP3 1.8 MB)

 

 (PDF 205KB)
9

Are you ready for Veterans’ Health Week 2012?

DVA, in partnership with ex-service organisations, is calling on the veteran, serving and ex-service communities to organise and participate in activities that will benefit their health and wellbeing during Veterans’ Health Week—Monday 22 to Sunday 28 October 2012.

Audio version of Are you ready for Veterans' Health Week 2012? (MP3 1.7 MB)

The Veterans’ Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Scheme

The Veterans’ Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Scheme (VPRS) commenced on 1 January 2012 and provides an annual reimbursement to eligible veterans.

Audio version of The Veterans' Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Scheme (MP3 3.9 MB)

Office locations

Veterans’ Access Network and VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service.

Audio version of Office locations (MP3 5.8 MB)

HomeFront – providing independent living

HomeFront is a prevention program that assists veterans and war widows/widowers to maintain independent living in their own homes. DVA Gold and White card holders are eligible for a free annual home assessment to identify and minimise hazards that could cause injury.

Audio version of Homefront - providing independent living (MP3 3.1 MB)

New arrangements for CPAP

Positive Airway Pressure Equipment (CPAP), Bi-Level Therapy and VPAP devices and consumables are available at DVA expense for those who have clinically assessed Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Audio version of New arrangements for CPAP (MP3 1.7 MB)

 

 (PDF 733KB)
10

Publications and items for sale

Gallipoli Lone Pine – poppy brooch
Series II (Australian War Memorial)
The Battle for Lone Pine: Four Days of Hell at the Heart of Gallipoli
David W. Cameron
Vietnam: The Complete Story of the Australian War
Bruce Davies with Gary McKay
2013 DVA calendar: A century of casualty care

Audio version of Publications and items for sale (MP3 6.7 MB)

News from the AWM

The Long Tan Cross
Remembrance Day
Treasures from a century of collecting

Audio version of News from the AWM (MP3 5.7 MB)

 

 (PDF 274KB)
11

Reunion notices

Audio version of Reunion notices (MP3 13.8 MB)

Off the shelf

Audio version of Off the shelf (MP3 12.5 MB)

 (PDF 138KB)
12

Noticeboard

Audio version of Noticeboard - submissions (MP3 559 KB)
Audio version of Noticeboard - Navy (MP3 3.5 MB)
Audio version of Noticeboard - Army (MP3 9.5 MB)
Audio version of Noticeboard - Air Force (MP3 4.2 MB)
Audio version of Noticeboard - Miscellaneous (MP3 8.5 MB)

 (PDF 92KB)