Vol 26 No.4 December 2010
Vetaffairs is distributed to more than 300,000 members of the veteran and defence force community. It provides regular, up-to-date information of interest to the veteran community, including important information about government policies, programs and initiatives.
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Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary
From 2014 until 2018, Australia will commemorate the centenary of World War I and a century of service since.
Dedication of National Servicemen’s Memorial
More than 3000 National Servicemen and their families assembled at the Australian War Memorial in September for the dedication of the National Servicemen’s Memorial. |
(PDF 334KB) |
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Letters to the Editor
How do you want to receive Vetaffairs?
Do you want to change the way you receive Vetaffairs? An increasing number of our readers say they would prefer to look at Vetaffairs online and they no longer want to receive a printed newspaper in the post.
New General Manager – Executive Division
Major General Elizabeth (Liz) Cosson CSC has been appointed General Manager of DVA’s Executive Division following the retirement of Gary Collins in June.
Correction
In the September issue of Vetaffairs we featured a poem on Page 5 written by Krysti Neale, called Silent Battlefield. The poem should have featured in an alternative page.
Clarification
In the September issue of Vetaffairs we featured an article on the front page about the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon. It contained a statement that may have caused confusion about Mr Snowdon’s family history. |
(PDF 120KB) |
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DVA Christmas and New Year Reduced Services
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)—including all Veterans Affairs Network and Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) offices—will be closed from close of business Friday 24 December 2010 and will reopen on Tuesday 4 January 2011.
RAP and Transport provide assistance
The Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) was established because at DVA we recognise that you want to live in your own home.
The 60th anniversary of the Korean War
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, acknowledged the contribution of more than 17,000 Australians who served in the Korean War in the 1950s during a service at the Australian National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on 23 October.
Home Insulation Safety Plan
The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE) has introduced a Home Insulation Safety Plan to provide reassurance to households that had insulation installed under the now discontinued Home Insulation Program.
Gallipoli trip planned for 2011?
If you, your family or friends are thinking about attending the Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli in Turkey next year, don’t forget to register your interest at www.dva.gov.au/gallipoli
SMRC review decisions online
To improve service to the veteran community, the Specialist Medical Review Council (SMRC) is now providing all of its review decisions online. |
(PDF 183KB) |
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Memorials and Graves
Anyone who works for the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG) knows a great deal about graves and memorials.
Remembrance: The work of the Office of Australian War Graves
The OAWG deals with thousands of enquiries each year. Many come from families researching their ancestors and asking questions about those who are missing and/or from those who have visited (or who are about to visit) Australian battlefields and the associated Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries and Memorials to the Missing.
Rugby League in Papua New Guinea
On 25 September, the Australian Prime Minister’s Rugby League team played the Papua New Guinean Kumuls in Port Moresby.
Work experience at the OAWG
My name is Jessica Kerney and I am a year 12 student from Erindale College in Canberra. I have been doing work experience for two weeks at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in the OAWG.
Pleasing feedback for Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Many places around the world hold a special place in Australia’s history. The Australians who fought through North Africa are honoured with memorials in Tobruk, El Alamein and on Anzac Parade in Canberra. |
(PDF 125KB) |
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How to live in your own home longer
Seventy-five percent of women aged over 80 years live within the community in their own homes and many would prefer to stay there as long as possible.
National War Widows’ Conference
War widows from all over Australia met in Sydney in October for a conference to discuss a range of issues affecting all war widows.
Friendship Day in Queensland
War widows from all over Queensland recently came together for a day of friendship.
War Widows enjoy Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway
People who attended the War Widows’ Guild National Conference joined with war widows from all over NSW to enjoy the NSW Guild’s Annual Walk and Picnic at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway in Concord NSW. |
(PDF 171KB) |
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Debunking the myths – family support following a death on deployment
Vetaffairs answers some of the common questions. |
(PDF 84KB) |
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Debunking the myths – continued
Legacy’s commitment to the children of deceased veterans
Legacy Clubs throughout Australia run a range of activities for the children of deceased eligible veterans, ranging from day events and weekend outings right through to camps lasting up to 12 days.
Planning to travel overseas?
Australian travellers can become ill while travelling abroad. Many infectious diseases can cause illness and even death, but they can be prevented through vaccination.
Beware – potential scams
Veterans have been targeted by scam-artists claiming to represent the Australian Government.
Reminder
Readers’ of Vetaffairs are reminded that no Vetaffairs content can be reproduced without the written consent of the Vetaffairs editor. |
(PDF 91KB) |
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Dr Killer's column – Minding your mind
Help cut mobility scooter accidents
While mobility scooters are a popular and convenient way for mobility impaired Australians to get around, at least 71 people, mostly in their 70s, 80s and 90s, have died from mobility scooter accidents since 2000.
Changes to Hearing Services Program
Members of the veteran community gain access to treatment for hearing services through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. |
(PDF 105KB) |
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Save power and money in NSW
Managing household energy costs will become a little easier for DVA card holders who take part in the NSW Government’s free Home Power Savings Program.
Improving veteran access to mental health support
New registration and fee arrangements will improve veterans’ access to mental health support and cut red tape for allied mental health providers who deal with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
How to get the Right Mix this summer
Choose a healthy mix this summer and try these ten tips to help change your drinking habits:
Veterans Service Centre
The Veterans Service Centre (VSC) was established in 2007 as a first point of contact for DVA general (telephone) enquiries received from Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Victoria. It extended to include Tasmania in 2009.
Shrine of Remembrance Exhibition |
(PDF 114KB) |
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Publications available now
2011 DVA calendar: Generations of Service
Australians in World War I: Australian Flying Corps
Stories of Love & War
For Valour (DVD)
Identity theft – how to prevent it
Identity theft refers to the use of a false or stolen identity to perpetrate a crime. |
(PDF 147KB) |
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News from the AWM
Perspectives
Perspectives presents the unique insights of two contemporary artists responding to the subject of peacekeeping.
Hall of Valour redevelopment
The Australian War Memorial has commenced work on redeveloping its Hall of Valour, which features the world’s largest publicly held collection of VC medals.
DVA tweeting away
DVA is now on Twitter! DVAAus went live on 22 October.
Reunions |
(PDF 127KB) |
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Noticeboard
Medals Lost & Found |
(PDF 110KB) |