Issue - 4 - 2011
DVA services over the festive season
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ offices will close at 5pm on Friday, 23 December 2011 and will re-open at 9am Tuesday, 3 January 2012. During this time, many important services will still be available.
The free Veterans Line counselling service will be staffed throughout the Christmas and New Year period and can be accessed by phoning 1800 011 046 (free call from a landline phone).
Pension pay days will not be affected by the Christmas and New Year arrangements.
Visit the DVA website for information on the full range of services available.
Funding announced for the first Anzac Centenary project
On November 26, the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac, Warren Snowdon, announced $1.3 million initial funding towards the design and development of the Anzac Interpretive Centre in Albany, Western Australia.
It is the first major project announced for the Anzac Centenary, which will take place between 2014 to 2018.
The Interpretive Centre will overlook King George Sound where the convoys carrying the Anzacs to the First World War gathered and departed from October-December 1914. The centre will house innovative and interactive technology and will provide both a physical and virtual educational resource for all Australians.
For more information, visit the DVA Media Centre www.dva.gov.au
Broadband Network provides in-home healthcare
An $8 million trial which will enable chronically ill veterans to have their health monitored by health professionals without leaving their home, was announced on November 28, by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, and the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.
Mr Snowdon said the use of in-home telemonitoring technology, combines the best of the National Broadband Network (NBN) high speed broadband with chronic care management to benefit many in our veteran community.
“This trial will take advantage of reliable, high-speed and high-capacity broadband capability to change the way health services are delivered to the veteran community and allow veterans to access high-quality health care from home.
For more information, visit the DVA Media Centre www.dva.gov.au
How to change your alcohol mix this summer
There are many ways to keep your drinking habits in check over the festive and summer seasons.
Tips and hints on how you can prevent your social time from getting out of hand are available at www.therightmix.gov.au
Tips include: don’t drink on an empty stomach, set a limit to your drinking time and have water or other drinks in between alcoholic drinks, and don’t forget to have regular alcohol-free days each week.
If you find yourself, a friend or a family member struggling, you can always call the VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service – on 1800 011 046. It’s free and confidential.
10,000 people helped celebrate Veterans’ Health Week 2011
Thanks to the terrific support of ex-service and community organisations across the country, some 160 events were held this year in October during Veterans’ Health Week.
The theme for 2011 was Building on the strengths of the veteran community–mental wellness and encouraged veterans to get out and about, reconnect with mates, build resilience and promote leadership.
Around 10,000 people attended events in each state and territory from 24 October to 30 October and all contributed to making VHW 2011 a success. Some of the activities on offer included information sessions on mental health, exercise demonstrations (including the exercise dance craze Zumba), and outdoor activities like hiking up Mt Warning in NSW.
All event organisers and participants are encouraged to provide feedback through the DVA website.
60th anniversary commemorative mission to Korea
Seven Korean veterans and the son of a Korean serviceman missing in action travelled to Korea last month as part of a mission to mark the 60th anniversary of major engagements of the War.
Visiting old battle grounds with the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, the group said goodbye to mates and loved ones who were laid to rest in Korea. They also paid respects to all those who served and died there in a number of commemorative ceremonies in Busan, Kapyong, Maryang San, and Seoul.
More than 17,000 Australians served in the Korean War and post-Armistice until 1957. Of those 340 lost their lives during the war and 18 more died in the post-Armistice period, more than 1,200 were wounded, 30 became prisoners of war and 43 were listed as missing in action
For more information on the mission, background on the Korea War or photographs from the mission visit the DVA website.
Going to Gallipoli or France for Anzac Day in 2012?
If you, your family or friends are thinking about attending Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli or France next year, don’t forget to register.
Attending an overseas Dawn Service is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many Australians, and it’s important visitors come prepared.
Once registered, you will receive helpful information and tips on what to expect, what to bring with you and other important updates closer to 25 April 2012.
For more information on Anzac Day in Gallipoli and France or to register for either service visit the DVA website.
New booklet addresses transition challenges
DVA has published a new booklet to help current and former serving Australian Defence Force members manage the challenges of transitioning to civilian life.
Mental Health and Wellbeing after Military Service provides information and advice about mental health and wellbeing after military service.
The booklet is aimed at contemporary veterans and their families and addresses a broad range of mental health problems, incorporating evidence-based treatments and strategies.
To view the booklet online, or to order a copy, visit the At Ease website.
The Wellbeing Toolbox and touchbase also provide access to vital health resources that can help through the transition.
Updated fee schedules for medical and allied health services from 1 November 2011
DVA is making it easier, more efficient and convenient for medical and allied health providers to access DVA Fee Schedules.
DVA Fee Schedules are now available online.
To download the latest schedules visit the DVA website.
Australia pauses to remember
On 11 November 2011, Australians across the country paused to honour and remember all those who have served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard addressed a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra which was also attended by the Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon.
Information on the origins of Remembrance Day and resources for schools are available on the DVA website.
Follow DVA on Twitter and Facebook for regular updates of all DVA activity
Publications
Media releases are available to view on the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon’s website.
Best wishes to all e-News subscribers for a safe and happy festive season. We look forward to keeping you up-to-date on DVA news and activities in 2012.