MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: RLI on March 06, 2014, 08:16:23 AM
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G'day Trendsetters,
I thought i would set-up a thread to see how many current and ex-defence force members we have on this great forum. Being an RSL Advocate/pensions officer i thought i could post up the latest defence force information to our members.
If any myswag members are having difficulty with any of there DVA entitlements or just need advice regarding a possible pension claim please contact me and i will endeavor to help you or direct you to the appropriate person to help you.
Kind regards,
Paul (RLI)
:cheers:
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G'day folks,
For your perusal!
Regards,
RLI
Wednesday, 5 March 2014 VA014
VETERANS URGED TO TAKE PART IN CONSULTATION
Today the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) will begin consultation with veterans, war widow/ers, their families, the Community and Public Sector Union and DVA staff about the future of some shopfront services in Victoria and New South Wales.
“The Government is committed to a stand-alone Department of Veterans’ Affairs which delivers efficient services to veterans right across Australia”, Senator Ronaldson said.
“As the veteran community changes so too must the Department adapt and respond to changing circumstances. More and more of our veterans, war widow/ers and their families are choosing the telephone or the internet to make contact with DVA. Visits to our shop fronts are declining and are down 28 per cent since 2009.”
The respective Deputy Commissioners of DVA in Victoria and New South Wales will facilitate the consultation, commencing today, regarding the provision of DVA Veterans’ Access Network (VAN) services in six regions.
Consultations will focus on shopfronts in Bairnsdale, Morwell, Ballarat and Frankston in Victoria and Wollongong and Gosford in NSW. In addition, Bendigo, Mildura and Warrnambool in Victoria, where VAN type services are provided by private organisations, will also be considered.
“This consultation process, which will conclude on 26 March, will guide DVA in deciding the future provision of current services”, Senator Ronaldson concluded.
Information on how members of the veteran community can be involved in the consultation process is available on the DVA website, www.dva.gov.au (http://www.dva.gov.au).
Media inquiries: Minister Ronaldson: Brad Rowswell 02 6277 7820 or 0417 917 796
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
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great idea.........
I should really track down somebody to assist me with getting a review, the initial application wasn't the best experience
and after being humiliated at my local RSL a few years ago I have kept them at arms distance....actually I probably keep the whole system at arms distance
anyways.......
43rd F&T, 9 years in the regs followed by 11 ish years in the choc's
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Hi,
ex RAAF here. Joined in 1964 for 6 years to avoid being conscripted.
It is a good career starter for an 18 year-old, learned heaps, and kept out of trouble.
In retrospect (now retired) probably one of life's better decisions.
cheers
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G'day, RLI, you look familiar mate,
Anyway 22 years RAINF :cup: :cup:, served in a few Battalions :cup: :cup:, done a few posting to the School of Infantry :cup: :cup:, and also did a few jobs OS :cup: :cup:.
All in all had a great time, no regrets at all.
Very handy to know your an advocate, will come in handy id say.
Oh and BTW welcome to the swag, you wont find any better.
Regards Swanny :cheers:
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nasho here. July 72 intake into Pucka. Went to 4 sig at Wacol in Brisbane and left the army December 73 after electing to serve out the last 12 months after Gough got in. Eligible for a defence services housing loan that I did nothing with for 10 years and by that time $25k did not buy anything. my bad.
don't regret my time :cheers:
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10 years ex Chocco Raeme. Enjoyed being a Recovery Mechanic. Joined 1991 out in 2001.
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20 years full time RAAF aircrew, 4 years Reservist working for Army.
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36 years Army Reservist and Regular, including OS work. Joined the Reserves in 76 and retired in 2012. Gunner by trade but also served in the MP's and Engineers as CSM. what they called non Corps postings. A hell of a ride and would do it all over again in the blink of an eye.
I too have the Sh*ts with the local RSL, tried for over a year to join the Sub-Branch, all too hard for them, even though I have been an ordinary member for 30 years in the one club.
Ta
John
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20 years in the senior Service RAN, 4 of those as an Aircraft Mechanic and 16 years doing Discipline and Prosecutions :)
Cheers
Carl
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
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Joined RAAF 1979. 33 years of Service. P-3 Orion aircrew. Got out in April 2012. Now contracting back to Joint Operations Command as a civvy.
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Current serving Army with almost 14 years under my belt with the first four a mix of choco and full-time service (reserve style) before heading regular Army.
Best thing about the organisation is I've been able to change jobs to keep me happy - currently wearing my fourth corps badge - only bad side is I have to call all my mates I started with Sir when 'others' are around. ;)
Currently work for all three service newspapers as a Military Reporter although I focus more on Army.
I travel a lot around the country and OS which is great as I get to scope out and recce places to visit now we have the camper such as the two weeks I spent up in the Cape last year with 51 FNQR. (You can read all about that in the on-line paper).
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Did 4.5 yrs as a Dropshort, RAA, then 6 as a RadTech in the Airforce. 1974-1984.
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Started young and seved 8 years in the Reserves as an Infantry / Assault Pioneer ....
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10 years ex Chocco Raeme. Enjoyed being a Recovery Mechanic. Joined 1991 out in 2001.
Royal Australian Easy Money Earners..........
I was/am a blue bell as well......
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Royal Australian Easy Money Earners..........
I was/am a blue bell as well......
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Yes our corps colours, Red Blue and Yellow
Red for the blood we've never spilt
Blue for the seas we've never crossed
Yellow is the reason why!
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I'm not in the Defence Forces.
Just wanted to say thank you.
:cheers:
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13 years Army in the #1 Corp ;D RAE
If I wasn't medically discharged due to a spinal fusion 6 years ago I'd still be there :cheers:
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Yes our corps colours, Red Blue and Yellow
Red for the blood we've never spilt
Blue for the seas we've never crossed
Yellow is the reason why!
When your car is broke or your gun busted I guess this is where we come in...........oh and fleece you for a goffa
The army cannot roll with RAEME.........quite happy sittin back in the sixbee, fridge, showers, laptops, radios, jaffles.........waitin to get everybody out of the Shit
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Dammit, still a lid. Good on you blokes/gals for your service.
4 years RAINF for me then a med discharge in 2011.
Still miss it but happy to have spent so much time with my children.
Cheers
Evo
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Still serving now. Have chalked up 24 years full time service with the Royal Australian Navy as an Electronic Technician. Served on several ships in that time;
HMAS Bendigo
HMAS Townsville
HMAS Gladstone
HMAS Tobruk
HMAS Canberra
HMAS Adelaide
HMAS Melville
HMAS Leeuwin
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RAN 1977 - 1985 Electrical Fitter Mechanic (ETP)
RANATE Nirimba
HMAS Brisbane
HMAS Moreton
Currently on DVA part pension with pending appeals. The claim process has been a bit of a nightmare due to lack of medical records that were kept in the old days and the lack of understanding the claims officers have of the old systems. Hopefully things will work out but it's a long drawn out process.
Steve
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G'day folks,
Firstly, thanks for your service to this great nation of ours and i wish you all well in what endeavor that you are currently engaged in.
Secondly, if any of you would like to share any photos please do so. It is fantastic looking back down memory lane.
PS, when i work out how to load photo's, i will up-load some of my embarrassing military photo's for a laugh or too. lol
Kind regards,
RLI
:cheers:
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Royal Australian Easy Money Earners..........
I was/am a blue bell as well......
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sorry, I though it was Royal Australian Engineer Minus the Experience!!!
Serving Royal Australian Engineer, 15 years this year and will look for another 5 or so as I still enjoy it!
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20 years RAInf, is there really anything else? ;D
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8 years a crab and 2 years a pusser, whenever someone finds out I'm ex-military I cop the " oh, you were in the army" I always get a funny look when I reply" no the other two".
Like most, wouldn't have missed it for the world. Only regret leaving on days ending in y - (Dummy spit over "medical - unfit to fly")
Joined young, trained hard, visited exotic places, met interesting people and trained to kill them (or so the t-shirt says), >:D
Nil illegitimus carborundum
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8 years a crab and 2 years a pusser, whenever someone finds out I'm ex-military I cop the " oh, you were in the army" I always get a funny look when I reply" no the other two".
Like most, wouldn't have missed it for the world. Only regret leaving on days ending in y - (Dummy spit over "medical - unfit to fly")
Joined young, trained hard, visited exotic places, met interesting people and trained to kill them (or so the t-shirt says), >:D
Nil illegitimus carborundum
G'day mate,
Congrats on your service mate!
Regards,
RLI
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G'day folks,
Firstly, thanks for your service to this great nation of ours and i wish you all well in what endeavor that you are currently engaged in.
Secondly, if any of you would like to share any photos please do so. It is fantastic looking back down memory lane.
PS, when i work out how to load photo's, i will up-load some of my embarrassing military photo's for a laugh or too. lol
Kind regards,
RLI
:cheers:
1970 - 1993 Apprentice blacksmith then RAE to RAEME back to RAE.
Ray
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1970 - 1993 Apprentice blacksmith then RAE to RAEME back to RAE.
Ray
G'day Ray,
Congrats on your service mate!
Regards,
RLI
:cheers:
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I joined under the ready reserve scheme, so did 1 yr full time and 4 yr part time. The thing was, I hated university, so ended up spending most of my part time years at the Army ... posted to 1 Fd Regt (RAA) at Enoggera as a driver (corp enlisted as RACT but transferred to RAA) I had lots of fun driving on the gun line (somehow I managed to keep off a gun course) and in the last few years became the sig/driver for the BC. Living life on the hill ... what a great job! Unfortunately I missed out on O/S deployment, as Timor just kicked off when I got out. Ive considered rejoining many a time (and may still do it) just not sure how the old body would cope.
Cheers Chippy :D
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I joined under the ready reserve scheme, so did 1 yr full time and 4 yr part time. The thing was, I hated university, so ended up spending most of my part time years at the Army ... posted to 1 Fd Regt (RAA) at Enoggera as a driver (corp enlisted as RACT but transferred to RAA) I had lots of fun driving on the gun line (somehow I managed to keep off a gun course) and in the last few years became the sig/driver for the BC. Living life on the hill ... what a great job! Unfortunately I missed out on O/S deployment, as Timor just kicked off when I got out. Ive considered rejoining many a time (and may still do it) just not sure how the old body would cope.
Cheers Chippy :D
G'day Chippy,
Congrats on your service mate!
Regards,
RLI
:cheers:
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To my band of brothers
Happy Brother's Day To You
You may have served in combat or non-combat.
You may have retired, or you may have served for a short time.
You may have been a draftee or a volunteer.
You may have served in the Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard or the Merchant Navy, BUT YOU SERVED. You did your job HONORABLY and for that I am PROUD to call you Brother.
You may have served during WW II, Korea, Vietnam, The Persian Gulf, Iraq or Afghanistan, but you served, you did not run.
You have those words"HONORABLY DISCHARGED"two of the most noble words in the world. And I am proud to know each and every one of you.
* Today is Band of Brothers' Day*
Send this to all your brothers, fathers, sons and fellow veterans you know. Happy Band of Brothers' Day!
Here's to you! I was not a hero, I did my job because I had to, but I am thankful and proud to have served among them.
A real Brother walks with you when the rest of the world walks on you.
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Joined 1993 ARA and still going. A few changes over this time (RMC), 5 o/s deployments and currently a Battery Commander in RAA (however, not a trail ape).
Cracker74
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A real Brother walks with you when the rest of the world walks on you.
Really?
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cracker where are you BC ?
Cheers Chippy :D
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I joined as a ready reserve. I transferred to ARA in 1996. Still serving and loving it. Only had the two posting locations being Gallipoli BKS and Lavarack BKS. Have seen a lot of changes in my time some for the good some for the worse.
Enjoy Rod
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I joined as a ready reserve. I transferred to ARA in 1996. Still serving and loving it. Only had the two posting locations being Gallipoli BKS and Lavarack BKS. Have seen a lot of changes in my time some for the good some for the worse.
Enjoy Rod
Good on ya mate, I served in both locs, both are brilliant postings, but id have to say Townsville is were the action is...hahaha.
BTW...we prob chewed on some of the same dirt when you first enlisted...I was an ARA PLSGT looking after a Ready Res PL in 97-98 at Gallipoli Bk
Good times indeed.
Swanny
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G'evening folks,
Thanks for all of you so far contributing to this thread! Special thanks to all those that served in the Defence Forces!
Regards,
RLI
:cheers:
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Thursday, 13 March 2014
MINVA014
SPEECH TO THE NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
GLENELG, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Greetings
It is a pleasure to join you in Glenelg today to open the 2014 National Conference of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia.
Less than a month after National Servicemen’s Day, let me again place on the record my thanks to all of you here today who were called up for national service and served our nation with distinction.
You helped strengthen our defence forces and added vital capability.
You were prepared to go into action if, and when, required.
Between 1951 and 1972 more than 280,000 young men were called up for national service.
Some served in the Vietnam War, others served in Borneo, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea.
212 Nashos died on active service.
We remember those who never returned home and who made the supreme sacrifice.
We also acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all those who were called upon to serve, your service perpetually honoured at the National Service Memorial at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Your contribution to Australia’s defence preparedness will never be forgotten.
Indeed as we approach Anzac Centenary, we enter a period of commemoration of 100 years of service, where the service of all veterans from all conflicts, including those who serve today in the Australian Defence Force, will be highlighted.
Government’s plan for veterans’ affairs
I was last at your National Conference in Canberra in 2011.
Since then, of course, there has been a change of Government and I speak to you today as the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.
At the last election, the Government was elected with a four-pillar policy for veterans and their families.
It included:
· Recognition of the unique nature of military service
· Maintaining a stand-alone Department of Veterans’ Affairs
· Tackling mental health challenges faced by veterans and their families; and
· Providing adequate welfare and advocacy support
Underpinning this was our commitment to deliver fair indexation for DFRB and DFRDB military superannuants aged 55 and over.
From 1 July this year the Government is committed to ensuring these superannuation pensions are indexed in the same manner as age and service pensions.
We will deliver this commitment and, in so doing, address a long-standing grievance of the veteran and ex-service community.
Maintaining a stand-alone Department of Veterans’ Affairs is critical if we are to ensure future generations of service men and women continue to receive the post-service support they deserve from the Australian Government.
Last week, the Government announced that DVA would be relocating its national office in Canberra from Woden to Civic.
This move is an opportunity for the Department to develop, to meet the challenges of the future and, more importantly, to re-dedicate itself to the service of those who have served their nation.
Our way of doing business is changing as the demands of our clients change.
Many of our younger clients prefer to deal with us online or over the phone and so we are adapting our way of doing business to meet these needs.
At the same time, our traditional ways of doing business remain as we continue to support older veterans, war widows and their families.
The fourth pillar of our plan recognised the role that veterans and ex-service people, themselves, play in the provision of support to their own.
After more than 100 veterans’ forums conducted right across the country, it became clear to me that veterans prefer to deal with their own when it comes to seeking advice about entitlements, assistance with transition or advice about where to seek support.
In 2011, the former government inexplicably cut funding for veterans’ advocacy through the Building Excellence in Support and Training programme by $1 million per year.
This cut was undertaken without consultation and mid-way through a grant approval round.
This Government promised to restore that cut funding, and restore it we have.
From 1 July this year, veteran and ex-service organisations will have up to $3.75 million to support veterans’ advocacy and welfare services.
As Minister, I have worked closely with the Ex Service Organisation Round Table to see that this funding is used where it needs to be used.
Further, and as part of this funding increase, I have tasked former Repatriation Commissioner and former Veterans’ Review Board Principal? Member, Bill Rolfe, with the task of reviewing the Training and Information Program which provides training to veterans’ advocates, pension and welfare officers.
As our client base changes, DVA must adapt its systems and processes to meet the needs of our clients.
This is no less true of the veteran and ex-service community.
Younger veterans expect that advocates are properly trained in the relevant compensation acts.
This review aims to identify how we can improve training for our veteran advocates, pension and welfare officers so that they can continue performing their invaluable work for the wider veteran and ex-service community.
Advocacy is the glue that holds the veteran and ex-service community together.
It was a Coalition government which created the BEST programme and it is this Coalition Government which is committed to see it prosper for the future.
Mental health
Tackling the mental health challenges faced by veterans, and their families, is a key policy priority for this Government.
Much good work has been done in this area.
But much more can and should be done.
Every year, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs spends $166 million on dedicated mental health services for veterans and their families.
This is part of a $12.5 billion budget including income support, compensation and health care.
The Government continues to support the Veterans and Veterans’ Families Counselling Service, a confidential and free service which specialises in counselling support for veterans and their families.
Later this year, the Government will expand the services provided by VVCS to more ex-service people with specified peacetime service.
Mental health support, however, is not simply confined to the amount of money we spend.
Before the election, I nominated the issue of claims processing times as an area requiring urgent action.
In my first meeting with DVA Secretary, Simon Lewis, I made it clear that processing times at more than 160 days under the MRCA were unacceptable.
The Secretary and I are determined to reduce processing times.
By reducing processing times, we can reduce the anxiety faced by veterans, and families, waiting for claims to be determined.
The longer a claim waits to be finalised, the longer a veteran must wait to get on with their life.
There is a great deal of work occurring in this area and already progress is being made to reduce processing times by improving the way we do business.
I am confident that we can make a difference in this area and will continue to work with DVA to drive further improvements.
Prime Minister’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Mental Health
Ladies and gentlemen
Over nearly three and a half years as the shadow minister, and now the Minister, I have made consultation with veterans and their families a key priority.
I have not served.
I do not come to you as someone who has served.
Nor do I pretend to understand what it is to have served, to have a family member who has served, or who has come back affected by their service.
Consultation guided the development of our policy for the last election just as it will guide the decisions we make in Government.
Today, I am announcing a new way forward for consultation between the Government, veterans and the wider community about veterans’ mental health.
In 2008, a Prime Ministerial Advisory Council was established to provide feedback to government about issues affecting the ex-service community.
Over that time, it has provided advice to government about an enhanced focus on contemporary veterans and their families; further impetus for new research in Defence and overseas to look at blast injuries as a precursor to brain injury and implications on longer term health; ongoing research into the mental health impacts of military service, in both combat and training roles; and numerous other significant matters.
Today, I am announcing the reconstitution of the PMAC as the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Mental Health.
I have taken the decision that the PMAC needs a more dedicated focus specifically on veterans’ mental health.
The PMAC will consider high level and strategic issues – looking to identify gaps in available services and innovative approaches to address them.
It will provide advice to the Prime Minister and myself about future directions for veterans’ mental health policy.
This new PMAC will be chaired by former Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane.
Russ shares my passion about the need to ensure that mental health assistance for veterans and their families is contemporary, relevant and achieving the right outcome.
The Deputy Chair of the new PMAC will be Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG.
As a former serving soldier, Ben brings the unique perspective of a younger veteran, with a small family, to the PMAC.
I am delighted that Ben will play a part on the Council.
Ryan Stokes will join the PMAC as a member of the business community.
The Stokes family has a long history of support for the veteran and ex-service community and I am very pleased that Ryan has accepted my invitation to participate on PMAC.
Other members of PMAC will include representatives from the Partners of Veterans’ Association, the Ex-service Organisation Round Table, the Mental Health Commission and the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs.
This new PMAC will be dedicated to considering the needs of veterans and mental health challenges they face.
It is an important part of the Government’s commitment to tackling mental health challenges.
In addition to the new PMAC arrangements, the Government has strengthened the broader consultation framework to provide enhanced feedback and engagement.
Until recently the Department of Veterans’ Affairs had a four-pronged internal consultative framework.
As Minister, I have streamlined this approach to two committees.
The first forum deals with the needs of our recently returned veterans.
The ‘Younger Veterans – Contemporary Needs’ forum has combined the old Emerging Issues Forum and the Operational Working Party to focus specifically on the needs of younger and recently returned veterans.
The other forum is the National Aged and Community Care Forum which specifically addresses the challenges facing older veterans, their health issues and those faced by their families.
State and territory consultative fora through Deputy Commissioners will remain in place to ensure specific local issues are not overlooked by the Government.
I am confident that this new approach will ensure the Government receives the very best, targeted advice about how we can tackle mental health now and into the future.
Centenary of Anzac
The Centenary of Anzac will be this nation’s most defining period of commemoration.
Many of you would be aware of recent commentary about the Government’s financial commitment to the Centenary of Anzac.
It has been suggested that commemoration is coming at the expense of care for our veterans and their families.
This is simply not true.
In fact, commemorating the service and sacrifice of those who served and served in the Australian Defence Force is no less important than providing income support, compensation and health care to our veterans.
As I mentioned earlier, every year the Department of Veterans’ Affairs spends more than $166 million on dedicated mental health services, research and assistance for veterans and their families.
Over the course of the Centenary of Anzac, this will amount to more than $650 million.
Every year, the Government allocates $12.5 billion to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to provide support to veterans and their families – from First World War Widows to our youngest client who is just a few months old.
This will amount to more than $50 billion over the period of the Centenary of Anzac.
To date, financial commitments to the Centenary of Anzac by this government and the former government amount to $145 million over that same period.
This is a very small investment in what I see as the building of a long-term legacy.
The Centenary of Anzac must be so much more than simply building or restoration of old memorials.
This is important, but it is not the end game.
By 2018, we must have left a legacy in the minds of younger Australians, in particular, about the service and sacrifice of past generations, of the responsibilities to care for those who have defend our rights and way of life.
In addition to understanding when we fought, where we fought and the values we fought for, the Centenary must teach a generation of younger Australians about our collective obligation to care for those who serve their nation at their nation’s request.
If we do nothing else, then we must ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past, particularly the appalling manner in which Vietnam veterans were treated upon their return.
I hope we are entering a period of peace.
But the peace dividend must not be an abrogation of our national responsibility to care for those who serve and served in the Australian Defence Force.
The numbers of veterans in the future may be smaller, but our resolve to care for them and their families must not be diminished.
This is what I hope the Centenary of Anzac can achieve.
Conclusion
It is my great honour to serve as the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.
There is much that I want to do.
With your help and the support of the veteran and ex-service community, we can set about tackling the challenges facing the veteran and ex-service community head on.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is, over the next five years, set to undergo a major change as the sad but inevitable decline of our Second World War population continues.
These are opportunities, not threats.
We are unlikely to again see the Government introduce a formal national service programme.
However, as a nation we must ensure that young men and women can look to the Australian Defence Force as a career path, confident that their nation will care for them if they are wounded, injured or incapacitated as a result of that service.
Thank you for the honour of speaking to you today and I have much pleasure in declaring your 2014 national conference open.
Regards,
RLI
:cheers:
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What a crock! All DFRDB recipiants should get the new deal, not just over 55's. Oh well another 5 yrs to wait. >:(
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What a crock! All DFRDB recipiants should get the new deal, not just over 55's. Oh well another 5 yrs to wait. >:(
Amen Brother.
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What a crock! All DFRDB recipiants should get the new deal, not just over 55's. Oh well another 5 yrs to wait. >:(
Governments always wait until there are damn all left before acting, even when their is no $ attached.
Look at how many years it took for the Gallipolli plaque to be awarded to vets / Next of Kin.
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G'day folks,
I also received the following from DVA.
Regards,
RLI
Thursday, 13 March 2014
VA016
NEW LOOK PMAC TO TACKLE VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, today announced the establishment of a new Prime Ministerial Advisory Council (PMAC) with a renewed focus on veteran mental health.
Senator Ronaldson said that one of the four pillars of the Abbott Government’s plans for Veterans’ Affairs was to tackle mental health challenges facing veterans and their families, especially following the draw down of troops from Afghanistan.
"In reviewing existing consultative arrangements, I have taken the opportunity to evolve PMAC’s role to specifically focus on veteran mental health issues, particularly those relating to former service personnel with service after 1975," Senator Ronaldson said.
"The Prime Minister and I are delighted that former Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane AO, CSM, RAN (Ret’d), will Chair the new PMAC and that he will be supported by Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC, MG, as the Deputy Chair. Mr Ryan Stokes will also be a member of the new PMAC.
"The new PMAC membership will also comprise of experts in mental health matters, representatives of the Australian Defence Force, the veteran community and industry leaders."
"The Government is determined to prioritise the mental health care of veterans and their families now and into the future. The new PMAC has the Prime Minister’s unequivocal support in ensuring the Government can provide the very best support to veterans and their families facing the challenges of service-related mental illness. We must never stop looking for ways to improve the support we provide to those who have served our nation,"
"The Prime Minister and I welcome the new membership and wish them well in the important task ahead of them," Senator Ronaldson said.
Senator Ronaldson thanked the outgoing PMAC membership for their invaluable contribution to ex-service matters including enhancing the focus on contemporary veterans and their families; supporting new research into blast injuries and the impact on longer-term health; and ongoing research into the mental health impacts of military service in both combat and training roles.
PMAC was first established in 2008 to advise the Prime Minister and Government on matters affecting the ex-service and defence communities.
Media inquiries:
Minister Ronaldson: Brad Rowswell 6277 7820 or 0417 917 796
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) and Veterans Line can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046
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Served 9 years with the Army Reserves and 5 years RAAF Active Reserve.
Most of my 9 years with the Army Reserves was with Armoured Corps . . . M113 Recon and 6 month stint with 5th Combat Engineer's when I moved to Sydney.
The 5 years RAAF Active Reserve was as a Firefighter with Richmond RAAF Base Fire Section.
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Joined March 1972 at 17 posted to 9 Tpt Coy RAASC now RACT where I did my driver training, had to do an exercise to Cape York before getting our T109. Then had 3 years DSU Rocky and last 3 years HQ 7MD Darwin, last 12 months as Tpt Control Officer. Loved it.
Will be needing a new Advocate down the track at some time Paul so will make contact. Cheers
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Last ever Nasho service intake Sept 72. Marched out of rookie training the day before Gough got elected, so they didn't know what to do with us. Took up the offer to complete my time to receive the defence service home loan and medical benefits on offer. Finally made one wise decision in my life. Posted to RACT and did my remaining time at 2RTB Kapooka where I met my now wife who worked on the base. Guess I have to say that means the army was good for me. >:D
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Joined as a Seaman Officer when i was young and single... then got married and had a kid, so i tossed it in and got out after only 4.5 years. Had a helluva good time and got in a few up-top trips and had a ripper of a 26th birthday in Guam, but i don't miss the sea sickness and long stints away. Best job i ever did was Boarding Officer on the boats. Still, being home with the family was top of the list for me. It sealed the deal for me when i was speaking with one of my Chiefs who told me it was the fifth year in a row that he'd missed his daughters birthday. Tip of the hat to all you lifers. It's a bigger sacrifice than most people will ever realise.
Mike
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Joined the Army in 1989 discharged in 2000, I had a great time and sometime do miss it . :D
5 Camp Hospital
86 TPT TP
85 TPT TP
Australian Defence Force Line Haul Service ( Out of Bandiana )
Duntroon
(http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx245/talia_055/Facebook/Trucks/5409_1080745340928_4889038_n.jpg) (http://s760.photobucket.com/user/talia_055/media/Facebook/Trucks/5409_1080745340928_4889038_n.jpg.html)
This is what I miss the most, great Job
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6 years USN Medical Corps (Fleet Marine Force, short stint on HMAS Melbourne, yes the tin can opener, PA) Vietnam Vet
2 years USNR
2 years Oregon National Guard (yes, tending kindergarteners ;)
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Current ARA, joined as a reservist 20 years ago and transferred to ARA 10 years ago, RACT the whole time.
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So how many serving pers on this thread are working in brisvagas!?
Sent from my iPhone using the Tappy thing
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6 years USN Medical Corps (Fleet Marine Force, short stint on HMAS Melbourne, yes the tin can opener, PA) Vietnam Vet
2 years USNR
2 years Oregon National Guard (yes, tending kindergarteners ;)
What's the wheels in the pic?
Doesn't look much bigger than a WW2 'Jeep'.
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Actually there is a pretty funny story behind this .. The guy without the red cross armband was my driver and at that time a Sargent in a pretty good size Oregon city police force. He'd just lifted two tires (since they are USA tires ;) from the CO's staff pool jeeps and threw them in the back of my 1/4 ton ambo (which is what they were called ) but I could get two casualties in the back on stretchers. We are waiting for the 'slick' to put us up and take ourselves and the tires to where EOD was blowing stuff up. The ambo jeep there had one flat or something (can't remember those details). Laughing 'cause he thought he'd gotten caught since this other guy pulled up to take a picture of us and I said 'your stuffed, my hands are clean'
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Ex RAAF. Airframe apprentice joining at 16yrs 4mths old. Can't imagine letting my kids go off to permanent 'camp' at that age, so kudos to my parents.
Served 27 years, mainly on fighters. Certainly never intended to stay that long but time flew by. Don't regret a minute of it and didn't burn any bridges.
Still working in Defence Industry supporting the team (5 years out) and occasionally look for a hat before stepping outside the building :D.
My missus is a public servant and has more medals than I do....... ???
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Ex RAAF. Airframe apprentice joining at 16yrs 4mths old. Can't imagine letting my kids go off to permanent 'camp' at that age, so kudos to my parents.
Served 27 years, mainly on fighters. Certainly never intended to stay that long but time flew by. Don't regret a minute of it and didn't burn any bridges.
Still working in Defence Industry supporting the team (5 years out) and occasionally look for a hat before stepping outside the building :D.
My missus is a public servant and has more medals than I do....... ???
G'day Beatle link,
Congrats on your service mate!
Regards,
RLI
:cheers:
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G'day folks,
The following photo's are from the days i served with 6 RAR and Special forces!
Regards,
RLI
Me in the background during Vickers machine training with 6 RAR in 1982.
(http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u434/RLI1/Army%20photos/IMG_1250.jpg) (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/RLI1/media/Army%20photos/IMG_1250.jpg.html)
Repelling from Iroquois helicopter (HUEY) at 6 RAR.
(http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u434/RLI1/Army%20photos/IMG_1249.jpg) (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/RLI1/media/Army%20photos/IMG_1249.jpg.html)
Being deployed from Chinook Helicopters whilst serving with 2 Commando.
(http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u434/RLI1/Army%20photos/IMG_1243.jpg) (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/RLI1/media/Army%20photos/IMG_1243.jpg.html)
Relaxing after exercise "silent dagger".
(http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u434/RLI1/Army%20photos/IMG_1248.jpg) (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/RLI1/media/Army%20photos/IMG_1248.jpg.html)
Regards,
RLI
:cheers:
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Love the photos mate! I will have to dig out some of mine!
Cheers Chippy :D
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I didn't serve, but I reckon this is a great thread..... :cup: :cup:
:cheers:
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1994 to 2005 with RAINF with 49 RQR, 3 RAR(para) and 5/7 RAR (mech).
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Still serving in the RAAF some 23 years later, started as RadTech, now an engineer......
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3 years 11 months in RAN, HMAS Cerberus, HMAS Stalwart (Dockyard Building 215) and finished as an AB QMG.
I know I didn't do four years cos they knocked me back for the Australian Defence Medal.
I made enquiries re hearing damage from the use of Jason Pistols but could never get anywhere.
If you reckon I should make further enquiries happy for an email. Thanks
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I joined 17 May 1978, retired 6 Jul 1998. I see there are a few Gentlemen of the Corps here the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery. Is good to see you other blokes as well.
I spent most of the time as a Bird Gunner and seen my bit of non corps postings, enjoyed the service and the company immensely.
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Firstly Paul, let me say thank you for sticking up your hand to volunteer for this work. You are an exceptional human being in my mind.
Of course if our Government and Service authorities were to really perform their appointed tasks, there'd be no need for folks such as you putting your hand up in the first place. But seriously, good on you mate.
O.K. got that outa the way, feel a bit like an ancient relic after reading the posts here, I was a Member of 6 RAR Infantry battalion. from 1968 thru to 1974.
Posted to non other then the famous D Company of Long Tan Fame. Let me also insert here, I was NOT present at that altercation, which occurred during 6RAR's first tour. My involvement came in the SECOND tour, where we erected the concrete cross in the rubber plantation as a memorial.
I believe said cross was taken down by the Vietnamese Govt and is now in a museum over there and a new one erected.
During my service with 6 RAR, on return to Ozz, we were posted to Singapore, (personally believe it was a thank you for their efforts in Vietnam ) for 2 years, and that was the cushiest posting anyone could ever think of. Got the opportunity to check out Malaya and Penang at close quarters.
Now I'm a T.P.I. reminiscing here, but I do spend a lot of time in the bush where I'm most comfortable.
As a T.P.I. I understand very clearly, the difficulties ex service members face when applying for same, that's why I say what you volunteered for is a very demanding task, and I guess with the demobbing of many of our troops nowadays, will be much in demand in the near future.