Issue - 1 - 2012

Dental services update

DVA is aware of client concerns about access to preventive dental care services provided by dental hygienists on behalf of their dentist.

The Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission have determined that services provided by dental hygienists under the direction of a dentist or dental specialist will continue for veteran patients as an interim arrangement while DVA consults with the Australian Dental Association and Dental Hygienists Association of Australia about ongoing arrangements.  

For more information visit the DVA website.

Calling all F-111 fuel tank maintenance workers of 1973 to 2000

Did you, a family member, or a mate undertake F-111 aircraft fuel tank maintenance between 1973 and 2000?

DVA would like to identify those workers of this period who have not already come forward to the Department.

For workers who are unwell, there is a range of benefits available including compensation and health care.

If you, or someone you know, were involved in F-111 fuel tank maintenance or associated tasks between 1973 and 2000, and haven’t been in contact with DVA already about entitlements, please phone 1800 555 323.

For more information visit the F111 information website.

Veterans’ Access Network

The Veterans’ Affairs Network and Veterans’ Service Centre will now be known collectively as the Veterans’ Access Network, or VAN.

The DVA general enquiry telephone service — 133 254 (for metropolitan callers) or 1800 555 254 (for non-metropolitan callers) — is now a national service that has expanded into a number of DVA offices where Veterans’ Affairs Network services are provided. This has allowed the Department to combine various functions and offer increased options for all clients to engage with DVA in person and on the telephone. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense to give DVA’s enquiry service one easy name: Veterans’ Access Network.

The VAN acronym is well known throughout the veteran community, so hopefully this change won’t create any confusion.    

To find your nearest VAN office visit the DVA website.

Household assistance for a Clean Energy Future

The Australian Government’s price on carbon takes effect on 1 July 2012.

From mid-June 2012, around 350,000 members of the veteran community will receive assistance through the Household Assistance Package for the impact on the cost of living of the carbon price.

The Household Assistance Package will provide financial assistance to households through increases in pensions, allowances and family payments, as well as income tax cuts.

Information on the range of payments available under the package is now available on the DVA website.

Travelling to Gallipoli or France for Anzac Day this year?

It’s important to come prepared for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Register to receive helpful information and tips on what to expect, what to bring and other useful updates including  important travel information for 25 April 2012.

Registration is optional and people can still attend the commemorations if they have not registered.

For more information visit the DVA website.

70th anniversary commemorative mission to Singapore

Six veterans of the Second World War travelled back to Malaysia and Singapore to remember their service, and those who fell 70 years ago during the fall of Singapore.

The mission party took part in commemorative services at wartime locations including Gemas and Parit Sulong in Malaysia and Changi in Singapore.  An Australian memorial service was held at Kranji War Cemetery on 15 February—70 years to the day when Allied forces laid down their arms and Singapore fell to the Japanese.

The Malayan Campaign, which ended with the fall of Singapore, lasted just 68 days from 8 December 1941 to 15 February 1942.  Following the surrender of the Allied forces to the Japanese, an unprecedented 15,000 Australians became Prisoners of War (POW).  Sadly, close to 8000 Australians lost their lives at camps including Changi and Sandakan, while others perished working on the Thai-Burma Railway.

For more information on the mission, background on the Malayan Campaign and the fall of Singapore or photographs from the mission visit the DVA website.

Organising an Anzac Day ceremony

Have you ever thought of holding your own Anzac Day ceremony, but don’t know where to start?

DVA has a step-by-step guide to help plan ceremonies for Anzac Day.  Practical advice and information, along with helpful downloads are available to ensure this significant day of remembrance has all the necessary elements to make it memorable. 

Audio files of hymns, along with the national anthem and the Last Post are also available for download.

There are also handy hints and tips to making the day a success.  While you’re there, check out the Anzac Day commemorative posters and other useful resources. This year’s poster focuses on the 70th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin and the campaign in Kokoda, Papua New Guinea.

To find out more, please visit the DVA website.

Publications

Mental Health and Wellbeing after Military Service booklet