Supporting the Families that Support Service Personnel

A number of community grants have been announced today for not-for-profit community groups providing support to Australian Defence Force families.

Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said $1.4 million in grants would assist with delivering activities and services of value to Defence families across Australia.

“This funding will help Defence personnel and their families engage with their local communities, support their wellbeing and provide access to information for managing the demands of military life, such as the impact of frequent postings and deployments” Minister Pyne said.

Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Darren Chester MP said a variety of programs supported through the grants would enable Defence families to connect and interact with each other and the community in a variety of ways.

“This funding contributes to the formation of solid social foundations and a support network for those facing the challenges a posting can bring,” Mr Chester said.

The 38 grant recipients manage a broad range of activities across all states and territories.

The grants program is managed by the Defence Community Organisation, which provides a wide range of programs, information and assistance for Defence families.

For more information, visit the DCO website at:www.defence.gov.au/dco.

Defence families can contact the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 for information on accessing community resources.