Defence Family Forum - Defence families leading the community

Defence families representing military communities from across Australia convened in Sydney today to attend the inaugural Defence Family Forum, organised by the Defence Community Organisation.

"Defence families face many challenges as a result of their commitment to serving our country. Deployment, posting, and absence from home combine to disrupt partners’ careers and children’s education and can affect families’ community support networks," Michael Callan, Director General, Defence Community Organisation said.

"The Defence Family Forum will provide Defence families with the opportunity to explore the military way of life and  to discuss the future of family support and Defence families’ role in leading and shaping the wider Australian community.

Defence has a comprehensive system of practical and financial support to help military families manage the military lifestyle. Defence is also building and refining its family support policies based on both good research and practical knowledge and experience.

"This forum will enable Defence families to shape the support they need from both Defence and the civilian community in order to thrive and to offer practical solutions to the demands of service life," Mr Callan said.

Mr Callan said that Defence families are active and engaged members of their local communities and make a considerable contribution to the wider Australian community.

"This is an important opportunity for Defence families to explore what makes them unique and what makes them leaders in their communities. Forum participants will examine what they bring to Australian society, and how they can influence future support policies," he said.

The Defence Family Forum will take place at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour from today to Wednesday, 2 May 2012. Defence will use the thoughts, ideas and information gathered at the Forum to engage Defence and civilian community organisations in collective support of Defence families.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999