Defence celebrates National Families Week

Minister for Defence Personnel Dan Tehan today honoured the important role played by families in support of our Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.

ADF members and their families will celebrate National Families Week at events across the country this week.

Mr Tehan said the family events hosted by Defence Community Organisation were an opportunity to recognise the contribution of military families to the nation.

“National Families Week highlights the important role families play in our society and in support of our defence force,” Mr Tehan said.

“When someone volunteers to serve in the ADF their family is also asked to make a sacrifice in defence of our nation. Families come in all shapes and sizes and having a family member who is also in the ADF is a unique experience.

“Defence Community Organisation offers a range of programs and services to help ADF members and their families manage the military lifestyle.

Services include a 24-hour Defence Family Helpline, social worker support, assistance for partners’ education and employment, facilitating access to childcare, assistance for dependants with special needs, support for Defence community groups, help for families during crisis and emergency, education support for children, and assistance for members leaving the military.

Military families can call the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 or visit www.defence.gov.au/dco for information about events and support services in their area.