Defence Community Organisation CONNECTING WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DCO NORTH QUEENSLAND

An overview of DCO Defence Community Organisation DCO offers a broad range of programs and services to help Defence families make the most of the military way of life We provide advice and support to Command We work with Defence families and community organisations to build a strong, connected and resilient Defence community FREE and Confidential service

Defence Community Organisation Workforce – approx 200 civilians, 30 military Service delivery model – assessment, brief intervention and referral Priority for DCO services - immediate families (spouse and children) of permanent serving members (including Reservists on CFTS) Centralised intake – Defence Family Helpline: 24/7 support (located in Canberra) – approx 1100 calls per month DCO operating model

DCO National Structure DIRECTOR GENERAL Regional Director Regional Director Director Plans Director National Operations Director National Programs Director National Support Defence Family Helpline Defence Family Helpline Defence Transition Centres (14) Defence Transition Centres (14) Area Offices Darwin - Tindal Perth Adelaide Melbourne - Hobart - East Sale - Cerberus Puckapunyal - Albury - Wagga Wagga Canberra - Nowra Townsville - Cairns Brisbane Amberley - Darling Downs Williamtown - Richmond Sydney - Liverpool Area Offices Darwin - Tindal Perth Adelaide Melbourne - Hobart - East Sale - Cerberus Puckapunyal - Albury - Wagga Wagga Canberra - Nowra Townsville - Cairns Brisbane Amberley - Darling Downs Williamtown - Richmond Sydney - Liverpool

Core business Defence Community Organisation Bereavement and critical incident support Working with Command Mobility support Absence from home support Community Capacity Building Transition support

Bereavement & CI Notification is a Command responsibility Families who have experienced the death of an ADF member will be contacted by a Bereavement Support Team (BST) if they want that support BST is made up of a Defence Social Worker and a Military Support Officer The team provides emotional and practical support to the family for the short term Seek the best long term outcome for the family Defence Community Organisation

Bereavement & CI Administer a range of entitlements provided as quickly as possible Provide families with access to DCO and public affairs support if required Connection to DVA and other ex-service organisations as appropriate Defence Community Organisation

AUSDIL exists for the benefit of a Defence member who is hospitalised from a very serious (VSI) or serious illness (SI) or injury in Australia or overseas DCO AUSDIL support is to provide case management services to eligible person(s) to minimise the significant stress caused to the member and their family. AUSDIL Scheme

Defence Community Organisation Support to Unit and Individual Welfare Boards Family assessments requested via AC698 Training – Unit Welfare and Notification Support for Unit Family Days Other local initiatives to address any themes/trends or issues. Working with Command

Defence Community Organisation Family Liaison Officer – have extensive knowledge of local communities and can provide you with advice and information to help members/families find resources or services that best suit their needs. (coordinator of local mail list) Local area Welcome and Information Expo Regional Education Liaison Officers (REDLO) - qualified and experienced teachers who provide education support to Defence families as they move around the country Defence School Transition Aides (DSTA) and Defence Transition Mentors (DTM) work in schools and provide information, support and referral to students The Education Assistance Scheme (EAS) can provide financial support SMART Programs Counselling support Mobility Support

Defence Community Organisation Childcare –Defence operates the largest corporate childcare program in Australia, –20 centres nationally through a contracted not-for-profit service providers to provide priority of access to the centres –financial assistance to Defence partners seeking to start family day care business The Partner Education and Employment Program (PEEP) can provide long-term education and employment funding to recognised ADF partners –Allowances of up to $12,000 in a 10 year period, subject to availability of funds –Payments capped at $6,000 per posting –Can be used for tertiary studies –Allowances are Fringe Benefits Tax reportable Mobility Support

Defence Community Organisation Defence can provide help to military families that support dependants with special needs Defence can provide interim assistance measures on posting until government-supported services can be accessed in the new locality Requires formal recognition Applications are progressed via the Defence Family Helpline Resources available on the DCO Website Dependants with Special Needs

Defence Community Organisation Pre and post-deployment briefings Providing opportunities for families to connect to others and community (Unit family days/functions/link to community activities/groups) Family/KidSMART Programs Counselling support Bears CD/DVDs available from the local DCO office Resources on the DCO Website Absence From Home Support

Defence Community Organisation The Scheme provides short term practical assistance to families facing a crisis when the member is absent from home for Service reasons In partnership with the family, Command and community resources, a DCO Social Worker develops a plan to deliver practical assistance Assistance can include dependant care, housekeeping, respite care and travel Emergency Support for Families Scheme Absence From Home Support

Defence Community Organisation Providing information and guidance to community- based organisations and agencies to inform them how the can engage and support Defence families in the community Fostering networks with relevant community groups and agencies to provide referrals to Defence families Family Support Funding Program (FSFP) – community groups enhancing resilience and capacity building Community Capacity Building

Defence Community Organisation Defence families seeking advice, support or connection with their local community can call the Defence Family Helpline on All Command requests for DCO services are made on an AC698 and ed to Visit or our Facebook page for more information on the range of support services we provide to Defence familieswww.defence.gov.au/dco Resources – Defence Family Helpline

Defence Community Organisation Townsville –Nathan Business Centre Cnr Ross River Rd & Nathan St, Townsville Cairns –4/97 Spence St, Cairns Defence Family Helpline North Queensland DCO Offices

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