A Message from the National Coordinator
In late 1993 a small group of families, each caring for someone with special needs came together to form the Defence Special Needs Support Group. During 1994, this small group spread its wings across Australia and now as we enter our 18th year of operation as a Tri-Service support group, we continue to provide support, information and assistance to ADF Families with Special Needs both here in Australia and overseas.
The needs of families with special needs are just as real and compelling now as they were 18 years ago and I look forward to responding to the challenges and opportunities that arise, knowing they will spur us to further achievement and success. With our wonderful supporting partners working with us, we can have confidence in both the value of our work and its increasing positive impact of the lives of a growing number of families in Defence that have special needs. This year we have a large number of events, workshops and family days happening across Australia. Keep in touch, stay informed, join us on Facebook and contact either the National Office or your local Coordinator to find out what is happening in your area.
Margaret Fisk OAM
National Coordinator
DSNSG Conference 2012
Once again DSNSG Coordinators will descend on Canberra in May for the annual Coordinators' Conference. The Conference, assisted by funding from the Family Support Funding Program enables the Coordinators to participate in a range of activities, workshops, presentations and discussions - all designed so that Coordinators can better support families with special needs.
If you have any issues that you would like raised, please contact your local DSNSG Coordinator.
An invitation is also extended to our families to join us at the Conference Dinner being held at Old Parliament House, Canberra on Friday 25th May, 2012. For more information please contact the National Office on 1800 037 674.
DSNSG Coordinators to attend the Defence Family Forum in Sydney
All DSNSG Coordinators have been invited to attend the upcoming Defence Family Forum to be held at Darling Harbour Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 30 April to 2 May 2012. It is also great to hear from many of our special needs families who will also be attending. Please make yourself known to us during the Forum.
The Defence Family Forum gives Defence families an opportunity to explore the military way of life, the future of family support, and Defence families’ role in leading and shaping the wider Australian community. 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.
For 19 years, your Defence Special Needs Support Group has actively been leading the way in the area of special needs/disability support and as an organistion has contributed to, or been at the forefront of change within both the Defence and the wider civilian community. Whilst our contributions are extensive and done quietly in the background, families of today have benefited from the work which has been undertaken in-conjunction with civilian and Government organisations to support families in Defence with special needs. We are hoping that the Defence Family Forum will build upon our work.
Partner Deployed, on Exercise or Just Away From Home?
Are you aware that if your partner is away from home for any reason ie deployment, on exercise, on a course or MWDU then the DSNSG can assist and support you? For further information, contact the National Office on 1800 037 674 and remember you don't have to do it alone.
