Every year DSNSG Coordinators descend on Canberra 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.

The highlight of the conference was the dinner held at Old Parliament House where we celebrated the 10th anniverary of the Circle of Friends Respite Program.  Guests watched the Circle of Friends video and heard stories from families involved in the program over the past years including a family who was a Volunteer Host Family.  Presentations were made to the Hon Bronywn Bishop MP, Janet Stodulka, Peter Sharp, Joan Gilbert, Karen Dobbin and Lorraine Rowe for their valuable contributions to the program ensuring that it continues to provide the necessary respite support to families with special needs.

Other presentations included the induction of new DSNSG Coordinators, presentation of 10 Great Years Award and DSNSG Achievement award to Melanie Graham and a special CDF Commendation to Terry Fisk, Co-Founder of the DSNSG.

At the conference dinner, Jon Linehan, CEO Defcredit presented the Defence Special Needs Support Group with a donation to support and continue to expand the group's many programs including 'Connecting Families' and the 'For Your Information' (FYI) workshops.  The ongoing support  and tireless efforts by Defcredit staff across Australia is greatly appreciated.

The Defence Special Needs Support Group thanks our Co-Patrons, Minister Warren Snowdon and CDF Angus Houston for their continued support.