Family Support
For more Family Support information and resources please visit the Family & Member Support page on the new Navy People Wellbeing Program.
The following contacts and helplines are available to current and former Navy members and their families.
Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) 1800 624 608
(formerly Defence Community Organisation)
Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) offers a broad range of programs and services to help Defence families make the most of the challenges and opportunities provided by the military way of life.
Our programs and support includes assistance for partners' employment, help with childcare, assistance for dependants with special needs, support for community groups, help for families during crisis and emergency, educational support for children, and assistance for members transferring to the Reserves or leaving the military.
The Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608 is your first point of call for support, information and connection with your community, including your local Defence Member and Family Support team. The Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.
Keep up to date with the latest Defence Member and Family Support news and events by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or for more information about our support services and programs, visit the Defence Member and Family Support at https://www.defence.gov.au/members-families/, or contact the Defence Family and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608, or email memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au.
All-hours Support Line (ASL): 1800 628 036 or +61 2 9425 3878 (international)
This is a confidential telephone service for Defence members and their families that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is designed as a triage line, which simply means that it is there to help you access ADF or civilian mental health services more easily. Services include psychology, medical, social work, and chaplain services. The ASL has the capacity to respond to crisis situations where required.
Defence Families of Australia (DFA)
Defence Families of Australia is the official ADF families advisory body to the Minister for Defence Personnel and Chief of the Defence Force. DFA sits outside of Defence systems, allowing independence and impartiality to act in the best interests of ADF families. Contact information is available at https://dfa.org.au/contact if you would like to have your say on an issue or if you have been unsuccessful in resolving a concern through either your local or national channels.
Defence Housing Australia: 139 342 (Australia) or +61 2 6268 3700 (international)
Provides housing and related services for Defence members and their families. More information is available at https://www.dha.gov.au.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Support
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provides support to current and former serving members and their families and carers through a range of services and payments (including ongoing or one off payments). These services are designed to assist you to manage your health and lifestyle and support those you care for. Further information and factsheets are available at https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing.
Keeping Watch
The Navy’s welfare fund that provides assistance to serving members of the Royal Australian Navy and their families who are in financial need.
More information is available at http://www.keepingwatch.org.au.
Open Arms - Veterans and Family Counselling: 1800 011 046
Open Arms (formerly VVCS) provides counselling and support services to Australia's military community. If you have served one day of continuous full-time service in the ADF you can call Open Arms for support. Open Arms also supports families, reservists and some peacekeepers. Call 1800 011 046 to access free and confidential counselling, group treatment programs, suicide prevention training and the Open Arms community and peer network to support mental health and wellbeing. More information is available at https://www.openarms.gov.au.
Toll Removals: 1800 819 167 (freecall)
Toll Transitions offers a range of services to help you to move to your new posting or to relocate should you have a Change in Personal Circumstances.
More information is available at https://tws.defenceuniform.movemaestro.com.
The crew of HMAS Anzac and their families farewell one another as the ship departs for South East Asia from Fleet Base East, Sydney.
