Veterans' Employment Awards open for nominations

Nominations are now open for the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards. A new national awards program established as part of the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program to recognise employers of veterans is accepting nominations till 22 December 2017.

The Veterans Employment Awards will celebrate Australian businesses that are employing former Defence personnel, as well as veterans who are making a significant contribution to their workplace.

The Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program aims to raise awareness among employers about the diverse skills and experience veterans bring to the workplace. As part of the Program, an Industry Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment has been created to develop practical measures to embed veterans’ employment strategies into recruitment practices of Australian businesses.

Each year, around 5,200 people will leave the ADF. The Government’s aim is to ensure former Defence personnel can transition to the workplace effectively and smoothly and enjoy meaningful employment.

The categories for the awards include:

- Leadership in Recruitment of Veterans

- Veteran Employee of the Year

- Veterans’ Employer of the Year – Large Business

- Veteran’ Employer of the Year – Small to Medium-Sized Business

- Veterans’ Employer of the Year – Public Sector Organisation

- Excellence in Supporting Veterans’ Employment

- Excellence in Supporting Spouse Employment

You can nominate for the Veterans’ Employment Awards until 22 December 2017.

DVA grants process 
goes digital

From early 2018, administration of most DVA grants will be undertaken online via the Australian Government’s Community Grants Hub at www.communitygrants.gov.au.
 
The government is streamlining grant administration across agencies, standardising how grants are designed, established and managed. DVA grant applicants will therefore experience a simple, efficient and intuitive online process to apply for and manage their grants, with the ability to monitor the progress of applications from start to finish.
 
Applications for selected grants will open progressively from February 2018.
 
The Hub will be responsible for the administration of grants only. DVA still owns the policy relating to its grant programs and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs will still approve successful DVA grants. DVA will continue to operate as a standalone department.
 
DVA staff with grants expertise will be part of the Hub team, ensuring that the veteran and defence community will continue to receive the same high level of customer service.
 
For more information on the Community Grants Hub and timings for DVA grant application openings, visit www.communitygrants.gov.au. 

You can also subscribe for updates about when DVA grant applications are opening and to find out more about grants available through other Australian Government agencies.
 
If you need support in using and/or submitting you grant application on the Hub, please call 1800 020 283 or TTY 1800 555 677.

Remembrance Day

On 11 November, Australians observed a minute’s silence to mark the 99th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War. 

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, fighting on the Western Front ceased, signalling the end of the Great War. This day became known as Armistice Day – a day to remember those who died in the war. 

Armistice Day was renamed Remembrance Day after the Second World War, becoming a day to commemorate the dead of both World Wars.

Since the First World War, more than 1.5 million Australians have served in our nation’s armed forces. Remembrance Day now acknowledges the service and sacrifice of the more than 102,000 who have died serving our country in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Remembrance Day also provides an opportunity to think of those currently serving, those who have returned from active service with physical or mental wounds, and of the families who support them.

Next year marks the centenary of the First World War armistice. At a recent meeting of state and territory ministers responsible for veterans’ issues, it was agreed that there would be a national campaign encouraging people to observe a minute’s silence at 11am.

A commemorative service will also be held in Villers-Bretonneux, France, in remembrance of the Century of Service. Further information can be found on the DVA website.

Book now for the 
Sir John Monash Centre

The Sir John Monash Centre website has received a major update. Bookings are now available. Over the Anzac Day period, from 16 to 30 April 2018, all guests intending to visit the Centre need to book online.

The Sir John Monash Centre is also accepting bookings from school groups. The website now provides resources to assist schools planning a visit, including health and safety and risk assessment information, quizzes with answer sheets, and FAQs. Select the option marked ‘school group’ when booking.

The Centre will tell Australia’s story of the Western Front through new and archival footage, animation, maps, music and soundscapes – featuring the words of those who were there. At its heart, a 360-degree theatre will immerse visitors in the experiences of Australian First World War soldiers at the battles of Villers-Bretonneux and Le Hamel.

To assist your visit, the website provides practical information: opening hours, how to get there, and what to expect from your visit – along with news, stories about the Western Front, and travel information for the region. The website is also available in French and German.

The Centre opens in April 2018 and entry is free. Learn more at the Sir John Monash Centre website.

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS)

A free and confidential counselling service for Australian veterans, peacekeepers and their families. For more information on VVCS services and eligibility, please visit the VVCS website or phone 1800 011 046.

Veterans' Affairs e-News is a regular service provided by the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Comments or feedback on Veterans' Affairs e-News may be sent to AMBENEWS@dva.gov.au

Department of Veterans' Affairs

GPO box 9998

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