Commemorations

Over the next two months, the military calendar will see the commemoration of three important conflicts that Australia was involved in.

Battle of Fromelles

On July the 19^th, we commemorate the 108^th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles. This conflict was the first the Australian Imperial Force saw action on the Western Front in WW1. Widely regarded as a massive disaster the battle was described as the ‘worst 24 hours in Australia’s entire history’, with 5,500 Australians either killed or injured.

 

Korean Veterans Day

The 27^th July is Korean Veterans Day, and commemorates the 71^st anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War.

17,000 Australians served in Korea, along with 21 other allied nations. 340 Australians lives were lost, 29 were made prisoners of war and more than 40 went missing in action.

Often referred to as the ‘Forgotten War, much of the efforts of the Australians sadly went unnoticed.

Vietnam Veterans Day 

Vietnam Veterans Day is commemorated on the 18^th August.  2024 marks 51 years since the end of Australia’s involvement in the conflict.

The most famous battle involving Australians is the Battle of Long Tan.

Lasting less than four hours, 105 Australian soldiers along with three New Zealand soldiers held off a force of more than 2,000 Viet Cong Soldiers. 17 Australian soldiers perished, with 25 more wounded.

The Battle of Long Tan is a reminder of what can be achieved against overwhelming odds.

Defence Week

Defence Week will run from the 22^nd – 26^th July.  The purpose of Defence week is to highlight aspects and roles of the Australian Defence Force to our school community.

This years’ focus is Animals of the ADF, and looks at some of the role’s animals have played both historically and currently in our Defence Forces.

We are very lucky to have ADF personnel who will be assisting with presentations and displays at the college, and I am sure our students will learn a lot about some of Australia’s unsung heroes and the countless lives they saved throughout our military history.  We also have a couple of very special Army Mascots popping in to say hello too.  Stay tuned!

Postings/Deployments/Transition Out of the ADF

The posting cycle has begun.  For families or Defence Members who may be moving on, the Defence Member and Family Support Branch (DMFS) have supports that may be of assistance to you.

• Support for Families: Updating resumes, Partner Employment Assistance Program, Special Needs, Financial Advice
• Support for Children: Childcare, Changing Schools, Education Assistance Program, Defence School Mentor Program,
• Support for Community: Community Support Coordination Program, Family Support Funding Program

Further information about DMFS support programs can be found at:

https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services

Parental Absence due to Military Service

If your family is expecting an extended absence of your Defence member due to a posting or deployment, please advise the Defence School Mentor to engage additional support for your student.