In this issue:

New service for Gallipoli visitors

Australians planning to travel to Gallipoli for Anzac Day in 2010 will benefit from a new online service being trialled this year for the first time.

Visitors can now register at www.dva.gov.au/anzac to receive useful information on what to expect on the day, how to prepare and what to wear.

Registering is not mandatory, but by being fully prepared, visitors can ensure they get the most out of this once in a lifetime experience.

New interpretive experience for the Western Front

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin was in France recently to announce plans for a new interpretive centre on the Western Front as part of the Australian Government’s $10 million Western Front Interpretive Trail.

Minister Griffin said a new museum and commemorative facilities at Mont St Quentin and plans for other interpretive facilities on the Western Front were on track and would provide more opportunities for visitors to learn about Australian service on the Western Front.

For more information access the Minister’s media release (PDF 42 Kb) or the Office of Australian War Graves website.

Fromelles reinterment begins at new cemetery

The first of the 250 soldiers recovered from the Fromelles mass grave site was reinterred at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s new military cemetery in Fromelles, France on 30 January 2010.

Representing the Australian Government, Minister Griffin said the Battle of Fromelles was the bloodiest 24 hours in Australian military history.

Remaining reburials took place in the following weeks with full military honours and are almost complete with the final burial to take place on 19 July 2010. For more information visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.

Next round of BEST grants open

Ex-service organisations (ESOs) can now apply for funding for 2010–11 through the next round of the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program.

Funding is available to help ESOs provide pension and welfare services to members of the veteran and ex-service community. 

Applications are open until 19 March.  More information and application forms are available at www.dva.gov.au/grants

The Department is currently undertaking a review of DVA-funded ESO Advocacy and Welfare Services, including the BEST program. This review is expected to conclude later this year. 

Cancer care without claim

Many veterans may not be aware that DVA provides treatment for some conditions, including cancer, without an accepted claim for a service-related disability.

This non-liability health care does require a request to be made of DVA, supported by evidence from your doctor, however it does not need DVA to accept the cancer as being caused by service.

 Factsheet HSV66 provides more details.  For information on how to reduce your risk of cancer visit the DVA website.

New supplier arrangements for continence products

Following the outcome of a recent tender process, eligible members of the veteran community can now access continence products from one of two suppliers: 'Intouch' or ‘Independence Australia’.

While there will be no change to current arrangements for those already receiving products from either of these companies, arrangements will change for eligible persons in WA who receive their products from "Surgical House".

DVA will be writing to affected clients to advise how and when these changes will occur.

For more information visit the DVA website.

New DVA Factsheets

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs online Factsheet portal is a one-stop-shop for detailed information on benefits and services available to DVA clients.

Transition ready reckoners for those affected by the Harmer Pension changes in September 2009, dates for pension paydays and allowances, overview of cards available to veterans and their dependents and concessions available in every state and territory are some of the topics of new Factsheets available now.

To access Factsheets on a range of topics visit the DVA Factsheets homepage.

Publications

Media Releases