BREAKING NEWS
Defence News
The following stories have been published by Defence in various forms, including Army News. Links to the full, original stories are provided where they are available.
Experienced hands getting dirty
ASM WO2 Shayne Salau, 7 CSSB, prepares a tyre for the installation of a wheel rim using the Tyre Changing Station during Exercise POZIERES RUN at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland.
For the full story, click here
DVA News
VetAffairs
DVA recently released the latest edition of their newsletter, VetAffairs.
Click here to download a PDF, view it online as a flipbook , view it as a HTML file or listen to it as an audio file.
Have your say on future DVA allied health arrangements
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has opened consultation on proposed changes to allied health arrangements for Veteran Card holders.
Veterans, families, health service providers, ex-service organisations and other interested stakeholders are invited to provide feedback before the new arrangements are finalised.
Key date.
- Consultation closes: Friday, 30 October 2026
Members wishing to learn more or provide their own feedback can:
Support for veterans affected by brain injury
For veterans, brain injury can be a significant health concern, affecting multiple aspects of their physical, cognitive, and psychological wellbeing.
DVA will fund assessment and investigations to help you get a diagnosis and treatment if you have a Veteran Card – All Conditions (commonly known as a Gold Card) or a Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (commonly known as a White Card) with a relevant accepted condition.
Click here for more information
Tinnitus treatment and support: how early intervention can make a real difference
Tinnitus affects many veterans and serving members and is one of the most common service-related conditions.
DVA funds a range of treatment pathways to support veterans experiencing tinnitus, including options that may provide access to treatment before a claim has been assessed.
Click here for more information.
Are you the child or grandchild of a Vietnam veteran? Apply for the 2027 Long Tan Bursary
Applications are now open for the 2027 round of the Long Tan Bursary.
Eligible children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans can apply for up to $12,000 over 3 years to assist with the cost of their education at an Australian university, TAFE college or registered training organisation.
More information on the Long Tan Bursary, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, can be found on the Long Tan Bursary page.
The Long Tan Bursary scheme is administered by the Australian Veterans' Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT) on behalf of DVA.
To apply, visit the AVCAT website. Applications close 31 October 2026.
Click here for more information.
Military Life
Defence Member and Family Support
How much do you know about the work of DMFS and how they can support your family?
If the answer is “not much”, click here to learn more.
Soldier On + Invictus Australia
Joining forces – Stronger together
Soldier On and Invictus Australia have launched a new partnership designed to strengthen connections, opportunities and support for Australian Defence personnel, veterans and their families as they navigate life beyond military service.
Click here to learn more.
Open Arms
Preventative self-maintenance
Open Arms offers a range of free group programs to assist the serving and ex-serving community, as well as their families, live their best life. Call 1800 011 046 to speak with an Open Arms staff member for assistance in finding the right program for you.
Click here to learn more.
REME News
REME CONNECT is live!
REME already have nearly 3000 members who have registered on REME CONNECT. Please spread the word and encourage REME serving personnel, veterans and families to download the app and register now!
The Military App is not an MOD platform, no OFFICIAL + comms are sent through the platform. The App should be installed on personal devices like other publicly accessible platforms, the Web App is recognised by MODNet and can be accessed as such. Our advice to new member Regiments / Corps is to add the Military App to your list of registered social media channels and follow the same strict content filters for these in accordance with guidelines set by Army Comms (or equivalent).
You can search for other members in the Mobile and Web App. You can search by regiment, location, tour/base as well as industry and years of service.
Click here to learn more about how REME communicate with their serving and retired members.
Pay and Conditions Updates
On 13 August 2026, a new Determination introduced changes that:
- improve child education assistance for members posted within Australia; improve child education assistance for members on a long-term posting overseas;
- update the list of operations eligible for deployment allowance and their associated daily rates
- increase the trainee’s dependant allowance earnings threshold to align with the National Minimum Wage
- add a new posting location to the ADF district allowance eligibility list
- add a new posting location to the additional recreation leave eligibility list; and
- increase travel and meal allowances, commencing 8 October 2026.
Click here for more information.
