VVFA Inc.VVFA Inc.Affiliated Branches and Sub-Branches throughout Australia
Assisting all serving and ex-service members of ADF, war-widows/ers, their families, and our Allies
Fully qualified, highly skilled and compassionate Compensation Advocates, assisting in all matters relating to
disability claims on DVA under VEA, MRCA, DRCA, Service Pensions and Appeals
All services are provided totally free of any charges
SUPPORTING ALL WHO SERVE AND HAVE SERVED
BREAKING NEWS
SA State President awarded OAM
SUICIDE - A National President report
THE LONG SHADOW
Researchers book review on the Agent Orange history
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"The widows and dependents of those who have fallen will be provided for; the unemployable will be generously pensioned, and the maimed will be settled in occupations for which they are fitted. The Commonwealth Government undertakes the full responsibility for the welfare of the returned soldiers..." Priime Minister Billy Hughes 1917.
INQUIRY INTO ALLEGED WAR CRIMES COMMITED BY CERTAIN SPECIAL FORCES SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN (SOTG)
We are all aware that Justice Brereton’s report and recommendations on the alleged war crimes was released by the Defence Force Chief, Angus Campbell, in November 2020. The Prime Minister has appointed an independent special investigator to work with police and prosecutors overseeing the cases to be referred by Justice Brereton for possible prosecution.
Our former Prime Minister, John Howard has, I believe, quite rightly pointed out in a recent media article, that the question of whether a war crime has been committed can only be determined conclusively by a court governed by the rules of evidence. This is beyond the competence of any inquiry, even when the inquiry has been conducted by a judge as eminent as Brereton
We as a Federation make no judgments on any of these allegations, nor should we. And I would implore all members of the Federation to refrain from making any official comments on the allegations. Those involved in these allegations are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise through any consequential court proceedings, which should be allowed to progress through the legal system to its conclusion. This is what a free and democratic society would expect and demand.
However, we would of course expect that those who served with Special Air Services Regiment (SASR) and not involved in these allegations, will not be punished in any way, for the alleged actions of a possible few.
Those of us who served in the Defence Forces would understand that these allegations and the proposed legal proceedings have, and will continue, to cause much anguish and mental health issues, to not only those adversely affected, and their families, by these allegations, but current and former members of the ADF/SASR and also others who have strong feelings on this matter, all of whom will no doubt be seeking support and counselling for the foreseeable future.
The Special Forces Group and all other ADF members should be enormously proud of their service on behalf of a grateful nation and we can assure them that not only the Federation but the Australian community at large appreciate and respect their service.
We would strongly advise those who feel that they need counselling support, and they should not feel ashamed to do so, that they immediately contact - OPEN ARMS on 1800 011 046, or Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036.
The VVPPAA Veterans’ Support Centre at 8 Mary Street, Granville (an affiliate of VVFA) is also open five days a week to help all veterans with DVA Claims or advice, or other Advocacy matters or concerns. Please contact our Office on (02) 9682-1788 if you need help or support, or an Advocacy Office nearer you.
William (Bill) Roberts OAM, JP: National President – VVFA
Frank Cole: President - VVPPAA
We have over forty years' experience assisting with claims in all of the Military Compensation schemes, by our fully qualified, compassionate, highly skilled, Compensation Advocates, Pension and Wellbeing Officers.
We continually strive for the rights of veterans and their families, whenever changes to the laws that govern and recognise their service threatens to diminish just and fair compensation for those that are sent to fight Australias' wars.
We achieve our aims by continued vigilance of government proposals that affect the Acts of parliaments proteting veterans rights and entitlements. By assuring that DVA uphold and enable due process of claims to the letter of those laws. By lobbying goverment and ministers where the laws could be improved for the benefit of veterans and their families.
We fully support and faithfully attend the Ex-Service Organisations Round Table, (ESORT), group discussions with the government and DVA. As well as maintain a close liaison with other Ex-service organisations.
Our successes have been many, and clarified in our following pages of News, Current Issues and Historical records. Our legacy and continued efforts needs to be handed on to the next generation of youthful supporters willing to take up the challenge as our volunteers can no longer take up the vigil.
We rely on several resources that keep our doors open and accessible to those who require our specialist skills. As well as government and club grants, we rely on membership fees, donations, raffle ticket, and merchandise sales.
All Advocates have accredited DVA skill sets gained through the ADTD Program, which includes regular forums to upgrade and further their skills.
Donations are always welcome and empower the Donor to help us in many ways. HQ and our Sub-Branches always have projects and programs, or training courses, on hold, awaiting funding, that will help us to provide a means of administering toward aiding veterans. It could be for new office equipment, updating technology, or this weeks rent.
Whatever the cause your valued donation would be appreciated.
Fundraising through Raffle Tickets sales allow us to provide 3 scholarships for children and grandchildren of veterans each year. Buying a ticket will ensure the scholarships continue.
Purchasing merchandise by phoning through an order or by visiting your nearest sub branch, will make a difference, and your assistance is always welcome.
On-Line services to make a Purchase, Buy Raffle Tickets, and/or Make a Donation can be found on our NSW website
Membership to our organisation is currently $30.00 per annum, for the period 1 January to 31 December each year. Multiple year memberships are available, although a new membership numbered card is issued each year. You will receive a copy of our "Newsletter" 3 times a year, each March, July and December.
You must be a financial member, and renewed by the end of March each year to ensure you continue membership, and to obtain all 3 issues of the Newsletter.
Each as an individual is ineffective when lobbying governments for change, or to amend an injustice. Together as an organisation, with a strong membership we are able to, and have done, improve pathways for better treatment of veterans, and those still serving.
We survive as an organisation on the strength of our membership, and even if you have won the battle with Veterans Affairs (DVA), there is always the risk of changes in Government policy which may erode benefits and pensions or changes to eligibility entitlements.
We encourage membership from all who support our objectives, veterans, service and ex-service members, as well as war-widows and their families. You don't have to be in the ADF or an ex-member of the Australian Defence Forces (ADF). In most instances, anyone may join our organisation, with few exceptions, so why not enquire today.
You will find access to Membership Application Forms on our Affiliates States and Sub-Branches own websites, or at our NSW website
The information contained in
this website is for general information purposes only.
The information is provided by (the) VVFA Inc and while we
endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct,
we make no representations or warranties of any kind,
express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy,
reliability, suitability or availability with respect to
the website or the information, products, services, or
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Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of VVFA Inc. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, VVFA Inc., takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
We strongly advise anyone considering a claim against DVA for disabilities, related to their service, that they consult a qualified practitioner Advocate. Due to the complexities of the Defence Acts involved any attempt to avail yourself of the DVA on-line claims application, without assistance, may jeopardise the outcome and impact on any future claim.