The Partners of Veterans Association of Australia
IN THE BEGINNING
The Partners of Veterans Association of Australia was formed in NSW in August 1999. Our Association is unique among ex-service organisations in that our primary function is to support partners of veterans, their dependants, ex-partners, family members, widows and widowers, carers, who live with or have lived with a current or ex-serving Veteran or ADF member.
We are an incorporated not-for-profit charitable entity and a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI).
The Association has grown over the years to include state branches in NSW, Queensland, Western Australia South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. The NSW State Branch is responsible for ACT and NT. We have a National Board that oversees the association with representation from all state branches.
The Association works with other ex-service organisations to better support all members of the veteran community. We have representatives on the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table, the Australian Defence Services Organisation, the Operational Working Party, the Female Veterans and Family Forum and National Aged & Community Care Forum.
At a national and state level we lobby Federal and State Governments and government departments. Our aim is not only to support the partners and families of our generation but also the needs of future generations and to have in place a support network that was not available when many of our Veterans returned from their service or transitioned out of the ADF.
We are your voice and over the past 22 years have contributed enormously to the recognition of partners and families, gaining many changes in government for benefits that we receive today. Over these years we have also been heavily involved in assistance for our children.
Our Association and Defence Families of Australia took the lead in lobbying the Minister for Veterans Affairs & Defence Personnel and the Defence Department, for Kookaburra Kids to be granted funding so that children living in a military family affected by mental illness could attend camps and outings with other Defence children.
Becoming involved with PVA as a member of like-minded people is a rewarding experience and often helps us gain self-esteem and confidence in an environment of support and friendship.
Members include Partners/carers of Veterans, mothers, fathers and siblings caring for single ADF members; and Grandparents who have custody or temporary care of the children of either a current or former ADF member.
There are now numerous groups throughout Australia where members meet for the support and understanding of those in similar circumstances.
For further information about the work we do, please visit our website (www.pva.org.au) or call our National Support Line 1300 553 835 if you need assistance.
Narelle Bromhead OAM
