Defence Community Organisation, or DCO, offers a broad range of programs to help Defence families make the most of the challenges and opportunities provided by the military way of life.

Defence Education Assistance

Defence recognises that some children may experience disruption to their education each time they move for a posting. We have a range of services and resources on offer to assist with the transition between schools and education systems, and to provide support for the unique needs of Defence students.

This support includes:

• Specialised staff, Education Liaison Officers, in each state to advise families and schools on education issues and Defence student wellbeing,
• Funding to schools to allow the employment of a Mentor, to assist Defence students integrate into a new school and provide them with support,
• Financial assistance for some education costs incurred as a result of relocations, and
• Regional education information to inform families about the major differences between the state and territory education systems

A range of financial support is available to help minimise disruption to schooling caused by posting within Australia. The aim is to provide the student with limited interim assistance to help overcome any immediate difficulties with the child’s education that occurs as a result of posting.

Tutoring

Defence may reimburse fees for educational services that a child’s school cannot provide. Students may be entitled to reimbursement for an initial 14 weeks of tutoring in any subject that has been recommended by the school principal or the child’s teacher. If the student requires further tutoring after the initial 14 weeks, then a further 14 weeks of tutoring may be approved in some circumstances. This applies to primary and secondary students, within the first 18 months of starting at the new school.

For more information about this program talk to the school, or contact the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608, or consult your local REDLO and visit their website. Local DCO contact details are (03) 5735 7731 or email dco.puckapunyal@defence.gov.au.

DCO also have a Facebook page www.facebook.com/DefenceCommunityOrganisation  'Like' the DCO Facebook page to receive information and updates