During our transition into Defence life, we were introduced to an abundance of [commonly used] acronyms, terms and departments. See below a list for reference:
(Please note: As we progress through our time within the military this list will continue to evolve.)
DHA – Defence Housing Australia
DMFS – Defence Member and Family Support
DSM – Defence School Mentor’s are primarily there to support our kids in their transitions between locations. (In our experience, an absolute God send for our youngest!) They’re not located in every school in an area, but you can have a look at the schools that are currently funded here.
EDLO – Education liaison officers, or EDLOs, are part of DMFS’s education advisory service designed to inform, prepare and empower Defence families when they are relocating and changing schools. EDLOs have extensive knowledge about the differences in the way states, territories and individual schools deliver education, as well as the unique needs of Defence children.
EDLOs can:
• inform families about local schools and education systems
• work with parents, students and teachers to manage the transition to a new location and school
• link families with special education providers, resources or support agencies according to their children’s individual needs (including special needs students)
• work with schools to ensure a supportive educational environment and raise awareness of issues facing Defence children
• inform families about the support services available, including financial assistance through the Education Assistance Scheme.
Due to their understanding of both the Defence lifestyle and the different state and territory education systems, they also advise Defence and key education authorities on the current needs of Defence students, and contribute to education policy.
Hello World – Hello World are a third party service provided currently being utilised by TOLL to assist with temporary (or hotel based) accommodation when you’re mid-relocation.
PACMAN – ADF Pay and Conditions Manual. This is where you’ll find all the terms and conditions related to any area of deployments, transitions, relocations etc.
PEAP – Partner Employment Assistance Program
RA – Rent assistance. If you’re not successful in obtaining a suitable DHA home, you’ll be assessed for rent assistance, which is a subsidy towards your rental cost.
TOLL – TOLL arrange movement plans and relocations for serving members and their families.
*Last updated 28/02/2023
