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The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, Alan Griffin, today called for all those involved in F-111 fuel tank maintenance between 1973 and 2000 to come forward to check their eligibility for compensation and health care.

Click here to view Media Release.

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Next Sunday at noon… are you available?

It’s the second get-together of the Canberra PTSD Support Group, and we’d love to see you there!

Organised by Picking Up The Peaces and the Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Federation ACT, the support group is for anyone experiencing PTSD, or caring for someone with PTSD.

We received great feedback after the first gathering, with several individuals saying they felt empowered after discussing common issues, and how good it was to realise they are no longer alone, that there are others who understand.

We will meet at the VV&VF premises at 9 Burkitt St, Page. Over a barbeque lunch in the Garden of Peace we can get to know one another and our challenges, and discuss how best the support group can serve members’ needs.

Families with children are welcome. There is plenty of room to play, some equipment, and free icecream for the kids.

We even have a couple of guest speakers who will provide support information.

Date: Sunday 28 March
Time: 11.30 am for a noon barbeque
Venue: VV&VF Stephen King Memorial Centre, 9 Burkitt St, Page
Map: http://www.whereis.com/?id=22CF14941049EE
Cost: The get-together is Free.
A BBQ lunch will be available for those who would like a feed – $10 a head for adults, children free.
Further information: 6255 1599 or info@pickingupthepeaces.org.au
Please invite anyone you think might be interested.

An article in The Chronicle covering the launch of ACT PTSD Support Group, held at The Stephen King Memorial Centre on 28th February.

Click here to view article.

We’re compiling a list of GP doctors who are aware of and understand PTSD. If you’ve had positive experiences with a GP in relation to PTSD, please let Karen know, and we’ll take it from there. Email vvfact AT vvfact.org.au or phone 6255 1599

Do you wish to gain more knowledge of PTSD, or learn how to recognize the condition in a friend?

Then events at the Vietnan Veterans and Veterans Federation ACT on Sunday 28th February, in conjunction with Picking up the peaces is the place to be.

You are invited to attend the launch of the first PTSD Support Group, on Sunday 28th Febuary at The Stephen King Memorial Centre.

Further information is available at:

Click here to view program.

A DVA Research Seminar in Canberra last week included updates on the implementation of PTSD best practice in VVCS,  Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and a report on trialling some innovative ways to encourage veterans and former serving members to seek help with their mental health problems.

Jenny Johnston, a Melbourne based PTSD Therapist who will be flying to Canberra to take part in the National PTSD Awareness Day, has offered to treat members while she is here, for no out of pocket cost.

Jenny is an Occupational Therapist, an EFT Specialist (Emotional Freedom Techniques or Meridian Tapping), a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Counselor.

“I mostly see Veterans with PTSD and it is their wish that I get EFT into mainstream PTSD Programs due to the rapid and amazing results it produces,” she said.

“So, any veteran who has a Gold Card, who may want me to treat them while I’m in Canberra on Sunday 11th, Monday 12th and Tues 13th Oct (am), is welcome. They will need a doctor’s referral for Occupational Therapy for stress management. Just bring it with them and they’ll get EFT therapy without charge.”

You can get more info and contact details from her website www.jennyjohnston.com.au . While in Canberra, Jenny will be staying with Prez Danny.

And, as a memory-jogger:
2nd National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day
1pm – 6pm 10 October 2009 Kings Park, (near the Carillon). Veterans Voices will perform, and the VVFACT foodvan will be in attendance.
www.pickingupthepeaces.org.au/

It seems that some Deparments do not have a Corporate Memory

A wondeful stoty of a new Australian Veteran.

Click here to view the story.

At the conclusion of the Article there is a reference to The Peacemakers Assoc. However, if you wish advice on DVA Claims, Welfare or suicide prevention, please contact VV&VFACT, on telephone, 02 6255 1599 or Click here to send an email.

Participants are required for an ANU study on intrusive memories in depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.

My name is Lian Parry and I am a second year Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) candidate and Intern Psychologist at the Australian National University, under the supervision of Associate Professor Richard O’Kearney. I am contacting you with regards to a study I am conducting as part of my doctoral research, which may be of interest to your members.

This study aims to further inform our understanding of intrusive memories in people with depressive or post-traumatic stress symptoms. In so doing, the results may contribute to the development of more effective psychological treatments in the long-term.

The first part of the study may be completed online (approx 20 minutes) at http://labs.thematic.org/start/memory . Participants may then be invited to take part in subsequent stages of the research which involve filling in questionnaires, writing about and listening to transcripts of negative life events. For the subsequent research stages, participants may receive an honorarium (up to $20) for their time. This study has been fully approved by the ANU’s Human Research Ethics Committee.

As part of my recruitment efforts I am hoping to advertise the study in a range of settings. I have prepared some posters and flyers for display/distribution in waiting rooms and a brief description of my study for electronic noticeboards or newsletters. If you would be happy to assist with this by putting up poster(s) or publishing a notice on your website/newsletter, I would be happy to hear from you.

I have attached for your information, an electronic copy of the poster, flyers and research summary.

Please feel free to contact me on 0403 899 011 or via Lian.Parry@anu.edu.au should you have any questions or require further information.

Thank you for considering this request and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,
Lian Parry

radical prostatectomy

Information for members who may require a radical prostatectomy.

Click here for details.

Click here downloads a determination by the Medical Services Advisory Board.