Walk in the footsteps of heroes
 

In July 2016, Australia will commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Fromelles in France.

In recognition of all the Australian diggers who fought along the Western Front, DVA is conducting a national 10,000 Steps walking challenge.

From 18 July to 28 August, all current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force are invited to walk in the footsteps of the heroes of the battlefields of the Western Front.

To help participants log and map their steps against the significant battlefields of the Western Front, a personalised website will be set up for easy tracking as each person takes positive steps towards their health.

Starting with the Battle of Fromelles, where British and Australian forces suffered 7,000 killed and wounded, of which 5,500 were Australians, teams of five will record their daily steps then as they progress, map them against the significant battlefields of the Western Front.

A weekly challenge newsletter will be emailed to each participant with the previous week’s results and everyone will also have a chance to win a weekly random prize draw.

As step milestones are met, participants will receive postcards connecting relevant historical battlefields of the Western Front to those milestones.

At the end of the 10,000 Steps challenge, the winning state will be announced as the 10,000 Steps national champion along with the category winners and the prizes will be allocated.

For further information on how to be part of this event to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Fromelles, call 133 254 or for regional callers, call 1800 555 254 and ask for the DVA 10,000 Steps challenge coordinator in your state or territory.
 

 

6 tips to keep your keepsakes safe
 

Being proactive is your best form of defence when it comes to protecting your home while you’re taking a winter vacation.

Here are some ways to minimise your chances of falling victim to thieves.　

1. Invest in a burglar alarm
This may sound obvious, but burglar alarms are effective. If you don’t already own one, consider getting one installed.

2. Lock windows and doors
You'd be surprised how easy some people make it for burglars to break into their home, so remember to lock every access point into your house, even if you’re only stepping out for a short time or are in your back yard working on your garden.

3. Be careful with your keys
The easiest way for burglars to enter your home is by getting hold of a key. Avoid leaving spares in obvious or easy-to-reach places, like under your doormat. And never label house keys with your name or address.

4. Motion sensor lighting
These systems automatically switch on if they sense movement: startling thieves and alerting you, your neighbours and passers-by to a potential crime.

5. Keep valuables out of sight
Jewellery, cash and hi-tech gadgets are a tempting sight for thieves, so try to keep expensive-looking items stashed away from prying eyes. Draw your curtains or lower your blinds at night and consider investing in a home safe to store your most valuable belongings.

6. Ask neighbours to lend a hand
You’re a prime target for thieves when you’re on holiday. Mail piling up on the doormat, the lights switched off and an empty driveway are all tell-tale signs you’re away. Ask your neighbours to empty your mailbox or pick up the paper while you’re gone.

Article courtesy of QBE. The Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme offers domestic home building insurance, with a range of personal insurances underwritten by QBE, to eligible serving military and veterans across Australia.

For more information visit www.dsh.gov.au/insurance or phone 1300 552 662.
 

 

Have you registered for MyAccount?
 

MyAccount enables you to access many DVA services online.

On MyAccount you can claim travel costs quickly and easily; update DVA of changes to your circumstances; view your current details, letters, current and past payments and claims; manage medical transport; request contact from a DVA officer and download forms and publications.

Click on the links below to find out more:
Update DVA of changes
Request a Lump Sum Advance of payment
View your personal information
Make a transport booking and check your booking
Claim for travel expenses
View recent travel claims
　
It's easy to register for MyAccount. Call Veteran's Access Network on 133 254 (metro) or FreeCall 1800 555 254 (regional callers) during business hours Monday to Friday.

DVA provides a secure environment and reliable system in the collection and storage of your personal information.

We regularly monitor, test and update the security of our system so that your data is always protected.

For further information on the security of your information, please see the DVA privacy policy.

Information on your myGov account is stored in compliance with Australian Government security and privacy requirements.

If you would like further information regarding myGov security, please visit the myGov Security page.
 

Comments or feedback on Veterans' Affairs e-News may be sent to AMBENEWS@dva.gov.au