The tragic news that an Australian Army member died and two others were hurt in a training accident saddens us greatly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the fallen soldier's family, friends, and loved ones. We also offer the families of those hurt our condolences and support.
Please know that the entire defence community is supporting the impacted families. You're not by yourself.
Families in need of assistance are urged to contact the organizations listed below.
Read more here.
3rd Battalion pays tribute to Lance Corporal Tulsa Rumney who died during training near Townsville
Lance Corporal Tulsa Rumney died when an M113 armoured personnel carrier rolled at a training area 60 kilometres west of Townsville on Wednesday night.
Lance Corporal Rumney was involved in a commander's training course when the crash occurred.
Two of his male colleagues, aged in their 20s and 30s, were hospitalised with minor injuries and quickly discharged.
After days of mourning, requested by family, friends and colleagues of Lance Corporal Rumney, his battalion — referred to as Old Faithful — issued a tribute on Saturday evening praising the fallen soldier's character.
Read more here.
The Defence Family Helpline
1800 624 608
This is the first point of call for support, information and connection with your Defence community. The Helpline is available 24/7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists. You can also email the Helpline on memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au and receive a response within 24 hours. This helpline is located within Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) previously DCO, which also offers a broad range of programs and services to help Defence families.
Contact the Helpline for:
- Help during a crisis
- Support during deployment, posting or relocation
- Referral to a Local Area Office
- Connection with community groups and local area resources
- Referral to a Education Liaison Officer
- Support for partner employment
- Assistance with children’s childcare or education
- Assistance for dependants with special needs
- Access to transition coaching
- Counselling for personal, relationship and family problems
- Mailing addresses and postal regulations for overseas deployments
- Facilitation of the passing of urgent messages to deployed personnel.
Specialist support staff include:
- Defence Social Workers
- Military Support Officers
- Education Liaison Officers
Family Liaison Offices
Chaplaincy – call 1300 DEFENCE and ask to speak to a Catholic Chaplain in your area for pastoral care, support and advice 24/7