The Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG) Inc is a non-for-profit benevolent Volunteer Organisation established to assist the Navy, Army and Air Force families with a family member with special needs. The group was formed in late 1993, this went to a tri-service organisation in 1994, the international year of the family, as a small group of Defence families were brought together by a common bond, they all had a family member with “special needs” and they found it frustrating finding appropriate services due to being transit families.

They decided that it was easier helping each other out with information and support, rather than going at it alone.

The DSNSG Inc has grown into a well-respected National Organisation with 23 local support groups and well over 1500 families located both in Australia and Overseas. The Group provides Support, information, assistance, advocacy and programs for all ADF families who have a dependent child, spouse or other dependent with special needs.

The DSNSG Inc has two National Co-Patrons, being the Minister for Defence Personnel, Hon Darren Chester MP and the Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC.
DSNSG also has a new Ambassador Air Commodore Henrik Ehlers, AM, who joined us after completing 36 years in the Permanent Air Force in March this year.

The DSNSG also has Supporting partners that Support our Programs and other services to DSNSG, we reply solely on donations. These are: Defence Health, APS Benefits, Aspen Medical, Navy Health, Defence Housing Australia, Defence Community Organisation, Toll Transitions.

DSNSG relys on donations to help continue the runnings of The DSNSG and help provide support and programs to our families.