The Defence Special Needs Support Group Inc is a non-profit benevolent volunteer organisation established to assist Navy, Army and Air Force families with a family member with special needs. The group was formed in late 1993 but went Tri-Service 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 mobile. The families decided that it was easier helping each other out with information and support, rather than going it alone. The Defence Special Needs Support Group Inc. has now grown into a well respected national organisation with many local support groups and currently have approx 1190 Serving Members and combined Dependants of 3450, these dependents include spouses, Special Needs Children, Dependants 18 plus, and Dependants without Special needs. Families are located both around Australia and overseas. The group provides support, information, assistance and advocacy for all ADF families who have a dependent (child, spouse or another dependent) with special needs. The DSNSG Co-Patrons are the Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel The Hon Darren Chester MP and General Angus Campbell AC, DSC, Chief of Defence Force. National Ambassador is Air Commodore Henrik Ehlers, AM,