DEFENCE SCHOOL TRANSITION AIDE (DSTA) PROGRAM
APPLICATION FORM
2015-16
DSTA application forms will be used determine whether your school is suitable to receive DSTA
funding. Completing an application form provides no assurance or guarantee of receiving DSTA
funding assistance.
Name of School:
Postal Address:
Physical Address:
Australian Business Number (ABN):
Telephone Number:
School Email Address:
Contact Person:
Role in School:
Contact Person Email Address:
SUBMITTING AN APPLCATION
The DSTA application form can be filled out electronically or the form can be printed and completed
manually. Legible, neat writing is essential throughout the entire application.
All applications must be lodged by 5:00pm AEST Friday 20 March 2015.
Application forms received after Friday 20 March 2015 or sent to an alternative address may not be
included in the assessment process. Only applications submitted on a DSTA Program 2015-16
application form will be accepted.
Application forms must be submitted to Headquarters Defence Community Organisation (DCO) by the
closing date either via post or email.
Email: DSTA.Program@defence.gov.au
Post:
Headquarters Defence Community Organisation
Defence School Transition Aide Program
PO Box 7921
Canberra BC ACT 2610
Defending Australia and its National Interests
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Selection criteria
The DSTA Program provides funding to schools on a demonstrated needs basis in a very competitive
process under a strict budget allocation cap.
The following factors will be considered when determining the eligibility for the support of DSTA and
DTM positions in schools:





number of students who are dependents of full time serving Defence members;
rates of Defence student population;
parental absence rates due to high operational tempo or training exercises;
isolation of the posting; and
proposed DHA housing developments in school feeder areas.
Conditions of DSTA/DTM Funding
The program is a reflection of the commitment by Defence to support its members and their families
and recognises the partnership between education authorities, Defence and schools.
The employment of a DSTA or DTM by a school aims to address the issues associated with mobility
and service related parental absence. The DSTA program assists in the development of strategies
and opportunities for Defence families to be successfully integrated into the school community.
The DSTA Program is funded annually by Defence, through the DCO, which will provide funding to
enable the employment of a DSTA or DTM. Allocations are determined by selection criteria which set
the support hours and subsequent funding that each successful school is entitled to annually.
From 2014-15 State/Territory Government hourly rates are used as the benchmark to calculate funds
for all schools eligible for support payment funding under the DSTA Program.
Any funding requirements above those allocated by the DSTA program will need to be met by the
individual school.
Responsibilities
The Department of Defence will:




provide support payment funding to schools for the employment of a DSTA or DTM and to
provide additional resources to support Defence dependants in the school;
provide Defence dedicated support to the DSTA or DTM through Regional Education Liaison
Officers (REDLOs);
provide support to the supervisor and/or principal in the management of the role; and
monitor the deliverables and achievements of the DSTA Program in schools.
Schools will:








2
respond in a timely manner to requests for information from DCO relating to the DSTA
Program;
ensure only duties as specified in the role description provided are undertaken by the DSTA or
DTM;
provide an acquittal of funds and evaluation report by 30 September of the respective financial
year; (if funds are not acquitted no further funding can be allocated to the school);
if requested provide samples of resources developed by the DSTA or DTM during the funding
period to the appropriate local REDLO by 30 September;
undertake to conduct an open selection process that involves the REDLO as part of the
selection process;
establish a management team for the position. The Principal and REDLO should be members
of this team. Other appropriate members of the school community may also be included;
provide a work space for the position, including access to a computer and telephone; and
provide adequate supervision for the position by nominating an education professional to fulfil
this role.
Defending Australia and its National Interests
QUESTIONS
Q1. 2015 Enrolment Data:
Number
Number
The total student population as
at 1 Mar 2015
The total Defence student
population as at 1 Mar 2015
The number of Defence
Primary students
(n/a if not applicable)
The number of Defence
Secondary students
(n/a if not applicable)
The number of new Defence
students enrolled since July
2014 (if known)
The number of Defence
students who transferred out
since July 2014 (if known)
Q2. Do you currently have a DSTA or DTM in your school?
Yes 
No 
Q3. In 2014, what salary was paid to the DSTA or DTM in your school?
Providing this figure does not guarantee you will receive that level of supplementary funding, it will be
used to ensure the DSTA Program funds are allocated effectively. All schools were advised in 2013 that
from 2014-15 State/Territory Government hourly rates will be the benchmark funding for all schools under
the DSTA Program.
Q4. What is the estimated salary (exclusive of on-costs) to be paid to the DSTA or DTM in your
school?
Providing this figure does not guarantee you will receive that level of supplementary funding, it will be
used to ensure the DSTA Program funds are allocated effectively. All schools were advised in 2013 that
from 2014-15 State/Territory Government hourly rates will be the benchmark funding for all schools under
the DSTA Program.
Q5. What proposed activities do you plan to provide Defence students through an embedded
DSTA or DTM position in your school? Attach an additional page if required.
3
Defending Australia and its National Interests
Q6. How do you plan to implement these activities at school? Provide a timeline of events if possible.
Q7. How will the proposed activities be evaluated?
PRIVACY STATEMENT
Any personal information you provide is protected under the Privacy Act 1988. The information
provided in your funding application will be used for the purpose of DSTA 2015-16 and may be
considered as part of any future funding application or business dealings you may have with the
Department of Defence. The Department will not release any personal or business information to any
individual or organisation unless required by law or with your express consent.
DECLARATION
Please read and complete the following declaration.
I declare that to the best of my knowledge:
-
I have read, understood and agree to abide by the Defence School Transition Aide (DSTA)
2015-16 Guidelines;
I have read understood and agree to the Terms and Conditions of the DSTA Program 2015-16
application form;
The information given on this form is true and accurate;
I understand that an incomplete application will not be considered;
If and where any personal details of a third party are included, the third party is taken to have
been made aware that their personal details may have been provided in this form;
I give consent to the Department of Defence to contact me for further information in relation to
the DSTA 2015-16 application; and
I give consent to the Department of Defence to make public the details of my school, if
successful in receiving DSTA Program funding.
Name of Principal
4
Signature
Date
Defending Australia and its National Interests