1.1. This instruction provides information regarding Regional Advisory Forums and how they operate in Open Arms.

2.1. Open Arms consults with the veteran community and stakeholders through the National Advisory Committee (NAC) and Regional Advisory Forums (RAFs). These are opportunities to discuss issues and identify opportunities to better meet the needs of ex-serving, current and future-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families.

2.2. To facilitate national discussion of strategic issues, each RAF meeting has a theme determined by the NAC. A NAC member will be present at each RAF wherever possible.

2.3. The RAF also guides the establishment and development of strategic relationships and partnerships between Open Arms and key stakeholders in each region. RAF meetings also establish and strengthen positive and cooperative relationships with community service organisations and other key stakeholders, to benefit Open Arms clients and improve service delivery.

2.4. The outcomes of these forums are reported to the NAC and underpin Open Arms’ national consultation process.

3.1. The RAF meets the following Open Arms community linkage objectives:

• establishing cooperative service delivery relationships to minimise unnecessary duplication of services, so that services are delivered more effectively to clients in the region
• exchanging information about service provision and identifying opportunities to leverage regional activities, to ensure the needs of greater numbers of clients are met
• obtaining feedback from stakeholders, providing opportunities to improve Open Arms services
• reporting to the NAC and providing recommendations to help promote a shared strategic direction for Open Arms in the regions and nationally.

3.2. Each Open Arms region convenes at least two RAF meetings annually.

4.1. Membership of each RAF comprises government and non-government stakeholders. Membership is by invitation only and reflects the range of services available to the veteran community in the region. Specific membership requirements are determined by the Regional Director, depending on the needs of the service. Membership is reviewed annually. 

4.2. Generally, membership includes regional representation from:

• key ex-service organisations in the area
• other non-government organisations with an ex-service focus
• the ADF (ideally Garrison Health or key local ADF mental health services)
• the Defence Community Organisation and any other major veterans’ family associations in the region
• primary health networks
• state government agencies, including for mental health, hospitals and housing
• relevant private mental health providers
• the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (Veterans’ Access Network or On Base Advisory Service representative, or Deputy Commissioner).

4.3. NAC members residing in the region are invited to all RAFs as a matter of course. 

4.4. The Community Engagement team supports Open Arms’ strategic direction by developing partnerships in the region and may participate in RAFs as directed.

5.1. The Regional Director convenes the RAF, develops the agenda in consultation with members (using the Regional Advisory Forum Agenda Template (100-01/T7)) and chairs the meeting.  

5.2. Administrative and secretariat support is provided by regional Open Arms staff.  

5.3. The minutes from each RAF are provided to the NAC (via the NAC secretariat) within four weeks, for consideration and action as appropriate.

6.1. The following operating principles are in place to enhance group cooperation, communication, function and performance of each RAF:

7.1. The Assistant National Manager reviews membership of the RAFs, provides input into the shared strategic direction for Open Arms and makes recommendations to the National Manager.