MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT

Meaningful Engagement (ME) is the active involvement of a member of the Australia Defence Force in an activity that is meaningful to them to promote and maintain physical, cognitive and emotional health.  

ME is only available to members on a rehabilitation program.

Warrior has designed a wellness and upskill package specifically for Defence Members.  This is a unique package, no other organisation offers anything like it.
The director and trainers at Maritime Warrior are all ex-defence veterans of SAS, Clearance Divers and Infantry from Vietnam, East Timor to Afghanistan who have a good grasp of transitional anxiety, mental health issues with defence, rehab complexities, teamwork, sense of purpose & self worth.
They’re duly qualified in the marine industry, range of experience from the wellness sector, the Soldier Recovery Centre, Sea World, law enforcement, movie industry, commercial diving, sales, fire & rescue, business leadership, construction & FIFO resource sectors.  Mental Health First Aid and Medical First Aid qualified.
The instructors have respected tentacles reaching deep into the above sectors which opens for positive conversations outside the training itself but still within in a safe and encouraging space.

Maritime Warrior conducts tours designed for ADF members of various marine based sites from Qld Govt, Police, Southport Yacht Club, Marine Rescue, fishing fleet to tourism operators such as Seaworld.  This is provided to demonstrate where recreational and formal marine qualifications can lead.

From Day 1 of the package we let go lines and start cruising to maximise the experience & training.  All members will be issued with a log to commence capturing sea time which can go towards  your qualifications.

REHABILITATION CONSULTANTS (RC's)

RCs should consider the use of a ME in the following circumstances:
  1. When suitable duties for a member on a rehabilitation program are not available;
  2. When suitable duties for a member on a rehabilitation program are limited and the use of ME could be used as part of a graduated return to full time hours ;and
  3. For members on a rehabilitation program who are medically unfit, to prevent the development of secondary mental health problems associated with a lack of purposeful activity.

ME Activities will not be approved for members who are MEC J43 under going study or retraining. Activities will also not be approved for members during their unit/ships standdown periods.

Before a member can commence a ME activity approval for participation must be gained from the member's MO and Command.

ME does not replace the Defence Assisted Study Scheme(DASS) or services/support available through CTAS.
A member can only utilise ME once per financial year.
​​​A ME application can be any one of the following:
  • One course/activity from one service provider; or
  • Multiple courses from one service provider (for example, a three ticket deal); or
  • Multiple courses/activities from different service providers running concurrently over the same period of time will be considered on a case by case basis (for example, piano lessons, sailing lessons and Personal Training).
Equipment required to participate in an activity will not be funded as part of ME (for example, a tennis racket will not be paid for if a member is participating in tennis lessons).

Payment for materials required to participate in an activity such as art materials fora painting course will be considered.

CRITERIA

​A ME activity must meet the following criteria in order to be considered for approval;

  1. The activity is conducted during normal business hours (8.00-18.00 hours. Monday -Friday);
  2. The physical and cognitive requirements of the activity are appropriate for the member's current medical restrictions;
  3. The activity is considered to be low risk to both the member and Defence's reputation.  Activities perceived as having a high level of inherent danger such as flying, kitesurfing and diving will not be approved;
  4. The total number of days in the application is at least 5 days but will not run for longer than 12weeks (this can include courses that run for 2-3days with a requirement for follow up work so the total time taken to complete the activity will be a minimum of 5days);
  5. For members on a goal 3 program, transition out of ADF is not with in 12weeks (focus at this point should be transition activities and CTAS related activities)
  6. Total cost of individual ME is no more than $3500.00; and
  7. The activity must be supervised.  Online computer based courses can not be completed from the member's home and applications must outline the workplace supervision arrangements for such courses. Gym membership without personal training sessions will not be approved as gym attendance is not considered to be a supervised activity.  ​
If the member or proposed activity does not meet the above criteria the RC must not commence an ME application. The RC must discuss with the RCM and if appropriate the RCM may approach DHP to discuss the proposed application.
Activities with overnight or weekend components will not be approved.  ME is approved during working hours only as when a member is participating in an activity they are considered to be on duty and therefore eligible for compensation under the MRCA should they be injured.
If a member has already paid for an activity it cannot be reimbursed under Meaningful Engagement.

​If a member has already commenced an activity it cannot be reimbursed under Meaningful Engagement.
If a chosen ME activity costs more than $3500 and the member  is paying the balance, the invoice provided with the application must be $3500 to reflect this.

Curses such as certificate III/IV, evidence should be provided that completion is feasible within 12 weeks.

A ME activity must be commenced within 4weeks of approval and be completed within 4 months from date of approval.  If this does not occur a new application will need to be submitted to demonstrate that the member still meets ME requirements.

PROCEDURE

​​Step 1 - Identification of Meaningful Engagement Activity.  Following discussion with the unit and RCM, the RC should work with the member to identify an activity they would like to undertake and that meets the ME guidelines.

In some circumstances it may be appropriate for the member to source information and quotes on the identified activity. Verbal quotes will not be accepted.

Step 2 - Development of Required Paperwork. The RC must then complete the Meaningful Engagement Application form.  All sections of this form must be completed.

MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT APPLICATION FORM

​This form is used to provide details of why ME is being proposed, the activity including frequency,  location and the Psycho social benefit of the member undertaking the activity.  The physical and cognitive demands must also be documented and the RC should acknowledge that WHS factors have been considered.
​
Once all sections of the form are completed by the RC, the member must sign the Meaningful Engagement Application Form to acknowledge that:
  • ​They agree to participate in the activity
  • Their participation in a meaningful engagement activity will only be funded in lieu of suitable duties becoming available at their unit or region
  • When suitable duties become available, the member will return to their unit or region and JHC will cease funding the meaningful engagement activity and​
  • The member must advise the RC at the earliest opportunity of any changes in their circumstances that impacts their participation in the activity.​

The RC must provide the member with the ME fact sheet and review it with them so that they are aware of their responsibilities.

Once signed by the member, the RC must then gain MO and CO (or delegate) approval.

It is the responsibility of the RC to ensure that the MO and CO (or delegate) are fully briefed on the proposed activity.