Information for family and friends
Phone contact numbers
Phone contact to students during the day is limited and evening contact in the accommodation blocks is subject to availability. Mobile telephone coverage on East Sale Base is generally poor, with the only reliable coverage being provided by Telstra Next G. Telstra Telecard and Optus Calling Card accounts can be accessed from RAAF phones.
Urgent and important messages can be left during the day with OTS Induction Centre staff on:
Ph: (03) 514 66600
Fax: (03) 514 66627.
The switchboard number for RAAF Base East Sale is (03) 514 66111.
Mail Address
Whilst on course any correspondence may be sent to:
(Rank, Initials, Surname)
No. (Course Number) IOC
Officers’ Training School
RAAF Base
EAST SALE VIC 3852
Support for Families
The RAAF provides various services to meet the needs of personnel and their families. All RAAF Bases have Family Liaison Officers, Chaplains, Social Workers and other qualified personnel to assist when required. Should you or your family wish to access any of these services, OTS staff can provide you with the contact numbers.
Family Information Network for Defence
The Family Information Network for Defence (FIND) is a phone service that provides easy access to personnel information on matters of everyday interest or concern. It is a confidential service that is available to every Service person and family, anywhere in Australia: phone 1800 020 031.
Defence Community Organisation
The Defence Community Organisation provides a comprehensive range of social work, family liaison, educational liaison support services and related programs, including projects and research, that enhance the well-being of Australian Defence Force personnel, their families and communities.
More information is provided at www.dco.dod.gov.au
Graduation Parade
The following information is intended as a guide for guests attending graduation events held at the Officers’ Training School, East Sale VIC.
Parking Arrangements. RAAF East Sale is a secure base, therefore identification checks and intentions will need to be clarified prior to entering. Please ensure that you are carrying photographic identification (eg drivers licence) with you on arrival at East Sale. There will be security personnel and RAAF staff to guide you to Officers' Training School on arrival.
Program for Graduation Day
Arrival. Guests are requested to arrive at RAAF East Sale by 9:20 am for a 9:30 am Welcome brief by the Commanding Officer, Officers’ Training School. The Welcome brief will be held in the Officers' Training School gymnasium.
Graduation Chapel Service. A Graduation Chapel Service will be held at 10:00 am in the Officers' Training School gymnasium. It is important that all guests are seated by 9:55 am. The Graduation Chapel Service, which is inter-denominational, lasts about 30 minutes.
Graduation Parade. The Graduation Parade will be held at the RAAF East Sale Parade Ground and guests must be seated by 11:25 am. The ceremony commences at 11:30 am and lasts until 12:30 pm. During the parade, you will be asked to stand at the parading of the Officers’ Training School Governor General’s Banner and on arrival of the Reviewing Officer. When the prizes are presented, please feel free to applaud as the prize-winners return to their parade positions from the Reviewing Officer. An official photographer will take photographs of the parade and the presentation of awards to prize winners.
Presentation of Graduation Certificates. Following the Graduation Parade, Graduation Certificates will be presented by the Reviewing Officer in the OTS gymnasium.
Graduation Lunch. After the presentation, a light lunch will be held in the OTS Students Mess. Tea and coffee will also be served.
Viewing the Base. During the afternoon the graduating officers may show you around the OTS precinct. There are a number of restricted areas on Base and guests are requested to remain in the company of their host.
Dress. As the focus of Graduation Day is on the graduating officers, all guests are requested to wear neat civilian attire, i.e. smart casual or uniform for servicing members, as permitted by the weather conditions on the day.
Travel Arrangements. When making travel arrangements, all potential visitors should ensure expensive airfares are covered by travel insurance as trainees can fail to graduate at the last minute due to injury or not meeting graduation outcomes. For information on Victoria and accommodation you should visit the Victorian Tourism Commission website.
