Who we are
Australian Veteran Advocacy was started by Carrissa Ibbott after recognising that the support available through the existing volunteer-based ex-service organisations was insufficient to meet the needs of the many veterans trying to navigate the DVA claims process or interact with DVA to access their entitlements.
As a volunteer Advocate facing the prospect of having to turn away veterans seeking help, Carrissa investigated the private sector options available as possible supplementary resources: she discovered many businesses focused on providing support only for claims that could result in financial compensation, that large fees were common, that veterans were often expected do a lot of the preliminary claim preparation themselves, and that support generally ended as soon as compensation was paid.
Australian Veteran Advocacy's mission is to provide high-quality, low-cost, professional Advocacy support to veterans for all their DVA matters, from advice to full representation, regardless of whether there is any prospect of permanent impairment compensation.
In circumstances where a veteran does receive an offer of permanent impairment compensation, a modest levy of 5% is charged, capped at $7,500 plus GST (some exclusions apply, such as DVA appeals and CSC Retrospective Medical Discharge). This cap is for the duration of the contract period and is irrespective of how many individual permanent impairment compensation offers the veteran receives. In circumstances where a veteran does not receive a permanent impairment compensation offer, there is no fee for the representative support provided.
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Australian Veteran Advocacy utilises its revenue for the expansion of its Advocacy services and is committed to donating 10% of proceeds to veteran-centred support organisations.
Carrissa Ibbott CSM
LTCOL (retd)
Director, Lead Advocate


Military background
I joined the Army through ADFA / RMC in 1995. After three years at 21 Construction Squadron I streamed from Engineering to Personnel Management with roles in recruiting, training, career management and workforce planning.
Service highlights include:
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Deployment to Timor Leste in 2010 as the Force Engineer responsible for the closure and handover of Australian bases as part of our drawdown.
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Awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal in 2016 for the re-establishment of the ADF Gap Year program and other workforce planning initiatives.
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Advocate experience
I was medically discharged in 2016 for a range of musculoskeletal issues and at that time started my own DVA journey. I quickly realised that good Advocacy is all about understanding legislation, understanding a veteran’s circumstances and linking the two for the best possible liability and compensation outcome.
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Recognising that the qualities of a good Advocate were strongly aligned with my skill set from military personnel management, and eager to assist others in their DVA journeys, I became a qualified Advocate and have been volunteering in this role since 2018. I believe I have a unique background that allows me to support Veterans in this capacity to achieve the best outcomes from their interaction with DVA.
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Prior to starting Australian Veteran Advocacy I was a volunteer Advocate and Secretary at the Veteran Support Centre, Belconnen.
Robert Forsythe
Director, Business Manager

Background and experience
I come from a commercial background and worked in the finance and petroleum industries for 15 years with a focus on data analytics, before undertaking my current studies in law with the intention to specialise in Workers' Compensation.
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Both my sisters were injured during their military service and I saw the tremendous advantage of having a good Advocate when they were dealing with their DVA claims. Acting as Business Manager for Australian Veteran Advocacy provides an opportunity to help others access the highest standard of Advocate support.
Jenna
2IC, Advocate

Background and experience
I am a change management professional with over 10 years experience working across different areas of Defence.
Working with AVA gives me the opportunity to provide direct support to veterans while leveraging my Defence knowledge. In addition to my role as an Advocate I also provide business analysis and communications support.
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When not working I am busy looking after my two little boys.
Chenise
Advocate Support Officer

Background and experience
As a Defence spouse and family member I apply a deep understanding of our veterans' needs as well as over 10 years experience in complex business roles focusing on projects, technology and management to wholeheartedly support veterans at AVA.
My love for supporting others extends into my personal life, where I have dedicated many years to advocating for rare disease.
Stacey
Advocate Support Officer

Background and experience
I joined AVA so I could continue to support Veterans and their families after 2.5 years as a Claims Delegate with DVA .
My father served in Korea and his navigation with DVA was my first experience with Military Compensation. My father had a great Advocate which made the sometimes-cumbersome process less stressful for my parents. We hope to provide the same benefit to you.
I have two grown daughters who are my world, and I am based in Melbourne.
Erin
Advocate Support Officer

Background and experience
With over a decade in the medical industry and as a veteran spouse, I understand your needs and concerns, and am excited to be supporting your journey with AVA.
In my downtime you will find me cooking, gardening, and spending time with my family.
Claudya
Admin Support Officer

Background and experience
I have a background in IT and decided to join AVA for the opportunity to communicate with people, instead of computers.
Outside of work, I like to hit the gym at 5:30 AM on weekdays and enjoy spending time with my two little humans.
Tess
Admin Support Officer

Background and experience
I am an experienced Administration Assistant with over 20 years' expertise in customer service. Growing up with both parents serving in the Navy has given me some insight into the unique challenges faced by service members and their families, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the veteran advocacy space.
I have a keen interest in wellbeing and the human body and am a qualified Massage and Bowen Therapist. When I’m not working, you’ll find me tending to my ever-growing collection of indoor plants, diving into a good book, getting crafty, or spending quality time with my family and friends.
Victoria
Admin Support Officer

Background and experience
I am a committed professional with a background in education, community service and leadership. In 2023, I transitioned into assisting veterans, starting as a receptionist before joining the AVA team. Prior to this, I gained valuable experience as an Assistant Manager and Team leader in Early Childhood Education.
Growing up in a Defence household in Canberra, I have a deep understanding of the importance of service and community, which fuels my passion for contributing to the wellbeing of others.
Alara
Medical Support Officer

Background and experience
I joined AVA to be able to continue to pursue my interests in the medical law field whilst simultaneously supporting veterans transitioning back to everyday life. Veteran records paint a picture of the hardship, both mentally and physically, that is faced during service, and I am passionate about addressing the carry-on effects of these sustained conditions.
Outside of work you can find me teaching Pilates and pursuing my personal fitness goals.