BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
Under clear April skies, the Southport Flying Club on the Gold Coast has hosted a memorable Veterans Day event that perfectly blended aviation passion with heartfelt tribute to Australia’s veterans.
Organised by Club President Craig Hobart and his committed team, the special occasion opened with a moving service of remembrance, followed by the dedication of a new memorial near the club’s entrance.
Veterans and their families then took to the air in a variety of aircraft for scenic flights over the beautiful Gold Coast coastline.
The event drew a strong turnout and fostered the unique camaraderie that has always defined Air Force life.
Air Force Association Vice President Deanna Nott was present alongside key community leaders including the Federal Member for Fadden, Mr Cameron Caldwell MP, the Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works and Member for Bonney, the Hon. Sam O’Connor MP, and Gold Coast City Councillor for Division 4, Cr Shelley Curtis, a veteran herself.
Also present was talented aerobatic pilot Emma McDonald and retired Warrant Officer Mick Makin, an Air Force veteran, who was joined by his grandson Angus, a leader in the making.
Among the veterans sharing stories and enjoying the occasion were David and Glenda Bramham, whose life together spans more than six decades of Air Force connection. They first met at RAAF Williamtown in 1962 and married in 1964, recently marking 62 years of marriage.
David joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1956 and served for 22 and a half years, reaching the rank of Flight Sergeant. An electrician by trade, he specialised in avionics and worked on Canberra bombers, Phantoms and F111s, at Amberley and Mirages at Williamtown and Butterworth, Malaysia – a posting that remains close to the family’s heart, as their son now lives there with his own family.
Glenda also began her working life in telecommunications and served briefly in the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force before the rules of the era required her to leave upon marriage.
“Unfortunately, I could only serve a couple of years because I met David, and way back then you couldn’t stay in and be married,” she explained.
This was the Bramhams’ second Veterans Day at Southport Flying Club. Glenda had taken a flight the previous year but chose to watch from the ground this time.
Reflecting on the event, she said warmly, “I think it’s wonderful.”
Both David and Glenda remain actively involved with their local RSL in Runaway Bay, where the focus is on the things that sustain veterans long after service: friendship and practical support.
“Mainly the camaraderie and the raising funds,” Glenda shared. She also recently participated in conducting welfare checks for older veterans.
“They’re all very grateful to get a call,” she said, describing how even a short conversation or offer of contact details brings real comfort to those who may feel isolated.
If you or a veteran you know needs confidential support, help is available 24/7. Contact Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046. For general veterans’ enquiries, call the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
