BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The Air Force Association (AFA) is pushing forward with fresh momentum, as National President Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi (retd) shared updates from recent engagements in Melbourne, Russell Offices (Canberra) and the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT) in June.
AFA leaders met in Melbourne in early June, focused on boosting national coordination.
“We agreed to appoint leads for events and functions across Australia,” AVM Iervasi said, ensuring clear communication and strong participation.
Key leads include Tasmania for Battle of Britain, Victoria for the Avalon Airshow, South Australia for history and commemoration publications, ACT for Australian War Memorial liaison, Western Australia for homelessness programs, NSW for Smart phone apps, Wings magazine, Ad Astra podcasts and service dogs and Queensland for the Bomber Command memorial.
Nationally, AFA will focus on advocacy with the Federal Government and Air Force.
New working groups will tackle communications, community engagement, heritage and membership growth.
On 16 June, AVM Iervasi met with Air Commodore Steve Parsons, the Air Force’s representative to AFA’s National Board, to progress a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), expected to be finalised by late July. This will strengthen state-level ties, with monthly meetings to keep Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide priorities on track.
At ESORT on 17 June, AVM Iervasi built stronger connections with peer organisations and DVA leadership, paving the way for collaboration on shared goals, such as a potential wellbeing agency and an Institute for Advocates to professionalise veteran support.
AFA is focused on modernising through digital tools, diversifying leadership and engaging serving veterans, with ideas like an alumni program for mentoring in the works.
Member feedback is vital as working groups take shape to drive these priorities.
Keep an eye out for more updates as AFA cements its role as the go-to voice for Air Force veterans.