BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The Air Force Association is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Directors to its National Board, Professor Caitlin Byrne AM and Air Commodore Dave Paddison AM, CSC, bringing fresh expertise in international relations, education and Defence transition to the Board’s ongoing work supporting serving and former Air Force members, their families and our proud heritage.
The appointments follow the recent re-election of AFA’s National Board, announced in June, and add further depth and diversity of experience to the leadership team guiding the Association into its next chapter.
Professor Byrne is Pro Vice Chancellor (Business) at Griffith University and a member of the University’s executive leadership team, with responsibility for the strategic leadership of Griffith Business School. She began her career with the Australian Government and has since held senior leadership roles across the public, private and university sectors, including as Director of the Griffith Asia Institute, where she led the University’s engagement with governments, industry and partners across Asia and the Pacific.
A recognised authority in international relations and diplomacy, Caitlin holds a PhD and Bachelor of Laws from Bond University. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of International Affairs (FAIIA). She also serves as an Independent Member of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Development Program Committee and as an Advisory Board Member of Women in International Security Australia (WIISA). Caitlin was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to international relations and business education, and has been recognised for her contribution to Australia-Japan relations.
Air Commodore Dave Paddison AM, CSC is Director of the Griffith Veterans College, joining Griffith University in late 2023 as Veterans Program Lead following 37 years of service in the Air Force. He was appointed Director of the Griffith Defence Network in 2025, ahead of the launch of the Griffith Veterans College in May 2026. His Air Force career spanned a wide range of roles, from teaching survival to interdepartmental responsibilities within the COVID Task Force, and included three operational deployments: as a military observer in East Timor and to the Middle East region.
Prior to joining Griffith, Dave was Commander of Combat Support Group, responsible for operating Air Force’s 16 air bases across Australia, while supporting aviation operations globally from Antarctica to the tropical islands of the Pacific. He has also commanded Number 2 Airfield Defence Squadron, 4 Squadron, 95 Wing and Joint Task Force 633.
He was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2021 for leading the modernisation of Special Operations Command as Director of Special Operations Development, while also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his leadership of Australian Forces in the Middle East. This included command of the Afghanistan Evacuation in August 2021, where more than 4,000 people were evacuated without loss of life or injury following the fall of the Afghan Government.
Dave is passionate about harnessing the potential of the Defence and veteran community through education, which drew him to Griffith University.
AFA President Joe Iervasi AM, CSC welcomed the new appointments, saying the pair’s experience would strengthen the Board’s capacity to support the Air Force family.
“Caitlin and Dave each bring outstanding records of leadership and service, and a genuine passion for supporting our veteran community,” said Mr Iervasi.
“Caitlin’s deep expertise in international relations and education, and Dave’s extensive Air Force career and his work connecting veterans with education and employment through Griffith, will be enormous assets to the Board as we continue our advocacy, commemoration and support work.”