NEWS HEADLINES

AFA Honours Battle of the Coral Sea at National Ceremony

AFA Honours Battle of the Coral Sea at National Ceremony

The annual National Ceremony commemorating the Battle of the Coral Sea, a defining World War II victory, has been held at the forecourt of the Australian-American Memorial in Canberra. Immediate Past Vice President of the Air Force Association (AFA), AIRCDRE Peter McDermott AM CSC (Ret’d), attended the ceremony, representing the AFA and laying a wreath to pay tribute to the Allied forces’ heroism.

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AVCAT Scholarships Open for 2026

AVCAT Scholarships Open for 2026

The Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT) is offering tertiary scholarships for 2026, providing $4,000 to $6,000 annually for up to three years to children and grandchildren of Australian ex-serving veterans.

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AFA-SA hosts story telling activity with 102-year-old RAAF Veteran

AFA-SA hosts story telling activity with 102-year-old RAAF Veteran

AFA-SA recently proudly presented a unique storytelling event at the April Combined Ex-Services Mess in Adelaide, where Group Captain Greg Weller engaged with 102-year-old Ray Merrill DFC, one of South Australia’s few remaining RAAF WW2 Bomber Command veterans.

The event honoured Anzac and commemorated the 80th Anniversary of VE Day in early May.

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AFA Geelong Branch President Recognised

AFA Geelong Branch President Recognised

Group Captain John Price has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Military Division (OAM) for his exceptional service as an Inquiry Officer and facilitator of administrative inquiries in the Royal Australian Air Force.

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Seeking Relatives of WWII Flying Ace FLTLT Murray Adams

Seeking Relatives of WWII Flying Ace FLTLT Murray Adams

The Air Force section at the Australian High Commission in London has been approached by historian and craftsman David Wilson, who has self-funded a project to honour 13 WWII flying aces. One of these heroes is ex-RAAF Flight Lieutenant Murray Adams, who served with the RAF’s 80 and 250 Squadrons.

The Australian High Commission team is seeking assistance to help locate any relatives of FLTLT Adams. If you have any information or know someone who might, they would love to hear from you.

David plans to present these handcrafted memorabilia pieces in the coming weeks – most likely between Anzac Day and VE Day in early May. If any family members are found, they would be warmly welcomed to attend a small ceremony at the Australian High Commission in London, where FLTLT Adams’ accolades will be read out and the items handed over.

Please share this post or get in touch if you can help. Let’s ensure FLTLT Adams’ legacy is honoured and shared with those who knew him best.

#RAAF #WWIIHistory #LestWeForget #AirForceAssociation

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RAAF’s Role in Operation Babylift – 50th Anniversary Spotlight

RAAF’s Role in Operation Babylift – 50th Anniversary Spotlight

As the 50th anniversary of Operation Babylift nears on 30 April 2025, the Air Force Association (AFA) remembers the Royal Australian Air Force’s vital contribution to this historic humanitarian effort. Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia A war orphan starts school in Australia. NAA: A1501, A11167. https://www.naa.gov.au/explore-collection/immigration-and-citizenship/migrant-stories/vietnam/operation-babylift

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Have Your Say: Shape DVA’s Communication with Veterans

Have Your Say: Shape DVA’s Communication with Veterans

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is seeking input from veterans to improve how it communicates with you and the broader veteran community. A short survey, conducted by independent consultancy 89 Degrees East, invites you to share your preferences on receiving updates and engaging with DVA.

To date, some 268 of DVA’s clients have an accepted eligibility under the scheme, an initiative launched by the Australian Government in 2021.

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Access to Veterans’ Review Board extended

Access to Veterans’ Review Board extended

Following passage of the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025, the first level of external merits review for all claim decisions made after 21 April will be to the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB), regardless of which Act a veteran has coverage under. The VRB is a non-adversarial, low-cost jurisdiction.

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MORE NEWS 

Bomber Command Commemorative Service Honours RAAF Legacy

The Air Force Association Queensland Division has held its annual Bomber Command Commemorative Service, a solemn tribute to the Royal Australian Air Force’s enduring traditions.  “I very much appreciate the participation of all who attended the Bomber Command...

AFA Honours Battle of the Coral Sea at National Ceremony

The annual National Ceremony commemorating the Battle of the Coral Sea, a defining World War II victory, has been held at the forecourt of the Australian-American Memorial in Canberra. Immediate Past Vice President of the Air Force Association (AFA), AIRCDRE Peter...

AVCAT Scholarships Open for 2026

The Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT) is offering tertiary scholarships for 2026, providing $4,000–$6,000 annually for up to three years to children and grandchildren of Australian ex-serving veterans. The scholarships, including the Long Tan...

AFA-SA hosts story telling activity with 102-year-old RAAF Veteran

AFA-SA recently proudly presented a unique storytelling event at the April Combined Ex-Services Mess in Adelaide, where Group Captain Greg Weller engaged with 102-year-old Ray Merrill DFC, one of South Australia’s few remaining RAAF WW2 Bomber Command veterans. The...

AFA Geelong Branch President Recognised

Group Captain John Price has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Military Division (OAM) for his exceptional service as an Inquiry Officer and facilitator of administrative inquiries in the Royal Australian Air Force. The award, announced in the...

Scootaville 2025 to Support Air Force Association and Legacy

The popular charity ride Scootaville is hitting the road again in 2025 — and this year, it’s set to support both Legacy and the Air Force Association, raising funds and awareness for veterans and their families. Organised by the Radschool Association Inc, a registered...

Seeking Relatives of WWII Flying Ace FLTLT Murray Adams

The Air Force section at the Australian High Commission in London has been approached by historian and craftsman David Wilson, who has self-funded a project to honour 13 WWII flying aces. One of these heroes is ex-RAAF Flight Lieutenant Murray Adams, who served with...

AFA Shines at Avalon Airshow with Community Spirit and Aviation Flair

The Air Force Association has made a strong impression at the recent Avalon Australian International Airshow, with its Hall 4 stand drawing hundreds of visitors to explore the combined AFA and Wings magazine display. The setup proved a magnet for aviation enthusiasts,...

RAAF’s Role in Operation Babylift – 50th Anniversary Spotlight

As the 50th anniversary of Operation Babylift nears on 30 April 2025, the Air Force Association (AFA) remembers the Royal Australian Air Force’s vital contribution to this historic humanitarian effort. In April 1975, as Saigon faced imminent collapse under Viet Cong...