MEMBER NEWS
Highlights from around the AFA community
September-October 2025
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the members’ area of the website, which will keep you updated on the latest news and events from around the country. The articles here showcase some of the exciting activities from our State and Territory Divisions, and the new Federation Council, and will also pass on important information from a national perspective.
We are excited to be sharing this information with you every two months, and we hope that this will help you stay connected with the Air Force Association community. Whether you are a long-time member, or new to our organisation, we invite you to take part in the conversation and share your own stories with us.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Air Force Association, and we look forward to connecting with you.
Deanna Nott
National Vice President
Bond University Study Seeks Health Practitioners’ Insights on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Veterans with PTSD
Bond University is seeking input from Australian health practitioners for a national research project exploring the potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
AFA-SA Welcomes AFA National Board Director for 2025 AGM
The Air Force Association (South Australia) recently conducted its 2025 Annual General Meeting at the Torrens Parade Ground. Key guest was AFA National Board Director, Mr Greg Hood, who was in Adelaide for the Dedication of the new Air Force Memorial at the South Australian Aviation Museum and to represent AFA National at AFA-SA AGM.
Veteran’s Life Transformed by Assistance Dog
A year after receiving his assistance dog Twix, sponsored by the Air Force Association NSW (RAAFA-NSW), veteran Ian has reclaimed his life in ways he never thought possible. The Defence Community Dogs (DCD) program, supported by RAAFA-NSW’s generosity, paired Ian with Twix, sparking a journey of resilience and reconnection.
Eleanor Newton, Team Leader at Social Futures Veterans Connect, said the post-service journey varies for each individual, necessitating flexible support options.
New Air Force Memorial honours military aviators lost in peacetime in South Australia
On 17 October, more than 120 attendees attended the Dedication of, and the Inaugural Commemorative Service at, the new Air Force Memorial at the South Australian Aviation Museum in Port Adelaide.
Commemorating a Milestone in Humanitarian Efforts
The No 37 Squadron RAAF Association is proud to announce the dedication of a memorial plaque at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum on Phillip Island. This event honours the 50th anniversary of the HQRIC Detachment S deployment, a pivotal response to the humanitarian crisis in Southern Vietnam during March and April 1975.
Eleanor Newton, Team Leader at Social Futures Veterans Connect, said the post-service journey varies for each individual, necessitating flexible support options.
Support Services Available for Veterans in NSW Hunter and Central Coast regions
Veterans in Maitland, Gosford and surrounding areas can access tailored support through Social Futures Veterans Connect, designed to enhance wellbeing with experts emphasising early intervention for a smoother transition to civilian life.
Eleanor Newton, Team Leader at Social Futures Veterans Connect, said the post-service journey varies for each individual, necessitating flexible support options.
Solemn Tributes for 85th Battle of Britain Anniversary
In a moving display of national unity and remembrance, several hundred people have gathered in Hobart to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the pivotal World War II air campaign that halted Nazi Germany’s invasion plans for the United Kingdom.
Honouring the Air Force spirit
For Wing Commander Jenny Robertson (retd), the Battle of Britain is more than a pivotal moment in history. It’s a symbol of courage, sacrifice and the enduring legacy of air power.
75th Anniversary of the Malayan Emergency
To mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Malayan Emergency, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) held a National Commemorative Service at Rond Terrance (Parkes Way) in Canberra on 31 August 2025.
RAAFA WA Honours Legacy Of West Australian Aviator Robin ‘Sugarbird Lady’ Miller With Inaugural Nursing Award
RAAFA WA has announced the recipient of its inaugural Sugarbird Lady Award, dedicated to celebrating the remarkable legacy of Robin Miller, a pioneering nurse and aviator known affectionately as the ‘Sugarbird Lady’.
AFA-SA joins with 9SQN serving and ex-serving veterans on Vietnam Veterans Day
On Monday 18 August 2025, AFA-SA stood alongside WGCDR (Retd) Bob Redman, President 9 SQN Association (a sub-branch of the AFA-NSW), and other 9SQN veterans at the 2025 Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Service at the Vietnam War Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide, to honour those who served in the Vietnam War and in particular, those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation.
Tribute to WWII Flying Ace Murray Adams Honoured at London Ceremony
The Australian High Commission in London has hosted a ceremony to honour Flight Lieutenant Murray Adams, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) hero who flew with the RAF’s 80 and 250 Squadrons during World War II.
No 9 Squadron Reformation and Vietnam War Legacy Commemoration Parade in Adelaide
On a proud day at Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide on 16 August 2025, No 9 Squadron serving members joined with 9 Squadron veterans for the No 9 Squadron Reformation and Vietnam War Legacy Commemoration Parade.
Air Force Association Raises $2,500 for Veterans at VP Day Concert
The Air Force Association (AFA) ACT Division celebrated a successful fundraising effort at the Royal Australian Air Force Band’s 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day concerts held on 14 August 2025 at the Canberra Theatre Centre.
Centenary Celebration Honours WWII Veteran Graham Burgoyne
The Nambour Branch of the Royal Australian Air Force Association (RAAFA) has come together to celebrate the 100th birthday of their respected Branch Patron and Life Member, Graham Burgoyne, a World War II veteran who served with No 24 Squadron under No 82 Wing in the South West Pacific Theatre.
MORE MEMBERS NEWS
Bond University Study Seeks Health Practitioners’ Insights on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Veterans with PTSD
Bond University is seeking input from Australian health practitioners for a national research project exploring the potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study, led by PhD candidate...
AFA-SA Welcomes AFA National Board Director for 2025 AGM
The Air Force Association (South Australia) recently conducted its 2025 Annual General Meeting at the Torrens Parade Ground. Key guest was AFA National Board Director, Mr Greg Hood, who was in Adelaide for the Dedication of the new Air Force Memorial at the South...
Veteran’s Life Transformed by Assistance Dog
A year after receiving his assistance dog Twix, sponsored by the Air Force Association NSW (RAAFA-NSW), veteran Ian has reclaimed his life in ways he never thought possible. The Defence Community Dogs (DCD) program, supported by RAAFA-NSW’s generosity, paired Ian with...
New Air Force Memorial honours military aviators lost in peacetime in South Australia
On 17 October, more than 120 attendees attended the Dedication of, and the Inaugural Commemorative Service at, the new Air Force Memorial at the South Australian Aviation Museum in Port Adelaide. The new Air Force Memorial is a major collaborative initiative between...
Commemorating a Milestone in Humanitarian Efforts
The No 37 Squadron RAAF Association is proud to announce the dedication of a memorial plaque at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum on Phillip Island. The No 37 Squadron RAAF Association invites all interested parties to join them on Sunday 9 November 2025 to pay...
Support Services Available for Veterans in NSW Hunter and Central Coast regions
Veterans in Maitland, Gosford and surrounding areas can access tailored support through Social Futures Veterans Connect, designed to enhance wellbeing with experts emphasising early intervention for a smoother transition to civilian life. Eleanor Newton, Team Leader...
Solemn Tributes for 85th Battle of Britain Anniversary
In a moving display of national unity and remembrance, several hundred people have gathered in Hobart to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the pivotal World War II air campaign that halted Nazi Germany’s invasion plans for the United Kingdom....
Honouring the Air Force spirit
For Wing Commander Jenny Robertson (retd), the Battle of Britain is more than a pivotal moment in history. It’s a symbol of courage, sacrifice and the enduring legacy of air power. As President of the RAAF Association (RAAFA) Tasmania since March last year, she is...
75th Anniversary of the Malayan Emergency
To mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Malayan Emergency, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) held a National Commemorative Service at Rond Terrance (Parkes Way) in Canberra on 31 August 2025. This anniversary provided the opportunity to...
RAAFA WA Honours Legacy Of West Australian Aviator Robin ‘Sugarbird Lady’ Miller With Inaugural Nursing Award
RAAFA WA has announced the recipient of its inaugural Sugarbird Lady Award, dedicated to celebrating the remarkable legacy of Robin Miller, a pioneering nurse and aviator known affectionately as the 'Sugarbird Lady'. Broome nursing student Ellen Bermingham was...















