MEMBER NEWS
Highlights from around the AFA community
November-December 2024
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
Air Force Association Expands Digital Presence to Unite Generations of Veterans and Support Those in Need
As the Air Force Association (AFA) continues its mission to support and advocate for Australia’s veterans, it is embracing new digital platforms and a refreshed image to connect with veterans from all branches of service.
Air Force Association Honours Veterans and Heritage at AGM and Moonta Visit
The Air Force Association – South Australia (AFA-SA) has hosted a significant weekend of remembrance and engagement, marked by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, and a special visit to the Sir Richard Williams statue in Moonta.
Chief’s Intent – Chief of Air Force – Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM
Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM was appointed Chief of Air Force in July 2024. He has outlined his intentions for the Air Force during his tenure.
Australian Defence Force Honorary Ranks for His Majesty The King
His Majesty King Charles III has been appointed the Honorary Ranks of Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal Australian Navy, Field Marshal of the Australian Army, and Marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force, by the Governor-General of Australia.
Commemorating our Fallen Comrades
Each afternoon at 16:30hrs, the Australian War Memorial conducts a short, solemn ceremony to remember an individual whose name appears on the Roll of Honour, which names almost 103,000 Australians who lost their lives as a result of service.Veterans’ Health Week from 13–20 October – you can join in on some fantastic events happening near you.
Henry Hering Medal Presentation
AFA-SA joins with RAAF Edinburgh in acknowledging Bomber Command veteran contribution to the Bomber Command Memorial in London.
Engagement with Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs
The AFA Mitcham Branch in South Australia was recently visited by the Hon Barnaby Joyce, Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs (National), Hon Nicola Centofanti MLC, Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs (SA), and Ms Nicole Flint (Liberal Candidate for Boothby).
RAAF Pilot Achieves Rare Milestone – 4000 Hours on Hornet
A Gold Coast / Amberley pilot has racked up 4000 hours on the Hornet – the second person in Australia to achieve the milestone.
Air Force Senior Fighter Combat Instructor Squadron Leader Jason Gamlin instructs at 1 Squadron Training Flight at RAAF Base Amberley, flying both Hornet aircraft types: the F/A-18 A/B Classic Hornet and the F/A-18F Super Hornet, alongside the man who first made the milestone – Squadron Leader Daniel Grealy
RAAFA WA Opens Sir Valston Hancock House to Support Veterans
Western Australia’s first targeted accommodation program for local veterans, Sir Valston Hancock House, was officially opened on 25 September 2024. Air Force Association National Vice President, Deanna Nott, was in attendance to mark the occasion alongside other dignitaries.
Unveiling of new Sir Richard Williams Display at RAAF Base Edinburgh
On 12 August, AFA-SA participated in the unveiling of a new Sir Richard Williams Display honouring the Father of the Air Force by the new Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Steven Chappell at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
AFA-SA Releases First Ever Wholistic Annual Report
The Air Force Association – South Australia (AFA-SA) recently released its 2023-24 Annual Report.
AFA-SA joins with RAAF Edinburgh in Remembering the Few Enabled by the Many
On 15 September 2024, the AFA-SA co-hosted with RAAF Edinburgh the 2024 Battle of Britain Commemorative Service at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground
Scootaville 2024: Support our Veterans!
A group of 40 individuals have set off from Chermside in Brisbane on a 2,500-kilometre journey to Army Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
AFA-SA Meet with new Director Veterans SA
In late August, AFA-SA President, Mr Lawrence Ng, and two Vice-Presidents, Dr Robert Black and GPCAPT Greg Weller, met with the new Director Veterans SA, Ms Bianca Wheeler, to talk about how the two organisations could better work together to support Air Force veterans.
AFA-SA acknowledge Australian Aviation Pioneer of 100th Anniversary of his Passing
FA-SA recently joined with the Adelaide Community in acknowledging 100th Anniversary of passing of pioneer aviator CAPT Harry Butler AFC, a South Australia’s pioneer aviator.
MORE MEMBERS NEWS
Air Force Association Expands Digital Presence to Unite Generations of Veterans and Support Those in Need
As the Air Force Association (AFA) continues its mission to support and advocate for Australia’s veterans, it is embracing new digital platforms and a refreshed image to connect with veterans from all branches of service. Recent enhancements include redesigned...
Air Force Association Honours Veterans and Heritage at AGM and Moonta Visit
The Air Force Association – South Australia (AFA-SA) has hosted a significant weekend of remembrance and engagement, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony at the Air Force Memorial on Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide. The weekend also included special visits with...
Chief’s Intent – Chief of Air Force – Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM
In July 2024, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM, was appointed Chief of Air Force. On 15 October 2024 he outlined a clear vision for the future, emphasising the importance of people, purpose and preparedness as the Air Force faces one of the most complex...
Australian Defence Force Honorary Ranks for His Majesty The King
His Majesty King Charles III has been appointed the Honorary Ranks of Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal Australian Navy, Field Marshal of the Australian Army, and Marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force, by the Governor-General of Australia. The Governor-General and...
Commemorating our Fallen Comrades
Each afternoon at 16:30hrs, the Australian War Memorial conducts a short, solemn ceremony to remember an individual whose name appears on the Roll of Honour, which names almost 103,000 Australians who lost their lives as a result of service. Led by a Master of...
Henry Hering Medal Presentation
Air Force Association - South Australia has joined with RAAF Edinburgh in acknowledging Bomber Command veteran contribution to the Bomber Command Memorial in London. It was an honour for our Vice President, Dr Robert Black (GPCAPT Retd) to recently attend a special...
Engagement with Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs
The AFA Mitcham Branch in South Australia was recently visited by the Hon Barnaby Joyce, Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs (National), Hon Nicola Centofanti MLC, Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs (SA), and Ms Nicole Flint (Liberal Candidate for Boothby). They...
RAAF Pilot Achieves Rare Milestone – 4000 Hours on Hornet
A Gold Coast / Amberley pilot has racked up 4000 hours on the Hornet – the second person in Australia to achieve the milestone. Air Force Senior Fighter Combat Instructor Squadron Leader Jason Gamlin instructs at 1 Squadron Training Flight at RAAF Base Amberley,...
RAAFA WA Opens Sir Valston Hancock House to Support Veterans
Western Australia’s first targeted accommodation program for local veterans, Sir Valston Hancock House, was officially opened on 25 September 2024. Air Force Association National Vice President, Deanna Nott, and RAAF WA President, Clive Robartson were in attendance to...
Unveiling of new Sir Richard Williams Display at RAAF Base Edinburgh
On 12 August, AFA-SA participated in the unveiling of a new Sir Richard Williams Display honouring the Father of the Air Force by the new Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Steven Chappell at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Sir Richard Williams, a local Moonta Boy from South...