MEMBER NEWS
Highlights from around the AFA community
November-December 2023
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. We will also be communicating with you via our national Facebook page and website. 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.
Carl Schiller
National President
Brigadier Jim Campbell AM (Retd) Appointed to the National Board of the Air Force Association
The Air Force Association (AFA) is delighted to announce the recent appointment of Brigadier James “Jim” Campbell, AM (Retd) to its National Board.
Vietnam50 Commemorative Dinner Honours Veterans and Bridges Generations
Canberra’s Vibe Hotel was the setting for the Vietnam50 Commemorative Dinner, a night that honoured the service and sacrifices the RAAF Vietnam War veterans.
Scootaville 2023 – Adventure & Philanthropy
This year’s Scootaville charity ride has proved to be a masterful blend of adventure and philanthropy, serving as a shining example of how enriching life experiences can also make a significant social impact.
Air Force Association Updates Strategic Plan
The Air Force Association (AFA) National Board recently held a Strategic Planning Session in Canberra to evaluate and update the organisation’s key elements: Vision, Mission, Values, Strategic Objectives and Key Initiatives.
Sharon Bown Honoured – Member of the Order of Australia
Sharon Bown, a Royal Australian Air Force veteran and ambassador for the Air Force Association, has been honoured with an appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia.
Honouring Vietnam Veterans – a tribute to service and sacrifice
On 18 August 2023, Australia united in solemn reflection to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
Annual Commemorative Service in Toowoomba
The Toowoomba branch of the RAAF Association is proud to announce its upcoming annual joint commemorative service, paying tribute to the Battle of Britain and the Battle for Australia.
US Rockwell OV-10A Bronco aircraft restored to glory
The Australian War Memorial has unveiled a fully restored North American Rockwell OV-10A Bronco, model 639, which played a key role in the Vietnam War.
Aviation museum a tribute to history and service
The Maryborough Military Aviation Museum Association is pursuing its mission to preserve the rich aviation heritage of the region by building a world-class museum complex at Maryborough Airport.
Korean War memorial unveiled in WA
In a significant commemoration, WA President Clive Robartson AM, represented the AFA at the unveiling of the Perth Korean War Memorial. The date marked the 70th armistice anniversary of the Korean War.
The spectacular inaugural Pacific Airshow Gold Coast
The inaugural Pacific Airshow Gold Coast took to the skies above Surfers Paradise beach, leaving more than 200,000 attendees in awe and showcasing the cutting-edge capabilities of the Australian Defence Force and US military.
Battle of Britain service at Torrens Parade Ground
The annual Battle of Britain Commemorative Service will be held at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, North Adelaide on Saturday 16 September 2023.
New Directors Join the Air Force Association Board
The Air Force Association is delighted to announce three distinguished additions to the National Board – Air Marshal (Retd) Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC, Air Commodore (Retd) Doug Chipman FAICD, JP, and Greg Hood AO.
TTD Wins Air Force Association Trophy
The Tactics and Training Directorate (TTD) Air Warfare Centre at RAAF Base Williamtown has been recognised for its outstanding contributions to the Air Force, awarded the Air Force Association Trophy at the recent Air Force Proficiency and Leadership Awards ceremony.
Dambusters: Celebrating 80 Years of Living History
The South Australia Division commemorated the 80th Anniversary of the Dambusters Raid in May 2023. Many gathered at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide, to honour the courageous aircrew involved in the historic World War II mission.
MORE MEMBERS NEWS
Brigadier Jim Campbell AM (Retd) Appointed to the National Board of the Air Force Association
The Air Force Association (AFA) is delighted to announce the recent appointment of Brigadier James “Jim” Campbell, AM (Retd) to its National Board. Jim, a life member of the AFA, has and will continue to assist in advancing the organisation's mission which is...
Vietnam50 Commemorative Dinner Honours Veterans and Bridges Generations
Canberra's Vibe Hotel was the setting for the Vietnam50 Commemorative Dinner, a night that honoured the service and sacrifices the RAAF Vietnam War veterans. Canberra's Vibe Hotel was the setting for the Vietnam50 Commemorative Dinner, a night that honoured the...
Scootaville 2023 – Adventure & Philanthropy
This year’s Scootaville charity ride has proved to be a masterful blend of adventure and philanthropy, serving as a shining example of how enriching life experiences can also make a significant social impact. Over the span of 18 days, participants rode small motor...
Air Force Association Updates Strategic Plan
The Air Force Association (AFA) National Board recently held a Strategic Planning Session in Canberra to evaluate and update the organisation’s key elements: Vision, Mission, Values, Strategic Objectives and Key Initiatives. The aim of the update is to further align...
Sharon Bown Honoured – Member of the Order of Australia
Sharon Bown, a Royal Australian Air Force veteran and ambassador for the Air Force Association, has been honoured with an appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia. The award recognises her extraordinary dedication and service to Australian veterans and their...
Honouring Vietnam Veterans – a tribute to service and sacrifice
On 18 August 2023, Australia united in solemn reflection to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Celebrated as Vietnam Veterans' Day, a date etched in history, it traces its origins to the Battle of Long Tan on...
Annual Commemorative Service in Toowoomba
The Toowoomba branch of the RAAF Association is proud to announce its upcoming annual joint commemorative service, paying tribute to the Battle of Britain and the Battle for Australia. This significant event will take place at the Mothers Memorial Gardens, situated at...
US Rockwell OV-10A Bronco aircraft restored to glory
The Australian War Memorial has unveiled a fully restored North American Rockwell OV-10A Bronco, model 639, which played a key role in the Vietnam War. The Memorial has been working on the front-line Bronco since it arrived from the Philippines on HMAS Tobruk 16 years...
Aviation museum a tribute to history and service
The Maryborough Military Aviation Museum Association is pursuing its mission to preserve the rich aviation heritage of the region by building a world-class museum complex at Maryborough Airport. As part of its fundraising efforts, a social event will be held on...
Korean War memorial unveiled in WA
In a significant commemorative event, WA President Clive Robartson AM, representing the AFA on the organising committee, celebrated the unveiling of the Perth Korean War Memorial on July 27. The date marked the 70th armistice anniversary of the Korean War. Nestled...