MEMBER NEWS
Highlights from around the AFA community
January-February 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
Veterans Encouraged to Get Involved in Korean War and Malayan Emergency Commemorations
Planning is well underway for two significant commemorations honouring veterans of the Korean War and the Malayan Emergency, with events set to take place in Canberra. These commemorations provide an important opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifices of those who served.
AFA-SA Celebrates WW2 Veterans 100th Birthday at RAAF Edinburgh
Mr Bruce Townsend, one of South Australia’s few remaining World War 2 veterans, celebrated his 100th birthday with a special event at the RAAF Base Edinburgh Officers Mess. AFA-SA State Executives Robert Black, President of the Mitcham Branch and AFA-SA State Councillor, along with Steve Fielder, Vice President of AFA-SA, were honoured to attend the celebration.
AFA-SA Bids Farewell to AIRCDRE Maso and Welcomes AIRCDRE Fifield
The Air Force Association (South Australia) recently gathered at the historic Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide for a special evening of tribute and transition. The event honoured the outstanding service of Air Commodore Adrian Maso as he departs his role as Senior Air Force Representative in South Australia and Commander of the Air Warfare Centre, while warmly welcoming his successor, AIRCDRE Grant Fifield.
Pathway to Peace: 25 Years of Australian Service in Timor-Leste
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has released the recording of the Pathway to Peace and Solidarity seminar, marking 25 years since Australia’s pivotal role in Timor-Leste’s journey to independence.
AFA-SA Welcomes newly posted Air Force personnel and Families at DMFS Welcome to Adelaide Event
Western Australia’s veteran community is set to benefit from a significant funding boost, with the Air Force Association WA (RAAFA WA) successfully securing more than $4.9 million through the Federal Government’s Veterans’ Acute Housing Program.
Air Force Association WA Secures Major Funding to Combat Veteran Homelessness
Western Australia’s veteran community is set to benefit from a significant funding boost, with the Air Force Association WA (RAAFA WA) successfully securing more than $4.9 million through the Federal Government’s Veterans’ Acute Housing Program.
Townsville’s Ted Mildren Honoured as 2025 Citizen of the Year
Townsville has proudly recognised the tireless dedication and leadership of Edmund “Ted” Mildren during the 2025 Australia Day Awards, where he was named Citizen of the Year.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney, in the presence of Queensland Governor Janette Young and Premier David Crisafulli, presented the award, highlighting Ted’s outstanding contributions to the Air Force Association and its members, saying, “As a proud garrison city, it was a real honour to present this award to Ted, who has made an incredible difference to the lives of Air Force personnel and their families.”
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
MORE MEMBERS NEWS
Veterans Encouraged to Get Involved in Korean War and Malayan Emergency Commemorations
Planning is well underway for two significant commemorations honouring veterans of the Korean War and the Malayan Emergency, with events set to take place in Canberra. These commemorations provide an important opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifices of...
AFA-SA Celebrates WW2 Veterans 100th Birthday at RAAF Edinburgh
Mr Bruce Townsend, one of South Australia’s few remaining World War 2 veterans, has celebrated his 100th birthday with a special event at the RAAF Base Edinburgh Officers Mess in Adelaide. Born on 1 February 1925 in Peterborough, South Australia, Bruce was just 14...
AFA-SA Bids Farewell to AIRCDRE Maso and Welcomes AIRCDRE Fifield
The Air Force Association (South Australia) recently gathered at the historic Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide for a special evening of tribute and transition. The event honoured the outstanding service of Air Commodore Adrian Maso as he departs his role as Senior...
Pathway to Peace: 25 Years of Australian Service in Timor-Leste
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has released the recording of the Pathway to Peace and Solidarity seminar, marking 25 years since Australia’s pivotal role in Timor-Leste’s journey to independence. The event featured distinguished speakers, including former Prime...
AFA-SA Welcomes newly posted Air Force personnel and Families at DMFS Welcome to Adelaide Event
Air Force Association - South Australia (AFA-SA) recently attended the Defence Member Family Support Welcome to Adelaide event. The event, welcoming more than 1500 new ADF personnel and their families to the Adelaide area, was held at the Adelaide Zoo. AFA-SA met so...
Air Force Association WA Secures Major Funding to Combat Veteran Homelessness
Western Australia’s veteran community is set to benefit from a significant funding boost, with the Air Force Association WA (RAAFA WA) successfully securing more than $4.9 million through the Federal Government’s Veterans’ Acute Housing Program. This vital funding...
Townsville’s Ted Mildren Honoured as 2025 Citizen of the Year
Townsville has proudly recognised the tireless dedication and leadership of Edmund ‘Ted’ Mildren during the 2025 Australia Day Awards, where he was named Citizen of the Year. Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney, in the presence of Queensland Governor Janette Young and...
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...