MEMBER NEWS
Highlights from around the AFA community
May-June 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
AFA Strengthens Plans and Partnerships
The Air Force Association (AFA) is pushing forward with fresh momentum, as National President Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi (retd) shared updates from recent engagements in Melbourne, Russell and the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT) in June.
National Service Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Australian Korean War Service
A National Commemorative Service was held at the Australian National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on 25 June 2025 to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian involvement in the Korean War.
Victory In The Pacific 80th Anniversary Concert Performed By Air Force Band
To recognise the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, the Air Force Band will conduct two commemorative concerts at the Canberra Theatre Centre on 14 August 2025 to honour the service and sacrifice of those who contributed to the victory during the Second World War.
Minister for Veterans Affairs (SA) presents 60-year Certificates to two South Australian WW2 WAAAF Veterans
The Air Force Association (South Australia) recently hosted the Hon Joe Szakacs, Minister for Veterans Affairs in South Australia, in Adelaide for the monthly Combined Ex-Services Mess in Veterans Lunch and to present two 60-year AFA Membership Certificates to 100-year-old South Australian World War 2 Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force Veterans.
Two Bomber Command Veterans joint RAAF Edinburgh and Air Force Association 2025 Bomber Command Commemorative Service in Adelaide
On Saturday 31 May, AFA-SA joined with RAAF Edinburgh in co-hosting the 2025 Bomber Command Commemorative Service at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide.
AFA-SA Joins with RAAF Edinburgh in Celebrating Centenarians
The Air Force Association (South Australia) recently joined with RAAF Edinburgh in celebrating the centenaries of three World War 2 Air Force veterans as part of an ongoing local program to recognise the service of our World War 2 veterans who turn 100.
Transforming Lives One Paw at a Time
Defence Community Dogs (DCD), established in 2014 by the Defence Bank Foundation, trains and provides assistance dogs at no cost to serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.
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.
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.
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.
Australia Marks 75th Anniversary of Korean War Service with National Commemorative Service
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) will honour the occasion with a National Commemorative Service on 25 June 2025 at the Australian National Korean War Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra.
The event honoured Anzac and commemorated the 80th Anniversary of VE Day in early May.
AFA-SA marks 104th anniversary of Formation of Air Force in Adelaide with Sunset Wreath Laying
On 31 March, Air Force Association (South Australia) joined with the Adelaide community in marking the 104th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Australian Air Force and the Air Force Birthday.
The event honoured Anzac and commemorated the 80th Anniversary of VE Day in early May.
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.
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.
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.
MORE MEMBERS NEWS
AFA Strengthens Plans and Partnerships
The Air Force Association (AFA) is pushing forward with fresh momentum, as National President Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi (retd) shared updates from recent engagements in Melbourne, Russell Offices (Canberra) and the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT) in...
National Service Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Australian Korean War Service
A National Commemorative Service was held at the Australian National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on 25 June 2025 to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian involvement in the Korean War. Air Vice-Marshal Alan Clements CSC (Ret’d), representing the National...
Victory In The Pacific 80th Anniversary Concert Performed By Air Force Band
To recognise the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, the Air Force Band will conduct two commemorative concerts at the Canberra Theatre Centre on 14 August 2025 to honour the service and sacrifice of those who contributed to the victory during the Second World...
Minister for Veterans Affairs (SA) presents 60-year Certificates to two South Australian WW2 WAAAF Veterans
The Air Force Association (South Australia) recently hosted the Hon Joe Szakacs, Minister for Veterans Affairs in South Australia, in Adelaide for the monthly Combined Ex-Services Mess in Veterans Lunch and to present two 60-year AFA Membership Certificates to...
Two Bomber Command Veterans joint RAAF Edinburgh and Air Force Association 2025 Bomber Command Commemorative Service in Adelaide
On Saturday 31 May, AFA-SA joined with RAAF Edinburgh in co-hosting the 2025 Bomber Command Commemorative Service at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide. In a very poignant service, the Adelaide community came together in acknowledging those brave...
AFA-SA Joins with RAAF Edinburgh in Celebrating Centenarians
The Air Force Association (South Australia) recently joined with RAAF Edinburgh in celebrating the centenaries of three World War 2 Air Force veterans as part of an ongoing local program to recognise the service of our World War 2 veterans who turn 100. On 17 May, we...
Transforming Lives One Paw at a Time
Defence Community Dogs (DCD), established in 2014 by the Defence Bank Foundation, trains and provides assistance dogs at no cost to serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members. Air Force Association NSW together with Defence Force Welfare Association has...
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...