MEMBER NEWS
Highlights from around the AFA community
May-June 2026
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
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.
New Life Members Honoured
A new Federation and Constitution are now in place to secure the future of the Air Force Association (AFA) for generations to come. Under the new structure, our State and Territory Divisions are now part of a federation formally linked to the national peak body.
Bomber Command Aviators Honoured
South Australia Division was honoured to have three veterans attend the 2023 Bomber Command Commemorative Service, at Adelaide’s Torrens Parade Ground, on 3 June 2023.
Historic Vimy Flag On Show at RAAF Edinburgh
A100-year-old Vimy Flag, produced in 1919 to mark the record-breaking England to Australia flight by the Vickers Vimy G-EAOU, is now on display at RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia.
New AFA Constitution a milestone for the future
A new Federation and Constitution are now in place to secure the future of the Air Force Association (AFA) for generations to come. Under the new structure, our State and Territory Divisions are now part of a federation formally linked to the national peak body.
Groundbreaking work earns prestigious Conspicuous Service Cross
Squadron Leader Del Gaudry has been awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross for her outstanding contribution to women, peace and mental health.
War Horse Tornado gifted to Australians
Australians have been gifted a priceless piece of history, with the Royal Air Force donating a Tornado GR4 to the Air Force Association Aviation Heritage Museum, in Western Australia.
Commemorative medallion and certificate of recognition
The Australian Government has produced a 50th anniversary commemorative medallion and certificate of recognition, honouring the service of Australians who served in the Vietnam War.
Hornet has new home in WA
F/A-18 Hornet A21-101 has now found a new home. Once a proud member of the Royal Australian Air Force’s fleet, F/A-18 Hornet A21-101 has now found a new home at the Air Force Association’s Aviation Heritage Museum of Western Australia.
War Horse Tornado Gifted to Australians
Australians have been gifted a priceless piece of history, with the Royal Air Force (RAF) donating a Tornado GR4 to the Air Force Association (WA Division) Aviation Heritage Museum.
Govt Response to Royal Commission
Government response to the Royal Commission Interim Report tabled.
Deanna Nott appointed to AFA Board
AFA appoints Defence communications specialist to National Board.
MORE MEMBERS NEWS
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. In a small wreath-laying service, approximately 60 people from the local Adelaide heritage...
AFA-SA leads South Australia’s D-Day Commemorations with the states last D-Day veteran
On 6 June, Air Force Association (SA) hosted a special wreath laying ceremony at Adelaide’s Air Force Memorial attended by Hon Joe Szakacs, Minister for Veterans Affairs, and the Lord Mayor, Right Honourable Dr Jane Lomax-Smith, to mark the 80th anniversary of, and...
SA Welcomes All to Annual Battle of Britain Commemorative Service
The Battle of Britain, fought from July to October 1940, was an epic air campaign that led to the first military defeat of Germany in World War 2 and has become synonymous with defiantly defending one’s nation in the air. The battle and gallant actions of the allied...
More ways to securely store your Veteran Card
DVA Veteran Card holders with a smart phone or other smart device now have the option to securely store and access their Veteran Gold and White Cards in the myGov app. For some, digital cards provide greater convenience and flexibility. So for veterans and families...
National commemorative service to mark 25 years since Timor-Leste
On Friday 20 September 2024, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste. Australian service in Timor-Leste spanned between 1999 and 2013 and included personnel from the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Federal Police, as well...
Advocacy funding provides practical support
The Australian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing practical support to veterans with today’s announcement of $4.731 million in grants for local advocacy services. The funding has been awarded through the Building Excellence in Support and Training...
New grants available to help tackle veteran homelessness
Applications are now open for eligible organisations to apply for a share in $30 million in grant funding to build more crisis and transitional housing and provide specialist services for veterans and families who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. ...
Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs expand across north west Tasmania
Veterans and families in north west Tasmania will now have improved access to tailored services and support following the opening of the new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Burnie on 13 June 2024. Established by the North West Tasmanian Veteran Welfare Board, the hub...
New leadership for Air Force Association following AGM
The Air Force Association is pleased to announce the election of new leadership following its Annual General Meeting held in Melbourne today. Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi (Retd) has been elected as President, while current board member and Director of Communications...
Veterans and Families Mark ANZAC Day with Remembrance and Reunion
On a surprisingly mild morning, Vietnam Veterans and members of the Air Force Association (AFA) Victorian Vietnam Veterans (V V) Branch, alongside two ex-WRAAFs, assembled on Flinders Street, Melbourne before the St Paul's Cathedral. With no rain or harsh winds to...