MEMBER NEWS
Highlights from around the AFA community
July-August 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
Passing of WW2 Bomber Command Veteran Howard Hendrick DFC
102-year-old RAAF Bomber Command veteran Howard Hendrick DFC OAM has sadly passed away.
AFA-SA Honours Bomber Command Veterans at Annual Bomber Command Commemorative service in Adelaide
On Saturday 30 May 2026, AFA-SA hosted the 2026 Bomber Command Commemorative Service in Adelaide supported by No 462 Squadron, a current Defence unit that saw distinguished service with Bomber Command in World War 2 and the Australian Air Force Cadets.
New Air Force Association Badge Approved by Chief of Air Force
The Air Force Association (AFA) is pleased to announce that the new AFA badge has received formal approval from the Chief of Air Force (CAF).
AFA National Board Re-Elected
The Air Force Association is delighted to confirm that its full National Board has been re-elected, ensuring experienced and steady leadership continues to guide the organisation’s important work supporting serving and former Air Force members, their families and our proud heritage.
In Your Eyes: Seeking Queensland Air Force and Navy Veterans
The Air Force Association is encouraging Queensland members and networks to support “In Your Eyes”, a photography and storytelling project led by Mr Colin Bushell on behalf of the Queensland Government, in partnership with Trek2Health.
Help shape the future of Defence’s service newspapers
The Defence News Bureau is seeking volunteers to take part in user research to help shape the new digital platform for the Navy, Army and Air Force newspapers.
Former AFA-SA President and Air Force veteran, Dr Robert Black AM sadly passes away
Air Force Association National President acknowledges the sad passing of AFA Life Member GPCAPT (Retd) Dr Robert Black AM RFD MD, a respected figure in the South Australian veteran community who made an impact at the local, State and National level.
Appeal for information to identify aircraft that flew freed Army nurses from Sumatra internment camp to Singapore
A researcher is appealing to the public for help locating the families of two wartime Dakota pilots who flew a special mercy mission in September 1945.
Extended eligibility criteria announced for the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal
The Australian Government has accepted an offer from the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency José Ramos-Horta, to extend the eligibility criteria of the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal.
More veterans eligible for Household Services compensation from 1 July
More veterans will be able to apply for compensation for Household Services when a simpler veterans’ entitlement system begins on 1 July this year.
ANZAC Day 2026 Photo Gallery
As we pause to remember on Anzac Day 2026, the AFA is proud to present this special gallery of photographs generously shared by our members and readers of the newsletter.
AFA-SA Honours our Women Veterans particularly our WAAAFs and WRAAFs
On Wednesday 18 March, AFA-SA conducted a simple yet poignant wreath laying at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, to mark the 85th anniversary of the formation of the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) and the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF).
Air Force Association Ltd Submission To The Foreign Affairs, Defence And Trade References Committee Management Of Defence Estate Assets
This submission is provided on behalf of members of the Air Force Association Ltd (AFA), including members of individual State Divisions.
Marking the Air Force Birthday in South Australia
On Tuesday 31 March 2026, AFA-SA joined with members of the Air Force Family and the broader community at two events to mark the 105th Air Force Birthday and the anniversary of its formation as an independent service.
George is back home
After a time away from the AWM the iconic Lancaster “G” for George is now back on as the focal point for the Display area titled Australians in Bomber Command.
MORE MEMBERS NEWS
All proceeds from new RAAF memoir to benefit the Ad Astra Foundation
A new book by one of Australia's most distinguished aviators is now available. Fighter Test Pilot: 42 Years in the RAAF is the memoir of Air Vice-Marshal R.V. (Bob) Richardson AO AFC (Retd), written in his 85th year and spanning one of the most varied careers in RAAF...
Unveiling of the new No.35SQN plaque at the RAAF Memorial Grove Canberra
The RAAF Memorial Grove is a commemorative park on the northern approach to the ACT, co-located with the Hughie Edwards VC Rest Stop at the one end of the historic Canberra-Sydney Remembrance Driveway. On 2 June, a plaque was dedicated in honour of Number 35...
RAAF Bomber Command’s Heavy Sacrifice Remembered
The service and sacrifice of approximately 10,000 Royal Australian Air Force personnel who served in RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War have been commemorated at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Marking the 85th anniversary of the first RAAF...
AFA Supports Recognising Families Sculpture at Australian War Memorial
Air Force Association Ltd has donated $5,000 to the Recognising Families Sculpture, a landmark project that will deliver the first public tribute in Australia to honour the families of Defence personnel and veterans. The bronze sculpture by artist Nina Sanadze will be...
AFA-SA Farewells Former State President the late GPCAPT (Retd) Dr Robert Black AM RFD
On 15 May, AFA-SA joined with the family, friends and colleagues of GPCAPT (Retd) Dr Robert Black AM RFD to farewell the Air Force veteran, long time AFA-SA member and former AFA-SA State President, at a moving and inspiring funeral service. The service featured a...
Passing of WW2 Bomber Command Veteran Howard Hendrick DFC
102-year-old RAAF Bomber Command veteran Howard Hendrick DFC OAM has sadly passed away. Howard Hendrick DFC OAM was born in October 1923, the son of a soldier settler. He attended primary and secondary school at Renmark. On ANZAC Day 1942, at the age of 18, he joined...
AFA-SA Honours Bomber Command Veterans at Annual Bomber Command Commemorative service in Adelaide
On Saturday 30 May 2026, AFA-SA hosted the 2026 Bomber Command Commemorative Service in Adelaide supported by No 462 Squadron, a current Defence unit that saw distinguished service with Bomber Command in World War 2 and the Australian Air Force Cadets. The service,...
New Air Force Association Badge Approved by Chief of Air Force
The Air Force Association (AFA) is pleased to announce that the new AFA badge has received formal approval from the Chief of Air Force (CAF). The updated badge represents a contemporary evolution of the Association’s branding, aligning it with current Royal Australian...
AFA National Board Re-Elected
The Air Force Association is delighted to confirm that its full National Board has been re-elected, ensuring experienced and steady leadership continues to guide the organisation’s important work supporting serving and former Air Force members, their families and our...
In Your Eyes: Seeking Queensland Air Force and Navy Veterans
The Air Force Association is encouraging Queensland members and networks to support “In Your Eyes”, a photography and storytelling project led by Mr Colin Bushell on behalf of the Queensland Government, in partnership with Trek2Health. The project will deliver...