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
RAAFA WA Opens Sir Valston Hancock House to Support Veterans
Western Australia’s first targeted accommodation program for local veterans, Sir Valston Hancock House, was officially opened on 25 September 2024. Air Force Association National Vice President, Deanna Nott, was in attendance to mark the occasion alongside other dignitaries.
Unveiling of new Sir Richard Williams Display at RAAF Base Edinburgh
On 12 August, AFA-SA participated in the unveiling of a new Sir Richard Williams Display honouring the Father of the Air Force by the new Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Steven Chappell at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
AFA-SA Releases First Ever Wholistic Annual Report
The Air Force Association – South Australia (AFA-SA) recently released its 2023-24 Annual Report.
AFA-SA joins with RAAF Edinburgh in Remembering the Few Enabled by the Many
On 15 September 2024, the AFA-SA co-hosted with RAAF Edinburgh the 2024 Battle of Britain Commemorative Service at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground
Scootaville 2024: Support our Veterans!
A group of 40 individuals have set off from Chermside in Brisbane on a 2,500-kilometre journey to Army Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
AFA-SA Meet with new Director Veterans SA
In late August, AFA-SA President, Mr Lawrence Ng, and two Vice-Presidents, Dr Robert Black and GPCAPT Greg Weller, met with the new Director Veterans SA, Ms Bianca Wheeler, to talk about how the two organisations could better work together to support Air Force veterans.
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.
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 honour the RAAF aviators who flew in, the D Day campaign.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New leadership for Air Force Association following AGM
Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi has been elected as President, while current board member and Director of Communications Wing Commander Deanna Nott has been elected as Vice President.
MORE MEMBERS NEWS
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. The Governor-General and...
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. Led by a Master of...
Henry Hering Medal Presentation
Air Force Association - South Australia has joined with RAAF Edinburgh in acknowledging Bomber Command veteran contribution to the Bomber Command Memorial in London. It was an honour for our Vice President, Dr Robert Black (GPCAPT Retd) to recently attend a special...
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). They...
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,...
RAAFA WA Opens Sir Valston Hancock House to Support Veterans
Western Australia’s first targeted accommodation program for local veterans, Sir Valston Hancock House, was officially opened on 25 September 2024. Air Force Association National Vice President, Deanna Nott, and RAAF WA President, Clive Robartson were in attendance to...
Unveiling of new Sir Richard Williams Display at RAAF Base Edinburgh
On 12 August, AFA-SA participated in the unveiling of a new Sir Richard Williams Display honouring the Father of the Air Force by the new Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Steven Chappell at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Sir Richard Williams, a local Moonta Boy from South...
AFA-SA Releases First Ever Wholistic Annual Report
The Air Force Association – South Australia (AFA-SA) has recently released its 2023-24 Annual Report. This year AFA-SA adopted a different approach to its Annual Report developing and releasing a more comprehensive Annual Report that covered the association as a...
AFA-SA joins with RAAF Edinburgh in Remembering the Few Enabled by the Many
On 15 September 2024, the AFA-SA co-hosted with RAAF Edinburgh the 2024 Battle of Britain Commemorative Service at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground. The service attracted over 100 attendees including dignitaries, Air Force serving and ex-serving veterans,...
Scootaville 2024: Support our Veterans!
A group of 40 individuals have set off from Chermside in Brisbane on a 2,500-kilometre journey to Army Lavarack Barracks in Townsville. Riding 110cc scooters, these riders will participate in the event known as ‘Scootaville.’ This 20-day adventure will include stops...