MEMBER NEWS

Expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open for the Veterans’ Affairs Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC) to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel.

The Australian Government is committed to reform to better protect veterans from exploitation within the commercial veterans’ advocacy sector. As a first step, veterans, veteran advocates and the broader community are invited to have their say on how to best regulate the veterans’ advocacy sector

With only a little over three weeks to go, excitement is building for the Walk for Veterans on Sunday, 29 March 2026

If you are a woman who has previously served in the Australian Defence Force, or know an ex-serving woman who may be interested, we encourage you to share the following link https://lnkd.in/gmQX9cez

Air Force veterans have served their nation and earned the right to wear the RAAF uniform and awards and decorations with pride. The wearing of awards and decorations as an Air Force Association member brings obligations and responsibilities to protect the reputation and honour of the member, the Association, the Air Force, and the awards and decorations.

The RAAF Memorial in Queens Park Gardens, Brisbane, will once again come alive with pride and reflection on Sunday 29 March 2026, as the AFC and RAAF Association Queensland Division host a special Commemorative Service to celebrate the 105th birthday of the Royal Australian Air Force.

The RAAF Memorial Grove in Canberra continues to serve as a poignant place of reflection and remembrance, where the Air Force Association (ACT Division) honours the legacy of those who have served in Australia’s air power story. Recent months saw two meaningful dedications that highlight the enduring contributions of specialised trades and wartime squadrons.

AFA-SA has met with South Australian Aviation Museum (SAAM) leadership to discuss future collaboration opportunities. AFA-SA President, Lawrence Ng, and Vice-President GPCAPT Greg Weller, met with SAAM Vice President, Nigel Daw and Secretary Jean Kopp, to review recent collaboration initiatives and identify areas where we could work together in the future.

Recently, AFA-SA met up with WW2 WAAAF Veteran Centenarian Mona “Pat” Stringer to acknowledge her 100th birthday!
Joining us was GPCAPT Greg Weller, RAAF Edinburgh Reservist and AFA-SA Vice President, who organised for Pat to receive a Chief of Air Force Letter of Congratulations and a Chief of Air Force Coin for her 100th Birthday

Legacy has launched the most significant change in its history, expanding support to more families of veterans.

For over 100 years, Legacy has supported the families of veterans who could no longer provide for their loved ones due to service-related death, injury or illness, or who have later died.

From now on, the requirement for a veteran to have completed a period of operational service has been removed. This major eligibility change is in direct response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide findings on military life’s far-reaching impacts.

On 4 February 2026 the Australian Government released a public version of the Defence Estate Audit and the Government’s response to it – agreeing or agreeing-in-principle to all 20 of the Audit’s recommendations.

Walk for Veterans Approval has been obtained for us to hold the “Walk for Veterans” event on Sunday, 29th March 2026 and those walking will meet in Harris Park, which is opposite the Pit area on the Main Strait, at 6:30am for a departure at 7:30am.

A moving ceremony in Adelaide has marked the continuation of a treasured RAAF tradition, with No. 10 Squadron presenting the prestigious Dudley Marrows Trophy for the first time under its new name.

There are few positives that come from conflict, but the creation of the RAAF Veterans’ Residences Trust stands as an enduring exception. The Trust’s origins trace back to a remarkable episode during the closing months of the Second World War. On 16 November 1944, an RAAF Sunderland aircraft from No. 10 Squadron played a crucial role in the capture of the German merchant vessel MV Rostock in the Atlantic. By locating and shadowing the vessel, the crew coordinated with nearby naval forces, leading to the successful interception and seizure of the MV Rostock.

In October, AFA-SA joined with representatives of the 460SQN Friends and Family Group and a 462SQN aviator from RAAF Edinburgh at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide, to acknowledge the 80th Anniversary of the disbandment of 460SQN and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with the squadron in World War 2.