MEMBER NEWS
Highlights from around the AFA community
March-April 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
Veterans Encouraged to Get Involved in Korean War and Malayan Emergency Commemorations
Planning is well underway for two significant commemorations honouring veterans of the Korean War and the Malayan Emergency, with events set to take place in Canberra. These commemorations provide an important opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifices of those who served.
AFA-SA Celebrates WW2 Veterans 100th Birthday at RAAF Edinburgh
Mr Bruce Townsend, one of South Australia’s few remaining World War 2 veterans, celebrated his 100th birthday with a special event at the RAAF Base Edinburgh Officers Mess. AFA-SA State Executives Robert Black, President of the Mitcham Branch and AFA-SA State Councillor, along with Steve Fielder, Vice President of AFA-SA, were honoured to attend the celebration.
AFA-SA Bids Farewell to AIRCDRE Maso and Welcomes AIRCDRE Fifield
The Air Force Association (South Australia) recently gathered at the historic Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide for a special evening of tribute and transition. The event honoured the outstanding service of Air Commodore Adrian Maso as he departs his role as Senior Air Force Representative in South Australia and Commander of the Air Warfare Centre, while warmly welcoming his successor, AIRCDRE Grant Fifield.
Pathway to Peace: 25 Years of Australian Service in Timor-Leste
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has released the recording of the Pathway to Peace and Solidarity seminar, marking 25 years since Australia’s pivotal role in Timor-Leste’s journey to independence.
AFA-SA Welcomes newly posted Air Force personnel and Families at DMFS Welcome to Adelaide Event
Western Australia’s veteran community is set to benefit from a significant funding boost, with the Air Force Association WA (RAAFA WA) successfully securing more than $4.9 million through the Federal Government’s Veterans’ Acute Housing Program.
Air Force Association WA Secures Major Funding to Combat Veteran Homelessness
Western Australia’s veteran community is set to benefit from a significant funding boost, with the Air Force Association WA (RAAFA WA) successfully securing more than $4.9 million through the Federal Government’s Veterans’ Acute Housing Program.
Townsville’s Ted Mildren Honoured as 2025 Citizen of the Year
Townsville has proudly recognised the tireless dedication and leadership of Edmund “Ted” Mildren during the 2025 Australia Day Awards, where he was named Citizen of the Year.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney, in the presence of Queensland Governor Janette Young and Premier David Crisafulli, presented the award, highlighting Ted’s outstanding contributions to the Air Force Association and its members, saying, “As a proud garrison city, it was a real honour to present this award to Ted, who has made an incredible difference to the lives of Air Force personnel and their families.”
Air Force Association Expands Digital Presence to Unite Generations of Veterans and Support Those in Need
As the Air Force Association (AFA) continues its mission to support and advocate for Australia’s veterans, it is embracing new digital platforms and a refreshed image to connect with veterans from all branches of service.
Air Force Association Honours Veterans and Heritage at AGM and Moonta Visit
The Air Force Association – South Australia (AFA-SA) has hosted a significant weekend of remembrance and engagement, marked by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, and a special visit to the Sir Richard Williams statue in Moonta.
Chief’s Intent – Chief of Air Force – Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM
Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM was appointed Chief of Air Force in July 2024. He has outlined his intentions for the Air Force during his tenure.
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.
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.Veterans’ Health Week from 13–20 October – you can join in on some fantastic events happening near you.
Henry Hering Medal Presentation
AFA-SA joins with RAAF Edinburgh in acknowledging Bomber Command veteran contribution to the Bomber Command Memorial in London.
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).
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, flying both Hornet aircraft types: the F/A-18 A/B Classic Hornet and the F/A-18F Super Hornet, alongside the man who first made the milestone – Squadron Leader Daniel Grealy
MORE MEMBERS NEWS
Cardwell Honours Battle of the Coral Sea and Local Hero
The small coastal town of Cardwell, located 165 km north of Townsville, has held its annual Battle of the Coral Sea memorial, a heartfelt tradition organised in collaboration with the Cardwell and Cairns RSL branches. The event, held on the first Sunday of May,...
Australian Aviation Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Inductees and Southern Cross Award Recipient
The Australian Aviation Hall of Fame (AAHOF) has unveiled its 2025 inductees and the recipient of the esteemed Southern Cross Award, honouring extraordinary contributions to Australian aviation and aerospace. Since its establishment in 2011, AAHOF has recognised 61...
New AFA Australian Veteran Inclusion Statement
The AFA National Board has endorsed the organisation's new Australian Veteran Inclusion Statement. 1 July 2025 Australian Veteran Inclusion Statement Understanding the Definition of a Veteran In Australia, a ‘veteran means a person who has served, or is serving, as a...
Navigating life after service – Defence launches transition support app
The Department of Defence has launched a free mobile app designed to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and families as they navigate their transition to civilian life. The ADF Transition Guide app, developed by the Joint Transition Authority (JTA),...
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...