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
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
Transforming Lives One Paw at a Time
Defence Community Dogs (DCD), established in 2014 by the Defence Bank Foundation, trains and provides assistance dogs at no cost to serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members. Air Force Association NSW together with Defence Force Welfare Association has...
Bomber Command Commemorative Service Honours RAAF Legacy
The Air Force Association Queensland Division has held its annual Bomber Command Commemorative Service, a solemn tribute to the Royal Australian Air Force’s enduring traditions. “I very much appreciate the participation of all who attended the Bomber Command...
AFA Honours Battle of the Coral Sea at National Ceremony
The annual National Ceremony commemorating the Battle of the Coral Sea, a defining World War II victory, has been held at the forecourt of the Australian-American Memorial in Canberra. Immediate Past Vice President of the Air Force Association (AFA), AIRCDRE Peter...
AVCAT Scholarships Open for 2026
The Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT) is offering tertiary scholarships for 2026, providing $4,000–$6,000 annually for up to three years to children and grandchildren of Australian ex-serving veterans. The scholarships, including the Long Tan...
Australia Marks 75th Anniversary of Korean War Service with National Commemorative Service
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) will honour the occasion with a National Commemorative Service on 25 June 2025 at the Australian National Korean War Memorial on Anzac Parade,...
AFA-SA marks 104th anniversary of Formation of Air Force in Adelaide with Sunset Wreath Laying
On 31 March, Air Force Association (South Australia) joined with the Adelaide community in marking the 104th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Australian Air Force and the Air Force Birthday. Embracing the theme of Then – Now – Always, AFA-SA reflected on the...
AFA-SA hosts story telling activity with 102-year-old RAAF Veteran
AFA-SA recently proudly presented a unique storytelling event at the April Combined Ex-Services Mess in Adelaide, where Group Captain Greg Weller engaged with 102-year-old Ray Merrill DFC, one of South Australia’s few remaining RAAF WW2 Bomber Command veterans. The...
AFA Geelong Branch President Recognised
Group Captain John Price has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Military Division (OAM) for his exceptional service as an Inquiry Officer and facilitator of administrative inquiries in the Royal Australian Air Force. The award, announced in the...
Scootaville 2025 to Support Air Force Association and Legacy
The popular charity ride Scootaville is hitting the road again in 2025 — and this year, it’s set to support both Legacy and the Air Force Association, raising funds and awareness for veterans and their families. Organised by the Radschool Association Inc, a registered...
Seeking Relatives of WWII Flying Ace FLTLT Murray Adams
The Air Force section at the Australian High Commission in London has been approached by historian and craftsman David Wilson, who has self-funded a project to honour 13 WWII flying aces. One of these heroes is ex-RAAF Flight Lieutenant Murray Adams, who served with...