MEMBER NEWS

On a surprisingly mild morning, Vietnam Veterans and members of the Air Force Association (AFA) Victorian Vietnam Veterans (V V) Branch, alongside two ex-WRAAFs, assembled on Flinders Street, before the St Paul’s Cathedral

RAAF Association members from Townsville and Cairns converged on Cardwell for the 2024 Battle of the Coral Sea Commemoration Service to pay tribute to the eight ships and more than 600 lives lost.

From this month, current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) families in South Australia will be honoured with an official day of recognition.

ANZAC Day 2024

Chief of Air Force Commemorative Address

In a notable achievement for the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch, a complex War Widow Claim has been successfully resolved with assistance from the Air Force Association community.

The Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets (SAMS) Bill 2023 (the SAMS Bill) was introduced into Parliament in September 2023 to amend the Defence Act 1903. Submissions were invited, and closed on 16 November 2023. The Bill passed through the Senate on 27 March, and will take effect 28 days after the Royal Assent process and it being signed into law by the Governor General. The purpose of the new legislation is to establish a framework to regulate the work that certain former Defence staff members can perform without a ‘foreign work authorisation’; and the training that Australians, may provide without a ‘foreign work authorisation’.

When ‘Albatross 04’, a RAAF 9 Squadron Iroquois helicopter, flew out of Vung Tau, Vietnam, on September 8, 1967, Corporal (retd) Anton Kretschmann couldn’t have known that his actions on that day would earn him a Chief of Air Force Gold Commendation 57 years later.

Air Force has positively identified a Number 100 Squadron (100SQN) World War II Beaufort aircraft (A9-186) first reported missing in 1943, along with its four crew members. The aircraft was discovered recently after a challenging mission in the waters south of Gasmata, Papua New Guinea.

The Australian Government today launched the Ex-Service Veteran Employment national advertising campaign that will promote the many skills and attributes ADF personnel gain through their ADF experience.

The Australian Government is pleased to recommend to His Excellency, the Governor-General, a number of senior command changes within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Subject to the Governor-General’s consideration and approval, the changes will take effect in July 2024.

Eligible veterans and families are set to receive an increase in financial support when pension payments rise.

If you’re feeling like some adventure this year, consider switching gears and nominating to ride in this year’s Scootaville – either in Queensland or New South Wales or both!