NEWS HEADLINES
Senate Calls for Submissions on Defence Honours and Veterans’ Entitlements
The Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committees have announced two significant inquiries and are calling for submissions from interested individuals and organisations.
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.
Veterans and Families Mark ANZAC Day with Remembrance and Reunion
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
Battle of the Coral Sea Commemoration 2024
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.
South Australia introduces annual day of recognition for veterans’ families
From this month, current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) families in South Australia will be honoured with an official day of recognition.
The Service Journey of John Wilson
John Wilson, a former Warrant Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), has been featured in Bundaberg Today for his service and commitment, particularly commemorated on ANZAC Day.
ANZAC Day 2024
ANZAC Day 2024
Royal Australian Air Force 103rd Birthday Commemorative Service
Chief of Air Force Commemorative Address
Air Force Association Community Aids in Successful War Widow Claim
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.
Introduction of the Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Bill 2023
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’.
Bravery with a golden touch
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.
Missing RAAF WWII bomber and crew discovered in Papua New Guinea
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.
Ex-service people, experienced and ready
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.
MORE NEWS
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 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...
AFA Shines at Avalon Airshow with Community Spirit and Aviation Flair
The Air Force Association has made a strong impression at the recent Avalon Australian International Airshow, with its Hall 4 stand drawing hundreds of visitors to explore the combined AFA and Wings magazine display. The setup proved a magnet for aviation enthusiasts,...
RAAF’s Role in Operation Babylift – 50th Anniversary Spotlight
As the 50th anniversary of Operation Babylift nears on 30 April 2025, the Air Force Association (AFA) remembers the Royal Australian Air Force’s vital contribution to this historic humanitarian effort. In April 1975, as Saigon faced imminent collapse under Viet Cong...
Historical RAAF Baltimore Bomber Discovered Underwater In Greece
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Baltimore bomber aircraft, which was lost while on an operational mission during the Second World War, has been discovered off the island of Antikythera in Greece. The discovery of the wreck of Baltimore FW282 brings to an end 82...
Have Your Say: Shape DVA’s Communication with Veterans
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is seeking input from veterans to improve how it communicates with you and the broader veteran community. A short survey, conducted by independent consultancy 89 Degrees East, invites you to share your preferences on receiving...














