NEWS HEADLINES

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.

DVA is committed to supporting veterans to achieve improved mental health and wellbeing outcomes by providing access to a range of programs and treatment options

DVA is committed to ensuring veterans and their families have access to the support they need to lodge claims with confidence. The Claims Lodgement Assistant (CLA) program connects veterans with specially trained DVA staff who provide personalised guidance throughout the claims process, from getting started to submitting online.

A War Cemetery, located at the entrance to the Belgian Gardens cemetery in Townsville, was proudly established during World War 2 for those ADF members, in the local area, who were lost on active service. In 1946 the War Cemetery was closed to any further burials with the graves and grounds currently being maintained by the Office of Australian War Graves.

Bond University is seeking input from Australian health practitioners for a national research project exploring the potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A year after receiving his assistance dog Twix, sponsored by the Air Force Association NSW (RAAFA-NSW), veteran Ian has reclaimed his life in ways he never thought possible. The Defence Community Dogs (DCD) program, supported by RAAFA-NSW’s generosity, paired Ian with Twix, sparking a journey of resilience and reconnection.

Eleanor Newton, Team Leader at Social Futures Veterans Connect, said the post-service journey varies for each individual, necessitating flexible support options.

On 17 October, more than 120 attendees attended the Dedication of, and the Inaugural Commemorative Service at, the new Air Force Memorial at the South Australian Aviation Museum in Port Adelaide.