NEWS HEADLINES
Air Force Association Raises $2,500 for Veterans at VP Day Concert
The Air Force Association (AFA) ACT Division celebrated a successful fundraising effort at the Royal Australian Air Force Band’s 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day concerts held on 14 August 2025 at the Canberra Theatre Centre.
Centenary Celebration Honours WWII Veteran Graham Burgoyne
The Nambour Branch of the Royal Australian Air Force Association (RAAFA) has come together to celebrate the 100th birthday of their respected Branch Patron and Life Member, Graham Burgoyne, a World War II veteran who served with No 24 Squadron under No 82 Wing in the South West Pacific Theatre.
80th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day Commemorated
On Friday, 15 August 2025, Australians will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day, a historic moment that ended the Second World War in the Pacific.
Rockingham WA location announced for Veterans’ and Families’ Hub
A dedicated Veterans’ and Families Hub to service the Southwest Perth region is one step closer – with its new location confirmed at 65 Dixon Road, Rockingham, WA 6168.
DVA welcomes new Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner
Ms Annabelle Wilson has been appointed as the new Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, commencing on 18 August 2025.
Plans for new Hudson memorial in Queensland
Efforts are underway to establish a memorial cairn and plaque at RAAF Park in Brighton, Queensland, to honour the six aircrew of No. 23 (City of Brisbane) Squadron’s Lockheed Hudson Bomber A16-27, which mysteriously vanished on 12 August 1940 during a navigational exercise off Brisbane’s coast.
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.
Shaping Support Service for Women Veterans
NSW Office for Veterans Affairs, RSL NSW and Monash University have launched the “Shaping Support Services for Women Veterans” research project to enhance wellbeing services for women who have served in the Australian Defence Force and reside in New South Wales.
EM Lane Concordians’ Museum Opens, Celebrating Australia’s Military Nursing Legacy
A new chapter in preserving Australia’s military nursing history has begun with the grand opening of the EM Lane Concordians’ Museum at Concord Repatriation General Hospital.
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.
New AFA Australian Veteran Inclusion Statement
In Australia, a ‘veteran means a person who has served, or is serving, as a member of the Permanent Forces or as a member of the Reserves’. This definition is found in the Australian Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and Their Families First) Act 2019. The extent of this definition provides for any person who has served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), which includes the Navy, Army and Air Force. It ensures that every person who has served in the ADF is recognised as a veteran, whether their ‘defence service means warlike service, non warlike service or peacetime service.’
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.
2025 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards: Nominations open
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards.
The 2025 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards recognise the achievements in the civilian workforce of veteran and partner employees and entrepreneurs, and the employers supporting them.
New Autobiography Chronicles the Daring Life of Test Pilot GPCAPT Milton Cottee AFC
The Air Force Association (AFA) Far North Coast Branch is proud to announce the release of Memoirs of a Test Pilot, an autobiography by the late Group Captain Milton Cottee AFC.
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 and the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT) in June.
MORE NEWS
Veteran’s Life Transformed by Assistance Dog
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...
New Air Force Memorial honours military aviators lost in peacetime in South Australia
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. The new Air Force Memorial is a major collaborative initiative between...
Commemorating a Milestone in Humanitarian Efforts
The No 37 Squadron RAAF Association is proud to announce the dedication of a memorial plaque at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum on Phillip Island. The No 37 Squadron RAAF Association invites all interested parties to join them on Sunday 9 November 2025 to pay...
Support Services Available for Veterans in NSW Hunter and Central Coast regions
Veterans in Maitland, Gosford and surrounding areas can access tailored support through Social Futures Veterans Connect, designed to enhance wellbeing with experts emphasising early intervention for a smoother transition to civilian life. Eleanor Newton, Team Leader...
Solemn Tributes for 85th Battle of Britain Anniversary
In a moving display of national unity and remembrance, several hundred people have gathered in Hobart to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the pivotal World War II air campaign that halted Nazi Germany’s invasion plans for the United Kingdom....
Honouring the Air Force spirit
For Wing Commander Jenny Robertson (retd), the Battle of Britain is more than a pivotal moment in history. It’s a symbol of courage, sacrifice and the enduring legacy of air power. As President of the RAAF Association (RAAFA) Tasmania since March last year, she is...
75th Anniversary of the Malayan Emergency
To mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Malayan Emergency, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) held a National Commemorative Service at Rond Terrance (Parkes Way) in Canberra on 31 August 2025. This anniversary provided the opportunity to...
RAAFA WA Honours Legacy Of West Australian Aviator Robin ‘Sugarbird Lady’ Miller With Inaugural Nursing Award
RAAFA WA has announced the recipient of its inaugural Sugarbird Lady Award, dedicated to celebrating the remarkable legacy of Robin Miller, a pioneering nurse and aviator known affectionately as the 'Sugarbird Lady'. Broome nursing student Ellen Bermingham was...
Tribute to WWII Flying Ace Murray Adams Honoured at London Ceremony
The Australian High Commission in London has hosted a ceremony to honour Flight Lieutenant Murray Adams, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) hero who flew with the RAF’s 80 and 250 Squadrons during World War II. The event, on 14 July, celebrated Adams and 12 other...
No 9 Squadron Reformation and Vietnam War Legacy Commemoration Parade in Adelaide
On a proud day at Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide on 16 August 2025, No 9 Squadron serving members joined with 9 Squadron veterans for the No 9 Squadron Reformation and Vietnam War Legacy Commemoration Parade. The special event featured a unit parade where the 9...