NEWS HEADLINES
Air Force Association Strengthens Ties at Leadership Proficiency Awards
The Air Force Association was proud to support the recent Air Force Leadership Proficiency Awards, continuing a long tradition of recognising excellence across the service.
Deanna Nott, National Vice President and Director Communications of the Air Force Association, had the honour of presenting one of the event’s major accolades — the Most Proficient Squadron award. The Association has proudly presented this prestigious recognition since 1961.
Anzac Day kitbag and commemorative packs now available
As Anzac Day approaches, many will be considering ways to personally commemorate all those who have and continue to serve our country in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
Our Anzac Day Kitbag and commemorative package is available to support you in commemorating Anzac Day.
Veteran Employment Program Announces 2026 Webinar Series and In-Person Workshops
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has unveiled an ambitious schedule of free webinars and in-person workshops aimed at helping Australian employers better recruit, retain and support veterans in the workplace.
Expressions of interest open for new Veterans’ Affairs Ministerial Advisory Council
Expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open for the Veterans’ Affairs Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC) to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel.
Veterans’ advocacy regulation – have your say
The Australian Government is committed to reform to better protect veterans from exploitation within the commercial veterans’ advocacy sector. As a first step, veterans, veteran advocates and the broader community are invited to have their say on how to best regulate the veterans’ advocacy sector
Join the Walk for Veterans at Mt Panorama – Just Weeks Away!
With only a little over three weeks to go, excitement is building for the Walk for Veterans on Sunday, 29 March 2026
Study calling for female veterans
If you are a woman who has previously served in the Australian Defence Force, or know an ex-serving woman who may be interested, we encourage you to share the following link https://lnkd.in/gmQX9cez
AFA Releases Guide for Wearing Awards and Decorations
Air Force veterans have served their nation and earned the right to wear the RAAF uniform and awards and decorations with pride. The wearing of awards and decorations as an Air Force Association member brings obligations and responsibilities to protect the reputation and honour of the member, the Association, the Air Force, and the awards and decorations.
Queens Park Memorial to Soar Again – RAAF 105th Birthday Service Unites Air Force Family
The RAAF Memorial in Queens Park Gardens, Brisbane, will once again come alive with pride and reflection on Sunday 29 March 2026, as the AFC and RAAF Association Queensland Division host a special Commemorative Service to celebrate the 105th birthday of the Royal Australian Air Force.
Memorial Grove Welcomes New Plaques Honouring Armourers and No. 450 Squadron’s 85-Year Legacy
The RAAF Memorial Grove in Canberra continues to serve as a poignant place of reflection and remembrance, where the Air Force Association (ACT Division) honours the legacy of those who have served in Australia’s air power story. Recent months saw two meaningful dedications that highlight the enduring contributions of specialised trades and wartime squadrons.
AFA-SA Engagement with South Australian Aviation Museum
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.
AFA-SA Celebrates with WAAAF WW2 Veteran Centenarian
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 Announces Most Significant Change in Its History with Wider Support for Veteran Families
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.
Message from National President – Defence Estate
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 to Support Homeless Veterans and Legacy
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.
MORE NEWS
Former AFA-SA President and Air Force veteran, Dr Robert Black AM sadly passes away
Air Force Association National President Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi (Retd) has acknowledged the sad passing of AFA Life Member GPCAPT (Retd) Dr Robert Black AM RFD MD, a respected figure in the South Australian veteran community who made an impact at the local,...
Appeal for information to identify aircraft that flew freed Army nurses from Sumatra internment camp to Singapore
A researcher is appealing to the public for help locating the families of two wartime Dakota pilots who flew a special mercy mission in September 1945. Nigel Apperley is trying to identify the exact C-47 Dakota that carried 24 surviving Australian Army nurses from a...
Extended eligibility criteria announced for the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal
The Australian Government has accepted an offer from the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency José Ramos-Horta, to extend the eligibility criteria of the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal. The Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal is a foreign award...
More veterans eligible for Household Services compensation from 1 July
More veterans will be able to apply for compensation for Household Services when a simpler veterans’ entitlement system begins on 1 July this year. From 1 July 2026, all new claims submitted for compensation and rehabilitation will be assessed under an improved...
ANZAC Day 2026 Photo Gallery
As we pause to remember on Anzac Day 2026, the AFA is proud to present this special gallery of photographs generously shared by our members and readers of the newsletter. From cherished family portraits and service mementos to images of dawn services, memorials at...
Preserving the past and capturing the present
Leading Aircraftman Campbell Latch doesn’t just record history, he preserves it within the walls of his own home. Currently serving as a photographer in the Royal Australian Air Force, Campbell balances capturing modern history behind the lens with preserving rare...
Air Force, proudly serving in the middle of everywhere
Gippsland is truly the middle of everywhere and Air Force has been a part of the Gippsland community for more than 83 years. First opening in 1943, RAAF Base East Sale hosts initial officer training, flying training through Central Flying School, is the home of 32...
AFA-SA Honours our Women Veterans particularly our WAAAFs and WRAAFs
On Wednesday 18 March, AFA-SA conducted a simple yet poignant wreath laying at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, to mark the 85th anniversary of the formation of the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) and the 75th anniversary of the formation...
Air Force Association Ltd Submission To The Foreign Affairs, Defence And Trade References Committee Management Of Defence Estate Assets
This submission is provided on behalf of members of the Air Force Association Ltd (AFA), including members of individual State Divisions. The submission is made due to overwhelming support for the matters described herein. AFA thanks the committee for considering...
George is back home
After a period away from public display, the iconic Avro Lancaster bomber “G for George” has returned to pride of place as the centrepiece of the Australian War Memorial’s new exhibition highlighting the significant contribution of Australian airmen to Bomber Command...















