NEWS HEADLINES

AFA Geelong Branch President Recognised

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.

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Seeking Relatives of WWII Flying Ace FLTLT Murray Adams

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 the RAF’s 80 and 250 Squadrons.

The Australian High Commission team is seeking assistance to help locate any relatives of FLTLT Adams. If you have any information or know someone who might, they would love to hear from you.

David plans to present these handcrafted memorabilia pieces in the coming weeks – most likely between Anzac Day and VE Day in early May. If any family members are found, they would be warmly welcomed to attend a small ceremony at the Australian High Commission in London, where FLTLT Adams’ accolades will be read out and the items handed over.

Please share this post or get in touch if you can help. Let’s ensure FLTLT Adams’ legacy is honoured and shared with those who knew him best.

#RAAF #WWIIHistory #LestWeForget #AirForceAssociation

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RAAF’s Role in Operation Babylift – 50th Anniversary Spotlight

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. Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia A war orphan starts school in Australia. NAA: A1501, A11167. https://www.naa.gov.au/explore-collection/immigration-and-citizenship/migrant-stories/vietnam/operation-babylift

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Have Your Say: Shape DVA’s Communication with Veterans

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 updates and engaging with DVA.

To date, some 268 of DVA’s clients have an accepted eligibility under the scheme, an initiative launched by the Australian Government in 2021.

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Access to Veterans’ Review Board extended

Access to Veterans’ Review Board extended

Following passage of the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025, the first level of external merits review for all claim decisions made after 21 April will be to the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB), regardless of which Act a veteran has coverage under. The VRB is a non-adversarial, low-cost jurisdiction.

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AFA-SA Celebrates WW2 Veterans 100th Birthday at RAAF Edinburgh

AFA-SA Celebrates WW2 Veterans 100th Birthday at RAAF Edinburgh

Mr Bruce Townsend, one of South Australia’s few remaining World War 2 veterans, celebrated his 100th birthday with a special event at the RAAF Base Edinburgh Officers Mess. AFA-SA State Executives Robert Black, President of the Mitcham Branch and AFA-SA State Councillor, along with Steve Fielder, Vice President of AFA-SA, were honoured to attend the celebration.

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Townsville’s Ted Mildren Honoured as 2025 Citizen of the Year

Townsville’s Ted Mildren Honoured as 2025 Citizen of the Year

Townsville has proudly recognised the tireless dedication and leadership of Edmund “Ted” Mildren during the 2025 Australia Day Awards, where he was named Citizen of the Year.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney, in the presence of Queensland Governor Janette Young and Premier David Crisafulli, presented the award, highlighting Ted’s outstanding contributions to the Air Force Association and its members, saying, “As a proud garrison city, it was a real honour to present this award to Ted, who has made an incredible difference to the lives of Air Force personnel and their families.”

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MORE NEWS 

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. The two commemorative...

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...

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. The AFAV RAAF Radar Branch and Victorian RAAF Radar Association invite Australians to join...

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.   More than 8,000 veterans and families live across the region, which is also home to Australia’s...

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. DVA welcomes Ms Wilson to the role as a highly qualified advocate with a strong drive and sense of stewardship as the former Chief Operating Officer...

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...

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. The event, held on the first Sunday of May,...

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. This...