NEWS HEADLINES
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.
Air Force Association WA Secures Major Funding to Combat Veteran Homelessness
Western Australia’s veteran community is set to benefit from a significant funding boost, with the Air Force Association WA (RAAFA WA) successfully securing more than $4.9 million through the Federal Government’s Veterans’ Acute Housing Program.
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.”
RAAF Flypasts for Australia Day 2025
The Royal Australian Air Force will take to the skies on Sunday, 26 January 2025, to support Australia Day celebrations across the nation.
A Scooting Journey of Adventure, Camaraderie and Community Support
Twenty men and women have participated in Scootaville NSW 2024, a 15-day scooter journey in November designed to raise funds for Legacy and programs to support homeless veterans.
Call for Information – ADG Service in Vietnam
Dr Sean Carwardine, a historian specialising in Airfield Defence and Security Forces, is conducting research into the service of RAAF Airfield Defence Guards (ADGs) in Vietnam, particularly focusing on their attachments to Army units during 1967 and 1968.
RPL grant funding for universities makes it easier for veterans to access higher education
Veterans often seek higher education during and after their transition to civilian life to enhance their career opportunities.
Many skills, abilities and experiences developed through military service are highly desirable and transferrable – however, these are not always readily recognised by education providers.
More than $3.7 million in grants to boost veteran wellbeing
The recipients of the 2023-24 Veteran Wellbeing Grants were announced today, with 69 grants awarded. Ex-service and community organisations will receive a share of over $3.7 million in grant funding.
Registrations for 2025 Overseas ANZAC Day services now open
Registrations are now open for Australians who are looking to make the pilgrimage to attend the Anzac Day Dawn Services in Türkiye and France in 2025, on the 110th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli.
DVA services during the holiday season
DVA will continue to provide support to veterans and families during the holiday season. However, please be aware that some services will be impacted.
Have your say on aged care services and supports
Veterans and their families are encouraged to complete a short survey to share their experiences accessing aged care services and supports, and provide suggestions for further improvement.
Air Force Association Expands Digital Presence to Unite Generations of Veterans and Support Those in Need
As the Air Force Association (AFA) continues its mission to support and advocate for Australia’s veterans, it is embracing new digital platforms and a refreshed image to connect with veterans from all branches of service.
Air Force Association Honours Veterans and Heritage at AGM and Moonta Visit
The Air Force Association – South Australia (AFA-SA) has hosted a significant weekend of remembrance and engagement, marked by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground, and a special visit to the Sir Richard Williams statue in Moonta.
Chief’s Intent – Chief of Air Force – Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM
Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM was appointed Chief of Air Force in July 2024. He has outlined his intentions for the Air Force during his tenure.
Australian Defence Force Honorary Ranks for His Majesty The King
His Majesty King Charles III has been appointed the Honorary Ranks of Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal Australian Navy, Field Marshal of the Australian Army, and Marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force, by the Governor-General of Australia.
MORE NEWS
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. The ADF Transition Guide app, developed by the Joint Transition Authority (JTA),...
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...
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. This compelling book, now available for purchase, offers a vivid account of Cottee’s...
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 Offices (Canberra) and the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT) in...
National Service Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Australian Korean War Service
A National Commemorative Service was held at the Australian National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on 25 June 2025 to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian involvement in the Korean War. Air Vice-Marshal Alan Clements CSC (Ret’d), representing the National...
Victory In The Pacific 80th Anniversary Concert Performed By Air Force Band
To recognise the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, the Air Force Band will conduct two commemorative concerts at the Canberra Theatre Centre on 14 August 2025 to honour the service and sacrifice of those who contributed to the victory during the Second World...
Minister for Veterans Affairs (SA) presents 60-year Certificates to two South Australian WW2 WAAAF Veterans
The Air Force Association (South Australia) recently hosted the Hon Joe Szakacs, Minister for Veterans Affairs in South Australia, in Adelaide for the monthly Combined Ex-Services Mess in Veterans Lunch and to present two 60-year AFA Membership Certificates to...
AFA-SA Joins with RAAF Edinburgh in Celebrating Centenarians
The Air Force Association (South Australia) recently joined with RAAF Edinburgh in celebrating the centenaries of three World War 2 Air Force veterans as part of an ongoing local program to recognise the service of our World War 2 veterans who turn 100. On 17 May, we...
Transforming Lives One Paw at a Time
Defence Community Dogs (DCD), established in 2014 by the Defence Bank Foundation, trains and provides assistance dogs at no cost to serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members. Air Force Association NSW together with Defence Force Welfare Association has...
Bomber Command Commemorative Service Honours RAAF Legacy
The Air Force Association Queensland Division has held its annual Bomber Command Commemorative Service, a solemn tribute to the Royal Australian Air Force’s enduring traditions. “I very much appreciate the participation of all who attended the Bomber Command...