NEWS HEADLINES
Inquiry into the operation and appropriateness of the superannuation and pension schemes for current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF)
On 11 February 2025 the Senate referred the following matters to the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee (the committee) for inquiry and report by 5 August 2025.
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.
Veteran Employment Program Launches 2025 Webinar Series to Boost Veteran Recruitment
The Veteran Employment Program has opened registrations for its 2025 Veteran Employer Webinar Series, aimed at equipping employers with actionable strategies to recruit and retain veterans while fostering inclusive workplaces.
Veterans Encouraged to Get Involved in Korean War and Malayan Emergency Commemorations
Planning is well underway for two significant commemorations honouring veterans of the Korean War and the Malayan Emergency, with events set to take place in Canberra. These commemorations provide an important opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifices of those who served.
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.
MORE NEWS
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...
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. The museum, a vibrant tribute to the courage and dedication of military nurses, has just...
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. Since its establishment in 2011, AAHOF has recognised 61...
New AFA Australian Veteran Inclusion Statement
The AFA National Board has endorsed the organisation's new Australian Veteran Inclusion Statement. 1 July 2025 Australian Veteran Inclusion Statement Understanding the Definition of a Veteran In Australia, a ‘veteran means a person who has served, or is serving, as a...
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),...