NEWS HEADLINES
Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs expand across north west Tasmania
Veterans and families in north west Tasmania will now have improved access to tailored services and support following the opening of the new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Burnie on 13 June 2024.
New leadership for Air Force Association following AGM
Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi has been elected as President, while current board member and Director of Communications Wing Commander Deanna Nott has been elected as Vice President.
Veterans and Families Mark ANZAC Day with Remembrance and Reunion
On a surprisingly mild morning, Vietnam Veterans and members of the Air Force Association (AFA) Victorian Vietnam Veterans (V V) Branch, alongside two ex-WRAAFs, assembled on Flinders Street, before the St Paul’s Cathedral
Battle of the Coral Sea Commemoration 2024
RAAF Association members from Townsville and Cairns converged on Cardwell for the 2024 Battle of the Coral Sea Commemoration Service to pay tribute to the eight ships and more than 600 lives lost.
South Australia introduces annual day of recognition for veterans’ families
From this month, current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) families in South Australia will be honoured with an official day of recognition.
The Service Journey of John Wilson
John Wilson, a former Warrant Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), has been featured in Bundaberg Today for his service and commitment, particularly commemorated on ANZAC Day.
ANZAC Day 2024
ANZAC Day 2024
Royal Australian Air Force 103rd Birthday Commemorative Service
Chief of Air Force Commemorative Address
Air Force Association Community Aids in Successful War Widow Claim
In a notable achievement for the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch, a complex War Widow Claim has been successfully resolved with assistance from the Air Force Association community.
Introduction of the Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Bill 2023
The Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets (SAMS) Bill 2023 (the SAMS Bill) was introduced into Parliament in September 2023 to amend the Defence Act 1903. Submissions were invited, and closed on 16 November 2023. The Bill passed through the Senate on 27 March, and will take effect 28 days after the Royal Assent process and it being signed into law by the Governor General. The purpose of the new legislation is to establish a framework to regulate the work that certain former Defence staff members can perform without a ‘foreign work authorisation’; and the training that Australians, may provide without a ‘foreign work authorisation’.
Bravery with a golden touch
When ‘Albatross 04’, a RAAF 9 Squadron Iroquois helicopter, flew out of Vung Tau, Vietnam, on September 8, 1967, Corporal (retd) Anton Kretschmann couldn’t have known that his actions on that day would earn him a Chief of Air Force Gold Commendation 57 years later.
Missing RAAF WWII bomber and crew discovered in Papua New Guinea
Air Force has positively identified a Number 100 Squadron (100SQN) World War II Beaufort aircraft (A9-186) first reported missing in 1943, along with its four crew members. The aircraft was discovered recently after a challenging mission in the waters south of Gasmata, Papua New Guinea.
Ex-service people, experienced and ready
The Australian Government today launched the Ex-Service Veteran Employment national advertising campaign that will promote the many skills and attributes ADF personnel gain through their ADF experience.
Appointment of Australian Defence Force senior leadership
The Australian Government is pleased to recommend to His Excellency, the Governor-General, a number of senior command changes within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Subject to the Governor-General’s consideration and approval, the changes will take effect in July 2024.
Modernising DVA’s ICT remains a top priority
Recent advancements within MyService have significantly improved the experience for veterans and their families, streamlining the process of lodging claims and accessing vital support services.
MORE NEWS
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. In April 1975, as Saigon faced imminent collapse under Viet Cong...
Historical RAAF Baltimore Bomber Discovered Underwater In Greece
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Baltimore bomber aircraft, which was lost while on an operational mission during the Second World War, has been discovered off the island of Antikythera in Greece. The discovery of the wreck of Baltimore FW282 brings to an end 82...
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...
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. The Terms of Reference are also available on the committee’s inquiry webpage....
Access to Veterans’ Review Board extended
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. The series promises expert insights from...
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. The series promises expert insights from...
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...
AFA-SA Celebrates WW2 Veterans 100th Birthday at RAAF Edinburgh
Mr Bruce Townsend, one of South Australia’s few remaining World War 2 veterans, has celebrated his 100th birthday with a special event at the RAAF Base Edinburgh Officers Mess in Adelaide. Born on 1 February 1925 in Peterborough, South Australia, Bruce was just 14...
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. This vital funding...
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...














