Air Force Association - National

10/11/2025

10/11/2025

Today, on Remembrance Day, Defence joins all Australians to observe a one-minute silence to acknowledge, honour and remember those who have served our country in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

More than a century ago, at 11am on 11 November 1918, silence fell across the Western Front after more than four years of war. The German forces called for an armistice – suspension of fighting – in order to secure a peace settlement, accepting the Allied terms of unconditional surrender.

Originally known as Armistice Day, this occasion was renamed Remembrance Day after the Second World War to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars. The armistice marked not just the end of war, but the beginning of remembrance—for those who served, suffered, and sacrificed.

Remembrance Day continues to hold deep meaning for Australians. It is a time to honour the courage, sacrifice and service of those who have defended our nation – past and present.

Each year, on 11 November, Australians pause for one minute of silence to reflect on the human cost of war. From the battlefields of the First World War to contemporary operations across the globe, the legacy of service endures.

Today, more than 1800 Australian Defence Force personnel are deployed on operations both overseas and within Australia. Wherever they are, they will join the nation in commemorating Remembrance Day.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston will attend the National Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial to lay a wreath in memory of more than 103,000 Australians who gave their lives in service to our nation, and those who were left with the scars of war.

“On this day of remembrance, we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served before us, and stand with those who continue to serve our nation with pride and dedication,” Admiral Johnston said.

Defence encourages all Australians to take this moment to remember those who gave their lives, those who returned bearing the scars of conflict, and those who continue to serve with honour and commitment.

Lest we forget.

15/10/2025

You are invited to a special commemoration as the No 37 Squadron RAAF Association dedicates a memorial plaque marking the 50th anniversary of HQRIC Detachment S, including Operation Babylift. This follows our recent event in Canberra and is especially relevant for Melbourne-based Vietnam Veterans.

Event details

Date Sunday 9 November 2025
Time 1000hrs museum displays, 1100hrs plaque dedication, 1145hrs lunch at Phillip Island RSL
Location National Vietnam Veterans Museum, Phillip Island
View full details on our website https://37sqnassoc.org/blog/

All welcome to honour this important chapter in RAAF history.

Posted on 3 April 202528 June 2025Commemoration ~ HQRIC Detachment ‘S’ – Mar_Apr 1975 Commemorative Event: 50th Anniversary HQRIC Detachment ‘S’ Australian War Memorial Canberra Wednesday, 23 July 2025 The No 37 Squadron (RAAF) Association, in collaboration with the Australian War Memorial...

02/10/2025

An exceptionally important occasion for our members.

01/09/2025

Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Australian service in the Malayan Emergency. On 31 August 2025, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs held a National Commemorative Service at Rond Terrace, Canberra, honouring the 7000 Australians who served, the 39 who lost their lives and their families.

From 1948 to 1960, Australian forces, including RAAF squadrons, Navy and Army units, played a vital role in the Malayan Emergency, contributing to the Far East Strategic Reserve to defend Malaya and Singapore. The service continued in isolated areas until 1966, reflecting Australia’s commitment during this complex conflict.

Held on Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Day, the ceremony featured a keynote address by the Honourable Matt Keogh MP, with moving speeches from veterans Ross Beadman (Navy), Brian Avery (Army), and Roy Aiton (RAAF).

Greg Hood AO proudly represented the Air Force Association, laying a wreath on our behalf.

Lest we forget.

https://raafa.org.au/75th-anniversary-of-the-malayan-emergency/

13/08/2025

Marking 75 years of Australian service in the Malayan Emergency

This year commemorates the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Malayan Emergency, our nation’s longest continuous military commitment of the 20th century.

On Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Day, 31 August 2025, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be holding a National Commemorative Service at Rond Terrace (Parkes Way) in Canberra.

This anniversary is an opportunity to honour and remember the service of all Australians who served in the Malayan Emergency, their sacrifice and the families who supported them.

Event information, including accessibility and transport options, and to register attendance (at no cost), can be found here

https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-stories/marking-75-years-australian-service-malayan-emergency

12/08/2025

Join the AFAV RAAF Radar Branch and Victorian RAAF Radar Association to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day on Friday, 15 August 2025! This historic day marks the end of WWII in the Pacific, when Australians celebrated the return of over 200,000 service members and thousands of former POWs.
The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne will host a wreath-laying ceremony at 11:00 am, honouring veterans like RAAF Radar heroes David Westwood, George Runting and Beryl Mainon. For the first time, the vital role of RAAF Radar will be recognised at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, with David Westwood in attendance. Members of the AFAV RAAF Radar Branch and Victorian RAAF Radar Association, including President Chris Harnath and Stuart McKellar, will carry the RAAF Radar banner at the Shrine.
All are welcome to this free, wheelchair-accessible and child-friendly event at the Second World War Memorial Forecourt. Can’t make it? Watch the livestream at shrine.org.au. Let’s honour our veterans together. Lest we forget. 🌺

Pictured here -

L-R Front Row: David Westwood, George Runting and Beryl Mainon.

L-R Back row: John Clarkson AFA Vic, WGCDR Nikki Clements, Senior ADF Officer Williams, Warrant Officer Brad Parmenter and Col Jason Cooke, Chief Marshall, Melbourne Shrine March 2025

Image courtesy of AFAV RAAF RADAR BRANCH/VIC RAAF RADAR ASSOC.

12/08/2025

Sure to be a great occasion!

CLOCK TICKING DOWN TO HERITAGE CENTRE REOPENING: The team of volunteers and staff from RAAF History and Heritage are excitedly making last-minute preparations for the official reopening of the Royal Australian Air Force Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre.

The centre has been undergoing significant restoration since its closure in 2020, with the reopening set to form part of Townsville’s 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific commemoration activities.

We invite the community to come along to learn more about Townsville’s remarkable aviation history, support our first open day and meet the dedicated men and women who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes.

WHEN: Sunday 17 August, 9am–3pm
WHERE: RAAF Base Townsville

No bookings required.

06/08/2025

05/08/2025

Opportunity for Ex-Defence Personnel in Queensland
Heesom Casting, known for films like Mortal Kombat 1 & 2 and Storm Boy, is seeking ex-servicemen and women for small speaking roles (1-2 lines) in a military-themed feature film shooting on the Gold Coast from September to December 2025. They’re looking for authentic ex-defence personnel to bring real military experience to the screen.
Details
• No acting experience required
• Open to all Armed Forces branches (ages 18-45)
• Must be Queensland-based
• Roles involve military skills like saluting, handling weapons, or using comms
• Paid roles, requiring a few days’ commitment
• A chance to work on a professional film set
If you’re an ex-defence member interested in this opportunity, you can find out more and apply directly through Heesom Casting:
📧 [email protected]
📞 (08) 8394 2545
📍 Adelaide Studios, 226 Fullarton Road, Glenside SA 5065
🌐 www.heesomcasting.com
📱 Facebook: www.facebook.com/heesomcasting
Feel free to share with any Queensland-based ex-defence personnel who might want to explore this further.

www.facebook.com/heesomcasting

www.heesomcasting.com

04/08/2025

It’s wonderful that the Air Force Association - National were able to support this event in a small way! More news on that to follow in coming days.

23/07/2025

Well done to George Hatchman for all of his efforts in making this happen. We know he has been working on it for many many years.