The Air Force Association has always differed from most other ex-service bodies in retaining its links with one of the armed services, regarding support for flying and the Air Force as one of its prime aims.
About the Association
A not-for-profit charitable organisation established in New South Wales, supporting the welfare of past and present Air Force members.
Advocacy | Lobbying | Camaraderie | Commemoration
Our mission
Supporting the welfare of past and present Air Force membersWe have a robust working relationship with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and, together with other ex-service organisations, provide essential supplementary engagement with those government services to promote veteran support and concerns.
Serving RAAF members are encouraged to participate and adopt the Air Force Association as their equivalent to a workplace union. NSW Division is an incorporated not-for-profit charitable organisation led by volunteers, with revenue from modest investments, membership subscriptions and donations by supportive ex-service people.
We have a robust working relationship with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and, together with other ex-service organisations, provide essential supplementary engagement with those government services to promote veteran support and concerns.
Serving RAAF members are encouraged to participate and adopt the Air Force Association as their equivalent to a workplace union. NSW Division is an incorporated not-for-profit charitable organisation led by volunteers, with revenue from modest investments, membership subscriptions and donations by supportive ex-service people.
Our aims
01
Foster the spirit of comradeship developed during service
02
Promote the welfare of the Association and its members
03
Preserve history and heritage
04
Pass on our heritage to those who follow
05
Ensure the growth and relevance of RAAFA
The Division at a glance
How we are organised
30
Branches statewide
Each self-funding and self-administering, driven by a common vision rather than command and control.
07
Executive Council
Seven members of the NSW Division council, elected annually by the membership.
1919
Founded
From the Australian Flying Corps Associations formed after the first England–Australia flight.
1954
World Veterans Federation
The first Australian national veterans’ organisation to join the Federation.
Member benefits
What membership provides
Welfare, face-to-face counselling and advocacy support, particularly concerning Veterans’ Affairs matters
Representation to government bodies on matters affecting ex-service personnel
Assistance for families during times of hardship
Help navigating government processes to access DVA support
Promotion of social activities and commemorative events
Preservation of military aviation heritage and support for media coverage
Support for Australia’s air power
Honouring the memory of fallen friends
Who qualifies
Eligibility for membership
Initially membership was restricted to men who had served in any branch of His Majesty’s Air Forces in war. In 1947 members of the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force were accorded full membership, and eligibility has broadened steadily since.
Serving & ex-serving
All military personnel, serving and post-service, regardless of active operational experience. Peace-time airmen and airwomen, including those in the Reserve Air Force, hold full rights of membership.
Any air force
Members and former members of any air force, or of the air element of a defence force.
Family
Spouses, widows, offspring and siblings of members of the Association.
Cadets & enthusiasts
Members of the Australian Air Force Cadets, the Australian Air League and similar organisations, and individuals with a genuine interest in military aviation.
Executive Council
Who leads the Division
NSW Division has an Executive Council of seven members elected annually, supported by appointed officers and advocates.
Executive Council
Nick Osborne
President
Peter Gustafson
Vice President
Richard (Dick) Wills OAM BEM
Vice President
Bronwyn Parbery
Secretary / Treasurer
Ron Haack
Councillor
Mike Stuart-Watt
Councillor
Council Support & Support Advocates
Rev. Geoffrey R Usher
Honorary Chaplain
Ivan Petrovic
Service Liaison
Steve Weaver
Service and Indigenous Advisor Liaison
Chris Gibson
AAFC Liaison
Brendan Fox
AAL Liaison
Our history
A century of service
1919
A gathering outside St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, welcomes Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith after the first flight from England to Australia. H.V. Leckie, a former member of the Australian Flying Corps, proposes a lasting organisation to keep ex-AFC members together.
1921
The Royal Australian Air Force is formed on 31 March, months after the AFC Association. Lieutenant Colonel Williams, an early AFC member, becomes its first Chief of the Air Staff.
1943
With thousands pouring into the RAAF, the AFC Associations open their doors and the title changes to the Air Force Association. It quickly becomes one of the major ex-service bodies in Australia.
1947
Members of the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force are accorded full membership. Peace-time airmen and airwomen, including the Reserve, follow.
1954
The Association becomes the first Australian national veterans’ organisation to join the World Veterans Federation.
1995
Incorporated in New South Wales on 6 November under the official title Australian Flying Corps and Royal Australian Air Force Association Incorporated.
2010
The Alliance of Defence Service Organisations is formally constituted in July, giving the Association a stronger collective voice to the Australian Parliament.
Beyond New South Wales
Affiliations
National Council
The National Council consists of the National Executive and the President of each Division. It sets policy common to all state divisions and represents the Association on national issues. Since its inception the Association has had the Governor-General as its Patron.
Alliance of Defence Service Organisations
Constituted in July 2010, the Alliance represents a significant number of Australia’s defence family on national advocacy matters to the Federal Parliament, providing a stronger voice on issues affecting serving and former members and their families.
World Veterans Federation
The Air Force Association is a member of the World Veterans Federation, and in 1954 became the first Australian national veterans’ organisation to join it.
Become part of it
Membership is open to serving and ex-serving personnel, their families, cadets and anyone with a genuine interest in military aviation.