About the Association

A national body and seven State and Territory Divisions, uniting the Air Force family since 1920.

Image: Department of Defence, 20260912raaf8667582_0364 (LACW Mikaela Fernlund)

Our values

United through service and sacrifice, we stand with veterans and families.

Since its formation in 1920, the Air Force Association has fostered the spirit of friendship formed on service; supported our service men and women through advice, liaison and representation; and continued to honour the heritage and proud traditions of the Air Force.

  • Courage
  • Respect
  • Care
  • Compassion

  • Our vision

    To be recognised as a leading supporter of veterans and their families.

  • Our mission

    Supporting the wellbeing of veterans and their families, fostering camaraderie and commemorating our history.

  • Our tagline

    Uniting veterans, enriching lives.

    Adopted by the National Board in 2023, with the Federation Council.

Get to know the Association

The story, the people and the paperwork behind a national body and seven State and Territory Divisions.

Our history

Founded by Australian Flying Corps veterans in 1920 — a year before the RAAF itself.

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National Board

Our Patron, the directors and office-bearers, and how the Board works.

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Governance

A national company and seven Divisions, bound together by one Constitution.

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Partners

The organisations we deliver programs with, and those who make that work possible.

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Five strategic objectives

Following a strategic planning session in Canberra, and consultation with the Federation Council, the National Board set five strategic objectives for the Association, each with high-level key initiatives.

“These new strategies and values are more than just words; they are a compact between us and the community we serve.” — Carl Schiller, National President

Objectives and key initiatives

Collaboration & partnerships

  • Continue to build relationships and develop opportunities with the Air Force, Divisions, other ESOs, sponsors and business partners.

Commemoration

  • Prioritise fellowship, heritage, recognition and storytelling.

Service & support programs

  • Advocate to governments, DVA and other ESOs for veterans and their families.
  • Take up advocacy positions in Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs.
  • Grow the Ambassador Program.
  • Support veterans and family members who are homeless or in necessitous circumstances.

Grow membership & community support

  • Utilise social networks, paid memberships and volunteers, reaching out to serving Air Force members.

Financial sustainability

  • Plan a capital appeal.
Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, Chief of Air Force, in RAAF service dress

Our Patron

Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC CSC OAM

Chief of Air Force · Patron of the Air Force Association

Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC CSC OAM, Chief of Air Force, is Patron of the Air Force Association. He joined the RAAF through the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1993 and flew the F/A-18 Hornet, serving on operations over Iraq and the Middle East. He commanded No 1 Squadron and No 82 Wing, and became Chief of Air Force in July 2024.

Chief of Air Force biography
Sharon Bown RN, FACN

Our Ambassador

Sharon Bown RN FACN

Wing Commander (Retd) · Official Ambassador of the Air Force Association

Wing Commander (Retd) Sharon Bown RN FACN is an Official Ambassador of the Air Force Association. A registered nurse from Tasmania, she joined the RAAF as a Nursing Officer in 1999 and served in East Timor. In 2008 she commanded a surgical team in Afghanistan. She is the author of One Woman’s War and Peace: A nurse’s journey in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Help us be there

Gifts and memberships are what keep welfare visits, advocacy and commemoration going in every state.

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