Honours & awards

The Air Force Association has recognised outstanding Air Force people and units for more than sixty years — and can help if you believe you’re entitled to an honour or award you haven’t received.

The Air Force Association Trophy

The Air Force Association Trophy recognises proficiency and contribution to Air Force capability by a Force Element Group or Wing Headquarters. It was first awarded to the most proficient RAAF Reserve squadron. It was reactivated in 2018 under its current criterion and is presented on behalf of Air Commander Australia.

Current holder: Headquarters Ground Academy. Accepted by WGCDR Melita Beachley and WOFF Simon Dent, and presented by Deanna Nott, National Vice President.

Leadership & Proficiency Awards

The Royal Australian Air Force’s Proficiency and Leadership Awards recognise the people and squadrons who have performed most strongly over the year — from individual honours such as Aviator of the Year to unit-wide recognition. The Association takes part every year, meeting the serving members being recognised and highlighting its own advocacy, commemoration and welfare work along the way.

“Every confidence that our Air Force is in very safe hands.”

Deanna Nott, National Vice President, Air Force Association

Appealing a Defence honours decision

The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal is an independent statutory body that reviews Defence decisions on eligibility for an Australian defence honour (such as a gallantry or conspicuous service award), an Australian defence award (such as a campaign or long service award), or certain foreign awards, for service on or after 3 September 1939.

The Tribunal can only review a decision after Defence itself has refused the original application — and only the person (or group) who made that original application can ask for a review. It cannot create new honours, change eligibility criteria, or decide repatriation benefits.

More information, including how to apply for a review, is available at defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au (opens in a new tab), by phoning the Tribunal Secretariat on (02) 6266 1019, or by emailing dha.tribunal@defence.gov.au.