About RAAF Radar
At the end of WWII, a Radar Association was formed in 1946 by a group of ex RAAF members, including Bert Israel, Hugh Peaston, Maurice Brown, Alan Llewellyn and Bob Chilton as a means of keeping contact with as many trained radar people as possible pending the inevitable development of the post-war RAAF radar capabilities.
The Radar Branch of the RAAF Association (NSW Division) was formed on 23 August 1960 and attended by Mr Walter Fielder-Gill in his capacity as the State Vice President and representative of the RAAF Association. Mr Don Kennedy was elected inaugural President and Mr Gordon Thomas as Secretary. Walter Fielder-Gill succeeded Don Kennedy on 26 February 1971. Below is an image of the Charter that was signed on 31st March 1971.
RAAF Radschool Association Magazine
The latest copy of the RAAF Radschool Association magazine is now available. Click on the following link to access the Radschool website and then go to magazines for the latest issue.
HUNG UP YOUR BOOTS?
You may be interested in participating in the Transition & Wellbeing Research Programme.
Did you know, since 2010 over 24,000 people have transitioned from regular ADF service to civilian life? Currently there is no data regarding the extent of mental, physical and social health problems experienced after transition.
If you have transitioned from regular ADF service since 2010, please consider volunteering so that services can be developed to meet your needs. To get involved visit - www.transitionwellbeing.adelaide.edu.au - and click 'Registration'.
Changes to DVA Services on the Central Coast
As a result of changes to DVA service delivery annouced by the Minister of Veterans' Affairs on the 14th April 2014, the current Gosford VAN Office will close. This shop front will be replaced by a Veterans' Information Service (VIS) to be located at the Wyong Department of Human Services (DHS) Office.
The Veterans' Information Service will be provided by DVA trained DHS staff at Wyong. This new service will commence on 18th August 2014. The address of the DHS Office is:
25-27 Hely Street
Wyong NSW 2250
Changes to DVA Cards for the 2014 Reissue
The changes to the new cards are:
• The title on all of the cards is now, ‘DVA Health Card’
• The front of the card has the 100 years centenary of the ANZAC logo on a background of a field of poppies
• The DVA security hologram has moved to the front of the card providing greater visibility of this security feature
• The signature stripe on the back of the card is longer, allowing more room for a signature
• The magnetic stripe for a Gold Card is now gold, on the White Card this is now blue, while the Orange Card retains a black stripe
• The cards are valid for six years now, instead of the previous four years.
Click on the image below for more information
Australian Defence Force Assistance Trust
If you know someone in the Defence community who is struggling to meet financial commitments as a result of incapacity, death or disability, we may be able to help.
The Australian Defence Force Assistance Trust is a charity helping current and former members of the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as their families following the death or severe injury of their loved one as a result of service with the ADF, particularly in recent conflicts.
Thinking of Joining the Australian Defence Force?
If you are looking at joining the Australian military you should be aware that any injuries or illnesses will be treated by the Army, Navy or Air Force while you are in the service. Once you take discharge, “accepted” medical conditions will be processed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Have You Lost Medals or Clasps
If you have lost or misplaced Medals or Clasps, you can get them replaced.
Disaster Assistance For Bush Fires
Please help us spread the word to any current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their immediate families living in NSW and affected by the bush fires. Social media is a very effective tool in disseminating information in times of disaster so please SHARE this with anyone you know. Together we can reach out to veterans and their immediate families who may need our help.
DVA Health and Wellbeing
Health and wellbeing is a concern of all DVA clients. The National Health Services Directory (NHSD) provides general health service information such as location, opening hours and contact details for General Practices, Pharmacies, Hospitals, and Emergency Departments
For more informatiom click here.....
Australian Partners of Defence (APOD)
Australian Partners of Defence (APOD) provides Australian Defence Force families free membership access to the 2013 APOD - Defence Discount online program which once registered allows them to access discounts and offers pledged from 1000's of retailers Australia wide.
We are all about Australian Defence members, their partners and families wherever they are across our sun-burnt country and beyond. We’re about lightening the load and reducing the hardship many families experience supporting our armed forces..
For more informatiom click here.....
The RAAF Association
The RAAF Association 'Proud Tradition Future Focus': The RAAF Association is established to foster the spirit of friendship formed on service and to perpetuate the honour and ideals of the Royal Australian Air Force and other designated services . As part of the RAAF Association, the Radar Branch provides support, advice on entitlements, commemoration, heritage and social events for serving and retired Defence members, their families and aviation enthusiasts.
Membership of the RAAF Association
Applications for membership of the RAAF Association are invited from persons who meet the following criteria:
more information »»»
Latest News & Events
The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA)
A new Act has been passed to replace the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) for current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with coverage under Part XI. The new Act, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) will replace the SRCA from 12 October 2017. The DRCA replicates the SRCA, modified to apply only to current and former ADF members and their dependants. The commencement of the DRCA will separate compensation for current and former ADF members with service prior to 1 July 2004 from compensation available to civilians covered by the SRCA. It is important to note that:
• The DRCA will replicate the relevant provisions of the SRCA, as it stands at the date of commencement on 12 October 2017.
• The eligibility and benefits available under the DRCA are the same as those available under the SRCA.
• All existing claims and entitlements under the SRCA will automatically become claims and entitlements under the DRCA.
• All new claims relating to service prior to 1 July 2004 will be determined under the DRCA from 12 October 2017.
• There will be no impact on claims under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.
The ANZAC Portal
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Mr Dan Tehan today encouraged Australians to visit The Anzac Portal website after a recent renovation. Mr Tehan said the portal now contained information and educational resources spanning campaigns from the First World War to contemporary military and peacekeeping operations. To coincide with Vietnam Veterans’ Day on Friday, 30 interviews with Vietnam veterans and family members will be published on the Anzac Portal.For more information click on the folllowing link.
15th Annual Combined Pension & Welfare Officers Network Seminar 2017
The 15th Annual Combined Pension & Welfare Officers Network Seminar will be held at Bulahdelah on Monday 16th October 2017. The seminar is being hosted by the Central Coast Pension & Welfare Officers Network.
RAAF Birthday Commemoration Service 2017
Above picture of John King with the Radar Branch wreath that he laid on behalf of the Branch at the RAAF 96th Birthday Commemoration held on Friday 24 March 2017 at the Cenotaph Martin Place Sydney.
Australian Flying Corps (AFC) in The First World War
The Australian Flying Corps (AFC) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Association National Council in Victoria was awarded $10,455 to publish a book on the AFC in the First World War. The funds were awarded as part of the Department of Veterans' Affairs Saluting Their Service Major Commemorative Grants for October 2016.
Ex-service Members' Health and their GP
The Australian Family Physician magazine issued to all members of the Australian College of General Practitioners. Their March edition is principally devoted to the Defence Community and their health care. All veteran family members should be encouraged to discuss the material with their GP so he/she does bother to read it and they are likewise familiar with it too.
Seeking Families of WW2 Catalina Crew
The RAAF has confirmed that aircraft wreckage found in waters south of Cairns is that of RAAF 11 Squadron Catalina A24-25 that crashed on 28 February 1943, killing all 11 personnel on board.
The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshall Leo Davies AO, CSC, has confirmed the identity of the aircraft as that of Catalina A24-25. The RAAF is currently attempting to contact relatives of the following crew members:
Wing Commander John William Daniell 140 Age 26
Sergeant Keith Arnold Watson 22692 Age 23
Sergeant John Daniel O'Grady 5778 Age36
Sergeant Alexander Eric John Elsbury 415378 Age 22
Corporal Douglas Giffen Shaw Russell 13970 Age 21
Corporal John Corbett Stain 2437 Age 32
Relatives are encouraged to contact the Air Force Wrecks & MIA Investigations Cell, either via email:
AirForce.Wrecks&MIAInvestigations@defence.gov.au
or phone: (02) 6128 7608 or 02) 6128 7519
WINGS Magazine
WINGS is now available for download from the RAAFA National website without requiring member access.
Veterans' Home Care Program
Veterans' Home Care (VHC) is a DVA program designed to assist veterans and war widows/widowers (entitled persons) who wish to continue living independently in their own home and local community, but who need a small amount of practical help. Services include domestic assistance, personal care, respite care, and safety-related home and garden maintenance. Limited, short term social assistance may also be provided as part of the Coordinated Veterans’ Care (CVC) program.
VHC is part of the broader Australian Government strategy to assist older people maintain optimal health, well-being and independence.
Eligibility for Free Treatment of Anxiety/Depression, PTSD, Alcohol & Substance Use Disorders, and Malignant Neoplasms (Cancers)
Veterans with eligible service who have Malignant Neoplasms (cancers), Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety Disorder or Depression, and Alcohol and Substance Use Disodrers are eligible for treatment of those disabilities regardless of whether or not they have been accepted as war or defence caused. Approval for treatment for these conditions can be ‘fast tracked’ by providing a medical diagnosis, from a suitably qualified medical practitioner, conforming to the diagnostic requirements of DSM IV. This is available under both the VEA (Defence/Operational service), MRCA(WarLike and Non-warlike service), and certain peace time service from 1994.
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