RAAFA WA

25/05/2026

Our 2025 Impact Report is here.

This year has marked a significant chapter for RAAFA, with major milestones shaping our future and strengthening our impact. From commencing construction on our new ARVL accommodation, to preparing for the aged care reform, and raising greater awareness of the experiences and needs of veterans through our Veteran Report, 2025 has been a year of meaningful progress.

These achievements reflect our continued commitment to supporting veterans, seniors, and the wider community while building for the future.

Explore the full report and see the impact we’re making ⬇️
https://www.raafawa.org.au/our-impact

RAAFA has enhanced the wellbeing of thousands of Western Australians, but more than that – it has championed social causes. View Our Impact in 2025.

22/05/2026

Congratulations, Bev, on an incredible 20 years of service as a Carer at Vivian Bullwinkel Lodge!
Bev’s dedication and compassion have made a lasting difference to residents and colleagues over the past two decades, and she is deeply valued across our community.
Thank you, Bev, for your outstanding commitment.

20/05/2026

We recently had the joy of celebrating the 100th birthdays of two remarkable Karri & Tuart Lodge residents, Jean and Lavinia.
Celebrations honouring the two wonderful women were held, surrounded by family, friends, and our community.
Happy 100th birthday Jean and Lavinia 🎉

18/05/2026

This National Volunteer Week, we proudly recognise the 750+ volunteers who support RAAFA communities across our estates, services and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

Our longest serving volunteer has dedicated an extraordinary 54 years of service, a reflection of the commitment shared by volunteers across RAAFA.

To all our volunteers, thank you for your dedication and relentless enthusiasm.

15/05/2026

The Cook Labor Government has marked the 15th of May each year as the Day of Recognition for Families of Veterans.

At RAAFA, we welcome this important recognition of the families, partners and loved ones who stand beside current and former Australian Defence Force personnel throughout their service journey and beyond.

Behind every veteran is a network of support, sacrifice and resilience. Today, we acknowledge and thank the families of our veteran community for the vital role they play.

12/05/2026

Every day, our nurses provide comfort, care and support to residents, clients and families, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they care for. Their commitment, kindness and resilience are at the heart of our community.

Thank you to all our nurses for the vital role you play and for the care you give so generously. Happy International Nurses Day. 💙

11/05/2026

Looking for a fun, social way to stay active? 🏓
Pickleball is now being played at RAAFA Merriwa — and it’s proving to be a hit!

A mix of badminton, tennis and table tennis, Pickleball is played on a smaller court with underarm strokes, making it easy on the body and great fun for all skill levels. No experience needed and no equipment to buy — just turn up in comfy clothes and trainers.

Games are played Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with residents and guests welcome. If you’re curious to try something new, make new friends and have a laugh along the way, this could be for you.

Contact the Merriwa Estate Office at 9400 3400 if you're interested!

08/05/2026

The ANZAC Day Ceremony at Gordon Lodge was a deeply meaningful commemoration, bringing residents and staff together in reflection and remembrance.

In the lead-up to the service, staff and residents worked side by side to prepare rosemary sprigs — a traditional symbol of remembrance — and created a striking display of poppy flowers in honour of the day.

For many of our residents, especially our veterans, ANZAC Day holds deep personal significance, and the ceremony provided a heartfelt moment to pause, reflect, and remember together.

Lest we forget.

05/05/2026

Last month, RAAFA proudly launched the Veterans’ Support Centre, officially opened by RAAFA CEO Michelle Fyfe APM and Graeme Bland OAM — former State President, Division Councillor, Life Member, and a tireless advocate for veterans.

Dedicated to Graeme’s longstanding service, the centre recognises his many years of commitment to supporting veterans through advocacy, guidance, and practical assistance. Throughout his time with RAAFA, Graeme has helped countless ex-service men and women access their pensions, entitlements, benefits, and rights.

The Veterans’ Support Centre will continue this important legacy by providing veterans and their families with support in accessing services, connecting with employment opportunities, and navigating the assistance available to them.

This centre stands as both a tribute to Graeme’s profound impact and a lasting commitment to supporting veterans for generations to come.

29/04/2026

Today we were pleased to welcome Consul General Colleen E. Altstock and Public Engagement Director Leigh Dawson from the U.S. Consulate General Perth to the Aviation Heritage Museum.

Hosted by RAAFA CEO Michelle Fyfe and Museum Manager Trent Norris, the visit included a tour through the museum’s remarkable collection.

Pictured here at our impressive F/A-18 Hornet A21-101 — the last of eight F/A-18 Classic Hornets prepared by Boeing under a heritage project to display retired aircraft at RAAF bases and aviation museums across Australia.

Thank you for your visit!

28/04/2026

Gordon Lodge celebrated their annual Harmony Day with residents and staff coming together to recognise the diversity that makes the community so special.

The centre was decorated with colourful flags representing the many cultures within the Lodge. Team members dressed in traditional clothing from their own cultural backgrounds, proudly sharing their heritage.

With more than 20 ethnicities represented across staff and residents, the day was a meaningful celebration of the diversity that sits at the heart of Gordon Lodge 💙