RAAFA WA

26/02/2026

Run (or walk!) for RAAFA at HBF Run for a Reason 2026 🏃‍♀️
When you sign up and select RAAFA as your preferred charity, you’ll help support veterans through transitional accommodation and essential services, fund scholarships in aviation and nursing, and preserve Australia’s aviation heritage.

Sign up today and choose RAAFA as your charity: https://runforareason26.grassrootz.com/raafa

25/02/2026

This February marks 84 years since the Bangka Island massacre, one of the darkest chapters in Australian nursing history.

Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel was one of just 22 Australian nurses who survived the sinking of the SS Vyner Brooke in 1942, and the sole survivor of the massacre on Bangka Island. She later spent more than three years as a prisoner of war, caring for fellow prisoners despite unimaginable hardship.

Vivian devoted her life to nursing, remembrance, and service. Her courage, resilience, and compassion continue to inspire, and RAAFA’s Vivian Bullwinkel Lodge at Cambrai Village is proudly named in her honour, ensuring her story — and the sacrifice of her colleagues — are never forgotten.

Photo credits: Australian War Memorial

10/02/2026

Congratulations to our long service staff at Vivian Bullwinkel and Karri & Tuart Lodges! Your commitment, care and passion make a lasting difference to residents and our community every day.

06/02/2026

Over 100 residents and staff came together at Merriwa to celebrate Christmas in style! The hall was decked out in festive decorations, morning tea was enjoyed, and everyone got into the spirit with Christmas-themed outfits — including our cheeky Naughtiest Elf and Goodie Goodie Elf.

A special highlight was the Merriwa Von-Crapp Choir’s fun rendition of Jingle Bells, celebrating the wonderful Merriwa community. 🎄💙

03/02/2026

Gordon Lodge resident Aileen discovered a love of gardening after joining the Garden Club, and her passion has truly flourished. What began with just two plants has grown into a collection of more than 80, all lovingly cared for by Aileen.

With support from staff, she recently held her first Plant Sale, raising $110 to support resources for residents — and she’s already planning the next one. Aileen says gardening has helped her feel happier, healthier and more fulfilled. 🌱

30/01/2026

At our 2025 Annual General Meeting, we were proud to present Clive Robartson with Air Force Association Life Membership.

Clive had served as a Division Council member at RAAFA for more than a decade, and this recognition reflects his dedication, leadership and long-standing contribution to our community. A well-deserved honour.

23/01/2026

Hidden for decades, now proudly on display ✈️

A collection of WWII artefacts — from leather flying helmets and pilot logbooks to RAAF badges and instruments — has been brought out of storage and turned into a stunning new heritage display at RAAFA’s Meadow Springs estate. At its heart sits a cabinet built 25 years ago to commemorate Lancaster pilot Danny Reese, who twice brought his damaged bomber home to save his crew.

Created by a passionate group of residents, staff and volunteers, the display honours the men and women who served, with every item donated by former residents. Now a centrepiece of the estate, it’s a proud reminder of the stories, service and legacy that connect this community.

19/01/2026

Congratulations to all our staff at McNamara Lodge and Alice Ross-King Care Centre on 5, 10 and 15 years of service! Thank you for your dedication and the care you show to our residents each day. 💙

16/01/2026

Residents at McNamara and Alice Ross-King were treated to some very special visitors recently, with friendly farm animals dropping by to brighten the week. From baby goats and fluffy ducklings to sheep, ponies and curious chickens, there were plenty of cuddles and smiles to go around. Something a little out of the ordinary that made the day extra special.

12/01/2026

Leaving a gift to RAAFA in your will is more than a gift — it’s a tribute. A tribute to Western Australia’s proud history, to those who served, and to the generations yet to come. If you've ever considered leaving a gift in your will, RAAFA has partnered with Safewill to offer a discounted online Will-writing service to help you with writing your Will.

Visit https://www.raafawa.org.au/veterans/gift-in-will/ or contact us at bequests@raafawa.org.au or 0892888400 to find out more.

08/01/2026

Merriwa Estate residents Peter White and Noel Cahill were friends and long-time enthusiasts of radio-controlled model planes for years at Merriwa Estate, spending time together flying and building model aircraft.

When Peter could no longer build a beautiful model 1938 Boeing-Stearman PT-17, he gave it to Noel to complete the very complex and detailed assembly. It took over a year, but Noel completed construction of the aircraft, and it looks amazing at Merriwa’s main hall, still in the air as a reminder of Peter and Noel’s great friendship.

05/01/2026

The residents at RAAFA Air Force Memorial Estate are a friendly lot. Listen to resident Ted tell you about an unofficial support group known as 'The Barrel Boys.'

One of our RAAFA Retirement Living residents Ted, tells us about the impromptu support group, nicknamed 'The Barrel Boys' at RAAFA Air Force Memorial Estate,...