raafa WA

Bringing people together since 1929

Provides Retirement Living and Residential Care services across 7 sites in Western Australia which is open to the broader community as well as Australian aviation ex-servicemen and women. The organisation supplies homecare services to the community through a range of home care programs via RAAFA Connect and supports members of the association through wellbeing services. RAAFA supports the veteran

community through their Clear Skies program which provides advocacy, commemorations and is developing a veterans homelessness program (ARVL). In addition, RAAFA runs the Aviation Heritage Museum at Bull Creek, which is home to thousands of unique artifacts telling the story of Australia's civil and military aviation history.

04/09/2026

raafa's Clinical Conference held in July 2026 brought together nursing professionals from across our organisation for a day of learning, inspiration and celebration under the theme "Stronger Together: Mission Focused Aged Care Nursing."

The conference showcased the passion and expertise that our nurses bring to aged care. Attendees heard from an outstanding lineup of speakers including WAVED, Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA, WAEDOCS, Residential Care Line, and an internationally award-winning presenter from Phenomenal Training (UK). Together, they shared valuable insights on clinical excellence, innovation, self-awareness, and the importance of "keeping it human" in everything we do.

To our nurses, we extend a heartfelt thank you for your professionalism, resilience, and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care every day.

31/08/2026

Between 1950 and 1966, thousands of Australians served in Malaya and Borneo, often in challenging jungle conditions far from home.

Today, we recognise the service of those who took part in the Malayan Emergency, the Thai-Malay border operations and the Indonesian Confrontation. We remember those who lost their lives, acknowledge the contribution of all who served, and thank our Malaya and Borneo veterans for their service.

Lest we forget.

Picture credits: Australian War Memorial

30/08/2026

After years of dedicated restoration, the Aviation Heritage Museum's Beechcraft Baron is now proudly on display.

Once flown by Robin "The Sugarbird Lady" Miller, the aircraft played a vital role in delivering life-saving vaccinations to more than 37,000 children living in remote and regional Australia.

The Beechcraft Baron was generously donated to the Museum in 2011 in a deteriorated condition. Thanks to the extraordinary skill and commitment of our volunteer restoration team, led by Clive Green and the late Brian Jones, it has been brought back to life for future generations to experience.

The Beechcraft Baron is now open to the public at the Aviation Heritage Museum. We invite you to come and see this remarkable aircraft and discover the story behind its incredible restoration.

Watch the highlights from the unveiling below.

28/08/2026

For almost 100 years, raafa has been bringing people together.

From 30 Australian Flying Corps veterans who came together on ANZAC Day in 1929, to the thousands of people who make up our community today, our story has always been about creating opportunities for people to belong.

Today, we’re proud to introduce our refreshed brand. A brand that reflects who raafa is today, while honouring the history and heritage that brought us here.

Most importantly, it's a brand that has been shaped and inspired by the members, residents, families, staff, volunteers and veterans who make up our community.

So while it might look a little different around here, our commitment to our people, our community and the values that have guided us for almost a century remains the same.

Because the story that started with 30 people is still being written by all of us.

raafa, bringing people together since 1929.

21/08/2026

A powerful new symbol of peace has found its home at RAAFA Merriwa Estate.

In June, residents, Rotary representatives, community leaders and distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the installation of a Peace Pole, generously gifted by the Rotary Club of Mindarie as part of a nationwide initiative promoting peace and unity.

As the first retirement village in Western Australia to receive a Peace Pole, Merriwa Estate is proud to be part of a global movement that began in Japan in 1955 and now spans more than 200 countries.

What makes Merriwa Estate's Peace Pole especially unique is its connection to our veteran community. Alongside the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in English, Noongar and Māori, the fourth side features three symbolic poppies:
Red, honouring those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
White, representing peace and remembering all victims of conflict.
Blue, raising awareness of PTSD, depression and the invisible wounds experienced by veterans, first responders and others affected by trauma.

The Peace Pole has taken its permanent place in the Estate's gardens, where it serves as a place for reflection and a lasting reminder of the importance of peace, remembrance and hope.

Our sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Mindarie for this meaningful gift and to everyone who joined us to mark this special occasion.

18/08/2026

On Vietnam Veterans' Day, we pause to honour the courage, service and sacrifice of the almost 60,000 Australians who served during the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Veterans' Day marks the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966, one of the most significant battles fought by Australian forces during the conflict. It is a day to remember those who lost their lives, acknowledge those who returned home, and recognise the lasting impact the war had on veterans and their families.

At RAAFA, we are proud to support and stand alongside our veteran community. Today, we thank all Vietnam veterans for their service, resilience and the legacy they have left for future generations.

Lest we forget.

Picture credits: Australian War Memorial

15/08/2026

Peace is never something to take for granted.

On 15 August, Victory in Pacific Day, we reflect on the end of the Second World War in the Pacific and the immense sacrifice that made peace possible.

As we remember this significant day, we honour every Australian who served and those whose lives were forever changed by the conflict.

Lest we forget.

13/08/2026

Congratulations to our long-serving team members, Jackie and Jang!

Jackie, celebrating 15 years with RAAFA, is a valued member of the kitchen team at Vivian Bullwinkel Lodge. She is known for her care and willingness to go the extra mile for our residents.

As Chef at Bull Creek Club, Jang has reached five years of service with RAAFA. His dedication to the team and the dining experience at the Club are greatly appreciated.

Thank you both for your dedication and contribution to RAAFA 💙

Address

18 Bowman Street
Perth, WA
6151

Website

http://www.raafawa.org.au/

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