Charitable purpose
Caring for those in need
- Creating Communities to Support the Vulnerable
- Sponsorship and Scholarship Opportunities
- Supporting Future Generations
Benevolent purpose
In our ninth decade, raafa created a significant initiative that has succeeded in invigorating our charitable purpose, complementing, and extending our range of services in WA. We continue the legacy of our founding members with philanthropic activities aimed at serving and former members of the ADF, raafa members, branch networks, as well as local groups, organisations, individuals, and the wider community. raafa undertakes a wide range of initiatives to support and sponsor those in need and to remember our heritage.
Supporting ambition
At raafa, we proudly support and sponsor individuals who take a keen interest in furthering their education and knowledge. Each year, students are welcomed to apply for our scholarship, fellowship, or award programs to assist their studies. We dedicate our programs to the memory of our aviation heroes, inspiring people to be their best self.
Applications Open
Swetman Aviation Education Fellowship
The Fellowship Fund was established in 1994 by Flight Lieutenant Ronald Charles Swetman DFC DFM, RAFVR (Retd) to foster aviation education and interest among young people in Western Australia.
Value of the Fellowship
- One (1) Fellowship of $5,000 will be awarded to a candidate chosen by the Fellowship Selection Panel.
- One (1) Award of $2,000 will be awarded to the second placed candidate.
- One (1) Award of $1,000 will be awarded to the third placed candidate.
The Fellowship and both Awards recipients will also receive:
- 12-month complementary Associate Membership to raafa
- Opportunities to participate in unique, curated experiences and VR sessions at raafa’s Aviation Heritage Museum.
Important Dates, Documents and Information
| 15 July 2024 | Applications Open |
| 20 September 2024 | Applications Close |
| 7 October 2024 | Interviews commence |
| 21 October 2024 | Fellowship and Awards recipients announced |
Eligibility
The applicant must be a student aged between 15-20 years, an Australian citizen or resident, residing in Western Australia, and undergoing or about to undergo an approved Western Australian aviation education program. Past recipients have undertaken flight, engineering and other aviation related training.
Applications Closed
McIntosh Memorial Scholarship
The McIntosh Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund was established in 1921 to perpetuate the memory of WWI pilot, Lieutenant John Cowe McIntosh, AFC. A single bi-annual scholarship of $5,000 is open to students who meet the following criteria:
- Descendants of RAAF or Commonwealth Air Force personnel killed or injured in the line of duty;
- Undertaking a first course of tertiary education full-time, in any year of that course; and
- Residing within Western Australia.
Applications Closed
raafa Leadership Award
The raafa Leadership Award is open to No. 7 Wing, Australian Air Force Cadets who demonstrate good leadership ability and strive for excellence. raafa provides the successful applicant with:
- The equivalent of two-months (paid) work experience
- $1,000 (one-off payment)
- Additional $1,000 to the winning cadet’s squadron
Veterans and their families
raafa works closely with the RAAF, particularly the team at Pearce Airbase to provide a range of programs and services. These include our advocacy services, Transition Mates, raafa Care fund and raafa ARVL program.