MISUNDERSTOOD: A PULSE-CHECK ON THE PERCEPTIONS OF AUSTRALIAN VETERANS
Home to One of The Largest Aircraft Collections in Australia
RAAFA
It’s about...
- Community
- Care
- Support
"Pursuing excellence in care and heritage"
Creating Communities Open to All
RAAFA is one of WA’s largest and most trusted not-for-profit retirement living and residential care providers and have been caring for people in WA since 1929.
As a not-for-profit organisation, our focus is always on creating a positive impact for our community, and to provide better facilities and services to our members.
At RAAFA, we are committed to creating communities open to all, to engage and support the Western Australian community. To achieve this vision, we provide a full range of services including modern retirement living, residential care, and home care.
An important part is the work that we do around our charitable purpose. This includes working with RAAFA members and our branch network supporting veterans, and serving members of the Australian Defence Force, particularly the Air Force members and their families.
What Can We Do For You?
Retirement Living
Residential Care
Home Care
Aviation Heritage Museum
Veterans
Charitable Purpose
RAAFA Memberships
Licensed Clubs
Work at RAAFA
What Can We Do For You?
"The community is very close and there's always someone willing to help you out."
- Bill H.
Why Choose Us
Strong Veteran
Heritage
Not-for-Profit
Organisation
Compassionate,
Caring Team
Supporting You
at Home
Contemporary
Facilities
Picturesque
Locations
Aged Care Quality
Standards Compliance
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What Our Community Is Saying About RAAFA
“We just love helping out and in fact I think we get even more joy out of it than we put in, we look forward to going and spending time with the residents, and we love the staff there too, who are just wonderful. I really enjoy having a laugh with male residents, reminiscing, and going on a trip down memory lane.”
Jean and Bob Sexton, McNamara Lodge
“The MER Branch really has community service at its core. What we do really epitomizes the proud heritage of RAAFA which is very much about caring for one another in the wider community.”
Madge Bicknell, MER Branch Treasurer
“RAAFA has provided me with great opportunities to develop my career, offering support, learning, and growth that has allowed me to achieve my goals, progressing from a Carer to Quality Support Officer.”
Fabio Pasaka, Central Support Office
“I wanted to do something to thank the team, build our culture, and reinforce how amazingly we’ve all worked together. It was all in the name of having a good time and reinforce that everyone in our team is equal and has done and amazing job since 2020 when COVID-19 first hit. I feel very fortunate to work with such wonderful people who are dedicated to their jobs and the residents here at Karri and Tuart Lodge.”
Michelle Fernandes, Facility Manager, Karri & Tuart Lodge
“We also have the RAAFA Club which is a beautiful venue where we can catch up with friends for coffee, lunch, or a drink. We also have a bowling green, tennis courts, pool, and a gym so it’s like living in a resort. Every day I wake up thinking how lucky I am to be here.”
Phil and Jill Skinner
“I’ve loved immersing myself in the work environment at Central Support Office, it’s a very inclusive place and full of lovely people. I’m hoping to gain a position for the 2021 intake as an officer cadet in the ADF Academy. It will mean having to restart my degree, but I’d be very happy to do that if the opportunity with the Air Force eventuates.”
Alexander White – 2019 Leadership Award
“Moving is a big step to take and I’d encourage people to visit the estate a few times and get a real feel for it before they make any decisions, as it’s important to be sure and to feel comfortable.”
Eddie and Lynette Eaton
“Remembrance Day as well as ANZAC day is an important and emotional day for dad. It’s great to see the team at Alice Ross-King Care Centre taking the time to commemorate the exceptional contribution of all Australian servicemen and women for their bravery and selflessness.”
Tom Newby’s daughter
“I left the launch feeling incredibly humbled and a great pride given something so meaningful has been borne out of such a tragedy; this initiative is nothing short of inspiring and it’s a great example of what makes our State and country so wonderful. Those involved should be very proud of what they are setting out to do.”
James McMahon, DSC, AM, DSM
“All of the RAAFA Connect staff have been very helpful and kind, and I particularly appreciate gaining some time for myself every Friday while Terry is taken out by a carer, it’s really good for both of us. Our life at Cambrai Village is still full, and we are grateful to the RAAFA Connect team for giving us that extra bit of support to remain living independently, in our own home.”
Fay and Terry Wall, Cambrai Village Residents
“We never imagined that we would enjoy our retirement so much or meet so many lovely people in one place so please accept our appreciation and thanks for providing such a great lifestyle.”
Tony Carter-Johnson
“I’m thrilled to have been awarded to 2020 Leadership Award which will provide an essential steppingstone to build on the skills I have been introduced to through the AAFC, and hopefully make me a worthy candidate for a role in the RAAF.”
Michael Dolecki (18yo) – 2020 Leadership Award
“On entering, one is struck by the brightness and light in its dining area with not only attractive décor but more importantly, comfortable seating. The staff are courteous and friendly.
Warren Evans, President – RAAOC Association WA Inc
“We’ll never know what success by the enemy might have meant for Australia. But we know that Australian soldiers and airmen at Milne Bay brought those forces their first defeat on land. And we know it was from then that the course of the war changed.”
Brett Dowsing, RAN ret’d – (September 2021)
“It’s a special day for me, it brings back many memories of friends who were killed in the line of duty. I was very lucky to survive myself, I’ve had many close shaves in my time and I’m lucky to be here.”
Bill Watson
“When the estate first opened, Garden City hadn’t been built and the only shops were Charlie Carters at Canning Bridge and Fremantle. At the time, there were poultry farms throughout this area, and I can remember that no laundry was permitted on a Sunday. AFME has been a wonderful place to live, and still is.”
Rona Stalley
“I find volunteering very rewarding and it makes you very social on the estate too, meaning you meet lots of people and can really give back. Volunteering certainly brings me lots of happiness and we have a great team whose attitude is ‘nothing is too much trouble’. Everyone puts their hand up to help which is just wonderful.”
Rhonda Mays, MER Branch President
“Firstly, I find the accommodation very comfortable with all facilities close at hand. Secondly the meals and catering, to me are beyond reproach. Thirdly and to me the most outstanding, is the staff. I can only think that heaven must be short of angels because this facility here at Bull Creek is inundated with them. They are so caring, cheerful, and helpful making life here quite happy for all of us.”
Richard Sims, Resident
“The staff treat my mum with genuine care and respect and involve her in as many activities as she is able to do. We are informed of any changes in her health and actions to be taken.”
Family Member
“Remembrance Day really does give us an opportunity to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their county. By remembering all who served, we can recognise the sacrifices that were made so that we can live in peace.”
Derek Phillips, OAM – (November 2022)
“I was quite nervous about downsizing from our home, but we just thought we should do it while we were still fit enough to make the move because we knew it would be a big upheaval. Since we’ve been here, we’ve tried quite a few new things. In fact, we’re doing so much we’re exhausted. I didn’t think we’d enjoy being here so much, but we’re having a great time.”
Christine and Peter Rimmer
“It’s a really nice change and we’ve all be thoroughly enjoyed our Tuesday theme cuisine lunches. The therapy team goes to huge lengths to make us feel special by decorating the room and also dressing in national costumes, they always go above and beyond, without fail.”
Norma Maguire, Resident
“We were looking at houses when we happened to drive past RAAFA’s Erskine Grove, so we parked near the admin centre just as three ladies were walking back home after using the swimming pool. One of them said she’d be happy to invite us over to her house for a cuppa.” “I just fell in love with Erskine immediately and could see all of the positives. We were really keen on having a lifestyle where we could just hitch the caravan up and go, and not worry about leaving the house or looking after our garden.”
Jim and Leslie Smith
“I have lots of memories of the years I served, and they often come flooding back around Remembrance Day. I always attended the RSL ceremony, and it was a real honour to attend the RAAFA Amity Village Albany ceremony with my wife Margaret for the first time as new residents at the estate.”
Ken Morrison
“We were living in an apartment in Joondalup which was lovely, but we just never saw anyone. When we moved in, everyone on our street came and introduced themselves, and we felt right at home straight away. We’ve never had so many friends, it’s incredible and we’re really happy here.”
Antonia and Ewoud Slobe
We’re all different and you can be as involved in village life as you want to be, but there’s certainly plenty to do, including a lovely library that I have really been enjoying. Amity is such a friendly, inclusive, and welcoming village, we are so happy to be here.”
Allan and Wendy Banks
“If there’s anyone out there who could do with some support and assistance, but is perhaps unsure of asking for help, I’d say get in touch with RAAFA Connect and have an initial chat. I found them particularly helpful in regard to the ACAT process and accessing government assistance too. All the staff were great and I can only speak very highly of everyone I’ve had contact with.”
Stewart Elston, AFME Resident
“The new facility is absolutely terrific, and we were all incredibly happy with it. All of the group was very impressed with what was on offer, and the staff were very accommodating and can’t do enough to help. All in all, we highly recommend it as a high-quality meeting venue.”
Charlie Cuts from Far East Strategic Reserve Navy Assoc
“Even though now it’s just me, I’m very happy here, as Amity is such a friendly village and it feels very safe.”
Deborah Varden
“The RAAFA Club restaurant on the ground floor provides a popular meeting place for residents. There is also a lounge on the 3rd floor which is well utilised. The estate has a bowling club, library, gym, swimming pool, hydro pool, tennis court, hairdressers, beauty shop, small supermarket, and physiotherapist. We have made many new friends and have enjoyed the last two years and now wish we had made the move earlier. We couldn’t be happier.”
Ray and Dot Hosking
“In my view the launch of the Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) program is a brilliant idea and a great initiative to combat the issue of homelessness in the veteran community. It’s a sad reality that many groups have turned a blind eye to this difficult issue, so to have RAAFA come on board and become part of the solution is incredibly positive for those of us already working in the sector.”
John Berger, Executive Officer of the WA Alliance to End Homelessness
“I’m very grateful to have the services I receive, I’ve lived at Meadow Spring for 21 years, and certainly don’t want to move anywhere else. The housework and garden was starting to get a little too much for me, and I realised I might not be able to cope by myself, but as a result of getting all of this help I’m doing really well.”
Ruth Harris, Meadow Springs Estate Resident
“After lengthy attempts at navigating the compensation system we sat down for a chat. Although we weren’t made any unrealistic promises, for the first time in years we came away with a glimmer of hope. We successfully met with the Veteran’s Review Board and couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
Andrew and Jackie, Have Used RAAFA Advocacy Services
“In my time (July 2007 to March 2022) as President FESR Navy Association, RAAFA has been a regular venue for our meetings, commemorative dinners, and Christmas lunch and I can only say that the dedication of the staff has been wonderful in a genuine friendly manner to meet all our needs whether it be special dietary requirements or special table layouts. One special aspect about the RAAFA facility and the staff is the respect for all Veterans and their families.”
Phillip Smith BEM, Ex President FESR Navy Association
“You absolutely know what you’re going to get before moving in, and you don’t even have to do any renovations as it’s all done for you, it’s honestly like moving into a brand-new home in many ways.”
John and Sue Moore
“We knew the RAAFA name, so we decided to give them a go as we had found that our previous support provider was a little unreliable, and we never knew when the carers were turning up. The team at RAAFA Connect are very prompt, you always know, within about 15 minutes or so when they are going to arrive. Routine is very important to us, and we’ve really appreciated having such reliable support staff, it makes a big difference.”
Gavin Single
“I viewed three separate units and just loved the third one straight away, it immediately felt like home. I’m just so happy with my new house, everything in it is brand-new including the kitchen, the bathroom and the carpet and flooring. I love it here and I really feel that moving into the estate has just been the best thing.”
Bill Hill
“We are so very happy of the move to our Cirrus apartment and would recommend the estate to anybody seeking a wonderful lifestyle in their retirement years.”
Gerald and Margaret Berson
“The feedback we’ve had has been fantastic. Everyone who attended loved it and we’ve been asked for more nights like it, we will have to see what we can do. After all, they do say that laughter is good for the soul.”
Sandra Livingston, Cambrai Village Branch, ‘Hollywood Comes to Cambrai’ Event
“I would highly recommend Vivian Bullwinkel Lodge as the care, support, and love they showed towards my late mother was beyond our expectations. Mum always had high praise for the care staff that she interacted with. She enjoyed a range of food options but was award they couldn’t provide her with her favourite Chinese/Asian meals, but we could take her out regularly to enjoy these. Mum’s room was furnished with a few items from her home and the walls had a few of her favourite patchwork items and prints hung, along with family photos.”
Anonymous, Family Member
“Volunteering as a bus driver, playing bowls for the first time, going to the gym, using the pool, popping along to happy hour, and becoming regulars at morning coffee catch ups are all activities that we have been involved in since moving into Erskine Grove. Trying new things has been great fun and has also helped us to make new friends which we’ve loved.”
Alex and Marlene King
“I absolutely love volunteering at RAAFA Amity Village Albany, all of the residents have got a great sense of humour and always have such big smiles on their faces, they make me smile too and spending time with them is honestly the highlight of my week. Volunteering with my grandpa is just the best thing and although the residents say they enjoy my company, they have no idea about how much joy they bring to me too.”
Amy Trouchet
“The work ethos demonstrated in general has already generated high confidence in my wife about her personal security, welfare, and an opportunity to make new friends. My wife and I have been quite stunned at how well-run this estate is managed. The friendliness of everyone demonstrated how well the administration and other staff here work and they certainly do not shirk any of their duties.”
Douglas and Katherine Whitfield
“I don’t have any experience of retirement accommodation so I am unable to compare, but if all the homes under your banner compare to the one I have just become a resident, then you must be caring for a lot of happy people.”
Unknown, Resident
“RAAFA’s Air Force Memorial Estate in Bull Creek is easy to access via train from North or South. Alight at Bull Creek Station and transfer to a bus which will drop you at the front gates of RAAFA. If driving, one is delighted to find lots of ‘free’ parking – a definite bonus.”
Valma Graham, Functions Organiser – WRANS-RAN Women’s Association WA
“We experienced an amazing welcome and great friendship from the board, staff, and volunteers during our visit, and we very much look forward to visiting again and exploring the stories that the team at the museum are set to share.”
RAF Wing Commander Erica Ferguson
“Harmony Day was so amazing because it was all about respecting different cultures. I was so excited to share my culture in from of all of the residents and staff and it has encouraged me to be proud of where I come from and to share my culture’s beliefs and customs.”
Shurenbolor Khandsuren, Carer, Gordon Lodge
“Our hope is that by involving the next generation, they will gain some understanding of why these commemorations are so very important and significant to so many people.”
Warren Johnson – (November 2021)
“Many residents got involved with one thing or another, we had one lady who baked 16 cakes and said it was her way of contributing, and another who made over 100 jars of pickles, which just shows how much support there is for this annual fundraiser.”
Maureen Farrell, Cambrai Village Branch Fete Fundraiser
“We looked at 10 different villages before we chose Cambrai and the quality here is just unrivalled. When we first arrived at the estate we just loved the wide streets and the brick and tile homes, with their own garage, and we thought it was so peaceful. We honestly feel like everything we need is here. At the end of the day, we love the lifestyle and we tell everyone how fantastic it is. It really is the best move we’ve ever made.”
Jeff and Jackie Harry
“Being fitted for a specific mask, and ensuring I know how to use, wear and fit check it, is just one of the ways RAAFA makes me feel safe to perform my role.”
Maria Florea, Therapy Assistant, Alice Ross-King Care Centre
“I’ve been active all my life and admit that I can’t do what I used to,” says Gill, who was in the Royal Navy during WWII and has prided himself on remaining fit. “I had a fall recently that required a lot of rehab. It made me determined to recover and get home quickly and I’m very grateful to have the services I receive from RAAFA Connect that enable me to remain living at home. I love living at Mirage and I certainly don’t want to move anywhere else.”
Gil Carter, AFME Resident
“We wanted participants to experience the thrill of being part of a sporting team again, whilst enjoying social interaction and an element of competition. Everyone really did take the whole thing in good spirits and the general consensus was that the weekend was a real tonic.”
David Lloyd, Erskine Grove Branch, Mini Olympics
“For me personally, RAAFA’s heritage and history is like a bloodline and heartbeat running through our organisation, something which many other not-for-profits just don’t have.”
Paul Brown, Business Improvement Analyst
“I’m very lucky that my job enables me to help people in so many ways, not just in terms of their physical health, but also by supporting the team to continue with their hobbies and passions.”
Christa Sauer, Nurse, McNamara Lodge
“Working for an organisation that supports everyone in its community makes a huge difference and makes us all feel incredibly valued.”
Adam Blower, Procurement Manager
“You really feel a sense of satisfaction and that you’re making a contribution. I love continuing to be a librarian even though I’m retired, and you really get to know people’s taste so you can make recommendations to anyone who uses the service. It’s great to do something that focuses on other people, not just myself.”
Jane Donald, AFME Library Coordinator
“I made an appointment with Cheryl the manager who showed me two houses here in the village. And I think I pretty much immediately said ‘right then, I’ll have that one. This is where I want to be. I knew two or three people here already and I loved the location, it’s so handy to town. It’s a decision that I was certain of at the time, and it’s been the right one for me, the people here are friendly and I’m very settled. Put simply, I don’t think I could be in a better place, I just adore living here.”
Soenaid Mackay
“Initially, I wasn’t too sure I was ready to make the move, but the people here are lovely, it’s a really nice community and I have made many friends, in fact in no time at all you have an instant network of acquaintances. I found the house was just lovely, its heaps big enough for us and I absolutely love the kitchen. Plus, we are really happy to live in a secure village, and one that is very supportive. I would say to anyone considering moving into a retirement home to come sooner rather than later, so that you have time to make friends, make the most of the facilities and stay active as you age.”
Lyn and Peter Taylor
“We definitely did lots of homework before we moved in, but we just loved Cambrai straight away, with its wide-open streets which were not tight or compact like so many other villages. We have good security and can ‘lock up and leave’ whenever we want, but at the same time we love the social activities. It can be a big decision, but from our experience it’s better to do it sooner rather than later. We love it at Cambrai and we’ve never looked back.”
Gordon and Brenda Barker
“Our previous home was 35km away from the nearest town and medical facilities, and we made the decision that we didn’t want to move in our 80s, we would rather do it while we were fit and healthy. For anyone who is thinking about the move but is a little unsure, I would say definitely look into it. We have absolutely made the right decision and are both very happy here already.”
Anne and Dane Bingham