The year 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), originally named the Air Training Corps. Our AAFC80 campaign will seek to further:
- Enhance our reputation as the leading youth development organisation
- Influence our established audiences
- Build new relationships and create enduring effects which support the function of the Air Force Cadets.
The AAFC80 campaign tagline emphasises our enduring support to Australian youth development: Inspiring Today, Leading Tomorrow.
Meet the team
| Lead Project Officer (LPROJO) | WGCDR(AAFC) Paul Hughes |
| Chief of Staff (COS) | WGCDR(AAFC) Merridy Thompson |
| Business Manager (BM) | PLTOFF(AAFC) Martin Mane |
| Strategic Communications Officer (SCO) | FLTLT(AAFC) Fernando Gonzalez |
| Social Media Coordinator (SMC) | FSGT(AAFC) Kate Heussler |
| Imagery Coordinator (IC) | CPL(AAFC) Michael Thomas |
| Warrant Officer Ceremonial (WOC) | SQNLDR(AAFC) Chris Gibson |
| Logistics Officer (LOGO) & Risk Management Officer (RMO) | FLTLT(AAFC) Troy Wren |
| Operations and Plans (OPSO) | FLGOFF(AAFC) Mitch Paterson |
| Air Show Coordinator (ASC) | WGCDR(AAFC) Kylie Walker |
Social Media
The AAFC80 campaign will place a significant emphasis on existing Air Force Cadet social media platforms to communicate with audiences.
Our official channels include:
What’s Next: Events + Activities
Our next steps in planning for 2021 will be to:
- Explore opportunities to connect with our friends in Air Force for their 2021 centenary celebrations (100 years)
- AAFC Lifting Off Into Space & the Future: Project Jericho stratosphere balloon launch
- Participation in state and national Air Shows, including: Wings Over Illawarra, Brisbane Air Show, Avalon International Airshow, Temora Air Show, Edinburgh Air Show
- Queens Birthday Reception
- Governor-General Reception
- 2021 Finale: National Parade, Canberra
- 2021 Finale: VIP Morning/Afternoon Tea, Canberra
- Plus more events/activities to come (Squadron & Wing-based anniversary celebrations)
PR + Media Enquiries
For all media, public relations and social media enquiries (in the first instance) please contact:
Flight Sergeant (AAFC) Kate Heussler
National Social Media Co-ordinator
Email: kate.heussler@airforcecadets.gov.au
Stay Updated
To connect with Squadron/Wing anniversary celebrations, please contact your respective Wing Executive Officer in the first instance.
To connect with our AAFC80 Project Team, please email: aafc80team@airforcecadets.gov.au
