ABOUT US: AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION IN VICTORIA
First office for both the Federal Body and Victorian Division was in King Street Melbourne. Later the Federal and Division offices moved to the 2nd Floor of Collins House, 360 Collins Street, Melbourne.
Early in 1945 the Division moved to the 7th floor of Howey Court, 234 Collins St, Melbourne where it remained for approximately two years. The Federal office was moved to 84 William Street, Melbourne and subsequently to Sydney.
When the Second World War ended and membership was at its peak, the Division considered a proposal to take over the lease of ‘Air Force House’. Inaugurated in 1940 by the then Minister for Air, ‘Air Force House’ was to provide a 'resting place' for many thousands of weary airmen passing through Melbourne; providing low cost meals, beds and luggage storage. It closed in 1946 and after months of discussions with the owner (Melbourne City Council) the project was abandoned. When finances of ‘Air Force House’ were wound up half the surplus was given to the Association’s newly formed Clubrooms Appeal Fund.
In 1947 the Association purchased ‘Flinders House’ at 45 Flinders Lane and in July the Division moved into its new property.
1949 saw the front of the building being renovated with office facilities and a meeting room on the ground floor and a large functions area, two bars and a small kitchen upstairs.
Unfortunately by 1955 membership was beginning to decline, as was occurring in other ex-service organisations, thought to be due to veterans settling back into family/working life after the war years.
In July 1959, Flinders Lane building was sold.
No 10 Queens Road, South Melbourne, a century old home that was being used as a boarding house, was purchased for the members in October 1959. Extensive alterations to the building were made for members use and comfort. Queens Road, was RAAFA’s (Victorian Division) home for a number of years, with members enjoying the facilities and great social functions offered to them.
In 1970 it was decided to sell Queens Road, as it was not possible to extend/renovate the existing building and there was no car parking available as it stood. The building was sold with a twelve month settlement before final payment was taken giving the Association time to obtain another building. In October 1970, 4 Cromwell Road, South Yarra was purchased.
Queens Road was vacated In September 1971 and RAAFA moved into a rented office at 426 St Kilda Road during the building period on 4 Cromwell Road. Meetings were also held in the Nurses Memorial Centre in St Kilda Road and in the “Carry On” building in Queens Street, Melbourne. The Air Forces Club members were granted temporary membership of the Light Car Club in Queens Road and also used the Masonic Club in Melbourne; this ensured as little inconvenience as possible for the membership. All Branches of the Association were invited to contribute suggestions on the features of the new building at Cromwell Road, with the final design being approved by the then State Council, which consisted of offices on the lower floor and full Club facilities on the first floor, plus ample car parking on site.
In October 1972 the Division finally moved into its new premises at 4 Cromwell Road. The Air Forces Club commenced trading on October 13th 1972. The building was officially opened by the Governor of Victoria on November 19th.
RAAFA (Victorian Division) – also known in Victoria as “The Air Force Association” spent many great years at Cromwell Road. However in 2004, due to declining membership and patronage of the Air Forces Club, it was agreed that Cromwell Road be sold to ensure the financial viability of the Association and that the proceeds be used to:
- purchase new premises for members use; and
- invest in property that would return an income to offset the drop in membership.
Units 3 – 6, 24-36 Camberwell Road, East Hawthorn were purchased. Unit 3 and part of Unit 4 was fitted out to accommodate the membership with the remaining units leased out to commercial companies. The facility, to be known as the “The Victorian Air Forces’ Centre”, was officially opened on 20th May 2006, by the then Minister of Veterans Affairs, Mr Bruce Bilson.