15 July 2025
Squadron Leader Paul Jeffery, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) reservist working remotely from Auckland, has been awarded an RAAF Silver Commendation in a unique ceremony hosted at Whenuapai, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Auckland.
Squadron Leader Jeffery works in the High Performance and Culture team at Headquarters Air Command (HQAC).
He earned the commendation for his excellent achievement and application of skills to Air Force’s Safety Promotion Programs.
One of Squadron Leader Jeffery’s major achievements includes stewardship of the Air Force Safety Month Program, an influential safety event given its scope and effects across Air Force.
Recently, he led the transition from the traditional Work Health and Safety theme to a Human Performance and Optimisation focus. Through dedicated focus and diligent program management skills, he adapted leading industry knowledge to the military context.
Deputy Air Commander Australia (DACAUST) Air Commodore Susie Barns (RNZAF) saw an opportunity to celebrate Squadron Leader Jeffery’s achievements across the Tasman.
A unique award ceremony was organised at RNZAF Base Auckland, where the Jeffery family was invited to the special occasion.
“It was an honour to support the presentation of a Silver Commendation to Squadron Leader Jeffery, whilst he is employed remotely in New Zealand,” Air Commodore Barns said.
“Acting Base Commander RNZAF Auckland, Wing Commander Ceilidh Martin, and her team made the occasion very special for Squadron Leader Jeffery and his family, including a remote dial-in by High Performance and Culture team members and Headquarters Air Command staff.
“On the New Zealand side, the Director of Air Force Safety and Health also attended, with members of his team, showcasing the close trans-Tasman support between our two Air Forces.”
Squadron Leader Jeffery was surprised and honoured when the “appointment” he was asked to attend at RNZAF Base Auckland was actually an award ceremony.
'At a personal level, the RNZAF has the same relaxed feeling and mateship that you experience in the RAAF.'
“To be honest, when I was told that I had an appointment at Whenuapai (RNZAF Base Auckland) I thought I was going to drop into the Base Commander’s office to shake hands and receive a clasp to my long-service medal,” Squadron Leader Jeffery said.
“To have a group of RNZAF members seated in the briefing room, my Australian colleagues and DACAUST joining in online via Teams as I was presented a commendation by the acting Base Commander and Base Warrant Officer was unexpected, but a wonderful surprise.”
A highlight of the experience was the warm welcome given to his family by the RNZAF Acting Base Commander, and their team. Squadron Leader Jeffery said it felt like being at home.
“My wife commented that the warm welcome and easy conversation made it feel like we could have been on any base back home in Australia. It’s clear that RNZAF personnel share the qualities of the RAAF – hard-working, motivated and keen to create an effect,” he said.
“Our children were born after I completed my permanent service so I particularly enjoyed them getting this glimpse into service life. My grandfather served in the RAAF for almost 40 years – perhaps we might see another generation wear the RAAF uniform.”
Squadron Leader Jeffery describes the RNZAF as having the same feeling of mateship as the RAAF.
“Having recently attended Anzac Day ceremonies in both Auckland and Wellington it is clear that more than a century of shared military experience, starting at Gallipoli and continuing to Afghanistan and beyond, has shaped the trans-Tasman relationship,” he said.
“At a personal level, the RNZAF has the same relaxed feeling and mateship that you experience in the RAAF.”
Squadron Leader Jeffery’s commitment to enhancing the safety culture across the service and determination to boost the organisation’s capabilities in this space were rewarded for being of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions and values of the RAAF and Australian Defence Force.
