For Air Force, 1989 was a busy year. Transport squadrons were stretched, flying more than 6500 hours to move over 170,000 civilians during Operation Immune to keep the country moving amidst a national aviation crisis. 

Changes were also happening on the ground: the Air Power Studies Centre – now the Air and Space Power Centre – was established; Point Cook and Laverton Bases merged to form RAAF Base Williams; RAAF Base Tindal opened; and the Roulettes switched from the Macchi MB-326 to the Pilatus PC-9 aircraft. 

It was also the year that 9 Squadron, under the leadership of then-Wing Commander Angus Houston, was disbanded, transferring its Black Hawk helicopters to the Army. 

Amid all these headlines, something quite significant happened ­– the creation of the Group Life Insurance (GLI) Scheme, launched by the RAAF Welfare Trust Fund (RWTF).

The RWTF is a registered charity established in 1947 to care for aviators and their families.

Over the decades, it has poured more than $360 million into the Air Force community through low-cost loans, hardship grants and funding to support base welfare and amenity. 

'RAAF Welfare Trust loan applications are typically processed and paid within the same day, showing just how quickly the Fund steps up when aviators need help.'

RWTF continues to evolve to meet modern aviator needs. The GLI now covers about 7000 aviators. According to RWTF Secretary Heather Stewart, the benefit will increase from $15,000 to $20,000 in November, with only a modest rise in premiums – about 35 cents per pay. 

“Under the GLI, we will promptly pay $20,000 to the nominated beneficiary in the event of death of a serving loved one – normally within 48 hours,” Mrs Stewart said.

“Because we are a registered charity, every dollar earned from the GLI, very low loan fees and interest on its investments of the members’ contributions is reinvested into supporting all Air Force aviators.”

Those earnings support the RWTF to offer loans for any worthwhile purpose, such as purchasing a car, furniture or appliances, for home or car repairs, or to take a holiday. 

“From November 17, the General Purpose Loan [currently Group Life Loan] will extend to $6500 and the Home Improvement Loan will extend to $6500 - $10,000,” Mrs Stewart said. 

“Access to loans will no longer be dependent on GLI membership, but GLI members will be entitled to the lowest available loan fees. 

“RAAF Welfare Trust loan applications are typically processed and paid within the same day, showing just how quickly the fund steps up when aviators need help.”

'Under the GLI [Group Life Insurance], we will promptly pay $20,000 to the nominated beneficiary in the event of death of a serving loved one – normally within 48 hours.'

In addition to loans, the RWTF offers hardship grants for aviators (including reservists) facing sudden and serious financial difficulty. These grants, considered on a case-by-case basis, are designed to help with urgent expenses – including unexpected medical or family travel costs and natural disasters – when no other support is available in the timeframe. 

The RWTF also funds the annual Base Welfare Grant Scheme, which improves welfare and amenities at 23 bases across the country and overseas. This year, more than 100 successful bids shared a total of $285,000 in grants. 

Whether to establish or improve welfare programs, sporting or social clubs, these grants make daily life on base better for aviators. 

So, while 1989 is remembered for big events in Air Force history, it is also the year the GLI program quietly began. Just like then, the RWTF’s mission remains the same: to look after those who serve.

To access the suite of RWTF products, your best point of contact is your local Air Force Chaplain, who can guide you through the application process.