RAAFA Takes the Lead in Fresh Water Thinking

The Royal Australian Air force Association (RAAFA) Merriwa Estate has been recognised for its excellent efforts in saving water, winning recognition through the Water Corporation’s Water Efficiency Management Plan program.

RAAFA Merriwa Estate’s received a Silver award for achieving water savings of between 25- 35 per cent, after the organisation implemented a range of initiatives to save water use throughout the 13 hectare estate which is home to more than 330 seniors.

The WEMP program assists organisations which use more than 20 million litres of drinking water per year to reduce water use, by helping participating businesses to make permanent water use changes which will continue to deliver savings in the long term.

RAAFA CEO John Murray said staff and residents alike were delighted to receive the award, which recognises the effort made throughout the estate to save water.

“Taking measures to reduce water usage is an important step for us all, so we’re pleased to be doing our bit to save water effectively at RAAFA,” he said.

“We’ve undertaken a variety of measures and we’ve also raised general ‘water wise’ awareness across the estate, as well as regularly monitoring our water meter to track water use; overall we’re very pleased with how successful these measures are proving.”

Some of the water-saving initiatives implemented at the RAAFA estate include reducing irrigation and using bore water for all irrigation, promptly repairing water leaks, installing low flow shower taps and promoting low water use appliances to the estate’s residents.

RAAFA’s original purpose was to primarily support Australian Aviation ex-servicemen and women but now provides significant services to members of the broader community.

The organisation has six retirement villages comprising 1,416 independent living units, 19 assisted independent units, 383 aged care places and 13 motel units in Bull Creek, Mandurah and Merriwa. The organisation also supports members of the association through welfare services and access to four licensed clubs.

In addition, RAAFA runs the Aviation Heritage Museum at Bull Creek, which is home to thousands of unique artefacts telling the story of Australia’s civil and military aviation history. The museum is open to the public from 10am to 4pm every day.

RAAFA also supplies homecare to veterans and other community members through a range of Home Care programs.