Community
11 August, 2026
Veteran’s 100th birthday
ONE of Cairns’ few remaining World War II veterans has celebrated her 100th birthday.
Mrs Val O’Brien (née Veivers) marked the milestone on Tuesday 4 August 2026 with a special morning tea at Brothers Leagues Club, involving family, friends, veterans and members of the community.
Born and raised in Freshwater, Mrs O’Brien joined the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) in 1944 at just 18 years of age.
She served as an aircraftwoman from 1944 to 1946, training and working as an engineer, specialising in engines for the B-24 Liberator, one of the Allied forces’ most significant heavy bomber aircraft during World War II.
Mrs O’Brien’s service came during a time when thousands of Australian women answered the call to serve their country, undertaking vital roles that supported the war effort both at home and overseas.
Her contribution helped ensure aircraft remained operational and mission-ready throughout the final years of the war.
Cairns RSL Sub Branch president Nathan Shingles said celebrating Mrs O’Brien’s 100th birthday was an opportunity to recognise, not only an extraordinary milestone, but also the service and sacrifice of a generation that shaped Australia’s history.
“Val’s contribution during World War II is something we are incredibly proud to honour. Reaching 100 years of age is a remarkable achievement and we are privileged to celebrate this milestone with one of our local veterans whose service helped protect the freedoms we enjoy today,” he said.
