Simpson Barracks Canteen was refreshed with the dining and lounge area at Simpson Barracks Canteen. This project is set to be completed May 2026. The original budget was set at $50K, AAFCANS is set to deliver this well under budget.
The overall design focuses on improving comfort and adding an uplifting, fresh ambience, using imagery to heighten base engagement.
Tom’s Café refurbishment is currently in progress and set to be completed late May 2026. The works commenced over stand down with the Estate replacement of the counter line. AAFCANS value-added to the works by investing in new display equipment and then stage two refreshed the overall dining environment, added theme decor elements to modernise the venue and a complete new coffee service counter. The coffee service counter required the installation of plinth floor to facilitate plumbing and electrical. The overall AAFCANS investment $180K
AAFCANS engaged with SADFO to enable the imagery to highlight 3rd Brigade.
Refresh cafe lounge furniture
RAAF Darwin Canteen refurbishment was completed in late November 2025. The project commenced with an Estate repair/replacement of the counter line and plumbing of the coffee machine. AAFCANS operated from a temporary facility from April 2025 and reopening in the newly refreshed cafe 23rd November 2025.
AAFCANS value added to the works by investing in additional equipment replacement, new feature timber wall, upgraded office, comms rack, new retail shelving, and refreshing the overall dining and lounge environment adding comfortable new lounges, aviator chairs, dining tables and decor. AAFCANS invested $86K to the refresh facility.
AAFCANS engaged with SADFO to ensure the imagery highlighted RAAF Darwin and created a welcoming environment for locals and international forces.
Pucka Family Store refurbishment is in progress with the counter line component partially completed, and stage two works for the new contemporary grocery and convenience offer are underway.
The overall design is focused on improving the convenience offering, adding fresh produce, broadening the grab & go menu, and providing a contemporary store and overall offering that will serve the base community of ADF families now and into the future.
AAFCANS has engineered the build schedule
to ensure minimal closures during construction,
with access to amenities and fuel to support the
community a priority.
Estate investment 1.2M
With additional AAFCANS investment of $60K
Opened Monday, 19th May. The new facility was provided as a like-for-like replacement for our canteen, featuring modernisation and capabilities to support the production kitchen. It features a state-of-the-art kitchen with a full hospitality fit-out, including booth seats, casual dining areas, and tables equipped with USB recharge points, LED lighting, new food displays, and contemporary point-of-sale and retail merchandising equipment.
AAFCANS added some additional elements to the Estate build to complete the offer.
The communal outside dining area adds year-round, undercover dining for customers. AAFCANS has reactivated the QR Code dine-in and extended it to cover the outside dining area.
Full colour RAAF murals line 10 glass panels adjacent to the outside dining area, provided by AAFCANS.
RAAF Amberley AP2 Kiosk was upgraded as part of AAFCANS FY2025 investment plan (reopened 20th January 2025). The facility was transformed within 6 active weeks spanning over the Christmas period. Coffee lovers were well supported with AAFCANS mobile amenities vehicle in place over the build.
The works included a full refurbishment of the interior and embellishment of the external shop front, which was designed to modernise the facility and improve capability and efficiencies.
AAFCANS added a new counter line, roller door, and a full upgrade to all hospitality equipment, fridges, hot & cold displays, grill, exhaust hood, flooring, ceiling and paintwork. Outdoor perforated pathway screens were added to aid weather-proofing, and LED coffee signage was added to create a little chic.
AAFCANS Investment $190k
AAFCANS invested $22K to repair and replace the new hot & cold cabinets and counterline at the Kokoda Barracks Canteen, Canungra.
The old display units were removed, and the custom, stainless-steel, built-in bench was reconfigured to accommodate 2 new hot & cold grab & go units along with a tong & bag holder inserted into the nib bench.
The new displays provide more space, helped to improve the offer and modernise the look.
In July 2024 AAFCANS refurbished the Pool Kiosk and surrounds investing $117K to regrade the facility for customers.
The pod’s internal wall lining required repair. The lining was replaced with stainless steel sheeting, new sink, handwash bench, storage draws, coffee shelf, ice machine, 3-door milk fridge, new counterline, with locking draws and under-bench cup holder unit. The milk fridge adds a bender and workstation for coffee and in-house drinks offer. New Ipad marketing device added to the back of the point of sale for marketing slides. The under-bench cup holder eliminates the need for cup storage ontop of the coffee machine. 2 x plumbed misting fans will cool the dining area in hot weather.
New LED lighting over the Counterline brightens the counter service area. A new 3-door retail drinks fridge was added to increase stock holding, reduce storage requirements inside the kiosk and provide uniform refrigeration equipment appearance.
The new skillion shaped signage with an additional reflective logo embellishment adds street appeal and presence to the footprint. The aluminium & mod wood tables with a mix of bench seats and comfy chairs create group dining. Planter boxes provide dining separators adding theme and privacy. The Passover lift-up door and condiments shelf create more service space and also move customer waiting for their coffee away from the counterline. Large planter pots added with real plants to soften the industrial décor. Hanging (nearly real) foliage features, hanging planter baskets with a mix of living succulents along with the LED filament festoon lighting add a garden terrace ambiance to the kiosk seating area. The (spatially efficient) custom-made balcony dry bars with high stools provide additional seating.
FY2024 (3rd June) the RAAF Townsville canteen was relocated from its old location (Bld 82) to its new home inside the historic Bld 53. The refurbishment was part of a Defence Estate project. AAFCANS provided some additional specialised equipment, furniture and theme elements with an investment of $44k on top of the Defence investment.
RAAF Base Townsville’s AAFCANS café has a new home: a refurbished WW2-era building that was once a Sergeant’s Mess. The new café in Building 53 opened last month and is the first of the amenities that will occupy the building. Acting SADFO RAAF Base Townsville, WGCDR Paul Howell, said the site will become a focal point for the on-base community during exercise periods and regular operations. “The refurbishment of the former Sergeant’s Mess has given the base the opportunity to recognise our heritage whilst also enjoying the modern facilities and services on offer through AAFCANS,” WGCDR Howell said.
According to AAFCANS Managing Director Tim Manic the new café offers an improved menu with healthy choices. Additionally, the air-conditioned dining room features Air Force memorabilia and vintage décor elements that are in keeping with the building’s origin and use. “Diners can [view] a rare WW2 relic – an engine speed indicator – that was used in the early versions of the RAAF Beaufort Bomber and Avro Anson, and a P2V-7 Neptune turn slip indicator,” Mr Manic said.
The Neptunes issued to 10SQN operated out of Townsville as anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft. A working Defence-issued AWA Radiotron tube display sits on the coffee table, along with historic books about Air Force’s history. Multiple seating options and a wireless charging station are also available. “Our team worked closely with the base to deliver a high-functioning hospitality space that will serve the community well,” Mr Manic said.
