RAEME - QLD

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Welcome

The RAEME Association Queensland Incorporated is a not-for-profit, volunteer, community service organisation, supporting the RAEME National Network by providing leadership to, and a focal point for, all RAEME affiliated Associations in Queensland, by promoting and recognising the corps and its achievements via independent memorial, celebratory, social, fundraising, sporting and other activities.

The purposes of the Association are to—

promote, provide or carry out activities, facilities or projects for the benefit or welfare of the community or any members of the RAQ as a community service organisation; and
promote the corps identity and reputation in Queensland; and
recognise and celebrate the achievements of the members of the corps in Queensland; and
provide a focal point for corps activities in Queensland.

The role of the RAEME is to ensure maximum operational availability of equipment to enable the commander to win the land battle. RAEME is a technical corps tasked with the maintenance of the Army's modern hardware and equipment. More on the Corps can be found at this link.

This site has been developed as a communication tool for RAEME members in Queensland. All attempts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied. If any errors or broken links are found, or if you have any item or article for inclusion on these pages, please contact the webmaster.

RAQ Subscriptions

Annual subscriptions to the RAQ are due by 30 June each year. Subscriptions can be paid using either PayPal (fee free) or EFT by clicking the Icon below and logging in. Renew your subscription for $10 a year or upgrade to Life Subscription for $100.

New members please use the 'Online Registration' link under the Membership banner.

All proceeds are used to support and promote the goals of the Association.

Meetings and Functions

Are held on the first Wednesday of each month excluding January, the latest information is on the Events page

RAQ RAEME Sunshine Coast Gathering – 27 July 2025

Our next RAEME Sunshine Coast get-together is scheduled for Sunday, 27 July 2025, once again at the Alex Surf Club, kicking off around 1200 hrs (midday).

Our April gathering was a great success, with a healthy turnout of around 50 people. It was fantastic to catch up with old mates and welcome some new faces. While some of our April attendees may be travelling at this time, we hope to see others who couldn’t make it last time, join us in July. Either way, we’re looking forward to another great afternoon.

Please let me know if you're able to attend so we can arrange the appropriate booking.

Save the Date and Book now – RAEME Annual Luncheon

Also, a reminder that our Annual Luncheon at the Maroochydore RSL is coming up on Saturday, 13 September 2025. Further details will be shared closer to the event.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Terry & Tom

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Promotion on the run - 6ESR - Ex Talisman Sabre 25

Above: OC IOSS 6ESR MAJ Kyle Ferguson promoted Recovery Technician LCPL Ekblad to CPL

During a short halt between recovery tasks on Exercise Talisman Sabre, OC OSS 6ESR MAJ Kyle Ferguson had the honour of promoting Recovery Technician LCPL Ekblad to the rank of Corporal.

This well-earned promotion recognises a capable junior leader whose technical skills, leadership, and reliability are vital to the team’s success — especially in the demanding tempo of field operations.

Congratulations, CPL Ekblad — a truly outstanding achievement!

Images and information courtesy of Defence

ALTC News - Wodonga

The Royal Thai Army Military Technical Training School (MTTS) dropped in at Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering earlier this month in the spirit of connection and shared learning.

The Schools began a re-establishment of a once close relationship dating back to the Vietnam War era, which saw Australian instructors teaching at (MTTS), Thai trainees learning in Australia and the @ADF donating tooling to the MTTS.

The visit was a fruitful one, with visions to share knowledge and trade training processes.

RAEME trainees at ALTC aren’t just learning how to fix things. They’re learning how to do it under pressure — no shortcuts, no guesswork, and definitely no calling roadside assist.

Well-developed competencies - sound trade skill, up-to-date knowledge, and brilliant work attitudes

Images and information courtesy of Defence

Huntsman AARV completes deepwater testing at H-ACE - Geelong

Above: AS10 Huntsman Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (AARV) undergoing testing at the H-ACE’s (Hanwha Armoured vehicle Centre of Excellence)

An AS10 Huntsman Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (AARV) recently underwent testing at the H-ACE’s (Hanwha Armoured vehicle Centre of Excellence) deepwater test facilities, successfully fording at multiple depths.

The activity was conducted to certify Defence Australia members who will operate the Huntsman family of vehicles, as additional testing is completed under the LAND 8116 Phase 1 Protected Mobile Fires program.

Above: AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle and AS9 Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzer.

“Activities such as this are how we demonstrate the maturity of our design and the advanced test features incorporated into the H-ACE,” Hanwha Defence Australia CEO, Ben Hudson, said.

“This activity was a milestone for the program, as it represents the significant skills uplift and knowledge transfer occurring under the program.”

Throughout the multi-day activity, incoming production staff also had the opportunity to undertake the training, as HDA’s Geelong based workforce expands to manage Australian production.

Images and information courtesy of Hanwha Defence Australia

UH-60M Black Hawks arrive at Oakey

Blackhawk Oakey June 2025

Above: An Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter arrives at Swartz Barracks, Oakey, 26 June 2025.

Swartz Barracks in Oakey has once again become home to part of the Australian Army’s Black Hawk fleet, with three UH-60M helicopters now operating from the Army Aviation Training Centre. This marks the establishment of the Army’s second UH-60M Black Hawk operating node and a significant step in developing a sovereign training capability. Following initial operations at Holsworthy Barracks in New South Wales, flying training will progressively transfer to Oakey from 2026, reaching full capacity by 2029. The move underscores Defence’s commitment to enhancing utility helicopter support for both domestic and regional operations.

Above: LTCOL Krystal Wright discusses Blackhawk introduiction to Army.

The initiative is backed by more than $9 million in infrastructure upgrades at Swartz Barracks and strong collaboration with defence industry partners including Lockheed Martin Australia and Sikorsky Australia. Commander of Army Aviation Command, Major General David Hafner, said the modernisation of Army’s aviation capabilities is vital to maintaining tactical speed, reach and firepower. “The continued introduction of the UH-60M Black Hawk will ensure our Defence Force is equipped to meet future security challenges,” he said. By 2030, 18 Black Hawks will be based at Oakey, operated by the Army Aviation Training Centre and the 5th Aviation Regiment.

Images courtesy of Defence and aviation photo digest and information courtesy of Defence

Women in RAEME (WIR3) Cocktails at Gaythorne - Fri 28 Nov 2025

CPL Greg Martin honoured for 45 years in uniform - Sydney

Above: Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, AO, DSC, presents CPL Greg Martin with the sixth clasp to the Reserve Forces Medal.

In a proud moment of recognition, Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, AO, DSC, presented Corporal Greg Martin with the sixth clasp to the Reserve Forces Medal, marking an extraordinary 45 years of dedicated service to the Australian Army Reserve. The award, also known as the Second Federation Star, acknowledges Greg's decades-long commitment to service, not only in uniform but also within his community. Alongside his military career, CPL Martin has served almost 35 years with the NSW Police, eight years with the NSW Rural Fire Service, and 14 years in local government with Cobar Shire Council, where he held roles including Deputy Mayor and Acting Mayor.

Greg began his Army Reserve journey in Sydney while completing an apprenticeship with the NSW Railways. Since then, he has served at multiple units including 3 Transport Squadron Workshops, 1/15 Royal NSW Lancers, 2 Training Group, and the School of Military Engineering. Now a Driver Training Instructor at the University of NSW Regiment, CPL Martin trained both Regular and Reserve soldiers on Mercedes G-Wagons and is rolling out training on the new MAN vehicles. Earlier in his career, he qualified as a recovery mechanic, operating heavy recovery vehicles, a role he described as the most enjoyable of his long and varied service.

UNSWR acknowledges and deeply values the experience and dedication CPL Martin brings to the team, and looks forward to his continued contribution.

Images and information courtesy of Defence

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RAEME Corps History - 3 AOD & 6 Advanced Workshop (AEME) -Toowoomba

Above: Harristown, Toowoomba, Queensland. 1945-01-10. Gardening improvements at 6 Advanced Workshop indicating the figure bed illustrating the corps of Australian Electrical and Mechanical engineers sign.

During the War in the Pacific Toowoomba became the headquarters of the First Army, formed under Lieutenant General J.D. Lavarack in April 1942. The First Army initially included the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 10th Infantry Divisions (Militia), 1st Motor Division (Militia) and the 7th Division 2nd Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF). By the end of April 1943 the First Army included the 4th Division (Militia), the 3rd Armoured Division (formerly 1st Motor Division) and the Torres Strait Force.

During 1941 a Mechanical Transport (MT) Ordnance Store had been proposed in Harristown for Northern Command (which was later dissolved in April 1942 and replaced by HQ Queensland Lines of Communications Area). Two large sawtooth-roofed store buildings, 375′ by 150′ (114m by 46m), were constructed between April and November 1942 by contractor John Young, and by December 1942 the site was known as the 3 Australian Advanced Ordnance Depot (3 AOD). The HQ of 3 AOD was apparently at the Trades Hall in Russell Street. By mid 1943 there were 9 buildings in the ordnance stores area, which was bounded by ANZAC Avenue (the Gore Highway) in the west, O'Quinn Street in the north, and the Southern Railway in the south.

Above: Harristown, Toowoomba, Queensland. 1945-01-10. the view from the main eastern gate looking along the path towards the other ranks' huts, 6 Advanced Workshop

A railway siding north of the Southern Railway ran alongside the east side of the store buildings, with spur lines inside the buildings. A 3-ton overhead travelling crane, built by Messrs Crossle, Duff and Cameron Pty Ltd, was delivered to No 1 Store in mid 1943.

The camp site for 3 AOD, built after November 1942 (with 24 buildings by mid 1943 and about 33 buildings by the end of the war) was located west of the Gore Highway, in the area bounded by Stephen Street in the north, Hampton Street in the west and just south of Stark Court to the south. The camp buildings were occupied by squatters by 1947, which hampered efforts to dispose of the site.

Above: Harristown, Toowoomba, Queensland. 1945-01-10. the view from the main drive, 6 Advanced Workshop across the main lawn and looking towards the officers' quarters, the sergeants' and officers' mess.

To the east of the northern ordnance store were workshops for 6 Australian Advanced Workshop, Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (AEME). The AEME was formed in December 1942, to maintain and repair the Army’s technical equipment. The workshop area, which included an armoury and firing range, was between O'Quinn Street in the north and Stephan and Duhig Streets in the south, to Fifth Avenue in the east, and included 13 structures by mid 1943.

The Workshop’s camp area (with 41 structures by mid 1943) was located to the east of the workshops area, between the Southern Railway in the north and Stephen Street in the south, and almost to Fourth Avenue in the east. Retained by the Commonwealth after the war, the camp’s buildings were leased to the Queensland Housing Commission from about 1949 to 1954, after which the buildings were removed.

Above: Google earth map from 2024 of the Ordnance and Workshop area

After the war the two large ordnance store buildings and building ‘B’ of the 6 Australian Advanced Workshop were retained by the Commonwealth and were leased to various commercial tenants. The two ordnance store buildings still exist east of the Gore Highway, between the railway line and O'Quinn Street. Building ‘B’ (225′ by 140′ (69m by 43m) when built) still exists north of Stephen Street, between the railway line and the ordnance stores.

Images courtesy of AWM & Google, information courtesy of ANZAC Sqaure

Save the date – RAQ Darling Downs gathering – Toowoomba City Golf Club

Above: Members and guests at the February 2025 function

The RAQ invites all current and former members of the Corps, partners, and supporters to join us for our third Darling Downs function for 2025, on Vietnam Veterans Day.

This special occasion provides a great opportunity to reconnect with mates, share stories, and celebrate our proud RAEME heritage in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, 17 August 2025

Time: 1200h – 1600h

Location: Toowoomba City Golf Club – Ambrose Deck or Outside Deck

Look for the RAEME banners and enjoy RAQ lucky door prizes!

Everyone is welcome, including all who have served in the Corps, regardless of RAQ membership status. Partners are warmly invited. Whether you’re local to the Darling Downs or just passing through, we’d love to see you there.

Mark your calendar also for the last RAQ-DD gathering:

Sunday, 16 November 2025 - celebrate our Corps Birthday

We’re grateful to Larry Martin, who will be coordinating the August function on behalf of RAQ-DD while I'm away travelling.

Help spread the word among fellow Spanners and make this another memorable RAEME gathering on the Darling Downs.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:

Pete Pile

RAQ-DD Representative
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Arte et Marte!

RAQ Lunch 2025 Mermaid Beach (AEME) Surf Life Saving Club - 23 August

Gidday all

This is a heads notice in relation to the annual RAQ lunch at the MBSLC. Main points are detailed below:

When: Saturday August the 23rd

Timings: 1200 to approximately 1630

Who: Any RAEME person serving / retired / male / female / wives / girlfriends / boyfriends

Dress: Casual - its the Gold Coast !!

The plot will be as in previous years the Club provides us with an area on the verandah with tables / chairs that we can gin around in and you purchase your own meals and drinks. That said the RAEME Association Queensland will put a few bucks over the bar to kick things off.

Additionally we will do a couple of lucky door prizes. Its a dead casual afternoon with the primary aim of catching up with friends.

You only need toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are planning on attending. Please let me know your guests name as well. I will do up a little spread sheet of attendees and include it in July and August heads up emails.

Regards

Eddie Bevans

Annual RAEME Reserve/CMF Reunion - Brisbane

Above: Members and guests at the 2024 Reunion.

The Annual reunion is open to all serving and ex members of RAEME (Army Reserve/CMF or Regular Army) or associated Corps who served with RAEME Res/ CMF units, their families and other people who were associated with RAEME and who wish to renew past friendships. Ex cadre staff members most welcome.

If you know of anyone interested in attending who may not be aware of the function could you pass on this information.

When: Sunday 17th August 2025

Time: 1100 hrs – 1600hrs

Where: Sherwood/lndooroopilly RSL Sub Branch 2 Clewley Street CORINDA. Next to Corinda railway station

Cost: $5 includes BBQ Lunch. Drinks at bar prices

RSVP: John Parfit 10 August 2025

Great raffles including:

Books, Wine, Gift Vouchers $100, $50, $20 & More

John Parfitt
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