Operation Spanner Pack - Updated July 2024

Update December 2024

2024 has been a year marked by challenges and change, particularly with the sad passing of Raymond Norman, who dedicated over a decade to managing the Operation Spanner Pack initiative. Ray’s commitment to supporting RAEME members deployed overseas left an indelible legacy, and his contributions will not be forgotten.

As the new Coordinator of Operation Spanner Pack Tom Cross, has the privilege of stepping into a role shaped by Ray’s dedication. In late November he dispatched Spanner Packs to RAEME members deployed on Operation MAZURKA and in Pakistan. These packs serve as a reminder to our deployed personnel that their service is valued and appreciated.

To date, Operation Spanner Pack, which the RAQ manages on behalf of the RAEME National Network (RNN) has dispatched approximately 4,851 packs, equating to around 10,000 kilograms of goods. These have reached RAEME members serving in Kuwait, the Middle East, Pakistan, Sinai, Iraq, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Timor, and other locations, including embedded personnel. This milestone underscores the initiative’s enduring impact.

Looking ahead, Tom will be taking some time over the break to update and enhance the webpage, implementing a regular communication plan to enhance the dissemination of information about Operation Spanner Pack. The proposal includes sharing the process for requesting packs with the relevant Brigades and Headquarters at the start of the new year. This timing will ensure incoming representatives are well-informed and equipped to support their teams.

No additional requests for Spanner Packs have been received at this time, but we remain committed to meeting the needs of our deployed personnel. If you know of someone currently serving overseas who would benefit from a Spanner Pack, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Also, if you have recently received a Spanner Pack, we'd love to hear from you and share your journey.

You can contact Tom at our new email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website for more information. Together, let’s continue to support our RAEME family wherever they serve

The Corps of RAEME at any one time has a number of soldiers who are serving on operations and other areas on overseas deployment. The RAEME Associations, with your assistance, send "Spanner Packs" (not tools) to our Corps Soldiers on operations. These packs contain items not supplied by Defence or locally available, which will assist our soldiers to live more comfortably and enjoy some of those favourite things they miss from home. To date July 2024, 4848 (approx 9987 KG) of Spanner Packs have been dispatched to RAEME members on operations in Kuwait, Middle East, Sinai, Iraq, Afghanistan, Solomon’s, South Sudan, PNG and Timor including embedded RAEME members.

We have surveyed many of our recent returned soldiers and those about to leave for overseas and we are in the process of putting together lists of favourite items most preferred by the soldiers. Some of these favourite items are food (Vegemite, biscuits and lollies), magazines, packs of cards, hygiene items, games etc. This project is not state, trade or Unit specific and it is hoped that every soldier will receive at least one pack on each rotation deployment/posting overseas.

You can assist us by individual financial donation, becoming a commercial sponsor with appropriate product and/or dollars, putting us in touch with other possible sponsors, that you know would be willing to assist us in this very important Corps project, and all of the above. We are very open to suggestions and assistance. We are sure that all of our members and contacts will be very willing to assist in some positive way. We are also sure that all returned soldiers will know the importance of this project “Operation Spanner Pack”, and will support this worthy project. 

More information can be obtained from the RAEME Association Queensland Chairman of the Spanner Pack Sub Committee via SpannerpackThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the qld.raeme.org.au contact us page. The more we receive the more our soldiers will benefit. We have no end date for this project. However, when that day comes, any funds not expended will be held by the RAEME National Network (RNN) and used for the benefit of all members of the RAEME Associations Nationally.

Donations can be sent as follows:

EFT/Paypal (EFT is the preferred option):

Click on this link to donate via our online shop

• Banking Details - Defence Bank
• BSB: 833205
• Account Number: 20682037
• Account Name: RAEME Association Queensland.
• Member Number 82731 (For other Defence Bank Transfers only)

RAQ is proud to support and administer this National Program on behalf of all Associations.