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

Welcome new Head of Corps - Brigadier Gabrielle Follett AM BSc BMedSc MA

Pictured: L-R BRIG Gabrielle Follett AM. BRIG Follett guest speaker at the Sunshine Coast Luncheon in 2023.

The RAQ welcomes Brigadier Gabrielle Follett AM as the new Head of Corps. Brigadier Follett’s remarkable career and distinguished service make her a natural fit for this prestigious role within the Corps.

Brigadier Follett commenced her military journey in 1996 at the Australian Defence Force Academy and graduated from the Royal Military College – Duntroon in 1999. Her career spans nearly three decades, during which she has served in a wide variety of regimental, staff, and command appointments.

Highlights of her regimental career include commanding the Operational Support Squadron, 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, and Gallipoli Company, Royal Military College – Duntroon. She also commanded the 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion from 2016 to 2017.

Brigadier Follett has served in key staff roles, including Deputy Chief of Staff to the Chief of the Defence Force and Chief of Staff of the 17th Sustainment Brigade. Her extensive operational experience includes multiple deployments to Timor Leste, Afghanistan, Syria, and Jerusalem, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in Indonesia, Queensland, and during Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

In addition to her operational achievements, Brigadier Follett holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Mathematics, a Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathology), and a Master of Arts in Strategy and Policy, among other academic accolades. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and completed the Australian Command and Staff College in 2011.

Brigadier Follett’s leadership and achievements have been widely recognised. She has received numerous commendations, including a Silver Commendation for her leadership of Gallipoli Company, a Gold Commendation for her contributions during Operation Slipper, and the US Meritorious Service Medal for her outstanding work in Kabul. In 2018, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force.

Appointed Director General of Fuel Services Branch within Joint Logistics Command in 2023, Brigadier Follett demonstrated her commitment to supporting Defence capabilities.

She brings a wealth of experience, a forward-thinking vision, and a dedication to the values and traditions of RAEME as she assumes the role of Head of Corps.

On behalf of all members of the RAEME Association Queensland, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Brigadier Follett on this appointment and look forward to her leadership in the years ahead.

Featured

Twist to Open T-Shirts - Pre-Order Now Open - Update

Did someone say T-Shirts, the first week of sales has gone already! Customers can pre-order and pay now with lates orders sceduled to close on Sunday 2 March 2025. They will be then manufactured and delivered or available for pick up in mid to late March 2025.

Please note demand for sizes 4XL and 5XL are in short supply with additional stock arriving at the supplier approx 22 March 2025.

The Tee features comfort in a regular fit, crafted from 100% combed cotton. Featuring neck ribbing, side seams, and double needle hems for durability and minimal shrinkage, it's a timeless choice for comfort and style.

Each shirt features:

Brand - ascolour Staple Tee 5001
Sizes - S to 5XL
Fabric - Mid weight, 180 GSM, 28-singles, 100% combed cotton construction
Colour: Army
Each shirt carries the 'Twist to Open' Logo embroidered on the left breast (approx 80mm) and Tricolour on the right sleeve (60mm x 50mm). Note: The size of the logo will look larger or smaller depending on the size of the shirt ordered.
Prices start from $24 for RAQ members, don't forget to login to get your discount!
Use this as a base Tee shirt to add your own customised unit emblem on the back!

What you get:

Twist to Open T-Shirt, available in sizes S-5XL (Plus Postage).

Delivery Options:

Postage options available at checkout.
FREE click and collect for RAQ Members at a monthly meeting
For serving soldiers FREE collection at Amberly and Enoggera Barracks.

Ready to Order, click here

Why twist to open...

All Corps members will know our Latin motto Arte et Marte, officially translated as “With Skill and Fighting” is well known. However, a humorous alternative translation has taken on a life of its own, 'Twist to Open'.

This light-hearted take on the motto was even highlighted at the 75th RAEME Birthday Parade at the Australian War Memorial in 2017. During the Welcome Address, Wing Commander (Ret’d) Sharon Bown recounted a conversation with her husband, a former Army helicopter pilot, who expressed his deep appreciation for RAEME personnel. He described them as the problem-solvers of the Army, always resourceful, always capable, and always prepared, even in the harshest conditions. He humorously concluded that Arte et Marte meant 'Twist to Open', a nod to the ingenuity, resilience, and, of course, the ever-present sense of humour within the Corps.

Invictus Australia - Women in Fitness Program - Brisbane

Program for Female Defence Community Members (Current, Ex-Serving and Family)

In partnership with AIPT we will be offering a HIIT Program for Women and girls (16+ years) in the Defence Community. HIIT is a type of workout that alternates between periods of high-intensity exercises and short recovery periods. The HIIT workout will typically lasts for about 40 - 45 minutes, making it ideal for women who are short on time but still want to get an effective session in! Each class will be run by an experienced female personal trainer.

When: Term 4 - Every Thursday from 6th Feb - 10th April (10 weeks)
Time: 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Where: Goodlife - Homemaker Centre The Valley North, Montpelier Rd, Wickham St, Fortitude Valley
Who: This is a FREE activity for female Defence Community – Serving, former serving & family members
Provided: 1 hour HIIT class with a qualified trainer *FREE PARKING!

Ready to play! Register via the website

Email us for more info:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Featured

ADF Support to Townsville floods

Click on the image to view more.

At the request of the Townsville City Council, personnel from the 3rd Brigade have provided Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC) in support of, and under the direction of local emergency services during a severe weather event. Alongside Queensland Police Service as the lead agency, soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, conducted joint door knocking throughout high-risk areas across Townsville to ensure the welfare and safety of residents.

New Bridge Townsville Feb 2025

Pictured above: Australian Army soldiers from the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment assemble a Medium Girder Bridge at Ollera Creek, Townsville, Queensland, during Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC) following severe weather and flooding across the region.

At the request of the Townsville City Council, personnel from the 3rd Brigade provided Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC) in support of, and under the direction of local emergency services following a severe weather event in Far North Queensland. Combat Engineer assets from the 3rd Brigade’s, 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, worked with Queensland authorities and emergency services to establish a Medium Girder Bridge (MGB) across the severely flood damaged Ollera Creek Bridge. The temporary bridge allowed vital stores and equipment to be transported along the Bruce Highway in support of flood affected communities.

Pictured: Australian Army CH-47F Chinook helicopters from 5th Aviation Regiment provide assistance during the North Queensland floods in 2025. Click on the image to view more.

Video, images and information courtesy of Defence

RAQ NQ Gathering - Saturday 1 March 2025 - Townsville

Bringing concepts to life at MakerSpace - Townsville

Pictured: CFN Blake Wemyss watches a computer numerical control router performing a task.

When Townsville-based soldiers needed practical solutions for their work in the field, the Lavarack Barracks MakerSpace provided the tools and support to turn ideas into reality. From improving night visibility in mortar sights with 3D-printed components and laser-cut acrylic to developing an uncrewed ground vehicle for transporting aviation toolkits, soldiers have embraced the innovation hub. The ideas, developed during Army innovation courses, were pitched to Commander 3rd Brigade and unit commanding officers, with some progressing to further development by Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and Defence Science and Technology Group.

The MakerSpace, which opened in November 2022, has since become a creative hub where soldiers design and prototype solutions to improve operational efficiency. From manufacturing Cyalume holders for mortar aiming posts to crafting retractable cam nets for MAN trucks, personnel are using 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC routers to solve real-world problems. The space fosters hands-on learning, encouraging soldiers to experiment with new technologies in a rank-free environment. "You can see the calm, relaxed enjoyment they have when they’re tinkering with something they love doing or learning," said site supervisor Michael Ellison.

Image and information courtesy of Defence