An update on the 7th Brigade soldiers who were involved in a vehicle accident near Lismore, and also an update on 7th Brigade tasks following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
One soldier is being treated in a Brisbane hospital and another is at the Health Centre on Gallipoli Barracks.
We’re also glad to see some of the soldiers who had less significant injuries back in Brisbane. They’ll continue to receive medical care, if required.
We still have multiple 7th Brigade elements in support of JTF629 in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Our teams have assisted in the clearance of routes by removing trees from roads and supporting communities hit by flooding. 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment has been supporting the Tweed area and Nimbin. 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment is in Redlands, Hervey Bay and Laidley. 8/9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment is also in the Tweed area.
We’re supporting multiple emergency service agencies, which continue to demonstrate impressive professionalism and resilience.
We are also continuing our training as the Ready Brigade. 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) is already at Shoalwater Bay Training Area and 1st Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery will shortly also deploy on exercise.
For families of Defence members, if you need support please continue to contact the unit of your Defence member or Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
Images and information courtesy of Defence
Editor's Note: On behalf of the RAEME Association Queensland we extend our thoughts and best wishes to the 7th Brigade soldiers injured while supporting the community around Lismore in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
To those still recovering and in hospital, we wish you a full and speedy recovery. We also acknowledge the resilience of all involved and the exceptional care provided to our soldiers.
We are heartened by the strong support from across the Defence community and the nation. To those still on task supporting JTF629 in northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland your dedication does not go unnoticed.
Arte et Marte
2. RAEME Bjelke-Petersen Dam gathering
Above: Saturday Happy Hour!
The weekend of 21 – 23 February saw the Annual RAEME Get Together take place at Bjelke-Petersen Dam at Moffatdale QLD, the eightth such gathering and the sixth at this location.
A gathering of past and serving members of the Corps, joined by their partners and spouses for a weekend catch-up to renew old acquaintances and make a few new ones. While most are now retired, the bonds forged in the Corps are still strong and it is always good to see some of our current duty soldiers in attendance.
Above: L-R Terry Johnson's moving tribute to members lost. Who knew Tony Hickey could sing and does it well.
From humble beginnings of about 30 people back in 2018, the Annual RAEME Get Together has grown over the years with over 170 people attending the largest event, and over 130 people attending this year. Some come just for the weekend, others stay for anything up to three weeks, all supporting the local shops, pubs, clubs, restaurants, and wineries during their stay.
A lot of the ‘shenanigans’ are in house, removing the need to drive if one chooses to imbibe. After the Friday afternoon welcome and brief on the weekend, the entertainment began, which was funded by the South Burnett Regional Council, this was a duet featuring a past member of Bullamakanka of 'Home amongst the gum trees' fame. This kept the crowd entertained well into the evening, although they didn’t stay to well into the morning as some did.
Above: L-R Pam Berry, Karen Malcom, Wayne VonHoff and Allison Borg.
Saturday afternoon saw the judging of the ‘Hawaiian’ themed best dressed, with some fierce competition and a few elbows being thrown around as people jostled for centre stage, before Karen Malcom and Wayne (Von) Von Hoff took out the major awards as ably judged by Pam Berry and Allison Borg. Then Micheal (Wilko) Wilkinson took on the duties of auctioneer extraordinaire, keeping the crowd entertained with his dry but comedic auction style as he sold off some Corps related items as part of the gathering’s fund-raising efforts. Then the legendary duo of Elvis Presley and Nancy Sinatra, AKA Terry (Sandals) Johnson and Cheryl Clegg; hosted the best karaoke night yet seen at the gathering, it is a wonderful thing when all the technology tried in previous years, works as advertised. From the entire group taking part is some ‘Pub Anthems', to some great solo efforts through to some noteworthy renditions for all the wrong reasons, the entire gathering enjoyed the night. A special mention must go to Terry Johnson for his heartfelt and moving rendition of 'The band played Waltzing Matilda' (Eric Bogle 1972) in honour of all Corps members who have passed since the last gathering. With a 22:00 noise curfew, most people trickled away soon after, however, a small crew yet again did ‘fire piquet’ into the small hours of the morning.
Above: The gathering Sunday morning.
Sunday morning saw everyone gather for the obligatory group ‘selfie’, before Greg Riley presented the President of the Murgon Hospital Auxiliary, Mrs. Murial Shultz with the funds the gathering raised over the weekend. With plenty of support from the local community, especially the Bjelke-Petersen Dam management and the South Burnett Regional Council, it was decided in 2020 to give something back to the community, and the Murgon Hospital Auxiliary was chosen due to it being an organisation that supports the entire community by supplying much needed items to the local hospital. Through the sale of some ‘gathering specific’ merchandise, an ever-popular raffle, Richo’s ‘potluck’ auction and additional donations by the attendees, we raise money for the auxiliary. Since 2020 the RAEME gathering has donated over $10,000 to the hard-working team at the hospital auxiliary, this year’s donation amounted to $2331.20.
Above. L-R Major Teddles in pride of place. Michael Wilkinson intrepid auctioneer.
It was then onto drawing the major prize from the raffle, this year it was a Teddy Bear in full RAEME uniform, skilfully hand made by Pam Beal, sister of Shane (Easy) Rider and won by Jan and Ian Keys.
Then it was time to make the annual award of the Busted Ring. A few years ago, Tony Hickey inaugurated the Busted Ring Award to be presented each year at the gathering to someone that made a ‘grave error of judgement’ over the previous 12 months, noteworthy efforts of previous recipients are driving a boat into the mangroves to have it perched 2 metres above the water, crashing an e-scooter in full view of the gathering and other misdemeanours, attempting and thankfully, failing to amputate their own hand with a power saw. In a display of 'What goes around, comes around', or karma is a bitch… This year’s recipient was none other than the instigator of the award, Tony Hickey, for numerous oversights in the field of mechanical maintenance, having set off to explore W.A. in his trusty BT-50 and after a few issues, deciding it was easier to buy a new one mid trip than persevere with repairs.
Planning is well underway for next year’s event, to get involved follow this link and answer the membership questions.
RAEME Annual Get Together 20/2 - 23/2 2026 Bjelke-Petersen Dam | Facebook
Clarrie Sanders
Arte et Marte.
First AS9 and AS10 Huntsman vehicles arrival ceremony - Avalon
Above: Hanwha Defence Australia welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence and federal government member for Corio The Hon. Richard Marles MP to the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) to acknowledge the first LAND 8116 vehicles in Auscam markings.
Batch 1 of the program vehicles (2 AS9s and 1 AS10) arrived in Australia in December 2024 from the Republic of Korea. The remainder of the vehicles are being produced at the H-ACE, at the Avalon Airport Precinct.
“We are excited to have the first vehicles here in Australia as we prepare to deliver this capability to the Australian Army,” Acting HDA Managing Director Mr Dean Michie said. “Production of the hulls and turrets is already taking place at Elphinstone in northern Tasmania, and our production line here at the H-ACE has also begun work.”
The AS9 Huntsman has been developed to incorporate learnings and experience from the global fleet of over 2,400 K9s and K10s, the most popular self-propelled howitzer globally.
With the AS9 Huntsman, Hanwha has a proven 52-caliber 155mm gun system that is in-service with multiple nations around the world, including the NATO alliance.
The AS10 is a highly protected and manoeuvrable Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (AARV) with a unique loading system that reduces risk to soldiers from enemy fire.
Manufactured with Australian supply chain partners like Elphinstone, Kongsberg Defence Australia, CBG Systems, Penguin Composites, HIFraser, MMCLD, Bisalloy Steel, AME, Safran Electronics and Defence Australasia, Sigma Bravo, Thales Australia, Axalta and TEi working alongside the international supply chain base, Hanwha has made a significant ongoing investment in the Australian market.
“The technology transfer on the program between South Korea and Australia is an important part of this program, demonstrating the close ties between the two nations,” Mr Michie explained. “Celebrating this milestone with our government, Defence and supply chain partners in our new facility is an honour.”
Image and information courtesy of Hanwha Defense Australia
