RAEME - QLD

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Welcome

The Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) Association Queensland Inc is a not for profit volunteer 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 goals of the Association are to:

Promote the Corps' identity and reputation in Queensland
Recognise and celebrate achievements of members of the Corps in Queensland
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.

Remembering WO2 Ryan Leslie and CFN Brendon Payne - A Tribute to their Service and Sacrifice

Above: RAEME Recovery Mechanics Memorial - Dotswood North Queensland

On Friday 30 August marks the third anniversary of the tragic passing of WO2 Ryan Leslie and Craftsman Brendon Payne, we remember two superb soldiers who died while serving their country on a military exercise at the Townsville Field Training Area on 30 August 2021.

Ryan and Brendon were cherished by their families, friends, and military comrades. Their loss has been deeply felt across the RAEME community and beyond. Commemorations held at the accident site on the first anniversary of their passing highlighted the importance of having a place to remember them—a place to reflect on their lives and honour their memory.

Memorial 2023 Small

On Wednesday, 30 August 2023, the second anniversary of their loss, the RAEME Recovery Mechanics Memorial was formally unveiled by the families of Ryan and Brendon. The ceremony was attended by senior ADF officers, local dignitaries, and members of the RAEME community.

Their memorial is located at coordinates 19°42'19.4"S 146°22'27.1"E and is approximately a 1 hour and 45-minute drive from Townsville. This site now stands as a lasting tribute to two men who gave their all in service to their country.

Arte et Marte

Rest in Peace, Ryan Leslie and Brendon Payne. Your memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew you.

Spanner Club - Gaythorne Bowls Club - Fri 13 Sept 2024

SC Sept 2024

The second Spanner Club for 2024 is on! The off-base function is open to all serving soldiers, members, veterans, guests, families, partners and others who are associated with the Corps. The last function we had over 150 in attendance. it's been a pretty busy year, so let's enjoy some time catching up prior to the school holidays! (Flyer Attached).

Supported by the RAEME Association Queensland with food and luck door prizes!

The Gaythorne Bowls Club is the location and there is plenty of parking on site. We have booked an area in the club to enjoy. Bar available, finger food mid-afternoon and RAEME merchandise will be available to purchase.

Come along and enjoy a catch up with mates, a drink and a few laughs!

Date: Friday 13 September 2024
Time: 1400 - 1800hrs
Catering: Finger food
Beer /Drinks at own cost
Dress: Casual
Organiser: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Blue skies and sparkling ocean for Gold Coast Luncheon

Above: Members and guests enjoying a great day at the luncheon

The Mermaid Beach Surf Club was the perfect venue for our annual lunch this year, offering a stunning backdrop of clear blue skies and the sparkling ocean. With ideal weather and a comfortable temperature, attendees were treated to a relaxing afternoon by the sea. Though the turnout of 30 people was slightly lower than in previous years, especially before the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was still a great success, bringing together members for a memorable day.

Gold Coast 2024 3

Above: Members and guests enjoying a great day at the luncheon

A highlight of the afternoon was the three lucky draws, made possible by the support of the RAQ. Congratulations to Lyn Morrissey, Chris Beck, and Brian Daley, who were the lucky winners of this year’s draws. It was wonderful to see some familiar faces and also to welcome those who travelled from afar to join the festivities. Alan Satchell made the trip from Ipswich, Steve and Christine Beck and Dennis Dowling journeyed down from Toowoomba, Steve Baxter came from Cleveland, and Joe and Cheryl Owens travelled up from Wodonga. We also had several guests from the Brisbane area, and their effort to make the trip to the Gold Coast was much appreciated.

Overall, it was a very pleasant afternoon with good company and the beautiful beach setting that only Mermaid Beach can provide. We hope to see everyone back next year, including some local faces from the Gold Coast and Southeast Queensland, for another wonderful gathering.

Eddie "Beans" Bevans

1 CSSB News - Darwin

Battle Group Tiger is on the prowl!

Soldiers from Army and Armed Forces of the Philippines known as Battle Group Tiger left Robertson Barracks to embark recently on a challenging journey during Exercise Predators Run!

Battle Group Tiger travelled by sea on CMV Jane Virgo and on land to reach their destination - Bradshaw Training Area.

Exercise Predator's Run is the Army's largest and most significant Littoral Manoeuvre Training in 2024. Inviting soldiers from the US, the UK and the Philippines to train together in the Northern Territory.

Image and article courtesy of Defence

2024 RAEME Port and Whisky - 1 AVN Regt - available to Pre-Order now

The 1^st Aviation Regiment is proud to have the opportunity to present the 2024 RAEME Port, and, for the first time offer a 2024 RAEME Whisky.

The theme that we have chosen for the port this year is 'The Sundowner'. The Sundowner holds a special place in the hearts of the craftsman that serve amongst the Regiment and we find it fitting with the circumstances 1 AVN currently finds itself in. With 1 AVN beginning its move to Townsville next year the theme sits well, the Sundowner bar has followed the Regiment around Australia throughout its many relocations.

Buller Wines (Rutherglen, Vic) has kindly taken on the job to supply this year's port, and is well up for the task as they've supplied the RAEME port many times over the previous years. We've chosen a beautiful Old Fine Tawny this year. 2024 RAEME Port is valued at $30.

Ancient Wisdom Distillery (Pakenham, Vic) has offered a lovely Australian Whisky aged in Tawny Port barrels which is a captivating expression that marries the robust qualities of the whisky with the luxury of fortified wine casks. 2024 RAEME Whisky is valued at $70.

Please use the following link to secure yourself a 2024 RAEME Port and Whisky; https://www.trybooking.com/CUCVK

The sales event will finalise 19 Oct 24, to allow for delivery by RAEME Birthday.

Collection for RAQ Members in Brisbane

For any Brisbane based RAQ Members who would like to save on postage, bottles can be collected at the last Monthly Meeting for 2024, which will be on Wednesday 4 December 2024.

When ordering. Add 'Brisbane QLD' in the RAEME Regional Representative Location field
Select 'No' for postage
Add 'RAQ MAJ Steve Howells This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.' in the Unit and Contact Number Field.

Please note: If you select this option, bottles MUST be collected at the RAQ Monthly Meeting in December.

Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) opening - Geelong

Above: Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong.

On August 23rd, Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) marked a significant milestone in the Australian defence industry with the opening of the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong. This state-of-the-art 32,000 square metre facility signifies the return of high-technology vehicle manufacturing to the Geelong region, a development welcomed by both local and international dignitaries. Among those attending the ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles, Chief of Army LTGEN Simon Stuart, South Korea's Minister for the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Mr. Seok Jong-gun, and His Excellency Mr. Seungseob Sim, South Korea’s Ambassador to Australia. The event also saw the presence of representatives from the City of Geelong, Changwon City, and various levels of government, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the establishment of this $170 million facility.

HANWAH Geelong launch

Above: Minister of South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Mr. Seok Jong-gun, and His Excellency Mr Seungseob Sim, South Korea’s Ambassador to Australia attend the ceremony, alongside representatives from the City of Geelong and Changwon City.

The opening of H-ACE is Hanwha's commitment to the future of defence technology in Australia, with a focus on the production of advanced military vehicles, such as howitzers and infantry fighting vehicles. The facility, completed 2.5 months ahead of schedule, showcases the close collaboration between HDA, construction partner Built., and contract manager Conscia. As Acting HDA Managing Director Mr. Dean Michie noted, the support from the Victorian Government was instrumental in bringing this world-class facility to fruition. Looking ahead, Stage 2 of the H-ACE is slated to begin in 2025, introducing additional capabilities, including a second production line and an advanced EMI/EMC chamber, which will further enhance Australia's sovereign defence production and maintenance capabilities. This development reinforces the strong ties between Australia and the Republic of Korea, fostering local jobs and expanding Australia's role in the global defence supply chain.

Images and article courtesy of LinkedIn

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RAQ Sunshine Coast Annual Luncheon - Sat 21 Sep 2024 - Ticket sales now open

Above: The attendees listening to the COL COMDT talking about the NQ Recovery Mechanic's Memorial. Sep 2023.

An invitation is extended to all current and past members of RAEME, and friends of RAEME, who live on the Sunshine Coast / Wide Bay area, or the surrounding region, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Darling Downs. Visitors to SE QLD at the time are also very welcome.

We are pleased to confirm that our guest speaker is COL Kane Wright, RAEME, currently Director of Logistics – Army, Army Headquarters, and recently returned from Fiji, where he was the Defence Attaché at a very interesting time. He will speak a little about his career, his time in Fiji and the challenges of his current job.

We will again be ably supported by the Maroochy RSL catering and bar staff, who as many know, look after our every need including providing our meals from the Club’s famous Gold Plate Menu.

Details of the lunch are as follows:

Venue – Room M4 Maroochy RSL, corner Memorial and First Avenues, Maroochydore.
Timings – 1200 for 1230 hours on Saturday 21 September 2024.
Dress – Neat casual.
Menu – A copy of the menu is attached. Meals will be served as ‘alternate drop’. Please let us know of any special dietary needs.
Drinks – The bar will be open from 1200 to 1630 hours with drinks being purchased at your own expense.
Parking – Free parking is available in the multi floor car park directly opposite the RSL. Before departing, please advise the attendant at the front desk in the Club foyer of your vehicle registration number to facilitate exit.

If you do wish to request specific seating, or arrange that table of friends, or you have specific dietary restrictions please email us.

If you have any difficulties booking or paying electronically, please email the Webmaster at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Bookings need to be made and paid for by COB Wednesday 11th September 2024, as the convenors need to confirm numbers with the venue management one week prior to the event. This is a popular event with over 75% of Memeber tickets already sold!

Regards

Ross Grant & Mike Prain

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

RAQ Gathering NQ - Sat 12 October 2024 - Townsville

Above:Members and guests at the May gathering.

An invitation is extended to all RAQ, current and former RAEME members and all friends of the Corps to attend a RAQ (NQ) gathering.

Where – Location Townsville TBA!
When - Sat 12 Oct 24 – 1230h - 1730h
Dress – Neat Casual

Support to serving and ex-RAEME
Meat Tray Raffle
RAQ Member draw ($100)
Bar Snacks provided

Robert 'Tank' Pontifex

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ALTC News - Wodonga RSL

For many local veteran women, a recent dinner at the Wodonga RSL was humbling, enlightening and truly met the theme of the evening, “celebrating the female experience in the ADF.”

Brigadier Melanie Cochbain CSC told her story with humility and heart, encouraging the women in the room to “beat a path for the women to come after you, because they deserve it!”

Brigadier Rebecca Talbot told her own unique and inspiring story, highlighting the support she received from Army when times were tough on her family.

Sergeant Megan McAuslan gave an important account from an Other Ranks perspective, reiterating her learning not to make yourself smaller for any reason.

RSL Committee Member Major Wendi McAdie concluded the night with the words, “we are a generation of women who stand on the shoulders of giants.”

This was just a snapshot of a fantastic night had by all - and it won’t be the last of its kind!

Recently ALTC welcomed Chief of Personnel Lieutenant General Natasha Fox AO CSC, Brigadier Melanie Cochbain CSC and Brigadier Rebecca Talbot to ALTC… in style!

A collective sigh of relief occurred when the old Ford LTD P6 1978 rolled out without a hitch. The gesture is a nod to Army custom in the ‘70s and early ‘80s when the vehicle was typically used to transport high-ranking Army Officers and visiting dignitaries.

There’s a reason why “a breath of fresh air” is such a well known phrase.

For these young trainees from Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Wellbeing and Resilience Training couldn’t have come at a better time. Having just joined Defence (many of them straight out of school), moved to the AWMA and joined Training Development Wing, these trainees are keen to discover our fantastic local area.

Across three serials, 29 trainees have been guided through Mount Buffalo and other Alpine National Parks since mid-July, picking up skills they can use for a lifetime.

Judging by those smiling faces, they well and truly received their breath of fresh air!

Images and article courtesy of Defence

2024 3 BDE Commanders Trophy - Cross Country

Above: (l-r) Australian Army officers Lieutenants Kate Gilmore and Christina Hoare, and Craftsman Loren Elliot from 3rd Brigade stand on the podium after toping the 2024 Commander's Trophy cross country event for the women on Lavarack Barracks, Queensland.

Soldiers from 3rd Brigade competed in the annual Cross Country competition, at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville. Participants tackled the 8.5km off-road track, in the final event for the 2024 Commander’s Trophy competition, which was awarded to 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

Images and article courtesy of Defence