The RAQ is excited to invite expressions of interest for a Youth Member (North Queensland) to join the RAQ Committee.
This is a unique opportunity for a motivated and passionate RAEME soldier or young tradesperson to become the voice of the next generation, helping shape the future of our Corps and the Association.
The Youth Member plays a vital role in bridging the gap between the veteran RAEME community and younger serving members. You’ll represent the views of young soldiers, advocate for their interests, and help strengthen engagement across North Queensland and beyond.
About the Role
As the RAQ Youth Member, you will:
- Act as a liaison between RAQ and youth organisations, schools and communities
- Advocate for the interests of younger RAEME members in RAQ discussions and decisions
- Promote RAQ membership and participation
- Assist with organising and supporting RAQ events and activities
- Attend monthly RAQ meetings and provide updates on issues affecting young tradespeople
- Contribute to initiatives and policies to ensure they are inclusive and youth-focused
- Represent RAQ across communication platforms when required
Who should apply?
You don’t need to be senior in rank — this role is about potential, passion and leadership. Ideal candidates will:
- Be a committed and enthusiastic member of the RAEME Corps
- Have strong communication and people skills
- Be willing to contribute time, ideas and energy to the Association
- Be interested in advocacy, leadership and community engagement
What’s in It for you?
- Real influence on the future direction of RAQ
- Hands-on experience in leadership, advocacy and public relations
- Networking with senior veterans and Defence industry leaders
- To kick things off and to get you kitted up, a $100 RAQ Corps Shop gift voucher upon appointment and another in 12 months' time.
Have your say. shape the future.
If you’re passionate about the Corps and want to represent your generation within RAQ, we want to hear from you.
Applications (a short letter of introduction) should be sent to:
Paul Gibbs – Deputy Chairman RAQ
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Join us in shaping the future of RAQ for North Queensland and for generations to come.
From Nasho to RAEME Craftsman - Terry Bodle’s story
Above: CFN Terry Bodle at 3TB Singleton and Bulimba Barracks Brisbane.
Tomorrow marks 75 years since Australia’s first National Servicemen were called up in 1951. They served across all three of the armed forces – Army, Navy and Air Force – and, for most of these young men, national service was compulsory. They accepted the interruption to their lives because they understood National Service was an important part of Australia’s defence during the Cold War and later the Vietnam War.
One of those ‘Nashos’, as they came to be known, was Terry Bodle, who I had the pleasure of marching alongside on ANZAC Day a couple of years ago. Like me, Terry had served as a Craftsman (Vehicle Mechanic) in RAEME. Having already completed a five year civilian apprenticeship, Terry was ‘drafted’ in 1969 and commenced his National Service in January 1970, one of more than 63,000 who served under the second scheme which ran from 1965 to 1972.
Terry had emigrated from England in the early 1960s and his family has a long history of military service, dating at least as far back as WWI. So, he dutifully presented for the required 10-weeks basic training at 3rd Training Battalion (3TB) Singleton Army Base (NSW). He spent three days at Bandiana, Victoria and after a review of his qualifications, he was posted to 1 Base Workshop at Bulimba (Brisbane) where he completed his service (22 months in total) maintaining ‘A’ Vehicles.
Above: L-R Terry Bodle TV New Faces contestant. Terry with son Ty Bodle (current RAQ Secretary)
Growing up in Brisbane, Terry had been earning a decent income as an entertainer when he was called up. He had recently won Queensland’s New Faces TV talent show as a vocalist (Terry Alan) and performed on Australia’s New Faces. TV exposure meant, regular gigs, singing at a variety of venues around Brisbane. Terry says he had been comfortably covering his payments for a block of land and a little Honda Scamp and providing for his young family, but the call up meant a hefty pay cut. His weekly income (having just been promoted to Service Advisor) dropped 70% from about $140 to $40, so understandably he declined the offer to sign on again for another four years.
That said, he is proud to have done his part for his adopted country.
The military tradition has carried on in Terry’s family. Like me, his son, Ty, is a former Army Apprentice Motor Mechanic (44th Intake) and now volunteers as Secretary of the RAEME Association Queensland.
Above: Simon Brooks and Terry Bodle commemorate ANZAC Day.
On National Servicemen’s Day (14th Feb), let’s all take a moment to reflect on what our Nashos gave up, and what we collectively gained, to ensure our nation’s peace and security.
Images and article adapted courtesy of Terry Bodle and written by Simon Brooks
About the Author: Simon Brooks is employed with RSL Queensland as an Engagement Specialist, himself a proud veteran and 40th Intake Army Apprentice Vehicle Mechanic. Simon, Terry and Ty are all members of the RAQ.
RAQ Community Service Fund - Supporting those who serve our communities
Above: In 2025 RAQ supported several organisations including a new Defibrillator for the Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC and Quilts of Valour.
In 2025, the RAEME Association Queensland (RAQ) took an important step in strengthening its connection with the wider community by establishing the RAQ Community Service Fund. This fund reflects our values in supporting organisations and individuals who serve others, particularly where there is a clear connection to the RAEME family and its extended network.
The purpose of the Community Service Fund is simple: to provide practical, meaningful support to community service organisations, groups, and individuals who are doing good work in our communities. Whether it’s assisting with a local fundraiser, supporting a welfare initiative, or helping a volunteer organisation get back on its feet, the Fund allows RAQ to contribute in a way that aligns with both our traditions and our responsibilities.
$5,000 allocated Again for 2026
In recognition of the value of this initiative, the RAQ has again allocated $5,000 for the 2026 calendar year to the Community Service Fund. This ensures that RAQ can continue to respond to genuine requests for assistance while maintaining sound financial stewardship of Association funds.
Clear rules and strong governance
All support provided through the Community Service Fund is governed by our Constitution at Annex G – Rules Governing Donations, Sponsorship and Other Support. These rules ensure that every request is considered fairly, transparently, and in the best interests of both the Association and its reputation.
RAQ values in action
The Community Service Fund allows RAQ to support those who give their time and energy to others, just as RAEME members have always done in uniform and beyond.
If you are part of a community organisation, or know of a group connected to the RAEME family that may benefit from assistance, details on how to make a request can be found on the RAQ constitution or by contacting the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
