RAEME Association Queensland Inc

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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

Craftsman Reserve 2025 Bourbon now available!

Bottles are now being dispatched and they’re moving fast. Of the original 500 bottles produced exclusively for the RAEME Association, with less than 180 bottles remaining for purchase — once they're gone, they're gone.

This year, our mates at Milton Distillery have lifted the bar again, experimenting with a refined mash to create a one-off bourbon crafted just for RAEME made from Australian Corn mash!. Expect a floral nose with hints of honey and vanilla, rolling into a warm, spiced finish a fitting tribute to the artisans of our Corps.

Raise a glass to exceptional craftsmanship and the spirit of those who always strive for perfection.

How to get yours

Ordering is now open — limited allocation remaining
Retail: $90 | RAQ Members: $80 (use the member-only discount code, make sure you login first or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!)
Free shipping on orders over $130 — remember to select the free-shipping option at checkout!

Purchase exclusively via the distillery — click the button below or copy the link:

https://miltondistillery.com/product/raeme-bourbon-2025-limited-edition/

(Link is not publicly listed)

Important ordering info:

Members — don’t forget to apply your discount code at checkout.
You’re welcome to purchase other Milton Distillery products, but the $10 discount applies only to our bourbon (per bottle — buy as many as you like!).
With a large volume of orders to fill, please allow up to a week or so before contacting the distillery directly: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cheers to our Craftsman Reserve Bourbon!

Featured

Exercise Coastwatchers - Solomon Islands

Above: CFN Camron Logan from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conducts vehicle maintenance as part of Exercise Coastwatchers at Rove Police Station, Honiara, Solomon Islands..

Exercise Coastwatchers is Defence’s premier bilateral exercise series with the Solomon Islands. It is developed jointly with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to build Solomon Island’s policing capabilities. Australian Army training teams worked with the RSIPF to deliver courses in support of their priorities including small boat skills, border surveillance training, medical training, logistics, vehicle maintenance and Parrot UAS drone training during rotation one in Honiara in March 2026. Exercise Coastwatchers forms part of Australia’s broader engagement with the Solomon Islands under the Defence Cooperation Program.

Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence

Ex Balikatan 26 Opening Ceremony - Philippines

Above: A group photo of personnel from participating nations at the opening ceremony of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Manila.

In April 2026, a contingent of around 400 personnel will participate in Exercise Balikatan 2026 (BK26) in the Philippines. Balikatan is an annual training exercise conducted between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States military designed to enhance military cooperation and readiness. Australia has a longstanding relationship with the Philippines and the United States dating back to the Second World War that has contributed to regional security and stability, and has participated in Balikatan since 2014.

Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence

Bulimba Barracks redevelopment update

Bulimba Barracks Mar 2026 2 Small

Above: Bulimba Barracks Redevelopment (March 2026) Apollo Road looking east over the site (Image courtesy of Bruce Hermann)

Progress continues on the redevelopment of Bulimba Barracks, with landscape planning advancing for the future Riverbank Park at Apollo Road, Bulimba. Latest Information from Brisbane City Council has informed recent refinements, supporting the transformation of the former barracks site into a community focused precinct while ensuring appropriate planning requirements are addressed.

An updated landscape approach places strong emphasis on protecting key natural and heritage features, particularly the Tree of Knowledge, which remains central to the design. Following consultation, improvements include setting back safety fencing from the shared pathway with turf treatment to enhance accessibility, and removing all planting within the Tree Protection Zone in favour of aged forest mulch to safeguard the tree’s long-term health. Practical elements such as double swing gates and defined vehicle access have also been incorporated to support ongoing maintenance needs.

Above: Bulimba Barracks Redevelopment (March 2026) Apollo Road looking north east over the side (Image courtesy of Bruce Hermann)

Heritage considerations remain a priority. The existing memorial stone along the Apollo Road frontage was carefully removed last year, protected during construction, and will be reinstated within the completed Riverbank Park, ensuring its significance is retained as part of the site’s future landscape.

Recently Brian Daley was able to take a good look at the Bulimba Camp now all roads and land are waiting for houses.

Brian said, "The workshop holds lots of memories and I checked out the RAEME Memorial still under its blanket, waiting to be put up next to the Tree of Knowledge sometime in the future".

Thanks Brian and Bruce for keeping us in the loop on the redevelopment.

ADF Leadership changes announced

Above: L-R Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM, Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley AM CSC RAN

The Government has recommended a series of senior leadership appointments within the Australian Defence Force, subject to approval by the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, with changes to take effect from July 2026. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond will be appointed Chief of the Defence Force, following a distinguished 40-year naval career. Since becoming Chief of Navy in 2022, he has played a key role in shaping capability outcomes, including Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program under AUKUS and the future surface fleet.

The Government has acknowledged the outstanding service of outgoing Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, who will retire after more than 48 years of service across Navy and joint appointments. His leadership has been central to the implementation of the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the development of Australia’s future force.

In Army, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will be appointed Chief of Army, becoming the first woman to lead the service, while the Government also recognised the significant contribution of outgoing Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart.

Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley will be promoted to Chief of Navy, bringing extensive submarine and capability experience to the role. The Government extended its sincere thanks to all outgoing leaders and their families for their service and commitment to the nation, noting these appointments will be formally considered by the Federal Executive Council.

Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence

RAEME National Network - Maintenance Matters

Hello All,

Edition 03 of RAEME's Newsletter, Maintenance Matters, can now be downloaded or read online:

Downloadable PDF
Heyzine Flipbook

This edition features:

An invitation to the parade for the 40th Anniversary of the Prince Philip Banner Presentation
Details of our new Chief of Army
Plans for ANZAC Day nationwide
Photos from recent Corps gatherings
Plans for future RAEME events
Corps RSM Update
A guide for how to play PACMAN
And much more

Best Submission Winner: The winner of the $50 voucher for the best member submission this month is CAPT William Crain, 16 ASB. Lodge your submission to be in the running for next edition.

To submit an article for future editions, visit here.

Future Editions will include a new series in which we will celebrate the continued service of members after their discharge. If you wish to nominate someone who has gone Above and Beyond to serve the Corps or their communities, you may nominate them at the same link as above. Look for the special template when you get there.

My sincere thanks go to all Associations and members who contributed material for this edition and those who are preparing submissions for future editions.

Arte et Marte,

Ian Cook

Managing Editorial Team
Maintenance Matters
RAEME's Newsletter

Featured

Run Army 2026 - Townsville

Above: Participants begin the 10km event at Run Army Townsville on Sunday the 19th of April 2026.

Run Army is an Australian Army initiative to promote resilience, health and wellbeing across the Australian community. In 2026, the event saw the Australian Army, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire Department, Queensland Ambulance Service, State Emergency Service Queensland and Surf Life Saving Queensland all come together as partners. Each front-line partner organisation has nominated a beneficiary charity and for Army this continues to be Legacy. There were two physical events held in Brisbane on Sunday the 29th of March and Townsville on Sunday the 19th of April, which consisted of a 2.4km Junior Dash, 5km, 10km, and 15km Chief’s Challenge event. There were also a number of satellite and virtual events held around Australia and internationally.

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence

The Prince Philip Banner - 40th Anniversary Parade - Bandiana - Reminder

Association Members,

The CO of ASEME has formally invited all retired members of the RAEME community to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to attend the 40th Anniversary Parade of the Prince Phillip Banner. Serving members will be addressed separately by HOC Cell.

The commemorative event will be held on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at North Bandiana, with activities commencing from 1200 hours and the formal parade beginning at 1400 hours. The day will include a capability display, historical exhibits, and opportunities for past and present members to reconnect.

To assist with planning, all interested members are requested to complete the online EOI survey, including details of party size and, if applicable, whether you attended the original Banner presentation in 1986.

Registration of all attendees is mandatory for security purposes.

Your response prior to 30 Apr 2026 will be appreciated.

Further details regarding this event will be provided as they are developed.

Your support in circulating this information promptly will ensure we reach as many members of the RAEME family as possible,

Arte et Marte

Ian Cook
Managing Editorial Team
Maintenance Matters
RAEME's Newsletter

RAQ Darling Downs gathering - Toowoomba - Sunday 17 May 2026

Pictured above: Members and guests at the February 2026 luncheon.

We are pleased to confirm the next Toowoomba luncheon will be held on Sunday, 17 May 2026.

Following a strong start to the year, this function forms part of our 2026 program aimed at maintaining connection across our RAEME family, serving members, veterans, and partners alike.

As always, the luncheon is intended to be relaxed, informal, and inclusive and an opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and strengthen the bonds that underpin our Corps community.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, 17 May 2026

Time: Midday onwards

Location: Toowoomba City Golf Club

Lucky Door Prizes

We strongly encourage members to extend the invitation to others who may not be currently connected with RAQ. Whether serving, retired, or simply part of the broader RAEME network, all are welcome.

We look forward to another great turnout and to continuing the momentum built earlier this year.

Regards,

Pete Pile
RAQ-DD Rep

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

Welcoming our new NQ Youth Member Riley Burgin - Townsville

The RAQ is pleased to welcome LCPL Riley Burgin to the role of North Queensland Youth Member. Riley is currently posted as a Vehicle Technician with 1RAR and brings with him experience from previous postings at the 3CSSB and the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

Riley is a passionate RAEME soldier with a strong interest in Corps history and culture. He has already demonstrated initiative through his involvement in unit activities, including supporting the presentation of the Federation Star to WO2 Soult Walter Croc, mascot of 102 Field Workshop, and reintroducing the ‘Tool of the Week’ award at 1RAR. Riley’s enthusiasm, communication skills and commitment to the Corps will be a valuable addition to the RAQ in North Queensland.

We welcome him to the team and look forward to his contribution in engaging and representing our younger members joining our SEQ Youth Member CFN Tyler Pidgeon.

1CSSB Birthday celebrations Darwin - 1 April 2026

Above: CO 1CSSB LTCOL Sarah Nielsen cuts the cake alongside the Battalion’s youngest soldier, PTE Anderson.

On 1 April, 1CSSB marked its 29th birthday, recognising the service of those who have contributed to the Battalion over the years. The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on its history, acknowledge current members, and look ahead to those who will continue its work. Members were encouraged to reconnect, share memories, and recognise the role the unit has played across its service.

Birthday activities included a sports day featuring Ultimate Frisbee, tag football, longest kick and tug-of-war, followed by a BBQ and, of course, birthday cake. The Commanding Officer cut the cake alongside the Battalion’s youngest soldier, PTE Anderson.

At the conclusion of the day, 101 Field Workshop Company was recognised as the sports champions. The celebrations reflected the Battalion’s ongoing focus on teamwork, participation and maintaining connections across the unit.

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence