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.

Pay with PayPal

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!

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Commemorating United States Memorial Day - Brisbane

Above: L-R RAQ Life Subscribers Simon Brooks and Des Kearton (RAQ Chairman's Award recipient)

Commemorating United States Memorial Day ahead of the American public holiday on 25 May, with my good mate Des Kearton, who served alongside US troops in Vietnam. He is a regular at this ceremony, which is run by the local ‘post’ of @theamericanlegion.

It was threatening to pour rain on today’s guests, so they moved the ceremony indoors. Nevertheless, all went ahead well otherwise.

Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May and honours United States military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. I often think that without their service and sacrifice in the Second World War, my life would be very, very different now. Reasons to be grateful.

Image and article courtesy of Simon Brooks


Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2026 - Townsville

Above: Troops assemble for the exercise launch - Love a sneaky Tricolour!

From 25 May to 3 July 2026, North Queensland is hosting Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2026, one of Australia’s premier trilateral military training activities. Conducted primarily at the Townsville Field Training Area, the exercise brings together around 2,200 personnel from the Australian Defence Force, United States Armed Forces, and Japan Self-Defense Forces to strengthen combat readiness and improve interoperability between allied partners. Led by the Australian Army’s Townsville-based 3rd Brigade, the training includes mounted and dismounted manoeuvres, live-fire platoon attacks, offensive and defensive operations, and coordinated small-arms and indirect-fire scenarios.

Above: Troops assemble for the exercise launch - Love another sneaky Tricolour!

Southern Jackaroo is designed to build the communication, trust, and integration needed for modern coalition operations. The activity culminates in a multinational combined-arms live-fire exercise, showcasing the ability of partner nations to operate together in complex battlefield environments and reinforcing Australia’s commitment to regional security, collective readiness, and strong defence partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence and WIN News


Corps apparel now comes with crown options! 


It's not too late! Winter has arrived, the temperature has dropped, and suddenly everyone around the workshop, unit lines, and boozer seems to be rocking a fresh RAEME hoodie… except those who said, “I’ll order one later.”

The Head of Corps RAEME online shop is live and packed with new Corps apparel, including the popular unisex hoodies featuring the tricolour and Australian flag on the sleeves. Apparel is now also available with the option of either the Tudor (King’s) Crown or St Edward’s (Queen’s) Crown Corps emblem, giving members the choice between the historic and current badge styles.

The range also includes men’s and women’s T-shirts, polos, training shorts, and a wide range of colour options. Orders are placed directly through the website with flat-rate Australia-wide delivery.

Better still, 15% of all sales go back into Corps Funds supporting awards, presentations, recognition activities, and regional Corps events. Bulk orders (20+ items) can also be coordinated through Shaun White.

Order here: https://shop.hunterpp.com.au/raeme


Annual subscriber renewals due 30 June 2026

Above: L-R RAQ Members Barry Shipway, Peter Matthews, Tom Cross, Gary Bonner, Michelle Lafferty and Ty Bodle at the Feb 2026 Monthly Meeting.

Annual subscription of the Association runs from 1 July until 30 June each year. Annual subscribers with membership expiring in 2026 will receive a renewal email at the end of this month. Renewing can be done at any time.

Membership is the lifeblood of our association and I encourage you to renew your annual subscription or consider upgrading to our most popular membership, Life Subscription.

To upgrade to Life subscription, Login to the RAQ Website and go to Membership > My Details >My Membership >Annual Subscription >Life Subscription and click on "Upgrade" and follow the prompts. If you have any problems, contact our Membership Officer.

As a reminder all financial subscribers are entitled to:

  • Subscription to Spanner News Weekly
  • Minimum 10% discount off items purchased from the online shop
  • Discount off member events throughout the year
  • Access to member only website content
  • Lifetime membership of the Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Life Saving Club

100% of all funds go to support the goals of the Association.

Not sure what level of membership you have? CLICK HERE

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40th Anniversary of the Prince Philip Banner Parade video

A commemorative video has been released highlighting the 40th Anniversary of the Prince Philip Banner Parade, held on 20 May 2026 at Gaza Ridge, North Bandiana Barracks. The parade brought together serving members, veterans, former and current banner ensigns, and distinguished guests to commemorate 40 years since the consecration of the Prince Philip Banner and to celebrate the history, customs and traditions of the Corps. Featuring reflections from former Banner Ensign COL Brett Greenland, Head of Corps RAEME BRIG Gabrielle Follett, current Banner Ensign LT Zach Johnson, Corps RSM WO1 Jon Tynan, and CO ASEME COL Hans Hamilton, the video captures the enduring significance of the banner as a symbol of Corps identity, service and stewardship.

Members are encouraged to view the video and reflect on the proud legacy represented by the Prince Philip Banner.

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence 

Editor's Note: Look out for a full wrap-up of the Parade in the June Edition of Maintenance Matters.


Chief of Army 'State of the Army Profession' address- Canberra

State of Army Adress 2026

Above: Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC, delivers his fourth and final address on the State of the Army Profession, at the ANZAC Atrium, Australian War Memorial, Canberra.

In this fourth and final address, the findings of the Army profession review were presented by Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO, DSC, with actions taken so far and the path ahead to ensure the service is fit for the future outlined by Chief of Army, held at the Australian War Memorial's ANZAC Atrium on Wednesday 20 May 2026.

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence


2026 Indigenous Veterans' Ceremony - Cairns

Vietnam veteran James Canuto, a retired WO2 who completed two tours with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment between 1969 and 1972, was the guest speaker at this year's Indigenous Veterans' Ceremony in Cairns held on Saturday, 30 May 2026.

James is pictured above when he was a Corporal, as an APC Crew Commander, carrying infantry soldiers from D Company, 4RAR/NZ Battalion, through the gates of the former 1ATF base after handing control of it back to regional forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam on 7 November 1971 (AWM P07256.006).

Those soldiers had come under heavy fire several months earlier, during the Battle of Nui Le (21 Sep 1971), a 14-hour-long engagement that saw 5 Australians killed and 24 wounded, including three platoon commanders. It was the last major enemy engagement by Australian troops in Vietnam.

Above: James Canuto guest speaker at the ceremony

The Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony acknowledges the contributions of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have served or sacrificed for Australia. It has often been overlooked that many Indigenous veterans were denied the same rights and entitlements as other Australians who fought for their country at the same time and in the same wars. 

Images and article adapted courtesy of Simon Brooks and RSL Queensland


2026 Craftsman Port & Single Malt Whiskey

We are pleased to announce the official launch of this year’s RAEME Craftsman Port (Tawny).

In recognition of significant milestones within the Army and the Corps, Army Headquarters (AHQ) is proud to sponsor this year’s release. In collaboration with Chief’s Son Distillery, the 2026 Craftsman Series includes both a Port (Tawny) and a Single Malt Whisky, produced by a proudly Australian, veteran-owned business.

The RAEME 2026 Craftsman Release honours significant milestones in the proud history of both the Australian Army and the Corps. The year marks the 125th anniversary of the Australian Army, the 84th anniversary of the Corps, and the 40th anniversary of the Prince Philip Banner. This commemorative release recognises these important milestones and pays tribute to the dedication, service, and enduring legacy of RAEME soldiers—past and present.

Product Details

  • 700ml Craftsman Port (Tawny) – $60.00
  • 700ml Single Malt Whisky – $87.00
  • Postage – $19 (up to 6 bottles)
  • PLEASE NOTE – Max purchase of 6 bottles per order, in any combination.

Delivery will occur in batches throughout 2026.

How to Order

To place an order, please scan the QR code on the attached flyer or click on this link

All orders will be delivered directly to your door.

Orders are now open, with final orders closing on 30 September 2026.

This release provides a unique opportunity to secure a high-quality commemorative product while supporting a veteran-owned Australian distillery and celebrating the enduring heritage of the Corps.