RAEME Association Queensland Inc

Hi All,

We have revised the format of the newsletter in this edition to make it easier to navigate and read. We hope this more professional look is well-received but we do welcome any feedback readers may have.

Download. Edition 04 may be viewed online or downloaded from:

• PDF
• Flipbook
• Easy-Read

The Easy-Read version is provides a snap shot of all many of the key newsletter elements, but not all of them. It does however include audio recordings of the main articles. This is an experimental format that we are trialling.

This edition features:

• Coverage from ANZAC Day around the nation as well as the surprising history of the first ANZAC Day.
• Introduction of "Above and Beyond" - A new series to honour those who serve their post communities
• A detailed review of the Prince Philip Banner and its importance to our Corps
• A link to a video of the original 1986 banner parade
• A review of what our members have been doing nationwide
• Plans for impending RAEME and Wellbeing events around the nation
• A look at what 16 ASB has been up to
• And much more

Best Submission Winner: The winner of the $50 voucher for the best member submission this month is LT Zhang from 16 ASB for his interesting article on the integration of RAAF technicians in Army maintenance. Lodge your submission to be in the running for next edition.

Movember 2026. This edition also announces our plans to raise a RAEME Team for this year's Movember fundraising. We do however need a team name to register. Ideas at this stage include:

• Rugged Aussies Engineering Moustache Excellence
• Respectful Armourers & Engineers Moustache Endeavour
• Real Artificers Executing Moustache Evolution
• RAEME All-Ranks Engaged in Moustache Effort

Members can submit their team name ideas at this link   

How to submit. To submit an article for future editions, visit this site. You will find templates on this site for:

• All submissions (which can be typed into the portal or uploaded)
• Nominations to recognise members who have gone "above and beyond" to support their communities.
• Notification of welfare matters, including the passing or failing health of our members.

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

The Prince Philip Banner 40th Anniversary Parade - Bandiana - Last chance

Above: Video of the 1986 Parade. Click on the image to view.

On 20 May 1986, RAEME was formally presented with the Prince Philip Banner by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, during a historic parade at the RAEME Training Centre. More than 4,000 spectators witnessed the event, with Regular Army and Army Reserve personnel from every Australian state represented on parade.

As we approach the 40th Anniversary of the Prince Philip Banner Parade, we encourage all members of the RAEME family to watch the historical video footage of this significant Corps occasion and reflect on the traditions, professionalism and service that continue to unite generations of RAEME soldiers, The Prince Philip Banner remains a powerful symbol of Corps identity, representing service, technical mastery, unity and pride in sustaining Army capability since 1942

ANZAC Day Queensland

Above: ANZAC Day form up in Brisbane. Our Contingent Commander was RAQ Patron COL (RTD) Tony Borg. The Brisbane Parade is available to watch on ABC iview. RAEME starts at the 1:32:32 mark. CLICK HERE

ANZAC Day 2026 was marked with strong participation and enduring spirit across both Brisbane and Townsville, with well over  300 members, families, and supporters turning out to honour the service and sacrifice of our ANZACs. Despite wet conditions in Brisbane, a large and proud contingent took part in the parade, demonstrating the resilience and commitment that defines our community. In Townsville, members assembled early at Flynn’s Irish Bar early before stepping off for the Strand march later in the morning. The event was open to veterans, currently serving members, families, and supporters, and once again the attendance reflected the strength of the RAEME network across Queensland.

Above: ANZAC Day Parade in Townsville lead by WO2 Jason Ballard. The Townsville Parade is available to watch on Youtube, with RAEME starting at the 31:27 mark. CLICK HERE

We extend our sincere thanks to the On Job Trainees (OJTs) in both Townsville and Brisbane for honouring the Association and escorting our banners on parade. The OJTs carried the banners with pride throughout the marches and all the way back to each venue, ensuring they were given pride of place during the post-march gatherings, an effort that did not go unnoticed and was greatly appreciated by all in attendance.

Above: A surprise visit from the Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band at the Brisbane function.

Post-march, members regrouped at Flynn’s Irish Bar in Townsville and at the Port Office Hotel in Brisbane, where camaraderie continued well into the afternoon. The Brisbane gathering was made even more memorable with a surprise visit from the Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band, who delivered a number of well-loved tunes to the delight of all in attendance.

Above: RAQ Deputy Chair Paul Gibbs presents POH Functions Manager Ellie a token of appreciation of a somewhat large bear and some RAEME themed baby clothes. And yes that is Mick Patman behind the bear!

During the Brisbane function, the Association also took the opportunity to farewell Ellie, Functions Manager across the Port Office Hotel group and a long-time supporter, who chose to spend her final day before commencing maternity leave supporting RAQ on ANZAC Day. Ellie was presented with a small token of appreciation, along with best wishes for the arrival of her baby. Rumour has it that if it’s a boy, the name ‘Harry’ may be in the running.

Above: RAQ Members Mick Harris, Doug Merry, Ian Joyce, Brian Robb and Tank Pontifex at Flynns Irish Bar.

The Association acknowledges and thanks the many committee members and volunteers whose efforts ensured the success of the day. Special appreciation is also extended to the staff at Flynn’s Irish Bar and the Port Office Hotel for their continued support and hospitality, which helped make the day both meaningful and memorable.

ANZAC Day remains a time for reflection, remembrance, and connection across generations.

All the photos of the day are available in our Media Gallery.

Arte et Marte

Lest We Forget