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

RAEME ensigns share same honour 40 years apart - Wodonga

Above: Soldiers at the RAEME Banner Photo Parade :Pte at Kerri Bandiana Millin-Wire , Victoria. Inset: The 1986 ensign, Col Brett Greenland, right, and the 2026 ensign,Lt Zach Johnson. Photo: Cpl Joseph Hess

Forty years apart, two young officers have stood on the parade ground carrying the banner of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. In 1986, a 22-year-old subaltern accepted the Corps Banner in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. In 2026, 23-year-old Lt Zach Johnson stepped forward as the next custodian of the tradition during the 40th Anniversary Prince Philip Banner Parade. For Lt Johnson, the role is both an honour and a reflection of the strong culture within RAEME. “RAEME is such a tight-knit community,” he said. “We really focus a lot on our mateship, our bonding and culture … you’ll bleed the tricolours at the end of the day.”

For Brett Greenland, who served as the original ensign in 1986, the anniversary parade brought back vivid memories from the beginning of his Army career. “I feel unbelievably privileged to have been the first person to physically accept the banner on behalf of the corps,” he said. “When I see photographs of it, I sort of get a little bit taller.” Col Greenland reflected on the deeper meaning of the role, explaining that regimental colours traditionally represented the centre of the regiment in battle, with the colour party entrusted to protect them at all costs. While ceremonial today, the symbolism of the banner remains central to the Corps and its identity.

Above: On 20 May 2026, personnel of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps formed up at Gaza Ridge, North Bandiana Barracks, to mark the 40th anniversary of the consecration of the Prince Philip Banner.

Despite the history and tradition surrounding the role, both officers admitted there were nerves involved. Col Greenland recalled worrying more about drill movements than the crowd or significance of the occasion, while Lt Johnson said anticipation had outweighed any nerves. Looking ahead, Lt Johnson hopes one day to return in the same position as Col Greenland. “In 40 years’ time I still see myself in Army, so to be able to come back and be in Col Greenland’s position would be an honour,” he said. “Col Greenland has led a pretty fruitful career, it’s inspiring.”

Images and article adapted courtesy of Capt Krysten Clifton

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

RAQ (NQ) Gathering – The North Shore Tavern - Sat 13 June 2026

Above: Members and guests at the Feb 2026 gathering in Townsville.

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

What – RAQ (NQ) Gathering
When – Sat 13 Jun 26 from 1230h – onwards
Where – The North Shore Tavern - Sports Bar - 37 Main St, Burdell, QLD 4818 Ph: (07) 4401 5000

RAQ (NQ)’s mid-year gathering. Time for those south of the NQ border to book some travel (plane, train or automobile) to escape the cold and embrace the warmth. Let’s enjoy our great NQ weather, surrounded by good mates and social banter, RAEME NQ style.

RAEME Badge Raffle
$100 Member Draw
Bar Snacks 1330h
RAEME Merchandise will be on sale

Plenty of good company and much more….

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

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence

RAEME Birthday 2026 – North Queensland Update

1 RAR mini cart

Above: 1RAR Mini cart RAEME Birthday 3CCB 2025

All, just a heads up that 4 REGT has released some early information regarding the 2026 RAEME Birthday activities to be held on Tuesday, 1 December 2026, at the new Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) Workshop, 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, Lavarack Barracks.

The day is shaping up to be a great Corps event, with activities planned including volleyball, tug-of-war, chain-of-command relays, go-kart racing, displays, along with food and drinks throughout the day.

It’s great to see units already getting behind the Corps Birthday celebrations and making use of the new AFV workshop facilities. More details will be shared as they become available.

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

Air Force Powerlifting - Penrith

Above: CFN Anastazia Robinson prepares to perform a deadlift during an Air Force Powerlifting competition at Adonis Athletics in Penrith, New South Wales.

Air Force Powerlifting (AFPL) held its inaugural competition in May. The club, now 100 members strong, endeavours to promote the sport of powerlifting amongst members of the Air Force and the wider ADF. With a mission to foster, organise and promote the sport of powerlifting at all levels within the Air Force, this competition brings AFPL a step closer to that. The club’s vision is to make powerlifting a sport for all Air Force personnel, accessible and interconnected with PT, sport, fitness and human performance. AFPL is affiliated with both the Australian Powerlifting Alliance and the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).

Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence

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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Help these young athletes chase their surfboat dream! - Sunshine Coast

My daughter and her three other dedicated female surfboat rowers all aged 19–22 are chasing a dream of success in the U23 female Australian Surfboat Rowing League (ASRL) and Surf Life Saving Surf Australia (SLSA) Surfboat Rowing competitions, and requiring temporary accommodation on the Sunshine Coast just prior to the upcoming season starting late August.

Last season, they represented Emu Park SLSC alongside their coach and Sweep, achieving results that are largely unheard of for Queensland crews north of the Sunshine Coast, particularly given the lack of surf conditions, extra travel requirements, and opportunities in the region. Despite this, they consistently challenged the strongest crews in the country and came heartbreakingly close to major results throughout the season.

For the 2026/27 season, they will be rowing for Marcoola SLSC, where their Sweep is now based. They are fully committed to taking the next step in their development and are all relocating together for the season in pursuit of their goal. They are looking for accommodation on the Sunshine Coast whether temporary or for the whole season (September-early April). They are also looking for potential sponsorship opportunities to help make their dreams a reality.

Any assistance, advice, or connections would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. support these four young athletes chasing their ambitious goal.

Here is a video of the girls competing at their first National carnival. After a protest they lost this title, but shows just how painstakingly close these girls from Emu Park came to great success in their first season of the sport, in a borrowed boat and after driving three days to compete in Wanda Beach NSW.

Kind regards,
Tim Costin

Editor's Note: Tim is the inaugural Master Artificer for the new ECN 222 Marine Technician (MT) Trade. He enlisted as a 47th Class Fitter and Turner Army Apprentice, and is a RAQ Life Subscriber.

Additional RACQ battery discount extended for RAQ Members

The RAQ is pleased to advise members that the additional RACQ battery rebate arrangement for RAQ members has been extended for another 12 months.

Under this initiative, eligible members can receive an additional $25 rebate on RACQ battery purchases and installations, providing even greater value and practical support to our serving and veteran RAEME community.

Full details of the discount arrangement, including eligibility and how to access the offer, are available in the Members Only section of the Association website:

RAQ Members Only Section (Must be logged in)

The Association sincerely thanks Royal Automobile Club of Queensland for their continued support of our members and the wider RAEME community through this initiative. Partnerships such as this provide practical benefits to our serving and veteran members while reinforcing the strong community connections that continue to support the Corps family.

Army’s Apache fleet reaches six - Townsville

Above: The newest additions to the fleet touched down in Australia last week with some help from the Royal Australian Air Force.

Two additional AH-64E Apache attack helicopters have been delivered to the Australian Army, marking another step in the transformation of Australia’s battlefield aviation capability.

The AH-64E Apache brings advanced sensors, weapons and teaming capabilities, preparing for future enhanced integration of crewed and uncrewed systems. The latest deliveries bring the fleet to six aircraft.

A RAAF C-17A Globemaster delivered the two Apache airframes.

A total of 29 AH-64E Apaches are being acquired from the United States through a Foreign Military Sales agreement under Project LAND 4503. All aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2029.

Commander Army Avn Cmd Maj-Gen David Hafner said the AH-64E Apache was replacing the Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter, bringing significant capability improvements that would enhance the lethality and tempo of land and amphibious force manoeuvres.

“The Apache is the world’s most advanced attack helicopter, and the arrival of the fifth and sixth airframes in Australia marks another milestone in enhancing Army’s contribution to the reach, range and lethality of the integrated force,” he said.

“These aircraft will ensure our soldiers are better connected, better protected and more lethal in the most demanding operational environments.

“These aircraft will ensure our soldiers are better connected, better protected and more lethal in the most demanding operational environments.”

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence

Drones change the battlefield at ASEME Training Exercise - Puckapunyal

Above: CFN Aashere Manoj takes aim at Puckapunyal Military Area.

During a field training activity conducted between 18–30 March 2026 in the Puckapunyal Military Area, trainees from ASEME were exposed to the realities of modern warfare as drones became a constant presence overhead. Supported by the School of Armour Communications and Surveillance Wing, the activity provided soldiers with real-time enemy-perspective imagery, reinforcing how rapidly the modern battlespace has evolved into a fully three-dimensional environment.

Throughout the exercise, trainees were required to adapt their movement, concealment and survivability techniques while operating under persistent aerial observation. Instructors emphasised immediate detection and response drills, with soldiers trained to shout “Drone!” to warn nearby call signs before rapidly seeking cover. The clarity of the drone footage proved confronting for many trainees, clearly revealing faces, rank slides, weapon positions and movement patterns, even when soldiers believed they were effectively concealed. The activity highlighted the growing importance of counter-surveillance awareness and strengthened interoperability between Army training schools, ensuring future RAEME soldiers are better prepared for increasingly drone-saturated operational environments.

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence

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.