RAEME Association Queensland Inc

Featured

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

RAEME Birthday - Monday 1st December 2025

On Monday, 1 December 2025, RAEME will proudly celebrate 83 years of dedicated service to the Australian Army and the nation. Born in the Second World War to meet the growing technical demands of modern warfare, RAEME has evolved into a cornerstone of Australia’s military capability, renowned for its technical mastery, innovation, and unwavering commitment to keeping the Army ready to fight “and win".

Across Australia, RAEME members past and present will gather to mark this milestone, sharing stories, camaraderie and reflections on more than eight decades of service. From its modest beginnings to today’s highly specialised, technologically advanced Corps, RAEME has continually adapted to support the Army’s increasingly complex fleet of equipment and systems. These celebrations also honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women of RAEME, whose skill, dedication and courage have sustained the Corps through war, "warlike" operations, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions since 1942. Their contributions, often carried out under demanding, dangerous and unforgiving conditions remain central to the Army’s strength.

The RAEME Associations, formed during the height of the Second World War, have stood alongside the Corps since 1944, strengthening its legacy and supporting its people. On Monday, 6 November 1944, "The Argus" newspaper reported on a well-attended gathering, where serving AEME members and recently discharged tradesmen came together to establish a permanent association. Their aim was simple but enduring, to preserve fellowship, provide support to those in need, champion the Corps’ work, and remain engaged in the future of Australia’s military capability. Eight decades on, the RAEME Associations continue to uphold those founding principles connecting veterans and serving members, promoting Corps heritage, and supporting the RAEME family wherever they are.

Eighty-three years on, RAEME continues to embody its motto, Arte et Marte “With Skill and Fighting”, remaining at the forefront of engineering excellence and military innovation. As the Corps looks to the future, it remains committed in its mission to deliver the technical expertise that ensures the Australian Army is equipped and ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

Happy Birthday RAEME
Arte et Marte

Craftsman Reserve 2025 Bourbon is here!

Bottles are now being dispatched and they’re moving fast. Of the original 500 bottles produced exclusively for the RAEME Association, we estimate only around 190 remain available 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

Honorary Life Member No.12 - Brian Daley OAM

Above: L-R Brian Daley OAM at his Honorary Life Member Award ceremony, presented by RAQ Chair Peter Matthews

It was my great honourer, alongside RAQ Patron COL (RTD) Tony Borg to present Brian Daley with Honorary Life Member No.12 at the All Ranks Luncheon on Sunday 30 November 2025.

His award reads as follows:

In recognition of his outstanding and enduring contribution to the Association, our Corps, and the wider community.

A member since the Association’s foundation days, Brian has been an active and dedicated contributor. In his current role as Apprentice News and Functions Officer, his leadership, enthusiasm, and ability to connect across generations embody the very spirit of RAEME.

Brian has been instrumental in preserving the memory and heritage of Bulimba Barracks. During the redevelopment of the site, he dedicated countless hours working with local council representatives, developers, and elected officials to ensure the Bulimba Memorial will be respectfully relocated and preserved for future generations. His determination and advocacy have safeguarded an important piece of RAEME history and ensured that the service and sacrifice of our Corps members will continue to be honoured in perpetuity.

Through his vision, dedication, and selfless service, Brian exemplifies the finest values of RAEME and the spirit of our Association.

On behalf of the RAEME Association Queensland, congratulations Brian on a very well deserved award.

Arte et Marte

It’s a wrap… Women In RAEME plus friends and family 2025 - what a night!

Honoured once again to organise our annual event - this year being our 3rd and encouraged even more so to keep them coming.

Our why? To build connection, inspire the next generation, share stories, encourage more women into trades and engineering and the military in general.

Thank you to Michelle Lafferty for your support and help coordinating our night and a special thanks to the RAEME Association of QLD for sponsoring - we couldn’t do it without you!

Our numbers are growing steadily from the first one in 2023 and last night over 40 registered.

And what an extremely special night it was.

My gift - was meeting up again with friends I hadn’t seen in probably 20 years or more.

Above: uest speaker Joanne Cornelius

We also had a special guest Joanne Cornelius who flew in from Melbourne to share her amazing career story as well as other current serving women who shared their insights and wow, what exciting adventures they have ahead of them.

After last night they now know that they are not alone and are part of a special cohort here to always support and encourage each other along the way.

Jessica Hampton and Alina Hutton

Above: Jessica Hampton and Alina Hutton guest speakers.

Thank you to the Quilts of Valour Australia for presenting the special gifts to some of our veterans.

Thank you to the Women Veteran Network of Australia Inc and Melanie Annand for sharing the work you do to support women veterans nationally.

For those that blazed the trail … thank you

For those … that seek connection … you will always be a part of our special bond and sisterhood. The Camaraderie lives on.

For the men that advocate and support us… thank you!

For our friends in adjoining corps and services … you are most welcome and will always be included as part of our family.

I cherish with fond memories my time in the army - the foundation of resilience, the training platform in which I have established a successful career and most importantly the life long friends that have become my family. I will be forever grateful.

Calling all bluebells for 2026 and bring along a friend …

Suzanne Shipp

ARTE ET MARTE

RAQ 2025 AGM and Monthly Meeting

2025 AGM

Above: Members enjoying a catch up after the AGM and monthly meeting

As a member based community organisation, we value and welcome all our new members of the Association.

Thank you to all our members who support our mission to promote and reinforce the spirit and reputation of the Corps in Queensland.

There will be many items that will come out in the respective minutes, however I wanted to highlight some of the key achievements at the AGM and monthly meeting, these included:

Provision for a Community Service fund donation to Quilts of Valour
Funding for Spanner Pack locked into next year's budget
Financial statement & Auditor’s Report FY24/25 Treasurer
Appointment of an auditor
Public liability insurance determination
Statement of Remuneration

Thankyou to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussions on the night.

Operation Spanner Pack - PNG

Above: Top clockwise: LTCOL Arron Kinleyside, MAJ Chris Pike, WO2 David Shepherd, MAJ Matt Scanlon & LTCOL Tony Evans

Good Afternoon Tom,

Hope all is well with you and the board.

Thank you all so much for the Spanner packs for myself and the other RAEME Personnel posted to PNG. We really appreciated it.

Just to make yourself and the readers aware, of the five personnel receiving the Spanner Packs, only two had received a Spanner Pack before.

First Time recipients of the Spanner Packs were:

LTCOL Tony Evans – PNG ADA
MAJ Matt Scanlon – PNG DCP OC LAE (King of the North)
MAJ Chris Pike – PNG DCP SO2 LOG

The three first timers were very appreciative and humbled to be receiving a spanner pack and Christmas card.

Unfortunately, due to work commitments we were all unable to catch up at the same time on the glorious day that is RAEME Birthday, but we did all get to open the Spanner Packs on the day and get a pic.

To all the Board and committee of the RAQ, Thank you and have a great Christmas and New Year. Wishing all the Brothers and Sisters of the greatest Corps in Army a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful 2026 from us all here in PNG.

I look forward to working with you again in the new year to again provide Spanner Packs to the RAEME personnel that deploy on MTT rotations in 2026.

Cheers

Shep

WO2 David Shepherd

Hello Shep,

Thank you for the photos and the kind words for the RAQ and the RAEME network.

We appreciate the feedback and hope the personnel that have received the Spanner packs for the first time can assist us in ensuring future deployed or posted RAEME personnel can get the similar care packs to show how the veteran RAEME organisation looks after our people.

I truly hope the rest of RAEME DCP Staffs’ posting is successful and you all have a safe and merry Christmas and a happy new year.

P.S. Thank you Shep for all your help in letting me know when RAEME Pers are in your Loc. and ensuring they get the Spanner Packs when I send them. I will look forward to working with you again in 2026.

Kind Regards,

Tom Cross

MAJ (retd)

Spanner Pack

Editor's Note: The RAQ proudly administers this program on behalf of all RAEME Associations in Australia.

As of the end of Nov 2025, Operation Spanner Pack has provided 4891 Spanner Packs, weighing 10,065Kg to locations as varied as Kuwait, Middle East, Sinai, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Solomon Is, South Sudan, PNG, Fiji and East Timor. Darwin (Dom OPS), Torres Strait Is., Germany, and UK, including embedded RAEME members.

If you'd like to know more or to donate, go to the Operation Spanner Pack webpage.

6th Aviation Brigade Parade - Townsville

Above: Officers and soldiers of the 16th Aviation Brigade stand on parade at Hamel Lines in Townsville, Queensland.

In December 2025, the 16th Aviation Brigade conducted a number of ceremonial parades to recognise significant changes to the force disposition of the Brigade. These events included parades in both Darwin and Townsville to mark the relocation of the 1st Aviation Regiment, the Layup of A SQN 5th Aviation Regiment, and the establishment of the 16th Aviation Support Battalion.

Image and information reproduced courtesy of Defence

Featured

Inaugural Raymond G. Norman Chairman’s Award - WO2 Jason Ballard

Above: L-R Jason Ballard presented his award by RAQ Chair Peter Matthews

Tickets are now available to celebrate at the RAEME All Ranks 83nd Corps Birthday Luncheon.

The Association proudly recognised Jason Ballard with the inaugural Raymond G. Norman OAM Chairman’s Award during the recent NQ gathering held in Townsville on Saturday, 6 December 2025. This newly updated award honours the legacy of Major Raymond G Norman OAM, a former Logistics Command and Corps RSM and long-serving Chairman of the Association whose decades of service and commitment set a benchmark for all who follow.

In presenting the award, the Chairman commended Jason for his volunteer service as the North Queensland Committee representative and RAQ Merchandise Coordinator.

His award citation reads: “In recognition of your outstanding volunteer service supporting the North Queensland Committee and RAQ Merchandise Representative for the region. Your dedication, reliability, and genuine care for our members exemplify the very best of our Corps and our Association.”

The RAQ congratulates Jason on this well-deserved honour and thanks him for his ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening the RAEME community across North Queensland.

Arte et Marte

RAEME Birthday - All Ranks Luncheon 30 November 2025 - Brisbane

Above: Members and guests enjoy the All Ranks Luncheon.

The RAEME Association Queensland celebrated another outstanding year at the annual All Ranks Luncheon, held at the Port Office Hotel on Sunday 30 November 2025. More than 65 members, partners and guests gathered for a relaxed afternoon that began with pre-luncheon drinks before everyone was seated for formal proceedings. MC for the event, Deputy Chairman Paul Gibbs, opened the program with housekeeping and acknowledgements, welcoming Representative Colonel Commandant BRIG Ed Smeaton, Colonel Commandant Queensland COL Piers Cambridge, Patron COL (Rtd) Tony Borg, guest speakers LT Raffaella Puli and WO1 Marc Craigie, and members from across Queensland. The luncheon once again showcased the strong spirit that characterises the Corps community.

Above: Top to Bottom, LT Rafa Puli and WO1 Marc Craigie

Guests were treated to two exceptional speaker presentations, each reflecting the depth of experience and future leadership within RAEME. Lieutenant Raffaella Puli delivered the first address, sharing her journey from ADFA to RMC and into her current role as the EIR Platoon Commander at 7 CSSB. A talented engineer and passionate leader, LT Puli highlighted her operational engagement tours and her commitment to developing as a RAEME officer.

Above: Members and guests enjoy the All Ranks Luncheon.

Later in the afternoon, attendees heard from WO1 Marc Craigie, recently appointed ASM-Land after a distinguished 35-year career. His address offered reflections on his last twelve months on secondment with BHP, lessons learned and insights into the evolution of RAEME capability. Both speakers resonated strongly with the audience and I thank them both for their inspirational presentations and spending the afternoon with us celebrating our Corps Birthday.

Above: L-R Brian Daley OAM is presented his Honorary Life Member Award by RAQ Patron COL (RTD) Tony Borg and RAQ Chairman Pete Matthews.

One of the special moments of the event was the presentation of an Honorary Life Member Award to long-serving member Brian Daley. Member number 40, Brian has contributed more than two decades of loyal service to the Association and remains an enduring part of our history and identity. Congratulations Brian!

Above: Members and guests enjoy the All Ranks Luncheon.

The luncheon also provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of 2025, and I was able to acknowledge the many volunteers who have strengthened the RAEME community throughout the year. I acknowledged the appointment of BRIG Gabrielle Follett AM as Head of Corps, welcomed COL Piers Cambridge as the new Colonel Commandant Queensland, and thanked COL (Rtd) Steve Evans for his ongoing leadership in his new role as RAEME National Network Coordinator. We continue to see an expansion of membership, the success of the Women in RAEME program, the dedication of regional teams, and the incredible milestone of 4,891 Spanner Packs distributed worldwide on behalf of all RAEME Associations.

The afternoon concluded with toasts, cake-cutting by LT Puli and WO1 Craigie and closing remarks. Thank you to everyone who attended and to everyone who has contributed to the success of the Association over the past twelve months.

We have a heap of photos in the Photo Gallery.

Arte et Marte

North Queensland Celebrates RAEME Birthday and Honours outstanding tradespeople

Above: 3 CSSB V 3 RAR in Tug of War

The North Queensland RAEME community came together on Friday, 28 November 2025, to celebrate the Corps’ 83rd birthday with a well-attended event hosted by the 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion (3 CSSB). The afternoon recognised excellence across the region, with presentations to the RAEME Craftsman of the Year nominees, the Regional Winner, and members of the victorious 3rd Brigade St Eligius Trophy team. All award recipients received a selection of RAEME Association Queensland merchandise, generously donated by RAQ, including caps, hats, stubby coolers, ties, and water bottles.

Above: 1 RAR Mini carts

As is tradition, the day also featured the much-anticipated RAEME Birthday sports. The cart race and tug of war were both hotly contested, drawing plenty of enthusiasm, healthy rivalry and good humour from units across the region.

Above: L-R 102 Croc with ASM 3 RAR - Maggs and 3 BDE ASM - Nino

The North Queensland RAEME Craftsman of the Year Regional Winner for 2025 was announced as Craftsman Alex Robertson from 10 FSB, a well-deserved recognition of his commitment, professionalism and technical mastery. This year’s Regional COTY nominees represented a broad cross-section of units across 3rd Brigade and supporting organisations:

CFN M Greet – 3 RAR

CFN A Robertson – 10 FSB

CFN C Fisher – AST-MW

CFN J Hartshorn – 2 CAV

CFN J Ferguson – 3 CSSB

Above: The winning team with HOC BRIG Gabrielle Follett in Wodonga

The celebrations also acknowledged the 3rd Brigade St Eligius Trophy winning team, whose strong performance this year highlighted the depth of RAEME talent across the brigade. The team comprised:

LT Zach Johnson – 1 RAR (OIC/Team Manager)

CFN Samuel Watson – 2 CAV (ECN 229)

CFN Angus Frost – 3 CER (ECN 146)

CPL Mitchell Reid – 3 CSSB (ECN 421)

CFN Zac Walder – 3 CSSB (ECN 226)

CFN William Ginn – 3 CSSB (ECN 418)

CFN Tyler Fuller – 3 CSSB (ECN 235)

Above: RAQ NQ Committee members Brian Robb, Jase Ballard and Tank Pontifex enjoying the day!

The event was a fitting celebration of RAEME’s history and the outstanding tradespeople who continue to uphold the Esprit de Corps,

Arte et Marte