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.

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!


Name badges – Back by popular demand

Following the popularity of our RAEME Association Queensland name badges released in 2025, we’re pleased to announce that pre-orders are now open for another production run.

What you get

Each RAEME Association Queensland Name Badge features:

  • Metallic badge – 76mm wide x 25mm high
  • Full-colour RAEME Corps Badge
  • RAEME Association Queensland heading
  • Your customised name
  • Choice of Magnetic Clip or Pin Clip

Important – Your Name and/or Nickname
We will automatically use the name shown on your order unless you provide a different name and/or nickname in the Order Notes field when placing your order. 

If you have any questions about the name/s to appear on your badge, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PRE-ORDERS CLOSE SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2026

These badges are being produced as a pre-order, so orders and payment must be received before the closing date.

Once orders close, the badges will be manufactured with delivery and collection expected in late September or early October 2026.

Important Ordering Information

Please place Name Badges in a separate order.

You may order multiple name badges together, however if you are purchasing other RAQ merchandise, please place those items in a separate order, otherwise all items will be despatched once the name badges arrive.

Postage & Collection

You can select postage or Click & Collect. Collection is expected to be available at an RAQ monthly meeting around October 2026.

We’ll provide regular updates on ordering, manufacture and delivery through Spanner News Weekly.

Don’t miss out – pre-orders close Sunday 13 September 2026.

Featured

Five-year Anniversary Commemoration - Remembering Ryan and Brendon

 

47312775 9942209 Private Brendon Payne

On Sunday, 30 August 2026, the RAEME family will mark the fifth anniversary of the tragic loss of Warrant Officer Class Two Ryan Leslie and Craftsman Brendon Payne, who died while participating in a military exercise near the Townsville Field Training Area on 30 August 2021. Their passing continues to be deeply felt by their families, friends, colleagues and the wider RAEME community.

To mark the fifth anniversary, the North Queensland Recovery fraternity warmly welcomes family, friends, colleagues and members of the RAEME community to attend a commemoration at the memorial from 10.30 am to 12.00 pm on Sunday, 30 August 2026. Those attending will then gather at the Twin City Hotel, Thuringowa, providing an opportunity to come together, share memories and remember Ryan and Brendon in the company of mates.

Whether attending in North Queensland or marking the anniversary elsewhere, members of the Corps are encouraged to take a moment to remember Ryan and Brendon, the service they gave and the lasting place they hold within the RAEME family.

Arte et Marte


106 Battery Parade - Townsville

Above: AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer and AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle crews conduct a march past of the Reviewing Officer during a parade marking the introduction into service of Army's first Protected Mobile Fires Battery at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville.

Soldiers from 106 Battery, 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, marked the introduction into service of Army's first Protected Mobile Fires Battery at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, Queensland. Equipped with the AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer, the battery provides 3rd Brigade with a protected, mobile and highly responsive 155mm artillery capability that can rapidly manoeuvre, deliver indirect fire support and quickly displace to enhance battlefield survivability. The milestone follows Australia's first AS9 operator training course at Puckapunyal, Victoria and precedes the battery's initial collective training during Exercise Pozieres Run as Army progresses towards full operational capability in 2028.

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence


Annual Sunshine Coast Luncheon — Tickets Available Now

Sunshine Coast Luncheon Sep 2025 Ewan Mcleod 39

Members and friends of RAEME are invited to attend the annual RAQ Sunshine Coast Luncheon at the Maroochydore RSL on Saturday, 12 September 2026.

This year’s guest speaker will be Suzanne Shipp. Suzanne is a highly accomplished executive with more than 30 years’ experience across engineering, asset management, operations, maintenance and strategic leadership. As Energy Queensland’s first female Chief Engineer, she provides technical stewardship across one of Australia’s largest electricity networks, supporting more than two million customers.

Suzanne began her career in the Australian Army as a member of the 46th Apprentice intake, qualifying as an Electronics Technician before commissioning as a RAEME Engineering Officer. She completed more than 14 years of service and concluded her military career as a Captain.

Suzanne Shipp

Since leaving the Army, Suzanne has held senior leadership roles across the energy, manufacturing, digital and defence sectors. She is also a strong advocate for engineering, veterans, men’s health, mentoring and greater diversity across technical professions.

At the September RAEME Luncheon, Suzanne will share insights from her military service and her journey into executive leadership.

Read Suzanne’s full biography

The luncheon will include a three-course Gold Plate meal, a presentation by Suzanne, and an update on current RAEME and Association activities.

Tickets are available now through the RAQ website and cost:

  • $34 per person for RAQ financial members, serving RAEME members and eligible guests; and
  • $54 per person for non-members.

book now

With the standard meal price being $64, the luncheon represents exceptional value through the generous support and subsidies provided by the RAEME Association Queensland and the Maroochydore RSL.

Attendance is limited to 100 guests, so members are encouraged to book early and avoid missing one of the highlights of the Sunshine Coast Chapter calendar.

Arte et Marte

RAEME Sunshine Coast Chapter


RAEME Annual Get Together 24 - 26 Feb 2027

The RAEME Annual Get Together returns in February 2027 and will celebrate its 10th Anniversary, with another great weekend of mateship, food and Corps camaraderie planned.

Bookings are now open, with a range of meal options available, including the special $50 Value Pack PLUS, which includes Friday and Saturday meals together with 10th Anniversary commemorative items. A special anniversary port and a major raffle featuring a $5,000 Flight Centre voucher will also form part of the weekend.

Accommodation at BP Dam is filling quickly, with cabins, villas and powered sites already booked out, although unpowered camping and some alternative accommodation remain available.

Book online:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1614051


Exercise Keris Strike 26 - Malaysia

Above: Director Malaysian Army Aviation, Brigadier General Mohd Zaki bin Abu visits Australian Army members from 1st Aviation Regiment, to tour the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance helicopter during Exercise Keris Strike 26 in Sabah, Malaysia.

In July 2026, personnel and Tiger Armed Reconnaissance (ARH) helicopters from the Australian Army conducted Exercise Keris Strike 2026 in Sabah, Malaysia. The trilateral exercise brought together personnel from Malaysia, the United States, and Australia with the intent of building military interoperability between the three nations. The exercise involved an exchange of skills between subject matter experts, a field training exercise, and live fire exercise. For the first time an Australian Army Aviation element from the 1st Aviation Regiment also participated in the exercise.

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence


Project Coastwatcher - NSW

Above: Australian Army soldiers make Australian Coastwatcher Knives as part of Project Coastwatcher at Tharwa Valley Forge in NSW.

Soldiers recreated a slice of Second World War history at the Tharwa Valley Forge in May, making a new generation of Australian Coastwatcher Knives. The knives are the culmination of 12 months’ work with Project Coastwatcher, an initiative to raise a pathfinding capability using local knowledge, guides and partners.

Project Coastwatcher 2026 2

The first modern knives will be used as gifts during international engagements but will eventually be standard kit for a new Coastwatchers network, to be raised in 1 Brigade. 

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence

Featured

RAQ (NQ) Gathering – The Fairfield - Saturday 19 September 2026

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 – The Fairfield Hotel
    (re-named and re-furbished Oonoonba Hotel)
  • When – Sat 19 Sep 26 from 1230h – onwards
  • Where – The Fairfield Hotel – 78 Abbott St, Oonoonba, Townsville, QLD 4811
    Ph: (07) 4778 3573
  • Why – September is the showcase month for NQ weather. Sunny QLD beautiful one day, perfect the next. Do yourself and the family a favour and book the flight, road trip or cruise and get to Townsville to enjoy the new refurbishment of one of Townsville’s oldest pubs. Good friends, good banter and good food makes for a great afternoon NQ style. Arte et Marte.

Bring your family, or a mate to introduce them to the RAQ (NQ) family

  • Raffles
  • $100 Member Draws
  • Bar Snacks 1330h

Plenty of good company and much more....

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


The Latest Craftsman magazine is Out!

The latest edition of The Craftsman – 2025 Volume 76 is now available online. The annual RAEME journal once again provides a great snapshot of our Corps, capturing the achievements, innovation, operations, people and activities that continue to shape RAEME and preserve our history for future generations.

There is plenty to read across the 114-page edition. Here are a few articles worth a look:

  • 16 Aviation Support Battalion – Raising Endurance (p.33) – An insight into the raising of 16 ASB in Townsville and Oakey and its role supporting Army Aviation’s rapidly modernising Black Hawk, Apache and Chinook capabilities.
  • AI in the Workshop: Enabling RAEME to Do More with Less (p.40) – SGT Michael Newman explores how artificial intelligence could assist RAEME technicians with fault finding, administration, planning and maintenance support while complementing, rather than replacing, technical expertise.
  • Forging the Future: RAEME’s Role in Army’s New 10th Brigade (p.42) – A look at the challenges and opportunities for RAEME as 10th Brigade develops its long-range fires and integrated air and missile defence capabilities, including HIMARS and NASAMS.
  • Matt Stone Racing (p.51) – The RAEME–Matt Stone Racing partnership continued to grow throughout 2025, with more than 20 technicians gaining experience in the high-pressure Supercars environment and three Vehicle Technicians joining the team for the Bathurst 1000.
  • OP KUDU Maintenance Concepts and Observations (p.52) – WO2 Scott Skinner provides a fascinating look at maintenance support to Ukraine, including battlefield repair, maintainer training and the lessons emerging from sustaining complex equipment during conflict.
  • RAEME Association of Queensland (p.103) – Our own contribution to The Craftsman looks back on another busy year for the Association, including the All Ranks Luncheon, our guest speakers, the presentation of Honorary Life Membership to Brian Daley and the continuing strength of the Queensland RAEME community.

These are just a small selection of the stories contained in Volume 76, with plenty more covering Corps activities, operations, unit jottings, awards, RAEME Birthday celebrations, Associations and Vales.

Read The Craftsman Magazine – Volume 76 here
Arte et Marte


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.


RAEME National Network - Edition 07 Maintenance Matters out now

Hi All,

This edition can be downloaded from:

  • Flipbook: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/81122ad3b7.html
  • PDF: https://raeme.org.au/publications/newsletter

This edition features:

  • Remembering Ryan Leslie and Brendon Payne
  • A farewell for a beloved Corps member, Brian Touhy
  • A report on the Corps from the RSM
  • An introduction to a new series on families with multiple generations in RAEME.
  • Announcements of various activities including Vietnam Veterans' Day (18 Aug), and a RAEME trek to Kokoda being planned for ANZAC 2027
  • Reports from RAEME members around the nation, including a couple of big reunions
  • Details of impending RAEME events
  • And much more

Best Submission Winner: The winner of the $50 voucher for the best member submission this month is the Riley Clan for their report on their family's service across four generations, three of whom served (or continue to serve) in RAEME.

Lodge your submission for the next edition to be in the running for the $50 prize. Visit: https://raeme.org.au/publications/newsletter/article-submission

Special Requests
RAEME Families: Thank you to those members who have submitted details about RAEME families with two or more generations who have served in our Corps. If any member carries a multi-generational RAEME Story, we want to hear from them! Please ask them to share their This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can start the conversation.

Above and Beyond: We are also looking for names of former-serving members who have gone Above and Beyond to support their communities. If you want to nominate someone, get started by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Serving members: To all currently serving members, please let us know what you or your workshop are doing. We want to capture stories of our men and women in the workplace.

Ian Cook
Managing Editorial Team
Maintenance Matters


Crown Prince of Brunei Visit - Canberra

Crown Prince of Brunei Visit Andrew Freeman

Above: Major General Andrew Freeman, Host Officer, Strategic Engagements, AM, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

On 13 August 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP met with His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam at Australian Parliament House in Canberra. While in Australia, His Royal Highness also met with the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia Her Excellency the Hon Sam Mostyn AC, Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong. His Royal Highness also visited Western Sydney University, HMAS Waterhen, and Holsworthy Barracks.

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence