RAEME Association Queensland Inc

A quick update for members planning to attend the  Brisbane ANZAC Day Parade on 25 April 2026.

The current (Version 9) Order of March (subject to change) places:

• Army – Group 4, step off approx 10:20 am
• Army Associations – Group 5, step off approx 10:30 am

The RAEME Association Queensland will march in Section I, Serial 64, led by the Mackay North State Hight School Marching Band. Please remember our serial number (64) so we can form up quickly and move into position smoothly.

Form up will be on George Street between Charlotte and Mary Street, members should arrive early to locate our serial. Look for the RAQ Banner.

Transport assistance remains centred around Queen Street.

• Jeep and buggy loading: Commonwealth Bank corner of Edward Street near Post Office Square
• Veterans needing assistance on George Street should approach marshals at George & Elizabeth Streets or visit an Information Tent
• An online transport booking form can be submitted by those veterans requiring a buggy for the parade.

Toilets will be available at:

• Queens Park
• George Street opposite Stephens Lane
• Eagle Lane

Everyman’s Services at Queens Park will again provide hot drinks for veterans.

Other Information

• Due to security measures, spectators this year cannot watch from the Adelaide Street overpass near ANZAC Square.
• Adelaide Street works are now complete.
• ABC has CASA approval to fly a drone along Adelaide Street for parade coverage.
• 2026 marks 125 years of both the Navy and Army, with 7th Brigade expected to march over 2,000 troops and vehicles.

Members should monitor emails, Spanner News Weekly, and the RAQ and Brisbane Parade websites for further updates, including the media and transport forms.

We encourage all members attending to help present a strong, organised RAEME turnout on the day.

Arte et Marte

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ANZAC Day Function Brisbane - Tickets now available

The good news is we have confirmed the post March Brisbane function will be held at the Port Office Hotel and ticket prices are cheaper than last year for members. The private RAEME function at the Port Office will be open from 1100h and the Buffet Meal will be served from approximately 1200-1400h on the day.

To enter prior to 1400h you will need to purchase a ticket. This is our most popular event of the year and is heavily subsidised by the Association. We strongly encourage you to pre-purchase a ticket as the simplest and easiest way to attend. Pre-purchasing gets you into the event.

	Ticket Type (Per Person)	Discount tickets to COB 21 April 2026	from 22 April and @ the door
	RAQ Member  Serving soldier One  member or soldier guest	$22	$32
	General Entry	$35	$45

Please note: This is a private function on ANZAC Day. For those guests attending prior to 1400h must purchase a ticket for entry.

Exchanging Tickets for Entry/Drink/Meal Vouchers

If you have pre-purchased tickets, the best option is to print out your E-ticket and bring it along on the day. It will be exchanged for:

• 1 x Priority Entry
• 1 x Hot buffet meal
• 2 x Drink vouchers

If you cannot print your ticket or forget to bring it, we will have attendee lists available to check, however this may delay entry to the venue.

Timings - Entry - Drinks - Meal 

The Port Office Hotel will be open from around 1100 hrs. Drinks will be available for purchase using either a drink voucher or purchased across the bar. The Buffet Meal for those with Pre-Purchased Tickets will be served from approx 1200-1400 hrs. 

If you are interested in becoming a member to save on the purchase price of tickets at member prices see how to join the RAQ here.

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Bulimba Barracks redevelopment update

Above: Bulimba Barracks Redevelopment (March 2026) Apollo Road looking east over the site (Image courtesy of Bruce Hermann) 

Progress continues on the redevelopment of Bulimba Barracks, with landscape planning advancing for the future Riverbank Park at Apollo Road, Bulimba. Latest Information from Brisbane City Council has informed recent refinements, supporting the transformation of the former barracks site into a community focused precinct while ensuring appropriate planning requirements are addressed.

An updated landscape approach places strong emphasis on protecting key natural and heritage features, particularly the Tree of Knowledge, which remains central to the design. Following consultation, improvements include setting back safety fencing from the shared pathway with turf treatment to enhance accessibility, and removing all planting within the Tree Protection Zone in favour of aged forest mulch to safeguard the tree’s long-term health. Practical elements such as double swing gates and defined vehicle access have also been incorporated to support ongoing maintenance needs.

 

Above: Bulimba Barracks Redevelopment (March 2026) Apollo Road looking north east over the side (Image courtesy of Bruce Hermann) 

Heritage considerations remain a priority. The existing memorial stone along the Apollo Road frontage was carefully removed last year, protected during construction, and will  be reinstated within the completed Riverbank Park, ensuring its significance is retained as part of the site’s future landscape.

Recently Brian Daley was able to take a good look at the Bulimba Camp now all roads and land are waiting for houses. 

Brian said, "The workshop holds lots of memories and I checked out the RAEME Memorial still under its blanket, waiting to be put up next to the Tree of Knowledge sometime in the future".

Thanks Brian and Bruce for keeping us in the loop on the redevelopment.

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Maintenance Matters – Your Newsletter

We have been pleased to see that Editions 01 and 02 of Maintenance Matters have now been viewed or downloaded more than 2,500 times. Thank you for supporting the newsletter.

This publication complements existing channels by focusing on matters of national interest, providing a platform for both serving and retired members to contribute. Whether it’s insights from the workshop floor, operational experiences, or reflections on our Corps history, every contribution strengthens our collective identity.

The Newsletter can be viewed or downloaded here:

• Downloadable PDFs

For Maintenance Matters to succeed, it requires broad participation from across the Corps. I strongly encourage members—serving and retired alike—to take the opportunity to contribute.

To support this, RAQ will award a $50 RAQ Shop voucher to the best article published in each edition, as selected by the editorial team.

Submissions can be made online

Templates and guidance are available via the submission page.

This is your Corps, your story, and your opportunity to contribute.

RAQ members, veterans, those serving and friends in North Queensland are warmly invited to come together in Townsville this ANZAC Day, Saturday 25 April 2026, to honour those who have served and to maintain the strong connection within our Corps community.

The event centres around commemorating ANZAC Day with the parade on The Strand, and a pre and post-march gathering at Flynn’s Irish Bar, providing a place for members, families and supporters to meet before stepping off for the march and again afterwards.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday 25 April 2026
• Time: From 0630 hrs – 1200 hrs
• Location: Flynn’s Irish Bar, Townsville

Program

• 0630 hrs – Doors open at Flynn’s Irish Bar for pre-march gathering
• 0830 hrs - Form Up Strand Park
• 0900 hrs – Strand March
• Post-March – Return to Flynn’s to continue the ANZAC Day gathering
• Wear something RAEME to get you in the door

This is an opportunity for members to support the Corps, fellow serving members and veterans, and commemorate ANZAC Day together.

For further information or questions, please contact the North Queensland team:

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
W: www.qld.raeme.org.au

We encourage members across North Queensland to come along and march proudly under the RAEME banner.

Arte et Marte

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Congratulations Gary Sargent - RSL Life Member

Above: L-R John Robinson OAM Vice President of South Eastern District presents Gary with his Life Member Award.

The RAQ extends its sincere congratulations to Gary Sargent on being awarded Life Membership of the RSL in recognition of his outstanding service to the veteran and broader communities.

Gary’s decades of dedication, including his leadership as Secretary of the Springwood Tri Service RSL Sub Branch and his tireless support to veterans across Logan City, reflect a commitment that is both enduring and deeply respected. His contribution to commemorative activities, welfare initiatives, and community engagement has had a lasting and meaningful impact.

Gary is also well known to RAQ members (Member No.3), in 2015 was awarded Honorary Life Member and in 2022 was awarded the Chairman's Award recognising his exceptional service to our Corps and Association. His humility, professionalism, and unwavering support to others embody the very best of RAEME values.

On behalf of the Association, we congratulate Gary on this well-deserved honour and thank him for his continued service to veterans, the community, and the RAEME family.

Arte et Marte

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Welcoming our new NQ Youth Member Riley Burgin - Townsville

The RAQ is pleased to welcome LCPL Riley Burgin to the role of North Queensland Youth Member. Riley is currently posted as a Vehicle Technician with 1RAR and brings with him experience from previous postings at the 3CSSB and the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

Riley is a passionate RAEME soldier with a strong interest in Corps history and culture. He has already demonstrated initiative through his involvement in unit activities, including supporting the presentation of the Federation Star to WO2 Soult Walter Croc, mascot of 102 Field Workshop, and reintroducing the ‘Tool of the Week’ award at 1RAR. Riley’s enthusiasm, communication skills and commitment to the Corps will be a valuable addition to the RAQ in North Queensland.

We welcome him to the team and look forward to his contribution in engaging and representing our younger members joining our SEQ Youth Member CFN Tyler Pidgeon.

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Supporting Women Veterans – RAQ Community Service Fund

 

At the most recent meeting, the RAQ Committee endorsed a contribution to support the important work of the Women Veterans Network Australia. A total of $1,250 has been allocated from the RAQ Community Service Fund to assist with the delivery of their upcoming Annual General Meeting.

This contribution reflects RAQ’s ongoing commitment to supporting the broader veteran community and recognising the vital role organisations like Women Veterans Network Australia play in advocacy, connection, and support for women who have served. RAQ is proud to contribute to initiatives that strengthen our veteran network and provide meaningful outcomes for those who continue to serve beyond their time in uniform.

Community Service Fund – Applications Open

RAQ has allocated $5,000 this year to support worthwhile projects that align with our values and benefit the RAEME and wider veteran community. Members and affiliated organisations are encouraged to submit proposals for initiatives that promote welfare, connection, commemoration, or community engagement.

If you have a project or idea that could make a positive impact, we invite you to apply. Submissions can be made by contacting the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. directly and detailing your proposal and how it aligns with (G-2) Annex G - Rules governing donations, sponsorship, and other support

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RAEME Association NT - ANZAC Day - Darwin