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.

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!

Featured

Interment of Brigadier Bert Barker and Nona Barker - Tweed Heads

On Wednesday 24 June 2026, Barry & Kay Skinner attended the interment of the ashes of Brigadier Herbert “Bert” Barker and his wife, Nona, at the Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens, within the RSL section.

The gathering was a small and respectful occasion, attended by Bert and Nona’s daughters, Liz and Sue, their grandson James, who had travelled from Melbourne, and several friends from their local church community at Benora.

Brigadier Barker was a much-respected member of the RAEME family and one of the original members of the Corps. Having joined the Army in 1941, he was commissioned in June 1942 and transferred to the newly formed AEME Corps on 1 December 1942. His long and distinguished service included wartime service in New Britain, command and training appointments, service as CO and Chief Instructor of the RAEME Training Centre, and later appointment as Chief Superintendent Army Design Establishment. He retired from the Army in 1974 after more than 33 years’ service.

Bert remained closely connected to the Corps and the RAEME Association Queensland in later life, regularly attending RAQ activities and lunches. His contribution to the Corps and the Association was recognised through the presentation of the RAQ Chairman’s Award and by his appointment as an RAQ Honorary Life Member.

Bert and Nona Barker internment June 2026 3 

Bert and Nona Barker internment June 2026 2

Bert married Nona in 1944, and together they shared a long life centred on family, faith, service and community. It was fitting that Bert and Nona were laid to rest together in such a peaceful setting. The service provided an opportunity for family and friends to pause, reflect, and honour two lives well lived. Their shared memorial now stands as a lasting tribute to their love of family, faith and community.

May Bert and Nona both rest in peace.

From Classroom to Crankshafts – Townsville

LT Zane Teh June 2026

Above: LT Zane Teh, a Learning Engineering Officer (LEO) with 16th Aviation Support Battalion, manages the technical requirements of battlefield helicopter servicing and repair.

Lieutenant Zane Teh’s pathway into the military started while he was still studying at university. Financial support provided through the Defence University Sponsorship program went towards completing a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Now a Learning Engineering Officer (LEO) with 16th Aviation Support Battalion at RAAF Base Townsville, he works with a skilled team of technicians servicing rotary-wing platforms like the CH-47F Chinook.

Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence

Diamond Dagger 2026 - SWBTA

Diamond Dagger 2026

Above: Army personnel from Brisbane’s 7th Brigade conducted Exercise Diamond Dagger at Shoalwater Bay Training Area from May to June 2026, building warfighting readiness through combined arms live-fire training. Imagery includes M777A2 howitzers firing, combat engineers breaching battlefield obstacles, complex live-fire serials, drone footage of manoeuvre training, and Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles conducting mounted live-fire activities.

Army personnel from Brisbane’s 7th Brigade conducted Exercise Diamond Dagger from May to June 2026 at Shoalwater Bay Training Area. The live fire exercise developed 7th Brigade’s warfighting readiness in a combined arms setting and met key training milestones.

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence

Northern Territory News - Darwin

Beer Can Regatta Run and Won - 1CER

1CER Beercan Regatta

Another iconic Territory tradition, proudly delivered by the incredible Lions Clubs.

The Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta has been part of Northern Territory life since 1974, when it began as a creative way to help clean up beer can litter around Darwin. Since then, it has grown into one of the Top End’s most recognisable community events, bringing together humour, ingenuity, teamwork and a fair bit of friendly rivalry on the sands of Mindil Beach.

Now in its 52nd year, the Regatta continues to showcase homemade boats, community spirit and classic Territory character, all while raising funds for community groups.

1 CER Beer Can Regatta June 2026

Congratulations to 1st Combat Engineer Regiment Workshops on taking out this year’s Battle for Mindil at the 52nd Beer Can Regatta.

The images show members of 1st Combat Engineer Regiment Workshops proudly representing the Corps at Mindil Beach, alongside their beer-can craft and supporters following a successful day of competition.

A fantastic effort by the team and a great example of Corps spirit, teamwork and ingenuity on display.

More information on the Beer Can Regatta is available here: https://beercanregatta.org.au/

Crafty makes material change - 1 CSSB

CFN Michael Chan Jun 2026

Above: L-R ASM 1 CSSB WO1 Roshan Haverfield, CFN Michael Chan and LT McCoy Harper-Zerna

Recently 1 CSSB farewelled CFN Michael Chan as he embarks on an exciting new chapter in his Army career.

CFN Chan is returning to ASEME to undertake training to move from his current trade as Weapon Technician to become a Material Technician, taking on a new challenge and expanding his skills within the Corps.

Army offers countless opportunities to develop, grow and explore new career pathways. Whether it’s mastering your current trade or taking the leap into something new, there are always opportunities to challenge yourself and continue progressing.

The team at 1 CSSB thanks CFN Chan for his contribution to the Battalion and wishes him every success with his training and future career. Good luck!

Images and article adapted courtesy of Facebook & Defence

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RAQ Lunch 2026 Mermaid Beach (AEME) SLSC - Saturday 22 August

Gidday all

It's that time of the year again when I start putting out reminders of the RAEME Gold Coast lunch. I will be putting out notifications in early June, July and August  (with a progressive attendance list in July and August) along with a final email /attendance list really close to to the day. So details are:

  • When: Saturday 22 August 2026
  • Where: Mermaid Beach (AEME) Surf Living Saving Club. Hedges Avenue Mermaid Beach
  • Time: 1200 to 1630 approx. The club needs to set up for the evening so request that we try to finish up about 1630 though we are welcome to relocate inside if we so desire.
  • Format/dress: This is a Gold Coast event so it's a pretty casual affair. If you are eating you pay for lunch at the meal ordering point. There is no table service ( apart from your meals which will be bought to you at the table). So order and pay for drinks at the bar however the RAQ is putting a few bucks over the bar so you will get a free drink or two, beer and wine only. There will also be a few lucky door prizes courtesy of the RAQ.
  • Who can come: Everyone. 

So there it is. Pencil the date in. Please only come back to me and advise that you will be attending as I don't need a swag of emails advising you are not attending. I can work that out for myself.

Regards

Eddie 'Beans' Bevans

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Sunshine Coast gathering - Brightwater Hotel - Sun 26 July 2026

The RAEME Sunshine Coast crew is back on deck for our next get-together, and we’d love to see you there!

Our next gathering is scheduled for Sunday, 26 July 2026, our new venue is the Brightwater Hotel, kicking off from 1200 hrs.

These get-togethers have been extremely successful, with healthy turnouts of around 50 people at recent events. It’s always fantastic to catch up with friends and old mates, share a few stories, and welcome some new faces into the fold. If you haven’t been along before, this is a great opportunity to reconnect with the RAEME family in a relaxed and friendly setting.

We’ll also have a few lucky door prizes up for grabs on the day,  just a little extra incentive to come along and enjoy the company.

Please let us know if you’re able to attend, so we can confirm numbers and arrange the appropriate booking with the venuce.

Lock in the 2026 Brightwater Hotel Dates

In addition to the July get-together, please also mark these dates in your calendar for our remaining Sunshine Coast gatherings in 2026 — all at the Brightwater Hotel, starting from 1200 hrs (midday):

Save the Date – RAEME Annual Luncheon

A reminder as well to lock this one into your diary:

Further details will be shared closer to the event.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in July, November, and again at the Annual Luncheon in September.

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RAEME Sunshine Coast Chapter

Chief of Army Visits ALTC - Wodonga

aseme June 2026 2

Images courtesy of LT Luke Rose and CAPT Krysten Clifton

The Chief of Army, LTGEN Simon Stuart AO, DSC, and Regimental Sergeant Major – Army, WO1 Kim Felmingham NSC, OAM, visited the Army Logistic Training Centre on 16 June to see Army’s profession in action.

The visit highlighted the breadth of training delivered across the logistics domain, from the Army School of Logistic Operations through to the Army School of Ordnance, where trainees were observed packing parachutes and conducting supply functions.

ASEME June 2026

Images courtesy of LT Luke Rose and CAPT Krysten Clifton

The delegation also visited Latchford Barracks, where Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering trainees were honing their technical trade skills. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the important role ASEME plays in developing skilled tradespeople who support capability across Army and the broader Defence workforce.

The program also included a visit to the ADF School of Health, where the Chief of Army and RSM-A saw firsthand the development of the next generation of military health professionals.

The visit reinforced the important connection between soldier skills and trade skills, and the role of the Land Domain Training System in building capable, adaptable Defence members.

The images show Lieutenant General Stuart and Warrant Officer Felmingham engaging with trainees and staff in the workshop environment at Latchford Barracks, highlighting the practical, hands-on training delivered by ASEME.

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.