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, 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!

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RAEME Members Honoured in Australia Day 2026 List

The RAEME Association congratulates several outstanding members of the Corps recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List. These awards reflect the professionalism, leadership and service ethic that define RAEME.

AD Awards 2026 3

Above: L-R LTCOL Robert Cramp (Retd) OAM, COL Lauren Wright CSC & LTCOL Christopher Dent CSM

LTCOL Robert James Cramp (Retd) OAM – Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the sport of shooting and the community, continuing his contribution well beyond Army service.

COL Lauren Elizabeth Wright CSC – Recognised with the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding devotion to duty as Project Director of the LAND 1508 Greyfin Program and across Land Systems Division.

LTCOL Christopher Paul Dent CSM – Awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal for meritorious achievement as Australian Army Liaison Officer to the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force.

Above: L-R LTCOL Julian Fleming CSM, LTCOL Shandelle Welbourn CSM & WO2 Corey Rocca CSM.

LTCOL Julian David Fleming CSM – Recognised for meritorious devotion to duty as Commanding Officer, 9th Force Support Battalion.

LTCOL Shandelle Nicole Welbourn CSM – Awarded for meritorious achievement delivering rapid capability through the Army Minors Program.

WO2 Corey James Rocca CSM – Recognised for developing equipment viability and maintenance processes supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Europe.

The Association congratulates all recipients on these well-deserved honours.

Full details of the Award recipients and citations are in the upcoming first edition of Maintenance Matters.

Arte et Marte


Evolving our communications - From Friday Files to Spanner News Weekly and beyond

Friday Files has now transitioned to Spanner News Weekly, with the first edition commencing today. Spanner News Weekly will place a stronger emphasis on Queensland-based and locally relevant issues, ensuring members remain informed about state and community activities, events, and initiatives.

Our communications and publications continue to be a key part of member engagement and connection across Queensland and beyond. Over many years, these platforms have informed members and shared the work and achievements of RAEME craftsmen and women, helping to maintain Corps history and identity.

I thank BRIG (Rtd) Ross Grant AM for more than two decades of service as Editor of Spanner News. During his tenure, Spanner News provided a consistent and reliable means of communication, connecting RAEME personnel and veterans through stories of service and Corps life. Building on earlier publications such as Friday Files, Spanner News adapted over time while remaining focused on its core purpose.

The year 2025 marked the final chapter of Spanner News in its existing format, closing an important period in the Association’s communications history. The publication leaves a legacy that will continue to inform future approaches to member communication.

Looking ahead to 2026, RAEME Association Queensland will contribute to a national RAEME publication — Maintenance Matters — led by Ian Cook (ACT). This initiative will bring together contributions from every state and territory under a single Corps-wide newsletter, supporting national information sharing and awareness of RAEME activities.

This transition represents a positive step in how we communicate and coordinate across the Corps. By combining a national publication with a Queensland-focused Spanner News Weekly, we aim to keep members informed, connected, and engaged at both local and national levels. Look out for the first edition and learn how you can contribute articles using the templates available and easy access to the Maintenance Matters portal.

You can help!

Members are encouraged to contribute articles to Maintenance Matters with unit updates, Association and member news, or lighter content via the RAEME website submission portal, which includes templates and guidance.

Volunteers are also sought to join the Editorial Team, particularly serving members interested in shaping future editions. Further information, including an explainer video, is available on the RAEME website.

Need to know more or can help, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 


Women in RAEME

The RAEME Association Queensland is pleased to announce the next Women in RAEME (WIR4) event will be held on Thursday 27 November at the Gaythorne RSL.

WIR4 continues to provide an important forum to recognise, connect and support the women who serve and have served within the Corps and the wider RAEME family. These events are always a great opportunity to share experiences, strengthen networks and celebrate the contribution of women to RAEME.

Further details, including guest speakers and timings, will be released closer to the date — but for now, please save the date in your calendars.

We look forward to seeing you there.

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First Darling Downs function to kick off shortly - Sun 15 Feb 2026

Above: Members and guests at the November 2025 gathering on the Darling Downs.

The RAQ Darling Downs team is excited to announce the first function for 2026! Join us for an afternoon of camaraderie, catching up with mates, and celebrating our proud Corps heritage.

  • Event Details – First 2026 Function:
  • Date: Sunday, 15 February 2026
  • Time: 1200h – 1600h
  • Location: Ambrose Deck, Toowoomba City Golf Club
  • Special Attraction: RAQ Lucky Door Prizes!

This event is open to anyone who has served in the Corps, and partners are warmly invited to attend. You don’t need to be an RAQ member to come along, so please spread the word to any fellow Spanners who may be interested.

Upcoming RAQ-DD 2026 Dates – Save the Dates:

  • 15 February 2026
  • 17 May 2026
  • 16 August 2026
  • 15 November 2026

We look forward to kicking off the year with a strong turnout. Let’s make it a day to reconnect, share stories, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a Corps community.

For further information or inquiries, please contact:
Pete Pile
RAQ-DD Representative

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


North Queensland Gathering - Bellevue Hotel Townsville - Sat 21 February 2026

Above: Members and guests at the Decmebr 2025 gathering at the Toiwnsville RSL.

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 – Bellevue Hotel
  • When – Sat 21 Feb 26, from 1200h – onwards
  • Where – Bellevue Hotel – 117 Allen St, South Townsville QLD 4810
  • Bring your family, or a mate to introduce them to the RAQ (NQ) family
  • Meat Tray Raffle, $100 Member Draw & Bar Snacks 1330h

Plenty of good company and much more….

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


ANZAC Day - Saturday 25 April 2026

Above: RAQ Contingent ANZAC Day 2025 Townsville

ANZAC Day 2026 is only 85 days away!

In 2026, the RAEME Association Queensland will once again commemorate ANZAC Day, with the Association officially represented at parades in Townsville and Brisbane.

This solemn and deeply significant occasion is always well attended, and members are strongly encouraged to take part in a local parade, march, or dawn service wherever they may be. Whether in uniform, with medals, or simply standing in quiet reflection, your presence matters.

In Townsville, members will gather prior to the march at Flynns' Hotel before stepping off under the proud lead of the RAQ Tricolour banner. Following the parade, the Association will reconvene back at Flynn's to continue the tradition of mateship and remembrance.

Above: RAQ Contingent ANZAC Day 2025 Brisbane

In Brisbane, the Association will again assemble in the CBD for the traditional city parade before regrouping afterwards at the Port Office Hotel.

ANZAC Day is a time to remember and honour the sacrifice of all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, and to recognise the contribution and suffering of all who have worn the uniform.

Keep an eye out in Spanner News Weekly or visit the website for further timings and details.


Birdon to deliver next-generation amphibious vehicles under $125m Defence contract

Above: Amphibious Vehicles – Logistics (AV-L)

Australian-owned maritime engineering company Birdon has secured a $125 million contract to design and build one prototype and 15 Amphibious Vehicles – Logistics (AV-L) for the Australian Army under the Land 8710 Littoral Manoeuvre Program. The new AV-L fleet will replace the Army’s ageing LARC-V, significantly boosting the ADF’s amphibious capability with improved speed, safety, reliability and performance. Birdon CEO Jamie Bruce said the contract strengthens Australia’s sovereign defence capability and highlights Birdon’s leadership in innovative maritime and automotive engineering tailored to Australia’s unique operating environments.

The AV-L integrates cutting-edge land and sea technologies, operating as a deep-sea capable vessel with reliable surf-zone transitions while meeting Australian road safety standards. Designed for harsh conditions, it can withstand prolonged saltwater immersion, extreme heat and humidity, rough surf and varied beach landing zones. Advanced propulsion and steering systems deliver seamless transitions across terrain, enhanced in-water manoeuvrability and rapid rescue capability. With a strong focus on operator safety and modular mission payloads, the AV-L will be built at Birdon’s Port Macquarie shipyard, supporting local jobs and skills development in regional Australia.

Image and information adapted courtesy of Birdon Group