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.

Meetings and Functions

Are held on the first Wednesday of each month excluding January, the latest information is on the Events page

All Ranks Luncheon – Introducing our first guest speaker, WGCDR Keirin Joyce CSC

Gather your mates and join us at the iconic Port Office Hotel, Brisbane, on Sunday, 29 November 2026, for our Annual All Ranks Luncheon as we celebrate RAEME’s 84th Birthday.

All serving and former RAEME members, partners and friends of the Corps are warmly invited. It’s a great opportunity to reconnect, share stories and celebrate our Corps’ achievements over a relaxed afternoon.

Meet our first guest speaker

We’re delighted to announce Wing Commander Keirin Joyce CSC as our first guest speaker.

Wing Commander (WGCDR) Keirin Joyce is an Australian Defence Force Academy graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering. WGCDR Joyce has spent the last 20 years in support of the ADF Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) capability including deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan.

WGCDR Joyce is currently a Doctorate of Philosophy candidate. He was the 2014 Chief of Army Scholar, is the 2025 Sir Richard Williams Fellow and has twice been awarded the Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship in 2009 and 2024. For his efforts on the acquisition of the RQ-7B Shadow 200 Tactical UAS he was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2012 Honours List.

Keirin is married to Rachael, an expert democracy and electoral educator, they have four children, including their son Declan who is serving as an Aircraft Technician in the Royal Australian Navy. He is the President of the ADF Drone Racing Association, a Fellow and Chartered Practicing Engineer of Engineers Australia, and on the Committee of the Royal Aeronautical Society – Canberra Branch.

Editor’s note: Many members will know Keirin as a RAQ Life Subscriber and former RAEME Lieutenant Colonel who later transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force. He was also one of the three editors of our most recent Corps history book, With Skill and Fighting: Craftsmen of the Australian Army 1942-2014.

Great value tickets – cheaper than 2025!

Recognising the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing our members, serving soldiers and their families, RAEME Association Queensland (RAQ) has deliberately reduced ticket prices compared with 2025.

With financial support from RAQ, we are keeping this special celebration affordable and accessible, ensuring as many members of the RAEME family as possible can attend.

Tickets are now on sale at these reduced prices:

RAQ members and serving soldiers: Just $50 per person, with up to one accompanying guest also eligible for the $50 rate.
All other guests: Just $60 per person.

Your ticket includes an entrée, main course, birthday cake, tea and coffee, with meals served family style at the table. Two hour limited drinks package wild seated.

We’ll announce further guest speakers in coming editions of Spanner News Weekly.

Event details

Date: Sunday, 29 November 2026.
Venue: Port Office Dining Room, Port Office Hotel, corner of Edward and Margaret Streets, Brisbane CBD.
Time: Gather from 11.30 am for a 12.30 pm luncheon, finishing at 5.00 pm.
Dress: Smart casual.

Not yet a member? Join RAQ to access member pricing and save $10 per ticket for yourself and up to one guest.

Book your All Ranks Luncheon tickets here.

For seating, dietary or other enquiries, contact our This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Come along, bring a mate and help us celebrate 84 years of RAEME service and Corps spirit.

Craftsman Reserve 2025 Bourbon sold out!

Thankyou to everyone who supported this release. We can confirm the run has now ended.

Cheers to our Craftsman Reserve Bourbon!

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Darling Downs Corps birthday celebrations - Toowoomba

Join the RAEME Association Darling Downs for its final luncheon of the year and an early celebration of the Corps Birthday!

Members, guests, families, partners and anyone associated with the Corps are warmly invited to the Ambrose Deck at the City Golf Club in Toowoomba. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with mates, celebrate our shared Corps connection and round out the year together.

City Golf Club membership is free and lasts for three years, offering discounts on meals and drinks, along with free tickets in the monthly car draw held on the last Sunday of each month.

Date: Sunday 15 November 2026
Time: 12.00 pm–4.00 pm
Venue: Ambrose Deck, Toowoomba City Golf Club, 254 South Street, South Toowoomba
Catering: Meals and drinks available at your own cost
Dress: Casual
RSVP: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Organisers: Peter Pile and Clarrie Sanders

Further details will be published closer to the day.

Please pass on the invitation to anyone who would enjoy coming along. We look forward to seeing you there!

RAQ NQ end-of-year gathering – Saturday 12 December 2026

Above: Members and guests enjoying the September 2026 gathering

Join RAQ North Queensland for an end-of-year get-together at The Vale Hotel, with an afternoon of mateship, good company and Corps camaraderie.

All RAQ members, current and former RAEME members, and friends of the Corps are warmly invited. Those travelling from further afield are encouraged to make a weekend of it and enjoy some North Queensland hospitality.

When: Saturday 12 December 2026, from 12.30 pm onwards
Where: The Vale Hotel, 222 Ross River Road, Aitkenvale QLD 4814
Venue phone: (07) 4779 0100

The afternoon will include a RAEME badge raffle, a $100 member draw and bar snacks from 1.30 pm. RAEME merchandise will also be available for purchase.

Come along, catch up with old mates, meet new friends and celebrate the end of the year—RAEME NQ style!

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

Sunshine Coast Chapter’s Final Get-Together for 2026 - Brightwater Hotel

Above: Members and guests enjoy the July gathering at the Brightwater Hotel.

Round out the year with good company at the RAEME Sunshine Coast Chapter’s final get-together for 2026.

Date: Sunday, 22 November 2026
Time: 1200 hrs (midday)
Venue: Brightwater Hotel
Address: 15 Freshwater St, Mountain Creek QLD 4557

It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a leisurely Sunday afternoon in relaxing surroundings, catch up with old mates and make some new friends. Share a few stories, a few laughs and reconnect with the RAEME family before the busy festive season begins.

Recent gatherings have attracted around 50 people, and we’d love to see another strong turnout to finish the year. Whether you’re a regular or joining us for the first time, you’ll find a warm welcome. There will also be lucky door prizes up for grabs!

Save the date—more details will be available closer to the day. If you already know you can attend, please let us know to help with the hotel booking.

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

We look forward to seeing you there!

RAEME Sunshine Coast Chapter

St Eligius Trophy 2026 – Showcasing Queensland Excellence

Above: Amongst the well-deserved winning 7th Brigade team with Corps RSM WO1 Jon Tynan, Representative Colonel Commandant RAEME BRIG Ed Smeaton CSM, Head of Corps BRIG Gabrielle Follett AM, and RSM–Army WO1 Brad Doyle OAM at Victoria Barracks, Sydney..

From 12–13 October 2026, Holsworthy Barracks hosted the third annual St Eligius Trophy competition, testing and developing the Army’s Land Domain Support System Methods of Employment, with a strong focus on tactical maintenance.

Named in honour of St Eligius, patron saint of the Corps, the event showcases the technical skills and leadership of our soldier-technicians and junior officers. Through challenges including contingency maintenance, battle damage repair, recovery practices, controlled parts exchange and rapid adaptation, participants demonstrated the ingenuity and resilience that keep Army moving.

This year saw fierce competition between teams from the 1st, 3rd and 7th Brigades along with teams from the 17th Sustainment Brigade and Special Operations Command. Following a day of rehearsals, the 14-hour competition day began at 0430 hrs with a 90-minute PT session. The event culminated in a formal dinner and presentation ceremony attended by the Head of Corps, the Representative Colonel Commandant, the RSM-A, a former mechanic, and the Corps RSM. 7th Brigade emerged as the overall winner.

Now in its third year, the St Eligius Trophy competition is establishing a strong tradition of building the skills, confidence and capability needed for future operations. Congratulations to all participants, organisers, support staff and the hosting unit.

Editor's Note: On behalf of the RAEME Association Queensland, we congratulate Queensland-based 7th Brigade on winning this year’s trophy.

Article adapted from information and photographs supplied by Maintenance Matters.

Corps Update - Recognising achievement and looking ahead

Framed Military Commemorative Display Medium

Above: Numbered, framed commemorative gifts marking the 40th anniversary of the Prince Philip Banner presentation are available for purchase. They feature the anniversary parade held in May this year and its links to the original parade in 1986. To enquire or order, email the RAEME HOC Cell at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The latest update from outgoing Corps RSM WO1 Jon Tynan highlights success in the St Eligius Competition, new Corps appointments and recognition of outstanding tradespeople, alongside discussions about the future of RAEME.

7th Brigade takes St Eligius honours

Congratulations to 7th Brigade, winners of this year’s St Eligius Competition in Sydney. Five formation teams tackled demanding technical and soldiering assessments involving physical endurance, live firing, navigation and trade challenges. Aviation technicians were integrated into each team for the first time, broadening the skills tested.

The update outlines an intention to send available members of the winning team to represent the formation at the Farriers Cup competition in New Zealand in early 2028.

Queensland members recognised

Several Queensland-based members featured among the Corps award recipients:

Artificer of the Year: WO2 Phillip Javens, 3 CSSB.
JNCO of the Year: CPL Michael Kukas, 3 RAR.
ARA South Queensland Craftsman of the Year: CFN Samuel Walsh, 8/9 RAR.
ARES South Queensland Craftsman of the Year: CFN Anthony Lamb, 11 CSSB.
ARA North Queensland Craftsman of the Year: CFN Tobias Clarence, 3 CSSB.

Congratulations to all recipients on this recognition of their contribution. Award trophies are expected to reach Regional RAEME Representatives ahead of the RAEME Birthday celebrations.

New Corps appointments

The following appointments were announced at the Corps Conference:

Deputy Head of Corps – Land: LTCOL Adon Cadona.
Deputy Head of Corps – Aviation: MAJ Harry More.
SO2 Corps: MAJ Katelyn Thorne, assisted by MAJ Perry Boer.
Corps Warrant Officer: WO1 Brian Vaughan.

Master Artificers

ECN 222: WO1 Jason Peterson.
ECN 235: WO1 Todd Ryan.
ECN 418: WO1 Brad Sanderson.
ECN 229: WO1 Richard Holden.
ECN 412: WO1 Kent Herrmann.

The Head of Corps appointment remains subject to confirmation by the Chief of Army. RAQ congratulates the incoming team and looks forward to maintaining strong connections between serving members and the Association community.

Preparing for the future

The Corps Conference at Holsworthy examined technician training, maintenance in a contested environment, drones and counter-drone capabilities, adaptive manufacturing and industry partnerships. RSM–Army WO1 Brad Doyle OAM delivered the keynote address on training and the future of technicians.

Ian Cook developed a presentation on behalf of the RAEME Associations, highlighting how Associations connect serving members with the wider Corps community. On ASEME’s eventual relocation from Latchford Barracks, the update emphasised that a move would not occur until suitable infrastructure was in place.

Farewell to Corps RSM WO1 Jon Tynan

After four years as Corps RSM, WO1 Jon Tynan is concluding his tenure. RAQ sincerely thanks Jon for his commitment to the Corps and the support he has provided to our Association and others around Australia. We wish him every success in his next chapter.

Arte et Marte.

Remembering 25 Years of Australian Service in Afghanistan - Canberra

A national commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial on Sunday, 11 October 2026 marked the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan. Organised by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), the service honoured those who served in Australia’s longest conflict and recognised the sacrifices of their families.

Families played a central role, with a family member laying the first wreath ahead of government representatives and another delivering a reading. Their involvement reflected the enduring contribution of families and the importance of recognising their experiences of service and sacrifice.

The service is available to watch on ABC iview. Veterans, serving members, families and the wider community can also request a free commemorative coin through DVA as a lasting acknowledgement of this significant anniversary.

Article adapted from information and photographs supplied by DVA.

2026 Craftsman Series - Ordering deadline approaches - 31 October 2026

The 2026 RAEME Craftsman Series, featuring this year’s commemorative Craftsman Port (Tawny) and Single Malt Whisky, is available to purchase.

In recognition of several significant milestones within both the Australian Army and the Corps, Army Headquarters (AHQ) has proudly sponsored this year’s release in partnership with Chief’s Son Distillery, a proudly Australian veteran-owned business renowned for its premium handcrafted spirits.

The 2026 Craftsman Series commemorates:

125 years of the Australian Army
84 years of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
40 years of the Prince Philip Banner

This special release honours the dedication, professionalism, and enduring legacy of RAEME soldiers past and present, while celebrating the proud history and traditions of the Corps.

Special recognition should also go to WO1 Marcellin Chee and WO1 Marc Craigie, who have been instrumental in driving and coordinating this year’s release. Their work behind the scenes has helped bring together a fitting commemorative product that reflects the heritage, pride, and craftsmanship of the Corps.

Produced in collaboration with Chief’s Son Distillery, the Craftsman Series offers members and supporters an opportunity to secure a unique commemorative item while also supporting an Australian veteran-owned business.

Product Details

700 ml Craftsman Port (Tawny) – $60.00 - Available
700 ml Single Malt Whisky – $87.00 - Available
Postage – $19 (up to 6 bottles)
PLEASE NOTE – Maximum purchase of six 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 or click on this link.

All orders will be delivered directly to your door.

Orders are now open, with final orders closing on 31 October, unless sold out sooner.

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.

ADF Drone Racers bring World Championship skills to the Gold Coast

Above: Wing Commander Kieran Joyce discusses ADF drone racing and the Association’s involvement in the Global Drone Show on the Gold Coast.

The ADF Drone Racing Association will bring high-speed racing action to the Global Drone Show on the Gold Coast, teaming up with FPV Rebels to showcase the excitement and precision of first-person-view drone racing.

The demonstration will feature eight pilots competing across three races in an elimination format. Spectators can watch the action from the football oval, while footage streamed from the pilots’ goggles to big screens will provide a thrilling view from the cockpit.

The appearance follows the Australian team’s eighth world championship victory, secured recently in the United Kingdom, as ADF drone racing enters its tenth year.

Wing Commander Kieran Joyce, President of the ADF Drone Racing Association, said the drones reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres an hour, demanding quick thinking, accuracy and precise control.

Beyond the excitement of competition, he highlighted the skills that transfer to military drone operations. Racing develops the ability to interpret a changing three-dimensional environment and translate what pilots see through their goggles into accurate controller movements.

Gaming experience can offer a useful starting point, although developing those abilities into competitive flying skills takes dedicated training and practice.

For visitors to the Global Drone Show, it’s an opportunity to see world-class pilots in action, experience their view of the race and learn how an exciting sport can help develop skills relevant to Defence.

Editor's Note: Wing Commander Kieran Joyce is a RAQ Life Subscriber and former RAEME Lieutenant Colonel who has been heavily involved in introducing drones into Army. He was also a contributing editor of the Corps history book, With Skill and Fighting: Craftsmen of the Australian Army 1942–2014.

Article adapted from an interview with Wing Commander Kieran Joyce.

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Women in RAEME 2026 (WIR4) - Introducing our latest guest speaker, Chontelle Anderson

Join the RAEME Association Queensland for an evening celebrating women across RAEME, Defence and industry. Everyone is welcome, including serving members, veterans, families, friends and supporters.

We’re pleased to welcome Chontelle Anderson as our latest guest speaker.

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A Vehicle Mechanic who joined the Army in 2014, Chontelle was named ASEME Trainee of the Year in 2016. In 2020, she became the first female Craftsman to undertake an industry secondment with Erebus Motorsport, travelling Australia with the Supercars team.

Now serving with the 14th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, Chontelle brings experience spanning Army workshops, motorsport and support to Defence trials, for which she received a Commander’s Commendation.

Our guest speaker line-up also includes:

Melanie Annand, President of Women Veterans Network Australia - a Royal Australian Navy veteran and advocate with more than 16 years’ experience supporting veterans and their families.

Julie Fedorniak, retired WO2 ART VEH - a RAEME vehicle mechanic whose 21-year Army career included technical leadership and training, followed by civilian fleet management.

Lieutenant Colonel Alison Lee CSM (Retd) - an aeronautical engineer with operational service in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, and extensive defence industry experience.

Enjoy canapés, good company and a lucky door prize in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Date: Friday, 27 November 2026

Time: 6.00–8.00 pm

Venue: The Ship Inn, South Brisbane

Tickets: $25 per person

Places are limited and registration is essential. Register for Women in RAEME 2026.

Women in RAEME 2026 is proudly sponsored by the RAEME Association Queensland Inc.

Celebrate, reconnect and catch up with RAEME mates across queensland

There’s plenty happening across Queensland as we head towards the end of 2026 and celebrate RAEME’s 84th Birthday on 1 December. From relaxed lunches and regional gatherings to dinners and unit celebrations, there are some great opportunities to catch up with old mates, meet new friends and enjoy the company of the RAEME family.

Darling Downs Luncheon – Sunday, 15 November
Join the Darling Downs crew at City Golf Club, South Toowoomba, from midday for a relaxed afternoon of good food, conversation and camaraderie.

Sunshine Coast Gathering – Sunday, 22 November
The Chapter’s final gathering for 2026 will be held at the Brightwater Hotel, Mountain Creek, from midday. Enjoy the welcoming surroundings, catch up with friends and try your luck with the lucky door prizes.

RAMS All Ranks Mixed Dinner – Friday, 27 November
Celebrate the Corps Birthday with the Rotary-wing Aircraft Maintenance School at Swartz Barracks, Oakey. A great opportunity to come together for an evening celebrating our Corps and its people.

RAEME Birthday – 7 CSSB – Friday, 27 November
South East Queensland’s celebrations are planned for Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, at this stage on the oval. RAQ will support the day with a large birthday cake, prizes for the winning sports teams, a raffle prize and our merchandise stall. Further details will follow. Members without a Defence access card can register their details online to assist with entry arrangements.

Women in RAEME (WIR4) – Friday, 27 November
Everyone is welcome at The Ship Inn, South Brisbane, from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm, to celebrate women’s contributions across RAEME, Defence and industry. Hear from guest speakers Melanie Annand, Julie Fedorniak and Lieutenant Colonel Alison Lee CSM (Retd) while enjoying canapés and good company. Tickets are $25 per person, with limited places available.

All Ranks 84th Corps Birthday Luncheon – Sunday, 29 November
Join us at the Port Office Hotel, Brisbane, from 11.30 am for a highlight of the RAQ calendar. Bring your partner, gather a few mates and help celebrate 84 years of service, achievement and Corps spirit.

RAEME Birthday – 4 REGT – Tuesday, 1 December
North Queensland members will mark the Corps’ official birthday with celebrations at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville. Further attendance and access details will be provided through the event listing.

North Queensland Gathering and 10 Terminal Regiment Mini Reunion – Saturday, 12 December
Finish the year at the Vale Hotel, Townsville, from 12.30 pm. The gathering will also welcome former members who served at 10 Terminal Regiment during 1991–1993 for a mini reunion organised by Steve Murphy. Reunion enquiries can be directed to Steve via Messenger or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Members are also welcome at the RAQ monthly meetings on Wednesday, 4 November and Wednesday, 2 December, from 5.30 pm at Kedron Wavell Services Club, Chermside.

Put the dates in your diary and come along! Visit the RAQ Events page for bookings, attendance requirements and the latest updates. Please check individual listings, particularly for events held on Defence establishments.

Arte et Marte.

Northern Territory News

Top End cleans up at the RAEME Awards

Turns out being permanently sweaty, chronically undermanned and waiting on parts that may or may not exist is actually a pretty solid professional development model.

Last week's RAEME Corps Conference saw the NT come away with three national award winners and the NT Craftsman of the Year:

National Craftsman of the Year – CFN Waddell, 101 Fd Wksp Coy

National Sergeant of the Year – SGT Berrow, 101 Fd Wksp Coy

National Lieutenant of the Year – LT Harper-Zerna, 101 Fd Wksp Coy

NT Craftsman of the Year – CFN Mortlock, 1 CER

A cracking result and some very well-deserved recognition for Top End RAEME!

Arte et Marte

Editor's Note: On behalf of the RAEME Association Queensland, we congratulate the Darwin based 1BDE winners of this year's awards.

1st Aviation Regiment Farewells the ARH Tiger - Darwin

Above: CPL James Hall, Aircraft Technician Supervisor, 162 Recon Squadron Darwin. Click the image to watch the video.

After more than 20 years of service within the Australian Army’s 1st Aviation Regiment, the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH Tiger) concluded flying operations on 30 September 2026, ahead of its withdrawal from service. The Regiment marked the occasion with several unit-level activities, including a formal dinner, family day, and a flyover of Darwin. When introduced into service, the ARH Tiger effectively combined the capabilities of the unarmed Kiowa reconnaissance helicopter and the Bushranger armed version of the Iroquois utility helicopter into a single platform that integrated intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and precision strike effects.

Above: ARH Tiger Mindil Beach Flypast. Click the image to watch the video.

The withdrawal of the ARH Tiger fleet coincided with the aircraft progressively reaching 20 years of service and aligned its service life with Army's modernisation of battlefield aviation capabilities. The withdrawal of the ARH Tiger also marks a significant milestone in the Regiment’s transition to the new AH-64E Apache helicopter.

25th Anniversary of Australian Service in Afghanistan - Bees Creek NT

Above: RAEME Lieutenant Colonel Troy Wilson from Headquarters 1st Brigade, Royal Australian Navy Commanding Officer HMAS Coonawarra Captain Bernadette Alexander, CSC, RAN and Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander Rowan Paice lay memoirs during the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan commemorative service held at Reg Hillier House, Bees Creek, Northern Territory.

The Australian Army’s 1st Brigade joined veterans and the local community at Reg Hillier House, Bees Creek, Northern Territory, on 11 October 2026, to commemorate 25 years of Australian service in Afghanistan. The service honoured the service and sacrifice of those who served in Afghanistan, while reinforcing 1st Brigade’s enduring connection with veterans, families and the local community.

Article adapted from information and photographs supplied by Defence and NT RAEME Association.

Army opens doors for next generation - Brisbane

Above: Cadets and staff visit 7 CSSB at the recent Annual Field Exercise 2026.

From explosive ordnance and Army workshops to transport and logistics, South Queensland Army Cadets have gone behind the scenes to see the people and capabilities that keep Army moving.

The visits were part of Annual Field Exercise 2026 (AFX26), which brought almost 700 cadets and 100 Adult Cadet Staff together across Defence training areas in South East Queensland from 20 to 26 September.

At Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, cadets visited 7th Combat Service Support Battalion and saw capabilities across workshops, the Q Store, explosive ordnance and transport.

They also had the chance to speak with soldiers about their jobs, their experiences in Army and the range of roles available across Defence.

Above: COL Arthur Tsamis speaks with cadets during the visit.

Colonel Arthur Tsamis, Commander, Australian Army Cadets South Queensland Brigade said the visit allowed cadets to see a side of Army they might not otherwise experience.

“For many of our cadets, this was their first opportunity to engage directly with soldiers in their workplace and see the range of skills and capabilities that support the Australian Army,” Colonel Tsamis said.

Article adapted from information and photographs supplied by AAC.

RAMS RAEME Birthday All Ranks Mixed Dinner - FRI 27 Nov 2026 - Oakey

RAMS will host an all-ranks mixed dinner to celebrate RAEME’s 84th birthday in the CH-47 Training Wing hangar on Friday, 27 November 2026. The dinner is open to all serving and ex-serving members of the Corps, and invited guests. The dinner provides attendees with a chance to celebrate the occasion and interact in an enjoyable and relaxed environment.

The evening will include the recognition of select personnel through promotions and farewells, set against the backdrop of a formal dining experience. In addition to the ceremonial aspects, the dinner promises to be a memorable social event, with a focus on building esprit de corps and reinforcing RAEME values. We warmly encourage all members, partners, and invited guests to attend and contribute to the significance of this occasion.

Click here to contact the organiser.

BLD C07, Main RAMS Hangar
Swartz Barracks, Orr Road, Oakey QLD 4401

10 Terminal Regiment Workshop Mini Reunion — Townsville

Calling all former 10 Terminal Regiment Workshop members who served during 1991–1993! Steve Murphy is organising a mini reunion, a great opportunity to reconnect with old mates, share a few stories and enjoy an afternoon of RAEME camaraderie.

Date: Saturday, 12 December 2026

Time: From 1200 hrs (midday)

Venue: Vale Hotel, Townsville

The reunion will be held in conjunction with the North Queensland RAEME function. The idea followed photographs in last month’s Spanner News showing four former 10 Terminal Regiment members enjoying a catch-up at the venue.

Tank Pontifex is aware of the plans and is looking forward to the gathering. If you served with the workshop during those years, Steve would love to hear from you. Please also spread the word to any former members you’re still in contact with.

Contact Steve Murphy, preferably via Messenger to express your interest and find out more.

Come along and renew the friendships forged at 10 Terminal Regiment!

Army Drone Racing Team at Land Forces 2026- Perth

Pictured above (top): CAPT Tom ‘Gashy’ Gash and Major General Ash Collingburn AM DSM, Commander 1st Division.

The Army Drone Racing Team attracted plenty of interest at Land Forces 2026 in Perth, with visitors stopping by to meet the team and learn more about the sport.

Among those visiting was Major General Ash Collingburn AM DSM, Commander 1st Division, providing an opportunity for the team to showcase the skills involved in drone racing.

Congratulations to WonderFPV, who took out the fastest pilot honours at Axia Dynamis. Another highlight was AndyDL’s presentation at the Chief of Army’s symposium.

Well done to everyone involved in representing the Army Drone Racing Team and sharing their enthusiasm with visitors throughout the event.

Article adapted from information and photographs supplied by Defence.