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!


RAEME National Network - Edition 06 of Maintenance Matters out now

Hi all,

The latest edition is out and may be viewed online or downloaded from:

  • PDF: https://raeme.org.au/publications/newsletter
  • Flipbook: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/a552ec3007.html
  • Easy-Read: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/3aa304ae2e.html

This edition features:

  • A report on 1 CER's win at the Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
  • An introduction to the new Chief of Army and RSM-A
  • A guide to Crafty of the Year nominations
  • Reports from RAEME members around the nation
  • Details of impending RAEME events
  • 5th Aviation Regiment - OSS
  • Book Review: Essentials of Land Warfare - The Soldier
  • A look at RCEME (Canada) and REME (UK)
  • And much more

Best Submission Winner: The winner of the $50 voucher for the best member submission this month is the 1 CER Workshop Team for their amazing efforts at the Beer Can Regatta (and for beating the Navy Team).  Lodge your submission to be in the running for the next edition.

How to submit. Visit here, you will find templates on this site for:

  • All submissions (which can be typed into the portal or uploaded to it)
  • Nominations to recognise members who have gone "Above and Beyond" to support their communities.
  • Notification of welfare matters, including the passing or failing health of our members.

RAEME Families. Thank you to those who have provided details about their RAEME family linkages. We’re still looking for more RAEME families with two or more generations who have served in our Corps. If any member carries a multigenerational RAEME story, we want to hear from them! Please ask them to share their details via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can start the conversation. Help us celebrate the families who keep the RAEME spirit alive across generations.

Above and Beyond. We are also looking for names of former serving members who have gone Above and Beyond to support their communities. Please let us know who in your Association has worked to support their community so we can work together to celebrate them.

Thank you to all Associations and members who contributed material for this edition and those who are preparing submissions for future editions.

Ian Cook
Managing Editorial Team
Maintenance Matters

Featured

Sunshine Coast Chapter enjoys Brightwater gathering

Sunshine Coast Luncheon 26 Jul 2026 7

The second RAEME Sunshine Coast Chapter casual get-together for 2026 was held on Sunday, 26 July, with members and guests gathering at the Brightwater Hotel for the first time.

A perfect winter’s day allowed everyone to enjoy the hotel’s covered outdoor area overlooking the lake. The relaxed setting proved to be an excellent choice, providing plenty of space for conversation throughout the afternoon,  even as the refreshments encouraged a little more enthusiasm and volume.

Attendance was slightly lower than usual, due mainly to the seasonal winter ailments doing the rounds. Nevertheless, around 35 members and guests enjoyed an afternoon of good company, conversation and Corps camaraderie. The combination of the new venue, outstanding weather and relaxed atmosphere made it one of the Chapter’s most enjoyable gatherings to date.

It was also wonderful to welcome several new faces to the Sunshine Coast group, and we hope to see them again at future activities.

Sunshine Coast Luncheon 26 Jul 2026 3

A special thank you goes to Lynette Yates for managing the raffle tickets and expertly keeping everyone organised. Thanks are also extended to Peter Yates and John Dack for their efforts in arranging another successful Chapter event.

All images of the day are on our social page or in the photo gallery.

The next Sunshine Coast casual get-together will be held at the Brightwater Hotel on Sunday, 22 November 2026.

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


Bushmaster Power Pack change in action

Bushmaster power pack Jul 2026 2

Video and image credit: Sisters in Arms Australia, @sisters.in.armsau, on Instagram. The original post can be viewed here.

A video shared by Sisters in Arms Australia provides an impressive close-up view of technicians undertaking a power pack change on a Bushmaster PMV.

The footage shows the scale of the power pack assembly and the teamwork, planning and technical expertise required to remove and refit such a major component. It is a great example of the important work undertaken behind the scenes to keep Army’s protected mobility vehicles operational and ready for tasking.

The Bushmaster is an Australian-built protected vehicle designed to transport personnel across a wide range of environments and operational roles.

Source acknowledgment is provided for the footage only and does not imply RAQ endorsement of any associated products or services.


Exercise Southern Jackaroo - NQ

Southern Jackaroo 2026 3

Above: Video highlights of Exercise Southern Jackaroo. Editor's Note: We love s sneaky tri-colour!

Over 3,000 soldiers from Townsville’s 3rd Brigade and other supporting elements from throughout Army, together with force elements from the United States Army, United States Marine Corps (Marine Rotational Force – Darwin), and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force participated in Exercise Southern Jackeroo within Townsville Field Training Area from 29 May – 03 July 2026. Consisting of a Field Training Exercise (FTX) and Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFX), Southern Jackeroo aims to enhance interoperability through large-scale collective training. The trilateral exercise is held annually and reflects the strength of our enduring military relationship with the United States and Japan. As part of the 3rd Brigade’s Combined Warfighter, bilateral exercises Mallee Bull with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Tiger Dingo with the Republic of Korea Army, and Wantok Warrior with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, occurred concurrently within Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. These exercises demonstrated Australia’s commitment to regional security and strengthened interoperability with key partners through realistic and complex training.

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence

 

Featured

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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RAEME Reserve/CMF Reunion - Sherwood/Indooroopilly RSL - Sunday 23 August 2026

The annual RAEME Reserve/CMF Reunion will again provide a great opportunity for serving and former members of RAEME, members of associated Corps who served with RAEME units, families, friends and others with an interest in the Corps to come together and renew old friendships.

The reunion is a relaxed and informal gathering, offering the chance to catch up with mates, share memories and maintain the strong bonds formed through service. Whether you served in the Reserve, CMF, Regular Army, or alongside RAEME units, all are welcome to attend.

There will also be great raffles on the day, including gift vouchers and wine.

The reunion will be held at the Sherwood/Indooroopilly RSL Sub Branch, 2 Clewley Street, Corinda, conveniently located next to Corinda railway station. The event will run from 1100 to 1600, with casual dress and barbecue catering provided. The cost is $5 per person.

For catering purposes, RSVPs are requested by 10 August.

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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.


Help us tell today’s RAEME stories

RNN 3

The editorial team of Maintenance Matters, RAEME’s national newsletter, is seeking contributions from serving members, units and workshops for future editions.

One of the newsletter’s key aims is to strengthen the connection between serving and retired members of the Corps. While the national and regional RAEME Associations regularly provide valuable content, we would like to feature more stories showing what serving members are doing across the Corps today.

Earlier editions of Maintenance Matters can be downloaded from:

https://raeme.org.au/index.php/publications/newsletter

What Are We Looking For?

We are not seeking the traditional end-of-year unit summaries that appear in The RAEME Craftsman. Instead, we are looking for shorter and more immediate snapshots of current activities, achievements and experiences within units and workshops.

Possible topics include:

  • Recent activities: Stories from exercises, deployments, sporting events, training activities, community engagement or other recent events.
  • Upcoming events: Details of planned Spanner Clubs, reunions, Corps activities, competitions or unit gatherings.
  • Unit and workshop profiles: An overview of what your unit or workshop does, the support it provides and the capabilities of its people.
  • Changes within units: Relocations, restructures, new equipment, tooling, technology, procedures or changes to the way support is delivered.
  • Success stories: Individual or team achievements, military skills competitions, technical successes, innovations or other noteworthy outcomes.
  • Our people: Honours and awards, promotions, retirements, postings and stories about members working in unusual, specialised or lesser-known roles.

Most importantly, we want to hear directly from RAEME people about their work and experiences.

Send us your photos

We are also looking for high-quality photographs of RAEME people doing RAEME things.

Photos should preferably show members undertaking technical work, participating in exercises, supporting operations, attending Corps activities or achieving something worth sharing with the wider RAEME community.

A strong story accompanied by a high-quality photograph may also be selected for the cover of a future edition.

$50 Best article prize

The RAEME Association Queensland has donated a $50 prize for the author of the article selected as the best contribution in each edition.

A unit submitting an engaging story with a photograph suitable for the magazine cover will be well placed to compete for the prize.

How to submit

A submission template and further guidance for preparing articles are available through the RAEME portal at:

https://raeme.org.au/index.php/publications/newsletter/article-submission

Articles do not need to be lengthy or overly formal. A short story, a few key details and several good-quality photographs may be all that is required.

Commanders, Corps representatives, ASMs and members are encouraged to share this request broadly through their unit and professional networks.

Help us showcase the work, achievements and people of today’s RAEME and strengthen the connection across all generations of the Corps.