RAEME Association Queensland Inc

Featured

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

Bluebells gather in Townsville

Above: L-R CFN Tyson Randall- 3 CSSB, CAPT Pat Vout - 3 RAR & CFN Cooper Cull - 3 CER

Saturday, 19 September saw another excellent turnout for the RAEME Association Queensland–North Queensland gathering, with around 70 Bluebells coming together at the Fairfield Hotel in Townsville.

The strong attendance demonstrated the continuing value of these regular gatherings, which provide an opportunity for current and former members of the Corps to reconnect, renew old friendships and enjoy the camaraderie for which RAEME is so well known. The relaxed atmosphere made for a very enjoyable afternoon, with plenty of stories, laughter and good-natured banter shared among those attending.

Above: L-R Dave Young, Ian Moorehouse, Richard Todt and Stuart Longton.

The members’ draws and raffle again generated plenty of interest. Congratulations to the following winners:

  • Members’ $100 Draw 1: Chris Renall
  • Members’ $100 Draw 2: Dave Packer
  • $100 tavern meat-tray voucher: Michael “Juggs” Maloney
  • Wine rack and two bottles of wine, kindly donated by Bob Lauro: Tank Pontifex

Our sincere thanks go to Bob Lauro for generously donating a wine rack and bottles of wine. Contributions such as this add greatly to the occasion and help make the North Queensland gatherings so successful.

Above: Members and guests enjoying the gathering

RAQ also extends its appreciation to the very welcoming staff at the Fairfield Hotel. Their friendly service and hospitality helped ensure everyone was able to relax and enjoy a great day in good company.

The final RAQ–NQ gathering for 2026 will be held at the Vale Hotel on Saturday, 12 December. It will be a great opportunity to come together once more, catch up with fellow Bluebells and round out another successful year of North Queensland gatherings.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to another memorable day. We look forward to seeing another strong turnout at the Vale Hotel in December.

All photos from the day are available on our social media pages or in our Photo Gallery.

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


Call for Contributions – The Craftsman 2026

RAEME units and associations are invited to begin preparing articles for the 2026 edition of The Craftsman.

OCs, ASMs and Association Presidents are encouraged to identify members who can share their unit’s or association’s activities, achievements and highlights from 2026.

Articles should be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than 11 December 2026.

Photographs may be embedded in the Word document, but the original image files must also be submitted separately to ensure the publisher receives high-resolution copies. Please do not submit photographs copied from other publications or the internet.

The electronic 2025 edition of The Craftsman is availalbe here.


2026 QLD Employer Support Awards - Brisbane

Above: Commander 11th Brigade, Brigadier Mark Smith, CSC (middle), presenting the 2the winner’s certificate for the Defence Public Sector category at the 2026 Queensland Employer Support Awards to LTCOL Isaac Leong of the Department of Defence Cargo Helicopter Management Unit (left) and Captain Aaron Gallagher (right) in Brisbane, Queensland.

The ADF Reserves and Employer Support Awards were held on 1 September, 2026, at the United Services Club in Brisbane. The awards formally recognise the commitment of civilian employers to supporting reservists in their workplaces. The event acknowledges employers that have gone above and beyond for their reservist employees over a sustained period, enabling members to complete Reserve commitments.

Above: Winners of the 2026 Queensland Employer Support Awards in Brisbane, Queensland.

The Employer Support Awards are held in each state and territory. Categories include small, medium and large private-sector employers, the public sector, the Defence public sector and not-for-profit organisations. Awards were presented by the Commander 11th Brigade, Brigadier Mark Smith, CSC. 

Article adapted from information and photographs supplied by Defence


Charity Plane Pull - C-17A Globemaster III - Amberley

Above: Soldiers from 6 Engineer Support Regiment participating in a tug-of-war charity challenge involving a C-17A Globemaster III at RAAF Base Amberley.

Personnel from RAAF Base Amberley took part in a charity C-17A Globemaster pull in support of Due South, an organisation helping veterans and first responders reset, reconnect, and regain momentum through wellness and adventure programs.

Article adapted from information and photographs supplied by Defence


Exercise Helicon Luk 2026 - PNG

Above: Commanding Officer of Task Unit Endurance Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Porada Exercise Helicon Luk 2026 Interview.

In September 2026, personnel and UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the 16th Aviation Brigade conducted Exercise Helicon Luk in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Exercise is Army Aviation’s primary high-density altitude training activity and is conducted annually with the intent of familiarising aircrew across the Brigade with the unique aspects of high altitude flying. This year also marks the first deployment of the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter to Papua New Guinea, with previous iterations having focused on CH-47F Chinook operations.

Article adapted from information and photographs supplied by Defence

Featured

Women in RAEME 2026 (WIR4) - Introducing our next guest speaker - Julie Fedorniak

The RAEME Association Queensland warmly invites you to Women in RAEME 2026, celebrating the achievements and contributions of women across RAEME, Defence and industry.

Everyone is welcome, including veterans and their families, serving ADF members, Defence and industry representatives, members of the wider business community, friends and supporters.

Join us at The Ship Inn, South Brisbane, on Friday, 27 November 2026, from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm, for inspirational speakers, canapés and a lucky door prize in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Tickets are $25 per person. Places are limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged.

Julie Fedorniak, retired Warrant Officer Class Two

We are delighted to introduce Julie Fedorniak, whose 21-year Australian Army career encompassed vehicle maintenance, technical leadership and training.

Julie completed recruit training at Kapooka in January 1986 and initially served in the Royal Australian Corps of Transport at Oakey. In 1988, she transferred to the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME), completing the Vehicle Mechanic Adult Trade Course at the RAEME Training Centre as a member of the 1/88 course.

She spent the following six years serving in several Townsville units. Subsequent postings included the Leopard tank rebuild line at Bandiana and service as Workshop Sergeant with Darwin Logistics Company.

Returning to Townsville, Julie served with the 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion before joining the 5th Aviation Regiment, where she became the regiment’s first female “black trades” Artificer Sergeant Major (ASM). During her Army career, she attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two.

In 2007, Julie served as the North Queensland Technical Training Management Officer (TTMO) in Townsville. After 21 years of Army service, she moved into the civilian sector as Fleet Manager at James Cook University, bringing extensive technical and leadership experience to the role.

We look forward to welcoming Julie and hearing about her experiences of life in RAEME and the transition from military service to civilian fleet management.

Also joining us: Lieutenant Colonel Alison Lee CSM (Retd)

Our previously announced guest speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Alison Lee CSM (Retd), brings extensive experience in operational service, aviation engineering, logistics and defence industry leadership.

Born in Wangaratta, Alison attended Winton Primary School and Benalla High School before joining the Australian Army. She subsequently undertook tertiary studies at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical) in 1997.

During her early Army career, Alison served in a range of junior officer appointments. In 1999, she deployed to East Timor as the senior maintenance officer with 162 Reconnaissance Squadron.

In September 2001, Alison was posted to the United States for two years. During this posting, she deployed to Iraq for six months with the United States Army’s 101st Airborne Division.
 

After retiring from the Army in 2013, Alison held senior roles with Northrop Grumman and Penten. She is now Head of Logistics – Australia for PentenAmio and holds postgraduate qualifications in business administration, strategy and management.

We look forward to hearing Alison’s insights alongside Julie’s at Women in RAEME 2026.

Event details

  • Date: Friday, 27 November 2026
  • Time: 6.00 pm–8.00 pm
  • Venue: The Ship Inn, South Brisbane
  • Cost: $25 per person
  • Includes: Inspirational speakers, canapés and a lucky door prize

Everyone is welcome. RSVP is essential as places are limited. Register for Women in RAEME 2026.

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


1 CSSB Regimental Dinner under the stars - Darwin

The 1st Combat Service Support Battalion (1 CSSB) held its Regimental Dinner on Thursday, 17 September, in the Battalion compound.

The open-air setting provided the perfect backdrop for Battalion members to come together and enjoy good food, great company and a memorable evening under the stars.

Guests were welcomed on arrival by 1 CSSB’s special guest, the Battalion’s much-loved buffalo mascot. 

The dinner was a fitting celebration of the camaraderie, traditions and strong sense of community within 1 CSSB.

Article adapted from information and photographs supplied by Defence


Farewell to the ARH Tiger - Darwin

The Australian Army is farewelling the ARH Tiger as flying operations in Darwin draw to a close this week after 22 years of service. The 1st Aviation Regiment is marking the occasion with a formal dinner, a family day and a final flyover of Darwin, including a Mindil Beach flyover last night.

For the RAEME community, the farewell is an opportunity to recognise the maintainers and support personnel who, alongside aircrew and soldiers, kept the Tiger flying over more than two decades. Their work has also supported the Regiment’s transition to the AH-64E Apache.

Thank you to everyone who has served with and supported the Tiger.

Article adapted from information and photographs supplied by Defence