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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's Reserve Bourbon – Design our label comp extended!

Time is running out! Scheduled to launch around mid-year, this limited-edition release will be strictly capped at just 500 bottles. And here’s the exciting part, we’re giving our members the exclusive opportunity to win Bottle No.1 of this unique run! To celebrate the release, we're holding a label design competition. The winning design will be featured on the front label of Craftsman's Reserve, and the lucky designer will take home the very first bottle produced, Bottle No.1 of 500 and of course bragging rights!

Full competition details and how to enter is here. The competition is open and closes on Friday 11 July 2025 1700hr. So sharpen those pencils, fire up your design apps, dust off your creative skills or just ChatGPT it! This is your chance to leave your mark on a one of a kind RAQ release.
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ALTC News - Wodonga

Seeing red?  So are they!

This is part of the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Field Training Exercise 1 - Soldier Skills Block, where trainees conduct live night firing shooting as part of their two day range package.

Over the seven day block, Army and RAAF trainees will complete a bullring of defensive operations, digging in, offensive patrols, actively hunting enemy and live fire shooting rehearsals.

This kind of training is true to the Australian Army Land Domain Training System #LDTS, which builds on foundation war fighting skills, preparing soldiers today for the war of tomorrow.

Arte et Marte

Please give a virtual slap on the back to these literal lifesavers from Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering - Electrical and Electronic Systems Wing!

#bloodweekau was last week, but you can always roll up your sleeve and save a life.

Images and information courtesy of Defence


RAQ RAEME Sunshine Coast Gathering – 27 July 2025

Our next RAEME Sunshine Coast get-together is scheduled for Sunday, 27 July 2025, once again at the Alex Surf Club, kicking off around 1200 hrs (midday).

Our April gathering was a great success, with a healthy turnout of around 50 people. It was fantastic to catch up with old mates and welcome some new faces. While some of our April attendees may be travelling at this time, we hope to see others who couldn’t make it last time, join us in July. Either way, we’re looking forward to another great afternoon.

Please let me know if you're able to attend so we can arrange the appropriate booking.

Save the Date – RAEME Annual Luncheon

Also, a reminder that our Annual Luncheon at the Maroochydore RSL is coming up on Saturday, 13 September 2025. Further details will be shared closer to the event.

Looking forward to seeing you all there. 

Terry & Tom

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Congratulations King’s Birthday Honours recipients

The RAEME Association Queensland extends its congratulations to outstanding members of the Australian Army RAEME family who have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours. These honours celebrate distinguished service, exceptional leadership, and tireless commitment both in uniform and within the broader community. 

Warrant Officer Class One Tony Croft – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), Military Division

WO1 Tony Croft has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (Military Division) for meritorious service in support of Australian Army Aviation. Over a remarkable career spanning more than 40 years, WO1 Croft has delivered exceptional service in technical, maintenance and sustainment roles. His leadership, deep technical knowledge and unwavering professionalism have been instrumental in enhancing the operational effectiveness of Army Aviation’s rotary and fixed wing assets. .

Major David Bernard Melandri (Retd) – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), General Division

David Melandri 2023

Above: Advocacy and Pensions Officer, David Melandri and Commandant of Army Aviation Training Centre Colonel David Lynch light torches at the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay at Toowoomba, Queensland. 

Major David Melandri (Retd), of Highfields QLD, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (General Division) for service to veterans and their families, and to the Toowoomba community. A RAEME veteran who served from 1966 to 2004, Major Melandri has continued to serve long after his military career ended, notably through Toowoomba Legacy and the Salvation Army. His leadership across multiple terms as Legacy President, and his ongoing roles as pensions officer, youth mentor and community volunteer exemplify selfless service. 

Warrant Officer Class Two Andrew John Harvey – Commendation for Distinguished Service

CPL Andrew Harvey

Above L-R: Maintaining an Army Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan, CFN Darren Speck and Megan Rutherford work on replacing a swash plate with CPL Andrew Harvey keeping a close eye on progress. Operation Slipper 2006. 

WO2 Andrew Harvey has been awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service for his actions during warlike operations as a CH-47D Chinook Aircrewman Technician with Task Group 633.7 on Operation SLIPPER. During the tragic crash of Chinook A15-102 on 30 May 2011, WO2 Harvey demonstrated extraordinary courage and leadership, risking his life to assist his comrades. His actions reflect the highest traditions of the Australian Army and of our Corps. 

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Anthony King – Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)

LTCOL Daniel King

Above: CO 7CSSB, LTCOL Daniel King, paid an official visit to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Logistics Support Unit 16 April 2025 at Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) in Nabua FIJI.

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel King has been awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement as the Staff Officer Grade One Sustainment at Army Headquarters. His leadership, initiative and strategic insight have had a profound impact on Army’s sustainment capability. LTCOL King's work addressing funding challenges and improving Defence-wide governance has strengthened Army’s operational readiness. 

Lieutenant Colonel Liam Cunningham – Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)

Liam Cunnigham and Rick Watling

Above: Left LTCOL Liam Cunningham Apache Helicopter Program Manager including COL Miles Irving Director Apache Helicopter Program.

Lieutenant Colonel Liam Cunningham – Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) For outstanding achievement as the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter acquisition Project Manager. He demonstrated exceptional leadership, project management and stakeholder engagement to deliver UH-60M capability on an unprecedented schedule. He enabled rapid approvals and ensured robust support for operations. LTCOL Cunningham built key relationships with the US Army, Security Assistance and Australian Defence Industry. His efforts enhanced Army Aviation and utility helicopter response options for Australia.

On behalf of all members, the RAEME Association Queensland congratulates these exemplary individuals on their well-deserved honours. 

Arte et Marte

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Sappers get hands on game changers - Puckapunyal 

Above: Combat engineers from 3CER train on Army's first assault breacher vehicles at Puckapunyal Military Area

Australian sappers have rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty on Defence’s latest armoured engineering capability, the newly delivered Combat Engineering Vehicles (CEVs), during training at the Puckapunyal Military Area. Built on the M1 Abrams chassis, the fleet includes 29 M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles and 17 M1110 Joint Assault Bridges. Most of these impressive machines are destined for the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3CER), but before reaching their new home, the first CEVs are being put through their paces to prepare sappers for their role in future operations.

Above: Combat engineers from 3CER M1150 Assault Breacher vehicle

Training is focused on mastering the powerful attachments that make the CEVs a game changer on the battlefield such as the combat dozer blade, full-width mine plough, and excavator manipulator arm. Warrant Officer Class 2 Robert Barrera, CEV course and program manager at the School of Armour, said the introduction of the CEVs represents a significant leap in capability. “The School of Armour and the School of Military Engineering have been working closely together to support the development of doctrine as this is a new capability for Defence,” WO2 Barrera said.

3CER Assualt Breacher June 2025 5

Above: Combat engineers from 3CER train on Army's first M1110 Joint Assault Bridge.

Corporal Liam Kelly, one of the sappers undergoing training, described the CEVs as a major boost for mobility support and survivability. “Before CEV, we pretty much just rolled in dismounted into the breach, basically. Being able to do it under armour, obviously, you’re a lot more defended. It’s going to take fewer soldiers in the breach, which is what you want, and it’s going to be a lot faster as well,” he said. With Project LAND 907 well underway, all 46 CEVs and 75 M1A2 Main Battle Tanks are expected to be delivered by the end of the year, providing Army with a formidable suite of armoured capabilities.

Image and article courtesy of Defence


Army Chiefs Pacific visit - Timor Leste and Fiji

Above: C(L-R) Chief of Australian Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, AO, DSC, and Chief New Zealand Army, Major General Rose King, speak with a member of the F-FDTL during a tour of Metinaro Military Base in Timor-Leste.

Australian and New Zealand Army Chiefs met with counterparts in the Pacific during a combined visit to the Pacific on 10-14 June 2025. Army Chiefs LTGEN Simon Stuart, AO, DSC (Australian Army) and MAJGEN Rose King (New Zealand Army) visited Fiji and Timor-Leste to discuss how Australian and New Zealand Armies can better support our Pacific whanau/family as part of a Joint Force, supporting combat operations, security and stability missions, and humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations in the region.

Above: Regimental Sergeant Major-Army, Warrant Officer Kim Felmingham, NSC, OAM, speaks with female soldiers within the Republic of Fiji Military Forces at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva, Fiji.

Images and information courtesy of Defence


RAEME Corps History - A New Army 1945 to 1959 continued

The Citizen Military Force and National Service

Above: 1954 Puckapunyal camp

In addition to combat in the Korean War and Malayan Emergency, Australia found itself embroiled in a Cold War between the Super Powers. Seeking to raise Defence preparedness, during 1948 the Government approved the establishment of a voluntary Citizen Military Force (CMF) to augment the Regular forces if required. CMF soldiers enlisted for a period of two years, parading once a week, with some weekend training and an annual camp of about fourteen days’ duration. Almost as soon as the announcement was made, RAEME CMF units began to spring up across the nation.

Then from 1951 to 1959 a National Service (NS) scheme was introduced. Under this NS scheme, selected young men were required to provide an initial period of three months continuous fulltime service, followed by an additional six years of part-time service in the CMF. This obligation brought most CMF units up to their established strength; and improved the overall standard in training proficiency. As a result units were able to conduct realistic training exercises.

NS accommodation at Puckapunyal was under canvas stifling hot

Above: NS accommodation at Puckapunyal was under canvas, stifling hot

NS members not only swelled the ranks of the CMF, but also provided a trained foundation for many future officers and NCOs. Kevin Moon, a Korumburra lad, was one of those selected for NS. Kevin left school in 1949 and was apprenticed to a local garage as a motor mechanic. In 1953 he was notified that he would be called up for NS and was directed to a local doctor’s surgery for a medical examination with a lot of his former school mates. Only four of this group were selected to report to Puckapunyal by 17 August 1954. He was posted to 14 NS Training Battalion and while some National Servicemen were trained as RAEME tradesmen, Kevin trained as a gunner, eventually gaining the rank of Bombardier. However, on commencing the CMF part of his NS obligation, and seeking to make the most of his civilian motor mechanic’s qualification, Kevin requested a transfer to RAEME. Following his NS obligation, Kevin continued to serve as a part-time soldier until he retired as a Warrant Officer Class One.

In addition to short haircuts and discipline, Army life was quite tough, political correctness was unheard of, occupational health and safety and care for the environment were hardly considered. Recruits were subjected to treatment that would not be tolerated by today’s society.

Whether they were all prepared for the rigors of Army life is questionable. Indeed they faced a very different situation to that encountered by today’s recruits. That generation held the World War II veterans in high esteem and quite a number of young men wanted to show they too were prepared to serve the nation in a similar manner. During the NS scheme’s operation, all three Services continued to accept general enlistment recruits.

Puckapunyal 1950s National Servicemen training on a Diamond T tank transporter

Above: Puckapunyal 1950s National Servicemen training on a Diamond T tank transporter

To meet the increased workload that came with the NS scheme, RAEME was authorised to increase its strength by almost 100%, to 1,260 personnel, 400 of these were to be civilian tradesmen. The increased workload included a contribution to an all-Corps pool of instructors needed to train the National Servicemen and for ARA Cadre Instructors for CMF units. Within the various NS Training Battalions, RAEME officer and NCO instructors provided Recruit and Corps Training to National Servicemen allocated to RAEME. For those who elected to enlist in the ARA, motivating factors may well have included ‘security, training, travel and comradeship’. However, patriotism and the call to ‘do your bit’ were major motivating factors.

Basic training completed, National Servicemen then moved on to Corps training where many were trained as Recovery Mechanics. At that time there were two main vehicles in the Recovery Mechanic’s arsenal, The World War II vintage Diamond T Wreckers and Tank Transporters. The Diamond T was a versatile vehicle, powered by a 180 horsepower 6 cylinder engine, it could lift up to four tons with each side hoist. The same vehicle, used as a tank transporter, pulled a 32 wheel trailer to transport and recover tanks.

While the Corps was well represented on overseas operations, those who remained at home found life in RAEME during this era was a busy one. 3 Base Workshop was typical of an Australian base workshop facility. There were dedicated workshop areas, a parade ground and corrugated iron clad huts for accommodation and office facilities. Most members of the Workshop ‘lived in’ where mess, canteen and post office facilities were available. After completing recruit and Corps training, Craftsman William O’Neilii was posted to 3 Base Workshop in Broadmeadows.

Puckapunyal National Servicemen1950s

Above: Puckapunyal National Servicemen1950s

During this posting William O’Neil experienced the value of the knowledge that was passed on to young soldiers by older and vastly more experienced Warrant Officers and NCOs, most of whom had served in World War II with some having transferred from the British Army. In the photograph of the members of 3 Base Workshop (above), the majority of men in the front row and several in the second row are wearing World War II campaign medals. In their spare time, many 3 Base Workshop members also availed themselves of the atmosphere and amber fluid provided at the local ‘pub’ known as the Red Roof Hotel. Getting back to base from this establishment was not without risk as it required the negotiation of a notorious railway crossing. Chief danger at this crossing was the train service dubbed ‘The Falkner Ghost’, a rail-car that serviced a community further out of town. It was said that the Falkner Ghost was almost impossible to hear and the positioning of the crossing made it difficult to see. Several Craftsmen reported very near misses; and in Butch O’Neil’s time at least one was hit by the train, although luckily that individual escaped serious injury.

The above article is an extract from the Corps History Book 'With Skill and Fighting - Craftsmen of the Australian Army 1942 - 2014'