The RAEME Association Queensland Inc (RAQ) is dedicated to supporting our serving, ex-serving and retired RAEME members and their families. Service in the Australian Defence Force can bring unique pressures and challenges, both during service and long after discharge.
RAQ provides a volunteer-based welfare service. Our welfare role is limited to maintaining contact within the RAEME community and assisting with the circulation of Vale and Sick Parade notifications, memorial notices and other appropriate information through our Corps and Association networks.
There are many established Defence, veteran and community organisations with the appropriate qualifications, experience and resources to provide specialist support. The information below is provided as a general reference to assist members and families in identifying organisations and services that may be appropriate to their circumstances.
If you or a fellow member needs help, please reach out early to one of the organisations below. Asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Vales and Sick parades
RAQ can provide limited compassionate support to members and families during serious illness and following the loss of a loved one.
You can view recent Vale notices and Sick Parade updates on the RAQ website:
If you wish to pass on the details of a Vale or Sick Parade, please contact the RAQ Welfare officer (details below) or submit the details in this Online Form
Contact: Mitch Pacey
Email:
All enquiries are treated with respect, discretion and confidentiality.
North Queensland RAEME Recovery Mechanics Memorial
WO2 Ryan Leslie and Craftsman Brendon Payne, two superb soldiers, tragically died while serving their country during a military exercise in the Townsville Field Training Area on 30 August 2021.
Ryan and Brendon were deeply loved by their families, friends and military comrades. RAQ supported the construction of the Memorial to honour their service and sacrifice, and now maintains a permanent committee and funds to ensure its ongoing upkeep.
Details of the Memorial are available at this link
Veteran Funerals, Bereavement Support & Poppy Services
For families seeking veteran funeral support, bereavement assistance or an RSL Poppy Service, these services are conducted by the RSL.
Please contact your late loved one’s RSL Sub Branch if they were an RSL member, or alternatively contact the RSL Sub Branch nearest to you.
Further information on RSL Queensland bereavement support is available here:
RSL Queensland – Bereavement Support
Immediate Help & Crisis Support (24/7)
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.
www.lifeline.org.au
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention
www.beyondblue.org.au
Mental health support for anxiety and depression
www.openarms.gov.au
24/7 support for current and former ADF members and their families
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
24/7 phone and online counselling
Support for Veterans & Families
The following organisations are experienced in supporting veterans and families with claims, entitlements and advocacy:
RSL Queensland – Advocacy & Welfare
www.rslqld.org.au
Support with DVA claims, pensions, compensation and wellbeing
There are around 230 RSL Sub Branches throughout Queensland supporting the veteran community
Legacy Queensland
www.legacy.com.au
Support for families of veterans who have died or been injured
Soldier On
www.soldieron.org.au
Health, employment and wellbeing programs for veterans
www.mates4mates.org
Recovery and support programs for wounded, injured and ill veterans
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
www.dva.gov.au
Official information on health care cards, compensation and services
Australian Veterans’ Advocacy Services (AVAS)
www.veteransadvocacy.com.au
Independent advocacy and DVA claim assistance
Financial, Legal & Practical Support
www.unitingcareqld.com.au
Financial counselling & emergency relief
Legal Aid Queensland
www.legalaid.qld.gov.au
General Information and other useful links
www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/honours-awards
www.honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/search
Looking after each other
RAEME has always been about mateship, loyalty and service. If you notice a fellow member doing it tough, please reach out, a simple phone call can make a world of difference.
Arte et Marte
