RAEME - QLD

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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

Darling Downs kicks off 2025 with a great gathering

Darling Downs Feb 2025 26 Large

Above: Members and guests at the Darling Downs luncheon.

The first RAQ Darling Downs function of 2025 was a fantastic afternoon of catching up with mates, and celebrating our great Corps. Held at the City Golf Club in Toowoomba, the event was attended by around 25 members and guests come together for a relaxed and enjoyable gathering.

Above: Dave Maddock 12th Intake Apprentice is welcomed to the group.

A highlight of the afternoon was welcoming 85 year old 12th Intake Apprentice Dave Maddock to his first Darling Downs function, along with Jason Leech. It was great to see new faces joining in and connecting with the broader RAQ community.

Adding to the day's excitement were the RAQ Lucky Door Prizes, with Pete Woolley, Jason Leech, and Dennis Dowling walking away as the lucky winners.

RAQ Chairman Pete Matthews provided an informative update on the latest happenings within the Corps and RAQ, keeping attendees well-informed on key developments and upcoming initiatives.

As a reminder the RAQ-DD dates for your Diary

18 May 2025
17 August 2025
16 November 2025

Above: Members at the Darling Downs luncheon Ian Johnson, Jason Leech and Liz Fitzgibbon.

Proposed Outdoor BBQ Function
We are considering hosting an outdoor BBQ-style function later this year, potentially aligned with the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. This could be an additional event or replace one of our planned functions. Feedback on this idea, as well as on the frequency of our gatherings, is most welcome.

We look forward to kicking off the year with a strong turnout at the first function. Let’s make these days a great way to reconnect, share stories, and strengthen our Corps community.

To view the images of the day, go to the Photo Gallery.

For further information or inquiries, please contact:

Pete Pile
RAQ-DD Representative
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Twist to Open T-Shirts - Pre-Order Now Open - Update

Did someone say T-Shirts, the first week of sales has gone already! Customers can pre-order and pay now with lates orders sceduled to close on Sunday 2 March 2025. They will be then manufactured and delivered or available for pick up in mid to late March 2025.

Please note demand for sizes 4XL and 5XL are in short supply with additional stock arriving at the supplier approx 22 March 2025.

The Tee features comfort in a regular fit, crafted from 100% combed cotton. Featuring neck ribbing, side seams, and double needle hems for durability and minimal shrinkage, it's a timeless choice for comfort and style.

Each shirt features:

Brand - ascolour Staple Tee 5001
Sizes - S to 5XL
Fabric - Mid weight, 180 GSM, 28-singles, 100% combed cotton construction
Colour: Army
Each shirt carries the 'Twist to Open' Logo embroidered on the left breast (approx 80mm) and Tricolour on the right sleeve (60mm x 50mm). Note: The size of the logo will look larger or smaller depending on the size of the shirt ordered.
Prices start from $24 for RAQ members, don't forget to login to get your discount!
Use this as a base Tee shirt to add your own customised unit emblem on the back!

What you get:

Twist to Open T-Shirt, available in sizes S-5XL (Plus Postage).

Delivery Options:

Postage options available at checkout.
FREE click and collect for RAQ Members at a monthly meeting
For serving soldiers FREE collection at Amberly and Enoggera Barracks.

Ready to Order, click here

Why twist to open...

All Corps members will know our Latin motto Arte et Marte, officially translated as “With Skill and Fighting” is well known. However, a humorous alternative translation has taken on a life of its own, 'Twist to Open'.

This light-hearted take on the motto was even highlighted at the 75th RAEME Birthday Parade at the Australian War Memorial in 2017. During the Welcome Address, Wing Commander (Ret’d) Sharon Bown recounted a conversation with her husband, a former Army helicopter pilot, who expressed his deep appreciation for RAEME personnel. He described them as the problem-solvers of the Army, always resourceful, always capable, and always prepared, even in the harshest conditions. He humorously concluded that Arte et Marte meant 'Twist to Open', a nod to the ingenuity, resilience, and, of course, the ever-present sense of humour within the Corps.

ANZAC Day 2025 commemorations - Early warning order

Brisbane

Lead by our COL Comdt Queensland COL Piers Cambridge CSM, the 2025 parade will be held on Adelaide Street, between George Street and Creek Street. From the Governor of Queensland’s address at King George Square starting at 9:45am to the last marching participants at 12:25pm.

Current known information is:

RAQ are in Group 4, Serial 53
FUP - Change of location we at this stage will be at William St (towards Stephens Lane, alongside the old Casino Hotel). Look for our Banner
Scheduled to march off at approx 1035hrs
Please make sure you are in place at least 30 minutes before this time
Latest information is at the RSL parade Committee Website

Any veteran that can no longer march is invited to take advantage of the jeeps driven by the owner members of the Military Jeep Club of Queensland or the golf buggies. Vehicles are inserted behind the relevant Ex-Service organisations listed on the Order of March to remain close to their peers.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you require assistance or have any questions.

In 2025 the event may still face restrictions to comply with the Event Planning requirements, however it will be conducted on the traditional route (see maps) unless otherwise notified. Those veterans and citizens unable to attend are invited to watch the event on ABC TV and be assured that the Parade participation and spectator opportunities are reviewed as we approach the event.

Post March Function

We will again be hosted by the Port Office Hotel, who open on ANZAC Day specifically to cater for us. Information is on our Website, and tickets to the event will be available soon.

Please note: This is a private RAEME function and a ticket is required for entry. To comply with the licencing requirements alcohol can only be purchased with a meal, The meal must be prepared, served and eaten on the premises. The Port Office Hotel will be open from approx 1000h and the Buffet Meal will be served from approximately 1200-1400h on the day.

Townsville

An invitation is extended to all current and past members of the Corps and friends of RAEME to attend our Annual ANZAC Day March & Function.

Flynn’s Irish Bar will open from 0630h on 25 Apr 25 and will remain open during and after the march. Flynn’s is a privately booked RAEME Function so please bring some form of RAEME Insignia/memorabilia (Cap, tie, tie bar, hat badge, collar dog, lapel pin, badge, patch, cufflinks etc to gain entry to Flynn’s). If you do not have any of these items, please have someone wearing RAEME memorabilia vouch for you via security at the door.

Where - Flynn’s Hotel

When - from 0630-1330h

Townsville City March - The RAEME Form Up Point for the Strand March is Strand Park at 0830h with the March stepping off at 0900h, don’t be late. Look out for our Tricolour Banner!

Federation Star - Warrant Officer Class 1 Anthony Max Sever

Anthony Sever Fed Star S

Above: MAJ Shad Marsh with WO1 Anthony Sever at the award ceremony.

On 7 Feb 2025 WO1 Anthony Sever received his Federation Star (Fifth Clast to the Defence Long Service Medal) at Army HQ in Canberra. He was also awarded his Fourth Clasp to the Defence Long Service Medal as well as the National Emergency Medal for Bushfire Assist 2019-2020.

Anthony joined the Australian Defence Force as a 37^th Class Army Apprentice on the 12 Jan 1982 and his first posting was to the Army Apprentice School in Balcombe. Other postings included: 2 Base WKSP, 102 Fd WKSP, HQ 18 TPT, 17 Construction SQN, 3 BASB, 10 FSB, Force Logistics SQN – East Timor, 1 CSU, Land Systems Division, HQ 4 BDE and 4 CSSB. Anthony’s operational history includes Operation Tanager (East Timor) in 2000, Operation VICFIRE Assist in 2009, Op Bali Assist 2004 and Operation Bushfire Assist 2020.

On hand for the presentations was MAJ Shad Marsh, a fellow 37^th Class Army Apprentice, also working at AHQ.

On behalf of the RAQ, Tony, congratulations on this great achievement!

Featured

RAQ NQ Gathering - Saturday 1 March 2025 - Townsville

RAQ NQ - Jason Handsaker joins the committee

Above: L-R - Neil Butcher, Jason Handsaker, Jason Ballard, Lyndsay Mariner, Fred Read at the February 2024 NQ gathering

The RAQ welcomes Jason Handsaker to the North Queensland Committee. Jason, a RAQ Life Subscriber, served for over 24 years in various roles within the Corps.

With an extensive background in maintenance management, workshop operations, and training facilitation, Jason brings a wealth of experience that will greatly benefit the Association and its members. His impressive career includes supervisory roles overseeing teams in both workshop and field environments, as well as expertise in heavy diesel equipment maintenance, fault diagnostics, and vehicle recovery. Currently serving as a Maintenance Scheduler with Ventia in Townsville,

Jason has demonstrated outstanding leadership in planning, scheduling, and ensuring the effective delivery of vehicle maintenance and servicing operations. His long-standing commitment to excellence in technical trades and operational planning aligns perfectly with the RAQ’s mission of supporting RAEME personnel past and present. The RAQ NQ Committee looks forward to Jason’s contributions and leadership as it continues to foster camaraderie and professional support within the RAEME community.

Welcome aboard, Jason!

Support to North Queensland floods - Townsville

Floods supplies Feb 2025

Above: Soldiers from the 5th Aviation Regiment unload critical supplies from a HX77 during their assistance to North Queensland Floods in February 2025.

From late January 2025, heavy rainfall and severe flooding impacted large areas of eastern North Queensland, with coastal and inland communities between Mackay and Cairns among the hardest hit. In response to the Queensland Government’s request, facilitated through the National Emergency Management Agency, the ADF has been providing critical rotary-wing support to assist state-led emergency operations.

Helicopters from the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment have been conducting airlift operations to deliver essential supplies, fuel, and emergency personnel to isolated communities, particularly in Ingham, one of the worst-affected towns.

Singapore Chinook Feb 2025

Above: CH-47F Chinook helicopters from the 5th Aviation Regiment (behind) and Republic of Singapore Airforce (front) prepare to depart RAAF Base Townsville in support of the 2025 North Queensland Floods.

In a single day, CH-47F Chinook helicopters completed 10 landings, delivering vital supplies such as groceries, generators, fuel, and emergency services personnel to the flood-affected township. Working closely with Air Force’s 27 Squadron Air Movements, ADF personnel have packed and transported more than 67,000kg of cargo using makeshift pallets prepared in coordination with grocery stores and emergency agencies.

Floods supplies Feb 2025 2

Above: Aircrewman SGT Rick Scott looks out of an AW139 helicopter to a flooded road south of Charters Towers in support of the 2025 North Queensland flood emergency.

In addition to the Chinook operations, AW139 helicopters, leased by the Army, have been transporting Red Cross, Queensland Police, Townsville City Council, State Emergency Services (SES), and medical personnel to Ingham. These helicopters have also been on standby for medical evacuations as requested by local authorities.

The ADF remains committed to assisting the National Emergency Management Agency and local governments as they continue their coordinated response to this significant flood event.

Images and information courtesy of Defence

Reflections from the Long Look exchange program - UK

A great read on military leadership and international collaboration.

The Exchange Program Long Look article provides a rare and invaluable perspective on the deepening relationship between the British and Australian armies. This Cove article written by CAPT Lily McIvor takes readers on an journey, highlighting the significance of cross-cultural military cooperation and the lessons gained from large-scale multinational exercises.

From battlefield studies in Europe, to firsthand exposure to modern warfare training in Operation INTERFLEX, the author illustrates the complexities of leadership, teamwork, and the geopolitical realities that shape military operations. This article underscores the importance of understanding history, fostering human connections, and embracing vulnerability as a strength in leadership.

Click here to read The Cove Article in full.

About the Author - CAPT Lily McIvor

Lily is an Australian Army Captain serving with the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME). She holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and is currently pursuing a Master of Systems Engineering while posted to the 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery.

In 2022 Lily McIvor’s Honours project through UNSW, her paper was chosen as one of ten (selected from 750 submissions) by the International Federation of Automatic Control. She present the paper at the Manufacturing Modelling, Management and Control Conference held in Nantes, France in June that year.

Invictus Games - Vancouver Whistler

Above: Team Australia arrive for the Invictus games 2025 opening ceremony.

Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 was held from 08 to 16 February 2025. The Australian Defence Force has partnered with Invictus Australia to send 33 competitors and their family and friends to the Games.

Invictus Games 2025 2

Above: Team Australia competitor Sue Osborn inbounds the ball during a wheelchair basketball match against Team Georgia at the Vancouver Convention Centre, Canada. Georgia defeated Australia 12-9.

The Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event for serving and former serving military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service. Up to 532 competitors from 23 nations will compete in eleven sports, including six winter sports for the first time in Invictus Games history.

Prince harry Invictius Feb 2025

Above: Invictus Games Team Australia competitor Squadron Leader Belinda Culley gifts Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex with a personalized jar of vegemite at the Whistler Invictus Village, Canada.

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, is the Patron of the Invictus Games. The Games use the healing power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and celebrate the crucial role played by family and friends. This is the seventh Invictus Games, and represents the second time the event has been hosted in Canada.

Images and information courtesy of Defence