Above:  An International 5 ton, 6x6 GS truck (left) fitted with a Hiab crane, loading a Bell 47 Sioux scout helicopter attached to 161 Independent Reconnaissance Flight onto a Diamond Reo semi trailer at the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat. The helicopter will be transported to the 1st Australian Logistical Support Base at Vung Tau 1971.

AEP Engineering is proud to announce a unique and hands-on initiative that brings together the past, present, and future of military engineering. The Townsville-based company has acquired a 1970 6x6 International ACCO ex-military vehicle and is inviting North Queensland’s veteran and RAEME communities to support its in-house restoration, culminating in a planned appearance in the ANZAC Day Parade in 2026.

This ambitious project is more than just nuts and bolts, it’s about mentorship, tradition, and giving back. At its heart is a vision to engage AEP’s apprentices in meaningful, skills-based learning, while also offering a relaxed and rewarding environment for retired and experienced veterans. the RAEME “Old and Bold” to lend their knowledge, share a yarn, and enjoy a BBQ or two.

A hands-on tribute

Above: Vehicles from several Australian Army units, including armoured, engineer, artillery, and signal squadrons, are secured on HMAS Sydney as she returns from South Vietnam. Visible are International trucks, Land Rovers, M113A1 APCs, and trailers. Recommissioned as a fast troop transport in 1962, Sydney made 24 return trips to Vietnam between 1965 and 1972, carrying troops and equipment. 1971

Originally built for the Australian Defence Force, the rugged International ACCO has spent recent years working as a haulage vehicle on a rural property. Now, it’s getting a second life, restored to full working order and parade-ready condition by the next generation of tradespeople.

The restoration will be carried out at AEP’s Townsville workshop through a series of informal, Saturday morning sessions commencing in Q3 2025. AEP will provide all tools, parts, PPE, and facilities, along with breakfast BBQs and refreshments to keep spirits high.

But it’s not just about the work. It’s about creating a space for meaningful connection: an unofficial RAEME Men’s Shed where experience meets enthusiasm, and every contribution counts.

Call for mentors, mateship, and memories

AEP is extending an open invitation to RAEME Association members and wider veteran community. If you’ve got knowledge to pass on, a soft spot for military vehicles, or just want to be part of something rewarding, this is your chance.

The goals of the project include:

• Provide apprentices with a practical learning platform to develop foundational trade skills in a structured yet informal environment.
• Foster intergenerational knowledge-sharing by inviting participation from retired Corps members ("Old and Bold") to support mentoring.
• Strengthen community ties through a project that honours Australia’s military history.

• Showcase AEP Engineering’s commitment to technical excellence, veteran engagement, and support for the next generation of tradespeople.

Project timeline:

• Start - Q3 2025
• Workshop Sessions - Fortnightly, Saturday mornings (3–4 hours)
• Target Completion - April 2026 – for the ANZAC Day Parade

Whether you’re a spanner-wielding veteran, a lover of old-school Army kit, or someone who values the spirit of RAEME, this project is for you. Your knowledge, humour, and support could make all the difference for the vehicle, and the young tradies learning their craft.

Arte et Marte

To get involved or learn more, please contact:

Mick McMillan
AEP Engineering – Townsville

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Mermaid Beach (AEME) Surf Life Saving Club - Gold Coast

Towards the end of 1945, military servicemen were encouraged to take up all kinds of sport whilst awaiting their discharge from the army. The original members of the club were servicemen of the Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (AEME), stationed at Bulimba workshops, Brisbane.

Permission was granted to them by the Surf Life Saving Association to start a club at what is now known as Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC. The name Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC was gazetted on 11th September 1946. Prior to the naming of Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC the club was known as the AEME Surf Life Saving Club.

More history can be found by clicking on this link. To find out more about the Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC click on the logo above or the link under 'Web Link' at the bottom of the page.

Complimentary Lifetime Membership

RAEME Association Queensland is proud to be associated with the Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC. To honour the traditions of the club, it kindly allows all financial RAQ Queensland Members free Lifetime Membership to the Surf Club. For members to obtain your membership simply download and complete an Application Form and send this to the RAQ Membership email address on the application.

Once approved your membership card can be picked up at the Surf Club.

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Junior officers step into the fight - TS25

Above: LT Eloise Taylor from 9FSB during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.

Lessons taught in the classrooms of the Royal Military College and in the field are being put to good use during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, as Army’s newest junior leaders step up for their first advanced Collective Training experience.

One of these officers is Lieutenant Eloise Taylor from 9th Force Support Battalion, who has joined the simulated fray as part of the Force Support Group (FSG). FSG is keeping Australian personnel on the front line in the fight through the provision of essential supplies and life support.

“During my 12 months at Royal Military College I was drilled on military skills including offensive, defensive and stability operations. This included the conduct of platoon level attacks and ambushes,” Lieutenant Taylor said.

“On Talisman Sabre, I’ve moved behind the scenes and am learning how to plan and execute critical logistics operations, including a FSG transition from the rear area into Shoalwater Bay.”

As a member of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Corps, Lieutenant Taylor is committed to a career-long journey of training and further professional military education under the Army’s Land Domain Training System (LDTS).

“This past year I have really been focusing on operations, but next year I will be a Platoon Leader, which will further develop my command potential,” Lieutenant Taylor said.

“Then in a couple of years, I will tackle the All Corps Captain’s Course and the Intermediate Logistic Officer’s Course, which will further enhance my specialist knowledge.”

“At every stage of my career, I will be exposed to some form of training, which ensures I am always improving and increasing my military knowledge,” she said.

Talisman Sabre is the ultimate test of Army’s integrated training and readiness, and through the support of LDTS is delivering critical learning experiences that reflect the real-world operating environment.

Image and information courtesy of Defence

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Australia delivers M1A1 Abrams tanks gifted to Ukraine

Above: Australian Army M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks, loaded onto a ship in Australia, bound for Ukraine.

On 7 May 2025, the first tranche of Australian Army M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks were loaded onto a commercial vessel in Australia, ready to be delivered to Ukraine. Alongside the vehicles, a number of Australian Army Tank crewmen made the journey to facilitate loading and unloading of the cargo.

Image and information courtesy of Defence

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Brunei armed forces receives courtesy call - Brunei

Above: (L-R) Major General Andrew Freeman and Yang Mulia Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Sharif bin Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim, Acting Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).

On 10 June 2025 – Yang Mulia Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Sharif bin Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim, Acting Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) received a courtesy call from Yang Mulia Major General Andrew Freeman, Head of Australian Army Strategic Engagements, Australian Defence Force (ADF), today. Also in attendance was the Director of Intelligence, Ministry of Defence.

During the call, the Acting Commander of the RBAF sincerely acknowledged the robust and long-standing bilateral defence relations that exist between the RBAF and the ADF. Both sides appreciated the ongoing support and active collaboration, especially in training and professional courses, highlighting their commitment to strengthening the defence partnership.

Major General Andrew Freeman is in Brunei Darussalam from 9 June to 11 June 2025 to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Operation OBOE.

Images and information courtesy of Brunei Defence Force