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

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

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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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2024 Craftsman Magazine is out now!

Edition 75 of the Craftsman Magazine is out now and is available to download. The 2024 edition is packed full of Corps happening from across Australia and around the globe:

• HOC Message (outgoing and incumbent)
• Message from Message from the Editor
• 2024 RAEME Corps Conference
• Saint Eligius Trophy
• LAND8116 Phase 1 AS9 & AS10 ‘Huntsman’ Maintenance Demonstration
• McLaren Racing Internship
• Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) – Fiji
• Philippines 2023 and Exercise IPE 2024 Look ahead
• Unit jottings:
  • 35 WTS LCM8 Section jottings
  • 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment QMI
  • 5th Aviation Regiment TST
  • 7th Signal Regiment Workshops
  • 9th Theatre Maintenance Company
  • South East Queensland RAEME Birthday – 7 CSSB
• and much more...

Congratulations and well done to the editor WO1 Dave Clarke for putting together over 200 pages of great Corps reading.

Anyone who has ever been involved in putting together newsletters and media articles will know how much work is involved and to put together this much content is a huge undertaking, on behalf of the RAQ well done Dave!

This and all editions are available for download from the RNN website on the Craftsman Magazine Page, click here or on the image above.

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AH-64E Apache Fuselage Signing - Arizona

Above: Head of Joint Aviation Systems Division, Major General Jeremy King. Fuselage Signing Ceremony, Mesa, Arizona. Click on the image to view more.

Defence is acquiring a fleet of 29 AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters through a Foreign Military Sales case with the United States as part of the Project Land 4503 Apache Attack Helicopter. The AH-64E Apache will replace the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, bringing significant capability improvements that will enhance the lethality and tempo of land and amphibious force manoeuvres. AH-64E Apache deliveries to Australia are expected to commence in late 2025. 

Images and original information adapted courtesy of Defence

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Fed Star honours 52 years of service - WO1 Russell Cliffe - Canberra

Above: WO1 Russell Cliffe receives the Federation Star from Head of Land Capability Major General Richard Vagg at Russell Offices. Photos: Corporal Luke Bellman

After more than five decades of dedicated service to Army maintenance and logistics, Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Russell Cliffe has hung up his tools. Starting his journey as a 15-year-old apprentice vehicle mechanic (28th Intake) in 1973, WO1 Cliffe’s career has spanned 52 years, including deployments to Cambodia with the United Nations and a long-standing role guiding the Army’s integrated logistics information system. Known across the service for his expertise and problem-solving skills, his contribution was recognised with the award of the Federation Star at a ceremony in Canberra on 23 June.

Raised in Barcaldine, Queensland, WO1 Cliffe was inspired to enlist after learning about the Army apprenticeship program. He trained under Vietnam veterans at Balcombe and built lifelong friendships along the way. Reflecting on his career, he said, “I’ve got a lot of enjoyment out of the various postings and positions I’ve held. The Army has given me such a great life.” Now working from home and based in Gladstone, he looks forward to staying active in his community and travelling to visit family—with no regrets and plenty of memories from a life of service.

Image and original information adapted courtesy of Defence

Editor's note. On behalf of the RAQ, congratulations Russell on this remarkable achievement.