The RAEME Association Queensland Inc (RAQ) is dedicated to helping our serving, ex-serving and retired RAEME members and their families. Service in the Australian Defence Force brings unique pressures and challenges, both during service and long after discharge.
Whether you’re dealing with transition, injury, mental health concerns, family stress, financial hardship, or loss, RAQ can help connect you with Defence-specific services that understand military life. With a network of active members across the state, we can provide camaraderie, peer support and a listening ear.
While RAQ is not an Ex-Service Organisation (ESO) for the purposes of formal veteran repatriation or claims representation, there are many excellent organisations available that are authorised and experienced in this area. The information below will assist members and families find the right organisation.
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.
Bereavement & compassionate help
RAQ is here for members and families during illness and following the loss of a loved one. We have a broad contact network to assist with Vale and Sick Parade notifications and memorial notices.
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: Barry Shipway
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
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
