RAQ Sunshine Coast Luncheon 2020

You are invited to attend the RAEME Association – Queensland (RAQ), Sunshine Coast Chapter, Annual Luncheon to be held at the Maroochy RSL on Saturday 12 September 2020.  The invitation is extended to all current and past members of RAEME, and friends of RAEME, who live on the Sunshine Coast/Wide Bay area, or the surrounding region, including Brisbane.  Visitors to the area at the time are also welcome.

As previous attendees will be aware, the prime purpose of the gathering is to provide an opportunity for those of us who live in the wonderful Sunshine Coast region to renew old friendships and meet newly retired ‘Bluebells’ who may have moved to SE QLD.  The luncheon this year is of particular importance as it will provide most, if not all attendees the opportunity, after many months, to collectively celebrate surviving the COVID 19 pandemic and the easing of social restrictions. Everything is on track, including acceptances - we still have about 30 seats to fill - so get in soon to avoid disappointment.

The staff of the Maroochy RSL have not only considered in detail our lunch setting  the first class meal and everyone’s personal needs on the day, but are also ensuring we have a safe and COVID free day. In particular, they have provided the following advice, and we will be ensuring that you are directed safely to the lunch rooms on the First Floor, the reception desk and to your table. We will also give you an “Admin Brief” to make sure you rae settled properly.

Sadly, we advise that our intended guest speaker, LTCOL Lingo isn’t going to be available for the lunch. Colin has been deployed at short notice to Victoria with 125 pers from 7 CSSB to support the COVID outbreak containment measures. This is Colin’s second deployment this year, as he was deployed to VIC/NSW in early 2020, to support the bushfire fight. He has been a busy man and we are sorry he can’t be with us as he would have a lot of interesting stories to tell about bushfire recovery and COVID support.

The good news is we have a very good replacement speaker, who has generously volunteered his time to address us. Mr Geoff Gillespie, the Chief Operating Officer of Raytheon Australia, has agreed to speak to us about "Defence and Industry - A Perspective". He has an interesting background and will draw much empathy from the Appys in the audience.

Our Colonel Commandant, Queensland, Colonel Steve Evans (Retd), will be our host and once again BRIG Ross Grant (Retd) will be our MC.

Lunch Details. Important details to remember include the following:

• Venue – Room M4 Maroochy RSL, corner Memorial and First Avenues, Maroochydore.
• Timings – 1200 for 1230 hours on Saturday 12 September 2020.
• Cost - Members and up to one Member Guest $43 Each. All other Guests $48. 
• Dress – Neat casual.
• Menu –  Three Course Meal, with Tea/Coffee. Meals will be served as ‘alternate drop’ ( Details in the file below). Please let us know of any special dietary needs.
• Drinks – The bar opens at 1200 hours and drinks can be purchased at your own expense.
• Parking - Free parking is available in the multi floor car park directly opposite the RSL. Before departing, and to ensure easy exit from the carpark, please advise the attendant at the front desk in the Club foyer of your vehicle registration number to facilitate egress.

Reserve a Seat(s).  Click on the "Register" Button above to book.

The following COVID restrictions will apply during the lunch:

• Tables will be limited to a maximum of six guests.
• All guests will be required to sign in on arrival at the function room and out when departing.
• social distancing of 1.5 m between guests is to be maintained when queuing at the entrance to the function, the bar or toilets.
• sanitizer machines will  be available for use around the club.

Notwithstanding, we encourage you to make up a table of friends and enjoy the day within the ‘social distancing’ rules.  If you do wish to request specific seating, or arrange that table of friends, please email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you have any difficulties booking or paying on the website, please email the Webmaster at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you can’t use the website to book then please contact our Treasurer, Steve Howells, at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Whichever way you wish to secure your booking(s) for the lunch, they need to be made and paid for by COB 03 September 2020 as we need to confirm numbers with the venue management.

*We cannot guarantee the guest speaker attendance due to Defence operational requirements

Joining the RAQ

If you'd like to join and save on your ticket price, Membership is available from $10 Annual Subscription to $100 for a once off Life Subscription. Joining is easy and can be done online. Click on the Membership tab for all the details