An invitation is extended to all RAQ, current and former RAEME members and all friends of the Corps to attend a RAQ (NQ) get together.
- What – RAQ (NQ) Gathering – The Fairfield Hotel
(re-named and re-furbished Oonoonba Hotel)- When – Sat 19 Sep 26 from 1230h – onwards
- Where – The Fairfield Hotel – 78 Abbott St, Oonoonba, Townsville, QLD 4811
Ph: (07) 4778 3573- Why – September is the showcase month for NQ weather. Sunny QLD beautiful one day, perfect the next. Do yourself and the family a favour and book the flight, road trip or cruise and get to Townsville to enjoy the new refurbishment of one of Townsville’s oldest pubs. Good friends, good banter and good food makes for a great afternoon NQ style. Arte et Marte.
Bring your family, or a mate to introduce them to the RAQ (NQ) family
- Raffles
- $100 Member Draws
- Bar Snacks 1330h
Plenty of good company and much more....
Enquiries –
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Early Announcement - 2026 Annual All Ranks Luncheon - Brisbane
Above: Members and guests at the 2025 Luncheon
An invitation is extended to all current and former members of RAEME, together with partners, families and friends of the Corps, to attend the RAEME Association Queensland Annual All Ranks Luncheon at Brisbane’s iconic Port Office Hotel.
This year, we will celebrate the 84th anniversary of the establishment of the Corps of RAEME. The luncheon provides a wonderful opportunity to recognise the Corps’ achievements, renew old friendships and enjoy the comradeship that continues to unite the wider RAEME family.
- Date: Sunday 29 November 2026
- Venue: Port Office Dining Room, Port Office Hotel, corner of Edward and Margaret Streets, Brisbane CBD
- Timings: Pre-luncheon gathering from 11.30 am; luncheon commences at 12.30 pm and concludes at 5.00 pm
- Meal: Entrée, main course, anniversary cake, tea and coffee
- Drinks: Details to be advised
- Dress: Smart casual
Ticketing information will be released shortly. RAQ members will receive a discount on each ticket purchased for the event. If you would like to join the Association and purchase tickets at the members’ price, click here to learn more about RAQ membership.
Please keep an eye on upcoming editions of Spanner News Weekly and the RAQ website for the confirmed date and booking details.
We look forward to celebrating RAEME’s 84th birthday with you.
The Latest Craftsman magazine is Out!
The latest edition of The Craftsman – 2025 Volume 76 is now available online. The annual RAEME journal once again provides a great snapshot of our Corps, capturing the achievements, innovation, operations, people and activities that continue to shape RAEME and preserve our history for future generations.
There is plenty to read across the 114-page edition. Here are a few articles worth a look:
- 16 Aviation Support Battalion – Raising Endurance (p.33) – An insight into the raising of 16 ASB in Townsville and Oakey and its role supporting Army Aviation’s rapidly modernising Black Hawk, Apache and Chinook capabilities.
- AI in the Workshop: Enabling RAEME to Do More with Less (p.40) – SGT Michael Newman explores how artificial intelligence could assist RAEME technicians with fault finding, administration, planning and maintenance support while complementing, rather than replacing, technical expertise.
- Forging the Future: RAEME’s Role in Army’s New 10th Brigade (p.42) – A look at the challenges and opportunities for RAEME as 10th Brigade develops its long-range fires and integrated air and missile defence capabilities, including HIMARS and NASAMS.
- Matt Stone Racing (p.51) – The RAEME–Matt Stone Racing partnership continued to grow throughout 2025, with more than 20 technicians gaining experience in the high-pressure Supercars environment and three Vehicle Technicians joining the team for the Bathurst 1000.
- OP KUDU Maintenance Concepts and Observations (p.52) – WO2 Scott Skinner provides a fascinating look at maintenance support to Ukraine, including battlefield repair, maintainer training and the lessons emerging from sustaining complex equipment during conflict.
- RAEME Association of Queensland (p.103) – Our own contribution to The Craftsman looks back on another busy year for the Association, including the All Ranks Luncheon, our guest speakers, the presentation of Honorary Life Membership to Brian Daley and the continuing strength of the Queensland RAEME community.
These are just a small selection of the stories contained in Volume 76, with plenty more covering Corps activities, operations, unit jottings, awards, RAEME Birthday celebrations, Associations and Vales.
Read The Craftsman Magazine – Volume 76 here
Arte et Marte
2026 Craftsman Port & Single Malt Whiskey
We are pleased to announce the official launch of this year’s RAEME Craftsman Port (Tawny).
In recognition of significant milestones within the Army and the Corps, Army Headquarters (AHQ) is proud to sponsor this year’s release. In collaboration with Chief’s Son Distillery, the 2026 Craftsman Series includes both a Port (Tawny) and a Single Malt Whisky, produced by a proudly Australian, veteran-owned business.
The RAEME 2026 Craftsman Release honours significant milestones in the proud history of both the Australian Army and the Corps. The year marks the 125th anniversary of the Australian Army, the 84th anniversary of the Corps, and the 40th anniversary of the Prince Philip Banner. This commemorative release recognises these important milestones and pays tribute to the dedication, service, and enduring legacy of RAEME soldiers—past and present.
Product Details
- 700ml Craftsman Port (Tawny) – $60.00
- 700ml Single Malt Whisky – $87.00
- Postage – $19 (up to 6 bottles)
PLEASE NOTE – Max purchase of 6 bottles per order, in any combination.
Delivery will occur in batches throughout 2026.
How to Order
To place an order, please scan the QR code on the attached flyer or click on this link
All orders will be delivered directly to your door.
Orders are now open, with final orders closing on 30 September 2026.
This release provides a unique opportunity to secure a high-quality commemorative product while supporting a veteran-owned Australian distillery and celebrating the enduring heritage of the Corps.
Independent inquiry into military sexual violence
The Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission will lead an independent inquiry into military sexual violence within the Australian Defence Force. Established in response to a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, the inquiry will be led by Deputy Commissioner Natasha Stott Despoja AC and will examine how the ADF prevents, manages and responds to sexual violence.
The inquiry will assess the implementation of Royal Commission recommendations 14 to 24 and examine prevention, early intervention, reporting, support services, institutional responses, justice processes and terminology. Its work will seek to improve protections and support for victim-survivors, strengthen accountability, identify gaps in existing systems and recommend the cultural and workplace reforms necessary to prevent sexual violence.
The inquiry is expected to formally commence in late 2026 and report by the end of 2027, with its final report to be tabled in Parliament and published. An advisory group of serving and ex-serving ADF members with lived experience will help guide the inquiry, although it will not investigate individual cases or operate as a complaints body. Further information, mailing-list registration and support resources are available from the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission.
Exercise Coolshot 2026 - Mt Hotham
Above: Soldiers from the Army Nordic Skiing & Biathlon Association participate in a race during Exercise Coolshot 26 conducted at Mt. Hotham, Victoria
Defence personnel took to the snow at Mt Hotham during Exercise Cool Shot, learning and competing in Nordic biathlon events that combined cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. The annual tri- service exercise brought together members from Army, Navy and Air Force in a unique test of physical and mental endurance.
Article adapted courtesy of information and photographs supplied by Defence
RAEME Association Queensland Inc
RAQ (NQ) Gathering – The Fairfield - Saturday 19 September 2026
