RAEME Association Queensland Inc

Above: L-R  Jason Ballard presented his award by RAQ Chair Peter Matthews

Tickets are now available to celebrate at the RAEME All Ranks 83nd Corps Birthday Luncheon.

The Association proudly recognised Jason Ballard with the inaugural Raymond G. Norman OAM Chairman’s Award during the recent NQ gathering held in Townsville on Saturday, 6 December 2025. This newly updated award honours the legacy of Major Raymond G Norman OAM, a former Logistics Command and Corps RSM and long-serving Chairman of the Association whose decades of service and commitment set a benchmark for all who follow. 

In presenting the award, the Chairman commended Jason for his volunteer service as the North Queensland Committee representative and RAQ Merchandise Coordinator.

His award citation reads: “In recognition of your outstanding volunteer service supporting the North Queensland Committee and RAQ Merchandise Representative for the region. Your dedication, reliability, and genuine care for our members exemplify the very best of our Corps and our Association.”

The RAQ congratulates Jason on this well-deserved honour and thanks him for his ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening the RAEME community across North Queensland.

Arte et Marte

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RAEME Birthday - All Ranks Luncheon 30 November 2025 - Brisbane

Above: Members and guests enjoy the All Ranks Luncheon.

The RAEME Association Queensland celebrated another outstanding year at the annual All Ranks Luncheon, held at the Port Office Hotel on Sunday 30 November 2025. More than 65 members, partners and guests gathered for a relaxed afternoon that began with pre-luncheon drinks before everyone was seated for formal proceedings. MC for the event, Deputy Chairman Paul Gibbs, opened the program with housekeeping and acknowledgements, welcoming Representative Colonel Commandant BRIG Ed Smeaton, Colonel Commandant Queensland COL Piers Cambridge, Patron COL (Rtd) Tony Borg, guest speakers LT Raffaella Puli and WO1 Marc Craigie, and members from across Queensland. The luncheon once again showcased the strong spirit that characterises the Corps community.

 

Above: Top to Bottom, LT Rafa Puli and WO1 Marc Craigie

Guests were treated to two exceptional speaker presentations, each reflecting the depth of experience and future leadership within RAEME. Lieutenant Raffaella Puli delivered the first address, sharing her journey from ADFA to RMC and into her current role as the EIR Platoon Commander at 7 CSSB. A talented engineer and passionate leader, LT Puli highlighted her operational engagement tours and her commitment to developing as a RAEME officer.

Above: Members and guests enjoy the All Ranks Luncheon.

Later in the afternoon, attendees heard from WO1 Marc Craigie, recently appointed ASM-Land after a distinguished 35-year career. His address offered reflections on his last twelve months on secondment with BHP, lessons learned and insights into the evolution of RAEME capability. Both speakers resonated strongly with the audience and I thank them both for their inspirational presentations and spending the afternoon with us celebrating our Corps Birthday.

Above: L-R Brian Daley OAM is presented his Honorary Life Member Award by RAQ Patron COL (RTD) Tony Borg and RAQ Chairman Pete Matthews.

One of the special moments of the event was the presentation of an Honorary Life Member Award to long-serving member Brian Daley. Member number 40, Brian has contributed more than two decades of loyal service to the Association and remains an enduring part of our history and identity. Congratulations Brian!

Above: Members and guests enjoy the All Ranks Luncheon.

The luncheon also provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of 2025, and I was able to acknowledge the many volunteers who have strengthened the RAEME community throughout the year. I acknowledged the appointment of BRIG Gabrielle Follett AM as Head of Corps, welcomed COL Piers Cambridge as the new Colonel Commandant Queensland, and thanked COL (Rtd) Steve Evans for his ongoing leadership in his new role as RAEME National Network Coordinator. We continue to see an expansion of membership, the success of the Women in RAEME program, the dedication of regional teams, and the incredible milestone of 4,891 Spanner Packs distributed worldwide on behalf of all RAEME Associations.

The afternoon concluded with toasts, cake-cutting by LT Puli and WO1 Craigie and closing remarks. Thank you to everyone who attended and to everyone who has contributed to the success of the Association over the past twelve months.

We have a heap of photos in the Photo Gallery.

Arte et Marte

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North Queensland Celebrates RAEME Birthday and Honours outstanding tradespeople

Above: 3 CSSB V 3 RAR in Tug of War

The North Queensland RAEME community came together on Friday, 28 November 2025, to celebrate the Corps’ 83rd birthday with a well-attended event hosted by the 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion (3 CSSB). The afternoon recognised excellence across the region, with presentations to the RAEME Craftsman of the Year nominees, the Regional Winner, and members of the victorious 3rd Brigade St Eligius Trophy team. All award recipients received a selection of RAEME Association Queensland merchandise, generously donated by RAQ, including caps, hats, stubby coolers, ties, and water bottles.

 

Above: 1 RAR Mini carts

As is tradition, the day also featured the much-anticipated RAEME Birthday sports. The cart race and tug of war were both hotly contested, drawing plenty of enthusiasm, healthy rivalry and good humour from units across the region.

 

Above: L-R 102 Croc with ASM 3 RAR - Maggs and 3 BDE ASM - Nino

The North Queensland RAEME Craftsman of the Year Regional Winner for 2025 was announced as Craftsman Alex Robertson from 10 FSB, a well-deserved recognition of his commitment, professionalism and technical mastery. This year’s Regional COTY nominees represented a broad cross-section of units across 3rd Brigade and supporting organisations:

• CFN M Greet – 3 RAR
• CFN A Robertson – 10 FSB
• CFN C Fisher – AST-MW
• CFN J Hartshorn – 2 CAV
• CFN J Ferguson – 3 CSSB

Above: The winning team with HOC BRIG Gabrielle Follett in Wodonga

The celebrations also acknowledged the 3rd Brigade St Eligius Trophy winning team, whose strong performance this year highlighted the depth of RAEME talent across the brigade. The team comprised:

• LT Zach Johnson – 1 RAR (OIC/Team Manager)
• CFN Samuel Watson – 2 CAV (ECN 229)
• CFN Angus Frost – 3 CER (ECN 146)
• CPL Mitchell Reid – 3 CSSB (ECN 421)
• CFN Zac Walder – 3 CSSB (ECN 226)
• CFN William Ginn – 3 CSSB (ECN 418)
• CFN Tyler Fuller – 3 CSSB (ECN 235)

Above: RAQ NQ Committee members Brian Robb, Jase Ballard and Tank Pontifex enjoying the day!

The event was a fitting celebration of RAEME’s history and the outstanding tradespeople who continue to uphold the Esprit de Corps,

Arte et Marte