RAEME Association Queensland Inc

The RAQ has introduced a new Welfare Assistance page on our website.

Life during and after Defence service can bring challenges, and it’s important that our members and their families know where to turn for help. The new page provides a central place where members can easily find information and contacts for a range of support services.

The page includes:

• 24/7 crisis contact numbers
• Veteran advocacy and DVA referral links
• Financial and legal assistance contacts
• Bereavement & compassionate help
• Direct links to RAQ Vale and Sick Parade notices

This initiative also delivers on a commitment made in the recently released RAQ Strategic Plan to strengthen member welfare assistance by establishing clear welfare contacts and referral pathways for members and families who may need help.

Whilst the  RAQ is not an Ex-Service Organisation for DVA claims, we are committed to helping members find the right support services when they need them.

If you or a mate are doing it tough, don’t wait. Reach out.

Visit the Welfare & Assistance page here:
www.qld.raeme.org.au/index.php/about-us/welfare-assist

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ANZAC Day 2026 – Townsville Parade and Function update

RAQ members, veterans, those serving and friends in North Queensland are warmly invited to come together in Townsville this ANZAC Day, Saturday 25 April 2026, to honour those who have served and to maintain the strong connection within our Corps community.

The event centres around commemorating ANZAC Day with the parade on The Strand, and a pre and post-march gathering at Flynn’s Irish Bar, providing a place for members, families and supporters to meet before stepping off for the march and again afterwards.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday 25 April 2026
• Time: From 0630 hrs – 1200 hrs
• Location: Flynn’s Irish Bar, Townsville

Program

• 0630 hrs – Doors open at Flynn’s Irish Bar for pre-march gathering
• Approx. 0900 hrs – Strand March
• Post-March – Return to Flynn’s to continue the ANZAC Day gathering

This is an opportunity for members to support the Corps, fellow serving members and veterans, and commemorate ANZAC Day together.

For further information or questions, please contact the North Queensland team:

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
W: www.qld.raeme.org.au

We encourage members across North Queensland to come along and march proudly under the RAEME banner.

Arte et Marte

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New Capability for Army aviation – 16^th Aviation Support Battalion - Townsville

Above: Technicians from 16 Aviation Brigade.

Army aviation is undergoing a significant transformation with the establishment of the 16th Aviation Support Battalion (16 ASB), a new unit designed to centralise aviation maintenance, logistics, refuelling and rearming support across Townsville and Oakey. Raised in response to the introduction of new platforms such as the UH-60M Black Hawk and AH-64E Apache, 16 ASB brings together Army, Air Force, APS and industry expertise to strengthen the sustainment of Australia’s battlefield helicopters.

The battalion represents a major shift in how Army aviation is supported, enabling aviation regiments to focus on operational tasks while deeper maintenance and logistics functions are coordinated through a dedicated support organisation. This article by LTCOL Chris Porada, Commanding Officer 16 ASB, is the first in a series, exploring the new concepts, doctrine and organisational changes shaping the future of Army Aviation support is in the next edition of Maintenance Matters, due out this Sunday, 15 March.

For Maintenance Matters to thrive, we need stories from across the Corps, particularly from serving workshops. To encourage contributions, RAEME Association Queensland is offering a $50 gift voucher for the best published submission in each edition.

Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence

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Run Army - Brisbane and Townsville

Click on the image to view more

Our goal is to deliver a world-class event which results in an unrivalled partnership, demonstrating support for serving members, veterans and the wider community.

Run Army is a great way for people to come together for a fun running event, alongside those who commit their lives to protecting them. It is a chance to say thanks for the job they do, and to show support for their efforts on this one special day of the year, in the lead up to Anzac Day.

We invite the community to join us in recognising the ANZAC spirit and push themselves physically and mentally alongside current serving soldiers, and our First Responders from the Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. Run Army has already raised close to $1 million in support of Legacy, Queensland Police Legacy, The Firefighter Cancer Foundation, QAS Legacy, SES Gift Fund, and The Surf Life Saving Foundation.

Run Army is experiencing significant growth, aiming to increase participation at the Brisbane race, from 8,000 in 2025 to over 15,000 by 2027. On top of the current 5 kilometre and 10 kilometre races, 2026 will see the inclusion of a 2.4 kilometre course and a 15 kilometre Chiefs Challenge.

Run Army supports those who serve and stands united in our commitment to those who stand on the front lines for us every day. 100% of the donations goes directly to charity.

For more information and to register for the event, visit the official Run Army website.

Brisbane

29 March 2026
6:00 am – 10:00 am
South Bank Parklands and Brisbane City, Brisbane

Townsville

19 April 2026
6:00 am – 10:00 am
The Strand and Jezzine Barracks, Townsville

Virtual

19 March – 25 April 2026
Visit Virtual Event – Run Army for information

Image and information,adapted courtesy of Defence