RAEME Association Queensland Inc

Above: Members and guests at the November 2025 gathering on the Darling Downs.

The RAQ Darling Downs team is excited to announce the first function for 2026! Join us for an afternoon of camaraderie, catching up with mates, and celebrating our proud Corps heritage.

• Event Details – First 2026 Function:
• Date: Sunday, 15 February 2026
• Time: 1200h – 1600h
• Location: Ambrose Deck, Toowoomba City Golf Club
• Special Attraction: RAQ Lucky Door Prizes!

This event is open to anyone who has served in the Corps, and partners are warmly invited to attend. You don’t need to be an RAQ member to come along, so please spread the word to any fellow Spanners who may be interested.

Upcoming RAQ-DD 2026 Dates – Save the Dates:

• 15 February 2026
• 17 May 2026
• 16 August 2026
• 15 November 2026

We look forward to kicking off the year with a strong turnout. Let’s make it a day to reconnect, share stories, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a Corps community.

For further information or inquiries, please contact:
Pete Pile
RAQ-DD Representative
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North Queensland Gathering - Bellevue Hotel Townsville - Sat 21 February 2026

Above: Members and guests at the Decmebr 2025 gathering at the Toiwnsville RSL.

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 – Bellevue Hotel
• When – Sat 21 Feb 26, from 1200h – onwards
• Where – Bellevue Hotel – 117 Allen St, South Townsville QLD 4810
• Bring your family, or a mate to introduce them to the RAQ (NQ) family
• Meat Tray Raffle, $100 Member Draw & Bar Snacks 1330h

Plenty of good company and much more….

Enquires – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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ANZAC Day - Saturday 25 April 2026

Above: RAQ Contingent ANZAC Day 2025 Townsville

ANZAC Day 2026 is only 85 days away!

In 2026, the RAEME Association Queensland will once again commemorate ANZAC Day, with the Association officially represented at parades in Townsville and Brisbane.

This solemn and deeply significant occasion is always well attended, and members are strongly encouraged to take part in a local parade, march, or dawn service wherever they may be. Whether in uniform, with medals, or simply standing in quiet reflection, your presence matters.

In Townsville, members will gather prior to the march at Flynns' Hotel before stepping off under the proud lead of the RAQ Tricolour banner. Following the parade, the Association will reconvene back at Flynn's to continue the tradition of mateship and remembrance.

Above: RAQ Contingent ANZAC Day 2025 Brisbane

In Brisbane, the Association will again assemble in the CBD for the traditional city parade before regrouping afterwards at the Port Office Hotel.

ANZAC Day is a time to remember and honour the sacrifice of all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, and to recognise the contribution and suffering of all who have worn the uniform.

Keep an eye out in Spanner News Weekly or visit the website for further timings and details.

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Birdon to deliver next-generation amphibious vehicles under $125m Defence contract

Above: Amphibious Vehicles – Logistics (AV-L)

Australian-owned maritime engineering company Birdon has secured a $125 million contract to design and build one prototype and 15 Amphibious Vehicles – Logistics (AV-L) for the Australian Army under the Land 8710 Littoral Manoeuvre Program. The new AV-L fleet will replace the Army’s ageing LARC-V, significantly boosting the ADF’s amphibious capability with improved speed, safety, reliability and performance. Birdon CEO Jamie Bruce said the contract strengthens Australia’s sovereign defence capability and highlights Birdon’s leadership in innovative maritime and automotive engineering tailored to Australia’s unique operating environments.

The AV-L integrates cutting-edge land and sea technologies, operating as a deep-sea capable vessel with reliable surf-zone transitions while meeting Australian road safety standards. Designed for harsh conditions, it can withstand prolonged saltwater immersion, extreme heat and humidity, rough surf and varied beach landing zones. Advanced propulsion and steering systems deliver seamless transitions across terrain, enhanced in-water manoeuvrability and rapid rescue capability. With a strong focus on operator safety and modular mission payloads, the AV-L will be built at Birdon’s Port Macquarie shipyard, supporting local jobs and skills development in regional Australia.

Image and information adapted courtesy of Birdon Group