RAEME Association Queensland Inc

Above: Members and guests at the Feb 2026 gathering

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
• When – Sat 13 Jun 26 from 1230h – onwards
• Where – The North Shore Tavern - Sports Bar - 37 Main St, Burdell, QLD 4818 Ph: (07) 4401 5000

RAQ (NQ)’s mid year gathering. Time for those south of the NQ border to book some travel (plane, train or automobile) to escape the cold and embrace the warmth. Let’s enjoy our great NQ weather, surrounded by good mates and social banter, RAEME NQ style.

• RAEME Badge Raffle
• $100 Member Draw
• Bar Snacks 1330h
• RAEME Merchandise will be on sale

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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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.

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Annual subscriber renewals due 30 June 2026

Above: L-R RAQ Members Barry Shipway, Peter Matthews, Tom Cross, Gary Bonner, Michelle Lafferty and Ty Bodle at the Feb 2026 Monthly Meeting.

Annual subscription of the Association runs from 1 July until 30 June each year. Annual subscribers with membership expiring in 2026 will receive a renewal email at the end of this month. Renewing can be done at any time.

Membership is the lifeblood of our association and I encourage you to renew your annual subscription or consider upgrading to our most popular membership, Life Subscription.

To upgrade to Life subscription, Login to the RAQ Website and go to Membership > My Details >My Membership >Annual Subscription >Life Subscription and click on "Upgrade" and follow the prompts. If you have any problems, contact our Membership Officer.

As a reminder all financial subscribers are entitled to:

• Subscription to Spanner News Weekly
• Minimum 10% discount off items purchased from the online shop
• Discount off member events throughout the year
• Access to member only website content
• Lifetime membership of the Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Life Saving Club

100% of all funds go to support the goals of the Association.

Not sure what level of membership you have? CLICK HERE

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From Appy to Major – Reid retires after 32 years of service

Above: L-R CO 11 CSSB LTCOL Will Morrison farewells MAJ Reid Ossington from Army after 32 years service.

After more than three decades of service to the Australian Army, including 15 years in the ARA followed by 17 years as a Reservist, MAJ Reid Ossington officially retired from service at the start of May 2026, closing an important chapter in a long and distinguished RAEME career.

Reflecting on his time in uniform, Reid acknowledged that it was the soldiers and junior officers he served alongside who kept him motivated to continue serving for so many years. 

Throughout his career, Reid expressed deep gratitude for the experiences Army provided and for the many outstanding men and women who helped shape him along the way. He credited the Army with providing the foundations for a successful civilian career and spoke proudly of his journey from Army Apprentice to senior officer.

Of greatest importance, however, was the support of his family. He paid special tribute to his wife Simone, acknowledging the sacrifices she made throughout his service, particularly during long absences, weekends away, and late nights. He also recognised his two sons, who often missed valuable time with their father while he balanced the demands of military service and family life.

Proudly describing himself as both an “appy” and a “bluebell”, Reid reflected fondly on the unique bond shared by Army Apprentices and the lifelong connection to the Corps.

The RAEME family congratulates MAJ Reid Ossington, 49th Intake Apprentice VM, on his outstanding service and wishes him and his family all the very best for the future.

Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence 

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Bulimba Barracks redevelopment moves forward - Brisbane

Above: Aerial view of the old Bulimba Barracks. Image courtesy of Ray White

The former Bulimba Barracks site continues its transformation, with land sales now underway as part of what is being promoted as a premium riverfront residential community only five kilometres from the Brisbane CBD.

Located on a 20.73-hectare Brisbane River frontage site adjacent to HMAS Moreton, the redevelopment will see the historic military precinct converted into a master planned waterfront community featuring residential allotments, parklands, sporting fields, recreation areas, retail amenities, and extensive green space connected to surrounding riverwalks and cycling networks. The development also maintains close proximity to the popular Oxford Street dining and lifestyle precinct and the Apollo Road Ferry Terminal, providing direct ferry access into the Brisbane CBD.

Above: View from 'Barracks Avenue', Image courtesy Bruce Hermann.

A number of residential lots are currently being marketed, with prices ranging from $1.5 million through to $2.5 million. Available allotments for sale ranging from 305sqm to 550sqm. The largest currently advertised site, Lot 76 on Hood Street, offers a 550sqm homesite within the future riverside community.

The redevelopment represents another significant change in Brisbane’s evolving military landscape, with the former barracks site transitioning from Defence use into one of the city’s newest residential precincts. While the area’s future will focus on waterfront living and lifestyle amenity, the site will remain familiar to many current and former Defence members who spent part of their careers associated with Bulimba Barracks and the broader Defence presence in the area.

Image and article adapted courtesy of Ray White