On Wednesday 24 June 2026, Barry & Kay Skinner attended the interment of the ashes of Brigadier Herbert “Bert” Barker and his wife, Nona, at the Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens, within the RSL section.
The gathering was a small and respectful occasion, attended by Bert and Nona’s daughters, Liz and Sue, their grandson James, who had travelled from Melbourne, and several friends from their local church community at Benora.
Brigadier Barker was a much-respected member of the RAEME family and one of the original members of the Corps. Having joined the Army in 1941, he was commissioned in June 1942 and transferred to the newly formed AEME Corps on 1 December 1942. His long and distinguished service included wartime service in New Britain, command and training appointments, service as CO and Chief Instructor of the RAEME Training Centre, and later appointment as Chief Superintendent Army Design Establishment. He retired from the Army in 1974 after more than 33 years’ service.
Bert remained closely connected to the Corps and the RAEME Association Queensland in later life, regularly attending RAQ activities and lunches. His contribution to the Corps and the Association was recognised through the presentation of the RAQ Chairman’s Award and by his appointment as an RAQ Honorary Life Member.
Bert married Nona in 1944, and together they shared a long life centred on family, faith, service and community. It was fitting that Bert and Nona were laid to rest together in such a peaceful setting. The service provided an opportunity for family and friends to pause, reflect, and honour two lives well lived. Their shared memorial now stands as a lasting tribute to their love of family, faith and community.
May Bert and Nona both rest in peace.
From Classroom to Crankshafts – Townsville
Above: LT Zane Teh, a Learning Engineering Officer (LEO) with 16th Aviation Support Battalion, manages the technical requirements of battlefield helicopter servicing and repair.
Lieutenant Zane Teh’s pathway into the military started while he was still studying at university. Financial support provided through the Defence University Sponsorship program went towards completing a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Now a Learning Engineering Officer (LEO) with 16th Aviation Support Battalion at RAAF Base Townsville, he works with a skilled team of technicians servicing rotary-wing platforms like the CH-47F Chinook.
Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence
Diamond Dagger 2026 - SWBTA
Above: Army personnel from Brisbane’s 7th Brigade conducted Exercise Diamond Dagger at Shoalwater Bay Training Area from May to June 2026, building warfighting readiness through combined arms live-fire training. Imagery includes M777A2 howitzers firing, combat engineers breaching battlefield obstacles, complex live-fire serials, drone footage of manoeuvre training, and Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles conducting mounted live-fire activities.
Army personnel from Brisbane’s 7th Brigade conducted Exercise Diamond Dagger from May to June 2026 at Shoalwater Bay Training Area. The live fire exercise developed 7th Brigade’s warfighting readiness in a combined arms setting and met key training milestones.
Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence
Northern Territory News - Darwin
Beer Can Regatta Run and Won - 1CER
Another iconic Territory tradition, proudly delivered by the incredible Lions Clubs.
The Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta has been part of Northern Territory life since 1974, when it began as a creative way to help clean up beer can litter around Darwin. Since then, it has grown into one of the Top End’s most recognisable community events, bringing together humour, ingenuity, teamwork and a fair bit of friendly rivalry on the sands of Mindil Beach.
Now in its 52nd year, the Regatta continues to showcase homemade boats, community spirit and classic Territory character, all while raising funds for community groups.
Congratulations to 1st Combat Engineer Regiment Workshops on taking out this year’s Battle for Mindil at the 52nd Beer Can Regatta.
The images show members of 1st Combat Engineer Regiment Workshops proudly representing the Corps at Mindil Beach, alongside their beer-can craft and supporters following a successful day of competition.
A fantastic effort by the team and a great example of Corps spirit, teamwork and ingenuity on display.
More information on the Beer Can Regatta is available here: https://beercanregatta.org.au/
Crafty makes material change - 1 CSSB
Above: L-R ASM 1 CSSB WO1 Roshan Haverfield, CFN Michael Chan and LT McCoy Harper-Zerna
Recently 1 CSSB farewelled CFN Michael Chan as he embarks on an exciting new chapter in his Army career.
CFN Chan is returning to ASEME to undertake training to move from his current trade as Weapon Technician to become a Material Technician, taking on a new challenge and expanding his skills within the Corps.
Army offers countless opportunities to develop, grow and explore new career pathways. Whether it’s mastering your current trade or taking the leap into something new, there are always opportunities to challenge yourself and continue progressing.
The team at 1 CSSB thanks CFN Chan for his contribution to the Battalion and wishes him every success with his training and future career. Good luck!
Images and article adapted courtesy of Facebook & Defence
