The RAEME Association Queensland and the North Queensland RAEME Association have a rich history of honouring the traditions and achievements of the Corps. To ensure this proud legacy is preserved for future generations, we are calling on members, past and present, to assist in maintaining and enriching our historical records and memorabilia.
The history of RAEME is not just about equipment and technical excellence, it’s about the people, their service, and the enduring camaraderie forged over decades. Preserving this history is vital to understanding and celebrating the contributions of RAEME to the Australian Army and our nation.
We are initially seeking to document the formation of both entities. So, if you have photographs, documents or personal stories that showcase this, your material and personal stories will help keep our history alive.
If you would like to assist or contribute, please contact Peter Matthews via
RNN Operation Spanner Pack - The legacy and the future
Above: Contents of Spanner Packs recently despatch to our soldiers overseas on operations.
2024 has been a year marked by challenges and change, particularly with the sad passing of Raymond Norman, who dedicated over a decade to managing the Operation Spanner Pack initiative. Ray’s commitment to supporting RAEME members deployed overseas left an indelible legacy, and his contributions will not be forgotten.
As the new Coordinator of Operation Spanner Pack MAJ (retd) Tom Cross, has the privilege of stepping into a role shaped by Ray’s dedication. In late November Tom dispatched Spanner Packs to RAEME members deployed on Operation MAZURKA and in Pakistan. These packs serve as a reminder to our deployed personnel that their service is valued and appreciated.
To date, Operation Spanner Pack, which the RAQ manages on behalf of the RAEME National Network (RNN) has dispatched approximately 4,851 packs, equating to around 10,000 kilograms of goods. These have reached RAEME members serving in Kuwait, the Middle East, Pakistan, Sinai, Iraq, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Timor, and other locations, including embedded personnel. This milestone underscores the initiative’s enduring impact.
Looking ahead, Tom will be taking some time over the break to update and enhance the webpage, implementing a regular communication plan to enhance the dissemination of information about Operation Spanner Pack. The proposal includes sharing the process for requesting packs with the relevant Brigades and Headquarters at the start of the new year. This timing will ensure incoming representatives are well-informed and equipped to support their teams.
No additional requests for Spanner Packs have been received at this time, but we remain committed to meeting the needs of our deployed personnel. If you know of someone currently serving overseas who would benefit from a Spanner Pack, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Also, if you have recently received a Spanner Pack, we'd love to hear from you and share your journey.
You can contact Tom at our new email address
Editor's Note: I want to thank Tom for taking up the Spanner Pack role supported by his wife Georgie. It has been a challenging year and their efforts should be commended. Thankyou.
Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC - Gold Coast
No doubt there will be a number of members and guests from around the country visiting the Gold Coast over the holidays. Why not drop in to the Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC. It's a great place to relax, enjoy a meal and a drink and reflect on their Association with Corps since WWII.
The RAEME Association Queensland is proud to be associated with the Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC. To honour the traditions of the club, it kindly allows all financial RAQ Queensland Members free Lifetime Membership to the Surf Club. For members to obtain your membership simply download and complete an Application Form and send this to the RAQ Membership email address on the application.
The address of the club is:
- 172 Hedges Avenue
- Mermaid Beach Qld 4218
They are open for Breakfast lunch and Dinner, visit their webpage for more information.
Once approved your membership card can be picked up at the Surf Club (Kingsley advises me that some cards have also been posted out. Members will need to confirm with the Club otherwise they will need to be collected).
Indo Pacific Endeavour HMAS Adelaide returns to Townsville
Above: A M113AS4 from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment disembarks HMAS Adelaide during the conclusion of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024 at the Townsville Port, Queensland.
Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) is Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity. It demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, founded on openness, respect for sovereignty and adherence to agreed rules and norms. The activity strengthens regional relationships and builds whole-of-government partnerships that are of, with and for the region.
Above: (L-R) PTE Vivian Lam, CFN Vincent Felton, SPR Kieran Rowe and LTCOL Matthew Sherry on the flight deck of HMAS Adelaide during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024.
During IPE24, Defence and other government agencies will conduct activities with 14 host nations across Southeast Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean. Activities include military exercises and training, maritime law, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and Gender, Peace and Security (GPS) workshops, as well as sporting and cultural events.
Image and information courtesy of Defence
