RAEME Association Queensland Inc

Above: ANZAC Day form up in Brisbane. Our Contingent Commander was RAQ Patron COL (RTD) Tony Borg. The Brisbane Parade is available to watch on ABC iview. RAEME starts at the 1:32:32 mark. CLICK HERE

ANZAC Day 2026 was marked with strong participation and enduring spirit across both Brisbane and Townsville, with well over  300 members, families, and supporters turning out to honour the service and sacrifice of our ANZACs. Despite wet conditions in Brisbane, a large and proud contingent took part in the parade, demonstrating the resilience and commitment that defines our community. In Townsville, members assembled early at Flynn’s Irish Bar early before stepping off for the Strand march later in the morning. The event was open to veterans, currently serving members, families, and supporters, and once again the attendance reflected the strength of the RAEME network across Queensland.

Above: ANZAC Day Parade in Townsville lead by WO2 Jason Ballard. The Townsville Parade is available to watch on Youtube, with RAEME starting at the 31:27 mark. CLICK HERE

We extend our sincere thanks to the On Job Trainees (OJTs) in both Townsville and Brisbane for honouring the Association and escorting our banners on parade. The OJTs carried the banners with pride throughout the marches and all the way back to each venue, ensuring they were given pride of place during the post-march gatherings, an effort that did not go unnoticed and was greatly appreciated by all in attendance.

Above: A surprise visit from the Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band at the Brisbane function.

Post-march, members regrouped at Flynn’s Irish Bar in Townsville and at the Port Office Hotel in Brisbane, where camaraderie continued well into the afternoon. The Brisbane gathering was made even more memorable with a surprise visit from the Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band, who delivered a number of well-loved tunes to the delight of all in attendance.

Above: RAQ Deputy Chair Paul Gibbs presents POH Functions Manager Ellie a token of appreciation of a somewhat large bear and some RAEME themed baby clothes. And yes that is Mick Patman behind the bear!

During the Brisbane function, the Association also took the opportunity to farewell Ellie, Functions Manager across the Port Office Hotel group and a long-time supporter, who chose to spend her final day before commencing maternity leave supporting RAQ on ANZAC Day. Ellie was presented with a small token of appreciation, along with best wishes for the arrival of her baby. Rumour has it that if it’s a boy, the name ‘Harry’ may be in the running.

Above: RAQ Members Mick Harris, Doug Merry, Ian Joyce, Brian Robb and Tank Pontifex at Flynns Irish Bar.

The Association acknowledges and thanks the many committee members and volunteers whose efforts ensured the success of the day. Special appreciation is also extended to the staff at Flynn’s Irish Bar and the Port Office Hotel for their continued support and hospitality, which helped make the day both meaningful and memorable.

ANZAC Day remains a time for reflection, remembrance, and connection across generations.

All the photos of the day are available in our Media Gallery.

Arte et Marte

Lest We Forget

RAEME National Network - Maintenance Matters

Hello All,

Edition 03 of RAEME's Newsletter, Maintenance Matters, can now be downloaded or read online:

• Downloadable PDF
• Heyzine Flipbook

Best Submission Winner: The winner of the $50 voucher for the best member submission this month is CAPT William Crain, 16 ASB. Lodge your submission to be in the running for next edition.

To submit an article for future editions, visit here.

Future Editions will include a new series in which we will celebrate the continued service of members after their discharge. If you wish to nominate someone who has gone Above and Beyond to serve the Corps or their communities, you may nominate them at the same link as above. Look for the special template when you get there. 

My sincere thanks go to all Associations and members who contributed material for this edition and those who are preparing submissions for future editions.

Arte et Marte,

Ian Cook

Managing Editorial Team
Maintenance Matters
RAEME's Newsletter