The RAEME Association congratulates several outstanding members of the Corps recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List. These awards reflect the professionalism, leadership and service ethic that define RAEME.
Above: L-R LTCOL Robert Cramp (Retd) OAM, COL Lauren Wright CSC & LTCOL Christopher Dent CSM
LTCOL Robert James Cramp (Retd) OAM – Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the sport of shooting and the community, continuing his contribution well beyond Army service.
COL Lauren Elizabeth Wright CSC – Recognised with the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding devotion to duty as Project Director of the LAND 1508 Greyfin Program and across Land Systems Division.
LTCOL Christopher Paul Dent CSM – Awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal for meritorious achievement as Australian Army Liaison Officer to the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force.
Above: L-R LTCOL Julian Fleming CSM, LTCOL Shandelle Welbourn CSM & WO2 Corey Rocca CSM.
LTCOL Julian David Fleming CSM – Recognised for meritorious devotion to duty as Commanding Officer, 9th Force Support Battalion.
LTCOL Shandelle Nicole Welbourn CSM – Awarded for meritorious achievement delivering rapid capability through the Army Minors Program.
WO2 Corey James Rocca CSM – Recognised for developing equipment viability and maintenance processes supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Europe.
The Association congratulates all recipients on these well-deserved honours.
Full details of the Award recipients and citations are in the upcoming first edition of Maintenance Matters.
Arte et Marte
Evolving our communications - From Friday Files to Spanner News Weekly and beyond
Friday Files has now transitioned to Spanner News Weekly, with the first edition commencing today. Spanner News Weekly will place a stronger emphasis on Queensland-based and locally relevant issues, ensuring members remain informed about state and community activities, events, and initiatives.
Our communications and publications continue to be a key part of member engagement and connection across Queensland and beyond. Over many years, these platforms have informed members and shared the work and achievements of RAEME craftsmen and women, helping to maintain Corps history and identity.
I thank BRIG (Rtd) Ross Grant AM for more than two decades of service as Editor of Spanner News. During his tenure, Spanner News provided a consistent and reliable means of communication, connecting RAEME personnel and veterans through stories of service and Corps life. Building on earlier publications such as Friday Files, Spanner News adapted over time while remaining focused on its core purpose.
The year 2025 marked the final chapter of Spanner News in its existing format, closing an important period in the Association’s communications history. The publication leaves a legacy that will continue to inform future approaches to member communication.
Looking ahead to 2026, RAEME Association Queensland will contribute to a national RAEME publication — Maintenance Matters — led by Ian Cook (ACT). This initiative will bring together contributions from every state and territory under a single Corps-wide newsletter, supporting national information sharing and awareness of RAEME activities.
This transition represents a positive step in how we communicate and coordinate across the Corps. By combining a national publication with a Queensland-focused Spanner News Weekly, we aim to keep members informed, connected, and engaged at both local and national levels. Look out for the first edition and learn how you can contribute articles using the templates available and easy access to the Maintenance Matters portal.
You can help!
Members are encouraged to contribute articles to Maintenance Matters with unit updates, Association and member news, or lighter content via the RAEME website submission portal, which includes templates and guidance.
Volunteers are also sought to join the Editorial Team, particularly serving members interested in shaping future editions. Further information, including an explainer video, is available on the RAEME website.
Need to know more or can help, please email
Women in RAEME
The RAEME Association Queensland is pleased to announce the next Women in RAEME (WIR4) event will be held on Thursday 27 November at the Gaythorne RSL.
WIR4 continues to provide an important forum to recognise, connect and support the women who serve and have served within the Corps and the wider RAEME family. These events are always a great opportunity to share experiences, strengthen networks and celebrate the contribution of women to RAEME.
Further details, including guest speakers and timings, will be released closer to the date — but for now, please save the date in your calendars.
We look forward to seeing you there.
