Above: Some of the attendees at the Corps Dinner. Photo courtesy of John Prince.
The RAEME Corps Conference was held last week in Townsville with over 150 "Spanners" coming together to discuss the future of maintenance and engineering in the Army. A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Major General Richard Vagg, Head Land Capability (HLC), who outlined the evolving capabilities of the Army, changes to its structure, and the future of warfare. Further presentations set the stage with insights into key areas such as littoral manoeuvre, the Land Domain Support System, long-range fires, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), laying the groundwork for deeper discussions.
Above: MAJ Steve Howells was presented with a Corps painting on achieving his 3rd Fed Star in acknowledgment of 50 years of dedicated service.
On the second day, participants used their collective knowledge and experience of the conference to define tactical maintenance and engineering within the Land Domain Support System. Robust discussions were had as the Corps works together to influence how the Army operates in the ever-changing land domain. This collaboration presents an opportunity for RAEME to directly shape the future of Army operations and ensure its continued success on the battlefield.
Above: Top - Bottom WO1 Russ Cliffe and MAJ Mick Gordon presented with recognition of service scrolls from HOC BRIG Ben Slaughter.
The conference also provided an occasion to celebrate the remarkable career of a number of personnel. WO1 Russ Cliffe and MAJ Mick Gordon who were both farewelled at the Corps dinner. WO1 Russ Cliffe has served more than 50 years of service and MAJ Mick Gordon who retired in July after a 28-year career as a RAEME soldier and officer. Both were recognised for their significant contributions to the Corps and the Army. The HOC also presented MAJ Steve Howells with a Corps painting in recognition of this 50 years' service to the Corps.
A special thanks was extended to 3 CSSB and everyone involved in making the event a resounding success.
Editor's Note: Congratulations to all the award recipients. The RAQ was proud to support the Conference. We provided a financial contribution towards subsidising the dinner for all participants. Also a big thank you to NQ Rep Jason Ballard for supporting the Conference with RAEME merchandise sales.
Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Award (JCGSA) - PNG
Above: Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Award recipients on a historical battle tour through East New Britain in PNG walk the coastal track from Nongia Village at Alder Bay with porters to visit the local people of Illi Village.
On Army’s birthday, the recipients of the Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Award (JCGSA) are announced. The soldiers and junior officers who receive the JCGSA are deemed to personify Army’s values through compassionate and ethical soldiering. Each year, the JCGSA recipients are given the opportunity to conduct an Australian Army historical battle tour. This tour is designed to support the professional development of the award recipients including military history of Army, conducting research, public speaking, planning and teamwork.
Above: L-R Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Award recipients with local villagers in Rabaul, East New Britain, PNG during a historical battle tour. Posthumous portrait was painted by artist George Gittoes in 2017. The composition is inspired by the artist's now iconic photograph of Trooper (Tpr) Jonathan (Jon) Church carrying an injured Rwandan child following the massacre by soldiers of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) at the UN administered refuge camp at Kibeho (AWM)
This year’s tour will visit Australian WWI and WWII battle sites in East New Britain, PNG. The Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Award is named in honour of Trooper Jonathan Church who demonstrated incredible empathy, bravery and compassion during his service. Trooper Church's actions in Rwanda in 1995 remain a compelling example of exemplary character and service to which all soldiers and junior leaders should aspire.
Images and information courtesy of Defence
