RAQ Sunshine Coast Luncheon 2026
An invitation is extended to all current and past members of RAEME, and friends of RAEME, who live on the Sunshine Coast / Wide Bay area, or the surrounding region, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Darling Downs. Visitors to SE QLD at the time are also very welcome.
Adding to what promises to be a great afternoon, LTCOL Alex McDonald will join us as the host for this year’s Sunshine Coast Luncheon, kindly stepping in on behalf of Colonel Commandant Queensland, COL Piers Cambridge. Alex will provide a short update on all things RAEME, including some of the current developments, capabilities and issues affecting the Corps.
This year’s guest speaker will be Suzanne Shipp. Suzanne is a highly accomplished executive with more than 30 years’ experience across engineering, asset management, operations, maintenance and strategic leadership. As Energy Queensland’s first female Chief Engineer, she provides technical stewardship across one of Australia’s largest electricity networks, supporting more than two million customers.
Suzanne began her career in the Australian Army as a member of the 46th Apprentice intake, qualifying as an Electronics Technician before commissioning as a RAEME Engineering Officer. She completed more than 14 years of service and concluded her military career as a Captain.
Details of the lunch are as follows:
- Cost - RAEME Association of Queensland (RAQ) financial members the cost is $34.00 per member and $34.00 for the members first guest. For non RAQ members the cost is $54 per person.
- Timings - 12:00 for 12:30 start
- Dress - Neat Casual, prefer long trousers (although tailored shorts is acceptable) with collared shirt and shoes must be worn. Some people choose to wear a tie, but not essential.
- Seating arrangements- We do a seating plan to accommodate specific requests, otherwise we mix it up a bit to allow all former RAEME members and their partners to reminisce about their service. If you have a specific request to sit with someone or a particular party we will do our best to accommodate. Email us at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - RSVP - 3 September 26.
- Parking – Free parking is available in the multi floor car park directly opposite the RSL. Before departing, please advise the attendant at the front desk in the Club foyer of your vehicle registration number to facilitate exit.
To purchase tickets click on the 'Register' button above or below
Function reservation is now set up on the RAQ website and you will be able to book and pay for tickets through this medium. Please note that we are limited to 100 subsidised guests, so get in early. Most importantly, the lunch is subsidised by both the Maroochy RSL and the RAQ, which makes the cost of the lunch a very competitive $34.00 per head for RAQ members and serving RAEME Members, including partners; and $54.00 per head for non-members. This is excellent value for a three course gold level sit down menu with an alternative drop. If there are specific dining requirements eg: vegan, gluten intolerance, lactose free then please let us know and arrangements will be made. Note that this function is heavily subsidised by the RAQ for financial members.
To make sure you get your subsidised price, you can join the RAQ at this link.
Whichever way you wish to secure your booking(s), they need to be made and paid for by COB Thursday 3 September 2026, as we need to confirm numbers with the venue management.
No matter your background, you are encouraged to arrange tables for special friends from your early training whether you are an Adult Trainee, Army Apprentice, OCS, OTU or Duntroon graduate, or some other establishment, unit or locations where you may have served together – please let us know if you wish to form a table (max 8 pers) with friends and every effort will be made to accommodate your request.
If you have any difficulties booking or paying electronically, please email the Webmaster at:
If you have any questions please email us at:
Sponsors
Speakers
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Lieutenant Colonel Alexander McDonald entered the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2002 and graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours). During his early Army career, he served in a range of regimental, staff and capability appointments and completed a Master of Science in Military Vehicle Technology at Cranfield University, where he received the Challenger Trophy for best student.
Throughout his career, Lieutenant Colonel McDonald has contributed to capability delivery across all phases of the Defence capability lifecycle. As Project Manager for the Lightweight 155mm Howitzer Project, he oversaw the successful introduction into service of the M777A2. His engineering appointments have included technical, fleet, systems and specialist engineering support, particularly across vehicle and armoured fleets, as well as operational service as J4 Maintenance within Headquarters Middle East Region.
Since 2019, he has focused on digital transformation, data and enterprise ICT across Army and Defence. His work has included Plan CENTAUR, Logistic Plans Army, the Land Capability Data Strategy, implementation of Defence ERP within Army, and the development of Army and Defence-wide ERP governance, operating models and data-management frameworks. During this period, he also completed a Master of Business Information Systems at the Australian National University, focusing on data science and artificial intelligence adoption.
Lieutenant Colonel McDonald currently supports the Director General Business Operations Centre, leading work associated with ERP business architecture, enterprise architecture, data management, process optimisation and IT service management.
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Suzanne Shipp is a highly accomplished executive with more than 30 years’ experience spanning engineering, asset management, operations, maintenance and strategic leadership. A trailblazer throughout her career, Suzanne is the first female Chief Engineer at Energy Queensland, leading technical stewardship for one of Australia’s largest electricity networks. Energy Queensland manages a $32 billion asset portfolio and delivers safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity to more than two million customers through the Energex and Ergon Energy distribution networks.
Suzanne has held senior leadership roles across the energy, manufacturing, digital and defence sectors, developing a reputation for building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence and leading complex organisational transformation.
Her career began in the Australian Army as a member of the 46th Apprentice intake, qualifying as an Electronics Technician before commissioning as a Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) Engineering Officer. After more than 14 years of distinguished service, she concluded her military career with the rank of Captain. The leadership, technical expertise and resilience developed during her military service have underpinned her success across both the public and private sectors.
Beyond her executive responsibilities, Suzanne is a passionate advocate for engineering, veterans and men’s health. She is an active member of the RAEME Association of Queensland, Treasurer of the Currumbin Palm Beach RSL Sub-Branch and a Director of the Men’s Information and Support Association (MISA), supporting initiatives that improve wellbeing, strengthen communities and assist veterans and their families.
Suzanne is committed to developing the next generation of leaders, mentoring emerging professionals and championing greater diversity and inclusion across engineering and technical professions. She is a strong believer in the power of authentic leadership, lifelong learning and creating environments where people and organisations can thrive.
https://www.dva.gov.au/newsroom/meet-our-veterans/suzanne-shipp
FAQ
Going
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John Dack -
Terry and Charmaine Johnson -
Elizabeth Fitzgibbon -
Anthony & Sue Stafford -
Michael Berris -
Ross Grant -
Lloyd Bowles -
Peter & Sandra Pile -
Huck & Jackie Berry -
Alex McDonald -
John & Kath Kingston -
Suzanne Shipp & guest -
Kim & Jo Veness -
Rocky & Sue Hoare -
Colin Barry & Marjolein Tiller -
David & Tania Durbidge -
Les & Pat Edis -
Ian & Karen Malcolm -
Bruce & Kathryn Hermann -
Kevin Slender
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Arthur & Trudy Tsamis -
Melissa Long -
Lenny & Shirley Stainer -
Barry & Kerry Rollason -
Martin & Janine Fisher -
Greg Riley & Guest -
Shirley Robinson -
Mal Baird -
Pieter & Lorelle Reus -
Kyran Blandford -
Denis & Angela Gugliotti -
Greg & Margaret Smith -
Roger and Lyn Smith -
Gary & Lynell Sargent -
Stephen Howells -
Colin & Gloria Mounsey
