Welcome
The purpose of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) Association Queensland is to promote and reinforce the spirit, reputation, image and competencies of the Corps through its past, present and future members.
The goals of the Association are to:
- Promote the Corps' identity and reputation in Queensland
- Recognise and celebrate achievements of members of the Corps in Queensland
- Provide a focal point for Corps activities in Queensland
The role of the RAEME is to ensure maximum operational availability of equipment to enable the commander to win the land battle. RAEME is a technical corps tasked with the maintenance of the Army's modern hardware and equipment. More on the Corps can be found at this link.
This site has been developed as a communication tool for RAEME members in Queensland. All attempts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied. If any errors or broken links are found, or if you have any item or article for inclusion on these pages, please contact the webmaster.
RAQ Subscriptions
Annual subscriptions to the RAQ are due by 30 June each year. Subscriptions can be paid using either PayPal (fee free) or EFT by clicking the Icon below and logging in. Renew your subscription for $10 a year or upgrade to Life Subscription for $100.
New members please use the 'Online Registration' link under the Membership banner. All proceeds are used to support and promote the goals of the Association.
Latest News - Next Monthly Meeting to be held on Wednesday 5th February 2020 @ Kedron Wavell Services Club
Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise indicated) Start time of the meeting is 1730. See the 'Events' under Notices or Upcoming Events top left for more details.
Changing Of The Guard
On 19 Dec 2019 command of the 17th Sustainment Brigade transfered from Major General Andrew Freeman to Brigadier Craig Dobson. This photo shows many of the Brigade's former commanders, who have each been custodians and leaders of the Brigade's capabilities. Our best wishes go with Major General Freeman and his family in his new role as Head Australian Defence Staff - Washington.
Pictured Above: 19 Jan 2020. Defence Attaché & Head of Defence Staff in Washington, AVM Alan Clements, CSC handed over to MAJGEN Andrew Freeman today, pictured with Australia's Ambassador to the United States, Joe Hockey.
On behalf of the RAQ, we thank Andrew for his efforts as our Head of Corps and wish him well in his new posting in Washington.
We also welcome our new HOC Brigadier Todd Ashurst. Most members will recognise Todd, who has been a very active member of the Corps.
Todd is currently appointed as Director General Logistics - Army. In this position he is responsible to the Chief of Army for strategic logistic, governance and technical regulatory management in support of Army’s mission and tasks. Todd also has responsibility for developing and implementing Army’s strategic policies related to infrastructure, safety, security, and enterprise risk management. Todd has extensive experience in command, training and operational appointments.
We look forward to working with Todd and wish him well in his new role.
Operation Spanner Pack 2020 - Update
Pictured Above: L to R: MAJ Cam Willett, MAJ Pete Knowles, CFN Ben Meres, CPL Cameron Irwin, CFN Corey Ryan, BRIG Ed Smeaton, LTCOL Will Viggers
RAEME Corps personnel (spanners) currently deployed on OP HIGHROAD in Afghanistan were treated to ‘Corps’ care packages this Christmas/ New Year season and gathered for a quick photo to show our appreciation for the thoughtful gifts and food that we received.
Packets of Arnott’s biscuits, lollies, Minties, and more were accompanied by some great RAEME Corps paraphernalia which is now proudly on display in workspaces across the country, showing pride in our Corps to both our Australian and our international colleagues.
We wish to express their sincere thanks for the packs and our thoughts are with all our families affected by and serving the communities affected by the terrible fires throughout our homeland. Take care, arte et marte.
BRIG Ed Smeaton
Australia Day Honours
MEMBER (AM) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
Major General Andrew William FREEMAN, ACT
For exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force as Commander 17th Brigade, Director General Land Operations, and Director Logistics - Army. Major General Freeman has made an exceptional contribution to Army and the Australian Defence Force across multiple staff and command appointments, at both the operational and strategic levels. His energetic leadership, outstanding ability to build relationships, and his drive for reform and innovation have achieved enduring results for Army. Through determination, dynamic engagement and broad vision, Major General Freeman has made a substantial and extremely positive contribution to the future of Army's logistics, health and maintenance capabilities.
Pictured Above: Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO (left), speaks with Captain John Land from the Australian Army History Unit (right) at Army Innovation Day 2018.
MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE MILITARY DIVISION
Captain John Thomas LAND, NSW
For meritorious service as the Army Conservator, Australian Army History Unit, in support of the protection of Army's heritage. Captain Land has provided specialist conservation support and training to over two hundred Army, Royal Australian Air Force and Australian War Memorial Museum staff and volunteers needed to protect Defence heritage artefacts. His conspicuous achievements over decades of devoted service have highlighted his outstanding professionalism and his dedication to preserving Army's heritage.
Interesting both recipients are former Army Apprentices, MAJGEN Freeman 40th Class (Elec Fit) and CAPT Thomas 24th Class (F&T).
The RAQ Congratulates both MAJGEN Freeman and Capt Thomas on their awards.
SE QLD Award Recipients 2019
7CSSB Soldier of the Year 2019
Pictured Above: Congratulations to Soldier of the Year 2019, CFN Callum Bland, who was presented his award recently, generously donated by the Gaythorne RSL.
SE QLD Craftsman of the Year - CFN Gavin Kermode
Pictured Above: Congratulations to CFN Gavin Kermode, 2GHB, pictured above cutting the RAEME Birthday Cake with the 7 BDE COMD, BRIG Andrew Hocking.
Pictured Above: MAJ Angela Langdon OC 106 FD WKSP with LTCOL Claude Palmer (retd), former OC 106 FD WKSP pictured together with a copy of the Corps Painting, 2 Dec 2019.
106 FD WKSP - MAJ Norm Hicks-Hall Award Winner
Congratulations to CFN Brendan Devine, who is the recipient of this year's Award. Brendan was chosen from amongst his peers, for his outstanding performance and efforts in 2019. We congratulate Brendan, who will receive a plaque and $400 gift voucher.
Award History
Major W.I.N.S. (Norm) Hicks-Hall was the inaugural Officer Commanding 106 Fd Wksp RAEME when it was established at Nui Dat, South Vietnam, in 1968.
Trish, Norm’s wife, gifted funds to establish “... an award as an incentive to a young tradesman of 106...” as this is what Norm would have wanted and it would be a lasting memorial to him. Provided a suitable candidate is identified, the Award will usually be presented each year as part of RAEME Birthday celebrations.
To view the history of the Award go to the 106 FD WKSP Website
