RAEME Association Queensland Inc

Above: CFN Camron Logan from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, conducts vehicle maintenance as part of Exercise Coastwatchers at Rove Police Station, Honiara, Solomon Islands..

Exercise Coastwatchers is Defence’s premier bilateral exercise series with the Solomon Islands. It is developed jointly with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to build Solomon Island’s policing capabilities. Australian Army training teams worked with the RSIPF to deliver courses in support of their priorities including small boat skills, border surveillance training, medical training, logistics, vehicle maintenance and Parrot UAS drone training during rotation one in Honiara in March 2026. Exercise Coastwatchers forms part of Australia’s broader engagement with the Solomon Islands under the Defence Cooperation Program.

Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence

Ex Balikatan 26 Opening Ceremony - Philippines

Above: A group photo of personnel from participating nations at the opening ceremony of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Manila.

In April 2026, a contingent of around 400 personnel will participate in Exercise Balikatan 2026 (BK26) in the Philippines. Balikatan is an annual training exercise conducted between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States military designed to enhance military cooperation and readiness. Australia has a longstanding relationship with the Philippines and the United States dating back to the Second World War that has contributed to regional security and stability, and has participated in Balikatan since 2014.

Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence

Bulimba Barracks redevelopment update

Above: Bulimba Barracks Redevelopment (March 2026) Apollo Road looking east over the site (Image courtesy of Bruce Hermann) 

Progress continues on the redevelopment of Bulimba Barracks, with landscape planning advancing for the future Riverbank Park at Apollo Road, Bulimba. Latest Information from Brisbane City Council has informed recent refinements, supporting the transformation of the former barracks site into a community focused precinct while ensuring appropriate planning requirements are addressed.

An updated landscape approach places strong emphasis on protecting key natural and heritage features, particularly the Tree of Knowledge, which remains central to the design. Following consultation, improvements include setting back safety fencing from the shared pathway with turf treatment to enhance accessibility, and removing all planting within the Tree Protection Zone in favour of aged forest mulch to safeguard the tree’s long-term health. Practical elements such as double swing gates and defined vehicle access have also been incorporated to support ongoing maintenance needs.

Above: Bulimba Barracks Redevelopment (March 2026) Apollo Road looking north east over the side (Image courtesy of Bruce Hermann) 

Heritage considerations remain a priority. The existing memorial stone along the Apollo Road frontage was carefully removed last year, protected during construction, and will  be reinstated within the completed Riverbank Park, ensuring its significance is retained as part of the site’s future landscape.

Recently Brian Daley was able to take a good look at the Bulimba Camp now all roads and land are waiting for houses. 

Brian said, "The workshop holds lots of memories and I checked out the RAEME Memorial still under its blanket, waiting to be put up next to the Tree of Knowledge sometime in the future".

Thanks Brian and Bruce for keeping us in the loop on the redevelopment.

ADF Leadership changes announced

Above: L-R Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM, Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley AM CSC RAN

The Government has recommended a series of senior leadership appointments within the Australian Defence Force, subject to approval by the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, with changes to take effect from July 2026. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond will be appointed Chief of the Defence Force, following a distinguished 40-year naval career. Since becoming Chief of Navy in 2022, he has played a key role in shaping capability outcomes, including Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program under AUKUS and the future surface fleet.

The Government has acknowledged the outstanding service of outgoing Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, who will retire after more than 48 years of service across Navy and joint appointments. His leadership has been central to the implementation of the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the development of Australia’s future force.

In Army, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will be appointed Chief of Army, becoming the first woman to lead the service, while the Government also recognised the significant contribution of outgoing Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart.

Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley will be promoted to Chief of Navy, bringing extensive submarine and capability experience to the role. The Government extended its sincere thanks to all outgoing leaders and their families for their service and commitment to the nation, noting these appointments will be formally considered by the Federal Executive Council.

Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence

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