Above: The AEP Engineering vehicle preservation project has taken another positive step forward, with major support from RAQ NQ Committee Chair Brian Robb. The project is now a rolling, working vehicle following recent brake and engine work by Brian.
The RAQ is pleased to support AEP Engineering’s Mick McMillan and his ACCO preservation project through a $2,500 contribution from the RAQ Community Service Fund. The motion, raised through the North Queensland team, was approved at the recent RAQ monthly meeting and reflects the Association’s ongoing commitment to preserving Corps heritage, supporting veteran engagement, and encouraging practical links between serving and former RAEME members.
"I am genuinely humbled by the Association’s decision to approve the $2,500 contribution toward the Mk4 ACCO preservation project. Please also pass on my sincere thanks to Tank, the North Queensland team, the Executive Committee and the members who supported the motion," Mick said
The project has already taken a very positive step forward thanks to the significant efforts of RAQ NQ Committee Chair Brian Robb, who spent two weeks working through the vehicle’s brakes and engine. When first assessed, the braking system required considerable attention, however Brian’s work to hone the bores and properly sort the system has made a major difference. The vehicle now runs and stops extremely well, giving AEP a rolling, working vehicle, with two additional vehicles available to support the build of one complete and reliable example.
There is still more work to be done, and the next step is to bring a few experienced RAEME heads around the vehicle for a more detailed technical inspection. The aim is to draw on the knowledge of members who understand these vehicles, identify what remains original, assess what needs attention, and agree on the next priorities for the preservation work. Mick also believes one of the vehicles may have heritage links to 17 Construction Squadron, with a tactical plate in RAEME colours, and further research is being undertaken against records of vehicles deployed to South Vietnam.
AEP’s broader plan is to have both 4x4 and 6x6 systems available as practical heritage projects for serving and former RAEME members, veterans, apprentices and interested members of the community. These vehicles provide a valuable opportunity to preserve Corps history while also creating a practical link between generations of tradespeople and soldiers. Importantly, the intent is to have one of the vehicles available for ANZAC Day 2027.
A Saturday morning inspection and working session is being planned. The idea is simple, have a proper look over the project, share knowledge, identify the next jobs, and enjoy some good company. Mick has kindly offered to provide the refreshments and sausages.
Anyone with knowledge of these vehicles, or simply an interest in helping preserve an important part of RAEME history, would be very welcome.
For further information, or to get involved, please contact:
Mick McMillan
AEP Engineering
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Quilts of Valour to Army Apprentices - Macleay Island
Above: Clockwise from top left. Cam Willett, Michaelle Lafferty, Brian Daley and Keith Fox 2nd Intake Army Apprentice VM presented with his Quilt of Valour.
Michelle Lafferty from Quilts of Valour had organised for a quilt to be presented to Maxwell Brown, who was a 1st Intake Army Apprentice. This was to be done at the Army Apprentices Reunion on June 6th at Bulimba Bowls Club. Sadly, Max passed away a few days before the reunion. Max’s family have been contacted, and arrangements have been made to present Max’s quilt to the family on 14 August, at the 101 Reunion at the Gold Coast by Michelle.
On Tuesday the 30 June, Michelle Lafferty and Brian Daley travelled to Macleay Island where we were picked up from the ferry by Cam Willett, a 41st Intake Army Apprentice, and also an RAQ Member, and taken to the Macleay Island Sailing Club where four veterans were among people enjoying morning tea. Macleay Island RSL had organised a morning tea with no mention of the surprise to come!!
Michelle presented beautiful Quilts of Valour to four veterans, including:
Keith Fox a 2nd Intake Army Apprentice, a vehicle mechanic by trade, Army No. 1/8504.
Keith was proudly wearing his Apprentice cap and spoke about his service at the British Atomic Tests at Emu Claypan (Woomera) in South Australia.
Quilts were also presented to three other veterans, two who served in Vietnam and the other was a Survey veteran who served at Balcombe at the same time as Keith.
Brian Daley 14MV
Change of Command Ceremony - COA Handover - Canberra
Above: Outgoing Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC gives his farewell address. Click the image to view the video.
On Wednesday 8 July, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC handed command of the Australian Army to Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM. At the same time, Warrant Officer Kim Felmingham NSC OAM transitioned responsibility as Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army to Warrant Officer Brad Doyle OAM.
As the tenure of the 41st Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General Stuart, and the 12th Regimental Sergeant Major of the Australian Army, Warrant Officer Felmingham concludes, we recognise that the Army of 2026 is a more prepared, more lethal and more professional force, better positioned for the future because of the strength of its people and the continuity of its leadership.
Together, they have helped guide Army through a period of significant transformation, strengthening the institution they inherited and ensuring it is ready to meet the challenges of the future.
The work of transforming Army will carry forward under the leadership of the 42nd Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General Coyle, and the 13th Regimental Sergeant Major of the Australian Army, Warrant Officer Doyle with the same clarity of purpose: to optimise Army to fight and win in the littoral, build long-range strike capabilities, and remain experts in winning the close fight on land.
Today marks not only a change of leadership, but the continuation of an enduring stewardship in service of the nation.
Image and article adapted courtesy of Defence
Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2026 - Townsville
Above: CPL Jayden Eva, CPL Stephen Peters, and CFN Aiden Nydrle from the 2 CAV REGT conduct vehicle recovery serials during Exercise Southern Jackaroo at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland.
While combat units manoeuvred across the Townsville Field Training Area during Exercise Southern Jackaroo, Army recovery mechanics worked behind the scenes to keep vehicles moving and preserve critical capability. Craftsman Aiden Nydrle, a recovery mechanic attached to 2nd Cavalry Regiment, said the role was essential to maintaining battlefield mobility by recovering vehicles that were damaged, defective or bogged. Unlike civilian towing, Army recovery is focused not just on removing vehicles, but on protecting valuable assets so they can be repaired and returned to service where possible.
Above: M1A2 Abrams tanks from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment conduct live-fire serials and tactical manoeuvres, supported by armoured vehicles and the deployment of an M1110 Joint Assault Bridge.
Corporal Jayden Eva said much of the work often goes unnoticed, with recovery crews operating in difficult conditions and away from the main exercise area for extended periods. Recovery manager Warrant Officer Class Two Anthony Wicks said the role requires specialist skills, sound judgement and a strong focus on safety, with recovery mechanics trained to operate heavy equipment in austere and high-risk environments. Working in pairs and continuing to build their skills throughout their careers, recovery mechanics play a vital role in ensuring that if vehicles keep moving, the exercise keeps moving.
Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence
