Above: RAQ Life Subscriber, WIR Committee Member and Currumbin/Palm Beach RSL Sub Branch Treasurer RSL Suzanne Shipp (46th ET), with Vietnam Veterans Joe Owens (19th Intake Elec Fitter) and Dave 'Speedy' Manfield (17th F&T) who both served on operations with 161 Reece Flt in SVN.
On Monday, 18 August 2025, the Currumbin Palm Beach Sub Branch proudly hosted a Vietnam Veterans Day Service at the Currumbin RSL Cenotaph. The service was an opportunity for our community to come together, pay tribute, and show respect to the men and women who served during the Vietnam War, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
After the service, members of the Sub Branch and all veterans attended a luncheon upstairs in the function rooms at Currumbin RSL. It was a great opportunity to connect with mates, enjoy good company, and reflect on the spirit of service and community.
Images courtesy of Facebook
RAQ Toowoomba Luncheon – Sunday 17 August 2025
Above: Members and guests at the February 2025 luncheon.
The Darling Downs RAEME family came together once again on Sunday 17 August 2025 at the Toowoomba Golf Club for another enjoyable luncheon. With a strong turnout of regulars, the afternoon was filled with plenty of laughs, good food and that familiar sense of RAEME camaraderie.
The lucky door prize winners, with Alf Vanderhorst, Rodney Brown and Desmond Hussey each walking away with a $50 RAQ Shop voucher. Congratulations to our winners, a little extra Corps spirit to take home!
A special thank you goes to Larry Martin, who graciously stepped in to host the event while Pete Pile is off travelling. Larry’s efforts ensured the day ran smoothly and everyone felt welcome.
It’s wonderful to see the Toowoomba region continuing to celebrate our great Corps and keeping the bonds of service alive. Gatherings like these remind us that RAEME is more than just a Corps, it's a family.
The next function will be held Sunday 16 November 2025 to celebrate RAEME Birthday.
We look forward to seeing you there.
RAEME Reserve/CMF Reunion - Indooroopilly Sherwood RSL Sub Branch - 17 August 2025
Above: Former Bulimba CO Gerry Keats cuts the reunion cake.
The event had 62 attendees. The day included activities that reflected RAEME traditions and prompted discussions of past experiences.
Many faces which we haven’t seen for a long time included Dom Messina. Col Valentine, Glen Reid, Helen Turner, Robert Sawford, Myles Frost and Ron Aumann. Unfortunately, Noel Myler has had to resign as Treasurer because of health issues and Ian Leabeater and John Parfitt have taken over handling of the finances.
We are fortunate to have several dedicated helpers to run the function with many tasks to be performed from preparation and cooking, food purchase and preparation. manning the bar arranging tables and many background tasks along the way. Mention must be made of RSL members who assisted including Raymond Marozin who looked after the bar and Phil Kyle who organised the catering and did the cooking, also Katie Townsend and Deb Ferguson the RSL staff members who generally assisted with the event. Wendy Leabeater did a marvellous job with catering and general assistance special thanks to Melisa Austin who interrupted her day to come along and give access to the Audio area.
Above: Guests at the reunion
We are thankful for the raffle donations from Westside HQ and Matt Conway President of that Club. Also Fred Neilsen who has for many years produced the RAEME cane for the reunion. This year the cane was won by Sharon Standage.
We also had a donation from Cedric Payne a regular attendee.
Special this year was the attendance of two former COs at Bulimba, Ron McElwaine and Gerry Keats. It was the first time Gerry could attend a reunion, and he had the honour of cutting the delicious RAEME cake. Hope to see you again Gerry.
The bar-b que was appreciated and the RAEME cake was delicious.
Another function is over, and we hope to see everyone again next year and ready to socialise.
Cheers
John Parfitt
RAQ NQ Gathering - Molly Malone's Irish Pub - 20 Sep 2025 - Townsville
Australia and PNG continue to strengthen defence cooperation - PNG
Above: Australia gifted Papua New Guinea 12 up-armoured Landcruiser's during a ceremony at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles concluded a recent visit to Papua New Guinea with the official opening of His Majesty’s Papua New Guinea Ship (HMPNGS) Tarangau, the Lombrum Naval Base. The upgraded base now features new working and living accommodation for the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), a medical centre serving both personnel and the local community, improved water and sewerage systems, upgraded maritime facilities including barge landing ramps, new office buildings, and combined mess facilities capable of supporting 200 sailors and officers.
During his visit, Mr Marles also presented the PNGDF with 12 up-armoured LandCruisers, designed to improve secure mobility and rapid response across challenging terrain. These vehicles, alongside the completion of HMPNGS Tarangau, reinforce the deepening strategic partnership between Australia and PNG, which is underpinned by shared history, trust, and a commitment to regional stability. The visit followed Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, the first to include an overseas component in Papua New Guinea, and comes as both nations progress negotiations on a new defence treaty announced earlier this year with Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Defence, Dr Billy Joseph. Together, these initiatives highlight the enduring friendship and mutual security priorities of the two nations.
Image and original information adapted courtesy of Defence
RCEME Pride on the International stage
Above: L-R CWO Dominic Lapointe and CWO Wayne Bantock at the handover–takeover ceremony.
Last week, during the Polish Armed Forces Day ceremony, the Multinational Corps Northeast held the official handover–takeover of the Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) position.
Congratulations to CWO Bantock on this prestigious appointment, and thank you to CWO Dominic Lapointe for his outstanding service and leadership.
In May 2025, over 80 soldiers from the RCEME Corps, Royal Canadian Logistics Service, and Royal Canadian Artillery participated in Operation FAUST, a Battlefield Staff Ride and professional development opportunity commemorating Canada's role in liberating the Netherlands in WWII.
Arte et Marte!
Women in RAEME (WIR3) Cocktails at Gaythorne - Fri 28 Nov 2025
