Above: L-R Greg Riley, Karen Cairns & Helen Neeson drawing the major raffle prize.
The 9th Annual RAEME Get Together has once again proved that the Corps spirit is alive and well, with more than 140 past and present RAEME members and their partners gathering for a weekend of camaraderie, entertainment and storytelling. What began as a small gathering in 2018 has grown into a popular annual reunion, featuring the traditional Friday “Happy Hour”, live entertainment, trivia, karaoke and the ever-popular charity auction, along with an informative briefing on upcoming DVA legislative changes.
Planning is already underway for the milestone 10th Annual Get Together in 2027.
Readers can catch the full story including highlights from the auction, trivia and the legendary RAEME Rock Show in the next edition of Maintenance Matters, due out on 15 March.
For Maintenance Matters to thrive, we need stories from across the Corps, particularly from serving workshops. To encourage contributions, RAEME Association Queensland is offering a $50 gift voucher for the best published submission in each edition.
Images and article adapted courtesy of Clarrie Sanders
ANZAC Day 2026 – Brisbane Parade and Function update
A quick update for members planning to attend the Brisbane ANZAC Day Parade on 25 April 2026.
The current Version 5 Order of March (subject to change) places:
- Army – Group 4, step off approx 10:20 am
- Army Associations – Group 5, step off approx 10:30 am
The RAEME Association Queensland will march in Section I, Serial 64, led by the Brisbane Pipe Band. Please remember our serial number (64) so we can form up quickly and move into position smoothly.
Form up will be on George Street near Charlotte Street, so members should arrive early to locate our serial.
Transport assistance remains centred around Queen Street.
- Jeep and buggy loading: Commonwealth Bank corner of Edward Street near Post Office Square
- Veterans needing assistance on George Street should approach marshals at George & Elizabeth Streets or visit an Information Tent
- An online transport booking form will be issued soon.
Toilets will be available at:
- Queens Park
- George Street opposite Stephens Lane
- Eagle Lane
Everyman’s Services at Queens Park will again provide hot drinks for veterans.
Other Information
- Due to security measures, spectators cannot watch from the Adelaide Street overpass near ANZAC Square.
- Adelaide Street works are now complete.
- ABC has CASA approval to fly a drone along Adelaide Street for parade coverage.
- 2026 marks 125 years of both the Navy and Army, with 7th Brigade expected to march over 2,000 troops and vehicles.
Post-March Function
Our traditional post-march gathering will again be held at the Port Office Hotel.
Subsidised tickets will be available on the RAQ website in the coming weeks. Members and guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as they:
- Guarantee priority entry before 1:00 pm
- Includes a meal and a couple of drinks
This has become a popular way for RAEME members and friends to reconnect after the march, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Members should monitor emails, Spanner News Weekly, and the RAQ and Brisbane Parade websites for further updates, including the media and transport forms.
We encourage all members attending to help present a strong, organised RAEME turnout on the day.
Arte et Marte
Army Open Day Events - Queensland - 14 March 2026
The Open Days are a celebration of 125 years of Federation and 125 years’ service by Army to Australia.
The following bases will be open on Saturday, 14 March 2026. Times vary by location, please see the list for exact times.
Be sure to register for tickets closer to the date; a link will be made available on this page.
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Lavarack Barracks |
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Where |
Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, Queensland |
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When |
9:00 am to 3:00 pm |
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What’s on |
Lavarack Barracks will open its doors to the public with a range of displays showcasing the people, capability, and equipment of its units. Visitors can watch the AH64E Apache and CH 47 Chinook landing, then explore static displays including the M1A2 SEP V3, Combat Engineer Vehicles, military working dogs, and more. Enjoy music from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment Band, meet unit mascots, and grab a bite from the 10th Force Support Battalion Field Kitchen, with activities and attractions for all ages throughout the day. |
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Gallipoli Barracks |
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Where |
Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Queensland |
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When |
1:00 pm to 7:00 pm |
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What’s on |
The Gallipoli Barracks Open Day event will include a range of displays from artillery, armour, signals, transport and engineering units, as well as infantry and medical teams, along with performances by the Australian Army Band, a planned 35 Squadron flypast, military re‑enactments, community and veteran organisations, historical military vehicles and a variety of amusement activities such as rides, a rock‑climbing tower, a giant swing and a giant slide. Don’t miss the fireworks display at 6:45 pm. Register for tickets via Gallipoli Barracks Open Day 2026 Tickets | Eventbrite |
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Kokoda Barracks |
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Where |
Kokoda Barracks, Witheren, Queensland |
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When |
9:00 am to 12:00 pm |
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What’s on |
Join us for a day of community and connection as the Land Warfare Centre at Kokoda Barracks opens its doors to the public. The event will feature military vehicle, weapons and equipment displays, along with simulated section attacks, physical training stands and the jungle obstacle course. There will also be children’s activities, including face painting and the jump tower into the Coomera River. Food and drinks will be available through the Queensland RSL sausage sizzle, the Salvation Army ‘Sally Man’, and local coffee and food vans. Please note this is a dry event and alcohol is not permitted. No special access is required to enter the base. Parking is limited so please follow signage and directions from soldiers on the day. |
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Army Aviation Flying Museum |
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Where |
Army Aviation Flying Museum, Oakey, Queensland |
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When |
10:00 am to 2:00 pm |
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What’s on |
Army Aviation will be opening to the public to showcase a range of capabilities and history at the Army Aviation Flying Museum situated near Swartz Barracks. You will get a firsthand experience meeting the team behind Army Aviation. Come and hear their stories and learn how the aircraft operate. The event will also feature virtual reality displays and the opportunity to get up close to some of our equipment including a Black Hawk helicopter. External food and beverage trucks will offer a range of food and refreshments available for purchase. Register for tickets via Army Aviation Open Day 2026 Tickets | Eventbrite |
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Images and article adapted courtesy of Defence
