ANNOUNCEMENTS

Vietnam Veterans’ Day – Honouring Service, Sacrifice and RAEME’s Legacy in Vietnam

Each year on 18 August, Australia marks Vietnam Veterans’ Day — a solemn occasion that coincides with the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. It is a day to honour the 60,000 Australians who served in Vietnam, the thousands wounded, and the 523 who never returned home. It is also a day to recognise the quiet, essential contributions of those whose work underpinned every mission: the tradesmen, technicians and recovery mechanics of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Nui Dat, South Vietnam. 1970. RAEME troops of A Sqn, 1st Armoured Regiment working on Centurion tanks at 1st Australian Task Force.

RAEME’s involvement in Vietnam was deep and indispensable. Across a decade of operations, RAEME soldiers served in every major theatre — Nui Dat, Vung Tau, Saigon and remote fire support bases across Phuoc Tuy Province. They kept vehicles moving, aircraft flying, radios transmitting and weapons functioning in some of the harshest conditions Australian soldiers had ever faced. Their work was often unseen, but never unimportant. Without RAEME, the Army simply could not fight.

Vietnam presented challenges unlike any conflict RAEME had previously encountered. The tropical environment was unforgiving: monsoonal rain, thick jungle, abrasive dust, humidity that corroded metal and clogged electrical systems, and terrain that punished vehicles relentlessly. Equipment that might have lasted years in Australia could fail within weeks in Vietnam. RAEME tradesmen became masters of improvisation, welding, machining, fabricating and rebuilding with whatever materials were available. They worked under pressure, often in austere conditions, knowing that lives depended on their skill.

RAEME’s presence was diverse. Workshops at Nui Dat maintained armoured vehicles, trucks, artillery, generators and small arms. Forward repair teams deployed with infantry battalions and cavalry units, working close to the front line to recover damaged vehicles and restore critical capability. Recovery mechanics risked their lives to retrieve crippled vehicles under fire. Armourers kept weapons functioning in tropical conditions, and instrument technicians ensured artillery remained accurate. Every trade contributed, and every contribution mattered.

Beyond the technical achievements, Vietnam Veterans’ Day reminds us of the human story of service. RAEME soldiers forged bonds that lasted lifetimes. They worked long hours, often in extreme conditions, supporting mates who depended on them. They shared hardships, humour, fear and pride. They built a family within the Corps — one defined not by blood, but by shared experience and unwavering trust.

Nui Dat, South Vietnam. 1970. Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) troops from the 161st Independent Recce Flight working on an Army Sioux helicopter

The reception many Vietnam veterans received upon returning home remains one of the most painful chapters in Australia’s military history. Many felt their service was misunderstood or undervalued. For RAEME veterans, who often worked behind the scenes, recognition was even slower to arrive. Vietnam Veterans’ Day helps correct that injustice. It ensures that every veteran — infantryman, medic, driver, signaller, gunner, technician or tradesman — is honoured for their service and sacrifice.

Today, RAEME continues to honour its Vietnam veterans through remembrance and storytelling. Many RAEME families have multiple generations who served — some beginning their service in Vietnam and others continuing it in the decades that followed. Their stories remind us that service is often a family tradition, passed down with pride and shaped by the example of those who came before.

As we honour Vietnam Veterans’ Day, we recognise that RAEME’s legacy in Vietnam is not just one of technical excellence, but of humanity. It is a story of mateship, resilience, ingenuity and quiet professionalism. Today, we remember them. We honour their service. And we ensure their legacy endures.

Arte et Marte

Service to mark 25 years of Australian service in Afghanistan - Canberra

On Sunday, 11 October 2026, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will conduct a national commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial to mark the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan. The service will honour all Australians who served, the families who supported them and the coalition personnel alongside whom they served.
Between 2001 and 2021, more than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan and the Middle East Area of Operations in connection with the conflict. Australian personnel contributed to combat operations, reconstruction, mentoring and training, humanitarian assistance and efforts to improve security and stability in Afghanistan and the wider region.
The service will remember the Australians who lost their lives during, or as a result of, their service and acknowledge the lasting physical and mental health impacts experienced by many veterans and their families. Veterans, families and community members are invited to attend the free service in Canberra, with registration required. It will also be broadcast live on ABC iview.
Australians can also participate by attending local commemorative activities, watching the broadcast or contributing a personal reflection to DVA’s online Wall of Remembrance. Further information, including registration, accessibility and transport arrangements, is available at www.dva.gov.au/Afghanistan-anniversary
Honouring the Hidden Service National Symposium

RAEME Kokoda

An Invitation from retired RAEME Major Scott Babington to walk in the footsteps of our Nation’s heroes.

After leading treks across Kokoda since 2019, I’m proud to have recently launched my own company, Australian Battlefield Treks and Tours (ABTT).
Our aim is simple: to make battlefield tours meaningful, enjoyable, affordable, and professionally led, while ensuring the stories of those who served are never forgotten.

Many of you will remember that on 17 April 2023, RAEME WO2 Paul “Dusty” Miller sadly passed away on the southern slopes of Ioribaiwa Ridge while trekking the Kokoda Track.

During our 2027 ANZAC Kokoda Trek, we plan to install and dedicate a small commemorative plaque at the location where Dusty passed away. It will be a simple and respectful ceremony to honour one of our own. It would be fantastic to have a strong RAEME contingent on the track for this special occasion.

The trek includes:

• ANZAC Day at Bomana War Cemetery
• 11-day Kokoda Trek (9 days on Kokoda – 2 days at the Northern Beaches Battlefields Gona, Buna and Sanananda)
• Professional Australian leadership, experienced PNG guides, quality equipment and a strong focus on the history, mateship and sacrifice that define the Kokoda campaign.
• The ANZAC Day Trek itinerary allows for an extra night at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby. After the Bomana Dawn Service you will return to the Hilton and can choose to either relax by the pool or head to the Papua Royal Yacht Club for lunch and 2-up.

At the end of the trek we will also visit Bomana War Cemetery where we will visit the graves of the RAEME men who are resting there. Having done a fair bit of research into these men, there are some really interesting stories here.

Whether you’ve always wanted to trek Kokoda or you’re looking for an opportunity to commemorate ANZAC Day in a truly meaningful way, we’d love to have you join us.

If you’d like more information, please have a look at the ABTT website or contact Scott via:

• Mobile: 0456 620 577
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Web: https://ozbattlefieldtours.com.au/

Annual RAEME Get-Together 2027

The following update was received from the organisers of the 2027 Annual RAEME Get-together.

• Dates: 26-28 February 2027
• Location: Bjelke Petersen Dam, Moffatdale, Qld
• Accommodation: At present all cabins/villas and powered sites have been booked, however there is plenty of room for all types of unpowered camping. There are 5 rooms available near the kiosk. Each room has a double bed, shared amenities and common kitchen. Cost approx. $70 or alternately, 9 rooms at hotel in Murgon for $150, shared amenities also.
• Meals:
  • Friday – Seafood and salad
  • Saturday – Pig on spit and desserts
  • Sunday AM – SAUSAGE Sizzle
• NOTE: There will be an ALTERNATE meal for those that don’t eat seafood or pork. If you are in this minority group, please let me know for catering purposes.
• Cost: $50pp, this includes all meals provided and a 10th Anniversary pack per couple or one per individual (incl stubby cooler, wine cooler and sticker), extras $5 per pack. The price for all the above has been discounted as per Monty’s direction for the Group. Micheal Wilkinson, aka Wilko, will publish the payment details later.
• Port: A 10th Anniversary port will also be available for members to order & pay prior to Christmas for $20 per bottle. Kies winery once again will produce the Ruby port in a 750ml bottle, many members will know how it tastes because they have sampled many a drop from the keg I provide yearly. I will publish payment details later.
• Raffle: As already mentioned earlier this year the prize is a $5000 Flight Centre voucher, donated by Monty. We are looking to have a few more prizes included. Any ideas/donations would be appreciated. The cost per ticket is $5.

Any questions on any of the above please message me or phone 0488628188. I would ask those attending or still debating to please help the park out by paying for your accommodation prior to arrival. Please contact the BP dam during the week only on 07 4168 4746.

Operation Endurance 2026 – ADF Veterans Mountain Bike Event

Former serving ADF members are invited to join us at the ADF National Cycling Carnival at Mt Stromlo, Canberra, on 14–15 September 2026. Choose to enjoy a social ride with fellow veterans or challenge yourself in the Gravity Enduro Stage Race. FREE coaching from RideTechnics on 14 September is also included to help build your skills and confidence. Click here to Register.

To participate you'll need to:

• Be a former serving ADF member
• Have a suitable mountain bike and helmet (full-face helmet required for the Gravity Enduro race)
• Wear the provided event jersey
• Hold current third-party cycling insurance

Invictus Team Australia preselection camp – Canberra
In less than 12 months, Team Australia will proudly wear the green and gold at Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.

In late July, around 50 serving members and veterans gathered at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra for the Team Australia preselection camp. Over four days, participants carried out team activities and played sports featured at next year's Games, while experiencing the powerful role sport can play in recovery, rehabilitation and connection.

The camp marks the first step on the journey to Birmingham for those aspiring to represent Australia on the world stage. Good luck to all participants embracing the challenge and embodying the Invictus spirit.