RAEME NATIONWIDE
Service Recognised
Former RAEME boffin, Rick Gorle was recently presented with an Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal in recognition of his 17 years of dedicated service to the Army Cadets.
Well done, Rick!
Sunshine Coast Gathering
The second RAEME Sunshine Coast Chapter casual get-together for 2026 was held on 26 July 2026, with a change of venue to the Brightwater Hotel.
A perfect winter’s day allowed the team to gather in the hotel’s outdoor undercover area overlooking the beautiful lake. The relaxed setting proved to be an excellent choice and, for the first time, everyone was able to enjoy easy conversation, even as the afternoon progressed and the refreshments encouraged a little more enthusiasm and volume.
Due mainly to the usual winter ailments, attendance was slightly lower than normal, with around 35 members and guests enjoying each other’s company. The combination of a new venue, outstanding weather, and great company made this one of our most enjoyable gatherings to date. It was also wonderful to welcome several new faces to the group.
A special thank you goes to Lynette Yates for managing the raffle tickets and expertly keeping everyone organised. Thanks also to Peter Yates and John Dack for their efforts in organising another successful event.
The next Sunshine Coast get-together will be held on 22 November 2026 at the Brightwater Hotel.
Before then, however, we look forward to our Annual Luncheon at the Maroochy RSL on 12 September 2026. The luncheon will feature a three-course Gold Plate meal, a guest speaker, and an update on all things RAEME.
Tickets are $34.00 per person for RAQ members and $54.00 per person for non-RAQ members. With the standard meal price being $64.00, this event is generously subsidised by both RAQ and the Maroochy RSL, making it exceptional value.
This is always a highlight of the year and an afternoon not to be missed. More details will follow shortly; however, tickets are limited to 100, so don’t delay. They are available NOW through the RAQ website
RAEME Association SA Newsletter
The SA Association recently released their latest Association newsletter, the RAEME-SA Bulletin.
This edition contains reports on
• Maintenance Matters
• Diary dates
• Vale Notices
• RAEME SA ANZAC Day Function
• ANZAC Day report including REME Vietnam Veterans/members
• Membership reminder/Soldier On
• RAEME Port and Whisky Sales
• OVEL 2026 Rocket league Tournament - Registration now open
• Article from our REME Mates – King’s Birthday Parade
Take a moment to check the newsletter out at: https://sa.raeme.org.au/publications/newsletters
11 CSSB Recovery on Task
As part of Joint Task Force 629, personnel from 108 Field Workshop, 11 CSSB, assisted the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers with the recovery of a PMV-L during Ex AUSTRAL SHIELD 26 in Far North Queensland.
A late-night task, vehicle technicians and recovery technicians worked together to assess, diagnose and execute the task, balancing tactical considerations with safety and efficiency.
Spanner Packs – How to Reach or Support the Team
If you are currently deployed on operations, posted overseas, undertaking long-term training, or are aware of a fellow RAEME member in such circumstances, please let us know.
You can do so by reaching out to your Association or by emailing the coordinator at:
The team will do their best to organise delivery of a Spanner Pack, ensuring our deployed members receive a reminder that the RAEME family stands firmly behind them.
RAEME ACT
Two events held by the ACT Association included evening drinks at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club on Tuesday 28 Jul and a Spanner Club (and sausage sizzle) at RMC Golf Club on Friday 07 Aug 2026.
Both events were fortunate to have not only the regular retired members in attendance but also some serving members. This gave a great opportunity for all to share in each other’s company, as well as sharing some well-cooked snags.
The ACT crew were also fortunate to have Lillie McGlashan from Open Arms in attendance. Lillie is the Community and Peer Advisor for ACT and NSW so she brought with her a deep care for veterans. We look forward to further strengthening Association links with Open Arms to ensure more veterans get the support they may need.
Build a bridge and …… do what??
As they say, build a bridge and……fly the tri-colours from it. As recently posted on 21 Const Sqn’s Facebook page, that is exactly what the 21 Const Sqn Workshop recently did.
Up the old red rooster!!
Army Apprentice News
The Army Apprentice association recently released their latest newsletter, The Apprentice About.
The "bumper" August 2026 edition of the Australian Army Apprentices Association Newsletter “The Apprentice About” is up on the Association Website.
An excellent article from our Secretary Simon Brooks on Kelvin Ferris's (13th Intake Fitter & Turner) experience in Vietnam during the Battle of Coral and Balmoral fills the extra pages out nicely.
This content-rich publication can be viewed online at the AAAA website: https://austarmyapprentice.org/newsletters/
Recovery Students of Merit
LCPL Liam Hutchinson (6 ESR) was recently awarded the Student of Merit award following his outstanding performance on a recent Subj 4 CPL Recovery Course.
Likewise, CFN Brandon Choi (8 OSU) demonstrated his leadership potential by taking out the Student of Merit award on the recent Subj 4 CPL RAEME course.
4 CSSB Happenings
The 105th Workshop Company (4 CSSB) team recently had a fantastic turnout at the Geelong Careers Expo alongside 8/7 RVR and ADF Careers. Students loved exploring ADF pathways, trying on tactical gear, and checking out our equipment displays.
A special highlight was a visit from the Deputy Prime Minister/ Minister for Defence and the Mayor of Geelong, who commended our team's community engagement.
Special thanks and congrats to all who supported this activity.
RAT Get-Together – Saturday 15 August
The Central Highlands Lodge was the perfect venue for the RAEME Association of Tasmania’s (RAT) annual get-together at a location that was central to all three respective regions for members and partners to meet. As a point of interest, and for those who don’t know, the Lodge is located at Miena adjacent to the Great Lakes in Central Tasmania. The weather gods were kind to us for this time of year offering sun, a stunning backdrop of clear blue skies and a sparkling lake.
Though the turnout of 16 people was slightly down on what we expected, the event was still a success, bringing together members and partners for a memorable day.
Two highlights of the afternoon were:
• “RAEME Association of Tasmania beer coasters”, which were crafted by our webmaster Glen Hay, were used as raffle prizes. These will soon be available for purchase through our Merchandise Officer. Great job Glen. The RATs thank you for your time and effort in manufacturing the coasters.
• The lucky door prize and raffle. Congratulations to Mick Moran, Ken Dobie and Merv Simmons who were the lucky winners.
Finally, it was great to see some familiar faces and to welcome those who travelled afar for the lunch. Overall, it was a very pleasant afternoon with great company and the beautiful lake setting. It was a risk in planning the event at this location but it well and truly paid off.
Melbourne Spanner Club
The Melbourne team had a great get-together on 13 Aug at Ladida for their August Spanner Club. Thanks to all who braved the Melbourne weather to come along.
Darling Downs Luncheon
The latest regional RAEME function brought together a close and engaged crowd, with around 25 attendees enjoying an afternoon marked by camaraderie, shared history and genuine connection. Despite many members heading north to escape the winter chill, the turnout reflected the strength of the local community and the value placed on these gatherings.
Ross and Leonie Grant spent the afternoon circulating among old friends, while Rod Brown arrived with Vietnam veterans Don McKenzie and Pat Smyth, whose presence added depth and meaning to the day. Pat delivered a short, heartfelt reflection on his service in Vietnam, including the extraordinary moment he unexpectedly crossed paths with his brother overseas. His account of the reception Vietnam veterans faced upon returning home was a sobering reminder of the challenges many endured, and it was clear his memories still carried weight.
First time attendee Graham Noll was warmly welcomed, and the arrival of Bruce and Kathryn added to the sense of occasion. With three Vietnam veterans present — the most seen at one of these functions — the afternoon carried a special significance. Conversations flowed easily, the crowd lingered well past 3pm, and the atmosphere throughout was one of respect, warmth and genuine togetherness.
Winners of the $50 Harvey Norman gift vouchers for the day were Dave Smith (again), Sandra Pile (who has already spent it) and Ted McKellar.
101 Fd Wksp Reunion
A Great Reunion Filled with Mateship…!
What a fantastic weekend at the Ex 101 & Friends Reunion, held at the Currumbin RSL!
With more than 80 people in attendance, it was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old mates, reminisce about the good old days and, of course, meet plenty of new mates along the way. The turnout was a true testament to the mateship, camaraderie and friendships that make RAEME so special.
As one of Queensland’s active Quilts of Valour representatives, I was incredibly proud to present 17 Quilts of Valour to our veteran mates as a small token of appreciation and recognition for their service to our country. It was a privilege to be able to share these special moments with so many veterans and their families.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the night such a memorable one. The laughter, stories and memories reminded us all that the friendships formed through our military careers really do last a lifetime.
Mark your calendars — the next reunion is August 2028! You definitely won’t want to miss it. I’m already thinking about what’s next… so watch this space! Until then… keep the mateship alive!
Photos of the event follow on the next page but below are the two amazing event organiser, Michelle Lafferty.
Well done, Ladies!!!
