INTRODUCTION

Maintenance Matters is changing

Maintenance Matters has received some great feedback from around the nation since we launched earlier this year. Some people enjoy various elements more than others but most seem to appreciate how we are able to capture a snapshot of what is happening around the Corps, all in one place. Although the feedback we’ve received so far has been overwhelmingly positive, one suggestion we regularly receive is: Make it shorter! In this edition, we will trial a reduced format.

After reviewing all feedback, we’ve decided to refocus on one of the core reasons this combined newsletter exists — to strengthen connections across our Corps, our Associations, and our veteran community, both serving and former-serving members.

To support that goal, we will trial the following adjustments to each main section of the newsletter:

• Introductions. These will be omitted unless a Corps member has a specific message. This will be open to all with priority given to Association Presidents and Head of Corps cell reps.
• Our Corps Today. The RSM’s Reports on the Corps will continue when they are available.
• Our People. Our People will remain unchanged — recognising and supporting our members is central to who we are. Elements such as Above and Beyond and We Are Family will remain.
• Announcements. Announcements will continue, though some items may be shortened.
• RAEME Nationwide. This is a prime section that will remain as is, given its importance in showcasing what our members and associations are doing across Australia.
• Impending Events. This section will be limited to one (or at most two) pages to detail those upcoming events for the next month or so. This will also include details of significant events in the future that require details, advanced planning.
• Our Units. We will continue to welcome articles from serving units.
• Breaking News. This section will be expanded to incorporate the following old sections but rather than providing full stories, summaries will be provided along with a link to the original so more detail can be read if desired:
  • The old Breaking News. Summaries of reports from various ESOs such as DVA, the RSL, the Minister of Defence etc.
  • Defence News. Defence-published news that affects members of the Corps will be published as short introductions only.
  • Health and Wellbeing. Reports or news from supporters such as Open Arms or Invictus Australia will be included where warranted however rather than inclusion of full programs nationwide, links to news or activities will be provided.
  • International EME. Reports from our sister-Corps in Canada and the UK will continue when topics of broad interest are found.
  • Member guidance. Updates to Pay and Conditions released by Defence will be included as brief summaries only, again with links to the full information as required.
• Welfare matters. Remembering our fallen or ill members or reports on welfare support requirements will continue.

These changes are not intended to restrict content, but to sharpen our focus on what makes our Corps special: our people, our stories, our shared identity, and the connections that bind us. We will place greater emphasis on reporting events and sharing association updates from recent activities. We welcome all submissions.

We will also introduce a “mobile-friendly” edition which will provide readers an interface to check out each edition whenever they like.

Finally, we strongly encourage all members to submit photos and short reports from anything you’ve been involved in — unit activities, association events, reunions, achievements, or simply moments worth sharing. Photos are especially valuable.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for helping shape a newsletter that truly reflects the spirit of RAEME.

Arte et Marte.