OUR PEOPLE

Welcome to the family

From The Springfield Anglican College (TSAC), Springfield, SE-Qld.

What began as encouragement from his parents to join the Australian Air Force Cadets while at TSAC became the first step towards a career in the Australian Defence Force for Arjun Prabhukumar. During his six years in cadets, Arjun rose to the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer and earned both the Overall Drill Excellence Award and Commanding Officer's Commendation Award.

Just one year after graduating from TSAC, Arjun has taken the next step towards his goal of serving in the Australian Defence Force, graduating from Kapooka in July and now undertaking specialist training as an Avionics Technician with RAEME. Reflecting on the journey, Arjun says three words define his experience: patience, commitment and evolving.

Congratulations, Arjun. We're proud to see you turning ambition into action and wish you every success in your military career.

Milestone Birthday of a Recovery Legend

On 03 Oct, Recovery legend Peter Sandilands celebrated his 80th birthday with good mates by his side.

Former RAEME members celebrating Pete ‘Sandy’ Sandilands’ 80th birthday . L/R front row, Mark Hayden, Sandy, Mick Shanahan Back row L/R Chris Newman, Peter Yates, Ian Spargo, Ken Smallacombe.

Peter was a long-standing member of the Corps who served extensively through the ranks but he was instrumental in the training and mentoring of many junior tradesmen. He is currently living in the Sunshine Coast and remaining active whilst dealing some significant health challenges. Happy Birthday, Sandy!

Second Federation for Tasmanian Crafty

CFN Nigel Fox was recently presented with his second Federation star for 45 years of service in the Army.

COL Andrew Herbert making the presentation to CFN Fox

CFN Fox enlisted in the Australian Army on 13 January 1981. At the completion of initial training, he was allocated to the corps of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. CFN Fox has performed a wide range of duties across a number of units and served operationally in East Timor.

Congratulations on being awarded your second Federation Star for your commitment and dedication to the service of our Nation within the Australian Army!

Leading from the front

Throughout October, our Representative Colonel Commandant, BRIG Ed Smeaton, will be participating in the Bravery Trek, which means he will be completing 240km walk/run/cycle to raise funds for veterans.

If your situation permits, you may wish to make a donation to Ed and his team so they can raise money to support veterans. You can find details at: https://braverytrek.com.au/ed-smeaton

Recognising Recovery Brilliance

It was a big week for ASEME’s Recovery Platoon (plus or minus) in early October.

Recovery Platoon and members whom have assisted through the year, were recognised for their efforts in regard to building capability (Max DTR over the last 4 course), High output of additional taskings not within their scope and maintaining high standards of training all while under resourced and understaffed.

For their recognition, Recovery Platoon received the TEAM ARMY award for 2026. Recognised members:

• WO1 Wynd

• WO1 Huckel

• WO2 White

• WO2 Clune

• WO2 Currey

• SGT McCarthy

• SGT Adams

• SGT Lowe

• SGT Smith

• SGT Warsing

• CPL Sims

We should also take this time to congratulate WO2 Peter White on his Second Clasp to the DLSM and SGT Ricky Lowe for his receipt of a CO's commendation for his outstanding performance at ACW.

Solid effort to all involved.