ANNOUNCEMENTS
Support RAEME Member and Artist Matt Redwood in the People's Choice Award
We are proud to share that Matt Redwood has been selected as a finalist in the 2026 Napier Waller Art Prize for his powerful work, Generations of Conflict.
The Napier Waller Art Prize, presented by the Australian War Memorial, is open to current and former Australian Defence Force personnel. The prize encourages artistic excellence, promotes the transformative power of creativity, and raises awareness of the experiences and talents of service personnel.
Matt’s artwork explores the enduring effects of military service across generations and reflects themes that will resonate with many within the RAEME family. Being selected as a finalist is a significant achievement, and all shortlisted works are eligible for the People's Choice Award, which is decided by public vote.
We encourage all members, veterans, families and friends of the Corps to take a few moments to view Matt's artwork and cast their vote in support of him. Supporting veteran artists is an important way to recognise the many talents, experiences and stories that exist within our Defence community.
Please consider sharing the link below with your family, friends and social networks. Every vote helps recognise Matt's achievement and supports the wider veteran community through one of Australia's most respected military art prizes.
Vote here: https://www.awm.gov.au/napier-waller-art-prize-hub/2026/generations-conflict
The RAEME Craftsman magazine – 2026 Edition – Call for Submissions
Work is now underway for the 2026 edition of The Craftsman, and we are inviting contributions from across the Corps, the wider Defence community, and our veteran network. This annual journal is one of RAEME’s most important historical records, capturing the achievements, challenges, innovations and stories that define who we are. Every article, photo and reflection helps preserve our heritage and ensures future generations understand the depth and diversity of our Corps.
The editorial team will welcome submissions covering unit activities, capability developments, technical innovation, training achievements, operational experiences, Corps history, and personal reflections on service. Articles from all ranks and all ECNs are encouraged, as are contributions from associations and retired members. If you have a story worth telling, a lesson worth sharing, or an achievement worth celebrating, we want to hear from you.
To submit content, please send articles and images to
Your stories are the heartbeat of our Corps. Help us capture another year of RAEME excellence.
Click here to download the 2025 edition.
The Apprentice Association launches Perpetual Membership
If you’ve been a member of the Australian Army Apprentices Association for a decade or more and find a renewal reminder in your inbox, you might be in for a nice surprise. That’s because the Apprentice Association has now introduced Perpetual Membership which operates much like life subscriber status, that is, you’ll never have to renew your Apprentices Association membership ever again.
Anyone eligible for Ordinary Membership, i.e. anyone who held the rank of Apprentice at either Balcombe or Bonegilla, is also eligible to become a Perpetual Member.
Perpetual Membership fees are tiered according to the number of years you have been a financial member. If you have remained financial for:
- More than 10 years - $25
- Between 5-10 years - $125
- Less than 5 years - $225
- New members - $225 + $10 joining fee.
Perpetual Membership is a no brainer for the vast majority of members have been financial for 10 or more years. The cost saving is substantial. And by renewing, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a valuable contribution to the maintenance of the Australian Army Apprentices Memorial at Bandiana and Army Apprentice School heritage. Members also benefit from the Association’s public liability insurance coverage for events, which offers peace of mind for anyone organising an Apprentice reunion.
If you have any questions or need help with converting your membership, reach out to the Association’s Membership Secretary Graeme Smail on 0438 212964 or email him at
Can You Help? Iraq and Afghanistan Project
This is a fishing expedition on behalf of RAEME member, Jeff Biddle.
Jeff’s local RSL Sub Branch is developing a memorial to honour Australian Defence Force personnel who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. A veteran involved with the project suggested that incorporating a component from a Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle that had seen operational service would provide a fitting and meaningful tribute.
Jeff is seeking advice about whether obtaining such a component may be possible and, if so, where the Sub Branch should begin its enquiries.
Members with knowledge of Bushmaster fleet management, Defence disposals, heritage collections or other relevant contacts are invited to assist. Even advice about the appropriate organisation or person to approach would be greatly appreciated.
Anyone who may be able to help can contact Jeff Biddle through Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.m.biddle
Image: Craftsman Cody Hunt, a vehicle mechanic with Task Group Afghanistan, prepares for another shift in the workshops at Camp Qargha, near Kabul, while deployed on Operation Highroad 2018
RAEME Port – Stock limited
The 2026 RAEME Craftsman Series, featuring this year’s commemorative Craftsman Port (Tawny) and Single Malt Whisky is available to purchase. This special release honours the dedication, professionalism, and enduring legacy of RAEME soldiers past and present, while celebrating the proud history and traditions of the Corps. The 2026 Craftsman Series commemorates:
- 125 years of the Australian Army
- 84 years of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- 40 years of the Prince Philip Banner
Special recognition should also go to WO1 Marcellin Chee and WO1 Marc Craigie, who have been instrumental in driving and coordinating this year’s release. Their work behind the scenes has helped bring together a fitting commemorative product that reflects the heritage, pride, and craftsmanship of the Corps.
Product Details
- 700 ml Craftsman Port (Tawny) – $60.00 - Available
- 700 ml Single Malt Whisky – $87.00 - Available
- Postage – $19 (up to 6 bottles)
PLEASE NOTE – Maximum purchase of six bottles per order, in any combination.
Delivery will occur in batches throughout 2026.
How to Order
To place an order, please scan the QR code or click on this link.
All orders will be delivered directly to your door.
Orders are now open, with final orders closing on 31 October unless sold out sooner.
Veterans Grants Available
Community-Led Projects to Strengthen Veteran Wellbeing
Veterans and families of veterans across Australia will soon benefit from more projects and activities that support their health, wellbeing and social connection. The Australian Government has opened applications for the 2026-27 Veteran Wellbeing Grants (VWG) Program with more than $3.7 million in funding available.
The VWG Program supports sustainable projects that improve health and wellbeing outcomes, strengthen community connections and raise awareness of issues affecting the veteran community.
Eligible organisations can apply for:
- Small Grants of up to $50,000 for local, community-based projects and activities that support safe and accessible environments for veterans and families of veterans.
- Large Grants of between $50,001 and $200,000 for broader initiatives that improve health and wellbeing, strengthen social connection, build community capacity, expand existing services and raise awareness of issues affecting veterans and families of veterans.
In the previous funding round, grants supported a diverse range of initiatives, including family and veteran wellbeing camps, outdoor recreation programs, Indigenous-led wellbeing projects for First Nations veterans, trauma-informed yoga workshops, inclusive sports programs and the Dance for Veterans program.
Applications will close on 10 November 2026. Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to carefully review the updated Guidelines and submit applications that clearly demonstrate wellbeing outcomes for veterans and families.
To learn more about the program visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.
Rifle Company Butterworth Recognition
The Minister for Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh, recently announced that the Australian Government will reclassify service at Butterworth in Malaysia between 1970 and 1989 as ‘non-warlike service’, replacing the previous ‘peacetime service’ classification.
This decision acknowledges the unique environment in which Australian Defence Force personnel served while protecting RAAF Base Butterworth and supporting Australia's longstanding security commitment in the region.
Click here for more information.
Women in RAEME 2026
The RAEME Association Queensland warmly invites you to Women in RAEME 2026, celebrating the achievements and contributions of women across RAEME, Defence and industry. Everyone is welcome, including veterans and their families, serving ADF members, Defence and industry representatives, members of the wider business community, friends and supporters.
Join us at The Ship Inn, South Brisbane, on Friday, 27 November 2026, from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm, for inspirational speakers, canapés and a lucky door prize in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Tickets are $25 per person. Places are limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged. – See the Impending Events page for more details
Our guest speaker: Melanie Annand, President of Women Veterans Network Australia
We’re pleased to announce Melanie Annand as our latest guest speaker. A Royal Australian Navy veteran, mental health support worker and advocate, Melanie brings more than 16 years’ experience supporting veterans and their families across Australia.
As President of Women Veterans Network Australia, Melanie provides national leadership focused on recognition, connection and better outcomes for women who have served. Her work spans veteran wellbeing, welfare advocacy, crisis support and community connection, with a strong commitment to trauma-informed, person-centred support.
Melanie has also contributed to national discussions and submissions on veteran wellbeing, military sexual trauma and service system reform, including contributions to the Australian Human Rights Commission and parliamentary inquiry processes. She is an Associate Investigator with Phoenix Australia and an advisory partner with La Trobe University on research relating to military sexual trauma among serving and former Australian Defence Force members. Melanie’s contribution to the veteran community has been recognised through several honours, including Life Membership with RSL Australia for more than 15 years of dedicated service to veterans and their families.
We look forward to hearing Melanie’s perspectives on supporting women veterans, strengthening community connections and advocating for meaningful, long-term change.
Also joining us: Julie Fedorniak, retired Warrant Officer Class Two
Julie’s 21-year Australian Army career encompassed vehicle maintenance, technical leadership and training. After initially serving in the Royal Australian Corps of Transport, she transferred to RAEME in 1988 and qualified as a vehicle mechanic. Her postings included Townsville, Bandiana and Darwin. At the 5th Aviation Regiment, she became the regiment’s first female “black trades” Artificer Sergeant Major. Following her Army service, Julie moved into civilian fleet management as Fleet Manager at James Cook University.
Julie will share her experiences of life in RAEME and the transition from military service to civilian fleet management.
Lieutenant Colonel Alison Lee, CSM (Retd)
An aeronautical engineer and former senior Army officer, Alison’s distinguished career included operational service in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. As Officer Commanding Technical Support Squadron at the 5th Aviation Regiment, she coordinated aviation maintenance, supported operational deployments and oversaw the introduction of the MRH-90 Taipan. She was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal in recognition of her achievements and service. After retiring from the Army in 2013, Alison held senior defence industry roles and is now Head of Logistics – Australia for PentenAmio. She brings valuable insights into military service, aviation engineering and defence industry leadership.
