RAEME NATIONWIDE
RAEME NQ Gathering
On Sat 19 Sept, the N-Qld crew held their latest gathering at the Fairfield Hotel, Townsville. They had a great turnout with around 70 Bluebells attending.
Raffle prize winners were:
- Member $100 draws: Chris Renall and Dave Packer
- $100 Taverns meat tray voucher: Michael "Juggs" Maloney
- Wine rack and 2 x bottles wine (donated by Bob Lauro): Tank Pontifex.
Thanks to the very welcoming staff of Fairfield for a great day.
Click here for more photos.
WA Newsletter
The WA Association recently released their newsletter, the Horse’s Mouth.
In this edition, they provide a couple of interesting stories, including one about the late Don Horsely; a highly respected Corps member who his mates described as “he was RAEME.”;
Click here to get your copy.
SA Association REME Birthday
RAEME ASSN SA recently celebrated REME birthday with their REME mates at the Cooper's Ale House Gepps Cross.
Recovery Reunion 2026
A Recovery Mechanic reunion was held over 18-19 Sept at the Recovery School, North Bandiana. A great turnout of all generations attended.
The crew witnessed new capability, visited the Museum, attended Friday night dinner and finished with BBQ at the Sergeant’s Mess on South Bandiana. Thanks to everyone who travelled, and a special shout-out to the Staff at Recovery Pl for facilitating a great event. Can confirm no crayons were licked or eaten during the event. Here are some photos from the event.
WA Family Get-together
The long weekend at the end of September was a great get together for some of the WcA RAEME family sharing more than a few tall stories, laughs and drinks.
Mower races with 'Bruce' and 'Arty-Ficer' were a hit with the Swagmen...and Swagwomen as they chased Jolly Jumbucks around the Barragup Billagong. Ray Wharton had the best overall laptime but we suspect a few corners were cut...The race between Brycey and Kev Lawler was the only legit race with Brycey ahead with a 6 second lead.
The 'Floating Spanner Throw' was hilarious. The dog decided to join in too.
- Gold medal: Alex Smithers
- Silver: Stino
- Bronze medal: Kev Lawler.
A special mention must go out to Alex Smithers for his efforts in recovering the Spanner after every throw
A great team effort for a hearty campfire cook-off with a ripper stew, curry and damper. Al Surjan's famous home-made bacon was also a hit two days running.
Sunday was a great pub lunch at the Pinjarra Exchange hotel before a hang out on the Pinjarra Suspension Bridge built by 22 Construction Squadron.
Planning for 2027 RAEME Retreat has started already. Looking forward to seeing some new faces along with our regulars.
More details and photos from this amazing event will be published in due course by the WA Association.
Keep an eye out for it in the next Horse’s Mouth newsletter.
Great work WA Team!
ALTC Happenings
From a prank lucky door prize to a treasured piece of Army history…
Yesterday, the 23rd Intake of Army Apprentices returned to Bandiana to formally present their iconic “Lucky Door” to the Army Museum Bandiana, ensuring the story of their intake and the friendships it forged will be preserved for future generations.
Handcrafted by members of the intake, the door carries the names of every apprentice from the 23rd Intake alongside a poppy honouring those who have since passed away.
What began as a tongue-in-cheek reunion prop, inspired by a famously rigged "lucky door prize" raffle involving an actual car door, evolved into a symbol of mateship, memories and a brotherhood spanning nearly six decades.
As intake spokesman James Atkin reflected, many of the group have remained close since joining Army in 1968, sharing life's biggest moments together, from weddings and children to reunions more than 50 years later. He described the door as representing "the camaraderie of our intake" and one of the many stories that still brings a smile to those who were there.
Commanding Officer Hans Hamilton said the presentation highlighted the enduring bonds formed through Army service. As he observed, "the apprentices scheme was the cream of Australian youth", with friendships formed early and strengthened through shared experiences that continue to bring the group together decades later. He noted that it always amazes him how Army relationships become "these amazing bonds, unbreakable bonds that last decades."
A fantastic day of stories, laughs, memories and a healthy dose of apprentice larrikinism.
Thank you to the 23rd Intake for entrusting the Lucky Door to the museum and for reminding us that while skills and trades may start a career, it's the people and friendships that stay with you forever.
RAEME in Defence News
The following stories have been published by Defence in various forms, including Army News. Links to the full, original stories are provided where they are available.
Rough terrain, important mission – Qld to SA
Above: Soldiers from 7 CSSB prepare
to support the 2026 Great Endeavour Rally..
A team of 13 vehicle technicians from 7 CSSB took on the ultimate outback challenge while supporting the 2026 Great Endeavour Rally.
The rally travelled along a gruelling 3,500-kilometre route from Toowoomba, Queensland, to Mount Dare in South Australia. Crossing red dirt, creeks and remote outback tracks, the team provided vital mechanical support to keep rally participants moving through some of Australia’s most demanding terrain.
Above left: Mechanics from 7 CSSB carry out running repairs on a rally vehicle, helping to keep participants moving throughout the challenging 3,500-kilometre outback journey.
Above right: A member of the 7 CSSB support team presents RAEME merchandise to a young supporter during the 2026 Great Endeavour Rally.
Along the way, the team also engaged with regional and remote communities, proudly representing the Australian Army and the Corps of Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
The RAEME Association Queensland provided additional Corps merchandise to support the team during the rally and help promote the RAEME spirit throughout the journey.
Most importantly, this epic outback adventure helped raise crucial funds for the Endeavour Foundation, supporting lifestyle, learning and employment opportunities for people with disability.
Above: The team reached Opalton in outback Queensland
Congratulations to the members of 7 CSSB on completing this challenging and worthwhile journey. Their efforts demonstrated the technical expertise, adaptability and determination for which RAEME personnel are renowned, delivering practical support across rough terrain in aid of an important mission.
2026 QLD Employer Support Awards – Brisbane
Commander 11th Brigade, BRIG Mark Smith, CSC (middle), presenting the winner’s certificate for the Defence Public Sector category at the 2026 Qld Employer Support Awards to LTCOL Isaac Leong of the Cargo Helicopter Management Unit (left) and Captain Aaron Gallagher (right) in Brisbane, Queensland.
The ADF Reserves and Employer Support Awards were held on 1 September, 2026, at the United Services Club in Brisbane. The awards formally recognise the commitment of civilian employers to supporting reservists in their workplaces. The event acknowledges employers that have gone above and beyond for their reservist employees over a sustained period, enabling members to complete Reserve commitments.
The Employer Support Awards are held in each state and territory. Categories include small, medium and large private-sector employers, the public sector, the Defence public sector and not-for-profit organisations. Awards were presented by the Commander 11th Brigade, Brigadier Mark Smith, CSC.
Welcome home to the Ship's Army Establishment
After 87 days deployed on Exercise Pacific Partnership 2026, HMAS Choules L100 returned on 14 Sept.
Ex Pacific Partnership 26 focused on strengthening humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities across the region.
RAEME Tasmania Newsletter
The Tasmanian Association recently released their latest newsletter.
In this edition, the President’s report addresses a wide range of issues relevant to Tasmanian members but also the Corps as a whole.
This is well worth a read.
Click here to get your copy.
3 CSSB in the field
Melbourne Spanner Club
The team from Melbourne recently gathered for their latest Spanner Club.
Another great turn out allowed many members to connect over a drink (or two).
RAEME wins Bathurst!
The RAEME team recently supported vehicles Project Digger and Matilda at the 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000.
Spot the tri-colours ….. and the driver who may have been from Duntroon (not yet confirmed)
For more images, please click here.!
RAEME Rover Update
Early October was Workshop Day, and the Ipswich team were hard at it. The Nth Qld workshop was busy as well, working on the Cobra project car getting the last of the compulsory bar work fabricated in.
One week later, the humidity was building up in the north, but so is the project car. Massive efforts by Michael Pettit and Ian Baker saw them finishing off all the compulsory bar work and fabricating a new legal rear firewall. With several team members away with medical, the RAEMUS team were very happy with the progress.
No workshop in the north next week, Wed 28th October we're back on deck.
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