WELFARE MATTERS
Vale
Our Corps has lost the following members in recent times. Full details of each member may be found at the RAEME Vale page.
CFN Chris HARRIS retd
Chris passed away on 12 August 2026. Chris was a British immigrant from East Anglia who served in the army there doing automotive engineering work. Chris was a member of 16 Field Battery Tech Support in Launceston in the 1980s. Chris is survived by his wife Liz.
342634 Robert Keith ‘Bob’ PUNCH
Bob passed away on 6 October 2026 after suffering a massive stroke. A 9th Class Army Apprentice and Vehicle Mechanic, he was one of life’s great characters, retaining his unmistakable Appy sense of humour and pride until the end. He will be fondly remembered by his fellow apprentices, mates and the wider RAEME family. Rest in peace, old mate. Odds are Gods!
CFN Graeme JOBLIN retd
Graeme passed away on 18 July, aged 82. He lived in Maryborough and spent his final months in Hervey Bay. Those who knew him recall a kind, loyal man, always ready for a chat and devoted to his partner. Graeme was cremated on 21 August. His celebration of life was held at 10.30 am on 28 September in the Memorial Garden at Maryborough Services & Citizens Club.
Luke Reginald Charles ‘Rossco’ ROSS
Luke passed away on 24 September, aged 45, after living with Huntington’s disease. A Vehicle Mechanic who joined the ARA in 2000, he trained at Vehicle Trades Wing, completed on-the-job training in Sydney and served in Townsville with 5th Aviation Technical Support Workshop. He also supported the Australian Army on Operation Pakistan Assist in 2006. Mates remember Rossco’s humour and big heart. His funeral was held on 29 September at 2.00 pm at Townsville Funerals & Cremations Chapel, 3 Railway Avenue, Railway Estate.
35785 WO1 Kevin Owen BURNS retd
Kevin passed away in Adelaide on 30 September 2026, aged 91. He served in RAEME in Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam, including as a Staff Sergeant with 106 Field Workshop from 14 January to 7 August 1970. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues. Funeral arrangements will be shared when available. Kevin was farewelled by Alfred James Funeral Service in South Plympton on 09 October 2026.
Nicholas “Nicko” HYGEN-THOLEN
Nicko, who was also known to his mates as “Hayseed”, passed away in Brisbane on 16 Sept 2026. He was a fitter whose service included postings to the 1st Base Wksp Bn at Bulimba, Qld, during the mid-1970s and the 1st Armoured Regt at Puckapunyal, Vic, from 1977 to 1979. Throughout his service, Nicko worked alongside many fellow Bluebells and formed friendships that endured long after their time in uniform. He will be remembered by those who served with him as a valued member of the wider RAEME family and a good mate.
SGT Peter ‘Phantom’ OLIVER retd
Peter passed away 19 August 2026. We have very limited details on Peters passing, other than he had been in a retirement home in Tasmania for a number of years. Peter served in RAEME as a B2 Store Sergeant in the seventies.
174593 Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Thomas "Ron" McELWAINE OAM RFD ED (Retd)
Ron McElwaine died peacefully on 21 September 2026, aged 90. Born in Queensland on 12 February 1936, Ron was commissioned in 1963 and served in RAEME. As a Captain, he undertook a Citizen Military Forces Officer Visit to Vietnam from 21 January to 4 February 1971. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and commanded 1 EME Group at Bulimba. Ron was a highly respected member of the Corps community. He was also a long-serving President and Life Member of the Sherwood–Indooroopilly RSL Sub Branch and a tireless advocate for veterans and their families. Ron leaves an enduring legacy of service, leadership and remembrance.
318320 Dennis Patrick BOWERMAN retd
Dennis sadly passed away in Emerald on 2 May 2026. A B1 Storeman, he served at TST, Armoured Centre, from 1985 to 1987. Dennis was later well known in Emerald as a respected instructor, teacher and mentor. Former students and colleagues remembered him as a true gentleman who was intelligent, humorous and kind, and always willing to offer advice or share a quiet conversation about life. Dennis was a greatly respected RAEME mate and is survived by his wife, Jenni, his children and his grandchildren.
46964 SGT Dean Francis ‘Deano’ TALLACK retd
Dean died on 18 September 2026 following a serious cardiac event. A Basic Entry Fitter and Turner, Dean served with 3 FER Workshop, 1 Base Wksp Bn, 21 Supply Bn, 5/7 RAR and the School of Artillery. His service included a three-month tour at Butterworth, Malaysia, and he had attained the rank of Sergeant by 1990. Following his Army career, Dean worked in several positions with Sealy of Australia before retiring after 21 years. Remembered as a fine soldier, a top bloke and a dear friend, Dean is survived by h is wife, Naree; daughters, Sandra and Donna; and his much-loved grandchildren.
Sick Parade
Gary BONNER. Gary underwent knee replacement surgery on 29 September 2026 and is recovering at home. We wish him a smooth recovery and look forward to seeing him back among us when he is ready.
Russ CLIFFE. Russ is still struggling with his post-stroke recovery. He is unable to use his left hand and is unable to walk without support. Russ has really appreciated the support from those who have reached out to him. If you can’t visit Russ in Gladstone, he would welcome a call on 0413-732-917. It may also work better if you SMS him and await a return call as that will allow him support with the phone.
Brian DALEY. Brian underwent knee surgery in late August 2026 and is recovering well at home. We wish him continued progress and a full recovery.
Danny CRUMP. Crumpy is still undergoing treatment to fight against the throat cancer he was diagnosed with earlier this year. Whilst the chemo he had earlier took out the throat cancer, it had already gotten in to his bloodstream so for now, he is taking every day as it comes. If you want to have to chat to Crumpy, give him a buzz on 0417-053-136. He will get a lot out of that.
Bob McKerrow. Big Bird continues to battle with his health since open heart surgery two years ago. He is making a steady progress.
Garry ‘Soupy’ SIEPEN. Garry has had recent surgery to his back and is making a good steady progress to recovery.
Tom STRANG. Tommy continues to fight on and is being cared for by his wife Irene at home in Tasmania.
Ian GILLESPIE. Ian recently had a condition resulting in the need to be transferred to the RHH from Launceston by the Royal Flying Doctors service, He is now recovering at home and is on the road to recovery.
How to provide welfare notifications
Should you wish to report the passing of a member or the change in health circumstances affecting you or another Corps member, you can do so by entering all known details on the RAEME Welfare Notification page.
