There are 10-20 or so ex SYD heavy LAMEs working as AMEs at the Jet Base in various areas that have current licences and only need a managers stamp of approval to turn them into LAMEs. These managers reckon they have more than enough 767 licences and there are enough licenced AMEs with 744 licences that will get them out of the poo if needed.
So the rumour of more LAMEs being required for base I would think is just a rumour. But then this is a strange place and weirder things have happened.
There are also heaps of AMEs ready for training with all basics and full SOE books, but you would need a manager with balls and foresight to train the younger staff members. And then these young guys have to climb over the Senior LAMEs who think that any new training should go to them first before any newer engineers, but this could be a whole thread on its own.