ABOUT BUDDY UP AUSTRALIA

Buddy Up Australia was created by ex - service personnel for current / ex-service personnel & first responders

THE TEAM AT BUDDY UP AUSTRALIA

believe that every person who has provided service in the military or emergency services has the right to feel valued and connected in their local community.

The effects of leaving the service can impact both physical and mental health and for some it is a big adjustment to life after service. We want to keep our buddies in the ‘well zone’ of mental and physical health.

Buddy Up Australia offers a way for people who have served their country, either domestically or overseas, to connect with like-minded people and feel that sense of purpose again. That’s through physical fitness, social connection and volunteering for worthwhile projects.

Founded in Perth, our goal is to run chapters Australia-wide which meet the needs of serving and ex-serving personnel just like us (police, fire, ambulance and military). Let’s keep our buddies in the well zone.

VALUES

WELLNESS

We build healthy bodies and minds to contribute fully to our community

MATESHIP

We respect others despite differences and build meaningful relationships

SERVICE

We commit to our purpose to help others and ourselves feel valued

COURAGE

We share our story to help others and ourselves and create solutions when faced with challenges

MEET THE BOARD

MEGAN DAVIDSON

(Founder & Chairperson) megan@buddyupaustralia.org

Megan served 11 years in the Australian Regular Army, Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME). Megan is a senior consultant and coach with Integral and a trek leader for Back Track Adventures, which have given her the capacity and support to launch Buddy Up Australia. She has seen the need for an organisation which helps current and ex-service personnel reconnect with their local communities, find a new purpose and avoid the mental impact of service. Experienced in both the Not for Profit and corporate sector, she also holds qualifications in business, training, leadership and project management. As the founder, Megan wants to see a member driven organisation where we look out for each other whilst undertaking fitness and purposeful volunteering activities and thus keeping everyone in the ‘well zone’ of physical and mental health.

Megan is an active person, spending her free time on activities like trekking, mountain biking and yoga.

Jeff McLean

Jeff is a seasoned professional with a background in business and military training. He resides in Brisbane with his family and enjoys outdoor activities.

With over 20 years at UPS, he held leadership roles globally, specializing in human capital transformation. Jeff was instrumental in expanding UPS's operations in Vietnam and South Asia.

He managed HR operations, training, and development across UPS Asia Pacific. Additionally, he lectured on Strategic Management at the University of Technology, Sydney.

Jeff served in the Australian Army for over fifteen years. He also chaired the Vietnam Chapter of the Conference of Asia Pacific Express Carriers.

Kathleen Beu

Kathleen is an accomplished Airfield (Civil) Engineer currently serving in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with over 15 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of leadership and management roles, both operationally and strategically, showcasing her ability to drive results and foster collaboration in dynamic environments.

Kathleen holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), which complements her extensive technical expertise and enhances her strategic thinking. Her background equips her with a unique perspective on problem-solving and decision-making.

Residing in Brisbane with her young family, Kathleen is passionate about outdoor activities. Together, they enjoy running, hiking, camping, water skiing, and snow skiing, reflecting their love for adventure and an active lifestyle.

Philip Armstrong

Philip Armstrong brings a wealth of experience to his new role as a board member of Buddy Up, having dedicated his career to supporting veterans and promoting community well-being.

A former member of the Australian Defence Force, Philip has worked extensively in mental health, supervision, and veteran advocacy. He has been instrumental in fundraising efforts, including treks to Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp.

As the leader of Optimise Potential, his expertise in mental health and leadership will greatly contribute to Buddy Up's mission of fostering community connection and enhancing the well-being of its members.

DR SAMARA MCPHEDRAN

Samara has two decades of experience across a range of leadership and management roles, including in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.  

She holds qualifications in law and psychology, and her research has been published widely in both academic and mainstream media outlets. She specialises in the study of mental health, suicide, homicide, and domestic and family violence. She has worked extensively in legislative and policy evaluation and is currently an Honorary Associate Professor with the TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland. 

Samara has a track record of providing evidence-based recommendations to decision-makers to guide policy and legislative change and has served on a number of high-level advisory groups, including state and federal Ministerial panels.  

She enjoys cycling, gardening, and spending time with her cats. 

Craig Heslop

(Chief Executive Officer) craig.heslop@buddyupaustralia.org

Craig’s passion is to ensure that those who have served their country or community are given the respect and support they deserve.

Prior to joining the Buddy Up Team, Craig served as a sergeant in the New Zealand Police. Here, he enjoyed several roles including frontline, organised crime and tactical policing.

Craig also has extensive experience in the fitness sector, establishing a successful health and fitness company in the Middle East. He is proud to have improved the lives of many hundreds of people.

The Buddy Up values of wellness, mateship, service and courage attracted Craig to the organisation. He holds an Executive MBA from Massey University. Craig enjoys coaching football and supporting his beloved Liverpool!

COMES FROM WITHIN - AND WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU ACTIVATE IT.

MOTIVATION.

SUNSHINE COAST COMMUNITY AWARDS

Best Small Group or Program.

"If you can, you should."

OUR CHAPTERS

Founded in Perth, we run chapters Australia-wide which meet the needs of serving and ex-serving personnel just like us (police, fire, ambulance and military).

Buddy Up has Chapters across Australia. We currently have 12 Chapters which includes a ‘National Chapter’. Our aim by June 2024 is to launch in Darwin, Sydney, Gold Coast and South West WA.

ANNUAL REPORTS

2019

2020

2021

2023

2022

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