After a decade of dedicated service on the Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA) Board of Governors, Andrew Mannix has stepped down from his role as Chair, passing the leadership to John Godwin. Andrew’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping MESHA’s growth and impact, and we are deeply grateful for his invaluable contributions. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for MESHA as we continue our mission to support the mental health and wellbeing of past and present military, emergency service members, and their families.
A legacy of impact and growth
Andrew’s tenure as Chair has been transformative for MESHA. Under his leadership, the organisation grew from strength to strength as a key charity of The Hospital Research Foundation Group, focusing on delivering critical research, programs, and training for military and emergency service communities. During his time as Chair, Andrew was instrumental in advocating for mental health and wellbeing programs, ensuring that MESHA’s services reached a broader community and created long-lasting impacts.
“MESHA helps veterans, emergency service members and their families with critical programs and research that support them in their life both in uniform and beyond – by improving their mental health and wellbeing,” Andrew said.
“We help members and families during transition from service, in the shift from such a strong identity and lifestyle, to pursue new goals, identities and purpose post military or emergency service life.
“Thank you to the expert and passionate teams who deliver these programs, that help tackle unmet needs for serving members and their families, and thank you to our generous donors and corporate partners who make this all possible – we couldn’t do it without you.”
Andrew reflected on MESHA’s success being the result of strong collaboration and shared commitment.
“I am just one member of a strong, talented, and influential board that has guided the organisation’s achievements. It has been a privilege to serve alongside such dedicated individuals, and I am pleased to pass the leadership to John. I have full confidence that the board, the team, and those we serve are in exceptional hands moving forward.”
Introducing John Godwin, MESHA’s New Chair
As MESHA turns the page to the next chapter, we are excited to welcome John Godwin as the new Chair of the MESHA Board of Governors. With over 30 years of experience in the defence and industry sectors, John brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. His journey began as a weapons electrical engineer in the Royal Australian Navy, where he served with distinction. Following his military service, John transitioned into the defence industry, co-founding Cambrian Defence & Space, a company specialising in strategic advisory and business growth for the defence and space sectors.
John’s extensive background also includes 10 years of non-executive board experience, including eight years as a member
of MESHA’s Board of Governors. He has played a key role in guiding the organisation and is now ready to lead MESHA into the future.
“I am honoured to take on this new role and continue the important work MESHA is doing to support those who serve and protect our country and our communities,” said John.
“The challenges our military and emergency service personnel, and their families, face require targeted, innovative solutions, and I look forward to working with the board and the team to drive further progress.”
Paul Flynn, CEO of The Hospital Research Foundation Group, expressed his gratitude for Andrew’s outstanding contributions to MESHA and welcomed John Godwin’s leadership as the new Chair.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Andrew Mannix for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to MESHA. His contributions have been invaluable, and MESHA is stronger for his tenure. We are delighted he will remain on The Hospital Research Foundation Group Board,” shared THRF Group CEO Paul Flynn.
“We are excited to see where John’s leadership will take us next as we continue to support our veterans, emergency service members, and their families in their journey toward better mental health and wellbeing.”
