The Board
Megan wilson, GAICD - President
Megan has been volunteering with the Coffee Brigade since January 2021, joined the Board in July 2023 and moved to the President role in September 2023. She is happiest when she is out with our van and is usually found joking around with our friends to bring a smile to their faces.
Beyond her involvement with the Coffee Brigade, Megan boasts a robust career as a cybersecurity leader, with over 15 years of experience in the technology sector. Her expertise extends across both local and international realms, showcasing a breadth of knowledge in her field. Megan holds a Bachelor of Information Systems/Bachelor of Business from Swinburne University and has pursued further qualifications through institutions such as the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Women in Technology, and Women on Boards.
Megan's commitment to community outreach extends far beyond her leadership role at the Coffee Brigade. She actively engages with various initiatives in the Brisbane and Ipswich communities, serving as a mentor for Fitted for Work, volunteering for the YMCA's Breakfast Club, collecting donations for Every Little Bit Helps, and taking charge as the Sponsorship Lead for Inspiring Girls Australia. Additionally, she enthusiastically participates in corporate volunteering with colleagues and clients, fostering a culture of giving back.
As a President serving on a casual basis until the upcoming AGM in 2023, Megan embodies a commitment to leadership and community engagement, balancing her professional expertise with a genuine desire to make a difference.
Melinda CLIFTON - Vice president
Melinda served as President from 2020 to 2023 and navigated the Coffee Brigade through the COVID-19 pandemic, a relocation and significant improvements to its financial sustainability. With over a decade of transformative leadership, Mel has excelled in driving organisational change and growth. Additionally, a solid foundation in HR and international exposure leading the Asia-Pacific HR team in Hong Kong and project-based HR roles across Europe, Mel has consistently demonstrated versatility, resilience, and a keen ability to drive positive change.
Transitioning her career from human resources to change management, she embodies empathy and a passion for growth. Inspired by the World's Greatest Sleepout in 2019, Mel joined the Coffee Brigade to make a meaningful impact. Having also owned and run her own business, she brings valuable entrepreneurial experience to her commitment as a board member, actively guiding the organisation through challenges with a focus on human connection.
Ted Ryan - Treasurer
Ted took over the role of Treasurer of the Coffee Brigade in 2021. Ted was inspired by the Coffee Brigade's long and rich history and wanted to contribute to its future.
Beyond his involvement with the Coffee Brigade, Ted is a Chartered Accountant with Law and Commerce degrees from Monash University. With over 20 years of tax and accounting experience as well as many years of experience with school parents & citizens associations and football club committees, Ted hoped to apply his skills to benefit the Coffee Brigade.
“I always admired the work done by the Coffee Brigade. In providing food, drink and connection to those who need it, the Coffee Brigade makes Brisbane a far better place to live”.
Julie radford - Secretary
Julie has been heavily involved with Coffee Brigade as a volunteer since early 2023. Giving her time to both sandwich and van shifts, Julie felt an immediate connection with the organisation and its simple but important mission – making a positive impact in the lives of those Coffee Brigade serves.
With a diverse career history, Julie brings experience in education, business management, and contracted business services to SMEs with her to the position of Secretary. She has managed her family-owned business for over 20 years, equipping her with the ideal skill set to bring value and growth to the Coffee Brigade. Julie strives to ensure that Coffee Brigade can continue providing valuable connection and support to those in need for many years to come.
Gail rogerson - Board Member
Having been in a position where the kindness of others provided Gail and her children with basic needs during a period of personal and financial trauma, Gail recognises that acts of kindness and generosity boost feelings of confidence, optimism, and general wellbeing.
Over the years, Gail has built, bought, and sold various businesses and currently living in Brisbane, Gail and her business partner head up Carbon Brisbane, an accounting, bookkeeping and CFO services organisation. Meeting some key members of the Coffee Brigade in early 2021 and finding out more about the organisation, Gail immediately took the opportunity to join the Board and threw herself into supporting the Coffee Brigade knowing how important it is to help others. Being passionate about coaching and mentoring, along with her business acumen, Gail brings her varied skills to her role as a volunteer and Board Member.
the Team
Billie - General manager
Billie is an educator and experienced General Manager, bringing close to a decade of experience in not-for-profit leadership to her role at Coffee Brigade. Passionate about social impact and supporting communities in need, Billie felt drawn to Coffee Brigade’s legacy and hands-on impact.
Eager to build strong connections with Coffee Brigade’s friends, volunteers, and partners, Billie is committed to delivering exceptional service and impactful programs. She believes in the power of education to inspire others to become changemakers and create a positive difference in the world.
Billie has a Bachelor of Biological Sciences and a Master of Education from The University of Leeds.
Madeleine - Operations Coordinator
Madeleine joined the Coffee Brigade in 2023 with a background in administrative experience in the mental health and community legal sectors, bringing compassion and understanding for those doing it toughest.
She leads the Operations team to ensure not a day goes by without coffee, sandwiches, and smiles being served to our friends in need. Her skills in Digital Marketing and Social Media help spread awareness about the positive impact Coffee Brigade makes.
She is passionate about ensuring Coffee Brigade's volunteers are engaged and supported throughout their experience, and loves welcoming new volunteers to the Coffee Brigade community.
Skye - Operations Coordinator
Skye supports Coffee Brigade’s operations to ensure consistent and reliable service is provided to our friends in need, 365 days a year. She keeps HQ organised and efficient, making it as easy as possible for our volunteers to support our friends in need.
She believes that everyone is capable of making a difference, and is passionate about upholding Coffee Brigade’s legacy as the most reliable service in Brisbane.