Andrea McMahon’s career in the Australian Army began with a single audition – and a pioneering step for women in Defence. ‘I joined the Army in January 1983. I must have been just 18. I joined on Australia Day. Very patriotic,’ she says.
Music had been a lifelong passion. Since picking up the flute at the age of 12, Andrea was inspired by the Royal Military College Band concerts she attended as a child. When the Army began accepting women into bands, her mother suggested she audition.
‘I was the first woman in the band in Canberra, and I was also the first woman ever to march onto the hallowed parade ground of the Royal Military College.’
Joining wasn’t just about music. Recruit training tested every soldier physically and mentally.
‘We had to do recruit training just as every other private soldier did. Lots of marching around the parade ground, weapons training and learning all sorts of army discipline and law,’ Andrea says.
Rising through the rank
Andrea’s dedication took her from a band member to Lieutenant Colonel, eventually overseeing all Army Bands across Australia.
‘It was a real privilege, to be in that position. I really enjoyed it very much.’
Although Andrea describes herself as ‘lucky I didn’t get posted around as much as most people’, her career did see her make multiple moves, with postings across Adelaide, Melbourne, Wagga, Sydney and Canberra that saw her experience, firsthand, the challenges of relocations and community transitions that many Defence families face.
A new calling: welfare and support
After nearly 35 years of full-time service, Andrea moved to the Army Reserve and discovered a new purpose as a Welfare Officer. In this role, she helps Defence members navigating medical or personal transitions.
‘I deal with people who are going through the medical system… assisting people transitioning medically or for personal reasons from Defence and making sure that they’re linked into all the services and supports available,’ Andrea says.
She emphasises the importance of maintaining connection after leaving service.
‘It’s more than just looking for another job – not only are you leaving your job, but you’re leaving your tribe too! Organisations like Soldier On mean you can still be part of that tribe after you’ve left. And that’s really important.’
Volunteering: giving back to the Defence community
Even as Andrea approaches retirement, her commitment to service continues. She and her husband have been volunteering with the State Emergency Service for more than 15 years, in addition to other community initiatives.
‘Being a long-term Defence member, I have a heart for veterans and will continue to give back to the community, particularly to the Defence community,’ she says.
Music also remains central to her life. ‘I still play for my own amusement and listen to a lot of music, as well as go out to live concerts and shows. Music will always be a huge joy in my life,’ Andrea says.
Encouraging veterans to engage
Andrea encourages veterans to explore support networks openly. ‘Absolutely, it’s better to go along to something with no preconceptions and see how you can engage,’ she says. Through her work, she connects Defence members with Soldier On and other ex-service organisations, helping them access tailored support when transitioning out of service.
Looking ahead
Although she is retiring from Defence work, Andrea’s days will remain full of volunteering, music, and community engagement.
‘Even though I say I’m retiring, I don’t imagine I’ll be any less busy than I am now,’ she says.
🎧To learn more about Andrea McMahon and her journey, listen to episode 10 of Soldier On’s podcast, Saluting Their Service – Voices of Contemporary Bravery, available on Spotify and YouTube.
