Mel (Melissa) Robinson
Service: Royal Australian Air Force
Mustering: Plant Operator/ Works Supervisor – Civil
Construction
Location: Townsville QLD
Sergeant Mel Robinson, a dedicated and trailblazing member of
the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), has served her country
with distinction and passion since 2004. Enlisting as a Plant
Operator and now working as a Works Supervisor, Mel has broken barriers as the first female
direct entry, non-traditional role holder and the first female Works Supervisor in the RAAF.
Throughout her career, Mel has been posted to various bases, including RAAF Security and
Fire School, School of Military Engineering, Australia's Federation Guard, Surveillance and
Control Training Unit, and her current posting at 65 Air Base Recovery Squadron in
Townsville. Her dedication to her work has been recognized with numerous qualifications,
including Cert III in Civil Construction, Cert IV in Training and Assessing, and five
Diploma's.
Mel's commitment to the RAAF extends beyond her professional duties. She has represented
the Air Force in various sports, including touch, squash, and tenpin bowling, and has been a
member of the RAAF NSW Touch, Squash, and Tenpin Bowling teams, as well as the
Australian National teams. She has also participated in numerous Catafalque parties,
volunteered with the RSL for ANZAC Day, and marched in the Mardi Gras with the Defence
contingent.
In 2008, Mel made history as the first contingent to march in uniform with Defence Approval
in the Mardi Gras, an event that solidified her passion for advocating for Defence inclusion
and her commitment to DEFGLIS. Since then, she has been a dedicated member of the
DEFGLIS community, attending Military Pride Balls, wreath laying's, and community get-
togethers with various contingents.
Mel's dedication to DEFGLIS is evident in her role as Townsville DEFGLIS Coordinator,
where she organizes multiple events throughout the year. In her spare time, Mel enjoys
spending time with her daughter and dog at the beach, raising awareness for Neuroblastoma,
Tenpin Bowling, and Rock n Roll dancing.
Mel's heartfelt commitment to her country, the RAAF, and the DEFGLIS community is
inspiring. Her dedication to breaking barriers, advocating for inclusion, and building a
supportive network for the Defence LGBTIQ community has left a lasting impact on those
around her. Mel is eager to make a more formal contribution to DEFGLIS, and her passion
and commitment will undoubtedly continue to make a difference in the lives of those she
serves.