ABOUT US
OUR CHALLENGE
Shifting the narrative around transition to increase opportunities for veterans.
In Australia, the benefits of veteran self-employment and business ownership are not being realised despite the opportunities that exist for transitioning and former ADF personnel.
Veterans are at a higher risk of many health and social issues compared to the civilian population, particularly in terms of homelessness, substance abuse and suicide.
Frontline Labs offers 21st century solutions to better serve the veteran community, to reconnect with purpose, leading to a smoother, more suitable transition to civilian life, and ultimately healthier long term results.
OUR VISION
A seamless transition from service to society.
FRONTLINE LABS is here to create real, positive change and unleash the potential of veteran community entrepreneurs.
We are a not-for-profit educational organisation whose purpose is to foster business community, ideation and business development for ADF members, their spouses and veterans, with the transition to civilian life.
This is done by adapting their military knowledge and developing innovation and entrepreneurship skills ultimately solving social and community problems.
WHAT WE DO
FRONTLINE LABS is the pathway for veterans and spouses to discover or redefine their purpose.
It’s where veterans connect and collaborate with a community of people with a shared lived experience.
Working in association with Ex-Service Organisations, RSL Sub Branches, and community support services nationally, we deliver fully funded courses and vocational training, paired with business development grants and ongoing mentorship.
Our business community is a national offering that has supported the development and scaling of more than fifty Australian veteran businesses.
OUR COMMUNITY
Our support partnerships extend to new hubs in major areas around Australia,
we are for the benefit of the entire defence community.
Furthermore, our international alliance extends to Bunker Labs USA and UK, as well as the NYU Veterans Future lab. These exclusive partnerships offer new growth and opportunity for Australian veteran businesses, including fully-funded study tours to participate in these global programs.
We are committed to working with community service groups, registered clubs, peak bodies and government.
Our opportunities help develop a personally relevant identity and life purpose, consistent with trends and opportunities in the civilian world.
Our programmes help our community to:
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Minimise the sense of loss
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Increase the sense of tribe
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Increase opportunity to create and maintain networks and camaraderie with other veterans
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Improve their decision making with future employment or business choices.
CHRIS NORTH
CEO & FOUNDER
Chris has a Masters in Marketing (USyd, BGS) and over 15 years experience in developing award winning, branded media campaign solutions for major companies including McDonald's, HotelsCombined, Live Nation, Kennards Hire, and the Cancer Council of Australia.
Chris is engaged by some of Australia’s leading not for profits on fundraising development and customer-donor acquisition and retention including Cystic Fibrosis NSW, United Way, STAARTS, and the Sydney Youth Orchestras. He brings this wealth of experience to the team at Frontline Labs.
MARK LEATHAM
PARTNERSHIPS AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Mark Leatham is a highly decorated former RAAF officer. He served 28 years in the Air Force and a further 12 years with the RAAF Reserves. Mark served on operational assignments with the USAF HQ in the Pentagon, NATO Resolute Support Mission in Kabul, and the Australian Joint Task Force HQ in Baghdad. He also had postings across many Australian bases and in South-East Asia.
Since leaving the Permanent Air Force, Mark worked with defence industry companies including Toll Group, Fujitsu, and Accenture (GRA). As a RAAF Reservist he was a part-time Director of the ADF Adaptive Sports Program and Manager of Team Australia at the US DoD Warrior Games events.
Most recently he worked for Fortem Australia, a NFP charity supporting first responders and their families as they transition from service and seeking new career. Mark is very passionate about supporting our amazing ADF veteran community and looks forward to delivering results for them at Frontline Labs.