New director Australian War Graves

Brigadier Paul Nothard will take up the role of Director of the Office of Australian War Graves from 11 January 2019, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester announced today.

FILE PHOTO: Graves of unknown soldiers who died during World War I but who’s identity remains unknown are marked “Known Unto God”.

Mr Chester congratulated Mr Nothard on the appointment saying his highly experienced career as an Army officer would prove invaluable in his new role.

“Mr Nothard has more than 30 years of experience in the Australian Army with his most recent appointment as the Deputy Commander Joint Task Force 633 in the Middle East,” Mr Chester said.

“He has had an impressive military career demonstrating strategic leadership in complex and difficult environments including roles in logistics, transport operations, fleet management, career management and personnel policy.

“Mr Nothard holds a Bachelor of Professional Studies, a Masters of Management and a Masters of Strategic Studies.

“He is a Graduate and Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is an Executive Director on the Board of the Army Amenities Fund. I look forward to working with him.”

Mr Nothard said he was excited to take up the role of Director of the Office of Australian War Graves and looking forward to draw upon his defence knowledge and experience to acknowledge and recognise those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice for Australia.

“Australia has a long-standing commitment to remembering our war dead and I am honoured to have been given responsibility for this important task,” Mr Nothard said.

Mr Chester thanked the outgoing Director, Ken Corke, for his work over the past three years.

“Mr Corke has done an outstanding job during his tenure with the Office of Australian War Graves during a very significant period leading up to the Anzac Centenary,” Mr Chester said.

“On behalf of the Australian Government and the ex-service community, I sincerely thank Mr Corke and wish him all the best for his future.”

Mr Nothard was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in 1999 and in 2008 was made a Member of the Order of Australia for exceptional service for senior officer management in the Australian Army, Commanding Officer of the 1st Combat Service Support Battalion and as the Commander of the Force Level Logistic Asset in the Middle East Area of Operations.

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