New appointees to Australian War Memorial Council

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh today announced three new members have been appointed to the Australian War Memorial Council.

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AWM Council is responsible for the conduct and control of the affairs and policy of the Memorial, including the nature of its displays and exhibits, maintaining the Commemorative Area as well as undertaking a major expansion project.

New appointments bring a fresh perspective to the Council and ensure the Memorial continues to adapt and reach contemporary audiences.

Mr Keogh said the reappointment of three existing council members would also ensure continuity and retention of corporate knowledge.

“Those selected have senior leadership experience, possessing expertise relevant to the functions of the Memorial and have a deep understanding of, and experience in, Australia’s military history, military service, and commemoration of military service,” he said.

• Lorraine Hatton – a distinguished Australian Army veteran recognised as a pioneer for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous female servicewomen. Ms Hatton will commence on 1 July 2024 for a period of three years. Ms Hatton is a member of the Australian War Memorial Indigenous Advisory Working Group, the Indigenous Elder of the Australian Army, Patron of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association and Board Member of the Queensland Legacy Cabinet Fundraising “Bring it Home” Campaign.
• Warren Snowdon – a former Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel with a strong understanding of and commitment to the veteran and family community. Mr Snowdon was also the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac and is a member of the Soldier On Board. Mr Snowdon will commence on 1 July 2024 for a period of three years.
• Karen Bird – Deputy Chair of the National Advisory Committee for Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling, Post-Doctoral Fellow with the ARC Research Project Flinders University/University of New South Wales and a founding committee member of the Suffering of War and Service Project at the Australian War Memorial. Dr Bird will commence on 25 October 2024 for a period of three years.

The following reappointments will ensure continuity in the work of the Council:

• Glenn Keys – a Council Member since 2021, Executive Chairman of Aspen Medical, with a distinguished career in the ADF. Mr Keys will commence on 1 July 2024 for a period of three years.
• Susan Neuhaus – a Council Member since 2018, Patron of the Virtual War Memorial, with a distinguished career in the ADF. Dr Neuhaus chairs the Australian War Memorial Development Committee. Dr Neuhaus will commence on 1 July 2024 for a period of three years.
• Major General (ret’d)Greg Melick – a Council Member since 2018 and Chair of the Finance Audit and compliance Committee, National President of the Returned and Services Leagues of Australia with more than 50 years’ experience serving in the Australian Army Reserve. Major General Melick is a Barrister and Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Major General Melick will commence on 1 July 2024 and his term will end on 30 September 2025.

“On behalf of the Australian government, I’d also like to acknowledge and thank Josephine Stone, Rhondda Vanzella and James McMahon for their service to the Council,” Mr Keogh said.

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