MEDIA
RELEASE
Wednesday, 13 February 2019
NEW
APPOINTMENT BRINGS UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE TO COUNCIL
OF THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
THE Council of the Australian
War Memorial will benefit from the unique
perspectives of its latest appointment, Ms Gwen
Cherne.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Darren Chester today announced that Ms Cherne
would serve on the Council for a period of three
years, replacing Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN
(Ret’d).
“Ms Cherne is an active member
of the War Widows Guild of Australia NSW, and a
strong advocate for current serving families and
those who are having difficulty settling into
civilian life following transition from the
defence force,” Mr Chester said.
“Ms Cherne has a wealth of
experience working in and with government
agencies, non-government organisations and the
United Nations and, as a war window herself,
will have a unique perspective to offer the
Council.
“I have no doubt Ms Cherne
will be an asset to the Council and will provide
valuable insight as the War Memorial plans its
$500 million expansion to proudly tell the
stories of veterans from recent conflicts in
Afghanistan, Iraq, the Solomon Islands and East
Timor.”
Acknowledging her new role Ms
Cherne said, “I am keen to work in the interests
of veterans and the defence community, and make
them proud.
“It is important to continue
the Australian War Memorial’s efforts in helping
educate the Australian public to better
understand the sacrifices of our serving men and
women and their families, recognising the scars
of their service,” Ms Cherne said.
The Council of the Australian
War Memorial has oversight of the executive
management and policies of the Memorial.
Mr Chester thanked outgoing
member, Rear Admiral Doolan for his dedication
and hard work in preserving and sharing
Australia’s military history as part of the
Council.
“Not only has Ken has served
on the Council for nine years, but three of
those were as Chairman and in 2016 he was
inducted as a Fellow of the Australian War
Memorial for his outstanding contribution to the
Memorial, significantly over and above what
would normally be expected.
“Thank you Ken for your
service, both in and out of uniform, to
Australia and in ensuring the stories of our
veterans are told to future generations.”
More information about the
Council can be found on the
Australian War Memorial
website.
Image caption: Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Darren Chester, Ms Gwen Cherne and DVA Secretary
Liz Cosson
ENDS