Ms Annabelle Wilson has been appointed as the new Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, commencing on 18 August 2025.
DVA welcomes Ms Wilson to the role as a highly qualified advocate with a strong drive and sense of stewardship as the former Chief Operating Officer at Melbourne Legacy and Interim Board Member at the Institute of Veterans Advocacy among various other collaborative community engagement roles within the veteran and defence landscape.
She is also a widow of a veteran and brings a strong personal connection to families in the veteran community.
Ms Wilson follows in the footsteps of outgoing Veteran Family Advocate Gwen Cherne, the inaugural champion for veteran families in the role. Gwen has been an outstanding advocate representing families across government and leaves a lasting legacy.
Her passion and dedication to the role is evident in her many accomplishments fundamentally changing the way our nation recognises veteran families, including in the development of several programs and policies.
DVA thanks Ms Cherne for her work in this space which has been invaluable in creating a better future for so many.
Image 1: Ms Annabelle Wilson at the Legacy Torch Relay
Image 2: Pictured (left-to-right) James Mulholland, Annabelle Wilson and daughter Primrose, Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh, Susanne Shaw
