Appointment of new Director Office of Australian War Graves

Major General Wade Stothart AO DSC CSC (Retd) has been appointed as Director of the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG) commencing 11 October 2025 for three years.

Combining a steadfast personal passion for honouring Australia’s fallen service personnel with more than 30 years’ strategic leadership experience, Major General Stothart (Retd) will be a strong and empathetic leader for the OAWG.

Through both his own decorated military career and his commitment to commemorating the service of others, he brings a deep knowledge of the veteran landscape to the role.

Retiring from the Australian Defence Force as Head of Military Personnel in 2024, Major General Stothart (Retd) is a past Chair of the Army Amenities Fund and Australian Military Forces Relief Trust and has served on the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Research Board and the Australian War Memorial National Liaison Committee.

The OAWG maintains war cemeteries, individual war graves and memorials for Commonwealth forces in Australia and overseas and commemorates eligible Commonwealth veterans of the First and Second World Wars.

Major General Stothart (Retd) follows in the footsteps of outgoing Director Mr Timothy Bayliss AM, a passionate leader of the OAWG, I thank him for his contributions.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608