- Published:
- Wednesday 11 December 2024
The Allan Labor Government has appointed three new members to the Victorian Veterans Council to continue the state’s work supporting veterans and their families.
Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman today announced the appointments of Michelle Campbell, Pippa Morris and Chris Gray to the council.
Michelle Campbell, a former trustee of the Shrine of Remembrance Board of Trustees, joins with senior executive leadership experience in state and federal governments as well as consulting for high-profile clients across multiple sectors.
She has served in the Australian Defence Force Army Reserve for more than three decades, most recently applying her leadership skills as a Brigadier. Ms Campbell is a veteran of the Afghanistan war and provided assistance during three Victorian bushfire operations.
Pippa Morris has extensive ex-service organisation experience and a strong understanding of veterans’ welfare issues as the President of Ballan RSL Sub-Branch and founding member of the Discharged LGBTI Veterans’ Association.
She has held roles in higher education, including as Education Manager at Melbourne Polytechnic. Pippa was until recently a Lieutenant in the Australian Navy Cadets where she delivered training and professional development to staff and cadets.
Chris Gray is the General Manager of Veteran Services at Vasey RSL Care, overseeing the affordable housing portfolio for veterans and their families and support services for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. He has been key to fostering working relationships between Vasey RSL Care and other ex-service organisations.
Chris’ military background includes 16 years in the Regular Army and a further six years in the Army Reserve, where he managed construction projects and provided humanitarian aid both here in Australia and during deployment overseas.
Current council member and First Nations veteran Brett West will take up the Deputy Chairperson role, while John McNeill has been re-appointed to the council for a second term.
The Victorian Veterans Council is an independent statutory body that provides advice to the Labor Government about issues impacting the veteran community.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman
“I congratulate Michelle Campbell, Pippa Morris and Chris Gray on their appointments, John McNeil on his reappointment and Brett West who steps into the Deputy Chairperson role – we are grateful for your dedication to the Victorian veteran community.”
“The Victorian Veterans Council has an important role advising Government about issues impacting the veteran community while supporting veterans through a range of important initiatives.”