“Mr Nothard has more than 30 years of experience in the Australian Army, with his most recent appointment as the Deputy Commander Joint Task Force 633 in the Middle East,” Minister Chester said.

“He has had an impressive military career, demonstrating strategic leadership in complex and difficult environments including roles in logistics, transport operations, fleet management, career management and personnel policy."

BRIG Nothard holds a bachelor of professional studies, a master’s of management and a master’s of strategic studies, and is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

He is also an executive director on the board of the Army Amenities fund. BRIG Nothard said he is excited to take up the role and "looking forward to draw upon his defence knowledge and experience to acknowledge and recognise those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice for Australia".

“Australia has a long-standing commitment to remembering our war dead and I am honoured to have been given responsibility for this important task,” he said.

BRIG Nothard was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in 1999 and in 2008 was made a Member of the Order of Australia for exceptional service for senior officer management in the Australian Army, Commanding Officer of the 1st Combat Service Support Battalion and as the Commander of the Force Level Logistic Asset in the Middle East Area of Operations.