Shrine of Remembrance Trustees Appointed
The Allan Labor Government has welcomed the appointment of Sandi Laaksonen-Sherrin and Bruce Mildenhall to the Shrine of Remembrance Board of Trustees, and the reappointment of Colonel Catherine Carrigan.
Colonel Catherine Carrigan has been reappointed Deputy Chair after serving with distinction during her first term.
Colonel Carrigan served for more than 40 years in the Australian Army, and her long history of military service is complemented by her experience as a business owner and consultant.
She has a Masters in Defence Studies and Business, a Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and extensive experience in executive and non-executive director roles across defence, business, government, sporting and community associations.
Colonel Carrigan’s historical and contemporary Defence operational environment experience, and her recent work supporting Legacy Australia to commemorate its centenary, demonstrates her understanding of the need to support veterans and their families.
Sandi Laaksonen-Sherrin has held significant positions including as the inaugural Defence Family Advocate of Australia (DFA) representing more than 84,000 serving military families and acting as an independent adviser to the Commonwealth Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel and the Chief of the Defence Force.
In her tenure as the DFA, Ms Laaksonen-Sherrin launched an international campaign in partnership with Legacy Australia and supported by RSL Victoria, to engage with contemporary veterans, families and the public.
Bruce Mildenhall has broad experience and deep involvement in the veteran sector stemming from his father's service as a Rat of Tobruk. He is an affiliate member of Woodend RSL, Military History and Heritage Victoria, and Public Officer and Secretary of the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Committee of Management.
Mr Mildenhall has been a member of the Victorian Veterans Council for six years and a former member of the Victorian Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans’ Affairs during which time he played a leading role in the development of the Victorian Veterans Act 2005.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the care, management, maintenance and preservation of the Shrine monument and the Shrine Reserve.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman
“I congratulate Colonel Carrigan on her reappointment and Ms Laaksonen-Smith and Mr Mildenhall on their appointments. Each bring extensive experience to the role.”
“The Shrine remains a place to commemorate and educate Victorians about Australia’s wartime history, and I am confident that the Trustees will ensure it fulfils that purpose for future generations.”
“I am grateful for the contribution of outgoing members and particularly acknowledge Sue Blake whose invaluable contribution as a Trustee for over 10 years has left a lasting legacy at the Shrine and in the veteran community.”