The 32nd Annual Commemoration at the National Merchant Navy War Memorial, Kings Park, Canberra, is due to take place on Sunday 22 October at 11:00.
The ceremony will be followed by morning tea at the Garden City Motel, 55 Jerrabomberra Venue, Narrabundah, ACT.
The guest of honour is MR Matt Anderson PSM, director of the war memorial in April 2020.
Mr. Anderson was appointed Director in April 2020. Previously he had a distinguished career within the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT), including Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2016-20), Ambassador to Afghanistan (2015-16), High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands (2011-13) & Samoa (2007-11).
He has also had postings to South Africa, Papua New Guinea and served as the Chief Negotiator of the Peace Monitoring group on Bougainville (2001-02). He was awarded the Public Service Medal for his role in leading the humanitarian and consular response to the 2009 Pacific tsunami.
Mr. Anderson is a Graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon (1988).
Veterans who would like to attend the ceremony but who may be restricted owing to a lack of transport are encouraged to contact the staff and volunteers at the Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund (www.mnwmf.com.au).
