Judy’s swansong as Kate moves in

L to R: CDF GEN Peter Cosgrove, outgoing convenor of the Defence Families of Australia Judy Swann and new convenor Kate Brown. Photo by LSCISSM Rachel Irving.

By LSCISSM Rachel Irving

Defence Families of Australia (DFA) has a new national convenor following the retirement last month of Judy Swann.

Kate Brown has succeeded Judy as convenor. Kate is a previous Western Australian delegate and was most recently the association representative in Honolulu.

The handover ceremony occurred at HMAS Harman with CDF Gen Peter Cosgrove the guest of honour.

Gen Cosgrove presented Judy with a CDF Commendation and Medal for her efforts as national convenor.

He said Judy had shown, “great leadership, commitment and passion” in her three years as convenor.

Judy was also presented a letter from the Minister assisting the Minister for Defence, Danna Vale, who described

Judy as a ‘tireless advocate for Defence families across Australia and around the world’.

Guests at the presentation included CN VADM Chris Ritchie, Chief of Army Lt-Gen Peter Leahy and Chief of Airforce Air Marshal Angus Houston.

DFA is dedicated to improving areas of Defence policy affecting Defence families and can be contacted on 1800 100 509 or at www.defence.gov.au/dfa.

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