Quandamooka Australian Army veteran Lorraine Hatton OAM has been appointed Queensland Veterans' Council chair following four years of service on the board.
The appointment is part of a leadership change involving four members appointed or reappointed to the Council, which provides advice on veterans' matters across Queensland.
The Council also manages Magandjin's Anzac Square and Memorial Galleries and administers the Anzac Day Trust Fund.
Throughout her military career, Ms Hatton made history as the first Aboriginal woman to be promoted to Warrant Officer Class Two in the Australian Army.
She was also the first female Communications Manager with the Special Operations Task Group in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Her new role will see her lead the Council's work supporting Queensland's veteran community, including former service personnel and their families.
Following her appointment, Ms Hatton outlined the importance of ensuring veterans and their families have access to support and representation.
"First and foremost, I want to thank all of our veterans and their families for their service," she said.
"It is important to ensure our veterans are being heard, respected and supported.
"I look forward to working with the other Council members to support our veterans and their families across education, employment, health, housing, business, community and sport, commemoration and recognition. That's the focus we need moving forward."
Joining the Council are Australian Army veterans Scott Klima and John Stock, alongside veterans' families advocate Eden Santos.
Queensland Premier and Minister for Veterans, David Crisafulli, welcomed the appointments, highlighting the importance of experienced representation for the state's veteran community.
"Queensland is home to the largest population of veterans in the nation, with more than 163,000 veterans calling Queensland home," Mr Crisafulli said.
"It is important we have a strong veterans' council to advise on issues and topics important to the veteran community.
"I thank the outgoing members for their service on the Council and welcome the new members."
The appointments follow the release of Queensland's first Queensland Veterans and Veterans' Families Strategy, which aims to recognise veterans' skills and service, strengthen wellbeing and improve opportunities for veterans and their families.
Taking over the chair role, Ms Hatton replaces inaugural Council chair Quentin Masson DSM, who served alongside outgoing members Rob Skoda and Nicole Hayes.
Under Mr Masson's leadership, the Council supported the launch of the state's first veterans and families strategy and oversaw the transfer of Anzac Square and Memorial Galleries management from Brisbane City Council.
The outgoing members also contributed to the Council's advocacy on issues affecting veterans, with Ms Hayes providing a regional perspective on the experiences of former and current defence personnel and their families.
With its new membership, the Council will continue advising the Queensland Government on veterans' matters and supporting the needs of veterans and their families across the state.
