Annabelle Wilson, Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner
Annabelle Wilson is the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner. She was appointed on 1 August 2025 and commenced on 18 August 2025. She also serves on the Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.
Annabelle’s work is guided by a simple belief: families deserve systems that show up when they are needed most. Before becoming Commissioner, Annabelle held executive and governance roles across the veteran community, including Chief Operating Officer at Melbourne Legacy and Interim Board Member at the Institute of Veterans Advocacy.
She is recognised for her ability to influence policy, lead service improvements, and collaborate across sectors to share her knowledge. Her grassroots advocacy has achieved national policy outcomes, including a new PBS listing of the drug Avastin and changes to the policy underpinning the Acute Support Package. She has transformed service delivery for families of veterans through the development and implementation of Melbourne Legacy’s model of care, including securing long-term Philanthropic funding for this. Annabelle is also committed to collaboration, and regularly contributes thought leadership across the sector, including delivery of a masterclass on Social Impact at the Victorian ESO Summit, and wide participation on Boards and committees across the sector.
As a widow of a veteran, she brings lived experience to the role and a clear sense of what practical, respectful support looks like. “As the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, I am deeply committed to meaningfully representing families of veterans, just like mine,” she says. “I thrive on collaboration and see myself as a connector between our community and government to shape policy and influence systemic change, and I’m passionate about creating systems that truly support our people.”
Annabelle is known for being steady, practical, and people focused. She builds partnerships that last and follows through. Her strengths include project delivery, governance, grants and acquittals, data and reporting, and stakeholder engagement. She is also an experienced, plain-spoken speaker who can connect with donors, beneficiaries, policymakers, and community audiences.
As Commissioner, Annabelle works to ensure policy, programs, and services reflect real needs rather than assumptions. Her role complements the Repatriation Commissioner and Defence engagement functions by bringing the family perspective to the table and strengthening the shared understanding of what supports wellbeing. As a Commissioner, she is independent of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Contact the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner: VFA@dva.gov.au.
To learn more about Annabelle and her work as the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner please see: Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner – Annabelle Wilson.