Caroline Bartlett, project manager and inaugural Director of the Sir John Monash Centre, has been invested as a Knight of the French National Order of Merit in recognition of her many years of service to the Defence and veteran communities.
Minister for Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee attended the investiture ceremony which took place at the French Embassy in Canberra last night.
‘It was an honour to attend,’ he said. ‘Ms Bartlett was integral in the establishment of
the Sir John Monash Centre in France, where people from all over the world can learn more about the Australian experience of war on the Western Front during the First World War.’General de Gaulle, as President of the French Republic, founded the National Order of Merit on 3 December 1963. It is the second French national order, after the Legion of Honour, and is awarded by the French President to French and foreign nationals, both military and civil.
‘This recognition is a wonderful testament to the dedicated teams I had the privilege of working with to ensure the memory of the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women on the Western Front is preserved for future generations.’
Left: (From left) Minister Gee, DVA Secretary Liz Cosson AM CSC, Caroline Bartlett, His Excellency M Jean-Pierre Thebault, Ambassador of France to Australia
Below left: Some of the past and present DVA staff involved in establishing the Sir John Monash Centre
Bottom: Medal of the Knight of the French National Order of Merit
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