National Collection

Assistant Director National Collection - Brian Dawson

Major General (Retired) Brian Dawson AM, CSC was promoted to Assistant Director National Collection (ADNC) in December 2017, to lead the team responsible for the acquisition, conservation, and knowledge-building of the National Collection.  Prior to his promotion, Brian was the Memorial’s Head of Collection Services where he led the team responsible for registration and conservation functions within National Collections Branch. He was the Memorial’s Executive Manager for the Spirit of Anzac Centenary Exhibition travelling exhibition from December 2013 to June 2017. In April 2013 he retired from the Australian Regular Army at the rank of Major General, having completed 40 years’ service. Senior appointments held during his time in the army included: Australia’s first military representative to NATO and the European Union (2010–13); Director General of Defence Public Affairs (2008–10); Deputy Commander of the Australian Joint Task Force in Iraq based in Baghdad (2007–08); Commandant of the Australian Defence Force Academy (2006–07); and Chief of Staff Land Headquarters (2002–05). He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2000 for his work in Defence logistics and awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for service in Somalia in 1995.