Gallipoli Medical Research’s newest Board member, Gwen Cherne, has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to veterans and families.

Gwen served as the inaugural Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, where she championed better policy, support and services for the families of veterans.

Since the death of her husband, Sergeant Peter Cafe, to suicide in 2017, she has dedicated herself to advocacy for Australian war widows, defence and veterans’ families, suicide prevention and mental health awareness, and family and domestic violence.

“To receive this in a country I chose to become a citizen of, because I believe it is worth fighting for, means even more,” Gwen said.

“My compass and my why have always been close to home: my son Tom, my dad, my late husband Pete, and my husband Ben. Their service, love, and the realities of trauma have deeply shaped how I understand duty, care, and responsibility.

“For the parents and partners who called me when they couldn’t speak publicly all those years ago and asked me to do this work—I hope I have carried your stories with care and honoured you and your loved ones.

Gallipoli Medical Research CEO Miriam Kent said Gwen was a very deserving recipient of an AM in the recent Australia Day awards.

“Gwen has done so much for families of veterans, and it is wonderful to see her receive this recognition for her hard work,” Miriam said.

“Her leadership in mental health, suicide prevention, and veteran-family advocacy—shaped by years of service, community work, and personal resilience—has meant great change for families of veterans and work in suicide prevention,” she said.