Northern Territory Minister's Advisory Council - Veterans' Affairs

The Northern Territory Minister's Advisory Council - Veterans Affairs (NTMACVA) provides high-level and strategic advice from the community to government on matters pertaining to veterans.

NTMACVA provides formal and ongoing linkages between government and the veterans community to improve policy and service delivery outcomes. The advisory council enables the participation of key stakeholders in the exploration and discussion of issues relevant to the social, economic and civic life of the Territory’s veteran’s community.

Members participate on a voluntary basis and are not remunerated.

Read the Northern Territory Ministerial Advisory Council - Veteran Affairs Terms of Reference PDF (625.9 KB)

  • Mr Kris Civitarese – Chair

    Kris is a Darwin rural resident and former Australian Army member with a strong record of service to veterans and the wider Northern Territory community. He has held senior leadership roles with the Tennant Creek RSL Sub Branch and is currently President of the Palmerston & Rural RSL Sub Branch, where he continues to advocate for veteran wellbeing and access to support services. Kris brings extensive governance and community engagement experience through his roles as a Councillor and former Deputy Mayor with Barkly Regional Council and as a current Councillor with Litchfield Council. A long time volunteer, including with the Berry Springs Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, and a former small business owner, he is a dedicated community leader and strong advocate for ensuring Territory veteran perspectives are reflected in government decision making.
  • Mr Bob Shewring OAM

    Bob is a highly respected advocate for veterans and seniors in the Northern Territory, recognised nationally and locally for his lifelong commitment to service. He was named the Northern Territory Senior Australian of the Year in 2016 for founding Operation Bring Them Home, which successfully led to the repatriation of the last remaining Australian soldiers from the Vietnam War who were buried overseas. Bob’s outstanding contributions have been acknowledged through numerous honours, including the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2022, Veterans Australia NT Life Membership, and the INPEX Top End Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award. He has held many senior leadership and advisory roles, including Inaugural Chair of the NT Chief Minister’s Advisory Council for Veterans Affairs, President of Veterans Australia NT, leadership roles within the RSL, and extensive involvement with Australia Day councils, reflecting his enduring dedication to veterans, community service and civic leadership.
  • Mr Shane Pascoe-Bell

    Shane is a former Australian Army servicemember, who has spent more than 20 years in the Northern Territory and is a dedicated advocate for veterans and their families, bringing lived experience and a strong commitment to supporting the veteran community.
  • Mr Robby McKenzie

    Robby has over 20 years’ experience working within and alongside Defence as a uniformed member, Commonwealth officer and contractor, primarily in information and security roles. In recent years, they have focused on supporting veterans and their families through the ex‑service organisation sector, with a strong commitment to easing the transition to civilian life. Robby is also an advocate for veteran wellbeing through the arts, drawing on their own lived experience and working with organisations such as the Australian National Veterans Art Museum to promote creative pathways for veterans.
  • Mr Rob Johnstone

    Rob served in the Australian Army from 1996 to 2024 across three different corps, including 20 years of full‑time service. Following his military career, he worked in the Defence industry before moving into the veteran mental health field. He currently works for a national ex‑service organisation and volunteers with a Darwin‑based ESO in the rural area. Rob is strongly committed to improving services and supports for veterans and their families.
  • Ms Kate Johnson

    Kate is a Darwin‑based social worker and occupational rehabilitation professional with experience supporting people with complex mental health challenges to return to safe, sustainable work. Bringing lived experience as a Defence spouse and parent, she is actively involved with the Robertson Barracks Family Group and is committed to strengthening support, connection and wellbeing outcomes for veterans and Defence families across the Northern Territory.
  • Mr Mark Charteris

    Mark is an Australian Army veteran dedicated to supporting the veteran community through mentoring, wellbeing advocacy and practical transition pathways. He brings a service‑first mindset and strong leadership experience gained in high‑tempo and community‑focused roles, and is committed to helping veterans and their families remain connected, supported and able to continue contributing with purpose.
  • Ms Kym Hanna

    Kym Hanna is an Australian Army veteran who served in the Royal Australian Signals Corps from 2001 to 2004. She now works in electorate offices supporting Members of the Legislative Assembly while studying health science and counselling and remains actively engaged in her local community. Through her lived experience and ongoing involvement, including organising a monthly veterans’ lunch, Kym maintains a strong connection to the veteran community and is committed to improving wellbeing and social connection for veterans across the Northern Territory.
  • Mr Imran North

    Imran is a serving member of the Australian Defence Force Reserves who previously completed 10 years of full‑time service. Coming from a proud family legacy of service as the grandson of a Second World War veteran, he brings deeply held values of service, respect and community to his work. Imran is strongly committed to supporting the veteran community and honouring the enduring contribution of those who have served.
  • Ms Bonnie Poulter MBA

    Bonnie is a long‑term Darwin‑based Territorian with strong family and personal connections to military service. She is the widow of Vietnam veteran Stephen Poulter, has family links to both the First and Second World Wars, and was raised in a WWII soldier settlement in South Australia. Bonnie has volunteered with Legacy Australia (NT), Partners of Veterans (SA) and the Vietnam Veterans of Australia (NT), and remains a committed supporter of veterans and their families.
  • Mr Ben Bruce
  • Mr Mark Hibbins
  • Mr Zane Dolbel

Contact

Annette Rudd
Veterans Engagement and Support
Department of People, Sport and Culture
Phone: 08 8999 8349
annette.rudd@nt.gov.au

Give feedback about this page.

Share this page:

URL copied!