Steve Gower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Major General
Steve Gower
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Steve Gower at an announcement of additional government funding for the AWM in 2011
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| Director of the Australian War Memorial | |
| In office March 1996 – December 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Brendon Kelson |
| Succeeded by | Brendan Nelson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Stephen Newman Gower
10 June 1940 Adelaide, South Australia |
| Alma mater | University of Adelaide |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Branch/service | Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1959–1996 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands | Training Command (1995–96) 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (1978–80) |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Officer of the Order of Australia |
Stephen Newman Gower is a retired Major General from the Australian Army. He was born on June 10, 1940. He is also known for being the director of the Australian War Memorial (AWM). During his time in the Army, he served in the Vietnam War. He worked as an artillery forward observer in 1966 and 1967.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Growing Up in South Australia
Stephen Gower was born in Adelaide, South Australia. His parents were Allan Martin and Agnes Fanny Gower. He attended Unley High School and Prince Alfred College. These schools helped shape his early education.
Joining the Army
In 1959, Stephen Gower joined the Royal Military College, Duntroon. This is a special college for training army officers. He graduated in 1961 and became a lieutenant. He joined the Royal Australian Artillery, which is the part of the army that uses big guns. In 1965, he married Heather Eunice. They have one daughter together.
Leading the Australian War Memorial
Becoming the Director
Stephen Gower was chosen to be the Director of the Australian War Memorial in 1996. The Australian War Memorial is a very important place. It remembers Australians who served or died in wars. It also tells their stories.
His Time at the Memorial
He worked as the director for many years. He helped make sure the stories of Australian soldiers were remembered. He left his role in November 2011. He took time off to care for someone. Nola Anderson then became the acting director for a while. In December 2012, Brendan Nelson took over as the new director.
