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General Peter Cosgrove was named Australian of the year in 2001.

He was the son of a soldier and graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in 1968. He was sent to Malaysia as a lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (RAR). During his next posting in Vietnam he commanded an infantry platoon and was awarded the Military Cross for his performance during an assault on enemy positions. In 1999 Peter Cosgrove became a national figure following his appointment as Commander of the International Forces East Timor (Interfet).  He was responsible for overseeing East Timor’s transition to independence during, what was to become, a tense and uncertain period. He shone as both a soldier and diplomat.

Following his achievements and the international respect that he had achieved, he was promoted and made Chief of the Army.  He went on to be promoted to General and was appointed Chief of the Defence Force.  Cosgrove has had a long and distinguished career which has embodied the sense of courage and duty that Australians hold so dear to their hearts.

After retirement from the Armed Forces, General Cosgrove has accepted positions on the Qantas Board, a consultancy with Deloittes and is preparing to write his memoirs. He is currently the Chairman of the The General Sir John Monash Foundation.