Complex sentence: On 23 August 2012, the government announced Nelson's forthcoming appointment as the new Director of the Australian War Memorial effective from 17 December 2012, succeeding Major-General Steve Gower.
Split into simpler sentences: On 23 August 2012, the government announced that Nelson will be the new Director of the Australian War Memorial. He will take up this position on 17 December 2012, succeeding Major-General Steve Gower.