Seminar: The pathway to peace and solidarity: Australian service in Peace Operations

Background

In 2024, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) marked the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste. On 17 September, a seminar was held at the Adams Auditorium, Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), in Canberra.

The majority of Australian service in Timor-Leste spanned between 1999 and 2013 and encompassed Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) personnel, as well as civilians. A number of Australians have continued to serve after 2013, with ongoing efforts still in effect to this day.

This anniversary provided the opportunity to honour and remember the service of all Australian men and women who served in Timor-Leste, and the sacrifice of their families. Tragically, six Australians lost their lives whilst deployed, or as a result of their service, in Timor-Leste.

The seminar highlighted the:

• veteran experience in Timor-Leste and whilst deployed on peace operations;
• ongoing connections and relationships established and strengthened with our allies; and
• relationship between ADF and the AFP and how they worked together to achieve a common goal. 

Program

Download the Program here. (PDF 5.7 MB)

The seminar was hosted by the Repatriation Commissioner, Kahlil Fegan DSC AM, and delivered in two sessions; the first set the scene with academic overviews, followed by direct accounts from those who deployed on peace operations; and the second was more interactive, including facilitation of question and answer, discussion style panels.

Please note, Mr Adérito de Jesus Soares, Timor-Leste representative, and Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Mutu, Miltary Adviser New Zealand High Commission, were unable to attend at short notice, however their details still remain within the program.

Viewing the Seminar

The seminar was livestreamed via Microsoft Teams. To watch a recording of the seminar, please click here. 

Contact information

Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Phone: 1800 838 372 within Australia
Tel: +61 2 6289 1133 from outside Australia
Email: Commemorative.Events [at] dva.gov.au (Commemorative[dot]Events[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au)