75th anniversary of Australian Peacekeeping
Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Australian Peacekeeping.
Background
On 14 September 2022, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) commemorated the 75th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in international peacekeeping operations.
In 1947, Australians were part of the first group of United Nations military observers anywhere in the world, and in the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) became the first peacekeepers to go into the field.
Since that time, Australian peacekeepers have served in locations ranging from the Middle East to Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, Cyprus, East Timor, Southeast Asia, Bougainville, the Solomon Islands and many more.
Tragically, 16 Australians have lost their lives during peacekeeping operations.
Order of Service
Broadcast of the Service
The Service was broadcast live on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). You can watch the complete recording on the ABC’s YouTube.
First On The Ground
In conjunction with the ABC, DVA also co-produced a short documentary entitled First On The Ground, which tells the story of Australian peacekeepers, who have been in the field every year since 1947, when they were the first on the ground in the Netherlands East Indies. They serve with the aim of contributing to lasting peace around the world. You can watch the documentary on ABC’s iView.
Contact information
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Tel: 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) within Australia
Tel: +61 2 6289 1133 from outside Australia
Email: commemorations [at] dva.gov.au