75th anniversary of Peacekeeping Operations
14 September 2022 will mark the 75th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in international peacekeeping efforts.
Australia first sent military observers on a United Nations (UN) Consular Commission to Indonesia in September 1947, and over the intervening 75 years has had tens of thousands of military and civilian operatives on station around the world.
In September 1947, four Australians deployed to Indonesia as part of the United Nations (UN) Consular Commission, the world’s first peacekeeping operation. Since then, not a day has passed without Australians serving somewhere in the world on an international peacekeeping operation. Over 75 years, Australian defence personnel, police and civilian staff have contributed to more than 60 peacekeeping operations in more than 30 countries and disputed zones.
Australian peacekeepers have performed a range of roles helping to prevent conflict and assist in the aftermath of war. They have served in situations of great peril, but have worked tirelessly to make a positive contribution to international peace and security.
Last Post Ceremony
The 75th anniversary, on 14 September, will be marked by a Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service and sacrifice of the 16 Australians who have lost their lives on UN peacekeeping operations; 10 members of the Australian Defence Force whose names are listed on the Roll of Honour, and 6 members of the Australian Federal Police.
Photographic Exhibition
The photographic exhibition, In the Service of Peace, commemorates those Australians who have served their country in peace and security operations across the globe over the last 75 years.
In the Service of Peace opens on 6 September 2022 and will be located in the entry corridor, on the ground floor, of the Australian War Memorial.
Visitors will need to book a ticket to the Galleries and Commemorative Area to see this exhibition. Tickets are free.
Education webinar
On 14 September, the Education team at the Australian War Memorial will host a live webinar about the 75 years of Australian Peacekeeping.
Hear personal stories of Australians who have served, and explore how and why we remember at this national site of commemoration. Using artworks, objects and records, also discover Australia’s role in peacekeeping operations since 1947.
DART (Distance And Rural Technology) Learning is a service provided by the NSW Department of Education.
Veteran Stories
'He saved my life'
The kindness of an Australian peacekeeper gave Theogene Ngamije hope when he needed it most.
'It felt like you were moving through a ghost town'
When Alison Creagh arrived in East Timor as a peacekeeper in 1999, the drive from the airport to Dili was eerily silent.
The search for peace
Brian Dawson reflects on his time as a peacekeeper in Somalia and the Solomon Islands.
'I would do it all again in a heartbeat'
Miles Wootten has seen the best and worst of humanity. He spent his 22nd birthday in Rwanda as an Australian peacekeeper, cleaning up after an atrocity that had left almost a million people dead and millions more homeless.
'It was a lifelong goal to ... wear the blue beret'
Every Anzac Day, Nicole Bradley would visit the Australian War Memorial with her family.
'It’s made me into the man that I am today'
Damian Smart was 19 years old when he landed in Mogadishu.
'This is who I am'
Ben Farinazzo is a tower of strength, but it’s his inner strength that shines through as he shares his own personal story in a bid to help others.
'It was pretty eye opening'
Matthew Robinson was 18 years old when he deployed to East Timor in September 1999.
Remembering the Kibeho Massacre
On 22 April 1995, Private Wayne Jones of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR), was one of a small group of Australians in south-west Rwanda who were witnesses to a massacre.
