25th Anniversary: Australian Service in Timor-Leste
On Friday 20 September 2024, a national commemorative service marking the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste was held at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra.
When East Timor experienced a humanitarian and security crisis in 1999, Australia led a multinational peacekeeping force - International Force East Timor (INTERFET) - in response.
Australian service in Timor-Leste spanned 1999 to 2013 and included personnel from the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Federal Police, as well as civilians. Several Australians continued to serve after 2013, with ongoing efforts still in effect to this day.
The commemorative service was held at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra, providing the opportunity to honour and remember the 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.
A comprehensive history of Australian service in Timor-Leste and INTERFET was included in the Order of Service booklet published for the commemorative service. Click on the image below to open the booklet.
