Keeping the peace: a history of Australian peacekeeping

Join us on National Peacekeepers Day for a free talk examining Australia’s proud record of involvement in peacekeeping missions.

On 14 September each year, we observe National Peacekeeper’s Day, held on the anniversary of the day Australia became the world's first peacekeepers to deploy into the field, in the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) in 1947. Since then, Australians have served in peacekeeping roles in locations around the globe, from the Middle East to Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific and many more. More than 66,000 Australian men and women have contributed to 50 United Nations and other multilateral peace operations. 

This talk will be presented by special guest speaker Joe Cazey, who served as a United Nations Military Observer (UNMO) while a member of the Australian Defence Force. He will describe the differences between the types of peacekeeping, peacemaking and observer operations, including some day-to-day views on what it is like to be a part of such operations. 

With an international situation as potentially volatile as we live in today, peacekeeping may make the difference to avoid the outbreak of more serious conflict. Joe will bring to life what these missions are about, so we are better able to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these operations. 

After the talk, visitors can stay to explore the Memorial Galleries, embarking on an interactive journey from the First World War to today, before taking time to reflect on the remarkable stories of bravery and sacrifice in the tranquil parklands. 
 
Anzac Square Memorial Galleries is located at 285 Ann Street, Brisbane. Entry is through the brass doors located beneath the Shrine of Remembrance.