DVA MINISTER’S MEDIA RELEASE – HONOURING PEACEKEEPERS

29 May 2017

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan today ( 29 May 2017) honoured Australia’s contribution to global peacekeeping efforts on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

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“Australian men and women have participated in peacekeeping operations since 1947 and 14 have lost their lives while serving as peacekeepers,” Mr Tehan said.
“Australia has made a significant contribution to worldwide peace operations, including commanding operations in Kashmir, Cambodia, the Sinai, Iraq and East Timor.”
“Australian peacekeepers have served in theatres of war and conflict around the world, from the Americas to Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific. Currently, Australians are deployed on operations in the Middle East, Cyprus and South Sudan.
“On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers we honour all peacekeepers and their contribution to making the world a safer and more peaceful place.
“Australia will honour our peacekeepers with a national service of commemoration on 14 September in Canberra to mark the 70th anniversary of our involvement in peacekeeping.”
“The Government has contributed funding to a national memorial to Australia’s peacekeepers that is currently under construction on Anzac Parade, Canberra.”

Media enquiries:
Minister Tehan’s Office: Byron Vale, 0428 262 894
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203

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Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 45 46). VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam veterans.