The AFP is paying tribute to past and present members involved in peacekeeping around the world, as the 75th anniversary of Australian peacekeeping is commemorated in Canberra today (14 September, 2022).
The AFP has led Australian peacekeeping forces since 1979, providing police to multinational operations with the United Nations, including deployments to Cambodia, Haiti, Mozambique, Sudan, Jordan, Bougainville and Afghanistan.
In May, 1964, Australian police peacekeeping commenced under the Australian Civilian Police (AUSTCIVPOL) with a deployment to Cyprus. In 1977, peacekeeping was led by the Commonwealth Police, a predecessor of the AFP and included police members from all Australian states and territories.
The Australian commitment to Cyprus continued for 53 years with the last contingent withdrawing in 2017.
AFP Peacekeepers have been recognised for their efforts in fostering strong partnerships in the Pacific region, working with the Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu.
AFP officers have been acknowledged for their roles in supporting local police in training and security, along with providing assistance during the re-establishment of peace following breakdowns in civil order.
Sadly, three members of AUSTCIVPOL lost their lives in Cyprus; Sergeant Llewllyn Thomas (1943-1969) from South Australian Police; Inspector Mark Hackett (1940-1971); and Sergeant Ian Ward (1949-1974), who were both from the NSW Police Force.
In addition, AFP Protective Service Officer Adam Dunning (1978-2004) lost his life while on duty in the Solomon Islands as part of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw-who himself has been a peacekeeper-said the 75th anniversary of Australian peacekeeping was an important opportunity to acknowledge the service and commitment of AFP peacekeepers, along with all police who have lost their lives in service.
“The 75th anniversary of Australian peacekeeping is a significant milestone in our nation’s history. Australia has been called on to provide police peacekeepers for support and assistance in operations across the globe and I thank all of our members, past and current, who answered that call,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
AFP Superintendent Jason Byrnes served with the 62nd Australian Civilian Police Contingent to the United Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) between 1999-2000.
“My tour of duty with the UN in Cyprus was the first time I had travelled overseas and it was an eye-opening experience,” Superintendent Byrnes said.
During the mission, he undertook humanitarian patrols in the ‘Green Zone’ border separating the Green Cypriot South and the Turkish Cypriot North, as the regions were known at the time.
“On more than one occasion our job was to negotiate solutions between two sides who were locked in a confrontational mindset. Being police, we were generally able to bring common sense solutions to problems,” he said.
“One of my more challenging tasks was negotiating with a goat herder to get him and his herd to leave the buffer zone. It was drought conditions and the buffer zone had some of the best grass and food stock for his goats. It also had minefields and military forces on both sides that were shaping up to shoot the animals and probably at each other. It took a lengthy period of time to convince him to leave with his goats, but we were able to do it with everyone and every goat, being safe.”
Superintendent Byrnes said the 75th anniversary of Australian peacekeeping was significant, describing his time as a police peacekeeper as “humbling”.
“It was a tremendous honour to represent Australia and serve in the cause for international peace,” he said.
“While we wore UN uniforms, we had the Australian flag on them which made us instantly recognisable to local communities.”
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Commemorative Service for the 75th Anniversary of Australian Peacekeeping will be held at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial from 10:30am.
Time: 10am pre-service program, 10.30am national commemorative service
Date: Wednesday 14 September
Location: Australian Peacekeeping Memorial, Anzac Parade, Canberra
All veterans, families and the general public are welcome to attend the service.
In addition, Commissioner Reece Kershaw will appear on the new documentary on the ABC, airing prior to the service from 10am on Wednesday (14 September, 2022).
