20 September 2024
Twenty-five years after Australian Defence Force personnel first deployed to East Timor with the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) mission, a memorial was held in Canberra to commemorate the milestone.
Guest speaker and Air Force veteran Rachel Milsom shared her story on what she saw on arrival in East Timor.
“What I remember most after arriving by ship was the sight and smell ... How much we had to do,” Ms Milsom said.
“So much had been damaged and destroyed. I was impressed by the resilience, determination and strength of the Timorese people.”
Her favourite time was when the weekly shift changed from nights to days, and she could assist at an orphanage.
“Together with kids who had lost so much and experienced great trauma, we dug vegetable gardens, which are still there, and we taught each other songs and games while we worked,” Ms Milsom said.
“It was an opportunity to remember who we were there for.”
'So much had been damaged and destroyed. I was impressed by the resilience, determination, and strength of the Timorese people.'
Launched on September 20, 1999, the peacekeeping mission was a turning point in restoring stability to the region after a period of unrest and violence.
The ADF led the multinational force, ensuring the safe transition of East Timor to independence in 2002.
More than 5500 Australian troops were initially deployed, making it one of the largest operations since the Vietnam War.
Delivering the commemorative address, Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh paid tribute to others who also served in East Timor.
“We acknowledge the service of Australian Federal Police deployed in June 1999 with the United Nations Mission in East Timor,” he said.
“Along with staff and volunteers from the United Nations and the Australian Electoral Commission, they helped to arrange and oversee the popular consultation on East Timor's independence.”
Many in the crowd of veterans, families and others were emotional when he spoke of the six Australians who died during, or as a result of, operations in East Timor.
“We hold their families and their loved ones close to our hearts today,” he said.
INTERFET highlighted Australia's leadership in regional peacekeeping and strengthened ties with the newly independent East Timor.
The mission also set a precedent for future ADF peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
