Last Post Service - 25th Anniversary of INTERFET

Join us at week's close to honour those who have served and sacrificed so that we may enjoy our lives of relative peace, comfort and freedom.

The Last Post Service takes place every Sunday at 4.45pm on the Shrine's northern forecourt and includes bugle calls and piper, Shrine Guard in historic uniform, a wreath-laying, recital of the Ode and lowering of the flags.

Each week we pause to remember a different event from Australia's military history. We remember the people who took part in those events, and the lives lost or forever changed. Visitors are welcome to lay a floral tribute at the Eternal Flame.

INTERFET 25th Anniversary

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Australian-led deployment of the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET). Australia contributed more than 5,000 personnel to the 22-nation regional force.

Before East Timor’s referendum for independence from Indonesia in August 1999, and after the return of the overwhelming “yes” vote, pro-Indonesian militias unleashed a campaign of violence, murder, arson, looting, and intimidation upon the Timorese people.

With the support of the international community, the first Australians from INTERFET arrived in Dili on 20 September. The peacekeepers quickly secured Dili before moving out to other areas, disarming militia and at times having tense stand-offs with the Indonesian military. INTERFET liaised with Falintil, the military wing of the Timorese independence party, and provided medical assistance to the East Timorese. By October the Oecussi enclave on the north coast of West Timor had been secured. With calm restored, a large United Nations peacekeeping force took over from INTERFET in February 2000.

Tragically, six Australians lost their lives whilst deployed, or as a result of their service.

Shrine Representative

• Shrine Governor. Lieutenant Colonel David Blackwell OAM RFD

Learn more about the Last Post Service

Watch the livestream