25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
National Commemorative Service — 25th Anniversary of Australian Service in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
A national commemorative service will be held in Canberra on Sunday 11 October 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan (2001-2021).
The date commemorates the establishment of Operation Slipper on 11 October 2001, the Australian Defence Force's contribution to military operations in Afghanistan.
The service will be held at the Australian War Memorial from 10:00 am and is open to Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans, families, and members of the public wishing to pay their respects to those who served in Australia's longest-running conflict.
Australian forces were deployed to Afghanistan in 2001 under Operation Slipper, contributing to the International Security Assistance Force — a multinational mission to combat terrorism and stabilise and reconstruct the country.
Over the following two decades, more than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan or in support roles across the Middle East Area of Operations.
The Australian War Memorial's Roll of Honour records 47 Australian Defence Force personnel who died as a result of their service in Afghanistan, with a further 263 Australians wounded.
The 25th anniversary commemoration offers all Australians an opportunity to express their respect and gratitude to those who put themselves in harm's way.
Permission to use ribbon colours of medals within the Australian honours system granted by the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General.
Upcoming events
SUNDAY, 11 OCTOBER
Last Post Ceremony
Commemorative Area, 4:30 pm
We will commemorate the 47 Australian Defence Force personnel named on the Roll of Honour who died as a result of their service in Afghanistan.
SUNDAY, 11 OCTOBER
Anzac Hall tours
Anzac Atrium Information Counter
Tour times: 1:15 pm, 1:45 pm, 2:15 pm, 2:45 pm and 3:15 pm
Discover the stories and exhibits of the new Anzac Hall galleries on a guided 60-minute tour led by a Memorial Guide.
Group size: Up to 15 participants per tour
FROM 6 OCTOBER
Camp Holland Memorial
Main Entrance
On display from 6 October 2026, this memorial stood at the centre of Camp Holland in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan.
It served as a focal point for commemorative ceremonies, where Australian personnel honoured members of the International Security Assistance Force who lost their lives in the region.
Visitors exploring Anzac Hall at their own pace can speak with Volunteer Guides stationed throughout the galleries.
Guides will share stories and insights about the collection and Australia's service history, offering additional opportunities for engagement beyond the scheduled tours.
Activities for children and families
Join our Educators for these free sessions, designed to provide opportunities for learning, reflection, and commemoration.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
SUNDAY, 11 OCTOBER
Hands-on History
Anzac Atrium, nose of RAAF RF-111C A8-134 aircraft
20 minute sessions starting from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Presenters will share stories of Australian servicemen and women from the Navy, Army and Air Force, connecting their experiences to objects and images from the Memorial's collection.
Children can handle uniforms and equipment, and view selected artworks from the Our Australian Soldier children's art competition, with the full exhibition on display in the Memorial's galleries.
SUNDAY, 11 OCTOBER
Drop-in Craft Station
Anzac Atrium, near HMAS Brisbane
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Get creative and connect with the Memorial's collection through a range of hands-on craft activities.
Activities include:
- Making a poppy craft
- Drawing and colouring
- Craft based on the Memorial's stained glass windows
SUNDAY, 11 OCTOBER
Children's trail
Anzac Hall
Available all day
Discover the new galleries at your own pace with our self-guided children's trail.
Pick up a flyer from Visitor Services or Education staff and follow the trail through Anzac Hall.
Discover more
War in Afghanistan gallery now open
Visit the new War in Afghanistan gallery in Anzac Hall, featuring more than 1,000 objects, including the 'Debbie' Echo 21 Alpha Bushmaster.
AWM marks five years on from fall of Kabul
The final days of Australia’s longest war are being brought to life at AWM through the eyewitness accounts of the fall of Kabul, five years after the return of the Taliban and the evacuation of thousands from Hamid Karzai International Airport.
Photographs from Afghanistan
Gary Ramage's photographs offer a rare, frontline view of Australian soldiers serving in Afghanistan in 2010, documenting their operations, living conditions, dangers and resilience while mentoring Afghan forces in Uruzgan Province.
20th anniversary of Operation Nile
On the night of 9 and 10 July 2006, a coalition force of Afghan, Australian, Canadian, Dutch, and United States soldiers and aircraft, conducted a daring direct-action assault on a compound 15 kilometres north of Uruzgan’s provincial capital, Tarin Kot.
Watch the recorded event commemorating the 20th anniversary of Operation Nile in Afghanistan.
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