The Canowindra RSL sub-Branch invites the public to a commemoration service in Memorial Park at 11am.
The Canowindra RSL sub-Branch invites veterans, family members and the public to a service in Memorial Park at 11am on Saturday 11 July 2026 to commemorate the end of Australia’s involvement in the Middle East Area of Operations, (Afghanistan and Iraq).
On 14 September 2001, then Prime MinisterJohn Howard invoked the ANZUS Treaty, committing Australian forces to support the United States response to removeAl Qaida’s safe haven in Afghanistan.
ADF involvement primarily occurred under two major operations – Operation Slipper (2001-2014), combat, security and reconstruction operations, and Operation Highroad (2015-2021), a smaller contribution involving training, advising and assisting Afghan National Security and DefenceForces.
In 2003 the Australian Government committed Australian forces to a United States led coalition under two United Nations Security Council Resolutions for service in Iraq. Australian personnel remained engaged in Iraq until finally being with drawn in May 2011.
On 11 July 2021 the last members of the ADF departed Afghanistan, ending 20 years of operational deployments in support of the International Security AssistanceForce (ISAF), the NATO-led multinational military mission in Afghanistan.
During Australia’s longest war, over 40,000 ADF personnel served in Afghanistan, with 47 paying the supreme sacrifice and a further 263 wounded during the conflict.
Concurrently, over 17,000 Australians served in Iraq, with five paying the ultimate sacrifice. A significant number of returned service personnel have died by suicide since returning, with many more estimated to suffer from ongoing unresolved psychological trauma and health issues. Several Canowindra men and women saw service in Afghanistan and/or Iraq.
Everyone is welcome to attend and take time to reflect on the courage, commitment and sacrifice of those who served.