25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan 2001-2021
| Coin registration: | Please register for the commemorative coin via the coin online registration form |
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National commemorative service
On 11 October 2026 – the anniversary of the beginning of Operation Slipper - some 1,400 veterans of Australian service in Afghanistan, families and friends gathered for the National Commemorative Service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, marking the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan.
This was an opportunity to honour and remember the service and sacrifice of more than 35,000 Australians who served in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021.
Back to topBackground
The service was broadcast nationally by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), to provide the community the opportunity to acknowledge the anniversary in a solemn and dignified manner from their home locations.
The National Commemorative Service is available on ABC iView for a limited time. Afghanistan: 25th Anniversary of Australian Service - ABC iview
You can also watch the National Commemorative Service on DVA’s YouTube Channel.
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Watch the Preservice Program
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Watch the National Commemorative Service
Images
A selection of images captured at the service are available on DVA TV’s Flickr page.
Back to topOrder of Service
Download the Order of Service Book.
Back to topCommemorative Coin
To mark 25 years since Australian service in Afghanistan (2001-2021) began, DVA released a commemorative coin that recognises everyone who served and acknowledges the lasting impact of that service on veterans and the families of veterans.
Recognising that many veterans and families may have been unable to attend services where the commemorative coin was available, from 10 November 2026 you can collect a coin in person from Open Arms and Veteran Access Network offices and Veteran Wellbeing Hubs nationally.
If you are unable to collect a commemorative coin in person, please register via the online registration form and we will post to you.
For more information regarding the commemorative coin please visit Commemorative coin marks 25 years since Australian service in Afghanistan began.
Resources
DVA develops a range of commemorative and educational materials to further help recognise and remember Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan.
To learn more about Australians in Afghanistan, visit our Anzac Portal
Back to topOpen Arms
Open Arms provides free mental health and wellbeing support to anyone who has served at least one day of continuous fulltime service in the ADF and their immediate families. Available at any time of the day or night, every day of the year.
To find out more call 1800 011 046.
Back to topContact information
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Phone: 1800 838 372 within Australia
Tel: +61 2 6289 1133 from outside Australia
Email: Commemorative.Events@dva.gov.au