Media Release - Minister Keogh - Commemorative coin to honour 25 years of Australian service in Afghanistan
Minister Keogh
OFFICIAL
THE HON MATT KEOGH MP
Minister for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
MEDIA RELEASE
5 October 2026
COMMEMORATIVE COIN TO HONOUR 25 YEARS OF AUSTRALIAN SERVICE IN AFGHANISTAN
A commemorative coin will be released by the Australian Government to mark the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan.
The 25th anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge the courage, professionalism and commitment of all who contributed to Australia’s longest military operation, and to recognise the enduring impact of that service on veterans, families and communities.
The commemorative coin will help ensure this important chapter in Australia’s military history is remembered, while encouraging more Australians to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who served in Afghanistan and the families and organisations that supported them. The coin will be available to all those who served in Afghanistan and their families.
On 11 October 2001, Australian forces were deployed to Afghanistan under Operation Slipper, contributing to the International Security Assistance Force, a multinational mission to combat terrorism, to stabilise and reconstruct the country.
Over the next two decades, more than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan or in support in the Middle East Area of Operations.
The Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial records the names of 47 Australian Defence Force personnel who died as a result of their service in Afghanistan. Some 263 Australians were also wounded.
The commemorative coin has been developed by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, forming part of commemorations for the 25th anniversary. A national commemorative service will be held in Canberra on Sunday, 11 October, 25 years to the day from when the first Australian boots landed on Afghan soil. This will be broadcast nationally by the ABC.
Australians are encouraged to take part in this important commemoration by attending the national service, watching the broadcast, joining a local activity or reflecting in their own way.
More information about the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan, and how you can collect your own coin can be found on the DVA website.
MEDIA CONTACT:
DVA Media: [email protected]
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or defence.gov.au/health/healthportal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608.