The Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Association (APPA) was formed on United Nations Day, 24 October 1997. In 2003, the APPA was incorporated in Victoria as the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association Inc (APPVA) and received approval for the establishment of branches across all states and territories.
The organisation was created in response to the challenges faced by peacekeepers returning from the United Nations Advanced Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC) and the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). Many veterans encountered significant health issues and were not recognised as veterans by existing counselling services. Moreover, during the subsequent Anzac Day, these UNAMIC and UNTAC veterans were not permitted to march as a united group of peacekeepers. This exclusion spurred the formation of the organisation, aimed at rebuilding the camaraderie experienced during their deployments.
Originally, the association featured fully functioning committees in every state and territory. However, over time, age and injury led to a decline in volunteer participation, making it challenging to meet the legislative requirements for incorporated associations in each state.
In 2019, the APPVA decided to consolidate, closing all state branches and operating as a single national organisation. Since then, it has embraced best practice governance in compliance with the Australian Institute of Company Directors, now functioning as a company limited by guarantee, with a board of directors providing strategic direction and a management committee overseeing day-to-day operations run by the CEO. Today APPVA is expanding with representation across Australia with a new direction and initiatives to help the veteran community.
The APPVA is also registered as a charity.
Image to the right: Nick Hannay, Cambodia 1993
We are a member of the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT), and a number of forums as part of the National Consultatation Framework with DVA.
This provides us with the opportunity to represent the veteran community directly to the DVA at al levels. Through collaboration and advocacy, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of veterans and their support networks.
With the majority of our Board and CEO based in Canberra, we maintain an active Parliamentary lobbying capability.
We do not hesitate to speak openly about uncomfortable topics because we represent all veterans, their families, and our supportive community. Our Executive team and State representatives and advisors include police and veterans from across the ranks — from NCOs to those who have worn red tabs. They work together as one team, without rank. By bringing these different perspectives together, we’re better able to advocate for the issues affecting veterans and their families.
For more information about how DVA consults with the ex-servce community click here:
