ABOUT THE APPVA

BACKGROUND |OBJECTIVES | MEMBERSHIP | POLICY

Formed: 24 October 1997 (United Nations Day)

Current Constituency: 75,000 Veterans

National Patron: Major General (Professor) John Pearn AO, RFD (Ret’d)

APPVA Ambassador: Major Matina Jewell (Ret'd)

Committee: The APPVA has a National Executive that manages the overall operation of the Association and represents the interests of its members as outlined in the Objectives below. In addition the Association has branches in each State and Territory to provide direct assistance to serving and ex-members of organisations as listed in the Overview below. Click here for more information on the National Structure.

National HQ: Located in Torquay, Victoria

View the APPVA Brochure pdf document

BACKGROUND

The Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association (APPVA) is a not-for-profit veterans organisation encompassing the service of Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces Servicemen and Women, Federal and State Police, Philanthropic Organisations and Defence Civilians.

Australia’s proud peacekeeping and peacemaking (enforcement) involvement commenced in Indonesia on 14 September 1947, with four Australian Military officers becoming the first UN peacekeepers in the world by deploying to the United Nations Good Offices Commission in Dutch East Indies (Indonesia). It has since involved the contribution of over 66,000 veterans, who have participated in 73 Operations to 64 different countries non-stop up to the present day with Iraq, Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa and the Solomon Islands. The roles recognised by our association include Warlike and Non-Warlike Operations including Peacekeeping, Peacemaking, United Nations Contingents, Military Observers, Truce Supervision, Emergency Forces, Special Commissions, Humanitarian Aid, Monitoring Forces, Demining Teams and Training Teams – and any other Australian Defence Force (ADF), New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), and Australian Federal, State and Territory Police Operations.

Since 1975 (post Vietnam War), Australia has sent thousands of troops and police to War Service around the world. Most recent and better known operations being the International Force in East Timor (INTERFET) Oct 1999 - Feb 2000; The International Coalition Against Terror (ICAT) in Afghanistan 2002; The War in IRAQ 2003 - Present; and again deployment of Special Operations Task Forces to Afghanistan in 2005 - present. The term "Peacemaking", colloquially, in the terms of the APPVA means those ADF members who have served on Warlike Service since 1975. Although under the auspices of the United Nations Charter, "Peacemaking" is a function of diplomatic process, prior to the agreement of the UN Security Council Resolution and prior to the deployment of a Peacekeeping Force (PKF) to a designated mission.

Under the auspices of the APPVA, the term "Peacemaker" realistically reflects Active Service or Warlike Service since 1989, when Australia sent the first Engineer Contingent to Namibia in South West Africa. From 1989 onwards, ADF members have served on warlike service in the following countries: Back to topBack to top

OBJECTIVES

The APPVA provides a comprehensive service to current and ex-serving members of the ADF in all aspects of Military Compensation. We have paid and volunteer TIP/BEST Pensions Officers, Welfare Officers, MCRS Claims Officers and Advocates in the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Townsville, Sydney, Albury/Wodonga, Melbourne, Geelong, Torquay, Adelaide, Darwin and Tasmania.

We are actively assisting members in the primary Claim for compensation, Reviews and Appeals. An extensive specialist Legal network to appeal DFRDB, MSBS, MCRS, MRCA and VEA decisions is also available. We also provide the same service to those who have served as Police Officers on a range of Peacekeeping and other Operations.

We represent the best interests of our members, constituents current and ex-serving Defence and Police members to the highest levels of Government and have had a number of successful outcomes.

To represent member’s interests the APPVA is representing the following issues:

1. Veteran Health study for veterans, from operations during 1991-1995 (Cambodia, Somalia & Rwanda);

2. Correcting anomalies to the MRCA, in particular the Special Rate Disability Rate of Pension (SRDP);

3. Younger Veterans in residential care;

4. Reclassification of Humanitarian Operations to Non Warlike Service;

5. Reclassification of service for the OP ASTUTE -Timor Leste to Warlike Service, between certain dates of the operation;

6. Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Australian Peacekeeping Operations, including assisting in the Australian Peacekeeper Memorial Project;

7. Reviewing a range of medal anomalies in the ADF, with a view for Australian Operational Campaign and Australian Peacekeeper Medals; and,

8. Reclassification of the ATST - EM to WLS.

To provide advice to members

At times, our members require assistance on a variety of issues. Our Association will actively seek out answers to these queries, and if we cannot help with a result, then we will refer them on to reputable agencies. Some areas where we have advised in the past include employment opportunities within the UN and State and public service, Home Loans, Eligibility regarding Operational Service and Medals as well as Welfare and Pensions and Superannuation (DFRDB & MSBS).

To make contact with an APPVA representative in your State, visit our website Contact List: http://peacekeepers.asn.au/contacts.htm

To promote fellowship amongst those who have served in Peacekeeping and Peacemaking Operations. There is nothing like catching up with those that you have served with, particularly overseas. They can be friendships that last a lifetime. We actively encourage this comradeship by arranging functions and get-togethers in particular on ANZAC Day, Peacekeepers Day (14 Sep) and UN Day commemorations (24 Oct).

To raise the profile of the skills used by members in their contribution to world peace and security. We are currently assisting the Australian War Memorial Post 1945 Conflicts Exhibition; contribution toward the four volumes of the Official History of Peacekeeping; Book projects that reflect the service at the coal-face level as well as the command levels.

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MEMBERSHIP

Membership to the APPVA includes Affiliate and Associate membership, which allows those members to participate within the APPVA, giving them a voice, along with those people who wish to be a part of a Younger Ex-Service Organisation (ESO), no matter where they served - overseas or on peacetime service within Australia.  Family members of members may also become Affiliate Members of the APPVA.

Membership fees include copies of “The Peacekeeper” magazine and a lapel badge and are due on 01 July every year.

It is only with the ongoing diligence and support of our constituents that the quality of services available for our Veteran's will continue to improve.

HELP US TO HELP OTHERS AND BECOME A MEMBER

Membership Contact: Membership Secretary, P.O. Box 552, Torquay, VIC, 3228

Mobile: 0425 726 183

Email: membership@peacekeepers.asn.au

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APPVA POLICY DOCUMENTS

APPVA Admin Plan August 09 pdf document

APPVA Awards System pdf document

APPVA Constitution.pdf pdf document (111KB)

APPVA Privacy Charter pdf document

Training & Information Program (TIP) Documentation

National TIP Protocols - ESO pdf document (244KB)

Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Documentation

BEST - Performance Objectives - Attachment 1 pdf document

BEST - TIP Code of Ethics - Attachment 2 pdf document

BEST - Six Month Report - Attachment 3 pdf document

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