What does it really take to make and keep peace? From Rwanda to East Timor, discover the stories behind peacekeeping, the dangers faced by those who serve, and the lasting impact on the communities they strive to protect.
In Rwanda, Australian peacekeepers arrived in the aftermath of genocide. In Lebanon, an Australian military observer found herself caught in the middle of a war. And in East Timor, peacekeepers witnessed both the violence surrounding a nation's fight for independence and the hope of a new beginning.
Through firsthand accounts from those who served and those who lived through conflict, this episode explores the personal cost of peacekeeping, the challenges of rebuilding after violence and the lasting difference it can make.
Collection items and related stories
Gunner (Gnr) Craig Hall (left) of the 108th Battery, 4th Field Regiment, part of the International Force for East Timor (Interfet), talking to Gunner Sage (back to camera) as they begin a patrol of an area between Suai and Matai.
Explore more about Australian Peacekeeping
- Read the WM article on the development of the new gallery, Australian Peacekeeping: 1947 to today
- Find out more about Australians as peacekeepers in a WM article
- Discover more about peacekeepers and their missions in the AWM's Special Exhibitions Gallery video, 'The courage for peace'
- Learn about Australians and Peacekeeping
Private Robert Syron, a member of 2nd/4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (RAR)
Explore Private Bob Syron's story
- See Bob Syron in uniform during his service in Rwanda in this AWM collection photograph
- Discover how Bob uses traditional Aboriginal woodwork to reconnect with country and heal from his experiences in this ABC News article
- Hear more about Bob's experiences in Rwanda in episode 2 of the AWM's documentary, A New Anzac
Frida Umuhoza. Photo credit: The Guardian
Explore Frida Umuhoza's story
- Learn more about Frida's story of survival and resilience alongside other perspectives in the WM article; 'New perspectives - Australian Peacekeeping Gallery'
- Discover the United Nations story 'Buried at 14, She Survived to Warn the World'
- Read Frida's autobiography 'Frida: Chosen to Die, Destined to Live'
Major Matina Jewell
Explore Major Matina Jewell's story
- Explore more about Matina's current work as change champion, advisor and ambassador on her website
- Read Matina's autobiography, 'Caught in the crossfire: an Australian peacekeeper beyond the front-line'
- Watch Matina share her personal story of service and sacrifice in the AWM's series 'In Their Words'
Shannon French. Photo credit: The Shrine of Remembrance
Explore Australian soldier Shannon French's story
- Discover how former Australian peacekeeper Shannon French continues to support the people of Timor-Leste, years after serving there, in this SBS News article
- Read about Shannon French's experiences as a peacekeeper in East Timor in this Shrine of Remembrance article
- Explore how Shannon French's experiences in East Timor inspired him to give back to the communities he encountered during his service in this ABC News article
Informal portrait of Australian Federal Police (AFP) Officer Don Barnby, a member of the United Nations Mission East Timor (UNAMET), holding a pig
Explore Senior Sargeant Donald (Don) Barnby's story
- Explore Don Barny's story in the AWM article 'It was pretty full on'
- Listen to Don Barnby speak about his service in Cyprus, Lebanon, Bougainville and East Timor in his 2001 oral history
- View photographs of Don Barnby and his colleagues serving with UNAMET in East Timor in the AWM's collection
Voices
- Dr David Sutton
Senior Historian, Military History, Australian War Memorial - Robert (Bob) Syron
Australian Army veteran and Rwanda peacekeeper - Frida Umuhoza
Rwandan genocide survivor - Matina Jewell
Former Australian Army officer and UN military observer - Shannon French
Australian Army veteran and East Timor peacekeeper - Donald (Don) Barnby
Former Australian Federal Police officer and UNAMET peacekeeper - Sir Peter Cosgrove
Former Chief of the Defence Force and INTERFET Commander
About the host
John Barrington
John is the host of Through Their Eyes. Drawing on his experience presenting and reporting for 3RRR Melbourne, Good Shout Stories, triple j HACK, ABC Radio and The Project, he brings a fresh perspective to Australian War Memorial storytelling, connecting you with the people and experiences behind Australia’s military history, inspired by his father's Second World War service. As your guide through the podcast, John helps reveal the human stories and overlooked perspectives, making history accessible and relevant.
