In 1999, Australia led the international force that saw the removal of the occupying Indonesian power from the former Portuguese territory of East Timor. To recognise the importance of this operation, the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) Medal was established in 2000. As well as being awarded to members of the ADF, the INTERFET Medal was offered by Australia to all countries that provided contingents to the International Force in East Timor.
The INTERFET Medal is a cast metal medal with the obverse having an outline map of East Timor and its territories, combined with an outline figure of the dove of peace with olive branch, surrounded by the words ‘INTERNATIONAL FORCE EAST TIMOR'. The reverse has the words ‘TOGETHER AS ONE FOR PEACE IN EAST TIMOR' around the circumference.
The ribbon has a central red stripe, flanked by stripes of green, white and pale blue. The white, green and blue stripes represent the Navy, Army and Air Force, with dual representation of white for peace, blue for the sea surrounding East Timor and green for the regrowth of a new nation. The central red stripe represents the turbulent past of East Timor.
The basic eligibility requirement for the INTERFET Medal is 30 days service in the prescribed area during the period 16 Sep 99 – 10 Apr 00.
The source documents relating to the INTERFET Medal are:
CAG S159 dated 30 March 2000 (Letters Patent and Regulations)
CAG S187-09 13 November 2009 (Determination)
Web page last updated 19 January, 2012