Australia has long involvement in peacekeeping and peace operations, starting 75 years ago when four Australian military observers arrived in the Netherlands East Indies - now Indonesia - as members of a UN group supervising the ceasefire between nationalist and Netherlands forces. Since then, 80,000 members of the Australian military, police and civilians have participated in 73 operations in 64 different countries.

In 1945, at the end of the most destructive war in human history, the United Nations was formed, with a vision to promote world peace. Australia was an early supporter, contributing four observers - two Army officers and one officer from the Navy and Air Force - to the first UN peacekeeping operation overseeing the ceasefire between Dutch and nationalist forces in the Netherlands East Indies, now Indonesia, in 1947. Seventy-five years on, Australian military, police and civilians have participated in 73 peacekeeping missions and peace operations in 64 different countries around the world.

Australian peacekeepers have acquired a reputation for compassion and competence but it hasn't been without cost. Sixteen have died during peacekeeping missions, victims of accidents, aircraft and vehicle crashes, illness and landmines.

Their sacrifice and the contribution of 80,000 others who have participated in peacekeeping and peace operations, is recognised in the Royal Australian Mint's new $2 commemorative coin.