Down to the wire: Australian police peacekeeping in Cyprus

By Benjamen Judd

Visit Website

In partnership with the AFP, The Canberra Museum and Gallery present “Down to the wire: Australian police peacekeeping in Cyprus” which runs from November 5 until February 8, 2015.

In a fascinating peak at Australia’s historical international relations, the latest photographic exhibition at the Australian Museum and Gallery explores the events surrounding the first deployment of Australian Federal Police to international grounds.

The opening of “Down to the wire” coincides with this year’s 50th Anniversary of the first overseas mission undertaken by Australian police – that of peacekeeping in Cyprus with the United Nations (UN).

Australia has maintained a continuous police presence in Cyprus since May 1964, when officers representing each state and territory policing jurisdiction deployed to Cyprus with the Commonwealth Police – in total, over 1600 Australian police personnel have been deployed over the past 50 years.

Accompanying the images will be a selection of personal stories from officers who served in Cyprus during this time, punctuating the collection with anecdotes of bravery and sadness.

This is a rare opportunity to see candid footage of one of Australia’s most enduring law enforcement operations.

“Down to the wire: Australian police peacekeeping in Cyprus” is now showing at the Canberra Museum and Gallery until February 8, 2015.