Veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been honoured in the first annual service for Australians involved in conflicts that cost the nation more than 50 lives.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Veterans Minister David Harris were among the dignitaries who joined with families paying tribute at the Cenotaph in Sydney's Martin Place, in what will become an annual commemoration.
"This day will forever be enshrined in remembrance of these brave men and women," the premier said at the service on Thursday.
"We recognise their courage and their service, as well as the ongoing toll of their experiences, both visible and invisible.
"These veterans continue the proud tradition of our armed forces, serving abroad to protect the Australian way of life at home."
A total of 54 Australian Defence Force members were killed in campaigns in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.
The conflicts began in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the US, launching Australian defence personnel into various theatres in the Middle East between 2001 and July 11, 2021.
Thursday marks three years since the ADF completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan and brought to an end the nation's direct military involvement in the region.
The premier on Wednesday announced $2 million would be spent to build the state's first major memorial for veterans of the Middle East campaigns.
Mr Minns also announced an extension of retail trading bans on Anzac Day to span the entire 24-hour period, to stop what the premier described as the "creeping commercialisation" of the date.
