By Andrew Brown and Tess Ikonomou in Canberra

The nation is set to mark 25 years since Australian troops were deployed to East Timor, commemorating a proud tradition of international peacekeeping.

Australia helped bring peace and security to the fledgling country after the Timorese took the step to vote for independence from Indonesia in 1999.

A national commemorative service will be held at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial in Canberra on Friday.

Six Australians died during the operations between 1999 and 2013.

More than 18,000 Australians served in East Timor.

About 5500 defence force personnel were sent as part of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) – the largest deployment of Australian troops since the Vietnam War.

Among those was Shane Pascoe-Bell, who was a radio operator in a parachute infantry unit.

He said the significance of the operation became clearer with passing years.

“The big thing that I didn’t realise at the time was that (the peacekeeping efforts) was the start of a new country and the birth of a new new nation. East Timor had never been a country in their own right before,” he told AAP.

Mr Pascoe-Bell will mark the anniversary with a service at Darwin’s cenotaph, before attending a dinner for Australian veterans.

“In Darwin we have a large Timorese population, and when I identify where I served, there’s a lot of affection that pours out,” he said.

“You don’t realise how big an impact you’ve made on them.”

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said the nation acknowledged all Australians who participated in peacekeeping missions.

“We pay tribute to the six Australians who tragically lost their lives while deployed, or as a result of their service,” he said.

“We also recognise the remarkable resilience of the Timorese people and the enduring friendship between our two nations.

“We are grateful to the many Australians who served in Timor-Leste who have regularly returned over these 25 years, strengthening the bonds and productivity of local communities.”