Prime Minister Tony Abbott has paid tribute to about 300 soldiers being sent to Iraq to train local forces fighting Islamic State.
The personnel, drawn mainly from the Australian Army's Brisbane-based 7th Brigade, were farewelled by family and political leaders at the Gallipoli Barracks on Tuesday.
Mr Abbott said although the troops would be training abroad and not fighting, they would still be defending Australia.
"We know that the Daesh (ISIS) death cult, which now holds sway over so much of eastern Syria and northern Iraq, has been reaching out here to Australia as well," he said.
Mr Abbott said while the troops were supporting Australia overseas, Australia would support their loved ones back home.
"We will support them on your behalf as you support us, for they also serve who only stand and wait," he said.
He also acknowledged the partnership between Taskgroup Taji and about 100 New Zealand defence personnel on the eve of Anzac centenary commemorations.
Defence Minister Kevin Andrews described them as "modern Anzacs".
"You are the successors of that great Australian and New Zealand legacy," he said.
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