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True Blue Magazine
The United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia, (UNOPAA) is an Australian incorporated, non-profit organisation, whose members are both serving or retired Police Officers from Police Forces throughout Australia, who have served or are serving with United Nation Peacekeeping Forces or AFP International Policing Operations throughout the world! TRUE BLUE is provided to its members throughout Australia and worldwide to where Australian Police are serving. Our magazine contains welfare, legislative and social information relevant to the well-being and camaraderie of UNOPAA members who have, or are serving in Australia’s National Interest.
Aims of the UNOPAA:
1. To maintain and foster the memory of UNOPAA members killed whilst serving with United Nations Forces or Overseas Policing operations.
2. To provide welfare, legal and financial support where and when appropriate to members.
3. To promote social occasions such as Reunions, etc., including United Nations and Anzac Day Marches.
4. To pursue and lobby industrial, legal and political avenues, when necessary in order to improve the welfare and industrial benefits to our members.
We acknowledge the assistance of Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd, who, in conjunction with the UNOPAA, have made the publication and distribution of ‘TRUE BLUE’ magazine possible! Your financial contribution to the publication of our magazine is greatly appreciated.
Views and opinions expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia, the editor, the publisher or printer. “True Blue” is published by Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd, Melbourne from funds supplied by advertisers in this magazine. Please support our advertisers and their products.
Rod Walker
True Blue Editor
Email: rod2856@outlook.com
Mobile: 0411 953 966
UNOPAA Contacts
National President
Mr Mick Travers APM
Mobile: 0418 297 086
Email: mt2976@gmail.com
National Vice President
Mr Rod Walker
Tel: 0411 953 966
Email: rod2856@outlook.com
National Secretary/Treasurer
Mr Peter McDonald APM
28A Dinah Parade, Keilor East Vic 3033
Mobile: 0418 131 352
Email: vp14970@gmail.com
Australian Capital Territory
State President: Dale Cooper RFD PO Box 7099 Karabar NSW 2620
Mobile: 0418 266 033
Email: unopaa@gmail.com
New South Wales
Acting Branch President: Dale Cooper
Victoria/Tasmania
State President: Paul van Gemert Mobile: 0431 963 016
Email: paul.vangemert@police.vic.gov.au
Queensland
State President: John Walker APM
Unit 230, 96 Village Way, Little Mountain QLD 4551
Mobile 0474 157 982
Email: whiskeywalker41@gmail.com
South Australia
State President: Garry Casey
40 Yarrabee Road, Greenhill SA 5140
Tel: 08 8390 3568
Mobile: 0427 188 449
Email: garryecasey@yahoo.com.au
Western Australia
State President: Darcy Boylan 21 Templemore Drive Heathridge WA 6027
Tel: 08 9402 0030
Mobile: 0408 120 299
Email: gdboylan@bigpond.com
Northern Territory
President: Allan Mitchell
5 Eureka Court Anula NT 0812
Tel: 08 8927 2676
Mobile: 0417 804 546
Email: almitch@bigpond.com.au
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PODCAST NOW STREAMING PODCAST NOW STREAMING
Even the most resilient emergency services workers and volunteers can be affected by stress and trauma related to their work, or as a result of other life challenges. Are They Triple OK? resources provide practical tools and tips on how to start an R U OK? conversation with a workmate, friend or family member in the emergency services, to help them feel connected and supported, long before they’re in crisis. Scan to learn more
From the Editor’s desk
As I write this column (mid-March) it is only 2 months till the Reunion and AGM in Darwin. I am so looking forward to catching up with those going.
Allan Mitchell and his Coordination Team have been working hard to ensure those attending will have a fantastic and enjoyable time. Those attending have (by now) received an email from the Coordination Team advising them of the cost of the registration for the event. If you haven’t already paid this – I urge you to attend to this asap.
As the 60th anniversary of UNFICYP is upon us and, as a result, the 60th anniversary of Australian Police in Peacekeeping, this edition of True Blue has a significant Cyprus (UNFICYP) theme. In May (whilst in Darwin), we will be commemorating the deployment of the 1st Australian Police Contingent to Cyprus.
I acknowledge that this year is also the 25th anniversary of Australian Police deploying to Timor Leste (East Timor) to oversee the conduct of the Popular Ballot which, in turn, resulted in the birth of the world’s youngest nation. As this anniversary falls in June, our next issue (scheduled for August) will focus on activities surrounding the 25th anniversary of UNAMET (and all subsequent missions).
What’s in this issue?
• In March, our National Secretary/Treasurer (Peter McDonald) accompanied by other UNOPAA members travelled to Cyprus to be part of the 60th UNFICYP anniversary celebrations. Peter has written an article providing an overview of the celebrations and functions they attended. Many thanks to the Australian High Commissioner to Cyprus HE Fiona McKergow and her staff for coordinating the Australian component of the celebrations. Also attending the events (from Australia) were - Mr Matt Anderson
PSM (Director of the Australian War Memorial), Major General Cheryl Pearce (Former UNFICYP Force Commander and shortly heading of to New York to be Deputy Head of UN Peacekeeping Ops) and Det Superintendent Tom Walker (AFP Senior Liaison Officer, Beirut).
• The AFP Media Release recognising the 60th anniversary of UNFICYP
• An article from the UNFICYP archives
• An interesting article from the Cyprus Mail (dated 3rd March) which actually foretells when UNFICYP will depart Cyprus.
• An article about how an Irish Policewoman, stationed in Cyprus with UNFICYP, has taken it upon herself to maintain and look after the memorial to Ian Ward
• One of our members (Victoria/Tas Branch) David Gleeson, has written a book about his time serving in East Timor, Afghanistan and PNG. His book highlights a number of issues resulting in the diagnosis of PTSD.
• An overview of the Policing career of Peter Moore. An AFP member who joined the Commonwealth Police, transitioned to the AFP and whose career included periods spent in Timor Leste, as a resident agent on Thursday Island, deployment to Darwin for Cyclone Tracey, Resident agent in Geraldton and duty in PNG. Plus much more. An interesting read.
PLEASE NOTE – My email address has changed. For those needing to contact me via email, my new email address is rod2856@outlook.com
Australia Day APM Recipients
Along with other Australian Police Medal recipients announced in the Australia Day Honours List, four recipients had served overseas on Peacekeeping, Regional Assistance or Humanitarian Missions. The UNOPAA congratulates all recipients of the APM.
DETECTIVE SENIOR SERGEANT BARRY JENKS
Victoria Police
Barry spent two years in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands as part of an international policing deployment alongside the Australian Federal Police.
Since 2010 he has guided more than 25 treks of the Kokoda Trail, bettering the lives of more than 200 participants many of whom have been current and former emergency services and defence force personnel.
INSP WAYNE MARTIN
Victoria Police
Wayne joined Victoria Police’s Forensic Services Department in 1990 and is a nationally renowned expert in disaster victim identification. He has been a hands-on practitioner and performed leadership roles in numerous mass casualty incidents including the 2002 Bali bombings in which 202 people including 88 Australians died and the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami which claimed an estimated 230,000 lives.
COMMANDER MELINDA PHELAN
Australian Federal Police
With a career spanning across Australia and overseas. She has been instrumental in working with national and international law enforcement agencies to successfully disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal syndicates in Counter Terrorism and Serious and Organised Crime. Melinda also worked in Thailand as a member of Australia’s response to the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.
CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT TOBY LINDSAY
NSW Police
In 2000 Toby served as part of the 5th Australian Police Contingent, seconded to the United Nations in East Timor, tasked with helping East Timor with policing, investigations and ultimately building its own police force. Whilst on deployment he performed duties as a crash investigator and border patrol officer with refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs), working alongside other United Nations agencies, the Australian Defence Force and nongovernment organisations.
UNFICYP 60th Anniversary
UNFICYP celebrated its 60th Anniversary in Nicosia on Monday, 4 March 2024.
A group of just over 20 Australians attended, led by the Australian High Commissioner to Cyprus, Fiona McKergow.
Eight Australians who had served in Cyprus were among the group, as well as Major General Cheryl Pearce, who served as the Force Commander of UNFICYP (2019-2021).
The Australian group met at a dinner hosted by the High Commissioner on 3 March, and then attended a variety of events held over the next two days.
Forty three (43) different countries have contributed to UNFICYP over the years. Many were represented at the events, including military and police veterans. The principal activities attended by the Australian group were:
Medal Ceremony, UN Flight Hangar, UN Protected Area UN medals were presented to currently serving contingents, and veterans were presented with commemorative coins. A highlight was the Band of the Grenadier Guards, who participated in the ceremony.
Det. Supt Tom Walker (AFP Beirut), Steve Bullock (33rd & 34th Contingents), Russ Connor (10th), Ray McDonald (51st & 65th), Peter McDonald (8th)
Josh Lloyd (99th Contingent), Adrian Norris (104th), Steve Bullock (33rd & 34th), Russ Connor (10th), Fiona McKergow, Ray McDonald (51st & 65th)
Ray McDonald & Russ Connor
Inauguration of Monument dedicated to UN Peacekeepers, Ledra Palace Hotel
This monument was principally funded by Australia, through the Department of Defence. It is dedicated to the peacekeepers of the 43 participating countries, and was unveiled by the Australian High Commissioner, Fiona McKergow, together with Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral and Head of UNFICYP, and Major General Cheryl Pearce, who is taking up a position of Deputy Military Advisor, Department of Peace Operations, at the UN in New York. Wreaths were laid, followed by a reception at the Ledra Palace Hotel.
The current UNFICYP Force Commander, Major General Erdenebat Batsuuri (Mongolia
Second from left: Hans Jorgen Blicher, the only Danish Police veteran attending
Fiona McKergow, Colin Stewart & Cheryl Pearce
Laying a wreath: Fiona McKergow and Commander Chris Woods (82nd Contingent & AFP London)
Peter McDonald & Michelle Anderson (Deputy Head of Mission, Australian High Commission Cyprus)
Activities in the UN Protected Area
On Tuesday, 5 March, the Australian group visited Sergeant Ian Ward’s vehicle wreck in the UN Protected Area and the memorial to the Australian police who died on mission outside St. Columbans Church.
This was followed by a tour of the area including the old Nicosia Airport and a briefing on UN Police operations in Cyprus by the current Senior Police Advisor. The day ended with a function at the (soon to be renovated) UN Police Club.
Many thanks to the Australian High Commission and the UN Police Office (particularly Diana Bridger) for making these arrangements.
At Sergeant Ward’s vehicle wreck: Rob Fisher (Collections Manager, Australian War Memorial), Matt Anderson (Director, Australian War Memorial), Fiona McKergow, Mick Kirby (Defence Attache Madrid) & wife (Julia), Josh Lloyd and partner Funda Kaya, Peter McDonald, Russ Connor, Chris Woods & Tom Walker
Inside the Old Nicosia Airport
At the Memorial outside St Columbans Church: Tom Walker, Mick & Julia Kirby, Chris Woods, Peter McDonald, Russ Connor, Rob Fisher, Fiona McKergow, Josh Lloyd & Funda Kaya, Matt Anderson
Well Looked After
While in Cyprus for the UNFICYP 60th Anniversary, I was fortunate to travel out to the Linou UNPOL (UN Police) Station with Russ Connor (10th Contingent) and Rob Fisher (the Collections Manager at the Australian War Memorial).
We were met there by Mairead Murray, the Team Leader at the Station, and her crew. They were most welcoming.
Mairead is a Garda (Irish) police officer who has taken a special interest in the memorial dedicated to Sergeant Ian Ward in the buffer zone near Linou. She has been regularly visiting and maintaining the memorial, making a particular comment that 2024 is the 50th anniversary of his death.
Ian Ward, a NSW Police Officer, was killed in 1974 when the Land Rover he was travelling in with another Australian Police officer detonated a land-mine while conveying a Turkish Cypriot man and two girls to the Turkish Cypriot controlled area at Lefka. The Turkish Cypriot man was also killed, and the other Australian Police officer seriously injury. The two girls survived.
Linou Police Station is a veritable united nations itself, as the picture shows above.
After meeting the staff, we travelled out to Ian Ward’s Memorial with Mairead. Her care of the memorial was evident, and we offered our grateful thanks.
By Peter McDonald
along with a sign on the fence reading, “R.I.P. KILLED IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE SGT. IAN DONALD WARD AUST CIVPOL 12 November 1974”. A
The site where Sergeant Ian Ward of the NSW police was killed when his Land Rover hit a landmine on 12 November 1974. Parts of the wrecked vehicle can be seen in the background,
nearby memorial cairn (not visible in the photograph) marks the spot. Photo by Peter Londey, 8 October 1997. AWM P03530.001
From left to right: Hua Wei (China), Mairead Murray (Ireland), Russ Connor, Peter McDonald, Zeljko Tanasic (Bosnia), Seamus O’Donovan (Ireland), Olga Glushchenko (Russia). Picture taken by Rob Fisher
Our View: UNFICYP’s days are surely numbered Cyprus Mail
Sixty years ago on Monday the UN Security Council hastily established UNFICYP, for a period of three months, to deal with the inter-communal fighting that broke out just before Christmas 1963. Fears in the West that the fighting in Cyprus could lead to conflict between NATO members Greece and Turkey made the sending of a peacekeeping force to the island an imperative and by June 1964 there were some 6,500 UNFICYP troops on the island. The three-month mandate has now lasted 60 years and although
UNFICYP now has fewer than 1,000 soldiers, it is still the longestserving peacekeeping mission in the world and costs $56m a year, with about 45 per cent of the budget covered by Cyprus and Greece. More than 150,000 men and women from some 43 countries have served under the UN flag in Cyprus where 187 peacekeepers have lost their lives.
For the 50 years since the Turkish invasion, UNFICYP has been controlling the buffer zone that separates the two sides, maintaining the status quo and
dealing with an array of disputes along the 180km ceasefire line. For the Greek Cypriots, UNFICYP’s presence has provided a sense of security as it serves as a barrier between the occupation army and the national guard, dealing with incursions into the buffer zone and resolving disputes between the two sides.
It is, however, a false sense of security, as UNFICYP is not mandated to stop a Turkish military advance, nor does it have the means to do so, but the small force’s presence has protected the
status quo, acting as a mediator and a voice of reason between the two sides for which nothing is too trivial to bicker about. For the Turkish Cypriots, UNFICYP is of no importance as they have Turkish troops to guarantee their security and protect the status quo, which is satisfactory at present.
Regardless of how UNFICYP is viewed by the two communities, it has become a part of Cyprus life, almost a permanent fixture that will always be here to de-escalate tension and act as a valuable source of common sense, which does not
exist in the politics of the Cyprus problem. But the reality is that the peacekeeping force will not stay here for another 60 years, as many Greek Cypriots seem to think, probably not even for another five. UN troops are deployed in a country or region of conflict to keep the peace until a political agreement is reached between the warring sides. If no agreement is reached, within a reasonable time (60 years is not reasonable by any stretch of the imagination) the troops are withdrawn – an added, compelling reason is that
there has been no fighting for 50 years. For how much longer will the Security Council renew the UNFICYP mandate under these peaceful and stable conditions? The peaceful conditions the UN presence has ensured contributed to the perpetuation of the problem as it has rendered a settlement a non-urgent matter. There have been numerous UN special representatives pandering to the two sides over the decades, undertaking initiatives, facilitating talks, proposing ideas, indicators and frameworks all of which were eventually rejected. Until 2003, Rauf Denktash, who was committed to partition, blocked progress and from 2004 onwards, the Cyprus president undertook this role.
For the Turkish side, the maintenance of the status quo is the settlement Denktash had always campaigned for, but for the Greek Cypriots, in theory it was not. The politicians have not been ready for a compromise in which they would have to share power with the Turkish Cypriots, giving people assurances that there would be another opportunity for an improved settlement in the future. That the UN was still here, was used as proof there would be future opportunities for a settlement. Even this argument is now wearing thin. After the collapse of talks in Crans Montana in July 2017 nothing happened for six-and-half years until the UN Secretary-General was persuaded to appoint Maria Angela Holguin as his personal envoy, who will have one last shot at securing a resumption of the talks.
If she fails, that would be the end of UN involvement in the Cyprus problem, which would also lead to the withdrawal of UNFICYP, which will have no reason to carry on policing the buffer zone for another 60 years.
The R U OK? Are They Triple OK? Podcast
Building connection and comradery
R U OK? has launched a new podcast series to encourage life changing conversations, early intervention and supportive behaviour amongst the peers, family and friends of those who work and volunteer in the police and emergency services.
The ‘Are They Triple OK? podcast’ features personal stories and practical tools to increase social support for emergency services personnel and build a mentally healthy workplace. It also includes tips on how to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and navigate a conversation if someone is not OK.
Episode one features James Maskey, a retired front-line Queensland Police O cer. In 2013, James was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“As first responders historically, we talk about everything except for mental health and, importantly, suicidal thoughts,” said Mr Maskey. “Either because we didn't have the confidence to have that conversation, or we were worried
about the impacts of having that chat. And when I say we, I'm talking about me. Certainly, that was my experience.”
Mr Maskey says frontline first responders, in the fire truck, in the ambulance, in the patrol car, have a unique opportunity to get to know their colleagues.
“You know what they like to eat, their co ee order and what their family and their children are up to,” he said. “You know the intimate details of their lives because you've got a long time in the car sitting side by side to share so many experiences.”
Mr Maskey is now the National Sector Specialist at Fortem Australia, and is passionate about enhancing the mental, physical and social wellbeing of the first responder community.
“My advice to the emergency services community is to learn how to have an R U OK? Conversation and start having them,” he said. “If someone is struggling, reaching out for help can feel like a heavy thing to do, it can be a hard task and it can feel overwhelming.
“But when you take the time to ask someone how they’re travelling, you can take some of the weight o and some of the burden away. People are often relieved to have a conversation and feel that level of camaraderie.”
The ‘Are They Triple OK? podcast’ is hosted by Matt Newlands, R U OK? Community Ambassador and former police o ce and is one of a suite of free resources available from
R U OK? for those who work in the police and emergency services, their families and friends. The podcast and resources including a conversation guide and personal stories that demonstrate the life changing impact of an R U OK? conversation can be found at ruok.org.au. The ‘Are They Triple OK? podcast’ will also be available for download on a range of streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and Audible.
‘Are They Triple OK?’ was developed in response to the Beyond Blue nationwide ‘Answering the call’ survey which found more than half of all police and emergency services employees indicated they had experienced
a traumatic event that had deeply a ected them during the course of their work. Positively, personnel with higher levels of social support and resilience reported lower levels of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
“The results from ‘Answering the Call’ showed us that the support of peers, family and friends does make a di erence for those who work in frontline services. It’s OK to not be OK. It’s OK to lean on each other, and it’s OK to retire that unhelpful stereotype of being that six-foot bulletproof superhero,” said Maskey.
“I would urge leaders to explore vulnerability to share their own story if they have one, or to support others to share their own story as well. We know that this helps in demystifying mental health."
If you’re worried about someone and feel they need professional support, encourage them to contact their Employee Assistance Program (EAP), appropriate agency support service or connect with a trusted health professional, like their local doctor.
Pinnacle Charitable Foundation is a Funding Partner of R U OK? and is proud to fund the ‘Are they Triple OK?’ campaign.
Specialised wellbeing and mental fitness support for first responders and their families can be accessed through Fortem Australia at fortemaustralia.org.au.
For 24/7 for crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Text support is also available: 0477 13 11 14
United Nations Peacekeeping Force In Cyprus
DIGITISING SIX DECADES OF HISTORICAL ARCHIVE
600 box files of UNFICYP’s historical paper archive stored at the headquarters for decades are in the final stages of being digitised, a project which started 18 months ago and is paramount in facilitating the support of the mission to continue its mandated activities. The project is also a leap towards modernising the mission’s operations and providing easy access to its archives.
Throughout 2023, a team working under the Mission’s Field Technology Section has been digitising approximately 1,500,000 pages of substantive political, military and police physical archives which have accumulated since the inception of the Mission almost 60 years ago.
“These documents are very important to our uniformed
personnel and offices who refer to these documents and need them for research purposes, to go back in time to understand the history of the Mission or specific incidents that may have occurred,” explains David Wilkins, Chief of UNFICYP’s Field Technology Section.
Up until recently, staff had to attain access and physically scrounge around archive rooms to find what they were looking for. But today, with the support of the United Nations Archives and Records Management (ARMS) – whose policy is that such historical documents are retained indefinitely – over a million documents are now accessible to be searched through an online system, which was created to store and give access to the data on the cloud.
“Once we secured the funds, we sourced qualified people, we bought numerous scanners and adopted a methodology on how to scan the documents into an electronic system,” reveals Wilkins. To this end, the team followed a 6-step process for each documents including identifying the document, scanning it, processing the document digitally, placing it back in new acid free folders to ensure its long-term preservation and labelling it.
“It is a sort of labour of love,” says Wilkins, “you need to ensure that you follow a process, and it is taken thousands of hours of human resources,” he adds.
Supervising the project, Renalyn Natural, attests to its challenges. “We’re talking about six decades of records, 1400 boxes of records,
and we keep on receiving more,” reveals Natural. “Digitisation it is not just a matter of scanning documents. You need to pay attention to details. It was important for us to find people who dedicated their time in firstly finding the documents and then making sure that they are readable when scanned,” adds Natural.
“The objective is to bring history back to life and we want to see a good result,” says Stuart John Beatty, a contractor working on the digitisation project from the Mission’s headquarters in Nicosia as part of a diverse team comprised of three women and three men, ranging from the ages of 28 to 67-years-old.
Today, UNFICYP’s digital archive is infinitely more usable. Mission offices have quick access to
their data at anytime from anywhere. Easy accessibility of cloud-based digital data has improved the data flow within the organisation and has enhanced productivity because digital files can be accessed by multiple departments at the same time.
As for the future, and in accordance with ARMS policy, the long-term keeping of the historical physical archive is also secured.
“These documents obviously cannot stay in situ because of the risk [of deterioration], so the policy is that these documents will be shipped to New York and will be part of the permanent management records system in UN headquarters,” explains Wilkins.
UNFICYP’s digitisation project is showing the way for other
missions interested in digitising their own archives. “We have had some interest from two or three missions who have inquired about the project, and we are in the process of helping them set up. The standard procedures are now in place for them to follow,” concludes Renalyn.
Digital transformation: The vision for deeper internal capacities and exposure to new technologies comes as part of the Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+) initiative. The overarching goal of this digital transformation is to enable UNFICYP to implement its mandate more effectively by harnessing the potential of digital technologies as well as mitigate risks, while positioning peacekeeping to continue to evolve in its use of technology.
60th Anniversary of the United Nations Peacekeeping in Cyprus
AFP MEDIA RELEASE - 4 MARCH 2024
On Monday 4th March 2024, the AFP celebrated its involvement in the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
Established in 1964, UNFICYP was the first mission to include Australian police, with the first contingent arriving in May as part of an effort to prevent further fighting between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.
AFP Superintendent Jason Byrnes served in Cyprus as part of the 62nd contingent and remembered his experience when he first arrived as challenging but rewarding.
“When I arrived in Cyprus, the landscape between the Larnaca Airport and the capital, Nicosia, was almost lunar-like in terms of lack of vegetation and baron dirt and rocks. It was quite impressive to drive along those highways,” Superintendent Byrnes said.
“While I spent most of my time in Nicosia, I also spent a month in Pyla, the last bi-communal village where both Greek and Turkish Cypriots coexisted. It was a very complex and dynamic atmosphere with political and racial undertones.
“Pyla was inside the buffer zone surrounded by landmines, with Greek and Turkish Cypriots living in the same village. There was a Greek Cypriot Mayor and a Turkish Cypriot Mayor.
“We had to make sure if one of the police forces from either side wanted to enter the village that the other side was aware of it and respected each other’s laws.”
Cyprus is one of the world’s longest running peacekeeping missions which saw 111 Australian contingents, with more than 1,600 Australian police officers serving in the mission. While the majority of police were from the AFP and its predecessor agencies, ACT Policing and the Commonwealth Police, several hundred state and territory police also served, particularly before 1976.
Located in towns and cities across Cyprus, police worked in collaboration with UNFICYP to monitor ceasefire lines, conduct patrols, and engage in community policing efforts aimed at fostering trust and cooperation between the divided communities.
Thousands of Australian police have gone on to serve in peacekeeping and capacity building missions across world in countries including Timor Leste, Haiti, Mozambique, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, Cambodia, Sudan, Papua New Guinea. With expertise in community policing and conflict resolution, Australian police officers have been essential in supporting efforts to foster stability and cooperation across the country.
Darwin Reunion
27 - 31 MAY 2024
Recently released registration fees were set at $330, just $30 more than the last reunion in Darwin in 2011. Organiser, Allan Mitchell, who was involved in the two previous reunions Darwin (1998 and 2011), said whilst costs have obviously increased by more than 10% over the last 13 years, the generous donations from the State UNOPAA branches and a greater support from private and government here in Darwin have kept the fee down. Unfortunately, an application to the Department of Veterans Affairs was unsuccessful.
The reunion date was chosen to consider two events, the United Nations Day of International Peacekeepers celebrated on 29 May each year and the 60th anniversary of our first contingent arriving in Cyprus. We are honoured to have three members of that first contingent coming for the reunion - Patrick Medway (NSW), Ray Strong (QLD) and Ernie White’s (VIC) widow, Penny McGuire White.
60 Years Of Police Peacekeeping Project Coming To Darwin
AFP Superintendent Jason Byrnes, member of the 62nd contingent to Cyprus and the 5th contingent to Afghanistan, is currently writing a history of Australian police peacekeeping. The first volume
covers the UN missions; Volume 2 will be the non-UN missions.
Jason will be attending the reunion and will be available to interview former peacekeepers. The interviews will help inform the book and other projects, and will be donated to the respective police museums, for future reference. If you are interested in being interviewed for the project whilst in Darwin, please email jason.byrnes@afp.gov.au.
Allow one hour per interview. Commander Danny Bacon has secured the NT Police media room at the NAB Headquarters on Smith Street for the interviews It is within walking distance of the Darwin Travelodge Resort.
groups/1218634735703333/
$35 million for Timor-Leste Police Development Program
The Albanese Government has made a $35 million commitment to continue the successful policing partnership between the Australian Federal Police and the Polícia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL).
The extension of our policing partnership underscores Australia's ongoing support for TimorLeste's sovereignty and security.
The funding will support skilled and professional policing services in Timor-Leste through the TimorLeste Police Development Program (TLPDP).
In its 20th year of operation, the TLPDP has helped develop the skills and capacity of Timor-Leste's national police force to detect, disrupt, deter and respond to crime and instability.
This new phase of support will explicitly place community policing principles at the heart of the partnership and focus on responding to the needs of women, children and vulnerable persons.
It will also build police preparedness to respond to natural disasters and crises, improve key IT and communications systems, enhance maritime and forensic capabilities, and tackle transnational serious and organised crime.
Australia remains Timor-Leste's largest development and security partner -
and will contribute an estimated $118 million in development assistance in 2023-24.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
“Australia is committed to working with Timor-Leste to deliver skilled and professional policing services that contribute to a stable and secure Timor-Leste.
“This
long-standing program is just one demonstration of Australia’s commitment to a stable, prosperous and secure future for the people of Timor-Leste.”
Equipping of PNTL officers with specialist equipment and necessary training plays a pivotal role in police officer and community safety.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP), through the Timor-Leste Police Development Program (TLPDP) has gifted a Telerob Explosive Ordnance Observation Robot (tEODOR) to the PNTL UEP Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team. The AFP has also provided a specialist training package, delivered by two AFP Bomb Technicians to the PNTL UEP EOD.
The partnership between PNTL and the Australian Government through TLPDP is supporting policing services to the community in Timor-Leste.
The partnership between PNTL and the Australian Government through TLPDP is supporting policing services to the community in Timor-Leste.
Australia’s Timor-Leste Police Development Program (TLPDP) was pleased to again partner with the TimorLeste Maritime Training Unit (CNEFP-TGMTU) to provide this training. TLPDP also gifted a new VHF marine radio set (radio, antenna, and power supply) for the UPM Operations room which was also used for practice during the training course. Our valued partner, the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime Global Maritime Crime Program, are also in the process of procuring additional VHF marine radio equipment to further enhance the ability of PNTL UPM to ensure maritime safety and security in Timor-Leste.
The Marine Radio Operator course caps off a busy year of TLPDP-funded, TGMTU-delivered training to enhance the capacity of UPM. Courses delivered in 2023 include: Coastal Boat Skipper (14 officers), four Navigation and Electronic Navigation (Chartplotter Operater) courses (51 officers), two Thermal Imager Operator training courses (30 officers). This is in addition to routine monthly skills re-fresher and enhancement training for UPM skippers and crew. Early next year a Search and Rescue Co-ordination course will be run to further enhance UPM skills.
Honiara Police and SIAF
Collaborate to Tackle Antisocial Behaviour Ahead of Elections
Honiara City Police has partnered with the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) for an operation to address growing concerns about antisocial behaviour and emerging crimes in the Honiara Central Business District.
Provincial Police Commander for Honiara City, Chief Supt. Jimson Robo, expressed gratitude to the Honiara City Operation Team for commencing the operation and to SIAF members for their support.
Honiara City Police Operation Manager, Insp. Tex Tafoa, highlighted the operation's significance in light of upcoming elections.
The operation was initiated as a result of information received from members of the public over the growing trend of antisocial behaviour in the city. The primary goal of the operation was to disrupt and deter such behaviour with focus on issues like pickpocketing and vandalism.
During the operation, RSIPF and SIAF members conducted patrols in areas identified as hotspots. These areas included, the Honiara Central Market Bus Stop and crossing, Town Council Bus Stop, White River Bus Stop, Point Cruz Street and Ports area.
SIAF Deputy Commissioner, Heath Davies, said that it is important to highlight the combined efforts from RSIPF and SIAF members who are working together to provide a safe and secure environment leading up to the elections.
Source: RSIP Website
Joint AFP and RSIPF team prepares for national general election with successful desktop exercise
A Joint Planning Team, involving members from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), conducted a desktop exercise for Provincial Police Commanders at the Provincial Police Commanders and Directors Conference that concluded in Honiara last week.
This initiative is part of preparations for the National General Elections in April.
RSIPF’s executive level officers including the Deputy Commissioner of Operations, various Assistant Commissioners, all nine (9) PPCs and the 18 portfolio Directors attended the five-day conference. Some participants travelled from the distant provinces to attend.
During the desktop exercise officers were divided into groups and are presented with three realistic election scenarios, prompting them to discuss different responses and notifications.
Each group talk about and share actions they would take at both “Operational” and “Strategic” levels. A representative from each group then presented their decisions to the rest of the conference participants. This led to lively discussions within the larger group, where various ideas and suggestions were explored.
Inputs collected from the desktop exercise participants will help the Joint Planning Team develop thorough plans, identify needed resources and acquire
necessary equipment to ensure a safe and secure elections.
The next phase of the National General Elections Planning will include “live” exercises, building on the insights gained from the desktop exercise. These live exercises will dig deeper into the three scenarios from the desktop exercise, covering tactical, operational and strategic aspects of a real operation.
This will enable RSIPF executive members to test their commandand-control skills, and operational members to respond in real-time, assessing the interoperability of RSIPF with members of the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF).
Source: RSIP Website
The best 32 years of my life 1974 - 2006.
The policing profession seems to have a penchant to attract members with life skills, character, adventurous, practicality but an overall sense of public duty.
Peter (Basil) Moore is one of those characters whose career took him to remote and external areas where these skills were honed to enable him to be an effective and professional Police Officer. Here is his story, written in typical Basil style. Congratulations on a fabulous and interesting career.
I Joined the Commonwealth Police in Canberra August 1974– Flew on the first plane load of Police and Doctors into Darwin after Cyclone Tracey. Spent about 3 weeks –duties including - evacuating women and children to all cities in Australia. We put about 673 women and children on a Jumbo 747 jet and the captain told me it was no problem as there was no freight. Some mums had 2 children on their laps. (This was a world record for many years after.) Searching for missing persons in damaged buildings. Anti-looting patrols. 71 people were killed in the cyclone. The population was reduced to only 10,638 and mostly men were left in Darwin to clean up.
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. We were the first Police Force to be armed on duty. A Light Aircraft was hijacked by some tosser who told the pilot of the aircraft he had a gun pointed at the back of a passenger. I was one of the few to hide under the aircraft. The hostie pointed out the offender and we arrested him and he was later taken to a mental ward and not charged. Possibly first hijack in Australian History.
Transferred to Darwin. Thousands of Boat people arrived from Vietnam. We guarded the Viet Cong crew who were hijacked and held on a boat before being sent home.
Darwin was a real workers town with mostly men rebuilding the City. One night I was on Duty at the Airport Terminal which was getting re built. Until the bar was built visitors would bring their own esky full of beer. I had to eject a group of Commonwealth Bank staff mostly men & 1 young lady drinking in the terminal. They were not happy. Next day I went into the Bank where I attempted
to cash a cheque with the young teller (who I recognised as the one I had ejected from the airport) My request was denied by the nasty teller because I had no money. I was paying a loan on my unoccupied home in Canberra. I was also paying rent for a unit in Sydney until the lease was up. Plus the rent in the Commonwealth Hostel in Darwin. I asked the teller (Cheryl Kay) out on a date. Not long after we were Married. I was late for the wedding as I had to stop at the boat show and purchase a slalom water ski. The day after the wedding one of my Police mates came around and
PETER MOORE
Cross Border Patrol with Australian Customs and Royal Papua New Guinea Police.
told me I got a posting to Port Moresby. I hadn’t mentioned that to my bride. You should have seen the surprised look on her face.
Three plus years posted to Papua New Guinea Australian High Commission. Best years of our lives – walked the Kokoda Trail, Climbed Mt Wilhelm snow at the top, Scuba diving, water ski racing, caving, parachuting etc. That is where I was sworn into the AFP. Close working relationship with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. It was a High security country then but even
worse these days. Cheryl worked with the Australian Immigration department and the New Zealand Insurance Company.
Cairns. I was transferred to Cairns Airport and worked with Queensland Police on several matters (another story) then to Canberra Barton College for AFP general Duties training.
Exmouth Harold E Holt naval communications base. During training with WA Pol and US Naval security I was walking down the firing range after putting up the red flag when a US navy officer pointed a Remington pump
action shot gun in my direction – everyone shouted Jerry don’t shoot – looked like Jerry was in fact going to shoot and I managed to jump behind a wall as he fired 2 shots at me. I could feel pellets brush my pants. Apparently he had his eyes closed when he pulled the trigger. I chose not to make an official complaint.
Transferred to Perth Airport
Uniform and plain clothes – all sorts of jobs – drug smugglers, emergency response. A helicopter crashed into the control tower. I had a short time in surveillance team but with NO sense of direction I didn’t last long.
To plain clothes Detective training course Canberra Barton College.
Perth Office – Fraud and general Crime, Drug Squad. VIP protection when required.
1992 – 1994 I was posted to Christmas Island General Duties. What a beautiful island, so much to do. Duties were not only Police work but also Customs officer, clearing all shipping phosphate tankers and many yachts, cargo, aircraft to & from Australia and Indonesia. Motor vehicle registration Inspections. We got our Coxswains skippers tickets. We had a beautiful twin hull Police boat which got lots of use. I even got to do a test run in the Swan River before it was sent to CI.
We had a small lockup where we kept the odd prisoner.
Other things to do were Hash House Harriers. Scuba diving was some of the best we have enjoyed, cave diving, fishing, Dragon boat racing, caving, golf and beautiful jungle to explore.
Everyone was so friendly with a big Malay and Chinese community and lots of Teachers and everyone in all sorts of work.
We arrived in time to watch the construction of the Christmas Island Casino/Hotel. It was
A dashing (and young) Peter Moore
huge and employed lots of people from all over. Some of the building material was from Indonesia. When it opened we were inundated by wealthy Indonesian punters.
Cheryl was sent to Jakarta and Bali to promote Christmas Island tourism. I had to tag along, bugger and all expenses covered.
Cheryl got a job at the local travel agency which included running the Airport flights in and out and giving weather reports to incoming flights.
Resident Agent Geraldton. Working out of the Customs Office. Covering a huge area. I worked with Customs, WA Police, Fisheries, National Parks and all other government departments. We were all part of the Government MAGIC network. Meetings were held in Remote Localities where we would camp and familiarize ourselves with the Region. Back to Darwin office 1999 to 2002. A lot of support duties with United Nations in East Timor. I was sent to Jakarta and travelled all over Indonesia trying to ID People smugglers and boats and we found one. It was a Customs boat with Customs Identification painted over. Our Federal Police Agent Lee in the Jakarta Embassy was of great help. Between July 2001 and September 2001 Darwin Office apprehended 284 persons and charged 74 persons for smuggling 5,438 persons into Australia.
2002 joined United Nations peace keeping force in Timor Lest. Posted to Luro village at the far end of the Island. Worked with Police officers from many countries. We raised money and sent 2 young men to Darwin to get prosthetic legs. I have been back 3 times and still keep in touch with the boys.
Thursday Island Resident agent with Willie assistant. Very busy patrolling in Australian Customs vessels and often in Customs helicopters with PNG Customs and Police. A lot of trading firearms for the PNG Gold ie cannabis. I under took lots of training i.e. Escaping from a helicopter in the water even upside down which was a great course. Luckily I have done lots of scuba diving. Liaised with Lisa in Port Moresby. Got stuck in a swamp overnight due to bad weather, lost in the rain on the Irian Jaya border. The mosquitos
had a great feed on us. We had to land on Badu Island as the helicopter was low on fuel. We had to purchase about 50 x 1 ltr bottles of kero which I had to pour it into the Chopper one by one. When we got back to Thursday Island Tanya from AFP Cairns office went straight to bed. Back to the Perth AFP office fraud and general crime. Various other duties. When I finally retired they gave me a HUGE retirement Party at Cottesloe Rugby Club. I was presented with a great framed wall hanging with the many different police badges that I wore during my career.
Footnote: Peter retired to Geraldton, WA where he has been awarded the senior citizen of the year. Currently he coordinates (in his back yard) a local effort in servicing bicycles for indigenous kids and recently set a container full of bicycles for distribution in East Timor.
Celebrating the Life of Alina O’Neill
On 8 December 2023, a gathering was held at the Frankston RSL to celebrate the life of Alina O’Neill, the wife of Hewan O’Neill (Cyprus 4th Contingent) who passed away on 25 November 2023.
A number of UNOPAA members attended. Pictured from left to right are: Peter McDonald, Hewan O’Neill, Ken Hamilton, Bob Vanderwolf and Peter Vaughan. Bob’s wife Lyn, Peter Vaughan’s wife Pat, and Celia Buckley, the widow of Darcy Buckley (deceased) also attended.
VICTORIAN MEMBER – DAVID GLEESON PENS HIS STORY
The Bucket’s Full
‘Bucket’s full’ is a true story of a 37-year Police Officer who has worked in a number of Policing jurisdictions including Victoria Police, Northern Territory Police, and capacity development missions attached to The United Nations in Timor Leste, Afghanistan and Papua New Guinea with the Australian Federal Police.
I was a station manager and detective in Victoria Police before joining the Australian Federal Police to work overseas. Following a series of incidents whilst deployed in Papua New Guinea in 2014, I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
During my treatment, I recounted various experiences and incidents that have led to my diagnosis of PTSD, which resulted in the compilation of my story.
The Bucket’s Full covers a vast variety of the incidents and traumatic circumstances that lead to an eventual serious mental health injury that almost resulted in my death when not being able to function and manage my injury. I was a father, friend and a Police officer exposed to a number of traumatic events in my policing and personal life and subject to poor management practices.
The story is factual and shows the high number of traumatic incidents that all Police are required to deal with every day whilst also dealing with the administrative stresses of Policing and a personal life. This biographical account covers a vast array of interesting and insightful experiences.
I highlight my downfall and the issues and strategies of a life in Policing whilst also managing a private and personal life.
Extract from the book - Whilst working under the United Nations
The story is factual and shows the high number of traumatic incidents that all Police are required to deal with every day whilst also dealing with the administrative stresses of Policing and a personal life. This biographical account covers a vast array of interesting and insightful experiences.
banner in Timor I was assigned to work in the Timor Leste National Police narcotics unit.
• We were busy in Narcotics and eventually I ran a big job that involved a syndicate of Chinese people who were bringing females from China to work in hospitality. Unfortunately for the girls when they got here they were forced into prostitution. We worked pretty hard on this job and had identified the major players and how the processes were working and the venues being utilised. We had some human sources involved, which was an issue with their management but eventually obtained a number of search warrants for a number of illegal brothels. An operation was planned and executed, and the brothels searched and thirty-nine females removed from prostitution. Some were assisted in getting back home but some funny enough wanted to stay as they were now earning more money
than they could back home in China. It was rather frustrating in my dealings with the Chinese women as we determined that they were vulnerable and had arranged for an International Non-Government Organisation to assist with the safety and repatriation of the of the Chinese women. In the following days after removing the women from the brothels, I needed to speak with them to ascertain pertinent matters regarding the brief of evidence I was now compiling. The head of the NGO in Timor would not let me know where the women were despite the fact I, had either delivered them or arranged to have them delivered to her for safekeeping. I’m still pretty pissed off about how this happened. It seriously hampered how the investigation was progressing.
The Book is available via https://oover-3877.myshopify. com/ at a cost of $32.99
Planning for Human Trafficking Investigation
Backyard barbecue with UNPO officers from Croatia, Portugal and El Salvador
On behalf of the UNOPAA National Executive, our National Committee, State Branches and all members of UNOPAA, we would like to acknowledge the service of the following, particularly to overseas peacekeeping, and to express our sympathy to family, contingent colleagues and friends. It is with regret that we advise of the passing of:
ALINA O’NEILL
The wife of Hewan O’Neill, a Victoria Police member of the 4th Contingent to Cyprus (1967-68).
Alina passed away from cancer on 25 November 2023. A memorial service was held on 8 December 2023 at the Frankston RSL.
CHRISTOPHER MARTIN COBB
Passed away on 17 December 2023 aged 55 years. Christopher deployed to Afghanistan and to the Solomon Islands as part of RAMSI.
Christopher’s funeral was held on 22 December 2023 at the Duntroon Chapel, Canberra
DAVID GRANT
A Victoria Police member of the 7th Contingent to Cyprus (1970-71).
Dave passed away in hospital from cancer on 16 January 2024. He was aged 78 years. A funeral service was held at Traralgon, Victoria, on 24 January 2024.
KEITH MERCER
A New South Wales Police member of the 4th Contingent to Cyprus (1967-68).
Keith passed away in Grafton (NSW) Base Hospital on 13 January 2024. In keeping with his wishes, there was no formal funeral ceremony. His cremated remains were laid to rest on his farm at Jackadgery, NSW (where he had lived for 40 years).
Many thanks to John Murray (7th Contingent) for bringing his passing to notice.
GRAEME GILL
A Tasmania Police member of the 10th Contingent to Cyprus (1973-74).
Graeme passed away on 9 January 2024 at his home in Scamander, Tasmania. He was aged 73 years. His funeral was held in New Town on 18 January 2024.
Membership Renewal or Application
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UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
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Being online has made meeting and interacting with others easier than ever before, but it’s important to know how to stay safe.
Here are ThinkUKnow’s top tips for safer online interactions:
• Question suspicious accounts, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t seem right - not everyone is who they say they are.
• Avoid meeting someone in person that you have only ever spoken to online. However, if you do meet, choose a public place and take someone with you.
• If something goes wrong, know how to block or un-match and report.
• Your safety should always come first!
Sometimes things don’t go to plan but there is always help available.
For more information, visit www.thinkuknow.org.au
ThinkUKnow is a national online child safety program led by the Australian Federal Police, delivered in schools through educational presentations and resources for young people and their parents and carers.
