ISSN: 2203-8507
August 2019
Edition 35
True Blue
Magazine
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
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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 Nations or AFP International Deployment Group (IDG) Peacekeeping Forces throughout the world! TRUE BLUE is posted to its members throughout Australia and worldwide to where AFP IDG 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 IDG. 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: enidandrod@tpg.com.au Mobile: 0411 953 966
UNOPAA Contacts National President Mr Mick Travers APM Tel: 02 6131 4749 Mobile: 0418 297 086 Email: Michael.Travers@afp.gov.au National Vice President Mr Garry Casey 40 Yarrabee Road, Greenhill SA 5140 Tel: 08 8390 3568 Mobile: 0427 188 449 Email: garry.casey@police.sa.gov.au National Vice President Mr Dale Cooper RFD PO Box 7099 Karabar NSW 2620 Mobile: 0418 266 033 Email: heldale.cooper@bigpond.com National Secretary/Treasurer Mr Peter McDonald APM 83 Prospect Drive East Keilor Vic 3033 Tel: 03 9337 4736 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: heldale.cooper@bigpond.com
Victoria/Tasmania State President: Shaun Young Knox Police Complex, 414 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South VIC 3152 Tel. (03) 9881 7061 Mobile: 0438 508 229 Email: shaun.young@police.vic.gov.au Queensland State President: John Walker Unit 7, 51 Grand Parade, Parrearra QLD 4575 Tel: 07 5437 6587 Mobile 0474 157 982 Email: whiskeywalker1941@flexinet.com.au South Australia State President: Garry Casey 40 Yarrabee Road, Greenhill SA 5140 Tel: 08 8390 3568 Mobile: 0427 188 449 Email: garry.casey@police.sa.gov.au Western Australia State President: Darcy Boylan 21 Templemore Drive Heathridge WA 6027 Tel: 08 9402 0030 Mobile: 0408 120 299 Email: darc.boylan@police.wa.gov.au
NSW State President: Interim - Laurie Lucas Lake Illawarra Local Area Command 6 Pioneer Drive, Oak Flats NSW Tel: 02 4232 5599 Mobile: 0411 051 904 Email: 22733@police.nsw.gov.au
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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True Blue August 2019
Contents 4
From the Editor’s desk
5
ANZAC Day 2019
6 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 8
5
In Honour of an Australian Peacekeeper
9 United Nations Peacekeepers March and Ceremony Queensland 10
East Timor – 20 Years On
11 Police Peacekeeping: The Little-Known Story 18 Meanwhile - It’s 16 Years Since The Regional Assistance Mission to The Solomon Islands (RAMSI) Commenced 21
The Forgotten Mission
24
On the Political Front
29 DVA Disability Pension for returned UN Police 30
NOPAA National Reunion/Conference U Caloundra 20-24 October 2019
34
NOPAA National Reunion/ U Conference/AGM Caloundra 20-24 October 2019 Registration Form
37
NOPAA National Reunion/Conference U Caloundra 20-24 October Merchandise Order Form
38
Notice of Annual General Meeting 2019
39
Alliance of Peacekeeper Veterans
40
Alliance of Peacekeeper Veterans Letter
43 Vale 44
Membership Renewal or Application
6
11
30 On the cover: The Flag Party, under the command of UNOPAA National Vice President Dale Cooper, marches onto the courtyard of the National Peacekeeping Memorial, Canberra, for the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers Service on 29th May 2019.
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True Blue August 2019
From the Editor’s desk Welcome to the 2nd edition of True Blue for 2019. This issue continues on with the 20th anniversary of UNAMET and the popular vote in East Timor theme. In June 1999, 40 Australian Police officers joined with their colleagues from other nations under the United Nations banner (UNAMET) to oversee the lead up to, and the conducting of, the Popular Vote for independence by the people of East Timor. As we are all aware the result was an overwhelming desire by the East Timorese to become independent. Unfortunately, the Indonesian military and military backed militia foresaw this outcome and enacted a ‘scorched earth’ plan to punish the East Timorese people. Thousands of East Timorese were killed, many thousands more were taken away by the military/militia and never seen again. Hundreds of thousands were left homeless as a significant portion of East Timor was burnt. Throughout much of this the Australian Police and their UNAMET colleagues stayed true to their East Timorese friends and refused to relocate to Darwin (to safety) without ensuring the safety of these people was guaranteed. If they abandoned these people, they were sure to be killed. As a result, some 2500 East Timorese, many locally employed United Nations staff and their families were evacuated to Darwin. In this issue we have included an article by Tammy Pemper and Peter Watt (both served in East Timor over a number of years). Tammy has written a book called ‘Scorched Earth’ which is based on Peter’s experiences as a member of Australia’s first contingent to UNAMET. This is a compelling read and if you would like to find out how the story unfolds then the book will be available in August in paperback or online or, if you are coming to
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the UNOPAA Reunion on the Sunshine Coast in October, you can meet Tammy and Peter and purchase a copy of the book from the Registration Desk. They will even sign your purchased copy if you require/wish. There are also articles on RAMSI (its been 16 years since some 2000 members of RAMSI first deployed to the Solomon Islands) and another article of a ‘forgotten’ Mission called IPMT. We also have a copy of the response from the coalition parties in relation to representations made by UNOPAA to all political parties prior to the last Federal Election. Our National Secretary, Peter McDonald, has now followed this up with letters to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Veterans Affairs. We’ll see what comes from that some time down the track. I spoke to john “Whiskey” Walker recently and he advises that all is on track for the Sunshine Coast Reunion in October. He and Julie have been working extremely hard to make sure the Reunion is an outstanding success. We need to thank John and Julie for all the hard work they have put in and, I believe, the best way to thank them is to register, come along and enjoy yourselves. John advises that there are well over a hundred attendees registered but he can always accommodate more. So, you folk down south, get away from the cold and join us on the beautiful Sunshine Coast for some sun, a great time and (of course) some great company. See you there Rod Walker
True Blue August 2019
Ella Castle (11 years) and Isaac Castle (14 years) proudly carried the contingent banner. Their grandfather (Alan Castle) is pictured in the background.
ANZAC Day 2019 It was a bright sunny day for the ANZAC March this year in Canberra. Around 40 Police and Military personnel (mainly retired) gathered to march with the contingent down ANZAC Parade and past the Cenotaph. Outgoing Governor
General, HE General Sir Peter Cosgrove, took the salute this year which was quite fitting as Sir Peter was the INTERFET Commander in East Timor in 1999/2000. Sir Peter has been a strong supporter of Peacekeepers over the years.
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Australian Peacekeeping Memorial, ANZAC Parade, Canberra.
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers Wednesday 29th May 2019 The mercury topped out at 8.5 degrees, the wind was bitter and the skies were overcast. To say it wasn’t the best day to venture out was a bit of an understatement. I could have stayed home with the heater on watching a movie on Netflix. But it was the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers and you don’t give in to creature comforts on such a special and significant occasion.
On this day we remember those who have served as peacekeepers over the last 70 years and those who currently serve. We gather in thankful remembrance of those who have served and continue to serve as United Nations
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Peacekeepers and we humbly acknowledge all those who have paid the greatest price of all. We pay tribute to an ideal which all in the service of the United Nations have done their best to attain. For far beyond the gallant company of those who have laid their lives aside, there is a multitude who served the cause of humanity in peace as well as in conflict. This year’s service (despite the weather) saw a gathering of Australian Police and Military (all with peacekeeping experience), representatives of the United Nations based in Australia and a large group of members of the Diplomatic Core based in Canberra. In all approximately 40 attendees were present. The Master of Ceremonies for the service was Major General (Retd) Michael G. Smith AO; The service was led by AFP Chaplin (and Peacekeeper) Rev Steve Neuhause RFD;
True Blue August 2019
Mr Chris Woodthorpe, Director UNIC delivered the Secretary General’s Message.
The Master of Ceremonies for the service was Major General (Retd) Michael G. Smith.
Even AFP Chaplin Rev Steve Neuhause RFD found it cold.
ale also delivered the D Invocation.
Superintendent (Retd) Alan Castles delivered the Prayer for the United Nations.
Air Vice-Marshall Tracy Smart AM delivered the Occasional Address.
UNOPAA National Vice President Dale Cooper RFD commanded the Flag Party.
UNOPAA National Vice President, Dale Cooper RFD undertook several roles. Dale was the Flag Party Commander, read the Invocation and delivered the Police Ode; Mr Christopher Woodthorpe, Director of UNIC, delivered the Secretary General’s Message; Air Vice-Marshall Tracy Smart AM, Commander Joint Health, delivered the Occasional Address; Ms Louisa Minney, National Secretary UNAA, read the Beatitudes;
Supt Alan Castles (Rtd) delivered the Prayer for the United Nations. I had the honour of reading a poem written by 15 year old Nicki Reggett. I have taken the liberty to reproduce that poem (later in this article) it is a stirring piece of prose. The rain held of until 5 minutes before the ceremony concluded and when it came down, I’m sure there was sleet along with it. Rod Walker
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True Blue August 2019
In Honour of an Australian Peacekeeper Poem by Nicki Reggett (15 years old)
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They are the veterans from the hidden wars That many do not know They have fought for the peace of others And recognition we do owe
These men fought with the United Nations Who served for others peace In Rwanda, Bouganville And Pakistan Their loyalty to Australia will never cease
Indonesia, Cambodia, Somalia Not just the great wars and Vietnam All fought for one gift in mind Their sacrifice is no sham
They are proud to be Aussie veterans Though not often seen as such They are just some average guys Yet Australians owe them much
They have served their countries under blue beret Keeping peace where it is needed They put others above their lives Their duty they have exceeded
They are the veterans who often aren’t acknowledged Though they always wish they were They are the forgotten ones on ANZAC Day I’m sure they will concur
Their stories not relayed No learning from their mistakes They sacrificed their all Not worrying what was at stake
Don’t forget the young veterans who sacrificed Their livlihood for you today For they served in different conflicts But same price they had to pay
True Blue August 2019
United Nations Peacekeepers March and Ceremony Queensland
L to R. Bob Vanderwolf, Peter Wise, John Walker, Brian Thompson.
On Saturday 25 May 2019, the United Nations Association of Australia Queensland (UNAAQ) held its annual United Nations Peacekeepers March and Ceremony in Brisbane to honour and commemorate the service and sacrifices of the men and women who have served, or continue to serve, as Australian Peacekeepers, to lay wreaths in remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, as well as recognising current peacekeepers. This year marked the 72nd anniversary of Australian involvement in international peacekeeping missions, following the deployment of Australia’s first peacekeepers to the Dutch East Indies in 1947. Since that time, around 80,000 Australian defence force personnel, police officers and civilians, many of whom were Queenslanders, have undertaken United Nations (UN) operations across the globe on 63 peacekeeping missions helping to secure and maintain peace in many nations, training local forces, providing disaster relief and community rebuilding, protocol enforcement, weapons destruction and assistance in capacity building. Australian Peacekeepers continue to serve in Africa and the Middle East. UNAA members, combined with United Nations and Overseas Policing Association of Australia (UNOPAA) members, community representatives and civilians marched from King George Square,
led by “Pipes and Drums” and a Brass Band, to the Shrine of Remembrance at Anzac Square where they joined a number of VIP’s, including the Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart, for the official ceremony and wreath laying service. The Queensland Branch President of UNOPAA John (Whiskey) Walker, 4th contingent to Cyprus (and who later laid a wreath on behalf of the Queensland Branch of UNOPAA), was accompanied in the march by fellow Queenslanders and Cyprus contingent members Bob Vanderwolf, 4th contingent, Peter Wise 17 & 18th contingent and Brian (Thommo) Thompson 25th contingent. In keeping with last year’s UNAAQ Peacekeepers Ceremony and March in Brisbane on 2 June, members from the Rwandan Association of Queensland again participated in the street march and ceremony, carrying coloured placards of a UN officer holding a child in his arms in what appeared to be a war torn zone, captioned with the words, “THANK YOU AUSTRALIA FOR SAVING LIVES AT KIBEHO, RWANDA”. Again a reminder of the horror of Rwanda and the humanitarian efforts of UN Australian Peacekeepers. John (Whiskey) Walker Queensland Branch President UNOPAA
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True Blue August 2019
East Timor – 20 Years On Commemoration Grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs
ustralian and New Zealand police at the Gleno A headquarters in Ermera region.
The UNOPAA, through its National Secretary Chief Supt Peter McDonald (Retd), have been successful in obtaining funding to conduct 3 events later this year to Commemorate and Celebrate 20 Years of Australian Policing assistance to Timor Leste. Whilst June this year marks the 20th anniversary of Australia’s first deployment into East Timor these events focus on ALL deployments over this time. The first event will take place in Caloundra, Queensland during the UNOPAA Reunion & Conference that will be held from 20-25 October. This event is being arranged by the Qld Branch of the UNOPAA under the direction of Qld Branch President AC John “Whiskey” Walker (Retd). The second and third events will take place in Melbourne and Canberra , it is anticipated that they will possibly occur on 22 & 29 November 2019 , however at this stage the actual dates and times may change. The AFP will support these events “in kind” and we are actively working to provide both historical information and perhaps items for display. We are also considering what ceremonial aspects we may be able to assist with. After representations by Mr Darren Chester MP we have also identified 68 current or retired members who are eligible for the Timor Leste Solidarity Medal (TLSM) it is hoped that some of these Medals may be able to be presented at these events. As planning for these events firms, I will keep you all informed of what will be occurring. 10
Federal agents Geoff Hazel, left, Dave Savage and John Tanti arrive in Timor-Leste with the United Nations Mission in East Timor in June 1999.
Please feel free to advise others who have deployed to Timor Leste in the last 20 years that the events will occur, if they or yourselves need further details please feel free to contact me. Michael Travers National President UNOPAA WHILE OTHERS ARE PILGRIMAGING TO EAST TIMOR In Addition to the President’s announcement (above), Marty Hess has advised of the following: A number of AFP former UNAMET members are travelling to Timor Leste between 25 August and 06 September 2019 for the 20th anniversary of the UNAMET ballot (30 August) and announcement (4 September). As you are aware this was a challenging mission for those international UN staff concerned and for the people of Timor Leste. It was a palpable exercise in a democratic right to vote in a political destiny, which is a right we too often take for granted in Australia. It is a mission of which those of us who were involved take great pride. It established a path for the eventual independence of Timor Leste in 2002 and heralded the formation of the AFP International Deployment Group, among other things. We will be joined by a number of our UNAMET Civilian Police colleagues from Britain plus a few others.
True Blue August 2019
Peter Watt, Australian police peacekeeper’s return to Gleno HQ in 2018 (Photo Tammy Pemper).
Police Peacekeeping: The Little-Known Story By Tammy Pemper I met police officer Peter Watt in 1999. Within a few months, he told me he was going to TimorLeste (East Timor) as a peacekeeper. My first reaction was, “How is that possible, you’re not a soldier.” I thought only military personnel could be peacekeepers. Not being in the job at that time, I believed my reaction was as a result of not knowing enough about peacekeeping. But soon, I learned that I represented the view of the general public. Police peacekeeping is a little-known story, and it continues so today. While writing my book Scorched Earth, a biography about police peacekeeping in TimorLeste, a couple of police peacekeepers gave
me the contact details of a woman who they’d worked with during the 1999 referendum. She was a UN Volunteer (UNV) with the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET), 1999. During my interview with her, she looked increasingly confused. Eventually she said to me that I was Scorched Earth, published by Big Sky Publi misinformed. There had shing. been no peacekeepers in Timor during her time with UNAMET. The personnel she’d worked with were CIVPOL, not police peacekeepers.
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True Blue August 2019
Outside of burned Gleno HQ, Peter Watt reunites with Timorese, 2018 (Photo Tammy Pemper).
The UN peacekeepers – the military - came later. That led me to investigate police peacekeeping even further. While writing the book and since waiting for its August 2019 release, I’ve also been speaking to the general public about police peacekeeping. The common reaction is either surprise, interest, or out-right disagreement. I’ve lost track of how many people have told me there is no such thing as police peacekeepers. It shows the need to get the Scorched Earth story, and other related stories, out to the public and also into the hands of police personnel who can use the book to better explain their own experiences. Largely, the enormous sacrifice and contributions of police continues to go unrecognised in many areas, including peacekeeping. Books such as Scorched Earth can help introduce a more balanced view of the enormity of peacekeeping and police work. As can be seen from the Our World in Data chart, while police numbers in peacekeeping are not as high as military troops, the UN’s deployment of Civilian Police (CIVPOL) numbers are increasing. Further, the recent trend of Australia’s contribution of uniformed personnel
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“...the enormous sacrifice and contributions of police continues to go unrecognised in many areas, including peacekeeping. ”
to UN peacekeeping is to primarily deploy police (Bellamy, 2012). The Australian Federal Police (AFP) leads the UN police deployments, seconding state police as required. An interesting article was published in the AFP Platypus journal, 2001, stating, “Peacekeeping functions centred on the role of the military in bringing peace to fractured states and rebuilding the state into a democratic society… The introduction of civilian police was seen as a subservient and minor function that the military could absorb as part of the overall operation. There was little recognition of the different functions and approaches of the police role in its assistance to the mission.” UNAMET, 1999, saw police peacekeepers take the lead role. They were unarmed.
True Blue August 2019
Breakdown of United Nations peacekeeping forces 100,000
Civilian Police Military Observers
80,000
60,000 Troops
40,000
20,000
0 1992
1995
2000
2005
2010
2014
Source: United Nations Peacekeeping
The UNAMET mandate dictated that the police peacekeepers were to provide advice to the local police forces. Security rested with the Indonesiancontrolled local police and military. History showed evidence of joint operations with those who had the responsibility for providing security, and the militia. Timorese people that I, and others have spoken to, have reported that they witnessed murders in police stations and at the hands of the military. On the flipside, they also spoke of their own relatives in the police and military aiding the clandestine and freedom fighters. The challenges of the complex environment have been brought out in books such as Scorched Earth, and Dave Savage’s Dancing with the Devil, as shown in the blurb of Scorched Earth below:
“Police held automatic weapons to my head, militia wrote my name on death lists, and people drew their last breath, all of them brave, braver than me.”
As a UN peacekeeper, I joined the East Timorese fight for life. By then, the earth had drunk the blood of one third of their population. But worse was still to come.
Police held automatic weapons to my head, militia wrote my name on death lists, and people drew their last breath, all of them brave, braver than me.
I would see it for myself. I saw bodies carried to their deaths, machetes carve flesh from bone, and bullets spray into
crowds of Timorese and at us peacekeepers. I learned the true meaning of fear, hopelessness, and courage. Shades of truth were twisted for evil gain. Every day I prepared to die. Decisions I made, which seemed so right, jeopardized the lives of others.
For this is the true story of my experience. In the midst of the East Timorese fight for independence, militia were determined to enact their scorched earth policy and raze Timor to the ground.
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True Blue August 2019
Top left: Funds have been provided to make a separate bedroom for the girls in the orphanage. All children at the orphanage regularly attend a public school and are further tutored by orphanage carers (top right). Qualified carers intend to open a school at the orphanage for all children in the community. This will help alleviate the burden on Timor-Leste. There are insufficient numbers of schools and large class sizes, particularly as nearly 41% of the population in Timor is under 15 years of age, and 61% is under 24. The median age is 19. The adult literacy rate is 58%.
“Soldiers [and police] want to help, they want to do everything that’s positive, and when they feel restrained or limited, that’s a very difficult emotion to deal with when you come back.”
Timorese voted, Timor burned. It is their story, our story: a story that must be told. “We were feeling helpless,” Canadian peacekeeper St-Denis said. “Soldiers [and police] want to help, they want to do everything that’s positive, and when they feel restrained or limited, that’s a very difficult emotion to deal with when you come back.” (Gollom, 2016). Dr. Ken Welburn, clinical director of the Ottawa Anxiety and Trauma Clinic, said “If circumstances don’t allow you to do anything and you have to stand there and watch it unfold, you’re way more likely to have PTSD. Your hands are tied in a lot of ways.” (Gollom, 2016). For many, their peacekeeping experience and emotional journey is not an easy story to tell. Partway through writing the book Scorched Earth, I joined the AFP. I soon learned that militaries around the world, including Australia,
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are very good at marketing. Police are in a harder position. In my first version of Scorched Earth, I’d included numerous remarkable stories of the Australian police along with accompanying photos. I was asked by a police legal department to pull out the stories and photos of the Australians, except one, the main character, Peter Watt who I married in 2003. The reason I could keep the one was because I could prove I’d verified each aspect of the events I’d written about from other sources. As I’d lived in Timor-Leste for five years, I’d gone to each of the locations myself and also personally interviewed Falintil freedom fighters, Timorese and international UN workers, people in the UN compound, Timorese that had been evacuated, and many more. I hadn’t done that for each of the stories of the other Australian peacekeepers, just the central character. The grey area for the other Australians was that the information I was using was obtained by the police during their work duties. I hadn’t verified their stories from other sources. As such, I had to rewrite the original version of the book. Though it wasn’t my intention to pull out stories of other Australian police, it was the direction I abided by, and can now see that it’s opened new doors. Since talking to people about Scorched Earth, I’ve had several police and military writers approach me about their own manuscripts, as well as Timorese who would like their experiences written.
True Blue August 2019
Funds have been provided to students such as Tania. Tania’s single mum works hard, earns minimal wage, and looks after 4 children. When she graduates, Tania wants to work in an office.
I’m readily assisting others in order for them to tell their stories, their way, as opposed to being in someone else’s biography as was the original slant of Scorched Earth. The first approach wouldn’t have done their voices justice, particularly as the book is written as a narrative and not as a collection of stories. As an example, in Scorched Earth, I deliberately emphasised the toil of peacekeeping. I’d learned about peacekeepers’ and Timorese frustrations, feelings of hopelessness, anger, stress, and fear and wanted to bring that out in the narrative. I was able to delve deeper, to reach levels many other peacekeeping books haven’t fully explored. I’m hoping that every police peacekeeper who was in Timor, or faced a similar mission, can relate and see themselves in the role and lives of the peacekeepers I had been able to keep in the book. Though specific names of Australians haven’t been used in Scorched Earth, in a way, it’s the story of every peacekeeper. Page 79 of Scorched Earth shows one such example: I ran into the second building. Empty. Room by room I checked, seeing no one, only evidence of pursuit. Blood, mostly smeared or dragged. Broken equipment. Empty bullet cartridges. Chips in concrete walls where rounds had struck them. Outside, sporadic shooting and shouting warned me that the militia hadn’t finished. How useless were we? How utterly, pathetically useless. We were unarmed, a condition of the mandate. They’d made sure of it. Nothing.
Gleno UN HQ (Photo by Randy Martinak, former US police peacekeeper).
“How useless were we? How utterly, pathetically useless. We were unarmed, a condition of the mandate. They’d made sure of it. Nothing.” We could do nothing and my anger turned towards Polri, towards Brimob.”
We could do nothing and my anger turned towards Polri, towards Brimob. I stormed outside, feeling utterly lost. I didn’t know what to do, where to go. All our voters had fled. It was all too quick. A Polri officer was calmly, aimlessly, firing his short-barrel revolver into the air. The rewriting of the book has also allowed for a greater emphasis on the relationships between the Timorese and the police peacekeepers. That focus helped to explain why fourteen police peacekeepers were willing to deny the UN and refused to be evacuated from Timor, which would have left the 1,400 Timorese taking refuge with them to certain slaughter. They were determined not to leave the same people they’d been giving away their food rations, water bottles, and clothing to. The same people they’d heard stories from, who they’d promised they wouldn’t abandon.
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True Blue August 2019
One of the incredible stories captured in Scorched Earth was of Timorese, Celio Alves. After seeing the final version of his story within the book, he wrote:
Gleno UN HQ approximately six weeks after the UN relocated to Darwin 1999 (photo Rod Walker).
Their compound was surrounded by armed local militia and military who would have, with all certainty, entered the compound as the UN pulled out. It was not an easy decision for the police peacekeepers who remained to make. Each would have said goodbyes to their families as shown below in the except from page 251 of Scorched Earth: I sifted to her number and paused. I scrolled past hers, not knowing how to say goodbye, not wanting to say goodbye. How do you say goodbye to your heart? I clenched my jaw, fighting back tears. I didn’t know if I could return to her.
“Their compound was surrounded by armed local militia and military who would have, with all certainty, entered the compound as the UN pulled out.” I skimmed over names of family and friends, too, not wanting to alarm them or show them my vulnerability. Choosing to call the best person I could think of in my current situation, I pressed the button and waited for a line out. The phone rang several times and I felt lost, suspended in time, before the call connected. “Hello?” said a man’s voice. “It’s not looking good. I don’t know whether I can get out of here,” I blurted out.
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As a Timorese, I learned about the past contribution of fallen heroes and the history by the living legends themselves. In this book, Tammy exquisitely paints the horror of ‘99 from the eyes of an Australian police officer, who witnessed the horrendous event, and shares courageous life accounts of everyday Timorese. It illustrates a turning point in Timor’s history from the personal stories of Australian and Timorese people from two neighbouring countries that have a bittersweet past. They came to Timor in the name of humanity, where their bond of friendship was formed until today. It helps readers understand that every story contributed by a Timorese is counted, no matter how small and no matter who is telling it. A former political prisoner once told the November 12th survivors “if you don’t tell your story, then who will?” Celio Alves’ quote is an encouragement to all peacekeepers, too. My journey into the writing and release of Scorched Earth has highlighted the continued gap in the market for police stories. Police personnel themselves can start to fill that space. It is their stories - your stories - that need to be told, it’s their voices - your voices - that will carry the most weight. Let’s turn the police peacekeeping story from a littleknown one, to a much-understood one.
References: AFP Platypus (2001). Civilian Police as peacekeepers. Retrieved from http://classic. austlii.edu.au/au/journals/AUFPPlatypus/2001/15. html#Heading2 Bellamy, A. (2012). Providing for Peacekeeping. Retrieved from http://www.providingforpeacekeeping. org/2014/04/03/contributor-profile-australia/ Gollom, M. (2016). Canadian Peacekeepers Feeling ‘Helpless’ to Act Could Face PTSD. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/peacekeepingcanada-soldiers-ptsd-1.3741203 Our World Data chart: Breakdown of United Nations peacekeeping forces retrieved from https:// ourworldindata.org/peacekeeping Pemper, T. (2019). Scorched Earth. Big Sky Publishing.
True Blue August 2019
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Timor-Leste. Tammy and Peter lived in Suai and Dili, Timor, 2000-2001. They both contracted dengue and were hooked up to a drip in the makeshift NZ Battalion army hospital in Suai. They returned to Timor-Leste 2004-2006 where they came under fire in Dili during Timor’s civil unrest. Grenades exploded in the hills behind their house, rounds hit their neighbours’ home, and gun fights erupted in the streets next to them. In 2016-2018, they worked with volunteer organisations in Dili, Timor-Leste. Each time they’ve lived in Timor-Leste, Tammy and Peter have reunited with local friends with whom they will forever have a bond. They are not alone. Countless Australians feel the same connection with Timorese and have continued to stay in touch with our historical neighbour.
Peter Watt and Tammy Pemper.
Tammy Pemper was born in Australia, has lived in most Australian states, and several developing countries. Her career to date has included teaching, program management, advising, capacity development, and writing. She married Peter Watt in 2003 and worked with the Australian Federal Police 2007-2014 in the Internal Training Team, Pre-Deployment Training team, the Pacific Police Development Program – Regional, and the Australian Institute of Police Management. Peter Watt was a sworn member of the AFP from 1987 to 2013 in a national and international capacity. He attained the rank of Detective Sergeant and served in AFP Capacity Building Programs in the Pacific, and UN missions in Cyprus and Timor-Leste including service in the UN Selection Assistance Team (SAT) in the Middle East and Africa. During the 1999 Popular Consultation in Timor-Leste, he held the role of a UNAMET Peacekeeper in Timor-Leste in Gleno, Ermera, and Dili. This book was completed through five years of interviews and first-hand experiences in
Scorched Earth, by Big Sky Publishing, can be purchased in paperback and eBook through leading bookstores including QBD, Dymocks, Woodslane, and Amazon. All proceeds are donated back to projects related to Timor. This includes an orphanage in Dili and student scholarships. More information can be found at https://tammypemper.com/home/scorchedearth-proceeds/ DO YOU WANT TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO OBTAIN A COPY OF “SCORCHED EARTH”? Those attending the UNOPAA Sunshine Coast Reunion in October this year will have the opportunity to purchase a copy of the book at the ‘Registration Desk’. Tammy and Peter will be joining us for the Reunion and have offered to sign purchased copies. If you can’t make it to the Reunion and would like to purchase the book, you can purchase it online at Dymocks, QBD, Woodslane and Amazon. Alternatively, if you would like a signed copy, you can contact Tammy via email at info@ tammypemper.com Remember – All proceeds from the sale of this book will be ploughed back into related projects in East Timor.
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True Blue August 2019
Australian Federal Police and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force patrol the dock at Honiara.
RAMSI personnel arrive in Honiara 24 July 2003.
Meanwhile - It’s 16 Years Since The Regional Assistance Mission to The Solomon Islands (RAMSI) Commenced In the early morning of the 24th July 2003, after months of planning, 74 sorties (flights) commenced taking off from Townsville Airforce Base bound for Honiara, Solomon Islands. On board these flights were Australian Federal Police officers, Australian Defence Force personnel and DFAT personnel along with equipment and vehicles. Over the following days and weeks RAMSI grew to (in excess of) 2000 personnel. The Australian component was joined by Police and Military personnel from Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. RAMSI consisted of four main components: • Office of the Special Coordinator – led buy Nick Warner (Special Coordinator) • Participating Police Force (PPF) (AFP – led by AFP A/C Ben McDevitt) Operation Helpem Fren • Combined Task Force (CTF) (ADF – Led by L/ Colonel John J. Frewen) Operation Anode • Development Programs (three main civilian development programs; the Law and Justice program; the Machinery of Government
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Pacific Islands Police Arrive.
program; and the Economic Governance program). Upon arrival the initial objectives of RAMSI were to implement the stabilisation of security (with the arrest of militia leaders and collection and destruction of guns). Shortly afterwards the development programs commenced with skilled government professionals (from RAMSI Partners) initiating drivers to restructure Solomon Islands Government Departments. It was overwhelmingly successful in achieving its primary objective of restoring law and order. RAMSI destroyed more than 3700 guns in its first week. In its third week RAMSI, with the help of mediators, negotiated the surrender of renegade militants.
True Blue August 2019
Solomon Islanders embraced the arrival of RAMSI.
Arrest of Militia Leaders (Jimmy Rasta pictured).
By the end of its third year, RAMSI had made 6300 arrests for militant and criminal activity (including 130 Solomon Islands Police Officers). Today, Solomon Islands has a very low crime rate by global standards and one of the lowest rates of gun crime in the world. A police-led mission from the outset, RAMSI was a police-led mission, with the PPF in the lead, rather than the military as was the case in most international peacekeeping interventions. The PPF was the key agency responsible for restoring security in Solomon Islands and for helping to rebuild the RSIPF. The Pacific Islands Forum described the mission as a ‘police-led operation to restore law and order, supported as required by armed peacekeepers and assistance to strengthen the justice system and restore the economy and basic services’. The prominence of policing in RAMSI reflected broader international thinking about the importance of effective domestic security capabilities as a critical precondition for achieving long-term stability and development.
RAMSI Leaders – (L to R) L/Col John Frewen (Commander CTF), Nick Warner (Special Coordinator), D/C Ben McDevitt (Commander PPF) at a weapons destruction ceremony.
“The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is justifiably proud of its role in RAMSI, as it heralded a transformation in the way we engage with our partners across the Pacific”
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is justifiably proud of its role in RAMSI, as it heralded a transformation in the way we engage with our partners across the Pacific. RAMSI was unique because it was designed to prevent state failure, rather than respond to it afterwards. Not only was RAMSI the largest civilian policeled intervention of its type in the world, it was the first time the AFP was responsible for maintaining logistical support for an international mission.
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True Blue August 2019
And they had just 70 days to work with their Australian and international partners to get personnel actively deployed. In mid-2013 RAMSI became a solely policing mission with the withdrawal of the remaining ADF. Over that 10 years period 7,270 ADF personnel were deployed top Operation Anode.
police officers and one member of the fire service. FATALITIES • Australian Protective Service officer Adam Dunning, 26, died after he was shot twice in the back on a night patrol in Honiara.
More than 1,700 Australian Federal Police were deployed.
• Australian Private Jamie Clarke, 22, died after falling into a cave shaft while searching for a weapons stash during a bush patrol
After 14 years and AUD$2.8 Billion RAMSI withdrew from the Solomon Islands on 30 June 2017
• Antonio (Tony) Luciano Scriva, Solomon Islands Office of the Auditor General, died in 2007.
A total of 13 PICs have contributed to the Pacific Islands contingent — Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Niue, Tuvalu and the Federated States of Micronesia.
• Chief Inspector Amos Solip, Vanuatu Police Force, died in 2009.
There are currently 44 Australian personnel deployed to the Solomon Islands: 43 unarmed
• Ronald (Ronnie) Edwin Lewis - Australian Federal Police, died 2010.
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• Constable Sisiliah (Sisi) Puleheloto, Niue Police, died in 2009.
True Blue August 2019
The Forgotten Mission
Did you know – before RAMSI, there was a smaller mission into the Solomon Islands. International Peace Monitoring Team (IPMT) Violent conflict in the Solomon Islands, locally referred to as ‘the ethnic tensions’, began in 1998 between two warring factions known as the Isatabu Freedom Movement of Guadalcanal and the Malaita Eagle Force, and resulted in more than 100 deaths. It escalated in 2000 when the Malaitan militants and elements of the police force broke into the police armouries and took over the capital Honiara, deposing the government and ousting then Prime Minister Bart Ulafa’alu. The AFP answered the call for help in the Solomon Islands in 2000 as part of the International Peace Monitoring Team (IPMT)
in support of the Townsville Peace Agreement. While it did help reduce internal conflict, the Peace Agreement stalled, disarmament did not occur and lawlessness increased.
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True Blue August 2019
Many illegal weapons were destroyed, but thousands of high-powered guns remained in the hands of former militants. In June 2002, then Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer praised the work of the IPMT to the Solomon Islands when it completed its 20-month deployment. “We congratulate all those men and women who served with the IPMT for a job well done in successfully supporting home-grown efforts to end ethnic conflict in Solomon Islands especially through the collection and containment of illegally held weapons.” In November 2000 Australia’s Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, released a statement – “I am pleased to announce that Australia will lead an International Peace Monitoring Team (IPMT) to Solomon Islands, responding to the call for such a team in the Townsville Peace Agreement of 15 October 2000. The role of the IPMT will be to support the indigenous Solomon Islands Peace Process under the aegis of the Peace Monitoring Council. Its main tasks will be supervision of the surrender of weapons, regular inspection of the stored weapons, confidence-building within affected Solomon Islands communities, and reporting to the Peace Monitoring Council. The monitors will be a completely neutral, unarmed group deployed at the invitation of all the main parties to the ethnic tension. The International Peace Monitoring Team will be led by my Department (DFAT), in the person of 22
“Its main tasks will be supervision of the surrender of weapons, regular inspection of the stored weapons, confidence-building within affected Solomon Islands communities, and reporting to the Peace Monitoring Council.”
an experienced diplomat. The initial deployment will comprise 35 Australians and 14 New Zealanders. The monitors will be drawn from the Australian Federal Police and civilian public servants from DFAT, Defence and AusAID, with some logistic support provided by the Australian Defence Forces. The first IPMT members are already on the ground, preparing for the arrival later this week of the rest of the group. The full rotation of 49 will be in Solomon Islands by early December.” The IPMT commenced work in early November 2000. It comprised 47 police, defence and civilian personnel from ministries and agencies in Australia and New Zealand. In addition to personnel from Australia and New Zealand, Monitors from the Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga and Botswana (the latter being a representative nominated by the Commonwealth Secretariat) numbering 48 in total. Many Monitors had experience with small arms issues and in peacekeeping and peace-monitoring operations.
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“A former Police Commissioner was assassinated, ten people were killed in an attempt to arrest a notorious warlord and a cabinet minister was assassinated.”
Unfortunately, the IPMT was only partially successful. Comprehensive disarmament and weapons disposal did not occur; the compensation for grievances process became corrupted; and ethnic conflict evolved into a broader pattern of criminality. Ex-militias formed criminal gangs and the police were involved in corruption and criminal activity. It became impossible to re-establish the rule of law. A former Police Commissioner was assassinated, ten people were killed in an attempt to arrest a notorious warlord and a cabinet minister was assassinated.
After six, three month, rotations the IPMT departed the Solomon Islands in June 2002, four months early, following agreement by the Government of Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand that “it had done all it could to assist the peace process”. By July 2002, 2043 weapons and 2.86 tonnes of explosives had been handed in to be held in IPMT containers—mostly World War II and homemade weapons—with only a small proportion of the high-powered weapons surrendered. In 2003, as the Solomon Islands continued to spiral out of control after the departure of the IPMT, a small group of former IPMT personnel were gathered together in Canberra to assist in planning preparations for the soon to be established Regional Intervention and Stability Operation “Operation HELPEM FREN” also known as the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Rod Walker
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True Blue August 2019
On the Political Front An Update from the National Secretary/Treasurer In the lead up to the recent Federal elections, the UNOPAA wrote to the major political parties seeking their viewpoint on a number of issues outlined in our Position Paper.. We received responses from all of the political parties, which we distributed just prior to the election being called. All were very positive. I've now written to the Prime Minister (as the responsible Minister for the Australian honours system) and to the Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel (who is responsible for the Veterans Entitlement Act) to follow up on the government's commitment to: - "examine legislative options to make it unlawful for individuals to falsely represent themselves as having been decorated with an Australian
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honour or award, or to wear the insignia of such a decoration when not entitled to do so"; and - "work closely with the UNOPAA on legislative improvements and other activities (such as a Health Audit) that may be necessary to more appropriately recognise and support police who have returned from overseas operations and their families". I've asked the Ministers for advice on the steps that will be taken or the process to be followed to meet these commitments. I don't expect a quick reply, but hopefully it will generate some action. A copy of the government's response and the two letters follow. Peter McDonald
True Blue August 2019
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True Blue August 2019
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True Blue August 2019
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True Blue August 2019
DVA Disability Pension for returned UN Police This article is regarding the DVA Disability Pensions (DP) for returned UN Police with operational service. There are different rules for returned ADF personnel with qualifying service. If you are entitled to a DVA DP you have to make a claim. The best way to do this is go to your local RSL Sub Branch and discuss the matter with an Advocate and let them make the claim for you. There are a lot of disabilities you can claim for and these are cover in what is known as the GARP and SoP’s. The GARP is basically the guide to the assessment of veteran’s pensions covering medical impairment and the effects on your lifestyle. SoP’s are legislative instruments that connect a medical condition to related service. Determination is made on the basis of Reasonable Hypothesis and not beyond reasonable doubt. There is no contact with DVA and determination is made on medical information usually by specialists. All DP claims approved are back dated 3 months prior to date of claim for the initial payment. Disability Payments start at 10% and go up by 10% to 100% this is called the General Rate, then Intermediate rate and Special rate (TPI). Intermediate rate (IR) ½ way between 100% and TPI rate. All are tax exempt. 10% to 90% issued with white card for treatment of specific disabilities for which you were granted a DP, and you can be working full time. 100%, IR and TPI issued with gold card for all medical conditions and included hearing (yellow card with Australian Hearing), dental, optical, chiropractor, physiotherapy, radiology, podiatrist etc. 100% you can be working full time as a Police Officer or in another profession. IR you can still be working 20 hours a week and TPI 8 hours a week.
On retirement DP does not affect your superannuation however If you are entitled to a pension or allowance from Centrelink DP is treated as income and may reduce your payment. If this is the case DVA pay you the amount your payment has been reduced called Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA). Current Rates per fortnight are 10% $57.54, 100% $506.10, IR $966.50 and TPI $1,423.40. Note all these rates have a built in Pharmaceutical Allowance of $7.70 per fortnight. Travel and accommodation allowance are paid in relation to all DP claims and treatment. Travel is paid in actual cost of travel or a mileage rate and accommodation in various rates such as country, city and capital city rates. Cost of carer is also paid if required. You can apply for an increase in the DP at any time, this can occur because a medical condition gets worse or you claim a new medical condition coupled with any lifestyle change. There are various concessions that go with DP but it varies from state to state in Australia. The following are the most common in NSW. Transport Concession cards 10% DP and above. Free Registration on MV and drivers licence over 70% rate. 100% sales tax exempt, TPI sales tax exempt plus GST on new or second vehicle every 2 years or 40,000 kms whichever comes first. Electricity and rates for TPI. Ambulance including Air Ambulance for TPI. DVA supply Equipment such as blood pressure/pulse monitors. I have been receiving a DP from DVA at various levels since 1991 and am happy to answer any questions by phone or email. Gary Maloney 1st 11th Contingent Cyprus 1974 0438-666513 gary_maloney@bigpond.com
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UNOPAA National Reunion/ Conference Caloundra 20-24 October 2019 Update Number 6 of 1 July 2019 Hello again from the Sunshine Coast We are well into the countdown now to the forthcoming National UNOPAA Conference/ Reunion 20-24 October 2019 and we trust your travel arrangements, accommodation etc. are all in hand for your visit to the Sunshine Coast – “God’s waiting room to heaven”. A big thank you to all who have registered, ordered merchandise and paid your registration fees. To those who have expressed an interest in attending but are yet to register, please do so as soon as possible as this will assist greatly in determining final numbers for the various functions. Alternatively, if your circumstances have changed since expressing initially an interest to attend and you are no longer able to do so, please advise us so we can remove you from the contact list. On the other hand, if you are aware of a friend/ colleague who has intimated a desire to attend but may not have followed up their intention, perhaps you could give him/her a friendly reminder? We also reach out to those who may still be undecided on their proposed attendance.
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To assist in your decision making, we advise we have put a lot of thought and effort into providing you with a first class accommodation/ socializing venue, combined with very enjoyable events to make this reunion something to remember for a long time, while ‘showcasing’ this beautiful part of Queensland All you need to do is to get here – we will do the rest! EARLY BIRDS INCENTIVE OFFERS: As outlined in Updates 4 of 15 March 2019 and 5 of 8 May 2019, the names of those who registered by 3 June 2019 went into a lucky draw for five nights free accommodation at Oaks Oasis Resort from 20-24 October inclusively, with a further draw for a refund of two people’s registration fee.
True Blue August 2019
On Monday 10 June at Oaks Oasis Resort, Kelly Edmonds, Corporate and Events Sales Manager, aided by Julie, conducted the draws for the two prizes. Our congratulations go to Bob (Doc) and Doreen Gillespie from Palm Beach on Queensland’s Gold Coast as the lucky winners of the free accommodation and to Ian and Lorraine Hardy of Narre Warren South, Victoria, as the lucky winners of the refund of registration for two people. Doc and Ian were members of the 1st contingent to Cyprus in 1964 and have been long time supporters of and attendees at our National UNOPAA Conferences/Reunions. Worthy winners! REGISTRATION: Just a reminder for those who have not yet registered.
purchase at the conference/reunion – preferably “pre-order and prepay”. Likewise, if you are unable to attend the event, but wish to purchase some of the merchandise, please return your completed Merchandise Order Form and your Registration Form so that we can your record your personal particulars for your later order dispatch. A post and handling fee will apply accordingly. ACCOMMODATION: Another reminder: If you propose staying at Oaks Oasis Resort but are yet to book, you need to make your booking through booking agent Sarah Green at SarahG@minorhotels.com.au or Group@theoaksgroup.com.au. For those without internet access her postal address is Groups – Sarah Green, Minor Hotels, Level 10, 316 Adelaide Street, Brisbane Q 4001, direct line (07) 3246 1784.
MERCHANDISE/SOUVENIRS: The merchandise/souvenirs on offer are of good quality, with sizes being ‘standard’.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS UPDATES: (1). The optional extra visit to Ricks Garage Restaurant and Bar at Palmwoods on Sunday 20/10/19 has been well supported, so much so that while initially we booked one large bus for the evening, the number expressing a desire to attend has exceeded that number, so another large bus will need to be booked. The more the merrier!
If you haven’t ordered any souvenirs but are having second thoughts and would like to place an order, please let me know as it is not anticipated souvenirs will be available for
Remember, free return bus transport that evening from Oaks Oasis Resort will be provided, but you will be responsible for the costs of your meals and drinks.
Full registration for attendees is $295.00 per person and it is requested your completed Registration Form be returned as soon as possible, preferably no later than 30 July 2019.
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True Blue August 2019
““Pippa Wilson and The Jazz Notes Showband” will fly in from Melbourne exclusively for their first time gig on the Sunshine Coast, so it will be very well attended... It is sure to be a SELL OUT show and bookings are definitely recommended.”
(2). A number of delegates have booked to attend the other optional extra, the Sunshine Coast Jazz Club’s monthly gig on Sunday 20/10/2019 at the Caloundra Power Boat Club from 1.30pm-4pm. The entry cost for the gig is $25.00 for non-Jazz Club members, $22.50 for seniors and $20.00 for reciprocal Jazz Club members.
Reception ‘book-in’ desk. It will be staffed from 12md-4pm on Sunday 20 October 19 and from 10am-4pm on Monday 21 October 2019, from where you can collect your QBANK sponsored hospitality bag and pre-ordered merchandise.
“Pippa Wilson and The Jazz Notes Showband” will fly in from Melbourne exclusively for their first time gig on the Sunshine Coast, so it will be very well attended. (If you Google Pippa Wilson’s web site or the Sunshine Coast Jazz Club web site, you will see what a fabulous performer she is). It is sure to be a SELL OUT show and bookings are definitely recommended.
UNOPAA name tags will need to be displayed for admittance to the Welcome Dinner on the night of Monday 21 October, so for those members who will be arriving late that afternoon/evening, as the registration desk will be open until 4pm that day, you should make prior arrangements for obtaining your hospitality bag and name tag.
If you are interested in attending this jazz gig, please communicate direct with Julie who will take your booking (thank you to those who have already wisely booked with Julie) If need be, she will book your transport on the Power Boat Club courtesy bus. Please contact her either on email: qmkooljool@hotmail.com or mobile 0412 789 957 or landline (07) 5437 6587. The Power Boat Club is 3km south of Oaks Oasis Resort along Landsborough Parade, with a courtesy bus servicing Oaks Oasis Resort departing from the club every hour from 11.30am onwards, or you can opt for a 10 minute cab ride REGISTRATION DESK: The registration desk will be set up in the “Oasis Room”, Oaks Oasis Resort, adjacent to the
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OFFICIAL PROGRAM: An Official Program outlining general information of the Sunshine Coast, together with specific information relating to the various events will be enclosed in your hospitality bag DRESS CODE FOR FUNCTIONS: If you are wondering what to pack to wear to the various functions, hereunder is the suggested dress code for each event. Sunday 20/10/19: Caloundra Street Fair and Markets – Cool casual. Sunday 20/20/19: Caloundra Power Boat Club Jazz gig. Smart casual. Sunday 20/10/19: Ricks Garage and Restaurant, Palmwoods. Casual/Smart casual.
True Blue August 2019
Monday 21/10/19: Welcome Dinner at Oaks Oasis Resort. Smart casual. Tuesday 22/10/19: Mooloolaba Canal Cruise (Whale One), Maroochy River Cruise (MV Maroochy). Casual/smart casual. Wednesday 23/10/19: Mayoral Reception at Venue 114, Bokarina. Smart casual. Venue 114 Wednesday 23/10/2019: AGM at Oaks Oasis Resort. Casual. Thursday 24/10/19: March and Church Service, Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Caloundra. Coat/Blazer and tie with large medals and blue beret. Serving members are requested to wear police uniform with medals. Thursday 24/10/19: Formal Dinner. Caloundra Power Boat Club. (Pre-dinner drinks - The Deck. Dinner – Pelicans Room). Men: Black Tie, Mess Dress, Lounge Suit or Blazer. Miniature medals may be worn. Ladies: “After Five”/Eveningwear. At the Formal Dinner we will endeavor to seat you with your respective contingent colleagues, but if you wish to be seated with special friends, please advise so we can respect your wishes. The maximum number to be seated at each table will be 10 people. TEMPERATURES: For the period last year- Sunday 21/10/2018 to Thursday 25/10/2018 - the temperatures on the Sunshine Coast ranged from a minimum of 16C to a maximum of 26C. Looking forward to a repeat!
TRANSPORT FOR THE VARIOUS FUNCTIONS: JUST A REMINDER: The buses to Ricks Garage and Restaurant, the Mooloolaba Canal Cruise/Maroochy River Cruise, the Mayoral Civic Reception, the United Nations Day street march and Church Service and Formal Dinner will leave from and return to Oaks Oasis Resort. NOTE: As there is no alternate arranged transport, delegates not staying at Oaks Oasis Resort will need to make their own way to the resort to avail themselves of the bus transport. Oaks Oasis Resort grounds. Monday evening’s ‘outdoor’ Welcome Dinner will overlook this beautiful lagoon while breakfast will be beside the lagoon. Best wishes and hope to see you in October 2019. CONTACT: John (Whiskey) Walker: whiskeywalker41@gmail.com. Mobile 0474 157 982. Julie Walker: qmkooljool@hotmail.com Mobile 0412 789 957 Landline: (07) 5437 6587 Home address: 7/51 Grand Parade, Parrearra, Q 4575. Happy days
John (Whiskey) and Julie Walker
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UNOPAA REUNION/CONFERENCE/AGM CALOUNDRA 20 - 24 OCTOBER 2019 REGISTRATION FORM Please use block letters when completing this form. Surname or Family name Given name/s
Title/Rank
Private address (No. & street) Suburb or Town Phone: Home: ( )
State Mobile
Postcode
Accompanied by: Surname or Family name/s Given name/s
Title/Rank
Preferred badge name Telephone (home or mobile) Guest/s: Surname or Family name/s Given name/s Preferred badge name/s Special requests: Dietary/mobility/other REGISTRATION FEE: The registration fee is $295.00 per person. (This covers all activities listed in the official program, including return coach transport from Oaks Oasis Resort to the various events. It does not, however, cover your beverages on the canal/river cruises on Tuesday 22/10/2019, while a “Bar Tab� will operate at the Welcome Dinner on Monday 21/10/2019.)
EVENT ATTENDANCE: Please insert the number of people attending. Sunday 20.10. 2019. 12-4pm. Registration desk open, “Oasis Room”, Oaks Oasis Resort Sunday 20.10.2019. 5-9pm. - Optional extra - Ricks Garage Restaurant and Bar, Palmwoods. NOTE: * If you intend partaking of this afternoon/evening visit to Ricks Garage free return bus transport will be provided from Oaks Oasis Resort, but you will be responsible for meeting the cost of your meals and drinks. Monday 21.10.2019. 10am-4pm. Registration desk open, “Oasis Room”, Oaks Oasis Resort. Monday 21.10.2019. 7-10pm. Welcome Dinner at Oaks Oasis Resort. Tuesday 22.10.2019. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Mooloolaba Canals barbeque/seafood cruise. OR Tuesday 22.10.2019 – 12.30pm-2.30pm. Maroochy River seafood cruise. Wednesday 23.10.2019. 11am-1pm. Mayoral Reception. Wednesday 23.10.2019. 2pm-4pm. UNOPAA AGM, “St George Room”, Oaks Oasis Resort Thursday 24.10.2019. 9.30am-11.30am. United Nations Day. Street March and Church Service followed by morning tea at Our Lady of the Rosemary Catholic Church, Caloundra. Thursday 24.10.2019. 7pm-11pm. Formal Dinner, Power Boat Club, Caloundra. United Nations or Overseas Policing Service. Location/Mission
Period
Contingent No
Location/Mission
Period
Contingent No
Location/Mission
Period
Contingent No
Are you a currently serving police officer? (please tick)
Yes
No
If YES to above, please nominate current police organization ACCOMMODATION: Venue name Check in date
Check out date
In the event of any unforeseen emergency, please nominate a person we can contact on your behalf, if desired.
PAYMENT: Registration covers all events
Number attending
Cost per person
Sub-total
$295.00
$
Merchandise cost as per separate UNOPAA Order Form.
$
TOTAL PAYABLE $ * Please combine payment for your registration and merchandise order (if applicable) into one total payable amount and make your payment as follows: PAYMENT METHOD: FOR INTERNET BANKING DEPOSIT/TRANSFER: Bank: QBANK BSB: 704 052 Account number: 434081 Account name: UNOPAA Q’ld Branch Reference: Your surname and initials OR: By CHEQUE: Please make Cheque payable to UNOPAA Q’ld Branch. Total payment of $
by (tick)
Electronic Funds Transfer
cheque
On completion of this Registration Form and Merchandise Order Form (if applicable) please return to UNOPAA Q’ld Branch as follows: Electronically: whiskeywalker41@gmail.com OR By post (including Cheque) to: John Walker, “Island Quays”, 7/51 Grand Parade, Parrearra, Q 4575. * Any queries please contact us as follows: John (Whiskey) Walker at the above email or postal address by mobile 0474 157 982 or home phone (07) 5437 6587; OR Julie Walker at: qmkooljool@hotmail.com mobile 0412 789 957 or landline (07)5437 6587
UNOPAA REUNION CALOUNDRA 20-24.10.2019 MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM DESCRIPTION Mens & Ladies Polo shirts. 100% Breathable Polyester Single Jersey Knit, snap resistant fabric, 165gsm. Embroidered UNOPAA logo pocket. * Ladies no pocket Colours: Maroon/White OR Royal/White Please circle your preferred colour option and nominate your size and quantity. Sizes: Mens: S - 3XL, 5XL (Measurements ½ Chest cm) S (52), M (55), L (58), XL (62), 2XL (65), 3XL (71), 5XL (79) Ladies: 8 – 24 (Measurements ½ Chest cm) 8 (48), 10 (50), 12 (52.5), 14 (54.5), 16 (57), 18 (60), 20 (63), 22 (66), 24 (68) Madrid Style String Straw Hat with royal hat band and white print. UNOPAA logo on Band Colour: White/Royal Sizes: L/XL(61cm) or S/M(58cm) Signature Cap Heavy Brushed Cotton Cap with velcro closure. UNOPAA/reunion branded front and back. Size: One size fits most Colours: Maroon/White/Grey OR Royal/White/Navy (Please circle colour and nominate quantity) Stubby Cooler Sublimated stubby cooler, 5mm neoprene, glued and sewn seam UNOPAA logo branded. *Stubby Coolers pictured are not the final design
COST
QUANTITY
SIZE
$38.00
$28.00
$16.00
$7.00
TOTAL $............................................... Date
PERSONAL DETAILS
SUBTOTAL
First Name
No/Street
Last Name
City/Suburb
State
Mobile/ Phone
Phone
UNOPAA Qld Branch: BSB: 704 052. Account number: 434081
Post/Zip Code
NOTE: • All orders need to be placed before the 31 August 2019. • All orders to be paid at time of registration. • All orders to be collected at registration desk in “Oasis Room” Oaks Oasis Resort when registering. • Please add the two totals (registration and merchandise) when paying for your registration. • If by Electronic Funds Transfer: QBANK: BSB 704-052: Account number 434081: Account name: UNOPAA Q’LD Branch (please use your name and initials as reference) or • If by Cheque, please make payable to UNOPAA Q’ld Branch. • If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact John or Julie Walker.
True Blue August 2019
Notice of Annual General Meeting 2019 The Annual General Meeting of the United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia Inc. (UNOPAA) will be held on Wednesday, 23 October 2019 at 2.00pm (Queensland time) in the St. George Room, Oaks Oasis Resort, 2 Landsborough Parade, Caloundra, Queensland (during the 2019 UNOPAA National Reunion/ Conference.
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All financial members are welcome to attend. Those wishing to participate via teleconference, or to nominate for a position on the National Executive, should contact the National Secretary (Peter McDonald) vp14970@gmail.com Nominations for the National Executive must be received by the Secretary in writing at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the AGM.
True Blue August 2019
Alliance of Peacekeeper Veterans On 20 June 2019, representatives from the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans Association (APPVA), the Soldiers of Peace International (SPIA), the ACT RSL Peacekeepers Sub-Branch, UNOPAA and the Australian Commando Association met in Canberra to discuss an alliance of the collective voices of all ADF and Australian Police Peacekeeper Veterans.
We look forward to working with our sister Peacekeeping ESOs to ensure the well-being of our veterans are a national priority. UNOPAA will keep its members posted on further developments as they arise. Any inquiries can be directed to the National Secretary Peter McDonald at vp14970@gmail.com
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True Blue August 2019
Alliance of Peacekeeper Veterans Letter (Representing the collective voices of the Australian Commando Association; Soldiers of Peace International Association; Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans Association; Returned & Services League Peacekeepers Sub Branch; and the United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia)
Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC Minister for Defence The Hon Darren Chester MP Minister for the department of Veterans Affairs
FURTHER SUBMISSION FOLLOWING THE LAPSING OF THE AUSTRALIAN VETERANS COVENANT BILL 2019 ‘The Government will continue to support those who selflessly serve our nation and protect our interests overseas, and their families, when they come home.1 The above Alliance of Peacekeeper Veterans wish to submit to you Minister, an urgent request, to consider the inclusion of classes of ‘veterans’ within the definition offered within the above proposed legislation when it is anticipated that it re-enters Parliament in the next sitting. At the moment, the definition of ‘veteran’ only applies to members of the ADF as defined in the Defence Act 1903. (Part 1, paragraph 4 of the proposed Bill) Since WW2, the world has witnessed a shift from the traditional Two- dimensional form of warfare to a more complex form of warfighting, such as Hybrid and Total Warfare. Australia has had to and did respond to this complex form of international threat to peace and stability and deployed personnel other than ADF to UN Peacekeeping, Peacemaking, Humanitarian, and Regional Security Missions. Unfortunately, these deserving categories of ‘veterans’ have been left out of the Covenant. (The Covenant is a measure taken by Government which we fully support) It is respectfully submitted that in order to redress this anomaly and make the Bill more ‘inclusive’ rather than ‘exclusive’ there ought to be inserted within the Bill a footnote at Part 1, paragraph 4, indicating that the Minister for Defence has
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discretion to may make a determination so that ‘other persons as defined by the Minister for the purposes of this covenant’ may also be included in the definition of ‘veterans’. It is worthy to note, that the ‘civilian medical teams’ who were sent to Vietnam by DFAT in the 1960’s ‘in our nations interest’ were afforded the Veterans Gold Card just prior to the 2019 federal election by the Morrison Government. We argue that their recognition to entitlements is consistent with our argument aa it represents Government policy of a ‘whole of government’ approach to issues. We contend that consistent with the Morrison whole of government approach, that those Australians who have been deployed through DFAT to “selflessly serve our nation and protect our interests overseas”, ought to be considered as ‘veterans’ under the Covenant. Peacekeepers have served in our nations interests overseas since 1947. Most have been ADF personnel, however, there have been cases when our national response to international requests have been through the deployment of Civilian Police. Just like ADF personnel, the Police: have had to pass a barrier test for entry and further selection for overseas service; have been subjected to rigorous training and preparation for deployment; wear a uniform; and are subject to a code of discipline. Within their assigned UN Missions they too have faced danger and hardship and current research indicates they suffer the same rates of PTS as their ADF comrades.
True Blue August 2019
It is NOT difficult to identify those ‘others’ who may also qualify as ‘veterans’ for - the Pearce Report of 2008 identified the UN Missions that Australia has participated in and DFAT have maintained lists of all the humanitarian mission personnel who have served in Humanitarian Overseas Missions in the Australian National Interest. These lists were used to determine eligibility to the receipt of the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal.
RECOMMENDATION The definition of ‘veteran’ at Part 1, paragraph 4, carry a footnote permitting the Minister for Defence to designate other classes of persons as ‘veterans’ who have ‘selflessly served the Nation and protected its interests overseas’ through their service, particularly in Peacekeeping, Peacemaking, Security operations and Humanitarian Missions.
Jack Thurgar SC MBE OAM RFD National Secretary Australian Commando Association On behalf of the Alliance of Peacekeeper Veterans aca_secretary@commando.org.au 0439 610 913 3 July 2019 Reference: 1 https://www.budget.gov.au/2018-19/ content/essentials.html
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www.salvos.org.au CREDIT CARD DONATIONS 13 72 58
Vale It is with regret that we advise of the passing of the following:
KEN TUCKNOTT
BARRY ANTILL
A Victoria Police member of the 10th Contingent to Cyprus (1973-74).
A New South Wales member of the 2nd Contingent to Cyprus (1965-66).
Ken passed away from cancer on Saturday, 22 June 2019. He was aged 69 years.
Barry passed away on 11 May 2019, aged 80 years. His funeral was held at 11am on Tuesday, 23 May 2019 at the Richmond Chapel, Parkview Funeral Home, 43 Holland Street, Goonellabah (near Lismore) NSW.
Ken gave great service to our Victorian branch over many years and will be greatly missed. A memorial was held for Ken on Tuesday, 2nd July 2019, at the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club, Williamstown. The Family respectfully requested that police uniform was not worn however those with UN berets were welcome to wear them in celebration of Ken’s service with the 10th UN Contingent to Cyprus.
BARRIE O’BRIEN a Queensland member of the 6th Contingent to Cyprus (1969-70).
LEE HADDON A South Australian member of the 1st Contingent to Cyprus (1964-65) and a Life Member of UNOPAA. Lee passed away in Adelaide on Tuesday, 11 June 2019, after being seriously ill for some time. His funeral was held privately. He was one of the originals and will be greatly missed.
Barrie passed away on 25 May 2019. His funeral was held at 10am on Friday, 31 May 2019 at the Little Flower Church, Kedron, Brisbane Qld, followed by a burial at the Nudgee Cemetery.
The UNOPAA National Executive, our National Committee and all members of UNOPAA, express our sympathy to families and friends of the above. 43
UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (UNOPAA)
Membership Renewal or Application Your annual UNOPAA membership subscription is $20.00. Please complete this form and return with your subscription to address at the bottom of this form.
Surname or Family Name Given Name/s Preferred Name Private Address (No. & Street) (Suburb or Town) (State)
(Postcode)
Spouse/Partner’s Name Phone (Home or Mobile)
(Business)
Email Address Current or former Police Organisation (please tick)
AFP
VIC
SA
TAS
NSW
QLD
WA
NT
Currently serving
Service Status
Other
(specify below)
Former or retired
Associate
United Nations or Overseas Policing Service UN Mission/Country of Policing Service (eg: UNFICYP-Cyprus, UNMIT/TLPDP-Timor Leste, RAMSI, Afghanistan, etc)
Year/s
Contingent Number/s
Military Service (eg: RAAF, Corps, Regiment, Wing, Ship etc)
Membership Fees
for Serving Members, Former or Retired,
$20.00 or Associate Cheque
Payment Type
Do you require a receipt?
Year/s
Yes
No
Money Order
Signature
EFTPOS - Account Name: UNOPAA BSB: 815-000 Account No: 229831
Direct debit (form attached)
All payments MUST be made in Australian Dollars. Make cheques payable to UNOPAA. Do NOT send cash.
Please send this Application Form and remittance to: UNOPAA c/- Peter McDonald, National Secretary 83 Prospect Drive, East Keilor, VIC, 3033 Phone: (03) 9337 4736 Mobile: 0418 131 352 Email: secretary@unopaa.org
Official Use Only
Membership updated on: By:
UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA UNOPAA (Inc. NSW) ABN: 83 146 901 797
MERCHANDISE
COST
Blue UNOPAA Tie
$20.00
Custom UNOPAA Tie Bar
$20.00
QUANTITY
SUBTOTAL
Printed UNOPAA Tie UNOPAA Cufflink
$20.00
UNOPAA Lapel Pins
$10.00
Challenge (UNOPAA/ANF) coins
$25.00 Custom UNOPAA Tie Bar
DELIVERY DETAILS
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Please note – GST, postage and handling included
TOTAL $............................
CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER Send cheque or money order in mail, payable to “UNOPAA”, and this form completed with your order to PO Box 7099, KARABAR NSW 2620 DIRECT CREDIT - INTERNET TRANSFER Account: UNOPAA Merchandise S2 BSB: 815000 Account: 100343942 Reference: <your last name> and ‘MRCHDS’ in the reference field Then e-mail details of the transaction including your reference number and a copy of this completed form to heldale.cooper@gmail.com Title (Mr, Mrs, Ms, Dr, Rank)
No/Street
First Name
City/Suburb
Last Name
State
Country
Mobile
Phone
Post/Zip Code
The United Nations & Overseas Police Association of Australia (UNOPAA) will accept returned products/merchandise where: • The product is faulty, or not fit for purpose, or the product does not match the sample or description. Proof of purchase (UNOPAA merchandise receipt) must be provided in order to: • Obtain a refund (by cheque) will be provided or re-issue alike article.
UNOPAA Cufflinks
UNOPAA Lapel Pins
IMPORTANT NOTES The UNOPAA will take the utmost care in packaging; however, we will not accept any responsibility for goods damaged in transit. The UNOPAA will not accept returns where the product or merchandise is ordered specifically for an individual (eg Montage, clothing, etc) All queries for return of merchandise must be received within 30 days from date of purchase and directed to the UNOPAA Merchandise officer @heldale.cooper@gmail.com. Item returns will be at the discretion of the APPVA Merchandise Officer provided the above criterion is met in the first instance. Please choose carefully as UNOPAA cannot accept returns due to a change of mind.
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