True Blue August 2021 by Countrywide Austral

August 2021

True Blue OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

Edition 41 ISSN: 2203-8507

Magazine

ARE THEY TRIPLE OK?

We’re always there to help. Let’s make sure we help each other and ask R U OK? ruok.org.au/triple-ok

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 Mobile: 0418 297 086 Email: Michael.Travers@afp.gov.au National Vice President Mr Rod Walker Tel: 0411 953 966 Email: enidandrod@tpg.com.au National Vice President Mr Dale Cooper RFD PO Box 7099 Karabar NSW 2620 Mobile: 0418 266 033 Email: unopaa@gmail.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 State President: Mark Elm Email: markrobinelm1969@icloud.com

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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 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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True Blue August 2021

Cover Photo – Attendees at the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, Canberra, 29 May 2021.

Contents 4

From the Editor’s desk

Doros Theodorou

5 AFP Commissioiner Reece Kershaw UNOPAA Patron

16 Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP)

UNOPAA Patron Invitation

Anzac Day 2021 Canberra

17 RSIP 2 week Basic Investigation Course concludes

A private fly-by for Anzac Day

10 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 12 English school children pay hommage to soldiers of the Great War 13

Around the Missions

14 Who is the new Force Commander of UNFICYP?

A new police station for Avu Avu

19 RSIPF receives $5M of equipment from SIPDP 20

What’s happening in Timor Leste?

22 Popeye the Sailor Man really existed! 23 Vale 24

Membership Renewal or Application

25 Merchandise

True Blue August 2021

Do we have your Email Address? UNOPAA maintains a membership database and communicates with its members from time to time by email. If you haven’t been receiving these communications, it may be that we don’t have your email address, or it is out of date. If uncertain, or it appears we don’t have it, please send your email address to the Secretary, Peter McDonald, at vp14970@gmail.com

True Blue August 2021

From the Editor’s desk Well, here we go ‘again’. At the time of writing this article, most of Australia is in ‘lock down’ and large numbers of (in my mind) ‘ignorant’ people are gathering in major cities to protest that their right to freedom has been taken from them. Watching the demonstrations on TV news reports on these demonstrations, I can’t help thinking that the old ‘Rent a Crowd’ regime is back up and running. Police have been subject to attack and abuse during these protests all because they are trying to protect the community – in a number of cases from themselves. Where will these protests leave us – do we now wait until they decide to travel elsewhere and ‘possibly’ infect communities where COVID doesn’t and hasn’t existed previously. I find it interesting the way the various governments are responding to the current situation. In my case, I live in NSW very close to the ACT. In fact, when I stand on my front porch, I can see Parliament House. My suburb, being in NSW, comes under the NSW Government COVID restrictions where everyone must wear a mask when visiting shops or places where people congregate and check in etc. Yet – if I travel into Canberra (a ten-minute drive) there are no mask requirements etc. except that you must check into every store or venue that you visit. It’s no wonder that the local NSW shops are finding business slow when you can travel those extra few minutes to an ACT shopping centre and not have to wear a mask.

Although Australian Police are no longer deployed to any UN or Regional Stability Missions, we are still involved in capacity building initiatives in a number of the countries where large Peacekeeping and stability missions were deployed. As we have all served in one (or more) of these missions, it is our respective contributions and legacies that allow the Australian Federal Police to continue to build on what we have done in the past that will let the respective country move forward to a positive future. In this issue we look at what has been happening in Cyprus, Timor Leste and Solomon Islands.

UNOPAA PATRON AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw has kindly agreed to be the Patron of the UNOPAA. I have included a brief overview of Commissioner Kershaw’s career. Of note – Commissioner Kershaw has served in East Timor and the Solomon Islands and is very much supportive of our Association. Please join me in welcoming Commissioner Kershaw as our patron.

A NEW UNOPAA BANNER

Enough of my musings.

THE UNOPAA REUNION At the time of writing this issue of True Blue, the UNOPAA Reunion on Norfolk Island is still progressing as planned. We all have our fingers crossed that the current ‘lock down’ restrictions will have eased before October and we are able to travel to Norfolk Island. If there are any changes – you will be notified immediately we are advised.

The UNOPAA (ACT Branch) has recently taken possession of a new UNOPAA Banner which will be used by the ACT Branch and National Executive as and when required. Regards to you all and see you on Norfolk Island.

IN THIS ISSUE I have included a new segment called ‘Around the Missions’ in this edition. In this segment I will be reporting on events around the various missions that Australian Police have been a part of.

Rod Walker Editor True Blue

True Blue August 2021

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw UNOPAA Patron Commissioner Kershaw is a career Police Officer, joining the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in 1988 as a Constable within the ACT region. Throughout the early years of his career, he worked in General Duties and Criminal Investigations as a Detective. Commissioner Kershaw was also seconded to the National Crime Authority and the Australian Crime Commission. In 1999, Commissioner Kershaw moved to the AFP Perth Office and worked in Operations and Close Personal Protection. In 2003, Commissioner Kershaw was promoted to Superintendent, undertaking various leadership roles in the investigation of victim-based crime, high tech crime operations and deployments on overseas postings to the Netherlands, East Timor and The Solomon Islands. In 2010, he was promoted to Commander, leading Serious and Organised Crime investigations. In 2011, Commissioner Kershaw left the AFP to commence work for the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF). His service in NTPF includes the positions of Assistant Commissioner Crime & Specialist Services and Darwin Metropolitan Service. In 2015, he was appointed Commissioner of Police and Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services. Commissioner Kershaw was a Visiting Fellow for the Police Executive Leadership Program at the Australian Institute of Police Management and has completed the Australia New Zealand Police Leadership Strategy Program. He is a Graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Executive Development Program and the Australian Institute

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw.

of Company Directors. Commissioner Kershaw also holds a Master of Business Administration, Graduate Certificate in Business (Banking) and a Certificate in Business (Europe). Commissioner Kershaw was a recipient of the NTPF Outstanding Leadership Medal, and in 2016, he was awarded the Australian Police Medal in the Australia Day Honours. Commissioner Kershaw was appointed as the AFP’s eighth Commissioner on 2 October 2019.

When you lose your children in the house, turn off the wi-fi. They’ll come out immediately. Your neighbours may even drop by as well.

True Blue August 2021

UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA 1 June 2021 Commissioner Reece P Kershaw APM Australian Federal Police Edmund Barton Building Kings Avenue, Barton ACT 2600 Dear Commissioner, As you are aware the United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia (UNOPAA) represents over 4000 members from the AFP and all other State and Territory Australia police agencies that have served in United Nations missions or bilateral or multinational peacekeeping and capacity building operations at the request of the Australian government. With the Australian Federal Police and its predecessors having either direct command or sole responsibility for these deployments since 1964, the history of Australia’s Police Peacekeeping and that of the AFP are intertwined. I would also suggest that the AFP is what it is today because of the experiences and knowledge gained by its members whilst deployed being brought back to Australia and used in members ongoing careers. I am sure that as a former UN Peacekeeper your experiences whilst in East Timor have helped shaped your extensive and high achieving career. On behalf of our seven state branches and the national executive of the UNOPAA it would be our honour to invite you to become the national patron of our association. Whilst we would only expect minimal engagement with the association your patronage would enable us to show to those we engage with that you and the AFP hold the value of those members that have deployed overseas in high regard. If you do accept this patronage then an invitation to attend our bi-annual conference being conducted on Norfolk Island in October 2021 will be sent. It is hoped that if yourself and your wife were able to attend it would show to our membership in attendance that the AFP still values their service, some that occurred nearly 60 years ago. Warmest regards,

Mick Travers APM National President

True Blue August 2021

AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE 24 June 2021 Mr Mick Travers APM National President United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia Dear Mick, Thank you for your correspondence of 1 June 2021 inviting me to be National Patron of the United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia (UNOPAA). I am very pleased to accept the role and look forward to engaging with you and the Association further. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has a long and proud history of traditional peacekeeping and capacity building throughout the world, and I strongly support the work that UNOPAA undertakes to assist our members that have served in UN missions and other peacekeeping operations. As you mentioned in your letter, as a former chief of operations with the United Nations Mission in East Timor I understand the crucial work AFP members undertake to promote stability, public safety and capability building for our partner nations. Thank you again for your letter of invitation and I look forward to future UNOPAA engagement and events. Yours sincerely

Reece P Kershaw APM Commissioner

True Blue August 2021

Rod Carnell (right) and a DFAT officer who served in East Timor and Solomon Islands hold the ACT RSL Sub-Branch banner prior to the ANZAC March.

Anzac Day 2021 Canberra Anzac Day in the capital was a bit of a disappointment this year. Although much better than 2020 (where we had no Anzac March, a televised Dawn Service and many of us commemorated the day by standing in our driveways at dawn), this year there was a ‘limited attendance’ Dawn Service attended by ticket holders only. The March was permitted to occur, however the ACT RSL (the organisers of the March) had advised several weeks prior to Anzac Day that the March would only consist of Unit/Contingent banners and

a maximum of two persons to carry the banners. On the eve of Anzac Day, the ACT RSL advised that the March would now accommodate full Unit/Contingent numbers with those wishing to march able to participate. Naturally, many of those who would usually march on the day had made other arrangements and could not attend with such short notice. Although Melbourne, Sydney and other major Australian cities and country towns held a full March, the Canberra March became a ‘mainly’ banner parade only.

I relabelled all of the jars in my wife’s spice rack. I’m not in trouble yet … but the thyme is cumin. 8

True Blue August 2021

A private fly-by for Anzac Day Steve Hulley and Hewan O’Neill grew up together at Seaford (Vic) and have remained firm friends all this time. Several years ago, Steve, a pilot, decided to organise an ‘aerial fly-by’ to contribute to commemorative events on all significant days for the RSL and Australian Armed Forces. Over the years, the number aircraft taking part in the Fly-by has grown with members of the Royal Victoria Aero Club at Moorabbin Airport joining Steve for the events. This year 9 planes took part. The aerial display is a welcome sight above local RSL locations on these important occasions. Such occasions include – ANZAC Day, eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, RAAF 100 years etc. Hewan doesn’t know the extremes of distance they fly however they usually fly at a reasonable height.

By Hewan O’Neill

True Blue August 2021

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers Australian Peacekeeping Memorial, Canberra, 29 May 2021. On a cold and windy Saturday morning in May, a small crowd gathered at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial on ANZAC Parade in Canberra, to commemorate the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. The service was officiated over by the Rev Steve Neuhaus RFD – Chaplain to the Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Veterans Association (APPVA) with contributions to the service by APPVA and UNOPAA personnel. National Vice President of

the UNOPAA (Rod Walker) read the Invocation and laid a wreath on behalf of the UNOPAA. Sergeant Marty Hess (AFP) recited the Police Ode and laid a wreath on behalf of the Australian Federal Police while UNOPAA member Superintendent Geoff Hazel (Ret) read the Roll of Honour. A gathering at ‘Poppy’s’ café at the Australian War Memorial followed the service offering a chance to warm up and catch up with fellow veterans.

True Blue August 2021

Sgt Marty Hess and Rod Walker with the AFP Flag Party.

The Flag Party was provided by the AFP.

Sgt Marty Hess lays a wreath on behalf of the AFP

Rod Walker delivers the Invocation

UNOPAA National Vice President (Rod Walker) lays a wreath on behalf of the UNOPAA.

The Flag Party marches between the monoliths of the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial.

True Blue August 2021

English school children pay hommage to soldiers of the Great War In England there are numerous cemeteries dotted around where Commonwealth troops are buried from the Great War. A small village on the Salisbury Plains, Sutton Veny is one such location where 143 Australians lie in peace. On these headstones a number of death dates are post November 1918 with the last one of a 21 year old Private Ellery from Moonta in South Australia, dated October 8, 1919. This young man like many of his peers, was waiting to be repatriated home after Armistice but tragically the Spanish flu that raged through the UK and Europe from 1918 on, ended some of their hopes of a return home. They may have survived the war, but not the peace. Amongst the 143 Australians there are two who were Gallipoli veterans and two nurses. Adjacent to the cemetery is a small primary school, and every year around Anzac Day, the children of Sutton Veny hold an Anzac service commemorating

these soldiers and nurses. This tradition has been going for over 100 years and this tiny school takes its role of commemoration very seriously. The seven classes are named after Australian and New Zealand towns and cities including Darwin, Canberra, Auckland , Elliston, Brisbane, Geraldton and Nelson. On the Anzac Day service each grave is honoured by a student who places a posy of flowers with a message of commemoration attached. These young children on the Salisbury Plains have not allowed our countrymen and women to be forgotten. The school also has a dedicated Anzac Room containing many documents, photos and mementos related to the Anzacs they honour.

Image and text courtesy of Cemeteries and Memorials of the Great War

True Blue August 2021

Around the Missions Who is the new Force Commander of UNFICYP

p 14

Doros Theodorou: 25 years of service for peace at UNFICYP

p 15

Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP)

p 16

RSIP 2 week Basic Investigation Course concludes p 17 A new police station for Avu Avu

p 18

RSIPF receives $5M of equipment from SIPDP

p 19

What’s happening in Timor Leste?

p 20

True Blue August 2021

Around the Missions

Major General Ingrid Gjerde of Norway is the newly appointed Force Commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.

Who is the new Force Commander of UNFICYP? United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Major General Ingrid Gjerde of Norway as Force Commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Major General Gjerde succeeds Major General Cheryl Pearce of Australia, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her dedication and leadership during her two years of service. Major General Gjerde has had a distinguished career in the Norwegian Defence Force, currently serving as Head of Strategic Plans. She was previously Chief of Public Affairs for the Norwegian Defence (2018-2019) as well as Chief of Staff and second in command of the Norwegian army (2016-2018). She headed the Army Military Academy (2013-2016) and led her country’s

contingent deployed to Afghanistan (2011-2012). Among other postings, she commanded the Norwegian King’s Battalion (2006-2009) and was deployed within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) commanding a Norwegian platoon (1994-1995). She is a graduate of the Norwegian Military academy as well as from the US Army command and staff college and from the US Army War college. She holds a Master’s degree (Cand. Polit.) from Oslo University.

Source: UN Missions.org

Around the Missions

True Blue August 2021

Doros Theodorou

25 years of service for peace at UNFICYP Do any of our readers remember Doros? In March, Doros Theodorou completed 25 years of service for UNFICYP. He joined the Mission as a warehouse keeper in the UN Protected Area in 1996 and made significant contributions since his first day on the job. In 2009 he embarked into the Civil Affairs section and ever since he has engaged with farmers, shopkeepers and people from both communities, to serve as a daily interlocutor on issues affecting civilian population. When asked about the most challenging moment, he remembers the “coffee shop” farmers’ outreach meetings hosted before the COVID-19 pandemic. “We used to deal with farmers and, at often times, there were tensions because of permits or because some areas inside the buffer zone were closed and they could not enter. A farmer in one of these meetings got really angry and started to shout, so I had to use all my ability to talk and calm the situation down,” he recalls. “At that moment, my purpose was to inform people that we and UNPOL were not allowing access because the Mission wanted to protect them from entering mine fields and getting injured. Just a few days before that someone driving a tractor crossed the area and the property was damaged,” he explains. He recalls the tension: “here situations can escalate very quickly and one thing I always tried to do was to remain calm and use my understanding to explain to others in a way they understand. My work was also a learning for me”, he says. On his last working day, SRSG Spehar stated: “Doros made an invaluable contribution to UNFICYP over his many years of service. I thank him sincerely for his

Doros Theodorou completed 25 years of service for UNFICYP.

work and dedication and wish him the very best as he begins a new chapter in his life,” Doros, who’s a father of two, lives with his wife and hopes to spend more time with his grandchildren. “I finished my service, but I cannot stay home and do nothing, I am planning to refurbish the house, help my daughters in taking care of my grandchildren and meet and spend time with my friends after the pandemic,” he concludes.

Source: unmissions.org

Day 27 at home and the dog is looking at me like, “see, this is why I chew the furniture.”

True Blue August 2021

Around the Missions

Minister of Police National Security and Correctional Services Anthony Veke give his remarks at the closing of SIPDP program. Commander Paul Osbourn (AFP) seated next to Minister.

Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP) Four year program ends on 30 June 2021 The Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS), Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP)-Solomon Island Police Development Program (SIPDP) came together to acknowledge their friendship and cooperation as the SIPDP program ends on 30 June 2021.

The Honourable Veke said, “I want to congratulate everyone for the great results that have been achieved during this program. We recognise and value this relationship. We are looking forward to continuing that same level of cooperation with a new and exciting program that is currently being considered for the future.”

The Executive teams from the Ministry of Police, National; Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS), RSIPF and SIPDP gathered at an informal lunch at the Coral Sea Resort to share stories and remember former colleagues who also worked in support of the program over the last four years.

Commander Osborn (AFP) said, “Whilst it is obvious to everyone that the two police forces work successfully side by side because they wear uniforms on a daily basis and are visible to the community, it’s important that we recognise the tireless work by the Ministry in support of the RSIPF and Solomon Islands community. The Ministry’s guidance, support and advice have been instrumental in the success of this program, the leadership of the Minister, Permanent Secretary, the Commissioner RSIPF and the dedication of their staff has been a key reason for its success.”

Not to be outdone by this event, staff from the Ministry, RSIPF and SIPDP also gathered at Rove Police Headquarters to enjoy a traditional BBQ and cutting of a cake to celebrate their achievements and congratulate each other on a job well done. During the lunch, Minister of Police National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. Anthony Veke addressed the joint executive teams by thanking everyone for their hard work and dedication over the last four years.

Until the new program of support is approved and formally announced by Australia and Solomon Islands, the SIPDP program will continue its support to the RSIPF.

Source: RSIPF News

Around the Missions

True Blue August 2021

RSIP 2 week Basic Investigation Course concludes Under the auspices of the AFP sponsored Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP) Twenty police officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) have completed a twoweek basic investigation course at Rove Police Headquarters on 25 June 2021. The basic investigation training is the partnership with Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP) with RSIPF academy on investigation career pathway policy following Commissioner’s Order on detective and plain cloth allowance in 2016. Director Learning and Development, Superintendent Ileen Ukebule says, “On behalf of the RSIPF Executive, SIPDP and Solomon Island Police Support Program (SIPSP). I would like to thank you all for your commitments and effort put in to do the basic interview course.” Director Ukebule says, “The most important components in this is doing interview with suspects and witnesses to understands their rights according to law. This is where we need investigation skills. Without their testimonies we cannot solve a crime in court.” Ms Ukebule says, “The intention of this course is to build you as professional investigators, as it is in line with the RSIPF goals and objectives.” She says, “You have completed the first part of the program within two weeks of internship training. Your performances were assessed based on your participation, practical and exam. The second part of the assessment is at your workplace which you will complete what has been required.” “I would like to thank you all for the participation and wish you all the best in the second phase of the program,” says Director Ukebule. The training commenced on the 14 June 2021 and conclude 25 June 2021 with a small closing ceremony.

True Blue August 2021

Around the Missions

A new police station for Avu Avu The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and the Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP) have thanked a local contractor for a successful completion of the new Avu Avu Police Station in Guadalcanal Province. Officers from the Police Infrastructure Department (PID), Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and SIPDP Infrastructure and logistics Advisor attended the program to thank the contractor at Avu Avu on 24 July 2021. Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “I want to thank the SIPDP for the ongoing support and in particular this infrastructure development. I also thanked the Bako constructions for the job well done in the successful completion of the new police station and the communities of Avu Avu for their support during the period of construction.” Speaking during the program, SIPDP Advisor Steve Malam says, “I want to thank the Bako constructions

for their time and effort to make sure this building has been completed in its schedule time.” Avu Avu communities’ representative Dominic Alebua says, “We are proud to have this Police Station build in our community here at Avu Avu. This will allow members of the communities to access the RSIPF services in the community. I appeal to my good people to work closely with police, and we must help our police to look after the new police station.” The work is being undertaken through the partnership between the RSIPF and the Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP) to support RSIPF to provide a critical component for policing within Guadalcanal Province.”

Laughter is the best medicine. Or wine. It might be wine. 18

Around the Missions

True Blue August 2021

RSIPF receives $5M of equipment from SIPDP Commander of the Solomon Island Police Development Program (SIPDP) Paul Osborne today (26 July 2021) handed over equipment worth $5 million to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Honiara Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Hon Anthony Veke, Member of Parliament and RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau received the equipment during a brief ceremony at the Rove Police Headquarters this morning. The items included a new marked police vehicle, mechanical tools and spare parts for the ongoing maintenance of the RSIPF vehicle fleet, surveillance equipment, general duties police equipment, sporting equipment, uniforms and boots, office furniture, air-conditioning units, generators and water tanks, IT equipment including computers and software, printers and laptops, fire service equipment, forensics equipment and equipment for the RSIPF gymnasium. During the gifting ceremony, the Minister of Police, Hon Veke said, “These items have been carefully selected by the SIPDP Commander, RSIPF Commissioner and the Ministry. It is part of an agreed effort to upgrade and improve important police infrastructure and ensure the RSIPF remains resourced to service the community and respond to national security threats including our borders during the current COVID-19 state of emergency.” “It is critically important that we maintain and grow our existing capabilities to ensure we remain an agile, efficient and flexible police service. These

items will positively influence across a range of important police functions including our forensics, which is fast becoming one of the best capabilities in the Pacific and Police Response Team operations both here and on the border. The computer and software upgrades will provide a significant boost to our frontline, criminal investigation and intelligence units. I would like to thank the Commander and the SIPDP for their continuing support and friendship,” said RSIPF Commissioner Mangau. SIPDP Commander Osborne said, “The total value of the items gifted is in excess of five million dollars. It is a privilege to support the RSIPF with these items. There is no question this is one of our most important law enforcement partnerships. We are looking forward to continuing that relationship under a new program currently being considered by the Solomon Islands Government that has been carefully designed by the RSIPF, the Ministry of Police and the Australian Federal Police.” SIPDP is also in the final stages of completing new police stations at Aola, Avu Avu and Wagina and the police barracks at the Tetere Police Station, which represents a further investment of $10 million. It is expected that the infrastructure projects will be completed by the end of September 2021

True Blue August 2021

Around the Missions

What’s happening in Timor Leste? In the past month Australia has: 1 Delivered a first shipment of 20,000 Australianmade AstraZeneca vaccines to Timor-Leste, enabling Phase 2 of the national vaccination campaign to get underway. Regular shipments will follow, in line with Australia’s commitment to ensure safe and effective vaccines for the 80% of the population not covered by COVAX. 2 Handed over a large quantity of PPE and medical items including COVID testing kits to support the Ministry of Health, Medical and Pharmaceutical Supply Agency (SAMES) and the National Health Laboratory as they respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. 3 Continued providing expert technical advice on the public health and acute care response to COVID-19 and the floods through the speciallytrained Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT). 4 Maintained support for those still living in evacuation centres following the floods. Australian Humanitarian Partnership NGOs have been working with Civil Protection and the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion to ensure essential needs including food, security and medical, are being met. In addition, we have provided solarpowered lamps, tents and housing repair kits to families affected by the floods. 5 Worked with Bee Timor-Leste (Timor-Leste Water) to ensure that clean drinking water is available where it’s needed. Since the flood, more than 7 million litres of water have been transported to evacuation centres and community tanks, significantly reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses in affected communities. 6 Kept up senior level engagement to ensure our partnership is responsive and aligned. Prime Ministers Scott Morrison and Taur Matan Ruak had a warm discussion by phone last week. In Canberra, the Department of Foreign Affairs is also in regular contact with Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Australia, Inês Almeida.

7 Funded the construction of four new border posts to support the PNTL to prevent the illegal movement of people and goods and enforce border controls. The Australian Federal Police, through the Timor-Leste Australia’s Ambassador to Police Development Timor Leste – H.E Peter Roberts Program, also commenced construction of a fifth post on Atauro Island to support the maritime police. 8 Supported F-FDTL (Defence Force Timor Leste) engineers to refurbish a COVID-19 isolation facility in Baucau through the Defence Cooperation Program. Australia’s Partnership for Human Development program helped to fit out the site by purchasing 60 beds, mattresses and linen. F-FDTL Chief, Lieutenant-General Lere Anan Timur and Australia’s Commander of 1st Division Major General Jake Ellwood discussed our strong defence cooperation in a call last week. 9 Provided an economic recovery package of AUD20 million (about USD 15.5 million) to support households and stimulate economic activity. This money will fund 244 community infrastructure projects through the National Village Development Program (PNDS). The funding will also support the government to establish a new social support payment Bolsa da Mãe Jerasaun Foun for pregnant women and young children. Our economic recovery package is in addition to our usual development assistance of AUD100 million per year in recognition of the financial hardship wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Around the Missions

True Blue August 2021

H.E Peter Roberts opens one of the four border posts. AFP Senior Liaison Officer Darren Booy looks on.

10 Delivered a further 50,000 Australian-made AstraZeneca vaccines to Timor-Leste to support Phase 2 of the national vaccination rollout. In total 70,000 Australian vaccines have arrived in Timor-Leste, with more to follow in line with our commitment to ensure Timor-Leste’s population can achieve universal coverage. 11 Given a further AUD50 million to COVAX to ensure comprehensive vaccine coverage for our region, including Timor-Leste. This takes Australia’s total COVAX contribution to AUD130 million. We were delighted to see 100,000 COVAX-supplied AstraZeneca vaccines arrive in Timor-Leste on 9 June, to supplement the 24,000 doses which arrived in April.

12 Provided 184 medical oxygen cannisters to help the Ministry of Health treat patients with serious cases of COVID-19. We also provided a portable X-ray machine which will be used to diagnose complications associated with COVID-19. 13 Continued to partner with Civil Protection and the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion to support those affected by the Easter floods and the recent Bebonuk storm surge. We have provided further emergency humanitarian supplies, water filtration machines and hygiene and kitchen kits as required to support the ongoing effort. With support from Australia’s PARTISIPA program, Bee TimorLeste (Timor-Leste Water) has transported more than 18 million litres of water to evacuation centres and flood-affected communities.

Source: Australian Embassy Timor Leste Newsletter – issues May and June 2021

The spread of COVID-19 is based on two factors: 1. How dense the population is 2. How dense the population is

True Blue August 2021

DID YOU KNOW?

Popeye the Sailor Man really existed! His real name was Frank “Rocky” Fiegel. He was born in 1868 in Poland and, as a child, immigrated to the United States with his parents, who settled down in a small town in Illinois. As a young man, Rocky went to sea. After a 20 year career as a sailor in the Merchant Marines, Fiegel retired. He was later hired by Wiebusch’s Tavern in the city of Chester, Illinois as a ‘Bouncer’ to maintain order in the rowdy bar. Rocky quickly developed a reputation for always being involved in fighting ( and usually winning). As a result, he had a deformed eye (“Pop-eye”). He also ‘always’ smoked his pipe, so he always spoke out of one side of his mouth. In his spare time as a Bouncer, Rocky would entertain the customers by regaling them with exciting stories of adventures he claimed to have had over his career as a sailor crossing the ‘Seven Seas.’ The creator of Popeye, Elzie Crisler Segar, grew up in Chester and, as a young man, met Rocky at the tavern and would sit for hours listening to the old sailor’s amazing ‘sea’ stories.’ Years later, Segar became a cartoonist and developed a comic strip called ‘Thimble Theater.’ He honoured Fiegel by asking if he could model his new comic strip character, ‘Popeye the Sailor Man,’ after him. Naturally Fiegel was flattered and agreed. Segar claimed that ‘Olive Oyl,’ along with other characters, was also loosely based on an actual person. She was Dora Paskel, owner of a small grocery store in Chester. She apparently actually looked much like the Olive Oyl character in his comics. He claimed she even dressed much the same way. Through the years, Segar kept in touch with Rocky and always helped him with money, giving him a small percentage of what he earned from his ‘Popeye’ illustrations. Who didn’t love the cartoons??? We watched them religiously... so funny, so moral... each story had a good ending... wonder if kids these days even KNOW who Popeye is? Who knew he was a real man?

Frank “Rocky” Fiegel.

True Blue August 2021

Vale 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:

LEIGH GILDER DIXON Leigh passed away in Anyer, West Java, Indonesia on 16 April 2021 aged 66 years. Leigh was deployed in 1995 as a part of the 46th Contingent to the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and later was Senior AFP Liaison Officer, Jakarta Indonesia A private funeral service for Leigh was held in Indonesia on 16 April 2021.

JOHN CHARLES QUARRELL John was a Tasmania Police member of the 8th Contingent to Cyprus (1971-72). John passed away in Tasmania on 30 December 2020, aged 71 years. He was living at Midway Point at the time. His funeral was conducted privately.

JILL PLUMB

WILLIAM LEIGH (BILLY) CAMPBELL Billy passed away on 1 July 2021 aged 45 years. Billy completed multiple overseas deployments with the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) providing training capability as an Operational Safety Trainer. He was also deployed as part of the Timor-Leste Police Development Program. A private memorial service was be held for Billy.

RAYMOND JOHN (RAY) LEISTER Ray passed away on 10 July 2021. A member of the 11th (1974-75) and 14th (1977-78) Contingents to Cyprus. He was also deployed to Venezuela in 1974. Ray’s funeral was held at All Saints Anglican Church, Canberra on 20 July 2021

MAX EVERETT Max passed away on 22 July 2021, aged 91.

Jill, (the wife of Neil Plumb) passed away during the week commencing 20 June 2021 on Bribie Island. Neil Plumb, a former NT Police Assistant Commissioner, was a member of the 2nd Contingent to Cyprus.

Max, a Victoria Police Officer, served as the Commander of the 12th Australian Police Contingent to Cyprus in 1975-66. Max’s funeral was held under Victorian Covid restrictions on Thursday, 29 July 2021 at 2.00pm.

MARIA WOOLLEY Maria (the widow of David Woolley) passed away in Tasmania on or around 28 June 2021, aged 83 years. David Woolley was a member of the 2nd Contingent to Cyprus. They met in Cyprus and married there in 1966.

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