True Blue August 2024 by Countrywide Austral

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The United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia, (UNOPAA) is an Australian incorporated, non-profit organisation, whose members are both serving or retired Police Officers from Police Forces throughout Australia, who have served or are serving with United Nation Peacekeeping Forces or AFP International Policing Operations throughout the world! TRUE BLUE is provided to its members throughout Australia and worldwide to where Australian Police are serving. Our magazine contains welfare, legislative and social information relevant to the well-being and camaraderie of UNOPAA members who have, or are serving in Australia’s National Interest.

Aims of the UNOPAA:

1. To maintain and foster the memory of UNOPAA members killed whilst serving with United Nations Forces or Overseas Policing operations.

2. To provide welfare, legal and financial support where and when appropriate to members.

3. To promote social occasions such as Reunions, etc., including United Nations and Anzac Day Marches.

4. To pursue and lobby industrial, legal and political avenues, when necessary in order to improve the welfare and industrial benefits to our members.

We acknowledge the assistance of Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd, who, in conjunction with the UNOPAA, have made the publication and distribution of ‘TRUE BLUE’ magazine possible! Your financial contribution to the publication of our magazine is greatly appreciated.

Views and opinions expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia, the editor, the publisher or printer.

“True Blue” is published by Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd, Melbourne from funds supplied by advertisers in this magazine. Please support our advertisers and their products.

Rod Walker

True Blue Editor

Email: rod2856@outlook.com

Mobile: 0411 953 966

UNOPAA Contacts

National President

Mr Mick Travers APM

Mobile: 0418 297 086

Email: mt2976@gmail.com

National Vice President

Mr Rod Walker

Tel: 0411 953 966

Email: rod2856@outlook.com

Interim National Secretary

Mr Steve Neuhaus

Mobile: 0403 060 369

Email: steve.neuhaus6@gmail.com

Interim National Treasurer

Dale Cooper RFD

PO Box 7099 Karabar NSW 2620

Mobile: 0418 266 033

Email: unopaa@gmail.com

Australian Capital Territory

State President: Dale Cooper RFD

PO Box 7099 Karabar NSW 2620

Mobile: 0418 266 033

Email: unopaa@gmail.com

New South Wales

Acting Branch President: Dale Cooper

Victoria/Tasmania

State President: Paul van Gemert

Mobile: 0431 963 016

Email: paul.vangemert@police.vic.gov.au

Queensland To be advised.

All enquires to Mick Travers

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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From the Editor’s desk

Since our last issue there have been joyous and sad occasions.

What a fabulous event our biannual reunion in Darwin was. There was an excellent turnout of (around) 120 people attending the reunion and many an embellished tale was told during our various gatherings. Right from the very first event, the camaraderie was evident. A special mention must go to the spouses and partners of departed members who attended. Obviously, they enjoyed previous reunions and wanted to continue attending, many to catch up with long term friends made over the years. A huge thankyou goes to Allan Mitchell and his organising team who put on a jam-packed, interesting and enjoyable program. I have included a variety of photos from the Darwin Reunion in this issue. The photos included are only a small cross-section available and we are working on the UNOPAA website to enable many more photos to be made available. Those who attended would have received an email from Allan Mitchell with a link to the photos taken at the Formal/ Final Dinner. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the dinner, but it seems a great night was had by all. Many thanks also to the Northern Territory Administrator, NT Government, the Mayor of Darwin and the NT Cypriot Community for hosting the various events – you made it something special. Darwin Team – you have certainly set the bar high for future Reunions and Conferences.

Our next Reunion and Conference will be held in Western Australia in 2026. I have been told not to expect Perth to be the location. We wait with interest and anticipation for the exact location.

A COUPLE OF SAD FAREWELLS:

Two weeks before the Darwin Reunion, our much loved and revered National Secretary and Treasurer, Peter McDonald suddenly (and unexpectantly) passed away. Peter was our ‘rock’. He loved the UNOPAA and was proud of his Victorian Police and Peacekeeping service. I can’t say enough about Peter so I will leave it there – Peter will be sorely missed by many.

Sadly a week after the Reunion, one of the ACT UNOPAA founding members passed away. Gary Brodie, alias ‘Father’, was the initial Secretary (and subsequently President) of the ACT Branch of the (then) UNPAA.

Separate “VALE” articles for Peter and Gary are in this issue.

This issue has significant content on East Timor. 2024 is the 25th Anniversary of Peacekeeping in the East Timor. As such, there are a number of activities, hosted by various organisations and Government Departments. The main event will be hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs which will be hosted adjacent

to the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial, Anzac Parade, Canberra. This event will be very similar to the event that was held (at the same location) for the 75th anniversary of Australian Peacekeeping. There is an article in this issue covering events being held.

The AFP have appointed Superintendent Jason Byrnes to research and write the history of Australian Police in Peacekeeping. Jason’s efforts will be published in two volumes. The first (launched on 14th September) will be a pictorial history of Australian Police Peacekeeping. The second volume will be the written history which will be released in 2025. The UNOPAA have ordered a number of copies of the pictorial history volume and offer it to our members at the discounted price of $40.00 (incl postage). Otherwise the book will be able to be purchased from the AWM for $49.95. They are hard copy and would make a fantastic coffee table book. If you wish to purchase a copy, please email either myself or our President (Mick Travers) to have it reserved. We will notify you when we have the books and will post them out as soon as we receive them in September.

All the Best

Rod Walker

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My Return To Timor Leste

By Karen Drinan

As a member of the 5th Australian Contingent with UNTAET I landed in Dili in early November 2000 in the back of a UN Hercules with a bucket and curtain for a toilet, ear plugs for the engine noise and butterflies in my belly.

The heat, humidity and smell that greeted us as we stepped of the plane was something I’ll never forget.

Although I knew there had been widespread damage and violence in the 12 months prior, I was silent in disbelief as we drove from the Airport to our donga-style accommodation in Dili. The damage was extensive. There was hardly a building untouched along the main roads.

After two weeks training and climatising in Dili we were split up and sent to our various districts for postings. Chris ZIINO (Zorba) and I were sent to Viqueque District (South East

coast) approx. 6hr drive from Dili on a good day. We arrived very late at night and were put up at the ‘Australian Embassy’ in Viqueque by Brian (Tas Pol) and Michelle (Vic Pol) who had a arrived a few weeks earlier with the first half of our contingent. I remember that first night in Viqueque like it was yesterday –the overwhelming humidity and heat – the air felt heavy and it was difficult to breathe.

The next morning we met our African District Commander to ascertain where we were being posted. When he saw me and realised I was female he exclaimed “I was going to send you both to Uato Lari but it’s a rough posting

– no electricity and limited water and support”. My response “I’m fine to go. I’m paid the same as the guys”. Zorba and I packed our gear in the back of a vehicle and headed off to Uato Lari –about an hour and a half from Viqueque. When we arrived we realised no accommodation had been organised, so Zorba spoke to the village Chief who insisted we stay with him and his family until we could make alternate arrangements. I ended up moving in with the Yanks a while later whilst Zorba stayed with the Chief for the duration of our mission.

The six months I spent in Timor Leste was the best and worst

times of my life. I lived and worked in Uato Lari, and later Viqueque, Making life-long friends. I helped deliver a baby, helped earn the trust of the Timorese, and trained Timorese Police who would eventually take our place. We lived, ate, worked, and socialised with locals and our small CIVPOL team. We were basically left to fend for, and defend, ourselves, only seeing ThaiBatt twice a day as they drove through on patrol. I investigated all types of offences from thefts, sexual assault, arson, assault, attempted murder, and murder. We rescued people from vehicles stuck at our river crossing. We facilitated meetings between returnees from West Timor and our local village. A US colleague and I rescued 2 Filipino colleagues near Baucau from an angry rock-throwing mob. I searched crocodile-infested swamps looking for a missing local man feared taken by a crocodile.

CIVPOL were the first responders for all emergencies—providing first aid in the absence of any medical and ambulance assistance in the villages. I even met Xanana Gusmao when he came to Viqueque to help settle a dispute that had resulted in a riot destroying around 50 buildings and 2 violent murders. I witnessed horrific things, had my life (and that of my team) threatened on several occasions, and I came home traumatised and changed forever. Upon returning to Australia, the AFP shrink told me I had PTSD, “That’s normal, you’ll get over it.” So I just buried all the trauma and carried on, until I couldn’t.

Around 2015 I became too unwell to work and ended up in the hospital due to my mental health injuries. I’ve been unable to work full-time since. It felt like I have lived on a roller coaster—up and

down and a never-ending circle with no end. Hospitalisations, outpatient programs, TMS, EMDR, counseling, exercise physiology… I’ve done it all. Part of me knew that I had to go back to Timor Leste to face the demons, though I had no idea how I would achieve that. I knew I couldn’t go by myself as I didn’t know how I would react when I finally got there.

A few years ago, before COVID, I learned of the Timor Awakening (TA) program. I knew it was aimed at ADF Veterans, so I wasn’t sure if I would be accepted to go. I also knew at that time that I wasn’t quite ready to go back. Once the TA programs started going back to Timor Leste (post-COVID), I felt ready, so I decided to apply. I was so excited when my husband Chris and I were accepted to join TA27 in April 2024, which would include ANZAC Day in Dili.

Timor Awakening (TA) is a programme of renewal and rehabilitation for Australian, New Zealand and Timorese Veterans (Defence and Police) with holistic health education, personal & group engagement, pastoral care, mentoring & historical commemoration, centred around an 11-day immersion experience in Timor-Leste. The program provides a disruption from a participants routine to take pause, learn about themselves and seize responsibility for a positive direction moving forward in life. The TA program is fully funded through donations and is open to all veterans, not just those who served in Timor Leste.

DAY 1

DARWIN TO DILI

The day started with a group of strangers sitting in a conference room at the Novotel, Darwin Airport. My hubby Chris and I were anxious and nervous – perhaps for different reasons. Chris was nervous as he had no idea what to expect in Timor Leste and was expecting the rest of the group to be gung-ho Army guys that he would have nothing in common with. For me I was anxious as I was about to face some of my biggest triggers which I had been avoiding for too long .. as well as worrying if the group would accept me as a fellow Veteran given I was AFP, not ADF. We were told more about the program, introduced to all the mentors and started chatting with some other participants before heading to Darwin Airport to fly out to Dili. Whilst sitting

the morning briefing and were looking forward to the adventure. The flight over was also much more civilised with Qantas than in the back of a UN Hercules.

As I sighted Timor Leste through the window my anxiety and anticipation grew inside me and as we came in to land I broke down into tears. I can’t really explain why except that “I’m finally here”, probably a mixture of fear, anxiety and excitement. We were ushered into the VIP Lounge where we waited for our Passports to be processed; were presented with Tais and greeted with traditional dancers.

There was a short drive through familiar, yet very changed, streets before arriving at the Dili Plaza Hotel. I found it hard to believe that such a modern and western style complex existed in Dili.

We gathered for our end of day circle and were asked to share a word or thought of how everyone was feeling. Mine was grateful – grateful for the opportunity, grateful Chris could join me, grateful to be alive.

DAY 2

DILI TO BALIBO

We started with a 630am walk to the beach to witness the beautiful sunrise. After breakfast we packed up our convoy of 10 vehicles and headed towards Balibo. I’d never been west of Dili so this was all new to me. On the way we passed through Liquicia where around 200 pro-independence Timorese were killed in April 1999 in an attempt to prevent or delay the UN vote to be held later that year. We then headed up the mountains towards Balibo, arriving around 3pm in the afternoon. We were greeted at Balibo Fort by traditional dancers and presented

with Tais before having some free time to explore the village. It was cockfighting day and although I didn’t witness a fight I did see a loser being carried home by its owner on his motorcycle –I guess his family had chicken for dinner. Chris and I also explored the ‘Australian Embassy’ where the Balibo 5 were staying before they were murdered in October 1975 whilst reporting on the Indonesian invasion. Its now a museum in tribute to them and Timorese who lost their lives during that period.

After dinner we watched ‘Balibo’ (2009 movie about the murders of the Balibo 5 in Balibo in October 1975 and the 6th Aussie journalist Roger East in Dili in Dec 1975). Although I’d seen the movie before, I could only make it part-way through the movie as it was triggering to watch in this place when so many feelings had been stirred up.

DAY 3

BALIBO – MALIANA – BALIBO

The day started with a 630am walk with a local tour guide company, Balibo Trails. I had a great chat with Manino who shared his and his family story and what they went through during the resistance period and especially during 1999. His capacity for forgiveness towards those who committed atrocities against his family was humbling.

After breakfast we had a day trip out to Maliana and had a lovely lunch with Kiera Zen at his amazing place, before heading to Cailaco, a village of the Maliana District. We met with some Timor Veterans, learned about the April 1999 massacre of Pro-Independence supporters and also met some gorgeous children at the local school. It was oppressively hot until it started to rain. We headed back to Balibo for dinner, a swim and evening circle.

The day was a roller coaster of emotions – tears, laughter and more tears though I felt surrounded by love and a great bunch of people on this journey.

DAY 4

BALIBO TO DILI

I woke up after a sleep in at Balibo Fort and enjoyed the spectacular views before we packed up and the convoy headed back towards Dili and our visit at the AHHA School. What an amazing place – 400 boarders and 600 part-timers aged up to 30 years – all learning English and other important skills. It is run by nuns and takes in children who can’t learn in traditional classrooms, as well as teaching English to secondary students and young adults. We were guests of honour at a school assembly where we all told the children a little about ourselves. The children performed some songs for us and

we then had a Tetum lesson and participated in the “I love you” exercise. Afterwards we visited the children in their English lessons. In the classroom I visited I was speaking with a young lady and a young man and explained that I was CIVPOL with UNTAET posted in the Viqueque District in 2000. The young lady smiled and said she was from Ossu, Viqueque District. I explained to her that I would sometimes visit Ossu on Sunday afternoons as it was the only place we could find a mobile phone signal to call home. She was only 2 at the time so didn’t remember but was super happy to talk about home. The young man asked where I was stationed in Viqueque and when I said Uato Lari and Viqueque his face lit up and he told me that was his fathers village. I showed him some pictures of my deployment including the river at Uato Lari, Uato Lari Police Station and Viqueque Police Station. He almost cried with happiness

at seeing familiar places. He told me he hopes to study Medicine in Australia and return to Timor to help his people. The traffic in Dili is bad. There were a few familiar buildings and places though there is so much development it is sometimes hard to believe it is the same place.

DAY 5

DILI TO SAME

4am wake up in time for ANZAC Day. The service was held where the Aussie Army had set up their field hospital in 1999 onwards (as Cristo Rey is being developed in time for the Popes visit later this year). The area and buildings are now being utilised by various Veteran Associations and are hoping to turn the original round building into a museum. When we arrived we were ushered inside for a gunfire breakfast and we mingled with Timorese and ADF Hierarchy, AFP, Ambassadors and politicians.

The ANZAC service itself was meaningful to all in attendance with attention paid to both Defence and Police Services of Australians, New Zealanders and Timorese. It was the first service I have attended as a Veteran where I was surrounded by mates and where my service was recognised. After an emotional morning we packed up and headed south towards Same. Some of the roads were terrible – having been washed away by floods or last wet season. We stopped in the mountains at Hatmatek for a dip in the waterfall, see some traditional houses and have a simple local-style lunch. The short walk to the waterfall was actually quite difficult though we were rewarded with a lovely swim. My new friends all enjoyed a few Bintangs whilst we relaxed, splashing around with some local children and just chatting and laughing.

Once back on the road our convoy was brought to an abrupt stop due to a landslide which had cut the road. Luckily machinery had arrived and we were only delayed about 20min before continuing to Same. Dinner was the best meal we’d had so far and we were entertained by Dr Marcus’ son who was about 4yrs old and recited the Lords Prayer in perfect English. Such a cutie.

DAY 6

SAME – ZUMALAI - SUAI

The day started with an early morning walk around Same before we headed off to visit the VETS Friendship School at Daiula, Suai District. This school was built by TA and locals with the help of generous donations. Since the initial building was completed in 2019 they have continued to add to the complex. Its similar to a Technical College – teaching practical subjects that can lead to employment and also English. We met with a few students

and joined with the children dancing and also tried to teach them the Nutbush.

We then headed to Zumalai – crazy roads, beautiful scenery, beautiful people. I love getting out of the big ‘cities’ and into the outlaying districts and villages. In Zamalai we met Mick and Bella and heard their stories. Mick is an Aussie Veteran who was in a very dark place before discovering TA and completing a couple of programs. He is now happy and content and living his best life in Timor with his gorgeous Timorese wife Bella. Bella herself is the daughter of a Timorese Veteran and her family were targeted by pro-integration supporters. Bella was a young girl when INFERFET and UNTAET were in Timor Leste and she was one of the children calling out “Aqua Mr” explaining it was simply a way to communicate with us. After a lovely lunch made by Bella we headed to Suai where we would stay 2 nights.

DAY 7

SUAI

We were joined by the New Zealand Ambassador and we headed up to where the Kiwi base was at Tilomar. We stopped on the way up to pay respects to a Kiwi who was killed in a vehicle accident. FNTL (Falantil) now have a base where the Kiwi base was in Tilomar. The Kiwis talked about Len Manning who was killed in action further up the hill and then continued on after our base visit to visit his memorial which is located where he was killed. (The road to get there was really bad so we couldn’t all go as it would be too badly damaged by 14 vehicles going up and down).

The rest of us came back to Suai and did some exploring, including the Suai church where approx 200 Timorese were murdered by militia and

Indonesians 2 days after the results of the vote for independence was announced in Sept 1999. A very solemn place.

We then went to find ‘Boy’. Boy is a huge croc that hangs around a bridge here and sometimes chases the local kids. We fed him some frozen chickens and we got some pics. We headed to the beach for our end of day catch up. I had a great time chatting with some local kids and their parents. I was speaking with a Timorese man who works as a season worker in Oz picking melons. He is raising and supporting his own family as well as another child they have taken in who has no family. He was happy to see Aussie and Kiwi veterans visiting and also supporting his village. There were some lovely insta spots on this beach, lovely little bars and restaurants … just waiting for the tourists to come. A terrific day.

DAY 8

SUAI - AIMERA – HATO BUILICO

Little bit of a sleep in after a restless night. My mind was racing with ideas, memories, new experiences. We were joined for breakfast by some local Police and I had a great chat with the senior officer, Paulo, spoke English. He told me Suai is now very peaceful and calm. On our way to Hatobuilico was stopped at Aimera for lunch. Our group then split up with 3 cars chasing waterfalls and the other 7 heading straight to Hatobuilico.

Once in Hatobuilico we found our rooms and walked into the village. It’s so different to what we’ve seen this trip. We are at the same elevation as Mt Kosciusko here in the village (1971m). It’s cool/cold, quiet, peaceful - just beautiful. We bought a few supplies at the local shop before wandering back to our accommodation to prepare for our 3am start in the morning

as we are aiming to climb Mt Ramelau - Timor Leste highest mountain (2986m). It’s a place of deep religious and cultural significance. It is believed that the souls of all who die go to the top of the mountain before going on to heaven. It’s a challenging climb (2 climbers got lost and died last year) though we have a good team and the right gear so hoping we all make it to the top. I wore thermals to bed … never thought I’d need them in Timor Leste.

DAY 9

HATA BULICO TO DILI

3am alarm to be at base of Mt Ramalau by 4am. I got to top just after 6am and my hubby Chris was around 10-15min behind me. Our whole group made it to the top by 7am - about 22000 steps according to our devices. We spent some time at the top before heading back down. On the way down Chris and I were following one of our mentors from a distance and ended up on wrong track. Some of our group found us (who had radio

and garman). We continued down the extreme track until finding the main track. It turned out to be a bit of a short cut. We got to the bottom around 8am.

Quick breakie, change of clothes, pack up and headed towards Dili on a road which was pretty much 4x4 most of the way. Our vehicle had a few mechanical issues so we needed to leave it behind to be recovered whilst we jumped in alternate cars and continued on our journey. A quick hot shower (first one since leaving Dili on ANZAC Day) and then dinner and drinks at the residence of the boss of the Australian Army in Timor. Big day but a good one.

DAY 10

DILI

We caught up with our mentors this morning in a 1 on 1 as we drew to the end of this adventure, before heading to Pro-Emaan amazing organisation taking in young women mostly who are escaping family violence or are from broken or incomplete

families. They are trained in cooking, hospitality, hairdressing and beauty or business admin. Some stay in Timor and start their own businesses or jobs, whilst some others gain work overseas. We had a tour and then an amazing lunch there. There is great accommodation at a reasonable price if anyone coming over to Dili.

After we fell in love with ProEma we explored the new Miltary Museum. We were presented with Tais and given a tour of the lovely facility. A must-see for anyone visiting Dili. We then headed to Cristo Rae where some climbed the hill for a closer look of the Jesus statue whilst Chris and I stayed at the beach in the shade just enjoying the view.

We then headed back towards Dili to another beautiful spot on the beach where we had our last evening circle. I knew I was going to miss this great group of humans, and Timor Leste. We flew back to Oz the following afternoon.

Tired. Happy. Peaceful. Inspired. Thankyou to everyone at Timor Awakening and all the participants who I now consider my TA family. Chris and I have already booked to go back in November to do some more exploring, hopefully locate some of the local staff I worked with on my first trip and help out some of the NGOs we met.

WHAT WAS MY TIMOR AWAKENING?

When climbing Mt Ramelau I had my Timor Awakening. I realised the climb was like my mental health battle. It was so very dark with no light at the end of the tunnel, there were times I wanted to stop and rest, times I stumbled or took a backward step, and times I wanted to give up. By successfully making it to the top I realised I don’t want to give up and that I’m stronger

than I think. I also realised that the way I’ve been struggling doesn’t need to be the way I continue. I want to keep moving forward, find new challenges and new passions because I’m worth it and I still have so much to contribute. When I witnessed the sun come out, standing up there on the top of the mountain, I knew then that no matter how dark it seems the sun will always come out to light my way.

HOW CAN YOU APPLY FOR A TA PROGRAM OR MAKE A DONATION?

Visit the Timor Awakening website – www.timorawakening. com for upcoming programs and details on how to donate to this awesome cause to help fund these programs and/or the great NGOs they support: Pro-Ema; VET School and SABEH.

(03) 9357 9888

Australian police in Timor Leste – An Overview

This year marks the 25th anniversary of East Timor’s ‘popular consultation’ –more commonly referred to as an independence referendum.

By Jason Byrnes

The United Nations (UN) administered the ballot in the most trying of circumstances, amidst violence and intimidation by pro-Indonesia militias and other groups with an agenda to keep East Timor part of Indonesia.

Fifty-two Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers joined the United Nations Police (UNPOL) element of the United Nations Assistance Mission in East Timor (UNAMET). This contingent’s dedication to duty and their actions would later see them being awarded the Group Citation for Bravery by the Government of Australia.

The UN continued peacekeeping operations in East Timor (today called Timor-Leste) until 2012. The strength of Australian police contingents to UNPOL varied from

four to 100 members, depending on the point in time. Separate to its contributions to UNPOL, in 2004 the AFP established the Timor-Leste Police Development Program (TLPDP) – a bilateral training and capacity development mission which continues to operate today. For several years the AFP also deployed a police officer to the Australian Embassy, in a dedicated liaison role.

At the recent UNOPAA conference in Darwin I was struck by the number of Timor veterans who said that because of the circumstances of their deployment, they had a limited understanding of the overall story of Australian police operations in the country. Working in small, multinational and geographically

dispersed teams, peacekeepers found it difficult to gain context to the wider developments in a country full of intrigue, crisis and drama

The full story of Australian police involvement in Timor-Leste is too complex for any single magazine article. The AFP-sanctioned history of police peacekeeping which I am currently researching, scheduled for publication in 2025, will provide a more in-depth overview. The following is a general timeline synopsis – a glimpse of an amazing story of dedication, courage, professionalism and sacrifice, in one of the world’s youngest countries. The information is drawn from a variety of UN, police and media sources.

1st contingent group photo - The first Australian police contingent to UNAMET. The photograph was taken during the pre-deployment training program

17TH CENTURY

Dutch and Portuguese traders and missionaries establish a presence on the island of Timor.

1914

After centuries of disputes and rivalries, the Netherlands and Portugal formally agree on the exact borders between East and West Timor.

1945

The Dutch East Indies (including West Timor) gains independence and becomes the Republic of Indonesia.

1974

The ‘Carnation Revolution’ in Portugal results in plans for Portuguese withdrawal from several of its colonies, including East Timor.

28 NOVEMBER 1975

Dominant East Timorese political party Fretilin declares East Timor’s independence. No country recognises the declaration. Other local political parties call for integration with Indonesia.

7 DECEMBER 1975

Citing ‘anticolonial intent’, Indonesia invades East Timor.

12 DECEMBER 1975

The UN General Assembly formally adopts a resolution deploring the invasion. The UN Security Council (UNSC) passed a similar resolution on 22 December 1975.

17 JULY 1976

Indonesia officially annexes East Timor and declares it to be the country’s 27th province.

1976 – 1999

Indonesian occupation is resisted through an armed insurgency. Over 100,000 deaths occur as a direct and indirect result of the conflict. Activism and diplomacy slowly cultivates international support for independence.

MAY 1998

Long-serving Indonesian President Suharto resigns in controversy. He is succeeded by BJ Habibie.

DECEMBER 1998

In a letter to President Habibie, Australian Prime Minister John Howard suggests Indonesia considers granting East Timor political autonomy, including a mechanism to later review the issue of self-determination.

in Canberra. Also in the photo is then Assistant Commissioner responsible for AFP international operations, Mick Keelty.

27 JANUARY 1999

Surprising many, and without consulting his military, President Habibie announces a ‘popular consultation’ would be conducted within months. East Timorese people will vote for either ‘special autonomy’ within Indonesia, or for independence. In-principle agreement between the UN, Indonesia and Portugal on proposed ballot arrangements, is reached in March.

27 APRIL 1999

Habibie and Howard meet in Bali, in the wake of escalating deadly violence within East Timor. Howard offers to partly fund the costs of the ballot, and to provide Australian civilian police and election personnel to help ensure the ballot is free and fair.

5 MAY 1999

Indonesia and Portugal formally agree to the UN conducting the ballot. Indonesia insists security will be provided by its police and military – all UN personnel, including UNPOL and UN military liaison officers, are to be unarmed.

MAY 1999

Expressions of interest are urgently called for within the AFP, for police wishing to deploy as part of the UN mission.

25 MAY 1999

Pre-deployment training begins in Canberra for 60 AFP personnel (including reserves). During training, an expression of interest is called within the AFP for volunteers for a second contingent.

MAY/JUNE 1999

Recently retired AFP Assistant Commissioner Alan Mills is employed by the UN as UNPOL Commissioner. The appointment is officially announced on 16 June 1999, after Mills arrives in Dili.

11 JUNE 1999

The UNSC authorises the establishment of UNAMET, which comes to include over 270 UNPOL from 26 countries. UNPOL’s mandate is to advise Indonesian police in the discharge of their duties, and to supervise the escort of ballot papers and boxes to and from polling sites.

12 JUNE 1999

Alan Mills, Steven Polden (AFP) and Ray Johnson (AFP) are the first UNPOL to arrive in Timor.

JUNE – AUGUST 1999

UNPOL personnel arrive in waves through Darwin, with each contingent deploying across East Timor to join multinational teams consisting of UN election officials and associated staff. These teams are responsible for registering voters and preparing for the upcoming ballot. In many locations, tensions run high due to a deteriorating security situation, particularly in the western regions of the country. Pro-Indonesian militia frequently commit acts of intimidation and violence, including arson, murder, and assaults, contributing to an environment of fear and instability. Despite the persistent efforts and representations made by UNPOL, the Indonesian security forces often prove unable to prevent or quickly respond to these incidents, leaving many areas vulnerable to continued unrest and aggression.

JULY/AUGUST 1999

Noting UN intentions to maintain a long-term presence in East Timor post-ballot (irrespective of the outcome), and the likely desire by the Australian government for a substantial commitment of Australian police to UNPOL, AFP planning engage State/Territory police agencies to supply personnel in 2000 and beyond.

30 AUGUST 1999

The popular consultation ballot occurs.

In the subsequent days UNPOL and other UN personnel are shot at or harassed, especially as they carry ballot boxes to UN aircraft. Eight Timorese employed by the UN are murdered in the post-election violence, others are briefly taken hostage but are released due to the actions of Australian UNPOL.

4 SEPTEMBER 1999

The UN announces that 78.5% of voters, voted for independence. Deadly violence immediately ramps up across the nation. Thousands flee into the bush to escape torture and death; entire villages and towns are razed to the ground. Unarmed and unprotected, UN personnel withdraw to either Bacau or Dili, before being flown to Darwin on Australian military flights. One UNPOL (American) member is shot, scores of others (especially Australians) are shot at.

14 SEPTEMBER 1999

Under threat of attack, the last UNPOL officers and the bulk of UNAMET personnel, including many East Timorese employees, are flown to Darwin.

15 SEPTEMBER 1999

The UNSC passes a resolution calling for a multinational force to restore peace and security in East Timor, and to protect and support UN operations.

20 SEPTEMBER 1999

The Australian-led International Force in Timor (INTERFET) deploys, encountering numerous clashes with militias and Indonesian forces at the West Timor border. Order is gradually restored, but widespread devastation remains, with thousands missing, killed, or forced to move to West Timor. Two-thirds of the population are displaced, and almost every house and building in East Timor is destroyed or badly damaged.

22 SEPTEMBER 1999

UNPOL Superintendent Alan Castle (AFP) and Colonel Moro Lazo (Philippines) enter East Timor. Additional UNPOL follow in subsequent weeks. By January 2000 there are over 400 UNPOL in East Timor, from 29 countries. The second Australian UNPOL contingent consists of over 50 AFP personnel. The initial lack of infrastructure throughout East Timor, combined with the UN’s policy of UNPOL having to source their own accommodation and food, puts significant strain on the officers. The second and third Australian contingents deploy for 90 days each. Because infrastructure improves, the fourth and subsequent contingents deploy for 180 days.

25 OCTOBER 1999

The UNSC authorises the establishment of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), to be the interim de-facto government and provider of security in East Timor.

UNTAET’s UNPOL component – authorised to be over 1600 police – assumes responsibility for policing the territory until such time a local police service can be raised, trained and become operationally effective.

FEBRUARY 2000

The first phase of the third Australian UNPOL contingent deploys. Eventually, 83 Australian Federal, State and Territory police form the contingent. The total number of UNPOL in East Timor in July 2000 is 1270, from 39 countries.

JULY 2000

The first class of cadets in the newly created East Timor Police Service, graduate. In 2002 the service becomes the Polícia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL). Recruitment and training is conducted by UNPOL.

Kate Ferry (right) and Sandra Hoffschildt from the first contingent, talking to international media, upon arrival at Dili Airport in June 1999.

Brendan Withers with Indonesian police, after he and his colleagues had been attacked in their compound by militia in the village of Maliana, 100kms southwest of Dili on 29 June 1999. During the attack Withers ran through the angry mob to notify the Indonesian police and get them to intervene.

UNPOL and election officials hurriedly loading ballot boxes onto a helicopter, while been shot at by militia, near the village of Gleno, on 31 August 1999.

2000

Because of the increasing levels of violence and limited resources, UNTAET approves the issuing of weapons to UNPOL. The carriage of accoutrements/appointments becomes standard for UNPOL for the remaining period of UN operations in Timor-Leste.

2000

As people return to towns and cities, crime rates rise due to unemployment, poverty, militia incursions from West Timor, and political power struggles. Domestic violence worsens, fueled by a culture of reparations and retaliation. UNPOL assists with daily policing and war crime investigations, but resources are tight, and the nascent PNTL struggles to operate effectively.

NOVEMBER 2000

The first phase of the 5th Australian police contingent deploys. The Australian Government had earlier approved an increase in contingent sizes from 80 to 100 police, for the 5th and 6th contingents. The 5th contingent consists of 73 AFP, 3 QPS, 5 NSWPF, 2 NTPOL, 5 SAPOL, 3 TASPOL, 5 VICPOL and 4 WAPOL.

2001

Security challenges escalate in the border districts with West Timor as militia groups conduct numerous raids from safe havens. UNTAET military forces and militias frequently clash, resulting in fatalities on both sides. Amidst their other duties, UNPOL (including Australians) investigate the deaths of UNTAET soldiers. UNPOL also assist in the repatriation of thousands of displaced Timorese who had been forced by the militias to relocate to West Timor during the violence of 1999. UNPOL continues to train PNTL recruits, several of whom had previously been Indonesian police officers. At the end of 2001 UNPOL consists of 1402 officers from 38 countries.

20 MAY 2002

East Timor formally gains independence and becomes the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. The country’s government and parliament had been determined in nation-wide elections the previous August. The strength of the PNTL at independence is 1793 officers.

UNTAET formally ends and is succeeded by the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) – to support the development of the capacity and policies of Timor-Leste’s government.

The size of UNPOL begins to reduce as the PNTL takes on responsibility for routine policing in the rural districts of Manatuto, Aileu, Manufahi and Ainaro. At the end of June 2002 there are 56 Australian police attached to UNPOL, which has an overall strength of 741 by November 2002. This is about half the previous year’s strength.

SEPTEMBER 2002

AFP Assistant Commissioner Denis McDermott commences a 10-month posting as UNPOL Deputy Commissioner.

DECEMBER 2002

Worsening public order, generated in large part by political machinations, unemployment and gang violence, results in several violent and deadly events. The worst occurs in Dili on 4 December 2002. Several people are killed and the actions of the PNTL and UNPOL are criticised.

The UNSC agrees to slow plans for UNMISET downsizing. For policing this includes deploying a formed police unit to Timor-Leste, increasing PNTL training and institutional development initiatives, and revising planned reductions in UNPOL numbers. UNPOL and PNTL officers facing rioters, during the Dili riots of 2002.

2003

Despite it being classified as having limited capacity and resources in a number of key areas, the 2500-strong PNTL continues to assume responsibility for routine policing in more districts. The UN and Timor-Leste are committed to a full transition in 2004.

Enhancing PNTL discipline and ethical standards becomes an area of increased developmental focus for UNMISET, as complaints rise.

23 JUNE 2003

AFP Assistant Commission Sandy Peisley begins a 12-month posting as UNPOL Commissioner. Peisley is the first female officer to be commissioner in any UN peacekeeping operation. She has leadership responsibility for over 620 UNPOL (reducing to 325 in early 2004) and executive leadership responsibility for all PNTL personnel.

19 MAY 2004

Responsibility for policing and external security is formally transferred from the UN to Timor-Leste. UNPOL officers become technical advisors. The numbers of UNPOL advisors are reduced to 157, including 16 Australians per contingent.

JULY 2004

Separate to UN operations, the AFP Development Program (TLPDP) – a bilateral capacity building initiative, at times supported and co-funded by other nations. TLPDP officers do not have an operational role and are unarmed.

16 NOVEMBER 2004

UNMISET’s initial end date of November 2004 is extended by the UNSC to 20 May 2005. This is in recognition that “Timor-Leste has not reached the critical threshold of self-sufficiency, mainly in key areas such as public administration, law enforcement and security.”

20 MAY 2005

The United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL) replaces UNMISET for 12 months, recognizing that further assistance is needed to establish a viable state. The UNSC calls for a “smooth and rapid transition” to “a sustainable development assistance framework.”

The UNSC authorises up to 40 UNPOL training advisors. Australian police occupy four of these positions, in two contingents (eight personnel in total).

MID-2005

Five PNTL officers are selected to serve for 12 months with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, in managerial and operational areas. UNOTIL’s hope is for the officers to “gain valuable experience, skills and knowledge” to share with colleagues upon their return. This is the first time PNTL officers are deployed overseas to UN peacekeeping operations.

APRIL/MAY 2006

A near total breakdown in order and security occurs throughout TimorLeste. At its core, the problems are driven by unresolved intracommunal grievances extending back to Portuguese times.

Several PNTL officers are murdered by disaffected members of the Timorese military. The worst incident occurs in Dili on 25 May 2006, when nine unarmed PNTL officers are shot dead and 27 are seriously injured while being escorted by UNPOL under a flag of truce. In total, 38 people are killed (23 civilians, 12 PNTL, and three soldiers) and 69 are injured (37 civilians, 23 PNTL, seven soldiers, and two UNPOL). Over 150,000 people are displaced across the country.

As an organisation, the PNTL disintegrates. Most police abandon their duties in fear, some join antigovernment groups on the basis of familial and clan loyalties.

UNPOL officers from Australia and the USA, and Australian military, conducting a random traffic stop in Bobonaro District, near the border with West Timor. The stop was part of counter-smuggling operations.

UNPOL and PNTL officers facing rioters, during the Dili riots of 2002.

Timor’s President Xanana Gusmao reviews UNPOL personnel at the 19 May 2004 Dili ceremony where responsibility for policing and security was formally handed over from the UN to TimorLeste. UNPOL Commissioner Sandi Peisley is accompanying the President.

28 MAY 2006

In response to direct appeals for assistance by TimorLeste’s government, Australia deploys military forces and the first of more than 200 Australian Federal, State and Territory police, to assist in re-establishing security.

The members of AFP Operation Serene are subsequently joined by police from New Zealand, Malaysia and Portugal, to form the International Police in TimorLeste (IPTL). These personnel assume frontline policing duties in cooperation with international military forces. The face regular public disorder events in which they are targeted by offenders throwing rocks and shooting potentially lethal darts.

JUNE 2006

TLPDP is suspended due to the security situation. Nonessential staff are repatriated while AFP members join Operation Serene.

25 AUGUST 2006

The UNSC passes a resolution establishing the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), to support TimorLeste’s government and relevant institutions. UNMIT is authorised to have more than 1600 UNPOL, who will perform frontline policing roles until the PNTL can be “reconstituted”.

13 SEPTEMBER 2006

At a ceremony in Dili, 50 Australian police and additional staff are formally appointed to UNMIT. The personnel, including unsworn administrative personnel, were drawn from the Operation Serene/IPTL. Future Australian police contingent sizes remain at 50 until UNMIT concludes in 2012.

1 DECEMBER 2006

The AFP component of TLPDP resumes operations.

2007

In a critical year for TimorLeste – which includes national elections – the security situation stabilises but the country remains fragile. There are numerous public disorder events and acts of violence driven by politics, social dislocation and tension, food shortages and attempts to apprehend figures associated with the 2006 crisis.

By August 2007 UNPOL consists of 1641 officers. Meanwhile the process to register, screen and certify PNTL officers as being competent, ramps up. Numerous officers either fail to register or are removed when screening checks reveal they are unsuitable for employment. UNPOL lacks the resources to concurrently perform operational policing and quickly provide comprehensive remedial training to the PNTL. PNTL criticism of UNPOL capacity building capabilities, especially in districts outside of Dili, increases markedly. The UN reviews is practices.

11 FEBRUARY 2008

Armed offenders, led by a rebel leader of the 2006 crisis, attack the President and Prime Minister of Timor-Leste. The President is seriously wounded. A state of siege is declared across the country as a search commences for offenders. The leader of the attack is killed by Timorese authorities.

Under AFP Operation Comity, 70 AFP personnel deploy to Dili within 36 hours of the attacks. Five of the AFP personnel are forensics officers; 65 are tactical operators. They assist UNMIT and the PNTL. Significantly, the PNTL maintains operational effectiveness during this crisis. The majority of the Operation Comity personnel return to Australia in March 2008.

14 MAY 2009

The PNTL resumes primary policing in Lautém District, followed by Oecussi on 30 June, Manatuto on 25 July, and the Police Training Centre on 11 September. In these areas, UNPOL remains to advise, monitor, and track PNTL progress, and can resume operational policing in extreme situations if needed.

An assessment formula is used to determine when PNTL districts and units can be deemed capable of resuming lead policing responsibilities. More districts and units take the lead in the following months.

27 MARCH 2011

At a ceremony to mark the 11th anniversary of the PNTL, it formally resumes responsibility for policing in Dili District. This is the last district to transfer from UNPOL to PNTL; with the latter now responsible for the conduct, command and control of all police operations in Timor-Leste.

This marks the end of the PNTL ‘consolidation phase’ and beginning of the ‘reconstitution phase’. UNPOL focuses its efforts on training, capacity building and assessing PNTL development, and operational support when requested. Areas of capacity building focus are legislation, training, administration, discipline and operations.

The size of UNPOL reduces to 1195, including 485 personnel deployed to formed police units. By this time, Australian police members of UNMIT deploy for 12 months.

14 FEBRUARY 2012

AFP Sergeant Brett Kinloch, attached to UNMIT, collapses at his accommodation and dies from natural causes. Sadly, his is the fourth in-mission death of an Australian police officer, in a UN peacekeeping operation.

7 JULY 2012

Timor-Leste parliamentary elections are held. A week later, a violent riot in Dili results in the shooting death of a man by a PNTL officer, and the subsequent destruction of PNTL and UNPOL vehicles by rioters. The incident was not considered serious enough to change UN plans to conclude UNMIT in December.

31 OCTOBER 2012

UNPOL operational support to the PNTL ceases, as per UNMIT’s phased withdrawal plan.

30 NOVEMBER 2012

Most UNPOL capacity building activities cease, and UNPOL contingents begin to depart Timor-Leste.

15 DECEMBER 2012

The last AFP personnel attached to UNPOL, depart Timor-Leste.

31 DECEMBER 2012

UNMIT formally concludes. By this time the PNTL has over 3300 operational officers.

Australian police patrolling near Dili, as part of stabilisation efforts associated with 2006’s Operation Serene.

PNTL officers during public order training.

Australian UNPOL member Melita Zielonko shaking the hand of PNTL Commissioner Longuinhos Monteiro at a ceremony at Pante Macasar, in Timor-Leste’s Oecussi District. The handshake occurred immediately after documents were signed formally handing over responsibility for policing to the PNTL, on 30 June 2009.

ANZAC Day in Dili, in 2011. UNPOL personnel worked closely with military forces from Australia and other nations. Present in this photo are (left to right): Paul van Gemert, Jason Brown, Ben Edwards and Simon Warne. Paul is a member of Victoria Police but deployed to Timor-Leste as an Army reservist. He is currently the President of UNOPAA’s Victoria & Tasmania branch.

The final group of Australian UNPOL departing Timor-Leste, on 15 December 2012.

Australian police and military personnel, including a canine, patrolling the backstreets of Dili during the lawlessness of 2006.

25th Anniversary of Peacekeeping in Timor Leste

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

• Nationally broadcast commemorative service held on 20 September 2024 at 9.30am. Australian Peacekeepers Memorial, Anzac Parade, Canberra

• Educational Seminar - 17 September 2024

DVA has proposed to host an educational seminar to be held on 17 September 2024 at Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Adams Auditorium.

The proposed structure is set out to ensure representation from all operations spanning across 1999 to 2013, as well as a mix of highranking and ‘ordinary’ veterans to ensure stories and experiences shared are relatable to the broadest possible target audience.

The presenters and arrangements for the seminar are yet to be finalised. Further information and the link to register your intent to attend the seminar will be updated on the DVA webpage: dva.gov.au/timor-leste25 soon.

AUSTRALIAN PEACEKEEPER AND PEACEMAKER VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION:

• An annual commemorative service to mark National Peacekeepers Day to launch the commemorative program on 14 September 2024, to be held at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial, Anzac Parade, Canberra.

• A dinner is also planned to occur on 13 September at Ainslie Football Club.

AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION:

• UNAMET members conducting visit to Dili, Timor-Leste, from 25 August to 05 September.

• Members considering exploring the option of an additional activity in Darwin en route to Timor-Leste in support of the anniversary.

AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE

• A commemorative service and march on 14 September to be held at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial, Anzac Parade, Canberra followed by a luncheon.

• 60 Years of Australian police peacekeeping Book Launch

To register your interest for this event, please complete the following link: https://shorturl.at/en23y Further details will be provided closer to the event to those who have registered. If you have any issues completing the form, please contact former-members@afp.gov.au | (02) 5126 8320

RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA

• To mark the 25th anniversary of INTERFET the RSLWA Branch is planning a Commemorative Ceremony on 20 September 2024 held at State War Memorial, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens from 07:30 to 08:15.

• Followed by a Commemorative Cocktail Party in the evening at the Cottesloe Civic Centre from 17:30 to 21:30.

For more information, please contact the coordinating agency or association.

Commemorating Australian service in Timor-Leste

In 2024, the Australian Government will mark the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste with a televised National Commemorative Service (service).

Where: Australian Peacekeeping Memorial, Anzac Parade, Canberra

When: 9:30am, 20 September 2024

Attendees are encouraged to plan their journey and arrival times carefully. The site will open at 8:30am and you are requested to arrive prior to 9:30am.

You are encouraged to use public transport, where possible, to attend the service as car parking is extremely limited.

Seating is available for this service. Accessible seating and support are provided to those who have indicated a need for accessible assistance when registering their intent to attend the service.

You are encouraged to register your intent to attend this service at dva.gov.au/timor-leste25 .

You are encouraged to register your intent to attend this service at dva.gov.au/timor-leste25

In the Service of Peace: Australian police involvement in United Nations peacekeeping operations

“Experienced Australian police officers are an invaluable asset to any international peacekeeping endeavour. They are volunteers who bring with them a problem-solving mindset, derived from an action-oriented culture which values pragmatism and the art of the achievable.”

In the Service of Peace will be released mid-September 2024. It tells the amazing story of Australian police peacekeepers who volunteered to serve with the United Nations in Cambodia, Cyprus, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Thailand and Timor-Leste (East Timor).

The book contains stories of bravery, sacrifice, kindness, and devotion to duty. The stories are told using 60 photographs –symbolising the 60th anniversary of Australian police contributions to UN peacekeeping operations – accompanied by text and the recollections of police peacekeepers and other officials. It’s the first-ever commercial book to feature Australian police activities in all the above missions.

In the Service of Peace is written and presented in an engaging style. It will make an ideal gift for former peacekeepers, family members, or anyone interested in policing, police history and/or peacekeeping.

The retail price for the book will be $49.95 however UNOPAA members will be able to purchase copies with a special discount. Further details about the discount will be provided to members closer to the date.

The R U OK? Are They Triple OK? Podcast

Building connection and comradery

R U OK? has launched a new podcast series to encourage life changing conversations, early intervention and supportive behaviour amongst the peers, family and friends of those who work and volunteer in the police and emergency services.

The ‘Are They Triple OK? podcast’ features personal stories and practical tools to increase social support for emergency services personnel and build a mentally healthy workplace. It also includes tips on how to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and navigate a conversation if someone is not OK.

Episode one features James Maskey, a retired front-line Queensland Police O cer. In 2013, James was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“As ﬁrst responders historically, we talk about everything except for mental health and, importantly, suicidal thoughts,” said Mr Maskey. “Either because we didn't have the conﬁdence to have that conversation, or we were worried

about the impacts of having that chat. And when I say we, I'm talking about me. Certainly, that was my experience.”

Mr Maskey says frontline ﬁrst responders, in the ﬁre truck, in the ambulance, in the patrol car, have a unique opportunity to get to know their colleagues.

“You know what they like to eat, their co ee order and what their family and their children are up to,” he said. “You know the intimate details of their lives because you've got a long time in the car sitting side by side to share so many experiences.”

Mr Maskey is now the National Sector Specialist at Fortem Australia, and is passionate about enhancing the mental, physical and social wellbeing of the ﬁrst responder community.

“My advice to the emergency services community is to learn how to have an R U OK? Conversation and start having them,” he said. “If someone is struggling, reaching out for help can feel like a heavy thing to do, it can be a hard task and it can feel overwhelming.

“But when you take the time to ask someone how they’re travelling, you can take some of the weight o and some of the burden away. People are often relieved to have a conversation and feel that level of camaraderie.”

The ‘Are They Triple OK? podcast’ is hosted by Matt Newlands, R U OK? Community Ambassador and former police o ce and is one of a suite of free resources available from

R U OK? for those who work in the police and emergency services, their families and friends. The podcast and resources including a conversation guide and personal stories that demonstrate the life changing impact of an R U OK? conversation can be found at ruok.org.au. The ‘Are They Triple OK? podcast’ will also be available for download on a range of streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and Audible.

‘Are They Triple OK?’ was developed in response to the Beyond Blue nationwide ‘Answering the call’ survey which found more than half of all police and emergency services employees indicated they had experienced

a traumatic event that had deeply a ected them during the course of their work. Positively, personnel with higher levels of social support and resilience reported lower levels of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

“The results from ‘Answering the Call’ showed us that the support of peers, family and friends does make a di erence for those who work in frontline services. It’s OK to not be OK. It’s OK to lean on each other, and it’s OK to retire that unhelpful stereotype of being that six-foot bulletproof superhero,” said Maskey.

“I would urge leaders to explore vulnerability to share their own story if they have one, or to support others to share their own story as well. We know that this helps in demystifying mental health."

If you’re worried about someone and feel they need professional support, encourage them to contact their Employee Assistance Program (EAP), appropriate agency support service or connect with a trusted health professional, like their local doctor.

Pinnacle Charitable Foundation is a Funding Partner of R U OK? and is proud to fund the ‘Are they Triple OK?’ campaign.

Specialised wellbeing and mental ﬁtness support for ﬁrst responders and their families can be accessed through Fortem Australia at fortemaustralia.org.au.

For 24/7 for crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Text support is also available: 0477 13 11 14

Research continues for peacekeeping history project

Work continues on gathering information, data and the recollections of former peacekeepers, for several historical peacekeeping projects. AFP Superintendent Jason Byrnes is researching and writing three books on the topic.

The first – tentatively titled IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE: Australian police involvement in United Nations peacekeeping operations – will be released in September this year. It will be a ‘coffee table’ book containing 60 photographs from the various operations, accompanied by entertaining and informative stories, and recollections of numerous police and other officials. The book is currently being printed. More information about the book and where/how to purchase it, will be emailed to UNOPAA members in the near future.

Books two and three will be more detailed overviews of UN and non-UN operations, and the great stories of police helping others in need. These books will be text-heavy, although there will be several photographs. Volume 1 will cover the UN peacekeeping operations and is scheduled to be published in late 2025. Volume 2 will cover the non-UN operations (ie: the Solomons (IPMT and RAMSI), Haiti, Bougainville (1997 – 2001) and Afghanistan) and is scheduled for publication in 2026.

An open invitation exists to any former peacekeeper to be interviewed, to discuss their experiences and recollections of their service. The interviews can be either on the record or off, recorded or unrecorded. They provide the opportunity for Jason to gather a fuller understanding of what has been a remarkable aspect to Australian police history. If you are interested, please contact Jason at jason.byrnes@afp.gov.au or on 0409 251 823.

Cyprus Remembered

By Bob MacDonald

I’ve just returned from Darwin, where I joined police colleagues and partners in celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Australian police officers in Cyprus with the UN Peacekeeping Force.

This event, from May 27 to 31 (incl), hosted by Northern Territory ex-UN Peacekeeper Allan Mitchell, was a huge success. The event was a gathering and a reunion for Australian police officers who served in Cyprus during the Greek/ Turkish conflict. The reunions are held every two years in a different state or territory and Darwin’s get-together was No. 21, following Adelaide’s initial 1984 milestone.

Everyone enjoyed themselves and many a tale was told of our times on the Mediterranean

island. As a member of the 10th Contingent, I joined my colleagues in stories of the conflict. The local island coup and the invasion by Turkish forces took place during our term of service between 1973 and 1974.

Listening to the thrilling stories of our involvement in the conflict made me realise how we overlooked the peaceful life of the land and its people. So, with that thought in mind, I began recalling some of the carefree good times I enjoyed during my stay.

On my arrival, I was first based at Limassol. Then I did a spell at Paphos before returning to Limassol. Shortly before the coup and Turkish invasion, I transferred to Polis—a five-man outpost on the northeastern coastline of the country. I enjoyed this posting immensely and dug my heels in and stayed at the post when offered a transfer back to Limassol.

I and my colleagues got on wonderfully well with the British soldiers of a small nearby army

post; and I might add, with the local Greek residents of Polis and the outlying villages, which we had reason to visit.

One day, not trusting any of my colleagues with a pair of scissors, I ventured down the main street of Polis to the town’s only barber shop. There I got a haircut for 400 mils (equivalent to eighty cents at the exchange rate). Besides the haircut, the price included a small bottle of Coca-Cola and a cigarette. There I sat, while getting clipped, sucking on a Coke bottle and puffing on a cigarette. I’m pleased to say I no longer drink Coca-Cola or smoke cigarettes.

I ended up becoming a regular customer of the elderly gentleman. He wielded a cutthroat razor deftly and charged me the grand total of 200 mils for a full shave. Laziness set in, and I fell into the habit of visiting his shop each morning for my daily spruce-up.

Another incident involving an elderly gentleman occurred while a group of us were enjoying the sunshine on the Paphos waterfront at the Pelican Bar & Restaurant. While seated beneath the awnings and enjoying a cold drink, an older man selling peanuts approached us.

We were aware that the growers, after harvest, would bury the legumes (shells and all) in a salt lake for a designated time. Then, when ready, they’d dig them up, wrap batches of them in newspaper and flog them off on the waterfront. The finished product came salt-encrusted and unsurpassable as a beer nibble. We all dipped in and bought a sachet of the newspaper-wrapped nuts and paid the old man the usual 200 mils (40c) for his wares. One of our number, TASPol member Leon Kemp (dubbed with the obligatory nickname of Tassie) stated that we were robbing the

old gentleman by only offering him the 200 mils for the package of peanuts.

Tassie then produced a 500 mil note ($1.00) and pressed the old man to take it. The old seller steadfastly refused the extra money, and it came to be that Tassie shoved the banknote in the old man’s coat pocket and told him he was to keep it—end of story; finished; kaput; it’s yours; keep it.

The seller shook his head in defeat, took the banknote from his pocket with one hand and delved into his trousers pocket with the other. That action saw him produce a round wad of banknotes, packed tightly and at least three inches (eight centimetres) in diameter.

Nearly falling from our chairs with uncontrolled laughter, the rest of us ragged Tassie for the rest of the day. Every time he bought a drink or food item, we suggested he tip

the seller. But being a 19-year-old on his first overseas jaunt, we felt Tassie was a prime candidate for a bit of ribbing. I should mention that the rest of us were in a similar situation in travelling abroad, although we had a few more years of age than Tassie.

Either the old peanut seller had little faith in the nation’s banking system, or he’d been selling a lot of his ware.

During my tenure on the island, I used to say that there were not enough days in the week for me to do what I wanted to do and see what I wanted to see. I roamed far and wide when on rostered village patrols and, in company with a lady friend, traversed most parts of the countryside on my days off.

The only part of the island I never got to see was the northeastern tip known as the Panhandle. I had that location pencilled into my

itinerary to visit, but the conflict put a stop to my wandering.

I visited castles, monasteries, Roman ruins, remote villages, and anything of historical or interesting value. I saw fields being tilled by farmers using wooden ploughs pulled by oxen. The village olive presses had a cylindrical millstone on the bottom and a donkey turned the upper millstone with a wooden beam. Flocks of fat-tailed sheep tended to by shepherds. I saw women climbing up olive trees to pick the fruit: cobblestone narrow streets, outdoor ovens, and village-square wells. I imagined nothing much had changed since biblical days and looked on that carefree lifestyle with envy.

While based at Polis, we suffered the change of a cook to our mess. He was of Greek heritage, and he replaced a Turk. I at first welcomed the changeover, as we’d be able to enjoy bacon for breakfast.

When I think of this bloke, the adage springs to mind, ‘Who called the cook a bastard?’ Rather, it should be, ‘Who called the bastard a cook?!’

He’d got the job on his word alone. To back up his claim, he told how he’d spent several years living in Melbourne and, therefore, was familiar with Australians’ dietary needs. Lacing everything with garlic fell within that knowledge.

I’m no great fan of garlic; especially when the smell and taste became overpowering because of the number of cloves used. On those occasions, I walked out onto the street and found the friendly little man pushing his charcoal burner cart.

From him, I would buy a doner kebab. They comprised freshly made pita flatbread, filled with grilled goat’s meat, fresh tomato, onion, and lettuce. They tasted

so good I regularly sought him out and became one of his best customers.

One thing I never saw during my time in Cyprus was litter alongside the roadways. A person could drive from one town to another without seeing a single piece of rubbish-such as bottles, cans, food wrappers, etc discarded by motorists. Admittedly, the fastfood outlets of today did not exist then, but the locals recycled everything able to be reused in one form or another. For instance, a couple of pensioner gentlemen used to visit the Limassol mess every two weeks or so. They arrived with a hand-drawn cart to collect bottles unsuitable to be returned to local breweries or soft drink factories.

Our two chefs at Limassol used to place empty sauce bottles, pickles, jam jars, etc. in an area behind the kitchen. Spirit bottles from the bar joined the collection, which were taken to a centre and deposited for a small cash payment. The NAAFI store and local shops mostly sold soft drinks and bottled beer in cases of twenty-four. The buyer would start by paying a deposit for the case and contents. Then, they would exchange the empty bottles when needed, so they wouldn’t end up as litter.

That system worked a treat. I fell in love with the local cuisine during my stay and one of the most common dishes became one of my favourites. Coarse locally baked crusty bread dipped in goat’s milk yoghurt. Whenever we stopped off at a roadside eating house, the yoghurt and bread would grace the table. On most occasions, we would order whitebait or calamari, but the bread and yoghurt were a must. Siesta time. Soon after I arrived in Limassol, I discovered all the shops closed for siesta from about 1400 to 1600 hours. Some closed a tad

earlier; some opened a tad later, but a two-hour hiatus in trading hours came to be the norm.

I can’t recall if the Greeks had a word for the siesta, but we collectively used the term ‘siesta.’ Until then, I believed that siestas only occurred in Mexico. Again, I was showing my unworldliness. When on the open roads and travelling between towns, local taxis regularly met or overtook us. These vehicles - Mercedes four-cylinder, diesel-burning black smoke-spewing hacks - had three seats, which allowed them to carry eight or more passengers.

On the flats the taxis easily overtook our old Landrover and as each one sailed past we’d be subject to a serenade of ‘beepbeep, beep-beep, beep-beep’ from the horns of their cars. But once they struck a hill or a rise in the road, they’d labour and lose speed, thus emitting more black diesel fumes. Our landrover travelled at the same speed uphill and down dale and we’d inevitably catch and overtake many a cab who’d previously overtaken us and beep-beeped us.

We took it upon ourselves to make a game of the practice and as we cruised past a labouring Merc, would beep-beep them, call out and wave to the driver knowing full-well he’d do his utmost to get back in front of us, even if it meant overtaking our vehicle on a corner.

Because of the beep-beeping, we christened the taxis ‘Roadrunners’ after the Looney Tunes cartoon involving Wile E. Coyote and the road runner bird who made the habit of voicing ‘beep-beep’ throughout the shows.

While based in Polis, I indulged in an enjoyable pastime which I dubbed ‘International Dining.’ Each Friday evening, a lady friend and I set ourselves up on the little balcony of our mess,

which overlooked the busy street below. It involved eating doner kebabs bought from my friendly charcoal cart man and drinking wine. I thought that International Dining best described the indulging. I was an Australian, my lady friend—an English school teacher working with the children of British personnel—the wine drank was Portuguese (Mateus Rose), eating Mid-eastern cuisine while on an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea.

It didn’t come much better than that!

If things were never to change, I could have happily spent the rest of my life living in Polis. Now and again, I visited the town’s nearby picture theatre. It was open air with casual chairs, lined up in rows on the bare earth. When I attended, I always sought my charcoal cart man and bought a doner kebab. There I would sit, chomping on

my kebab while watching a Greek language movie, of which I hardly understood a word.

People occasionally gave me an odd look, but mostly, fellow theatregoers greeted me with a smile and a nod.

About fifty metres down the road from our Polis mess and on the opposite side of the street stood a little bar, which we christened ‘Ziggy’s bar. The proprietor did not bear the name Ziggy, but the name came from him repeatedly blaring out the song Ziggy Ziggy from his jukebox.

After cranking up the jukebox the proprietor would come out and stand on the narrow footpath in front of his bar, looking up to our second-level mess trying to catch someone’s eye to entice us down to his premises. Occasionally we took up his invitation, especially on the odd times we had occasion to entertain guests.

When we got to the jukebox to give our ears a rest from the strains of Ziggy Ziggy, we were probably worse because the only English version on the jukebox menu was The Beatle’s Hey Jude. And I am afraid we gave that tune as big a flogging as the bar owner with Ziggy Ziggy.

But he proved to be a great host with olives and cheese liberally dished out as a bar treat whenever we graced his premises.

The village buses which plied their trade between out-of-theway villages always intrigued me. So much so that I arranged for one of my colleagues to drop me off at the Paphos bus terminal. I intended to buy a ticket for a ride to Polis.

We stood by and watched stores of many descriptions loaded onto the roof of the Paphos/ Polis bus—unwrapped loaves of bread, mainly. Metal railings

around the roof’s perimeter stopped the goods from falling off while travelling.

But to my disappointment, I could not secure a seat. Those operating the bus had removed about half of the seats, at the rear of the bus and in that space loaded fat-tailed sheep and goats. I learnt that as I hadn’t pre-booked my passage; the operator had removed all seats other than those taken by confirmed passengers.

Unfortunately, the ensuing conflict curtailed my activities to a degree, and I never again got the opportunity to go on the bus run.

On arrival in Cyprus the first advice we received from our colleagues who had already served on the island for six months, was that in order to be ‘initiated’ and accepted into their ranks as equals, we must get drunk on kokinelli.

Kokinelli is a red Cypriot wine and the local restaurants provided

bottles, free, on the tables when supplying meals. That wine, so we were told, came from the dregs and leftovers and being unsellable was included in the costs of a meal.

I’m glad to say I never got drunk on that rough-red swill because I tired of spitting out bits of stalk, pips, and whatnot. The more refined version of kokinelli, sold at bars, restaurants, etc. was of a much higher quality than that handed out gratis with meals.

Also, Keo beer. A lager brewed on the island. Someone had put the story around that this brew contained some type of poison, and we were to give it a miss. I, being a tad unworldly at the time, didn’t know what to make of that claim, but of course had to sample it at the first opportunity.

I don’t know, to this day, what went into making that brew, but I do know that more than once I awoke some mornings feeling like I had been poisoned. Maybe it was the quantity and not the quality of the Keo beer I’d consumed the night prior that brought on such a feeling.

A group of men living, working and socialising together over a period of time brought about a few upsets. I overcame this by befriending several British servicemen on the island with their families. They occasionally visited our mess on social visits but I, and other colleagues joined the Brits and their families at their homes or sometimes at local restaurants.

On my completion of duty in Cyprus I returned via England where I stayed for two weeks with a British soldier and his wife, with whom I’d become close friends, at their home in a quaint English county village.

Approved Peacekeeping Missions/Deployments for Australian Police

Cyprus

United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)

May 1964

Cambodia United Nations Border Relief Operation 1 Feb 1989

Cambodia

Mozambique

Haiti

East Timor

Solomon Islands

Sudan

The Australian Police Contingent of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) 18 May 1992

The Australian Police Contingent of the United Nations Operation in Mozambique 27 March 1994

The Australian Police Contingent of the Multi - National Force in Haiti 10 October 1994

Date not noted

The Australian Police Contingent of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET_) 21 June 1999 25 October 1999

The Australian Police Contingent of the United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor (UNTAET) 25 October 1999 19 May 2002

The Australian Police Contingent of the United Nations Mission of Support in east Timor (UNMISET) 20 May 2002

Australian Police Contingent of the Regional Assistant Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) 24 July 2003

Australian Police Contingent of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) 1 January 2006

There are several missions not specifically noted in the ‘Declared’ Missions as signed off by the Minister which specifically mention Police. However, I can only assume that these are covered under the VEA as military missions. These include:

• The United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNOSOM) 1993-1995

• International Peace Monitoring Team (IPMT) Solomon Islands 2001-2002

• Bougainville

• Afghanistan 2007 -2013

Date not noted

However, the Australian Police Contingent to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) from 2011 to 2013 is specifically mentioned as not being included under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act (VEA).

A NEW ‘ALL ENCOMPASSING’ ACT IS ON ITS WAY. WHY YOU SHOULD ACT NOW

I am sure you have all heard of the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide which has been conducting hearings over the past couple of years.

In 2023, the Royal Commission released it’s ‘Interim Findings’. One of those findings was that the numerous Acts that cover veterans is too cumbersome and difficult for veterans to navigate. As a result, the Royal Commission has recommended that one ‘all encompassing’ Act be enacted to cover all veterans. The government (specifically the Department of Veteran Affairs) has acted on this recommendation and is drawing close to finalising the new legislation which is due to come into effect in July 2026. The UNOPAA (and several other Associations) have had concerns about the proposed new Act –in that there is no mention of Police serving on Peacekeeping Missions being covered. The UNOPAA has queried this with the Minister’s Office and have been told that ‘that is not the intention of the new Act and that Police will be included. Having perused

a recent draft copy of the Act, there is still no mention of Police. The UNOPAA has partnered with the Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Veterans Association (APPVA) and the RSL Peacekeepers Sub-branch to formulate a submission to DVA to have Police included. In effect, there are only minimal changes needed to be made to include Police. We are awaiting the outcome of that submission.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?

When the new Act comes into force, ‘if’ it does not include Police, then we no longer will be able to make claims. The new Act has a ‘Grandfathering’ Clause which, in essence, means that any claim that has been submitted prior to the new Act coming into force in 2026 will be actioned under the previous legislation e.g. Veterans Entitlement Act (VEA) for Police. All such claims (if successful) will then be covered under the new legislation when enacted.

If the Police are not included in the new legislation and you make a claim after the new legislation is enacted, then you will not qualify for consideration.

Save the date

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO NOW?

If you have served on a ‘declared’ mission e.g. signed off by the Minister (see above table), and you have not made a claim to DVA and you are thinking of doing so – YOU NEED TO ACT NOW. You are entitled to a DVA White Card to cover Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – this is automatic coverage. If you have/are suffering from conditions such as skin cancer etc then DVA will cover you under their ‘non-liability’ coverage. Have a look at the DVA web site for other conditions that DVA will cover.

If you are suffering from any condition that you believe may have been caused by your deployment to one of the missions in the table above, then YOU NEED TO MAKE A CLAIM WELL BEFORE JULY 2026.

Don’t forget – the level of proof required for a claim to DVA is much less than “The Balance of Probability” we are used toit is more akin to “The Balance of Possibility”.

Rod Walker

Former Police Peacekeepers are invited to join events commemorating 60 Years of Australian police peacekeeping being held across Australia, including an official event on National Peacekeepers’ Day, 14 September 2024, being held in Canberra.

To register your interest for this event, please scan the QR code or visit https://shorturl.at/en23y Further details will be provided closer to the event to those who have registered. If you have any issues completing the form, contact former-members@afp.gov.au | (02) 5126 8320

Claire-Louise Da Re & Marzio Da Re at dawn on Mt Wilhelm

Destination Mt Wilhelm Papua New Guinea

Having a family member living overseas provides an instant opportunity to visit and take in the diversity of a new culture, diverse scenery and unimagined challenges in adventure tourism.

So, in late May when invited by my daughter to visit Papua New Guinea to catch-up with family as well as to take what was described as a modest hike to Mt Wilhelm (4,509 metres) in the Central Provinces I drew on professional experiences in Indonesia and Pakistan to take up the challenge.

With only two weeks preparation in Perth (beach jogging) I travelled to Port Moresby and two days later we were on a flight to Hagen followed by a rough 4-hour drive in the back of a Troopie to Bettys Lodge, the launching place for the assault on Mt Wilhelm.

The welcome given to us by the staff at Betty’s Lodge, Betty and Ruth Higgins and staff was simply delightful. The new cottage, the gardens and trout farm were a perfect setting after the round trip and preparation for the next

few days climbing. The week prior a party of six (2) French workers from Total Oil had endeavored to make the summit of Mt Wilhelm however only two were successful, their red wine and cheese strategy clearly didn’t get them all up the hill.

We set out the next morning following a hearty breakfast, we quickly needed to gather out mountain legs for a 1,000 metre climb to Base Camp and back, some six hours of rainforest, mud and slush. The strategy in acclimatizing being climb high and sleep low. The trek to base camp included two spectacular waterfalls and lakes at circa 3,600 metres, apparently stocked with trout by Betty a few years ago to further develop tourism. So, with the first day settled we were able to refine our kit to cover the realities of the cold, wet,

Last 30 metres to summit

muddy and treacherous pathway. The hot shower, warm fire and trout dinner made the settling in period sensationally comfortable.

The next day we set out again to base camp and above to further acclimatise and to prepare for the following day assault. We trekked up above base camp to about where an American Bomber, flying too low in 1944, crashed into the mountain, the remnants of the plane still scattered across the mountainside.

Following this acclimatisation several of us decided to go for a swim in the lake at 3,600 metres, yes it was nippy but invigorating. The evening saw us settle into a very rudimentary Base Camp, a dinner and early night having to set of at midnight to make the summit by dawn. No-one slept much and after a cup of tea just after midnight we set off in the dark for a 5-6 hour push to the summit.

I have to say that as dawn was breaking and we were nearing 4,800 metres the whole exercise had slowed considerably due to the rapidly vanishing air and need to take frequent breaks, it was by this stage easily understood why trekkers have had enough or started getting altitude sickness that they decide to turn around.

Just as dawn was breaking, we glimpsed the summit for the first time, and this provided some relief and an incentive to push onto the summit. One final hurdle being the sheer 30 metres rock face to the summit but with helping each other we were not going to be denied. The scenery and vistas were amazing, above the clouds and the obligatory photographs and sense of fulfilment was tempered by the thought of an 8–9-hour trek back to base camp and Betty’s Lodge the same day, all in all a 15-hour day on the trail.

We were all overjoyed by our success and back at Betty’s Lodge, the shower (first), meals and celebratory beers we had pre-positioned were all enjoyed. The next day we set off back to Hagen and Port Moresby, what a fabulous few days in the Central Highlands of PNG.

After resting for a few days, I sought out the AFP – PNG Police Partnership Program which has been supporting community policing in PNG for a number of years. Additionally, the AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw was on a visit to gift a patrol boat to the PNG police and to my surprise I managed to catch up with a posted former AFP member Con Coutsolitis doing some consultancy as part of the AFP-PNG partnership.

Over a couple of drinks, we reflected on the opportunities provided by these International Policing experiences, Con having served in Cambodia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and East Timor.

We recalled some great experiences, the characters we have met along the journey, in fact the last time our paths crossed was in about 1978 in Sydney when we were part of a major fraud case involving millions of dollars, in fact prior to the AFP being formed in 1979.

I thoroughly recommend any opportunity to travel to PNG to ‘do’ Kokoda, Mt Wilhelm or other adventurous activities. With careful planning there are several opportunities waiting to be experienced.

“Our thanks go out to owners and staff at Betty’s Lodge for their enthusiasm to make our stay comfortable, enjoyable and memorable.”

Article by Marzio De Re

Betty’s Lodge

Lake enroute to summit

Con Coutsolitis and Marzio Da Re catch up in PNG after 46 years

A History Lesson at the Hellenic Club, Canberra

On Sunday the 12th May, I accepted an invitation from the Cypriot High Commissioner to Australia, His Excellency Mr Antonis SAMMOUTIS, to attend a seminar/presentation at the Hellenic Club of Canberra on the history of Cyprus and the involvement of Australian Police in UNFICYP.

After introductions by the High Commissioner, Dr Peter Londey of the Australian National University (who is also the Australian War Memorial’s Official Historian) provided an overview of the ‘political’ history of Cyprus and the part that Australia has played through the provision of Civilian Police to the United Nations Force in Cyprus. Although a very informative presentation, Dr Londey pulled ‘no punches’ and told it the way it was. There were some interesting looks on the faces of several of the Cypriot community including the High Commissioner.

Rod Walker

Dr Peter Londey delivers his presentation

His Excellency Mr Antonis SAMMOUTIS, the Cypriot High Commissioner to Australia addresses those gathered

First slide of the presentation. Members of the first Australian Police Contingent arriving in Cyprus

ANZAC Day in the Nations Capitol

As can be seen from the photos in this article, it was a bright sunny day in Canberra for the ANZAC Day March. There was a good turn out for the march as this was the first time the new parade ground at the Australian War Memorial was used.

Some of the Peacekeepers marching on the day

Marching onto the new parade ground at the Australian War Memorial

VALE

Chief Superintendent (Retd) Peter Ellis McDONALD APM

Peter joined the Victoria Police in Feb 1963 and came from a policing background.

His father was the Sergeant in charge of Hamilton Police Station, so Peter’s formative years were spent in and around policing. Peter worked with 50 years of exemplary service in a range of areas including uniform policing, Criminal Investigation Branch, special duties, research, policy, planning, projects, information management, information technology and Emergency Management. Peter had the distinction of being the last Chief Superintendent of the Victorian Police Force.

Peter served with the United Nations Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) as a member of the 8th Australian Contingent (AUSTCIVPOL) in 1971. It was while he was deployed to Cyprus that he met Pam (a British nurse working in Cyprus). A romance blossomed followed by a period of courting and finally a wedding. Pam has been by Peter’s side since.

Peter’s career in policing (particularly in the research and planning areas) and his love of Cyprus led him to put his hand up to become the UNOPAA’s National Secretary/Treasurer. Since taking on the role, Peter had become the ‘go to person’ within the Association. His organisational and research skills were ‘second to none’. Peter is already greatly missed by the executive of the association. His shoulder to lean on is no longer there.

Rest in peace, Peter

A Guard of Honour consisting of Victorian Police and UNOPAA colleagues farewelled Peter

Peter’s Victorian Police Honour Board

Senior Sergeant (Retd) Gary Ian BRODIE OAM

29 October 1941 – 1 June 2024

Gary Ian Brodie

29 OCTOBER 1941 – 1 JUNE 2024

Gary joined the Commonwealth Police on 14th July 1965.

During his policing career Gary commenced his service in Sydney however, he primarily saw duty in the ACT within Policing teams including, Intelligence, Operations, Public Relations, Bomb Squad, Peacekeeper (UNFICYP 13th Contingent) and Operations Response. He was a foundation member of the Australian Federal Police in 1979.

Prior to joining the Commonwealth Police, Gary was a Commando with the Australian Army. Within the Police Force he found his forte as a Bomb Technician. Wanting to be inclusive and willing to embrace change, Gary nurtured

the AFP Bomb Squad into becoming the most progressive in Australia. Gary was the first Secretary (and subsequently President) of the ACT Branch of the United Nations Police Association of Australia (UNPAA) which is the predecessor of our Association. He lobbied the RSL

and was successful in establishing the ACT RSL Peacekeepers Sub-Branch of which he was President for a number of years. A natural progression saw Gary becoming President of the ACT RSL Branch. His service to the ACT Branch was rewarded with ‘Life Membership’ of the RSL. Gary was the founding member (and longest serving President) of the AFP Sergeants’ Mess.

On 14th June 1999, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, Gary was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for “Service to the Community as a member of the Australian Federal Police”.

Rest in Peace ‘Father’

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:

PETER MCDONALD APM

Passed away suddenly on 3rd May 2024 aged 77 years. A Victorian Police member of the 8th Contingent to Cyprus. Peter was our much respected and dedicated National Secretary/Treasurer. He will be sadly missed by us all. Peter’s funeral was held at the Northern Golf Club, Glenroy, Victoria on 20th May 2024

EDWARD (TED) DEEKER

Passed away on 22nd May 2024 aged 81 years. Ted was a Federal Police member of the 20th contingent to Cyprus and also served on two deployments in East Timor. Ted’s funeral was held Norwood Park Crematorium, Canberra, on the 5th June 2024

GARY IAN BRODIE OAM

Passed away on 1 June 2024 aged 82 years. Gary was a Commonwealth Police member of the 13th contingent to Cyprus. Gary’s funeral service was held at Norwood Park Crematorium, Canberra, on Tuesday 11th June 2024. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and colleagues.

JOHN (WHISKEY) WALKER APM

Passed away after a battle with a terminal brain tumor on 6th July 2024. Whiskey was Queensland Police member of the 4th contingent to Cyprus and was the immediate past President of the Queensland Branch of the UNOPAA. Whiskey’s funeral will be held on Monday 15th July 2024 at Gregson & Weight Chapel, Caloundra at 11am

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.

Please send

c/- Steve Neuhaus,

Mobile: 0403 060 369 Email: steve.neuhaus6@gmail.com

UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

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ABN: 83 146 901 797

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All queries for return of merchandise must be received within 30 days from date of purchase and directed to the UNOPAA Merchandise officer at 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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UNOPAA National Executive

INTERIM APPOINTMENTS

IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE UNOPAA CONSTITUTION, INTERIM APPOINTMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE UNOPAA NATIONAL EXECUTIVE.

These appointments will remain in place until the National AGM that is scheduled to occur in November 2024.

As elected at the 2024 AGM NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Mick Travers

As elected at the 2024 AGM NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT

Rod Walker

Interim appointment until AGM NATIONAL TREASURER Dale Cooper

Interim appointment until AGM NATIONAL SECRETARY Steve Neuhaus

Interim appointment until AGM NATIONAL ASSISTANT secretary Chris Cheah

Interim appointment until AGM

NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP Officer Sher Young

Until further notice, the NSW Branch will be managed by Dale Cooper. The QLD Branch meeting was held on Saturday 4 July 2004. Details of newly elected Qld State Branch Executive will be notified soon. Until that time please direct all enquires to Mick Travers