True Blue Magazine
THROUGH THE OCULUS
A New Vision for the Australian War Memorial.
PODCAST NOW STREAMING PODCAST NOW STREAMING
Even the most resilient emergency services workers and volunteers can be affected by stress and trauma related to their work, or as a result of other life challenges. Are They Triple OK? resources provide practical tools and tips on how to start an R U OK? conversation with a workmate, friend or family member in the emergency services, to help them feel connected and supported, long before they’re in crisis. Scan to learn more
True Blue Magazine
The United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia, (UNOPAA) is an Australian incorporated, non-profit organisation, whose members are both serving or retired Police Officers from Police Forces throughout Australia, who have served or are serving with United Nation Peacekeeping Forces or AFP International Policing Operations throughout the world! TRUE BLUE is provided to its members throughout Australia and worldwide to where Australian Police are serving. Our magazine contains welfare, legislative and social information relevant to the well-being and camaraderie of UNOPAA members who have, or are serving in Australia’s National Interest.
Aims of the UNOPAA:
1. To maintain and foster the memory of UNOPAA members killed whilst serving with United Nations Forces or Overseas Policing operations.
2. To provide welfare, legal and financial support where and when appropriate to members.
3. To promote social occasions such as Reunions, etc., including United Nations and Anzac Day Marches.
4. To pursue and lobby industrial, legal and political avenues, when necessary in order to improve the welfare and industrial benefits to our members.
We acknowledge the assistance of Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd, who, in conjunction with the UNOPAA, have made the publication and distribution of ‘TRUE BLUE’ magazine possible! Your financial contribution to the publication of our magazine is greatly appreciated.
Views and opinions expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia, the editor, the publisher or printer. “True Blue” is published by Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd, Melbourne from funds supplied by advertisers in this magazine. Please support our advertisers and their products.
Rod Walker
True Blue Editor
Email: rod2856@outlook.com
Mobile: 0411 953 966
UNOPAA Contacts
National President
Mr Mick Travers APM
Mobile: 0418 297 086
Email: mt2976@gmail.com
National Vice President
Mr Rod Walker
Mobile: 0411 953 966
Email: rod2856@outlook.com
National Secretary
Mr Steve Neuhaus
Mobile: 0403 060 369
Email: steve.neuhaus6@gmail.com
National Treasurer
Dale Cooper RFD
PO Box 7099 Karabar NSW 2620
Mobile: 0418 266 033
Email: unopaa@gmail.com
New South Wales/
Australian Capital Territory
State President: Dale Cooper RFD
PO Box 7099 Karabar NSW 2620
Mobile: 0418 266 033
Email: unopaa@gmail.com
Victoria/Tasmania
State President: Paul van Gemert
Mobile: 0431 963 016
Email: paul.vangemert@police.vic.gov.au
Queensland
State President: Neil Behm
Mobile: 0427 872113
Email: neilbehm2@gmail.com
South Australia
State President: Garry Casey
40 Yarrabee Road, Greenhill SA 5140
Tel: 08 8390 3568
Mobile: 0427 188 449
Email: garryecasey@yahoo.com.au
Western Australia
State President: Darcy Boylan
21 Templemore Drive Heathridge WA 6027
Tel: 08 9402 0030
Mobile: 0408 120 299
Email: gdboylan@bigpond.com
Northern Territory
President: Allan Mitchell
5 Eureka Court Anula NT 0812
Tel: 08 8927 2676
Mobile: 0417 804 546
Email: almitch@bigpond.com.au
Proudly published by:
Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd
ABN: 83 146 901 797
Ph: 03 9937 0200
Email: contact@cwaustral.com.au
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
From local to global: leveraging systems, capability, and connection
Australasia’s premier and comprehensive event for emergency management and first responders Conference and Exhibition; over 3 days will focus on delivering products, services and solutions spanning the following collaborations sectors.
• Capability: Capability Fleet, Capability PPE, and Capability Equipment
• Workforce: WHS, people systems, and learning and development
• Fire Safety: Building fire safety systems and building standards
• Response Operations: Real-time decision systems, incident management, emerging technologies, communication tools, drones, satellite imagery, GIS, aerial response, field-deployable infrastructure and aerial response
• Community Risk Reduction: Risk reduction strategies, warning systems, and risk management
And so much more.
Delivering solutions to these industry groups:
WORKFORCE
Fire First Responders / Police / Ambulance
HazMat / Industrial
Resilience / Recovery Mining / Gas & Petroleum Fire Prevention / Built Environment
From the Editor’s desk
Welcome to the April 2025 edition of ‘True Blue’. This issue has a number of articles that you will find interesting to read. I thank Jason Byrnes for his contribution of several of those articles which he has researched and written or edited.
This is the final edition before membership payments are due this year (reminder membership payments are due as of 1 July). Please remember that we can no longer annually ‘swipe’ your bank accounts (for those members that previously opted for us to debit their account automatically). Please refer to the article from our National Treasurer on how to pay your membership. Also – cheques are no longer able to be accepted. This is not our doing; it is due to a change in banking requirements by the banking industry.
As you may know, our 2026 Bi-annual Conference and reunion will be held in Perth between 20th24th October. I have included the 1st update on the event’s planning progress for your information. As you will see – the WA Planning Committee has made significant progress in securing a ‘home’ venue for the event and are now in the planning phase for the program and individual events. In the near future the WA Committee will (probably) seek your advice as to whether you intend attending the event. This is to give them an idea of numbers to cater for during this planning phase. Many of you have attended previous Bi-annual Conference and Reunions, and know just how fantastic and enjoyable they have been. I have no doubt the Perth 2026 Conference and Reunion will be as good (if not better) than previous occasions although it will take a lot to improve on them. The WA Committee has a lot of work in
front of them and I am sure they will succeed in delivering a memorable week of camaraderie and enjoyment. I encourage those of you who have attended previous conferences and know how good they have been, to spread the word to others who have not previously attended.
In this issue:
Members of the 1st Contingent to East Timor receive the Timor Leste Solidarity Medal (by Presidential Decree);
Mike McRae, a member of the 10th Contingent to UNFICYP provides his recollections of serving in Cyprus;
Detective Superintendent Paul Hopkins (AFP) has certainly had a varied career as a police officer. Paul provides us with an overview of his international policing experience. Article courtesy Jason Byrnes; Another article by Jason Byrnes provides an overview of the experiences of Superintendent (ret) Clive Banson and his involvement in the 1994 South African elections.
All in all some fantastic articles in this issue.
Until next time.
Rod Walker Editor
Cheques No More and Future Direct Debit Notice
Ladies and Gentlemen, members all,
Cheques – No More
As a result of decisions made by Reserve Bank of Australia in 2023 and now being implemented, cheques are no longer a viable method of making payment for services or trade. As a result, we are unable to accept cheques for membership fee payments as of early this year. Those who have recently sent in a cheque for payment, be advised they were not honoured and will be returned to you soon.
Direct Debit
Previously, the UNOPAA was able to process the Direct Debit form sent out to you and attached in the TrueBlue Magazine. This process, for future applications outside the Police Bank, has ceased.
If you are a Police Bank member, you are able to apply for a Direct Debit through the Police bank, and no longer through UNOPAA, to submit a direct debit.
Membership Fee Payments In Future
As a result of the above two changes/updates, you are now required to pay your membership fees through your personal bank EFT, and if desired, make it a scheduled yearly payment to enable easy renewal on yearly basis.
Account Name: BSB:
Account No: Reference: UNOPAA 815000 100185059 <LAST NAME> MEMFEES
Warm regards,
Dale DJC COOPER RFD JP NATIONAL EXECUTIVE TREASURER
M: +61 (0)418 266 033 E: unopaa@gmail.com
Exciting Times at the Australian War Memorial as Renovations Take Shape
Officially opened in 1941, the Australian War Memorial is an iconic building of national significance. More than one million people visit the Memorial every year to honour the members' service. The time has come to modernise and expand the galleries and buildings to tell the continuing story of Australia's contemporary contribution.
Experts in Public and Heritage buildings, TTW was selected to provide structural, civil and traffic engineering services for the eight-year Australian War Memorial Development Project. The project designs include a new southern entrance, refurbishment of the main building, a new Anzac Hall which is connected to the main building via a glazed link, and an extension to the Bean Building to integrate research collections and services. Sensitively connected to the existing landscape, the detailed plans will ensure the heritage façade of the main building remains unchanged.
Work on the project begun in 2019, and is anticipated to be complete by 2027.
The new southern entrance has been created below the existing forecourt and connects through to the lower level of the main building.
Access is via the eastern and western arrival courtyards. The western arrival courtyard has been ramped to provide access from the western car parks. The eastern arrival courtyard has a stepped entrance from the ground level forecourt, with ramped and lift access to the underground and eastern car parks.
The connection to the main building is maintained through a new focal point, the oculus, located at the heart of the new southern entrance and as shown on the front cover of this issue of True Blue.
Put the Date in your Calender
Perth UNOPAA Conference
October 20 – 24, 2026.
Update number 1
The WA organising committee has pleasure in advising we have arranged our HQ for the 2026 reunion – the Novotel Hotel Langley. Adelaide Terrace Perth. We have sourced an amazing accommodation rate of $195 / night with the ‘Welcome function”, AGM and Gala Function all hosted with in the hotel.
The venue is pretty much in ‘central’ Perth. Transport around the CBD is very easy via the local free CAT bus service, and all public buses are free within the CBD zone!!
The organising committee have progressed to the next stage, drafting a program and arranging events to highlight the best of Perth.
A webpage is being constructed which will be linked to the UNOPPA webpage where further notices will be published.
As soon as Novotel forward-booking information is available, we will post these details on the webpage.
Further updates will be posted as arrangements are confirmed.
We are excited and looking forward to seeing you all in Perth WA in 2026.
Princess Cruises
Planning on Attending the Conference and Reunion in Perth Next Year? Why not cruise there?
Mike has booked on the Princess Cruise which departs from Sydney on 7 October 2026 and sails to Fremantle arriving on 18 Oct 2026 which is 2 days prior to the start of the Perth Reunion. These sailings do book out quickly but we only have to pay a deposit initially if anyone is interested.
I have booked this cruise through my daughter, Rebecca Hawthorn, who works part-time for Epic Travel and her contact details are as follows:
Email: bec@epictravel.au
Phone: 0428 301089
I am trying to use only one travel agent if possible (but it is up to yourselves), in an attempt to get a better deal with a group booking for the cruise.
I was also getting Rebecca to look at 2 nights accommodation in Fremantle on arrival prior to traveling to Perth on the 20th if anyone would be interested as well.
Just trying to save costs, if anyone is interested and we can have a little holiday on the way to the reunion.
If we can do a group booking and / or obtain additional benefits for onboard deals and accommodation costs etc
Details of the cruise are as follows:
October 7
October 8
October 9 At SeaView onboard experience Sat, October 10 At SeaView onboard experience
October 11
Mon, October 12 At SeaView onboard experience
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
Mike Hawthorne Treasurer UNOPAA Qld Branch
The Back Story and How Guilt Can Ruin a Life
Historic wreckage in cyprus.
I am referring to article in Edition 51 regarding the tragic death of Sergeant Ian Ward in Cyprus on 2 November 2024.
I was a member of the 10/11 Contingent to Cyprus 1974/75 – a group that experienced both a military coup and an invasion by Turkey. As a result of this tour of duty many of the Australians have suffered serious mental trauma as it was a cauldron where quite seriously every member thought they would never return home. Many have died prematurely, two have committed suicide and many of those still with us, thankfully, receive support from Veterans Affairs.
Ian Ward arrived on the Island and was appointed to Paphos at the south end of the Island. He was my roommate and he was lovely young man, full of enthusiasm and commitment. Now at the time he arrived, the situation in Cyprus was at the very best tenuous – and we were constantly on ‘red alert’ –which meant that only essential travel was permitted. At this point I must mention that the Australian Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam offered the Contingent free safe passage from the Island via RAF or RAAF or Qantas.
The unanimous response was that we were all safe in British camps and we felt we still had a role to play. Safe!! We were anything but as the Australians continued to put their own safety at risk, it was
incredible and personally I witnessed situations where in normal warfare, several would qualify for the highest military awards.
However, regarding Ian Ward. On the day that he died, I was rostered to travel with John Woolcott to repatriate a Turkish family, which included a stopover at the Danish HQ, where all the duty-free goodies were located. Ian was keen to go on the journey, both for the experience and to obtain the usual goodies, cameras etc. He approached Ray Walter (Inspector SAPL dec.) the unit commander, and Norm James (Chief Inspector Vicpol dec).
I spoke to Norm, who was my ‘boss’ in Victoria who was a very well mannered, intelligent officer. I strongly voiced my concern of the dangers of allowing Ian to travel on this journey as he had only been on the Island for about 2 weeks and had little or no experience of the terrain and associated dangers. Norm and Ray decided that he would not be going.
On the day, the 12th of November 1974, Norm, or Ray changed their mind, despite my protestations. Tragically it proved to be a disaster.
To this day, I experience horrible guilt! I should have been in that Land Rover – and if I was, Ian Ward would be alive – and I suspect, so would the other occupant of the vehicle.
We received the news of the tragedy at Paphos and we were all totally devastated. I visited John Woolcott in hospital, and he was a terrible mess! Looking at the vehicle it is a miracle that anyone survived.
There have been many great articles written by my Cyprus colleagues describing the turmoil, uncertainty, and horrific scenes we witnessed. They will never leave the collective memories. For several months, the Australian Police were placed in many and varied dangerous situations, completely outside the scope of their engagement. Several members placed their lives in danger to defuse or eliminate inter racial incidents. But for me, every time there is a “celebration” such as UN Day, Anzac Day – and even during “flashbacks” my guilt is overwhelming. Survivor guilt is alive and well and it is a continuing nightmare that I, over time tried to drown, take strong medication (Xanax and other medication over 30 years) years of counselling and other interventions. Thankfully, I am finally in a good place, but the guilt will never leave. RIP Ian.
Rob (Robin) Bailey Uncivpol 1974/1975 Chief Inspector Vicpol (Ret)
Pictured is Rob with an unexploded 750 pound bomb close to the Paphos HQ which had to be defused by British Ordinance experts and the hole it came from, there is still dangerous ordinance on the island, similar to the mines that killed Ian Ward and a Turkish man and seriously injured John Woolcott and some children.
My Time in Cyprus
RECOLLECTIONS
OF
MIKE MCRAE JP
I served as part of the 12th Australian Civilian Police Contingent (AUSTCIVPOL) to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
When we arrived in April 1975 the United Nations had recently brokered a tenuous suspension of hostilities between the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Turkey, to preserve peace, in the wake of military combat operations between the two sides in 1974.
Despite the agreement, localised outbreaks of violence still occurred on a regular basis. Thousands of Greek Cypriots remained trapped in the Turkish controlled north while 36,000 more had been displaced from their homes in the north and were living under canvas in refugee camps in the south. At the same time, 51,000 Turkish Cypriots remained enclaved in the south, most of whom were surrounded by Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG) and Cyprus Police (CYPOL), in-and-near the town of Paphos. The enclaved lacked the basic necessities of life such as adequate food and drink and medical assistance. They also had limited contact with their relatives and friends in the north.
After the 1974 war the UN established a ‘Buffer Zone’ stretching one hundred and eighty kilometres across the width of the island from Larnaca to Morphou. UN soldiers and police patrolled the Buffer Zone in an endeavour to ensure that the two sides remained physically separated, to prevent further outbreaks of fighting and violence. However, this peace was tenuous and there were attempts to breach the Buffer Zone almost every day.
In my opinion the UN Civilian Police (UNCIVPOL) role in Cyprus was not clearly defined and although obviously of a predominantly peacekeeping nature, I discovered that many of the duties that the Australian police undertook had more of a paramilitary aspect to them.
Inspector 2nd Class Mike McRae in 1976.
The author during the Operation Mayflower relocation of Turkish Cypriots.
Liaison and Investigations
I was initially appointed as a liaison and investigation officer in the Paphos region, to establish effective communications with the local enclaved Turkish Cypriot communities. I also negotiated with local CYPOL commanders regarding the humanitarian needs of the enclaved, and to investigate reports of racially-based violence or other crimes. This was particularly difficult given the deep hatred between both communities.
We investigated reports of crime and humanitarian matters ranging from assaults and theft by CYPOL, GCNG and the general community, to harassment, violence, sexual assault, and murder. The role of UNCIVPOL included conducting detailed independent investigations, including interviewing witnesses, examining crime scenes and gathering evidence. Our reports with recommendations were presented to UNFICYP Headquarters (HQ) in Nicosia, nominating those responsible for having perpetrated the alleged crime/s, if known. The UNFICYP hierarchy would then commence negotiations with the alleged offending side to set out the facts and determine courses of action to be taken from there.
Depending on where we were on the island at any time determined what kind of crimes we investigated. For example, while stationed in Paphos in the South, I dealt with reports of crimes of violence committed by the Greek Cypriots against a number of the enclaved Turkish Cypriots. Correspondingly, when transferred to the north, the opposite was true, we dealt with Greek Cypriot victims who had been trapped by the Turkish forces when they invaded the north of the island.
Conveying the Dead
During my time in Paphos, I had the additional job of collecting and transporting Turkish Cypriots who had died in or near Paphos, to Nicosia to be reunited with their Turkish Cypriot families in the north. I did this on twelve occasions, each time using a dilapidated Greek Cypriot coffin bearing a brass plate with the name ‘Haji Papadopoulos’ on the lid. Haji and I became very well acquainted throughout these frequently hot 200-kilometre round trips. In Nicosia, after completing the essential paperwork, we would remove the deceased from the coffin and transfer it to waiting relatives.
Invariably, the worst part of the trip was being stopped at a particular checkpoint by an obese and angry CYPOL sergeant, who insisted we open the coffin so he could inspect it and ensure we weren’t smuggling contraband.
Probably the worst transfer occurred during a hot Saturday evening when Sergeant John Crowley and I were called to the death of an elderly Turkish Cypriot man in Paphos. John and I transferred the slightly built gentleman into our trusty old Haji coffin and conveyed him to the Greek Cypriot hospital in Paphos, where we placed him into the mortuary refrigerator and then left.
When, with necessary paperwork and approvals completed, we returned to the mortuary five days later to collect the man for transport to Nicosia, several local women were in the room at a nearby table, praying over the body of a dead priest. Upon opening the refrigerator door, we were confronted by an incredible smell of death, and we saw that the man’s body was bloated and had swollen to double its size and had turned green. The switch to the fridge had been turned off, most probably by a disgruntled Greek Cypriot unhappy at having a Turkish Cypriot body present in the mortuary refrigerator.
This led to loud screaming from the mourning women now reeling from the smell, and the arrival of the hospital matron who was shouting at John and I to get the body out of the hospital immediately. The smell was permeating throughout the building and upsetting the patients.
At the matron’s insistence, we attempted to remove the firmly wedged body from the refrigerator but on doing so, the body exploded and discharged foul matter over John’s and my face and clothing. At this, we both recoiled experiencing fits of vomiting and horror, and received further chastisement from the now hysterical matron and the retreating women who had been interrupted from preparing the priest’s body.
Honestly, you just could not make this stuff up. Fortunately, we were able to force the body back into the fridge and jammed the door shut where it remained for several more days until, in liaison with the British Army, we were able to return with a specially built enlarged metal coffin. We loaded the man into and welded the lid shut before conveying him to Nicosia. God, how I wished our obese CYPOL Sergeant had been present at the roadblock along the way that day to demand that we open the coffin for his inspection, but it was not to be. Lucky him.
Other Incidents at Paphos
There were a variety of other incidents I attended during my time at Paphos. The most memorable, for good and bad, include the following.
One morning I arrived at the Turkish Cypriot village of Stavrokono, which stood high on a hill overlooking a surrounding valley. It had long been a target of
the Greek Cypriot forces and was defended by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot militia. I thought the visit would be a routine liaison meeting with the Turkish Commander, Colonel Ayer. He invited me to accompany him to the village’s radio room, a vital link to other Turkish Cypriot communities and forces.
Seated at the radio was the radio operator, dead with a .45 calibre bullet hole in his forehead. Not understanding the situation, I asked something like “What on earth happened to him!?” Ayer replied that at 2am he had taken a security check walk around the village and upon entering the radio room he had found the radio operator sound asleep and snoring. The colonel drew his pistol and shot the man in the head, explaining in broken English something that sounded like our Australian RSL anthem that the price of our liberty requires eternal vigilance By being asleep while on duty, the operator had placed all the villagers at risk. Given the situation that prevailed at that moment and with the colonel still having the pistol, I chose not to disagree with him. I deepened my friendship with Colonel Ayer when I was again called to the village and discovered that CYPOL officers had cut off the mains water supply to the village, leaving the villagers dehydrated in the heat.
Taking a punt, and with Ayer’s permission, I called on the CYPOL chief superintendent at Paphos, and his second in charge, and invited them to a meze at the colonel’s home the following night. They both jumped at the invitation as up to this point there had been no communication whatsoever between the two sides following the ceasefire. Visiting the heavily fortified village promised to give the CYPOL officers a chance to see what things were like in the village since the invasion.
At the meze, armed with several bottles of whisky and cartons of cigarettes that I had taken along, and accompanied by three of my AUSTCIVPOL colleagues, we commenced proceedings with general conversation. As the evening wore on, I spoke about the dilemma the villagers were facing due to the lack of water. By the end of the evening with both CYPOL officers well and truly in ‘their cups’ it was hand shaking all round and the water was reconnected first thing next morning. UNFICYP HQ were at a loss to understand how we had brought this humanitarian dilemma to a satisfactory conclusion. We maintained that it was just the result of good liaison and effective communication. A happy Colonel Ayer later presented me with a hand carved walking stick for my efforts.
I was summonsed to another Turkish Cypriot village shortly afterwards where I found a deceased 15-year-
old girl who had her throat cut. I discovered that she had allegedly recently engaged in an act of sexual intercourse with a married man – whether it had been consensual or not I never found out. On making further inquiries I learned that on discovering what had happened, her brother and father had taken her to a quiet location in an orchard, and while the father pinned the girl’s arms behind her back, her brother had cut her throat, leaving her to bleed to death on the ground as they walked away.
To continue my enquiries, I was shown to the local coffee shop where I found both men drinking coffee and playing backgammon with the married man who had allegedly had intercourse with the young girl. The three were in good spirits. I asked if they had cut the girl’s throat to which the father and brother unashamedly said yes, and then when I asked why, I was told that the daughter had brought great shame to the family and that the taking of her life had to be done as a matter of family honour. “What about the married man?” I asked, to which I was told that it was not his fault, she was the one who had brought the dishonour to the family and not him. The father then invited me to join them for coffee.
I was twice tasked with being part of the escort provided for Archbishop Makarios, the deposed President of the Republic of Cyprus, when he flew by helicopter into Paphos to meet with local officials and the community. Dealing with the cheers of the Greek Cypriots was fine but then having to deal with the jeers and hostility of the enclaved Turkish Cypriots was entirely different.
At about this time we were placed on heightened alert as it was believed that the Turkish troops might again attack southern Cyprus, to free the enclaved communities. Accordingly, AUSTCIVPOL commenced night-time patrols to determine whether any Turkish troops had crossed the Buffer Zone into the south, or if any of the enclaved Turkish Cypriots from the south were attempting to flee north, in which case they had to be detained and passed over to CYPOL.
Driving those mountainous and frequently unsafe roads by Land Rover in the dead of night was incredibly challenging and took a heavy toll on our members, but fortunately, no serious accidents occurred save for almost colliding with the occasional donkey sleeping on the road.
A U2 and a Tattoo
At about this time fellow South Australian, Sergeant Barry Fletcher and I met an American air force pilot who flew U2 spy planes out of the British base at Akrotiri. By invitation, one night Barry and I witnessed our friend take-off for a mission. The sight and sounds were spectacular as this incredible aircraft
was wheeled from the hangar and disappeared into the sky in a matter of seconds. We better understood why our friend attacked a bottle of bourbon after completing each flight.
Several of us were selected to participate in a UN sunset military tattoo to be held at the UN controlled former Nicosia Airport. The trooping the colours formality was presented to the UN SecretaryGeneral’s Representative to Cyprus, Mr Perez de Cueller. Further, the band of the Grenadier Guards was flown in from Buckingham Palace to play at the tattoo, along with the meanest, toughest and loudest drill sergeant I had ever encountered. The man was replete with pace stick and a voice like a bull, he delighted in marching us up and down the hot tarmac for hours on end in preparation for the parade.
On the night though, things were spectacular as we paraded with an escort of UN aircraft flying overhead, accompanied by armoured vehicles performing manoeuvres on the ground, and watched by a large contingent of dignitaries, family members and friends. Our troops and police officers by this time had been whipped into shape and we did a decent job of marching, trooping the colours and presenting the salute as the sun went down.
Operation Mayflower
The refugee and internally displaced person crisis in Cyprus came to an abrupt head in 1975. My small role in events began when I was urgently summoned to the Turkish Cypriot enclave in Paphos in late July. There I discovered that 48 Turkish Cypriots had been caught by CYPOL the previous night attempting to flee to the north. The people were beaten by CYPOL and bussed back to Paphos.
Among the 48 were injured children and elderly men and women. Injuries included broken bones, cuts and bruising, broken noses and eye injuries. One elderly woman later developed gangrene in one leg which had to be amputated.
Confronted with this scene, I assisted in setting up a makeshift treatment centre in the enclave, with the assistance of Sergeant Tony McAlister, a medic from the nearby UN (British) army camp. It became clear to me that local CYPOL members committed the beatings. With the approval of UNFICYP’s commander I had most of the victims transported to the parade ground of the local CYPOL HQ. There, with the assistance of other AUSTCIVPOL members, I conducted a ‘line-up’ of CYPOL personnel, much to the disgust and opposition of their chief superintendent. Thirteen CYPOL members were identified by the victims.
An Operation Mayflower convoy at a designated rest point, at Nisou (to the north-west of Larnaca). AUSTCIVPOL members were assisted by military (British) UNFICYP units, including transport and air assets. Image: Author.
At that time, Greek Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot President Rauf Denktash were engaged in UN-sponsored peace talks in Vienna. When briefed about the event, Denktash suspended the talks and immediately flew back to Cyprus to see for himself what had happened. Having done so, and following further talks with mainland Turkey, Denktash issued an ultimatum that unless the remaining Turkish Cypriots enclaved or living in the south of the island were granted permission to travel to the north, Turkey would re-invade and take those refugees north.
Following discussions with his government, President Cleridis capitulated and agreed to the demand. The task then fell to the UN, especially AUSTCIVPOL and the British UN military, to escort and relocate the Turkish Cypriots north under a threemonth operation code-named Operation Mayflower.
This task was made more difficult because many of the older Turkish Cypriots had never left their homes, farms, or villages in their lifetimes, and were hesitant to move, especially as each person was allowed to take little more than one suitcase of clothing. Having to run the gauntlet of irate Greek Cypriot drivers and pedestrians along the way did not help and made the Australian job of escorting the convoys of vehicles more difficult.
The UN Buffer Zone
After Mayflower there was no need for peacekeepers except for along the Buffer Zone. In time, the majority of AUSTCIVPOL (including myself) relocated to the town of Kokinotrimithia, alongside the Buffer Zone and near Nicosia. The width of the Buffer Zone ranged from a narrow laneway in the centre of Nicosia to over two kilometres in the farmlands on both sides of the city. The narrow end was particularly hair-raising to patrol because both armies were only separated by approximately twenty feet. Forces from both sides faced off against each other with machine guns and an array of weaponry that could have blown Nicosia apart.
Regular outbreaks of violence were still occurring at that time. Sniper fire was also a risk and the Canadian UN peacekeepers who were barracked in that area at the Ledra Palace Hotel lost several soldiers this way.
We undertook patrols through the area.
The soil in the buffer zone was fertile and had been prime agricultural land prior to the invasion, and Greek Cypriot farmers insisted on returning to plant crops and hunt birds. What they failed to consider though was that when the Turkish Army had invaded the north of the island, they and the Greek Cypriot forces had laid minefields to keep their opposite numbers at bay.
Tragically Sergeant Ian Ward, a young NSW policeman, died on 12 November 1974 when the Land Rover he was travelling in, drove over a landmine in the Buffer Zone. Ward and his colleague John Woolcott had been transporting Turkish Cypriot refugees through the area. Ian had only been in Cyprus for a week. We later established a memorial at the site and held a service in honour of Ian and the refugee who died on that occasion.
This was foremost in our minds when we undertook our Land Rover patrols along the unsealed tracks in the Buffer Zone which were bordered by minefields. The golden rule was that we never looked to take short cuts or stray from the tracks we were driving on.
During the 1974 war there had been heavy aerial bombing by the Turkish Air Force in and around the International Airport in Nicosia, which was now part of the Buffer Zone. It became part of our job to patrol this area and manually collect any unexploded bombs by loading them into the back of our Land Rovers and then transporting them to the nearby UN (British Army) base for detonation. This was hair raising to say the least and I frequently wondered if picking up the next unexploded bomb was going to be the last thing I ever did. Again, I often pondered just what the defined job description was for Australian police officers serving in Cyprus at that time.
UNFICYP Force Commander General Prem Chand unveils the memorial. Photo supplied by Alan Hart.
Being Assaulted
I was promoted to the rank of Inspector Second Class and given the additional job of Executive Officer to the Australian Contingent. What this meant was that I had more work to do. The job included drafting monthly reports of contingent activities which were forwarded to UN HQ and to the Commissioner of the Commonwealth Police. Other duties included playing host and tour guide to visiting VIPs such as politician Sir Billy Sneddon.
The Executive Officer also had to travel to the Larnaca International Airport each Sunday to collect the Australian diplomatic bag which had been sent from Canberra. This bag contained our mail, information for the commander and postage for the Australian High Commissioner in Nicosia.
Because of a curfew imposed by the Turkish Forces in the Larnaca District, we all understood that the pickup of the diplomatic bag from the airport and return to Limassol via a Turkish checkpoint had to be completed before 6pm. One Sunday I was accompanied by the second in charge of our contingent, Chief Inspector Jim Furnell. We reached the checkpoint 5.35pm – plenty of time to spare, or so we thought. The first thing we noticed was that the usual infantry Turkish soldiers staffing the checkpoint were missing and in their place were six commandos, distinctive by the insignia on their uniforms and the blue berets they were wearing.
Jim and I were stopped and then dragged out of our Land Rover at gunpoint and roughly handled by the commandos. I desperately tried to indicate that it was before 6pm but their officer in charge was having none of it, insisting that we had broken the curfew. What followed was truly scary. Jim and I were punched, kicked, and beaten and then knocked to the ground with rifle butts. Once on the ground the soldiers took it in turn to place either their pistols and rifles into our mouths and pull the triggers. The guns did not fire as they had apparently removed the magazines beforehand, but as they did so, other soldiers in the group fired live pistol and rifle bullets into the ground immediately next to our ears. The noise was deafening, and we honestly believed we were both about to be shot and killed.
Then with some further well aimed punches and kicking directed at our heads and bodies, we were pushed back to our Land Rover and derisively waved off.
That memory still haunts me, especially at night, and I know that Jim also experienced significant trauma from the incident.
There were other dangers too. I was selected to be an observer on certain UN (British) helicopter flights above the Buffer Zone, to establish whether there had been attempts by either side to move troops into the area to gain an advantage. The helicopter was a small Scout type with a round glass bubble cockpit which gave good ground vision from the air. I discovered what nervousness was about though, when we were patrolling, and rifle fire began pinging into the bottom of the helicopter.
Tourism
I fondly remember several periods of leave both during the 12-month posting, and immediately after it.
Mid-tour I hitched a ride in a UN Buffalo transport aircraft and flew to Israel for a week. We flew very low along the Suez Canal which had just reopened following the Yom Kippur War. The sight of the thousands of tanks, artillery weapons, and machine gun positions along each bank was extraordinary. It was the first time in two years that shipping had been permitted to use the canal and there was an unbroken conga line of ships moving through it.
The Buffalo had to land at the UN Transport Depot in Ismailia, Egypt, and that is where I discovered that I really had reached the end of the earth. What a foreboding place! No self-respecting rat would be caught living there, and I thought I was going to be carried off by the sand, blow flies, and/or vermin, or else baked in the blazing heat. The international airport comprised of a dilapidated and torn old second world war canvas tent with a sand covered floor, no chairs, and a wobbly trestle for a counter. Roaming camels and donkeys made up the bulk of the windswept population.
Israel, on the other hand was modern, urbanised and a democratic country surrounded by neighbours who wished ill upon it. To ride on a bus around Jerusalem with young women and men brandishing pistols and sub machine guns as a normal way of life, was quite an experience. The barbed wire, concrete walls and military posts separating Israel from Gaza were sobering to say the least and made me appreciate more just how lucky we are to live in Australia.
I later took leave in Russia with Barry Fletcher, and we stayed in Moscow and Leningrad.
The Commonwealth Police attached to the Australian Embassy in Moscow warmly greeted us, as did Australian Ambassador Sir James Plimsoll. In Leningrad we visited the Mariinsky Theatre and were unexpectedly ushered into the Tsar’s Box. We sat on the two throne-like seats built for the exclusive use of Tsar Nicholas II and his wife Empress Alexandra, both executed during the Russian Revolution in 1918. We also ate dinner at a local restaurant but had to retreat when
a brawl broke out between a group of drunken Russian men and a group of drunken Finnish men.
At the end of the mission Barry and I visited London, where we contacted members of the Queen’s Royal Household Regiment (the ‘Blues and Royals’). We had worked in close cooperation with the regiment in Cyprus and our contacts invited us to stay at their barracks. Each day we watched on as the soldiers prepared themselves and their horses for duty at Buckingham Palace. We also visited the horse trials at Windsor Castle and sat not too far from Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother, to watch Princess Anne compete for selection to the UK equestrian team for the Olympics. We also saw Prince Phillip unsuccessfully attempt to manoeuvre his horses and carriage in a muddied field. When the carriage became stuck the prince threw his trilby on the ground in frustration while he introduced us to language we had never heard before!
Our final night in London was a formal mess dinner and the bill was presented to us on a silver platter. Thinking that we might be washing dishes for the next few months we cautiously picked up the bill and could not believe it when we saw that it was for the total amount of one pound.
Reflections
Despite the tragedy, drama, trauma and challenges of the mission, my time in UNFICYP was a career highlight. I am proud to have worked with so many police and military peacekeepers in some of the most difficult situations imaginable. UN peacekeepers are a vital necessity in places like Cyprus, where political and religious differences prevent the peaceful settlement of long-standing disputes.
I believe a key to our success in UNFICYP was our choice to remain unarmed. While I learned a lot from our UN colleagues from nations such as Sweden, Austria, Denmark and the United Kingdom, our decision to be unarmed was noticed and respected (in the main) by both warring sides. This, together with the fact that each of our white UN Land Rovers had prominent red ‘Skippy the kangaroo’ signs displayed front and rear, provided us access that other UN units were frequently denied.
My general interest in UN peacekeeping has continued since I left Cyprus. I was the President of the United Nations Civilian Police Association of Australia (UNCIVPOL). In 1982, the South
A UN medal parade was held for the contingent at Ladies Mile Beach, Limassol, in 1975. Those present in this image are Lindsay Timothy, Norm Hassell, Ulf Kaminski, Les Gorman, Mike McRae, Max Everett, Barry Fletcher, Paul Mehan, Phil Sherwood, Wayne Robinson, Merv Beck, Lionel Claydon, Terry Bessell, John Crowley, and a member of the Austrian CIVPOL contingent who was rotation with the Australians.
Australia Branch of UNCIVPOL organised the first reunion event for Australian police peacekeepers, a forerunner to the similar biannual reunions hosted by the United Nations and Overseas Policing Association of Australia (UNOPAA).
In 2012 UNCIVPOL evolved into UNOPAA and I have been honoured with life membership. I commend UNOPAA under the stewardship of Mick Travers APM and his able committee drawn from other states and territories in Australia, and supported by our first class True Blue magazine.
I will let former Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop have the final say on police peacekeeping. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly the Minister said in part that: “Police peacekeeping is an integral way of the United Nations peacekeeping and peace building work. Importantly, the development of effective, accountable and community focussed policing institutions is an integral part of responsible exit strategies for peacekeeping operations. It is Australia’s objective to make a practical contribution to enduring peace, security, and stability in the world.”
A warning sign near Limassol. Spillage of grape juice from the rear of Cypriot lorries was a common problem; the juice was very slippery on the narrow and winding bitumen roads.
A Unique Souvenir from Cyprus
Editor: I am reproducing an article that appeared in the February 2006 issue of ‘True Blue’. The article concerned the souveniring of the car pennant of Archbishop Makarios. The last paragraph will reveal why this article has been reproduced.
Retired NSW Police member Geoffrey Hodgson served in Cyprus with the 9th Contingent in 1972/73.
Article reads:
“Thought this might be an interesting photo for our website. In mid-1973 I was driving a UN Landrover from Limasol to Nicosia when a police motorcade passed me at high speed. They were escorting Archbishop Makarios to Nicosia. As the Archbishop’s car passed I noticed his flag flying at the front of his limousine. Down the road about two hundred metres I noticed this same flag on the roadway. I stopped and noticed that the chrome metal flag post had snapped with the flag still attached. At the top of the post was a cross. The flag was still attached to the post.
When I got back to Limasol I reported this to Commander Roy Farmer and asked how we could get this flag back to Archbishop Makarios. He advised that while my intentions were honorable, it would never get back to him as someone would souvenir it before it reached him.
I got the message and I thank Roy for that. I sent it home via the diplomatic bag. When back home I turned up a brass base and had it chromed to match the post. I often think that this must be the best souvenir to come out of Cyprus.
I have wanted to share this with my Cyprus colleagues for them to see the beauty in this flag and it’s post, and the website seems the ideal place to do this.”
Editor: Geoff saw the article concerning the Ian Ward Landrover arriving in Canberra to become a focal point in the new Peacekeeping Gallery at the Australian War Memorial. This prompted him to recently write to the Australian War Memorial and offer to donate the pennant to their collection (hopefully to become a displayed item). At the time of writing this article, I am unsure if the AWM has accepted his offer however, this would be a ‘must have’ in any national collection.
The original article from ‘True Blue’ February 2006.
Geoff with his souvenired pennant.
A Subtle Change
In February 2025 the AFP formally amended its badge to incorporate the crown of King Charles III, which is also known as the Tudor Crown. The crown has previously been the symbol (cypher) of King George III, King Edward VII, King George V and King George VI.
The main difference between the Tudor Crown and the St Edwards Crown (Queen Elizabeth II's cypher) is the latter features arches on either side of its central cross, while the former has a rounded dome. In keeping with
the wishes of King Charles III, the changes for tangible items such as shoulder patches, rank slides and car decals will be gradually implemented so as to minimise the waste and cost of replacing existing stocks.
The New South Wales Police Force, the Northern Territory Police Force and Tasmania Police have also changed their badges. The remaining Australian police agencies have yet to announce when changes will be made to their badges.
Reflections on International Policing
Editorial
As readers know, there is no standard career for a police officer. A myriad of factors combine to shape and influence the opportunities and options which are presented to an individual during their career. In this article the author –a highly respected and experienced detective who will retire in the near future – gives an insight into some of his offshore deployments.
Reflecting
As I head towards retirement after 36 years in the AFP, I am reflecting on whether I achieved what I hoped to when I started full of good intentions all those years ago. One question has been: did I join the right police agency for me? Many of my friends are state police and they have had wonderful careers, which at times seemed much more practical than mine, and certainly involved less office time and paperwork. However, when I reflect that I have been privileged to represent my country overseas, like my father did as a special operations soldier, I know I made the right choice. There are three types of deployments where AFP members serve internationally. The first is a peacekeeping or capacity development mission where police are in uniform and are often unarmed. The second is deploying to assist in disaster situations such as in the aftermath of tsunamis or major criminal events such as the Bali bombings. The third type of deployment is being part of the AFP’s International Network – diplomatic or other accredited postings. I have been lucky enough to serve overseas on almost a dozen occasions and undertook each type of deployment.
Laclubar, East Timor (now Timor-Leste). Paul is with fellow UNTAET member Tim Armstrong and two recently recruited East-Timorese police officers, Joseph (left) and Alfonso.
East Timor (2001 - 2002)
My first overseas mission was as a member of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor. Several of my friends had previously deployed, including during the troubles of 1999 where they had adventures and did brave things. Being very competitive, I felt I had to go. I too encountered several adventures and was able to contribute to the establishment of a new country.
I lived in a tent for six months in the highlands village of Laclubar, a beautiful place which was cool at night and relatively free of mosquitos, although there were many large rats and scorpions who loved to climb into empty boots. I was present when East Timor prepared for its first democratic election. Watching the Timorese head towards independence was very fulfilling. From a work perspective the district was fairly quiet as the people were generally peaceful and friendly, although Sunday nights tended to be quite violent with many brawls as villagers had spent the day drinking locally brewed alcohol. I discovered that the Timorese are very skilled at using machetes and accurately throwing rocks great distances. While I only investigated a couple of violent deaths, I certainly helped administer plenty of first aid!
One thing I well remember is losing 20kgs in weight because of the limited amount of food available. I lived mostly on local avocados, bread and the odd can of tuna posted to me by my dad in welfare packages. The only meat widely available in the district was dog, which I wasn’t prepared to eat willingly.
I laugh when I think of my first foot patrol with two members of the Singapore Police Force, one of whom was a Gurkha from Nepal. I thought I was pretty fit having trained with AFP’s Special Operations Teams and being a senior defensive skills instructor who ran daily. But when I tried to match the Gurkha as he floated up the steep mountains, I had to stop and vomit after about 30 minutes. The good news is that after six months I could easily run up the hill. When I got back to Australia fit and slim, I almost killed myself with my old bench press warm up weight – proving that it doesn’t matter how many push ups you do, if you are not eating enough protein, you won’t keep your muscle. At least that is my excuse...
Papua new guinea (2005)
My time in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was as part of the Enhanced Cooperation Program (ECP) –a bilateral capacity development mission aimed at improving the skills and capability of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). My job was as an operational and armed Station Sergeant at Gordon Station, Port Moresby. My AFP colleagues and I had full police powers and we worked alongside RPNGC members.
Violence was rampant throughout PNG society and it was a tough, exciting and challenging deployment. Gordon station responded to an average of two murders a week and a very high rate of serious injuries, brought about in large part because of alcohol induced violence, especially between competing tribes who used bush knives. RPNGC responses to violence tended to be equally firm and at times deadly. One of our roles was explore less violent options to de-escalate tensions.
One day a drunken PNG highlander wearing only a loincloth used a katana-like sword in a marketplace. He waved the weapon around violently and struck several people. One of the victims raced to the station to let us know. My RPNGC colleagues instinctively grabbed an assault rifle and a shotgun, their standard response to any report of violence. I instead took a large can of OC spray. By the time of our arrival the man was like a shark in a school of fish amidst the crowd, with it surging back and forth around him, but just out of reach.
I was able to reach the location before my RPNGC colleagues so was able to pursue the OC option. It proved to be a text-book ‘take down’ in which no
one else was hurt. The crowd was ecstatic to see the offender in pain from the effects of the OC spray. After handcuffing him we rendered first aid, using water to wash away the spray from the man’s eyes. When he stopped screaming, the crowd’s elation and cheers turned into boos and jeering towards us – they wanted to see him in pain! After the spray inadvertently trickled underneath the man’s loincloth, he again started to scream, which again pleased the crowd. A full decontamination occurred at the station.
On another occasion we were forced to confront a group of drunken, angry and heavily armed PNG soldiers. Through a mixture of patience, professionalism and good fortune, police safely negotiated the soldiers’ surrender. There had been real potential for extreme mass-casualty violence, but we were able to resolve it without injury through international teamwork – which is the best part of working overseas.
I felt our mentoring and training was beginning to have a marked impact on the RPNGC when the PNG Supreme Court ruled that the legal immunities given to Australian police by the PNG Government were unconstitutional, so the ECP was shut down. The AFP still has a presence in PNG today, with most members providing training and advisory support. When ECP members withdrew in 2005 I was in Australia, undergoing knee surgery because of an injury I incurred during public order training of RPNGC members. Despite the knee still bothering me today, I loved my time in PNG and working with their police who were keen to try different approaches to policing.
Paul with AFP colleague Ragini Gaundar at the front counter of the Gordon Police Station, Port Moresby in early 2005.
The Solomon Islands (2005)
After obtaining a medical clearance (although I still had a limp) I deployed to the Solomon Islands as part of the Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands (RAMSI). RAMSI was an AFP-led policing mission to help restore the rule-of-law throughout the country. The 200-plus police element of RAMSI included AFP and state police (sworn in as special AFP members) and police from throughout the Pacific, including New Zealand.
I arrived a few months after AFP Protective Service Officer Adam Dunning had been murdered while on a nighttime patrol in Honiara. Adam’s murder had deeply affected the mission and the community. During my time there every effort was made to apprehend the offenders, and this was eventually achieved.
Most RAMSI personnel (police and military) lived at a large base on the outskirts of Honiara. We worked and lived in each other’s pockets. Structured after-hours entertainment was an
important way to keep occupied. A highlight for me was the boxing team we formed. There is nothing quite like punching each other in the head to gain each other’s respect, and my utmost respect goes to “Sarah the Kiwi” who was utterly fearless against men and women alike. I recall one very tough Aussie, an athletic martial artist, telling me after a couple of weeks of sparring that boxing was not for him as he had headaches every day after training. I commiserated with him and sneakily didn’t tell him that so did I, but the sessions were worth it and made the couple of beers we had after training taste so much better.
My main duties in Honiara related to being part of a joint team of Australian, New Zealand and Solomon Islands police who investigated corruption, especially the activities of then Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza during the ‘troubles’ (i.e.: the quasi-civil war period of 2002). The politician’s subsequent conviction and imprisonment for the crimes showed to the people of the Solomon Islands that the legal system could bring even powerful people to justice.
Paul talking to local villagers in the Solomon Islands in 2005.
The United States of America (2007 – 2009)
My first (diplomatic) posting as part of the AFP’s International Network was to Washington DC. Working from the Australian Embassy, I was the post’s Counter Terrorism (CT) Liaison Officer. Each day I dealt with personnel from a raft of American CT organisations. The nature of the Islamic terrorist threat was evolving and all agencies were attempting to enhance interagency cooperation. I became the first non-military Australian to have access to the American SIPRNet, enabling me to have real-time access to crucial bomb data and CT intelligence materials. I could then disseminate critical information to the AFP and the various joint CT teams across Australia and South-East Asia.
My favourite anecdote from the posting shows how the ability to ‘network’ is vital for all liaison officers. On Thanksgiving Day in 2008 my deputy commissioner rang me to say the commissioner wanted to urgently speak to the head of the FBI’s CT section. A major terrorist attack had occurred in Mumbai and our commissioner wanted to discuss how AFP and FBI personnel in India could cooperate. The deputy commissioner apologised for ringing on a public holiday but wanted to know how long it would take for me to find the senior FBI officer. ‘About 30 seconds’ I replied, and then explained I was at the man’s house as a guest for Thanksgiving dinner. Shortly afterwards the two men spoke. Later on, the deputy commissioner said I had to be one of the luckiest people around. I certainly cannot disagree with that!
The Philippines (2014 - 2016)
My International Network posting in the Philippines was more operational than Washington DC, but the same principles held. My job was about forming strong personal relationships with local and international police through working together on the ground, including socialising and (in the case of the Philippines) singing a lot of karaoke (very badly in my case).
One initiative I am very proud of is helping to establish an international network of local and foreign police to target child abuse in the Philippines. One particular case I worked on involved an Australian offender making videos of very young Filipino children being abused and then selling the videos on the Dark Web for bitcoin as part of ‘No Limits Fun’. That phrase still sends a chill down my spine because the Australian organiser and his many local and foreign gang members killed at least
Paul with members of the United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in 2009.
Paul with 60 Minutes reporter Tara Brown.
one poor young local girl during their horrible reign of terror. Many other children, including some as young as 18 months old, were molested by the gang. The two main offenders were sentenced to 129 years of imprisonment without parole; it was the first time an Australian was convicted in the Philippines for this type of serious offence.
Many potential victims around the world were also saved as a result of our efforts, as numerous predators received lengthy prison sentences for possessing the videos (one of which was called ‘Daisy’s Destruction’ after the 18 months old victim) from this gang.
The Australian 60 Minutes television show produced a story about the investigation called ‘Catching a Monster’. It is still difficult for me to watch because of the bad memories and because I fear it gives me too much credit for what I did. I was just a small part of an international team of Filippino, Dutch and Australian investigators and prosecutors, who all contributed equally.
The publicity from the case and 60 Minutes helped to build arguments for additional funding to combat child sexual exploitation both in Australia and overseas. This eventually led to the AFP receiving funding from the Australian government to assist in establishing the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Centre – PICACC. The AFP continues to partner with PICACC and other international groups in the Philippines, and together they have rescued hundreds of child victims.
Thailand (2022 – 2025)
I am currently the AFP Senior Officer Bangkok, responsible for coordinating AFP operational and capacity building engagement with Thai law enforcement. My team and I (13 AFP and locally engaged staff) are based at the Australian Embassy, but routinely travel throughout the country and wider region.
My early involvements with Thai law enforcement occurred in the 1990s when I was stationed in Melbourne. At the time heroin sourced in the so-called Golden Triangle of Myanmar, Laos and northern Thailand, was smuggled to Australia via Thailand or Malaysia and was usually concealed inside couriers. These were terrible jobs to investigate. As junior police as we were the ones who had to sift through the person’s faeces to look for a few hundred grams of heroin. We rarely identified the high-level organisers although occasionally we arrested mid-level syndicate members.
A Royal Thai Police scientist briefing AFP members (including Paul) and Australia’s Ambassador to Thailand, Her Excellency Dr Angela Macdonald PSM (centre).
Paul and Detective Sergeant Isidro Steger represented the AFP at the 2023 Anzac Day memorial service at Hellfire Pass, Thailand.
To emphasise how the scale of organised drug crime has increased during my time in the AFP, my first case involving Thailand was a courier who had ingested 200 grams of heroin in a condom, which would have fetched a few thousand dollars on the black market. The most recent Thai-related drug investigation in which I was the operational commander involved the importation into Australia and attempted possession of 1.6 tonnes of methamphetamine - worth over a billion dollars.
Our work in Bangkok includes intelligence sharing and operational support to intercept drug shipments in Thailand, and to identify and arrest syndicate leaders. When you consider the number of Australians who die from drug overdoses each year, you can see the benefits from each successfully intercepted shipment (over four tonnes during my current posting), in terms of reducing the risk of more Australians dying.
My team’s duties extend beyond countering narcotics smuggling – we work on countering a variety of crime types which impact Asia and Australia including terrorism, cyber-enabled crime, human smuggling and people trafficking. Looking back to 2003, I was then the detective sergeant in charge of the AFP’s first human trafficking investigation which eventually secured two convictions. The victims were Thai nationals and consequently, Thai investigators and the AFP Bangkok Post helped my Melbourne-based team. Twenty years later, when I commenced my current posting, I was pleasantly surprised to discover two of the Thai team were still working their magic, together with other new (but equally excellent) members.
Lessons Learned
The following are key lessons I have learned from my various offshore postings.
The local team is most important
Each post has a number of locally engaged staff. They are vital as they not only have the translation and investigative support skills but also have the long-term relationships with local law enforcement and cultural understanding.
Team not individual –relationships over personal skills
I have realised that individual and technical policing skills are often far less important than being able to form and support a great international team. All the best outcomes are team efforts and everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. To achieve success internationally, especially as part of the International Network, the key is to build and leverage relationships with host law enforcement and other partners. The ability to build such relationships is not always within the grasp of ‘gun’ investigators.
Horses for courses
Some postings are not for everyone. Many are in locations where there is chaos and uncertainty within the workplace and the broader society (e.g.: traffic, lack of privacy, general security and food availability). There have been many police who have thrived in one type of posting but severely struggled in others. It’s vital you know yourself, your tolerance levels and your limitations.
Less is more
Don’t lecture or impose yourself and expect results. Friendship and guidance are usually more effective strategies. I remember one Australian police officer in PNG (seconded to the AFP) who attempted to introduce printed copies of his department’s administrative forms, with the expectation the RPNGC would copy them. The forms were later used by the RPNGC as toilet paper. A graphic but true story of how there can be push-back to well-intentioned but ill-informed initiatives.
Go easy on yourself
Physical fitness does not necessarily equate to toughness. Twenty years ago I thought I was pretty tough but throughout the course of my career I have been exposed to traumatic and horrifying things, which at the time I brushed off. This included investigations into crimes which involved beheadings and child sex offences. I was also lucky to survive an incident where a United Nations (Russian) helicopter suffered a mechanical failure and auto-rotated to the ground. Although we walked out of it, the event could easily have been deadly. To this day I don’t like flying in helicopters.
In the aftermath of the 2002 Bali bombings I was in the Philippines when Filippino police colleagues located one of the bombers who was living in a remote area of the country. The offender died violently resisting arrest and local tribes actually turned on the police. A total of 44 officers died, including several I had worked closely with. Many of the deaths were filmed by the villagers and posted on social media. I will never forget what those brave men did for Australia and the victims of the Bali bombing, and it still affects me today.
My point is, ensure you monitor your wellbeing. Don’t be afraid to admit you might have some challenges and need help. Knowing what stresses you is important, and it certainly has helped me in recent years.
Family first
This is the most important lesson although I ignored it on too many occasions, to the detriment of my family. While there will be times you have to work long hours away from home, make sure you have the support of your family to do what you do. This is especially the case overseas. The family remembers what you did but your agency will not. The extra pay may be an attractive incentive to deploy but not if it costs you your family. As all good leaders know, keeping families happy is critical for mission success.
Last Post
In the final six months of my posting and career I still have a few goals to complete. One includes delivering advanced interviewing training to Thai police in the south of the country, in an area where travel is restricted due to an ongoing insurgency. I will be flying there in a police helicopter, along with a good friend who is a Victoria Police Detective Inspector. We first delivered this type of training to great success in the Philippines almost a decade ago. The AFP has invested considerable energy helping Thai police to enhance their interviewing skills, with the Thais soon to begin videoing and recording interviews. I am just hoping that unlike the last time we delivered the training, there are no nearby bombings, as over 30 went off on the last day of the course.
With retirement I will miss the adventure, camaraderie, unique opportunities and job satisfaction of working overseas. I certainly intend to spend as many Melbourne winters as possible in warmer climate. In reflecting on my career and the question I asked at the beginning of this article, I am content that I made the right decision in joining the AFP. It has enabled me to play my small part of the much larger ‘Team Australia’ effort to protect Australia and the wider region.
International operations in 2025 AFP personnel (sworn and unsworn) are deployed to 41 cities across the globe, in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and the Pacific. The roles undertaken by these personnel vary but are consistent with four broad goals, being countering serious transnational criminal threats, upholding peace, stability and security, partnering with other agencies, and ensuring the safety of people and property. This includes AFP personnel providing capacity building support in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands. For more information refer to the document titled ‘International Strategy: Towards 2030’, at www.afp.gov.au
Detective Superintendent Paul Hopkins Afp Senior Officer – Bangkok
Royal Thai Police (with AFP members and Australia’s ambassador at the back) on parade at the force’s forensic centre. This was the formal opening of a training room which had been funded and supported by the AFP and the Australian Government.
Paul thanking Thai Royal Thai Police pilots, for flying him and the team down to the ‘do not travel’ area of Yala, in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand in 2023.
Solidarity Medal Awarded
Timor Leste Solidarity Medal awarded to members of the 1st Contingent to East Timor 1999
On Thursday 13th December 2024, members of the 1st Contingent to UNAMET (East Timor) 1999 attended the Timor Leste Embassy in Canberra where they were presented with the Timor Leste Solidarity Medal (TLSM) by HE Inês Maria de Almeida. Although the medal was established by the Timor Leste Government for those who served in Timor Leste from 2006 to 2012, the President of East Timor, Jose Ramos-Horta, sanctioned the awarding of the medal to members of UNAMET via a Presidential Decree in 2024. This time frame marked the 25th anniversary of Australian Police in (at the time) East Timor.
Members of the 1st Australian Contingent to East Timor at the Timor Leste Embassy after receiving their Timor Leste Solidarity Medals.
My Return to Timor Leste, Part 2
When I returned home after Timor Awakening 27 (TA27) in May 2024 I felt different.
I finally felt like I had laid some skeletons to rest and could embrace and be proud of my deployment to Timor Leste with the United Nations. I also realised that Timor and its people had captured part of my heart all those years ago and I felt that I had finally reconnected with that part of me I had lost. The Timor Awakening program itself provided a safe environment for myself and other participants to face our fears, challenge our thinking and take pride in our service.
I decided before I even left Timor in May 2024 that I was heading back as soon as I could to try to find my local staff who I had worked with in 2000/01; help some of the NGOs I connected with during TA27; and explore the possibility of setting up a mobile preschool/playgroup to provide early education for children aged 0-5 in remote areas that don’t have access to preschool.
Not long after returning home Jetstar had a sale on airfares and I took that as a sign to book my next trip for November 2024. Initially my husband Chris was coming back with me, though his work commitments prevented him being able to come along so my 15yo daughter Keira came instead. I touched base with Manny from Manny Timor Tours who I met
during TA27 and he helped me put an itinerary together.
Heading to Timor Leste this time was so different to April with TA27. I was excited and also interested to see how Keira would react to travelling in a developing country. When the island came into view through the plane window I felt like I was going to my second home.
We were met at the airport by one of the lovely staff from ProEma where we would be staying whilst in Dili. We met with Simone and some of her team and gave them the small coffee machine and kitchen utensils we brought over for them. Our room at Pro-
Ema was lovely and the food at the restaurant is always amazing. We didn’t do much day 1 – yummy dinner and then a lovely walk along the waterfront, showing Keira some of the sites.
Day 2 I taught a couple of basic first aid courses to the staff and students at Pro-Ema. I brought a CPR dummy over as a gift so the students could practice and so that I (and others) can utilise it in the future for training. I also caught up with Dr Andre from SABEH and gave him a heap of first aid supplies I had brought over. I chatted with him about my mobile preschool idea and he didn’t think there was anything like that in Timor and that it would be great.
Day 3 we headed to Baucau with our Manny Timor Tour team – Lilliana (guide) and Jocko (driver). We first stopped at Hera at a mangrove project. Initially I was like ? why are we stopping here? And then as we were walking along the boardwalk we started seeing monkeys and beautiful birds. Lilliana explained that the local young people volunteer their time here, replanting the mangroves and protecting the animals and birds. The boardwalk was made by Caltex from recycled plastic. It was a beautiful spot and we were rewarded by a lovely coastal view at the end of the walk.
We then stopped at the Heroes Cemetery where Timorese Veterans are laid to rest when they pass away. Lilliana’s father is buried there and she advised that the cemetery is a Xanana project and I look forward to seeing how beautiful it will be when all the work is finished.
Next we stopped at Manatuto, Xanana’s birth place where we visited St Antonio situated at the top of the hill overlooking the town and the coast. Spectacular views and a beautiful place to pray and reflect.
We eventually reached Baucau and checked into our pink hotel –an old Portuguese Hotel. Keira and I walked down to the Piscina De Baucau (spring fed public pool) however it was closed for school swimming lessons. We wandered back to the hotel via the local food market and relaxed on the balcony watching the children playing and listening to the roosters and motorbikes.
Day 4 we went to Wata Bo Beach at Baucau and I had a lovely swim. Lilliana reassured my there were no crocs in the area though I stayed vigilant just in case. It is so beautiful there – I could wake up to that every morning. As we were leaving a small bus full of nuns pulled up and they looked like they were going to have a picnic. We then explored a few other places around Baucau and I saw some old UN land rovers –proof we had been there. Keira and I headed down to the public pool when we got back to hotel and we were very popular as not many ‘Malai’ (foreigners) come to the pool.
Day 5 we headed towards Viqueque and Uato Lari. I was so excited as it would be the first time I had been back to my old stomping ground since I left in May 2001. I was anxious to see my old accommodation, police stations, UN HQ and hoping to find one or two of my old staff. Not having seen or spoken to them since 2001 I had no idea where they might be or if they were even still alive.
We stopped in Viqueque where I was stationed for the second 3 months of my 6 month deployment in 2000/01. I immediately recognised the main landmarks which surprised Lilliana and Jocko given how much time had passed. I walked around my old Police Station and then walked down to my accommodation which was called ‘The Australian Embassy’ as mostly Australian CIVPOL had stayed there throughout UNTAET. The lady of the house saw me looking in through the gate and came out. Lilliana explained who I was and she remembered me – and some
of the other Aussies who had lived there during my deployment. She invited me in to look around and asked to have some photos taken with her. She’s building a coffee shop in the front yard and I promised to come visit next time I’m Timor. I was so excited that she remembered me – and in a positive way. She said how much she loved all the Australians who stayed in her home and hopes we are all well.
We then headed to Uato Lari which is 1-1 ½ hours East of Viqueque and is where I spent the first 3 months of my deployment in 2000. I remember my District Commander didn’t realise I was a female when he decided to send me to Uato Lari, so when I arrived at UNHQ in Viqueque he was taken aback and said that he was going to send me to Uato Lari but probably shouldn’t because the conditions were too harsh –isolated; no electricity; no running water etc. My response was “I’m paid the same as the guys, I don’t need special treatment”. It was a difficult deployment –
there was no accommodation sorted for myself and my colleague Zorba (Chris) so we initially stayed with the village Chief. We lived as locals – ate what they ate; showered when we could – sometimes using our bottled water rations to bathe with when there was nothing else; on call 24/7 as there was only a max of 6 of us (though usually more like 2 or 4) plus Gregorio our interpreter and our local TLNP trainees Jose, Angelina and Antonio; there was no electricity so our nightly entertainment was usually playing cards by candlelight or hanging with some locals. Because there were so few of us, and maybe because the conditions were so challenging, we became really close with our local staff in Uato Lari so finding some of them on this most recent trip meant a lot to me. I needed to know they were ok.
When we arrived in Uato Lari I could see how much it had grown though I still recognised the important buildings and landmarks. I found our old Tata in the front yard of our old
Police Station and our Land Rover next to the hospital/clinic. Lilliana was on a mission to find us all accommodation and the first place we stopped (near police station) wasn’t suitable though the gentleman living there came up to me and he recognised me. He was very happy to see me and when I asked after my local staff he said that he thought Jose was working here in Uato Lari and that Gregorio and Angelina were in Viqueque. I was so excited that I might actually find them !! We eventually found a guesthouse and a lovely lady made us a meal. I could see that Uato Lari is still pretty remote and the facilities pretty basic though they now have electricity –though only recently apparently. The next morning (Day 6) I stopped by my old accommodation and it was pretty derelict. Neighbours advised the lady who owned it who I rented off had passed away. It was sad to see it empty and boarded up. We then headed to the new Police Station – next door to old station – and spoke to the guys
there. They advised that Antonio had passed away, but that Jose, Angelina and Gregorio are all in Viqueque. One of the guys remembered me – he was the Chiefs son. He remembered how I lived with them for a few weeks and that Mr Chris (Zorba) had lived with them for the whole 6 months of his deployment. He asked after Zorba and was pleased to hear that he is retired and spending lots of time with his family and fishing. They gave Lilliana the contact numbers for Angelina and Gregoria and I spoke to them on the phone !! We planned to meet up the following day and I was SO freaking excited !!
After saying goodbye to the Uato Lari police we headed further east to Uato Caribou to do some exploring. During my original deployment we were working all the time so we never had much time to explore – and often the river or roads cut us off from Uato Caribou. We found a beautiful beach on the way and then an amazing waterfall. The local
children were fascinated by us and came to the waterfall with us. After our swim we headed back to our vehicle and we took a few photos with the children. I took some photos of them with our instant camera and the children were excited when I gave them a photo of themselves. I also gave them all a little koala as a gift. They were all so cute and excited and it just reminded me of why we served over here.
We got back to Uato Lari and had a quiet night. I had trouble sleeping because I was so excited to see my friends the following day !
Day 7 we packed up and headed back to Viqueque. First stop was Viqueque Police HQ. Angelina came out to meet me and gave me the biggest hug. Her smile had not changed. When we went inside I recognised another police woman – Florenza. Florenza had worked with me at Viqueque Station. That was a bonus I wasn’t expecting. Jose was out and about working but called and promised
to come visit me at guesthouse when he finished work.
The Commander, Antonio, invited me into his air conditioned office with Angelina and Florenza and we had a great chat. I told him how lucky he was to have such amazing people working for him! Angelina is head of Finance, Florenza is head of Internal Investigations and Jose is head of Intel – I’m so proud of them, and so relieved that they are healthy and happy and have beautiful families and great careers. We exchanged contact information and thanks to the wonders of social media are now in contact and I promised to come visit again next time I’m in Timor.
We then headed to find Gregorio. It turns out he’s the head of the local administration – he handles all the money, makes sure projects are completed, keeps an eye out for corruption etc. He was always such a lovely and intelligent man who always put his community first. I remember asking him in 2000 why he was in Uato Lari
being our interpreter on $20US a month when he could be using his law degree in Dili earning more money. His reply was that he is needed here and wants to help his community. He and his family, like so many in Timor, suffered terribly at the hands of the Indonesians so when they achieved independence, he was determined to do what he could to help everyone heal and rebuild. A truly inspiring man.
Later that afternoon Jose came to visit at our accommodation and I felt like the last piece had fallen into place. He was still the smart, cheeky and lovely guy I had worked with all those years ago. We reminisced and caught up for a few hours. It was like we’d seen each other yesterday. He’s hoping to come to Australia on a work course soon so will catch up again then.
Day 8 we headed back to Dili and said goodbye to Lilliana and Jocko after stocking up on Timor Coffee to take home.
Day 9 was our last full day in Timor and we decided to head over to Autoro Island for a day trip. What a little piece of paradise and a lovely way to wrap up our trip. I’ll definitely need to visit again for a night or two for some snorkelling and relaxing.
On our last morning Keira and I headed to Cristo Rei and climbed up to the Jesus statue. It was sooo hot !! Before leaving Pro-Ema and heading to the airport there were hugs and we were presented with Tais by the lovely staff. Such a wonderful organisation and people doing great things for the needy youth in Timor.
Heading home the next day I was so happy and content. My trip in April with TA27 was amazing in that it helped me heal in so many ways .. however this most recent trip healed me in other ways. I could see the results of the seeds we planted all those years ago in Uato Lari and Viqueque. I could see my service made a difference and that the Timorese are free,
happy, safe and healing from their trauma. They are forgiving and hopeful and resourceful. Best of all I found my local staff and I can see they are good people – they are successful and healthy and have big beautiful families. I couldn’t wish for more for them and that makes me feel happy and proud.
I was also so proud of Keira who took all the challenges of our trip in her stride, without complaint. I know it was a struggle for her at times though she kept a smile on her face. I think it was great for her to see where I lived and worked and I’m hoping the experience helps her understand me a little more.
I’m still working on my proposal for a mobile pre-school and chatting with my Timorese Government contacts. Nothing happens quickly in Timor. I’m also hoping to get back over again soon and catch up with my Timorese family. My Timor Leste story is far from over. My story is far from over.
Article by Karen Drinan
Assisting Democracy
AUSTRALIAN POLICE INVOLVEMENT IN THE 1994 SOUTH
Although not strictly a peacekeeping operation in itself, the involvement of Australian police officers in supporting and monitoring the historic 1994 South Africa elections is a great example of how police officers can add value to international initiatives to build peace and stability in unstable environments.
Background
In 1948 the racial segregation policy known as apartheid was implemented in South Africa as a way to minimise contact between the white and black communities. Opposition to apartheid evolved from peaceful acts of dissent into armed violence. International political condemnation of apartheid, led by the Commonwealth, saw the imposition of long-term economic, military, sporting and cultural sanctions. After the end of the Cold War a negotiated political settlement within South Africa resulted in an agreement to dismantle apartheid and hold the country’s first non-racial multi-party elections, in late April 1994.
There were deep concerns within and outside of South Africa, about the potential for widespread violence and subversion of the election process. The international community was asked to provide personnel to advise and mentor South African security forces, and to observe the elections to ensure they were conducted freely and fairly.
Australia’s contribution included deploying two members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
National Peacekeeping Force
At short notice, Superintendent Clive Banson (Training Division) was selected to join the Commonwealth Peacekeeping Assistance Group (CPAG).
The role of CPAG was to oversee the training of the South African National Peacekeeping Force (NPKF), a conglomeration of elements of South African military and police units which had hurriedly been brought together a few months prior to the election.
Banson arrived in South Africa in late February and travelled to a NPKF training camp at a rifle range near Bloemfontein. There he joined more than 30 other Commonwealth police and military advisers/ observers, and three NPKF battalions undergoing training. Accommodation was rustic. All personnel lived in canvas tents with rudimentary dining and sanitation arrangements, on a plain prone to flooding. Within days he transferred almost 1,000kms to a training facility at Koeberg, near Cape Town, to advise/observe a different NPKF battalion.
A surplus of international advisors/mentors and the pending conclusion of the NPKF training period resulted in Banson being asked to join the Commonwealth Observer Group in South Africa (COGSA), responsible for determining whether the conditions existed for a free election, and whether the results reflected the wishes of the South African people. The Australian Government approved the request, and Banson was appointed as an official electoral observer.
AFRICA ELECTIONS
Clive Banson on parade with members of the NPKF.
Election Observations
Pairing with Josiah Ofori-Boateng, an Appeals Court Judge from Ghana, Banson worked in the north-western city of Mmabatho, the capital of Bophuthatswana.1 In the fortnight leading up to the elections, and wearing plain clothes as opposed to his AFP uniforms, the observers moved among the community, spoke to community groups and encouraged them to vote. Banson also brought his policing experience to COGSA’s analysis of the evolving security situation. During the four days of voting the pair observed the general administration of numerous polling booths. This was a risky task. For instance, the monitors were advised to avoid nighttime travel because of security concerns, however polling booths didn’t close until after dark. Common sense and discretion were required when making decisions regarding travel and the level of engagement in areas of large crowds, especially those crowds agitated by heatwave conditions. A power failure one evening at a rural polling booth gave rise to apprehensions there could be mob violence because voting had temporarily stopped. At the urging of Banson and Ofori-Boateng, electoral staff resumed voting which seemed to placate the crowd, but there remained an air of tension and public frustration. The two COGSA observers discreetly left the polling area as they lacked security protection.
At the end of the four days of polling, Banson and Ofori-Boateng reported that while the booths
they witnessed weren’t perfectly administered by local officials, there appeared to be no widespread intimidation. The process was ‘free and fair enough’ to support the conclusion that the results represented the will of the people.
Banson reflects on his experiences as being positive but not without challenges:
“A lot of the surprises for me arose from the limited briefings I received before deploying. This was partly due to the tight election deadlines and the constantly evolving nature of the international monitoring initiatives. I really didn’t know exactly what I was going to be doing, until I found myself doing it.
“As it turned out, too many CPAG advisors were sent. The NPKF itself lacked appropriate resourcing and staffing and struggled to find a proper role. I found the electoral observer duties a more interesting challenge.”
“Being in South Africa when it was undergoing dramatic political and cultural change was eyeopening. There was an almost tangible sense of excitement, tension and uncertainty throughout the community. Although we worked most days, there was a fair amount of downtime and afterdusk travel was restricted because of general security issues. You had to be comfortable with your own company. While I stayed in a good hotel during the COGSA period, it was really rough living conditions early on with CPAG.” 2
1 Bophuthatswana was a nominally independent tribal ‘homeland’ area which was reintegrated into South Africa for the 1994 elections.
2 Clive Banson, Correspondence with the author, 20 November 2024.
The Goldstone Commission
While Banson worked in Bophuthatswana, AFP Commander Andy Wells (Fraud and General Crime Division) worked in the Transvaal Province. 3 Wells was attached to the ‘Goldstone Commission’ – a Royal Commission-like body formed to prevent and investigate political/public violence and intimidation in South Africa. Wells worked alongside South African police and operated out of Pietersburg.4 They were allocated responsibility for the Northern Transvaal, an area regarded as a hot spot due to the presence of prominent white, right-wing extremists.
Wells and his colleagues investigated allegations of intimidation and violence, reviewed South African police investigations, liaised with government agencies, and maintained a visible presence to act as a deterrent. The team drove over 9000kms during their six-week deployment.
There was political violence in the country; the mostdeadly incident was a car bomb in Johannesburg which killed nine people and injured 42 more in the week before polling. Events such as this notwithstanding, the overall election process was not destabilised. The African National Congress won and formed government. Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa. In his end-of-mission report Wells indicated that the highlight for him was working in a multinational team –“the cross flow of ideas, experiences and philosophies arising during general discussion, I found, to be the most rewarding part of the duties undertaken.” 5
Conclusion
The contributions of Clive Banson and Andy Wells to the monitoring of the 1994 South Africa elections demonstrated the flexibility and skills police can bring to peacekeeping, monitoring and associated missions, across the globe.
In this instance there was also an indirect link to policing transnational crime.
Having witnessed the challenges facing the South Africa Police,6 Wells flagged with AFP management the need to increase interagency engagement as the former embarked on massive organisational reform. The dramatic social and political changes underway across southern Africa would see a rise in transnational crime, which would come to impact Australia. In 2002 the AFP opened a Liaison Post in the South African administrative capital of Pretoria. Since then, the post has been responsible for the AFP’s strategic and operational engagement with law enforcement agencies across the African continent.
Jason Byrnes APM
3 Transvaal Province was abolished after the 1994 election.
4 Now called Polokwane.
5 Andy Wells, End of deployment report, 1 June 1994.
6 Now called the South Africa Police Service.
Clive Banson with his family, when he flew out of Canberra Airport.
Nelson Mandela voting in the elections.
1st Pacific Regional Centre of Excellence opened in Papua New Guinea.
Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Deputy Commissioner Dr Philip Mitna and AFP Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan have opened the Pacific Policing Initiative’s (PPI’s) first Regional Centre of Excellence (RCOE).
The facility in Papua New Guinea is the first of four RCOEs planned across the region and will provide professional development opportunities to police across the Pacific.
Located in Port Moresby, it will serve as a training and development hub, with specialised courses developed and led by Pacific police to share unique capabilities in the fight against cross-border lawenforcement challenges, including crime and emerging events.
The Australian Government has provided funding to develop and support the centre, which will ensure the PPI delivers on the aspirations of Pacific countries and support PNG’s sovereign capabilities.
Pacific Policing Initiative
• The Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI) is “By the Pacific, For the Pacific” and represents a comprehensive effort to bolster law-enforcement capabilities and ensure the safety and security of communities across the Pacific region.
• Testament to the power of Pacific cooperation, it aims to address the unique challenges of Pacific nations to meet law and order and internal security requirements, and to help each other in times of need.
• The PPI’s aim is to transform Pacific policing capability and cooperation through three pillars:
• Regional Centres of Excellence
• Pacific Policing Support Group (PPSG)
• Pacific Policing Development and Coordination Hub
Pillar 1 – Regional Centres of Excellence
• Regional Centres of Excellence will enhance Pacific police capabilities through delivery of specialist police training and operational support. They will be positioned across the Pacific and be accessible by all Pacific Island Chiefs of Police members.
• Each centre will offer specialised training and professional development based on priority areas, including recruit training, investigations, specialist investigations, operational forensics and analytical forensics.
Pillar 2 – Pacific Police Support Group
• The Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG) is a multinational police response capability that will respond to Pacific Island countries’ requests for assistance.
• The core of the PPSG will be formed by up to six-month training rotations of 25 Pacific police officers through the Pinkenba Hub (see Pillar 3). A surge capability will supplement and increase the capacity of the core group when required.
• Requests for support could range from planned activities such as Pacific Games to unplanned events such as natural disasters.
Pillar 3 – Pacific Policing Development and Coordination Hub
• The Pacific Policing Development and Coordination Hub is based in Pinkenba in Brisbane, Australia and will coordinate and support the delivery of 1 and 2.
• The Pinkenba Hub will be staffed with seconded Pacific Police and AFP members, deliver training to members of the PPSG, support the development of the Regional Centres of Excellence and enhance Pacific coordination.
Behind the Badge
Nick Kaldas is a cop's cop. From investigating war criminals to taking down global drug operations, Kaldas has seen the worst humanity can offer. But he's also seen which human qualities can lead to greatness.
This is the compelling true story of an immigrant boy from Egypt who rose from beat cop to become one of the most senior police officers in Australia. During his time in the NSW police force, he was one of Australia's first Arab undercover cops, headed up both the Homicide and Gang Squad units, reformed the Counter Terrorism team and then became the Deputy Police Commissioner. He has also faced down some of the toughest, most brutal criminal organisations in the world. In the Middle East, he was hand-picked by the United Nations to investigate the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri; investigate the illegal use of chemical weapons in Syria; and was the Director of Internal Oversight Services at UNRWA, the UN agency tasked with assisting Palestine refugees. Having negotiated hostage situations, gained the trust of the Syrian secret police and chaired the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, Kaldas has learned a thing or two about resilience, courage and fortitude. In Behind the Badge, he describes the most challenging cases that have shaped him and reveals what it takes to stand up for what's right in the face of insurmountable opposition.
“The type of cop we all aspire to be.'”
GARY JUBELIN
'Kaldas's motto "I regret nothing" summarises this exciting new book.'
LOUIS FREEH, former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
'A glimpse of the personal cost of pursuing what is right.'
MICK KEELTY, former Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police
intrigue, high achievement, danger, pride, dogged determination and self-belief - it's all here and more.'
'Challenge,
SIR PAUL STEPHENSON QPM, former Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police Service
Editor’s Note: Nick is a staunch member of the UNOPAA. I have recently purchased his book and can assure you it is a compelling read. Well done Nick!!!
Police Peacekeepers 60th anniversary
AFP Western Command hosts Police Peacekeepers 60th anniversary function
AFP Assistant Commissioner Pryce Scanlan recently hosted current and former police members at Perth Headquarters to recognise the 60th anniversary of Australian police involvement in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Police have served in Cambodia, Cyprus, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Thailand and Timor-Leste.
Attendees listened to audio excerpts from interviews conducted with former police peacekeepers, and all eligible members were awarded a 60th anniversary peacekeeping coin and lapel pin. Following a short ceremony, guests had lunch, took in the photos from previous missions, and caught up with other police peacekeepers.
Former AFP member Eric Boelen enjoyed attending the event. ‘It was great getting together at the 60th UN anniversary and reminiscing with friends about our missions. We are all a part of the living history of Australia’s commitment to the United Nations. Thank you to the AFP for recognising our service.’
Another former AFP member, Col Speedie, reflected on the importance of being part of a peacekeeping mission. ‘To serve overseas on behalf of the AFP and the Australian government was a great honour.
‘The work we did in these peacekeeping and bilateral missions profoundly changed the lives of many of those we were sent to assist, not just at the tactical level where lives were saved and communities
became safer, but also at the strategic level where some of us were able to shape and influence the law enforcement and community policing policies of the country.
‘All who served should be rightly proud of their achievements and service.’
To recognise the 60th anniversary, copies of the book In the Service of Peace by Superintendent Jason Byrnes were available for guests to view and purchase. The book contains 60 photos, representing the 60 years since the first police contingent deployed overseas. They’re accompanied by short stories and accounts of the challenges of each mission and the sacrifices made by police in the service of peace.
Also popular were the Peacekeeping Kenny (PKKs). The book and the PKKs can be purchased through the AFP Legacy shop. The book is also available for sale at the Australian War Memorial bookshop.
Vale
On behalf of the UNOPAA National Executive, our National Committee, State Branches and all members of UNOPAA, we would like to acknowledge the service of the following, particularly to overseas peacekeeping, and to express our sympathy to family, contingent colleagues and friends. It is with regret that we advise of the passing of:
BRUCE WILLIAM ROBEY
A member of the Australian Federal Police who served on the 42nd contingent to Cyprus (9/1994 – 3/1995). Bruce passed away in Western Australia on 1 January 2025 aged 67 years. In accordance with Bruce’s wishes, his family have confirmed that a funeral service will not be held.
ROBERT WILLIAM MUIR
A member of the Australian Federal Police who served on the 74th contingent to Cyprus (2/2003 –8/2003). Robert passed away suddenly on 4 January 2025 aged 72 years. His funeral was held on Thursday 16 January 2025 at Norwood Park Crematorium, MITCHELL, ACT.
SHANE THOMAS BROOMBY
A member of the Australian Federal Police who served on the 37th contingent to Cyprus (9/1992 –9/1993). Shane passed away on 4 January 2025 aged 63 years. In accordance with Shane’s wishes, his family have confirmed that a funeral service will not be held.
DENNIS MCGUINNESS
A member of the Commonwealth Police (Australian Federal Police) who served on the 15th Contingent to Cyprus (4/78 – 4/79). Dennis passed away on 4 March 2025 aged 74 years. Dennis had a private cremation with no service. Dennis had been ill for the past 14 months and went downhill early this year. (Information from Dennis’s wife Margaret).
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.
UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
ABN: 56 838 671 889
Please note – GST, postage and handling
CREDIT by EFT (INTERNET TRANSFER)
Account: UNOPPA MRCHDS S2 BSB: 815000 Account: 100343942
Reference: <your last name> and ‘MRCHDS’ in the reference field Then e-mail details of the transaction including your reference number and a copy of this completed form to unopaa@gmail.com
IMPORTANT NOTES
The UNOPAA will take the utmost care in packaging; however, we will not accept any responsibility for goods damaged in transit. The UNOPAA will not accept returns where the product or merchandise is ordered specifically for an individual (eg Montage, clothing, etc)
The United Nations & Overseas Police Association of Australia (UNOPAA) will accept returned products/ merchandise where:
• The product is faulty, or not fit for purpose, or the product does not match the sample or description. Proof of purchase (UNOPAA merchandise receipt) must be provided in order to:
• Obtain a refund (by cheque) will be provided or re-issue alike article.
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.
ANF Challenge Coin
Flag/ANF Lapel Pins
Lapel Pins Round
Cuff Links
Tie
Being online has made meeting and interacting with others easier than ever before, but it’s important to know how to stay safe.
Here are ThinkUKnow’s top tips for safer online interactions:
• Question suspicious accounts, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t seem right - not everyone is who they say they are.
• Avoid meeting someone in person that you have only ever spoken to online. However, if you do meet, choose a public place and take someone with you.
• If something goes wrong, know how to block or un-match and report.
• Your safety should always come first!
Sometimes things don’t go to plan but there is always help available.
For more information, visit www.thinkuknow.org.au
ThinkUKnow is a national online child safety program led by the Australian Federal Police, delivered in schools through educational presentations and resources for young people and their parents and carers.
