Disclosure Australia (AURA) - No 14 - June-July 2004

Magazine Overview

Title: DISCLOSURE AUSTRALIA
Issue: NEWSLETTER FOURTEEN
Date: JULY 2004
Publisher: Auspiced by the Australian UFO Research Network
Country: Australia

This issue of the Disclosure Australia Newsletter focuses on the ongoing research into UFO phenomena in Australia, combining resources from various organizations. It details the Project's activities, findings from government file reviews, and a list of reported UFO sightings.

National UFO Conference Presentation

Two members of the Disclosure Australia Project, Debbie Payne and Dominic McNamara, attended the 2004 National UFO Conference in Sydney. They presented a one-hour PowerPoint presentation on the Project's methodology and unveiled previously unknown data, aiming to stimulate discussion. A copy of the presentation text and slides is available on the Project's website. The presentation also called for Australian UFO research groups to contribute to an Australian-wide collection of UFO reports on the Disclosure Australia website, which currently holds South Australian reports and catalogues of air crew observations, trace cases, and photographic events. Feedback from the audience was highly positive, noting the extensive work done by AURA members and the transparency of the Project's methodology.

"People” and “paper” chase

The Project has primarily focused on the 'paper trail' of Federal Government agencies. To expand on this, Dom McNamara, accompanied by Bill Chalker, interviewed an individual with intimate knowledge of past government UFO investigations. The findings of this interview will be reported in a future issue. The Project aims to build on Bill Chalker's pioneering research in locating and interviewing people involved in past UFO investigations.

Project visit to RAAF base Edinburgh South Australia

On June 3, 2004, Keith Basterfield visited RAAF Edinburgh to inspect files made available through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Two large boxes labeled "UFO files" were found, containing numerous files and photographs. These files were checked against a master list provided by the Department of Defence. The Project intended to photocopy relevant papers, but the RAAF office cited workload issues and stated that only written notes (without personal details) would be permitted. Arrangements were made for Project Secretariat members to conduct a series of visits to examine the files in detail.

RAAF File Contents

A review of the files revealed several interesting items:

• Original police interview notes from the 13 June 1985 Lake Clifton WA car pace case.
• A report from two Army SAS members who sighted a UFO during a mission, during which their radio equipment failed.
• A file titled "Operation Close Encounter" concerning RAAF aircraft placed on alert to investigate radar returns.
• A file with pictures and a report from the Hessdalen area of Norway, detailing UFO investigator observations using monitoring equipment, including radar.
• The set of UFO policy files 554/1/30 parts 1-3.
• Additional parts of series 580/1/1 files containing raw reports.

Following the initial inspection, the RAAF indicated that photocopies would not be provided due to the volume of work. Access would be limited to taking written notes. The Project plans further visits to examine the files.

ASIO File Request

An earlier request to ASIO concerning an early UFO researcher yielded a negative result, except for a "probable file" on a living researcher. This response is several months old, and a further letter has been submitted to the National Archives of Australia (NAA) requesting an expedited search for the ASIO file.

Mysterious light in 1915

A file (series MP16/1/0 control symbol 1915/3/1288) was uncovered discussing an investigation by the Intelligence section of the General Staff into "mysterious lights at night" in 1915. A complaint from Mrs E Osborne of Wallacedale, Victoria, reported "mysterious lights at night" observed by her family and other local residents. Investigations concluded the lights were from "trappers visiting their rabbit traps" and that hilly terrain made them appear higher than they were.

Project Strategic Plan Revisited

Nearly a year after its commencement, the Project's Mission Statement, aims, and stages were revisited.

Mission Statement

To ascertain the extent of official Australian Government knowledge of the UFO phenomenon; then to document both this and civilian knowledge on the subject.

Project Aims

• To collect, collate, analyse, and disseminate information about Australian Government knowledge of the UFO phenomenon.
• To document and make available the "best" Australian UFO cases from both civilian and Government sources.
• To ascertain knowledge of the UFO phenomenon not currently in the public domain and document/disseminate it.

Stages

1. Utilize the Federal Archive Act for files over thirty years old.
2. Utilize the Federal Freedom of Information Act for available records.
3. Create an archive of "best" Australian UFO cases.
4. Lobby the Australian Government to reveal the extent of its knowledge.

Progress to Date

1. Located and examined approximately 110 relevant files in the NAA, summarized many, and made summaries available. The NAA examined and electronically opened files. Listings of raw UFO reports to the RAAF were prepared and findings published through various channels, including this newsletter and the June 2004 national UFO conference.
2. Commenced submitting FOI requests to the RAAF, receiving 600 pages. Further FOI requests to other government agencies are planned, though this is time-consuming and costly.
3. Began building an archive of "best" cases on the Project's website.

Summary

The Disclosure Australia Project is considered the most comprehensive exploration of the Australian Federal Government's interest in the UFO phenomenon, anticipated to take 3-5 years to complete.

Further File Summaries

The newsletter continues to provide summaries and catalogues from the 580/1/1 series of RAAF UFO files. Attachments one and two offer a summary and catalogue for 580/1/1 part 11.

Contacting the Secretariat

Information assisting the Project is welcomed. Contact details include:

• Websites: http://disclosure.freewebpage.org, http://aura.freewebpage.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Snail Mail: PO Box 786, North Adelaide, South Australia 5006
• Telephone: 041 141 7594

ATTACHMENT ONE TO NEWSLETTER 14: FILES LISTING RAAF FILE 580/1/1 PART 11 (11 August 1968 to 31 June 1969)

This section provides a detailed listing of UFO cases from RAAF File 580/1/1 Part 11, covering the period from August 1968 to June 1969. Each entry includes the date, location, time, duration, number of witnesses, witness name(s), and the type of report using a modified Hynek classification system.

Modified Hynek Classification System:

• DO - Daylight disk or other shape
• NL - Nocturnal light - a point source of light
• CE - Close encounter (within 500m) at any time of day or night
• RV - Radar visual
• DL - Daylight light only – a point source of light
• NO - Nocturnal object where the UFO had a defined size rather than being a point source
• Photo - Photographs or video were taken
• Trace - Ground marking

Format of each case: Header (Date/Location/Time/Duration/Number of witnesses/Gender of witness/ Name of witness(es)/Type of report), Text (summary of event, RAAF conclusion), Source (Page number and file reference).

Selected Cases from 580/1/1 Part 11:

• 11 Aug 68 Taree NSW: Silver, silent, 30-foot diameter circular object photographed.
• 27 Dec 68 Grassy King Island: "Beach ball" object moving N to S, with dozens of tiny stars. RAAF explanation: unscheduled non-regular comet.
• 2 Jan 69 Mildura Vic: White, saucer shape, soundless object, lost in mid-air. RAAF-satellite.
• 18 Jan 69 Singapore to Perth: Airline Captain reported a white-yellow light descending from a Boeing 707 at 35,000 feet, disappearing over the sea.
• 20 Jan 69 Artarmon NSW: White light under the moon; a cigar shape with eight flashing red lights emerged and flew north.
• 21 Jan 69 Rosanna Vic: White round light, travelled in a straight line. RAAF: "Probable meteorite."
• 1 Feb 69 Clayton Vic: White light stationary overhead, then moved south and lost over horizon. RAAF-Echo 2 satellite.
• 3 Feb 69 Marion Adelaide SA: Silver body with yellow and white lights, described as a large grill. (Sketch provided).
• 4 Feb 69 Mitchell Park SA: Buzzing sound, dark light moving NW to SE, stop, start, hovering.
• 5 Feb 69 Ferny Creek Vic: Bright white point source travelling W to E, soundless. Witness thought it was a satellite. RAAF-Echo 2 satellite.
• 5 Feb 69 Hawker SA: White light going to the NE.
• 6 Feb 69 Adelaide SA: Red with white lights, travelling SW to NE, lost behind trees.
• 9 Feb 69 Ipswich Qld: Circular, white object moving N to S, then W at very slow speed at high altitude.
• 12 Feb 69 East Kelor Vic: Two objects seen: (1) Bright green light NE to SW. (2) Flashing light near Essendon aerodrome with three other lights in a zig-zag path. RAAF-could have been aircraft.
• 15 Feb 69 Bondi NSW: White light overhead, passed SE of Southern Cross. RAAF conclusion-Echo 2 satellite.
• 17 Feb 69 Flinders Park Adelaide SA: Noise attracted witness to a silver grey inverted saucer on the ground surrounded by white light. A humanoid figure was seen walking around the object.
• 18 Feb 69 Brighton Vic: Pulsating red light travelled S to N. RAAF conclusion: "Could have been...civil aircraft."
• 23 Feb 69 Reservoir Vic: Three objects in a V formation, white, reappeared then disappeared. RAAF-Echo 2 and aircraft.
• 23 Feb 69 Kyogle NSW: Scorched grass 20 feet in diameter, toadstool found, submitted to CSIRO. Fairy ring.
• 23 Feb 69 Wallsend: Bright star directly overhead, going E then SE, disappeared.
• Mar 69 Launceston Tas: Moving red and orange light travelling E, disappeared. RAAF-Pegasus 2 satellite.
• 5 Mar 69 Maryville NSW: Red orange burning object going NW with trail of smoke. RAAF-meteor.
• 7 Mar 69 Darwin NT (1116Z): One yellow light low to WNW. RAAF-lunar halo.
• 7 Mar 69 Darwin NT (1116z): One yellow light bearing 280 deg, lost in mid-air. RAAF-lunar halo.
• 7 Mar 69 Darwin NT (1116z): Bright yellow light at bearing 280 deg, maintained constant height est 5-6000 feet, receded rapidly. Nil radar observations.
• 11 Mar 69 Darwin NT (1130Z): Nine lights evenly spread in V formation, dim glow, milky yellow, moving fast. RAAF-Echo 2 and aircraft.
• 12 Mar 69 Claredale Qld (1000-1015hrs Z): Bright red light stationary in S sky, went out.
• 12 Mar 69 Darwin NT (1130z): Nine lights milky yellow in V formation, seen overhead moving E.
• 12 Mar 69 Claredale Qld (2000hrs): One red round object in NW, stationary, then disappeared.
• 12 Mar 69 Clare Qld: Red ball in NW, stationary, then disappeared.
• 24 Mar 69 Kotara South NSW: Silver light, elongated silver trail, seen 35-40 deg, lost behind hill.
• 25 Mar 69 Hendra Qld: Oval red light. Clicking sound.
• 25 Mar 69 Brisbane Qld: Red light-oval shape with red lights all round. Clicking sound. E to NW and return. RAAF-Could be lunar halo.
• 27 Mar 69 Warridale SA: White light pear shape, slow speed, lost behind hill.
• 28 Mar 69 Launceston Tas: Steady white light green and red flashing imposed, travelling NE. Faded into distance. RAAF-Poss Pegasus 1 satellite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this newsletter are the persistent efforts to uncover government knowledge regarding UFO phenomena, the detailed cataloging of historical UFO sightings, and the importance of transparency in research methodology. The editorial stance is one of diligent investigation, advocating for open access to information and the systematic documentation of evidence. The Project emphasizes building upon existing research and collaborating with other organizations to create a comprehensive understanding of the UFO phenomenon in Australia.

This document is a compilation of UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports, presented as part of "Disclosure Australia Newsletter 14," dated June-July 2004. It details sightings that occurred primarily in Australia between August 1968 and June 1969, drawing from the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) file series A703, Control symbol 580/1/1 Part 11. The file itself consists of 245 photocopied pages housed in the Canberra office of the National Archives of Australia. The newsletter provides a chronological listing of these reports, including dates, locations, descriptions of the phenomena, witness details, and often, the RAAF's conclusion or assessment.

Summary of RAAF File Series A703

The core of the document is a detailed, itemized summary of the RAAF file. Each entry typically includes:

• Page/Item Number: Reference to the specific page or item within the A703 file.
• Date and Time: When the sighting occurred.
• Location: City, State, and Country (primarily Australia, with one mention of Papua New Guinea).
• Number of Witnesses: Indicated by 'wits' or specific names.
• Description of Object/Phenomenon: Details about shape, color, movement, sound, and behavior.
• RAAF Conclusion/Assessment: The official explanation, if one was determined (e.g., satellite, meteor, aircraft, Venus, lunar halo, probable meteorite, firework, flare, or 'unidentified').

Notable Sightings and Descriptions:

Across the pages, a wide variety of aerial phenomena were reported:

• Lights: Numerous reports describe single or multiple lights, often white, yellow, red, or blue, exhibiting various movements like straight paths, zig-zagging, hovering, and rapid acceleration.
• Objects: Descriptions range from "silver objects" and "white ovals/cigars" to "bubble-like" shapes, "saucers," and even a "pink/purple half Moon shape."
• Unusual Characteristics: Some reports mention sounds (humming, buzzing), vapor trails, smoke trails, and even humanoid figures seen near an object.

Specific Incidents Highlighted:

• 28 Mar 69, Anna Bay, NSW: Two white/yellow lights moving in a straight line, possibly a satellite.
• 4 Apr 69, Southport, Qld: Red and green flame with smoke trail, possibly space debris re-entry.
• 13 Apr 69, Melbourne, Vic: Red round light seen NE to NW.
• 13 Apr 69, Burwood, Vic: Yellow oval object circled and moved NW.
• 18 Apr 69, Mangrove to Gosford, NSW: Silver "bubble-like" object identified as a RAAF Met balloon.
• 21 Apr 69, Hobart, Tas: Yellow/white round light dropping behind a hill, possibly satellite re-entry.
• 22 Apr 69, Bass Strait: Green light observed by a pilot, lost in mid-air.
• 22 Apr 69, Bass Strait: Bright white round balls with trailing smaller balls reported by an airline pilot.
• 25 Apr 69, Greenacre, NSW: A circular object with windows and a dome, low hum, 100 feet up.
• 17 May 69, Stephen's Weir, NSW: Red and green object descended, stopped near a tractor, then moved off; possibly Venus.
• 23 May 69, Kalamunda, WA: ATC radar detected a strong stationary paint, coinciding with a "big street light" report. Radar returns were strong, but meteorological radar had unusual returns possibly due to inversion.
• 17 Feb 69, Flinders Park, SA: A silver grey inverted saucer surrounded by pure white light, with a humanoid figure seen walking around it. This is noted as one of the few CE3 cases reported to the RAAF.

Correspondence and Memos:

The document also includes various memos and letters, such as:

• Correspondence between CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) and the Government Botanist regarding a reported landing of a saucer, scorched grass, and toadstools.
• A statement by Flt Lt Gavet suggesting an unscheduled non-regular comet as a possible explanation for a sighting.
• Reports of unidentified aircraft in PNG.

Contact Information

At the end of the document, contact details are provided for those who wish to assist the project, including web sites (disclosure.freewebpage.org, aura.freewebpage.org), an e-mail address ([email protected]), a snail mail address (PO Box 786, North Adelaide, South Australia 5006), and a telephone number (041 141 7594).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this compilation are the sheer volume and variety of unexplained aerial phenomena reported in Australia during the late 1960s, the RAAF's systematic (though often dismissive) approach to investigating these reports, and the persistent efforts of civilian organizations like the one publishing this newsletter to document and disseminate this information. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious documentation and presentation of raw data, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while highlighting cases that defy easy explanation, such as the Flinders Park CE3 incident. The inclusion of RAAF conclusions alongside the witness reports suggests an attempt to provide a balanced view, acknowledging both conventional explanations and the persistent mystery of some sightings.