TUFOIC Newsletter - No 042 - June 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: TUFOIC
Issue Date: June 1984
Publisher: TASMANIAN U.F.O. INVESTIGATION CENTRE
Document Type: Newsletter

This issue of the TUFOIC newsletter covers the period up to June 1984, detailing a generally low level of UFO activity and reports within Australia, while noting an increase in the United States. A significant shift in government policy regarding UFO investigations is highlighted, alongside several detailed case reports from Tasmania.

Year to Date Reports (1984)

The Centre has received only a few calls for investigations in 1984. Among these were a few unusual events, including two reports from previous years that arrived too late for the Annual Report, and a West Coast case from late 1983 where a witness lost control of their car. Two unidentified cases have been reported this year: one from Montumana in the North West and another from the Lower Midlands.

On a less positive note, the Centre's Annual Report, which had been available for over 10 years, is no longer on sale to the public. Rising publication costs and declining sales, mirroring a drop in sightings, have made general sales prohibitive. The report is still circulated to the media, but with low activity, coverage has been minimal. A review in a Northern paper was criticized for its low quality, potentially harming the public's perception of the Centre and the phenomena.

While Australian reports remain low, there has been an increase in sightings in some parts of the United States, the first since the mid-1970s.

Organizational Changes and Activity

Internationally, ACUFOS has experienced a spate of resignations, and with UFOCON 8 being held in June, the situation is described as being in the 'melting pot'. A new organization, UFORA, has been formed for active participation in UFO research, led by former ACUFOS Administrator Vlad Goâic. UFOIAN will serve as its publishing medium.

RAAF Policy Shift on UFO Investigations

A significant article from The Examiner (May 3, 1984) reports that the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will henceforth only investigate UFOs if they appear to be dangerous to national security. Defence Minister Mr Scholes announced this change, stating that the investigation of Unusual Aerial Sightings (UAS) had become too expensive for the RAAF. While the RAAF will remain the first point of contact, reports without defence or security implications will be recorded, and observers will be directed to civilian research organizations if they wish to pursue the matter further. A Defence Department spokesman noted that of all reported sightings, all except about three per cent had been explained, and the cost of investigations had likely run into millions of dollars.

1984 Reports: Unidentified Cases

Montumana Case (February 25th): Three witnesses reported a mechanical problem with their car at Montumana around 10:30 pm on a clear night. They observed a bright white light falling earthwards. After 375 seconds, it changed course southerly and continued for another 6 seconds before halting and disappearing into space.

Midlands Case (April 18th): On a farm in the Midlands, a witness observed a round gold-shaped object moving in the sky. Shortly after, a second yellow, disc-like object with a bump appeared, followed by a yellow bowl-shaped object. The two objects appeared to merge, forming a single object, before moving off together to the left in level flight. The objects were estimated to be 15-20 meters in width, with the first round object showing some lines. No sound was heard.

Derwent Bridge 1964 Incident

An investigation by F. Zehmeister details an event from 1964 where Mrs R and her passenger, traveling from Hobart to Queenstown, observed three luminous, tear-shaped objects to the left of their car. The objects were silvery grey and in formation, with the lead object being larger. They headed northwards. Mrs R stopped at Derwent Bridge to make a phone call. During the 35-minute event, the objects, which were not moving fast, became overhead and appeared cigar-like. After the phone call, the witnesses returned to their car to find the objects had vanished. The passenger was frightened, while Mrs R found the experience relaxing and the objects beautiful.

Lonnavale 1983 Reports

Six of the seven unidentified cases from 1983 occurred in August. Two Lonnavale cases, reported on August 20th and 24th, were too late for the Annual Report.

August 20th Sighting: Mrs F observed a yellow star-like light with a tail descending rapidly from the southeast sky around 10 pm. It landed in front of trees about 200 meters away. A subsequent search revealed nothing.

August 24th Sighting: Mrs C observed a large teardrop white light descending towards paddocks. The object was estimated to be 1 meter by 2 meters in size. There was no noise. Her husband arrived later, and they searched the paddocks but found no explanation.

Motorist Loses Control (West Coast, November 1983)

Peter Zehmeister investigated a strange event where Mr A, driving near Tullah, noticed a ring of bright blue lights above his Ford Fairline. The lights formed a circle with a black center. When Mr A attempted to stop, his brakes failed, and he lost control of the car, which seemed to be doing about 70 kph despite the speedometer reading zero. The headlights went out when he pulled the ignition keys, but the engine continued running. The object paced his car for 25-30 km before departing north at increasing speed. As soon as the object left, the engine stopped, and Mr A was able to restart it. His wife also reported seeing the light move off rapidly to the north.

Figure and Light Phenomena (1976 & 1982)

1976 Incident (East Coast, Tasmania): Mrs B reported an event from the summer of 1976. While in bed, she became aware of a figure standing in the hallway outside her bedroom. The figure was a black outline, about a meter tall, with no visible features. It then shrank into an intense white light that streaked across the bedroom and out the window. This occurred before her husband could get a clear look.

1982 Incident (Southern Tasmania): Mr C reported seeing a misty white egg-shaped object about 15 meters away and 1 meter off the ground. Inside the object, he saw the dark outline of a human-like figure, approximately 1.75 meters tall. The figure appeared to be facing him. There was no movement or noise. Mr C reported feeling shaken, and his dogs had been barking prior to his coming inside.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently reports on UFO and UAP sightings, with a focus on cases occurring in Tasmania. There is a clear emphasis on the investigative work of the TUFOIC Centre and its representatives. The publication also addresses broader issues within the UFO research community, such as organizational changes and the challenges of maintaining public interest and reporting. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent investigation and reporting of unexplained phenomena, while acknowledging the difficulties in public engagement and official cooperation. The shift in RAAF policy is presented as a key development impacting UFO research in Australia.