TUFOIC Newsletter - No 064 - November 1991

Magazine Overview

This document is the November 1991 edition (Edition 64) of the "NEWSLETTER" published by the TASMANIAN UFO INVESTIGATION CENTRE (TUFOIC). The cover features a pixelated image of a flying saucer and the organization's name and issue details. The newsletter covers recent UFO-related news, specific sightings, and organizational updates within the UFO community.

November News

The "November News" section reports a "low key" period for UFO information in Australia. The primary event mentioned was the "UFO Mystery" seminar held in Sydney on September 7th-8th, which attracted media interest, including interviews with British UFO expert Jenny Randles and a special feature on the ABC TV show "Couchman Over Australia." The seminar's depth was limited by time constraints. The newsletter also references a conference held by the Australian Centre for UFO Studies (ACUFOS) approximately twelve months prior, to which TUFOIC submitted a paper on its development and the UFO situation in Tasmania. TUFOIC notes a change in ACUFOS's executive and a new direction focused on pressuring the Federal Government for a response on the UFO question. However, TUFOIC expresses reservations about ACUFOS's new stance, stating it's based on "unproven theories" from unreliable sources. TUFOIC emphasizes its historical role as an umbrella organization intended to disseminate member views, record reports, and represent groups nationally.

Sightings

The "Sightings" section details a low level of activity, with only four unidentified cases reported for the year up to that point.

• January 13th (King Island): Several witnesses reported an erratic white light that moved east, then west, before disappearing southwest over about 10 minutes.
• March 19th (near Lefroy): Two witnesses observed a round orange to yellow light appear ahead of their car, disappear, and then reappear further on before vanishing behind a hill, leaving a brief glow.
• May 21st (Bruny Island): Two witnesses watched a series of orange lights moving in pairs in their northern sky over a couple of hours. The lights appeared to move in a level path and were not identified as aircraft after checks by the Centre.
• August 25th (Waddamana): Coverage on Hobart's Channel Six featured a UFO film. Initially thought to be a significant report, the witnesses were unavailable to provide the film. Investigation suggested the lights, seen on a hillside, may have been the rising moon viewed through hilltop trees and bushes, as the lights appeared to move left to right and the moon was later visible.
• September 17th (Eastern Shore, Hobart): A witness reported flashing green, red, and orange lights near a sports oval around 4 am. A larger, bright round red light was also observed. This red light spun faster, moved vertically, angled out over the Derwent River, and disappeared. Investigations at the site found dark curved marks on the honeycomb concrete, suspected to be from motorists.

Other Reports

• Fireball prompts search (near Longreach, Queensland): Property owners were searching for a meteor after a large fireball was sighted by a sheep shearer, Ron Raymont, on Tuesday. Longreach police confirmed the sighting.
• Meteorite not to blame for quake (Albany, WA): A fist-sized space rock may have impacted near Albany, WA, on Monday. Scientists, including Dr. Alex Bevan from the WA Museum, discounted theories that it triggered an earthquake, estimating the meteorite to be no larger than a football.

TUFOIC Library

Members are reminded that the TUFOIC lending library is now located at the Déja vu Book Shop, 77 Salamanca Place, Hobart. The library contains UFO and related Journals, Magazines, Newsletters, and Books, available for loan to members. Contact Douglas Lockhart for details.

TUFOIC Publications

The newsletter lists several publications available for purchase:

• TASMANIAN U.F.O. SIGHTINGS CATALOGUE TASCAT 1991: A complete register of over 500 Tasmanian Unidentified Cases ($2.50).
• TASCAT Category Printouts: Extracted from TASCAT to meet specific requirements, available for any category of sighting ($1.00).
• TASMANIAN UFO LANDINGS CATALOGUE - Second Edition: A compilation of UFOs seen on or near ground level ($2.50).
• CRESSY DOCUMENT: Details significant UFO sightings in Cressy ($2.00).
• MAATSUYKER ISLAND DOCUMENT: Covers intriguing UFO reports from Maatsuyker Island ($1.50).
• NORTH-EAST TASMANIA 1974 DOCUMENT: Details the largest Tasmanian UFO flap in 1974 ($2.50).
• UFO TASMANIA Magazines: 1978 to 1991: A 13-issue set ($10.00). Single editions are available for $1.00.

All prices include return postage (surface mail only).

TUFOIC B-B-Q

An announcement for a TUFOIC Barbecue event on Saturday, December 7th, at 7 P.M. at "THE SANCTUARY" on Howden Road, Howden. Family and friends are welcome, and attendees are asked to BYO Meat and Drinks. A map is provided showing directions from Margate, Kingston, and Channel Hwy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter reflects a consistent focus on documenting and investigating UFO sightings within Tasmania, while also engaging with the broader Australian and international UFO community. The editorial stance, particularly regarding ACUFOS, suggests a cautious approach to unverified theories and a preference for evidence-based investigation. The publication also serves as a promotional tool for TUFOIC's library and its own published research materials, indicating a commitment to disseminating information and fostering a local UFO research network. The inclusion of a community event (BBQ) highlights an effort to build camaraderie among members.