UFORA Research Digest - No 04 - Oct 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: RESEARCH DIGEST
Issue: 4
Volume: 1989
Date: October 1989
Publisher: UFO RESEARCH AUSTRALIA
Country: Australia
Compiler: Keith Basterfield

This issue of RESEARCH DIGEST provides a compilation of UFO cases and related research notes from Australia. It aims to share information within the UFO research network and encourage contributions.

Cases

The "CASES" section details several UFO sightings reported in Australia:

• UFORA89045 (February 1988, Halls Creek, WA): A waitress observed a blinking light, the size of a bird, moving erratically above a building for 10 minutes. It made no audible noise and moved away, getting smaller.
• UFORA89046 (September 9, 1989, SA & WA): Numerous reports described a nocturnal light that initially appeared as a small orange light and then broke into approximately twenty pieces as it passed overhead. Sightings were reported from various locations in South Australia and Western Australia. It is suggested this may have been space debris re-entering.
• UFORA89047 (August 30, 1989, Perth, WA): Residents and a pilot reported lights in the sky. The pilot suggested they were novelty party balloons. A photograph of the lights was published in The Western Australian.
• UFORA89049 (September 3, 1989, Hackham West, SA): A blue and white light was observed for 15 minutes, appearing similar to an aircraft strobe light. It travelled from south to south-east.
• UFORA89050 (September 15, 1989, Anstey Hill, SA): A stationary, intense blue light on a hillside was investigated and found to be sunlight reflecting off a triangular house roof.
• UFORA89051 (September 16, 1989, Hilton, SA): A woman heard a distinct "clunking" noise and saw a bright red light with a lighter tail. The object was cylindrical, tapered at the top and bottom, and approached her house soundlessly. She reported feeling slightly ill afterward.
• UFORA89052 (September 14, 1989, Wirrina, SA): A flashing, yellowish light travelled soundlessly from south-west to south over about 15 seconds.
• UFORA89053 (September 22, 1989, Mylor, SA): A woman observed what appeared to be aircraft lights low over a hill. The object had a red light with creamy-colored lights on either side and was estimated to be 20 meters away and 40 meters up. It was seen for 3 minutes.
• UFORA89054 (September 1989, Horsham, VIC): A telephone report mentioned a farmer finding a circle in his crops. Further information is pending.

Research Notes

This section covers several ongoing research efforts and inquiries:

1. Andy Cole's UFO Computer File: The compiler is attempting to contact Andy Cole of Canberra to ascertain the status of his UFO computer file. Messages have been left, but no response has been received.
2. Government Department Inquiries: Requests for UFO-related documents under the Freedom of Information Act were made to two government departments:
* Australian Federal Police (AFP): The AFP stated they do not hold a file specifically dedicated to UFO reports but offered to search miscellaneous files at a cost of $15.00 per hour, which was declined.
* Bureau of Meteorology: The Bureau's central office also confirmed they do not hold dedicated UFO files. Any received reports would be scattered within general inquiry files, and pursuing them at $15.00 per hour was not deemed feasible.
The compiler requests that anyone with knowledge of specific cases reported to these departments contact him.
3. Article Publication: An article co-authored by Keith Basterfield and Vlad & Pony Godic, appearing in the International UFO Reporter, is mentioned. The authors thank local researchers who provided information on Australian abduction and "missing time" cases.
4. Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) Book: A book titled "Oyster" by B. Toohey and W. Pinwill is noted for a detail about a Canberra university student recruited by ASIS. The student was trained in espionage, including "secret writing," and his cover letters, along with those of a female secretary he met, were to focus on UFOs as a mutual interest.
5. TREATnet Formation: Dr. Rima Laibow of New York has announced the formation of TREATnet (Treatment and Research of Experienced zXnomFl 1 sril m Trauma), a network of mental health professionals, scientists, and investigators dedicated to studying UFO abductees. TREATnet's goals include supporting research, publishing findings, organizing conferences, therapist training, patient referral, clinical treatment, and fostering interdisciplinary connections.

Bill Chalker of Sydney is mentioned as the only person in Australia undertaking research into possible abduction-style events in cooperation with a health professional. The compiler has unsuccessfully sought assistance from six clinical psychologists in Adelaide who also perform hypnotherapy.

Books

This section reviews three books relevant to UFO research:

• "Alternate states of consciousness" by Hilary Evans: This new book is recommended for those interested in the psychological hypothesis of UFO abduction cases. It is available from Aquarian Press for UK £6.99.
• "Fire in the sky" (28-page Case History): Published by BUFORA in the UK, this report details a 1973 movie film taken by surveyor Peter Day on the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border. Copies are available for Aust$7 airmail from Jenny Randles.
• "UFOLORE: A social psychological study of a modern myth in the making" by Robert E. Bartholomew: This book, priced at US$40, is the work of Bob Bartholomew, who recently completed his PhD at Flinders University in Adelaide. It examines psychological and sociological processes related to UFOs and anomalous phenomena. It is available from Arcturus Books in the USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation of UFO sightings across Australia, the challenges in obtaining official government information on the subject, and the exploration of psychological and sociological aspects of UFO phenomena, particularly concerning abduction cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent research, information sharing, and a commitment to investigating anomalous phenomena, while also acknowledging the difficulties in accessing official data and promoting interdisciplinary approaches to understanding these events.