UFO Research Australia

History

UFO Research Australia launched in January 1980 as a deliberate experiment in national cooperation. Vladimir (Lad) Godic, who had already published 37 editions of the UFO Research (South Australia) newsletter from his home in Prospect, Adelaide, took on the role of editor-publisher for a new venture: a single newsletter that would serve multiple state groups simultaneously. The first issue went out on behalf of UFO Research (Far North Queensland), UFO Research (New South Wales), UFO Research (South Australia), and UFO Research (Western Australia).

Keith Basterfield wrote the inaugural editorial. He laid out the rationale plainly. Previous attempts at a national newsletter had failed through "non-co-operation, non-participation, and non-input of reliable material." But Basterfield argued the time was right. The individual state newsletters had proven there was enough talent to sustain a centralised publication, and Godic's track record as publisher over four years demonstrated the consistency required to keep it running.

The newsletter was registered for posting as a Publication (Category B) with Australia Post and distributed to associate members of the participating organisations, to all member organisations of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies (ACUFOS), and to overseas groups including MUFON, APRO, and CUFOS. It published bimonthly. By Volume 3 (1982), the publication had grown into an independent magazine with correspondents across Australia and overseas, including Jean Bastide in France, John Knapman in New Zealand, and Tiberius Toper in Romania.

The editorial team expanded over the years. Pony Barenson served as assistant editor. State correspondents included Jeff Bell and Steve Briggs (Western Australia), Russell Boundy and Holly Goriss (Far North Queensland), Michael Hough and Mark Moravec (New South Wales), and Frank Gillespie (South Australia). The newsletter carried investigation reports from across the continent, photographic analysis pieces, equipment reviews, newsclippings, reference services, and organisational updates from each participating state group.

The content reflected Australian ufology's practical, field-investigation emphasis. The very first issue included a detailed physical trace investigation of a damaged tree at Stirling, South Australia, where investigators climbed the tree, interviewed the witness independently, and concluded the damage was natural. It also included photographic analysis of a "rocket" image from Cairns that turned out to be a film negative flaw. The editors investigated thoroughly and reported honestly, including negative results, and that set the tone for the entire run.

Two special issues from late 1987 focused on specific cases: one on the Kempsey encounter and another on the Mundrabilla incident, where a family's car was reportedly lifted off the road by an unknown object, leaving physical traces of black ash. The Mundrabilla case drew international attention and funding from the Fund for UFO Research in Washington.