UFORA Research Digest

History

Keith Basterfield compiled the UFORA Research Digest monthly from July 1989, publishing from PO Box 229, Prospect, South Australia 5082, under the UFO Research Australia banner. Each issue listed cases currently under investigation by member organisations across the national network, using a standardised numbering system (UFORA followed by year and sequential number: UFORA89001, UFORA89002, and so on). The deadline for inclusion in each issue was four working days before the end of the month. Basterfield's contact number was (08) 251 2773, evenings.

The Digest's format was strictly functional: case number, date of event, location, time, and a brief abstract of one to four lines, followed by the investigating organisation's abbreviation. Investigating bodies included UFORA-NSW, UFOR(QLD), UFOR(SA), K Basterfield personally, and other state-level groups. Cases ranged from simple nocturnal lights to complex close encounters with entities, possible abductions, and physical trace cases.

The Digest operated as a clearinghouse: researchers filed initial reports with Basterfield, who published the abstracts nationally, and full investigation reports were disseminated through the same channel once complete. This created a living register of Australian UFO activity that any researcher in the network could consult to identify patterns, avoid duplication of effort, or offer assistance on cases in their geographic area.