TIMOR LESTE' SOLIDARITY MEDAL update
So – What has happened since August 2025 (when the letter was signed by
President Ramos-Horta)?
Apparently, the letter has been bouncing around the ADF and DVA
(for what reason DVA – I have no idea) since that time. A check of
the comments made against the original Face Book ‘Posting’ reveals
that a number of ADF veterans have contacted the ADF Honours
and Awards.
The ‘standard’ response has been:
“Thank you for your enquiry regarding the Timor-Leste
Solidarity Medal (TLSM).
Defence recognises and acknowledges the deep and
sincere friendship between Australia and Timor-Leste.
The Australian Government is seeking confirmation about
a proposed expansion of the eligibility criteria of the
Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal (TLSM).
Should the eligibility be expanded, Defence will
make information available for Australian Defence Force
members, veterans and families”.
From Rod WALKER (National Vice P)resident adn Editor TB)
What about AFP personnel who served on a mandated
mission in Timor-Leste and were not awarded the TLSM?
The ‘original’ eligibility for the awarding of the TLSM was (in
abbreviated format):
The eligibility criteria for the medal was as follows:
- Members qualify having served a minimum of 180 days continuous
or accrued service in East Timor from 1 May 2006.
- Nominations will be considered for personnel that have served
a minimum of 120 days from 1 May 2006.
- Nominations will be considered for personnel who served with a start
date in May or June 2006 for a period at least 90 days.
The President of the Republic may consider extraordinary cases outside
the above time periods.
No further applications were considered after December 2013.
What have I done?
I have contacted AFP Recognition and Customs and
enquired about the validity of the letter from the Timor-Leste
President (as you are aware, a lot of inaccurate/hoax things are
posted on social media).
The following is the response I have received:
‘The AFP is aware of the correspondence from President
Ramos-Horta regarding changes to the eligibility for the
Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal (TLSM).
Work is underway with relevant stakeholders regarding
the amendments and what administrative processes are
required to implement the changes in eligibility.
A communications plan is being developed to communicate the
changes in eligibility for the TLSM which will be disseminated
to eligible AFP members, both current and former, in due
course. Until this occurs, medal applications submitted for the
TLSM will only be considered as per the current criteria of 180 days.
So what happens next?
At present all we can do is ‘Sit and Wait’. As stated by AFP R&C.
The Australian decision making process will continue to churn and
we will await the outcome. I must add, I understand AFP are not
included in the decision making process. That is in the realm of
the ADF and other government departments.
2026 UNOPAA CONFERENCE/REUNION PERTH WA
Perth UNOPAA Conference
20–24 October 2026
Update No. 5
Program Overview
The conference program has been designed to be relaxed and age-appropriate, allowing ample time for social interaction and leisure.
Tuesday, 20 October
- Arrival, hotel check-in, and registration (4:00–5:00 pm)
- Welcome Function
Wednesday, 21 October
- Full-day excursion to Rottnest Island
- Coach transfer to Hillary’s Marina
- Ferry transfer to Rottnest Island
- Guided commentary bus tour of the island
- Free time for sightseeing and socialising
- Return ferry to Hillary’s Marina and coach transfer back to the hotel
DRESS: Casual with good walking shoes – watch weather
Thursday, 22 October
- Morning Tea at Perth Council House, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Perth
DRESS: Business Attire with Medals
- Afternoon at leisure
- Perth Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour with Perth Discovery Tours
DRESS: CASUAL
- Annual General Meeting (AGM)
DRESS: CASUAL
Friday, 23 October
- Day at leisure
- Perth Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour with Perth Discovery Tours
- Perth Mint Gold Pour Tour
Saturday, 24 October
- Morning: UN Day Church Service and Parade
DRESS: Business Suit with full medals and UN Beret
- Evening: Dining Night
DRESS: BLACK TIE / MESS DRESS with miniatures
Attendance
The reunion has been planned for approximately 100 attendees, and supplier contracts have been committed based on this number. At present, 55 registrations have been confirmed. While the event will proceed as planned, lower attendance may place financial pressure on the organising committee.
We kindly ask for your assistance in encouraging others to attend and to confirm their participation as soon as possible. Given current global circumstances, a short break in Perth, Western Australia offers a safe, enjoyable, and competitively priced holiday option.
Please commit early and help us spread the word.
Event Memorabilia
Eric is currently liaising with polo shirt suppliers and will present suitable options shortly. An order form will be distributed as soon as arrangements are finalised.
Accommodation
A special conference rate has been secured for 60 hotel rooms and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional rooms are available but will be subject to the hotel’s prevailing daily rates at the time of the reunion.
To secure the discounted rate, please book promptly.
Accommodation bookings can be made via the following link:
https://www.idem.events/r/unopaa-f7749366
Registration
A registration form is included with this update. Please complete and return the form as soon as possible to assist with final planning and confirmation of numbers.
Completed forms should be returned to:
Greg Glossop
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Enquiries
For further information or assistance, please contact one of the following:
- Greg Glossop
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 0402 327 481 - Eric Boelen
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Terry Wright
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (08) 9534 7638 or 0421 078 102
- Leo Duckett
Phone: (08) 9447 3896
We look forward to welcoming you to Perth in October 2026
FaceBook link for Conference Coordination:
Please look up the site and request membership – hopefully we will be able to answer your questions, upload updates and created the forum of truth for the event. Please upload memorabilia, photos, etc., as you see fit.
Historic wreckage which carried Australian peacekeeper during fatal explosion makes its final trip to AWM Canberra
A destroyed United Nations Land Rover, which lay in the buffer zone between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish-controlled areas of Cyprus for decades, has arrived at the Australian War Memorial.
United Nations and Overseas Policing Association of Australia
The United Nations and Overseas Policing Association of Australia (UNOPAA) is a social organisation based in Australia. Its members are serving or former police officers of police forces throughout Australia who have or are currently serving with United Nations Peacekeeping Forces or on other overseas police missions or operations. UNOPAA organises social events and promotes the welfare and care of its members.
UNOPAA was previously the United Nations Police Association of Australia (UNPAA). The Association formally changed its name to UNOPAA at the 2012 Annual General Meeting and its motto to "Policing for Peace".
ABN: 56 838 671 889
INC (NSW): 9877865
Estd: 1982