Peter Savage Books

The "real" story behind the book....

The second edition of the book, now available on Amazon, offers far more than a firsthand account of humanitarian aid during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It unfolds into a startling exposé of institutional failure, corruption, and personal resilience, culminating in the author’s full acquittal in the Perth Magistrates Court after being falsely accused of fabricating a threat—an ordeal that exposes troubling conduct within the Western Australia Police Force and associated organisations.

From the Bucha Massacre, liberation of Kherson to the fall of Bakhmut. Join the journey of a battle-hardened military veteran turned chaplain as he embarks on a mission to war-ravaged Ukraine. His task? To pioneer innovative approaches for providing aid and forging fresh connections amidst the chaos of conflict. Experience the triumphs of his mission alongside the harrowing ordeals he faces on the front lines. Unearth the real struggles confronted by humanitarian workers and non-governmental organisations as they tirelessly strive to deliver essential assistance to the most at-risk populations.

The narrative reveals how institutional misunderstanding and prejudice can lead to systemic failures—particularly when authorities and bureaucracies fail to comprehend the complex and often perilous work carried out by international aid workers.

In early 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the author volunteered as a civilian chaplain, supporting humanitarian operations from Australia into Kyiv and the Donbas region. Working alongside organisations such as UK Aid, the Red Cross, and St Sophia Cathedral, he helped establish secure humanitarian corridors amid a rapidly deteriorating conflict zone. His mission was violently disrupted when he was injured in Lviv during an attack by a known organised crime group posing as an NGO at a Catholic college.

After returning to Australia and recovering from his injuries and the trauma of witnessing the Bucha massacre’s aftermath, he was encouraged to establish a not-for-profit organisation with an associate who had initially recruited him. Together they founded Funds for Community Aid Ltd in early 2023. However, the organisation’s integrity quickly unravelled when its CEO, “Damo,” allegedly diverted charitable donations into his personal bank account, bypassing all oversight and betraying the trust of both donors and beneficiaries.

Read the full story and experience it as it unravels amidst the chaos, courage, and corruption of modern warfare.

The betrayal

In a statement following his acquittal, the Author—through his Peter Savage voice—reflects on the emotional and professional toll:

“I acted with integrity in support of humanitarian efforts, only to become the target of threats, lies, and wrongful prosecution. While I am relieved to be acquitted, the damage done to my reputation and career is immeasurable. This is not just about me—this is about protecting future Australian and KiWi aid volunteers, ethical conduct, and the integrity of our institutions.

Since the release of the book, public support has grown, and the community has rallied behind calls for reform, including

• A full, independent investigation into the Police, (WAPOL’s) conduct in this case, including alleged evidence tampering and misconduct.
• A federal review of overseas NGOs linked to Australian donations, to ensure financial transparency and ethical operations.
• A full and transparent investigation into the allegations of fraud and loss of NGO funds, by the CEO of Funds for Community Aid, Ltd.
• Stronger legal protections for Australian civilian volunteers operating in conflict zones abroad.