William James Cunneen

I worked with Bill during our many asignments as Photographers for Defence. Bill's passion and enthusiasm for his craft were a great inspiration to me and many others at the time, I have so many of his remarkable images entrenched in my mind - he was a true legend ! You will be sadly missed. RIP William Cunneen

Saddened to hear of Bill's passing - he was one of my photographers when I commenced my job as RAAF Public Relations Officer in 1987 at Air Headquarters in Glenbrook. He was totally dedicated to his craft - a real news man with great experience and taught me a lot about what it takes to tell a story in images. A unique personality. R.I.P Bill.

Bill and I worked together at RAAF Glenbrook in 1994 when I was posted there as the PR Photographer. We worked well together, and it always amazed me how Bill had so much energy and enthusiasm for ever task. He was an extremely knowledgeable Professional Photographer who worked across all areas of the Defence Force over many years. RIP Bill, you were one-of-a-kind and will be sadly missed.

I first met Billy in the 1960's at Sydney's Victoria Barracks, the beginning of a true friendship. Although we were work colleagues Billy became a part of my social life, always the gentleman when invited to my home. We were frequently in contact after I moved to Brisbane but in recent years we got out of touch, nobody could tell me where he was. I remember going on numerous RAAF exercises all over Australia, whenever I arrived for 0600 check in at Richmond as a Daily Telegraph photographer Billy would be there to welcome me and all the other media crews. If there was a lens I didn't have, Billy would always have one to lend me. I recall one flight in a C130 over the Blue Mountains when we flew formation with two Hornets from Williamtown, we struck extreme turbulence and I somehow got my harness tangled up with Billy's, looking back it was humorous to see Billy rolling round on the floor but at the time it was quite embarrassing. So many good times, in all those years I never saw Billy lose his temper, if ever any friction developed he could diffuse it.
I will sadly miss Bill, most definitely one of a kind

I'm very sad to hear of the passing of my dear friend Billy Cuneen.
He was one of my photographic bosses when I was in the Army.
I would have to say that he was one of the few people in my life that I felt had my back 100% percent of the time.
I trusted him implicitly and probably would had followed him off a cliff if he told me it was the best thing to do.
I could pretty much talk to him about anything and if it was about a boy he'd say 'Is he your knight in shining armour?' and I'd say no.. My love life was pretty dreadful but he'd also say 'You should not accept anyone less than a knight in shining armour riding large white steed!'
Yes.. Billy was very over dramatic!
He was the best boss as he always made sure I was ready for anything!Even if poor mortified me, who didn't have a regimental bone in her body was sent to 3RAR for training..
He said it's unfortunate for me to be born a female because it didn't matter how good I was at my job I would always have to be twice as good and twice as prepared as a male to be considered equal..
He said he was going to do anything within his power to ensure that training and opportunities came my way and he managed to do that.
I really regret not seeing him after I left the Army. I was very resentful of how I was treated leading up to my discharge. It wasn't his fault..
I wished he'd met my children as he is such a big part of a lot of my stories I tell them about my Army days..
RIP Billy.. you'll always be a legend to me!