Jon G. O'Neill
B.App.Sc (Parks and Recreation) Hons (1st Class) M.A.C.S.


Current Research Interests


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  1. Doctoral Studies

  2. Churches as Foci of Australian Rural Society

  3. Joachim de Brum

  4. Consolidated PBY/Catalina

1  Doctor of Philosophy

I am completing a PhD at Charles Sturt University, Australia. My field of study is heritage preservation in the Pacific, particularly concentrating on those Micronesian nations that are emerging from what used to be the American Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

Abstract

The world's store of heritage material (physical and non-physical) is disappearing rapidly through a combination of anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic factors. In the island states of Micronesia, tropic conditions accelerate its deterioration by raising the levels of natural decay processes in both effect and extent. Much that has never been documented has already been lost beyond hope of retrieval and unless appropriate management action is swift, what remains will inexorably disappear in an increasingly rapid process. Determining what heritage should be preserved is fraught with difficulties and the potential for conflict is international in scope.
This research will investigate past and present effects of post-colonial developments on heritage management processes in emergent political entities within Micronesia. It will explore changes to heritage preservation arising from the influences of a complex series of post-colonial social, politica and fiscal developments. Social changes resulting from the effects of 'nationalism' and 'globalism', or from gaining political independence while suffering the realities of economic dependence, will be considered. It will also illustrate the effects accruing from devolution of power and responsibility to local authorities and the local development and application of heritage management legislation.
Particular attention will be given to
  1. changes following self-government,

  2. evolving Micronesian perceptions of heritage value, and

  3. the extent to which indigenous decision-makers have been empowered.

2  Churches as Foci of Rural Society


I am interested in the development of Australian churches as centres of social and cultural development in rural communities. Their physical styles, construction materials used, modifications over time, and maintenance illustrate many aspects of the dynamics of Australian culture and the development of social structures.

Examples of church buildings throughout the country are being photographed and their history researched.


3  Joachim de Brum


Joachim de Brum has been described as a nineteenth century rennaisance man. His personal history provides a fascinating account of a highly intelligent, largely self-educated, Marshallese with an enormous drive to succeed. As a businessman he was highly successful, maintaining the family business during very difficult times and even expanding it in areas. As a talented builder, he designed and constructed many houses and other properties on Likiep Atoll. He ran the family plantation on Likiep; established shipyards in which large vessels were repaired and many new ships built; provided medical and dental services through clinics he established at his own expense on several islands; built up an extensive personal library which included books, magazines and papers on a large variety of subjects ranging from scientific to religious; taught himself the science of photography, built two photographic workshops to develop and print his own photographs and quickly established himself as a photographer of great artistry.

Almost 1600 of his works remain as evidence of his skills and of the culture and history of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands in particular. They are stored by the Alele Museum in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands on behalf of the de Brum family and are presently being digitalised, indexed and preserved by the Marshallese Cultural center on Kwajalein.

4  Consolidated PBY/Catalina


I became deeply interested in this aircraft when I learned a little about my father's service with the Royal Australian AIr Force in New Guinea during the Pacific War of 1941-1945. Unfortunately, my father died in 1991 having told us very little of his service with the RAAF and the US Fifth Air Force. Throughout his life after his discharge from the RAAF, he very pointedly did not want to talk about those days that obviously were frequently very traumatic and thoroughly unpleasant times. We have been able to piece together a little more since then.

I am continuing research on these times and in particular those with whom he served. I have names and photographs of several and am following up on some of the leads. Visit the following web page for some of the details:   Cats in New Guinea


© Jon G. O'Neill 2002