Identity area
Reference code
AU ANUA 559
Title
Date(s)
- 1964 - 1972 (Creation)
Level of description
Series
Extent and medium
0.2 m (1 type 1 box)
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
John Gordon-Kirkby was born in Gibraltar in 1936 to British parents living in Spain. John spent his early life in Spain and Morocco, attending primary schools in Tangier and boarding schools in England. In 1956 he commenced National Service training with the HM Royal Marines and in 1961 migrated to Australia as a ‘Ten Pound Pom’, arriving in Melbourne on 26 November 1961.
From 1964 – 1978, John Gordon-Kirkby was a Patrol Officer ('Kiap' or Field Officer) in Papua New Guinea. Patrol Officers, or Kiaps were trained at the Australian School of Pacific Administration, a tertiary institution established by the Australian Government to train administrators and school teachers to work in Papua New Guinea.
Following his training in Sydney, John Gordon-Kirkby was engaged as a Cadet Patrol Officer before becoming a full Patrol Officer, and finally, he became an Assistant District Officer.
After leaving Papua New Guinea he followed a varied career in farming and administrative work, and in 1994 he retired to Mornington, Victoria where he is actively involved in community organisations. He is a museum volunteer, U3A teacher and member of the Mornington Historical Society.
Repository
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Carbon copy of journal from the commencement of service on 1 June 1964 to or 14 February 1965, including stations at Rabaul, Kokopo, Messawa, Manus (Lorengau), Balluan and Rambutso. Also includes papers related to the creation of the Enga Cultural Centre and the story of the Enga Provincial Flag.