Flinders Ranges Research

Nic Klaassen, born in Holland in 1942, arrived in South Australia in 1965, with a little knowledge of English and a great deal of energy. To earn a living he did all sorts of manual jobs including cutting trees, assembling cars, picking fruit, store-keeping and being a time-study officer.

His big chance came when his wife Rikie took a full time job, as well as keeping house for a family with three daughters, thus enabling Nic to enrol in an Adult Matriculation course. From there he went on to Adelaide University where he graduated with a major in History and Geography, and a year later completed his Graduate Diploma of Education.

During, and since that time, Nic has travelled widely and developed an intense interest in Australian and South Australian History. When appointed to a teaching post in the Far North of South Australia he was able to pursue his interest in the Flinders Ranges and the Far North. He developed courses in Local History, which were taught to children during the day and adults at night.

Nic has conducted tours of the Far North for secondary students and adults alike. Although now living in Adelaide he has lost none of his interest, and affection, for the North of South Australia.

 

When Adelaide University introduced a course in Australian Studies, Nic became one of the first to be granted the Graduate Certificate in Australian Studies.

In 1996 Nic resigned from the Education Department to run FRR on a full time basis, including its consultancy, research, publication and computing sections. Apart from articles and books, FRR has also assisted with the Flinders Ranges Heritage Survey, which made extensive use of some of Nic's published material.

Presently FRR is working on a History of Gold Mining in South Australia.

FRR has provided Consultancy Services to Film Companies, State Records, Cambridge University Library, National Gallery of Australia, South Australian Tourism Commission, Northern Regional Development Board and information to local councils, companies and many individuals on particular aspects of the Flinders Ranges or South Australian and Family History.