Person

Heathcote, Ronald Leslie (Les) (1934 - 2010)

Born
1934
Died
2010
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Occupation
Geographer

Summary

Les Heathcote was a geographer whose research focused on arid lands ecology, human responses to natural hazards, environmental perception, reconstruction of past geographies, and the geographical impact of technical change. At Flinders University, where he taught for over 30 years, he instilled into his students the importance of observing past events in order to understand current and future trends. He also designed and oversaw introduction of environmental management degree. Heathcote's major publications include Back of Burke: a study of land appraisal and settlement in semi-arid Australia (1965) and The arid lands: their use and abuse (1983). He made significant contributions to the South Australian Geographical Society and the Institute of Australian Geographers, serving as President for both organisations.

Details

Chronology

1955
Education - Graduated from University College, London
1959
Education - Masters degree, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.A.
1963
Education - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Australian National University
1965 - 1997
Career position - Senior Lecturer (later Reader) in Geography, Flinders University
1966 - 2010
Career position - Member, Royal Geographical Society of South Australia
1971 - 1973
Career position - President, Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, South Australian Branch
1981 - 2010
Award - Fellow, Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia
1985 - 1986
Career position - President, Institute of Australian Geographers
1989
Award - Honours Award, Association of American Geographers
1997
Life event - Retired
1997
Award - Griffith Taylor Medal, Institute of Australian Geographers
1998
Award - John Lewis Gold Medal, Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, South Australian Branch
1999 - 2004
Career position - Editor, South Australian geographical journal

Related Corporate Bodies

Published resources

Book Sections

Journal Articles

  • Cutler, Cecile, 'Ronald Leslie (Les) Heathcote - 1934-2010', Geographical research, 48 (3) (2010), 327-9. Details
  • Heathcote, R. L., 'Michael Williams (1935 - 2009)', Geographical research, 48 (2) (2010), 215-7. Details
  • Heathcote, Sheila, 'Les Heathcote: His Academic Interests and Publications', South Australian Geographical Journal, 111 (2012), 2-17. Details
  • Shearing, Rod, 'Obituary: Leslie (Les) Heathcote', South Australian Geographical Journal, 108 (2009), 121-2. Details

Helen Cohn

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