Nationality Australian | ||
Occupation Diplomat, archaeologist, author Spouse(s) Parvine Helen Merrillees Children Antoinette Merrillees, Dolla Merrillees Parent(s) Edna Merrillees, John Merrillees Books Diplomatic Digs, Diplomatic Digs by Robert S. Merrillees Alma maters University of Sydney (Bachelor of Arts), University of London (Doctor of Philosophy) | ||
Robert S. Merrillees (born 1938) is a former Australian diplomat and archaeologist. His memoir Diplomatic Digs was released in 2012 as an e-book.
Contents
Merrillees joined the Australian Public Service in the Department of External Affairs in 1964.
In the early 1970s, Merrillees, along with his wife and their two daughters, took part in the Columbia University Expedition to Phlamoudhi, Cyprus, led by Edith Porada. Reminiscing about the two seasons of excavations that the family took part in, Merrillees described the experience as "unforgettable", leaving them with "a sense of achievement, lasting friendships and a nostalgia for times past".
Merrillees first ambassadorial appointment was in 1983, in Tel Aviv where he was Australian Ambassador to Israel until 1987.
In February 1990, Merrillees led a team to Cambodia to hold talks with Phnom Penh government officials in preparation for a peace agreement. The next month Merrillees travelled to Washington, New York, Canada and Paris to continue discussions on a Cambodian settlement.
In October 1991 Merrillees took up an appointment as Australian Ambassador to Sweden; and non-resident Ambassador to Finland. His appointment lasted until 1995, when he was appointed Australian Ambassador to Greece. Beginning his posting to Athens in January 1996, Merrillees was recalled early from the role, in 1998, and took early retirement.
Merrillees was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities in 1992.
Family
Merrillees' daughter Dolla Merrillees (born 1966) is an author and the director of the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.