Our Resources

Peter Cundall is one of Major Projects Foundation’s directors and the chief researcher.

He has been interested in locating and researching World War II shipwrecks for decades. He has written books on the subject and compiled an extensive list of known wrecks.

After recently retiring from a career in the maritime industry, he now volunteers his time to help locate and identify the threats posed by potentially polluting wrecks around the Pacific.

Paul commenced his working life as a Surveyor in the Australian Army. He is currently the CEO of Major Projects Group and a director of Major Projects Foundation. Paul is a keen sailor and recreational diver and has extensive experience working in the Pacific Region.

From 1982 to the present day, he has been involved in the decommissioning, deconstruction, hazardous material removal and remediation of industrial and marine structures.

The witnessing of oil leaking from many WWII shipwrecks drives his passion for marine conservation and preservation.

Wilma Adams considers herself as a human living on this planet. Extensive travels and working in many countries gives her the knowledge that we are all connected to each other and that we have to look after our fellow inhabitants and this wonderful place called EARTH.

Wilma discovered her love of the oceans and conservation through recreational diving on shipwrecks and understands that we need to do our utmost to protect our delicate ecosystems.

She lives by the famous Lily Tomlin quote –

“I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that. Then I realised… I am somebody”.

Mark Bishop serves as the Operations Manager at the Major Projects Foundation, bringing over 10 years of experience in asbestos, demolition, civil and remediation projects.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantity Surveying from the University of Greenwich, London. His career has spanned various roles, including Quantity Surveyor, Estimator, Project Manager, and Operations Director at one of the leading asbestos, demolition, and civil companies in the UK.

Throughout his career, Mark has delivered numerous projects across the UK, working in diverse environments from Brighton in South England to the London CBD and Glasgow, Scotland. He has managed projects in the industrial, marine, and commercial sectors for clients such as American Express, National Grid, SGN, BNP Paribas, Balfour Beatty, and Regal Homes.

At the Major Projects Foundation, Mark leverages his extensive experience in managing complex projects to support the foundation’s mission of safeguarding marine environments and cultural heritage. His expertise in project management and operational efficiency ensures that the foundation’s initiatives are executed with the highest standards of safety and quality. By applying his background in asbestos, remediation and demolition, Mark contributes to the foundation’s efforts in addressing environmental hazards posed by legacy shipwrecks, ensuring that projects are conducted with meticulous attention to environmental and safety protocols.

Dr. Matt Carter is a distinguished maritime archaeologist and the Research Director at the Major Projects Foundation. With over 15 years of experience, Matt is dedicated to preserving marine ecosystems threatened by legacy shipwrecks in the Pacific. He combines his archaeological expertise and technical diving skills to protect underwater cultural heritage.

An International Fellow of the Explorers Club, Matt has led research in 12 countries. He has served as the vice president of the Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology and represented New Zealand on the ICOMOS International Committee on Underwater Cultural Heritage. As the leading technical diving maritime archaeologist in Australasia, Matt is passionate about bridging the gap between academic research and the diving community to study and preserve underwater cultural heritage.

Matt’s research focuses on photogrammetry, rebreather diving, and shipwrecks around Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. His work involves meticulous documentation and analysis of shipwrecks to understand their historical significance and environmental impacts. At the Major Projects Foundation, Matt leads efforts to address marine pollution caused by WWII shipwrecks. His leadership and innovative approaches drive the foundation’s mission to safeguard marine environments and cultural heritage for future generations.

Bruce Nix serves as the HR Manager at the Major Projects Foundation, bringing over 20 years of experience in Human Resources and Business Administration. He has worked for not-for-profit organisations like Youth Off the Streets and large corporations such as Orica Australia and CMA Corporation. Bruce acts as a catalyst for harmony and innovation, leveraging his extensive experience to foster a supportive and dynamic work environment.

Bruce is dedicated to enhancing skill development and collaborative problem-solving within the foundation. He designs strategic initiatives that amplify the synergy between people, places, and processes, ensuring widespread stakeholder endorsement. His expertise in systemisation strengthens organisational agility and directs efforts towards impactful collective achievement.

Holding a Graduate Diploma in Employment Relations and a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, Bruce’s educational background complements his practical experience. At the Major Projects Foundation, he is responsible for developing and implementing HR policies, managing talent acquisition and retention, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations. His leadership ensures the foundation’s mission is supported by a robust and effective HR framework.

Bruce’s commitment to fostering growth in both people and organisations, combined with his strategic insights and meticulous attention to detail, makes him an indispensable asset to the Major Projects Foundation.

Chris Purkiss is a Mechanical Engineer who spent the first 20 years of his working life at Newcastle Steelworks. Since its closure, he has worked in various industries from mining to locomotives to aluminium.

Too young to retire but not interested in a full-time job he volunteers his time as one of Major Projects Foundation’s directors.

Sebastien Hammacher, known as Seb, serves as the Marketing Manager at the Major Projects Foundation. Seb plays a pivotal role in steering the foundation’s marketing strategies and efforts towards excellence. He is responsible for overseeing comprehensive marketing initiatives that align with the foundation’s mission to safeguard marine environments and cultural heritage.

Seb’s international experience, having lived, worked, and studied across six countries, enriches his global perspective and adaptability. His academic achievements include a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Nantes, France, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Rhodes College, USA, and a Master of Business Administration in International Business from the University of Alberta, Canada. These credentials equip him with a robust foundation to tackle complex marketing challenges.

At the Major Projects Foundation, Seb’s client-centric focus and extensive background in marketing ensure that all campaigns and initiatives enhance the foundation’s public image and outreach. His strategic insights and meticulous attention to detail play a crucial role in advancing the foundation’s objectives.