Ian MacDougall, AC, AFSM, former Independent Chair of the Bushfire CRC
Retired Commissioner Ian MacDougall AC, AFSM, the founding chairman of the Bushfire CRC passed away early last month.
His time at the Bushfire CRC came after a long and distinguished career in the navy and the fire services. After a 30-year service with the Royal Australian Navy, including serving as Vice Admiral and Chief of Navy, MacDougall joined the NSW Fire Brigade, as it was known then, as Commissioner. His 10 years at the fire service also included time as President of AFAC.
When the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre began in 2003, MacDougall was appointed to lead it through its formative years as Independent Chairman until his retirement in 2007. The Bushfire CRC was funded to 2013, when it transitioned to the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC.
Commissioner MacDougall passed away on 1 July 2020, aged 82.