Natural Hazards Research Australia has appointed Iain MacKenzie AFSM as its new Independent Chair.
Iain brings to the Centre a wealth of experience in emergency management and public safety across both state and federal spheres.
Iain steps up from his position as Deputy Chair to replace Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO as Chair. In her three-year term, Katherine led the successful transition of the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC to Natural Hazards Research Australia and in the process secured 10-years funding for the new centre.
Natural Hazards Research Australia was funded by the Australian Government from July 2021 as a collaborative research organisation, to address the major challenges arising from natural hazards, including bushfires, floods, cyclones, heatwaves, storms and other hazards. The aim is to deliver usable research and knowledge that creates safer and more resilient communities.
The CEO of Natural Hazards Research Australia, Andrew Gissing, said Iain’s promotion to Chair would help continue the momentum of the past year that has placed the Centre on a firm establishment for future success.
“Iain is a long-term professional in the field, regularly dealing with all levels of government, the tertiary sector and has served on not-for-profit boards. These are the sectors that we rely on to work with us on natural hazards research that will make our communities safer, and Iain’s insights and guidance will continue to be invaluable.”
Iain has 40 years of experience in the public safety sector with a passion for improving outcomes for people and their communities and the need for policy to be based on sound evidence.
“There has never been a more important time for Australia to improve the way it prepares for, responds to and recovers from major natural hazards,” Iain said.
“As Chair, I will endeavour to continue the great work done by Katherine in the role. Her contribution to the establishment of this Centre has meant that Australia now has a long-term centre for research and knowledge that will make communities safer, emergency services more supported and governments more informed.”
Iain has been at the centre of the evolution of emergency and disaster management over many years as a Deputy Commissioner at Queensland Fire and Rescue Services, as Queensland’s inaugural Inspector-General for Emergency Management leading reviews into several large natural hazard disasters and most recently as Senior Advisor to the former Federal Minister for Emergency Management.
Based in Brisbane, Iain holds a master’s Degree in leadership and Management (Policing), is Professor of Practice in Disaster Management with Griffith University and is recognised for expertise in the fields of disaster management, disaster risk reduction and resilience building. Iain joined the Centre’s Board in September 2021.