ROTARY CLUB OF MELBOURNE
Professor Emeritus of Forest Science
Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science
The University of Melbourne
Ian’s early education in his profession began at the Australian Forestry School, Melbourne University and Yale University then moving through a distinguished career of service to head up the department of Forest and Ecosystem Science at Melbourne University. He later served as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and, finally, as Pro-Vice Chancellor and Chair of Academic Board.
Ian was an internationally recognised expert in forestry management and undertook research and consultancies for forest services, conservation agencies and private companies in Australia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, The United States of America and Zimbabwe, and as a result, produced a large number of papers, articles and presentations.
Memberships included
• Fellow of the Institute of Wood Science
• Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
• Fellow of the Institute of Foresters of Australia
• Fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Parks and Recreation.
Ian returned as a member of the Rotary Club of Melbourne on 23 January 2002, having previously been a member of the Rotary Club of Weston Creek, NSW 1981/82 and Melbourne in 1994/95. At the time Ian was Professor of Forestry at Melbourne university so his classification was, logically, Universities – Forestry. He initially joined the Malvern Group where he remained quite actively until recently; and became active on the Public Issues and Environment committee.
In the 1990’s, Ian was Chair of the District 9800 Rotary Scholarship Committee for 3 years maintaining the District’s reputation for identifying outstanding scholars.
Within the Club, Ian is best known for his work on the Rotary Park committee, which committee he chaired from 2004 to 2018. The Rotary Park is situated on the corner of Anderson Street and Domain Road and forms part of that extensive area known as the Domain Parklands. It was inaugurated in March 1935 when Paul Harris planted a Brush Box. About half of the 65 trees in the Park are native Australian species and the remainder European, reflecting the diversity of native species and the history of Melbournians’ interests in trees.
In 2012 it was proposed that the Domain Parklands be placed on the Heritage Register. Ian, with Alan Threader, prepared lengthy submissions from our club in support of that proposal. In June 27, 2013 those submissions were accepted: “Rotary submitted that Rotary Park is a significant part of the cultured history of Victoria. It was submitted that the Rotary Club of Melbourne was the first club established in Australia and had progressively chartered many more clubs in Victoria and Australia.
The Committee heard that Rotary has gone on to play a very significant role in supporting worthy and charitable causes in Victoria and further afield. It was argued the Rotary Park serves as a reminder to the users of the Park of the role that Rotary plays in helping others.” And:”After considering a recommendation and submissions and conducting a hearing into those submissions, pursuant to Section 42(1) the Heritage Council has determined that part of the place is of cultural heritage significance to the State of Victoria and should be included in the Heritage Register”.
This recognised Ian’s status and standing in his profession in Victoria, throughout Australia, and internationally.
When Australian Rotary International President Ian Riseley (2017-18) called for Rotarians world-wide to plant a tree as a contribution to sustainability, Ian, as Chair of the Rotary Park Committee, planned and organised Rotary members to plant 400 trees in Westgate Park.
Through the years of association with Melbourne City Council, Ian maintained a cordial relationship with the teams providing maintenance and care to the Park. This relationship resulted in an even closer involvement with the Council in its plans for new design models for the Domain Parklands. Ian’s continuous efforts in liaising with the Melbourne City Council ensured a legacy of a commemorative Parkland for all Rotarians to be proud of and enjoy.
Ian was an enthusiastic and competent sail boarder which he enjoyed on Port Philip Bay at Mt Martha, especially on windy days. He sought to entice others to follow his practice saying: “it’s a breeze!”
Ian was recently presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship by the RCM in recognition of his continuous work as chair of the Rotary Park Committee, and all that follows from that position. His professionalism, commitment, and expertise will be missed. Rest in peace Ian.
