Patron
Dr Chris Back
Dr Back is a veterinary surgeon by profession and initially worked as a vet in rural WA before joining the public service. He spent seven years as CEO of Rottnest, and then was appointed CEO of the Bush Fires Board in WA, taking over from John Robley. He entered politics in 2009 and represented Western Australia as a Senator in the Federal Government, before retiring from politics in 2017. As a Senator he was responsible for the 2012 Senate Inquiry into Bushfires in Australia, and was the senior author of the excellent report which resulted. He has been a strong supporter of the Bushfire Front for many years, and launched our book “Tempered by Fire” in 2011.
Committee Members
Roger Underwood AM
Over 60 years’ experience as a firefighter, a district, regional and research manager in WA forests, and a bushfire consultant in Australia and overseas. A pioneer of aerial burning and the use of fire spotter aircraft. General Manager of the Department of Conservation and Land Management in WA (1985-94), and later, Director of a consultancy practice with a focus on bushfire management. The author of numerous scientific papers, articles and books on bushfire management and bushfire and forest history in WA. Founder (in 2003), and Chairman (for 20 years), of the Bushfire Front. Roger was awarded a National Medal for 15 years fire service and became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2019 in recognition of his contribution to bushfire management and history.
Don Spriggins
Over 55 years experience in bushfire management in WA and Victoria. Formerly a regional and district manager, member of the Lands and Forests Commission and long-time Chairman of the Institute of Foresters. Don has a National Medal for 15 years fire service and was a foundation member (and Secretary) of the Bushfire Front.
Kevin White AFSM
55 years experience in fire suppression, fuel reduction burning and fire research in southern forests and in Kimberley savanna. Has special skills in fire training and aerial burning and was a key participant in the Project Vesta study of high intensity fire behaviour. Formerly Captain, and now member of the Bushfire Brigades. He was the fire team leader for Project Aquarius, a National health study by CSIRO evaluation into prolonged fire suppression stresses on firefighters of differing levels of fitness and wearing various standards of PPE. Was also awarded a National Medal for 15 years fire service.
Noel Ashcroft AM
Formerly a district manager for the Forests Department at Shannon River and Nannup. Over 20 years experience in forest and land management covering jarrah, karri and pine forests. Has held a number of senior WA public service positions and was Agent General for Western Australia in the UK. Currently holds various company directorships. Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognising his work in the public service and the community, and as Agent General.
John Clarke
John has 44 years of bushfire management experience in WA forests with the Forests Department, CALM and FPC. Past chair of WA Division of Institute of Foresters of Australia; director of consulting practice JC Forestry; member of Birdlife Australia and recognised for his wide-ranging specialist knowledge of WA fauna and of wildlife management. Currently Chairman of the Bushfire front.
Rick Sneeuwjagt AFSM
Rick has more than 44 years’ experience as a participant and leader in WA state, national and international forest and bushfire/wildfire management programs, commencing his career as a field forester and bushfire scientist, later becoming a senior manager, specialising in policy, operations, research, prevention, prescribed burning, management plans, training and Incident Management.
He is recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in bushfire management, and led the Australian contingent of fire team leaders to assist USA in the control of major forest fires in 2000, 2004, and 2006, and in Canada 2007. He has been national chairman of the Forest Fire Management group, the AFAC Rural Fire Management Group, and the Bushfire CRC.
He has authored numerous scientific and technical papers on wide range of fire management topics, and presented papers at numerous national and international fire conferences and workshops. Rick has been awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal, and the National Medal with 2 clasps for 35+ years of fire service.
Ian Kealley OAM
A 40 year career in forestry, land management and conservation including 33 years as Goldfields Regional Manager. Wide experience in arid areas and rangelands land management including bushfire control and the use of prescribed fire. Largely responsible for introducing active fire management, research and prescribed burning across a third of WA including spinifex deserts, rangelands and the Great Western Woodlands. Specialist knowledge of desert and woodland environments and working with Aboriginal people and communities. Ian was awarded a the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in January 2017 for services to conservation, the environment and arid land management and a National Medal for 15 years fire service clasp for an additional 10 years service.
Frank Batini
Commenced his career as a forester in WA forests, having been a firefighter in the 1961 Dwellingup fire. Worked for many years in forest management, and then specialised in environmental protection of natural resources from damaging agencies. Recognised as an expert in catchment management, including research into the impacts of fire (and other factors) on water quality and quantity. Responsible for monitoring the environmental effects of the 2005 “Hills fire” on a range of water catchment and environmental values. Currently Secretary of the Bushfire Front.
Expert Advisors
John Evans – Ex
55 years practical experience as a firefighter and bushfire specialist in WA, responsible for bushfire management in the karri forest. Has directed a bushfire consultancy practice and helped to develop and train bushfire contractors. Special knowledge of southern conservation reserves, and has strong working networks with volunteer brigades and Shire councils. Past member of the Nannup Bushfire Brigade. Awarded a National Medal for fire service (with clasp).
Dr Neil Burrows AFSM
Neil has 42 years experience as an applied bushfire scientist, investigating fire behaviour and fire ecology in forests, woodlands and spinifex grasslands. He spent 14 years as the Director of Science in the WA Department of Conservation and land Management and the Department of Environment and Conservation. In addition to his research activities, he contributed to fire management planning and policy, and investigated and reconstructed major bushfire incidents. He also filled the role of fire behaviour analysts in preformed Incident Management Teams. Since retiring from the public service he is active as a bushfire consultant and in bushfire research.
Foundation Members
Foundation members and magnificent contributors to the Bushfire Front are the late:
Bruce Beggs
Former Conservator of Forests and Director-General of the Department of Premieer and Cabinet.
Frank Campbell
Former Chief of Fire Management in the Forests Department and long-time member of the WA Bush Fires Board.
Steve Quain
Former Chief of Operations in CALM.
Dr Frank McKinnell
Former Chief of Research in the Forests Department.
Jim Williamson
Former Manager of land-use and conservation reserve planning in CALM.
George Peet
One of Australia’s foremost bushfire scientists and fire management expert.
In addition, The Bushfire Front has access to a national network of land managers, bushfire experts, bushfire scientists, farmers and volunteer firefighters who share our goals, concerns and priorities.