Natural Hazards Research Australia (NHRA) has named Iain Mackenzie as its new Independent Chair.  

Mr Mackenzie, who served as Deputy Chair, replaces Katherine Woodthorpe following her three-year term.   

Mr Mackenzie has more than 40 years of experience in public safety, including serving as Senior Adviser to the Federal Minister for Emergency Management during the Black Summer fires of 2019/20 and as Deputy Commissioner at Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.  

“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,” NHRA CEO Andrew Gissing said.  

“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.”  

Mr Mackenzie credited his predecessor for her work as Chair, including leading the researcher through its transition from Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC to Natural Hazards Research Australia and securing government funding.   

“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,” he said.