When you first meet Euan Ferguson, you probably wouldn’t guess that he has fought fires most of his life. However, the soft-spoken man has had an impressive career: Euan spent most of his life as a firefighter, forester and fire emergency manager. The former Chief Officer with the Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA), and former Chief Officer and CEO of the South Australian Country Fire Service, has now taken a step back, but retirement from the CFA hasn’t meant slowing down. Ever-passionate about the science behind our country’s specialised forestry and climate needs, Euan now provides consultation, advice and coaching services. He also mentors current students at the University of Melbourne in his spare time.
Euan continues to sit on industry Boards, and serves as a member of various Institutes such as the Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA). This year, Euan presented the IFA’s Chinner Medal at the 2019 School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences Awards Evening, held at the beautiful Burnley Campus, where the school’s top students and alumni were recognised for their achievements.
“I'm really appreciative of being an alumnus of Melbourne University," he says.
"Participating in faculty activities, especially through the mentoring program, gives me a wonderful sense of being part of the University community and helping students. The awards night is a great idea that has potential to engage and showcase the University to more alumni, friends of the faculty, as well as employers. Thank you for inviting me!”
We had the opportunity to catch up with Euan at the event, and found out a little bit more about his journey since his Bachelor of Forest Science days.
What were some of your most remarkable or enduring memories of working as a firefighter?
I'll never forget some of the tough times such as after major fire losses and the tragic loss of firefighters in the line of duty. Fires of note include Ash Wednesday, the Linton Fire, the Wangary Eyre Peninsula fire and the 2009 Victorian fires. I'll always remember the remarkable support from great teams of people who supported leaders through doing wonderful work in very difficult circumstances. It is a reminder to keep on investing in your people: listen to their needs, empower them, encourage them and value them. Serving the community and supporting the women and men on the fire line should always be foremost in our minds.
Can we talk about climate change, and how our relationship with fires in Australia inform some of the dialogues in this space?
Climate change brings a new and sometimes complex science to consider. Our policies and practice of fire – its intensity, frequency and seasonality are very much in the spotlight. A really positive aspect is that there is a refreshed appreciation of the history and knowledge of cultural burning by local aboriginal people and the role of indigenous burning moving forward. Increasingly, our actions will be determined by the impact on carbon and the biodiversity consequences of our land and fire management policies. I recently attended a fuels and fire behaviour conference where there were many presentations about climate change. Time is running out. Our challenge is determining what to do differently and then taking urgent action.
You presented the Chinner Medal at the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences Awards Ceremony. Can you describe how it feels to present the award on behalf of the Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA)?
It is important to honour those who have gone before us. The design of forestry education over the years is very much a result of their advocacy and vision. John Chinner was at the forefront of developing a model of forestry education in Victoria and Australia that lasted for many years. I recall meeting John Chinner when I was a forestry student at Melbourne University. He was a friend of my father (who also worked at the University), so the connection is deep. I was humbled to present the IFA Chinner Medal and to honour his legacy.
Why do you think awards events such as this are important?
Awards inspire our current and future generation to strive to do the things we do, well. Not all of us end up doing great things. Not everyone can receive an award. But every little thing we do is important. In everything we do, act in a way that makes us worthy of an award.
Can you share a few words of wisdom with our younger alumni who have recently embarked on their career journeys?
Strive to be the best you can be. Observe and question. Take a landscape view. Remember that things you do today may affect future generations. Every day, do something good for your community.