Q&A provides an interesting insight to our Associates who are working in their own business sometimes after many years of permanent employment. This is Graeme’s story:
After 20 years working for Government, what drew you to becoming a consultant?
The continual cycles of restructure and then another restructure, change for change’s sake with no real perceived benefit and a lack of leadership within the executive ranks of the Public Service.
I started thinking life must be more fulfilling on the other side…….and I was correct!!!
What is your specialist area, and why are you interested in that field?
I specialise in fire and emergency management, with an area of focus being bushfire risk and protection of communities, assets and the environment.
What has been your career highlight to date?
Before becoming a consultant?
Working with a great team in fire management in the lead up and during the 08/09 fire season (Black Saturday) in Victoria. The impact on community and the environment was catastrophic but could have been so much worse if it wasn’t for the efforts of some very experienced and wonderful people in the emergency services. Much of this was lost in the Royal Commission but those of us that lead through this period know what we did.
Now you are a Consultant?
Getting to work with Terry Alford, one of CT’s Senior Associates. A true gentleman, we were on a project together in Tasmania a couple of years back. I learnt a lot from working with him and we still stay in touch.
What was the last thing you read – was it a report?
A report by Justice Stretton on the 1939 Black Friday fires in Victoria. An amazing read!
Are you interested in travelling holidays or is it caravanning or camping?
My wife, children and I have a secret location on the Sunshine Coast where we holiday for 10 days annually. It’s one of the few stretches of un- spoilt beaches left! We love it.
When you are away from work, what do you like doing most?
Spending time with my family. Our kids are 9 and 12 and are growing up way too fast! We love bushwalking and exploring new places as a family.
Are you a sportsman or a spectator, and what’s the sport?
I still consider myself a sportsman but now that I have got to the other side of 40 it’s getting harder when things bend and break!! I still love running and bushwalking.
Is there anything you’d like to tell us about yourself?
I believe in good values, being fair and reasonable and always trying to do the right thing. And if that doesn’t work then one of Winston Churchill’s more famous quotes ring true:
“Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip!”.
