A significant part of his role as CFA’s Director Risk Management was guiding the development and implementation of very successful community safety programs, with emphasis on forming partnerships with municipal councils, industry, commerce and the general community.

Earlier, he formed CFA's Fire Prevention Department, with an early achievement being CFA's bushfire prevention policy and objectives. This was soon followed by CFA's "stay and fight or go early" bushfire evacuation position.

During this period, John developed and delivered training courses for Municipal Fire Prevention Officers, covering the lessons of the Ash Wednesday 1983 bushfires. This training included preparation of Municipal Fire Prevention Plans.

He also has extensive operational experience, having reached the rank of Deputy Chief Officer. This gives him the rare capability of being able to link prevention and emergency response, to develop highly integrated, mutually dependent and cost effective emergency management arrangements.

In 1994, John was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in the Australia Day Honours, principally for leadership and services to CFA and the wider community in the field of fire prevention.

Now consulting in risk management and community safety planning, John’s preference is for involving all stakeholders in identifying and assessing the risk, then developing solutions commensurate with the agreed life, property and environmental values at risk.

John’s professional affiliations are: