Jan Ferguson

Ms Jan Ferguson has a great passion for the desert and its communities. Born in South Australia, Jan has lived at Beltana in the Northern Flinders Ranges from the age of 16, becoming close to its community.

"Jan has worked for the South Australian government for the past 15 years. She has been Executive Director, Policy, Planning and Community Services, Department for Administration and Information Services in South Australia, up to her appointment as Managing Director of the Desert Knowledge CRC. Whilst at DAIS Jan has reformed the State Archives into a modern research facility, now recognised as an Australian leader in the field of Archival management and service to customers. Jan has also led the expansion of the government's Service SA centres, which, in partnership with PY Media, will shortly provide services to people living on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands.

"Jan is a previous winner of the Telstra Businesswomen's award for her innovative approaches to public sector reform. Prior to commencing work with DAIS in 2000, Jan worked in the Department for Transport, Urban Planning and the Arts as the Director, Office of the Chief Executive. From 1994-97, she was Manager, Human Resources, for the Department for Transport during a period of significant change.

"Jan's work is characterised by a commitment to social justice and customer service. She aims to operate in a collaborative and integrated way, and to be outward looking and strategic in her operations and relationships. Jan is looking forward to making a leadership contribution to the Desert Knowledge movement. She and her family are excited about the opportunity to live and work in Alice Springs. Jan's husband Chris is a teacher and musician who has spent significant time supporting music development among youth and is currently working a project in the Pitjantjatjara lands."