b'PeopleNewswas only good for gas, and this wasOne of the first issues he had to deal withIn 2008 Dave also co-founded Tamboran the line he was taking at a meetingwas an attack of the bean-counters whoResources and was its Managing that Dave was attending. Dave hadwere trying to starve the BGS of funds. HeDirector until 2011. Subsequently, he no hesitation in pointing out thatshowed strong leadership in changingfounded Palatine Energy and was its this was not correct, and the wholemanagement and culture and, as a result,Managing Director until 2018, when the spectrum of petroleum resourcesthe BGS became more business-like andcompany was taken over by Warrago should be present. Keating thankedrelevant. Its programme now includedEnergy. These companies are primarily Dave after the meeting. airborne geophysics, environmentalinterested in developing onshore gas monitoring, hazard assessment,resources.The floating platform issue of 1992groundwater and information was more complex. Companiesmanagement. He also expanded its roleDaves services to the geosciences operating in the Northwest Shelfto include international contract work,were extensive, he was awarded a wanted to use a floating platform toand initiated a programme of carbonDSc (Honorary) by Nottingham Trent extract oil quickly and ensure a goodcapture and storage in the UK. University in 2001 and was a Fellow of cash flow. On the other hand, as Davethe Geological Society (London). He pointed out, if this approach wasThe BGS was very sorry to lose him indeclined an OBE because he thought approved, millions of dollars worth of2006, when he returned to Australia. it would demote the BGS, as previous oil could be left in the ground and thisdirectors had been awarded either a CBE would be a national loss. His first job here was with the Australianor a knighthood.Research Council, where he managed In the end the quick cash companiesthe physics, chemistry and geoscienceBeyond work, his passions included won, but Dave never backed downportfolio. While there he ensured Australiasfamily, aboriginal art, wine, cigars, golf because what he was advocating wascontinued membership of the ODPsand travel.correct. successor, the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program and established a national centreThe ASEG extends its condolences to his In 1994 Dave was appointed Director,for groundwater research in 2008. widow, Gill, his children Katherine and Ocean Drilling Program, based inPatrick, and grandchildren Natasha, Liam Washington. He led the developmentDave left the ARC in 2008, and he andand Jocelyn. Dave will be missed, but of the ODPs second Long RangeJill started Research Connect, a globalfond memories will live on.Strategic Plan, and steered it throughconsultancy focusing on business a cost containment time that involvedand research strategy, managementBased mainly on the obituary by Mike a management re-structure. In 1998systems and advice to the internationalCoffin and assisted by Gillian Tidey.Dave left ODP and was appointedresources and energy services, as well as as Executive Director of the Britishgovernments. He served as ManagingDavid Denham Geological Survey (BGS). Director until his death. denham1@iinet.net.auFree subscription to Preview online Non-members of the ASEG can now subscribe to Preview online via the ASEG website. Subscription is free. Just go to https://www.aseg.org.au/publications/PVCurrent to sign up. You will receive an email alert as soon a new issue of Preview becomes available. Stay informed and keep up-to-date by subscribing now!!NB: ASEG Members dont need to subscribe as they automatically receive an email alert whenever a new issue of Preview is published.JUNE 2022 PREVIEW 16'