Director of the Geological Survey of NSW retires
Lindsay Gilligan retired from his position as Director of the Geological Survey of NSW on 30th October, 2009 after more than 41 years of service with the Department. Lindsay joined the Geological Survey in 1967 as a trainee and commenced full time as geologist in 1970. His initial focus was on mineral deposit studies, exploration geochemistry, metallogenic mapping and land use advice. He became Assistant Director of Minerals and Land Use before stepping into the Director's position in 2005. It was while working in Land Use that Lindsay established his reputation for persuading people to value the mineral potential of land rather than locking it away exclusively for other purposes.
Lindsay is remembered for his major roles in the development and management of mineral exploration initiatives such as Discovery 2000, Exploration NSW, and New Frontiers, which have greatly stimulated exploration investment in NSW. New state-of-the-art mapping techniques involving geophysics and 3D representations evolved out of these initiatives encouraging mineral exploration in the far west of NSW where the geology had hitherto been very poorly understood. He received the prestigious Public Service Medal in the 2008 Queens Birthday Honours for his contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the geology and mineral resource potential of the state. In the same year, the mining industry presented him with the 'Most Outstanding Contribution to Mining' award at the 5th Annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards.
Lindsay was farewelled by friends, colleagues and members of the mining industry at events in Maitland and Sydney. In his farewell speech to Lindsay, Russell Meares, Director of Malachite Resources, said:
"Lindsay has always had a strong interest in the growth of a sustainable mining industry in NSW and particularly in the value of having a vibrant exploration sector. His strong advocacy for the mining industry is no better displayed than his regular representation of the NSW minerals industry at local and overseas mining conferences including such events as PDAC and China Mining. His winning of the Australian Mining magazine’s 2008 award of ‘The Most Outstanding Contribution to Mining’ is testament to the high regard in which he is held by industry.
"As Director of the NSW Geological Survey since 2005, he has led a team of dedicated professionals (both in the office and in the field) who are responsive to the needs of industry and who provide an excellent level of service to industry. Most of us who explore in other states as well as NSW consider the NSW Geological Survey to be the leader in many areas of the services you provide, and the constant throughout the development of these high standards has been Lindsay."