Dr Ronald Barry Hacker is one of Australia’s foremost rangeland scientists.  His appointment as a Fellow of the Australian Rangeland Society recognises his long and on-going contribution to Australian and international rangeland science and practice, and to the life of the Australian Rangeland Society.

During his 47 year career, Ron has had a large and beneficial influence on our understanding of how rangelands function and how they can be managed for multiple benefits.  His research and management experience has included inter-disciplinary investigations combining ecological and economic aspects.  He is a skilled and thoughtful observer and interpreter of the whole rangeland environment – ecological, economic and social – and his understanding has benefited many colleagues over the years.  In particular, he has supported the career development of many young scientists.

Ron is a charter member of the Australian Rangeland Society and has given and continues to give sterling service to the Society.  Ron was a member of the Council of the ARS from 1994-1999.  He was the Vice-President of Society 1994-1995, President 1995-97 and Immediate Past President 1997-99.  He was the Chairperson, Editorial Committee and Editor of the Society’s Journal from 1985- 1990, and subsequently served on the Publications Committee from 1989-1995.  He rejoined the Publications Committee as Chairperson in 2013.  He represented Australasia on the Continuing Committee of the International Rangeland Congress (IRC) from 1995-2003, and was Vice Chair of the Organising Committee of the VIth IRC in Townsville in 1999.

In summary, throughout his career, Ron Hacker has been a source of carefully considered and wise insight concerning the management of Australia’s rangelands.