Ian has been a resident of Darwin for over 40 years. He is a member of Nightcliff Uniting Church and has held several elected positions in that community. He is a father and new grandfather.

In the 1980s he was a Uniting Church youth worker in the Hunter Presbytery (NSW) and the Northern Synod. He served on the Assembly Standing Committee for three terms in the 1980s and 90s.
He was a Youth Officer with Darwin City Council for ten years, a School Counsellor with the NT Education Dept for 3 years, and has worked in the community services sector as a Policy Officer, Project Officer, Consultant and Manager; most recently with Anglicare NT.

Ian has served on several territory and national boards including Families Australia, the NT Reconciliation Council and the NT Licensing Commission. He holds a Masters of Community Development and Management.

Since retiring, Ian is now involved with supporting several not-for-profit organisations. His hobbies include making music as a learner percussionist, as well as choir member and an avid bushwalker.