David Slater and Dorothy Fergusson (Slater)
After leaving BHS in 1962 I spent a couple of years with Myer Melbourne Ltd and the Old Gas Corporation. In 1966 I joined CSIRO, thus commencing a 34 year career with Australia’s premier Scientific Organisation. I enjoyed working with some of the world’s top scientists and technicians. It was a stimulating environment that threw up many challenges in a number of fields including Program Management, Business and Commercial Operations and Project Management. The period in the mid- eighties was particularly interesting as I worked at the Division of Atmospheric Research and this was when the major push into climate change commenced. It was an exciting time with massive recruitment and building programs being undertaken.
I was also involved with the CSIRO Benevolent Fund .It was very rewarding to assist staff and their families to get their lives back on track after a setback .I was proud and surprised to receive a Life Membership of the Fund on retirement. We have continued to be involved in benevolent activities in the Paynesville Community.
In 1965 I married Dorothy Fergusson who also attended Balwyn High. We did not know each other at school but met through a mutual friend at Myers. We have 2 sons and spent most of our family life on the Mornington Peninsula. We designed and built three homes “between the Bays” and as both of us had an interest in sailing we purchased a yacht and commenced a lifelong association with the sport of sailing. We were both active in the sailing community and I am a Past Commodore and Life Member of Warneet Yacht Club and Past President and current Secretary of our Yacht Association. Both our sons sailed with us and currently work in the Marine Industry.
While still working for CSIRO Dorothy and I set up our own part time Marine business involving Yacht Design and Manufacture, Marine Brokerage, Boat Charter, Repairs and Consulting. We had a busy life as Dorothy also worked as a Medical Secretary for a Psychiatrist.
In 2000 we both retired. Our property in Somerville was too large for us and, as we wanted to continue with our boating and caravanning activities we designed and built a new home in. Paynesville (On the Gippsland Lakes). We are active in the local community at Paynesville and I am currently President of the local Probus Club. We also have some Classic vehicles and are involved with the local historic vehicle club.
We enjoy travelling and travel extensively within Australia and Overseas. We enjoy the company of our friends and family.
Life is still busy, but Good
I was also involved with the CSIRO Benevolent Fund .It was very rewarding to assist staff and their families to get their lives back on track after a setback .I was proud and surprised to receive a Life Membership of the Fund on retirement. We have continued to be involved in benevolent activities in the Paynesville Community.
In 1965 I married Dorothy Fergusson who also attended Balwyn High. We did not know each other at school but met through a mutual friend at Myers. We have 2 sons and spent most of our family life on the Mornington Peninsula. We designed and built three homes “between the Bays” and as both of us had an interest in sailing we purchased a yacht and commenced a lifelong association with the sport of sailing. We were both active in the sailing community and I am a Past Commodore and Life Member of Warneet Yacht Club and Past President and current Secretary of our Yacht Association. Both our sons sailed with us and currently work in the Marine Industry.
While still working for CSIRO Dorothy and I set up our own part time Marine business involving Yacht Design and Manufacture, Marine Brokerage, Boat Charter, Repairs and Consulting. We had a busy life as Dorothy also worked as a Medical Secretary for a Psychiatrist.
In 2000 we both retired. Our property in Somerville was too large for us and, as we wanted to continue with our boating and caravanning activities we designed and built a new home in. Paynesville (On the Gippsland Lakes). We are active in the local community at Paynesville and I am currently President of the local Probus Club. We also have some Classic vehicles and are involved with the local historic vehicle club.
We enjoy travelling and travel extensively within Australia and Overseas. We enjoy the company of our friends and family.
Life is still busy, but Good
