LIEUTENANT GENERAL (RETIRED) JOHN CALIGARI, AO DSC - CHAIR, NQ SPARK
John Caligari served in the ADF for over 36 years, retiring as a three-star general, and returned to Townsville in 2015. In his career, he spent 12 years in Townsville, including as Commanding Officer of 1 RAR and Commander of the 3rd Combat Brigade. He has served on combat operations in Somalia, East Timor, and Afghanistan and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for command and leadership on active service operations. His other postings included Director General of Military Strategy, Director of Future Warfighting, and as a Joint Planner in Strategic Command Division.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to ADF modernisation and capability development in the most senior ranks in the Army and Defence.
Since retirement, John has taken up non-executive director positions on several company boards, including Rheinmetall Defence Australia and consults on strategy and command and control, including to the Mayor of Townsville as Defence Sector Strategy Advisor. John also devotes significant volunteer effort as a veteran community proponent, especially in Townsville. He chaired the five-year National Suicide Prevention Trial for Veterans and their Families; is Chair of The Oasis Townsville; a Director of the Veterans Community Business Chamber; and Patron of Northern Queensland Legacy and the 1RAR Association.