Porter started as a computer operator at Bankstown City Council in 1968 and quickly rose to the position of Deputy Town Clerk, at only 28 years of age.
Recognised as a great visionary with exemplary people skills, Porter was appointed Campbelltown Council Town Clerk in 1988. The title of his position changed to General Manager in 1992. In his 12 years he helped Campbelltown grow into a cosmopolitan city - one of the fastest growing in NSW. He focused Campbelltown Council, with a 700-strong staff and budget of $100 million, on customer services and improved efficiencies Local Government administration was Ian's life's work. His skill in local government administration was acknowledged widely outside Campbelltown. He was a respected contributor and leader of the Institute of Municipal Management, and he was awarded, but unfortunately was unable to physically accept, an OAM for his services to Local Government. Following Ians death a scholarship was set up in his name at Western Sydney University by Campbelltown City Council. This scholarship perpetuates the memory of Porter and his immense contribution to the Campbelltown community.
Death
Porter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in July 1998. After several courses of Chemotherapy he was declared in remission but doctors warned that there were chances of the cancer reappearing. A bone marrow transplant provided a better chance of full remission. 3 months after the procedure it was deemed successful. Porter was recovering at home in July 1999 when he contracted a common virus and was sent back to hospital. Due to his suppressed immunity his body couldn't fight the virus and Porter died on Friday 13 August 1999, two days before his 49th birthday.
Campbelltown City Council has dedicated a scholarship to the memory of Ian. Porter was totally committed to his community and to the principle of access to education for all its citizens. In the education field Porter was a lecturer in local government administration, a long-standing member of the UWS Macarthur Council and Chairman of the UWS Macarthur Consultative Committee. This scholarship perpetuates the memory of Porter and his immense contribution to the Campbelltown community, which will be remembered well into the 21st Century.
