Dean is a proud Aboriginal man of the Kamilaroi people of North West NSW – Moree, recently recognised as the 2019 National NAIDOC Person of the Year.

An experienced leader with a strong business acumen, Dean has operated and has extensive experience in both private and public sectors – throughout Australia’s various States & Territories, and frequently operating in National roles. Along with his extensive commercial experience, Dean has a strong community engagement philosophy. He consistently integrates his commercial ventures with opportunities to collaborate with local communities, with great respect and patience for the diversity in our societies.

Throughout his career the passion for which he seeks social equity and inclusion is always front of mind and his current community based memberships includes:

Chair – Victorian Mental Health Complaints Commission Advisory Committee
President of the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team (National Indigenous Rugby Program)
QRU Indigenous Advisory Group
QRU Reconciliation Action Planning Committee
Rugby Australia Diversity Council
First Nations Rugby Committee
Rugby Australia
Board of Reconciliation Victoria
Board of Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation

As a highly experienced senior executive, Dean’s key strengths are in his ability to link strategic directions with sound inclusive operational outcomes, always seeking opportunity to develop quality services within community, as well as reaching achievable outcomes, working across a broad spectrum of work sectors in the community, strong commitment to community engagement, a focus on equality and diversity as well as a personal commitment of social justice. Dean, as an ex-serviceman himself, also has a vested interest in the welfare of First Nations defence personnel. Dean is always willing to promote, advocate and support their well being and self care by demonstrating leadership and support to any initiatives which create better service delivery to support them and their families for full entitlements.