FAR WEST COAST

 

OVERVIEW

The Far West Coast Region joined Jawun in 2017. The region has an Aboriginal population of approximately 1,100 people and five large Aboriginal communities – Oak Valley, Yalata, Scotdesco, Koonibba, and Ceduna. The characteristics of the region include over 2,000kms of coastline, a growing Aboriginal population and a diversity of industries comprising agriculture, manufacturing, fishing, aquaculture, and tourism, and fast-emerging mining and renewable energy sectors.

The combination of a large geographical area, small population, industrial diversity, and a pristine coastal and land environment presents a range of challenges for the region’s sustainable development. There are numerous competing economic, community and environmental needs that are affected by economies of scale. Working toward a sustainable future is challenged by the distance from metropolitan Adelaide, and the limited capacity of transport and utility infrastructure, which constrains development and prevents many opportunities from being realised.

The region’s leaders are focused on creating a sustainable future for Indigenous people with a strong focus on creating employment, training and enterprise opportunities, strengthening community leadership and strengthening and promotion of Aboriginal culture, including the preservation and revitalisation of local endangered Kokotha, Mirning and Wirangu languages of the Far West Coast.

WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY

Jawun also supports key reform agendas including Koonibba Aboriginal Corporation.

FIELD TEAM

  • General Manager, Regional Investment

    Dave leads Jawun's regional portfolio, working alongside Indigenous organisations, corporate partners and government stakeholders to support community-led outcomes across Australia. He provides strategic leadership across regional investment priorities, long-term partnerships and initiatives that strengthen capability, self-determination and sustainable impact.

    Prior to joining Jawun, Dave spent eighteen years with Westpac, holding leadership roles across retail banking, Indigenous banking, wealth and investment services, financial solutions and risk. His commitment to Indigenous affairs includes serving as National Co-Chair of Westpac's Indigenous Employee Action Group, Brothers & Sisters, contributing to Reconciliation Action Plan initiatives, and completing a Jawun secondment with Ganbina in 2013.

    Passionate about the power of partnership, Dave believes lasting impact is achieved through collaboration, shared learning and Indigenous-led solutions. Outside of work, he enjoys permaculture, camping and outdoor adventures with his wife and three boys.

  • Regional Director

CASE STUDIES

Case studies show how Jawun secondees have achieved real results. If you are interested to learn more about Jawun's work in this region, click on the case studies below.

DESIGNING A PARTNERSHIP - UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

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