Lindsay Dean- Australian Institute of Company Directors Course

The Mt Burdett Foundation is proud to support Lindsay Dean, a respected Aboriginal leader from the Great Southern region, in his next step toward national-level leadership and governance.

Lindsay, a Traditional Owner of the Karijarri/Bard and Menang/Goreng language groups, has been awarded funding through the Rural and Regional Advancement Foundation (RRAF) to undertake the prestigious Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course in March 2025.

With decades of lived experience and leadership in Aboriginal heritage, governance, and cultural affairs, Lindsay is committed to creating lasting change across Western Australia’s Aboriginal communities.

Serving as the Aboriginal Regional Coordinator for the Department of Communities (Great Southern), Lindsay’s professional focus is on improving outcomes in health, housing, employment, and education for Aboriginal people. His strategic work spans both government and community sectors and includes:

• Chairperson and Board Member roles with Karijarri Traditional Lands Association

• Advisory roles with Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group, Holyoake, and Aboriginal Cultural Materials Committee

• Involvement in landmark projects like the Bidyadanga Activation Project and the Gingerah Renewable Energy Project

• Foundational director of the Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Regional Corporation

  
  

These roles highlight Lindsay’s unique capacity to influence cultural, environmental, and economic outcomes at a regional and state-wide level.

By completing the AICD course, Lindsay will become a formally accredited company director, enhancing his ability to serve on boards across sectors including government, heritage, mining, renewable energy, and Aboriginal community organisations. This qualification supports Lindsay’s broader mission: ensuring Aboriginal people are active decision-makers in shaping their own futures, not just stakeholders in someone else’s plan.

“Governments now recognise the importance of Aboriginal voices at the strategic level,” Lindsay says. “This qualification will allow me to take those seats at the table and ensure our communities are heard, respected, and empowered to lead.”

The Mt Burdett Foundation’s investment in Lindsay isn’t just about individual advancement; it’s about amplifying the collective voice and capability of Aboriginal people across WA. His presence on decision-making boards will contribute to more informed, inclusive, and culturally grounded governance.

This initiative also aligns with the Foundation’s focus on human capacity building, particularly for mid-career professionals in regional and rural areas.

The Mt Burdett Foundation supports individuals who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey, people like Lindsay, who bring both lived experience and vision for the future.

Visit https://www.mtburdettfoundation.org.au/rural-and-regional to learn more about our RRAF grants and how to apply.