Born and raised in the Bahamas, David migrated to Perth with his family in the early 70’s. An avid cook, foodie and lover of spicy, interesting food from the tropical regions of the world, he travelled the world exploring the wonders of the food and culture.

David has taught private cooking classes since arriving in Darwin in the early 90’s. After a number of years working in the training kitchens of CDU, he joined St Vincent de Pauls Knockabout Chef program. There he worked to train homeless and at risk youth, refugees and others experiencing hardship in Commercial Cookery.  Many transitioned into employment and brighter, sustainable futures.

The program closed in 2015, not before David was given a Winston Churchill Fellowship to research models of Culinary Education for disenfranchised youth. David returned to Australia and developed a working program from the research carried out.

The program came to life in 2017 with Mission Australia in Darwin. Café One is a barista and life skills program for young Territorians who are disengaged or struggling to find independence.  The program has been most successful in assisting young Territorians to find the confidence, resilience and skills that leads to more fulfilled lives. 

David has always been passionate about the work that Tracks does, especially working in our culturally diverse Territory. He believes that everyone has a story to tell. Tracks unique and inclusive methods allow us to have a true sense of belonging and is vital to our community’s growth and development. David was named Australian of the Year, NT Local Hero 2016 for his work with Knockabout Chefs and Tracks Dance, and 2019 Pride Elder of the year for service to the LGBTI community over the past 25 years.

Since the mid-nineties, David has assisted Tracks, working on and off stage in many roles. A member of the Committee of Management since incorporation in 1999, and its inaugural Chairperson, his shared dream of allowing others the chance to shine still remains a prime motivator to assist the significant work of Tracks Dance.

 

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