Dean Collard

Dean Collard is the Executive Director of Amity National and a respected Aboriginal Elder whose cultural knowledge, strategic judgement and long-standing commitment to children and families guide the organisation’s direction, governance and development. As a Traditional Owner with cultural connections to Whadjuk, Ballardong and Wilmen Country, he brings a deep responsibility to community, Country and future generations.

Dean’s commitment to protecting children and strengthening families extends over several decades. In 1988, he commenced the Safe Children First initiative, grounded in the principle that the safety, stability and long-term wellbeing of children must remain central to decisions affecting families and communities.

The principles and experience developed through Safe Children First have since been modernised and expanded into the Project K System—a culturally grounded framework designed to support vulnerable Aboriginal individuals and families through advocacy, structured assistance, personal responsibility and sustained relationship-based support.

A specialised component of this framework is the Project K Yorga Tier, which advocates for families and, in particular, disadvantaged Aboriginal women whose difficult life circumstances have disrupted their maternal relationships and connection with their children. The Yorga Tier recognises that these disruptions frequently arise from complex and interconnected circumstances, including family violence, trauma, housing instability, disadvantage, institutional involvement and limited access to effective advocacy.

Rather than defining women solely by the difficulties they have experienced, the Project K Yorga Tier seeks to strengthen their capacity, voice and ability to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting themselves and their children. Its purpose is to support safer family relationships, rebuild trust, improve individual and family stability and, where appropriate and in the best interests of the children, help women work towards restoring and sustaining their maternal connection.

As Executive Director, Dean leads the translation of Amity National’s purpose and strategic priorities into practical and commercially sustainable action. His responsibilities include enterprise development, operational governance, strategic partnerships and the establishment of systems that enable safe, efficient and scalable delivery.

Dean is recognised for bringing Aboriginal knowledge and contemporary organisational practice together without compromising cultural integrity. His leadership ensures that Amity National’s projects are developed with accountability, operational discipline and respect for cultural obligations.

He remains committed to creating meaningful pathways for Aboriginal participation in leadership, employment, enterprise and decision-making. Through his leadership, Amity National connects community priorities with practical resources, organisational capability and long-term opportunities, while maintaining a clear focus on children, families, cultural strength and enduring community benefit.