John van Groningen, Managing Director
Armed with three years' experience living in a remote indigenous community, a strong desire to make a difference and enough passion to fill the Northern Territory, John set out over 14 years ago on a mission to enrich the lives of disadvantaged youth living in remote communities. He hasn't looked back. He created a unique program that saw elite athletes visiting remote communities and conducting sport and healthy lifestyle programs, and has evolved it through the years to the become the successful entity that is Red Dust Role Models.
John has degrees in Aviation Science and Technology (Summa Cum Laude) and Theology and has combined these interests through his work as a bush pilot in Lajamanu community and later as a youth minister and sports chaplain.
He counts amongst his personal highlights as living with and becoming an active member of the Walpiri community, supporting athletes in the challenges they face in balancing their personal and professional lives and most importantly the partnership with his wife Jennifer and the parenting of their three beautiful children Austin, Miranda and Jackie.
Darren Smith, National Operations Manager
Darren has been involved with the program for over 12 years and employed full time by Red Dust, bringing to his role a 10-year career as a professional basketball player and management experience in the fields of banking and fitness. As the National Operations Manager, he coordinates the effective delivery of programs throughout Australia and leads teams on the ground while out bush, as well as looking after all other aspects of the Australian operations.
Darren is married to Simone and they have three daughters - Kalani, Alanna and Andie. He has recently retired from playing basketball to allow more time for his family and Red Dust commitments. The major goal Darren has for Red Dust Role Models is to raise the organisation’s profile and to visit more communities, more often.
“I love getting out bush and seeing the kids. The experience of being out there never ceases to overwhelm me with compassion and excitement at the work we are doing with indigenous youth. I feel privileged to be involved in an organisation that works with such great people and provides an essential service to disadvantaged youth.”
Emma Staples, Projects Manager
With a strong background as a sports industry professional, Emma brings to Red Dust a great deal of experience in program development, implementation and project management.
Her role as Projects Manager, which has grown substantially throughout her first year with Red Dust, is vital to the success of the organization. It comprises responsibilities that include curriculum development for both domestic and international programs, organization and management of international tours, procurement of funding and financial management.
Emma practices what she preaches, maintaining a fitness routine and healthy eating regime…with the occasional chocolate fix, of course!
Linley Frame, Director, Role Model Co-Ordinator
Linley Frame won the 1991 World 100-metre Breaststroke Championship and an additional two silver medals in the 200-metre Breaststroke and the 4x100 Medley Relay at the same meet.
Linley represented Australia at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
During her career she was a Pan Pacific champion and won three World Short course medals, plus many other international medals throughout a career that spanned sixteen years.
Linley was a member of the Australian Swimmers Commission for 10 years. Since being forced to retire in 1996 Linley has worked as a television commentator for the swimming events at the last three Olympic Games, two World Swimming Championships and the Commonwealth Games.
In parallel to commentating, Linley has worked extensively as a motivational speaker for corporate, civic and educational events.
Post retirement Linley has lived in the USA and Russia for extended periods of time and has been involved with Red Dust Since 2001.
Find out more about Linley’s involvement with Red Dust