The Red Dust team

In 2006 John Van Groningen along with assistance from a range of friends and supporters, created Red Dust Role Models.

John lived in the remote Indigenous community of Lajamanu, and understood the challenges and hurdles faced by people living in these areas of Australia. Sadly, on December 23, 2012 John passed away due to complications with his battle with cancer.

Simon McKeon is Chancellor of Monash University, Chairman of In2Science and the Group of Eight's Industry and Innovation Board. He is also a member of the Big Issue Advisory Board and an Australia Day Ambassador for the Victorian Government. He previously served as Chairman of AMP and CSIRO and was Founding President of the Federal Government's Australian Takeovers Panel, as well as its Point Nepean Community Trust.

Other previous roles include Founding Chairman of MS Research Australia and Business for Millennium Development. He was also Chairman of the Federal Government's Panel which in 2013 completed a Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research. Simon was also the 2011 Australian of the Year.

Martin was introduced to Red Dust Role Models through his various basketball connections.

He has spent his career in the sport business sector and brings a wealth of experience to the Red Dust leadership team and expertise based around business strategy and market research.

Ray is a descendant of the Kabi Kabi nation and the Gurang Gurang nation of South East Queensland, the South Sea Islander people, with connections to the people of Ambrym Island.

Ray earned a BA in Theology and helped establish the Aboriginal Education Unit in Murdoch University. He has also worked for World Vision Australia's Indigenous programs.

The son of Red Dust founder John Van Groningen, Austin is proud to continue his late father's legacy in working with the organisation.

Joining the board in 2013, Austin provides Red Dust with fresh thinking, new possibilities and a healthy dose of John's trademark energy. Austin completed his Bachelor of Arts in 2013, majoring in politics.

An accomplished and motivated Indigenous professional with over 18 years’ experience in Indigenous affairs and community engagement.

Experienced in consultation, facilitation and community engagement, Tania has completed a Bachelor of Business from Queensland University of Technology and also holds an Advanced Diploma of Business Management.

A longtime Red Dust Role Model, Will was warmly welcomed to the board at the end of 2014. A former player in the Western Bulldogs, Will was selected 20th overall in the AFL Draft and began his professional career when he debuted in 2004.

Most recently, Will completed his Sciences Degree from the University of Melbourne.

Roslyn is passionate and committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all Australians. She holds a Masters degree in Public Health and has an extensive professional career in the health sector.

Roslyn has developed national prevention programs for leading Australian organisations including the National Stroke Foundation and Australian Drug and Alcohol Foundation. She is currently responsible for managing strategic relationships as the Head of Clinical Engagement at Medibank Private.

Chris is a former AFL player forging a successful career spanning over 150 games with Richmond and Port Adelaide. Following his football career Chris has taken on numerous executive roles in the sporting and nonprofit sectors including 4 years as CEO The Reach Foundation.

In his time at AFL Sportsready he implemented an Indigenous employment program which continues to this day. His wealth of knowledge and insights is a welcome addition to the Red Dust Board.

Gavin has a successful 30-year Corporate career primarily in the Oil & Gas and Energy sectors with Santos and Origin Energy.

His areas of expertise include Leadership, Finance, Accounting and Governance and has been a driving force in both growing businesses and improving efficiencies. He has a history of volunteering and Indigenous reconciliation through the Origin Foundation.

Gavin is a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mia brings extensive legal, governance and corporate strategy experience to the Red Dust Board, having worked in the professional services, major events and sporting industries. Throughout her career, Mia has been fortunate to work and volunteer with a number of indigenous organisations and charities.

Mia currently holds a Victorian Legal Practising Certificate and a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and is currently studying for her Masters of Business Administration.  

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A career spanning 16 years, Allan played 156 Cricket Tests for Australia, scoring 11, 174 runs including 27 centuries and finishing with an average of 50.56. He captained Australia in 93 Tests from 1984 to 1994 (a world record), winning 32 and losing 22. He was one of the 55 inaugural inductees of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.

Melanie (MJ) is known as a pioneer for women's cricket in Australia and around the world. She brings a wealth of sporting experience and achievement to her role, having represented Australia in winning multiple  World Cups and Ashes teams.

A qualified teacher, she went on to work in cricket development and sports management before pursing a media career and is currently commentating cricket on domestic and international cricket events including the Australian and England summers, ICC World Cups and the Indian Premier League.

MJ recently finished as a Director on the Board of Cricket Australia which included being Co-Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Indigenous Cricket Committee.

Scott is an experienced public health executive who joined Red Dust in 2017 following five years as a senior manager at the Stroke Foundation.

Born and raised in North East Arnhem Land Scott is a passionate advocate for working in partnership with remote communities to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.

Jonathan is a fluent Pintupi-Luritja speaking man from the NT community of Walungurru (Kintore). He is a qualified teacher/educator and proud advocate for Aboriginal community leadership, youth empowerment and reconciliation.

Based in Alice Springs, Jonathan works for Red Dust as an Alcohol and Men's Health Educator and Coordinator, journeying with Aboriginal males (youth and adults) and their families.

Sharon is passionate about working with young women in remote communities and joined the Red Dust family in 2022 as our Strong Young Women’s Program Coordinator. Her mother is a Pintupi-Luritja and Walpiri woman from Papunya and her father is a New Zealand native who has worked in remote communities as a school principal.

Sharon grew up in the remote communities of Papunya and Yuendumu where she became fluent in the Pintupi-Luritja and Walpiri languages before moving to Larrakia Country (Darwin)

Sharon has extensive experience and cross-cultural knowledge working with Aboriginal people in remote communities. She has previously worked as a case worker with women and young children who have lived experience of domestic violence and as an interpreter with the Aboriginal interpreter service.

Roberto grew up on Turrbal lands in South East Queensland and is a proud Italian-Australian. He found his passion working in health as a founding member of a dental startup.

Roberto joined Red Dust in 2019 bringing 20 years experience building relationships and partnerships with a range of stakeholders for organisations like Westpac, GE, Maven Dental, Heart Foundation and Stroke Foundation.

Wayne is a social worker who has worked in a variety of community based and forensic settings. From personal counselling, men's health and family work, focusing on drug and alcohol counselling with at risk young people.

He has also been a musician and songwriter most of his life, engaging young people in writing, recording and producing their own songs.

Born to parents of Maltese descent, Fiona was born on Gadigal land (Sydney), grew up on Dharug (Western Sydney), and is currently living on Darkinjung country (Central Coast, NSW). Fiona joined Red Dust in 2011 as volunteer and hip-hop dancer.

Since then, Fiona has become one of our team leaders, and supports in delivering well-being, yoga and mindfulness programs. With a passion for community, mental-health and wellbeing, Fiona is a trauma-informed yoga and meditation teacher and is currently completing her bachelor’s in counselling.

Mat grew up in South Australia on Ngarrindjeri country and developed a passion of all things outdoors and sport. Having a particular love of triathlon and qualifying for the Ironman World Championships. Matt is currently studying Clinical Exercise Physiology. Matt joined Red Dust in 2018 as a role model and soon fell in love with spending time on country and In community.

Teli joined the Red Dust family in 2021 bringing her enthusiasm for walking alongside Aboriginal communities through holistic and sustainable health promotion programs. She grew up on the beautiful beaches of Gubbi Gubbi country in Queensland and celebrates her melting-pot heritage of Euroasian. But little did she know that after undertaking student placement in Alice Springs in 2016, the ‘Dust' definitely got under her skin and soon traded the ocean for desert to work with various Central and Barkly communities on school-based health projects. Teli has a background in Health Promotion and Human Services but has a passion for bringing the arts, especially theatre, to community as a way to promote two-way learning around both western and Aboriginal health.  

Matthew joined Red Dust in 2022 as Cultural Education Manager. Born on Kaurna country (Adelaide) and growing up on Bungarla country (Whyalla) like many South Australians, he has Irish, German and Scottish heritage. He began working in education in 1990 and has had experience as classroom teacher (R-10), Multimedia teacher (music & filmmaking), Learning Technologies Consultant, Online Learning Community Manager, School Leader and Aboriginal Education Advisor. He has worked in Adelaide, London, Hong Kong and Yalata Anangu Community. He has a strong interest in culture, identity and history and by working in partnership with Aboriginal people has developed an understanding of the importance of authentic relationship and cultural humility in enacting Reconciliation.

Wheeler grew up on Kaurna land (Adelaide) where he played his junior basketball with the Noarlunga Tigers in southern Adelaide. As a professional athlete, Wheeler appeared in a record eight NBL grand finals during his 17-year-career, winning two championships. He also played 19 games with the Australian Boomers.

Wheeler's long-standing history with Red Dust and his qualifications in Design/Illustration has him working closely with communities to support the development of local role models to deliver Red Dust programs and capturing precious moments, knowledges and stories for future generations.

Darren's professional basketball career spanned ten years and has been involved with Red Dust since the beginning.

Darren continues to lead teams delivering Red Dust programs in remote communities.

Santo is a filmmaker and TV personality with the Working Dog team. His work includes such classics as The Late Show, D Generation, Frontline, The Castle, The Dish, Thank God You're Here, The Panel, and worked with Glenn Robbins in All Aussie Adventures.

Santo generously gives his time and expertise to encourage remote students.

Shura Taft is a quirky and charismatic rising radio and television personality. Shura has worked on Channel 9, Melbourne's Nova 100 and has been involved in numerous charity events and MC events.

He is well known for his energy and enthusiasm that he brings to all his performances and is a professional on all levels.

A graduate of WAAPA in WA, Fiona also studied at the Royal Academy of Dance in London and has worked with the Australian Sports Commission's Active After School program, conducted sessions for the Australian Institute of Sport, and delivered seminars on health and safety in dance and worked as a specialist teacher.

Her dance activities are immensely popular amongst the communities.

Katie Houghton-Ward has been illustrating comics for over twelve years now and doesn't plan to stop any time soon.

Best known for her early work with the creator owned series Deckheadz that featured weekly for five years in top music magazine 3D World.

Bridget completed a Bachelor of Music from AIM, Sydney, and holds Grade 7 AMEB in violin and Grade 6 AMEB in piano. She has toured Australia, Europe and America, and signed a development deal with Sony BMG.

Bridget has worked in music therapy, assisting in the development of a songwriting therapy program for mothers and children.

Steve has been a bassist and songwriter for many well-known bands (Red October, The Angels, Jimi the Human and Spectre 7, The Clone Theory, The Steinbecks, Voicepopfoible, The Lamb Sandwich Trio, Vibropile).

In 1996 Lane founded the St Luke's Sternberg Street Music Program for people recovering from mental illness and since 2002 has been teaching music industry skills at Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE.

Glenn is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and live performer who works extensively in schools around the country, with Adam Thompson in Adam's Muso Magic workshops.

Glenn also plays gigs three to four nights a week around Sydney and works with Adam as part of the Red Dust music program.

As a passionate swimmer Kate stepped out of the pool and into the coaching world, whilst studying a Bachelor of Education and Commerce at Deakin University. Working in the aquatic and recreation sector for over 10 years, Kate has lectured at national and international conferences, developed educational and health programs as well as managed facilities in both metropolitan and remote Australia.

Rhianne has been representing NSW in softball since 2007 after being named Vice Captain of the 2011 NSW U19 Team. Rhianne was a member of the U19 Australian Squad for two years. She also coaches various teams, and helps to run a disabled athlete softball competition.

She is currently studying Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Sydney.

Tom is an Australian Rules Football player. After being selected by the Geelong Cats, Tom spent two years in their VFL side before going on to play as a permanent player of the team. Tom played a career-defining season of football in 2010, when he played 22 out of 25 possible games including two finals, achieving many career bests in disposals, marks, handballs and tackles.

Hannah represented Australia twice at the Paralympic Games. At the 2004 Athens Paralympics, she received a bronze medal in the 4 x 100m Medley Relay team. She was the captain of the Australian Paralympic Swim Team for both the 2006 World Swimming Championships and 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. Hannah is now attempting her third Paralympics, in a different sport – cycling.

Hugh is an Australian Rules Football player. Drafted in 2006 by the NAB Draft as a 17-year-old by Port Adelaide, it was only two and a half years before a knee injury forced him into retirement. Hugh’s career was one full of highlights and coaches and teammates described him as an “outstanding young man”.  

Basketball has been a very big part of Lori’s life since she first started playing in primary school. Lori has been a Head Coach in the WNBL and was the first female coach in the NBL when she was an assistant with the Titans. She was involved with the Opals, )the Women’s National Team), as an assistant coach in the lead up to the Sydney Olympics.

Possessing great athleticism and touch around the basket for her size Elyse is working hard to make the transition into a senior player. With unlimited potential Elyse is has stepped up in the WNBL and has become a dominate force within the league.

Linley won the 1991 World 100m Breaststroke Championship and an additional two silver medals in the 200m Breaststroke and the 4×100 Medley Relay at the same meet. During her career she was a Pan Pacific champion and won three World Short Course medals, plus many other international medals throughout a career spanning sixteen years.

Luke is a former Australian Rules footballer who played for the Western Bulldogs, a team he captained for two years.

Debuting in 1994, Luke is regarded as one of the Bulldogs’ most successful ruckmen/forwards. In 2001 he took out the Charles Sutton Medal, and continued to stamp his name on the game in the following seasons.

Yvette joined Red Dust as a role model in 2007, later becoming a program Team Leader. She is now the Healthy Living Program Coordinator, with over 20 years of experience in business management; events and marketing.

Yvette has recently obtained her Cert III & IV in personal training and as a former chef, has a passion for nutrition and helping others. Yvette enjoys living life to the fullest!

Matt began with Red Dust as an inaugural board member in 2006. He combines an enthusiasm for basketball and education and has team led over 80 trips to date. Matt is also a passionate entrepreneur, award winning stairmaker and the founder and General Manager of Champions League Basketball. Matt remains a committed Red Dust member and is one of the most experienced Red Dust Team Leaders.

Mitch started with Red Dust in 2009. Mitch is a TV presenter, actor, model, international Didgeridoo player, traditional dancer, singer/songwriter and cultural educator along with a background education in Social Work.

Mitch is a business owner of True Culture - an educational resource company aimed towards empowering participants to engage in Aboriginal culture.