David is a Wadjuk/Ballardong Nyungar man from the Southwest of Western Australia and has extensive experience in all levels of government after working in the public sector for over 30 years he operates his own business as David Collard & Associates.

Most of his experience has been in the field of social science where he has a Bachelor of Social Science from Curtin University and uses these skills to deliver numerous programs within the public and private sectors.

After working in the field addressing major issues such as employment, education and training David has developed specialist skills for engagement and manages contracts to assist industry and government to achieve such in partnership with the Aboriginal community.

Recently, David has established new programs in Aboriginal land management and that reflect the outcomes of native title and especially the Single Nyungar Claim within the Southwest region. The need to build capacity to ensure sustainable practices in Caring for Country but also to generate Aboriginal solutions to Natural Resource Management is some of the activities David works in. 

Also, to educate and train the next generations of Nyungar youth to take on the opportunities provided by the native title success is paramount in David’s recent work of introducing Aboriginal culture to the education system through ‘two-way learning” and “two-way science”.

Since 2014 David has been involved in Forest Stewardship Council in Australia and began his journey as a member of the FSCANZ Indigenous Working Group in Australia. David was involved in drafting up the FSCANZ Standard and specifically addressing Indigenous issues across Australia and New Zealand. David was the Chair of the IWG and then became a member of the FSC ANZ Board member under the social chamber. David also is the PIPC Member for the Oceania region under the Asia-Pacific zone.

David is also known by this Nyungar name “Wardong” and always strives for excellence.