At Yanun, we’re proud of the leadership and vision that our Executive Director, David Mallett, brings to the table. As a proud Ngarrindjeri man, David has dedicated his career to bridging the gap for Indigenous Australians in industries that have historically been underrepresented. His journey, both personal and professional, has been a remarkable one – transforming challenges into opportunities for himself and his community.
David shared his story with Indaily in an article published on November 9, 2020, detailing his path from military service to becoming a champion for Indigenous pathways into the defence sector. His story not only highlights his personal achievements but also the vision that drives Yanun’s mission to create real and meaningful career opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
In the Indaily feature, David reflects on his military service, including his time as part of the Australian Navy’s clearance diving unit and later with the Army’s Tactical Assault Group East, specializing in counter-terrorism operations. These roles honed his leadership and resilience, setting the foundation for his later work in the defence industry. After leaving the military due to injury, David pursued a Master’s in Project Management, which led him to roles within prominent defence projects such as the Future Submarines Program.
David’s experiences highlighted a significant gap in Indigenous representation within the defence sector, and this is where his story takes an inspiring turn. In 2019, David founded Yanun Project Services, an Indigenous-owned company focused on creating authentic career pathways for Indigenous youth into the defence industry. With a strong commitment to authenticity, Yanun ensures that at least 51% of the company is Indigenous-owned and managed, combating the issue of “black cladding,” where companies falsely claim Indigenous ownership for financial gain without true Indigenous involvement.
The article also explores how David’s vision aligns with broader national efforts to increase Indigenous participation in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). As of 2020, Indigenous Australians comprised 3.2% of permanent ADF personnel, with a goal to reach 5% by 2025. Programs such as the Army Indigenous Development Program (AIDP) are vital in offering pathways for Indigenous recruits to enter the ADF, ensuring that education, military training, and physical conditioning are part of the recruitment process.
David’s story is more than just an inspiring career journey—it’s about fostering change and offering Indigenous youth the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to excel in industries that will shape Australia’s future.
Credit: This article is based on a feature by Indaily published on November 9, 2020. Read the full article here.
