David Rathman is a proud Eastern Aranda descendant with family connections with Kokatha, Arabunna and a number of other traditional groups in South Australia. His distinguished career began working in media for the ABC and radio, which transitioned to social planner, Aboriginal education and Director, Office of Aboriginal Affairs. From 1992 David was the CEO of the Department of State Aboriginal Affairs, Executive Director of Aboriginal Education and Employment Services, 2008 Executive Director of DECS delivering education and employment outcomes for Aboriginal people, and 2014 as Executive Director of Aboriginal and Family Services. He has been appointed to numerous boards from the SA Museum to the University of SA. He continues his work as director of the Aboriginal legal rights movement and co-chair of UNISA RAP community and SA Water RAP committee. David currently operates a consultancy business advocating for Aboriginal issues. This is but a glimpse of David Rathman’s achievements as an Aboriginal statesman for South Australia. He has been awarded the Public Service Medal in 1993 and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Managers and Leaders. On Australia Day in 2000 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).