Media statement
Former CEO of the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA appointed as Chair
Respected Noongar man Mr Dennis Eggington AM brings extensive leadership experience to SWALSC
The South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) is pleased to announce Mr Dennis Eggington AM as its new Chair.
A proud Noongar man, Dennis has been dedicated to speaking out and advocating for the rights of our First Nations people since his youth.
Dennis recently retired from his long-standing role of CEO at the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia Limited (ALSWA) where he championed the need for social change and reform.
Dennis is an Adjunct Professor of Curtin University’s School of Humanities, and the former Chair of Curtin University’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies Aboriginal Advisory Committee. He has a Masters of Human Rights Education and worked as a teacher in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
Dennis Eggington said “Since I was 16 years old, I have been compelled to improve the rights of all people, and in particular, my First Nations people.”
“I am honoured to be the Chair of such a significant organisation, and to be present as we grow and change. As a Noongar man, I am incredibly driven by the establishment and self-governance of our Noongar Nation. The strength of our Noongar community comes when we all work together as a collective. By having economic empowerment on our own country, building honest and correct pathways towards a better Australia, and we share this with our community.”
“I want to thank those, past and present, who have taken this journey before me. I am grateful to everyone who has paved the way for me to step into this important role.” said Dennis.
SWALSC Chief Executive Officer, Vanessa Kickett, said “Dennis brings an abundance of leadership experience to our team. We look forward to having Dennis’ vast knowledge and expertise guide us in continuing to build an empowered and resilient Noongar community.”