Dirk Melton
He/Him
Why are you nominating for the Board?
The continuing discrimination of autistic people in Australia and the slow progress of policy development and legislation to support our human rights.
What involvement have you had in Autistic self advocacy?
The first person to speak to the media at the opening of the Disability Royal Commission in QLD as well as leveraging other board positions in conjunction with using my involvement in elite sport to raise autism awareness.
Queensland Human Rights Commission address on discrimination towards autistic people.
What experience on and contributions to other boards and committees have you had?
- Director of Journey2Learn (School to assist autistic children enter mainstream education)
- Director of Rural Lifestyle Options Australia (NDIS Service Provider)
- Chair of Brisbane Broncos Innovation & Performance Board Advisory Committee
- Member of Queensland Rugby League High Performance Board Advisory Committee
- Member of St George Illawarra Rugby League High Performance Advisory Board
- Chair of East Coast Theatre Company
- CEO of Sydney FC
- COO of Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Marketing & Commercial - Director – PBL Media (Ticketek)
- Strategy Consultant to Boards including Comm Bank, Telstra, Freehills, Goodman Fielder, Ticket, Luxottica et al.
What are your areas of expertise?
- Corporate Governance (reinforced by PhD)
- Corporate & Business Strategy (reinforced by MBA)
- Marketing Strategy & Brand Management (MARS Corporation)
- Research & Development
- Data Analytics & Complex Problem Solving
- System Development & Risk Management (reinforced by B Eng)
Which of these areas do you have strong skills in that you would apply on the ASAN-AUNZ Board?
- Financial management and/or accounting.
- Governance expertise including experience on Boards and committees and/or leadership roles.
- Government or stakeholder engagement.
- Co-design facilitation and participation.
What else would you like the members of ASAN-AUNZ to know about you? (optional)
I am part of the ‘hidden history’ generation that weren’t privy to early diagnosis. Like many Autistics, my life has been tough with my diagnosis also encompassing PTSD. I have had to overcome many unnecessary challenges and obstacles and I can’t stay idle and watch today’s children, adolescents, and young adults endure similar life experiences. Further to this, the discrimination and representation of Autistics in the Australian workforce is poor and needs to change dramatically. The well-being, identity and belonging of autistics can no longer be compromised or an after thought of neurotypical stakeholders and decision makers.