Dale Manns

Dale Manns

INDUCTED 2013

Dale Manns’ involvement in the Sector began in 1994 as the founding Chairperson of Goolburri Health Advancement Aboriginal Corporation— better known at the time as Goolburri Mobile Dental. Dale’s commitment to the Aboriginal CommunityControlled Health Sector, and to Goolburri, over the years brought many positive changes in service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Goolburri service area.

In 2007 Goolburri was successful in gaining the Recognised Entity Service to give cultural advice to the Department of Child Safety regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who came in contact with the Department.

The school-based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program commenced in 2008 and proved to be very successful with many young people being skilled and prepared for the workforce.

Throughout 2010 several important initiatives occurred when Goolburri:

• Purchased new premises for $1.2m at 20 Scott Street, Toowoomba

• Was successful in gaining the Regional Services for Child Protection which included Recognised Entity Service, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Support and Indigenous Placement Unit for the Darling Downs and South West Queensland

• Took on the Home and Community Care Services for the Toowoomba Region.

Over recent years Goolburri has been successful in gaining the Indigenous Placement Unit in Ipswich, establishing a formal partnership with Queensland Rural Medical Education and the expansion of oral health with the operation of a second Dental Van. Goolburri now employs over 80 staff members throughout the Darling Downs and South West areas.

Through his leadership and commitment, Dale was instrumental in the expansion and growth of services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and helping Goolburri to become the outstanding service provider it is today.

Sadly, Mr Manns passed away on 25 September 2014.