Don was born, raised and educated in the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales. He enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in January 1979 at the age of seventeen.
Don served as a soldier at every non-commissioned rank in the Army, culminating with his appointment as the 10th Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army in July 2015. He completed that role in July 2018, and he transitioned from fulltime service in September 2018. During his almost forty years of service, he had the privilege to work in command teams alongside officers at all ranks and levels from all three Services of the Australian Defence Force and other partner nations.
Don completed the Army Single Service component of the Australian Command and Staff College Course at the Australian War College. He has also completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course (NFP).
Don’s awards include the Medal for the Order of Australia and Member of the Order of Australia, multiple Operational Service Medals and the Defence Force Long Service Medal with four clasps. Don has also been awarded the United States Army Meritorious Service Medal.
In February 2019, Don was appointed as member on the Repatriation Commission of Australia working alongside the Department of Veteran Affairs. In July 2019 he commenced the role of Repatriation Commissioner which was focussed on the oversight of Veterans’ Support Legislation, veteran engagement and veteran mental health and wellbeing. He completed his duties with the Repatriation Commission in July 2023.
Don has retired from the fulltime workforce and spends his time with his wife living between Canberra and the NSW South Coast.