Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre CEO awarded Order of Australia

Looking around Bunbury, the impact Dolphin Discovery Centre chief executive David Kerr has had on the City is hard to miss.

From the sinking of the Lena Shipwreck to the $13 million transformation of the Dolphin Discovery Centre, his passion for tourism and development is abundantly clear.

And on Australia Day he was recognised with the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia.

I’m honoured and a little bit humbled by the whole thing because I can see so many people who are doing great things in our community here every day.

Norseman-born, Capel and Bunbury bred, Mr Kerr found his way back to Bunbury about 25 years ago after travelling and working in Darwin, Brisbane and northern NSW.

And upon his return, he did not waste any time getting involved in the community, joining the Rotary Club of Bunbury Leschenault in 1997 and the Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1998.

He has since served as president for one year in Rotary and ten years at the chamber, as well as a decade as chief executive at the DDC.

“I’ve always had a bit of a ‘service above self’ mentality,” Mr Kerr said. “I think there’s no point just being a passenger, you’ve got to make a contribution if you want to improve things in your community.”

Mr Kerr said the sinking of the Lena in 2003 and the DDC upgrade were projects he was particularly proud to have been a part of.

He also counted the joint chamber and rotary South West Young Achievers Program – which provides workshops to help 18-25-year-olds develop leadership skills – as a highlight.

I really enjoyed that program and it is one I’m looking to reinvigorate this year. It’s an investment in the future.