Our Team
Dale Keehne
Chief Executive Officer
Dale Keehne took on the role of Chief Executive Officer in July 2019, bringing a wealth of experience to the East Arnhem Regional Council.
Dale has a strong background in supporting community development in the Northern Territory and beyond, including interstate and overseas work. He returned to East Arnhem Land, where he first established connections over 20 years ago.
During his previous five-year tenure with East Arnhem Regional Council, Dale served as the Director of Community Services and also acted as CEO at times.
His commitment lies in ensuring that the Council fulfils its purpose of serving and empowering the Yolngu and Anindilyakwa people in all nine communities of East Arnhem Land. This will be achieved through ongoing support for the capacity and voice of their Local Authority, active collaboration and partnerships with other stakeholders, and a streamlined focus on community-centered administration.
Signe Balodis
Director – Council Services
Signe was appointed Director - Council Services at East Arnhem Regional Council in
February 2024, after working as Regional Manager - Community Development since
April 2022. Signe brings a strong commitment to community service and development.
With extensive background in commercial, non-profit, and local government sectors,
Signe oversees strategic initiatives across various areas of the Council Services
Directorate. This includes Council Office Operations, Municipal Services, Community
Night Patrol, Australia Post, Local Authority Support and Waste and Environment
Management. Previously, Signe served as a Regional Manager - Community
Development, leading Council Services Managers throughout the region.
Committed to improving service delivery and community engagement, Signe focuses
on supporting the diverse needs of East Arnhem Regional Council’s communities.
Divyan Ahimaz
Director – Community Services
As the Director - Community Services, Divyan operates with his extensive expertise and knowledge in business development, communications, and non-profit management from working in both national and international organisations. With a business degree providing a strategic foundation, Divyan excels in creating impactful results through fostering collaborative relationships and service development.
In his role at East Arnhem Regional Council, Divyan supports the Council’s vision and
direction through various development strategies and programs to achieve sustainable
outcomes for both the organisation and the communities he serves.
Divyan’s collaborative leadership emphasises on creating an environment where staff
and stakeholders feel empowered and valued. His dedication to the services he leads is driven by a passion for making a difference through service delivery.
Kayelene Rynne
General Manager – People and Corporate Services
Kayelene holds a Commerce Degree covering Majors in Accounting, Business Law and Human Resource Management and is a Certified Practicing Accountant and a Professional Member of the Australian Human Resources Institute. Kayelene’s expertise includes over 20 years in the Not-for-Profit sector, including 8 years of experience in Aboriginal Community controlled organisations, Commercial and Public Sector.
In her role, Kayelene has a collaborative leadership style with a “How Can I Help” approach. She is committed to leading cross-functional support teams to work effectively and create unique impactful solutions for achieving united strategic goals. Kayelene is passionate about extending workplace positivity and inclusivity through the inspiration of the three A’s towards people - Appreciate, Acknowledge and Ask.
Kayelene enjoys music, animals, family, friends and keeping busy.
David Thompson
General Manager - Technical and Infrastructure Services
David Thompson is a highly experienced construction professional with over 30 years in the building industry, specialising in carpentry, project management, and infrastructure services.
David has developed an extensive technical skill set and a strong understanding of Workplace Health and Safety, procurement, and compliance through hands-on site work and overseeing multi-million-dollar projects.
In 2024, David was appointed General Manager - Technical and Infrastructure Services. David leverages his extensive industry knowledge to lead projects efficiently, ensuring high-quality outcomes while working closely with clients, government agencies, and communities.
Address: 7 Westal Street
Nhulunbuy NT 0880
Postal Address: PO Box 1060
Nhulunbuy NT 0881
East Arnhem Regional Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we live, work, and gather. We pay our sincere respects to the Elders, past, present, and rising.
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