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 people in all six 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 Director – Community Services, Divyan brings extensive experience across leadership, business development and communications, developed through senior roles in both national and international organisations.
With a business degree providing a strong strategic foundation, Divyan leads with a practical, outcome-focused approach that balances service sustainability with community needs. His background includes working with international NGOs such as International Justice Mission and Mission Aviation Fellowship, where he supported people-centred programs focused on justice, protection, access and community wellbeing in highly complex and remote settings.
In his role at East Arnhem Regional Council, Divyan supports the Council’s vision and direction by leading development strategies and programs that deliver sustainable, community-driven outcomes. He is a strong advocate for Community Services and the breadth of services delivered across the directorate, including child care services, youth services, active communities, library services, disability services, and aged care, supporting the people of East Arnhem Land through all life stages.
Divyan works with stakeholders at all levels, including community organisations, service providers, government agencies, and Council staff, to ensure services are responsive, practical, and established in local priorities.
Divyan’s leadership is collaborative and grounded. He focuses on creating environments where both staff are supported, trusted, and accountable. His commitment to Community Services is driven by two clear priorities: strengthening service delivery to improve access, equity, and outcomes for communities, and supporting staff through safe, respectful workplaces where they are valued, supported, and able to perform at their best.
Merianne Bretag
General Manager – People and Corporate Services
Appointed in June 2025, Merianne Bretag brings a wealth of experience and insight to her role as General Manager – People & Corporate Services at East Arnhem Regional Council. Her appointment followed seven impactful years in the Finance team for the Council and its subsidiary entities.
Merianne’s career began in public practice, laying a strong foundation in business and accounting. Since then, she has navigated a dynamic career across established private firms, fast-paced start-ups, Aboriginal Corporations, and both NT Government and Local Government sectors—each shaping her versatile, people-first approach to leadership.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Charles Darwin University and a Postgraduate Diploma with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), where she has maintained professional membership for over 10 years.
A proud Territorian from West Arnhem Land, Merianne’s connection to Country is woven into her work. With lived experience in remote Aboriginal communities and a deep commitment to cultural respect, Merianne brings an authentic understanding of the opportunities and challenges across the region. Her leadership is defined by empathy, collaboration, and a cross-cultural awareness built through meaningful engagement with First Nations leaders, community boards, and diverse teams across the NT.
