Last week, Department of Communities Regional Executive Director (RED) for the Kimberley Dain Kirwan thought himself lucky as he drove along Great Northern Highway to catch up with some Bidyadanga family carers for lunch. The journey was a reminder of how vital connection is in the lives of foster and family carers across the region.
"Staying connected with carers is an important part of our job, and during WA Foster and Family Carers Week we had a wonderful opportunity to meet carers at Eco Beach – halfway between Broome and Bidyadanga. It was great to spend time with family and special guardian carers, talking about everyday life - school holiday plans, what fish they're catching at the moment and what's happening in the community."
A similar event was held a few days later at the Derby pool for carers from that town. Dain said these events provide a valuable opportunity to thank foster and family carers for the contribution they make, while also deepening understanding of the challenges they face and how we can work together to better support families and children.
Dain moved to Broome (Rubibi) on Yawuru Country in February 2025 and said the passion of Communities staff is what has stood out to him most in his time there.
"Every day, I'm impressed by how deeply people care about the communities they serve," he said. "You see it in conversations, decision‑making and the way people go above and beyond."
With nearly 20 years' experience across strategy and policy roles, beginning as a Customer Service Officer with the former Department of Housing, Dain describes his role as a natural extension of his background in service design, planning and policy.
"Listening is central to the role - meeting with community representatives, strengthening partnerships and ensuring work is grounded in community priorities," Dain said.
Spanning Kununurra, Halls Creek, Broome, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing, the Kimberley region is roughly twice the size of Victoria and has a population of more than 34,000 people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 41.6 per cent of the population from nearly 30 different language groups, making the Kimberley one of the most culturally rich and significant regions in Australia.
The region is progressing several significant initiatives, including East Kimberley Place-Based Partnerships and the recommissioning of the Broome Family and Domestic Violence Refuge.
Later this month, Director General Mike Rowe will visit the region for the signing of the East Kimberley place-based partnership, focused initially on improving Early Years outcomes. Other initiatives such as Target 120, EIFS and Home Stretch are also helping to meet the needs of vulnerable children and young people.
Outside work, Dain volunteers with the Pinnacle Foundation and is Chair of the Pinnacle Foundation WA Committee, supporting LGBTQIA+ young people through education and mentoring. When switching off, he enjoys reading, gaming, good wine - and working toward a more consistent exercise routine!
Dain completed the LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship through the University of Sydney Business School in 2025, drawing particular inspiration from advice on leading through change.
"Change is inevitable," he said.
"Looking after yourself, your family and your team is essential. How we support people through change really matters."
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