John Dean recognised with Don Kendell Memorial Award

The prestigious award honours individuals who show the qualities of aviation pioneer Don Kendell; commitment, achievement and leadership. It recognises a person who inspires others while making meaningful change.

Throughout John’s 26-year career he has made a lasting and significant impact on early intervention mental health care for children and families across the Murrumbidgee region. 

As District Clinical Leader for School Link and the more recent Got It! Program, which marks it’s 10-year anniversary this year, John has played a key role in strengthening partnerships between health, education and families.

“Our focus is on bringing families, schools and services together,” John said. 

“It can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to see the difference early support can make.”

The impact of this work is best seen through the stories of the children and families supported by the program. John recalls one young student who was struggling with attention and learning.

“After working closely with his family and teachers to better understand his needs, we saw a remarkable turnaround,” he said. “A writing task that once took hours was completed in minutes, and suddenly learning became something he was excited about.” 

Despite the recognition, John is quick to credit his team behind his success.

“This award isn’t just for me,” he said. “It reflects the work of a dedicated team over many years.” 

John’s passion for rural communities has been shaped by his own upbringing, growing up and living on the land. His early career in mental health coincided with a period of drought, an experience that continues to inform his understanding of the challenges faced by rural families. 

Throughout his career John has pushed to provide opportunities for kids in rural areas, such as the School Link Dramatic Minds Festival which he has run for the last 15 years. 

The festival gives secondary schools the opportunity to create and present a play, film, dance, artwork or other dramatic presentation and present it at a Festival each year.

“The festival gives students the opportunity to explore the mental health and wellbeing challenges in their schools and communities,” said John. 

All presentations explore mental health and wellbeing from the perspective of the students. 

MLHD congratulates John on his outstanding contribution to improving outcomes for children, families and communities across the region and congratulates him on this well-deserved appointment of the Don Kendell award.