Our team
David Dickinson
Founder and Director
David Dickinson is an Australian businessman operating in the international metallurgy industry for over 40 years. David is an active golfer, sport lover and philanthropist.
David set up the Dickinson Foundation in 2019 to support young Australians to participate, develop and stay in any sport. His strong commitment to junior sport recognises the benefits of sport on physical and mental health, personal wellbeing and the valuable contribution it makes in local communities.
At the beginning of 2021, the Dickinson Foundation has already distributed over $1.5 million directly to local sporting clubs or as a part of its flagship Active Kids Grants program administered through the Australian Sports Foundation. This funding has provided over 15,000 kids at over 200 community and grassroots sporting clubs throughout Australia with much needed sport equipment and uniforms. Often run by dedicated parents and volunteers, many of these clubs are rurally based, in areas of financial hardship or provide programs that are accessible for those with a disability.
Mark Purtill
Director (Foundation Trustee)
Mark Purtill is a partner at MPM Chartered Accountants, located in Sydney. Mark is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. He holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Sydney, a Diploma of Financial Planning and is a registered Company and SMSF Auditor.
Mark recognises the importance of strong community support in the encouragement and development of junior sport especially in rural and under-privileged communities.
Mike Sidgreaves
Director (Foundation Trustee)
Mike Sidgreaves is Managing Director of The Golf Travel Agency, a national golf tour operator providing domestic and international travel services to the golf industry. He was a trustee of the Concord Junior Golf Development Fund for 10 years prior to joining The Dickinson Foundation. Mike undertook a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Sydney.
Having been involved in junior sports development for many years, and working in the sports industry full time, Mike is passionate about helping all kids in the community get involved in sport so they can enjoy the many benefits engagement in sport offers, and especially those kids that would otherwise not have the opportunity without financial assistance.
Ross Haron
Director (Foundation Trustee)
Ross Haron is the Founder and Managing Director of Transform Interior Projects Pty Ltd, an interior fit-out company based in Sydney. Ross, a trade qualified carpenter and Gold Licenced Builder for over 30 years is a passionate sportsman having played rugby, cricket and now golf, for a range of sporting clubs throughout Sydney.
As a Director of Concord Golf Club (2007-2018), Ross established the Concord Junior Golf Clinic in 2008 and was a trustee for the Concord Junior Golf Development Fund between 2008 and 2020. His work and the 2010 restructuring of junior development at Concord led to a highly successful foundation that provides local and country juniors the opportunity to improve their games and stay connected with the club. Ross continues to support junior sport initiatives bringing this experience to the Dickinson Foundation.