MY STORY

Get to know me

ABOUT DAVE:

I’m an immigrant to Australia with a life story that’s seen both great opportunity and real hardship.

I grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe and was sent to boarding school at just five years old. My childhood gave me a lot, but it was also shaped by political upheaval that ultimately led to my family being forced to leave the country. Starting over wasn’t easy. The violence and trauma we experienced left a lasting impact, and for many years I lived with anxiety and depression—functioning on the outside, but putting a lot of energy into simply trying to feel “okay” and appear normal.

I was married for six years and have two incredible sons from that time. The journey through separation, court, and being apart from my kids was one of the hardest seasons of my life.

Today, I’m remarried to an amazing woman—someone I first met at school in Zimbabwe when we were just five years old. Together we’ve built a blended family and had two more amazing kids. I’m close with all four children, but that didn’t happen by chance—it took intention, effort, and growth. If you’re part of a blended family, you’ll understand what that takes.

Counselling played a big role in my journey. Not every experience was positive, and I didn’t connect with every approach—but when I found the right person, someone who truly advocated for me, it changed everything. Over time, I went from feeling like “the most broken person I know” to feeling genuinely okay within myself.

That journey wasn’t easy—but it was worth it. It’s shaped how I see people, how I work, and how I show up.

I deeply value the growth that comes through overcoming hardship. Many of the people I respect most have walked through significant challenges—and come out stronger for it.

Life can be hard—but it’s also still beautiful.

And no matter what you’re facing, you’re never without hope. I’ll keep reminding you of that.