David is a system leader with a proven reputation for building inclusive and healthy communities.

David Burns has 23 years of experience in the sport, leisure, and physical activity sectors in England and Australia. He has held various roles in Local Government, peak bodies, the private sector, academia and the social economy.

As the Director of DB Consulting, David has honed his expertise over the last two decades, offering unique consulting services firmly grounded in systems thinking.

What sets David apart from other consultants is his seamless ability to navigate the complex intersections of the system, engaging with multiple stakeholders.

David fosters a collaborative approach and leverages his extensive industry network in both the UK and Australia to connect with the right experts and partners at the right time, ensuring his clients' needs are met.

In addition to his role at DB Consulting, David is also the CEO and Founder of Collective Leisure. His 'boots on the ground' role at Collective Leisure provides him with unique insights from an end-user perspective, which informs his advice to clients on how to maximise outcomes."

Board and Advisory Roles

David currently holds advisory and boards positions with the following organisations.

Social Enterprise Council
of NSW + ACT
Non-Executive Director

SECNA is a sector-led peak body that represent the interests of social enterprises across New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory.

Swinburne University Sport Innovation Research Group
Advisory Board Member

An internationally recognised research group that creates and facilitates high-quality, industry-shaping, research collaboration for the benefit of both researchers and partner organisations.

TAFE NSW Industry Collaboration Reference group - Active Living Sector
Reference Group Member

Created to inform TAFE NSW on future industry skills and training priorities, the impact of the training products delivered and the industry skills training requirements.

The Obesity Collective
Advisor

The Obesity Collective is the peak body for obesity in Australia. It is a national umbrella coalition with a vision to reduce the health and well-being impacts of obesity in Australia. Working together to raise awareness of the science and reality of obesity and promote evidence-based prevention and treatment action through a strong, cooperative, and inclusive network.

Experience

Davids experience spans more than two decades, during which he has held roles in both the UK and Australia within leisure management organisations, local government and sporting associations. Below is a summary of his previous roles prior to founding DB Consulting.

    • Led the opening of Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre after $27M redevelopment

    • Oversaw 5 facilities across 3 LGA included Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre, Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre, Cabarita and Drummoyne Swim Centres Combined turnover of $10M with over 250 staff

    • Secured 3-year contract extensions for Cumberland Council and Inner West contracts

    • Aquatic & Recreation Institute NSW Customer Service Team of the Year 2019 - Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre

    • Parks & Leisure NSW Awards of Excellence Community Based Initiative of the Year 2019 - Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre - Refugees Breaking Down Cultural Barriers Program

    • Aquatic & Recreation Institute NSW - Facility of the Year Award 2018 - Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre

    • Managed the City’s largest contract - asset value $150M, turnover $15.9M, and 1.7M visits per annum

    • Led a successful transition of Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre and Cook & Philip Park Pool from YMCA management to Belgravia Leisure on behalf of the City

    • Led handover from City Projects of $22M redevelopment of Prince Alfred Park Pool to the Belgravia Leisure including managing the defects liability period

    • Two contracts recognised with the highest standard rating of 1 for operational contract management performance

    • Built strong relationships of trust and engagement with rough sleepers across the LGA

    • Patrolled hot spot areas where entrenched homeless populations resided

    • Managed Penrith Swim Centre, St Clair Leisure Centre and 5 tennis sites

    • Created and coordinated the inaugural Active Penrith month. A month of free activities promoting healthy living, an active lifestyle and sporting opportunities

    • Over 1400 Penrith LGA residents participated in the month

    • 58 participants gained training and qualifications

    • 20 different sports/activities were offered over the month

    • An average of 2 sausages sandwiches per event were consumed by David Burns!

    • Opened and managed the operations of a $2.6M new football facility

    • Developed and delivered a town-wide football development program

    • Managed the development of grassroots football across 7 local authorities

    • Created and coordinated a back-to-work program - Goals ‘Get out and Learn Skills’

    • Provided advice on funding opportunities, applications, and submissions

Media and Podcasts

David is regularly invited to share his thoughts on podcasts and interviews.
If you have an idea you’d like to share with David and get his thoughts and insights, feel free to contact him.

David presenting at the 2023 National Sports Convention