There is little Sunshine Coast entrepreneur David Dean lets stand in his way.
At 34, David has run his own bookings and management firm, Hostile Entertainment, since he was 19 becoming a central figure of the Sunshine Coast's music scene that includes being Director of the annual Turn Up Sunshine Coast Music Industry Conference.
David has also spent his life battling aggressive visual impairment that has left him all but completely blind.
Earlier this year David was recognised for his extensive commitment by the Woombye-Palmwoods Rotary Club as part of their annual vocational service awards ceremony. He was awarded the Brian Robinson Memorial Award, which recognises the achievements of a self-employed local who has overcome challenges to achieve success in their chosen field.
“I was quite surprised actually because I went and did a talk to the Rotary branch last October and they were really interested with my talk and wanted me to come back,” David explains.
“When they were trying to decide who was a good recipient, I was quite surprised and didn't expect that. It was really good to receive that award; it's always good to be recognised and get publicity, but it's not what I do it for though.”
David has a rich and varied background in the music and entertainment industry, including working in live and studio sound engineering, hosting his own radio show and writing for street press publications.
In recent times, through Hostile Entertainment, David has found himself working with bands like The Black Sorrows, Mental As Anything and 'the real thing' himself Russell Morris.
Despite his deteriorating eyesight, David has forged a presence on both the local and national music landscape, and says he owes much of his success to the unfailing support of his family and friends.
“My vision has gotten worse as I've gotten older as well so the challenge is getting around, travelling to meetings or gigs and getting around at events,” he says.
“I've always had a lot of amazing friends that have worked with me and helped me; my family and parents have definitely been very involved in my life and supported my music journey.”
Turn Up 2017 takes place at Lind Theatre (Sunshine Coast) 19 October.
