Our Team
Dale Keehne
Chief Executive Officer
Dale Keehne took on the role of Chief Executive Officer in July 2019, bringing a wealth of experience to the East Arnhem Regional Council.
Dale has a strong background in supporting community development in the Northern Territory and beyond, including interstate and overseas work. He returned to East Arnhem Land, where he first established connections over 20 years ago.
During his previous five-year tenure with East Arnhem Regional Council, Dale served as the Director of Community Services and also acted as CEO at times.
His commitment lies in ensuring that the Council fulfils its purpose of serving and empowering the Yolngu people in all six communities of East Arnhem Land. This will be achieved through ongoing support for the capacity and voice of their Local Authority, active collaboration and partnerships with other stakeholders, and a streamlined focus on community-centered administration.
Signe Balodis
Director – Council Services
Signe was appointed Director - Council Services at East Arnhem Regional Council in
February 2024, after working as Regional Manager - Community Development since
April 2022. Signe brings a strong commitment to community service and development.
With extensive background in commercial, non-profit, and local government sectors,
Signe oversees strategic initiatives across various areas of the Council Services
Directorate. This includes Council Office Operations, Municipal Services, Community
Night Patrol, Australia Post, Local Authority Support and Waste and Environment
Management. Previously, Signe served as a Regional Manager - Community
Development, leading Council Services Managers throughout the region.
Committed to improving service delivery and community engagement, Signe focuses
on supporting the diverse needs of East Arnhem Regional Council’s communities.
Divyan Ahimaz
Director – Community Services
As the Director - Community Services, Divyan operates with his extensive expertise and knowledge in business development, communications, and non-profit management from working in both national and international organisations. With a business degree providing a strategic foundation, Divyan excels in creating impactful results through fostering collaborative relationships and service development.
In his role at East Arnhem Regional Council, Divyan supports the Council’s vision and
direction through various development strategies and programs to achieve sustainable
outcomes for both the organisation and the communities he serves.
Divyan’s collaborative leadership emphasises on creating an environment where staff
and stakeholders feel empowered and valued. His dedication to the services he leads is driven by a passion for making a difference through service delivery.
Merianne Bretag
General Manager – People and Corporate Services
Appointed in June 2025, Merianne Bretag brings a wealth of experience and insight to her role as General Manager – People & Corporate Services at East Arnhem Regional Council. Her appointment followed seven impactful years in the Finance team for the Council and its subsidiary entities.
Merianne’s career began in public practice, laying a strong foundation in business and accounting. Since then, she has navigated a dynamic career across established private firms, fast-paced start-ups, Aboriginal Corporations, and both NT Government and Local Government sectors—each shaping her versatile, people-first approach to leadership.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Charles Darwin University and a Postgraduate Diploma with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), where she has maintained professional membership for over 10 years.
A proud Territorian from West Arnhem Land, Merianne’s connection to Country is woven into her work. With lived experience in remote Aboriginal communities and a deep commitment to cultural respect, Merianne brings an authentic understanding of the opportunities and challenges across the region. Her leadership is defined by empathy, collaboration, and a cross-cultural awareness built through meaningful engagement with First Nations leaders, community boards, and diverse teams across the NT.
