David was born in Northam, Western Australia on the 21st November 1965 and lived there for the first 17 years of his life. He attributes his deep interest and love of the arts to these early years living in a rural town in Western Australia. Because television channels were very limited, and due to the availability of lots of bushland and a river flowing through the centre of the town, imagination and play were central to his life in these formative years.

David settled in Mandurah, a place he had visited on holidays over many years (like many people who now live here). In 1994 he was elected to the Mandurah City Council, was re-elected in 1997 and was Deputy Mayor until his election to Parliament in February 2001. David was re-elected for his second term as Member for Mandurah in February 2005 and a third term in September 2008.

"I love this city and this region. I have called Mandurah home for almost half of my life and am so pleased that my wife and I are bringing up our four children here.

"For me it’s all about the lifestyle. We have the big open spaces, the waterways as well as the convenience of a vibrant, modern, well serviced city. The people are friendly, there’s so much activity here all year round and it is such a wonderful community. 

"My family wouldn’t live anywhere else than Mandurah."