David was educated at the Greenock Primary School, Nuriootpa High School and the South Australian Institute of Technology with a Diploma in Accounting. He commenced employment as a clerk in 1954-1956 with the Lutheran Book Depot, Adelaide, then 4 years in the Education Department as a clerk and a further 4 years as a Trust Officer with the Public Trustees Office until 1964 when he joined the Barossa Co-Operative Winery.

In a long and successful career with Kaiser Stuhl, he served as Cost Accountant, Company Secretary and Financial Controller, financially administering the transfer to Penfolds Wines.

In 1983 he was appointed General Manager, Finance and Administration of Tarac Industries Pty Ltd at Nuriootpa.

Community service:

• A member of the Apex Club of Barossa from 1967-1987, including a term as President.
• Appointed Charter President of the Kiwanis Club of Barossa in 1986 and a director of various portfolios.
• In 1976 he was appointed a Director of the Community Co-Operative Store (Nuriootpa) Ltd and in 1987 Chairman of the Board.
• He has played an active role in the administration of the Lutheran Church since 1979 filling a number of roles.
• Since 1967 he has been Auditor, Treasurer, Chairman and Elder of St Petri, Nuriootpa.
• He became a member of the Nuriootpa High School Council in 1983 and Chairman of the Council from 1984 to 1988. In 1987 elected Chairman of the Nuriootpa High School Multi Purpose Hall Committee.
• From 1985 to 1987 a member of the Barossa Valley Education Planning Committee.