David Shillington

David Shillington is a former professional rugby league footballer, leadership mentor, and mental health advocate who combines elite sporting experience with practical strategies to help individuals and teams thrive. Over a twelve-year career in the NRL, David played for the Sydney Roosters, captained the Canberra Raiders, and represented the Gold Coast Titans. As a Queensland State of Origin and Australian international representative prop forward, he played for the QLD Maroons during a decade of dominance and earned 14 caps for Australia.

Since retiring from professional sport, David has focused on mental fitness, wellbeing, and leadership. He is a Master Instructor with Mental Health First Australia, an ICF-certified coach, and Director of Prime Effect, a platform delivering positive psychology and mental fitness coaching. He uses a strengths-based, relatable approach to mental health, connecting lived experience from elite sport and life after sport to evidence-based strategies that boost motivation, resilience, confidence, and performance.

David’s workshops and keynote presentations tackle mental health, wellbeing, leadership, and team culture in a practical and engaging way. By normalising conversations about mental health and removing stigma, he equips audiences with actionable strategies to improve their own wellbeing, strengthen workplace culture, and enhance team performance. Known for his authenticity, humour, and storytelling, David makes complex topics accessible and actionable for all participants.