In a winning team (with his sister) at the National Rural Youth Debating Conference in Perth, beating teams which included John Olsen, with Don Dunstan adjudicating who later both became premiers of S.A.
Even at a young age, Dene showed an ability to think and speak clearly on his feet, and with a tremendous memory, made an excellent extemporaneous speaker.
From Peter Davis (29 July 2016) and clarification by Kym Trethewey (17 Sept 2016):
Rural Youth Organisation was very important on Kangaroo Island in 1960's -1980's. Dene was a member of the Kingscote RY Branch. He was employed at the Kingscote Council as a clerk., and had very good communication and people skills. He used these skills in RY to inspire and to get other young people to work together and learn leadership skills.
We had three RY groups (clubs) on KI - Kingscote, Parndana and Penneshaw. Each year we had a rally where members from each club competed in different events such as shearing, welding, cake decoration, sewing and public speaking and debating. The winners would then compete at the State comps.
Dene demonstrated that he was an excellent debater and with his sister Colleen and Wayne Veitch , RY formed the Kangaroo Island team that went to Adelaide, won the State title and then won the national title in Perth. Kym Trethewey from the Penneshaw Club won a cup the previous year in Tasmania
When Dene attained the age of 25 years and became an advisor and continued the role in KI until he obtained employment in Adelaide. As Liaison Officer for NPWS Consultative Committees, Dene and I had opportunity to continue our association and friendship.
From Neville Cordes 19 Sep 2016
I reckon Dene was only a baby when he joined Rural Youth in, I'd reckon, 1957. I think he was 13.
Yes, Dene, Colline and Wayne Veitch won the SA debating championship and then went on to win the national championship in Perth. They defeated very high-profile teams. One of the SA teams included the future premier John Olsen.
I have a photo of the three of them with their national trophy.
The photo and newspaper reports were displayed in the banqueting room in the Kingscote town hall for years but were destroyed in a fire.