Rod is a proud Wilunyu and Wajuk man of the Yamatji and Nyoongar peoples of Western Australia and currently lives in Canberra. He is currently on the Board of the Burbangana Group and was a former Co-chair of the National Congress of Australia's First People's and Chairperson of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body. He is passionate about and committed to improving the capabilities of communities and families.