The Dreamin Foundation was founded in 2003 as a project of the Rotary Club of Prospect Inc., inspired by the late Dean Richards, a much-loved Rotarian known for his humour, kindness, and belief that everyone deserves quality medical care, no matter where they live.
Its name (An acronym for “Dean Richards Endeavour to Assist the Medically Ill and Needy”) reflects the spirit that continues to guide us today. What began with one reconstructive surgery for a patient from East Malaysia grew into a network of dedicated South Australians determined to deliver health equity both locally and abroad.
Working alongside specialists from the Royal Adelaide Hospital, The Dreamin Foundation quickly developed a reputation for tackling challenging medical issues in regions where resources were scarce, often travelling to remote Pacific islands and Southeast Asia to provide life-saving surgeries, equipment and training.
As the foundation’s work expanded, now led by Professor Suren Krishnan OAM (ENT Surgeon) its focus evolved, from one-off interventions to sustainable, education-based healthcare solutions that empower local doctors, nurses, and therapists. Our teams learned early that true impact isn’t measured by the number of operations performed, but by the lives transformed and the capacity left behind.
“Our goal was never to just perform a procedure and leave.
It was to create something that would continue long after we’d gone home.”
— Professor Suren Krishnan
Over two decades, DREAMIN’s projects have ranged from reconstructive surgery and cancer support to physiotherapy training and ENT education.
Today, that same founding ethos — respect, collaboration, and compassion in action — continues to shape everything we do, at home in South Australia and throughout the developing world.