Dmitry Khanenkov was born in Russia and moved to Australian in 2008. Upon receiving his citizenship, he joined the Australian Army in 2015 as a Finance Officer. Coming from a country where LGBTIQA+ discrimination is common, he is passionate about promoting further inclusion and diversity in Defence.
In 2018 Dmitry Khanenkov proudly marched in Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in uniform, representing the Australian Defence Force (ADF). He was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the parade and promote visibility and acceptance. He was co-opted as DEFGLIS Assistant Treasurer in 2023. During his tenure, Dmitry recruited several allies who attended the inaugural Defence LGBTIQ+ Allyship Seminar and participated in an external Inclusion and Diversity Summit during 2023 World Pride in Sydney. In January 2024, Dmitry was elected as a director at the DEFGLIS Annual General Meeting, formalising his position on the board. He has since been appointed as a Treasurer, continuing his efforts in improving DEFGLIS financial management processes and his advocacy for a more inclusive and diverse Defence Force.
Dmitry Khanenkov’s posting history include business analytics and financial advisory roles in Headquarters Army Compliance and Assurance Unit, Army Headquarters, Headquarters Aviation Command, Headquarters Second Division, and Headquarters Second (Health) Brigade.
Dmitry performed a range of duties during his two deployments both in and outside of his specialist skills. In 2021, he gained his first operational experience deploying as Financial Advisor on Operation ACCORDION. In 2022, he was deployed as a Watchkeeper on Operation RESOLUTE on Thursday Island.
Between 2018 and 2022 Dmitry held an appointment of a Trustee of Army Relief Trust Fund. Additionally, in 2020 he was appointed as a Chair of the Audit Committee of the Army Relief Trust Fund which he held until 2022. In 2024 Dmitry has been appointed as Assistant Treasurer in Victoria Barracks Sydney Officer Mess.
Prior to joining the Army, Dmitry completed Bachelor of Economics and Graduate Diploma of Accounting. In 2021 he has also finished Masters of Strategic Human Resource Management with University of New South Wales.