Donald Ard was born in the old Onslow hospital. His birthdate was not recorded. His father was a member of the Kariyarra language group from Port Hedland. His mother is Lorna Hicks, a Dhalanyji woman. Ard has worked at the Fitzroy Aiport as acting Airport Foreman as well as watering down the airstrip; he has also worked as a bulldozer driver, backhoe operator, and a truck driver.