UNE was saddened to learn of the passing of former staff member and UNE alumnus, Dr David Briggs AM, last month.

Professor Kim Usher provided the reflection below:

“David had a long career in health management and attained many high positions across our region. He studied originally at University of New South Wales but then undertook his masters and PhD at UNE.

For many years, David was a part-time member of staff at UNE and then an adjunct who made a significant contribution to the School of Health. He was the deputy chair of the Primary Health Network since its inception until last year.  He also previously chaired the New England Medicare Local.

I worked with David for many years in my HOS Health role and my association with the Primary Health network. David was passionate about rural and remote health and championed the need for better access to services, the need for research related to the health needs and experiences of people in rural and remote locations, and facilitated many positive collaborations that resulted in improved health services. David was well known in this region and held intimate knowledge of developments across many years. He will be missed by many.”

More on Dr Briggs’ long association with UNE can be read here.

The PHN post this obituary in honour of Dr Briggs AM.