On behalf of Palliative Care Australia (PCA) and the wider palliative care community we represent, I want to publicly thank His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) and Mrs Linda Hurley who have served as PCA’s Patrons for the last five years.

As General Hurley’s time as Governor General ends on 1 July 2024, this has given us a chance to reflect on the contribution General Hurley and Mrs Hurley have made to the palliative care sector during their time in office.

Many significant memories have been made during the special events we have shared, whether that be a reception at Government House for palliative care professionals and volunteers, a video message for National Palliative Care Week, or a tour and afternoon tea at a hospice, where a pop in and chat with people staying, has been met with warmth and interest.

Through her earlier work as a palliative care volunteer, Mrs Hurley brought a level of knowledge and compassion to her shared role as PCA Patron with her husband, which only served to deepen the impact they both had.

Encouraging the broader community to acknowledge, talk about, and plan for dying and death, is a challenge, but the Hurleys were strong allies in that work – speaking with emotion and insight at every opportunity.

They have always been passionate about making sure the contribution of those who work and volunteer in palliative care was recognised, and so it is fitting that one of the Governor General’s last duties was to announce the King’s Birthday Honours, which included members of the palliative care community.

Thank you, General Hurley and Mrs Hurley, your time as Patrons of Palliative Care Australia made an impact and we are all better for it. We wish you well as you step into the next phase of your life.

Prof Meera Agar

Chair

Palliative Care Australia

The Hurley's during their 2023 visit to Clare Holland House, Canberra's hospice, during National Palliative Care Week...