Andrew Burry, the Chief Executive of the WA AIDS Council has passed away. Andrew suffered a suspected heart attack while on holiday in Taiwan.
In a statement the WA AIDS Council said the news came as a shock and it was with great sadness they announced their leader’s passing.
“Andrew served as CEO at the Council for over four years, held the position of Vice President for the Australian Federation of AIDS Councils, was formally General Manager of the AIDS Action Council of the ACT and also worked at the Victorian AIDS Council.
“Andrew was an active and significant contributor to the HIV response in Australia whose knowledge, expertise and experience will be sorely missed.” the organisation said.
The WA AIDS Council’s Murray Street office will be closed for two days, Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th March.
Services for clients, with the exception of the Murray St Needle and Syringe Exchange Program, will not be affected. The Council remains committed to the well being of clients and people living with HIV.
The Board of the Council are considering interim arrangements and further announcements are expected in coming days.
The Council said they would like to extend their sympathies to Andrew’s loved ones, and ask for the respect of their privacy at this time.
Andrew joined the WA AIDS Council in 2012. Previously he headed the AIDS Action Council in the Australian Capital Territory from 2007 to 2012.
The AIDS Action Council said Burry had led their organisation through a time of change and ensure it stayed at the forefront of the HIV discussion on both a local and a national level.
“Andrew’s perspective on the current issues was always a bit irreverent but always inclusive and fluid, as he listened to individuals and the community who have always formed the base of our work.
“Andrew’s door was always open and although this sometimes got him in to conversations that he would rather not have had, his generosity of time and knowledge and his unwavering good humour meant that everyone was heard.” the Council said on their Facebook page.
OUTinPerth sends condolences to Andrew’s family, friends and colleagues.
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