The Honourable General David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Retd)

The Honourable General David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Retd

General the Honourable David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Retd) had a distinguished 42-year military career, graduating from the Royal Military College, Duntroon and rising through the ranks to serve as Chief of the Defence Force. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his command of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment during Operation SOLACE in Somalia in 1993.

Following his military career, General Hurley served as the 38th Governor of New South Wales before being sworn in as the 27th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia in July 2019, a role he held until 2024. During his tenure as Governor-General, he served as Patron of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA), reflecting his longstanding commitment to mental health advocacy.

General Hurley has been a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing throughout his public life. He served as Patron-in-Chief of Dementia Australia during his time as Governor-General, supported Suicide Prevention Australia, and has consistently used his platform to raise awareness of mental health challenges, particularly among veterans, serving personnel, and vulnerable communities.

MIFA is proud to welcome General Hurley as Co Patron, building on a relationship forged during his time as Governor-General and drawing on his lifetime of service and his deep commitment to the wellbeing of all Australians.