Dr Richard John Dunstan (Fr 1971)

The Principal, Council and St Andrew’s College community honour the life of Dr Richard John Dunstan (Fr 1971) who passed away in January 2022 after a long illness.

Richard was at Andrew's from 1971 to 1975 while studying medicine. Richard's brother Jim had preceded him at College. Richard, or 'Ric' as he was called, was known for his great sense of humour and being a very active member of the student community. He was a keen member of the Rowing crew throughout his time at St Andrew's, competing in the Rawson Cup and eventually leading the Rowing crew. He was also in the Rawson Rugby team in 1973, and a year representative on the House Committee for his final year at the College.

After graduating, Ric became a paediatrician working at Sydney Children's Hospital and then at Camden and Campbelltown hospitals. Ric was one of the initial three paediatricians in the area at a time when it was very poorly served for medical care. When asked by his daughter Phoebe many years later why he had moved to Camden, Ric's response was that at that time 80% of the health services in Sydney were focused on 20% of the population.

Ric was held in very high esteem in Southwest Sydney which was reflected in over 1000 people being present at his funeral in Camden. Local paediatrician and member of parliament Mike Freelander spoke movingly about the enormous contribution that Ric made to child health and the esteem in which he was held by local families and his medical peers.

Ric established the Kids of Macarthur Health Foundation which provides paediatric equipment to enhance health care in the Macarthur region. Also, each year the Ric Dunstan Scholarship Medal is awarded to a paediatric trainee.

Ric was devoted to his family - his wife Donna and his four children and grandchildren. Ric is also survived by his mother Beryl. Very sadly, Ric's death came in the year after his brother Jim had suddenly died. 

Many St Andrew's freshers from 1970s forged lifelong friendships with Ric. Amongst those attending his funeral were Bruce Hilliar, Alan McCreery, David Wolfenden, Peter Davidson and Jim Simpson.

The Dunstan family are held strongly in our thoughts and our dearest sympathy is extended to all who knew him. 

This Notice of Passing was written by Jim Simpson (Fr 1971), close friend of Richard Dunstan. The College is grateful for his assistance.

A recent photo of Ric with one of his grandchildren.