Dr Kim Alexander Anthony Ostinga OAM
(Fr 1954, SS 1961)
1936-2025
The Principal, Council and St Andrew’s College community honour the life of Dr Kim Alexander Anthony Ostinga OAM (Fr 1954, SS 1961), who passed away on 31 December 2025, aged 89.
Kim was born in Newcastle on 16 February 1936, the son of Alex and Nell and brother of Helen and Margot. He attended The Scots College, where he was an active and keen sportsman, participating in rugby and rowing. These sporting interests followed him through his university.
Having originally applied for residence at St Andrew’s College in 1953, Kim entered College in Lent Term, 1954, as a first-year Medicine student at the University of Sydney. His passion for and commitment to his chosen profession were tested during his degree, but never wavered, even when he failed Medicine I. This commitment to study Medicine was echoed in a letter written by his father, Dr Alex Ostinga, to the Principal of St Andrew’s. In part, Dr Ostinga wrote that Kim’s “only ambition ever is to do medicine” and sought advice from Dr McIntyre on how best to support Kim in achieving this ambition. To Principal McIntyre’s great credit, and the benefit of the medical profession, Kim was granted readmission to College in 1955, and with support from one of the resident medical tutors, successfully passed Medicine I. His resolve was further tested when he failed Medicine II on his first attempt in 1956; the following year, he passed with two credits (in Biochemistry and Physiology). From then on, he successfully navigated the remainder of his degree, graduating Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1962.
Known at College as 'Bingo', a nickname he acquired while at Scots College, Kim revelled in the freedom, sporting and social life of his early years at university. He rowed for College for six of his years in residence and was a member of the First XV for four years, receiving College Blues for both sports. He was an active member of the Students’ Club, serving as a member of several sub-committees, including Football and Rowing, was Secretary of the Informal, Valedictory Dinner, Rowing and Food sub-committees at various times, and was Inter-coll Delegate in 1960. He was also Honorary Secretary of the Students’ Club in 1960 and was elected unopposed as Senior Student in 1961. His valedictory biography in the 1961 College magazine paints a picture of a popular member of the College community, “a gregarious creature” with a hearty spirit who enjoyed a party, but who, as Senior Student, possessed “a firmness and quickness when trouble did show” and who was decisive and commanding when required.
In the years after leaving St Andrew’s, Kim embarked on what became a distinguished medical career. Accompanied by his wife, Margie, and young son, Kim left Australia, working his passage as a ship’s doctor, en route to England, where he studied for, and passed, his orthopaedics exams.
A proud Novocastrian, Kim returned to Newcastle to practice orthopaedics. He is remembered as a deeply interested and thoughtful man who loved people, demonstrating a genuine interest in them and what was going on in their lives. Possessing a strong sense of fairness, Kim was a man of great humility, empathy and gratitude, who loved his family, his friends, his work, his community and nature. He was a polymath, accomplished as a musician, pilot, sailor, sportsman, and doctor, and was endlessly encouraging of his children and grandchildren in all their pursuits.
Kim received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours for service to medicine, particularly to orthopaedics. His decades of service as an orthopaedic surgeon in both public hospitals and private practice helped shape local standards of care. Among his professional achievements, he was a Conjoint Clinical Lecturer in Orthopaedics at the University of Newcastle from 2010 to 2014 and was Co-Founder of the Hunter New England Bone Bank.
Driven by his love for Newcastle and his desire to protect its culture and heritage, Kim was a custodian of Newcastle’s stories and a passionate advocate for the preservation of the region’s culture and environment. Through his involvement with the Friends of King Edward Park in Newcastle and the National Trust, he was instrumental in securing the park’s preservation for the people of Newcastle.
In all his endeavours and adventures, Kim’s wife Margie, whom he described as his best friend and the love of his life, was by his side. Their partnership and the family they made together was Kim’s greatest love and his most profound legacy.
Kim is survived by his adored wife Margie and beloved children, David, James and Libby, and an extended family and network of friends and colleagues who mourn his loss.
The Ostinga family is held warmly in our thoughts, and our deepest sympathy is extended to them and all who knew and loved Kim.
Kim (far right) with College friends (L to R) Dick Whitfeld, John Baird and Andrew Ferguson in 1958
The 1955 Football Team
The 1957 Rowing Team
