HON RYAN PARK MP

MINISTER FOR HEALTH, REGIONAL HEALTH,

ILLAWARRA AND THE SOUTH COAST

STATE MEMBER FOR KEIRA

HON PAUL SCULLY MP

MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND PUBLIC SPACES

STATE MEMBER FOR WOLLONGONG

ALISON BYRNES MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CUNNINGHAM

This week, the Illawarra community is mourning the passing of our local hero Professor Justin Yerbury AM.

Professor Yerbury passed away peacefully at home on 28 July 2023 surrounded by loved ones.

Justin was an esteemed Professor of Neurodegenerative Diseases at the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute at the University of Wollongong. His family’s history of Motor Neurone Disease and the loss of his mother, grandmother, and aunt, inspired him to learn more about the illness.

He enrolled in science at the University of Wollongong and then pursued his doctorate. However, while conducting his research, Justin was also diagnosed with the disease in 2016. Justin persevered with his research and was awarded the prestigious 2022 University of New South Wales Eureka Prize for Scientific Research.

His research has driven fundamental new understandings of MND and treatments for the disease, making an incredible impact in a short space of time.

In 2020, Professor Yerbury was awarded a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to MND research. In 2022, Professor Yerbury received the Keys to the City of Wollongong for his significant achievements in the research of MND and for his inspiration and determination while living with a disability,  as well as the New South Wales Premier's Prizes for Science and Engineering.

Professor Yerbury was also a fierce advocate for people with disability. Along with his wife Rachel, they continually fought for better access to services and conditions for all people with disability and was a strong voice for those that may not have been able to advocate for themselves.

Professor Yerbury is survived by his wife Rachel and two daughters, Talia and Maddison. Our thoughts are with the Yerbury family at this difficult time.

Vale Professor Justin Yerbury AM.