In memory of Dr Damian West PSM

The Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) ACT is mourning the loss of Damian West PSM, who passed away on 24 July 2023.

Damian was an integral part of IPAA – he was our National Secretary and sat on our IPAA ACT Council. He was involved in countless events as a facilitator and speaker, always freely sharing his ideas and knowledge. But more than that, he was a valued colleague and friend who cared deeply, worked passionately and truly sought to make a difference.

Among many of his achievements, Damian was instrumental in advancing whole of service stewardship and the consolidation and enhancement of work, health, safety and wellbeing across the ACT Public Service. He supported the ACT Public Service through the COVID pandemic, including rolling out initiatives such as hybrid working arrangements that enabled the service to be flexible and responsive.

Damian has been a champion of change for the ACT Public Service Graduate program, which in 2022 was named for the first time, in the GradAustralia’s Top 100 Graduate Employers of Choice.

In 2022, these achievements earned him a Public Service Medal.

Damian will remain in our thoughts as a valued colleague, friend, and supporter of IPAA. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.