Hello, my name is Josh, and I’m David’s older brother.

I have some devastating news that I never wanted to have to share.

On his way from Taree to Newcastle to spend time with friends, David was involved in a serious car accident. This happened only days after he graduated from medical school and finally became a doctor, something he had worked toward for nearly a decade.

David had stopped at a service station along the way. While waiting at a T-intersection to enter the highway, a large motorhome lost control and crashed into his car. His vehicle was forced approximately 60 metres along the highway and into the median strip. David was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital on the afternoon of December 22nd.

Instead of celebrating the festive season with friends and family, David has been in hospital ever since. He is currently in a coma and has sustained a severe traumatic brain injury, along with multiple broken ribs, a fractured collarbone, and a fractured hip.

We remain hopeful for the best possible outcome, and we are holding onto that hope every day. However, the reality is that David’s recovery may take a very long time, and he may never be able to return fully to the life he had planned. This fundraiser is to help ease the financial burden he may face in the future, including long-term rehabilitation, therapy, ongoing care needs, and helping our family travel and be with him as we support him through this incredibly difficult time.

Any funds raised that are not needed for David’s care will be donated to causes close to his heart, including organisations supporting Aboriginal communities, medical students, or other charities he was passionate about.

For those who don’t know David personally, I want to share a little about the person he is. David is a proud Aboriginal man from the Worimi Nation. He loved his culture and was deeply committed to learning language, participating in traditional arts, and expressing himself through painting. He was a talented artist, with commissioned works displayed throughout Newcastle and the Central Coast.

David also loved sport. He played AFL, volleyball, and athletics, and generously volunteered his time as a medic at sporting events and as a coach to younger athletes. He was always in service of others, so it comes as no surprise that he became a doctor.

David has always been someone who showed up for people. He made others feel seen, valued, and important. There are so many people whose lives he has touched along the way. It is heartbreaking to think that he may not get to experience all the things he was so looking forward to.

My hope is to ensure that David never has to worry about his financial security, no matter what the future holds. If you are able to help in any way, whether by donating or sharing this page, it would mean more to our family than words can express. Thank you so much for your kindness, support, and generosity.