It is with profound sadness that the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA) acknowledges the passing of Professor Gemma Carey.
Gemma was a highly respected public health leader, an insightful scholar, and a cherished friend to many in the health promotion community. She delivered our prestigious Dr. Eberhard Wenzel Oration alongside Professor Graham Brown in 2020, leaving a lasting impression with her eloquence, vision, and unwavering commitment to health equity. Gemma was also a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the Health Promotion Journal of Australia.
Gemma’s unexpected passing has left a deep void in the public health and social impact sectors. As Research Director at the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) UNSW, Gemma led a multidisciplinary team dedicated to addressing systemic inequality. Her work focused on transforming structures and processes that perpetuate disadvantage, with a particular emphasis on the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Gemma’s academic contributions were immense. She authored four books and over 100 journal articles addressing critical issues such as systems change, joined-up government approaches, social service markets, health policy, and public health. Her expertise was widely sought after and greatly respected.
Gemma’s life and work were deeply shaped by her personal experiences and commitment to equity. Coming from a family that overcame generational barriers to education and living with physical disability since her 30s, she believed that creating equitable living conditions and opportunities was a fundamental responsibility of communities and governments.
Gemma was not only a colleague but also a source of support, mentorship, and friendship to many within our community.
Professor Gemma Carey’s legacy will endure through her scholarly work, her advocacy, and the countless lives she touched. AHPA extends our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
Gemma, you will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
