Vale Dr Jonathan Burdon AM
The Board, CEO, committee members and staff of the National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) are saddened at the recent death of Dr Jonathan Burdon AM after a short illness.
In 2013, Jonathan was the first independent director appointed to the NAC Board bringing his knowledge of governance and experience as a director and chair of commercial boards; an excellent combination with his extensive clinical experience as a respiratory physician.
Jonathon had been an unofficial advisor to the NAC for some years before this on a variety of clinical topics, predominantly in his capacity as Chair of the Sensitive Choice Product Advisory Panel since its inception in 2006. He understood the need to provide accurate advice on products which have potential benefits for asthma and for the NAC to have a consistent program to fund its important work. He played an active role in developing the processes and procedures to guide the panel, and contributed valuable advice.
The NAC Board appointed Jonathon as NAC Chair in 2014; the first non-member organisation representative to lead the NAC Board. In this role he oversaw many significant developments for the NAC, including the ongoing revision of the Australian Asthma Handbook, development of the National Asthma Strategy, building collaborations with the NAC member bodies and developing leading education programs and resources.
He also extensively participated in many NAC activities such as the Parliamentary Friends of Asthma, the NAC Media Awards and represented the NAC as a media spokesperson on many clinical issues. The Governance Committee was formed under his leadership to review and initiate various NAC procedures. He was interested in all aspects of the NAC’s work and had a strong commitment to improving asthma management for people with asthma. He retired from the NAC Board in 2018 at the conclusion of his tenure.
Jonathon, as NAC Board Chair, was strategic, thoughtful, creative and always involved. His commitment to his own patients and the wider patient community was always present. It was always a pleasure to work with him, and he will be sadly missed.
Dr Joanna Wriedt
Chair of the Board
National Asthma Council Australia
