UTS mourns the passing of Dr Antony Kidman

Staff and researchers at UTS are mourning the passing of Dr Antony Kidman AM who died unexpectedly in Singapore over the weekend.

The Director of the university’s Health Psychology Unit, Dr Kidman will be deeply missed as a man of great energy and commitment, as a leading researcher in depression and stress management, as a popular author on these subjects and for his engagement with the wider community.

For more than 43 years Dr Kidman forged a distinguished career at UTS, nurturing a new generation of research professionals discovering ways to help teens cope with depression, anxiety and the impact of cyber-bullying.

Speaking on behalf of her research team colleagues Dr Rachael Murrihy said the death of their much loved leader had been devastating.

"Tony made it his mission to improve the lives of those living with mental illness. We will do our best to continue his wonderful work in his honour," Dr Murrihy said.

"For many years he has been a father figure to our tight-knit little team. Never short of an encouraging pat on the back and a supportive ear when we've needed it.

"He wanted the best for everyone – adored his wife, daughters and grandchildren and was unfaltering in his drive to make a positive difference in this world.

"We will always fondly remember his hearty renditions of ‘Happy Birthday’, the dulcet tunes of YMCA emanating from his office and his warmth, kindness, passion and compassion."

UTS Dean of Science Professor Bruce Milthorpe said Dr Kidman’s work in mental health over so many years had been a huge boost to the faculty’s research standing in the community.

"Tony and his team have worked directly with school students to help them recognise and deal with the effects of stress and depression," Professor Milthorpe said.

"His books and manuals for the public, schools and hospitals on the recognition of symptoms and the benefits of early intervention in mental health have made a difference, as has his work in advancing the use of cognitive behavioural therapy in treating early psychosis.

"Most recently Tony and his team have looked at early intervention for children with disruptive behaviour disorders to decrease the risk of them turning to a life of crime."

UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Attila Brungs said Dr Kidman's passing was a loss to all. "Tony has contributed greatly – as a colleague, as a researcher and as a health practitioner. He will be missed by all at UTS. Our thoughts are with his family at this time," he said.