The Australian Museum family is mourning the loss of David Armstrong AM, former Australian Museum Trust President.

David Armstrong’s passing is a significant loss for the Australian Museum (AM), where his dedicated service and passionate commitment to natural history and public education left an indelible mark on the AM and all who worked alongside him.

David Armstrong served on the Australian Museum Trust for nine years from 2014 to 2022; and as Trust President from 2018 to 2022. He also served on the AM Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation from 2014 to 2022. His leadership and dedication significantly shaped the AM’s growth, particularly in guiding the AM’s ambitious Project Discover redevelopment in 2020. His legacy lives through his tireless advocacy and philanthropic work for the AM, helping to ensure its mission to preserve the past, by making it relevant and accessible to future generations.

“The Australian Museum has lost a valued member of its close-knit community. David Armstrong was a passionate advocate for our institution as a world-leading centre of knowledge, collaborative spirit, and scientific excellence. His dedication and expertise directly supported the AM’s mission of connecting people to the natural world, and he leaves behind a rich legacy through his unwavering commitment to the cultural institution sector,” Brian Hartzer, who succeeded David as Australian Museum Trust President, said.

“David’s contributions will be remembered across the AM team and we will continue to honour him by connecting Australians to the natural world through our work,” Director and CEO of the Australian Museum, Ms Kim McKay AO said. “David provided me with wise counsel throughout his tenure and his grasp of the major issues facing our sector was remarkable. I will miss his collegiate approach.”

David Armstrong AM was a chartered accountant with a long and distinguished career providing professional services for financial organisations in London and New York as well as in Australia. He was a partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers a non-executive director of the National Australia Bank, and a Trustee of the AM Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation Board. He served as Chair of The George Institute for Global Health and as a Director and Chair of the Opera Australia Capital Fund.

David Armstrong’s exceptional contributions were recognised when he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for significant service to the not-for-profit sector, to the arts, and to the financial sector.

David Armstrong’s contributions to public life extend far beyond his formal responsibilities. He was a mentor who generously shared his expertise and institutional knowledge widely and became, with his family, a major donor to the AM.

As we commemorate David’s passing, we also celebrate a life well-lived in service to culture, discovery, and the public good. His memory will continue to inspire all who carry forward the important work of connecting people with the wonders of the natural world.

David passed away from oesophageal cancer on Tuesday 15 September 2025. Our thoughts are with David’s wife, Megan, his children and grandchildren at this time.

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ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM

The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation’s first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. The AM’s mission is to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change. The AM’s vision is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. The AM commits to transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; to being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and to continuing to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs. With 22 million objects and specimens and the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM is not only a dynamic source of reliable scientific information on some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing our region, but also an important site of cultural exchange and learning.