25.02.1964 - 25.03.2026
David Bartley joined VICSES Foster Unit as a volunteer in 2009. He responded to almost one thousand requests for assistance over the subsequent 16 years – a record that will likely never be broken.
Some of those jobs saved lives: the tree that he cleared from the road before someone’s loved one drove around the bend and hit it; the support for police or ambulance services that helped find someone who was lost or provide medical care in time. David helped so many of us, and most of the time we had no idea, because he never sought recognition – he was doing what had to be done, focused on the task – a calm, steady presence in any crisis.
When he became Foster Unit Controller in 2012, he accepted the extra responsibility that comes with managing a whole unit as a volunteer. He leaves the unit in a far better state than he found it. Over the years, he offered similar support to other units, filling vacant Unit Controller positions across the Gippsland region, providing stability and rebuilding capability. David was the kind of volunteer everyone wants, and the Foster Unit was lucky enough to have – although he was taken far too soon.
David was also a teacher and mentor. His skills were something to be shared, and he always gave his time and knowledge freely. He was quiet, so when he spoke you knew it was important; he looked stern, until he burst out in a smile or a laugh. Immensely patient with people who wanted to learn, he even spent weekends providing extra training for new volunteers. Late last year, despite being extremely unwell, he still turned up to meet his commitment to the Foster Secondary College year 9 community program.
He gave so much of himself to others, and that’s how he’ll be remembered: his legacy lives on in the people he helped and the communities he strengthened. Our thoughts are with David’s family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.
Donations to the South Gippsland Hospital are welcomed in recognition of the support, love and care provided to David by his doctor and the district nursing team. https://southgippslandhospital.com.au/donations/donation-form/
