Veteran Australian journalist George Negus has died, aged 82, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Tributes poured in for the well-known author and broadcaster as news of his death, in Sydney, was announced on social media today.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the organisation passed on its sincere condolences to wife Kirsty Cockburn and sons Serge and Ned Negus.
“Mr Negus was an icon for Australians and for Australian media. He generously contributed to raising awareness about dementia and the impact it has on individuals and their families.” Professor Buchanan said.
“Throughout their experience, Ms Cockburn and their sons have been tireless in continuing to raise awareness publicly and at all levels of government to ensure that all Australian’s impacted by dementia know they are not alone.”
Dementia Australia Ambassador and fellow journalist Hamish Macdonald said Mr Negus was a giant of Australian journalism.
“He was also a mentor and a dear friend. I will miss him greatly,” Mr Macdonald said.
“I am feeling sad today, but also immensely lucky to have crossed paths along the way. He loved telling stories and he helped me get better at telling them too.”
