Walter Edward Mickleburgh was born in 1922, near Didcot, Berkshire, England. He studied medicine at Alberdeen University and then practiced as a family doctor for five years in Yorkshire. After developing an interest in mental health he trained in Adelaide, South Australia in the field. Following a specialist qualification he worked to develop a network of community mental health services in South Australia. Walter was then appointed director of mental health in the ACT and was instrumental in developing the rudimentary preventative, treatment and rehabilitation services there. After ten years he retired, but continued to practice clinical psychiatry at Calvary Hospital, Canberra and then at Queanbeyan Community Mental Health Centre. He still serves on the ACT Mental Health Tribunal. Walter is married and has three children.