Born in Sydney, David Kirby was the fourth son and child of Donald (Don) Kirby and Jean Langmore Kirby (née Knowles). Elder brother David Charles died at the age of 18 months. Following in the footsteps of elder brother Michael, David attended state schools, commencing at
North Strathfield Public School, followed by
Summer Hill Public School for Opportunity Classes, and then
Fort Street High School (then Fort Street Boys High School) in Sydney. After graduating from high school, again like elder brother Michael, David later attended the
University of Sydney, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws. ==Career==