Dr Higgins graduated from the University of Sydney as a Bachelor of Medicine and a Master of Surgery in 1897. He arrived in Penrith in May 1900 buying the practice of Dr Dundas in High Street. He built his house Birralee in High Street and moved his practice there. He was an active member of the community, serving as an alderman on Penrith Municipal Council from 1908 to 1910, becoming Mayor in 1910. He was the Government Medical Officer for Penrith, a board member of the Nepean Cottage Hospital, a warden at St Stephen's Church and a patron of the Penrith Golf Club. He died on 5 June 1940 and was greatly mourned by his patients and community .
