Aussies pay tribute to journalist Vaughan Hinton (91) and cartoonist Michael Leunig (79)
- Replies 6
Australia lost two influential role models that shaped the media and journalism landscape of today.
One was famed for wearing multiple hats and a figure who talked about several social issues across the country.
Meanwhile, the other shared his whimsical illustrations for the world to see and enjoy.
Vaughan Hinton, a name synonymous with journalistic excellence, passed away at the age of 91.
While he passed away last August, news of his passing has only recently been shared with the public.
Born in Toowoomba, Queensland, in 1933, Hinton's career spanned an impressive five decades, all while he juggled multiple roles—as a journalist, presenter, producer, and writer.
His journey began in the mid-1950s at a regional newspaper, where he honed his skills as a journalist.
Hinton had a deep-seated desire to shed light on social justice issues, which has been evident throughout his career.
In 1977, he joined ABC Radio as a presenter.
He saw multiple significant achievements during his time at the network.
Later on, Hinton became an executive producer for a program that attracted a record-breaking 2.5 million viewers.
In 1986, Hinton became the executive producer for all significant national events and Indigenous affairs at the ABC.
The following year, he created the long-running ABC lifestyle program Compass, which continues to explore spirituality, ethics, and values to this day.
Hinton's influence extended to television, where he presented the 70s ABC series Man in Question.
The critically acclaimed show featured in-depth interviews with high-profile personalities, where Hinton threw introspective questions to his guests.
He also led the production for The First Australians and Blackout—two shows that featured the country's Indigenous people and discussed pertinent issues in their communities.
Despite his 'semi-retirement' in 1997, Hinton continued to work on smaller projects until 2003.
He then later on moved to regional Victoria with his family.
His contributions to the media landscape were recognised in 2004 when he received a Medal of the Order of Australia.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore paid his tributes to Hinton.
'Vaughan's life is defined by walking through doors that do not reveal what is behind them. What has been revealed about us as Australians through his many programs is his legacy,' Mayor Moore shared.
He outlived his wife Elizabeth and is survived by his long-term partner Kym, daughters Nicola and Caroline, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Vaughan Hinton's life and career served as a testament to the impact a dedicated individual can have on large-scale media and society.
On the other hand, cartoonist Michael Leunig also passed away. He was 79 years old.
Leunig was a cartoonist whose whimsical and reflective works graced Australia's newspapers for over five decades.
Leunig's death marked the end of an era for Australian satire and cartooning, as he left behind a complex yet cherished legacy.
Born in East Melbourne in 1945, Leunig started as a factory labourer and meat worker.
However, his unique perspective and illustrations led him to his then-home paper, The Age, in 1969.
Over the years, his work would become a staple of Australian culture, earning him the title of a living treasure by the National Trust in the 1990s.
His studio shared the news of his passing through his social media channels.
'The pen has run dry, its ink no longer flowing—yet Mr Curly and his ducks will remain etched in our hearts, cherished and eternal,' the studio wrote in a statement.
'During his final days, he was surrounded by his children, loved ones, and sunflowers—accompanied as ever, by his dear old friends, Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven.'
Leunig's characters, Mr Curly and the ducks, became symbols of a gentle, reflective approach to life's absurdities.
The Age Editor Patrick Elligett paid tribute to the whimsical illustrator and called Leunig a 'master of his craft and a near-permanent fixture on the fridge doors and dining tables of the nation'.
'His passing will be mourned by millions and felt acutely by readers of The Age, who for 55 years had the privilege of enjoying his work and wit,' Elligett added.
Leunig's influence extended beyond the newspapers as he engaged in cultural and political discourse.
He has shared stages with religious leaders and politicians, painted at the Sydney Opera House, and voiced his opposition to wars and policies through his artworks.
His later works sparked debate and controversy among Aussies and showed his willingness to challenge the status quo.
Despite the polarising nature of some of his later cartoons, Leunig's earlier works became a testament to his ability to capture the human experience with humour.
As we mourn the loss of Michael Leunig, we also celebrate the indelible mark he has left on Australian culture.
As we remember the lives of these media giants, we also remember their impact on how we see the world today.
May they rest in peace.
One was famed for wearing multiple hats and a figure who talked about several social issues across the country.
Meanwhile, the other shared his whimsical illustrations for the world to see and enjoy.
Vaughan Hinton, a name synonymous with journalistic excellence, passed away at the age of 91.
While he passed away last August, news of his passing has only recently been shared with the public.
Born in Toowoomba, Queensland, in 1933, Hinton's career spanned an impressive five decades, all while he juggled multiple roles—as a journalist, presenter, producer, and writer.
Vaughan Hinton looked back at Sydney's first Mardi Gras. Image Credit: YouTube/William Brougham
His journey began in the mid-1950s at a regional newspaper, where he honed his skills as a journalist.
Hinton had a deep-seated desire to shed light on social justice issues, which has been evident throughout his career.
In 1977, he joined ABC Radio as a presenter.
He saw multiple significant achievements during his time at the network.
Later on, Hinton became an executive producer for a program that attracted a record-breaking 2.5 million viewers.
In 1986, Hinton became the executive producer for all significant national events and Indigenous affairs at the ABC.
The following year, he created the long-running ABC lifestyle program Compass, which continues to explore spirituality, ethics, and values to this day.
Hinton's influence extended to television, where he presented the 70s ABC series Man in Question.
The critically acclaimed show featured in-depth interviews with high-profile personalities, where Hinton threw introspective questions to his guests.
He also led the production for The First Australians and Blackout—two shows that featured the country's Indigenous people and discussed pertinent issues in their communities.
Despite his 'semi-retirement' in 1997, Hinton continued to work on smaller projects until 2003.
He then later on moved to regional Victoria with his family.
His contributions to the media landscape were recognised in 2004 when he received a Medal of the Order of Australia.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore paid his tributes to Hinton.
'Vaughan's life is defined by walking through doors that do not reveal what is behind them. What has been revealed about us as Australians through his many programs is his legacy,' Mayor Moore shared.
He outlived his wife Elizabeth and is survived by his long-term partner Kym, daughters Nicola and Caroline, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Vaughan Hinton's life and career served as a testament to the impact a dedicated individual can have on large-scale media and society.
On the other hand, cartoonist Michael Leunig also passed away. He was 79 years old.
Leunig was a cartoonist whose whimsical and reflective works graced Australia's newspapers for over five decades.
Leunig's death marked the end of an era for Australian satire and cartooning, as he left behind a complex yet cherished legacy.
Michael Leunig established his own studio later on in his career. Image Credit: Wikipedia
Born in East Melbourne in 1945, Leunig started as a factory labourer and meat worker.
However, his unique perspective and illustrations led him to his then-home paper, The Age, in 1969.
Over the years, his work would become a staple of Australian culture, earning him the title of a living treasure by the National Trust in the 1990s.
His studio shared the news of his passing through his social media channels.
'The pen has run dry, its ink no longer flowing—yet Mr Curly and his ducks will remain etched in our hearts, cherished and eternal,' the studio wrote in a statement.
'During his final days, he was surrounded by his children, loved ones, and sunflowers—accompanied as ever, by his dear old friends, Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven.'
Leunig's characters, Mr Curly and the ducks, became symbols of a gentle, reflective approach to life's absurdities.
The Age Editor Patrick Elligett paid tribute to the whimsical illustrator and called Leunig a 'master of his craft and a near-permanent fixture on the fridge doors and dining tables of the nation'.
'His passing will be mourned by millions and felt acutely by readers of The Age, who for 55 years had the privilege of enjoying his work and wit,' Elligett added.
Leunig's influence extended beyond the newspapers as he engaged in cultural and political discourse.
He has shared stages with religious leaders and politicians, painted at the Sydney Opera House, and voiced his opposition to wars and policies through his artworks.
His later works sparked debate and controversy among Aussies and showed his willingness to challenge the status quo.
Despite the polarising nature of some of his later cartoons, Leunig's earlier works became a testament to his ability to capture the human experience with humour.
As we mourn the loss of Michael Leunig, we also celebrate the indelible mark he has left on Australian culture.
May they rest in peace.
.png){kind=icon}
