In memory of our Fellows
Our Fellows have contributed extensively to the rich Australian humanities community. When an Academy Fellow dies, we honour their impact by publishing an obituary by another Fellow who has had a long and close association with them.
Emeritus Professor Graeme Turner AO FAHA FQA, one of Australia’s most distinguished humanities scholars and a towering figure in our Academy’s history. Colleagues from Graeme’s life, including Dr Kylie Brass, past Academy Executive Director, Dr John Byron, Distinguished Professor Stuart Cunningham FAHA and Professor Chris Healy FAHA, reflect on his legacy.
The Australian Academy of the Humanities acknowledges, with deep sadness, the death of Reverend Emeritus Professor Francis Moloney AM FAHA SD, a renowned biblical scholar who significantly contributed to Australian religion and culture. Rev Emeritus Prof Brendan Byrne FAHA reflects on his life and legacy. Download a PDF version here.
Emeritus Professor Anthony (Tony) Johns AM FAHA was a pioneering scholar of Indonesian and Malay Studies, and contributed significantly to Australia’s understanding of our closest neighbours. Virginia Hooker AM FAHA reflects on his life and legacy. Download a PDF version here.
John Lynch FAHA was a leading figure in the modern study of the languages of the Pacific region and one of the most prolific and influential scholars in the descriptive and historical study of the Oceanic subgroup of Austronesian languages. Emeritus Professor Matthew Spriggs GSM (Vanuatu) FSA FRAI FAHA and Adjunct Associate Professor Robert Early reflect on his legacy. Download the PDF version here.
The Australian Academy of the Humanities acknowledges, with deep sadness, the death of Professor Marion Maddox FAHA. One of Australia’s foremost experts on religion and politics, Maddox is remembered as a generous and considerate colleague and friend in this obituary by Associate Professor Anna Halafoff FAHA, Dr Holly Randell-Moon and Professor Bronwen Neil FAHA. Download an online version.
Jim Masselos FAHA was a highly respected social historian of contemporary India, particularly on the social history of Bombay/Mumbai, an esteemed friend and beloved mentor. Emeritus Professor Robin Jeffrey FAHA reflects on his legacy, guided by Jim’s friends and family: Lula Redpath (Jim’s sister), Robert Aldrich FAHA, Jackie Menzies and Sujata Patel. Download the PDF version here.
Peter Hambly FAHA explored 19th century French literature, focusing on post-romantic poetry, prose and social philosophy. Emerita Professor Jean Fornasiero FAHA reflects on his life and legacy. Download a PDF version here.
The Australian Academy of the Humanities acknowledges, with deep sadness, the death of Emeritus Professor Anthony (Tony) Reid FAHA FBA, one of the foremost historians of Southeast Asia, a prolific author and a dear colleague and mentor. Emeritus Professor Robert Cribb FAHA reflects on his legacy. Download the PDF version here.
Emeritus Professor Anthony Gibbs AM FAHA was distinguished as a literary critic and biographer, with a keen interest in the seventeenth-century poet and playwright (and rumoured illegitimate son of Shakespeare), William Davenant, as well as Donne, Keats, Yeats, and later, George Bernard Shaw. Emeritus Professor Will Chrisite FAHA reflects on Professor Gibbs’ distinguished career, life & legacy. Download a PDF version here.
The Australian Academy of the Humanities acknowledges, with deep sadness, the death of Emeritus Professor Elspeth Probyn FAHA FASSA, a pivotal figure in the field of Gender and Cultural Studies, and a beloved colleague at the University of Sydney. Professor Kane Race FAHA reflects on her life, legacy and collegiality. Download a PDF version here.
The Australian Academy of the Humanities acknowledges, with deep sadness, the death of Professor David Konstan FAHA.
An internationally recognised linguist, Emeritus Professor Jeff Siegel was an expert in language contact varietes, and the use of pidgins, creoles and dilacts, especially across Asia and Pacific. He is remembered by Professor Nick Evans FAHA in this thoughtful obituary.