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.
Professor Peter Antsey FAHA (The University of Sydney) reflects on the legacy of Stephen Gaukroger FRHistS FRSA FRSN FAHA, a leading figure in philosophey, avid writer, historian, and generous colleague. He is remembered as ‘amiable, politically astute, and a hard worker’. Download a PDF version.
Emeritus Professor Stephen Muecke FAHA (University of New South Wales, Sydney) reflects and celebrates on the life of Professor Ross Gibson FAHA, one of Australia’s most prominent writers, film directors and creator of multi-media environments. Download a PDF version.
Dr Heather Jackson FSA FAHA (University of Melbourne), Professor Emerita Elizabeth Minchin FAHA (Australian National University), and Associate Professor Roger Scott FAHA (University of Melbourne) reflect on and celebrate the life of Emeritus Professor Graeme Clarke AO FAHA, one of Australia’s most prominent classical scholars. Download a PDF version.
Professor Michael Bennett FAHA (The University of Tasmania) and Professor Mark Finnane (Griffith University) reflect on the legacy of Richard Perceval Davis FAHA, distinguished historian. Download a PDF version here.
Professor John Hajek FAHA (The University of Melbourne) and Professor Jean Fornasiero FAHA (The University of Adelaide) reflect on the legacy of Colin Nettelbeck FAHA, who was profoundly influential in French language and culture teaching in Australia and in the development of language policy in the University sector. Download a PDF version here.
Professor Emerita Jaynie Anderson AM FAHA (The University of Melbourne) reflects on the legacy of Angus Trumble FAHA. Download a PDF version here.
The Australian Academy of the Humanities acknowledges, with deep sadness, the death of Shirley McKechnie AO FAHA. Shirley was a pioneer of Australian contemporary dance and dance education and one of the most influential artists in recent Australian history. She was elected to the Academy in 1998.
Professor Claire Smith FSA FAHA (Flinders University) reflects on the legacy of Mike Smith AM FAHA FSA. Download a PDF version here.
Professor Roger Benjamin FAHA (The University of Sydney) reflects on the legacy of Virginia Spate AC FAHA CIHA, one of Australia’s most eminent art historians and academics. Download a PDF version here.
With the death on 22 July 2022 of Lorenzo Polizzotto, Australia lost one of its preeminent scholars of Renaissance Italy. Download a PDF version.
Andrew Milner (Monash University) reflects on the legacy of Emeritus Professor Philip Thomson FAHA, an eminent literary theorist and critic. Download a PDF version here.
Professor Robert Young FAHA (La Trobe University) reflects on the legacy of Professor Janna Thompson FASSA FAHA, one of Australia’s most eminent philosophers with expertise in environmental ethics, feminism and global justice. Download a PDF version here.