* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name and image of a deceased Elder, used with the family’s permission.
The passing of Clifford Charles Coulthard, known to many as Cliff, Cliffy or Uki, leaves the world a poorer place for his absence.
The deep sadness we feel at the loss of a dear and treasured friend and colleague is a testament to this Elder’s character, achievements, and enduring impact.
Cliff will be remembered as an important Adnyamathanha miru, a man whose connection to country and the stories it carries was pivotal for his people, for scholarship, and for reconciliation. This connection was the catalyst for some 40 years of dedicated effort to uncover, record and conserve the cultural heritage of Vulkathunha, the region more commonly known as the Flinders Ranges.
A gentle, modest man, Cliff was a natural diplomat who bridged cultures and made people feel welcome, respected and included, whatever their background. He was also an extraordinary ambassador for Adnyamathanha, perhaps best reflected in the establishment of Iga Warta Homelands where, as senior cultural interpreter, he shared the heritage of Vulkathunha with thousands of visitors – telling stories of place, enabling people to see the land through a different cultural lens and bringing new understanding.
He is a special friend to Flinders University, particularly our archaeology team who he enthusiastically supported in their research efforts. One of South Australia’s earliest Aboriginal Heritage Rangers, Cliff’s thirst for knowledge won him a scholarship to study rock art in France, and he in turn was generous in sharing his insights with fellow scholars and researchers.
His affinity with Country has informed discoveries of global significance, including the excavation of the Warratyi rock-shelter that produced the earliest evidence of human occupation of inland Australia. Such was the magnitude of the find that it resulted in a paper in the prestigious journal Nature, which Cliff co-authored.
In 2022 Flinders University awarded Cliff an honorary doctorate for his lifetime of commitment to Adnyamathanha scholarship, his mentoring of Adnyamathanha students, his support for researchers and generosity in sharing his knowledge with others.
To all at Flinders University, Cliff will be remembered as warndu watya miru – a great man. His legacy and presence will be echoed in the adnya (rocks), awi (water), ngurru (grass) and the milyara (wind) through the wida (gum trees) of the Country he loved.