It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of Professor Paul Hughes AM FACE — a proud Yankunytjatjara, Narungga, and Kaurna Elder, whose life’s work leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of Indigenous education in Australia. His contributions as a distinguished academic, visionary leader, and unwavering advocate for justice and equity will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Professor Hughes’s journey in higher education was one defined by bold vision and transformative leadership. As the inaugural Director of the Yunggorendi First Nations Centre for Higher Education and Research at Flinders University from 1996 to 1999, he played a foundational role in embedding Indigenous perspectives throughout the institution. Under his guidance, Yunggorendi became a nationally respected centre of excellence, empowering First Nations students and scholars while championing cultural integrity and self-determination. The Centre he helped shape continues to thrive today under the name Yungkurrinthi, Office of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement, a testament to his enduring influence.
Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling paid tribute to Professor Hughes’ ongoing legacy as a leader in Indigenous education in Australia and beyond.
“Professor Paul Hughes AM FACE has left an indelible mark on Flinders University. His generosity of spirit and guiding wisdom were instrumental in advancing Indigenous engagement, knowledges, and perspectives into the fabric of our institution.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Professor Hughes’ family and loved ones,” said Professor Stirling.
Beyond his work at Flinders, he was a central figure in national Aboriginal education policy. This contribution assisted in the development of the National Aboriginal Education Policy, and his service on numerous government committees and taskforces, demonstrated his steadfast commitment to creating systems that honour and elevate Aboriginal voices, knowledge, and futures. He brought wisdom, courage, and a deep understanding of community to every role he held, always centring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing and being.
Reflecting on his legacy, Professor Simone Ulalka Tur, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), shared heartfelt words that illustrate the profound personal and professional impact Professor Hughes had on those around him:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Paul Hughes and extend my condolences to his family and the community. Through our Yankunytjatjara Anangu kinship system, we referred to each other as brother Kuta and sister Kangkuru.
Kuta Paul was a visionary and contributed to the architecture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education sector nationally and internationally, leaving a legacy for our educational futures. I want to acknowledge Kuta Paul Hughes for his call to me in the late 1990s to consider working as an academic supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Yunggorendi First Nations Centre for Higher Education & Research.
It is his belief and encouragement that led me into the higher education sector, and which shaped my career in education for social justice for over two decades, and which grounds my current role as Pro Vice Chancellor (Indigenous). Kuta Paul will be sadly missed.”
Professor Hughes’s legacy is one of transformation — of policy, of institutions, and of countless lives. He was a leader whose work was grounded in cultural strength, intellectual rigor, and an unrelenting commitment to community. His passing is a profound loss, but his vision and influence live on through the many students, educators, and leaders he inspired and mentored.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at Yungkurrinthi will be flown at half-mast, on June 26, as Professor Hughes is laid to rest.
We honour and remember his extraordinary life.
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Flinders University acknowledges that this news may be upsetting for members of the Flinders family. Please remember that staff can access the Employee Assistant Program (EAP) at any time, and the Health & Wellbeing page has a list of resources and support services available for students.