“From the time I boarded a train to Toowoomba in 1948 to the day I walked into a fire brigade station in 2008, I have walked through doors which did not reveal what was behind them. This tendency has defined my life.”— William Vaughan Hinton OAM
So wrote Vaughan Hinton OAM, a proud Old Boy of Toowoomba Grammar School (1948-49) whose remarkable journey began when he stepped off that train in Toowoomba as a young student in 1948.
That spirit of curiosity and courage would carry him through a life of service, media innovation and deep care for others.
Vaughan's career began as a cadet reporter at the Toowoomba Chronicle in 1948, followed by work at ABC Radio. This early start launched a lifelong vocation in public service media, built on his belief that stories could shape understanding, challenge assumptions and bring people closer to one another.
After completing national service with the 25th Infantry Battalion, Vaughan moved into faith-based and ecumenical service, working with the Australian Council of Churches. He was instrumental in establishing programs to support refugees and international development, reflecting his conviction that Australia's responsibilities extended far beyond its borders. His work took him to Geneva, Bangkok and war-torn regions, where he sought to amplify the voices of displaced and vulnerable people.
In 1986, Vaughan was appointed Executive Producer for ABC Television, with responsibility for religious programming, Indigenous broadcasting and coverage of significant national events. It was a role that allowed him to bring his values of inclusivity and fairness to the national stage.
One of his greatest contributions was the creation of Compass in 1988, now one of the ABC's longest-running programs. Vaughan conceived Compass as a uniquely Australian forum to explore religion, values, and spirituality—not by promoting institutions, but by telling the stories of everyday Australians and examining how beliefs shaped lives. It was a vision that stood apart internationally, offering editorial independence and inclusivity.
Equally significant was his role in establishing the ABC Indigenous Unit, recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander producers and commissioning groundbreaking programs such as The First Australians and Blackout. Vaughan knew that true success meant stepping aside to empower Indigenous voices to tell their own stories on prime-time television.
He was also entrusted with leading coverage of major national events, including Anzac Day broadcasts, the opening of the Vietnam War Memorial, the Coral Sea Commemoration, and the establishment of Canberra's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In 1994, he ensured the first broadcast of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras went to air, despite threats and controversy, reaching 2.5 million viewers. His ability to balance solemnity, respect, and storytelling made these broadcasts moments of national significance.
Retirement did not slow Vaughan. With his partner, Kym Skinner, he moved to Monbulk in Victoria's Yarra Ranges, where they became deeply involved in community service. Both volunteered with the Country Fire Authority (Monbulk CFA), earning long-service awards and recognition for their role in the devastating 2009 fires.
In 2014, Vaughan's lifelong contributions to broadcasting and community were recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Yet, for all of his achievements, Vaughan will be remembered most for his humanity. He cared deeply about people—whether family, colleagues or strangers in need. He sought always to lift others, to listen to unheard voices and to build bridges across divides.
Vaughan is survived by his beloved partner Kym, daughters Nicola and Caroline, extended family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a wide circle of friends and admirers. His legacy endures not only in the programs and initiatives he created, but in the countless lives he touched with his warmth, innovation, compassion and determination to make a positive difference.
The Toowoomba Grammar School community is proud to count Vaughan Hinton among its Old Boys. His life was one of service, curiosity and courage—an example for us all.
Latest Blog
Striving for the Best
Director of Volleyball, Mr Eric Smith has spent the past 20 years at Toowoomba Grammar School not only shaping the minds of the young men in his science classroom but also working tirelessly on improving his capacity to coach volleyball to the highest level. Starting at the School in 2003, Eric quickly rediscovered his passion for volleyball, something he had not experienced since playing for Ipswich Grammar School during the ‘90s. “I felt completely at home back on the volleyball court and…
When it comes to Music, Variety is the Spice of Life
In the Queensland Curriculum, the content of the music syllabus includes the study of the people, places and cultures involved in musical creation and performance. As our country becomes increasingly diverse, it is important for students in every school setting to study a wide variety of musical styles, cultures and genres. The Toowoomba Grammar School Music program of 2022 embraces this holistic approach to the study of music, encouraging teachers and students to explore a variety of musical…
Successful Decision Making - Subject Selections
Term 3 tends to be an important time for students making decisions, and for some, possibly the first time they have really had the opportunity to make a decision that could impact the course of their future. Year 8 students are taking control of their academic program for the first time, being able to select their electives for Year 9. For most, these decisions are mainly about getting the opportunity to pursue subjects which interest them and the joy of not taking some subjects which really do…
TGS Rugby Ambassadors' Program
“As a Grammar boy, you have the Blue and Gold in your blood for life. You’ve got connections and networks because of this special bond. It’s hard to describe what it is exactly; I think it stems from the history and traditions that are passed down to each generation but it’s something you carry your entire life, you’re part of this team.” – TGS Old Boy (1960-63) John Campbell, Senior Prefect 1963, Captain 1st XV Rugby 1963. John was excited to learn in a recent edition of The Blue and Gold…
TGS Leading the Way for IT in Education
Toowoomba Grammar School is fortunate to have a strong partnership with Microsoft / School Locker. We are a Microsoft Lighthouse School, leading the way in technological advancement and deployment in Australian schools. This recognition would not be possible without two key factors: our “whole school” approach to IT, whereby the School supplies every student with the same devices, ensuring equality for all boys from Prep to Year 12.our dedicated IT team, who are based on-site to immediately…
Holiday Reading
Reading is one of those activities that, the more you do, the better you get, and with the holidays fast approaching, now is the perfect time to read that book you’ve always wanted to, finish a book you’ve started or try something new. It is important to keep reading over the holidays, so that we don’t step backward in our reading journey. As the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has found, reading for pleasure is a habit that can prove essential to performing well…
Developing Generational Change in our Men – Stand Up and Speak Out
The devastating effects of domestic and family violence (DFV) are more prominent today as this previously ‘taboo’ issue is finally being publicly recognised and addressed. Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to be leading the way in creating generational change for this sensitive issue through a variety of School initiatives and by supporting community groups associated with DFV. Our programs are aimed at developing good men of the future who will “Stand Up and Speak Out.” TGS became a White…
The Barbour Connection
They will tell tales of meeting someone on the other side of the world whom they spotted wearing a TGS cap. It led to an instant connection. Of getting their dream job by simply proudly sporting a TGS Old Boy tie at the interview. It led to an instant connection. There is no denying that Toowoomba Grammar School students share a special bond. We celebrate it with our annual Old Boys’ Sons and Grandsons photo and our Old Boys’ Generations Gathering dinner. You see it in the playground at…
“I’ll Be There for You” at Toowoomba Grammar School
“I’ll be there for you” was the theme of National Boarding Week. This statement is particularly relevant at Toowoomba Grammar School as the boarders, the dayboys and the staff, help each other in the good times and the bad. We see our school as a ‘boarding school’, not a ‘school with boarders’. We are proud to be one of the oldest and most highly regarded boys’ boarding schools in Australia, providing a home away from home for boys for almost 150 years. TGS came from very humble beginnings. The…
