“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
Women of Grammar Luncheon
A Tribute to the Heart of the School Originally scheduled for International Women's Day but rescheduled (thanks, Cyclone Alfred!) to the eve of Mother's Day, the timing felt serendipitous. It was a day to honour the women—past and present—whose quiet strength, tireless support and enduring love have shaped the School's legacy and the lives of its boys for 150 years. The marquee was beautifully appointed for a day of merriment
Lachlan Stuart's Marathon Feat
Mr Stuart will return to TGS again for the event held on Wednesday, 28 May to support the Year 12's significant fundraising G150 Gift Run event. The boys are running 1500km in a relay format to honour a 1968 TGS Interact Club fundraising project that will help upgrade the original School gates on Herries Street, along with raising funds for the Nerve Connection Foundation.
Remembering Private Colin Stirling, a TGS Old Boy (1899-1900)
This was the headline that screamed out on the pages of the Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs General Advertiser on Thursday, 15 August 1901. With ANZAC Day just last Friday, this week we continue to honour many of our Old Boys who gave the ultimate sacrifice including Private Colin Stirling, a TGS Old Boy (1899-1900) and our first former student lost in the Boer War. The story began with: “News was received on Tuesday afternoon that in an engagement at Kopjesfontein, on the 6th instant,…
Honouring Tradition: Toowoomba Grammar School and ANZAC Day
This year marks 98 years since TGS and the 13 Army Cadet Unit (Toowoomba Collective Unit) first participated in ANZAC Services in Toowoomba. The School's commitment to these services is a testament to its deep-rooted military traditions and the enduring spirit of remembrance. Mounties out the front of School House in 1908. A Legacy of Service Toowoomba Grammar School's military traditions date back to its early days. The School's Cadet Unit, formed in 1892, has been a cornerstone of its…
Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week - Developing Good Character Beyond the Classroom
We offer a range of enrichment activities for our boys, but the last week of Term 1 is a very special opportunity for all of our Senior School students. It's Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week, which provides age-appropriate physical challenges in a safe, well-supervised environment. Activities on the various camps may include ropes courses, rock climbing, bodyboarding, surfing, mountain biking and canoeing. The aim is to foster a love of the outdoors and an appreciation of the environment.…
Stories behind key TGS staff helping shape our students
It was my great privilege to join TGS as Head of House - Boyce Boarding in 2024. The opportunity to lead these young men of character on their TGS journey carries great weight but is also enormously exciting. Embarking upon this project alongside my wife Meg as Boyce Boarding House Manager strengthens the team further. I am hopeful that we will demonstrate to the boys how positive relationships can foster a warm and supportive environment. I know that many of our boys are familiar with strong…
More Than Just an Education and That Makes All the Difference
Toowoomba Grammar School excels in its extensive co-curricular programs, particularly in performing arts and sports. Our boys learn that success comes from hard work and dedication. This ethos is inspired by quotes like “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great,” “The harder I work, the luckier I get” and the words emblazoned on our P.B. Hauser Aquatic Centre wall “Success is the celebration of preparation.” These opportunities allow students to excel in programs…
Stewardship: Leading the Way in Safety, Sustainability and Security
However, the challenges facing the Director of Facilities, Mr Bengie Dickeson and the Director of Information Technology, Mr Ron Robinson certainly are. This month's weather has been nothing if not unpredictable and it's in those conditions that both these men's skills come to the fore. With Tropical Cyclone Alfred and its threat to our School campus and community - Mr Bengie Dickeson and Mr Ron Robinson played integral roles in keeping everyone and everything on our 150-year-old campus safe.…
Pursuing New Horizons in Horticulture
Jake Moon is a sixth-generation primary producer. He is dedicated to agriculture and is currently working at his family’s St George farming enterprise, tackling some of the sector’s biggest challenges. The 28-year-old says his family moved to the St George irrigation precinct in 1978, initially growing rockmelons and watermelons, hence the business name Moonrocks. Seasonal and market changes led them to switch crops frequently, growing grapes, broccoli and even wax flowers over the years.…
