Stephen Hill helped start UOW - then became a UN diplomat who actually made pigs fly
Wollongong's Professor Stephen Hill has been remembered as a polymath - a person whose work across multiple diverse fields made him not just a jack-of-all-trades, but a master of them.
And, as mourners at his funeral heard on Wednesday morning, he had even made pigs fly.
One of the University of Wollongong's founding academics, later a United Nations ambassador, Professor Hill's funeral was held in the University Hall and streamed online.
Professor Hill died on March 7, aged 82, after using his time to make the world a better place for people both at home and abroad.
Reverend Gordon Bradbery conducted the service for his good friend, and finished with how Professor Hill had been ceremonially inducted as an honorary chief by the Dani tribe in West Papua, such was his standing with the people he worked with there.
"Stephen was our tribal chief," Rev Bradbery said.
"He was one who certainly led the way, inspired us and guided us and contributed much to our happiness and the wellbeing of our world."
A foundation professor of sociology for 17 years following the University of Wollongong's establishment, Professor Hill spent many years with the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Jakarta.
He was the author of a staggering 42 books across eight disciplines and translated into six languages.
His books included Captives for Freedom, which details his negotiations for the release of two of his UNESCO staff members who had been taken hostage by rebels in West Papua.
He was also, at varying times, a rock musician, a keen traveller in Outback Australia and a Buddhist.
Professor Hill's daughter Vanessa said her dad was "a man of stories - so incredible that sometimes they seemed liked fiction".
"Flying pigs, scuba diving to sign international documents under water, a tsunami, a musician who supported Cold Chisel and had a bikie following, a man who took a group of tribal warriors to the city who had never encountered civilization before, and more," she said.
"But to others, these were real narratives that were life changing.
"His kindness, compassion, and deep thinking impacted lives in so many ways and are reflected in the many messages that have been shared with us, particularly in this past week."
But she said he was also a man of simple pleasures, such as his "religious" attendance at his grandchildren's weekend sport.
The Nan Tien Institute's Venerable Dr Juwei gave a moving tribute to Professor Hill, who worked with the institute for many years, including as an adviser to the Humanistic Buddhism
John Hatton speaks at his good friend's memorial service on Wednesday. Picture by Robert Peet.
Another good friend, former anti-corruption NSW MP John Hatton, described Professor Hill, 10 years his junior, as a mentor and a teacher.
"The mind of a scientist, the heart of a sociologist, and above all, a humanitarian," Mr Hatton said.
The flying pigs came after Professor Hill wanted to rebuild trust with West Papuan people whose livestock had been killed by the military during struggles there.
He organised to fly 108 pigs into West Papuan tribes to help rebuild the relationship. The mission had the official title of "The United Nation Flying Pigs Operation".
Professor Hill is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Vanessa and Phil, grandchildren Chris and Emma, Jaime and Josh, Josh and Stella, great-grandson Xavier, and his cherished friend Yola.
UOW Vice-Chancellor's tribute
After the ceremony UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor G.Q. Max Lu said Professor Hill's legacy lived on through the university he helped build.
Emeritus Professor Stephen Hill AM was one of the University's most distinguished founding academics, and his passing is felt deeply across our institution and beyond.
"On behalf of the UOW community I extend heartfelt sympathies to Stephen's family and friends during this difficult time," Professor Lu told the Mercury.
"Professor Hill's remarkable legacy at the university is woven into the fabric of our institution.
"As the Foundation Professor of Sociology, Stephen played a pivotal role in shaping the university's early identity and culture.
"His energy, intellect, and humanity helped to define the spirit that still characterises UOW today - determined, generous, and engaged with the world. Through his leadership on University Council, Academic Senate, and numerous committees, Stephen contributed immeasurably to building the foundations of an institution now recognised among Australia's leading universities.
"Stephen's scholarly achievements were remarkable. An internationally respected researcher across multiple disciplines, he published prolifically and inspired generations of students and colleagues.
"Beyond the university, Stephen's influence reached across the globe. His decades of service with UNESCO reflected his enduring commitment to human rights, sustainability, and international understanding - values that he embodied in every aspect of his life and work.
"Stephen will be remembered not only as an academic of great distinction, but as a man of warmth, compassion, and courage.
"His legacy lives on in the university he helped to build, the colleagues he inspired, and the many lives he touched through his scholarship and service to humanity."
