Vale Uncle Clifford Coulthard

*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.

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Uncle Clifford Charles Coulthard. Known to many as Cliff, Cliffy or Uki, he leaves the world a poorer place for his absence.

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.

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. This amazing story was featured in our Encounter 2022 magazine, with Cliff’s image gracing the cover.

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.