Former University of the Sunshine Coast lecturer Stephen James Hooper has passed away aged 75 after a journey through Parkinson’s Disease.
Steve was born in Taree, NSW on 12 March 1949, and had a distinguished academic career in Sydney before taking up a position as Lecturer in Communication at the newly established University of the Sunshine Coast, where he was instrumental in starting business communication and advertising courses.
He lived at Peregian Beach and later at Mt Eerwah before moving to a nursing home in Buderim where he passed away.
Steve was a great mentor to many students and his regional engagement, particularly through the establishment of Regional Art and Design, and community organisations opened employment opportunities for his students.
Throughout his time on the Sunshine Coast, Steve had a passionate interest in biodiversity and ecology and provided advice to many organisations.
These included the Sunshine Coast Environment Council, Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, Barung Landcare, and the Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network.
With these organisations he donated countless hours of his time enhancing relationships with all stakeholders.
He was also a great supporter of Land for Wildlife particularly at his much-loved property Bangalow at Mt Eerwah where he worked tirelessly to remove invasive species and revegetate with native habitat.
Loved partner and brother, friend and colleague, Steve is remembered as a decent person, kind, caring and generous, and a dedicated campaigner for many just causes throughout his life.
Steve passed away on 16 December 2024 and his burial at Eumundi Cemetery was held on 13 January, 2025.
