By Industry Contributors
It is with great sadness and regret that we note the passing of Professor Daryll Hull and pay fitting tribute to this greatly appreciated and much-loved man who was a well-known and highly respected industry figure.
Known widely for his great intellect, compassion and understanding, Daryll passed away suddenly on Thursday 30 September 2021 in Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital.
With an illustrious career spanning 40 years, Daryll has made tangible impact across the realms of industry, business, government and academia. Through his commitment and dedication, he leaves lasting impressions on many and will be remembered for his brilliant mind, generous spirit, and steadfast belief on the form and meaning of decent work, cooperative management and common ownership as the underpinnings of a new global social and economic paradigm.
As well as being an all-round inspiring human, his lifetime of career achievements is also commendable. He ran his own successful businesses, assisted others to develop their business, and acted as an advisor and mentor for senior executives, academics and university students. Daryll also established the Transport and Logistics Centre, a national research centre funded jointly by the Federal and NSW Governments and worked with university research Centres at UNSW and Macquarie Universities.
He was a senior public servant in Australia, the corporate projects planner for a major public company, Director and Chair of several computer software companies, Founding Director of a listed venture capital group, Chair of an industry forum in matters of road safety, head of a national research policy centre in transport and logistics, and a private consultant to various corporate clients.
Daryll’s most recent post was as a Professor at Macquarie University and co-Director of Centre for Workforce Futures in the Faculty of Business and Economics, now the Macquarie Business School, Chairman of Engage Marine, and Co-founder of Future Ports 2050.
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In view of these broad contributions, it is understandable that the shock and sadness of Daryll’s passing has left our industry reeling, and those who were privileged to call him a friend or colleague quick to share sorrow and extend gratitude and vocal praise for his many achievements.
“Daryll touched many people with his kindness and generosity of spirit, his support and his quick wit, intelligence, and insight. It has been one of the great pleasures of my life to have worked with him, first at UNSW and over the past decade at Macquarie, and to count him as one of my dear friends,” Professor Lucy Taksa, Director Centre for Workforce Futures at Macquarie Business School said.
“As a teacher, mentor and friend, Daryll pushed anyone he cared for to truly define themselves, what they stood for, and how they can make their industry and the world a better place. Daryll lived an inspired and authentic life which sets an example for all who knew him. He will be profoundly missed,” added Peter Creeden, MD at MPC International and Co-founder Future Ports 2050.
Among his many contributions, Daryll was also working with key stakeholders on research relating to mental health in the transport and logistics sector through the development of the Steering Healthy Minds Project, in partnership with TWU and TEACHO Limited.
Furthermore, he was a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), and a Fellow of the Global Labour Organization (GLO). Daryll was also named Faculty Adviser of the Year by Enactus Australia at their 2019 national conference.
“Daryll’s firm view was that all Australian workers deserved far more from their industry, regulators and politicians, and he spent his life addressing that gap with humour, insight and integrity which was quite often the glue that shaped industry and training policy at the highest of levels,” shared ITF President and National Secretary of the MUA, Paddy Crumlin, in paying tribute to Daryll’s optimism, calmness and perseverance.
“Daryll’s ability to bring people together to get things done was unrivalled. He was always involved in multiple projects designed to make the world a better place, but never too busy to lend an ear, or impart some words of wisdom. And he always let you know how valuable you were,” added Simon Earle, a close associate of Daryll’s.
“I am proud and privileged to have been able to call Daryll not only a colleague or mentor, but also a dear friend. Over the last 15 years I have benefited from his care, support, his sharp intellect, wise advice, his presence and genuine authenticity and know that I, like so many others, are better for having known him both professionally and personally. He had such integrity, inspiring knowledge and an intent to simply do good, to help and to make a difference. These unwavering attributes set a high benchmark for those he worked with and guided, inspiring us to strive further and achieve more. One of a kind, Daryll’s legacy is tangible across our industry, ensuring that his positive impact will not be forgotten,” shared Craig Carmody, Port of Newcastle CEO.
Daryll’s international work wasn’t only confined to Australia, extending across East Asia and into Europe. He was a long time Mission Leader for technology-based policy advice and technology business incubation and science parks with the United Nations in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, China and India. Work also took him to Europe where he advised on matters of work organisation and management, based in Oxford at Ruskin College; and at the Inter University Centre in Dubrovnik (in the former Yugoslavia).
At home, (in Australia) much of Daryll’s recent work concentrated on re-defining and reshaping traditional models of work, always with a focus on ’decent and co-operative’ work models. Industrial Relations lawyer Christa Lenard had the pleasure of working alongside Darryl on a number of maritime projects. “There are very few people who can demand the respect of the unions; of Boards; of business and every other stakeholder in between. Daryll was always that person – steady in the centre. When he spoke, the room listened.”
“Daryll has been the Chair of Engage Marine for almost 3 years, but I have known and admired him for the decade that I have been in Australia. I have always regarded myself extremely fortunate to connect ideologically with him, which has provided mentorship and guidance. Daryll had the ability to connect on a personal level with individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds, he was a passionate believer in democratic workplaces and collaboration which has formed the foundations for the growth in Engage Marine. I will always remember his numerous quotes and anecdotes that were modern day applications for his vast knowledge and intellect,” added Mark Malone, CEO of Engage Marine.
Daryll is survived by his beloved wife, Merryn Hull, his children Arlyn, Nina and Fearn, sons-in-law Darwin and Renee and his much-loved grandchildren Emily, Harvey, Fraser, Hazel and Luca. His love for, and pride in, his family was always his first priority, followed closely by his commitment to the betterment of our industry through fairness and collaboration.
His legacy will continue through his pioneering work with the centre of workforce futures, TALC and Future Ports 2050 and the many individuals whom he inspired through his mentorship to fully realise their potential.
Daryll’s family will hold a small and private funeral. A memorial event to celebrate Daryll’s life and achievements will be held in early 2022.
