Hilton served as the CEO of The Shalom Institute (now Shalom) and the Master of Shalom College at the University of NSW for many years. He lectured in a Master’s Program at UNSW in leadership and management for the non-profit (for-purpose) sector.

 

In 2005, he was a co-founder, executive director and subsequently trustee of the Shalom Gamarada Indigenous Scholarship Program, which to date has graduated over 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait university students – 30 of whom are medical doctors and 15 lawyers.

 

Hilton completed 7 university degrees from 4 different continents including three Masters’ Degrees and a Doctorate/Ph.D.  These include a Master’s from Brandeis University (Boston); and a PhD in leadership and management development from the University of NSW.  He spent a year’s sabbatical in Israel (1995-1996) on the prestigious ‘Jerusalem Fellow’s Program’ run under the auspices of the Mandel Leadership Institute.

 

In June 2004, he received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to Adult Education and Leadership Development.

 

In 2012, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the University of New South Wales “for conspicuous continued involvement in and support of the interests and welfare of the University” and for “eminent service to the community and the University”.

 

In 2014, he received Stand-Up’s Ron Castan Humanitarian Award for “having attained excellence and renown in his chosen humanitarian field” relating to his work in promoting Indigenous higher education.

 

From 1977 – 1987, he was head of the English faculty at Moriah College. He currently runs an active book club and teaches English literature courses to adult learners. He enjoys going to the gym, bushwalking and playing pickleball.

 

As a community leader, Hilton participated in the March of the Living program in 2014, which he found a life-changing experience.