[1] In 2006 she became a Member of the Order of Australia for "service to the arts as a sculptor of artworks for public places and buildings, and through teaching roles and support for students".
[4] After completing her schooling, Hinwood studied art at the Central Technical College, under instructors such as George Virine.
[8] In 1976, Hinwood won a national competition to complete the set of carvings by Johannes Theodor Müller and others between 1939 and 1952, of the Great Court of University of Queensland.
[10] In 2001, Hinwood was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy by the university, for her "outstanding contribution to the visual arts in Queensland".
[11] In 2021, the University of Queensland published a memoir written by Rhyl Hinwood: A sculptor's vision – Creating a legacy in stone.