State Funeral Held for Derryn Hinch in Melbourne

A state funeral was held in Melbourne for Derryn Hinch, the former broadcaster and Australian senator who died on July 10, 2024, at age 82 after several years of declining health.

Tributes and Eulogies

Family Remarks

Hinch's brother, Desmond Hinch, described him as a "pesky little brother." In a statement read by announcer Craig Willis, Desmond recalled their shared childhood bedroom as a "chaotic jumble" and compared the memories of Hinch's life to a "kaleidoscope."

Former wife Jacki Weaver delivered a eulogy via video, referring to herself as "Derryn's third wife and close friend for almost half a century." She thanked Hinch for being a good stepfather to her son, Dylan Walters, and read a tribute from him.

Walters described Hinch as "intelligent, passionate, cheerful and loving as well as obstinate, grumpy, impossible and frustrating, with a self-destructive streak."

Weaver stated she loved Hinch "from the very start to the very end."

Colleagues and Officials

Journalist Ray Martin prompted a standing ovation for Hinch. Martin stated Hinch was "brave and brash with an ego that could light up a small city" and "very likeable." He noted Hinch's fondness for Scrabble and writing, including multiple books about the game and about himself.

Victorian MP Danny Pearson, representing the premier, said Hinch used his position to give a voice to victims and survivors of abuse, achieving "real change."

Former 3AW newsreader Tony Tardio listed Hinch's career milestones—including founding a political party, serving in the Senate, receiving a liver transplant, and taking on unpopular causes—and said there would "never be another one like" him.

Career and Legal Background

Hinch began his career in newspapers in New Zealand before moving to Australia. He worked at numerous newspapers and radio stations. As a foreign correspondent, he interviewed figures including Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Princess Diana, the Dalai Lama, Bob Hope, Sofia Loren, Walter Cronkite, John Wayne, and Bette Midler. He covered Martin Luther King's funeral and was present when Senator Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated.

Hinch was convicted three times and served jail time for flouting contempt of court laws regarding sex offenders.

Medical Note

Professor Bob Jones, director of the Austin Hospital's liver transplant unit, said Hinch was a model patient. Hours after a 12-hour liver transplant surgery, Hinch was found using an iPad to communicate on social media. Jones stated the transplant gave Hinch an extra 15 years of life.

Funeral Service

Musical performances were given by Rhonda Burchmore, Bob Valentine, and Nikki Nicholls. Hinch's goddaughter Ellie O'Connell performed the national anthem and an original song.

Personal Life

Hinch was married five times and was reunited with former partner Lynda Stoner at the end of his life.