Melbourne has bid a poignant farewell to Derryn Hinch, the outspoken and influential broadcaster, journalist, and former senator, who passed away on July 10 at the age of 82. A state funeral service held in Port Melbourne drew crowds of mourners, friends, and former colleagues, all gathering to celebrate a life undeniably impactful, colourful, and at times, fiercely controversial.

The service, which resonated with tributes to Hinch's enduring legacy, primarily focused on his significant triumphs in both journalism and politics. Speakers carefully navigated his storied career, opting to highlight his unwavering commitment to causes and his media prowess, rather than extensively dwelling on his well-publicised tribulations, which included jail stints for contempt of court laws related to reporting on sex offenders.

The proceedings concluded with a reflection on how Hinch himself might have orchestrated his own farewell. Broadcaster Darren James, wrapping up the service, suggested Hinch's advice would have been to "keep it short, keep it simple, thank everybody for watching." He added that Hinch would have wanted attendees to "have a drink, tell a few stories and remember he tried," a sentiment that captured the essence of his tenacious spirit.

Musical tributes underscored the emotional tone of the day. Australian country artist Bob Valentine performed Frank Sinatra's 'That's Life', a song famously associated with Hinch, who often used the phrase to sign off his broadcasts. Later, close friend Rhonda Burchmore offered a moving rendition of 'They Can't Take That Away From Me', playfully casting her eyes towards the casket as she sang about 'singing off key,' a nod to anecdotes about Hinch's enthusiastic, if not pitch-perfect, vocal attempts. Hinch’s goddaughter, Ellie O'Connell, also took to the stage to perform an original song she had written for him, becoming visibly emotional as she delivered the final lines: "Hear your words, Mr Derryn Hinch, you tried."

Annette Philpott, Hinch's long-time friend and assistant, delivered a brief yet deeply emotional eulogy. She spoke of his proudest achievement being his time as a senator, calling it "magical." Philpott highlighted his significant parliamentary work, including the introduction of a passport ban for convicted paedophiles, aimed at preventing sex tourism. She concluded by invoking classic "Hinchisms," saying, "So Derryn, thank your mother for the rabbits. You're Derryn Hinch and that's life."

Australian actor Jacki Weaver, Hinch's third wife and a close friend for almost half a century, contributed a heartfelt video eulogy, unable to attend in person. She revealed Hinch had sent her a text message the night he died and warmly acknowledged all the women Hinch had loved throughout his life, playfully noting, "we're going to need a bigger boat" to mention them all individually. Weaver also read a moving tribute from her son, Dylan Walters, who recalled meeting Hinch at age 10 and described him as a man of "outlandish clothing and meticulously groomed beard." Walters' tribute spoke of Hinch's admission of error regarding his alcohol consumption after his liver transplant and praised him for teaching the importance of "honesty, integrity and standing up for what you believe in." He described Hinch as a complex individual – "intelligent, passionate, cheerful and loving as well as obstinate, grumpy, impossible and frustrating, with a self-destructive streak."

Veteran journalist Ray Martin, a friend and former colleague, painted a vivid picture of Hinch, whom he described as brave and brash, with an "ego that could light up a small city" but also undeniably likeable. Martin, who worked alongside Hinch as a foreign correspondent, recalled his "megaphone for a voice" and his prolific writing, noting Hinch penned 15 books, "two of them were about Scrabble because he loved words. Six were about himself ... because he quite liked himself as well."

Martin lauded Hinch as the finest tabloid reporter he had ever encountered, possessing "a great nose for a story" and an ability to write "quickly, colourfully and well." He recounted a famous anecdote illustrating Hinch's competitive drive: learning of the Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs's arrest in Brazil, Hinch famously left a fellow reporter waiting in a bar while he boarded a flight to Brazil, talked his way into the jail, and secured an exclusive interview. Martin concluded his tribute by urging the congregation to give Hinch a standing ovation, asserting that he "always fought for battlers and underdogs" and deserved such an honour for his convictions, even those that led to imprisonment.

Radio personality Tardio also shared his personal connection, crediting Hinch as the reason he pursued a career in radio. He recalled working at Prahran Market in the 1980s, ensuring his shift ended in time to catch Hinch's program, which he said dominated the airwaves like no other before or since. Tardio highlighted Hinch’s ability to interview the famous, challenge the powerful, and champion sometimes unpopular causes, ultimately leading him to found a political party and serve in the Australian Senate, a testament to his profound and varied public life.

Derryn Hinch leaves behind a powerful and unforgettable legacy as a figure who fearlessly spoke his mind, often to his own detriment, yet always with an underlying belief in truth and justice. His state funeral served as a fitting tribute to a man who truly "tried" to make a difference in the public arena.