Melbourne stood still today as a state funeral service honored the extraordinary life of Derryn Hinch, the esteemed Australian broadcaster and former senator, who passed away on July 10 at the age of 82 following a period of declining health. Luminaries from the worlds of media, entertainment, and politics convened to remember a man often described as the "Human Headline," whose career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the nation's public discourse.

A Brother's Enduring Affection

Among the poignant tributes was a message from Hinch's brother, Desmond "Des" Hinch, read by broadcaster Craig Willis. Des painted a vivid picture of their shared youth, recalling a bedroom divided by an imaginary line, with Derryn's side perpetually a "chaotic jumble" of his cherished possessions, including a prized kaleidoscope. Des invited attendees to reflect on a personal memory of his brother, suggesting, "It could be something he said, something he did, something he wrote. It could be a book, an interview or a recipe." He mused that if all these memories were gathered, they would fill their childhood bedroom, offering a "colourful, constantly changing multifaceted mosaic that was his life" when viewed through a kaleidoscope.

From Loved Ones: Intimate Reflections

The service featured a moving video eulogy from Hinch's former wife and close friend of nearly half a century, acclaimed Australian actress Jacki Weaver. Weaver, unable to attend in person, began by warmly acknowledging all the women Hinch had loved, quipping with a nod to cinematic history, "We're going to need a bigger boat." She shared a heartfelt tribute from her son, Dylan Walters, whom Hinch had been a good stepfather to. Dylan's words lauded Hinch's commitment to "honesty, integrity and standing up for what you believe in," while also candidly acknowledging his complex nature: "You were intelligent, passionate, cheerful and loving as well as obstinate, grumpy, impossible and frustrating, with a self-destructive streak which mystified your nearest and dearest as to where it came from, and we loved you for all of it." Weaver concluded her emotional message by declaring her love for Hinch "from the very start to the very end," tearfully wishing him "good night, sweet dreams."

Hinch, famously married five times, had rekindled his relationship with former partner Lynda Stoner towards the end of his life, a testament to his enduring capacity for connection and affection.

A Voice That Roared for Justice

Throughout his extensive career, which began in New Zealand newspapers before moving to Australia's radio and television landscape, Hinch was known for his unyielding commitment to justice. He made headlines not only for his interviews with global figures like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Princess Diana, and the Dalai Lama, or for covering monumental events like Martin Luther King's funeral and Robert F. Kennedy's assassination, but also for his infamous confrontations with the legal system.

Hinch’s determination to expose the identities of convicted sex offenders led to multiple contempt of court convictions and even periods of imprisonment and home detention. Victorian MP Danny Pearson, representing the state premier, highlighted how Hinch leveraged his influential platform to empower the voiceless. Pearson noted that Hinch's relentless advocacy ultimately led him to the Australian Senate, where he achieved "real change" for victims and survivors of abuse, proving that "a single voice can make a difference."

Colleagues Recall a Larger-Than-Life Character

Veteran journalist Ray Martin, a contemporary and friend, prompted a standing ovation for Hinch, recalling a man who was never subtle. "He was born with a megaphone for a voice. His typewriter was just about as loud," Martin stated. He acknowledged Hinch's bravery, his brash demeanor, and an "ego that could light up a small city," but emphasized his profound likeability and his love for words, evident in the numerous books he authored – two on Scrabble and six about himself.

Tony Tardio, a longtime newsreader at radio station 3AW where Hinch hosted, encapsulated his unparalleled journey: "He interviewed the famous, locked horns with the powerful, romanced the most beautiful women, wrote millions of words, became a radio star, a television star." Tardio added, "Took on big and sometimes unpopular causes, went to jail, was put under home detention, founded a political party, sat in the Australian Senate. Drank too much, was within weeks of death [then] got someone else's liver, got an extra 16 years of precious life, and had a bloody good time doing it all."

A Second Chance at Life and Unwavering Spirit

The profound impact of Hinch's liver transplant in extending his life was also a significant theme. Professor Bob Jones, director of the Austin Hospital's live transplant unit, recounted his team's initial apprehension about treating such a high-profile patient. However, Professor Jones praised Hinch as a "model patient" and "a delight to look after." He shared an anecdote from Hinch's recovery: just hours after a grueling 12-hour operation, Hinch was found propped in bed, surrounded by medical equipment, engaging with the world via social media. When advised against texting, Hinch famously quipped that he was "pretty unlikely to get into more trouble than that he was already in." Professor Jones affirmed that the transplant granted Hinch an invaluable 15 extra productive years.

Musical tributes graced the service, with Rhonda Burchmore singing "They Can't Take That Away From Me," Bob Valentine performing "That's Life," and Nikki Nicholls offering "You Are So Beautiful," one of Hinch's cherished songs. His goddaughter, Ellie O'Connell, performed the national anthem and later an original song composed for her godfather, adding a deeply personal touch to the farewell.

Derryn Hinch leaves behind a formidable legacy as a fearless journalist, an unwavering advocate, and a complex character who continually challenged the status quo. His voice, once a megaphone for the marginalized, will resonate in the annals of Australian public life for years to come.