Melbourne Bids Farewell to ‘Human Headline’ Derryn Hinch at State Funeral

  Derryn Hinch and his wife, cre: Getty

MELBOURNE — Figures from across media, entertainment, and politics gathered in Port Melbourne on Monday to farewell Derryn Hinch, one of Australia’s most outspoken broadcasters and former senators, who passed away on July 10 at the age of 82 following a prolonged health battle.

Held at the Timber Yard events space, the state funeral reflected the life and career of a man widely known as the “human headline.” The service drew notable attendees including veteran news presenters Ray Martin and Denis Walter, entertainers Rhonda Burchmore and Greg Evans, and former Crown executive Ann Peacock, alongside floral tributes and a wreath sent by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.

A Legacy Built on Controversy and Conviction

Derryn Hinch’s casket was draped in an Australian flag and surrounded by red roses. Credit: AAP
Hinch initially moved from New Zealand to Australia to pursue a career in journalism, climbing the ranks to become editor of The Sun, before turning to a career in radio.He became known as the “human headline”, a moniker he enthusiastically adopted, for his outspoken and often controversial opinions.

Born in New Zealand before making his mark in Australian journalism, Hinch climbed the ranks to edit The Sun before transitioning to a dominant career in talkback radio on Melbourne’s 3AW. Known for his unapologetic style and uninhibited commentary, he courted controversy throughout his decades-long presence on the airwaves.

Delivering a eulogy at the service, Ray Martin reflected on Hinch’s larger-than-life persona. “He was born with a megaphone for a voice, his typewriter was just about as loud. There was nothing subtle about Hinch, or his endless opinions,” Martin told the gathering. “More controversial than contrary, I think, he was brave and brash with an ego that could light up a small city.”

Hinch later entered the political arena, founding Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party and serving as a Victorian senator in federal parliament from 2016 to 2019. His political advocacy centered on systemic reforms, including legislative changes and public registries.

A Personal Final Farewell

Derryn Hinch di.ed aged 82 after a colorful but often controversial life. Credit: Alex Murray/AAP
There was a pre-recorded tribute from Hinch’s third wife, actress Jacki Weaver, who is currently filming in WA’s Goldfields.She said Hinch had been a great stepfather to her son, Dylan, and that while the high-profile stars had separated, they had remained “very close” and that Hinch had texted her the night he died.

True to Hinch’s lifelong stance as an atheist, the service was entirely non-religious. Mourners listened to renditions of the Australian national anthem and Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful,” while an Australian flag and arrangements of red roses draped his casket.

A poignant pre-recorded tribute was delivered by actress Jacki Weaver, Hinch’s third wife. Though the high-profile pair had separated, they remained close, with Weaver sharing that Hinch had sent her a final message on the night of his passing. “I love you… I’ve loved you from the very start to the very end,” Weaver said in her tribute, remembering him as a dedicated stepfather to her son.

Tributes also poured in from national political leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor. A statement released by the Victorian government encapsulated his impact on the public sphere, noting that Hinch lived a life defined by his principles and an unwavering commitment to advocacy, cementing his legacy in Australian journalism and public life.

Derryn Hinch remembered at State funeral