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Live: Derryn Hinch to be farewelled at state memorial service in Melbourne

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Outspoken broadcaster and former senator Derryn Hinch is being farewelled at a state memorial service in Melbourne.
  • Hinch, who had a decades-long career in media and died at 82 on July 10, was known for his distinctive style and crusades against sex offenders.
  • Comedian Steve Vizard, who famously parodied Hinch, is attending the service, calling it a celebration of a life well-lived.

Melbourne is hosting a state memorial service to farewell Derryn Hinch, a prominent and often controversial broadcaster and former senator who passed away on July 10 at the age of 82. Hinch's career spanned decades across various media platforms, marked by his distinctive broadcast style and high-profile crusades, notably his efforts to expose sex offenders.

What a life lived.

— Steve VizardAhead of the service, comedian Steve Vizard reflected on his long association with Derryn Hinch.

Comedian Steve Vizard, known for his satirical portrayal of Hinch and the iconic phrase "Shame! Shame! Shame!," was among the early arrivals. Vizard, whose life has been intertwined with Hinch's for 50 years, described the upcoming service as a "celebration of life" and a day filled with memories.

It's going to be a day full of memories, for me particulary, and ultimately the final shame, shame shame.

— Steve VizardSteve Vizard spoke about his anticipation for the memorial service.

Born in New Zealand, Hinch began his journalism career at 15. He later moved to Australia, working on the police round at The Sun newspaper in Sydney. Over his extensive career, he held roles in nearly every facet of the media, humorously noting he was sacked from "16 or 17" of them. His contemporary, Ray Martin, recalled Hinch's knack for securing front-page scoops and grabbing headline-making quotes during his time in New York, often retorting to journalistic challenges with the pragmatic question of whether a story made the bulletin or front page.

Listen, did your story lead the bulletin? Did it make the front page of the First Edition? No? Well, end of section, Sunshine.

— Derryn HinchRay Martin recalled Hinch's retort when questioned about his sources or story impact.
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Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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