{"id":812788,"date":"2026-07-20T18:58:16","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T18:58:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/812788\/"},"modified":"2026-07-20T18:58:16","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T18:58:16","slug":"human-headline-derryn-hinch-farewelled-at-religion-free-state-funeral","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/812788\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Human headline\u2019 Derryn Hinch farewelled at religion-free state funeral"},"content":{"rendered":"

A roll call of Melbourne<\/a> media stalwarts have sent off one of Australia\u2019s most outspoken and influential voices, Derryn Hinch.<\/p>\n

Hinch died on July 10 at the age of 82 after a lengthy health struggle,<\/a> much of which he documented for followers on social media.<\/p>\n

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Derryn Hinch honoured at state funeral<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n

A state funeral for the former broadcaster and senator on Monday has attracted notable figures, including news presenters Ray Martin and Denis Walter, entertainers Rhonda Burchmore and Greg Evans, and former Crown executive Ann Peacock.<\/p>\n

The service for the lifelong atheist, who went to jail for identifying a paedophile Catholic priest before his trial, began at midday at the Timber Yard events space in Port Melbourne.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe 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,\u201d Martin said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore controversial than contrary, I think, he was brave and brash with an ego that could light up a small city.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he was also very likeable and I liked him a lot.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe got me to launch his first novel and his last book about life as a senator.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe actually wrote 15 books \u2014 two were about Scrabble because he loved words, six were about himself, because he quite liked himself as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"DerrynDerryn Hinch died aged 82 after a colourful but often controversial life. Credit: Alex Murray\/AAP<\/p>\n

There was a pre-recorded tribute from Hinch\u2019s third wife, actress Jacki Weaver, who is currently filming in WA\u2019s Goldfields.<\/p>\n

She said Hinch had been a great stepfather to her son, Dylan, and that while the high-profile stars had separated, they had remained \u201cvery close\u201d and that Hinch had texted her the night he died.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you … I\u2019ve loved you from the very start to the very end,\u201d Weaver said in her tribute.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight, sweet dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mourners streamed in to pay their respects at the venue, situated in the middle of factories and apartments devoid of any religious leaning.<\/p>\n

Instead of hymns, songs performed included the Australian national anthem and You Are So Beautiful, made famous by Joe Cocker.<\/p>\n

An Australian flag was draped over his casket, surrounded by vases of red roses symbolising deep love, respect, courage and enduring affection.<\/p>\n

A wreath signed by Premier Jacinta Allan was left onstage with a note expressing sympathy for Hinch\u2019s family on behalf of the government and state.<\/p>\n

\"RayRay Martin joked that Hinch ‘quite liked himself as well’. Credit: 7NEWS\"JackiJacki Weaver delivered a pre-recorded tribute at Derryn Hinch\u2019s funeral, remembering him as a great stepfather and someone she had loved \u2018to the very end\u2019. Credit: 7NEWS<\/p>\n

While commanding the airwaves for decades as a talkback radio host on Melbourne radio station 3AW, Hinch became known for his uninhibited takes and a tendency to court controversy.<\/p>\n

His passing drew tributes from a broad range of public figures spanning the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese<\/a> and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.<\/p>\n

A statement released by the Victorian government remembered Hinch as living a life defined by his principles and an unwavering commitment to stand up for what he believed was right.<\/p>\n

\u201cDerryn will be remembered as a legendary journalist and broadcaster who used his voice for those who didn\u2019t have one,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe had the courage of his convictions and his legacy of advocacy and search for justice will live on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"DerrynDerryn Hinch\u2019s casket was draped in an\u00a0Australian flag and surrounded by red roses. Credit: AAP<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

He became known as the \u201chuman headline\u201d, a moniker he enthusiastically adopted, for his outspoken and often controversial opinions.<\/p>\n

Later, Hinch turned to the political arena, forming Derryn Hinch\u2019s Justice Party and serving as a senator for Victoria in the federal parliament from 2016 to 2019.<\/p>\n

His party focused on reforms to the justice system including better protections for children, tightening of bail and parole laws, and the establishment of a sex offenders register.<\/p>\n

Amongst a sea of tributes following his death, Albanese said Hinch lived a life rich in colour and free from fear.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Derryn Hinch\u2019s final request to reporter in \u2018surprising\u2019 phone call<\/p>\n

2 min read<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Derryn Hinch\u2019s heart-wrenching final posts before death<\/p>\n

2 min read<\/p>\n

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