Broadcaster and former senator Derryn Hinch has passed away in his sleep at his Melbourne home, aged 82, following a long period of ill-health.
The broadcaster, journalist, author and politician was also an agony aunt for a brief stint at The Weekly in the 90s.
Many have shared tributes for the brilliant journalist, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who shared his condolences.
“Derryn Hinch lived a life rich in colour and free from fear,” he said.
“As an interviewer, investigator and presenter, he was much more than ‘the Human Headline’; he had a sense of the deeper story and the courage to cover it, come what may. He held to those same instincts as a senator and he fought illness with that same bravery.”
Australian entertainer, Rhonda Burchmore, was close friends with the journalist and his former wife, Jackie Weaver.
“I’ve been to three of his marriages, I’ve been to his 80th birthday party,” she told 774 ABC Melbourne. “I knew he was unwell, but to switch on your telly to have a cup of tea and see that news is very, very sad.”
Former Miss Universe Australia Beverley Pinder said Derryn was one of her “best friends.”
“I loved him very much,” she said. “He called it as it is. Really stuck his chin out and put his money where his mouth is. A great man.”
Remembering Derryn’s legacy, 3AW newsreader Tony Tardio said: “He lived just the most amazing life from the very beginning.”
“He moved and shook Melbourne like nobody else has done since. He was fearless. If he believed something, he was like a terrier. Off air, he was just the most gentle soul.”
Fellow broadcaster Dee Dee Dunleavy honoured Derryn’s fearlessness in “his pursuit of the truth. He was tough as nails, and yet sweet and warm, with a wicked sense of humour at the same time. We’ve lost a true radio legend.”
A state funeral was held in his honour in Port Melbourne. Friends and colleagues like Rhonda Burchmore attended the ceremony. Jackie gave a eulogy via video link, and his granddaughter sang the national anthem.
They weren’t the only performers. Bob Valentine and Nikki Nicholls also sang at the funeral. Bob ended the ceremony with a rendition of “That’s Life.”
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