‘That’s life’: Veteran broadcaster Derryn Hinch farewelled with state funeral
Derryn Hinch, a giant of Australian media, has been farewelled at a state funeral in Melbourne.
The veteran broadcaster turned politician died earlier this month aged 82 after a period of ill health and declining mobility following several falls.
Derryn Hinch has been farewelled at a state funeral in Melbourne. Eddie Jim
The New Zealand-born journalist, nicknamed the Human Headline, worked in media for six decades across print, radio and television before he was later elected as a senator.
He was also an outspoken advocate for survivors of sexual abuse and was jailed for revealing the criminal history of paedophiles and sex offenders.
Loved ones, friends, media colleagues and politicians packed into the Timber Yard in Port Melbourne for today’s service.
Former radio colleague Craig Willis read a tribute from Hinch’s brother Des, who wrote that the memories of the people in attendance could fill their childhood bedroom in Plymouth, New Zealand.
He said even as a child, Hinch listened to Australian radio.
“His happiest time was when atmospheric conditions allowed he could listen totally rapt for what seemed hours to Australian radio stations,” Des wrote.
“I wonder if this passion was a sign of what was to come in relation to where he lived and what he did for a living.”
Fellow journalist Ray Martin gave an honest tribute of his friend, whose ego, he said, “could light up a small city”.
“He was born with a megaphone for a voice,” Martin said.
“His typewriter was just about as loud.
“There was nothing subtle about Hinch or his endless opinions.”
The producer on Hinch’s eponymous current affairs show, Dermot O’Brien, said Hinch, who was married five times to four women, was “addicted to three things: notoriety via the media, women and alcohol, not necessarily in that order”.
Fellow journalist Ray Martin described Hinch’s extraordinary ego. Eddie Jim
Hinch’s podcast co-host Tony Tardio recalled speaking with the prolific journalist about his many interviews with high-profile people across his career.
“He remembered eating goat stew at the Jamaica Games and getting diarrhoea,” Tardio said.
“He remembered being at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, in April 1968 for the funeral service of the great civil rights leader Martin Luther King.”
Tony Tardio made a revelation about Hinch’s secret affair with Bette Midler. Eddie Jim
At Robert F. Kennedy’s funeral he “pretended to be a member of the choir to get into the church”.
He also revealed Hinch had a secret encounter with Bette Midler after he interviewed the American singer, comedian and actress.
“Derryn always said, ‘The only thing history owes the dead is the truth’,” Tardio said.
“Well, here it goes. Derryn and Bette Midler engaged in a bit of horizontal limbo after that interview – and that is the truth.”
Hinch’s third wife, actress Jacki Weaver, gave a tribute via satellite, “acknowledging sincerely and warmly all the women that Derryn loved, and who loved him in return”.
But there were too many, she added, to mention them all by name.
“We don’t have the time. And in the immortal words of Steven Spielberg, we’re going to need a bigger boat,” she said.
Hinch was known for his outspoken approach to media, landing himself in court several times for defying court orders and unmasking alleged criminals. AAP Image/Dan Peled
Professor Bob Jones, director of the Austin Hospital’s live transplant unit, described the extraordinary legacy of Hinch having received a donated liver 15 years ago.
“His new liver gave him 15 years, his own political party and election to the Senate – an extraordinary achievement for a 72-year-old, much less five years after an organ transplant,” Jones said.
“And as a senator, he gave the field of transplantation direct access to the cabinet, the minister of health, and even to the prime minister himself.
“His committed support and publicity surrounding him was an enormous boon to transplantation and organ donation throughout Australia.”
Hinch’s long-time friend and assistant Annette Philpott, who organised the service, said becoming a senator was Hinch’s proudest achievement.
“So, Senator Hinch. I say goodbye, we love you, we know how much you loved us,” she said.
“You’re Derryn Hinch, and that’s life.”
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