Mourners gather for Derryn Hinch state funeral in Melbourne

Mourners began arriving at the Timber Yard in Melbourne on Tuesday for the state funeral of Derryn Hinch, the outspoken former journalist and senator who died earlier this month after a long battle with poor health. The midday service drew figures from media and politics, including Greg Evans, Ray Martin, and Denis Walter, who were spotted among the attendees.

A life in journalism and politics

Derryn Hinch was a towering figure in Australian media, known for his fiery commentary and investigative reporting over decades. He later entered politics, serving as a senator for Victoria from 2016 to 2019 as the founder of the Derryn Hinch's Justice Party. His career was marked by a relentless focus on criminal justice reform and victims' rights, issues he championed both on air and in parliament. Hinch's health had been fragile in recent years, but he remained active in public discourse until his passing.

The state funeral service

The service, held at the Timber Yard in Melbourne's inner south, was a tribute to Hinch's impact on Australian public life. The venue, a converted industrial space, was chosen to accommodate the large number of attendees expected. Among the early arrivals were television veteran Ray Martin, who worked alongside Hinch in the early days of current affairs television, and radio host Denis Walter, a longtime friend. Greg Evans, a former colleague from Hinch's radio days, was also present. The ceremony included eulogies from family and close associates, reflecting on his tenacity and contribution to national conversations.

Tributes from colleagues

Those who knew Hinch remembered him as a fearless advocate who never shied from controversy. Ray Martin, speaking informally before the service, described Hinch as 'a bulldog for justice' whose passion inspired a generation of journalists. Denis Walter noted Hinch's generosity behind the scenes, contrasting his public persona with a private warmth. The tone of the service was both celebratory and somber, with laughter and tears as stories were shared.

Legacy and remembrance

Hinch's legacy extends from his exposés on criminal justice failures to his parliamentary work on mandatory sentencing and sex offender registration. While his style divided opinion, his impact on policy and media is undeniable. The state funeral, granted by the Victorian government, underscores his status as a significant figure in the state's history. As mourners filed out of the Timber Yard, many reflected on a life lived loudly and unapologetically. Hinch's family has indicated they will continue his advocacy work through a foundation. The state funeral service marks the final public farewell to a man who shaped Australian media and politics for decades.