Live: Thousands to pay tribute to Richard Scolyer at state memorial service

ABC News

ScienceABC News·Jul 13, 2026·9 min read

Live: Thousands to pay tribute to Richard Scolyer at state memorial service

Thousands have gathered for the state memorial service of Richard Scolyer, a pioneer of cancer research who was a world authority on skin cancer and melanoma diagnosis.

The former Australian of the Year and leading melanoma pathologist died aged 59 on June 7 after a three-year battle with a Grade 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

He is being remembered at today's service at the Sydney Opera House, with notable Australian figures, colleagues, members of the public and his loved ones in attendance. Follow live.

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Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 12:10pm

Musical performance by Kate Miller-Heidke

There's not a dry eye in the concert hall as Kate Miller-Heidke performs The Last Day on Earth accompanied by the piano.

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 12:08pm

Scolyer service: IN PICTURES

By Isabella Ross

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 12:03pm

Scolyer's Tour de Cure legacy

By Isabella Ross

Scolyer completed the Tasmanian leg of the 1,400-kilometre Tour de Cure bike ride in March, cycling 500km in four days despite being in the final stages of his battle with incurable brain cancer.

To learn more about Scolyer's Tour de Cure legacy — which involved raising $46,062 for the charity's 2026 signature tour — you can read here:

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 12:00pm

A brilliant scientific mind

By Isabella Ross

John Thompson, who the ABC spoke to prior to the service starting, has shared even more incredible memories of Scolyer.

He said although today was a sad occasion, it was a time to celebrate his colleague and friend's remarkable achievements.

He also pointed out just how brave it was for Scolyer to take part in a world-first treatment during his brain cancer battle, which involved undergoing immunotherapy before having a brain tumour removed.

"With typical determination and acutely aware of the science involved, Richard courageously volunteered for a very risky form of treatment that had never been tried for brain tumours before, in the hope others benefit from the information obtained.

"Although he ultimately succumbed, he survived much longer than normally expected ... He was one of my closest friends and I shall miss him greatly."

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 11:53am

Scolyer lived to the fullest, says best friend

By Isabella Ross

Scolyer's best friend Finlay said as they got older they found a shared passion for exercise and triathlons.

Finlay became emotional as he said they had wished to do an Iron Man together one day.

He paid tribute to Scolyer's family, who he considered part of his own. He ended his emotional eulogy with a passage from American author Jack London:

"I would rather be ashes than dust. I would rather my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by a dry rot. I'd rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me a magnificent glow than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live not to exist. I shall not waste my days. I shall use my time."

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 11:49am

Jim was 'one of the lucky few' to know the personal Scolyer

By Isabella Ross

Jim Finlay and Scolyer were best friends, having grown up together in Launceston.

Finlay has reminisced about their high school days together, saying they were there for each other through life's ups and downs.

"I'm one of the lucky few to have known the unprofessional Richard Scolyer," Finlay said.

They studied at university together, and Finlay reminiscenced about their trips away together over the years.

"Rich had a massive problem convincing people he was a doctor," Finlay said of their nights out on the town in Gold Coast.

So instead, he would introduce himself to people on the nights out as 'Rich, the dolphin trainer from Sea World'.

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 11:40am

Scolyer was a Midnight Oil fan

By Isabella Ross

Peter Garrett, Martin Rotsey and Freyja Garbett are now giving a musical tribute.

Garrett told the service's attendees that it was incredible to have found out Scolyer was such a fan of Midnight Oil.

Garrett is leading the tribute with the track Everybody from his solo release The True North.

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 11:36am

'The most generous, most unpretentious mentor'

By Isabella Ross

NSW Premier Chris Minns has said many Australians first came across Scolyer via an interview he did on Australian Story in 2023.

But to many of Scolyer's colleagues, they had marvelling at his work for some years already.

"From all reports he was one of the most generous, most unpretentious mentors you could find at the height of academia," Minns said.

Minns pointed to the fact that following Scolyer's death, the Melanoma Institute of Australia set up a condolences page where members of the public could share their messages of reflection.

"Hundreds and hundreds of people did just that," he said.

"[One of the messages said:] To Richard. I'm a 10-year survivor of stage four melanoma thanks to the institute's work. The world is a better place because of you."

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 11:28am

Prime minister gives eulogy for Scolyer

By Isabella Ross

Anthony Albanese is now at the podium, saying it is "an honour" to speak of Scolyer's legacy.

He described him as a "national treasure".

"In the great constellation of the Australian story, Richard was without question one of our brightest stars," the prime minister said.

"He was a man of courage, curiosity, generosity and kindness. A man grounded in the love of his family."

He said Australia was "mourning a life cut far too short".

"Richard shared his triumphs and his setbacks, he allowed himself the gift of hope and whenever that hope was dimmed he let us see the strength of his character."

Albanese said it had been a privilege of his time as prime minister to spend time with Scolyer.

"I got to count him as a friend, and for a happy stretch of my life as a neighbour and for that I feel blessed."

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 11:26am

Condolence books filled with beautiful tributes

By Isabella Ross

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 11:18am

Scolyer was 'truly extraordinary' says governor-general

By Isabella Ross

The governor-general of Australia Sam Mostyn is now speaking.

"He connected with all of us," Mostyn said.

She said she first met Scolyer during 2024 when he was made co-Australian of the Year. She said as a fellow "tragic AFL supporter" and Sydney inner-west local, she knew of Scolyer very well, not to mention his research.

"As one of the world's melanoma pathologists, he has been described by many colleagues as truly extraordinary."

She reflected on the time that Scolyer presented Queen Camilla and King Charles on their visit to Australia with akubras.

"I know it meant a great deal ... I saw His Majesty put his Akubra on for the rest of his visit here in Australia," she said.

"This meeting was of course very poignant, with both men understanding the impact of a cancer diagnosis on their own lives."

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 11:13am

How Scolyer gave hope to many

By Isabella Ross

"How do you give back to somebody who has given so much?" Macdonald asks.

"His work contributed to saving many thousands of lives. A visionary whose courage and determination transformed his own terminal cancer diagnosis into hope.

"Above all that he was a loving husband, a dad, a son, a brother and a friend."

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 11:08am

Service begins

By Isabella Ross

Hamish Macdonald, who is the MC for the service, has paid tribute to Scolyer's parents, older brother, his children — Emily, Matthew and Lucy — and his wife Katie Nicholl.

Macdonald has noted that Scolyer's care team is also present at the service, who gave him incredible medical support in his final years.

Councillor Yvonne Weldon has also given a poignant Welcome to Country, and the Australian anthem is now being performed.

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 11:04am

Cherished mementos on display

By Isabella Ross

Inside the service, there are mementos of Scolyer's on display.

Cherished items include his Australian of the Year award, his bike and his Park Run shirt.

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 10:59am

Flags at half-mast for Scolyer

By Luke Royes

As a mark of mourning and respect, flags have been be flown at half-mast across New South Wales in honour of Scolyer.

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 10:55am

Dignitaries arrive for service

By Luke Royes

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 10:54am

Scolyer's final farewell

By Luke Royes

An open letter from Richard Scolyer to "all Australians" was released the day after his death.

In it, he said he lived a life "filled with happiness, optimism, opportunity and passion", paid tribute to those he worked with and offered words to cancer patients.

"Perhaps the greatest lesson to come from these last three years is that cancer does not define us."

Scolyer finished his letter encouraging Australian's to make the most of their lives.

"If my legacy was to continue beyond these words, I would be delighted and humbled to be remembered as a proud everyday Aussie who "gave it a crack", and in doing so, inspired others to pursue their dreams and passions with humility, love and compassion."

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 10:50am

State service 'entirely fitting for great Australian'

By Isabella Ross

John Thompson is Emeritus Professor of Melanoma and Surgical Oncology at The University of Sydney.

The professor is one of the speakers providing a eulogy at the service today, and he and Scolyer were colleagues at the Melanoma Institute of Australia.

"He was one of my best friends," Thompson said.

"He was a respected, special colleague but just the most amazing person and someone I'd known for 30 years since he was a very junior pathologist."

Thompson credited Scolyer's intellect and drive, saying a state memorial service is "entirely fitting" for the "great Australian".

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 10:45am

What to expect from the state service

By Isabella Ross

During the service, tributes and eulogies will be delivered by the Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, and the family and friends of Scolyer.

Councillor Yvonne Weldon will perform a Welcome to Country and the Australian National Anthem will be sung by Georgina Hopson.

Peter Garrett AO will perform a song with Martin Rotsey and Freyja Garbett.

There will also be a live performance by Kate Miller-Heidke.

In lieu of flowers, donations were encouraged to the Brain Cancer Group and Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 10:41am

Scolyer a 'rock star' in the eyes of friends

By Isabella Ross

Clint Bowen rode with Scolyer throughout multiple Tour de Cure rides, which raise critical funds for cancer research.

Ahead of today's service, Tour de Cure friends of Scolyer did a ride of their own to commemorate Scolyer's life, riding from Martin Place to Circular Quay.

"It's all about Rich ... we've got about 80 riders and 20 support walkers coming in," Bowen said.

"It's a really good turn out for who was a good friend and we really miss him a lot."

Bowen described Scolyer as a "rock star" and someone who was deeply kind.

View original source — ABC News ↗

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