The courage Richard Scolyer showed changed so many lives

July 13, 2026 — 3:30pm

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There is a special place in people’s hearts for those who sacrifice themselves for others.

Many of those hearts were beating as one at the Sydney Opera House on Monday, where thousands of ordinary Australians gathered with the great and good for the state memorial service of former Australian of the Year, the pathologist Professor Richard Scolyer. Tens of thousands more tuned in as the service was broadcast on television and radio.

Eulogies were delivered by vice regal and political leaders, colleagues, friends and family, and singers performed songs that sound tracked Scolyer’s life.

In recent times, it is rare that a state funeral has united so many in honouring an Australian life. A similar event for Labor powerbroker........

© The Sydney Morning Herald