It is an incredible honour for me to be here today in the Sydney Opera House to celebrate the life of Richard Scolyer AO.
United within the walls of one great national treasure to celebrate the life of another national treasure. And what a truly remarkable life it was.
In the great constellation of the Australian story, Richard was without question one of our bright stars.
A medical revolutionary in the service of humanity.
A man of courage, curiosity, generosity and kindness.
A man grounded in the love of his family.
We mourn a life cut far too short – yet we also give thanks for every life extended and every life still being lived, thanks to the work of which he was such a central part.
Richard became a household name in 2024, when he was named joint Australian of the Year – alongside his Melanoma Institute of Australia co-director, Professor Georgina Long.
As he took his place in the spotlight, this saviour of lives was already in the fight of his own life.
Richard described glioblastoma – the brain cancer with which he had been diagnosed – as a, to quote him, “a straight path to death”.
As he faced up to his new reality, no one would have begrudged him retreating into the shelter of his family and friends.
Yet that is not what he chose.
Instead, he opened his big heart to us all. And what Australia got to see was a man absolutely determined to change that straight path.
Maybe that was part of the meaning of the title of his blog, My Uncertain Journey – Richard fighting to make that “straight path” just that little bit less certain.
And determined to make it possible for future generations to follow a different course.
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.
He shared the joy he took in every extra day he was granted, and his profound gratitude to everyone around him.
And I join with others in thanking those who provided Richard care over the recent period.
Richard travelled his uncertain path with determination – and a grace that never ceased to be extraordinary.
The way he shared it with us was an act of generosity – and a courage every bit as profound.
I will always regard it as one of the privileges of my time as Prime Minister that I got to spend time with such an extraordinary, outstanding, remarkable human being.
I got to count him as a friend. And, for a happy stretch of my life, as a neighbour. For that, I feel blessed.
In his final letter to Australia, he reminded us:
‘We all have a responsibility to try to change the future for others and leave the world a better place.’
So much said in so few words.
How to handle that responsibility is something he showed us every day through the power of his own example.
I have been moved to hear Richard’s family describing his zest for life and his enthusiasm, and how he strove to ignite it in others.
Now this brightest of stars has set – yet his glow remains around us.
At the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, the Richard Scolyer Chair will always bear his name – and it will play a part in the better future he was working for.
Richard did so much to push back the shadow of melanoma.
And one day, when a cure for brain cancer is at last found, his name will be spoken. All of us will be able to say we knew him – and he gave us hope.
But for now, in what are still the very raw days of Richard’s absence, the hearts of all Australians are with his family.
So to Katie, Emily, Matthew and Lucy, may you draw some comfort from how much Australia truly loved him.
May the love that shone so brightly between you light up all of your days.
And may Richard Scolyer rest in peace.
