A State Memorial Service for Professor Richard Scolyer AO will take place at 11:00 am on Monday 13 July 2026 at the Sydney Opera House.
Professor Scolyer was one of Australia's leading cancer researchers and clinicians whose work contributed to saving thousands of lives from melanoma. As the world's leading melanoma pathologist, Professor Scolyer was named joint 2024 Australian of the Year for his global contribution to melanoma research and clinical care.
In 2021, Professor Scolyer was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medicine, particularly in the field of melanoma and skin cancer, and to national and international professional organisations.
Details regarding the service and online condolences are available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website.
As a mark of mourning and respect, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Monday 13 July 2026 in New South Wales only from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are welcome to participate.
- When flying the Australian National Flag with other flags, all flags in the set should be flown at half-mast.
- If a set of flags includes the flags of other nations, it would be appropriate to seek permission from the diplomatic representatives of that nation to half-mast their flag.
- An acceptable half-mast position would be when the top of the flag is a third of the distance down from the top of the flagpole.
- Information on flag protocol is available on the Department's website.
Your assistance is appreciated.
Commonwealth Flag Officer