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 Richard Scolyer AO 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.
When Professor Scolyer was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2023, he became the first brain cancer patient in the world to undergo experimental neoadjuvant immunotherapy treatment based on the melanoma science he had helped develop. Professor Scolyer publicly shared his brain cancer journey with the world to help drive the brain cancer field forward and also to provide hope and inspiration for other cancer patients and their families.
Professor Scolyer's commitment to and advocacy for his profession, coupled with his enthusiasm for life, his empathy and his humanity, resonated broadly and has left a lasting legacy.
Attend the State Memorial Service
Free tickets for the State Memorial Service will be made available to the general public via the Sydney Opera House website.
Live stream
The State Memorial Service will be broadcast live from 11.00 am (AEST) on ABC TV and streamed on ABC iview. The service will then be made available for later viewing on ABC iview on demand. Radio coverage will be available on 702 ABC Sydney.
Master of Ceremonies
Hamish Macdonald
Welcome to Country
Councillor Yvonne Weldon AM
Australian National Anthem
Georgina Hopson
The Governor-General of Australia
Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC
Prime Minister of Australia
The Honourable Anthony Albanese MP
Premier of New South Wales
The Honourable Chris Minns MP
Song
‘Everybody’ – Peter Garrett AO, Martin Rotsey and Freyja Garbett
Eulogies
Jim Finlay
Emeritus Professor John Thompson AO
Tributes
‘My Uncertain Path’ online community
Eulogies
Dr Katie Nicoll
Emily, Matthew and Lucy Scolyer
Video tribute
Farewell song
‘Hearts I Leave Behind’ – Adam Brand
“My final message to all Australians is to say thank you for your outpouring of love and support for me and my family. Whilst cancer may not define us, our ability to empathise with and have compassion towards others does. That is true in all facets of life, and I am confident those traits will continue to guide Australians towards acceptance and support for all.
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.
With much love and gratitude,
Richard”
Floral tributes
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
- The Brain Cancer Group to support patient care.
- Chris O’Brien Lifehouse to support research via the Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research.
Frequently asked questions
Limited free tickets for the State Memorial Service will be made available to the general public via the Sydney Opera House website.
Limited free tickets for the State Memorial Service will be made available to the general public via the Sydney Opera House website.
Due to expected high demand, an online queuing system will be in place to ensure a fair and smooth ticketing process.
Please ensure that you only use one browser, in incognito or private mode, when joining this queue.
Due to the limited number of seats available, joining the queue does not guarantee that you will be able to successfully acquire tickets for this event.
The State Memorial will commence at 11:00 am. Doors will open at 9:30 am and attendees are kindly asked to be seated by 10:45 am.
The State Memorial Service is expected to conclude at approximately 12:30 pm.
There will be a range of tributes from friends, family members and dignitaries.
The best way to get to the Sydney Opera House is via public transport.
Those travelling by car can access parking information via the Sydney Opera House website.
Limited free accessibility tickets will be available for this State Memorial Service via the Sydney Opera House website.
For enquiries about general public ticketing, please contact Sydney Opera House Box Office on 1300 764 849 or submit an enquiry on the Sydney Opera House website.