Source : Perth Now news
Thousands of Australians will gather at the Sydney Opera House to pay tribute to the former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer.
Professor Scolyer’s wife, Katie Nicholl, confirmed the details of the memorial in a social media post on Sunday afternoon.
“We are honoured to share that the State Memorial Service for Richard will be held at the Sydney Opera House at 11am on Monday 13 July,” Ms Nicholl wrote.
“Public tickets can be booked from tomorrow via the Opera House website. Kind regards, Katie.”
The announcement follows Professor Scolyer’s death earlier this month at the age of 59 after a battle with glioblastoma, which he was diagnosed with in May 2023.
Following his glioblastoma diagnosis, Professor Scolyer, who was named co-Australian of the Year in 2024 alongside colleague Georgina Long, underwent a world-first treatment that they pioneered in treating melanomas.
Dr Nicholl said her husband had wanted to live life to the fullest and was always devoted to his family in a statement aired on Channel 9 following his death.
“He had a real zest for life, (an) enthusiasm to give something a go, and I guess that’s carried through his whole life,” she said.
“He was very involved with the little things (with the kids) – packing sandwiches up, if they’re heading out for the day on a bike ride or something like that.”
Ms Nicoll added the legacy her husband leaves behind is simple, but powerful.
“His legacy is (for people) to get out there and have a go and do what you can.
“Whatever that is, give it a go.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously confirmed Professor Scolyer would receive a state funeral, describing him as one of the country’s “brightest lights”.
“As the joint 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Scolyer took his place in the national spotlight with determination and purpose as he very publicly dealt with his glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer,” Mr Albanese wrote.
“Every day, this remarkable man – the cancer specialist who became his own subject – took us into his confidence, and he lifted us all in the process.
“He showed us what it means to hope and to keep searching for solutions. He showed us how to stand firm against fear and stay true to yourself.
“Now Richard’s journey is done, yet his legacy will always be with us.
Professor Scolyer wishes to be “remembered as a proud everyday Aussie who ‘gave it a crack’” in an open letter published posthumously.
“Thankyou for your outpouring of love and support for me and my family,” he wrote.
“Those of you I met during my travels as joint 2024 Australian of the Year, my amazing online community which spans many countries, and of course my hometown Tasmanians – you’ve laughed with me, cried with me, and provided encouragement and support to keep going just when I needed it most.
“I haven’t sugar-coated my journey and I sincerely thank you for allowing me the space and opportunity to share it with you, warts and all.
“I hope I have in some small way made the road ahead easier and smoother for others.
“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.
“With much love and gratitude, Richard.”
The 59-year-old died while in palliative care at Concord in Sydney’s west, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse patient advocate Gail O’Brien previously said.
The chair in Brain Cancer Research at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse was named in Professor Scolyer’s honour before his death.
“Such public accolades have never sat entirely comfortably with me, but I am delighted that much-needed brain cancer research will continue to be funded long after I have gone,” Professor Scolyer wrote in his letter.
“To my research and clinical colleagues, I implore you to stay inquisitive and brave and keep striving to break new ground.
“To all cancer patients, I encourage you to consider enrolling in research and clinical trials, if on offer. And to government and the wider community, please keep funding science and medical research. This is the most impactful way that you too can make a difference.
“Perhaps the greatest lesson to come from these last three years is that cancer does not define us.
“It may be the current road we are travelling, but it is not our entire journey. A terminal cancer diagnosis does however provide clarity as to what truly matters.
“It shines a spotlight on the importance of relationships, on true friendship and on selflessness. Whilst cancer may not define us, our ability to empathise with and have compassion towards others does.”
