Scolyer’s final goodbye: ‘Enjoy your life’By Chris Hook and Kayla OlayaProfessor Richard Scolyer’s state memorial service has now concluded.Host Hamish Macdonald is ending proceedings with a quote from Scolyer himself, following eulogies from his family, and an emotional video.It’s three sentences, projected large, proud, to the tune of Adam Brand’s song Hearts I Leave Behind.“Enjoy your life and contribute to the things you are passionate about.“The questions you ask and the courage you show can change lives.“With love and gratitude, Richard.”Applause erupts.Thank you for joining us for our coverage of Professor Richard Scolyer’s state memorial service. We heard from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Governor-General Sam Mostyn, as well as Scolyer’s friends, colleagues and family, in what was a moving goodbye.Latest Posts12.38pm on Jul 13, 2026‘An AFL tragic’: Three things we learnt about Professor Richard ScolyerBy Chris Hook and Kayla OlayaAs the state memorial service draws to a close, the whole concert hall stands to give Scolyer’s family a round of applause following their final eulogy.Mourners are now watching a video tribute. Here are three things we learnt about the beloved Professor Richard Scolyer during the service.Governor-General Sam Mostyn revealed that Scolyer was an AFL tragic, who was a passionate Sydney Swans fan, and supported Newtown Swans junior club, doing duty as a boundary umpire.Scolyer’s old friend Jim Finlay said that when they were young, people often struggled to believe Scolyer was a doctor, because of his blonde hair and deep 1980s tan. So Scolyer made up jobs, once introducing himself as a SeaWorld dolphin trainer.Scolyer had a sweet tooth. His children Emily, Matthew and Lucy Scolyer told the memorial that when they went on family road trips, Scolyer would always stop at bakeries in small towns along the way, trying to find the best one in the country. His favourite treat was a Wagon Wheel.12.19pm on Jul 13, 2026‘Wonderful metaphor’: Dr Katie Nicoll recounts first date with ScolyerBy Jack GramenzTo wrap things up, Scolyer’s family, introduced by MC Hamish Macdonald as “four people who know this story like none of us do”.Thunderous applause brought Scolyer’s widow Dr Katie Nicoll to the stage, along with their children, Emily, Matthew and Lucy.Dr Katie Nicoll, widow of Richard Scolyer delivers the final eulogy alongside children Emily, Matthew and Lucy. Dominic Lorrimer“Richard loved making friends,” Nicoll says.“He was such a friendly person, and he absolutely loved connecting with people.12.13pm on Jul 13, 2026Kate Miller-Heidke performs The Last Day on EarthBy Kayla OlayaIn a surprise performance, Kate Miller-Heidke has taken the stage to perform the emotional ballad The Last Day on Earth.The song, which explores themes of grief and loss, is the prelude to the final eulogy of the ceremony, which will be delivered by Scolyer’s wife, Dr Katie Nicoll and children, Emily, Matthew and Lucy.12.11pm on Jul 13, 2026‘Thank you for all you gave to Australia and the world’: Cancer survivors, medical professionalsBy Jack Gramenz“Richard publicly shared his cancer journey, but so many others shared theirs as well,” MC Hamish Macdonald told the state memorial service.“We wanted to find a way of incorporating some of those relationships, some of those connections, into this service.”Louise Owen, Marcus Byard & Maree