“Brave and brash”: Ray Martin’s moving tribute to Derryn Hinch at State Funeral

Derryn Hinch was known by millions as the outspoken broadcaster who never backed away from a fight. But at his State Memorial in Melbourne, longtime friend and fellow journalist Ray Martin remembered a man who was as loyal and likeable as he was loud.

Delivering one of the day’s most memorable tributes, Martin reflected on a friendship spanning almost six decades, describing Hinch as a larger-than-life figure whose personality was impossible to ignore.

“Derryn Nigel was always just Hinch, like Willesee, like Neighbours, like Bert – big enough character to need only one name,” Martin told mourners.

“Hinch was certainly big enough and loud enough. He was born with a megaphone for a voice, his typewriter was just about as loud.”

Martin said there was “nothing subtle” about Hinch or his opinions.

“He was brave and brash, with an ego that could light up a small city. But he was also very likeable, and I liked him a lot.”

He couldn’t resist adding a touch of humour, noting that Hinch had written 15 books over his career.

“Two of them were about Scrabble, because he loved words. Six were about himself, because he quite liked himself as well.”

The veteran broadcaster recalled first meeting Hinch in New York in 1969, when Martin had been posted as the ABC’s North America correspondent while Hinch was Fairfax’s bureau chief.

Over the following years they covered some of the defining events of the era together, including the Vietnam War, Richard Nixon’s downfall and the Apollo moon landing.

Martin said Hinch possessed a rare gift for journalism.

“Hinch was the best tabloid reporter whom I ever met,” he said.

“That’s a great skill – telling stories that people really want to read. He had a great nose for a story. He wrote quickly. He wrote colourfully and he wrote well. Hinch was never worthy, and certainly never boring.”

Although they became close friends, Martin admitted there was always fierce professional rivalry between them.

“I don’t think I ever saw Hinch beaten on a story or a yarn. He was often matched, but never beaten.”

While Hinch was renowned for courting controversy throughout his broadcasting career and later as a senator, Martin suggested his old friend would have thoroughly enjoyed one final irony.

“He could be contrary, but anyone who knew him knows that he would have absolutely loved the idea of a State funeral today,” he said.

“So thanks to the Victorian Government for doing it.”

Martin reflected on how remarkable it was that “a shit-stirring kid from Taranaki” in New Zealand had earned one of Victoria’s highest public honours.

“A State funeral in this city that he called home and which he loved would have made him very proud. I think it would have made him smile.”

Then, with one final flourish that seemed perfectly suited to the man known as the “Human Headline”, Martin invited the packed memorial service to its feet.

“There’s only one other thing extra I think he would have demanded today,” he said.

“And that’s a standing ovation.”

The audience rose as one to applaud the man whose booming voice, fearless reporting and uncompromising opinions helped shape Australian media for more than half a century.

It was, Martin suggested, exactly the farewell Derryn Hinch would have wanted.

Images: Supplied