State Memorial Service for Richard Scolyer at Sydney Opera House

Richard Scolyer will be remembered at a state memorial service next month at the Sydney Opera House. The former Australian of the Year and leading melanoma pathologist died on June 7 at the age of 59, three years after being diagnosed with an incurable brain cancer. His life is being commemorated on Monday, July 13, according to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. "There will be [a] range of tributes from friends, family members and dignitaries," an online listing for the event said. "Limited free tickets for the State Memorial Service will be made available to the general public." Details were also shared by his family on social media, saying they were "honoured" by the announcement. Tickets for the event are being released to the public tomorrow, Monday, June 29, at 9am EST. Donations to charities are being encouraged in lieu of flowers, namely to the Brain Cancer Group and the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. 'Humbled to be remembered' Professor Scolyer has been remembered as a pioneer of cancer research, an exercise enthusiast and a family man. He was a renowned pathologist and a world authority on skin cancer and melanoma diagnosis, co-authoring more than 800 peer-reviewed publications over more than 20 years. Together with Georgina Long, AO, his work has been credited with contributing to saving "thousands of lives from melanoma". In 2024, the two were each named Australian of the Year for their work as melanoma treatment pioneers. A year earlier, Professor Scolyer was diagnosed with incurable Grade 4 brain cancer, known as IDH "wild" type glioblastoma. He chose to document his condition and treatment, sharing every step of the journey with the public. This included undertaking a world-first treatment, involving undergoing immunotherapy before having a brain tumour removed. The experimental approach, based on melanoma science furthered by him and his colleagues, and developed by Professor Long, extended his prognosis from months to years. He died three years after his diagnosis, but not before completing his 250th Park Run. He is survived by his wife, Katie, and their children, Lucy, Matt and Emily. A letter he wrote was published following his death, at his request. "Having dedicated my 35-year working life to patient care, cancer research and improving lives, I wanted to keep contributing, even in my darkest hour," he wrote. "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."