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Derryn Hinch has been remembered for making waves as one of Australia’s most outspoken and influential voices.

Longtime friend and colleague Darren James led mourners through a state funeral for the former broadcaster and senator on Monday.

“He was a journalist, a newspaper reporter, a TV presenter, a godfather, an author, a senator and, a prisoner … he did it all,” James told the service.

“Some people pass through life without leaving a ripple, he created tsunamis.”

Hinch died on 10 July at the age of 82 after a lengthy health struggle, much of which he documented for followers on social media.

The service for the lifelong atheist, who went to jail for identifying a paedophile Catholic priest before his trial, was held at the Timber Yard events space in Port Melbourne, near factories and apartments devoid of any religious leaning.

It attracted notable figures, including news presenters Ray Martin and Denis Walter, entertainers Rhonda Burchmore and Greg Evans, and former Crown executive Ann Peacock.

Other mourners, including Labor MP Danny Pearson, who attended on behalf of Premier Jacinta Allan, streamed in to pay their respects.

“Not all of us knew him personally, but for many it felt like we did,” Pearson said.

An Australian flag was draped over his casket, surrounded by vases of red roses symbolising deep love, respect, courage and enduring affection.

Hinch initially moved from New Zealand to Australia to pursue a career in journalism, climbing the ranks to become editor of The Sun before turning to a career in radio.

He became known as the “human headline” — a moniker he enthusiastically adopted — for his outspoken and often controversial opinions.

Former 3AW colleagues Denis O’Kane and Tony Tardio spoke of their love for Hinch, who was well known for his hatred of child sex offenders and those who shielded them.

“There will never be another like him, even his name was unique,” Tardio said.

“He was a journalistic James Bond, drama followed him everywhere — even to his first wedding. And then he went on to marry three other times.”

His ex-wife and friend, actor Jacki Weaver, sent a video tribute from America describing Hinch as a wonderful stepfather and companion.

She also referenced Hinch’s reputation as a notorious ladies’ man.

“I’d like to pay my respects to all the women who loved Derryn, and who loved him back,” she said.

“I won’t name them all … we don’t have time.”

While commanding the airwaves for decades as a talkback radio host on Melbourne radio station 3AW, Hinch became known for his uninhibited takes and a tendency to court controversy.

Later, Hinch turned to the political arena, forming Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party and serving as a senator for Victoria in the federal parliament from 2016 to 2019.

His party focused on reforms to the justice system, including better protections for children, tightening of bail and parole laws, and the establishment of a sex offenders’ register.

Hinch’s final farewell ended with a eulogy by fellow media stalwart Martin, who said his mate would have loved the idea of having a state funeral and a standing ovation.

The service was brought to a close with the music of That’s Life by Frank Sinatra, often used as the sign-off from his daily radio show.

The final report of the Age Assurance Technology Trial found verifying ages “can be done in Australia privately, efficiently and effectively”, and that a “wide range of approaches exist”.

Though, it also found “there is no one-size-fits-all solution”, meaning platforms would likely need to use a combination of tools to enforce age restrictions and avoid getting fined up to $49.5m.

Senator Lambie, who did not vote for the ban, said it would not work because “governments of today … don’t have the courage to take on the social media networks themselves”.

“This will not work,” the independent senator told Sky News.

“And as a mother, I would hate to think that I’m giving those social media companies more information about my own children.

“That is disgraceful.”

 

The Age Check Certification Scheme, which carried out the AATT, made it clear the report was “not a set of policy recommendations or endorsements for certain types of age assurance technology”.

But it did point to age verification, such as using official documents, as a “high-assurance method”.

There has been hesitancy to this approach, with some fearing data breaches could leak users’ sensitive information.

“There needs to be a lot more control over those social media companies, and … we need to put rules and regulations on them, and (the government is) not doing that,” Senator Lambie said.

“It shouldn’t be up to mum and dad because governments have failed to do the job.”

But the Albanese government takes a different view, with Communications Minister Anika Wells saying it “is on the side of families and we’re pushing forward with our mission to keep kids safer online through world-leading reforms”.

 

 

A married couple, having lived together for several years, decided to escape their daily routine for a while. Their destination was Northern France, drawn by the rugged beauty of the coastline and the opportunity to take a flight over the famous point where the English Channel meets the North Sea. This trip promised them both relaxation and a touch of adventure.

On the morning of their departure, the sky was clear—crossed only faintly by clouds—and a gentle breeze drifted across the airfield. As they approached the small aircraft awaiting them, they paused for a moment to admire its elegant appearance. It looked almost brand-new, gleaming in the sunlight, with harmonious lines and a perfectly maintained cabin. No sooner had they stepped aboard than they were seized by an almost childlike excitement—as if they had entered another world.

Before takeoff, they took their time inspecting the aircraft. They examined the seats, touched the controls in the cockpit, and looked over the various instruments. Then, they checked the storage compartments and onboard equipment. The air inside the cabin was slightly cool, carrying the distinct scent of metal and fuel. They exchanged smiles, imagining the day ahead—one to be spent in the skies, far removed from the noise and obligations of everyday life.

In a corner of the cockpit, they finally noticed an old navigation device. It looked quite dated, with worn buttons and a slightly scratched screen. Out of curiosity, they decided to switch it on—and, to their surprise, it still worked. Gradually, a map appeared on the screen. Immediately, one detail caught their eye: an isolated point, devoid of any labels or explanations.

They exchanged amused glances. This mysterious spot instantly piqued their curiosity. A glitch? A trace left behind by a previous pilot? Or perhaps something even more intriguing? After a brief moment of deliberation, they decided to simply follow the clue. The weather was calm, they had plenty of time—and they liked the idea.

The aircraft lifted smoothly from the runway and climbed high above the coastline. The sea stretched out beneath them like a vast, shimmering expanse. Every now and then, cargo ships or ferries would flit past in the distance. They reveled in the flight, gazing out at the horizon and admiring the scenery. They chatted and laughed, or sometimes simply fell silent, mesmerized by the view from the sky. The atmosphere was peaceful and pleasant.

After some time, they approached the point marked on their map. The light began to shift subtly, and the colors of the sea grew increasingly vivid. Glancing down, they suddenly noticed something strange: standing on a small, isolated patch of land was an old stone house.

They descended slightly to get a better look at the structure. It appeared abandoned—weathered by wind and salt—with absolutely no signs of life around it. Then they realized that the mysterious point likely referred to this forgotten spot—perhaps an old fisherman’s hut, an old lookout post, or a long-deserted home.

In the end, the situation made them laugh. It wasn’t the grand mystery they had anticipated, but it possessed a charm of its own. They shared a few jokes about their impromptu “treasure hunt” and continued their flight, having disturbed no one.

Finally, they resumed their journey, allowing the little house to slowly recede behind them. Their voyage continued—even more tranquil than before—with the certainty that this unexpected discovery would remain one of the most memorable moments of their trip.

A married couple who had been married for several years decided to escape their daily routine for a while. They chose northern France, drawn by the rugged beauty of the coast and the opportunity to sail through the famous strait connecting the English Channel with the North Sea. This voyage promised both relaxation and a touch of adventure.

On the morning of their departure, the sky was clear, with only a few clouds, and a gentle breeze blew over the harbor. Approaching the yacht, they paused for a moment, admiring its elegant appearance. It looked almost new, sparkling in the sun and impressing with its harmonious lines and impeccable deck. As soon as they stepped aboard, they felt an almost childlike sense of anticipation—as if they were entering another world.

Before departure, they leisurely inspected the ship. Slowly strolling along the deck, they touched the warm wood, examining the ropes, sails, and instruments. Then they went down to the cabin. The air was cooler there, with a slight hint of salt and old wood. They opened the cabinets, peered into the cabins, and smiled, imagining a day alone at sea—away from the noise and responsibilities.

In a dimly lit corner, they finally discovered an old navigation device. It looked very old, with worn buttons and a scratched display. Out of curiosity, they turned it on—and to their surprise, it still worked. Gradually, a map appeared, on which they immediately noticed one detail: a lonely dot in the middle of the channel, without any explanation.

They exchanged quizzical glances. This mysterious place immediately piqued their curiosity. Was it a mistake? A relic of the past? Or perhaps something more exciting? After some thought, they decided to simply follow the clue. The weather was calm, they had time—and they liked the idea.

The yacht smoothly exited the harbor and sailed out into the open sea. The sea was calm; only occasionally did they see cargo ships or ferries passing in the distance. They enjoyed the journey, admiring the horizon and breathing in the salty air. They chatted, laughed, and sometimes simply sat in silence, listening to the sound of the waves. The whole atmosphere was pleasantly calming.

Time passed, they approached the marked point. The light changed, and the sea took on more saturated colors. Suddenly, the yacht abruptly slowed and stopped. They felt a slight jolt—they had run aground on a sandbank.

Surprised but calm, they looked around. Nearby, they discovered a small, old stone building. It looked abandoned, weathered by wind and salt, without any signs of life. Then they realized that the mysterious cape probably led directly here—to a forgotten place, perhaps once a fishing hut or lookout post.

In the end, the situation made them laugh. It wasn’t the big secret they’d expected, but it had its charm. They joked about their impromptu “treasure hunt” and then calmly pondered how to escape. While waiting for the tide, they checked the sails, the depth, and maneuvered carefully.

Finally, the yacht slowly lifted off the sand and glided smoothly back into deeper water. Relieved and still filled with a sense of exhilaration, they left the old building behind. Their journey continued—more peacefully than before, and confident that this unexpected adventure would become one of the most pleasant memories of their trip.