Derryn Hinch's ex-wife Jackie Weaver jokes about his long list of former lovers in heartfelt tribute at his state funeral

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA and AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: 09:29, 20 July 2026 | Updated: 09:30, 20 July 2026 Australian actress Jackie Weaver has shared a message for the fellow former lovers of Derryn Hinch in an emotional tribute to her ex-husband at his state funeral.  A who's who of Australian media and entertainment stalwarts gathered in Melbourne on Monday to farewell the veteran broadcaster, who died in his sleep on July 10 at the age of 82 following a lengthy health struggle. The state funeral for the former senator attracted notable figures, from news presenters Ray Martin and Jennifer Keyte, to entertainers Rhonda Burchmore, Denis Walter, Steve Vizard and Greg Evans and former Crown executive Ann Peacock. Hinch, who married four times, was renowned for his string of headline-grabbing romances. His third wife Weaver could not attend due to filming commitments in Western Australia but recorded a tribute. She had remained close friends with Hinch, who texted her on the night of his death. 'Most people do not like making speeches at funerals. I'm no exception, but Derryn made me promise over and over again that I would and so here I am,' Weaver began. 'I want to start by acknowledging sincerely and warmly all the women that Derryn loved and who loved him in return. Hello. ' I won't mention you individually, we don't have the time. In the immortal words of Steven Spielberg, 'We're going to need a bigger boat.'' A who's who of Australian media and entertainment gathered on Monday to give Derryn Hinch a fitting send-off. Pictured is Rhonda Burchmore performing during the service Hundreds gathered in Port Melbourne for the boradcaster's state funeral on Monday Hinch's third wife, actress Jackie Weaver recorded an emotional tribute  Hinch's most recent partner, former actress Lynda Stoner was among the mourners in attendance.  Weaver shared a tribute on behalf of her son Dylan. She recalled his first impressions of his future stepfather. 'He looked a bit odd in a 10-year-old boy's eyes,' he wrote.  'Those were the days when Derryn would be decked out in beige slacks, loafers, a silk business shirt - unbuttoned almost to the navel - gold chains and navy blazer with a red rose pinned to the left lapel.' Weaver said that her ex-husband taught her the importance of honesty, integrity and standing up for what she believed in. 'You were intelligent, passionate, cheerful and loving, as well as obstinate, grumpy, impossible and frustrating with a self-destructive streak which mystified your nearest and dearest as to where it came from and we loved you for all of it,' she said. Weaver fought back tears as she ended the tribute with an emotional farewell to the man affectionately known to her as 'Jobie'. Mourners heard from a host of Hinch's colleagues and rivals, including Ray Martin (pictured) Melbourne socialite and former Crown executive Ann Peacock was among the hundreds in attendance Veteran news presenter Jennifer Keyte (right) was also among the mourners Hinch's goddaughter Ellie O'Connell sang the Australian national anthem 'From me, Jobie, goodbye. I love you from the very start to the very end. Good night, sweet dreams. I love you forever,' Weaver said. The service for the lifelong atheist, who went to jail for identifying a paedophile Catholic priest before his trial, began at midday at the Timber Yard events space in Port Melbourne. Mourners streamed in to pay their respects at the venue, situated in the middle of factories and apartments devoid of any religious leaning. An Australian flag was draped over his casket, surrounded by vases of red roses symbolising deep love, respect, courage and enduring affection. Hinch's beloved goddaughter Ellie O'Connell performed the national anthem while Burchmore sang jazz number 'They Can't Take That Away From Me' in tribute of her long-time friend. A host of former colleagues and rivals took to the podium to recall their favourite memories of Hinch, many of which involved booze.   'Derryn was addicted to three things: notoriety via the media, women and alcohol, not necessarily in that order,' his former television producer Dermot O'Brien recalled. 'And before the keyboard warriors get stuck into me, with Derryn unable to defend himself, let me read from one of his three autobiographies. Former television host Greg Evans arrives for the service at the Timber Yard in Port Melbourne Dennis Walter chatted with fellow mourners before the service 'Derryn was addicted to three things: notoriety via the media, women and alcohol, not necessarily in that order,' Dermot O'Brien recalled Jackie Weaver remained close friends with her ex-husband, who texted her on the night of his death 'He writes, ''I admit two passions - three if you include wine. Those combos have cost me shitloads of trouble, and some have cost me a job''. 'He loved women. He loved the company of women, and his many romances are well documented'. Long-time friend and colleague Darren James added: 'He was a journalist, a newspaper reporter, a TV presenter, a godfather, an author, a senator and, a prisoner ... he did it all.' 'Some people pass through life without leaving a ripple, he created tsunamis.' 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 that 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.' Labor MP Danny Pearson attended and spoke on behalf of Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan. 'Not all of us knew him personally, but for many it felt like we did,' he said.  There was a standing ovation before the final song of the service - Frank Sinatra's 'That's Life', which Hinch often used as the sign-off from his daily radio program. 'Some people pass through life without leaving a ripple, he created tsunamis,' Darren James told mourners 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. 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. His passing drew tributes from a broad range of public figures spanning the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.