Dozens of cyclists took to the streets of Sydney in a touching tribute to pioneering cancer specialist Richard Scolyer, who will be farewelled at a state memorial service on Monday morning.
The former Australian of the Year and world-renowned cancer researcher died on June 7 after a three-year battle with brain cancer.
A procession of cyclists in purple jerseys moved slowly down Macquarie Street on Monday morning, flanked by a fleet of police cars with their sirens blaring.
When they reached the Opera House, the riders were greeted by members of the Tour de Cure, a riding group that raises money for cancer research.
On the roof of the white Lexus was a bicycle that belonged to Professor Skolyer, as a tribute to his love of sports.
Professor Scolyer was an avid cyclist who competed in the Tour de Cure, including cycling 500km across Tasmania in four days, just 11 weeks before his death.
“Life cut too short”: Prime Minister
Anthony Albanese said he was “incredibly honored” to celebrate the life of Professor Scolier, who he said was “a man of courage, curiosity, generosity and kindness.”
“In the great constellation of Australian history, Richard was without doubt one of our brightest stars,” the Prime Minister said.
“A man founded on the love of his family. We mourn a life too short.”
Mr. Albanese said he considered Professor Scolier a friend and “for a happy period of my life, a neighbor – and for that I feel happy.”
“This brightest of stars has now set, but its radiance remains all around us,” he said.
“Richard has done so much to lift the shadow of melanoma and one day, when a cure for brain cancer is finally found, his name will be spoken and we will all be able to say: we knew him and he gave us hope.”
“Game On”: Touching Tributes
Monday’s service will be led by Hamish McDonald, who fondly recalled his first meeting with Professor Skolyer, who was wearing a T-shirt that read “Game On, Mole”.
“What I remember was the guy who walked right into the studio, looked you straight in the eyes, smiled big and was hooked up in an instant,” he said.
“Richard Scolyer is about people. When so many people in our world use the freedoms we all share to highlight the differences between us, Richard was the one who
I saw these differences and learned them with pleasure.”
McDonald described Professor Scolier as a “curious” man who never shied away from a challenge.
“Richard invited us all to remember him as a proud, everyday Australian who gave it a chance,” he said.
Sitting on the stage was a pair of UGG boots, a bicycle, a scientific instrument and an Akubra – all of which played an important role in the life of Professor Scolier.
Governor General Sam Mostyn smiled as she paid tribute to Professor Scolier, whom she remembers as a man who “led the country with profound courage, humility, generosity and openness.”
She described the moment Professor Skolyer met King Charles III, giving him an akubra, which she said “(underlined) his mantra of prevention and sun safety.”
Celebrities in power
Prominent Australian figures are among the thousands expected to pay their respects to Professor Scolyer, who was one of Australia’s most prominent advocates for brain cancer research and funding.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his wife Jodie Haydon arrived at the service in a convoy of cars.
He joined Governor-General Sam Mostyn, NSW Premier Chris Minns, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Health Minister Mark Butler and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor among senior political figures already attending the memorial service.
Other participants included NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, Dennis Wilson and outspoken political activist and former Australian of the Year Grace Tame.
During the service, Councilor Yvonne Weldon said “Welcome to Country” and took a moment to reflect on the life of Professor Scolier.
“We are gathered here where ancient practices have existed for over 65,000 years,” she said.
“Continuing ancient practices is not about what we need to take from each other, but what we give and share, just as Richard and his family gave to all of us,” she said.
“Tireless”: Skolyer remembered
Professor Scolyer was named Australian of the Year in 2024 along with colleague Georgina Long, having undergone a world-first treatment they pioneered for melanoma.
Speaking to NewsWire outside Professor Scolyer’s state memorial in Sydney on Monday, Chris O’Brien, chief clinical officer and director of research at Lifehouse Lisa Horwath, remembered her colleague and friend as “tireless”.
“Someone asked me the other day what I would remember about Richard, and I will remember his great energy. He was always on the move, always thinking about the next research question,” she said.
“He ran, lectured, competed in triathlons all over the world, and raised three wonderful children with his wife.
“He was a person who just wanted to do everything, and I think you can see that in what he documented during his cancer journey.
“He didn’t want to miss anything on the field.”
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse chief executive Michael Boyer said Professor Scolyer left the team with a “can-do attitude”.
“Richard’s legacy was an approach to problem solving. It was the idea that you have to try, you have to not give up, you have to do what you can,” he said.
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse has announced a new position in brain cancer research in the name of Professor Scolier.
Professor Horvath said the $5.9 million grant will fund a team that will include a new head of brain cancer research, researchers and graduate students, and expanded clinical trials.
“The chair will be created in collaboration between the Chris O’Brien Living House and the University of Sydney and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital,” Professor Horwath said.
“We’re going to hire a clinical scientist because Richard was like that…we want someone who is patient-focused but also has an outstanding track record in research.
“We want this person to bring innovative ideas that we can turn into new treatments for brain cancer, so that in the future there will be more treatment options and people can live longer and spend more time with their families.”
Professor Horvath said she hoped the chair would help ensure that Professor Scolier’s legacy was “incredibly productive.”
“We’re going to make him proud.”
Professor Horvath and Professor Boyer have encouraged anyone who is able to donate to Chris O’Brien Lifehouse to support their ongoing work.
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