Australia is mourning the death of one of its most courageous figures, following the passing of pioneering cancer doctor Professor Richard Scolyer at age 59. The world-renowned melanoma expert and former Australian of the Year tragically passed away three years after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.
Prime Minister Leads Tributes
In an emotional press conference on Monday morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to his personal friend, saying the world had lost one of its brightest lights. He was a personal friend and neighbour of mine in Camperdown for many years. He was a proud inner-westie and a great Australian, Mr Albanese said. When I lived in Camperdown, I got to meet him as just a neighbour. I wasnt aware of what he did, but he always said hello. He was a really down-to-earth person, who was determined to make a difference. He was the specialist who became his own subject, and his legacy will always be with us.
Mr Albanese revealed he had spoken with Professor Scolyers wife, who had accepted the offer of a state funeral. Ive been told that he spent his last days with family and still in good humour, with the strength, determination and character that defined him, Mr Albanese said. He expressed hope that Australians would draw inspiration from Professor Scolyer, who was determined to make a difference for others.
Scolyers Emotional Open Letter to Australia
In an emotional open letter published after his death, Professor Scolyer said he wished to be remembered as a proud everyday Aussie. My final message to all Australians is to say thank you for your outpouring of love and support for me and my family, he wrote. I havent sugar-coated my journey, and I sincerely thank you for allowing me the space and opportunity to share it with you, warts and all. I hope I have in some small way made the road ahead easier and smoother for others. 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.
He also pointed out that he was perhaps lucky that due to the impacts of his late-stage cancer, he was unlikely to have been aware of his own decline over these final weeks. I write this knowing that my wonderful family would have been by my side every minute, as they have been throughout my cancer journey, he added.
World Reacts to Death of a Remarkable Man
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tributes, posting a heartfelt message on X before later calling a press conference to honour Professor Scolyer. With the passing of Richard Scolyer, we have lost one of our brightest lights and one of our biggest hearts, he wrote. As the joint 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Scolyer took his place in the national spotlight with determination and purpose as he very publicly dealt with his glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Every day, this remarkable man the cancer specialist who became his own subject took us into his confidence, and he lifted us all in the process. Richards journey was difficult and confronting. My uncertain path, as he termed it with characteristic understatement. Yet it was one he travelled with courage, determination, and a grace that never ceased to be remarkable. The way he shared it with us was an act of profound generosity. He showed us what it means to hope, and to keep searching for solutions. He showed us how to stand firm against fear and stay true to yourself. Now Richards journey is done, yet his legacy will always be with us. The recently established Richard Scolyer Chair at the Chris OBrien Lifehouse proudly bears his name. And one day when a cure is found, Richards name will be spoken. The hearts of all Australians go out to his wife, Dr Katie Nicholl, and their children, Emily, Matthew and Lucy. And may Richard Scolyer rest in peace.
Chair of the National Australia Day Council, Mrs Nikki Govan, and Interim CEO Todd Ashurst, said they were deeply saddened by Prof Scolyers death. The NADC, its Board and staff are deeply saddened by the death of 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Scolyer. Our thoughts are with Professor Scolyers loved ones his family, friends and colleagues. Richard led an extraordinary life and demonstrated incredible bravery that will improve the lives of others the true hallmark of an Australian of the Year. He was an inspiration to us all, pioneering melanoma treatment, and through his own cancer journey a legacy that will have a lasting impact on all Australians. It has been our privilege to honour his contribution.
Prof Beat All Odds Until the Very End
Prof Scolyer tirelessly worked toward curing melanoma during his decades-long career, and he revolutionised cancer care through his help establishing the worlds largest melanoma biobank. The beloved medical pioneers groundbreaking work was globally lauded. He held key senior roles at both the World Health Organisation and the American Joint Committee on Cancer and in the case of the latter, became the first Australian to have done so. He was also the Chair in Brain Cancer Research at the Chris OBrien Lifehouse.
Prof Scolyer was made an Officer of the Order of Australia as part of the Queens Birthday Honours in 2021 and was the joint 2024 Australian of the Year alongside his research partner, Georgina Long. In 2023, he was initially given just eight months to live after first being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer (IDH wild type glioblastoma), but managed to fight the harrowing odds for three years. He spoke about the ordeal with ABCs Australian Story in January this year, admitting he was amazed that he was still here. The average survival is in the order of 12 months for the type of cancer that Ive got. But to still be here more than two and a half years later, thats incredible, Prof Scolyer said.
Just over a week before his passing, Professor Scolyers wife, Dr Katie Nicholl, shared an album on social media which included a devastating update on his health battle. Things are steadily getting harder for Rich, and time with family and friends continues to be so important for us all, she wrote. I know were not alone in this journey, and we appreciate everyones continued love and support.
