From Bridgenorth and Launceston to the world, Richard Scolyer made a truly extraordinary contribution to humanity.

As a fellow Northern Tasmanian, I am incredibly proud and grateful for the life he lived. Through his work, countless lives have been saved and improved, and that impact will continue long into the future.

I just read his beautiful and generous final farewell. Richard said he hoped to be remembered as a proud everyday Aussie who “gave it a crack”. He certainly will be. Australian of the Year in 2024 and always.

My thoughts are with Katie, Emily, Matthew and Lucy, and all those mourning his loss. I am also thinking of Richard’s elderly mum and dad, who raised a son who would go on to make such a remarkable difference to the lives of others. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr Scolyer at a Riverside Primary School presentation just last year. The love and pride for his son was so evident.