The State Funeral for our Patron, His Honour the Honourable Austin Asche was a memorable event, held in the Darwin Convention Centre in front of an engaging portrait of him with his large, full book case and his faithful dog Freya. Beside this was the portrait of his wife Dr Valerie Asche. The service was professionally presented complete with a military procession, beautiful choral singing by the Darwin Chorale and Vocalective Choir and a well considered selection of people, who really knew him, to pay tribute for his long and remarkable life, throughout which he wisely, sensitively and brilliantly served Australia. The service showed how deep and lasting his selfless leadership was, with a willingness to always enhance his knowledge and understanding of the complex world in which he operated and his deep love for Australia, in particular Darwin and the Northern Territory.

His service was taken by the Archbishop of Melbourne, The Most Reverend Philip Freire, formerly Anglican Bishop of the Northern Territory and former Primate of Australia, who also presented the homily. Other people presenting included The Honourable Lia Finocchiaro MLA Chief Minister of the NT, The Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO former Administrator NT, The Honourable Justice Judith Kelly AO, Judge of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, children Wendy and Harry Asche and grandchild Thomas Asche. Family member Alison Asche read from Corinthians. A Video of his Honour, created by Deakin University, was shown and a moving song was sung by his grandchild Romaan Asche backed by a Family slide show. The emotional sound of the Last Post and Reveille was played by a bugler from the Australian Army Band. The Right Reverend Dr Greg Anderson, Bishop of the NT read the Committal. His Honour was a Freemason for over 70 years and Freemasons were there to pay their respects.

The tributes by his family painted that personal side of his character with his love for each one of the family and his deep interest in all their particular fields whether they were his wife, noted Scientist and devoted companion Dr Valerie Asche, his two children, Wendy and Harry, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The eulogies highlighted his vast knowledge of history, his deep love of literature and language, and even at 99 his gift of reciting poetry, word perfectly. A keen sportsman, rowing in pairs, fours and eights in his younger years, he also loved tennis, playing competition until he was 90. The speakers noted his powerful understanding of the law, its history and its complexities and his devotion to fairness in justice, compassion and his deep understanding of humanity. Life had not only taken him on the journey to be a pioneer judge of the Family Court of Australia, when it was created, to later be the Chief Justice of the Northern Territory, Chairman of the Northern Territory Parole Board, President and Chair of the NT Law Reform Committee, serving until the age of 93, but also the Administrator of the Northern Territory.

To His Honour Education held a major position in society and so he was President of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Chancellor of both Deakin and the Northern Territory University now Charles Darwin University amongst many other Education Honours. He openly supported school students on their education journey and valued greatly the work of educators regardless of the field they were in.

Attending the service was his beloved dog, Freja, there to farewell her master and constant devoted companion.

His journey out of the Convention Centre, was to the tune of his much loved Waltzing Matilda, as indeed the poet Banjo Patterson was a great favourite of his.

And so, one of Australia’s truly great leaders, a thoughtful, brilliant, wise and kind Gentleman, a true Man for All Seasons, respected by all, is now at rest.

Written by Chris Tudor