“Forever our Bert”

Family, friends and industry colleagues today farewelled Bert Newton at a State Funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne.

A mix of showbiz and faith, it celebrated a life of entertainment and family.

5 networks broadcast the service Live: Nine, 10, Seven, ABC News and SKY News.

Patti Newton and family fittingly arrived in a stretch limousine, with close friends observing Bert would have loved the showbiz touches today.

Mourners limited to 500 included Rob ‘Belvedere’ Mascara, Peter Ford, Daryl Somers, Peter Hitchener, Molly Meldrum, Mike McColl-Jones, Jo Hall, John Michael Howson, Pam Barnes, Marina Prior, Sam Newman, Denis Walter, Andy Lee, Chrissie Swan, Colette Mann, Rob Mills, PJ Lane, Tonia Toddman, Susie Eleleman, Jeff Kennett, Tim Campbell, Glenn Robbins, Steve Vizard, Rob Sitch, Jane Kennedy, Sam Pang, Fifi Box, Scott Morrison, Anthony Albanese, Matthew Guy and Nine’s Peter Costello, Adrian Swift, Vic Buchan and Terry Stuart. There were also crew from his shows, theatre and radio colleagues and longtime neighbours in attendance.

Prior to the service Premier Daniel Andrews said, “His story is the story of Australian television.

“When things went off script, when a show went off the rails Bert thrived. He was in his element, witty, cheek, and clever.

“A master of his craft, but true to himself at the same time. A highly skilled and authentic entertainer, one people respected and revered.

“He was a pioneer, an icon, a legend. But Bert’s story is so much more. A shy working-class kid from no apologies, no prisoners North Fitzroy, who loved trams and going to the pictures.”

Eddie McGuire, spoke of Bert’s showbiz career.

“Bert was a giant, among the givers of the world, he stands tallest. He has more than paid rent for the space he occupied on this planet,” he said.

“When you were part of Bert’s crew, you were there forever”. Paul Hogan said he was Mr Television, never took himself seriously. Russell Crowe: “Bert’s not about fashion and trends, he’s watched them all come and go. My life is richer having him as a mate,” he said.

“Last night the theatres of Melbourne dimmed their lights in honour of Bert Newton. 70 years ago, could that young boy have dreamt what was in front of him?”

“In passing, he had been recognised by the Prime Minister, afforded a State Funeral by his state of Victoria.

“Showbusiness will never be the same, the young boy from Fitzroy who became a star, then a legend, then an institution and now our greatest memory of the golden years of television.

“Forever our Bert.”

Longtime friend Pete Smith read letters on behalf Matthew & Lauren Newton.

“Everyone knows he was a great entertainer but what people don’t know is that he would be there in the tough times too – no one knows that more than me,” Matthew Newton wrote from New York.

“Over the last 10 years, while I have lived abroad, Dad and I would play our conversational songs over Zoom and FaceTime, which allowed me to connect and reconnect with my whole family, especially Dad.

“Our final conversation was different from the usual and we both knew it. We just said how much we loved each other. During this wonderful chat my mother was pottering around in the background, adding her two cents in, as usual.

“At one point she took something into another room and the second she left, Dad leaned in and whispered, ‘I think she’s poisoning my food, Matthew.’

“We both laughed and laughed until we cried. Although given why we’re here today, Mum, perhaps I should’ve taken him more seriously.”

Lauren Newton’s words, relayed by Pete Smith said, “I’m not sure where to begin, or if I could ever put into words how much I love my dad. From the love I felt as a child, to watching him with my own children, he made us feel so special and always brought laughter and fun to everything we did. I always felt lucky I had two dads: one on TV and one at home.

“Family always came first for Dad, and he included us in everything he did. He and mum were a team and he wanted us to be involved in everything. He made me feel very special and I knew I could always count on him.”

Anthony Callea, Silvie Paladino and John Foreman performed.

Also featuring in the service were grandchildren Sam, Eva, Lola & Monty Welsh, son in law Matt Welsh, Rhonda Burchmore, and longtime friend Phillip Brady.

Patti, Lauren and family escorted Bert’s coffin, draped in the Australian flag, outside the Cathedral, as the bells pealed and doves were released.

This post updates.