Hundreds gather for private funeral of Aussie millionaire adman Harold Mitchell

Foreign prime ministers and the wife of a late Aussie icon were among those attending the high-profile businessman’s private farewell.

Hundreds have gathered for the private funeral of millionaire media buyer Harold Mitchell in Victoria.

The 81-year-old, who founded one of the country’s first independent media and advertising companies, Mitchell & Partners, died suddenly on February 10.

It is understood he died due to complications following knee surgery.

East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and the wife of late Australian icon Bert Newton, Patti, were among the VIP guests who filed into the ceremony venue at Montsalvat in Eltham, north of Melbourne.

East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao arrives for the private funeral service of Harold Mitchell at Montsalvat in Eltham. Picture NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

Patti Newton, the wife of late Australian icon Bert Newton. Picture NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

National Gallery Victoria president Janet Whiting. Picture NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

Guests arrive at Mr Mitchell’s funeral. Picture NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

He was a confidant to the biggest names in Australian business, media, sport and the arts. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

Eddie McGuire, Bill Guest, and Kerry Stokes were among the well-known figures who paid tribute to Mr Mitchell in the wake of this death, applauding his contributions to the Australian community.

“Harold Mitchell was one of our great media/business/philanthropic success stories,” Mr McGuire said via the Herald Sun.

“He backed himself as an unlikely mogul from Stawell. Became a friend and confidant to the biggest names in Australian business, in media, sport, advertising and the arts.

Mr Mitchell served as chairman of The Florey Institute, contributing to brain research.

He has been celebrated for his support of Australian and Aboriginal culture, including promoting Indigenous art internationally and supporting Indigenous communities.

Originally published as Hundreds gather for private funeral of Aussie millionaire adman Harold Mitchell