Bert Newton’s state funeral to be televised

Aussie showman Bert Newton will be sent off in true Bert style, with a televised state funeral taking place on Friday. Here’s how you can watch.

Lexie Cartwright

@LexieCartwright

less than 2 min read

November 10, 2021 - 10:32AM

Bert Newton’s final farewell will be televised this Friday.

The legendary Australian showman, who died last month aged 83, will have a state funeral which will air on Channel 7, Channel 9 and Channel 10 from 9.15am AEDT on November 12.

The event will also be live-streamed on the Victorian Government website, after Newton’s widow Patti, his wife of 47 years, accepted Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ offer for a state funeral.

The service, which is limited to close family and friends, will be held at St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne, with official proceedings to get underway at 10am.

Andrews announced the state funeral in a statement shortly after Newton’s death on October 30.

Bert Newton with his wife of almost 50 years, Patti. Picture: Sam Tabone/Getty Images

“Bert Newton was an icon, a larrikin and a born entertainer. We have never known TV without Bert – he was there from the beginning,” Mr Andrews said.

“Above all his achievements, he was a family man and his greatest partnership was with his wife of almost 50 years, Patti. Our thoughts and prayers are with her, their children and their grandchildren.

“We will all have an opportunity to honour his memory, his talent and his achievements at a state funeral.”

A four-time Gold Logie winner and Logie Hall of Fame inductee, Newton – affectionately known as Moonface – suffered serious health problems in the final year of his life, after having his leg amputated in May due to a life threatening infection.

He died while undergoing palliative care at a private clinic in Melbourne.