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“Can we show some respect?”: Outrage over Shane Warne’s state funeral cost

A report detailing the cost of cricket legend Shane Warne’s state funeral has sparked outrage online, with one sports commentator labelling the move as “poor taste”. In the report, published by The Age, it came to light that the Victorian government had spent $2.8 million on state funerals in 2022, with $1.6 million from taxpayers going to Shane Warne’s public memorial. The event - which Eddie McGuire’s production company JAM TV received $1 million to produce - saw more than 50,000 people flock to the MCG to witness two hours of panel talks, speeches from those closest to Shane, and performances from fellow international superstars. The Age went on to outline the disparities between Shane’s funeral price tag and that of others in the same year, and that’s where the late cricketer’s supporters drew the line, declaring that it had been worth each and every cent to celebrate his life and career in that way. “What's the point of this story, really? What does it achieve? Poor taste IMO,” journalist and AFL commentator tweeted in the wake of the news breaking. “Agree,” said fellow journalist Jim Wilson, “I was there and more than happy for my taxpayers money going towards this, can we show some respect[?]” Support continued to roll in from there, with one fan stating that the event “lit up the MCG for a night, [and] gave all Australians a chance to say goodbye to an Aussie legend.” “And how much did Warne’s presence in the Australian cricket team bring into the state’s coffers over the years[?]” another asked. “There are certain non-negotiables in Australian life & one of them is that beloved Australian legends who touch so many peoples’ lives are honoured with state funerals.” “Seems very fair considering what this legend gave to our sport and our country,” someone else pointed out. The argument that Shane had brought in far more than $1.6 million to the Australian economy was rampant throughout every comment section relating to the report, with many believing the guest list to be proof alone of the sporting superstar’s international draw. The likes of Elton John, Robbie Williams, Ed Sheeran, and Chris Martin offered their talents in honour of the late Shane’s life. While fellow cricket greats - including but not limited to Allan Border, Michael Clarke, Brian Lara, and Mark Taylor - attended to share in Australia’s night of grief and celebration. "It didn't need to have these things done,” Eddie McGuire explained of the cost and decision to hold the event at the MCG - where a stand was being named in Shane’s honour. “But we did because it went around the world … we put our heart and soul into this because we loved Shane and we love this city." “In a lot of ways, we saw this as being Victoria's funeral," he also said to 3AW. "I had to bury my mother with 10 people in the room at the funeral and I got great succour out of the fact that we all came together for a collective funeral in the name of our great mate Shane Warne." And last but certainly not least, as a spokesperson for the Victorian Government explained, “state memorials and funerals honour individuals’ outstanding service to Victoria – they afford Victorians an opportunity to mourn, celebrate, and to recognise extraordinary contributions to our great state.” Images: Getty

Money & Banking

Warnie's memorial service is today: What you need to know

Almost a month on from the sudden death of cricketer Shane Warne, the Spin King will be honoured with a celebration in the heart of Melbourne at the MCG, in front of fans and family alike. Those closest to Warne farewelled him at a private service earlier this month and those wishing to pay their respects can now watch or attend a state memorial service today. When and where is the service? The service will be at the MCG, home to some of Warne's greatest cricketing triumphs. The gates of the MCG are due to open at 5:30 pm for a 7 pm start, and the state memorial service is scheduled to run for about two hours. A stage will be set up on the grounds of the MCG and upwards of 40,000 people are expected to fill the stadium's stands. The service will feature performances, tributes and reflections recognising Warne's big personality and charisma as well as his enormous contributions to Australian sport. Who will be attending? A long and impressive list of high-profile people will take part in the service, but not everyone will appear in person. Some guests and performers will appear either via live video links or pre-recorded segments. Musical entertainment will be a huge part of the service. Performers are expected from those Warne counted among his friends including Elton John, Chris Martin, Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran. Local acts will include Anthony Callea and musician Jon Stevens, slated to perform covers of "bangers" that were among Warne's favourites, including songs by INXS and Noiseworks. Kylie and Dannii Minogue will also be part of the proceedings, but it's unclear whether or not they will perform. The biggest names in cricket in Australia and overseas will take part, including Wasim Akram, Allan Border, Ian Botham, Sachin Tendulkar, Michael Clarke, Stephen Fleming, Merv Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Glenn McGrath and Mark Taylor. AFL great Dermott Brereton and Aaron Hamill, a long-time close friend of Warne, will take part, as will actors Eric Bana, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe. Other prominent people making appearances are golfer Greg Norman, surfer Kelly Slater and comedian Andy Lee. The people most important to Warne, his immediate family, will also speak as part of the evening's proceedings. His three children, Brooke, Jackson and Summer, his father Keith and brother Jason are due to appear on stage. Can I still get a ticket? More than 50,000 tickets have already been nabbed, but another 10,000 spots were released through the MCG website on Wednesday. Tickets to the event are free and in recognition of Warne's contributions to the game, his family requested that fans come along to the memorial dressed in their cricket gear. How can I watch it? Eddie McGuire, who will MC the event, said all free-to-air TV channels will be broadcasting the service, there will be radio channels airing it as well, and there will be multiple places to live stream the proceedings online. Coverage will begin on ABC News Channel and on iview from 6:30 pm AEDT, with the memorial broadcast live on ABC Local Radio (except SA and Perth metro) and ABC Sport Digital.

Warnie's family make special request for stadium name change

The family of Shane Warne have reportedly requested that The Great Southern Stand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground be renamed the Shane Warne stand. This request comes just days after it was earlier announced the seating block would be called the S.K. Warne Stand in honour of the late sporting legend. According to 7News sports reporter Tom Browne, Warnie's family told the MCG that they believe Shane would be in favour of their preferred memorial option. “My understanding is that it will be called the Shane Warne stand,” Browne said. “I spoke to a senior government source who emphasised the final decision will be down to the Warne family.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Shane Warne's family is asking the MCC to rethink the plan to rename the Great Southern Stand in his honour. <a href="https://twitter.com/TomBrowne7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomBrowne7</a> with exclusive details. <a href="https://t.co/5zYfOfohG3">https://t.co/5zYfOfohG3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/7NEWS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#7NEWS</a> <a href="https://t.co/hRPJbyDLa1">pic.twitter.com/hRPJbyDLa1</a> — 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) <a href="https://twitter.com/7NewsMelbourne/status/1503631021174001666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2022</a></blockquote> Victorian Premier Dan Andrews announced the initial name change after the news of Warnie’s shocking death of a suspected heart attack while on holiday in Thailand. Mr Andrews said at the time it would be “a permanent tribute to an amazing Victorian”. He said, “I’ve just informed the Warne family that the Government will rename the Great Southern Stand at the MCG - the place he took his hat trick and 700th wicket - to honour Shane and his contribution to the game.” Shane Warne's memorial service is due to be held at the MCG on March 30th, with 50,000 public ballot tickets up for grabs. Information on how to go in the running for a coveted ticket will be shared by the MCG closer to the date of the event. Memorial services will also be held at the SCG and other sporting stadiums around Australia, which will be live-streamed to sports fans around the globe. The Sydney event will be unticketed with free entry, and will include live tributes to the cricketer and footage of his achievements at SCG. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the final details of the SCG event were still being finalised but the event would be run alongside the Melbourne Cricket Ground service. "We are working through that at the moment with (Venues NSW chairman) Tony Shepherd and the team at Cricket Australia," he said. "We want to run those events alongside each other. Obviously, we will live stream the memorial service in the MCG – that's incredibly important." Mr Perrottet said he believed it was important NSW residents had the opportunity to say goodbye to the sporting legend. "Shane Warne is the greatest cricketer I've seen of that generation and well loved by the people of NSW even though he was a Victorian," he said. "I think it's important that we provide the opportunity for people to come to the cricket ground and pay their respects to Shane and to his family and his friends." Image credits: Instagram

Caring

MCG a potential hotspot as thousands urged to take COVID tests

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Thousands of people are being urged to get tested after a new mystery case emerged in Melbourne. The 30-year-old's infection can't be linked to another case or a high-risk location and may have picked up his infection from either the MCG or stores in the Chadstone Shopping Centre. He attended day two of the Melbourne Test on December 27th, but it's being pointed out that he was not infection when he attended the game. However, the MCG is being investigated as a potential source for the infection. He attended shops in the Chadstone Shopping Centre on December 26th between 6 am and 2pm, which are also being treated as potential acquisition sites for the infection. Stores include: <ul> <li>Culture Kings</li> <li>Huffer</li> <li>JD Sports</li> <li>Jay Jays</li> <li>H&M</li> <li>Uniqlo</li> <li>Myer</li> <li>Superdry</li> <li>Footlocker</li> <li>Dumplings Plus</li> </ul> "Based on the information available from the case, the man in his 30s, was not infectious while at the sites, but there is potential he acquired the virus while there," a DHHS spokesman said. "The man developed symptoms on 30 December and the department was notified of his positive test on 5 January. Given he has not visited any high-risk Victorian exposure sites or travelled to New South Wales, a number of acquisition sources are being investigated. "The man was present at the MCG on 27 December, the second day of the Boxing Day test and is currently isolating." Victoria's coronavirus testing commander Jeroen Weimar said that 8,000 were in Zone 5 at the MCG, where the case was seated and "there'll be many thousands of people who've been through Chadstone". He's urging Victorians potentially affected to get tested and stay away from the busy centre. "I stress to anybody who potentially has a connection with Chadstone or the MCG on those dates and times please go to your nearest testing centres," he said. "Do not go to Chadstone. Chadstone is an extremely busy area. We would like you to get tested where you are now. Please don't feel you need to come back to the venue. Check on availability, waiting times, please come forward to get tested." </div> </div> </div>

News

5 most iconic Australian sporting venues

Australia is a nation that loves their sport. These are the best places in the country to catch a game, whatever your code. 1. Melbourne Cricket Ground The MCG is hallowed ground in Australia, spoken about with the kind of hushed reverence usually reserved for churches and battlefields. It’s the largest stadium in the country, holding up to 100,000 spectators, and plays host to iconic events like the Boxing Day Test and the AFL Grand Final. If it’s not game day, learn about the history of Australian sport at the National Sports Museum underneath the stands. 2. ANZ Stadium, Sydney Purpose-built for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, ANZ Stadium is at the centre of Olympic Park in the suburb of Homebush. Seating around 83,000 people, it’s one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world and its unique design features mean it can be converted from oval to rectangle in just 12 hours. It’s the only stadium in the world designed to host five different codes – rugby union, rugby league, soccer, AFL and cricket – so you’re spoilt for choice. 3. WACA, Perth The Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) was established in 1885 and the stadium followed in 1893. It’s been the home of cricket in Western Australia ever since and also hosts games from multiple other sports. The bouncy pitch and the afternoon winds of the Fremantle Doctor make for some of the fastest cricket games ever played. With a capacity for just under 25,000 people, it's one of the smaller stadiums in the country so watching a game here is a much more intimate experience. 4. Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne The race that stops a nation has been held here on the first Tuesday of November since 1861. Flemington is one of the most famous racecourses in the world with a capacity for 120,000 people, though up to 400,000 crowd the grounds every year for the Melbourne Cup. As well as an iconic sporting venue, Flemington is part of the history of Melbourne and is now a National Heritage listed site. Don’t miss the largest public rose garden in the Southern Hemisphere, right next to the track. 5. The Gabba, Brisbane Though it’s official name is the Brisbane Cricket Ground, everyone in Australia calls this stadium the Gabba. The name comes from the suburb of Woolloongabba, where the stadium is located, just outside of the Brisbane city centre. It’s a state of the art ground following multimillion dollar renovations and has a capacity of around 40,000. AFL has been played here for more than 100 years, as well as cricket, rugby union, rugby league and soccer. Do you agree with our list? Are there any venues you think we should add? Let us know in the comments section below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/04/mcg-melbourne-greatest-stadium-in-world/">Is the MCG the world’s greatest stadium?</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/03/best-australian-cultural-experiences/">6 incredible Aussie cultural experiences</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/the-most-iconic-sporting-events-around-the-world/">8 iconic sporting events you have to experience</a>

International Travel

Is the MCG the world’s greatest stadium?

A jewel in their city's crown, Melburnians lovingly call it "the G". Built in 1853, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the biggest stadium in the southern hemisphere with a capacity of about 100,000 people. Like Wembley or Madison Square Garden, it was one of the world's great stadiums, hosting cricket in the summer and Aussie Rules (AFL) football in the winter. In 1956, it was the centrepiece of the Olympics. In late January the MCG hosted a Twenty20 cricket international between Australia and India. Walking to the stadium for the match, it was hard not to think you were on your way to somewhere special. Situated a short 20-minute walk away from the CBD, tens of thousands of people merged, ad hoc, for the procession to the G along a walkway by the Yarra River. The stroll to the stadium spurred a great sense of occasion as Indian and Australian cricket fans mingled in the crowd, engaging in friendly verbal jousts. "Dhoni, Dhoni, Dhoni," the Indian fans would chant, naming their beloved captain. "Aussie Aussie Aussie - oi, oi, oi," the Aussies would reply. The fans' enthusiasm would only grow as they neared the modern day colossus of a colosseum, the MCG. An incredible stadium, the grass covered 171m x 146m field was encircled by vast tiered grandstands towered over by the tallest lights of any stadium in the world. Heading inside, it was a pleasant surprise to find the MCG had not fallen overly foul of that classic stadium problem – over-priced food and drink. Armed with a $6 beer and a $4 hotdog, it was time for the razzle dazzle of some T20 cricket. Out in the grandstand, the imposing structure of 360-degree seating climbed steeply into the sky. A hypnotic circle of seats and aisles, for those seated near the top it had a vertigo effect. Glancing about, the crowd of 60,000 people was an eclectic mix of young and old, men and women, Indians and Australians. <img width="498" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/18862/shutterstock_63072280_498x280.jpg" alt="MCG 2"/> Down in centrefield a pyrotechnics show lit up the night as the pre-match preparations were completed, and a loud speaker announcement declared the sport was about to begin. Cue the national anthems and a rousing effort from each team's supporters doing their best to out-lung the other set the scene for the fan banter showdown ahead. India strolled out to bat, and with their first two fours they got the party started. The first sent Indian flags flying and the second feet dancing. A few balls later and batsman Shikhar Dhawan sent one into the stands for six. Fireworks shot into the sky and frivolity engulfed the crowd as die-hard Indian fans revved up the night. Among the celebrating Indian fans were cricket-mad parents dancing along, holding their babies and toddlers aloft in two hands, waving them about in jubilation. All in good nature, the Indian fans were on a long police leash, with the well-behaved supporters afforded respect by security who even allowed them drums. The raucous Indian crowd had made the G their own. The stadium announcer did his best to fire up the Aussie fans too, encouraging support for the green and gold side with calls of "coo-ee". Australian fans would respond, echoing the cry, just as Aboriginals did in the call's original use as a means to locate others in the bush; its translation, "come here." The call would repeat sporadically around the MCG that night - high-pitched and a bit annoying - but it would be hard to begrudge the locals when the Indian fans were getting their Bollywood on. The stadium announcer brought a bit of dry comedy to the occasion too, with one-word jibes on the scoreboard remarking on players' misfortune; "fetch that" it would read after a ball was smashed into the stands. There was no denying it though, this fan party was all about the rock stars of Indian cricket with chants and prostrations for these superstars. Even the professional Australian dance troop pumping up the fans from their stage in the stands took on an Indian vibe with Bollywood-styled steps. These came as a welcome break from the '90s classics, notably the ever-predictable and equally awesome classic Vanilla Ice track Ice Ice Baby. A real highlight in the stands for the fans was the inevitable Mexican Wave - a real sight to behold as row upon row of fans rose and fell rhythmically in the tiered arena. Ours that night was a success making two full circuits. Australia struggled in the match, with India winning to claim the series victory, sending their fans into a frenzy of joy and admiration. They got what they came for, victory and a night at the MCG. Written by Ed Scragg. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/03/victoria-tops-survey-for-shopping-sport-arts/">Victoria best place for shopping, sport and the arts</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/04/pictures-from-best-drives-in-australia/">10 jaw-dropping pictures from Australia’s best drives</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/04/geelong-festival-of-sails-australia-day/">Experiencing Geelong’s Festival of Sails</a>

International Travel

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“Can we show some respect?”: Outrage over Shane Warne’s state funeral cost

Warnie's memorial service is today: What you need to know

Warnie's family make special request for stadium name change