The family of the late Barry Humphries have accepted the offer of a state funeral, to be held in Sydney.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told British host Piers Morgan last week that Humphries would receive a joint state funeral involving New South Wales, Victoria and the Commonwealth.
The final decision rested with Humphries’ family, who ultimately decided to turn down state service in Melbourne and instead accept an offer in Sydney.
“We have contacted Barry’s family to discuss how best to honor the life of this remarkable Victorian, but the family have declined state service, choosing instead to accept an offer in Sydney,” said a Victorian Government spokesman.
Through Dame Edna Everage, imaginatively hailing from Moonee Ponds, Humphries was synonymous with Melbourne, but also worked frequently in Sydney and spent the last few years of her life residing there.
A date and place have not yet been defined, but it should be held in a theatre.
A private funeral was hosted by his friend, artist Tim Storrier, at his Bowral estate in NSW’s Southern Highlands at the end of April.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
