The 10am service on November 12 will have a cap of 500 fully vaccinated guests, including family, friends and colleagues, with the mass to be shown on screens at Federation Square and live streamed.Entertainment reporter Peter Ford tweeted the news on Friday.Newton passed away aged 83 on November 1 after a long health battle, with wife Patti saying the family was heartbroken.Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday reached out to his widow Patti to offer a state funeral. In a statement released on Friday, the Department of Premier and Cabinet described Mr Newton as a “fixture of Australian television”.“Bert brought his wit and energy into our homes over many decades,” it read. “He was an entertainer in every sense of the word and this send-off will honour his legacy.”Family, friends and colleagues will be able to attend the service to celebrate Bert’s life and reflect on his contribution to the entertainment industry, numerous charities and the state of Victoria.Due to COVIDSafe requirements, attendance at the State Funeral Service is for family, friends and colleagues.Attendees must be fully vaccinated and check-in. The proceedings will be livestreamed for the general public to view. Earlier this week Ford reported that a personal message for Newton from son Matthew will be read out at the funeral on behalf of the troubled actor after it was confirmed he will not be attending the service.Now based in New York, it’s believed the director and writer had been on good terms with his parents but the relationship was still described as complex.Patti this week denied there was a rift.There has been a huge outpouring of grief and tributes since the passing of the much loved entertainment icon.“It’s very, very devastating,’’ Patti said.“All our hearts are breaking because he was just the most wonderful man.”Bert and Patti have six grandchildren, the children of daughter Lauren and her husband Matt Welsh.
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