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State Memorial Service for Ronald (Ron) Barassi AM

A State Memorial Service to honour and celebrate the life of Ron Barassi AM was held on Friday 10 November 2023, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Decorative image of Ron Barassi

A State Memorial Service to honour and celebrate the life of Ron Barassi AM was held on Friday 10 November 2023, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The Service commenced with a Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Di Kerr OAM, followed by a moving performance by Amos Roach and a rendition of the Australian National Anthem by Corporal Fiona Wilkins from the Australian Defence Force.

The Premier, Honourable Jacinta Allan MP, spoke on behalf of the people of Victoria reflecting on Ron’s example, to always live life as a team player.

Throughout the service, Ron’s legacy, both on and off the field, was honoured through tributes, interviews and memories shared by family, close friends and colleagues.

Ron’s ‘Legend’ status as a football player, captain, and coach, were captured in video tributes from his former football clubs – Melbourne, Carlton, North Melbourne, and Sydney Swans.

A special rendition of Up There Cazaly was performed live by Mike Brady AM with verses edited in commemoration of Ron.

Kate Ceberano concluded the service with a touching rendition of The Rose.

  • A picture from the level one audience stands that shows the stage on the MCG grass and the audience
  • A man in a black suit with a blue tie stands at a podium speaking to an audience
  • a stage is pictured that has 4 large flags draped in the background and is lined with AFL premiership cups in the background. There are three men in black suits sitting on chairs on the stage who are talking to each other and the audience through microphones
  • a stage is pictured that has 4 large flags draped in the background and is lined with AFL premiership cups in the background. There are four men sitting on chairs on the stage who are talking to each other and the audience through microphones
  • a man in a blue suit jacket is playing the guitar and is singing through a microphone on stage to an audience
  • a woman in a patterned dress stands at a podium speaking to an audience
  • a woman in a dark green suit stands at a podium speaking to an audience

  • The stage and the audience at the State Memorial Service for Ron Barassi AM.

  • Mr Ron Barassi, Ron's son, provided a family tribute.

  • Eddie McGuire, Master of Ceremonies, interviewed Leigh Matthews and Kevin Sheedy AO at the State Memorial Service for Ron Barassi AM.

  • John Bertrand AO, Noel Cary, Neil Mitchell AO and Bill Shannon AM at the State Memorial Service for Ron Barassi AM.

  • Mike Brady AM performs at the State Memorial Service for Ron Barassi AM.

  • Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Di Kerr OAM, welcomed everyone to country.

  • The Honourable Jacinta Allan MP, Premier of Victoria, spoke on behalf of the people of Victoria.

Updated

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