I am often struck by the notion, that the more things change, the more they stay the same. I was recently approached by a young fellow, who having graduated from Uni and thinks he wants to get into this insane business. Whilst of course I endeavoured to dissuade him — he would have none of it.
Given that we are to have a state funeral for Shane Warne, at the end of this month, I thought it might be interesting to have him (Aidan) described what Warne meant to him. I also was curious to find out if he believed that he deserved to state funeral.
State funerals take many different forms. In the main they are reserved for Former ministers – state and federal, scoundrels or statesmen – are generally entitled to a state funeral as a matter of course.
Conventions surrounding state funerals vary from state to state. As well as former ministers, beneficiaries routinely include former chief justices, governors and governors-general, parliamentary speakers, and leaders of political parties. Costs are met by taxpayers, with the send-off organised by public servants.
Premiers and prime ministers have the discretion to offer state funerals to other prominent and distinguished citizens.
How premiers and prime ministers decide who to offer them to is a bit of a mystery. But the range of recipients is becoming increasingly broad and influenced by media pressure and popular culture.
The family of crocodile hunter Steve Irwin was offered one, but declined, as did the family of Margaret Whitlam. Actor Charles ”Bud” Tingwell got one, so did footballers Ted Whitten and Maurice Rioli, boxer Lionel Rose, broadcaster Peter Evans and racing driver Peter Brock.
Australia’s first state funeral was in Melbourne in 1863 for the explorers Burke and Wills, who died trying to cross the continent. Their remains lay in state for two weeks and were viewed by more than 100,000 people, out of a city population of 120,000. At least 40,000 watched the funeral procession, where city notables jostled for places of honour.
Former soldiers have featured prominently. When Sir John Monash was given his state funeral in 1931, a crowd of up to 300,000, a third of the population, clogged Melbourne’s streets.
Politics can play a part, too. Prime minister John Howard, in 2006, spent $73,223.63 of taxpayers’ money on a send-off for media tycoon Kerry Packer, who had devoted his business life to paying as little tax as possible.
Margaret Gibson, who researches death and mourning at Queensland’s Griffith University, said these deaths create ”communities of mourning”, providing moments of unity in fragmented societies.
”The media has a huge role in generating what I call ‘public grief culture’,” Dr Gibson said. ”You can make the assumption that certain deaths are going to have an impact on the general population, but the degree of that impact can get exaggerated though media coverage, so people feel an obligation to respond. The media can generate public mourning, rather than just represent it.”
Once the public mourning passes, loved ones are left with their private grief, she said. ”When the cameras and all the bells and whistles are gone, grief retreats to the private sphere, which is what most families want, anyway, because they often find the public display of grief hard to negotiate, because it does become a kind of performance, a form of theatre.”
Given the profile and effect Warne had on the cricketing world as a whole, it would seem on the balance of probability that he is a good candidate for such an honour.
But, back to what Shane Warne meant to young Aidan. Bearing in mind that it was in 2007 Warne bowled his last ball for Australia and retired from International Test cricket, Aidan would have been about 9 years of age. I find it fascinating to see how he remembers the man.
What Shane Warne meant to me
After the unfortunate and shocking passing of Australia’s greatest cricket bowler, a moment of reflection has swept across the nation.
Shane Warne (52) suffered a heart attack whilst in Ko Samui, Thailand after taking some time off following the summer of cricket in Australia. At such a young age, it could be said that people following this tragic event may start to wonder what if it had been them, or a loved one.
Once coming to terms with what had occurred on March 4th, it only seemed fitting to recognise the true talent that was Shane Warne, the “King of Spin.” Warne achieved what no one had, being the first to take 700 test wickets and proved time and time again to be the man who’d rise to the occasion; His self-confidence and belief that he could get the job done instilled faith into his teammates, coaches, fans and the nation. He saw opportunities and he took them.
As a kid growing up and chucking the cricket on, I could only dream of being like ‘Warnie’, bowling ‘leggies’ and taking stumps out of the ground. He gave me a dream. He gave me something to strive for. He inspired me. And although history will say his legacy is one of cricket glory, some could argue that his true purpose was providing hope for all those who looked up to him.
I recall seeing Warne in Fiji. He was with his family and had been retired for a short period of time. He was swarmed by fans of all ages, kids running up to him, asking for his autograph and a photo, their dads doing the same. In what was meant to be a relaxing, family vacation somehow turned into a bombardment of people wanting their share of the “King.”
That’s how it is being such a public figure. The public believe they are owed something, that they have rights to you because you pull on the Australian jersey. And as unfortunate as a reality as it is, Warnie embraced it. He cherished it. He treasured and savoured every moment, putting others before himself and hoping that he could make someone else’s day. I guess that’s why I feel blessed my Ripcurl hat was signed by one of the G.O.A.Ts (Greatest of All Time).
Filled with highlights and treasured memories of his skill, its no wonder Warne was considered the best. Kids of all ages would spend hours of playing cricket in the backyard, trying to replicate the “ball of the century”, that showed the ball pitching well outside leg stump cut back and knocking the top of off stump, sending Mike Gatting back to the sheds.
As sports lovers, we tend too not understand greatness while watching it, but better yet wait until we realise that the feats, achievements, and records may never be caught again. I recall the commentary of the ‘ball of the century’ moment where Ian Healy and Alan Border couldn’t fully understand the enormity of that ball.
They were simply pleased that Warne got a wicket, and the Aussies were closer to victory. Upon reflection and watching the tape over and over again, they started to realise the skill, control and sheer brilliance Warne showcased in that moment, as well as 700 others.
It was moments like these that built a sense of euphoria, a moment where every kid felt like they could be like ‘Warnie’, that they can make the crowd’s jaws drop and live as an immortal in the great game of cricket. Where kids would almost miss their dinner, staying outside until it was well past dark and the ball could not be seen trying to perfect the ‘leggie’.
These are the types of things that resonate with me. These were the things that made Shane Warne more than just an Australian cricket player. His legacy as one of Australia’s best is now shared with hero, inspiration, and all-round good bloke.
Even after his retirement and joining the Fox-Cricket commentary team, cracking jokes and enjoying cricket at its purest form is something that sits with me and makes me smile.
And after all this tragedy and feelings of heartbreak and sadness, this is what he’ll be remembered by: Warne lived his live to the fullest. He showed love and affection to all those that looked up to him and always embraced those who respected him. He was the typical knock-about Aussie bloke with blond hair and liked to enjoy himself with his mates.
But we all knew he was more than that. He is known as the “King of Spin” for a reason and is probably the cause of so many people falling in love with the sport. He gave inspiration all across the globe and can be proud of what he’s achieved both on and off the field.
And it’s because of his sheer status and significance, to not only Australians and kids across the land but people all over the world, that Warne deserves a proper send-off.
And although state funerals are reserved for ministers and governors, Warne’s impact more than justifies this honour.
It will be fitting to see him celebrated and admired by all, as people from all walks of life having the opportunity to say their farewells.
It’s such a shame, but in his memory will live on. RIP “King”.
