The Victorian Actors’ Benevolent Trust pays tribute to an Australian legend of stage and screen, with the sad passing of Bert Newton.
As a founding member of the VABT, Bert’s achievements reach far beyond his accomplishments on stage and screen. Some 63-years on, the VABT are proud to continue his legacy through the very charity he helped establish.
President of the VABT volunteer Committee of Management, Sally-Anne Upton, reflects:
“A Trailblazer in our industry has exited stage left. Bert was an incredibly talented, gorgeous soul of a man we all loved, respected and adored.
His encouragement, generosity of spirit and dedication to our community was boundless……and his memory! Our very own “Orca Whale”! But more than just our record keeper, he was always genuinely interested in everyone he encountered, and never forgot the subtle details.
Bert, how do we begin to thank you for taking the VABT from crayons to perfume? All of us within this wonderful industry, and across Australia, owe a great deal to you, and you will be enormously missed. But your legacy will live on in all of us for generations to come.”
The VABT extends its deepest condolences to Patti, Lauren, Matthew, family and friends on their tremendous loss.
Vale Bert Newton, AM, MBE
