New Public Holiday Feb 17th : Melbourne Indymedia

A WHO'S who of business, sport and entertainment is
expected to jet into Sydney next month for a state
memorial service to honour the life of Kerry Packer.

The Packer family, now headed by 38-year-old James
Packer, accepted Prime Minister John Howard's offer
last week. It is understood that the service will be
held on February 17.

Mr Howard will lead politicians of all persuasions in
mourning.

Television personalities Ray Martin, Eddie McGuire and
Kerri-Anne Kennerley will be joined by former Women's
Weekly editors Ita Buttrose and Nene King. Also in
attendance will be former Nine Network chief David
Gyngell and his wife Leila McKinnon, the network's
acting chief Sam Chisholm and PBL chief executive John
Alexander.

Among the close friends packing pews will be former
Crown Casino chairman Lloyd Williams, golfer Jack
Nicklaus, broadcaster Alan Jones and cardiologist Ian
Bailey.

Cricket Australia chairman Creagh O'Connor is expected
to join ARL chairman Ken Arthurson, as well as
Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting, and team
members.

Australia's second richest man, Frank Lowy, media
buyer Harold Mitchell - who both enjoyed long-standing
friendships with Mr Packer, as well as former News Ltd
boss Lachlan Murdoch, and members of the PBL
management team including investor Robert Whyte and
former Ascham headmistress Rowena Danziger are
expected.

Speculation is rife as to whether former model Jodhi
Meares - the ex-wife of James Packer who shared a
close relationship with her father-in-law - will attend.