Mourners have begun arriving for the state memorial service of John Cain, Victoria’s longest-serving Labor premier.
Labor luminaries – past and present, state and federal MPs as well as Melbourne identities have arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral on Monday to honour the state’s 41st premier, who died on December 23 after suffering a stroke. He was 88.
All of Victoria’s living premiers are expected to attend, including Mr Cain’s former foe Jeff Kennett, as well as federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese.
An Anglican service led by Archbishop Phillip Freier will feature tributes from Premier Daniel Andrews, former minister in the Hawke-Keating government Michael Duffy, and Executive Director of the Victorian Women’s Trust Mary Crooks.
Mr Cain’s three children, State Coroner Judge John Cain, James Cain and Joanne Crothers are also expected to speak.
After helping reform the party from within, Mr Cain led Labor to its famous 1982 victory.
He became the first Labor premier in Victoria since his father, John Cain Senior, was in office in the 1950s.
Labor luminaries have arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne for the state memorial service of former premier John Cain. Photo: AAP
It was earlier announced on Monday that Melbourne Arena would become John Cain Arena.
Mr Cain is credited with moving the Australian Open from Kooyong to the Melbourne Park precinct, then known as the National Tennis Centre, ensuring the Grand Slam tournament remained in the state.
“John Cain made an enormous contribution to Victorian life and it’s particularly appropriate that we honour his legacy at Melbourne Park,” Mr Andrews said in a statement.
“People will see his name and know the story of a man who made our state a better place.”
-AAP
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