Held at the Mittagong Playhouse Theatre, the celebration of Kennedy's life was an invitation-only event for 200 of The King's friends, former colleagues and associates. Hosted by Stuart Wagstaff, the complete hour-long service was broadcast live on Seven, Nine and Sky News networks. Host broadcaster the Seven Network generously organised for a large screen to be erected outside the venue to enable locals paying their respects the opportunity to watch the celebration.

Friends and performers taking to the stage included singer John Paul Young, actress-comedian Noeline Brown, journalist John Mangos, writer-actor Graeme Blundell, scriptwriter Mike McColl Jones, singer Toni Lamond and playwright David Williamson. There were pre-taped messages from Bert Newton and actor Jack Thompson. Kennedy's coffin was carried out of the venue by members of the St Kilda Football Club, the Australian Rules Football team he had supported since childhood, to the tune of Kennedy's signature number 'For All We Know'.

Notes by Simon Smith