I work from home most of the time now … the joys of laptop and mobile phone, and working with people in different time zones (for example, I have lots of conference calls late at night, early morning US, sometime in the afternoon in Europe). But one of the advantages is the flexibility I get in my working hours, so today I got to watch the memorial service for Steve Irwin.



I was never a great fan of the Crocodile Hunter, although I’d see it occasionally when my kids watch it. Frankly, I found Irwin’s style over the top and thought he was a bit of a clown. Nevertheless, he was clearly a very decent man, and touched a large number of people in Australia, and around the world, going from the emotional outpourings following his death. That he and his family were down to earth and not overly affected by their fame is evident from the generally restrained, private and dignified way they’ve handled his death and the funeral and memorial arrangements. Today’s service was pretty good, a mix of sadness over his death but plenty to celebrate his life. I knew we’d see John Howard and Kim Beazley there, and I suppose thats inevitable but I have to wonder why they were (is it because they genuinely knew the man, or just that they hope some of his popularity rubs off on them?). (I suppose they can’t win …they’re going to cop it for being there, or for missing it.)

Isn’t Bindi Irwin a confident little girl? She wasn’t fazed by getting up in front of the crowd and saying her words about her dad. (I wasn’t surprised, I’ve seen her in action previously at Australia Zoo.) I preferred the speeches by his friends, like John Stainton and Wes Mannion, as opposed to the celebrity tributes. Didn’t much go for his taste in music though!



It’ll be interesting to see how Australia Zoo goes in future, without Steve’s direct input and of course his skills as a publicist for his projects. Its a good zoo, but Irwin’s fame made it stand out from the pack.



Also interesting is the reaction in Australia to Irwin’s death compared to Peter Brock’s. Irwin was a much bigger character, and had a broader appeal and impact than Brock. Of course. Irwin’s fame was worldwide and current whereas Brock’s was Australian only and he really was a man of the 70’s and 80’s. Sad losses both, but I don’t really get the public grieving thats been going on, by people who knew these guys only from TV rather than personally. Seems a bit over the top to me, just like people queuing overnight to get tickets to the service today.



Anyway, commiserations to the Irwin and Brock families on their tragic losses.







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