A who’s who of Australian showbiz, politics, and business have gathered to mark a major milestone for a newspaper.
The Australian held its 60th birthday bash at The Australian Museum near Sydney’s Hyde Park on Thursday night.
The star-studded gala dinner was hosted by NewsCorp chairman Lachlan Murdoch, however his father and founder of the company Rupert Murdoch was a noticeable no-show.
The media mogul recently cancelled his plans to attend the event and it is understood the reason is not health-related, having recently wed his fifth wife.
Reports have emerged that he’s locked in a legal battle with his three of children over his plans to hand over his global empire to eldest son Lachlan.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was a keynote speaker and led a host of invited past and present politicians from both sides of parliament
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was joined by his wife Kirilly, who dazzled in a sparkly green dress.
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jacinta Price stole the show by wearing a vibrant pink dress as she arrived with her husband Colin Lillie, smiling broadly for the cameras before they entered the packed venue to mingle with the other guests.
Sky News presenter Peta Credlin (pictured) stunned in a sleeveless black gown
Hospitality millionaire Justin Hemmes (pictured right) and his model girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel (pictured left) also turned heads
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured leaving) led a host of invited politicians from both sides of parliament
Former Coalition prime ministers John Howard and Tony Abbott were also in attendance, as were deputy PM Richard Marles, federal finance minister Simon Birmingham and former NSW Premier Bob Carr.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and newly appointed Governor General Sam Mostyn were also spotted.
Mr Albanese spoke at the event, where he urged Australians to be optimistic about their future.
‘We have achieved so much and, with the confidence that is underwritten by our past, we can look together to the future with optimism,’ he said.
‘A future that can be every bit as extraordinary as our great country Australia.’
Others on the guest list were hospitality billionaire Justin Hemmes and his model girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel.
The Merivale boss, who is worth around $1.39billion, wore a white shirt and black pants with a matching suit jacket.
Ms Holtznagel wore a black dress with a pair of matching heels as the loved-up couple walked together arm-in-arm.
Sky News presenter Peta Credlin turned up in a stunning black sleeveless gown accessorised with a matching evening clutch bag.
Celebrity chef Neil Perry was among the first arrivals, dressed in a business shirt and a pair of jeans with white sneakers.
The high-profile restaurateur, author and TV host completed the casual look by wearing a black trench coat.
Celebrity chef Neil Perry (pictured) was among the first guests to arrive
Liberal Party federal vice-president and fellow Sky News contributor Teena McQueen (pictured) also attended the event, where she showed her allegiances for Donald Trump
Media mogul Ryan Stokes (pictured right) and his wife Claire (pictured left) looked slick in their black and white formal attire
Media mogul Ryan Stokes and his wife Claire also enjoyed the celebrations, with the son of media tycoon Kerry Stokes opting for a tuxedo.
Ms Stokes looked elegant in her attire, while she carried a small black handbag to complete her look.
Outspoken Liberal Party federal vice-president and fellow Sky News contributor Teena McQueen arrived wearing a black dress.
The 63-year-old accessorised the simple look with several silver bangles and a red clutch bag with the words ‘Trump’ imprinted on the sides in honour of the former US President vying for his second stint at the role.
High-profile business leaders also also appeared at the exclusive event, including billionaire mining magnate Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest from Fortescue Metals Group.
Other businessmen in attendance included Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar, Premier Investments chairman Solomon Lew and Commonwealth Bank chief executive Matt Comyn.
Olivia Wirth, the executive chair of Myer also made the guest list, as did billionaire Chemist Warehouse mogul Sam Gance, who brought along his partner, Real Housewives of Melbourne star Janet Roach as his date
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys led the line-up of sports figures, which also included former AFL boss turned Tabcorp CEO Gillon McLachlan and his AFL successor Andrew Dillon.
The night also featured special musical performances from Aussie artists Missy Higgins and Budjerah.
Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton (pictured left) was joined by his wife Kirilly (pictured right) who dazzled in a sparkly green dress
Former prime minister John Howard (pictured left) attended with wife Jeanette ( right)
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jacinta Price (pictured left) was pretty in pink as she arrived with her husband Colin Lillie (pictured right)
Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar (pictured left) with his wife Kim Jackson (pictured right)
Chairman of Premier Investments chairman Solomon Lew (pictured left) was there with his partner Roza (pictured right)
Billionaire mining magnate Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest flew to Sydney for the event (pictured)
Billionaire Chemist Warehouse mogul Sam Gance (pictured left) and partner Janet Roach, star of Real Housewives of Melbourne (pictured right)
Winemaking and yacht-racing heiress Nicky Oatley (pictured right) attended with her husband Johnathan Pearce (pictured left)
Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission Peter V’landys (pictured)
Former AFL boss turned Tabcorp CEO Gillon McLachlan (pictured)
Other notable attendees included 2024 Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer and Federal Court Justice Michael Lee, who recently presided over the defamation case between Bruce Lehrmann and Network Ten.
Lachlan Murdoch made a rare public appearance on Thursday night.
During his address, he warned the business is facing threats from the rapid growth of technology, reported The Australian.
He also praised his father for creating a newspaper that declared its guide was ‘faith in Australia and the country’s future’ and to ‘speak fearlessly’.
‘My father’s ambition for The Australian has never been a secret. In fact, he published it on the front page that first day,’ he said
It was fundamentally about optimism and ambition for our country. It would contain ‘impartial information’ and ‘independent thinking’.
Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer (pictured left) was among some of the other notable guests, who gathered for the celebrations
Federal Court Justice Michael Lee (pictured) also made the guest list
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