Pictures reveal Brittany Higgins’ new fiancé covered the inside of Australia’s best-known lighthouse with rose petals and candles for his romantic proposal.
David Shiraz, 29, popped the question to the former Liberal Party staffer at the top of Byron Bay lighthouse at sunset on Saturday.
Ms Higgins, 28, arrived at the landmark accompanied by a close friend and wore a black cocktail dress and sandy-coloured heels as she climbed the flight of stairs dotted with pictures of the couple in happy times.
At the top, a waiting Mr Shiraz swept Ms Higgins off her feet with bouquet of red roses as he got down on one knee and presented her with a sparkling diamond ring.
Brittany Higgins and David Shiraz kissed to seal their engagement at the top of Byron Bay lighthouse on Saturday (pictured)
The former Canberra press gallery reporter covered the inside steps of the lighthouse with candles, rose petals and photos of the pair (pictured)
Ms Higgin’s accepted and the pair sealed their engagement with a passionate kiss as the former press gallery journalist now working at Southern Cross Austereo, got back to his feet.
The Byron Bay lighthouse is famous for being situated on Australia’s most easterly point – getting some of the the first rays of sunshine at dawn and spectacular afternoon sunsets.
Mr Shiraz dressed in a snappy cream blazer and jeans made his way down the steps with his bride-to-be, as they were congratulated by waiting friends and family.
The gang then travelled into Byron Bay where they popped the champagne and celebrated with a large group into the New Year.
The engagement signals a new beginning for Ms Higgins who just two weeks ago reached a confidential settlement with the Commonwealth over claims she was sexually assaulted at Parliament House by a colleague in 2019.
‘So lucky to be spending a lifetime with you,’ she wrote alongside a picture of the proposal on Instagram.
Mr Shiraz snapped a photo of Ms Higgins arriving as he waited at the top of the lighthouse (pictured)
David Sharaz got down on one knee to ask the former Liberal Party staffer, 28, to be his wife in a romantic moment at sunset on Saturday
Lawyer Noor Blumer, acting for Ms Higgins, issued a brief statement at the time.
‘At a mediation held today, the Commonwealth and Ms Higgins settled her claims,’ Ms Blumer said.
‘At the request of Ms Higgins, the parties have agreed that the terms of the settlement are confidential,’ he said.
Earlier in December, Ms Higgins’ civil action named three respondents: Senators Linda Reynolds and Michaelia Cash as well as the Commonwealth. Senator Reynolds is since believed to have been removed from the claim.
The documents set out Ms Higgins’ intention to sue for sexual harassment, sex discrimination, disability discrimination, negligence, and victimisation stemming from her claims she was raped by another staffer inside Parliament House and the subsequent fallout.
Friends of the lovestruck couple were spotted congratulating the besotted pair, laughing and hugging them and taking photos
Ms Higgins was seen clutching a bouquet of red roses wearing her dazzling engagement ring
At the time, the claim was expected to be worth about $3 million, including $2.5 million for future economic loss, past economic loss approaching $100,000 and general damages of $100,000.
Earlier this year Ms Higgins said Mr Sharaz had been her ‘rock’ and ‘best friend’ during the tumultuous time.
On Sunday, a stream of high-profile Australians congratulated her on the engagement.
‘I’m here for all of this! Greatest news,’ former Olympic swimmer Leisel Jones wrote.
‘Beautiful start to 2023! Wishing you both nothing but love and happiness,’ Winter Olympian turned politician Zali Steggal wrote.
‘Nothing but love & happiness for you both,’ added The Block judge Shaynna Blaze.
Miss Higgins wore a black round neckline dress for the occasion, with elegant simple sandy-coloured heels and a matching clutch (pictured)
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