A who’s who of showbusiness, business and politics attended Australia’s most exclusive charity event, the Gold Dinner 2021, at Sydney Airport on Thursday night.
The most high-profile arrivals skipped the red carpet, which was held at the departures terminal, with the likes of Chris and Liam Hemsworth being whisked privately to the venue in the middle of the airfield.
Thor star Chris, 37, was accompanied by his wife, Spanish actress Elsa Pataky, while his younger brother was joined by his girlfriend, model Gabrielle Brooks.
Hollywood A-list: A who’s who of showbusiness, business and politics attended Australia’s most exclusive charity event, the Gold Dinner 2021, at Sydney Airport on Thursday night. Pictured (left to right): Lucciana Barroso, Lauren Phillips, Elsa Pataky, Chris Hemsworth, Gabriella Brooks and Liam Hemsworth
Other guests included Lucciana Barroso – the wife of actor Matt Damon, who was not present despite currently being in Australia – and Nine presenter Lauren Phillips.
They rubbed shoulders with the likes of actress Rose Byrne as well as host of local stars, including radio personalities Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli and Hamish Blake, who was joined by his businesswoman wife, Zoë.
The event was emceed by Today show anchor Karl Stefanovic and saw the worlds of entertainment, government and business collide to raise funds for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation,
Some of the country’s most influential people attended the gala, which was first held in 1997 and has raised more than $30million in the years since.
Stars of the show: The most high-profile arrivals – including Chris and Elsa – skipped the red carpet, which was held at the departures terminal, and were whisked privately to the venue in the middle of the airfield
Date night: Liam, known for his role in The Hunger Games trilogy, was joined by his girlfriend, model Gabrielle Brooks
Show-stopper: Gabrielle, 24, oozed sophistication in a backless black dress
All that glitters: Other guests included Lucciana Barroso (left) – the wife of actor Matt Damon, who was not present despite currently being in Australia – and actress Rose Byrne (centre). Right: Elsa Pataky
The Gold Dinner was an extravagant affair, with guests experiencing a decadent Italian menu courtesy of Crown Sydney’s a’Mare restaurant and visionary head chef Alessandro Pavoni.
The menu included local burrata, veal tenderloin with tuna mayonnaise baby capers and pine nuts, crudo of tuna, kingfish and salmon with a citrus dressing, risotto parmigiana – with 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano, wagyu beef check and braised chiati – with dessert of a classic tiramisu.
All food was complemented with Bollinger champagne, Four Pillars Gin and wines from Australia’s finest vineyards.
All leftover food was donated to OzHarvest trucks waiting outside the event to be shared with people in need.
Local stars: The Hemsworths rubbed shoulders with the likes of Hamish and Zoë Foster Blake
From start to finish the room was ignited with an array of electrifying musical performances, from the opening act of Ilan Kidron and Reigan welcoming guests in front of a vintage aeroplane to an old school crooner vibe.
This was followed by indie success story Ben Lee, who is back on home soil after spending many years in Los Angeles.
An inspiring performance by 18-year-old indigenous artist Budjerah Slabb, who is fast becoming the next rising star of the Australian music industry, was followed by the Masked Wolf who performed his global hit Astronaut in the Ocean.
Legendary dance music group Sneaky Sound System saw guests through to the end of the evening.