Australia’s political elites join the ultra-wealthy to watch Katy Perry perform at VIP party hosted by billionaire businessman at his $100 million estate
Anthony Albanese was among a string of political elites invited to an Australian billionaire’s VIP party, which included a private appearance by Katy Perry.
The 220 guests had to run the gauntlet of protesters outside Anthony Pratt’s mansion to get in for the VIP event in Melbourne on Saturday evening.
In addition to the Prime Minister, attendees included Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and her predecessor Dan Andrews, Federal Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen and US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy.
There was a heavy security presence – both state police and private security guards – around Raheen’s estate, along with traffic restrictions to allow drop-offs.
The Grade II listed mansion is located in Kew and is believed to be worth at least $100 million.
The event was held in honor of the food and beverage industry, a customer of Mr. Pratt’s Visy packaging company.
As guests filed in, pro-Palestinian protesters called for the release of jailed Australian Julian Assange and a ceasefire in Gaza.
After being spotted at Taylor Swift’s show in Sydney on Friday night in the company of her friend Rita Ora, Katy Perry played a private concert in Melbourne on Saturday. A guest is shown arriving
The show was attended by 220 people, including political elites such as Anthony Albanese. The photo shows two guests arriving
There was a heavy security presence – both state police and private guards – around the Raheen estate, due to protesters like the one in the photo, calling for the release of Julian Assange
There were also traffic restrictions in place to allow for drop-offs like the one in the photo
With only 220 guests invited to the exclusive party, it was crucial to get your name checked off (pictured).
Everyone present was dressed in their best, including these arrivals
Given the warm weather, open-toed shoes, like the ones this woman is wearing, were popular
There was a banner that read “Honk for Assange” – which some passing cars did – and the chants included “Don’t be a Pratt, free Julian Assange” and “Welcome to Prattville, where’s Julian?”
Around 7:30 p.m., about twenty Free Palestine protesters began singing and banging on pots and a drum, but this was unlikely to have been heard inside where the party was in full swing led by the master of ceremonies, comedian Vince Sorrenti.
In addition to the big name politicians, guests from the business world included ANZ head Shayne Elliott, Allan Myers, Michael Chaney, Jack Cowin, Sir Rod Eddington, Ashok Jacob and Roger Corbett.
Perry, who reportedly earned $1.5 million for the one-night private concert, took the stage at 9:22 p.m. and started her set with a cover of “What A Wonderful World.”
“It certainly is, isn’t it,” Perry said after playing the Louis Armstrong classic.
‘Guys, I came all the way from London and I’m so happy to be here. Thank you for having me,” she said.
In videos posted to social media, the American star performed many of her own hits during the hour-long show, including ‘Smile’, ‘Roar’ and ‘Firework’, to the delight of the VIP audience.
Anthony Pratt owns the Grade II listed mansion which is located in Kew and is believed to be worth at least $100 million
Katy Perry (pictured) reportedly earned $1.5 million for the one-night private concert
In addition to the major politicians, guests from the business world included ANZ head Shayne Elliott, Allan Myers, Michael Chaney, Jack Cowin, Sir Rod Eddington, Ashok Jacob and Roger Corbett. The photo shows a woman arriving
As a few people arrived together (pictured), a line formed to have their names confirmed on the guest list
Some guests, like those pictured, were deep in conversation as they arrived for the show
Perry took the stage at 9:22 PM and started the set with a cover of What A Wonderful World. A guest is pictured
Lots of high heels and expensive-looking handbags (pictured) were on display at the event
In videos posted to social media, the American star also performed many of her own hits during the hour-long show, including Smile, Roar and Firework, to the delight of the VIP audience. A guest is shown arriving
Melbourne artist DJ Femme was also on the bill at the $20 million mansion and said it was an incredible, amazing and stunning event.” The woman pictured looks very happy to be attending the show
The oldest guests, such as Anthony Albanese, entered the property through a second gate, about 100 yards from the main driveway and away from the protesters. A guest is depicted at the main entrance
Melbourne artist DJ Femme was also on the bill at the $20 million mansion and said it was an incredible, amazing and stunning event.”
“So grateful for moments like this in life,” she added of the show that took three weeks to complete, including the construction of a huge marquee, stage and kitchen to feed guests.
A number of Katy Perry also gathered on the footpath outside the mansion, hoping to catch a glimpse of their hero, but were happy enough just to hear the free show.
The oldest guests, like Mr. Albanese, entered the property through a second gate, about 100 yards from the main driveway and away from the protesters.
The pro-Palestinian demonstrators remained outside the Pratt mansion late into the night
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators demanded a ceasefire in Gaza on Saturday evening
A guest was seen as pro-Palestinian demonstrators demonstrated outside
A group of guests leave the mansion as a heavy police presence is noticed at the main entrance
There was a heavy police presence outside the Raheen estate as pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the event