CHAMPAGNE flutes are in demand at Crown tonight for two VIP soirees. Shane Warne and fiancee Elizabeth Hurley have invited friends to celebrate their union at the former cricketer's new venue, Club 23. Hurley, who arrived in Melbourne with son Damian, has upped Brighton's cheekbone quota as the glamorous new resident. Warnie declared his love with a sapphire and diamond rock, and released this snap of the couple on Twitter. Earlier in the night, the casino's chairman, James Packer, holds court at a dinner for 1000 guests in the Palladium to celebrate the reopening of the Mahogany Room, the gaming area where high rollers drop a bundle. The expensive invitation, a gold-coloured hard-cover booklet, has a message from Packer: "The opening of the new Mahogany Room will set a standard in VIP experiences that will remain the benchmark for years to come." Warnie's partner in Club 23, poker ace Joe Hachem, will attend the dinner with wife Jeanie, then join the future bride and groom for a celebratory drink. Mahogany Room guests who accepted Packer's personal invitation will be entertained by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and singers Marina Prior and David Campbell. There will be more corks popped on Saturday night when Packer's wife, Erica, hosts her annual Derby day after-party.
Maguire is a valued fellow
CELEBRITY South Melbourne priest Father Bob Maguire held talks with Archbishop Denis Hart yesterday about the February deadline for his retirement. "We'll keep talking," Maguire said yesterday. Tonight, Maguire's priestly attire will be covered with a Monash University robe and mortarboard when he accepts an honorary fellowship for his services to the community at a function at the NGV. Maguire, who finds humour where others don't, has been touched by the support from parishioners and others, but fears there could be a drawback to all the adulation. "I may not fit into the cap the head may have swollen. But after meeting with the archbishop, it may have shrunk a bit."
Hostess with the most legal brain
RACEGOERS armed with a coveted Birdcage pass encounter the marquee doorperson, the gatekeeper of the alluring interior. While many of the clipboard-holders work in PR, Lexus has someone who knows the law of the land. Jacqui Morris, an insurance lawyer at Minter Ellison, has been a hostess for nine years and will greet guests on Derby and Cup days. "It's a lovely way to spend the races," Morris said. "It's a great opportunity to network." Morris is the partner of Australian cricketer Cameron White and began door duties while studying arts/law at the University of Melbourne. Another sporty bloke in her life is brother Steven Morris, who has been recruited by the Richmond Football Club. At the marquee, the most common question for Morris is, "Who's inside?" meaning the celebrities. She's extremely popular when it rains, soaked folk asking: "Can I have an umbrella?"
Taste of Caviar at racing lunch
MARK Scaife is not the V8 Supercar driver but wishes he had a dollar for each time someone mentioned racing. Scaife, a marketing guru, is interested in the speed of horses as organiser of tomorrow's Late Mail Luncheon at the Sofitel, the term "late mail" referring to betting tips. An event ambassador is the former mistress of the late Richard Pratt, Shari-Lea Hitchcock, who is described in a spiel as "a quiet and generous supporter" of the lunch for nearly six years. Scaife said the Sydney blonde helps promote the lunch's charity, Focus, and will sell raffle tickets on the day. Sitting on the trainers' panel is Peter Moody, master of Black Caviar, the mare renowned for 15 straight wins and having a Twitter account run by a mysterious someone. Ms Caviar, a celebrity in her own right, banters with high-profile followers, actor Daniel MacPherson, Channel Nine's Giaan Rooney, Dannii Minogue and her partner Kris Smith, who wishes he owned the horse.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What was happening at Crown's new Club 23 and who hosted the VIP soirees?
Club 23 at Crown hosted VIP soirees where champagne was flowing as Shane Warne and his fiancée Elizabeth Hurley celebrated their union. Warne is a partner in the new venue and shared a photo of the couple on Twitter during the festivities.
Who led the reopening celebrations for Crown's Mahogany Room and what did guests experience?
Crown's chairman James Packer held a dinner for about 1,000 guests to celebrate the reopening of the Mahogany Room, the casino's high‑roller gaming area. Guests invited by Packer were entertained by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and singers Marina Prior and David Campbell.
Who is Joe Hachem and what role did he play in the Crown events?
Joe Hachem, the poker ace, is a partner in Club 23 alongside Shane Warne. He attended the Packer dinner with his wife Jeanie and joined Warne and Elizabeth Hurley for celebratory drinks at the venue.
What is known about the Derby day after‑party at Crown and who hosted it?
James Packer's wife, Erica Packer, hosted her annual Derby day after‑party at Crown. The article notes there were more celebrations and champagne popped again at that event.
Who is Father Bob Maguire and what honour was he accepting at the NGV?
Father Bob Maguire is a well‑known South Melbourne priest who discussed his retirement with Archbishop Denis Hart and was set to accept an honorary fellowship from Monash University for his community service at a function at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
What is a Birdcage pass at the races and who is Jacqui Morris?
A Birdcage pass grants access to the marquee—an exclusive race‑day interior—and Jacqui Morris, an insurance lawyer at Minter Ellison, has been a hostess there for nine years. She says the role is a great networking opportunity and often involves greeting guests and managing access to celebrity areas.
What is the Late Mail Luncheon and who organises it?
The Late Mail Luncheon is a racing‑related event organised by marketing guru Mark Scaife, held at the Sofitel. The term “late mail” relates to betting tips, and the luncheon supports charity Focus, with event ambassador Shari‑Lea Hitchcock helping to promote the cause and sell raffle tickets.
Who is Black Caviar and what makes the mare famous in the article?
Black Caviar is the champion mare trained by Peter Moody, celebrated for 15 straight wins. The horse is also a social media celebrity with a Twitter account run by an anonymous person, interacting with high‑profile followers including actors and media personalities.
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