Anthony Albanese was among an array of political elites invited to an n billionaire’s VIP party that included a private performance by Katy Perry.
The 220 guests had to run the gauntlet of protestors outside Anthony Pratt’s mansion to get inside for the VIP event in Melbourne on Saturday night.
As well as 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 guards – around the Raheen estate, along with traffic restrictions to allow drop offs.
The heritage listed mansion is located in Kew and believed to be worth at least $100million.
The event was held in celebration of the food and beverage industry – a client of Mr Pratt’s packaging company Visy.
As the guests made their way in, pro-Palestine protestors called for jailed n Julian Assange to be freed and a ceasefire in Gaza.
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After being seen at Taylor Swift ‘s Sydney show on Friday night in the company of her friend Rita Ora, Katy Perry played a private concert on Saturday in Melbourne. A guest is pictured arriving
The show was attended by 220 people, including political elites such as Anthony Albanese. Two guests are pictured arriving
There was a heavy security presence – both state police and private guards – around the Raheen estate, due to protestors such as those pictured, calling for Julian Assange to be freed
There were also traffic restrictions to allow drop offs such as as the one pictured
With only 220 guests invited to the exclusive party, getting your name ticked off (pictured) was vital
Everybody attending got dressed up in their best clothes, including these arrivals
Given the warm weather, open toed shoes, such as the ones this woman is wearing, were popular
There was a banner reading ‘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 is Julian?’
At around 7.30pm about 20 Free Palestine protesters started chanting and banging on pots and a drum, but it was unlikely to have been heard inside where the party was in full swing under the master of ceremonies, comedian Vince Sorrenti.
As well as 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 $1.5million for the one night only private concert, came onstage at 9.22pm and started her set with a cover of ‘What A Wonderful World’.
‘It sure is, isn’t it,’ Perry said after playing the Louis Armstrong classic.
‘Guys, I came all the way from London and I am so happy to be here. Thank you for having me,’ she said.
In videos posted on social media, the US star sang many of her own hits in the hour-long show, including ‘Smile’, ‘Roar’ and ‘Firework’, to the delight of the VIP audience.
Anthony Pratt owns the heritage listed mansion that is located in Kew and believed to be worth at least $100million
Katy Perry (pictured) reportedly earned $1.5million for the one night only private concert
As well as 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. A woman is pictured arriving
When a few people arrived together (pictured) a queue built up to have their names confirmed on the guest list
Some guests, such as those pictured, were deep in conversation as they arrived for the show
Perry came onstage at 9.22pm and started set with a cover of What A Wonderful World. A guest is pictured
Many high heels and expensive looking handbags (pictured) were seen at the event
In videos posted on social media the US star sang her many of her own hits too in the hour show show, including Smile, Roar and Firework, to the delight of the VIP audience. A guest is pictured arriving
Melbourne performer DJ Femme was also on the bill in the $20million mansion and said it was an incredible, amazing and stunning event’. The woman pictured looks very happy to be attending the show
The most senior guests, such as Anthony Albanese, entered the property at a second gate about 100m from the main driveway and away from the protesters. A guest is pictured at the main entrance
Melbourne performer DJ Femme was also on the bill in the $20million mansion and said it was an incredible, amazing and stunning event’.
‘So grateful for moments like these in life,’ she added about the show that took three weeks to prepare, including the erection of a huge marquee, a stage and a kitchen to feed the guests.
Some Katy Perry also gathered on the footpath outside the mansion, hoping to catch a glimpse of their hero, but happy enough just to hear the free show.
The most senior guests, such as Mr Albanese, entered the property at a second gate about 100m from the main driveway and away from the protesters.
The pro-Palestine protestors remained outside Mr Pratt’s mansion well into the night
Pro-Palestine protestors demanded a ceasefire in Gaza on Saturday night
A guest was spotted leaving as pro-Palestine protestors demonstrated outside
A group of guests leave the mansion with a heavy police presence spotted at the front entrance
Police maintained a heavy presence outside the Raheen estate as pro-Palestine protestors gatecrashed the event
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Anthony Albanese is pictured at Taylor Swift’s Friday show in Sydney, along with his son Nathan and fiancee Jodie Haydon