The Source: The steep price to see a hologram PM and a failed presidential candidate
A virtual Julia Gillard will take the stage in Melbourne for those willing to shell out an eye-watering sum. Meanwhile, Josh Frydenberg has traded the political bear pit for the ball pit.
Victoria
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How much would you pay to watch a livestream of a failed presidential candidate and a hologram of a former prime minister talk about the “pursuit of progress”?
Some might argue it would be priceless.
But the cheapest ticket to September’s Women Unlimited Leadership Summit in Melbourne will set you back at least $2999 and up to $3699 plus GST.
The two-day event, spruiked as the nation’s biggest women in leadership summit, says it has brought together “global powerhouses” former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Australia’s first female prime minister Julia Gillard and “some of the most inspiring minds in leadership, to share their experience in the pursuit of progress”.
But attendees in Melbourne have drawn the short straw.
Clinton will only appear in person at the Sydney and Canberra events, delivering her keynote via livestream in the other capital cities.
Gillard will appear via hologram at every event, with even ABC journalist Leigh Sales only appearing in person in Canberra.
But rest assured, the female executives at several Victorian agencies and government bodies, state and local government representatives, as well as academics, will be attending in person.
The event is billed as an opportunity to “grow your network” with peers from across the public sector, “accelerate your leadership journey” and gain valuable insight into critical topics affecting women.
The Source can think of better ways to splurge $3000.
Frydenberg dives into the deep end
While Victorian Liberals are reigniting their dream of a Josh Frydenberg-led rescue for the embattled party, the former Treasurer is making the most of life outside the political bear pit.
On Saturday night, he was spotted swimming in the ball pit at PlayZone, the popular entertainment centre for grown-ups in South Yarra.
He and other blue bloods were enjoying the hospitality at the premier playground for grown-ups, which is soon to open its newest venue on the Gold Coast with investor Dane Swan and ambassador Brendan Fevola.
The Source hears Frydenberg was out on the town for a family member’s milestone birthday celebration.
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