Justin Hemmes parties into another dimension with Merivale staff

With 26 DJs, a rumoured $1 million budget and a space theme, billionaire pub baron Justin Hemmes’ annual staff party had them raving | SEE THE PICTURES

Justin Hemmes and his girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel at the Merivale staff party at The Ivy. Picture: Supplied

Hospitality baron Justin Hemmes shut 90 per cent of his Merivale venues to throw his staff a party on Monday evening.

The annual Merivale staff party has become an extravaganza, with the event rumoured to have cost in excess of $1m.

This year’s theme was Moonage Daydream, inspired by the Oscar-nominated David Bowie documentary, and took place across two buildings in the ivy precinct in Sydney’s CBD.

“The stars have aligned and Ivyland is in orbit, so prepare to get groovy as we beam you into another dimension,” the invite read, stating the venue to be the “happiest place in the galaxy”.

Hemmes, dressed in a silver shirt and wearing Prada glasses, brought in 26 DJs to play across the numerous party spaces.

Hemmes behind the decks as staff pack the dance floor. Picture: Supplied

More than 5000 staff were invited to the massive party. Picture: Supplied

He was joined by partner Madeline Holtznagel, clad in a sequined silver jumpsuit, with a Prada handbag slung across her body.

The pair slipped easily into party mode, back in Sydney after attending the Australian Open men’s singles final on Sunday night.

There was no shortage of entertainment and drinks flowed freely during the wild night. Picture: Supplied

There was no expense spared on the DJs – all 26 of them. Picture: Supplied

As the night raged on, he thanked staff in a short speech for the best year of his life.

More than 3000kg of mirror strips installed across the venue and more than 300 hours were spent planning the event.

Hemmes was in the thick of it, taking to the stage as staffers jammed the dance floor below.

Ivy became “ivyland” for the night as Hemmes treated his staff at their annual party. Picture: Supplied

More than 5000 staff were invited to the event, with CBD pub The Grand, The Allawah and Mascot’s The Tennyson among the only venues to be kept open.

It’s understood those staff would receive a gift voucher in addition to their pay for missing out on the party.

It’s the second year in a row that Merivale has thrown it’s staff party, after a two-year hiatus because of Covid.