Ros Packer’s party invitation stirs talk of love match

ROS Packer’s recent 80th birthday party at Woollahra’s Chiswick restaurant will be hard to beat on this year’s social calendar — not just for exclusivity and its high profile “Old Sydney” guest list but also for romantic intrigue.

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ROS Packer’s recent 80th birthday party at Woollahra’s Chiswick restaurant will be hard to beat on this year’s social calendar — not just for exclusivity and its high profile “Old Sydney” guest list but also for romantic intrigue.

The invitations, elegant and expensive, hinted at a new alliance.

“The Packer family and Philip Bacon invite …” they announced augustly, providing details of the party which was held on October 31 at one of Sydney’s most fashionable restaurants for almost 200 guests.

“The Packer family” made perfect sense on the invitation, even if those who love Ros Packer best may have privately wished they’d said “James and Gretel invite…”, a sign Ros’s only son James was truly back in the fold and making inroads with his recovery.

But why was “Philip Bacon” on the invitation and apparently co-hosting the party?

Still others had a more pressing question — WHO was Philip Bacon?

Ros Packer at her 80th birthday celebration at Chiswick, Wollahra. Picture: Dylan Robinson

After Gretel Packer raised a glass to her mother and addressed “Philip” affectionately in her toast, some guests nudged each other and gave voice to a long held secret hope: Had their friend, a widow of almost 13 years, found love again? At 80?

And was it with the distinguished and affable gentleman seated at her table?

As far as most are aware, Mrs Packer has had no suitors in the years since the death of her husband, businessman Kerry Packer, in 2005. But how could that be? She is a rich and attractive woman.

As the champagne and wine flowed, some took note of the easy manner between the Packer family matriarch and the unassuming Bacon.

Others Googled him discreetly under the table.

Philip Bacon: Philip Bacon Galleries, Brisbane: Art dealer, collector and patron: “In terms of longevity and quality, Phil Bacon Galleries is not only downtown’s most prestigious private gallery, but regarded nationally and internationally as among Australia’s best,” noted one website.

Philip Bacon. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

Bacon is regarded as one of the most powerful art dealers in the country and is beloved by artists and collectors alike.

The rich and single philanthropist is a former director of Opera Australia and the National Gallery of Australia, a consultant and adviser to the Margaret Olley Art Trust, a board member of the Brisbane Festival, an OAM, and a “Queensland Great”.

Almost two decades after Bacon and Mrs Packer were separately appointed to the board of the National Gallery they remain close. He is one of her trusted advisers, she has said.

In his 71st year, Bacon can furthermore lay claim to royal connections through his association with renowned British art dealer Lady Angela Nevill, the Queen’s goddaughter and one of Princess Margaret’s flower girls.

With Bacon officially listed as birthday party co-host, acknowledged in family speeches and seated near the venerable Mrs P at the main party table, he was never going to escape attention.

Some knew Bacon and the well-travelled birthday girl had been on holidays together. Others knew that in 2014 he was one of just 12 guests to accept Mrs Packer’s invitation to an intimate dinner party at her Bellevue Hill home with then Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

Politically, artistically, culturally and socially the pair looked to be a match made in heaven — so were they?

Was there an announcement imminent?

Gretel Packer and Erika Packer at the party. Picture: Dylan Robinson

As speculation grew, one pointed out that Bacon was “about as opposite to Kerry Packer as you could get”.

There would be no announcement that day, yet days later the chatter continued.

By Friday it could no longer be ignored.

A call to Bacon’s Queensland gallery would be required.

When the question was put to Bacon, he proved why he has been dubbed a “Queensland Great”.

As open, honest and sunny as the state he calls home, Bacon was only too happy to put the quickening rumours to bed.

“Ros and I are partners in crime,” he quipped, adding, “we’ve been family friends for decades.”

He confirmed the pair have been holidaying together “as friends”.

So why was his name on the birthday invitations?

“She gave me a fantastic party at Chiswick for my recent significant birthday (70) last year, Gretel had her 50th at Chiswick the year before, so Gretel and I decided to throw Ros a significant birthday at Chiswick this year. She’s didn’t want a party herself, but we thought it was important we show her how greatly she is loved.”

Well that would explain it.