Ann Peacock’s speech acknowledges ex-husband Michael Kroger and partner Jeff Browne

Ann Peacock has delivered a loving message to her partner, Collingwood president Jeff Browne, as Melbourne’s big names turned out for her farewell to Crown casino.

Ann Peacock and Jeff Browne. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Melbourne’s biggest names gathered to farewell charity queen Ann Peacock on Thursday after almost three decades as Crown Melbourne’s public face.

Peacock made a moving speech acknowledging her former husband Michael Kroger, their two sons, her current partner Jeff Browne plus friends and former colleagues during her tenure since Crown’s inception in the mid 1990s.

Guests included Sue Gudinski, Heloise Pratt and Jon Stevens, Nick Williams, Derryn Hinch, Brooke Warne, Craig Kelly, Carla McGuire, Tottie Goldsmith, Brendan Nottle and Stephen Quartermain.

“I look around the room and everyone is here for a reason,’’ she said, adding: “I met Michael Kroger here at Crown, and I married Michael Kroger here at Crown. Then we divorced here at Crown and in between we had such a journey.

Chyka Keebaugh, Carla McGuire and Sue Gudinski. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Patti Newton and Julie Cox. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Patti Newton gave a speech at Ann Peacock’s farewell. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Jo Hall, Jane Kennedy and Kate Langbroek. Picture: Wayne Taylor

“One might say it’s slightly dysfunctional but that journey gave us two incredible boys in Edward and Andrew. Michael, you have supported me not only through that incredible time that we were married but post being married and I’m most grateful for your friendship, your kindness, your love and obviously the great parent that you are.”

Touching tributes came from Patti Newton, Harold Mitchell and Challenge CEO David Rogers.

“Bert used to say, watch what she does, she does it the best of anyone I know,’’ Newton said.

“She is the best hostess, she makes the best speeches and of course she does it with the most class. If you are going to look up to anyone, look up to Annie.”

Ann Peacock was surrounded by famous faces for her farewell event. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Peacock has stepped down after almost three decades as Crown Melbourne’s public face. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Peacock recalled looking after the likes of Tiger Woods, Mariah Carey and Sarah Jessica Parker. She paid tribute to many, including Heloise Pratt and the late Shane Warne, and also to her partner, Collingwood president Browne: “My partner or some would call him a boyfriend — we’re working all that out. Jeffrey Browne, we met 27 years ago, we dated back then, a lot has happened since then, but we’ve been back together for just over a year and all I’ve got to say to you is thank you for all your assistance, thank you for your kindness, I love you.”

Browne said: “I love her, I’m so proud of her and I’m so happy that we now have so much more time to enjoy our future together.”

It was announced earlier in January that Peacock was stepping down from the role. After holding senior positions she had decided to focus on pursuing charitable work and passions including a new board role on the Victoria Racing Club.

Peacock was instrumental in philanthropic initiatives which have raised tens of millions of dollars for causes across the state.