Revealed: Major event planners name Melbourne’s A-list stars
From sports stars like Shane Warne and Dustin Martin, to larrikin comedians like Hamish and Andy, these are the Melbourne A-listers that bring power and prestige to any event
Entertainment
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Experts say A-list celebrities are an essential part of society because they represent hopes, dreams and aspirations.
Marketing guru and impresario Max Markson says: “The public will always want to know who’s on the A-list, and be at an event with A-list stars, because it’s about aspiration.
“They would love to rub shoulders Dustin Martin, or Eric Bana or Shane Warne. It’s reflected glory, and people want to be a part of that.”
Markson’s comments came as the Sunday Herald Sun revealed Melbourne’s A-list, according to the city’s biggest party planners and major event organisers.
Markson, who has hosted events here with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kobe Bryant and John Travolta, said Melbourne has the right mix of power figures in sport, entertainment, finance and politics.
“In my mind, a true A-lister is someone who can attract the media in an instant,” Markson said.
“If I call a news conference with Shane Warne (Markson’s client through Advanced Hair) at an hour’s notice, everyone would come to it. There are only a few people who pull that sort of power.”
He said Melbourne-based business moguls like Anthony Pratt, Jeanne Pratt, Solomon Lew and Lindsay Fox also give an event a “positioning statement, serious cache ... and elevate things into another echelon.”
But Markson said the bottom line is: A-listers attract media coverage. “That’s why they’re invited,” he said. “And to get media coverage, you need snazzy names.”
To get a handle on Melbourne’s A-list, the Sunday Herald Sun consulted the planners behind the city’s biggest and most lavish events.
There were a few rules: the A-lister had to live in Melbourne, which means homegrown stars like Ruby Rose, Liam and Chris Hemsworth, Shanina Shaik, Dannii Minogue, Ben Simmons, Guy Pearce and Ben Mendelsohn could not be included.
A-listers who missed the top 20 included Shane Delia, Matt Preston, Gina Riley, Jane Turner, Rachel Griffiths, Joel Creasey Ann Peacock and Dave Hughes.
Meanwhile, Melbourne’s top 20 A-list are:
ANDY LEE and REBECCA HARDING
Lee is a TV and radio star, and Harding, a model. Fortunately for party planners, Lee and Harding are spirited socials, and a cosy couple, who lend their relaxed, yet A-list cache, to top events around town.
EDDIE and CARLA McGUIRE
Eddie is everywhere, as a radio and TV star, and footy club president, while Carla doesn’t chase the spotlight. But whenever they do appear at events together, you know it’s seriously A-list.
DYLAN ALCOTT
Tennis champion, Paralympian and tireless campaigner for people with disabilities. A TV and radio host, and author, Dylan famously spiked his appearance on ABC-TV’s Q&A with Wu-Tang Clan in-jokes, which says he’s an A-lister who’s connected to the streets.
MAGDA SZUBANSKI
Actor, author, comedian, writer and, as her alter-ego, the selfless netballer Sharon Strzelecki, a friend to two Kims: Day-Knight and Kardashian, the latter reintroducing her to a US market, and cementing her A-list clout.
HAMISH BLAKE and ZOE FOSTER-BLAKE
TV and radio star, not to mention Lego nerd, and his better half, author and producer. They’re not red carpet regulars, but event planners always have these A-grade stars at the top of the wish list.
GILLON McLACHLAN
AFL boss, and if he needs to name-drop, brother of Hamish. An imposing figure who’s serious when he needs to be, and funny on The Front Bar. The 2020 season would’ve made him slightly greyer, but the A-list needs a silver fox.
JEFF and FELICITY KENNETT
A former premier who talks like he’s still running the show, outspoken Hawks president and mental health advocate, Jeff and Felicity are Victoria’s original power couple of politics with A-list credentials.
HELOISE PRATT and JON STEVENS
A billionaire philanthropist and a rock star who are equally at home at VIP events and sticky carpet music venues. No airs, just flair.
MOLLY MELDRUM
The Guru. Beloved by all, Molly’s contribution to music and television is timeless. And anyone who has Beyonce, Madonna, Paul McCartney and Elton John on speed dial is a definite A-lister.
MICHAEL GUDINSKI
The man behind the music, and the woman he regards as his soulmate and rock, Michael and Sue Gudinski epitomise the energy and vitality of Australian rock, an industry they helped build.
CARRIE BICKMORE
Host of The Project and Melbourne’s most glamorous fundraising mum. A gold Logie winning presenter who adds charisma and intelligence to any event. It’s not surprising Bickmore makes it onto most lists.
MEGAN GALE and SHAUN HAMPSON
The first time the model and former footballer ventured out was in 2011 and they were instantly a publicist’s dream. With the looks and charm to match, the couple lights up a room when they step out. In their nine years together they’ve had two children, River and Rosie.
REBECCA and CHRIS JUDD
Brighton’s most influential mum and dad are in demand. The TV presenter/businesswoman and footy legend created their own A-list party last year — Juddchella. They are at the top of all event guest lists and equate to guaranteed media coverage.
LLEYTON and BEC HEWITT
The tennis ace and his former TV starlet wife have made suburban Melbourne home. Sightings of them are as rare as an Aussie winning the Australian Open, but rest assured they are wanted and A-list material.
SHANE WARNE
The spin king calls Melbourne home but spends much of his time overseas commentating or playing poker. His own Christmas parties are a highly sought after invite, but his presence anywhere will ensure there’s a good time had by all.
DUSTIN MARTIN
Hot property, and not only on a footy field, the Richmond AFL footballer is a popular man. He doesn’t say much but the tattooed superstar wouldn’t get a don’t argue from any major event.
ASHER KEDDIE and VINCENT FANTAUZZO
The much loved actor and her artist beau aren’t regularly spotted on the social scene but they should be. The interesting and talented pair add an extra layer of glamour whenever they step out.
ERIC and REBECCA BANA
You wouldn’t know it, but the Hollywood star calls bayside Melbourne home. Bana loves watching his beloved Saints in the AFL, but apart from that the couple are generally camera shy. If they step out at your event it’s a coup.
NADIA BARTEL
The stylish footy WAG turned businesswoman will always make a grand entrance. The mum of two went through a messy split with Jimmy Bartel last year, but with a huge social media following is a must-have guest in her own right.
TINA ARENA
One of Australia’s best singers, Tina is considered a national treasure. She was living in France but has settled back in Melbourne. Her unmistakeable voice is always a welcome presence.
The Melbourne A-list was collated and compiled by lists submitted by Judy Romano and Gareth Beck from Romano Beck, Mitch Catlin from Catchy Media, Marketing and Management, David Abela from 3 Degrees Marketing, Sarah Gale from AMPR, Helen Reizer from HRPR, Nick Russian from Together Events and Valentina Jovanoska from The Valentina Group Agency.
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