Lindsay Fox’s birthday bash for the blokes only

It was a male-only affair at the National Gallery of Victoria for the 86th birthday of billionaire trucking magnate Lindsay Fox.

A dapper Lindsay Fox arrives for his men-only birthday bash. Picture: Ian Currie

It was a male-only affair at the National Gallery of Victoria for the 86th birthday of Lindsay Fox, the billionaire trucking magnate known for throwing flashy parties that draw the cream of Melbourne’s political and corporate elite.

But Wednesday afternoon’s luncheon, while staid compared with Fox’s previous birthday bashes, didn’t dispatch entirely with the man’s love of a gimmick: guests were still instructed to wear a piece of Scottish garb – “kilt or casual” – to pair with a whisky-tasting accompaniment.

Guests turn up for Lindsay Fox’s birthday

VIEW GALLERY

Arriving to the sound of bagpipes, attendees included actor Eric Bana and former golfer Greg Norman, although neither appeared to get the memo about Highland dress. Casual attire was permitted, however, and both seemed to jump at the opportunity.

Others donned their kilts, their hose, their tartan scarves and umbrellas. There were politicians lining up to celebrate, of course, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, the two conveniently missing each other by several hours.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who has long been affiliated with Fox, arrived not long after shrugging off questions about the adverse findings of a corruption inquiry that examined the conduct of his government.

The guest list stretched to about 150 people, but there was no sign of any wives or girlfriends in the Great Hall; Fox’s instructions remained clear that the event be solely for men, for reasons that weren’t entirely clear. It meant Victorian Governor Linda Dessau couldn’t attend, however her husband, Anthony Howard, is said to have enjoyed himself.

Artist David Bromley was another guest. He was commissioned to paint Fox’s portrait to mark the occasion, while poet Rupert McCall read out some verse in ode to the man of the hour.