The Gold Dinner 2022: Security on high alert over $500k jewellery

The Gold Dinner, an annual star-studded gala in support of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, is one of Australia’s biggest fundraisers.

So it was no surprise to see security on high alert on Wednesday night when a Who’s Who of Australian high society jetted in for the latest charity bash.

Socialites and models mingled with billionaires and politicians at The Venue in Alexandria, as a team of security specialists used ‘Hollywood tactics’ to make sure everything went smoothly.

EXCLUSIVE: Security was on high alert at The Gold Dinner – Australia’s most exclusive charity gala – on Wednesday night as glamorous guests wore Bulgari jewellery worth almost half a million dollars. (Models are seen wearing Bvlgari jewels at the Gold Dinner) 

Their presence was felt right from the start of proceedings as the VIP guests were chauffeured in through the loading dock. 

Hidden from public view, the rich and famous guests were free to flaunt their loaned jewellery without fear, with some pieces worth excess of $436,000.

They posed for photographers before making their way over to their allocated tables.

Once inside the venue, guests were treated to Bollinger champagne and caviar before being served a lavish three-course meal.

Actress Francesca Duncan sparkled in a $436,993 18-karat white gold necklace that was previously worn by supermodel Bella Hadid.

Away from the public eye: Security presence was felt right from the start of proceedings as the VIP guests were chauffeured in through the loading dock (circled on the right)

Low key: Hidden from public view, the rich and famous guests were free to flaunt their loaned jewellery without fear. (Pictured: a limousine leaving after dropping off a VIP guest)

Meanwhile, billionaire heiress Francesca Packer stunned in a unique high Sapphire Lace necklace. 

According to Bulgari, ‘the wondrous Sapphire Lace necklace is the result of the artisan’s ability to flawlessly balance the volume and exceptional weight of the central sapphire with the sinuous diamond texture’.

More than 600 leading philanthropists and VIPs attended the event, which benefits the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Once inside guests were treated to Bollinger champagne and caviar before given a three course meal

Wow: Sydney actress Francesca Duncan (pictured) sparkled in a $436,993 18 karat white gold necklace previously modeled by Bella Hadid

This year marked the 25th anniversary of the exclusive Gold Dinner, which was first held in 1997 and has raised more than $30million in the years since. 

Daily Mail Australia understands all the guests were also required to complete a rapid antigen test for Covid on the day of the event. 

They also had to check in via the Service NSW app, even though this practice is being phased out as Australia moves on from the pandemic.

Stunning: Billionaire heiress Francesca Packer meanwhile dazzled in a unique high Sapphire Lace necklace

According to Bulgari, ‘the wondrous Sapphire Lace necklace is the result of the artisan’s ability to flawlessly balance the volume and exceptional weight of the central sapphire with the sinuous diamond texture’.