In Formula 1, the racetrack is strictly off limits.
But when you are the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, vying for media attention and sponsorship supremacy against sporting rivals including the AFL, spring racing carnival and Australian Open, nothing is sacrosanct.
Thus, on Wednesday night, the eve of this year’s grand prix, between 600 and 700 of Melbourne’s business, sporting, media and celebrity elite will walk in their finery across the Formula 1 racetrack at Albert Park for the AGPC’s invite-only Glamour on the Grid party.
Jockey Michelle Payne, wearing a John Cavill dress and Stephanie Browne jewels, has her ticket to the Glamour on the Grid party. Credit:Eddie Jim
“People will get dropped off on the main straight on the grid,” says outgoing AGPC chief executive Andrew Westacott. “They will walk down Pit Lane, they will walk past the garages, they will have the opportunity to be in the Formula 1 paddock – which is a very rare occurrence unless you’re a Formula 1 team member – and then they’ll have a wonderful evening.
“I actually think that this is the most sought after function of its kind associated with any sporting event in Australia.”
But before the first bottle of Taittinger champagne (a supporting partner) has been popped, controversy swirls.
“I heard they cut the numbers,” one rival PR told The Sunday Age. But no. There are 700 confirmed RSVPs and the party is over-subscribed.
Andrew and Tina Westacott and Sir Jackie Stewart arrive at the Glamour on the Grid Party last year.Credit:Fiona Hamilton
The rumour seems to have started because many previous attendees who expected an invitation were left empty-handed as the event recalibrates towards a business and commercial elite. And some are not happy, mounting spirited campaigns in an attempt to secure a last-minute berth. Influencers are still bombarding organisers with their content creator credentials in the hope of an invitation.
The guest list is not finalised, as some sponsors are still allocating tickets. But cast members of The Real Housewives of Melbourne reality show, currently off the air, are also apparently off the main grand prix guest list.
Unlike many other grand events, Glamour on the Grid is invite only. And while paying Grand Prix sponsors are allocated tickets, unlike other big events, such as the National Gallery of Victoria’s Gala in December or Victoria Racing Club and Myer’s black-tie 60th Anniversary Fashions on the Field last September, guests can’t buy tickets.
Westacott is adamant that the party is paid for by sponsors but won’t confirm the cost of the function. Industry estimates place its value at between $125,000 to $250,000 however such a valuation is tricky given so many sponsorship partners, including Heineken, provide goods in kind.
Last year Victorian taxpayers spent a record $78.1 million to enable the city to host the grand prix. But the government argues the race brings in far more in broader economic benefits.
After guests arrive – having strolled along an 83-metre-long red carpet leading to the two-storey event sponsor Marriott Bonvoy Lounge featuring a 12-metre-long bar – almost 100 hospitality staff will be on duty serving an estimated 14,000 canapes at the event, which is sponsored by partners Lavazza and Patron Tequila.
Cocktails will include “the latest iteration of Daniel Riccardo’s DR3 – a continuing collaboration between Riccardo and St Hugo wines” with input from local Melbourne restaurants Gradi, Tulum and Sushi Baby, overseen by Atlantic Group catering. Stamping Ground PR, run by former Nine executive Michelle Stamper, is handling communications and PR.
Paris Lawrence, the “TikTok superstar” and partner of AFL player Daniel Rioli, will be a DJ.
Melbourne Cup winning jockey turned trainer Michelle Payne will enjoy time out from spring racing to attend the party again this year. She was more than happy to preview a John Cavill gown and Stephanie Browne jewellery at Albert Park last week.
“I can’t believe my life has led me to be there on the night,” Payne said. “Obviously we have great nights in the racing industry but this was whole new level for me, I loved it.
“Both are very glamorous. I find Glamour on the Grid a different type of glamour – it’s very extravagant.”
The guest list is divided into three areas: AGPC stakeholders, sales and commercial and then media and talent. Others attending include Melbourne designers Jason Grech, Alin Le’ Kal and Effie Kats, tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis, three-time Olympic gold medallist Emily Seebohm, ARIA award winner Baker Boy as well as AFL and AFLW stars.
Politicians are staying away. Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos are not attending. Nor is Governor Linda Dessau who, a day later at Government House, will host the traditional grand prix drinks party, an honour the governor has bestowed on other big ticket events, including the Melbourne Fashion Festival.
And in contrast to last year’s NGV Gala, the event will be light on Melbourne’s billionaire philanthropists and business executives, which included Lindsay Fox and his wife Paula, donors of $100 million towards The Fox: NGV Contemporary, and Chemist Warehouse co-founder Sam Gance.
One billionaire husband and wife philanthropists and business executives who will attend are Paul Little and Jane Hansen. Little is the chairman of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, who is tasked with finding a successor to Westacott, who announced he would leave after the staging of this event, which will remain at Albert Park at least until 2037.
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