On the evening of March 21, 2026, Melbourne’s social scene sparkled a little brighter as pop icon Kylie Minogue took the stage at one of the city’s most exclusive gatherings: the annual Visy Industries cocktail party, hosted by packaging magnate Anthony Pratt at his storied Raheen estate in Kew. With a guest list that read like a who’s who of Australia’s business and political elite, the event was never going to be ordinary—but with Minogue’s high-voltage performance, it became the stuff of legend.
About 250 VIPs, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his wife Jodie Haydon, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, and a host of high-profile business leaders, gathered in a purpose-built marquee set up in Pratt’s sprawling backyard. The evening was a celebration of Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing industries, a nod to the core of Visy’s business, but the true main course was the entertainment on offer.
Minogue, 57, opened her 60-minute set with the infectious energy of "Spinning Around," instantly setting the tone for a night of nostalgia and joy. She rolled through a catalogue of greatest hits—"Can’t Get You Out of My Head," "Better the Devil You Know," "On a Night Like This," "Padam Padam," and "The Loco-Motion"—each song met with cheers and, in some corners, a bit of discreet dancing from the otherwise composed crowd. According to Herald Sun, she also performed the romantic ballad "Especially For You," pausing to reflect, “This song makes me feel nostalgic ... like driving my Datsun to Nunawading,” referencing her early days filming the TV soap Neighbours that launched her career.
Rumors swirled about the cost of such a star-studded booking, with estimates placing Minogue’s fee at approximately $3 million—a figure that, while eye-popping, seemed to fit the scale of the evening. As The Age reported, earlier speculation had suggested an even higher sum, but sources close to the event confirmed the $3 million mark as more accurate. This price tag far eclipsed that of previous years; for context, Katy Perry reportedly received around $1.5 million for her appearance at the 2024 Visy party, which was itself considered a major coup at the time.
The guest list was as glittering as the entertainment. Among those in attendance were Penny Fowler, chair of The Herald & Weekly Times and Tourism Australia; Victorian Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and his wife Fiona; Lion chair Sir Rod Eddington; Endeavour Group chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka; Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines; and a bevy of media figures. The Pratt family, of course, was out in full force, mingling with guests and soaking in the spectacle.
Anthony Pratt, ever the showman, cut a dashing figure in a blue suit with a tie emblazoned with his own name. He didn’t just play host—he also took to the stage early in the evening for an impromptu duet with master of ceremonies Karl Stefanovic, belting out The Beatles’ classic "Oh! Darling." Later, Stefanovic—now a fledgling podcaster in addition to his TV duties—took a turn as DJ, keeping the energy high after Minogue’s set wrapped up.
Guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner in the marquee, surrounded by the lush gardens of Raheen, while a video played showcasing a younger Pratt singing alongside music legends Paul Anka and Burt Bacharach. It was a reminder that, for all the glitz and glamour, this was a family affair—one steeped in tradition and a little bit of cheeky fun.
Outside the gates, however, the mood was less festive. Security was noticeably tight as a small but vocal group of protesters gathered from around 5pm, chanting and heckling as the luxury cars rolled in. Their presence was a reminder of the scrutiny that often accompanies such displays of wealth, especially during times of economic uncertainty. Prime Minister Albanese himself had faced criticism in 2024 for attending Pratt’s lavish party during a cost-of-living crisis, though he appeared undeterred this year, mingling with guests and enjoying the festivities.
Not all the action was inside. A handful of diehard Minogue fans staked out a side street near the estate, hoping to catch strains of their idol’s voice drifting over the fence. When the music started, they launched into their own impromptu after-dark dance party—proof that Kylie’s appeal reaches far beyond the velvet rope.
The Visy party has become something of a Melbourne institution, known for its blend of high society, star power, and a touch of the unexpected. Over the years, international acts like Keith Urban, Air Supply, and Mark Ronson have graced the Raheen stage, each leaving their mark on the city’s social calendar. But Minogue’s return to her hometown, performing for an audience that included both old friends and new admirers, felt especially poignant.
Fashion was also on full display. Minogue dazzled in a one-shoulder black sequin gown with a white lace panel, while Pratt’s personalized tie drew amused glances. The setting itself—a historic mansion transformed with a state-of-the-art marquee and all the trappings of a world-class concert—underscored the lengths to which the hosts went to make the evening unforgettable.
As the night wore on, guests lingered, reluctant to leave the warmth of the marquee and the afterglow of Minogue’s performance. Outside, the protesters eventually dispersed, and the superfans drifted home, still humming the tunes that had floated over the walls of Raheen.
For those lucky enough to score an invitation, this was a night that lived up to the hype—a glittering reminder of Melbourne’s enduring love affair with music, celebrity, and a good old-fashioned party. And for Kylie Minogue, it was another triumphant homecoming, proof that even decades into her career, she can still stop the city in its tracks.