Kristina Keneally doesn't look like this anymore! Former NSW Premier dazzles at Gold Dinner
Kristina Keneally stunned as she showcased her bold new look on Wednesday night while attending the star-studded Gold Dinner 2025 at Sydney 's Royal Botanic Gardens.
The former NSW Premier and Labor heavyweight, 56, looked worlds away from her days in office as she stepped onto the red carpet.
The US-born ex-politician showcased her slender figure in a strapless pale lilac gown that highlighted her toned arms and elegant frame.
The political veteran turned heads with her radiant complexion, a soft updo, and a sparkling ruby and diamond choker.
Her appearance was a striking contrast to the more conservative image she projected during her time in public life.
From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.
Keneally posed confidently alongside business mogul Linda Penn at the exclusive black-tie fundraiser.
The transformation was all the more noticeable when compared to her appearance during the 2022 federal election campaign, where she was most often seen in sharp blazers, straightened blonde hair and understated makeup.
She looked as radiant as she posed alongside her husband Ben at the star-studded event.
The celebrities were out in force at the exclusive event, with Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington also in attendance.
The invite-only charity event dubbed Australia's answer to the Met Gala, raises funds for the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation - and tickets cost an eye-watering $3500.
For the first time, the Gold Dinner has been held at the Royal Botanic Gardens' Parade Ground Lawn, set amongst Sydney's most iconic landmarks and framed by the vibrant light spectacle of Vivid Sydney.
With close proximity to Government House and iconic landmarks the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge - all being illuminated as part of the city's renowned festival of light - this year's event is themed 'Light Up a Child's Life'.
It offers guests a symbolic and immersive experience that ties directly to its cause as it aims to raise $80million - the most ambitious target to date.
For almost three decades, the Gold Dinner in Sydney has united Australia's leaders and captains of industry to support the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network through the SCHF
For almost three decades, the Gold Dinner in Sydney has united Australia's leaders and captains of industry to support the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network through the SCHF.
Now expanded to Perth, and with plans to hold events in the USA and UK with Australian expats, the Gold Series is recognised as Australia's most prestigious philanthropic initiative.
Sydney's Gold Dinner has raised over $90 million since its inception in 1997, directly transforming the lives of sick kids and their families by funding life-saving treatments and care.
The Gold Dinner Committee is by Linda Penn and her son Joshua.
It includes an influential mix of business and philanthropic leaders.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Kmart shoppers go wild over $59 'exclusive' item you can't find anywhere in stores: 'Such a vibe'
Kmart fans are in a frenzy over a new $59 homeware item that's only available online - and it's already being hailed as a must-have for 2025's biggest interior trend: Dollhouse Chic. The Green Boucle Ottoman, listed as an online exclusive, has quickly become one of the most talked-about items on social media, with shoppers scrambling to snap it up before it sells out. The minimalist piece features a rich sage green hue and a plush, boucle fabric - making it the perfect blend of comfort and style. With its compact design and curved silhouette, it effortlessly taps into the current obsession with soft, feminine interiors. One thrilled Kmart customer told FEMAIL she couldn't believe the quality for the price. 'It looks like something you'd find in a boutique furniture store - not from Kmart and definitely not for $59,' she said. 'I need to get my hands on it. I will style mine next to a floor-length mirror with a pastel cushion on top - I'm sure it will be the most complimented piece in my home.' Those who got their hands on the statement piece couldn't get enough of it, with one saying: 'How cute is this Kmart find? The boucle ottoman is my fave.' 'Ottoman is a vibe,' another shared. 'Stunning,' one added. Interior expert Lucy Sutherland previously told FEMAIL that Dollhouse Chic is the antidote to cold minimalism. 'This style embraces soft femininity, delicate details and vintage-inspired charm,' she said. 'Think pastel hues, curved shapes, and romantic textures. It's all about creating a dreamy, inviting space.' The ottoman is designed for daily use and endless versatility. It can be styled as a footrest in a reading nook, extra seating in a living area, or even as a vanity stool in a bedroom. For those wanting to go full Dollhouse Chic, the piece pairs beautifully with candles, ceramic trinket dishes, dried florals, and muted-toned cushions. Think soft pinks, lavenders, powder blues, and the signature sage green that defines the look - all tied together with plush textures like velvet, fluted glass, and rattan. With shoppers already reporting low stock and warning others to 'run, don't walk,' the ottoman is expected to disappear quickly - and with its high-end aesthetic and budget-friendly price tag, it's easy to see why.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Phoebe Burgess doesn't look like this anymore! Former NRL WAG unveils shock transformation as she uses popular beauty trend
Phoebe Burgess unveiled a new look on Thursday as she attended an influencer preview of the MECCA Loves Charlotte Tilbury masterclass in Melbourne. The former NRL WAG, 36, shared several images and videos to Instagram showing off a glamorous transformation as she had her makeup professionally done. The mother-of-two sported a very lush pout, thanks to a popular beauty trend which uses a combination of lip liner and contour to over-line the lips for a fuller look. She also rocked a shimmering, light smoky eye with dark liner along her waterline - a far cry from the natural makeup look Phoebe usually rocks. To finish off the glamorous transformation, Phoebe then opted for a darker tan. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The new look comes as Phoebe is preparing to offload the sprawling rural property she bought following her split with ex-husband Sam. Phoebe purchased the property in the NSW Southern Highlands in 2021 following her bitter and public split with her footy star ex. The influencer paid $1.7 million for the home and it was listed online as 'coming soon' by Ray White Bowral late last month, with no price guide. According to the Daily Telegraph, Phoebe and her two children Poppy, eight, and Billie, six, who she shares with Sam, 36, never officially lived in the house. She has, instead, remained at her parents' nearby property, with the home leased for 'about a year', according to the publication. Phoebe's Mediterranean-style home, dubbed 'Acre Hill', is set on a tranquil 6,949 square metres and is described as a 'garden sanctuary'. Set at the end of a private road, the two-storey home features a generous four bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus a separate 'powder room'. It also boasts a slow-combustion wood fire, which adds to the homely atmosphere, as well as a home office and separate TV room downstairs. The mother-of-two sported a very lush pout, thanks to a popular beauty trend which uses a combination of lip liner and contour to over-line the lips for a fuller look The picturesque grounds also feature a chicken coop and greenhouse, plus irrigation throughout the gardens. Since splitting from former Rabbitohs captain Sam in October 2019, Phoebe and her two children have resided with her parents. She grew up at the property with her parents Mitch and Sarah Hooke, and sisters Jemima and Harriet, just a stone's throw from her 'Acre Hill' property. She told Daily Mail Australia at the time the move back to her parental home was one of the best decisions she's made for her two children. 'I learned really early on that there's a trade-off. My kids love the space,' she said. 'Billy has an electric bike, and dad's just made him a cool track out in mum's horse arena of jumps... Poppy just loves going outside and being creative.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Influencer's rant about being 'ripped off' by large business backfires as she's called out for having unoriginal designs: 'Hardly groundbreaking'
An Australian influencer has lashed out at big fashion brands for allegedly ' ripping off' the design for her 'viral' robes - but the response she received from fans was brutal. Lily Brown, 27, took to Instagram on Wednesday to call out Sussan and Bras N Things for creating cheaper 'dupes' of her floral printed fleece Snug Robes, which retail at $159. However, her complaints backfired as followers flooded a Facebook gossip page to slam Lily for selling 'unoriginal' clothing designs through her sleepwear brand Chille. The debacle kicked off this week when Lily posted a lengthy rant to her Instagram Stories, tagging Sussan and Bras N Things as she called out the companies. 'So I've decided it's not flattering, it's unfair, rude and f***king annoying now to be completely honest, I wasn't going to name and shame, but this is ridiculous,' she said. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Stop ripping off small brands with your hundreds of stores nationwide and internationally,' she continued. 'I don't think it makes much difference to either of these retailers bottom lines' if they sell a few robes here and there. 'For me, our Snug Robes are my whole life. I've continually invested and reinvested back into the business since day one.' Lily, who is currently dating ironman Jett Kenny, went on to say that she puts 'everything on the line' and takes 'huge financial risks' to sell her sleepwear products. She also revealed she 'moved three hours away from my warehouse to save money' while supporting her business, referencing her move into Jett's father Grant's Sunshine Coast home last year. 'So this is just another slap in the face,' she added. Lily then called out Bras N Things for launching their floral-printed Mila Short Hooded Gown just two weeks after the influencer worked in a campaign for the brand. She said she 'promoted their brand on my socials two weeks before they had this style on their shop floor'. 'So I've decided it's not flattering, it's unfair, rude and f***king annoying now to be completely honest, I wasn't going to name and shame, but this is ridiculous,' she said 'I know my Snug robes are low key viral, but tell your design teams to look elsewhere for their inspo. It's lame @sussanfashion @brasnthings,' Lily finished her post. Bras N Things' Mila Short Hooded Gown ($69.99) and Sussan's BCNA Floral Hooded Robe ($79.95) have very similar floral printed designs to Chille's Snug Robe. However, both feature hoods and have a much shorter hemline, unlike the Snug Robe which has no hood and is ankle-length. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to representatives of Lily, Bras N Things and Sussan for further comment. Meanwhile, followers of the influencer have flocked to a Facebook gossip page to claim the designs Lily put out have been around, in some variation, for years. 'A pink gown with hearts is hardly groundbreaking, I'm sorry but I'm sure I've seen this a million times over in Peter Alexander, David Jones, Target, etc,' one person said. 'Pretty sure The Nanny was wearing these in the 90s,' another wrote, as someone else added: 'Is she for real? Get a grip. Bras N Things had these like 15 years ago.' 'This looks so generic? I'm so confused. There's nothing unique or groundbreaking about this at all,' said someone else. 'I don't know who this is or what her robes look like, but if she's saying she thinks she came up with this design and it cost her blood, sweat and tears, I think she may need to reevaluate her level of design "skill",' they continued. Another commented: 'I have a pink one like this from Target which is like 4 ish years old? It's nothing unique.' Someone else wrote a similar message saying they had seen similar designs in Kmart, while others pointed out Bras N Things wouldn't be able to copy Lily's style and have them produced within a matter of two weeks as she claimed. A few more sympathetic fans came to Lily's defence, with one writing: 'Putting myself in her shoes, yeah I'd be pretty pissed off. 'I've never seen that pattern and design prior to Chille. So I think she's well within her right to be annoyed. 'Just because dupe culture has been normalised, doesn't take away from how disappointing it would be as a small business owner to have your product ripped off by a large corporation.' Another user agreed, saying: 'This one is important for me. It's her design that her brand is famous for and the big brands see it and take it as their own. 'It's a tale as old as time but it's still gross.'
