Sydney's Newest Cross-Dresser

There's something about Virgin boss Richard Branson- he loves to slip into a frock at the drop of a hat, or in this case, allegedly after losing a bet.
He seems to have taken quite a fancy to this dark-hued man who is promoted from by-stander to passenger being spoon fed by Richard. Just what is going on here? I think we should be told.

Sydney's drag queen set have been moaning recently about the dearth of young trannies coming through the ranks to entertain on the Golden Mile of Oxford Street. Perhaps Branson can lend a hand !


Right : a previous drag episode saw Branson impersonating the Bride of Frankenstein.

Packer or Branson for Byron Bay?

It's the talk of Byron Bay : the star's hide-away Rae's on Wategos has been put on the market by owner Vincent Rae and the word is that entrepreneur Richard Branson is interested in adding the boutique hotel to his chain of luxury inns that include a small palace in Morocco , two islands and the magnificent Roof Gardens atop a department store in London which features 1.5 acres of English countryside complete with flamingos.

Vincent Rae

James Packer

 Rae's is situated on Wategos Beach which is just around the corner from the main part of Byron Bay and features sweeping views of the ocean, lush gardens - part designed by Salvador Dali- 8 penthouses and a clientele to die for : Russell Crowe, Tom Cruise, Kate Winslet, Keith Richards and Elle McPherson all stay there.

Byron locals say a Virgin big-wig was spotted in town last week and Richard Branson is a regular guest. It's the sort of hotel that would fit in perfectly with the Branson stable and the local council has approved plans for an underground car park, new terrace, spa and cocktail bar. But does the Virgin boss have a rival?

Branson's Necker Island

Branson's Kasbah Tamadot in Morroco

Rae's is also one of billionaire James Packer's favourite holiday spots in Australia and a local in the know has told us that a Packer associate has made discreet enquiries about the sale. And the price?. Only very interested parties are being told but earlier this year a duplex opposite the beach and near Rae's went for $9M. A fraction of what Rae's would be worth.

I'm Tiffany-Come Fly With Me

One always groans as the Christmas season approaches. It's the silly season in Sydney which means everything basically shuts up shop until February next year and one goes into a sort of social de-tox mode. We suffer for our art.

Tiffany Farrington

Alan Joyce ?

Ace PR Tiffany Farrington gets first prize for the first party signalling that Christmas has arrived.

Tiffany also runs the very successful Social Diary and her yearly party, this one her fourth, has become one of the zappiest and best attended. This year is was at Bungalow 8 at the Jones Street Wharf.

There isn't much to say about this shindig-you just sort of go with the flow. Great food, great music, great champagne. We drank, listened and ate and eventually made it home in one piece.

Plenty of inventive costumes including an Alan Joyce look-a-like (Qantas CEO). Tiffany must have been thanking her lucky stars she had Virgin Airlines as a sponsor instead of the Flying Kangaroo.

Have balloon will travel

Bianca Dye,Chrissy Bray & pals

Bungalow 8

C.Kent,L.Lane, S.Man

Computer says nooooo...

If you were planning to fly south today for the Melbourne Cup, as tens of thousands do from all over the country and as far away as Ireland, the UK and New Zealand, you will know by now you can forget it courtesy of Qantas boss Alan Joyce who cancelled all worldwide Qantas flights yesterday (while 95% of shareholders bizarrely voted him a $5M salary the previous day).

Virgin Blue and others will try to fill the gap but many will be disappointed.
There are plenty of functions on in Sydney though but book now if you want to get in.

Variety, the children's charity has a gala day at the Sofitel Hotel at $195 per ticket or $2950 for a corporate table of ten with seats still available.

Artist Charles Billich is hosting a party at the splendid mansion Swifts in Darling Point. Ring the Billich Gallery on 02 9252 1481 The Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo is always popular with every restaurant hosting a party but get in fast.