Kristina Keneally stunned as she showcased her bold new look while attending the star-studded Gold Dinner 2025 at Sydney‘s Royal Botanic Gardens on Wednesday night.
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 $695 Aje strapless pale lilac bubble hem 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.
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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 looked worlds away from her days in office as she stepped onto the red carpet. Pictured with her husband Ben
Her appearance was a striking contrast to the more conservative image she projected during her time in public life. Pictured in 2022
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 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.
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, soft updo and sparkling ruby and diamond choker
Keneally posed confidently alongside business mogul Linda Penn at the exclusive black-tie fundraiser
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 $90million 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 run by Linda Penn and her son Joshua.
It includes an influential mix of business and philanthropic leaders.
