Chef Shannons Byron Bay boys-only bash – The Age

A wives out mystery. John Shakespeare

And on the weekend, embattled celebrity chef, restaurateur and regular MasterChef guest Shannon Bennett held a big blowout at his Byron Bay compound.

Sources tell CBD no expense was spared, with Bennett even constructing a purpose-built stage for DJ duo-for-hire Peking Duk to perform. And it was very much a no women kind of event, so say those in the know.

According to the invitation, someone called Pat would be bringing his beef. And all beer would be donated by Asahi-owned brewers Balter. Sounds like a real fellas moment.

While CBD was keen for more details about what happens when the boys get together, Bennett didnt return our calls or texts.

At least it was all for a good cause, with partygoers required to make a $100 donation to the Healthy Minds Club, a non-profit mens health organisation based in the Northern Rivers.

Bennett has owned a swag of Melbourne eateries since founding his flagship restaurant Vue de monde in 2000. But he ceded control of his hospitality empire in 2020 when he sold his final stake in the Vue Group to the Singapore-based Far East Organisation, owned by billionaire real estate developer brothers Robert and Philip Ng.

Partying aside, it hasnt been a good month for Bennett.

This masthead revealed he had been the subject of restraining orders sought by his then-partner, former Neighbours star Madeleine West, in 2018 and 2020.

The existence of the court orders came to light earlier this month in a tangentially linked hearing at the Byron Bay Local Court, where West unsuccessfully challenged a restraining order filed against her on behalf of Bennetts father. West is appealing against the decision.

The State Library of Victorias annual fundraising push included an item that struck some CBD readers as unusual: a drive to digitise the Sun News Pictorial editions from 1922 and 1954.

The SOS: Save Our Stories digitisation drive aims to preserve and make accessible a historical Melbourne newspaper that for years printed intricate details of our city a project that might not strike many as controversial.

But it carries a slightly different complexion when considering who could chip in and foot the bill other than the general public: News Corp Australia and the Murdochs.

Sun News, of course, was previously owned by the Murdoch family and has subsequently been absorbed into the News Limited media conglomerate that owns Murdoch outlets the Herald Sun and Sky News.

The Sun is the most frequently requested historical resource by Victorians looking to piece together family trees and the like.

Rupert Murdochs media empire has had some other outlays to contend with this year. AP

The fundraising goal, $200,000, is a drop in the ocean for the Murdochs, especially when considering a few expensive outlays of late. Were thinking about the billion-dollar and the cost of Lachlan Murdochs new super-yacht.

Though a spokeswoman for the library wouldnt tell CBD whether it had approached one of the many Murdoch philanthropic organisations to chip in (who discloses money and who is approached is confidential), she said the library approaches the task of documenting history impartially.

State Library Victoria is the trusted keeper of Victorias history, and collects and digitises material without bias. The library exists to make information and knowledge freely accessible, the spokeswoman said.

The Sun News Pictorial is the most requested newspaper, by the Victorian public, to be digitised to Trove, where it will join The Age.

While the library has worked to digitise The Age newspaper editions prior to 1955, the publication has worked with other partners to produce a fuller collection: from the first edition of the paper in 1854 to more recent editions.

The Murdochs have extensive historic ties to the library. The father of Rupert, Keith Murdoch, has a gallery named after him, as well as the Keith Murdoch Oration, which has been delivered in the past by his grandson, Lachlan. Keith was also one of the longest-serving board members.

The Herald Sun has run a series of stories supporting the initiative. News Corp Australia was contacted but did not provide any on-the-record comment.

In this time of cost of living pressures for many, it would be a welcome gesture if the Murdochs or News Corp chipped in.

For months, the Coalition has tied itself in knots over what to do about an Indigenous Voice to parliament.

And despite Opposition Leader Peter Duttons edict that frontbenchers must not campaign for a Yes vote, theres still plenty of debate at a local branch level, where support for the Yes side is strong, even among Liberals.

Next week, the partys Rose Bay branch in NSW will host a debate featuring federal senator Andrew Bragg, a prominent proponent, up against barrister Louise Clegg and arch monarchist David Flint.

Clegg, who is married to shadow treasurer Angus Well Done Taylor, is opposed to the Albanese governments proposal, as is Flint, a former law professor.

High-profile legal figures who oppose the Voice are becoming increasingly scarce, with a group of prominent barristers putting out a joint statement on Wednesday supporting the proposed constitutional amendment.

They included former Australian Bar Association presidents Jennifer Batrouney, KC, Noel Hutley, SC, Dr Matt Collins, KC, Fiona McLeod, SC, Matthew Howard, SC, and Arthur Moses, SC, the latter of whom previously served as president of the Law Council of Australia.

Still, there are a few vocal lawyers on the No side, with Stuart Wood, KC, of Israel Folau fame, out attacking the politically correct NSW Bar Association for taking a position in favour of the Voice.

There might be currency in being politically incorrect as well.

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Chef Shannons Byron Bay boys-only bash - The Age