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Philanthropist Elisabeth celebrates 100
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-08 16:10 The guest of honour has described it as "an enormous luncheon". It will be that, and much more.
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch turns 100 on Sunday and her birthday celebration is going to be an occasion that focuses on a woman who has given so much of her life to others. About 600 guests are on the list, including names from society, politics, business and the institutions and charities to which she has devoted herself. The matriarch of one of Australia's most successful and wealthy families, Dame Elisabeth is also a patron or supporter of more than 100 charities, including an ongoing commitment to Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital since the age of 16. As well as friends and the beneficiaries of her benevolence, some 70 family members across four generations will also gather at Cruden Farm, the showpiece property southeast of Melbourne given to her as a 19-year-old bride in 1928 by her late husband Sir Keith. A marquee has been erected on the lawn near the homestead for Sunday's event. A more intimate celebration for family only will be held on Saturday. The party is strictly a private affair and details of the guest list have been kept tightly under wraps. Among the family members to attend will be her three surviving children, the head of the Murdoch media empire Rupert, Anne (Kantor) and Janet (Calvert-Jones). Also attending will be Rupert's third wife Wendi Deng, their two children Grace and Chloe, and his four children from previous marriages, Prudence, Lachlan, Elisabeth and James. Figures from Melbourne society known to be joining the celebrations include Lillian Frank and business and philanthropic figures Richard and Jeanne Pratt. If the prelude to her party is any guide, it will be a bash that reflects the esteem and respect she commands from family, friends and admirers. Earlier this week an audience of almost 1,000 stood to sing Happy Birthday to Dame Elisabeth in the hall that bears her name at the Melbourne Recital Centre. "I could not be more proud than having the first of my 100th birthday celebrations start here," Dame Elisabeth said. Last month, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his wife Therese Rein visited the Dame at Cruden Farm to deliver their birthday wishes and later that day led three cheers and a round of applause for her at an Australia Day function. Mr Rudd called for the cheers, he said, to reflect both her birthday and "her great contribution to this state, this city and this nation." |
