Rumours Feast 2009

Lunchtime Rumours Feast
7th August 2009

It’s no rumour that this year’s Rumours Feast was a huge success! 442 guests filled the Regent Theatre Plaza Ballroom to support CPS.

Children’s Protection Society President, Mr Tim Mulvany, introduced the event followed by a powerful presentation by Janet Williams-Smith CPS’s Program Development Manager of Early Childhood Services which delivered the message of the importance of early intervention to achieve the best outcomes for children at risk of abuse and neglect.

The witty humour and lively banter from the 3AW 693 Breakfast Crew led by Ross Stevenson along with co- host John Burns, Jon Anderson, Andrew Bolt, John Silvester (aka ‘Sly of the Underworld’) and Cindy Sargon (aka ‘Lazy Susan’) kept the crowd thoroughly entertained throughout the event. What a team _ _ _ _ and what tales they can tell!

They had their Rumours but so did our guests with the best, as judged by Ross being awarded some great prizes. Rumour has it that you can read them on 3AW’s webpage. However the Rumour that received the loudest applause was the Government has agreed to fully fund a Children’s Centre at CPS! Wouldn’t that be great!

The live auction conducted by Grant McKenzie from Kliger Wood had bidders competing for the best entertainment packages of the year including a corporate suite for the AC/DC Black Ice Concert, a premium dinner package at the Princess Theatre for the show Jersey Boys, tickets for the Myer Marquee at the Spring Racing Carnival, a Table at The Footy Show, Prime Gold tickets to Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra and a lunch with Ross, Jon and Sly. Additional items were a page from the original music score from the film Australia and a Carlton football jumper signed by Chris Judd. The auction raised $28,000 with the happy winners and their friends set to enjoy themselves at these amazing events over the next few months.

There was more bidding around the tables for the limited edition ’Village Life-Africa” figurines by Stacy Bayne and the cuddly soft African animals with the leopards being judged the crowd favourites. Plus more winners in our raffle carrying home some great prizes donated by our sponsors.

Amid the great entertainment food and wine there was still time for plenty of socializing around between the tables filled with guests and celebrities from around Australia with CPS supporters, sponsors and government representatives and MP’s including Mr Bill Shorten on behalf of Prime Minister Rudd and Senator Sue Boyce on behalf of opposition leader Malcom Turnbull, Mary Wooldridge, Colin Brooks, Wendy Lovell, Janice Munt, and Maxine Morand.

We are pleased to announce that the event has raised close to $120,000. This money will be used to develop a new specialist early childhood education and care centre targeted to young vulnerable children. This breakthrough early intervention strategy is a key initiative in the CPS Strategic Plan which will change the life trajectories of children at risk of abuse and neglect. Click to Download


All at CPS would like to thank everyone for their generosity, participation and support especially CPS patrons Elaine Marriner and Ross Stevenson.

Planning is already underway for the 5th 2010 Rumours Feast. Rumour has it, next year will be even better than this years – hard to believe but you can help make it true by continuing your support.

Thanks again to our table hosts, their guests and our sponsors who helped make this wonderful event possible.