The Enchanted Ball - Friday 22nd October 2010

Main Auctions | Silent Auctions

Offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the real-life dramas behind this celebrated performing arts centre, Commonwealth Bank and Opera Australia are delighted to offer six people an exclusive tour into the underbelly of The Sydney Opera House.

Opera Australia has a long standing history at The Sydney Opera House, beginning in 1973 when they raised the curtain on Prokofiev’s War and Peace. Since then, this iconic venue has served as Opera Australia’s permanent performing home in Sydney.

Opera Australia’s Chief Executive Adrian Collette will provide an insight into what happens beyond the spotlight, revealing Opera Australia’s secrets which you will not hear anywhere else. This exclusive experience will continue with an intimate dinner accompanied by Adrian Collette at Guillaume at Bennelong, one of Sydney’s finest restaurants.

You and your guests will then enjoy a VIP night at the Sydney Opera House watching an Opera Australia performance from the best seats in the house, access to the private interval drinks lounge and souvenir programs to complete your operatic experience.

You will come from this experience with a new found knowledge and appreciation of what happens behind the scenes, in one of Australia’s iconic venues, and your national opera company.

Prize is valid for 12 months, Opera ticket bookings are subject to box office availability and dates for the tour and dinner are subject to the availability of Adrian Collette.

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Turn your team into Health Ninjas with 7th Dan Olympic coach Martin Hall and daughter Tiffiny Hall, well known trainer from The Biggest Loser and author of two books including Weightloss Warrior. Over a two hour tailor designed motivational/corporate speaking session for you and your colleagues, you can create winning habits that support you and your team.

• Empower your team to hit personal targets and reach your business goals
• Teach your team how to initiate a peak state for peak performance and enhance focus and concentration in the work place.
• Train in the art of team building through the success triad of Trust, Support and Challenge.
• Learn how to reach your full potential with focus and commitment and how to increase energy, stamina and productivity.
• Master leadership of the Self through habit, self-esteem and role modelling good choices
• Gain health tips from winning trainer of The Biggest Loser.

Working with the concept that motion creates emotion, Martin and Tiffiny wake you up, get you moving and empower your group with a black belt mindset to break habits that hurt you and your business and create winning habits that will make you and your team grow. You will learn how to kick, punch and move like a real Health Ninja! The session includes a power board break to smash through personal fears and professional barriers – the ultimate teambuilding exercise! The offer expires 1st September 2012. Tiffiny’s availability is subject to filming schedule.

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Liddy Walker Napanangka is one of the most significant living female indigenous artists from the Western Desert. She started painting on canvas not long after Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Association was established and is now one of its most senior members. In 1992, Liddy took part, with Maggie Napanangka White, in a project commissioned by the National Gallery of Australia to document the major Dreamings represented in the current painting movement of the Yuendumu region.

This painting has a traditional yet contemporary Indigenous design depicting the surrounding landscape near Liddy’s birthplace, and specifically illustrates theceremonial sites (concentric circles) where Indigenous women spend time together in celebration. These sites can be found in and around Yuendumu, approximately 300 km’s north west of Alice Springs. The sites are for women only, and are frequented for purposes such as sorry business (mourning period after death), initiation and secret women’s business.

Blue Door Gallery was established in 2005 and is located in Park Street, South Melbourne. The gallery specialises in Indigenous art from the Central and Western Deserts of the Northern Territory.

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Participate in the NZFMA Thomson Reuters Charity Golf Classic 2012 to be held at the beautiful Wairakei International Golf Course and Wairakei Resort in New Zealand. Your prize includes return economy flights for two people from Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane to Auckland, three days standard car hire, one round of golf per person at Wairakei International Golf Course, two nights’ accommodation for two at the Wairakei Resort and entrance to all social functions – a casual supper at Calcutta on Friday night, lunch at the Wairakei golf house Saturday, black tie dinner at Wairakei resort on the Saturday night and brunch on Sunday.

For full competition conditions please refer to www.golfclassic.co.nz . The prize is non transferable and your attendance should be confirmed with Carol Anastas of Thomson Reuters at carol.anastas@ thomsonreuters.com, to secure your place in the field and at the dinner by June 2012.

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Take home your very own Epiphone DR-100 acoustic guitar signed by our own Australian and international music industry rockstars at the Sound Relief Melbourne Concert event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday March 14 2009.

100% authenticated and witnessed signatures were penned by legendary Australian band Midnight Oil, Grammy Award winning superstar rock band Kings Of Leon, popular singer/songwriter Jack Johnson, Split Enz, JET, Paul Kelly, Hunters & Collectors, Kasey Chambers, Gabriella Cilmi, Troy Cassar Daley, Liam Finn & Bill Chambers. Our own former Victorian Premier John Brumby has even signed the guitar!

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A night to tantalise the tastebuds with the best of everything for you and seven friends!

Your evening will begin with an exclusive Penfolds wine tasting. Enhance your wine knowledge and expand your palate with this rare opportunity to be guided through a world-class wine tasting with insights and anecdotes from one of Penfolds celebrated winemakers.

Next, indulge in an elegant dinner with wines at one of Melbourne’s most innovative and lauded restaurants, Vue de Monde. Recipient of a coveted three hats from The Age Good Food Guide, Vue de Monde offers a unique dining experience with exquisite food, exceptional service and a luxurious, sophisticated ambience.

Transfers to and from Vue de Monde are included. If traveling from interstate flights will be arranged together with car transfers to and from Vue de Monde. Accommodation will be at the expense of the purchaser.

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Don’t miss this once in a lifetime experience at the 2012 Australian Open for four people. Your unforgettable day and night will begin with a superb lunch at Silks at Crown Melbourne. Indulge in delicious Cantonese cuisine by skilled Cantonese chefs including chef de cuisine Fei Wu, served on delicate chinaware and complemented by a truly impressive wine list. Then enjoy a thirty minute scenic helicopter flight to see our superb city from above, covering the Docklands, Westgate Bridge, Williamstown, Port Melbourne,South Melbourne, St Kilda, Brighton, Caulfield, Toorak, the MCG and sport precinct then a lap of the CBD. You’ll then transfer to Rod Laver Arena in style in a stretch limousine to watch the most coveted game of the tournament in your lower section seats with catering vouchers for Rod Laver Arena.

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Marc Chagall “Self Portrait”, 1960, 540mm high x 450mm wide framed This original lithograph in colours on white wove paper is from Chagall’s Lithographie Portfolio. The famous Marc Chagall is renowned for his celebration of romance and depictions of mystical worlds of lovers, musicians and artists. Chagall’s love affair with Paris was well documented throughout his artistic career. The artist moved to Paris from Russia in 1910 and lived and worked there intermittently during the course of his life, becoming a French citizen in 1937.

The artist creates the lithographs by hand. Each colour in the piece is run through a separate print cycle, so the art of lithography is both intricate and time consuming. When an artist creates a series of etchings or lithographs he/she does so with a set number in mind for the edition. Once the edition size has been fulfilled the plate or stone is destroyed and no further works are produced.

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In a world of busy, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat stands apart as the destination to inspire you to live a healthier life. Surrounded by ocean and valley views in the Gold Coast hinterland, there are numerous program options to choose from beginning with a two day weekend escape through to the popular seven day detox program. A stay combines gentle exercise, informative seminars and nurturing spa treatments with dynamic activity in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.

Experience this unique location with a week of health and wellness. Maximise your precious time away and enjoy certified organic cuisine, gentle and dynamic activities, an organic cooking demonstration and plenty of time to relax and recharge. Choose how much or how little you wish to do!

Your prize includes return economy class airfares flying Virgin Australia to the Gold Coast to the value of $600, lounge access upon departure, seven nights deluxe Orchard Suite accommodation, all organic meals andsnacks, $100 Wellness credit each, 2 classic massages and 1 facial each, access to all facilities and all scheduled activities and complimentary transfers at set times from Gold Coast Airport.

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat...for the rest of your life.

To enhance your stay you’ll also enjoy a $1000 spa credit to put towards the stunning Spa Sanctuary.

*Conditions apply – subject to availability. May not be combined with any other voucher or offer. Bookings should be made at least 45 days in advance. Gwinganna package and flights valid for 6 months from date of prize draw. Prize is not transferable and has no cash value and is not available from 12 Dec 2011 to 15 Jan 2012. Offer only available to residents of Australia who are aged 16 years and older. No credit will be given on flights if full value is not utilized and Virgin Australia lounge access is subject to availability.

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Treat yourself, your friends or your organization to a night with Masquerade – one of Australia’s finest corporate bands. Combining the talents of some of Australia’s most sought-after musicians, its members boast global experience having performed worldwide and in support of a massive range of internationally acclaimed artists. Masquerade is quality musicianship at its finest, fronted by the charismatic one-two punch of Andy Grant and Olivia Cervasio.

From Michael Jackson, The Beatles, James Brown and Madonna, through to Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and the Blackeyed Peas, you’ll be moving to the beat with the energy Masquerade provides at your next social or corporate event.

Masquerade turn up the heat with classic dance floor hits of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s as well as an ever-expanding list of today’s hottest hits. Get the energy flowing with Masquerade and prepare to party!

Limited to 6 piece Masquerade band only (does not include additional musicians or dancers - can be obtained for additional costs). The band is available for a Melbourne performance or interstate performance, however all interstate travels costs including accommodation are additional. Sound, lighting and production costs are also additional.

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Begin your Irish adventure with two return business class flights with Etihad via Abu Dhabi from Melbourne (Etihad is the only airline offering a one stop service to Ireland from Australia ex Melbourne).

Play golf in style with golf for two at Druid’s Glen – one of Ireland’s top courses and home to the Irish Open. Stay two nights at U2’s chic Dublin hotel The Clarence (and if the luck of the Irish is with you and they’re in town, you may catch a glimpse of U2!), then two nights in a traditional Irish Castle with breakfast included. Lovers of a stout will enjoy a visit and admission to the home ofGuinness and the home of the famous Jamesons’ Irish Whisky. See the sights with someone in the know with your own private car and driver for three days and a tour of Dublin with a private tour guide.

Prize is valid for one year and must be booked with Shamrock Travel.

All flights are subject to availability at the time of booking and all accommodation and services are strictly subject to availability.

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Sit back, relax and indulge as leading Melbourne chefs each come to you to cook a private dinner party in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy this exclusive experience twice over the next year with two leading Melbourne chefs who have earned many accolades. Ricccardo Momesso, Executive Chef at the award winning Sarti, which boasts one hat in The Age Good Food Guide 2011, and Joseph Vargetto, who worked at a Northern Italian three star Michelin restaurant and owns Mezzo Bar & Grill and the new Mister Bianco, will each come to your home over the next 12 months and cook a six course meal including wines for ten people. They’ll even bring the cutlery, crockery and glassware. The ultimate dinner party at home...now who to invite?

Terms and conditions apply. Subject to chefs’ availability and may only be available on select nights during the week.

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The recent growth in popularity of river cruising as a holiday option is the most significant event in travel since the dawn of the jet age and the birth of the cruise ship industry.

Convenient, relaxing, affordable and indulgent, it allows you to take in the sights from an entirely unique perspective. Basically, it’s the new way to see Europe.

Running down the spine of the European river system is the glorious stretch of water from Amsterdam to Budapest. Covering five countries in 15 days on board a luxury APT river ship, the Magnificent Europe cruise is the most popular option for travellers.

Designed to bring the elegance and amenities of a five-star hotel to the water, APT river ships offer a truly luxurious experience. In addition to all the comforts you’d expect from a boutique hotel, APT offer the widest range of sightseeing on offer allowing the perfect combination of luxury and adventure.

Waking each morning to find new and undiscovered attractions on your doorstep is just one of the many pleasantly surprising benefits that make river cruising holidays so memorable. The tranquil waters and magnificent shoreline sights of the Rhine, Main and Danube forge a resplendent backdrop to your journey, creating an unforgettable adventure that will stay with you forever.

The tour is not transferable to another tour. No cash refund or reimbursement allowed if the tour is not utilised and no credit will be given if full value of the tour is not utilised on one tour. Bookings shall be accepted subject to availability of seats and the Company reserves the right to offer alternative dates and/or itineraries. The tour can be taken anytime before December 2012. The tour is for two people and is based on twin share/double accommodation. Price is based on Cat. D Twin Window Suite Piano Deck. Upgrades are available at additional cost. Air fares, air taxes and travel insurance is not included and we recommend you take out travel insurance prior to travel.

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Executive Excellence is a team of professionals made up of former senior members of the Australian Army, with backgrounds in the Special Air Service regiment, Commandos, Health and Fitness, Medical Corps and Learning and Development who are committed to assisting people become significantly more effective in their personal and professional lives.

The Thai-Burma Railway Trek is a seven day historical adventure following the footsteps of the 13,004 Australian Prisoners of War sent to work on the railway following the fall of Singapore in 1942. Visiting historically significant sites, including the Bridge 277 over the Khwae Yai River, Hellfire Pass and the Commonwealth War Graves, this adventure is a moving historical experience. This opportunity of a lifetime will see four lucky people celebrate a land of diversity and contrast where the old blends seamlessly with the new, the modern coexists peacefully with the traditional, and the history of the Thai Burma Railway awaits all intrepid travellers. Whether you are young or old, journeying with family or with friends,visiting the Kingdom of Thailand offers a unique experience for any traveller.

The trek includes return economy airfares from Brisbane to Bangkok, six week adventure fitness preparation program, all transfers, all meals, all accommodation in Kanchanaburi & twin share accommodation in Bangkok, professional & experienced trek leader, trek gear, (including back pack, sleeping bag, trek shirt) entry to museums & cemetery, personal travel insurance and more.

Terms and conditions apply.

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Sail off into the sunset for a wonderful week in Queensland's fabulous Whitsunday islands aboard a luxury catamaran. Setting off from Shute Harbour, you can sail or motor, cruising the many island resorts (Hamilton, Daydream, South Molle, Hayman), exploring uninhabited islands, snorkeling the reefs, catching a fish, or just relaxing on board or on a beach. And don't miss a visit to Queensland's most stunning beach, Whitehhaven.

Fully supported by the largest Australian-owned yacht rental company, Whitsunday Rent a Yacht, you'll receive a comprehensive pre-charter briefing, twice daily radio checks and the ability to contact emergency support day or night. Alternatively, you can choose to be joined at no extra cost by a fully trained skipper and cook.

Winner of the Australian Sailboat of the Year in 2010, the catamaran is the award winning Seawind 1160 (11.6metres or 38 feet). Luxuriously fitted out with 3 cabins and a huge living space, it comfortably accomodates 6 people. Sleeping cabin configuration includes 3 double cabins, with the 2 forward cabins offering queen sized beds, 1 with ensuite, plus a large additional toilet and shower to service the remaining cabins. Surveyed to carry up to 8 holiday makers, the saloon table and seating can be convereted to a double bunk. With the latest in rig, equipment and fit out this beautiful catamaran is proving to be one of the most preferred ways to eperience bareboat chartering at its best.

The week must be taken in mid-season (excludes September to October 2012 and Christmas to New Year) and is subject to availability. All costs associated with the bareboat charter are included, including the skipper/cook option. Transfers, food and drinks are not included.

With good spirit and in the name of fundraising, the CEO’s of the four major banks have joined forces to offer an exceptional opportunity – to lunch separately with each CEO in their respective bank headquarters. Nine people will enjoy what will undoubtedly be educational and fascinating lunches with The Westpac Group CEO Gail Kelly, ANZ CEO Mike Smith, CBA CEO Ralph Norris and NAB CEO Cameron Clyne. Each lunch will be for ten people (including the respective CEO) and the lunch will be held ‘in-house’.

This auction item is valid until 10 September 2012. Available dates and other arrangements will be made with the successful bidder via the offices of the respective CEO’s. Each CEO will determine his/her own preference for the venue i.e. Sydney or Melbourne. Please note Chatham House rules apply. No media.

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