Luke Sayers and new girlfriend step out among powerbrokers at Million Dollar Lunch

Luke Sayers, the embattled businessman once at the helm of Carlton and PwC Australia, attended the Million Dollar Lunch in Melbourne on Friday, August 20, 2026, alongside his new girlfriend, Alexandra Elms, a marketing manager. The event, held at the Crown Palladium, is one of the city's premier networking gatherings, drawing together influential figures from business, politics, and entertainment. Sayers' presence marked a notable return to the public eye following recent controversies involving a lewd photo scandal, his divorce, and a defamation lawsuit initiated by his ex-wife, Cate. Sayers arrived late at the event, allowing him to bypass the initial wave of media attention typically focused on the venue's main entrance. He and Elms were seated at a table hosted by property development firm Bonleaf, avoiding the table occupied by Tenet, the advisory company Sayers co-founded. Their brief appearance drew some interest, though Sayers quickly left the area after a brief interaction with a guest, while Elms exited in the opposite direction. Later in the evening, Sayers was observed speaking with Martin Pakula, the chair of the Australian Grand Prix. During this exchange, Sayers placed an arm around Pakula’s shoulders and engaged in audible laughter. The event featured a grand entrance adorned with large floral displays, a ballerina performance, and two human sculptures resembling ancient Greek statues, leading guests through an emerald velvet-draped archway into a garden-party themed setting. This year's gathering attracted 762 attendees, including several billionaires such as Dennis Bastas and Rick Smith. Among the notable attendees was Andrew Abdo, newly appointed chief executive of Tennis Australia, who was approached by numerous guests eager to engage with him given his recent appointment. Abdo was seen in conversation with Sally Curtain, the leader of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and later spoke with Lord Mayor Nick Reece. The political landscape was well-represented, with appearances from Major Events and Racing Minister Anthony Carbines, Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, Liberal MPs Georgie Crozier and Brad Rowswell, and One Nation representative Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell. At the event, Lexus Australia's new chief executive, Jack Hobbs, was seated beside Victoria Racing Club chief executive Kylie Rogers. Hobbs, who assumed his position in January, is expected to be a prominent figure during Melbourne Cup week in November at the car brand’s marquee event at Flemington. Other notable attendees included Gerry Ryan, CEO of Jayco, who pledged $50,000 to the Children's Cancer Foundation, a contribution matched by Dennis Bastas and subsequently by Rick Smith's Highland Foundation. Additional guests included Neil Wilson, chair of the Victoria Racing Club; Travis Auld, chief executive of the Australian Grand Prix; Crown Resorts executives David Tsai and Ed Domingo; Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison; Mitchelton Group chief Andy Ryan; Melbourne Storm chief executive Justin Rodski; Logie winner Todd Woodbridge; property developer Renato Pellicano; Zagame Group’s Bobby Zagame; Gigi and Ed Myer; Decjuba boss Tania Austin; Australian Fashion Festival deputy chair Kallie Blauhorn; former Channel Nine presenter Livinia Nixon; ex-Crown executive Peter Crinis; InsureBuild boss Stuart Patterson; and James Roche from Roche Holdings. Cricket legend Ricky Ponting, whose wife Rianna serves as chair of the Million Dollar Lunch committee, attended the event before departing for a late afternoon flight. Before leaving, the Pontings committed $25,000 from their family foundation, contributing to the total funds raised on the day, which exceeded $2.3 million.