La Belle Epoque
It was an evening of extravagance and exoticism, as the property industry parted the red-velvet curtains of a Montmartre music hall, and stepped into the throng of cigar-smoking bohemians, top-hatted artists, cabaret singers and can-can dancers celebrating La Belle Époque.
Top hats, feathers and fur were de rigueur, and guests clutched masquerade masks and fancy fans as they were snapped for the social pages, with the ladies of Handmade Canberra sparkling as best dressed. Politicians and policy makers circulated with developers and designers, architects and artists. It was Canberra at its best.
The Great Hall at Parliament House was a glittering backdrop for fun and frivolity as guests wined and dined, mixed and mingled, and kicked up their heels to the sweet sounds of Honey, our seven-piece powerhouse band.
There was applause and cheers for the 2014 award winners, all of whom were recognised for stellar contributions to Canberra. The winners were:
ACT Executive Director Catherine Carter reminded the crowd that, just as the Belle Époque was an era of optimism, Canberra is poised on the precipice of our own ‘golden age’.
“Canberra is home to talented property professionals, visionary developers and some of the nation’s most iconic buildings. We can feel very proud of the resilience of our industry and the contribution we make as the ACT’s third largest employer, the single largest contributor to ACT taxes and a vital driver of economic growth,” she said.
“As our industry continues to build the communities, homes and workplaces that the people of Canberra need to thrive, the Property Council will champion policies and programs that encourage prosperity and growth.”
To view and download photos taken on the night, visit the Property Council’s ACT Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Property-Council-of-Australia-ACT/0464320058366?ref=hl