THE LADIES LUNCHEON

The Ladies Luncheon began as a heartfelt vision by Harriet Waugh, philanthropist and Sydney hotelier, inspired by her 4-month stay at The Royal Hospital for Women (The Royal) and the premature birth of her first child.

This grassroots annual philanthropic event was created with purpose to invest in the future of women and newborn’s health, with particular focus on premature babies in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and women with complicated, high-risk pregnancies.

Since inception, the event has raised more than $3.5 million for The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation.

Harriet joined forces with Deborah Symond O’Neil (2019), Georgie Curran (2023 - 2025) and Madeline Holtznagel (2025), all generously dedicating their time and influence. This year, Georgie has retired from the committee, and we thank her for her tireless dedication and drive, and we look forward to welcoming her as a luncheon guest.

We are delighted to announce that Zena Nasser White, a well-known long-term philanthropic supporter of The Royal with a passion for women’s, young girls’ and newborn health, has joined the committee, working alongside Harriet, Deborah and Madeline to make a lasting impact on the future of women and newborn’s health.

WHAT WE DO

The Ladies Luncheon is more than an annual event - it’s a catalyst for real and lasting impact in women’s and newborn healthcare.

The Ladies Luncheon is recognised as one of Sydney’s most exclusive charity events, but well beyond the prestige is the Luncheon’s ability to drive real impacts on the future of women and newborn’s health.

Thanks to the generosity of our guests, sponsors and supporters, the Luncheon has pioneered Australian-firsts in equipment, research and programs.

Advanced equipment including funding the NICU’s 19^th intensive care bed in 2025, making it Australia’s largest and most specialised neonatal surgical unit with:

• A BabyLeo humidicrib providing a womb-like environment and enabling surgery to be performed efficiently and safely within the NICU
• A Panda Resuscitation Unit used in delivery and neonatal care
• Cardiotocography machines to identify signs of fetal distress
• Medication fridge.

Innovative clinical advances and research:

• The Royal’s Virtual Maternity Clinic pilot program, monitoring women with high-risk pregnancies from home with advanced technology and connectivity
• The NICU’s “Hospital in the Home” program
• Thought-leading research in stillbirth prevention and better diagnostics.

THE ROYAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN FOUNDATION


The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation is the charity for The Royal Hospital for Women and is dedicated to transforming the lifelong health of women and newborns - across New South Wales, throughout Australia, and beyond.

The annual Ladies Luncheon proudly joins the Foundation in its mission to lead advancements in women’s and newborn health. With the Foundation as our exclusive beneficiary, every dollar raised supports pioneering research, cutting-edge technology, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in women’s and neonatal care - cementing our shared commitment to shaping the future of women’s health in Australia.

For more information on the Royal Hospital for Women Foundation click here.

2026 LUNCHEON

We are honoured to welcome back Justin Hemmes’ Merivale as our Platinum Event Partner, with Ladies Luncheon again to be hosted at Merivale’s iconic Mimi’s in Coogee on Thursday 10^th September.

The 8th annual Ladies Luncheon is seeking to rise $1m to make a significant contribution towards funding Australia’s first dedicated neonatal MRI in the NICU.

embrace® is a high quality neonatal diagnostic MRI imaging system that will significantly transform care by enabling faster access to advanced brain imaging without leaving the NICU.

This means earlier and more accurate diagnosis of brain injuries, more timely intervention for babies who would benefit from targeted developmental therapies, and more tailored treatment plans during the critical early weeks of life.

We welcome all tax-deductible donations ahead of the event and would be grateful to receive any amount. If you would like further information on the MRI, or to have a conversation regarding a donation pledge ahead of the event, please contact us.

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