THE LADIES LUNCHEON
The Ladies Luncheon began as a heartfelt vision by Sydney hotelier Harriet Waugh, who is committed to giving back through her and her husband Mitchell’s hospitality venture, PHMG.
Inspired by Harriet’s four-month stay at The Royal Hospital for Women during the premature birth of her first child, the Luncheon was born as a grassroots fundraising initiative—created not just in gratitude, but with purpose.
Since its inception, the event has raised more than $2.3 million for The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation, providing life-saving equipment and specialised care for mothers and newborns.
In 2019, Deborah Symond O’Neil joined the Ladies Luncheon as a co-host, bringing her signature elegance, influence, and generosity to the event. Together, Harriet and Deborah have cultivated a unique and powerful community of women who are passionate about giving back.
The duo is delighted to be joined by Madeline Holtznagel and Georgie Curran in presenting the 2025 Ladies Luncheon.
Today, the Ladies Luncheon is recognised as one of Sydney’s most exclusive charity events, attracting prominent media personalities, leading philanthropists, and high-profile supporters. But beyond the style and prestige lies something deeper: a movement of modern women using their platform and passion to make a lasting impact on the future of women’s and newborn health.