Woman with a high ponytail and gold earrings sipping an orange spritz through a striped straw at an event

A brilliant year – Galerie

Celebrating a Remarkable Year: Eclat Galerie Events in 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, Eclat Galerie stands as a testament to the power of community, creativity, and collaboration. This year, Galerie hosted an extraordinary array of events, 164 in total; bringing together members to connect, inspire, and celebrate. From moments of laughter to thought-provoking discussions and exceptional culinary experiences, every gathering reflected the richness of the Eclat culture. Here, we celebrate the highlights of 2024 and express our heartfelt gratitude to our members, our dedicated hospitality staff, and our brilliant events coordinator, Dominique Gentile, as well as the many partners, suppliers, and contributors who made these events unforgettable. 

Table set with tasting glasses of red, white and amber wines beside a menu reading Noir and a postcard of a wine bottle
Stylised lowercase g logo for Galerie over a curtained backdrop
Two women laughing together, one in a grey top holding a wine glass, a green-shirted man visible behind them
Waitress in a white shirt and black apron holding a tray of two champagne flute
Three men laughing and chatting at a round table with water bottles, seated against sheer curtains

Social Gatherings: A Celebration of Connection

At its core, Galerie is a hub for forging meaningful connections. This year kicked off with our “Welcome Back to Eclat” event, setting the tone for a year of vibrant social interactions. From the AFL season launch featuring Aaron Hamill, Steele Sidebottom, and Paul Connors to the uproarious Comedy Festival evening with Tommy Little, these events showcased the joy of camaraderie. 

Our Trivia Nights brought out the competitive spirit in attendees, proving to be a night of fun and spirited engagement. The Spring Racing Carnival and AFL Finals Launch events further solidified Galerie’s role for us to celebrate Melbourne’s social scene and sporting scene, providing an elegant yet accessible space to celebrate beloved traditions. 

Two women looking at a phone and laughing, one in a tie-dye coat with a white wine, the other in a white polka-dot dress with red wine
Overhead view of betel leaf canapes topped with a dark relish, herbs and chilli, arranged on a white plate near lit candles and pink flowers
Long table set with cheese, charcuterie boards and antipasto platters, guests reaching in to serve themselves

Hospitality Events: A Feast for the Senses 

The art of hospitality was elevated to new heights in 2024. The year began with the unforgettable Eclat x Penfolds evening, where attendees indulged in the finest wines paired with exquisite dishes, an experience that epitomised sophistication. Other highlights included a wine and chocolate pairing session with Patrick of Coonawarra, an interplay of flavours delighted the palate, and an artisanal cheese exploration at the “That’s Amore” event, which celebrated the craftsmanship behind dairy creation 

Innovation was a recurring theme in 2024, exemplified by the NON Wine Tasting Experience. This event celebrated non-alcoholic beverages, providing members with a fresh perspective on modern dining trends. Paint-and-sip evenings at Frida’s offered a creative outlet, blending artistic expression with social connection. Puss & Mew cocktail sessions provided insights into the art of mixology, while Starward whiskey tastings delved into the nuances of craft distilling. 

The bold flavours of Forage Supply Co’s Barossa wines and the rich creations of Wild Duck Creek, ensuring a memorable end to a year of gastronomic excellence. The Forage Supply Co’s offerings showcased the regions winemaking heritage and its commitment to sustainability. Wild Duck Creek’s rich and robust wines added depth to the experience, highlighting the artistry of boutique winemaking. These events were made possible through the unwavering dedication of our hospitality staff, whose meticulous attention to detail ensured flawless execution. 


Long dining table set with wine glasses and plates, guests seated in front of a screen reading Wild Duck Creek Estate Heathcote

Business and Leadership: Inspiring Growth and Resilience 

Galerie has long been a space for exchanging ideas and fostering professional growth. This year, it hosted an impressive lineup of business and leadership events designed to inspire and empower. The Member Showcases were a highlight, featuring innovators like Claire Jenkins of VetChat and Tom Robertson of V1 Studios. These sessions celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit within our community and provided a platform for members to share their journeys. 

Leadership took center stage with sessions by prominent figures such as Nick Maxwell, Rita Cincotta, and Nathan Buckley. Their discussions on topics like resilience, leadership, and navigating challenges resonated deeply with attendees. Thought-provoking seminars, such as “Create Boundaries Rather Than Seeking Balance” and the powerful “Resilience in the Face of Failure,” offered attendees actionable insights to apply in both personal and professional contexts. 

Expert-led events such as Dr. Lucy Maxwell’s seminar on criminal psychology and David Buttifant’s exploration of performance psychology expanded horizons and provided attendees with cutting-edge knowledge. These events, supported by our carefully curated speakers and partners, reflected our communities commitment to growth and innovation. 

Charity and Wellness: Giving Back and Thriving 

Galerie’s charitable events reflect the core values of Eclat, bringing members together to support meaningful causes. This year, we partnered with organisations like BCNA and Biggest Morning Tea, hosting morning tea events that combined heartfelt purpose with warm hospitality. These gatherings raised funds and awareness for critical issues, underscoring the importance of giving back. 

Free to Feed’s culinary experiences were particularly impactful, fostering empathy and understanding while celebrating the talents of refugees and asylum seekers. Attendees were treated to rich flavors and stories that highlighted resilience and cultural diversity, creating a memorable and moving experience. 

Wellness remained a priority at Galerie, with events like Mat Pilates led by Club Bend BFT providing members with an opportunity to recharge. These initiatives emphasized the importance of physical and mental well-being, aligning with our holistic approach to lifestyle. 


Screen reading Creating boundaries rather than seeking balance in business, with panellists Poppy Griffiths, Lauren Blackwood and Jaimee Rogers, audience seated and standing in the foreground

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Galerie 

As we reflect on an extraordinary year, our gratitude extends to every individual who contributed to the success of Galerie in 2024. To our Eclat members, your enthusiasm, participation, and support are the foundation of our community. Your energy breathes life into every event and transforms them into unforgettable experiences. 

We owe a special acknowledgment to Dominique Gentile, whose impeccable coordination and visionary approach ensure that every detail is executed with precision and flair. Her leadership and dedication are central to Galerie’s success now and in the future. Additionally, our hospitality staff, whose professionalism and passion create a welcoming and warm environment, deserve our deepest appreciation. Behind the scenes, countless suppliers, partners, and contributors have played an integral role in bringing our events to life. Their expertise and commitment have enriched our experiences and elevated our offerings. 

As we look forward to 2025, Galerie remains steadfast in its mission to curate events that inspire, connect, and enrich our community. The year ahead promises new opportunities to celebrate life, foster creativity, and strengthen the bonds that define Eclat. 

Here’s to a remarkable year past and an even brighter one to come. Together, we’ll continue to make Galerie the heart of connection, culture, and celebration. 


Wide venue shot with lounge seating, a bar and dining tables set for an event

Image Credits

Erin Maxwell