What:

Virgin Australia is celebrating the official launch of its new flagship Sydney lounge by offering racegoers a unique Melbourne Cup Hat Valet service.

As more than 60,000 travellers1 head south for the "race that stops a nation", the airline has announced porters will be on standby in the lead-up to the Melbourne Cup to offer eligible guests a personalised Hat Valet service, ensuring premium handling of the most important part of any race day

outfit.

A range of pre-flight pampering options will also be offered including blow-dries, complimentary makeup by Model Co and a shoe-shining service, all designed to ensure guests arrive ready for the race.

The service will be exclusively offered in Virgin Australia's new Sydney domestic lounge to Business Class guests, Velocity Platinum, Gold, lounge members and alliance lounge eligible guests.

Where:

Virgin Australia Sydney lounge Premium Entry

Western end of Terminal 2 on Departures Road

When:

Thursday, 31 October, 10.00am for a 10.15am photo call

Who:

The following will be available for comment/vision:

 -  Virgin Australia Group Executive of Corporate Communications, Danielle Keighery

 -  Official Milliner for the Sydney Spring Carnival, Nerida Winter speaking about the important of race wear care and the latest headpiece designs

 -  Vision of glamorous race-goers, hat valet porters and Virgin Australia cabin crew

RSVP:

Please RSVP to Brannon Valmadre: brannon.valmadre@openhaus.net.au or 0439 688 863

PLEASE NOTE:

 -  Video News Release of event, including interviews, will be available via satellite ex Globecast, Sydney at 12:00pm (AEDT).

 -  The VNR will also be available for download from 12:00pm at: http://mediagame-1.wistia.com/projects/VirginAustraliaMelbCupHatValet

 -  The ANR will also be available for download from 12:00pm at: http://mediagame-1.wistia.com/projects/VirginAustraliaMelbCupHatValet

 -  VNR/ANR contact - Warren - 0418 117 587

1 Based on 2012 Spring Racing Carnival Economic Impact Study, produced by IER Pty. Ltd, 201


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