Sydney’s socialite set: The old money, the new money and the new generation
Whether born into Australian dynasties or settling in the Harbour City from far away, Sydney’s elite shape its social landscape. Here’s a guide to who’s who.
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Whether born into Australian dynasties or settling in the Harbour City from far away, Sydney’s elite shape its social landscape.
Heiresses and heirs of iconic Australian businesses, from poultry to shopping centres, command attention in Sydney. Their family names and fortunes open doors to the city’s most coveted events.
Here are some of the city’s most influential people.
OLD MONEY
Deborah Symond O’Neil
Deborah Symond O’Neil — the daughter of Aussie Home Loans founder John Symond, one of Australia’s most prominent self‑made financiers — is firmly embedded in Sydney’s elite.
As the founder of luxury athleisure retailer Mode Sportif, she has carved out her own success.
Meanwhile her family’s wealth is reflected in John Symond’s portfolio: an art collection, a superyacht believed to have cost more than $150 million, and a Point Piper estate with an estimated price tag of about $250 million.
When she married property scion Ned O’Neil in 2018, it was at a lavish three‑day ceremony on Hamilton Island.
Her custom Christian Dior gown reportedly cost about $200,000 and the wedding party’s exclusive use of the Qualia resort further underscored the couple’s immense combined social and financial standing.
Ned O’Neil
Deborah O’Neil’s husband Ned O’Neil also hails from one of Sydney’s most established and influential dynasties.
As a director at Addenbrooke — a privately-owned development firm founded by his father Denis O’Neil — he continues a three-decade long legacy of creating residential, commercial, hotel and marina projects across NSW and interstate.
His brother Jake is married to cleaning heiress Lou Hay, while his brother Toby remains one of Sydney’s most eligible bachelors.
Marcus Brodie
Justin Hemmes’ right-hand man Marcus Brodie is originally from Melbourne and spent most of his career in VIP relations in London before he moved to Sydney to head up Hemmes VIPs.
Brodie has a black book full of the names and secrets of Australia’s elite.
You’ll find him at one of the many Merivale establishments from Monday to Sunday — or at exclusive events hosted by Hermes & Cartier alongside his entrepreneurial friends including Venroy founder Sean Ventura and PR supremo Roxy Jacenko.
Alina Barlow
Billionaire Russian heiress Alina Barlow is an A-lister on Sydney’s social scene thanks to her eponymous fine jewellery label ALINKA as well as her pedigree of inherited affluence as the daughter of billionaire David Traktovenko.
She is close friends with a number of Sydney socialites including Terry Biviano and Rebecca Vallance and is on the committee of the country’s most successful charity event, the Gold Dinner.
Hoda Waterhouse
Hoda Waterhouse is a central figure in Sydney’s glittering social and racing circles.
She is married to prominent bookmaker-turned-investor Tom Waterhouse, and lays low but lives large thanks to her and her husband’s enormous wealth.
The mother-of-three is considered one of the nicest women on Sydney’s social scene and has done a stellar job of skilfully staying away from public attention and out of the media.
Rey Vakili
Hoda’s little sister, and a new mum, Rey Vakili is an alumna of Yale and Stanford, and former assistant to Anna Wintour at American Vogue.
The fashionable wife of Jonny Ingham, who welcomed her first baby last month, is now at the helm of the hugely successful LTK Australia.
Her marriage in June 2023 to chicken-industry heir Johnny Ingham — grandson of Walter Ingham — cemented her place among Australia’s elite.
Tamie Ingham
Tamie Ingham recently celebrated her 40th birthday and the impressive guest list proves she is one of Sydney’s most popular and well-liked socialites.
The former shoe designer is a celebrated member of Sydney’s social elite — and of Australia’s iconic Ingham poultry dynasty.
As the granddaughter of the late Walter Ingham Jr, she belongs to the generation that inherited one of the country’s largest chicken‑processing empires.
Tamie has become a fixture in high society, with her glamorous wedding to celebrity chef Guillaume Brahimi in Paris in June branded the “celebrity wedding of the year”.
Kate Waterhouse
Kate Waterhouse is a prominent figure in Sydney’s social scene, and also known for her work as a journalist, media personality and fashion influencer.
The mother-of-two is the daughter of renowned Australian horse trainer Gai Waterhouse and leading bookmaker Rob Waterhouse, and the granddaughter of racing legends Tommy “TJ” Smith and Bill Waterhouse.
In 2012, she married former NRL star Luke Ricketson, further elevating her profile in Sydney’s elite circles.
Monica Saunders-Weinberg
Well-liked, down-to-earth, humble and philanthropic is how those who know and love Monica Saunders‑Weinberg describe the Westfield heiress.
As one of the two daughters of John Saunders, the late co‑founder of the global Westfield shopping centre empire, she inherited a stake in a secretive investment powerhouse, Terrace Tower Group, alongside her sister Betty Klimenko.
Monica isn’t content to rest on inherited wealth and lends her name and support to a number of Australian charities.
Di Maloney
Di Maloney is a noted fixture of Sydney’s high society thanks to her substantial family fortune.
She was formerly married to pub magnate Kim Maloney, made headlines in 2021 by paying a record $29.2 million for a waterfront block in Tamarama, which set the benchmark for oceanfront property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
She is known and loved in the east for her epic New Year’s Eve parties.
Justin Hemmes
Justin Hemmes needs little introduction.
The father-of-three is a prominent Australian businessman and the CEO of Merivale, a hospitality empire founded by his parents, John and Merivale Hemmes, in 1957.
Under Justin’s leadership since the mid-1990s, Merivale has transformed into a multimillion-dollar business with a portfolio of more than 90 venues, including much loved establishments such as The Ivy, Hotel CBD and the Newport Arms Hotel.
Hemmes shares two daughters with his ex-partner Kate Fowler and recently welcomed a son with his current partner Madeline Holtznagel.
Nicky Oatley
Nicky Oatley is part of Australia’s winemaking and yacht racing dynasty.
The granddaughter of Robert “Bob”’ Oatley, who was worth $910 million, is an integral part of the Oatley family empire and is brand manager of family-owned Hamilton Island.
As previously revealed by Sunday Confidential, the mother-of-two is described by her pals as being a straight-shooter, super smart, kooky, takes no sh*t and has zero time for fluffy people.
NEW MONEY
Matilda Robertson
The co-founder of the Australian activewear brand STAX has emerged as a prominent socialite in recent years.
With her husband Don Robertson, she built STAX from a modest Perth start-up to a $52 million business, earning a spot on the AFR Young Rich List along the way.
Beyond her business acumen, Matilda has cultivated a significant following on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, where she shares a mix of fashion, beauty and lifestyle content.
Amy Jean Linnehan
The founder of Amy Jean Brow Agency epitomises a modern socialite and self-made entrepreneur.
Starting with a single beauty bed and a wax pot in the back of a hair salon 2004, she transformed her passion for brow artistry into a luxury brand renowned for its bespoke services and celebrity clientele.
Her clients have included Delta Goodrem and Naomi Campbell and her salons — located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and on the Gold Coast — are celebrated for their opulent interiors and personalised treatments.
Blainey North
Interior designer to the stars Blainey North is a quintessential example of new money — a self-made individual who leveraged expertise and innovation to achieve success.
Since starting up her now hugely profitable business at the age of 21, architect, interior and industrial designer and entrepreneur North has completed projects including the Conservatory at Crown Towers in Melbourne, Crown Metropol Perth.
Along the way she’s scooped up countless awards and accolades has showrooms in Sydney and London and boasts a long list of celebrity clientele.
Rebecca Vallance
From Ballarat to the big smoke, fashion powerhouse Rebecca Vallance is a prominent Australian designer whose rapid ascent to the upper echelons of the fashion industry also saw her establish herself as the quintessential socialite.
Since founding her eponymous label in 2011, Vallance has captivated the fashion world.
A long list of celebrities and fashion enthusiasts including Chrissy Teigan, Lady Gaga, Nicky and Paris Hilton wear her threads on everything from the red carpet to Royal Ascot.
Her creations are stocked globally at prestigious retailers such as Net-a-Porter, Mytheresa, Harvey Nichols and Neiman Marcus.
Roxy Jacenko
Public relations machine Roxy Jacenko is renowned for her entrepreneurial spirit and media-savvy persona.
At just 23 she founded Sweaty Betty PR, a public relations firm that quickly gained prominence by securing a number of high-profile clients.
Her business acumen led to the expansion of her empire, which includes a talent agency and a seminar series for aspiring publicists.
Natassia Halabi
Australian actor and one of the newest women to join Sydney’s competitive social scene, NCIS: Los Angeles actor Natassia Halabi recently moved to the eastern suburbs with her husband, Tolga Kumova and their daughter.
The pregnant socialite — who has starred alongside Ethan Hawke, Kaitlyn Dever and Chris O’Donnell in recent years — lives in Bondi and has fast made her way into the close circles of many eastern suburbs women.
She’s close friends with the Sydney beauty Bella Hunter, who recently married US billionaire Gary Friedman, and Shayda Ibrahim, Laura Cathery, Ellie Aitken, Holly Candy and interior designer Alexia McGrath.
Kirsten Carriol
When in comes to beauty brands, this Australian entrepreneur and socialite is the name on a lot of lips.
Kirsten is the founder of cult favourite beauty brand Lanolips.
Her journey from a childhood on a South Australian sheep farm — where she learned about lanolin from her scientist father — to launching a global skincare sensation defines the “new money” ethos.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Carriol embodies the modern socialite lifestyle, balancing her business ventures with a public presence which makes her a leading figure in Australia’s social and business circles.
Ellie Aitken
Ellie Aitken’s blend of business acumen, media presence and the fact she associates with many influential Australian figures makes her one of our top new money socialites.
Aitken co-founded a luxury fashion label and has been actively involved in various philanthropic endeavours.
Like many other socialites, Aitken’s personal life has also garnered significant media attention; she was previously married to financier Charlie Aitken for nearly two decades before their separation, which was widely covered in the press.
Patrick Johnson
P.Johnson tailors founder Patrick Johnson pivoted from studying winemaking in Adelaide to making suits in London and now has his own hugely successful bespoke tailoring business.
Johnson has seen a meteoric rise in the fashion industry since establishing his brand in 2008.
As tailor to the stars, his threads, known for their relaxed vibe and modern sensibility, are adored by fellow socialites including Nadia Fairfax.
Cameron MacDonald and Emma Gott
Former model-turned-investor Cameron MacDonald and luxury fashion consultant Emma Gott are a match made in socialite heaven.
Both are equally as genetically blessed and successful and are known among the Sydney social set for being “super cool” and “chic”.
Four years ago, MacDonald sold his $21.5 million Mosman home – which was briefly rented by Justin Bieber – to retired Merrill Lynch and Commonwealth Bank executive Doug Dovey and his wife, Debra.
Alexander Phillips
He is considered one of Australia’s most successful real estate agents, raking in $937 million in sales in the past 12 months.
Known as a first-class negotiator, Phillips is said to be the first individual agent in Australia to crack the magic billion dollar figure in real estate sales.
That — paired with his charm and good looks — makes him one of our top socialites.
Many say he makes fellow estate agents like Gavin Rubenstein and co look like the poor cousins.
Alexa McGrath
She is an interior designer by trade, but has recently ventured into the beauty marker, launching The Skincare Tools in 2024, selling through TVSN and online.
The wife of property developer Ghassy Bayni, Alexa shares two daughters with him
She is seen at high-end events such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel and Hermes alongside a crowd that includes actor Natassia Halabi and gallery owner Samira Tavakoli.
Jared Cadry
If you’re on the prestigious Silver Party committee, chances are you are considered one of Sydney’s top-tier socialites, which more than applies to committee member Jared Cadry.
He is part of the rug pioneering family business Cadry’s, with a heritage dating back to the 1850s.
Jared, who is prominent in the Jewish community, is often seen out and about with fellow Sydney socialite Adam Abrams.
Jackie ‘O’ Henderson
Her ascent into the realm of high society is only recent, despite the fact she’s been a part of the Australian entertainment industry for decades.
This is a testament to Jackie ‘O’ Henderson’s self-made success and ever evolving personal brand.
Beyond her role as co-host of the Kyle and Jackie O KIIS FM breakfast show (where she reportedly earns $10 million a year), Henderson has recently expanded her influence by cultivating relationships with Sydney’s elite, including Pip Edwards and has become a regular on the social scene, where she always delivers in the fashion stakes.
NEXT GEN
Costeen Hatzi
Single after her split with former beau, professional tennis player Nick Kyrgios, Hatzi remains one of Sydney’s most influential socialites.
A graduate in psychological sciences from Australian Catholic University, she has transitioned from a university student to a prominent fashion influencer and business owner.
Her luxury dress hire business Style Studio and her active presence on social media platforms have solidified her status in Sydney’s social scene.
Matt Suleau
As a presenter for Fox Sports and Sky News, Matt Suleau has established himself as one of our Next Gen socialites.
His fashion-forward appearances at high-profile events, including the Moët & Chandon Effervescence Event and the NGV Gala, and his ever-growing social media presence have secured his status among Sydney’s popular set.
Madeline Holtznagel
New mum Madeline Holtznagel is widely regarded as one of Sydney’s premier socialites.
Justin Hemmes’ long-time partner has handled herself in the limelight with both grace and dignity.
The well-liked model comes from a down-to-earth and humble family. Her sister is top Sydney model Simone Holtznagel, a socialite in her own right.
Madeline’s relationship with billionaire hospitality magnate Hemmes has further elevated her public profile.
Together, they are frequently seen at high-profile events, including the Silver Party, a charity gala hosted at Hemmes’ Vaucluse estate, which raised $3.7 million for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.
Janitha Perera
Janitha Perera is a model, content creator and former Miss Universe Australia national finalist. After moving from Sri Lanka to Australia with her family at age 11, Perera is now based in Sydney where she is carving out a name for herself as one of our top social media influencers.
A favourite among bookers, Perera is one of our most exciting new faces.
Dominique Elissa
Dominique Elissa has effortlessly earned her reputation as one of Sydney’s most loved socialites by combining style, genuine charisma and meaningful activism.
The sought-after model and influencer is a regular at most of this city’s prestigious events, including Australian Fashion Week, where she often walks for a number of brands.
Beyond the glitz, Elissa champions wellness and sustainability, sharing her holistic routines on her popular blog and podcast Selfdom.
Sarah Maloney
Sarah Maloney, the daughter of pub baron Kim Maloney and his ex-wife Di, is cashed up, with her mum having purchased a block of apartments in Tamarama for $29.2m back in 2020.
Her Instagram proves it, with images of a jet-set lifestyle and designer clothing on display.
Erin Holland
Woman of many trades, Erin Holland is considered one of Sydney’s most enduring New Gen socialites.
Holland has a multifaceted career as a model, singer, TV host, brand ambassador and philanthropist.
After being crowned Miss World Australia in 2013 and earning the Continental Queen of Beauty (Oceania) title, Holland became a fixture at Sydney premieres, charity galas, sporting events, and VIP hospitality nights, while her media roles — including cricket presenting for Channel 7 — keep her in the public eye.
Chloe Fisher
Her name has only been on the radar for a few years, however there’s no denying Chloe Fisher is one of Sydney’s hottest and most in-demand young women.
A former model turned influencer, Fisher co-created the hit non-alcoholic drink brand Hard Fizz alongside her husband, Grammy-nominated DJ FISHER.
She co-hosts the popular Darling, Shine! podcast alongside fellow socialite Ellidy Pullin, where she has become a relatable voice on everything from wellness to motherhood and her emotional fertility journey.
Ellie Malouf
Daughter of “king of the dumpsters” and “Australia’s richest garbo” – Dial a Dump industries founder Ian Malouf — Ellie is so much more than just a socialite, having adopted her father’s renowned business acumen.
The savvy young woman co-founded and heads up Ahoy Club – an online platform for yacht charter bookings.
And given her father (who sold his company to Bingo industries for $A578 million in 2019) owns $40m 52m superyacht Mischief (which is equipped with Dom Perignon champagne on tap, a jacuzzi on the roof and six bedrooms below) this heiress knows what she’s talking about.
But there are no handouts for Ellie or her siblings, with each of them having to earn their own keep.
Originally published as Sydney’s socialite set: The old money, the new money and the new generation
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