Fresh and disturbing allegations of indecent assault and sexual harassment have emerged against former Newcastle real estate boss Anthony Di Nardo, with claims now spanning more than three decades. The Newcastle Herald's ongoing investigation has prompted more people to come forward, painting a pattern of alleged predatory behaviour that extended from his early days as a nightclub bouncer through his long career in property.
A Pattern Spanning Nightclubs to Real Estate
The latest claims include incidents dating back to the 1990s when Mr Di Nardo worked as security at several prominent Newcastle nightclubs. A former colleague from that era described him as a "serial grub" known for "pestering" female patrons and staff, with behaviour so inappropriate it sometimes prompted partners to confront him. A female patron from that time recalled his conduct as "beyond flirtatious" and characterised by over-the-top sexualised remarks that made her feel uncomfortable.
The allegations follow him into the real estate industry, where he worked as a sales agent at Century 21 in Lake Macquarie before running LJ Hooker and McGrath franchises in Warners Bay. Three separate vendors have now made claims, including a woman who alleges Mr Di Nardo indecently assaulted her over a decade ago when he visited her home to discuss a sale. She described him placing a hand on her leg and trying to kiss her without consent after she offered an innocent compliment.
"It's something I'll never forget," she told the Herald. "It's a memory that is very vivid and made me feel violated and extremely uncomfortable."
An Open Secret in the Industry
The Herald has now spoken to more than 20 women who detail a menacing workplace culture within Mr Di Nardo's businesses over the past 20 years. They allege the 53-year-old veteran used his position of power to "prey" on young female employees. The claims range from groping and indecent assault to aggressive propositions, taking staff to a sex shop, sharing lewd photos of female employees, and rampant drug use.
One former employee, who was a teenager at the time, gave a detailed account of an alleged indecent assault in his office decades ago. She described being called in for a supposed shoulder massage, only for Mr Di Nardo to allegedly grope her buttocks, pull her against him, and put his hands down her shirt to touch her breasts. "I was completely frozen," she said, recounting a subsequent panic attack in her car. Reading recent reports of similar behaviour triggered her, as the descriptions sounded "so familiar."
Seven women who worked for his McGrath franchises have detailed similar claims, describing an office environment where near-daily sexualised comments about women's bodies were commonplace. "He was a disgusting individual to work for," one said. Another woman alleges he invited her to his home under false pretences for a dinner that was just the two of them, where he made sexual advances, leading her to secretly text a friend to rescue her.
Consequences and a Denial
Women who rejected his advances say they faced professional retaliation, were ostracised, threatened, or felt forced to quit their jobs. "Then you are ousted and pushed aside because you said no," one explained. Many expressed anger that the alleged behaviour was allowed to continue for so long, suggesting it was an "open secret" in Newcastle real estate circles.
Mr Di Nardo was terminated last week as a franchisee of five Belle Property outlets following the Herald's initial investigation. He previously denied the allegations, calling them "concerning" and "simply untrue," and suggesting they were false complaints made after employment relationships broke down. Regarding the latest claims, his lawyer provided a response marked not for publication.
The Newcastle Herald continues its investigation and encourages anyone with information to contact journalist Donna Page.
