One of the Hunter region's most prominent real estate figures faces multiple allegations of sexual harassment and indecent assault from current and former staff members, a Newcastle Herald investigation has revealed.
Powerful Figure Accused of Predatory Behaviour
Anthony Di Nardo, the 53-year-old owner of five Belle Property franchises in the Hunter region, stands accused of indecently assaulting, harassing and demeaning numerous female employees over the past decade. The successful agent, known for breaking high-end sales records and building the region's largest premium real estate business, vehemently denies all allegations.
More than ten past and present female employees have come forward with detailed accounts of alleged sexual misconduct, while five male staff members claim they witnessed inappropriate behaviour or its aftermath. The Newcastle Herald understands several incidents have been reported to police this year.
Teenage Trainee's Harrowing Experience
The situation reached a critical point in the past year when allegations surfaced involving a 16-year-old female trainee. The girl, who left school in Year 11 to begin her real estate traineeship, lodged a workers' compensation claim in August alleging grooming and harassment.
According to information obtained by the Herald, the teenager claims Mr Di Nardo asked her about her sex life, how she pleasured herself, and whether she owned a vibrator. She alleges he showed her pornographic videos on his phone, including security camera footage of staff members having sex and another video of himself in a threesome with an employee.
The girl confided in a friend who told the Herald the young trainee was "petrified" of Mr Di Nardo and suffered nightmares and panic attacks. "She was having a lot of mental breakdowns and just didn't know what to do," the friend revealed. "It's had a very big impact on her mental health and her confidence."
Pattern of Alleged Misconduct Emerges
Multiple former employees described witnessing the "aftermath" of young women becoming upset after alleged interactions with Mr Di Nardo. "I've seen multiple females crying over what has happened," a former male staff member stated.
Another former employee claimed Mr Di Nardo would "feed them drugs and alcohol and be inappropriate," adding "it makes me sick to my stomach." Both men described the real estate agent as someone who would boast about employees he claimed to have had sex with and regularly speak about women in degrading terms.
Five former female employees detailed experiences where they allege Mr Di Nardo touched them sexually against their wishes. They described feeling powerless to reject his advances due to his significant influence over their careers in the competitive real estate industry.
Di Nardo's Response and Belle Property's Position
In response to detailed questions from the Newcastle Herald, Mr Di Nardo issued a short statement: "I find these allegations concerning. It is an unfortunate reality that sometimes, when employment relationships break down, false and malicious complaints can be made. I deny the allegations made as they are simply untrue."
Peter Hanscomb, Sydney-based Belle Property director, said head office had not received any complaints about Mr Di Nardo. "We are extremely surprised by these allegations, as we have never received complaints or concerns of this nature," Mr Hanscomb stated.
Regarding the teenage trainee's workers' compensation claim, Mr Hanscomb confirmed head office was "recently" made aware of a female employee on mental health leave but were not informed of the details.
Toxic Workplace Culture Described
More than a dozen current and former employees depicted the business environment as toxic, characterized by a "revolving door" of attractive female staff and wild parties involving cocaine and alcohol. Several sources claimed Mr Di Nardo shared cocaine at parties and functions, with one describing him as "always trying to get people messed up."
Former staff members reported a clear separation between the "office in-crowd" and other employees, with select individuals receiving preferential treatment at work functions. Many described a culture where sexual harassment became normalized and speaking out seemed futile.
"He gets away with appalling behaviour, so he just continues to do it," a former senior female staff member said. "The arrogance of the man, it's disgusting."
Despite the serious allegations, Mr Di Nardo continues to operate his five Belle Property franchises across Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, East Maitland, Hunter Valley and Newcastle. He remains recognized as one of Australia's top-earning real estate agents, listed at number 47 in REB's national top 100 agents this year.
