Sydney socialite Maude Tzaneros showed on Tuesday that the controversy surrounding her family’s business has not stopped her from enjoying the city’s spring racing festivities.
The Tzaneros family has faced mounting scrutiny since the collapse of its freight company, ACFS Port Logistics, including a Federal Court winding-up application over almost $60 million in alleged unpaid liabilities to the Australian Taxation Office.
The pressure intensified after Maude’s husband, Arthur Tzaneros, who founded the company with his father Terry in 2005, stepped down as chief executive and managing director. His resignation followed the leak of WhatsApp messages from a Scots College group chat.
Arthur later apologised for what he described as “insensitive” comments about sexual assault allegations involving three current Scots students. His father, Terry, subsequently took on leadership responsibilities during the administration process.
While this publication understands that the family behind the Port Botany-based logistics business has engaged crisis public relations advisers as creditors pursue the company, Maude appeared to be continuing with her usual social calendar.
She joined several well-known friends from Sydney’s eastern suburbs at a Laurent-Perrier event during Melbourne Cup Day celebrations at the fashionable Royal Hotel Paddington.
The Tzaneros family has faced intense scrutiny since the collapse of ACFS Port Logistics, but Maude Tzaneros appeared determined to enjoy the Melbourne Cup Day celebrations
She attended a Laurent-Perrier event at the Royal Hotel Paddington in a simple pink dress, skipping a traditional fascinator and wearing her hair in a half-up style
Maude paired the outfit with clear low heels that highlighted her pedicure, along with diamond jewellery and designer sunglasses
For the event, she wore a simple pink dress and opted against the traditional race-day fascinator, instead styling her hair in a half-up look.
She finished the outfit with clear low heels, diamond jewellery and a pair of designer sunglasses.
The mother of three also carried a Barolo clutch by Bottega Veneta, reportedly valued at $5,900.
On arrival, Maude posed at the media wall with Elaine Kwan, co-founder and creative director of resortwear label Mode d’Vie, and Sarah Cameron, a familiar face at Sydney’s high-society events.
Sarah was photographed arriving alongside Maude, Elaine and Natalie Salha, co-founder of luxury consignment store NS Style Sydney.
A source previously told the Mail: “They [the Tzaneroses] are trying to keep a low profile because they know it’s a bad look to be seen living large when the company owes millions.
“But at the same time, you have friends and you have a life to lead. I would imagine the women of the family who aren’t directly involved in the business are feeling pretty conflicted about what to do.”
Felicity McVay, the former Global Head of Entertainment at TikTok, was also among the guests. She wore a pale yellow dress with a matching fascinator and carried a Louis Vuitton handbag.
Felicity was seen chatting with Anji Lake, the wife of Ray White chief executive Thomas McGlynn. She later joined Harriet Waugh, founder of the annual Ladies Luncheon hosted by The Royal Hospital for Women, for a photograph.
Private legal consultant Sarah Colquhoun also attended, wearing a pink monochrome outfit that complemented Maude’s ensemble.
Maude posed at the media wall with Elaine Kwan, co-founder and creative director of Mode d’Vie, and Sarah Cameron after arriving at the event
Sarah is often photographed at exclusive social events, although little is publicly known about her
She arrived with Maude, Elaine and Natalie Salha, co-founder of luxury consignment retailer NS Style Sydney
Felicity McVay, the former Global Head of Entertainment at TikTok, wore a pale yellow dress and matching fascinator while carrying a Louis Vuitton handbag. She was seen speaking with Anji Lake, wife of Ray White CEO Thomas McGlynn
Felicity and Anji later posed with Harriet Waugh, founder of the annual Ladies Luncheon held by The Royal Hospital for Women
Private legal consultant Sarah Colquhoun attended in a pink monochrome outfit that echoed Maude’s look
Maude’s appearance came as the Tzaneros family continued to face scrutiny over the financial crisis at ACFS Port Logistics.
The freight company, established by Terry and Arthur in 2005, entered administration in August after coming under increasing financial strain.
The situation became more serious after Arthur resigned as chief executive and managing director following the leak of WhatsApp messages concerning allegations involving students at his former school, Scots College. The messages prompted widespread criticism.
Arthur later apologised for his “insensitive” remarks, while Terry took charge during the administration process.
Despite the company’s difficulties, the family has been developing a plan to recapitalise the business, which continues to operate under administration.
Since the crisis emerged, members of the family have largely restricted access to their social media accounts and retreated from public view at their multimillion-dollar homes.
Poppy Tzaneros, the wife of ACFS Port Logistics IT director Anthony Tzaneros and a member of the prominent O’Neil family, is reportedly maintaining the lowest profile of all, fuelling further speculation in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
