Latest news with #SylviaJeffreys
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Today Extra's Sylvia Jeffreys breaks down in tears over sickening details relating to childcare worker being charged with 70 child sex offences
Today Extra's Sylvia Jeffreys broke down in tears on Wednesday as she reported on the sickening details of a childcare worker being charged with 70 child sex offences. The Victorian Department of Health and Victoria Police are urging the parents of 1,200 children to have them tested for infectious diseases after 26-year-old Joshua Dale Brown's alleged offending was revealed on Tuesday. Brown, from Point Cook, southwest of Melbourne, is facing charges including the sexual penetration of a child, producing child abuse material and recklessly contaminating goods to cause alarm or anxiety. Jeffreys, herself a mother of two, was brought to tears as she reported on the incident on the breakfast show she co-hosts with David Campbell. 'They are all allegations at this point of course, but they have rocked every parent, they have rocked the industry,' she began. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'It is deeply disturbing, but it is not an isolated incident. There have been media reports for many months now of abuse and neglect in for-profit childcare centres,' she continued. 'The system has failed these families. The system has failed these children, and it has failed the many wonderful educators who work in the industry as well.' Jeffreys struggled to choke back tears as she said 'nothing could be more urgent than this issue right now'. 'There will be parents this morning who will feel reluctant to drop their child at daycare today, and that should never be the case,' she said as her voice trembled. 'I'm sorry,' she added as co-host Richard Wilkins wrapped an arm around his co-host. 'It is so hard to even talk about it let alone go through this. The parents who are going through this, this morning,' Jeffreys continued. 'It needs to be at the top of the federal government's agenda today and tomorrow and every day until we see change.' The alleged offending happened during Brown's time at Creative Garden Early Learning Centre Point Cook, where he worked between October 2021 and February 2024. In December 2021, Brown's partner posted a photo of the pair which featured the alleged paedophile grinning with pink and blue dyed hair. Pictures also emerged on Tuesday of a tattooed Brown interacting with children at one of the 20 daycare centres where he worked. Police are also investigating allegations of other offending at a childcare centre in Essendon. Brown worked at a total of 20 childcare centres over an eight-year period between January 2017 and May 2025, and authorities have contacted 2,600 families of children who attended the centres in a bid to have them tested for unnamed diseases. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she was 'sickened by these allegations of abuse'. Brown has remained in custody since his arrest in mid-May. His Point Cook home was raided by police shortly after an investigation was launched earlier that same month. He was not known to police before his arrest and had a valid Working With Children Check, which has since been cancelled. Brown will next appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on September 15. Brown, from Point Cook, southwest of Melbourne, is facing charges including the sexual penetration of a child, producing child abuse material and recklessly contaminating goods to cause alarm or anxiety Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said an investigation into whether there was anything educators could have done would begin immediately. She said the department would consider other security measures, including the introduction of security cameras. 'Childcare is regulated in a national context… it's complex, but there has been an occasion over the last period of time in which jurisdictions have questioned the adequacy of the national law and have been working with the Commonwealth on how we can improve it,' she said. 'One of the areas, for example, … that I would like to see brought forward is a national system for registration for workers.' Victoria Police Acting Commander Janet Stevenson said the case had been 'deeply distressing'. She did not reveal what sparked the police investigation but assured the public no other childcare workers were alleged to be involved. 'We know there are potentially people out there who have information about this investigation that they wish to pass on to police,' she said. 'This may be people who had children at a centre where the man worked or staff who may have worked with him and noticed particular behaviours.' If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website. In an emergency, call 000. Full list of impacted centres Nino Early Learning Adventures, Point Cook: 15 Jan 2017 – 9 Jun 2019 Explorers Early Learning, Point Cook: 18 Aug 2019 – 27 Oct 2019 Casual work: 10 Nov 2019 & 22 Dec 2019 Adventurers Education, Wyndham Vale: 25 Nov 2019 – 24 Jul 2020 Only About Children, Williamstown: 28 Oct 2020 – 30 Mar 2021 Wallaby Childcare Centre, Sanctuary Lakes: 13 Apr 2021 – 25 May 2021 Nido Early Learning School, Werribee: 21 Jun 2021 – 16 Jul 2021 Creative Gardens, Point Cook: 28 Oct 2021 – 2 Feb 2024 Leopold World of Learning, Leopold: 9 Feb 2023 – 13 Feb 2023 Greenwood, Point Cook: 14 Feb 2023 – 10 Mar 2023 Little Blossoms Child Care Centre, Werribee: 14 Aug 2023 – 17 Aug 2023 D.O.T.S Occupational Therapy for Children, Footscray: 1 Mar 2024 – 30 Apr 2024 Aussie Kindies Early Learning, Sunbury: 13 Aug 2024 – 21 Aug 2024 Milestones Early Learning, Werribee: 14 Aug 2024 – 16 Aug 2024 Milestones Early Learning, Hoppers Crossing: 19 Aug 2024 – 19 Aug 2024 Papilio Early Learning, Hoppers Crossing: 22 Aug 2024 – 12 Mar 2025 Kids Academy, Melton: 12 Sep 2024 – 12 Sep 2024 Kids Academy, Kensington: 7 Oct 2024 – 9 Oct 2024 Aussie Kindies Early Learning, Keilor: 11 Feb 2025 – 11 Feb 2025 Papilio Early Learning, Essendon: 17 Feb 2025 – 9 May 2025 Milestones Early Learning, Bundoora: 8 May 2025 – 8 May 2025
News.com.au
02-07-2025
- News.com.au
Sylvia Jeffreys breaks down when discussing Melbourne childcare worker charged with abuse: ‘The system has failed'
Today Extra host Sylvia Jeffreys broke down in tears on TV this morning when discussing the case about a child care worker accused of sexually abusing children at a Melbourne child care centre. The mother of two got emotional as she and fill-in co-host Richard Wilkins discussed the sickening news story in a segment on Wednesday's broadcast, one day after police charged a 26-year-old man for more than 70 counts of child abuse. 'They are all allegations at this point of course, but they have rocked every parent,' Jeffreys said on air. 'They have rocked the industry. It is deeply disturbing, but it is not an isolated incident.' 'There have been media reports for many months now of abuse and neglect in for-profit childcare centres. The system has failed these families, the system has failed these children and it has failed the many wonderful educators who work in the industry as well.' Joshua Brown from Point Cook was charged with offences including sexual activity in presence of a child under 16, sexual assault of a child under 16 and possessing child abuse material. Distressed families gathered outside a Point Cook facility at the centre of the investigation on Tuesday, trying to find answers as the allegations sent waves of fear and confusion through the community. Jeffreys feels their pain and says the federal government needs to step in to ensure this never happens in Australian child care centres again. 'Nothing could be more urgent than this issue right now because there will be parents this morning who will feel reluctant to drop their child at day-care today, and that should never be the case,' Jeffreys added before fighting back tears. 'I'm sorry. No, no, it is so hard. It is. It is so hard to even talk about it, let alone go through this. The parents who are going through this this morning, it needs to be at the top of federal, the federal government's agenda today and tomorrow and every day until we see change.' Wilkins, who was sat next to Jeffreys offering his support, told her, 'You speak for the nation. Sylvia.' A widespread investigation has now been launched, with Victoria's chief health officer saying 1200 children have been recommended to undergo infectious diseases testing. Victoria Police say Brown's charges relate to eight children who were placed at a Point Cook childcare centre between April 2022 and January 2023. The families of the eight alleged victims have been notified, and offered available support services. Police are alleging the children targeted were aged between five months and two years. Brown has been remanded in custody and will appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on September 15.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sylvia Jeffreys puts long-standing rumours of a feud with former Today show co-star Lisa Wilkinson to bed once and for all
Sylvia Jeffreys and Lisa Wilkinson have for years been an the centre of rumours there was a 'feud' between the two former Today show co-stars. Both women have repeatedly denied the claims over the years, with Sylvia this week insisting she has no idea where the stories came from and she closed the chapter on the chatter once and for all. 'It's wild to me, but if anyone understands why it happens, then give us a holler. Because we would love to know' the A Current Affair host told Stellar Magazine. The 39-year-old says she's a big believer in women holding each other up in the television industry. 'I'd love all women to support women, but I think we're being too optimistic to expect it, right? Is that a realistic thing? Because you can't just say all women will support all women' she said. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'But I've been the beneficiary of women who've supported [me] and I've been so fortunate to have that experience. 'Most of them are among my closest friends as well, right across the media landscape.' Lisa has also previously slammed reports she was feuding with Sylvia. The former The Project star took to social media to address the allegations published by the Sydney Morning Herald back in 2016, which suggested the pair 'barely speak off camera'. 'As you all know @sylviajeffreys and I are great mates and love working together,' Wilkinson posted to Instagram alongside an image of herself and the blonde beauty. Her statement continued: 'But for some bizarre reason, a journalist at the Sydney Morning Herald decided to report on supposed 'rumours of a rift' between us... 'So let me tell you here what I told him - and I quote - 'complete bull***t!' 'And when I suggested that the source that contacted him with this 'rumour' could be someone not happy with @thetodayshow now being the Number One breakfast show in the country, he agreed. But it was printed anyway.' The posted continued: 'Sylvia and I couldn't enjoy working together, be more supportive, or respect each other more. 'THAT, in fact, should be the headline! But obviously that sort of good news - or the crazy idea of women supporting women - doesn't sell newspapers these days. #girlpower.' Jeffreys quickly shared the words published by her co-host to X, previously known as Twitter, adding: 'And that is why I love working with @lisa_wilkinson. 'Nailed it. See you bright and early'. At the time the Sydney Morning Herald's Saturday Private Sydney column reported that there had been 'rumours that their relationship had cooled off dramatically, to the point where the women barely spoke off camera', though Channel Nine was quick to deny that was the case. A Channel Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia 'they were rumours and based on no truth'. A source close to Wilkinson and Jeffreys also denied such a 'professional rift' exists between the show's main co-host and newsreader. Explaining they are 'good friends', one source told The Sydney Morning Herald that 'Sylvia sees Lisa as a great supporter and mentor, and Sylvia has nothing but the upmost (sic) respect for Lisa'. A representative told the publication there are definitely no issues between the pair and 'they really like each other'.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Today Extra host Sylvia Jeffreys gives rare insight into her marriage to Peter Stefanovic and how she juggles her successful TV career with motherhood
has opened up about her marriage to Sky News journalist Peter Stefanvoic. The 39-year-old, who hosts Today Extra with Peter Campbell, shares two young sons with Stefanovic, 43, who is the younger brother of Nine network veteran Karl Stefanovic. Describing her life with the TV anchor as 'beautiful', Sylvia has told how she manages to juggle motherhood and a successful TV career. 'It's messy and chaotic and it's full on, but it's beautiful and I have a great partner, a great teammate in Pete,' she gushed in a new interview with Stellar on Sunday. The blonde beauty also posed for a glamour shoot for the cover of the magazine, in a sleek red outfit with matching stiletto heels. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She added: 'As far as TV gigs go, we're both very fortunate – we're aligned in the mornings at the moment, which makes the first half of the day kind of chaotic but it means that we're both home for the afternoon and the evening and bedtime.' In the interview, Sylvia also said that parenting their two boys, Oscar, five and Henry, four, is a team effort. She said the family currently enjoys a lot of 'togetherness' and revealed a surprising family secret. 'Pete cooks dinner, I never have to think about dinner,' she said, before joking: 'So if anyone wants to know how I survive as a working mum, that's how: my husband does dinner every night.' Elsewhere, Sylvia, revealed that she and husband Peter have opened investments for their two boys. Sylvia, who hosts the finance podcast The Pay Off, said that the couple are putting a little bit away for their children every month to help secure their future. 'This is where the mum guilt comes in when you're skipping out every morning and going to work – you want them to know it's for some greater purpose as well,' she said. It comes after Sylvia and her husband celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary last month. The happy couple enjoyed the milestone with a romantic dinner date. 'Our Big Fat Greek Anniversary,' Sylvia captioned a picture she took of their meals from a Sydney restaurant, which she later posted to Instagram. Meanwhile, Peter, 43, shared an image of his wife wrapping her arm around him as he wrote, '8 with my mate,' alongside a red love heart. Sylvia also shared a second picture, a black and white snapshot from when the couple first started dating. In the caption, she wrote: 'Now and then. 7 years married + 2 lovely children - 700 hours of sleep = something to celebrate. Happy anniversary, Peter Stefanovic.' At the time, many of the couple's friends and family offered their congratulations in the comments. Peter, who is the brother of Today's Karl Stefanovic, replied simply with a series of love-heart emojis. Meanwhile, Nine journalist Shelly Horton wrote: 'Congrats you two lovebirds!' followed by love heart emojis. Another follower wrote: 'The beaming smile says it all. Congratulations. Awesome couple!' 'You both honestly look exactly the same! Lots of love,' one more wrote. Sylvia and Peter began dating in 2013 after meeting at Nine and were engaged in 2016 while on holiday in France. They tied the knot at the Ooralba Estate in Kangaroo Valley on April 1, 2017. In 2020, Sylvia and Peter welcomed their first son, Oscar, in February. Just eight months later, the TV presenter revealed she was pregnant with her second child, a son, Henry.
News.com.au
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Nine star Sylvia Jeffreys opens up about ‘challenging' job losses
She was let go from her role as a newsreader on the Today show in 2018–- not long after her brother-in-law Karl Stefanovic was stood down from his role as co-host–- and eight years on, Sylvia Jeffreys still acknowledges it wasn't an easy time. Not long after her departure, Jeffreys' husband Peter Stefanovic also parted ways with Nine Network. In February, Karl also spoke with Stellar about the fallout from their mass exodus, revealing that he 'genuinely felt it was my fault'. Now, in a new interview with the Stellar podcast Something To Talk About, Jeffreys – who currently co-hosts Today Extra alongside David Campbell – has responded to his take. 'It's really sweet of Karl to acknowledge how hard that was for everyone,' the 39-year-old told Stellar. 'He is a big softie and he feels it. We've had our own private conversations about that. And I know how he feels because it was hard for everyone; we all had jobs that we loved then. 'But this is the gig. It's public and sometimes that means that there are some really weird forces at play when it comes to decisions around what we do and where we are and who we work with. It was really challenging, but I always look for the silver linings and this is how I survive things. And the silver lining was that I had amazing support from Pete. We were an amazing team through that.' Still, Jeffreys says it was a 'very weird thing to be under the microscope' and that it was an intense period for them both professionally and personally. 'I was also trying to have a baby back then and it wasn't working. So that was kind of compounding those emotions as well. There was a lot going on for us.' Listen to the full interview with Sylvia Jeffreys on Something To Talk About below: The TV presenter has also had to contend with ongoing speculation that she and her former colleague Lisa Wilkinson–- who worked with Jeffreys on the Today show until mid-2017 – were constantly at odds behind the scenes. 'I often like to imagine the meeting rooms when [people are] coming up with these headlines. Like they have two photos of me and Lisa [Wilkinson] and they're what, seven gin and tonics deep, seeing who can come up with the most creative headline about what's going on between the two of us,' she told Something To Talk About. 'I don't know how it works. It's wild to me, but if anyone understands why it happens, then give us a holler. Because we'd love to know.'
