Court’s Final Warning: Influencer Feud Takes Twist

Symond's silver lining

Happier days have finally arrived for former Aussie Home Loans CEO James Symond, just over a year after he lost his wife and the mother of his six-year-old daughter to .

The millionaire mortgage broker, in his 50s, is said to be growing close to Australian-Croatian hospitality executive Carmen Tomasic, 38.

Carmen, who attended North Shore private school Loreto Normanhurst and then Sydney University, has carved out an impressive career in the hospitality industry.

She previously worked with major operator Merivale and other high-end venues, managing exclusive restaurants, bars and VIP events across the Harbour City.

Now based in , she holds a senior management position at top hotel group Ennismore, planning restaurants, cocktail concepts and nightlife experiences.

James wasn't keen to put a label on things when we contacted him this week.

The businessman said he had 'zero relationship with anyone at this time as I navigate the passing of my wife in December 2024', but described Carmen as one of his 'lovely female "friends" who has been helping with my daughter'.

He stressed that his focus 'through this bloody tough time' remained his child.

'None of this is story-worthy and if it becomes such I will make comment to you,' he added.

James announced the death of his wife, Amelia Beau Finlay Symond, in late 2024 on a social media page for former Aussie Home Loans staff.

The couple had married in 2019.

James confided he felt 'terrified and broken' after losing his 45-year-old wife, but was determined to stay strong for the sake of their daughter, Stella Rose.

'I searched throughout my life for my darling wife,' the retired broker said. 

Warring TikTokers Elle Salagaras (right) and Cindy Kilian (left) had a court date set this week to settle that pesky restraining order application