Welcome to The Group Chat with Lucy Manly, where Australia’s most trusted society insider shares the hottest gossip BEFORE it makes the news.
Hell hath no fury
After a messy break-up and talk of alleged loans not being repaid, the ex-girlfriend of a well-known real estate identity is determined to settle the score.
She has fired off letters of demand not just to her former boyfriend, but to the high-profile agency that employs him.
Text messages seen by The Group Chat show a blazing war of words, with plenty of unprintable insults and a rather compromising snapshot.
The photo in question is a tableau of expensive accessories alongside a small bag containing remnants of a white substance… oh, and a bank card bearing the man’s familiar name and signature.
- The subject of this item is not mentioned or pictured elsewhere in this column
A photo (which we have cropped) showing a small Ziploc bag next to a bank card bearing the name of a well-known real estate identity is at the centre of an acrimonious break-up
Terzini’s quiet comeback
After stepping away from Icebergs Dining Room and Bar earlier this year, legendary Sydney restaurateur Maurice Terzini is back doing what he does best: crafting unforgettable Italian dining experiences.
Terzini returns with Something Italian, a Potts Point pop-up inspired by his cookbook and dedicated to his parents.
‘It’s nice to be back – on the floor, in the kitchen, where I belong,’ he told me.
‘After my break, I realised all my socialising still happens in my own venues. It’s just who I am.’
The menu is a love letter to his career, featuring signature recipes from Otto, Nove, Caffe e Cucina, Il Bacaro, Caffe Vini Spuntini, Melbourne Wine Room – and, of course, Icebergs.
It’s a tribute to his Italian heritage and the philosophy of la dolce vita – living sweetly, simply, and always surrounded by good food and company.
Looking ahead, Terzini has already set his sights on 2026, with plans for a CBD concept and a wellness retreat that combine style, soul and sustainability.
After stepping away from Icebergs Dining Room and Bar earlier this year, legendary Sydney restaurateur Maurice Terzini is making a quiet comeback with a Potts Point pop-up
Terzini resigned as director of Icebergs, his most prominent venue, in March following untested allegations of sexual misconduct against his son, Sylvester (left)
Terzini resigned as director of Icebergs, his most prominent venue, in March following untested allegations of sexual misconduct against his son, Sylvester, first reported by Nine Newspapers.
Sylvester denies the allegations. Mr Terzini has also denied claims made by the Sydney Morning Herald that he knew about the complaints made against his son.
He’s now focused on moving forward – letting his next chapter speak in the language he knows best: genuine Italian hospitality.
The sincerest form of flattery
Samantha Andison, founder of boutique digital marketing agency Studio Sojourn, has sent shockwaves through the creative industry after discovering her work was allegedly copied.
The scandal has ignited fierce debate about copyright, originality and the murky territory AI is creating for content creators.
The drama unfolded when an Australian business that makes custom gifts allegedly lifted imagery from a photo shoot Andison had produced for her client Calligraphy En Vogue, known for its personalised heirloom ornaments.
It’s believed her original imagery was processed through artificial intelligence to generate new commercial content.
Samantha Andison, founder of boutique digital marketing agency Studio Sojourn, has sent shockwaves through the creative industry after discovering her work was allegedly copied
The top image is from Samantha Andison’s photo shoot for her client Calligraphy En Vogue. The bottom photo is a similar, AI-generated image for another business
Andison said: ‘I found these AI-generated photos that look strikingly similar to my shoot. The product is identical, and the photos appear heavily inspired by mine.
‘The business owner even admitted to using AI. Is this… the new creative reality?’
As the line between inspiration and imitation grows ever blurrier, this festive fallout could mark a watershed moment for how AI and ethics collide in the creative world.
Nine’s stage whispers about Golden BachelorÂ
The Golden Bachelor was meant to be a ratings goldmine – but Nine insiders say Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden has turned out to be more beige than gold.
Ratings started strong as viewers curiously tuned in to check out the 61-year-old silver fox – but the audience soon dwindled.
‘Barry’s a lovely bloke, but there’s just… not much there,’ a production source said at Nine’s corporate enclave at the Melbourne Cup last week.
Myrden was seen mingling with celebs and making the most of the free bar at the race that stops the nation – but it’s understood he was reined in after a talking-to with outgoing Nine Entertainment chair Catherine West.
Witnesses say the Bachelor was promptly bundled into a waiting car by minders and whisked away.
Now, with the finale set to air on Sunday, TV executives are desperately trying to ‘inject some life’ into the ageing leading man who they say has struggled to leave much of an impression on the promotional trail.
The Golden Bachelor’s leading man Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden (pictured) has turned out to be more beige than golden, according to Channel Nine producers chatting at the Melbourne CupÂ
Female punters at Melbourne Cup lined up to meet the 61-year-old silver fox
Still, if anything, his jolly antics at the Cup were a sign the mild-mannered Canadian engineer is capable of turning things up a notch.
Meanwhile, there’s still time for a late-season hurdle – with whispers swirling around some of Myrden’s past relationships… most notably an old engagement that didn’t get a mention on the show as he was discussing his lonely life as a widower.
And finally… guess who, don’t sue!
Which well-heeled party princess left jaws (and glasses) on the floor at a Merivale hotspot recently?
Our social butterfly was sparkling a little too brightly by midnight. Onlookers described the scene as ‘messy’, with a tell-tale dusting of white powder beneath her nostrils.
How unladylike!
- The subject of this item is not mentioned or pictured elsewhere in this column
