Childcare operator John Tanios denies wrongdoing after centre shut over safety breaches

·

Sydney businessman John Tanios is vowing to fight the NSW Department of Education after his Wagga Wagga childcare centre, Angels Paradise, was permanently shut down in May for posing what regulators called “an unacceptable risk to children.”

According to 9Now, the service, which opened in 2016, was suspended last year after a child fell and broke his collarbone.

The department later upheld 23 findings against the centre, including allegations of “infants placed in high chairs as a form of behaviour management,” children “eating food scraps off the floor,” and staff hired without working with children checks.

In an interview with 60 Minutes, Tanios admitted some breaches, including children eating from the floor and staff working without proper clearance, but insisted they were isolated incidents.

“It should never have happened, but it happened,” he said. “It happened one time. It may have happened two times, three times, I don’t know, but it’s not something that’s common practice.”

Tanios also told the Sydney Morning Herald the controversy was driven by regulators unfairly targeting him.

“The allegations made were wrong, things were taken out of context and it was purely a witch-hunt,” he said.

“All I can do is deny it. They’ve built a narrative purely for the ultimate destruction of my service. It is not true.”

Despite the shutdown, Tanios has re-registered his business under a new name and plans to challenge the decision in court later this year. He maintains that “the children were never at risk” and says he deserves another chance to operate.

The Department of Education has ruled Tanios ineligible to run any education or care service going forward.

Source: 9Now

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Zeibekiko Festival Australia kicks off in Sydney with music, memory and movement

The 3rd Zeibekiko Festival Australia launched in dazzling style on Friday, 3 October 2025, at the Greek Community Club in Sydney.

Sydney father Artemios Mintzas identified as alleged Croydon Park gunman

Police have identified the man accused of opening fire on pedestrians, drivers and officers in Sydney’s inner west as Artemios Mintzas.

Service, culture, and unity: Greece’s new Consul General in Sydney sets out his vision

Greece’s new Consul General in Sydney, George Skemperis, speaks to The Greek Herald about diplomacy, unity, and the vibrant Greek Australians.

Greek school memories: Honouring the teachers who shaped our language and lives

Both the negative and heartfelt stories of Greek school have a way of becoming core memories for Greek Australians.

Spotlight on VCE Greek teacher Kristian Raspa

Sunday, October 5th is World Teachers’ Day and gives us the opportunity to celebrate the influential educators who have shaped our lives.

You May Also Like

‘I’m not taking welfare benefits’: Ervita Katehis is in no rush to find a new job

New York waitress, Ervita Katehis, lost her job in October but she tells The Australian Financial Review she's in no rush to find a new job.

Andreas Andrianopoulos formally receives royal distinction in Victoria

On Monday, the Governor of Victoria awarded a royal distinction and decorated the benefactor of Hellenism, Andreas Georgiou Andrianopoulos.

Kon Kardaras angered amid ongoing Melbourne North East Link construction noise

Bulleen resident, Kon Kardaras is one of many who have been impacted by construction noises coming from works on Melbourne's North East Link.