Whether it is old money or a notable surname that binds them, there's no denying that Sydney's elite bright young things like to stick together.

You've probably heard about the Oatleys, the Inghams, the Adams, the Symonds, and the O'Neils, not to mention racing royalty the Waterhouse family. They frequent charity galas and are regulars on the social pages, yet their relationships are far more interconnected than you might have expected. And it's near impossible for 'commoners' without trust funds, establishment names or a claim to impeccable lineage to penetrate such circles.

Nadia Fairfax, Jasmine Stefanovic and Deborah Symond O'Neil. Credit:Alice Mahran

Leader of the pack is girl-about-town Nadia Fairfax, the daughter of former league and union star of the 70s and 80s, Russell Fairfax (who went on to coach Easts in 1990).

The 30-year-old grew up in Little Bay and has no connection to the Fairfax media dynasty. Instead the former champion gymnast gained her introduction to Sydney society from her well-heeled ex-boyfriend, Nick Adams.