Today Extra host, Sylvia Jeffreys, has seen a Queensland crime crisis become personal, as her sister was targeted by the youth criminals, with important items being stolen.
Sylvia has always appeared to be close with her sister Claire, who is five years her senior, so it’s no wonder that Sylvia has been affected by her sister and her family becoming victims of a youth crime wave that’s making headlines due to the Queensland state government’s in-action.
Whilst speaking on Today Extra to victim advocate Ben Cannon, Sylvia was advocating for the victims to receive psychological support for any mental health trauma they have suffered following the ‘horrific crimes”.
Five years apart in age, Sylvia has a close bond with her older sister Claire.
(Image: Instagram)Speaking to the guest on the topic of the Queensland youth crime wave, was when Sylvia opened up about the personal matter, revealing that her own family had been targeted by youths just last week.
“My own sister and her family became victims of youth crime in Brisbane just last week and I know the impacts for them go far beyond the inconvenience of not having a car for a period of time, or replacing the contents of a handbag,” she said.
“The emotional trauma that is attached to these events is going far and wide in Queensland right now.”
WATCH: Sylvia Jeffreys reveals sister is a victim of crime on Today Extra
In February 2021, Sylvia spoke to The Australian Women’s Weekly about the close bond she has with her family, that has continued even with Sylvia now based in Sydney and her family back home in Queensland.
Speaking about her childhood, the TV journalist said, “It was a very boy-dominated cousin clique, so Claire and I were always trying to keep up with the boys. My grandparents had a couple of old units in one block at Broadbeach and we used to all pile in and share those units at Christmas and Easter.”
“There was a school across the road, so we’d go there and play brandy, touch footy and cricket. Then we’d head across to the beach and swim, or go up to Macca’s for a 30-cent cone. It was so much fun and we’re all still just as close today.”
Sylvia also appreciates that her husband, Peter Stefanovic, and his family are also a close network.
“I think it’s nice when your priorities – your family priorities – are aligned like that as a couple,” she told The Weekly. “I always describe family as a safe harbour.”
