METER MAIDS FLY-IN
THREE Meter Maids took a break from Gold Coast frivolities yesterday to fly in to the Merigandan Pub and spread some Christmas cheer.
Arriving outside the pub by helicopter, the women were warmly greeted by the pub’s patrons, many of whom are feeling the bite of the ongoing drought.
The women were accompanied by Gold Coast Meter Maids CEO, Roberta Aitchison, who served as a bikini clad beauty while in her 30s.
“My girls are very cheerful and they like to get around and spread the merry word,” Ms Aitchison said.
“Wherever they go there are always a lot of smiles and it leaves a lot of memories, people want to get a photograph so it gives a nice Christmas cheer.
“People are struggling; we see where we can fit in and where we can help. I can’t believe the drought conditions. First hand, flying over by helicopter, it’s very sad there weren’t many water holes.”
The trip comes with a motive, to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer.
“The Meringandan Pub is doing a fundraiser for the
Prostate Cancer Foundation, and we will be coming around January to help them sell the raffle tickets,” she said.
“We talk the best we can about why men get this problem and survival in the bush.
“They love it, it’s not like farmers around here have time around the day to sit in a bar - but we have a handful here today who are great and we are getting our message across.”
The trip to Merigandan was Ms Aitchison’s first, though she added she has been to Toowoomba.
“This is the first time I have been to Merigandan and hopefully it won’t be my last,” she said.
“I’ve never seen a pub like this - you don’t get them like these on the Gold Coast, it’s very laid back and easy to have fun.
“We are also getting a lot of kisses and hugs for Christmas - and lots of great food.”
Meter Maids has been dogged by controversy on the Gold Coast, causing Ms Aitchison to remove her employees from the streets six months ago.
“It would have died a terrible death long ago, but I’ve kept it alive,” she said
“We haven’t been out a lot in the last year but we get around the place, spreading a message of hope - it’s not just about feeding parking meters.”
K and R Plumbing Supplies director Glen Krause helped to organise the Meter Maids’ visit.
“It’s gone well, people are happy, even the people in the kitchen are happy,” Mr Krause said.
“Between the downturn in industries and the drought, we needed something to boost morale.”