Bongo players defy Burleigh Heads ban
HUNDREDS of locals and bongo enthusiasts have staged a defiant drumming circle at Burleigh Heads despite police attempting to shut down the gathering in the wake of a controversial ban.
Drummers say police attempted to move on five members of the bongo drumming group on Sunday evening but gave up when crowds began to heckle.
The gathering followed an uproar last week when Gold Coast City Council erected signs banning bongo drumming, fire twirling and slacklining at Justins Park, Burleigh Heads because of anti-social behaviour.
The council softened the ban days after it went viral on social media, instead requiring a permit for the activities.
But bongo players ignored a police presence and a newly erected sign stipulating the need for a permit and held a large drumming circle.
Nearly 100 people joined in dance or on beach mats, in what many described as an act of support for the Burleigh tradition.
Sue Fenn was one of the drummers approached by police.
“I was one of the first there, at that moment there were just a few of us when police came over,” Ms Fenn said.
“I have to say police were 100 per cent acting as peace officers in this situation.
“They were delivering the message from council to enforce their new regulations, they came in peace.”
Ms Fenn said it was with the support of the crowd and after the arrival of dozens of other drummers that police moved away.
“They were doing their job, no point in shooting the messenger,” she said.
Bongo drumming organiser Karen Achilles said police attempted to shut down the event before giving up.
“No one was moved in the end,” she said. “I don’t think there was any idea just how many people would show up.”
Adam Courtney, a Carrara resident who had been attending the event off and on for decades, said he felt it was important he join the group yesterday.
“For me, when I heard about what was going on I wanted to come and support them,” he said.
“... this is no different to any other random group of people getting together in a park.
“It’s a simple and heartfelt expression of community.”
A Queensland Police spokeswoman confirmed police conducted a patrol of the area and no issues were identified, she said.
A Gold Coast City Council spokeswoman said: “No infringement notices have been issued at this time. The City will continue to engage with groups involved to resolve the situation.”