FLOATING BUTTERFLIES
GYMNASTS Ainsley Barker, 14, Ivanna Carrasco, 12, and Lara Hadzivukovic, 12, say they are nervous about performing in front a throng of celebrities at a Commonwealth Games opening ceremony party today. But in time they hope to be on a bigger stage. “I’m a little bit nervous and a little bit excited,” said champion rhythmic gymnast Ainsley, who hopes to compete at future Games, ahead of her routine at the Longines Records Club. The Broadbeach club is expected to be a VIP hotspot during the Games.
THE Gold Coast Meter Maids plan to get back to strutting their stuff in Surfers Paradise today after being sensationally yanked from the streets in a “war” with city hall.
Meter Maids brand owner Roberta Aitchison told her gold bikini-wearing staff to take the day off yesterday, alleging ongoing harassment by city wardens for the past two weeks.
She claimed they were being threatened with $650 fines for breaching bylaws and selling merchandise in public areas.
Ms Aitchison told the Bulletin “this is now war”, alleging her staff were feeling intimidated and bullied in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games.
A City of Gold Coast spokesperson said the council “strongly rejects these claims” but admitted wardens had warned the Meter Maids about touting.
“A warning was provided this week advising against selling goods on council land. The local law does not permit touting or the distribution of advertising materials for commercial operations,” the spokesperson said.
“City officers will continue to work with all commercial operators and ensure an appropriate and consistent approach to local law compliance.”
A furious Ms Aitchison said she believed her Meter Maids – icons of the tourism hub for 53 years – were victims of a ploy by city authorities to rid them from the streets during the Games.
Former larrikin Gold Coaster and AFL star Warwick Capper, who once did a two-week cameo as a male Meter Maid in tighter shorts than he played footy in, leapt to their defence yesterday.
Hearing they had been pulled off the streets, he said: “That is an absolute outrage. People like getting their photos with the Meter Maids.
“I must tell council to pull their heads in and keep the icons afloat.”
Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said: “The Meter Maids are an icon of the Gold Coast and have contributed to a rich history of beach culture. Notwithstanding that, like any business, they need to comply with the rules that everyone signs up to.”
Ms Aitchison said she would instruct her Meter Maids this morning not to sell any merchandise – such as calendars, keyrings and beer coolers – despite her legal advice they were untouchable by authorities if doing so within a metre of retail outlets, which was not considered public space.
“We will stick to feeding what parking meters they have left in town and give visitors what they want, which is a photograph.”