Big wigs tipped to lend hand to #freedomofpeach
Rumours are swirling that Travers ‘Candyman’ Beynon and Mayor Tom Tate will be among Gold Coast notables turning the other cheek at the #freedomofpeach walk on Friday.
The cheeky protest has been organised by Barr Body Swim owner Rebecca Pask in response to a letter sent to the mayor by Youth Music Venture founder Ian Grace calling for a Gold Coast ban on Gstring bikinis.
The letter said: “While any man would enjoy ‘the view’, I believe women are very much demeaning and cheapening themselves, portraying themselves as sex objects, then decrying it when men see them that way. And if (they are) not banned at the beach, very definitely banned the moment they are off the beach.”
Ms Pask organised the #freedomofpeach walk to “encourage freedom of choice and educate our children on individuality”.
She said rumours were mounting that Mr Tate and the Candyman – a local tobacco tycoon known for his wild parties – would make an appearance at the event. However, Mr Tate said he would not be going due to prior commitments at the AACTA awards.
The walk starts outside Kurrawa Surf Club in Broadbeach at 6am and attendees are free to wear whatever they feel most comfortable in.
Ms Pask said she was overwhelmed by support for the movement and she was “extremely happy with the response of the female voice regarding this debate”.
“I’m conscious this isn’t about digging at Ian — he does a lot of amazing things in the community,” she said.
“But (the walk is about) addressing the backwards thinking that should not be in today’s society.”
Ms Pask said she was expecting a “strong turnout” with radio presenter Bianca Dye, and influencers Rhiannon O'Loughlin and Brooke Michelle Woods confirmed to attend. She said Mark’s Gourmet Pies had offered free treats to fuel the troops.