Maids are GC ‘treasure’
Sydney Olympics legend backs campaign to include Coast icons in Games
THE creative genius behind the country’s biggest-ever global party is adamant the Meter Maids deserve a place on the Commonwealth Games stage.
Renowned events producer Ric Birch, who oversaw the hugely successful ceremonies at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, said local icons and identities were the key to content at such extravaganzas – and the famed “tourism ambassadors’’ ticked the box.
“Of course they should be part of the ceremony,” Mr Birch said after learning of a growing call to see the Meter Maids celebrated in the Commonwealth Games opening or closing ceremonies.
“The Gold Coast Meter Maids (are) unique and a very Aussie response to unpopular parking fines.
“One man’s trash is another person’s treasure and Meter Maids are treasure for sure.”
Mr Birch’s comments come after the launch of a last-minute campaign to have the Meter Maids featured in the ceremonies after they were told last year their services were not required.
At the time, GOLDOC chairman Peter Beattie spoke of the Games being an opportunity to sell the new “sophisticated” Gold Coast to the world.
Mr Birch, who was critical in 2015 of the decision to appoint overseas firm Jack Morton Worldwide (JMW) to create the GC2018 ceremonies, said producers had been “bushwhacked” into thinking the city was something it was not.
“The producers of the 2018 ceremonies are from the UK and don’t have a feeling for the history of Surfers (Paradise),” he said, a reference to Brit and JMW director of public events David Zolkwer.
“(They) have been bushwhacked by public relations and marketing campaigners who would have us believe that Surfers is in the south of France and almost identical to Monaco.
“Of course Australians know better.”
While JMW is a global company, the ceremonies are being produced by its Australian entity (established in 1983) and overseen by local artistic talents including Gold Coaster Drew Anthony and Brisbane’s Katie Noonan and Nathan M Wright.
Told of Mr Birch’s comments, a GOLDOC spokeswoman repeated that the ceremonies and “elements that will bring the spectacle to life” would remain confidential until the Games.
After earlier promotional Games appearances, the Meter Maids’ partnership with GOLDOC soured last year.
Rebel FM breakfast hosts Ash Palmero and Jake Chapman have launched a “movement” to see the decision reversed, with Meter Maids owner Roberta Aitchison declaring she will keep pushing “to be involved” in the Games.