Organisers of the Mullum2Bruns Paddle, which takes place this coming Sunday (June 27) say they want to avoid the event becoming ‘a platform for protest or activism’.
Campaigner Gareth Smith, who has regularly joined with his Palestine Flotilla said, however, he will not be deterred.
Mr Smith told The Echo he had received a call from one of the organisers ‘who told me that the purpose of the day was for people to have an enjoyable time on the water and that it was a family event. He did not think the event should be used for any other purpose.’
Mr Smith added, ‘I told him that I will be behaving in exactly the same way as I have always done over the years and I would be representing the people of Gaza, particularly now after so many of them have been slaughtered and badly injured by the Israeli military.
‘Gaza Aid Flotilla paddlers have always enjoyed positive support both from fellow paddlers and from audiences on the shore and this is the first time that organisers of the paddle event have raised any objection,’ he said.
Mullum2Bruns Coordinator Jo Spiteri told The Echo, ‘We informed Gareth that this is an eco-friendly, family event and we requested Gareth not to use this event as a platform for protest or activism as we don’t want issues on the day.’
For more details on the paddle see the special feature in The Echo, out Wednesday.
Typical leftist activist response. They never let an opportunity pass by to demonstrate their pet political hobby horse. Just kick him out and ignore him.
Typical ignorant Aussie comment from Jon. They never miss a chance to have a good time whilst ignoring their government and its allies persecuting innocent people in their name. Just ignore him, he has nothing better to do than sling of at ‘lefties’ without thinking.
Dan, Can’t you see where the organizers are coming from?
Do you really want to see the event reduced to mass protests – e.g.
Pro/Con
Fluoridation / Vaccination / Adani / CSG / Land-Rights-for-Gay-Whales / Whatever?
For example, how happy would you be, having to participate in the middle of a fleet of paddlers demanding the immediate deification of Malcolm Turnbull? :>
Agree or disagree with Jon or Dan I would defend Mr Smiths right to Paddle it.