George Karagiannis calls for Cairns parking inspector uniform change
A CBD restaurateur wants to incite a tropical fashion revolution after fielding repeated complaints from parking inspectors almost sweating to death in their uniforms.
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A CBD restaurateur wants to incite a tropical fashion revolution after fielding repeated complaints from parking inspectors almost sweating to death in their uniforms.
Fetta’s Greek Taverna owner George Karagiannis chats to just about everyone in the CBD – and is on very good terms with the parking officers.
A summer marked by heatwaves has convinced the businessman that Cairns Regional Council’s parking patrol needs a spruce-up.
“These parking officers have come in and told me they can hardly breathe,” Mr Karagiannis said.
“What is it about this town?
“These guys work their guts out to make all this money for the council every week, they get abused all day and we make them dress in soldiers’ uniforms that should only be in Russia.”
Parking officers in Cairns must wear monotone, long-sleeve shirts, heavy long pants and wide-brimmed hats.
Mr Karagiannis said inspectors had flagged their immense discomfort but said they were concerned speaking out publicly would affect their employment.
He has decided to make himself their unofficial spokesman.
“We’ve got a tropical place here, mate,” he said.
“They dress lighter than that in Melbourne.
“It’s a disgrace.
“These councillors are sitting there in beautiful airconditioning – why don’t they put on the uniform and go out for two hours in the sun?”
Mr Karagiannis also wants a few fashion tweaks with a colourful, tropical-themed material used for whatever uniform replaces the current dystopian garb.
“They’re not only parking officers, damn it,” he said.
“These are the ones who talk to tourists more than anyone else.
“Get them some nice, tropical uniforms - don’t make them look like a bloody police force or soldiers.”
A council spokesman said the current uniforms were chosen by the team following a trial in 2019.
However, a change could be on the way.
“Council has been meeting with parking officers and is presently looking at potential new options on the market that may provide greater comfort and breathability, while still looking suitable, are fit-for-purpose and offer appropriate protection,” he said.
“We recognise that (recent periods of time have) been extremely hot, and encourage staff to take extra breaks, ensure they are drinking plenty of water, and wherever possible structure their day to avoid undertaking strenuous work during the hottest part of the day.”
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